Up there with the likes of the Pyramids of Giza and the Grand Canyon, the Great Barrier Reef is one of the coolest wonders on this planet. Full of awesome things to see and explore, it’s also one of the best things to experience in Australia.
As much as you may want to you, can’t exactly be sleeping with the fishes. Fortunately, there are some awesome hostels in Port Douglas where you can base yourself instead.
With so many on offer though, choosing the best hostel in Port Douglas can be difficult! That’s why we’ve created this one-stop guide to the best budget-accommodation in town.
Quick Answer: The Best Hostels in Port Douglas
- Overall Best Hostel in Port Douglas – Dougies Backpackers Resort
- Best Cheap Hostel in Port Douglas – Global Backpackers Port Douglas
- Best Hostel for Digital Nomads in Port Douglas – Tamara’s BnB
- Best Hostel for Solo Travelers in Port Douglas – Coral Beach Lodge
- Top Party Hostel in Port Douglas – Port Douglas Backpackers
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The Best Hostels in Port Douglas
Before grabbing your diving gear, you’ll have to find that one hostel you can call home during your great Australian adventure. With each stay a little different from the last, keep your eyes peeled for that one hostel that fits your bill!
Dougies Backpackers Resort – Best Overall Hostel in Port Douglas
Dougies Backpackers Resort is a popular hostel and one of the best places to stay in Port Douglas! This cheap hostel will put you up in budget dorm beds while still giving you all the relaxation of staying at a resort.
The hostel offers the BBQ pits, lounges, a terrace and pool. There’s also a bar on site, so you can get a few in cheaply before heading out at night (Note: please don’t drink and dive).
Global Backpackers Port Douglas – Best Cheap Hostel in Port Douglas
Traveling Australia on a budget can be difficult, but you can breathe easy when staying at Global Backpackers! With the cheapest rooms in all of Port Douglas, you can take a few days relaxing on the beach without having to worry about saving every nickel and dime.
However, this hostel is so much more than just a few cheap beds. Global Backpackers has everything, from an outdoor terrace to hang out on to a bar great for grabbing a beer after a long day of exploring.
We’ve tested countless backpacks over the years, but there’s one that has always been the best and remains the best buy for adventurers: the broke backpacker-approved Osprey Aether and Ariel series.
Want more deetz on why these packs are so damn perfect? Then read our comprehensive review for the inside scoop!
View on Osprey View on REITamara’s BnB – Best Hostel for Digital Nomads in Port Douglas
Although this is a little bit outside of Port Douglas, there’s no better place to call home for a few days than this modern and spacious BnB! Perfect for all you digital nomads out there, this BnB provides bright and sunny rooms, with access to an outdoor patio and living room.
If you’re needing to catch up on some writing or editing, this stay will give you all the peace and quiet you need to catch up on your work and get back to exploring! It’s ideally located right next to Cairns shopping center, providing easy access to shop and bars. Plus you’ve got some other cool Cairns hostels all at your fingertips too.
Coral Beach Lodge – Best Hostel for Solo Travelers in Port Douglas
If you’re looking for a hostel that will be just as fun hanging out in as going out to explore, Coral Beach Lodge is your best call. Basing you just a few minutes walk away from the beautiful 5-Mile Beach, you couldn’t ask for a better location!
With its very own swimming pool, lounges and bike rentals, there isn’t a whole lot Coral Beach Lodge doesn’t offer!
Port Douglas Backpackers – Top Party Hostel in Port Douglas
While in Port Douglas, there is no better place to get the party started than no other than Port Douglas Backpackers. They’ll provide all the essentials, plus an onsite bar, swimming pool, and weekly social events.
With everything from movie nights to live DJs, this is the perfect hostel to have an awesome time! Top it off with a central location in Port Douglas, you’ll be close to some of the best bars in the area.
Nicole’s BnB – Best Hostel for Couples in Port Douglas
After spending some time apart in dorm rooms, you and your better half will probably be wanting some much-needed alone time. Why not forget about the hostels for a few nights and cozy up in a homey BnB!
This bed and breakfast will put you up in a spacious room, for not much more than what you’ld pay at a hostel. With its very own patio and a private entrance, you’ll pretty much have your run of the place.
Stash your cash safely with this money belt. It will keep your valuables safely concealed, no matter where you go.
It looks exactly like a normal belt except for a SECRET interior pocket perfectly designed to hide a wad of cash, a passport photocopy or anything else you may wish to hide. Never get caught with your pants down again! (Unless you want to…)
Hide Yo’ Money!More of the Best Hostels in Port Douglas
Valentina’s BnB
You didn’t come to Port Douglas just to stay in a hostel all day, you were originally attracted to this beach town for the golden sand and blue waters. At Valentina’s BnB, you’ll be staying in the heart of the action.
Situated just 50 meters from the coast, you couldn’t dream of a better location. This stay itself even included a sunny garden and its very own swimming pool! With its cozy rooms and relaxing vibes, you’ll never want to leave.
What to Pack for your Port Douglas Hostel
Pants, socks, underwear, soap?! Take it from me, packing for a hostel stay is not always quite as straightforward as it seems. Working out what to bring and what to leave at home is an art I have perfected over many years.
Ear Plugs
Snoring dorm-mates can ruin your nights rest and seriously damage the hostel experience. This is why I always travel with a pack of decent ear plugs.
Hanging Laundry Bag
Trust us, this is an absolute game changer. Super compact, a hanging mesh laundry bag stops your dirty clothes from stinking, you don’t know how much you need one of these… so just get it, thank us later.
Sea To Summit Micro Towel
Hostel towels are scummy and take forever to dry. Microfibre towels dry quickly, are compact, lightweight, and can be used as a blanket or yoga mat if need be.
Monopoly Deal
Forget about Poker! Monopoly Deal is the single best travel card game that we have ever played. Works with 2-5 players and guarantees happy days.
Grayl Geopress Water Bottle
Always travel with a water bottle! They save you money and reduce your plastic footprint on our planet. The Grayl Geopress acts as a purifier AND temperature regulator. Boom!
Check out my definitive Hostel Packing list for even more top hostel packing tips!
Why you should travel to Port Douglas
From exploring the depths of the sea at one of Australia’s best national parks, Port Douglas will have you cuddling with koalas and taking a dip into the tranquil blue waters off the coast of Australia.
Planning what to explore first is the fun part, but unfortunately, you will first have to tackle the task of finding that perfect Aussie hostel to base yourself in.
With so many great backpackers hostels and BnBs to choose from in Port Douglas, it’s understandable if you’re still scratching your head on where to stay. Let us point you in the right direction by having you book into Dougies Backpackers Resort, our pick for the best hostel in Port Douglas!
FAQ about Hostels in Port Douglas
Here are some questions backpackers ask about hostels in Port Douglas.
How much does a hostel cost in Port Douglas?
Rates in Port Douglas dorms costs $22 and private rooms are around $100.
What are the best hostels in Port Douglas for couples?
Known for their saltwater pool, Port Douglas Backpackers is a great hostel for couples. It’s a five minutes walk to the beach with fantastic restaurants around it.
What are the best hostels in Port Douglas near the airport?
The nearest airport to Port Douglas is in Cairns, which is an hour drive away. I highly recommend Dougies Backpackers Resort. It’s a great hostel with a lot to offer including airport transfer assistance.
Travel Safety Tips for Port Douglas
ALWAYS sort out your backpacker insurance before your trip. There’s plenty to choose from in that department, but a good place to start is Safety Wing.
They offer month-to-month payments, no lock-in contracts, and require absolutely no itineraries: that’s the exact kind of insurance long-term travellers and digital nomads need.
SafetyWing is cheap, easy, and admin-free: just sign up lickety-split so you can get back to it!
Click the button below to learn more about SafetyWing’s setup or read our insider review for the full tasty scoop.
Over to you
If you have ever traveled to Port Douglas and stayed at any great backpacker’s hostels we may have missed we would love to hear about it in the comments below!
- Check out our extensive guide to backpacking in Australia for a wealth of info!
- Check out the best places to stay in Port Douglas before you arrive.
- Prepare for your trip with our backpacking packing list.
- Get ready for your next destination with our ultimate Oceania backpacking guide.
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