YHA Halse Lodge

This splendid, colonial-era Queenslander is a legendary backpacker stopover and well worth the clamber up its steep drive. There are four-, six- and 16-bed dorms, twins, doubles and a lovely wide verandah. Popular with locals, the bar is a mix-and-meet bonanza, offering great meals (mains $18 to $27) and cheap happy-hour drinks from 5pm to 6.30pm. Close to the Main Beach action.