The Island Accommodation

It has lots of facility including kitchen and gaming room.

Pros: good location near bus stop to and from Melbourne and to Cowes shops in the north of Phillip Island, spacious kitchen, short walk to San Remo & Cape Woolamai supermarkets and shops, beaches reasonably close by, decent bike hire Cons: given a long list of rules to sign on check-in including a threat to evict guests for drinking or smoking on the premises with CCTV cameras everywhere but the bathrooms and bedrooms, - focus on families rather than individual travellers which goes against the original aim of YHA, - all common areas closed including the TV room and kitchen at 10:45pm forcing people to hang out in hallways in front of bedrooms which people actually ended up doing, - staff didn't know how to operate the TV in the TV room which was the only form of entertainment in the place - the balcony has a view of a road, but I saw half a sunset and a bit of a rainbow one evening There is nothing to do after 6pm except hang in the TV room or play table tennis, or as signs displayed suggested, leave to go to the local pub rather than relax at the place. It was hard to meet anyone, and the families actively avoided everyone else and were very loud and left their unwashed pots and plates in the sink overnight. It felt like this YHA was set up as a for-profit business rather than a relaxing welcoming place to meet like-minded people as many YHAs aim to me. Although this is the lowest cost place to stay other than camping so they likely know people will either stay there or won't go to Phillip Island at all. Apollo Bay YHA is a much better example of somewhere more welcoming and allowing much more freedom for guests to relax, not to mention the owners / staff genuinely loved where they were and connecting with guests.

Outstandingly good accommodation, great facilities and staff and great value. Spent one night here with family while visiting Phillip Island and the Penguin parade. Managed to get all washing done, lovely clean spacious room and fab service

Perfect accommodation for 30 on a budget, kitchens and lounge areas are great, pillows were a bit thin but overall a success for our needs

It was fine for a short stay - some minor inconveniences like lift and drink dispenser not working, but otherwise really fine. We took the private rooms with ensuite facilities and would recommend the place to my fellow travellers.

The Hostel itself is great,and the staff are more than welcoming. Very clean, amazing facilities, ample kitchen, confortable terrace and living room. Simply awesome. There's also a great Café just downstairs with really friendly people. However, do keep in mind that Newhaven is not at walking distance from Cowes or any of the main attractions (beaches, penguins), and public transport is very scarce in the island. If you don't have a car, think twice about staying here. There's bikes for rent at Cowes (highly recommend "Bicycle Repair Man" - Wayne) but they can only help you to a certain extent.

Fantastic experience. The rooms are great and had a great nights sleep. We had breakfast in the cafe twice and the coffee and food was amazing. The location is also great. Couldn't recommend enough!