About

Backpackers By the Bay is Airlie's secret little paradise! We are situated just a short walk away from the main street (400 meters, 5 minute walk) and were the closest hostel to the Premiere & Greyhound drop off. This makes us a perfect location as you can enjoy Airlie's famous nightlife without having to listen to it whilst trying to sleep, the best of both worlds! We are renowned for our chilled, relaxed vibes with friendly staff and a clean environment, just check out our reviews!

Airlie town centre is a hub for cafes, bars, restaurants and shopping, you'll find everything including souvenirs, art galleries and swimwear. The Airlie Beach markets are held every Saturday morning on the esplanade for locally made jewellery, clothes and crafts. The Airlie Beach Lagoon is situated right in the centre of Airlie Beach and has become the focal point of the area.

More like a large, international, environmentally-friendly house, the hostel is fully equipped with kitchen, laundry, pool, hammocks, outdoor exercise station area, BBQ, library etc. All rooms are serviced daily. We also get guests into their rooms ASAP without waiting for a 2pm checkin time so you can get showered, refreshed and out there exploring. Movies can be viewed anytime.

Free WiFi and tea and coffee available all day. Take advantage of our tour booking services with some great local standby rates including free accommodation and storage deals, or come and hand feed the wild cockatoos every day around our pool area. Peter and Carolyn have been the onsite owners for over 20 years and look forward to showing you some true aussie hospitality - come and say g'day.
~WINNER OF MULTIPLE WHITSUNDAY TOURISIM AWARDS~

*All guests must be 18 years old and over
PLEASE NOTE: NO check in or out on Christmas day (25 December) or New Years day (1 January)

Things to do in Airlie Beach

Here's what's happening in the city over the next few weeks.

House Rules

Check In

12:00 - 00:00

Check Out

until 10:00

Age Restriction
Taxes Included

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Facilities

Free Parking
Free WiFi
Jobs Board
Luggage Storage
Tours/Travel Desk
Parking
Card Phones
Reception (limited hours)

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Reviews

7.2Very Good(1951)

Value for Money
7.4
Security
7.0
Atmosphere
6.7
Cleanliness
6.7
Staff
8.0
Location
7.4
Facilities
7.1

Summary of traveller reviews

Airlie Beach Backpackers By The Bay offers a friendly atmosphere and helpful staff, with comfortable beds and good air conditioning. It's conveniently located near the bus stop and a short walk to town. However, some guests mention that cleanliness in common areas like the kitchen and bathrooms could be improved, and the property may suit long-term travellers more than short stays.

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Stayed in Sept 2026

7.4

Merve

Female, 25-30, Turkey

I enjoyed my stay there. The common areas were clean and the bathroom could be a little more clean. The location is good, just 16 min walk to the center. However, the only thing that disturbed me was the smell of weed coming from outdoor sitting area.

Stayed in Sept 2026

2.0

Anonymous

Male, 41+, Australia

Full of drug users and hobos. For example have no smoking signs however everyone is smoking pot 24/7. Added to this another guest pissed on my bags in the dorm after a night of drinking management didnt even boot him out thus encourging bad behaviour. Run by ferals and possiblythe worst hostel i ever stayed at.

Stayed in Sept 2026

5.7

wilf

Male, 18-24, England

Didn’t feel that welcoming and everyone was ripping weed and drinking most of the day. Also had a DJ which is sick but no need to play it at 1am. Don’t go if you’re English.

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