Frequently Asked Questions
How do I get to the hostel from the Melbourne International airport?
We recommend you take the St Kilda SKYBUS. Follow the signs to the St Kilda SkyBus terminal. You will buy a ticket from the bus driver for $19. The bus leaves every 30 minutes. You will exit the bus at the first stop, which will be directly opposite the hostel. Cross the road and we are located at 109 Barkly Street, St Kilda (corner of Barkly Street and Grey Street).
Is breakfast provided?
No, breakfast is not included, however, every Sunday we offer a special pancake breakfast between 9am -11am.
Should I bring my own linen?
No, we provide clean linen for you and will have your bed fully prepared for you when you arrive. Sleeping bags are prohibited due to Australian health regulations. We do not provide towels however they are available to hire from reception.
Can I park my car at Summer House?
Unfortunately we do not provide car parking for guests. As we are located in a busy part of the city, long term car parking options are scarce. There are short term free parking spots located outside the hostel on a first come, first served basis.
I want to work while in Melbourne, how do I apply for a Tax File Number (TFN)?
We recommend that you register for a tax-file number immediately after arriving in Australia so you can hit the ground running. You will need to provide a postal address so feel free to use ours: 109 Barkly Street, St Kilda, VIC Australia, 3182. All the information on applying for a TFN is provided here.
I’m arriving at the hostel early, can I check in before 2 pm?
Our check in time is at 2 pm, however if you arrive early we will gladly store your luggage for free and allow you to use all of our facilities including showers, bathrooms, Wi-Fi, computers and all communal areas and kitchen. Out of respect to our sleeping guests, we typically do not allow access to the rooms before 12 o’clock unless the entire room is vacant. The time between check in and check out is used to clean all the rooms and prepare the beds for new guests.
It’s my first time staying in a hostel. What should I expect?
Staying in a backpacker hostel is great fun and an easy way to meet new friends. The shared dorms are equipped with bunk beds. All of our guests are similar-minded international travellers aged between 18 and 35, hoping to enjoy the beautiful city of Melbourne without spending a fortune. We pride ourselves on creating a fun and friendly atmosphere at the hostel which is why many of our guests quickly meet new friends to travel Australia with.
What activities does the hostel organise to meet new people?
We have a dedicated entertainment manager who organises daily events to bring everyone in the hostel together. These include great nights out with free entry and drink, free BBQs, day trips to the beach, Great Ocean Road, movie nights and heaps more! Make sure you check out the events board near reception to see what’s on.
How far is Summer House from the City Centre?
We are located just a 30 minute tram ride to the city centre. We are a 5 minute walk to the tram station which connects to all areas of Melbourne.