Townsville Travel Guide: Airport Transport & Hostel Experience 🛫🏡

Because I needed to collect regional work days, I flew from Melbourne to Townsville! Here’s my experience—hope it helps other WHVers! 1️⃣ Airport Transport Options 🚕 Taxi (Expensive!) I originally planned to take the bus (only 50 cents per ride! 🚌 You can pay with coins/card or buy a $1 daily ticket). But my luggage was too heavy, and the bus stop was a 10+ min walk, so I ended up taking 13 CABS from the airport. ⚠️ Warning: Uber & DiDi are rarely available here! The taxi was luxurious but crazy expensive—$30 for a 10-min ride! 💸 The meter felt like it was ticking in my temples. Never again! 🚐 Cheaper Alternative: Airport Shuttle Bus ✅ $10 per person (cheaper for groups!) ✅ Direct to hostels ✅ Book 3 hours in advance online or call last-minute. 🔍 Google "Townsville Airport Shuttle" 2️⃣ Hostel Review: Civic Guest House Backpackers 📍 Location: Great! Close to everything. 🛏 Room: 4-bed dorm, large quiet fridge (no noise!). 👍 Pros: Spacious, good for longer stays if available. 3️⃣ Flinders St. Backpackers (Female Only!) 🔒 No reception—password entry after 2 PM (no early check-in). ⚠️ CONS: ❌ NO ELEVATOR! Just endless stairs (see pic 😱). My luggage almost killed me—I had to carry it up in 10 trips instead of dragging it once. Not suitcase-friendly! ❌ 8-bed dorms face the street—LOUD at night (motorbikes zooming past). Light sleepers, BEWARE! ✅ PROS: 🌸 All-girls hostel = CLEAN & smells nice (no guys = no stink!). 🧊 Huge empty fridge—great for meal preppers staying 1+ weeks. 💲 Weekly discount (~$5 off/night) if booked on their website. Final Thoughts Townsville is a cool spot, but choose your transport wisely (skip the taxi if you can!). For hostels: Civic Guest House = Best for convenience. Flinders St. = Best for female solo travelers who don’t mind stairs. Next stop: Farm work in Julia Creek! 🚜🌾 #Townsville #AustraliaWHV #BackpackingAustralia #HostelLife #BudgetTravel #WorkingHolidayVisa #WHV #TravelTips #AussieAdventures ✈️🇦🇺