High class digs for backpackers

It isn't often that backpackers get to live the life of luxury. Sure they are traveling and not working. Sometimes a lucky few win the lotto with a loaded couch surfing host who takes you on the yacht.

Besides a few chance encounters with those from the upper class wanting to bestow the good life among those who live out of bags, most of us stay in smelly, loud dorm rooms. While this is typically the case, for those backpackers who make it to the Gold Coast of Australia, a stop in Surfer’s Paradise can open up your eyes.

Saunas, pools, a kitchen, squash courts and a hot tub are just some of the luxuries that are offered by the Islander Resort in the heart of Surfer’s Paradise. Sure these are normal for a resort, but what makes the Islander so special is that two floors of the hotel are dedicated specifically to backpackers. For $18 a night, backpackers can stay in single-sex dorm rooms, but also profit on the entirety of what the hotel has to offer.

The men’s dorm may be literally attached to the car park (while the women’s is safe on a different floor) and next to hotel maintenance, but the rooms are spacious, nice and pretty clean. The men’s dorm has its own attached bathroom, while the women’s and other mixed dorms on the second floor have some shared and some attached.

Along with the other goodies, the Islander also has an attached bottle shop (AKA liquor store) that offers backpacker deals with the flash of a key, as well as a casino and restaurant. The casino offers cheap drinks and penny slots, while the restaurant has a morning buffet for right around $12 (sadly this is a bargain in Australia). For those truly cheap backpackers, the casino has a free coffee and tea dispenser if you want to skip paying for caffeine all together.

If you’re heading down the Gold Coast, a night or two in Surfer’s Paradise can be quite fun. Even if the Vegas-style partying isn't your scene, profiting on the cheap beds and luxurious life at the Islander Resort is recommended. 

Photo courtesy of Surfer’s Paradise