YHA Apollo Bay Eco

This was one of the best yha we have stayed at. The room was bare but that is to be expected. The amenities, by contrast, were excellent: Two well appointed kichens with nice pans and plenty of space; A roof area and multiple living room areas; an herb garden and plenty of recycling areas; and the games and TV area looked brand new and not old and worn out . The kids enjoyed it and so did we. Highly recommended.

It's in a perfect location just 5 minutes from the coach stop from Geelong & Melbourne, and just behind the main street and shops while also being very quiet. There is an IGA supermarket about 2 or 3 minutes walk away from stocking up on food. It's probably the best YHA I've stayed in for a very long time, it just meets all the things you'd want while travelling, and at a great price. It has 2 main levels with very spacious kitchens and on both levels, and even a TV room with comfortable couches and free Netflix and free-to-air TV as well as a USB slot if you've brought your own movies and TV shows to watch. The BBQ is pretty decent as well, it's electric so it was as easy as turning a knob to get it started, I grabbed some sausages from a local butcher, very easy and delicious. The rooftop area was great for hanging out as well, as long as it isn't raining as it's open air. I was lucky enough to be there on Christmas Day and met the staff who were friendly and welcoming enough to put on a bit of a Christmas lunch for the travelling guests. I did not expect such a gift of kindness, they had put out a few platters of hot food and sweets as well as alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks, which was a very thoughtful Christmas surprise. The staff also sat down and chatted to guests for a while as well which was lovely. It really made me feel at home. The bathrooms were clean and well kept, the dorm rooms were fine and spacious enough, the bunk beds did move a bit but that's to be expected when they're free standing.