Welcome to the Grampians YHA
It all started with a Facebook post. Like most backpackers, I’m a member of about 30+ Facebook groups - a mix of location specific jobs, working holiday jobs, girls who travel - you name it, I’m on it. If you asked me a year ago how much I still used Facebook, it would have been the bare minimum. Just sharing my Insta photos so family could see. Then, this fall I utilized the Marketplace to sell all my belongings and now I’ve discovered the travel group world. Facebook, I’m back.
One night as I was spiraling down the social media black hole, I saw a post about a working at a hostel in the Grampians National Park. I recognized the name and knowing it was nearby Melbourne, I did some quick research, sent an email, and decided a return to nature was the next adventure!
As I mentioned before, I wasn’t connecting with the party hostel scene in Melbourne. So a tram, train, and bus ride later - I arrived. And it’s felt like home ever since.
I’m working for accommodation here, so for about 2 hours each morning I help with housekeeping - making beds, vacuuming, cleaning toilets, and kitchens. In exchange, I stay for free! It’s a great trade to save money. While not the most glamorous work, I’ve found that I like it. The work is fairly mindless and there is an instant gratification seeing your completed work. We spend most of the time chatting and laughing, so as long as there are good people around me, I’m happy.
Where do I even begin with the managers, Kellie and Gary? They have welcomed me into their family - I quickly became best friends with their 9 year old Lucy who is an avid Harry Potter fan and 13 year old Nic whose Gollum/Sméagol impression is slightly terrifying. I’ve found those that come here to be likeminded travelers — tending to be more intentional, looking to hike and explore, or just take a break from the city. There’s a rotating group of about 2-4 people also working for accommodation and a few others staying long term working at restaurants in town, so we have a solid group.
My plan is to spend about 6 weeks here. I’ll save money on housing while learning the ins and outs of hostel life and the reservation systems, gain restaurant experience, and Australian references - all of which will help in future hospitality jobs. But more importantly, I’ll spend time in a place that feels like home and with people that quickly became family.