Online booking is not offered for this Hostel. Contact them for availability and reservations (any contact info we have is listed below).
Please see Apollo Bay for other available Apollo Bay hostels and accommodations.
Please see Apollo Bay for other available Apollo Bay hostels and accommodations.
The Hostelz.com Review
Surfside Backpackers is an awesome place to look at the rough waves from the cosy lounge or meet some travelers in the homey kitchen. The outdoors area are just as pleasant on sunny days, so make sure you stop in Apollo Bay when doing the Great Ocean Road.
The Location
Located on the west side of town, just when you think you've gone too far, and just after the golf course, Surfside Backpackers is indicated by a sign on your right hand side (not the seaside, the other side). It's an easy ten minutes into the city centre, but you can also stroll down the beach (but watch out, the currents on the beach across the street are really dangerous).
Rooms and Bathrooms
The rooms are not huge, but just large enough so that you can heat them up with the portable electric fan heater provided. The bathroom and toilet are in the corridor. There are rooms in the main building (where the kitchen and lounge are) and also in the annex just across the courtyard, with another set of bathroom and toilet. You are given your own key for the room door and the building door but there are no lockers. The view from some of the rooms is just as impressive as the seaside view from the lounge.
The beds are comfortable, with sufficient duvet covers. The showers work well, though the bathroom is a bit cold in the winter due to lack of heater (but you can transport your portable heater into the bathroom if your roommates are ok with giving it up).
Common Spaces
The lounge and kitchen are simply great to hang out in. They have such a homey, cosy feeling, with a wonderful bay window onto the beach across the road. You can just sit at the sofas by the window and admire the view. There is no TV, but they offer good old board games and a pay-computer for internet access. There are also magazines and a few books. Don't forget to fill in the guestbook located on a shelf in the kitchen. The kitchen has all you need to cook yourself a meal, and there is a fridge, an oven, a toaster, and kettle -- but no microwave.
Summary
The owner is very friendly and the whole setting and atmosphere of Surfside Backpackers will make you want to relax in Apollo Bay for a few days. Enjoy the walk along the beach and if it's too windy or rainy for you, sit back at the bay window and enjoy the seaview.
The Location
Located on the west side of town, just when you think you've gone too far, and just after the golf course, Surfside Backpackers is indicated by a sign on your right hand side (not the seaside, the other side). It's an easy ten minutes into the city centre, but you can also stroll down the beach (but watch out, the currents on the beach across the street are really dangerous).
Rooms and Bathrooms
The rooms are not huge, but just large enough so that you can heat them up with the portable electric fan heater provided. The bathroom and toilet are in the corridor. There are rooms in the main building (where the kitchen and lounge are) and also in the annex just across the courtyard, with another set of bathroom and toilet. You are given your own key for the room door and the building door but there are no lockers. The view from some of the rooms is just as impressive as the seaside view from the lounge.
The beds are comfortable, with sufficient duvet covers. The showers work well, though the bathroom is a bit cold in the winter due to lack of heater (but you can transport your portable heater into the bathroom if your roommates are ok with giving it up).
Common Spaces
The lounge and kitchen are simply great to hang out in. They have such a homey, cosy feeling, with a wonderful bay window onto the beach across the road. You can just sit at the sofas by the window and admire the view. There is no TV, but they offer good old board games and a pay-computer for internet access. There are also magazines and a few books. Don't forget to fill in the guestbook located on a shelf in the kitchen. The kitchen has all you need to cook yourself a meal, and there is a fridge, an oven, a toaster, and kettle -- but no microwave.
Summary
The owner is very friendly and the whole setting and atmosphere of Surfside Backpackers will make you want to relax in Apollo Bay for a few days. Enjoy the walk along the beach and if it's too windy or rainy for you, sit back at the bay window and enjoy the seaview.
— Exclusive Hostelz.com Review
August 2008
Their Description
Surfside Backpackers Details
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Map
Location/Contact| Address | Great Ocean Road, corner of Gambier Street, Apollo Bay, Victoria, Australia |
| Location | |
| Website | www.surfsidebackpackers.com.au |
| Telephone | +61 (3) 5237-7263, 1-800-357-263 |
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Hostelz.com Guest Reviews
Bad attitude, rundown, but excellent view I'm an experience backpacker, and have stayed in many hostels in my time so am used to all standards, and my experience at this particular hostel wasn't very pleasant. I called ahead of time to book a family room for 4 people for one night, and was quoted one price (which was cheaper than renting 4 x dorm beds). It made perfect sense to me, so we booked the room. On arrival the manager announced that the price of the room was actually higher than I'd been quoted (the same price as 4 x dorm beds). When I tried to question this with her, having booked on the basis of a lower cost, her only response was "well, do you want 4 dorm bed then." Clearly not -- we were travelling as a group, and if the family room is the same price as the dorm beds why on earth would we take them? There was no apology for the misquoted price, and as she already had our deposit we had no choice but to stay there. We were then shown to our room, which had a double bed and a set of bunk beds. Whilst the double bed had been made up, the bunk beds had been stripped of their bottom sheets only, and the pillow case and duvet cover hadn't been replaced. This was very obvious, as the bed was in a state of disarray. The manager quickly sorted out the pillow case for us but didn't do anything except folding up the duvet. When I questioned her on whether the duvet had a clean cover on it, she informed me that they DO NOT change their duvet covers each day, instead expecting people to sleep under dirty sheets. When I asked to have a clean one put on for my night she became irate, grabbing the duvet and telling me that she would have to wash the sheet as she didn't have any spares, and it was unlikely it would be dry by evening. Clearly they don't have a single additional duvet cover at this hostel. She went on to say that most hostels don't clean duvet covers everyday (which I accept, IF there is a sheet between the duvet cover and person), and would I really wash my duvet cover at home each day? I responded by saying that no i wouldn't, but it was only I who was sleeping under it so it wasn't the same situation at all! I decided it was too much hassle to argue with her, so asked her instead to bring a clean top sheet which I would sleep under. The whole experience of being misquoted and antagonised, then spoken to in such a rude manner left me with a very nasty taste in my mouth. Besides the incompetence of this particular woman (I am assuming she is the manager as she greeted us and took our money), the hostel itself is old and ramshackle. It has a nice vibe due to several good outdoor seating areas, and an incredible view from the garden out to sea, but the inside spaces are very dirty and old. There were live and dead flies all over the floor, the kitchen was dirty, there were no clean tea towels. The kitchen facility was ok, with an oven and 4 hob rings, but this is not enough for all the guests. All in all, it's fine for a nights sleep, and to be honest if you're not particularly worried about cleanliness or politeness then you'll be fine here. If you are I'd go for one of the other, infinitely nicer hostels in the area. — World Traveller , England (2010-02-07) I felt so at home I was sad to leave I absolutely loved this hostel! At first it not all that modern but when you you have experienced one night of fun in this hostel everything becomes better and better. this hostel really provides a good atmosphere to meet new people. at my first night we were all hanging out at the hammock having fun and loving life. The next was even better -- so much rest I never had such a peaceful feeling! perfect! I recommend this hostel to everybody, only the view from my room was perfect on its own. — Marina , Netherlands (2009-01-18) This place is down to earth with a nice vibe and a charm all of its own. The owner (Robyn) is absolutely lovely and pointed out all the places to see on the Great Ocean Road. The place isn't particularly modern but is very comfortable and slightly eccentric. It has a relaxing lounge, complete with an old record player with an eclectic collection of old vinyls, plus stunning views of a beautiful beach. Apollo Bay is a lovely place and although I only stayed for one night I was sorry to leave. This is how hostels should be. — Ian Platts (2006-08-16) Our double room was warm and comfortable and the manager was extremely friendly. There's a great view from the lounge, too. — Melissa (2005-03-06) Although it was a bit "rustic" we had the BEST time staying here! Personality, character, homeliness . . . these qualities far outweigh a new bench top or fancy door handles. Highly recommended! The best part was drinking vodka in the sun playing Monopoly all afternoon, but only when I was winning. : ) — Anonymous (2005-02-10) Nice place to stay, with decent views of the bay and fairly comfortable rooms. It is a touch rough around the edges but is clean, comfortable and reasonably priced with good proximity to the beach and a friendly owner. — Matt (2005-01-05) This place has basic facilities but it's really homey with a great couch-filled lounge. The manager is especially lovely and most helpful. I have stayed there twice and hope to return again soon! — Rebecca (2004-12-23) The owner is lovely, and we really enjoyed our stay. — Michael (2004-11-08) This is a great place to stay! We've stayed here three times now and we always receive a warm welcome. It's a real funky place. — Stephen (2004-10-23) We only stayed here for one night, but the owner was very friendly, a real Aussie. The hostel was a bit moth-eaten, but a bit like your favourite old teddy bear - comfy to stay and definitely worth a look. — Matt and Nicky (2004-08-05) It's great! — Dumb Blonde (2004-07-08) Ramshackle, junk collecting in the corners, not the cleanest or tidiest. The manager is friendly and helpful though. — Anonymous (2004-03-06)