Ayr Backpackers - Ayr, Queensland

Orlagh L.

I stayed here last year and arrived in April. The work was slow to start with which was a struggle, but I thankfully got placed on a consistent farm and completed all my 88 days on the same farm. The hostel is basic, but it does the job once everyone cleans up after themselves! The office staff are very helpful, like anywhere once you give respect you get respect back.
We met so many amazing people and have memories to last us a lifetime. It was a once in a lifetime experience and we don't regret going to Ayr backpackers at all.

Hannah K.

I completed my 88 days regional work here at Ayr backpackers last year. When we first arrived the work was a bit slow but after a couple of weeks it became very consistent. I was placed on a Monday-Friday farm with 35+ hours a week. The hostel staff were very helpful and friendly. I would recommend this place to anybody needing to complete their days! As a bonus, I met some of the best people here and made so many memories!

Daniel T.

A friend recommended this place to me, didn’t need to complete my 88 days, but was told the social side was well worth it. I was not disappointed, met tons of great people. The farm work is challenging but also fun as are with a group of people in the same boat. The hostel has 2 pools as well as a tv room, with a couple pubs and bars nearby that everyone goes to on the weekends. The hostel finds you work which takes the pressure off yourself, and I was able to save up to be able to travel again. Definitely recommend if you are needing to do your days or just fancy something a bit different 👌

Gianna L.

Just keep in mind this is a working hostel, so work is available based on the needs of the local farmers. Detailed emails explaining the farm work process, hostel rules, and more are sent to you before you arrive. Make sure to give these a read before arrival so you know what to expect, as the hostel lays it out pretty clearly in those emails. Office staff works super hard to try to get people on a farm and meet their needs. Ayr itself is a lovely quaint town that has everything a backpacker could need. Grocery stores in walking distance, and a lovely local pub 🙂 made great friends and memories in this place!!

Gioacchino D. P.

Stay away from this place,
I stayed at this working hostel hoping to find a serious and organized environment. Unfortunately, my experience was anything but positive.

From day one, I was promised I would be given work the following week. This promise was repeated over and over, week after week, but it was never fulfilled. The owner clearly told me I would be placed with a group of Italian workers to make communication easier, as my English isn’t very strong. That never happened either.

I felt ignored, sidelined, and exploited. They kept charging me for accommodation without offering any real job opportunities. This is a place that gives you neither the opportunity nor the dignity to work and learn. I got the strong impression that their only interest was collecting rent week after week, without any concern for my situation.

What’s even more frustrating is that they constantly post on Facebook saying they need workers, when in reality the place is already full of people who are paying and leaving without ever getting the chance to work. It's a misleading system that takes advantage of backpackers who are just looking for an honest chance.

I do not recommend this place to anyone, especially if you don’t speak perfect English or are just starting your journey in Australia. There are definitely more honest and respectful alternatives out there.

Hailee P.

I am currently doing my 88 days at the Ayr hostel, and I must say it is a lovely little town. The hostel is full of amazing people from everywhere, and everyone does a great job of keeping things clean and tidy. The farm work is hard but very rewarding. Staff are kind and so helpful, I highly suggest coming here to do your regional work .

Thore S.

I had a wonderful time here at Ayr Backpackers! The people are awesome and staff is really putting in the effort for you to have a great time, farmwork wise and otherwise. On my last day Dom saved my ass by letting us borrow his car for a ride to the Airport(Again, the service 10/10).

William

Staying here is a gamble. Some people do get work, but many end up getting seriously messed around. I mainly blame this on the weather and the farmers, although the hostel should allocate work better.

To be fair, I do believe the hostel genuinely tries to find you work. But the system is chaotic. I lived here for four months and only managed around 35 actual days of regional work. That’s beyond frustrating. I left with less money than I arrived with.

I was made driving a minivan with 7 other people as early as 4:45 in the morning. The farms could be over an hour and a half away, meaning I’d do a three-hour round trip with no extra pay, while everyone else slept in the back. You also risk being punished if you don’t fully clean out the van afterwards, even though you’re the only one responsible for it. Why should I be expected to clean up after seven muddy people when I’m not being paid for the driving in the first place? It’s the most unfair system I’ve ever been part of.

The farmers themselves are the main issue. Most don’t care about the workers at all. You get treated like a slave. I’ve worked full days without being paid and brought it up with the hostel, but nothing was resolved. You can also be kicked off a farm just because of something someone else did it doesn’t matter if you had nothing to do with it. You have to constantly watch your back.

Accommodation-wise, the units are very old and clearly neglected. The bed bug situation was extreme. I’ve never been bitten so badly. I know it’s the tropics, but I’ve stayed in Townsville and Cairns and never had this issue. These units badly need some TLC.

Despite all that, I did have some good moments. I met great people and made some memories. But if the farmers had any basic decency, I’d probably rate this place at least three stars. Unfortunately, they’re too closely tied to the hostel to overlook, and the whole system is stacked against the worker.

If you want reliable work, look elsewhere, if you want some sort of a farm experience and want to make friends then it’s a good place to stay.