Emerald Backpackers Hostel

I was here 34 years ago. Joop the manager and son Marco lawnmowing. I stayed in an old caravan for 55 dollars a week. We had a great time, worked locally. Those days there were two showers/ toilets/laundry. It was simple, but that s ok when your simple yourself. A bit traveller doesn t whinge about not too much luxury. I revisited the place in 2012, because i m living permanent in Oz since 1996... Marco was Manager and Joop was still alive, he told me then. It was much bigger now. And he lived in a unit where in my time my caravan stood. I was nice to see the change. I wish Marco good luck. He even remembered with which girl I came there...

I was here 34 years ago. Joop the manager and son Marco lawnmowing. I stayed in an old caravan for 55 dollars a week. We had a great time, worked locally. Those days there were two showers/ toilets/laundry. It was simple, but that s ok when your simple yourself. A bit traveller doesn t whinge about not too much luxury. I revisited the place in 2012, because i m living permanent in Oz since 1996... Marco was Manager and Joop was still alive, he told me then. It was much bigger now. And he lived in a unit where in my time my caravan stood. I was nice to see the change. I wish Marco good luck. He even remembered with which girl I came there...

Everything is old, the whole Hostel would need a renovation. Only four bathrooms for 60-70 people is not enough! Some parts of the ceiling are mouldy, no opportunity to pay by card, kind of brave to have 150$ rent/week (or 100 if you're sleeping in your car or tent) around. The kitchen is also too small for so many people, parts of the equipment are old. Normally you get a job while winter very quickly, I don't know how it is in summer. It is ridiculous that the only time the cleaned stuff is really clean is on weekends - when the two weekend managers, backpackers as well, tidy up. The community area is good but also old and you can see the signs of using. Free WiFi is good, but it doesn't always work (probably cause too many people are using it). It could be a very nice place to be, but it definitly needs some more bathrooms/showers and renovations! I would probably give 2,5 stars if possible, but as it isn't I decided for two as there are more bad than good points at the moment.