Tolga Country Lodge Backpacker's Hostel

Reviews

• ★ ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆
  Feels like a conspiracy. The hiring agency in Cairns sent you here didn't they? Of course they did. If you stay here, they overcharge the hell out of you per week (160-240) and you also have to do MANDATORY hostel labor every week (after working all day) or you don't get your deposit back. They do find work for you which is awesome....however, it kind of forces you to stay there if you want work so you can either have money or get your visa extended. They have intricate knowledge on what farms are needing workers and that is definitely worth something. However, if you decide to try to leave the hostel before you originally plan...they decrease your work so you cannot really save up to go elsewhere. Also the wifi is pay for and is very weak. Apparently a Farmer Pompey owns the hostel and discourages local farmers from letting backpackers live on their property. I wonder why. Update: my partner and I started to sign in to stay at this hostel, but decided that the price was too much. A local farmer offered us a job the old fashioned way and we found accommodation via Airbnb, thankfully. (So it can be done!) They are constantly buying properties to accommodate the backpackers but for 240 per week you can definitely find better options. Recently, (March 27, 2017) the Lodge is housing people in the Grand Hotel in Atherton for the same price. Look at the reviews for this place. These backpackers in this hotel are living above a working pub which is loud most nights and is very difficult to get a good night's rest. Imagine humping bananas every day for 8 hours and then having to cook your dinner with only a microwave that you share with heaps of other people. Then sharing a room with 4-6 people to sleep in while the thumping music pounds until the pub closes. Then you have to get up and be ready for work transport by 5:00am. Not much rest for 240 bucks.
  By Seth Tullar, April 20, 2017
• ★ ★ ★ ★ ★
  ***PLEASE NOTE THIS IS UNDER NEW MANAGEMENT*** 3 months ago I made a call to Tolga Country Lodge as I literally had 3 months left on my visa and my time was literally crucial, I spoke to the lovely caretaker Trish and explained my situation she was brilliant and before I knew it I arrived, now with hardly no money they supported me until I had full time work, within a week they had me full time work. The last three months have been challenging to say the least but I have had the most amazing time at the lodge and the past 3 months and have taught me so much. I have bonded so much with the owners (Tanya and Pompey) and Trish the caretaker has took me in like her own. I have had the best time with the best people, so many laughs and very few tears, I have made friends for life and without a shadow of a doubt would recommend this place to any backpacker looking to earn money or looking to get there second year visa. I'm going to miss this place so much but I know if ever need be I would be welcomed back with open arms. Thanks to all at Tolga Lodge for making my stay so lovely
  By Giovanna Romeo, February 11, 2017
• ★ ★ ★ ★ ★
  If you come at the right time of year you will have no trouble getting your farm work signed off. Great place to meet other backpackers. I loved my time here!!
  By Roisin Morelli, July 19, 2016

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