healthy active living

Review of Port O'Call Lodge YHA

Looking for a hostel in Port Douglas? One of the best hostels to stay in Port Douglas is the Port O'Call Lodge YHA and this realbuzz hostel review of Port O'Call Lodge YHA will give you all the info on why we have rated this hostel as one of the top hostels in Port Douglas.

Port O'Call Lodge YHA location
Port Street
Port Douglas

Queensland

Australia

The location of Port O’Call Lodge YHA in Port Douglas
Port Douglas is a fairly small town, so despite Port O’Call Lodge being set away from the centre it is still within easy walking distance of everything you need. Within a 5-10 minute walk is the beautiful Four Mile Beach, the main street and the harbour, with a big choice of restaurants, bars and shops. We were warned that we might encounter crocodiles on the riverside road into town, so a torch and a friend that you can outrun may be advisable! Port O’Call Lodge is about 1 ½ hours from Cairns, but the hostel does run an excellent minibus service, and can pick you up/drop you off in Cairns or at the Airport – just make sure you arrange your airport pickup in advance!

Attractions near Port O’Call Lodge YHA in Port Douglas
Whilst staying in Port O’Call lodge we arranged some really good trips which the hostel provides loads of information and advice on. We dove at the Barrier Reef, leaving from the harbour in Port Douglas, and took a tour to Cape Tribulation and the Daintree Rainforest, including boat trip down the crocodile inhabited Daintree River. Both trips are highly recommended, and even had door-to-door transfers! If you prefer relaxing then you could easily spend a day on the picturesque Four Mile Beach, a 5 minute walk from the hostel!

The atmosphere of Port O’Call Lodge YHA in Port Douglas
Port O’Call Lodge was a relaxed hostel with plenty of people coming and going. The hostel also had good communal areas including a pool and small bar, which were fairly quiet out of season, but would be much busier during the vacation periods. There were also areas inside and outside for people who wanted to be able to relax in a more peaceful environment.

The staff at Port O’Call Lodge YHA in Port Douglas
All the staff were extremely friendly, and keen to help – whether recommending places to eat, trips to do or booking your next hostel or activity. The reception was open form 7.30am to 7.30pm, which meant that you had plenty of time in the evening after getting back from whatever you had been doing for the day to book up the next day's activity! The free minibus service was also great, with a guided tour of Port Douglas when you arrived!

Was Port O’Call Lodge YHA in Port Douglas clean?
The room we stayed in slept 4 people and was lovely, with air conditioning, it’s own bathroom and a small patio space with a couple of chairs. The bedroom was clean when we arrived and the bathroom was cleaned daily! Clean sheets and all other bedding was provided. The kitchen and all other communal areas were also nice, which made a change from some other hostels!

What else did Port O’Call Lodge YHA in Port Douglas offer?
In addition to the courtesy minibus, the sea-water swimming pool, the large guest kitchen, and the reception area with endless information on tours etc, Port O’Call Lodge had a guest laundry, air conditioned internet room – which was also fairly cheap to use – a TV room and a small bar. The very tasty and reasonably priced meals from the bar were brilliant! There was also an option to have breakfast provided for a small extra cost, although there was plenty of space and storage in the kitchen for those who wanted to cater for themselves.

Was Port O’Call Lodge YHA in Port Douglas value for money?
Not the cheapest accommodation in Australia ($28 if you’re a YHA member), but very good value for money if you want to stay in a lovely, friendly and clean hostel with easy access to shops, restaurants and a beautiful beach! Everything the hostel offered such as internet access and meals from the bar were also reasonably priced, and they were able to offer you discounts on quite a few of the activities. With all the other facilities the hostel has to offer it’s definitely worth the extra few dollars!

The best bit about Port O’Call Lodge YHA in Port Douglas?
The friendly staff and the ease of booking all the trips and accommodation we needed was a definite good point! But the pool and the bar were pretty cool too, and it was definitely worth spending a few hours there!

The worst bit about Port O’Call Lodge YHA in Port Douglas?
Difficult to think of a real bad point about the hostel, but I suppose for people who want accommodation right in the centre of Port Douglas it may not be in the best location. Despite this all the essentials are within walking distance!

Would you stay at Port O’Call Lodge YHA in Port Douglas again?
Definitely! Port Douglas is definitely worth a visit for a few days, and Port O’Call Lodge was the perfect base for seeing the town and doing all other activities nearby!

Check out more hostels in Queensland and other hostels in Australasia.