History

Beaches Backpackers owners, John & Sally Bush, have long been market leaders in the Backpacking industry with the conception and success of Beaches Backpackers Hervey Bay. In 1982, a downturn in the domestic tourism market resulted in a bold move by John and Sally as they converted their Motel & Caravan Park into a backpacker hostel - the first in Hervey Bay and amongst only a handful Australia-wide.

As their Hervey Bay hostel grew in popularity, John & Sally noticed the increasing desire for guests to visit Fraser Island and explore the serene area in their own pace at their own time, and consequently developed the first Fraser Island self drive safaris in Hervey Bay. It wasn't long before the concept of Base Camp! was developed and guests had the luxury of a designated camp ground, toilets, showers and shelter as part of their Fraser Island adventure.  

With the vast knowledge and experience of over 10 year's operation in Hervey Bay, the owners sought to acquire a second East Coast property. Identifying trends within the backpacking industry and the opportunity for growth in Airlie Beach, John and Sally Bush acquired the 'Tropic Isle Motel' in 1992. Refurbishment prior to reopening as Beaches Backpackers saw improvements to the property to allow for the successful transition from Motel to Hostel. Beaches Backpacker boasted additional room features as standard in the Backpacking industry including ensuite bathrooms, air conditioning, TV's and fridges not seen before. This gained a distinct point of difference and the culture of providing exceptional quality and value for guests. 

In June 2007, John & Sally Bush recognised further changes in backpacking trends and attitudes and consequently purchased the neighboring property on Shute Harbour Road, Airlie Beach. In the coming years, construction will begin on expanding Beaches Backpackers and providing a 20 million dollar reinvestment into tourism in the Whitsunday and Queensland regions.

With properties in two of Australia's most iconic tourism destinations, Beaches Backpackers identified an opportunity to capture the market and now successfully operates one of the most popular East Coast packages in the domestic market.