‘Other businesses will suffer:’ Torquay hostel to be demolished after 28 years

The last guests of Bells Beach Backpackers have departed with the owner and operator fearing it is to the detriment of travellers and other Surf Coast businesses.

It’s the end of an era for Torquay tourism with popular hostel Bells Beach Backpackers permanently closing.

Owner and operator Sean Kershaw farewelled the hostel’s final guests on Friday ahead of the building’s planned demolition.

The popular hostel will be demolished to make way for a $3m medical centre.

Mr Kershaw, who leased the building for close to a decade, said the decision to demolish the hostel was made by new landowners who purchased the Geelong Rd property in September for $2m.

Backpackers accommodation has existed at the site for 28 years.

“It’s been good, but the last two-and-half-years have sucked, to be blunt,” he said.

Mr Kershaw said Torquay had changed drastically in the eight years he had operated the business and he feared accommodation options were diminishing.

Sean Kershaw at Bells Beach Backpackers

“I feel like council are more interested in subdivision and not thinking about the tourism sector,” he said.

“Where are people staying? … It’s going to make it tough for anybody that wants to make it down the coastline.

“I feel like other businesses will suffer.”

Mr Kershaw said he feared the traditional hostel was “fading” and being replaced by other accommodation.

“Once my hostel is gone the closest hostel is Apollo Bay, you really are kicking the youth in the teeth,” he said.

He said his business “had revolved around surfing” with backpackers of varying ages enjoying exploring the Great Ocean Rd.

Originally published as ‘Other businesses will suffer:’ Torquay hostel to be demolished after 28 years