Our backpacking days are long gone, but if we were to relive our youth and take a gap year to Australia, the Down Under Hostel in the heart of Surfers Paradise would very well be our first choice whilst passing through the Gold Coast. In addition to the exceedingly friendly and helpful staff, as well as the overall cool vibe and party atmosphere, nice additional touches include newly renovated bathrooms and showers, double beds on the bottom bunks, purpose-built beer pong tables (for the true party professional), free laundry facilities and free iMacs for those who didn't bring their own laptops or tablets – and all just 50 metres away from Surfers Paradise Blvd.