We had four days and have only positive memories of their stay. This is the place for those who want to get to know others from different nationalities. Here we met people from all over the world and all sat around the same table at breakfast and a barbecue dinner, and talked about different cultures and became good friends. As head of the Rotary Youth Exchange in Norway, I experienced that here could live up to the intention of the Rotary International goal of building friendships across national boundaries to create an understanding of different cultures. Here we were all like one big family and the hosts were friendly and unpretentious people. The location was great with walking distance to the facilities and the beach. The price was great compared to the facilities and we were thrilled. Recommended for anyone who wants a place to live and are interested in becoming acquainted with others.

I spent three nights at the Bells Beach backpackers with my partner, my brother and his partner, and my mum and her partner. Once we arrived we were greeted by the land lady, who invited us to join them for dinner. We had a great time in Torquay, the rooms were nice enough for a backpacker's, and the other people who stayed there were friendly and the place had a very homely feel.

My partner and I are planning a trip back to Torquay shortly and we'll most likely be staying at the Bells Beach Lodge yet again!

Well, I stayed here for a week as I moved to Torquay and was in the process of working and looking for a place to stay. Thank christ I found a place asap to move into.

The packers looks nice from the front and is generally clean inside. I booked in advance and paid cash on the day I arrived. Then I was told I had to get out on a saturday (arrived monday told sat morning) as Carrol had over booked with a large group that she 'couldnt afford to turn away'. So im in a town where I have no where to go.. what to do except dig my heels in! She offered a friends B+B with suitable rates, but if Ive already paid for a bed then im not paying any extra right?, specially in someone else's hole so I refused! Doesnt help that the place was in a financial difficulty with the landlord and a bailiff turning up to the door as I was heading out, collecting unpaid rent from her... Then to top it off, she has the cheek to confront me about my attitude after complaining about moving rooms on 4 occasions. She asked if there was a problem with work or if I was in a mood or tired, like the other reviews Id expect this from my parents not the likes of an unprofessional owner!

I felt sorry for a couple of the other guys staying their as they ended up having to sleep on a sofa due to the over booking too..

No offence to Carrol but mind your own buisness and stop getting in other peoples affairs, which have no interest to you at all!


Best advice is try to stay in the camper park next door if your in a group, failing that the camp site near to the Surf Beach. Or just go to Anglesea!

its been 1 week and a half that i'm now at this hostel and i'm thinking of leaving today or tomorrow!
when i first came here the lady who owned this place, Carrol, an english woman livin there since 6 years, look sympatic and welcoming. it feel good cause it was my first experience in backer since a long time so i tho that was "the place" .
In fact its not and this cause this lady thinks she s got right on her customers, tells them what to with their stuffs, come i the room while you sleeppin the morning without knockin or askin, touch your stuff while you are away, comment on your hatitude while you are bein all cool , throwin comment tension menace of expulsion for no reasons.
anyway its pretty mean toward customer and as long you pay and rent your place to stay , you should have the right to live without havin with someon who tells you off with no dignity and pretend to better than your mum to educate you!

this place is a s hole , and i'm now really dissapoint, i hope you neverhad to deal with it cause it will ruined your karma during your holliday!

and in case you had to stay there be in ya room dont talk to her and dont give her the opportunity to be your friend, she will abuse of it!