Airlie beach it is one of the best access points to Coral reef in Australia and the Whitsundays Islands, an oasis of white sand and crystal clear water populated by tropical fish, sea turtles and whales. It could certainly have become a place for exclusive holidays, the prerogative of a few, but it offers excursions and accommodations for all tastes and budgets.
You will find large hotels with private access to the beach, but also plenty of hostels, often with locations and views that rival the most luxurious resorts. Backpakers by the Bay, at 12 Hermitage Drive, is one of them. It is located just five minutes walk from the center of Airlie and its beach, with a bus stop under the hostel for those unwilling (or could have given the number and weight of backpacks and suitcases) to walk. the Backpakers is incorporated into the vegetation of the hills just above the town, and enjoys one wonderful view on the beach and ocean. All this is completed by a large common area connected to the kitchen served by everything, bar with veranda and small swimming pool, garden with barbeque area and hammocks and a staff always ready to advise on the best possible excursion or activity.
The hostel offers beds in dormitory for 4 places, female only or mixed with shared bathroom, and double or twin rooms with shared bathroom. All with air conditioning and views of the garden. On the hostel website the prices are respectively 25AUD for the sleeping place e 68 AUD for the room, but on major online booking sites like Booking.com or Hostelbookers.com it's cheaper.
The rooms are a bit small, but colorful, clean and with large windows. The hostel also enjoys discounted rates on excursions to the Barrier Reef and the Whitsundays of one or more days: once you have defined your budget, rely on the staff, who will help you decide and book your chosen activity for free.
Every evening they organize themselves happy hours, dinners, film screenings and games, which allow you to make friends with other guests and have fun even if you come back tired after a day of snorkeling or diving.
In short, Backpakers by the Bay is the right place to enjoy Airlie Beach, with one eye on price and one on style.
