World’s Most Expensive Hostel?

budget hotel ayers rock northern territory australia

When heading out to Ayers Rock I realised that the sleeping arrangements were so expensive that an overnight trip from Sydney was all I could afford. Paying close to 170 dollars a night for basic accommodation was just not in my budget. Ayers Rock Resort, being the only lodging option, has several alternatives to choose from, from swanky 5 stars to a camping ground. But not until once there I realised camping was an alternative. I am not a super camper, but I could have survived two nights or three. Anyway, after being picked up at the airport (free shuttle), a long check-in line awaits. The result of “everybody” flying in at the same time. The Outback Pioneer Lodge consists of huts housing a few rooms each, very basic stuff, with separate restrooms and shower facilities, like at a campground. In addition to accommodation the resort has like a village centre where you’ll find a few shops, places to eat, cafe style, and a grocery store. Scheduled activities also take place here. If you’re not in the mood for having dinner here or at one of the other nicer hotels, the lodge has a food truck vibe dining option with outside seating, like a party tent with long tables and benches. A social setting. All the resort properties are located around a huuuge roundabout, which is the very best thing about this area, as on the walk home from the village centre crossing the roundabout to get to the hotel, you get a taste of the outback and an elevated look-out point, from where you can spot the rock you came to see.

Website: ayersrockresort.com.au/accommodation/outback-pioneer-lodge

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12 thoughts on “World’s Most Expensive Hostel?

    1. Just stayed one night due to the cost, and Ayers Rock was definitely worth it. Wish I could have stayed longer, but would then need to find another accommodation option.

  1. Wow, that is expensive for a hostel! I’d love to visit Ayers Rock one day but not sure I’d be happy to spend that much on something so basic. Thanks for sharing on #FarawayFiles

    1. That’s why I did an overnight only 🙁 There are better hotels, but they of course cost more. And there is a camping site too, which I discovered after getting there.

  2. It’s too bad you didn’t hear about the camping earlier. That might be fun – Camping “at” Uluru? (We realize it’s not really at Uluru, but close, right?) Even if it just got you a little bit of bragging rights, that might help the price tag seem a bit better. 😉 #FarawayFiles

    1. Yes, I wish I had read about the camping site beforehand. It is next door to the hostel I stayed at, so not any closer to Uluru, but I assume it would have been cheaper.

  3. World’s most expensive hotel might be a bit of an exaggeration but I do agree it is pricey. You have to remember that Ayers Rock is in an isolated spot and the local traditional owners have an absolute monopoly. I suppose they charge what the market will bear.

  4. Wow! 170 dollars for a hostel? Is that the most affordable option in the area? I have heard about how expensive Australia is. Maybe I should be surprised! #FarawayFiles

    1. I thought so, until I spotted the camping site next door (was not aware of it before arriving). That has to be cheaper… A girl I met on my trip had slept in her car when visiting 🙂 She drove there too. I found accommodation to be fairly expensive in AU, but otherwise not so much, take into consideration I’m from Norway 😉

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