Port Douglas Backpackers

Large hostel, good availability. Pretty unkept, very few bathrooms for the sheer size of this place. Seems like most of the people live here so there isn't that much service or cleaning that gets done since there aren't that many short term stays. We were here for 8 nights, I think the bathrooms *may* have been cleaned once but that might have been by some of the long term guests, the place seemed very understaffed, we brought our own toilet paper. The kitchens were great if unkept, but if you are okay with cleaning up things before you start cooking its fine. But seriously, these are big commercial style kitchens and had lots of stuff to use communally which was appreciated. The downside was that people were cooking very late into the night so the whole place was filled with heavy odors of cooking into the early morning hours, quite hours and "cooking hours" were not at all enforced. The desk and bar were mostly unstaffed and very often if mostly closed. We often saw people trying to check in and there was nobody at the desk at all, on two occasions we just let people in and showed them up to the room area since they clearly had paid reservations and they settled the next day. There is a bar with a drink menu and also bottled, canned and beer on tap but good luck with that! If there is someone at the desk/ bar if you do ask for a draft beer they are usually confused as to how to operate the draft or have you pay and don't even think about asking for one of the cocktails on the menu that is displayed on the bar because they simply don't know how to do any of them. There is liquor right there but if you ask for a margarita, they are like..."what??" Then give you a can of Smirnoff margarita (3.5%) which is clearly not what the menu is for since the liquor for making one is right there behind them. Its all a bit weird to be honest. The bar and desk also closes very early and is often just closed way before the posted time, maybe because of lack of staffing? So just be aware of that and if you make a reservation be very clear of your arrival time or try to arrive in the middle of the day to be safe. There are MANY places to stay in Port Douglas and you can get very good deals at hotels, Resorts and AirBnBs, definitely try that before you look at this hostel.

I had a really nice stay here. The staff were kind and helpful, the rooms were clean, and the vibe in the hostel was relaxed and friendly. Definitely a good place to stay.

Excellent location. Staff super helpful, always ready to give you even tips to travel around the area. Big rooms, two kitchens, lots of common areas and free activities for guests. 100% recommended!

One of the loudest and dirtiest hostel I’ve been to. Reception opens at 8am and start blasting music in the whole building even though they ask guest to sign a document at check-in requesting no noise before 10 AM. There is 3 showers for all the rooms, each of them connecting by the feet so if someone decide to pee during their shower you’ll have your feet in their pee. Atrocious. Plus you have to pay 45$ of deposit for your cutlery, key card and towel.

Located in the center of the city, its a great starting point. The ambient is super friendly, almost guaranteed that you are going to make friends there. The staff is super helpful.

I always stay in hostels, and this is by far the most disgusting and dirty place I’ve stayed. Old and dirty, the floor, the bathrooms… the shower had used tampons and nobody cleaned them for the 2 nights we stayed there. The kitchen super filthy, after seeing a rat I can tell you, didn’t even use the water from the sink. And the pool definitely doesn’t invite you to go in. They tell you to be quiet after 11pm, but they keep going right outside the window until at least 1.30am. Impossible to sleep and rest, not even one bit! Even using earplugs. Staff from reception was nice, but doesn’t change the feeling of disappointment with the price paid, as we feel totally overcharged for what the place is.

Large hostel, lots of space and very pleasant common areas. +1 for the pool and the good atmosphere of the hostel

I have backpacked all around the world and this is one of the dirtiest places I have ever stayed. There were only 3 showers and toilets for a whole level of people, the floor was filthy. The kitchens were dirty with food scraps and rubbish, with overfilled fridges and spaces. There were not enough plugs in the rooms to charge devices. Dorms were crowded and all my things were moved after my first night, I assume due to overbooking. There is black mould on the roof of the rooms. The swimming pool was disgusting with leaves and a layer of oil/ dirt on the top. Would definitely not get in. The staff at reception were nice, but they obviously need to employ some cleaners to maintain the accomodation.