can anyone tell me which way to go is best.
We have tried to work out costs as one against the other, including rental car and hostel against camping park site costs, etc. Also, which way is safer for 2 girls. Going for 1 weeks in end of October from Gold Coast to Cairns.
Both as safe as each other,Both uncomfortable. Why not alternate.
Be hot in a camper van with two bodies
I'd personally go one step lower and get a rental car and bring camping equipment, then alternate between hostel and camping.
Both ways would be safe, but to be honest, I would rather camp on my own in the bush in relative isolation then share a hostel with a bunch of random people. Sharing the hostel, you could easily be unfortunate enough to come across a big group of narcissistic backpackers who thing the world only revolves around them and just cause a grief to everyone around them. Why don't you just buy an instant up tent or something from Coleman and just camp in caravan parks on your way up, most caravan parks have great locations, cheap unpowered camp sites and showering facilities as well as laundry washing facilities.
My experience with hostels is completely different, people are friendly and helpful and you meet different people with different experiences from all over the world
I stayed in YHA backpack. People are very friendly and considerate.
If I m getting a tent and camp at campervan park. That's will cost us about 15-30 bucks per person. YHA is only $26-30 per person with comfortable mattress and hot shower.
For 1 week just get a car and stay in hostel, easier to drive around in than a campervan. All sorts of travelers stay at hostels plus most have options for own rooms some even with on-suite.
hostels are hit and miss, but id go that option. The different people are good fun
stayed in a 50 man dorm once, the BO was epic.
Rental car, camping gear and a shotgun. Sorted.
Thanks guys, i will go with car then stay in hostel.
I can totally relate to your dilemma. But for me it was even worse as a slow, tired cyclist with a tent (not tried Queensland though). I end up free camping in the worse places (you never know when the sprinklers come out…), sleeping restless due to ranger-danger (they do dish out fines) and reducing the shower frequency. It's ridiculous that a bed with a hot shower, air-conditioning and blankets can cost less than a piece of stiff ground.
Many Queensland hostels are drinking oriented. Nomads might not let Australians stay in dorms… Hostels are typically cheap.and get cheaper in Cairns. And more German the further north you go.
Rental Car i would recommended , their are free camping areas on the way but are very busy and hard to get a spot sometimes and very few have showers, you can try a relocation camper-van but you will be paying double the fuel than what u would do with a small car and at that time most relocation's will come out of Cairns not going to Cairns.
5 star hotel and luxury car rental is the way to go