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If you’d rather not spend a fortune on your time in Port Douglas, what can you do that’s cheap or free? In this post, we’ll look at budget options for a trip to Port Douglas, including where to stay, where to eat, and getting around Port Douglas on a small budget.
The famous Anthony Bourdain quote about budget travel and exploration is true. (It’s further down the page.) You should see the world. This post is for budget travellers, young and old. You’re never too old to be a backpacker or budget traveller.
Port Douglas is not a cheap destination it’s one of the most expensive places to stay in the world. At this site, we’ve visited almost 60 countries for ourselves, often on a tight budget. We know this to be true. So we think we can help!
Things To Do in Port Douglas on a Budget
IF YOU’RE TWENTY-PLUS, PHYSICALLY FIT, HUNGRY TO LEARN AND BE BETTER, I URGE YOU TO TRAVEL – AS FAR AND AS WIDELY AS POSSIBLE. SLEEP ON FLOORS IF YOU HAVE TO. FIND OUT HOW OTHER PEOPLE LIVE AND EAT AND COOK. LEARN FROM THEM – WHEREVER YOU GO. – ANTHONY BOURDAIN
What is there to see and do in Port Douglas on a budget? Well, you can enjoy the vibe, swim at the beach and revel in sunrises over the Coral Sea. There are walks and hikes, places to explore and wildlife to encounter. But a lot of these things to do in Port Douglas take cash, transport is expensive, and lodging is expensive.
Let’s see if we can help you make it cheaper.
Where To Stay in Port Douglas On A Budget
Port Douglas has a few “Backpackers”. A hostel or similar budget accommodation is often called a “Backpackers” in Australia. But to be honest, these aren’t cheap!
Hostels in Port Douglas include:
- Dougies Backpackers’ Resort (which has been sold and is due to close)
- Port Douglas Backpackers (well located, near Macrossan)
- Global Backpackers (above Rattle and Hum on Macrossan St.)
The cost of staying in a hostel in Port Douglas, about $60 Au per night, that’s around $40 US, 36 EUR or 30 GBP. Check prices for yourself, this is just to give you an idea.
There is a new Backpackers about to open in Mossman, we think this will be cheaper as Mossman is generally a lot cheaper than Port Douglas, being half an hour or so away. We’ll keep you posted.
I’d encourage ultra-budget travellers to look into Couch Surfing, Home Swaps, and sevices where the traveller can exchange work for board. You will, of course, need a working visa for this.
There are campsites (Dougies Backpacker Resort has camping – we’ve stayed there) and some budget travellers go the illegal route of camping on the beach or parking a camper van just anywhere in Port Douglas. This is not allowed!
If you have a bit more cash to spare, consider the following budget hotels in Port Douglas.
Budget Hotel in Port Douglas
There really aren’t many cheap hotel or appartment rentals in Port Douglas and anything at the cheaper end of the market will be very low frills. You get what you pay for.
