Backpack Oz

The Backpack Oz hostel has proven to be an excellent and popular place to stay in Adelaide. The residents are fun and outgoing and with the TV and pool table available, they generally hang out in the main area instead of staying in their rooms.

The Location

The hostel is located the the city with a metro stop across the road. The free Adelaide bus, the City Loop, also utilizes that particular metro stop -- making it very easy to get around the Adelaide CBD area or to get to other tram/bus stops. If you decide to walk, you're only ten minutes away from popular places like Rundell Mall, Gouger Street. If you need to go anywhere or have a particular destination in mind, the friendly staff are available to help you plan your tour. They also offer free pickups and dropoffs to and from the bus and train station.

Rooms and Bathrooms

The dorm rooms are carpeted, clean, and comfortable. Rooms are available both on the ground floor and the first floor. With power outlets, a mirror, shelves, and in-room lockers available (bring your own lock and key), it's got everything you would need. The mattresses are comfortable and the duvets are good as well. However, the pillow we got was quite thin so you may want to supplement it. Security is good since the room doors close on their own and are locked automatically. Women will also appreciate the availability of female-only dorm rooms. The shared bathrooms and toilets are clean with paper towels, hot and cold water, and cloth hooks and benches to store your things. You will need your own soap, shampoo, towels.

Common Spaces

In the office area you have three computers with broadband internet access (there's a small charge). With the main hall containing a (free) pool table, two long tables for meals and a lounge area with sofas and a big TV, the residents generally find themselves chilling there if they aren't going out for the night. Since you can borrow DVDs, there is always something to watch, and if you're not up for a movie, there's also a bookshelf full of books, board games, and a wall covered with the various tours and brochures you can browse. With a patio upstairs and a outdoors seating area downstairs, you can choose to relax in the fresh air and sunshine. A public phone is available upstairs with the office supplying call cards if you need one.

The kitchen is big and clean -- with the policy that the residents clean up after themselves (which surprisingly, works most of the time). Stoves, a huge fridge (where everyone labels their items), a microwave, hot water, and pots and pans are all available. They don't supply spices, pasta, and rice. Throughout the day, you have instant coffee, tea bags, sugar, and milk available. The free breakfast has a generous supply of bread, tubs of butter, jam, peanut butter, a huge toaster, a big tub of cornflakes, and boxes of milk.

A coin-operated washer and dryer are available -- the only downfall is that since they can only be accessed through the kitchen, they are subjected to the same kitchen hours of 6 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. There are no curfews but if you plan on returning to the hostel after 10 p.m., there's a security door that can be accessed via the code you are given upon check-in. Check outs are at 10 a.m. but you are still allowed to use the facilities until you actually leave. Luggage storage is also available.

Summary

The Backpack Oz is a great place to stay. Clean, comfortable, and with everything you could need, you'll be more than happy there. The staff are friendly and helpful, and the location is excellent -- easy access to the center of town, yet located on a quiet street. The residents are fun, outgoing, and are more than happy to mingle.

— Exclusive Hostelz.com Review
November 2007