Tropic Days Backpackers

My sister and I have travelled widely and stayed in hundreds of hostels, but we’ve never had an experience this bad. I don’t usually write reviews, so taking the time to post this says a lot about how awful our stay at Tropic Days was. I really hope the place can learn to treat young travellers who are far from home with kindness. Our two-bedroom room wasn’t properly prepared or clean when we arrived. I’m not especially picky, but given what we were paying, it felt unfair. During the stay, the owners watched and judged us, both through their several cameras and to our faces. We did have friends visit occasionally during the day. Only afterwards were we told we needed to ask permission, though “not every time,” which was confusing. Several other rules were also only stated harshly after the fact. I wouldn’t usually spend my time writing a bad review about a small-town hostel, but the way I and several other guests were treated was unacceptable. Cath and Gary were unkind hosts at a place that should feel welcoming, especially when a business depends on word of mouth. We weren’t loud, rude, or unclean, and we followed the rules. Even as we were leaving, after I’d cleaned the room as best I could despite having spent several days in the hospital, Cathy herself threatened me, saying, “this is a small town and we know people.” I highly don’t recommend either of their hostels. You won’t feel welcome, and it’s a long way from central Cairns.

My husband and I were pleasantly surprised by how quiet and considerate the other guests were. I’m usually wary of hostels because of noise and interrupted sleep, but this one had a gorgeous, peaceful vibe. The friendly staff were helpful, kind-hearted, and environmentally focused, and the indoor and outdoor spaces are lovely. We stayed in a budget room, which suited us perfectly. The little fridge, powerful ceiling fan, and bed were great. It’s an old building, but cleanliness is kept to a high standard. Beautiful hostel, highly recommend.

After travelling for more than a year, I feel lucky I got to stay at Tropic Days and finish on such a high. There are lots of nice places to hang out and meet people, but it’s also tranquil, so you can sleep well or relax by the beautiful pool. The rooms are spacious, nicely decorated, and cool, and this is the cleanest hostel you’ll stay in. The atmosphere is perfect, and the staff are friendly and ready to help with anything. Thanks, Lucy, for an amazing trip. I’m in love with Cairns now, and I’ll definitely be back. Best hostel I’ve ever stayed in!

It felt like a dreamy little oasis, more like sharing a house with friends than staying in a hostel. The kitchens and bathrooms were fantastic, and the place was cleaned every day to a higher standard than I’ve seen at any other hostel. The staff were warm, bubbly, and like-minded, and always glad to help. There are plenty of lovely places to relax around the pool, in a hammock, or in the yoga zone. I couldn’t recommend a stay here more highly.