JOLLY HISTORY

Backpackers first arrived in Sydney in 1975. By the year 2000 the trickle of backpackers became a flood and and exciting new Australian industry was born. 

The Jolly Swagman Backpackers Hostel opened in 1975 and has operated as a family run hostel to the current day.  Those first pioneer travellers taught us the basis of what backpackers want - a good cheap, clean hostel - a base for fun, adventure and romance. 

Of course things have moved on in terms of what extra facilities people want, and the Jolly Swagman backpackers keeps up with the times - WIFI internet, DVD library, widescreen television, kitchen facilities, job search assistance, lockers, fridges etc, etc

"HOW DID WE COME UP WITH THE NAME OF JOLLY SWAGMAN BACKPACKPACKERS?"

The Jolly Swagman from the popular peoples National Anthem " Waltzing Matilda" which starts "Once a Jolly Swagman camped by a billabong". 

The Swagman was Australia's first backpacker historically, a legend who was adventurous, hardy, free, colourful and radical, rouse about, jack of all trades who roamed throughtout the length and bredth fo Australia from its pioneering days.  Working for his living, camping outdoors under the big Australian sky that came down to his boots and moving on to new adventures.

The fellow in the middle of this picture below was the inspiration for the naming of the Jolly Swagman - as you can see, dancing the gig, he is a very jolly chap and no doubt he has spent a large portion of his pay behind the bar. (not that different to backpacker behaviour today)