Sunset Coast Backpackers is probably not the best place to stay if you want a clean and quiet hostel. People are friendly, including the owner, but she doesn't realize that if you have mice running around the kitchen and the sleeping rooms, maybe you should clean a bit more.
The Location
The location is relatively good if you plan to spend a lot of time at Scarborough Beach, one of the most famous beaches in the area. Also if you want to have a look at Rottnest Island (where you can find the strange marsupials called quokkas), the harbour where you can take the ferry is pretty close. Don't think that because it's closer to Fremantle, it takes less time to get there though. There's no connection to that small city unless you get to Perth first (thirty minute by bus outside the door) and then take the train (an hour to Fremantle). Another drawback if you get to Perth by plane -- the cheapest way to get here is the shuttle bus -- compared to the one that takes you to the city, it's pretty expensive.
Rooms and Bathrooms
Rooms are very basic -- beds, shower, and toilet together; sink; no shelves for clothes; some hooks on the wall. But the good things are the fridge, TV, and some shelves for the food. Anyway don't think you'll have a lot of space, because the beds just fit the room and it's hard to pass through if someone is tidying stuff or just standing. Doors locks are the basic ones with key (they charge a deposit).
Common Spaces
The kitchen is really dirty (mice running around) -- dishes and pans are left dirty in the sink during the day and the staff cleans them in the evening or in the early morning. Some times they find a mouse burned into the toaster! And the owner doesn't seem to care so much. She also doesn't know anything precise about places to visit, how to get somewhere, and the bus timetables. She was completely not useful. TV room is a bit small and the couch is enough maybe for three people. It's got plenty of DVDs though. They provide luggage storage for free. This isn't a fun, party hostel -- it's more like an "I-don't-have-anything-to-do-so-I-stay-here" hostel.
Summary
At the end this is not a good place to stay -- rooms are not clean, service is poor, people are a bit strange, location is good just if you want to spend the whole time to the beach (that's probably why such people stay there), and there's nothing else in walking distance to visit.
— Exclusive Hostelz.com Review
March 2009
Location/Contact
5 Average from 1 Rating
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