Today, I headed to Habitat HQ, an excellent hostel in Melbourne with secure parking. I started my day with a stop at Hungry Jack’s for the toilet, gearing up for a day of adventure ahead. As I hit the road, my GPS struggled to keep up once in Melbourne, but I eventually found my way to the vibrant city of Melbourne, where I had my sights set on exploring the lively suburb of St Kilda.
Upon arriving at Habitat HQ, my hostel, I encountered a slight setback – their car park was full, and I had to wait before checking in. Not one to waste time, I decided to take a leisurely stroll around the neighborhood, discovering the city hall and library along the way. Currently I had parked the car in a street and could park there for 2 hours. The Habitat HQ was located in the suburb St. Kilda, located about 6 kilometers from Melbourne’s city center. Unfortunately, as of rewriting this in 2023, the Habitat HQ hostel is no longer in operation. The hostel is currently under construction and turned into a luxerious botique appartment building called M333 in the final quarter of 2024.
After a few hours, I finally checked into my hostel and received a pleasant surprise – a free upgrade to a four-person dorm (initially, I paid 25 AUD for an eight-bed dormitory). The hostel was impressively clean and tidy, boasting spacious showers and toilets. I met my dorm mates, including the friendly Estonian Harry and Simone, a German girl in search of a more permanent accommodation in Melbourne.
Groceries and a nice meal
I’ve learned that hostels are directly correlated with their price. You get what you pay for, as I discovered during my stay at Elephant Backpacker’s hostel in Sydney. Cockroaches, filthy shower stalls, and a general unkempt atmosphere made it clear that quality comes at a price. My friendship with Daniel was put to the test, to say the least! However, it’s worth noting that price doesn’t always tell the whole story. Therefore, it’s important to read reviews and get a better understanding of a hostel’s hygiene before booking.
As the evening approached, I ventured to the nearby Aldi supermarket to pick up ingredients for a healthy meal. Despite missing some items, I made my way to Coles near St Kilda’s Beach for fresh produce. Back at the Habitat HQ hostel, I whipped up a delicious dish of fresh beans and shallots, followed by garlicky shrimp as a starter.
As I enjoyed my meal, the kitchen was bustling with people cooking, creating a cozy atmosphere filled with compliments and conversation. I spent the rest of the evening getting to know my hostel mates, Harry and Simone, enjoying their company and sharing stories about life and travels.
Although the weather was dreary, Simone advised me to head to the beach as soon as the sun made an appearance. Melbourne’s weather is unpredictable, she mentioned. I headed to bed, excited for the adventures and surprises that awaited me the next day in St Kilda.
