Backpackers in Port Lincoln - Shark Tourism

[Guest The Pom Queen]

Port Lincoln's first backpackers' accommodation will fill a gap in the local tourist accommodation market and is expected to attract more visitors to the city.Robert and Debi Forster have applied to turn the old Bargains Galore building on London Street into a backpackers' hostel catering for up to 84 people in a mix of dormitories and private rooms.

Inspired by comments from people who were looking for cheap accommodation when they came to Port Lincoln to dive with the sharks Mr Forster decided to explore the idea of starting a backpackers' hostel.

"They save up for that sort of experience but don't like to spend too much on accommodation."

Backpacke rs Port Lincoln will be part of the Youth Hostels Australia network.

"Hopefully people will see it on the (YHA) website on the other side of the world and come over," Mr Forster said.

"When I first looked into it and spoke to Youth Hostels Australia and a few others I visited in Adelaide, they said they didn't recommend going (to Port Lincoln) because there isn't any (backpackers) here so hopefully it will attract more people to the town.

"Backpackers like a place where they can talk to each other about where they've been and where they're going."

Lesley Brown from the Port Lincoln Visitor Information Centre said there had long been demand for backpacker-style accommodation in Port Lincoln.

She said the centre regularly fielded enquiries from travellers looking for really cheap accommodation, particularly from overseas travellers.

"We also get people travelling through on working holidays that like cheaper accommodation.

"We really did need it."

Mr Forster hopes schools will also use it for camps and plans to organise packages where students can swim with the tuna, tour a seafood factory and learn more about the local fishing industry.

"I think the local high school went to YHA in Adelaide and had a good time so hopefully schools from Adelaide and even country schools will come down."

Mr Forster said he hoped it would be operating by mid-November in time for the peak summer season.

People can comment on the proposed change of land use at 24 and 26 London Street up until close of business on Wednesday July 11.