Australian Hostel Network Is Calling All Nomads and Backpackers

Nomads, a network of hostels based in Australia, has a new outlet in Sydney and is offering backpacker “gateway packages” (which can be purchased through the Internet) for Sydney and other Australian cities, and for New Zealand, Vietnam, Fiji, South Africa and London.

The Nomads network, started in 1994, has been adding at least one hostel per month around the globe.

The hostels operate under a common set of standards, and each sells the Nomads Adventure Travel Card, which is honored for discounted rates at all affiliated hostels, and a variety of tour and transportation services. Cardholders also receive a free hostel handbook and a map of Australia that shows locations of all hostels, including some that provide special services for travelers who are seeking employment. The card sells for about $13.50 but is included free with purchase of most Nomads gateway packages.

The new Sydney hostel, called the Nomads Wanderers, is in a century-old building that was originally a wool store. At 477 Kent St., it’s right next door to the Sydney Town Hall. With the new transportation links made for the Olympics, you can reach it in 20 minutes by train from the international airport, and it’s just 100 yards from the monorail and underground train stations. The hostel has a cafe, bar, travel agency and work placement agency, an Internet cafe and a coin-operated laundry and kitchen on each floor. Rooms are air-conditioned. Dormitory beds are $14.85 per person, and double rooms are $44.

From the hostel you can walk to a variety of key sites, including the historic Rocks area, Darling Harbour and Circular Quay. It’s a 25-minute bus trip to Bondi Beach. By ferry, you can reach the Taronga Park Zoo in 25 minutes or see the surfers at Manley Beach in 40 minutes.

The gateway package, which include two nights’ shared accommodations, airport transfer, breakfasts and Sydney Harbor tour, begins at $95.

For more details or to book, visit the Nomads Internet site at https://www.nomadsworld.com, or contact Nomads World, 43 The Parade West, Kent Town, South Australia 5067; telephone 011-61-8-8363-7633, fax 011-61-8-8363-7968. In Australia, you can call toll-free at (800) 819-883.

The Nomads Internet site has details on backpacker gateway packages you can buy online for several other cities. For example, travelers to Vietnam can buy two- or four-night introductory packages. The two-night package costs $49; four nights are $70. Packages include airport transfer by taxi, a welcome drink, confirmed lodging, breakfasts, a cycle tour and a comprehensive map of Ho Chi Minh City (formerly Saigon). The four-night package adds a full-day tour to the Mekong River. The Ho Chi Minh city hostel, Nomads Mai Phai Hotel, is on Pham Ngu Lao Street, a backpacker gathering spot. Rates are based on a minimum of two people. Single rooms are available for a surcharge.

The Fiji packages cost $65 for two nights or $103 for four nights. They include airport transfer from Nadi to the Saweni Beach Apartment Hotel, between Nadi and Lautoka on Viti Levu. The hotel is 10 minutes away from Lautoka and its wharf. Packages include breakfast daily, shared room accommodations, which can be upgraded, and a half-day Beachcomber Island tour with the two-night trip, or a full-day Beachcomber Island tour with the four-night package. Accommodation is in standard quad-share rooms. Transfer to the Beachcomber Office at Lautoka is extra.

There has been political unrest in Fiji this year. You can check for current travel advisories and warnings from the U.S. State Department by calling (202) 647-5225 or by consulting the department’s Web site at https://travel.state.gov.

South Africa-bound backpackers can purchase two-night packages for $65, four nights for $102 or seven nights for $197. They include airport transfer, shared room accommodation (upgrade available), breakfasts and a Cape Point tour. Packages lasting four days add a “Winelands” tour, and seven-day packages include a Townships tour.

Look for new gateway backpacker packages for Athens, Amsterdam and Dublin, Ireland, on the Nomads Web site in the near future. Package prices are valid until March 31. Nomads services are also sold by the student travel service STA Travel, tel. (310) 824-1574, https://www.statravelcom.

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Lucy Izon is a Toronto-based freelance writer. Internet https://www.izon.com.