Youth Shack Hostel is a laid-back hostel with a good reputation. It attracts a nice mix of people from all age groups (late teens, twenties, early thirties). The atmosphere is enjoyable and friendly. Well laid-out common spaces make it easy to get to know other backpackers. There's no in-house bar and a total alcohol ban so the going never gets too tough.
The Location
The hostel is located in the middle of Mitchell Street and has one of the best locations in town. It's easy to find and only a hundred meters away from the transit centre (Greyhound, airport shuttle). There are a couple of parking spots at the back too. Mitchell Street hosts most of the restaurants, bars, and hostels in town. But even though Youth Shack is right in the heart of the nightlife the rooms are quiet, so you get a good night's sleep. Coles supermarket is a two-minute walk away and Woolworth's five minutes. For some more serious shopping you'll walk down one block to Smith Street Mall and a block in the other direction brings you to the Esplanade for some pretty views of the sea. It won't get any more convenient than this!
Rooms and Bathrooms
Youth Shack offers only twins/doubles and four-bed dorms. The rooms are fairly small and basic -- bunk beds, lockable lockers (own padlock), and a sink with a mirror in each dorm. Each floor has share bathrooms and showers for both girls and guys. Rooms and bathrooms are cleaned daily and the whole premises is well-maintained. Hallways have carpets, the doors are thick, and the communal spaces are separated from the living quarters. This helps to keep the noise down to a minimum.
Common Spaces
Common spaces include a TV room, laundry, sundeck, kitchen and seating area, and a pool. If the small rooms start to feel claustrophobic just head out on to the sundeck for a tan or down to the pool to meet fellow travelers. The kitchen has a couple of microwaves, fridges, and gas burners. Cutlery and crockery can be obtained from the reception with a deposit. Downstairs reception area includes a travel agency and pay-per-hour internet facilities too. There's no free breakfast but the hostel hands out free meal tickets to The Vic.
Summary
Youth Shack is not the newest hostel in town but it's the friendliest. The rooms are on the smaller side but quiet. After all this is Darwin -- during the Dry the days are warm and sunny (too good to be spent indoors). The pool area is the highlight of this hostel and the open kitchen with the huge seating area offer you a place to chill out on those lazy days. We can honestly recommend this for everyone heading toward Darwin!
— Exklusive Hostelz.com Übersicht
May 2009
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