For backpackers seeking sanctuary from the party-hard east coast of Australia, Travellers Oasis won't disappoint. A short walk from downtown and the busy Esplanade, the hostel is situated on a quiet residential road off Bunda Street, across from the Cairns railway station. Travellers Oasis is comprised of three low-rise, colourful buildings grouped around a lush green jungle of a courtyard with a swimming pool in the centre. Wooden benches and tables, as well as lounge chairs on the sun deck offer plenty of space to enjoy the hostel's peaceful, tropical atmosphere.
The hostel's buildings as well as the rooms are quite clean and cheerfully decorated with painted flowers and rain forest-motif art. There are no bunk beds in the dorms, which are small and boast no more than four beds per room. There are air conditioners in each room, but they are coin-operated and will cost you extra -- though the fans in each room make for an easy sleep anyway. Purple sheets and fluffy towels are provided for free, a welcome change from the sterile-feeling hospital whites of many hostels. The bathrooms are clean and private but scattered -- if the one down your own hallway is occupied, sometimes it can be hard to find the next closest one (which can mean heading out to the next building, so bring your umbrella if it's the rainy season!).
There are several kitchens, which are extremely well-equipped with decent cooking tools -- dishes, pots, pans, utensils, and loads of mugs to sip the free coffee and tea provided. Common areas are furnished with colourful couches and futons, and the library shelves are well-stocked with books and magazines for the reading and trading. And well in tune with the bohemian vibe, the owners look out for the environment with eco-friendly dish soap and recycle bins around the premises.
Other perks include free airport pick-up if you're staying two nights or more, but be prepared for a bit of a sales pitch upon arrival at the in-house tour desk. With that said, Cairns is a fabulous place to book snorkeling and diving trips to the Great Barrier Reef, along with rain forest tours and all sorts of other activities. On Monday nights, the staff shuttles guests over to the owners' other Cairns hostel for an Aussie barbecue of kangaroo and crocodile for a per-person price. There's also vouchers for discounted meals at a few local hangouts. But really, there's no real pressure to do anything at all if you're feeling a little lazy and would rather indulge in a delightful, tropical detox instead.
Review by Dayle Parker— Informe exclusivo de Hostelz.com
May 2007
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