Scotty’s Beach House is pleased to announce that once again we are finalists in the Golden Backpack Awards. This year, as well as last, we’ve been nominated in the category of Best Accommodation. This year, the first that voting was conducted online only, contest organizers received over 19,000 votes.

The Golden Backpacks, a joint venture between TNT Magazine and Thumbrella, is a special award because it is the only consumer-voted awards for the New Zealand and Australia independent travel industry. Each year, six finalists are chosen for each category in each state. As well as “Best Accommodation,” categories include “Best Car/camper Rental Company,” and “Best Backpacker Website” among others.

Over the last year, Scotty’s Beach House has undertaken a number of renovations to improve the experience of every backpacker who comes through our doors. New bathrooms, room decor and a constant focus on providing a great atmosphere and fun activities for guests are only a few of the reasons that Scotty’s is regularly recognized for major tourism awards.

It is truly an honour to be nominated and we are looking forward to attending the awards gala in Sydney on 4 November at which the winner will be announced!

Thank you for voting!

This is one of the most lovely reviews (from one of the most lovely guests)!

“Scotty’s was truly one of the greatest hostel experiences of my life. Nay, it was the greatest. It left an impression on my mind and souls that will last for years to come. I will wear the Scotty’s t-shirt as a beacon of hope for all outsiders that there still is an amazing place called Scotty’s Beach House where you can start drinking at noon and not be judged. Where you can throw and be thrown into a pool countless times in one evening and still power through to the after party beach bonfire. Where the staff all greet you as family and will miss you when you leave. Scotty’s truly is an amazing place. A warning to travelers however, you may check in for one night, but that night might last two weeks. : )”

Thanks for the love!

Voting is now open for the 2010 Golden Backpack Awards! Powered by Thumbrella, these awards recognize the best of the best of Australia and New Zealand backpacker experiences. Categories up for grabs include best accommodation, best activity or tour, and best backpacker night. “The Golden Backpack Awards reward those companies who work hardest to make backpacking around Australia and New Zealand that extra bit special.”

As an incentive for voting, voters are eligible to win two return flights via Virgin Blue Airways. Voting ends on September 24^th, so make sure you get your votes in!

To vote, click here.

Between birthday cakes and going away cakes, we single-handedly kept the Woolworth’s baking department in business this week.

Starting on Tuesday, we celebrated a very special birthday as well as the departure (that part wasn’t too much of a celebration) of our kitchen cleaner, the fantastic Cat. It was bittersweet to see her go, but we made sure she had a great send-off with a huge trivia turnout, 17 pizzas and a beach bonfire complete with a fire show!

Cat’s going away cake, one of many this week.

On Thursday, we celebrated our resident ninja…err…bus driver’s birthday a day early. Staff got temporary tattoos to match his rather permanent tattoo, kept their spirits high even though attempts at having a pool party were thwarted by the weather.

The birthday ninja.

Staff also hosted a Family Dinner on Friday night. Guests were treated to heaps of tacos, salsa and veggie rice and had the opportunity to sit down with other guests and the Scott family for a meal that was sure to cure any traces of homesickness.

Family Dinner on Thursday night.

Friday, our lovely laundry princess prepared to bid us farewell as she heads northward to start a new part of her adventure. Friday also happens to be the night of a big, all-you-can-eat barbeque at the Bali Hai Skydive Resort, so guests and staff alike poured out for good food, a volleyball competition and a nightcap at the Mission Beach Resort.

Gina’s last day.

We get to play witness to some pretty interesting things at Scotty’s.

Backpackers can say and do things that surprise us, even after 22 years in the business! This week was no exception, with not one, but two rather unique displays of creativity.

First up, we don’t know how he managed to carry a set of bagpipes while most backpackers struggle to fit a few weeks of clothes in their rocksacks, but we’re sure glad he did. Before hopping on a bus headed up to Cairns, we were treated to a mid-morning show:

Next up, our very own bus driver, Dave, demonstrated what you can do with some wood, a few empty bottles, string and determination:

We’ve been adding more and more activities to our schedule lately! There’s always something going on at Scotty’s Beach House, here’s a look!

At least once a week, the Scotty’s staff decides to…um…light things on fire!

Staff members show of their skills for guests with a spectacular fire twirling show, here’s a little taste:

The sun is finally out in beautiful Mission Beach again!

Scotty’s guests on their way to the Sunday markets.
You know what that means? You couldn’t ask for more gorgeous days to go skydiving or whitewater rafting. But if you’re on a little bit of a budget, or have already seen the extreme activities that Mission has to offer, Sundays are a perfect day to relax and unwind with some lower key adventures.

In the morning, Scotty’s takes guests over to the Sunday Markets, and this Sunday, the last of the month, guests were treated to the Monster Markets at Marcs Park. Usually we’ll head over to the North Mission Village Market, but once a month, when the Monster Markets come to town, guests can meander through jewelry and furniture booths, browse for clothing and pick up fresh produce in the farmers’ market. There’s also a great setup of food stalls with everything from Thai noodles to Greek delicacies.

This Sunday is also the kickoff of Sangria Sundays at the Castaways Resort, also located in North Mission. $25 will get you 2.5 liters of sangria, a very backpacker friendly figure. Castaways has been recently renovated, so it gives guests a great chance to lounge on the beach at a four star resort while sipping on some yummy drinks and taking in the sunshine.

Last, but definitely not least if you’re into food, we’re making sure that everyone is well fed by giving them a chance to get delicious Thai food from Spicy Thai delivered for only $12.50. Green curry, spring rolls, and fried rice are just a few of the treats on the menu.

Sunday might be the day of rest, however with all of the fun we’ve got planned for our guests, they can be sure to be relaxed, but definitely busy!

World Cup action isn’t the only thing capturing the attention of backpackers these days!

In the last week, Scotty’s has been curing the bad weather blues for our guests by bringing back our jam packed activities program, kicking off with a Trivia Tuesday! Guests were grilled on everything from James Bond to cricket knowledge, with the winners (Team Ireland) walking away with a FREE jug of beer from Miller’s Bar and Grille. Guests who had a more quiet night in mind were treated to a Movie Night on Wednesday evening, even though the film choice, American Gangster, may have riled them more than it calmed them down.

Thursday night featured our usual Thursday night barbecue. For only $10, guests were treated to a huge meal, complete with steaks, grilled onions, garden salad and potatoes. If that wasn’t enough, once their bellies were full, Scotty’s staff treated everyone to a fire show!

We’re keeping things moving this Saturday night with the return of the Saturday Scavenger Hunt, where guests will divide themselves into teams of four, and the members of the winning team have a chance to win a 2-for-1 trip to Dunk Island!

If you haven’t stopped by Scotty’s yet, what are you waiting for?

Oh, no! You`re on the road and you`re playing Brazil tonight!!DON`T PANIC!

Just because you want to raft, skydive,snorkel,sunbathe and explore the rainforest in Mission Beach, doesn`t mean you have to miss out on this huge sporting event!!! Our guests can sit back and watch ALL the World Cup matches in our 24hour media room, thanks to our Foxtel sports package (including the much sought after Setanta!!!!!).

Yes, bring your own national flag and hoody for the small hours of the morning and then snooze away the rest of the day in one of our hammocks after enjoying that strange brand of football you all seem to enjoy so much (go figure!).

Just thank your lucky stars I`m such an understanding Aussie who appreciates the needs of the travelling “footy” fan.

“Scotty`s: that`s how we roll.”