I’m not one to name names

For those wanting to travel the Gold Coast or Sunshine Coast of Queensland, Australia, Brisbane is a pretty relevant jumping off point. Located almost in between the two coastlines, Brisbane is a vibrant, laid back city worth taking a look at. For the backpacking community, there are a ton of options, located all throughout the city. One option I don’t recommend is the Manly Harbour Backpackers Hostel in Manly Harbour.

While I’m normally a person who likes all things, the unfortunate and impromptu plan to stay in Manly Backpackers is not one I can say I enjoyed. The weekend I chose to descend on Brisbane actually corresponded with two music festivals and a rugby match, so my options were quite limited of where to stay. This, added with the fact I’m not one to book in advanced, left Manly Harbour Backpackers as the only option for a dorm bed. This should have been my first warning.

Located about 45 minutes out of the city by train, Manly Harbour Backpackers is a disgusting place. Manly Harbour, though, is not. The actually town of Manly Harbour is small and quaint, and offers beautiful coastline (no beach though) great shops, restaurants and some fun nightlife. The hostel, unfortunately, offers poor management, disgusting rooms, a horrid kitchen, along with offers and promises that are left unfulfilled more often than coming to fruition.

What makes Manly pretty awful is that the management doesn't realize they are in the customer service business. With the office only being open from 10 a.m.- 3 p.m., it is hard to get any relevant information on what the hostel or the town has to offer. The beds have sheets already on them, which is actually a bad thing in hostels, because it normally means they aren't washed between each use. The rooms are decently spacious, but beware of beds that are missing springs. This can lead to you mattress literally falling through the bed.

While I've stayed in some pretty disgusting places throughout the world, I guess I expect more from places in Australia. Manly Harbour Backpackers is a must-miss for anyone heading to Brisbane who wants to enjoy their stay.

Photo courtesy of Sail Blogs