BUG Review
Bowen Backpackers is a new purpose-built hostel that features the usual kitchen and TV lounge. It is a nice place that is better than the average workers' hostel.
Price Dorm bed $18-19.50 per night, $110-120 per week Double room $43-46 per night, $270-290 per week Prices are in local currency and are inclusive of all taxes.
Pros:
Good work connections, Good location near beach
Cons:
New Owners can be a bit over sensitive
stevie G
saw things this way
Maintenance
(4)
Cleanliness
(4)
Facilities
(3)
Atmosphere
(5)
I stayed in Bowen Backpackers for a good while in 2005.While there I had the time of my life! There is plenty of work there, usually the season doesnt get going until mid June onwards and starts finishing up around late October early November. Girls can get shed work sorting green beans, melons, mango's all kindsLads can also get shed work but most tend to work in the fileds picking the fruit.Different employers in the area offer different rates of pay but most of them are hourly paid which is good.The hostel has good contracts with a few local farms so work is pretty steady.The hostel itself is in decent condition, rooms are pretty sparse and minimal but ok for travelers needs.When I stayed there in 2005 we had a great laugh but new owners came in the next year and from what ive heard (and seen when I went back briefly) they came down a bit too heavy handed on peopel having a good time.Whether this was just thier 1st year laying down the law I dont know but when your paying good money each week to live somewhere you dont want to be treated like a child.The hostel is run by a couple, I found the girl to be fine but the guy could be very moody and sometimes unreasonably rude.However I wouldnt let this stop you if your thinking of going to Bowen backpackers.You can still work and have a good laugh there regardless.As I said this might have just been the new owners establishing themselves in their first year and they may have mellowed out a bit now.Its defo the best hostel in Bowen for work.
