Charlie A.
Yelp
I've lived and worked in a few different countries, and Dougie's is without a doubt the best backpacker/hostel I've ever been to. As the name suggests, it's a backpacker *resort*. The property is well set up for long term backpackers who are looking to work a season in Port Douglas. The grounds are beautiful, the staff is very friendly and accommodating, and the bar is the cheapest in town! I've stayed three times, starting in 2014, and my longest stay was for six and a half months.
There are two main types of accommodations, dorm rooms and tents. The dorm rooms have nice wood framed bunk beds, a storage cabinet for each bed containing a lockable cubby to securely store passports/camera/cash etc, plenty of power outlets, and the most important things: air conditioning! The rooms are very comfortable. Outside in the camp ground, you can rent "stylie" tents. These tents are furnished and powered, and have two single beds in them, a large fan, and a bedside table in between the two beds. If you're travelling with a friend, this is a good option where the two of you can have your own space.
The kitchen onsite is well stocked with pots and pans, and is cleaned twice a day. Next to the kitchen is the bar area with a nice nine foot pool table, dart board, and lots of seating for lounging around on days off. The bar itself is probably the focal point of the property, like most backpackers, and also serves food. There is a cafe on site which makes pastas, curries, chicken wings, and pizzas which are available at the bar during all opening hours. In the mornings the cafe has breakfast sandwiches, quiches, and really good coffee, and gourmet burgers and fries are served until the afternoon. There is also a little shop next to reception that sells basic necessities like detergent, bug spray, and toiletries, as well as eggs, bacon, cheese, bread, milk, juice, ramen noodles, and chips and candies. You really don't have to leave the property if you don't want to!
What really makes Dougie's special is the people. I think they do most of their business on referrals and word of mouth (I was enthusiastically referred by a friend who had stayed there years before and couldn't say enough great things about the place). So many of the residents there are returnees or long term and you really get to know a lot of people really well, rather than having a constant influx of people staying for a few days. Dougie's does nightly stays as well, but most of the beds are taken up by long term guests. If you're looking to come to Port Douglas, Dougie's is the place to be!