Dougies Backpackers Resort
Dougies Backpackers Resort
111 Davidson St, Port Douglas, Queensland 4877 Australia
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About
4.5
#2 of 4 hostels in Port DouglasLocation
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Dougies is run by a bunch of us who had lots of fun backpacking around places of the world before, so we decided to start a hostel ourselves. We have the pretty relaxed atmosphere, without all of the formal procedures that some hostels have. Our philosophy is 'kick back and relax at Dougies'. We have all of the facilities that a fun loving backpacker could ever need, including a bar, refreshing swimming pool, free bbq facilities, shop (coke, ice-creams, chockies, etc), a huge self-cook kitchen, laundry, internet, satellite TV (really big one), hire bikes, fishing rods, tour desk and of course accommodation (doubles, twins, share rooms, camping, van sites and our own stylish canvas tents). But once you see our tropical gardens and cruisy front lawn you might just want to lay back and relax under a palm tree, kick back in a hammock, by the pool or you may even like to unwind on the grass and soak up some of the Far North's warm tropical sunlight.
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Property amenities
Free parking
Pool
Outdoor pool
Bar / lounge
Airport transportation
BBQ facilities
Non-smoking hotel
Self-serve laundry
Shuttle bus service
Shared bathroom
Room features
Air conditioning
Safe
Room types
Non-smoking rooms
Good to know
HOTEL CLASS
Star ratings are intended to indicate the general level of features, amenities, and services to expect. This property is classified according to Giata.
HOTEL STYLE
Quirky Hotels
Budget
Languages Spoken
English
Location
111 Davidson St, Port Douglas, Queensland 4877 Australia
Getting there
Car recommended
Places to stay are graded on a 0-100 scale. The higher the grade, the easier it is for travelers to find restaurants and things to do within walking distance.
Grade: 48 out of 100
48
Cairns Airport
52.6 km•
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within 10 kilometers
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Detailed Reviews
Dougies is an absolute gem in Port Douglas - we went on a girls trip and had the best experience.
The rooms are clean, comfortable, and come with a great aircon to keep you cool. The staff were the absolute kindest and most helpful people we have met (special shout out to Nikki - you are a champion!!). The common areas are great with a beautiful pool, lots of seating, a super cheap bar, and home-cooked meals served for less than $10 (including what might have been the best roast of my life).
I will be recommending dougies to anyone heading to Port Douglas
The rooms are clean, comfortable, and come with a great aircon to keep you cool. The staff were the absolute kindest and most helpful people we have met (special shout out to Nikki - you are a champion!!). The common areas are great with a beautiful pool, lots of seating, a super cheap bar, and home-cooked meals served for less than $10 (including what might have been the best roast of my life).
I will be recommending dougies to anyone heading to Port Douglas
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Date of stay: January 2021
Cleanliness
Service
Sleep Quality
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
I stayed in the Campervan parking spots during my stay so I can't comment on the rooms, but I thought it was pretty damn cool they offered large, powered tents as an accommodation option alongside dorms, private rooms and van spots. The kitchen/common area was massive and was almost always open (5am-11pm) with plenty of couches and attached to the bar, which was quite cheap. The other side of the bar faced outside picnic benches under the shade with a bbq area and a nice pool. There were a few cooked people staying there but overall everyone was really friendly and it was just a super chill place. It is 2-3 kms out of the main street where all the bars and shops are, but still worth staying at if you want to meet ppl but don't want to party too hard
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Date of stay: September 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Stayed at Dougies for 3 nights. Great hostel, good cooking facilities, friendly staff and clean. Good vibe with lots of social areas and affordable drinks at the bar. Highly recommend for anyone planning a stay in Port Douglas.
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Date of stay: October 2022Trip type: Traveled solo
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Terrible experience!!!!! Came to celebrate our sisters birthday in port Douglas got charged 20$per person for one night and got put in a car park where they throw the rubbish (looked like a scrap yard). Went to cook in the kitchen and had to pay 10 $ to use a plate and cutlery... then thought we would have some drinks in the bar the staff were so so rude! Special call out to Jessy for being over the top rude and giving us evil looks for wanting to play pool after being in a wait for 2 hours and not being aloud to play and then requesting a song for my sister's birthday and got it changed straight away. All the other staff were there drinking and told us we couldn't play pool or request songs as it was the managers last night and that was a fair excuse to give appalling customer service apparently .Will not be back and definitely won't recommend. :(
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Date of stay: October 2023Trip type: Traveled with family
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Stayed here for a few days while exploring the Port Douglas area. Nice enough hostel with friendly staff and happy hour every day. Unfortunately, our experience was a let down due to the long term residents (90% of guests) at the hostel. There seemed to be a unfriendly, almost cliquey atmosphere at Dougies which we were surprised by as we had heard good reviews. We were met with funny looks, staring and whispering when we went into the common areas and throughout our stay. Not the vibe you would expect from a backpacker hostel. As a result we felt quite uncomfortable and decided to stay elsewhere. Also the kitchen and bathrooms were filthy.
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Date of stay: June 2021Trip type: Traveled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
This place is the most filthy and noisy backpackers I have ever had the misfortune to stay in. We refused to cook in the kitchen and I don't think the showers have ever been cleaned. While the bar stopped serving at midnight, the party didn't stop until after 3am - and then they started empty the bottles at 5.30am. Paid for 2 nights and left after 1, and the staff didn't even blink an eye when we handed in our key early. Lucky we have stayed in backpackers before, otherwise this would have turned me off ever using one again.
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Date of stay: June 2012Trip type: Traveled as a couple
Value
Rooms
Location
Cleanliness
Service
Sleep Quality
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Everything here costs money. Internet? $7.00 a day... And then it is slow as can be. Showers during my stay were only about 4 for the entire campgrounds and dorms of about 150 geusts - and the female and males had to use the same rooms. Only 2 washing machines and 2 dryers for the total park - again servicing about 150 people, with the staff able to hijack them anytime for personal use.
Drugs rampant everywhere, and one of the busiest / worst kitchens I have had the displeasure to use. Rooms are tiny and cramped with at least 2 cockroachers killed in our room during my 2 week stay. Also rooms quite dirty.
Staff where rude and unreliable, ignoring or complacent with issues except when a personal stake was involved.
I will never be back or recomend this hostel to anyone else - especially when thier are so many better alternatives in Port Dougles. Ie Parrot Fish, above Rattle and Hum and all the others...
1 Star Dougies...
Drugs rampant everywhere, and one of the busiest / worst kitchens I have had the displeasure to use. Rooms are tiny and cramped with at least 2 cockroachers killed in our room during my 2 week stay. Also rooms quite dirty.
Staff where rude and unreliable, ignoring or complacent with issues except when a personal stake was involved.
I will never be back or recomend this hostel to anyone else - especially when thier are so many better alternatives in Port Dougles. Ie Parrot Fish, above Rattle and Hum and all the others...
1 Star Dougies...
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Date of stay: June 2012
Value
Rooms
Location
Cleanliness
Service
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
For my first time traveling overseas I had high hopes for this hostel. I had read a lot of reviews online and have also referred to the website for additional guidance. My whole experience here was poor at best. I opted for a private room as I had never travelled before on my own. Apparently this was my first mistake. The hostel had a very unsettling vibe of not accepting new comers. Its your typical small town hostel where one girl thinks she runs the show. She either likes you or she doesnt...in my case she didn't like me. Therefore other long time guests would barely speak to me. I tried to be as friendly as I could to the others but it was apparent that I was already shunned. I am NOT trying to sound conceited in saying this but it is a feeling I am certainly not used to. I have never had a hard time making friends with the exception of this hostel :( Moving on.....the hostel itself was small with nothing going on. It seems to pride itself on being this great place to meet people and interact with others however, unless you're a long term guest most of the people overlook you. This hostel also boasts that they have a chef on site. This is not true. The prepared meals are the same bland pasta dishes that are overpriced every single day. Furthermore, the showering area was small and dirty, 2 days in a row I went to the same stall and dirty q-tips were just piled up on the shelf. I have learned a week in this place was far too long and next time I will go to another hostel. I am sad to write this review because I was so excited to come here for almost six months. I'm not trying to be rude but this was just my experience and I hope it helps others.
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Date of stay: February 2015Trip type: Traveled solo
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Such a great stay -- had a private double, which was roomy and quiet. Cheerful staff at the office and the bar. Things were clean enough - it has a a great indoor/outdoor atmosphere, so immaculate is an unrealistic expectation. They sorted out a shuttle for me from the airport in Cairns, and stowed my bag for no charge while I dove on my last day. Felt 100% safe as a woman traveling alone.
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Date of stay: December 2014Trip type: Traveled solo
Value
Service
Sleep Quality
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
If you're not a 20 year old party animal, this is not the place for you. Definitely not for families.
Up front it's nice. Employees are very friendly. Out back it's a different story. People packed into a tent village like sardines, overloaded 10amp extension leads running to most tents. Constant smell of cigarettes and marijuana. Over zealous lovers in surrounding tents waking everyone up through the night. Loud music, vomit-covered toilets, etc.
I like to party a bit and have never been accused of being uptight, but it was all just a bit much. BUT, I will offer the caveat that I'm over 30.
It's just not really like Australia. Instead of greeting people with a friendly "G'day" most people seem to divert their eyes and slip past. It's a different story I suppose for the so-called "long termers."
If you're a young backpacker looking to party it up, get drunk, stoned, and/or laid, this is probably the place for you.
To all else, though the place is definitely affordable, it's just not worth it.
Up front it's nice. Employees are very friendly. Out back it's a different story. People packed into a tent village like sardines, overloaded 10amp extension leads running to most tents. Constant smell of cigarettes and marijuana. Over zealous lovers in surrounding tents waking everyone up through the night. Loud music, vomit-covered toilets, etc.
I like to party a bit and have never been accused of being uptight, but it was all just a bit much. BUT, I will offer the caveat that I'm over 30.
It's just not really like Australia. Instead of greeting people with a friendly "G'day" most people seem to divert their eyes and slip past. It's a different story I suppose for the so-called "long termers."
If you're a young backpacker looking to party it up, get drunk, stoned, and/or laid, this is probably the place for you.
To all else, though the place is definitely affordable, it's just not worth it.
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Date of stay: July 2013
Value
Rooms
Location
Cleanliness
Service
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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"You can get a private room (ours was), or for less money you can go dorm style or even share one of their tents on site."Read full review
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ALSO KNOWN AS
dougies backpackers hotel port douglas
LOCATION
AustraliaQueenslandPort Douglas
NUMBER OF ROOMS
10
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Claim Your ListingDOUGIES BACKPACKERS RESORT - UPDATED 2023 Hostel Reviews (Port Douglas, Australia) - Tripadvisor
Frequently Asked Questions about Dougies Backpackers Resort
Which popular attractions are close to Dougies Backpackers Resort?
Nearby attractions include Four Mile Beach (1.1 km), Port Douglas Court House Museum (0.9 km), and Port Douglas Tennis Club (0.9 km).
What are some of the property amenities at Dougies Backpackers Resort?
Some of the more popular amenities offered include a pool, a lounge, and free parking.
What food & drink options are available at Dougies Backpackers Resort?
Guests can enjoy a lounge and barbeque facilities during their stay.
Is parking available at Dougies Backpackers Resort?
Yes, free parking is available to guests.
What are some restaurants close to Dougies Backpackers Resort?
Conveniently located restaurants include Harrisons Restaurant, Hi Tide by the Beach, and Port Douglas Yacht Club.
Are there opportunities to exercise at Dougies Backpackers Resort?
Yes, guests have access to a pool during their stay.
Does Dougies Backpackers Resort have airport transportation?
Yes, Dougies Backpackers Resort offers airport transportation for guests. We recommend calling ahead to confirm details.
Are there any historical sites close to Dougies Backpackers Resort?
Many travellers enjoy visiting St David's Anglican Church Mossman (10.4 km).
Is Dougies Backpackers Resort accessible?
Yes, it offers wheelchair access. For specific inquiries, we recommend calling ahead to confirm.