Billabong Gardens
Address:
Phone:
9550 3236Description:
The website's claim likening Billabong's neighborhood to "New York's Soho, London's Camden or Paris's Republic" is a bit ambitious, to say the least. Newtown, an inner west suburb 10 minutes by bus to the city, and home to Sydney University's vast campus and the RPA hospital, is a bit grungier than the comparison implies. But this doesn't detract from the venue as a reasonable hostel for the backpacker and budget traveler crowd.Lively nearby King St has heaps of great cafes, bars and clubs, including several gay and lesbian venues. There are alternative clothing stores, art-house cinemas, avant-garde galleries, quirky markets and one of the city's great second-hand bookshops (Gould's).
So if any of this appeals, then Billabong Gardens is a worthy budget alternative located in a bustling, bohemian area. There are dorms (shared facilities) and private rooms with bathroom. All share a communal kitchen, large comfy lounge and BBQ. There is also a leafy courtyard, complete with a solar heated pool.
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