Our Story: Flashbacks & the Evolution of Planet Inn

1.    The Evolution of Planet Inn

March 1996

In March, 1996 Tony Inman and his business partner at the time, Ian Cassin, took over the hostel known as Redbackpackers, from Steve Treleaven. The lads worked incredibly hard to upgrade the premises, which was pretty much a ‘squat’ for scruffy backpacking pioneers.

In those days, before mobile phones and i-pods were invented, guests used to carry their own backpacks down the street – they couldn’t afford taxis! ; they sent messages home by fax or “letter”;
they drank relentlessly – oops that hasn’t changed much! ; they brought home most of Perth’s streetsigns – hmmm; they conversed deeply and meaningfully about life – well that still happens at Planet Inn, but we do still wonder why so many of today’s technology-enhanced globetrotters travel 20,000 kms to sit watching soap on TV when the sun is shining!

I guess the consistent thing is that young people get to travel, experience some cultural differences and make some great new friends in a chilled out, laid back, homely environment where people can just be themselves, and in many cases, discover themselves. That is the experience that we provide.

From 1997 to 2003

In 1998, Ian left to seek his fortune and Tony and his wife, Lesley continued in business. The hostel grew and the new Company was established for expansion. In 2000 the Club Red brand was born and the hostel became Club Red Backpackers, while Club Red Cars and Club Red Tours were added. Over the next few manic years, Tony and Lesley worked tirelessly, adding holiday apartments, a liquor licence, Club Red Cleaning, Club Red Employment and Club Red Relocations.

Some of these experiments, though fun, were closed back down in the interests of retaining some form of sanity! The Car Yard ran for 8 years though, with a Dealership, Workshop and Hire Car Division. In October 2008 the yard closed owing to high overheads, though a small fleet of hire cars remain.

Alas the marriage did not survive the pressures of such ambitious projects and Lesley returned to the life of a happy wanderer. Tony has two children in Perth though, Craig and Kim, so he continued to battle on with the business.

After the turmoil of a breakup, Tony decided to re-launch and re-enthuse both himself and the hostel. To demonstrate his obvious madness he went against the stream and renamed, rebranded and redecorated the lodge. Thus in 2004, it rediscovered some of its essence in becoming something cosy, homely and inviting for global travelers… Planet Inn.

Of course, there are still other Divisions to the Company! More about that, next time!