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Waterfront Backpackers - Hostel

2.0 star property
Adults-only hostel near Cairns Esplanade

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January 2025

Photo gallery for Waterfront Backpackers - Hostel

Lobby
Shared Dormitory, Women only (6 bed with shared bathroom)
Exterior
Sports facility
In-room safe, free WiFi, bed sheets

Reviews

5.4 out of 10

Popular amenities

  • Bar
  • Housekeeping
  • Pool
  • 24/7 front desk
  • Laundry
  • Kitchen

Explore the area

Map
83 The Esplanade, Cairns, QLD, 4870
  • Cairns Esplanade
    1 min walk
  • Esplanade Lagoon
    4 min walk
  • Cairns Night Markets
    4 min walk
  • Cairns, QLD (CNS-Cairns Intl.)
    8 min drive

Room options

View all photos for Double Room (Shared Bathroom Facilities)

Double Room (Shared Bathroom Facilities)

Double Room (Shared Bathroom Facilities)

  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Double Bed OR 2 Twin Beds

View all photos for Shared Dormitory (6 bed with ensuite)

Shared Dormitory (6 bed with ensuite)

Shared Dormitory (6 bed with ensuite)

  • Sleeps 1
  • 1 Twin Bed

Twin Room (Shared bathroom)

  • Sleeps 2
  • 2 Twin Beds

View all photos for Shared Dormitory, Women only (6 bed with shared bathroom)

Shared Dormitory, Women only (6 bed with shared bathroom)

Shared Dormitory, Women only (6 bed with shared bathroom)

  • Sleeps 1
  • 1 Twin Bed

View all photos for Shared Dormitory (6 bed with shared bathroom)

In-room safe, free WiFi, bed sheets

Shared Dormitory (6 bed with shared bathroom)

  • Sleeps 1
  • 1 Twin Bed

Shared Dormitory (2 bed with shared bathroom)

  • Sleeps 1
  • 1 Twin Bed

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Exterior

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Free WiFi
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The price is CA $154
per night
CA $171 total
includes taxes & fees
11 Dec - 12 Dec
Travellers Paradise Heritage Historical Place - Hostel

About the area

Cairns

Cairns Central Business District stay.Within a 10-minute walk of this Cairns Central Business District hostel, you'll find Cairns Esplanade and Cairns Marlin Marina. Michaelmas Cay and Cairns Regional Gallery are also within half a mile (1 km).
View more Hostels in CairnsOpens in a new window

What's nearby

  • Cairns Esplanade - 1 min walk - 0.0 km
  • Esplanade Lagoon - 4 min walk - 0.4 km
  • Cairns Marlin Marina - 7 min walk - 0.6 km
  • Reef Fleet Terminal - 7 min walk - 0.6 km
  • Cairns Central Shopping Centre - 12 min walk - 1.1 km

Getting around

  • Cairns Station - 13 min walk
  • Cairns Intl. Airport (CNS) - 8 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Rattle N Hum - ‬1 min walk
  • ‪Flynn's Italian by Crystalbrook - ‬1 min walk
  • ‪Crepe - ‬4 min walk
  • ‪La Pizza Trattoria - ‬1 min walk
  • ‪Imm Thai Cafe - ‬4 min walk

About this property

Waterfront Backpackers - Hostel

Adults-only hostel near Cairns Esplanade
There's a snack bar/deli on site. You can enjoy a drink at the bar/lounge. A computer station is on site and WiFi is free in public spaces. A shuttle from the airport to the hotel (available on request) is available for a fee. An outdoor pool, a terrace, and barbecue grills are also featured at Waterfront Backpackers - Hostel.

Smoking is allowed in designated areas at this Cairns hostel.

  • 1 building
  • 20 guestrooms or units
  • 2 levels
  • Deli
  • Dry cleaning
  • Self-service laundry
  • Front desk (24 hours)
  • Express check-out
  • Storage area for luggage
  • Front-desk safe
  • Tour and ticket information
  • Terrace
  • BBQ grill(s)
  • Outdoor picnic space
  • Computer for guest use
  • Television in lobby
  • Smoking in designated areas
  • Bar or lounge
Waterfront Backpackers - Hostel offers 20 air-conditioned accommodations with safes and shared/communal kitchens. This Cairns hostel provides complimentary wireless Internet access. Guests can make use of the in-room refrigerators and microwaves. Housekeeping is provided daily.

Languages

English

Property amenities

Internet

  • Available in all rooms: Free WiFi
  • Available in some public areas: Free WiFi

Parking and transportation

  • Free offsite parking
  • Pick-up airport shuttle (surcharge) from 8:00 AM - 8:00 PM
  • Airport shuttle at scheduled times, on request

Food and drink

  • 1 bar

Things to do

  • Outdoor pool

Accessibility

  • This property does not have elevators

Room amenities

Bedroom

  • Air conditioning
  • Bed sheets

Bathroom

  • Towels

Food and drink

  • Cookware/dishes/utensils
  • Microwave
  • Refrigerator
  • Shared kitchen access
  • Stovetop

More

  • Phone
  • Safe

Policies

Check-in

Check-in start time: 2:00 PM; Check-in end time: 5:30 AM
Minimum check-in age: 18

Check-out

Check-out before 10:00 AM
Express check-out available

Special check-in instructions

This property offers transfers from the airport (surcharges may apply); guests must contact the property with arrival details before travel, using the contact information on the booking confirmation
Guests planning to arrive outside of normal check-in hours must contact the property in advance for check-in instructions and lockbox information; your host will greet you
To make arrangements for check-in please contact the property ahead of time using the information on the booking confirmation
If you are planning to arrive after 8:00 PM please contact the property in advance using the information on the booking confirmation

Access methods

Staffed front desk, lockbox

Pets

  • No pets allowed, but service animals are welcome

Children and extra beds

  • Children younger than 18 are not allowed at this adults-only property. All guests 18 and older are welcome.
  • Rollaway/extra beds are not available.
  • Cribs (infant beds) are not available.

Property payment types

Important information

Fees

Guests will be asked to pay the following charges at the property:

  • Deposit: AUD 50.00 per stay

We've listed all charges provided to us by the property.

Optional extras

The fees and deposits listed below will be charged at the time of service, check-in, or check-out.

  • Airport shuttle fee: AUD 15 per person

This may not be a comprehensive list. Fees and deposits are subject to change and might not include tax.

You need to know

Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
The name on the credit card used at check-in to pay for incidentals must be the primary name on the guestroom reservation
This property accepts credit cards; cash is not accepted
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher and a first aid kit
Charges for extra guests may apply and vary according to property policy.
A credit card for incidental charges and government-issued photo identification may be required upon check-in.
Special requests are subject to availability at the time of check-in. Special requests can't be guaranteed and may incur additional charges.
    This property is managed by a professional host. The provision of housing is linked to their trade, business, or profession. The name on the credit card used at check-in to pay for incidentals must be the primary name on the guestroom reservation. This property accepts Visa, Mastercard, and JCB International. Cash is not accepted. 
    For guests' safety, the property includes a fire extinguisher and a first aid kit in each accommodation.

We should mention

  • This is an adults-only property and guests under 18 years old aren't allowed.

Property is also known as

Waterfront Backpackers Hostel Cairns
Waterfront Backpackers Hostel
Waterfront Backpackers Cairns
Waterfront Backpackers
Waterfront Backpackers - Hostel Cairns
Waterfront Backpackers - Hostel Hostel/Backpacker accommodation

Waterfront Backpackers - Hostel Reviews

Reviews

5.4
Rating 10 - Excellent. 2 out of 42 reviews" "
Rating 8 - Good. 9 out of 42 reviews" "
Rating 6 - Okay. 14 out of 42 reviews" "
Rating 4 - Poor. 8 out of 42 reviews" "
Rating 2 - Terrible. 9 out of 42 reviews" "

5.4/10

Cleanliness

6.4/10

Staff & service

3.4/10

Amenities

4.8/10

Property conditions & facilities

Reviews

2/10 Terrible

D, Melbourne

Disliked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Filthy. Bed had sand on it. Floors had weird stains. Air con locked out during peak heat times. Noisy. No lock on bathroom door leading directly from kitchen.
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2020

4/10 Poor

.

Disliked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
The room doesn't have enough outlets. Unclean and old hotel.
Stayed 3 nights in Nov 2019

10/10 Excellent

Matt

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Go for it
Great location. Chill spot to enjoy cairns.
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2019

8/10 Good

Verified traveller

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service
The showers are crap. And the toilets aren’t really clean. But for a few nights only and for that price it’s completely alright to stay there and the nightmarket is underneath the hostel. It’s not noisy in there and the fridges have small lockers for every person, so no one can steal food from you. It’s not too bad, but nothing I would like to stay in for a month
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2019

10/10 Excellent

Matt

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Solo backpacker
Quiet place. Thursday nights are the best time to come.
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2019

6/10 Okay

Verified traveller

Liked: Staff & service
Disliked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities
Stayed 1 night in Mar 2019

2/10 Terrible

Verified traveller

Disliked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Shady place wouldn’t stay again
This place had a funky smell very small. No towels. Shared washroom was very hot a not clean. The toilet paper was the cheapest kind. This is my first and last time in this hostel.
Stayed 1 night in Nov 2018

4/10 Poor

Tara, QLD Australua

Disliked: Cleanliness, staff & service
I asked to leave small suitcase before chack in, but there was no stuff and everytime when I require assistance, he wasnt really friendly. But tour desk stuffs were always friendly and nice.
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2018

6/10 Okay

Verified traveller

Liked: Staff & service
Disliked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Great location but pretty shoddy conditions
It was a hostel so was never going to be amazing. The staff were friendly but the hygiene was poor. Pretty dirty.
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2018

4/10 Poor

Verified traveller

Disliked: Property conditions & facilities, room comfort
The hostel is right next to a major construction site. It is dark and drab.
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2018

6/10 Okay

Verified traveller

Liked: Staff & service
Disliked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
No air conditionings shared toilet didn't have toilet paper
Stayed 1 night in Jan 2018

6/10 Okay

Dimiter

Liked: Staff & service
Basic
A usual cheap hostel with central location. The common areas can use some cleaning and polishing. Fortunately there was aircon and wifi in the room. Staff is mostly cooperative.
Stayed 3 nights in Dec 2017

2/10 Terrible

baily

Disliked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Don’t stay here
I had prepaid for two nights and wished I didn’t. The place was filthy, the staff was never around, the free breakfast was really weak when it was actually there, no lots on the door, people weren’t friendly, no safe or lockers, and the toilet and taps were broken. I moved to travellers oasis after my paid for nights and was so so so much happier!
Stayed 2 nights in Dec 2017

6/10 Okay

Verified traveller

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, room comfort
Disliked: Property conditions & facilities
Ok for the price, bathrooms lacking
The room was clean and comfortable and the aircon worked ok. The 3 bathrooms on the upper floors were not maintained. They were clean enough but only one had toilet paper, one with a shower was out of order and the other one with a shower the door didn't shut or lock. We only stayed one night but are a bit confused as to where we were supposed to shower. The kitchen was lacking on mugs/cups and plates or bowls. We tried to have coffee and had to scrounge for dishes. Decent price for the location though and front desk staff and information guy Phil was great

4/10 Poor

Craig, Hobart

Disliked: Staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Cheap
If you want a basic room to get some sleep, that is what you'll get - but the air-con worked only reasonably and was very noisy. Room contains a bed and a rubbish bin and THAT is IT! But cheap and in the centre of everything and just across from the esplanade.

8/10 Good

Verified traveller

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
It's a wonderful little hostel

6/10 Okay

Shahna, Wollongong, NSW, Australia

Liked: Staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Close, Cheap, Free Wifi
I booked very last minute late in the arvo. The only downside I have is that I was extremely tired and had to wait 30+ minutes (told 20minutes) for the guy on front desk to arrive as he was not in the office. I went a couple of shops down and ate some amazing food (amazing food everywhere in walking distance). I did come back the next night to stay as it was so convenient. Unfortunately I was too busy to check out our pool.

2/10 Terrible

Verified traveller

Liked: Staff & service
Disliked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
The service was good, the desk man was helpful but the hotel is self was gross & the the room looked a jail cell. If you want a budget place but dont care about anything else then this is fine, otherwise i urge not for you yo stay. The communal bath room was so dirty which was the worst part of this hostel.

8/10 Good

katrina, coffs harbour

Liked: Staff & service
Disliked: Room comfort
All you can expect for backpacker accommodation
Handy to all cbd needs Clean sheets, mattress not so clean Reasonable noise levels from other guests Air con between 5pm and 9am Staff good Kitchen was a mess and bathrooms need more cleaning but not totally unusable

6/10 Okay

Verified traveller

Liked: Staff & service
Disliked: Room comfort
Excellent location; Inexpensive
The staff were helpful and location is excellent. The staff were helpful and pleasant. It is a party hostel and the rooms are very basic. You get what you pay for and if all you're doing is sleeping there it's not a bad deal!

4/10 Poor

Verified traveller

Disliked: Property conditions & facilities
Location is good but facilities is dirty. Very noisy hostel.

6/10 Okay

ziao

Liked: Staff & service
Disliked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

6/10 Okay

Melker

Disliked: Property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Litet och ofräscht
Vi bodde i ett dubbelrum, extremt litet samt ofräscha sängar. Air condition var endast på från 5pm - 8am, extremt varmt på rummet de andra timmarna.
Stayed 3 nights in Jan 2020

6/10 Okay

Siegfried

Stayed 3 nights in Dec 2019

8/10 Good

Amanda

Travelled with group
Liked: Staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 4 nights in Dec 2019