Cairnes hostels
 

Hiya

I'm travelling out to Cairnes in a few months and I was wondering if any one can recommend a cheap, sociable, young (ish) hostel? I'm a 23 year old female travelling on my own : ) Thanks.

julz184, did you not see my response to your earlier post? If not, please check my advice regarding the Lonely Planet and Hostelling International sites. In addition you really should buy a guide book, Lonely Planet probably being best for your purposes.

While someone here may be able to help up to a point, Fodors tends to cater to an older age group, few of whom are in the habit of using hostels and would rather sleep on a park bench than share a dorm with strangers.

When running searches, not that it's spelt "Cairns" (no "e").

Good luck.

There's heaps in Cairns, julz. Gilligans is the biggest and most popular - handily situated in the middle of town, you can have private room or share dorms.

Hi,

Cairns is not short of hostels!

As well as the tips Neil has provided you could also check out

www.bugaustralia.com
www.hostelworld.com

Gilligans is a huge hostel that looks like a casino. Young work colleagues (early 20s here on a WHV) have stayed there and had a great time - it's a party place.

I'm an oldie who does stay in hostels - preferring my own room of course for the few extra dollars it costs - but not minding the shared facilities. Hostels in Australia come in all shapes and sizes. The cheaper ones can be a bit scruffy but generally they are of a very high standard.

I loved Geckos Hostel in Cairns. It's in a lovely old house with a garden; very sociable but attracting a slightly older crowd who find the pubs and backpacker nightlife a bit too full on, and are happy to sit outside in the garden, chat and share a bottle of wine.

You shouldn't have any trouble finding your kind of hostel if you do a bit of reseach and learn to read between the lines.

Have a great trip.

Thanks guys. I have bought the lonely planet guide, but always good to get first hand honest opinions! What's people opinions on YHA card or a VIP backpackers card?

I stayed at the Caravella on the Esplanade, a private double room with aircon.It was very comfy,friendly staff,most of all close to places of intrest.Rooms were brightly colored,absolutely clean & affordable.A small pool to boot.A good bet if you dont mind the backpackers tag its got.
Heres the site:
http://www.caravella.com.au/