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Castaway's Backpackers

Cairns (Cairns North), Queensland, Australia

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Address
207 Sheridan Street, Cairns (Cairns North)   Map
Price
$18 AUD / $17 WITH VIP card dorm, $40 AUD DBL/TWIN SHARE Check Current Prices by Date Here
Location/Contact
Details
Their Description

Features

  • 24 Hour Free Hot Showers
  • Air Conditioning
  • Washing Machine (laundry)
  • Lounge / Common space
  • Travel information provided
  • Swimming Pool
  • Kitchen
  • Bike Rental
  • Phones (public or in room)
  • BBQ
 
The Hostelz.com Review
Castaway's Backpackers is located just outside of the main town. It's a nice, clean hostel, with rooms located both within the main two-story building as well as in a motel-type style. It is a quiet, relaxed atmosphere, so those looking for a party place may want to look elsewhere. There is a big kitchen and spacious lounge room with comfy couches where you can watch free movies, though quiet time is at 10:30 p.m. Some bedrooms are located right next to the lounge room, so the quiet time is important. There are also several outdoor sitting areas, including a small pool, large balcony, and a few picnic tables around the parking lot.

It is about a ten- to fifteen-minute walk into town, or the hostel offers around six to eight shuttles a day to and from town, ending when the office closes at 6 p.m. There are a few additional shuttles into town early in the evening, hosted by Woolshed, where you can have a free dinner. The meals are basic such as spaghetti with bolognese sauce, though you can pay to upgrade to other basic meals. This is good if you're on a budget -- however, Cairns has many good restaurants worth visiting!

Other perks include free bikes you can borrow during daylight hours, which is a nice way to get around Cairns. There are also two free computers you can use to check email. The staff can provide you with ample information on trips and make bookings on your behalf which is extremely helpful. Reception closes early at 6 p.m., however they do accommodate for late arrivals. During office hours, Castaway's also offers free shuttles from the airport, which saves you a few dollars.

The rooms are clean with a fan and a coin-operated air-conditioner that you must pay for. Some of the mattresses could be replaced, with the bed springs easily felt throughout the night. The bathrooms are kept clean, however there could be more sinks. The main negative feature of the main bathroom is that the lights turn off after five minutes, so you may want to make sure your evening shower is quick! All in all, a decent place to stay for the price in Cairns.

-- Exclusive Hostelz.com Review


Your Comments
This is an open forum, and unlike other hostel guide websites, we don't censor out the negative comments.
We do not validate the legitimacy of comments posted on this site—so take what you read here with a grain of salt.
Comment by Ade and Bec
November 2006
This was the first hostel we stayed in during our oz trip and we were spoilt! Had a private room and it felt like we were in a hotel. Really friendly, had some great advice from the staff. Would definitely recommend it.
Comment by C
January 2006
Helpful, funny staff that tried their best to help me out with all my questions. A bit longer than tem minutes from downtown, but there is a bus that goes in to town like 7 times a day. Best recommendations.
Comment by Si & Kate
May 2005
Cool hostel, great set up, friendly and helpful staff. Facilities are good and all, clean and ok. Big rooms and great communal areas make for a good stay. Location could be better - 20/25 mins to beach/town the only downside. Stay there, it's cool.
Comment by Simon & Kate
April 2005
Really great hostel. I had a lot of fun and met some really cool people. The whole hostel was really clean, the bedrooms were pretty big and the social areas were real cool and a good size. It has really helpful staff who did everything they could to help!
Comment by Anonymous
April 2004
Really nice helpful staff, free meal at the Woolshed Backpacker Restaurant, and a bit of on-site eye candy in the form of the handy man! What more could you ask for?
Comment by Claire
February 2004
I have been in Oz for 10 months, stayed in lots of hostels and Castaway's would have to be one of the best places I have stayed in. The staff are fantastic, very friendly, and helpful all the time. Nice clean rooms and bathrooms and free meal at the Woolshed, that place rocks.
Comment by Anonymous
April 2003
This place is great, small clean and the staff are very helpful. Rooms have nice beds - but no bunkbeds.
Have you visited this hostel? Post your comments here.

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