BUG Review
This hostel is comprised of two houses with a total of 80 beds, mostly catering to travellers on a working holiday. The buildings are old, but well maintained and very clean. The beds have new thick mattresses that the owners are determined to keep bed bug-free. There is a large well stocked kitchen, internet access ($5 per hour), and a good TV lounge with an extensive DVD library. They are a good resource for finding work and offer free transport to jobs. It is absolutely essential that you phone ahead to book in fruit-picking season.
Price Dorm bed $25 per night, $120-145 per week Double room $50 per night, $320-330 per week Prices are in Australian dollars and are inclusive of all taxes.
Credit Cards JCB,MasterCard,Visa
Reception Open 9am-10am & 5pm-6pm daily; phone inquiries 6am-8pm
NEW OWNERS MAKE THIS PLACE THE BEST!!!!, January 19, 2005
Reviewer:
zippy
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saw things this way
Maintenance
(5)
Cleanliness
(5)
Facilities
(5)
Atmosphere
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Lucky I didn't listen to the other reviews for this backpackers. The new owners of this place are the ultimate friendly hosts. They assisted me in finding a job, they have a bus service to get you there and home again and the place is comfortable, clean and friendly. Bowen has stunning beaches - I love the place.
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(Review ID: 9890)
be prepared!!, November 24, 2004
Reviewer:
utopia2004
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saw things this way
Maintenance
(1)
Cleanliness
(1)
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Atmosphere
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the owners of this hostel are complete looneys, robin and winton are deffinately in the wrong business, they hate backpackers, they go out of there way to make your stay and work as hard as possible. for example closing the kitchen in the morning and evening when people needed it b4 and after work. instead of during the day when no one about.watch out if you are IRISH OR JAPANEESE. i heard on many occassions one sided screaming matchs because the japs english isnt great.if you use your own transport you prob wont be welcome coz they want you to pay 4 there bus 2 work.however the work is easy and ussually lots 2 go around.
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Hostel Manager's Right of Reply
The new owners Christine and John are aware of the problems in regards to the previous owners. Having taken over from Nov 1st 2004, we have had a good relationship with the backpackers especially some who have previously stayed at Barnacles. Many have passed comment that they enjoyed their stay with us.
(Review ID: 9891)
Great Fun, February 16, 2004
Reviewer:
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Anonymous
saw things this way
Maintenance
(4)
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(4)
Facilities
(4)
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(4)
Well, it really isn't so bad. Robyn can be a bit harsh if she tries to get people to get on the bus at early hours, but we found that rather amusing!!! You just need a bit of a sense of humour and you'll have the greatest fun ever. The job they gave me was the best I had during my stay in Australia. It was "easy" (as easy as a fruit picking job can be!!!) and really well paid. If they have a job, they will give you one. If you don't like it, they'll try to give you another one. I had a great time at Barnacles with loads of fun. And the bed was the most comfortable I had in months!!!!!!
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Hostel Manager's Right of Reply
The business runs on the hostel working with both farmers and backpackers to supply jobs and accommodation. This is a working hostel and backpackers are aware the night before what time they are expected to be on the bus to leave for their work next day. It is very frustrating having a busload of backpackers waiting on one or two people who are consistently late. This relects badly on the hostel and the other backpackers. Farmers determine what the start time is and expect the workers to be there ready to start at that time. If everyone was considerate of their fellow backpackers there would be no need to yell 'get on the bus'
(Review ID: 9892)
Life is short - Im glad I spent some of it here, July 12, 2003
Reviewer:
The Gypsy
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saw things this way
Maintenance
(2)
Cleanliness
(2)
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(2)
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If you consider leaving the doors open 24 hours a day with no key for the dorms 'OK security' and an insane fat old lady screaming at you every morning (GET ON THE BUS!) with a suspicious resemblance to Rose West your idea of a good time then by all means stay there forever. If on the other hand you are less of a masochist I can only recommend a visit tooled up with napalm and a rocket launcher. Saying that it was a laugh and if you get short on cash (you will if like me THEY NEVER GAVE YOU A HALF DECENT JOB) then you can at least give delightfull Robyn a proper servicing now and then and stay for free.
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Hostel Manager's Right of Reply
We are working on upgrading the security but with everything it all takes time and money and must conform with fire regulations. The jobs are determined on a first come basis. Some are lucky and secure a long term job others are more short term. The hostel can only try and find work and has no say in the type of work or the length of time the job will last for.
