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Cairns Waterfront Backpackers

83 The Esplanade, Cairns, Queensland 4870 Australia
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Traveller (28)
Room & Suite (9)
Dining (1)

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Prices are provided by our partners for one room, with variable occupancy rules as provided by the property, and reflect total costs of the stay, including all taxes and fees known to our partners. Please see our partners for more details.

About

#19 of 34 hostels in Cairns
Location
Cleanliness
Service
Value
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Property amenities
Free High Speed Internet (WiFi)
Pool
Breakfast available
Beach
Table tennis
Airport transportation
BBQ facilities
Baggage storage
Wifi
Shared bathroom
Shared kitchen
Shops
24-hour front desk
Express check-in / check-out
Laundry service
Self-serve laundry
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Room features
Air conditioning
Safe
Seating area
Kitchenette
Good to know
HOTEL CLASS
3.0 of 5 stars
HOTEL STYLE
Budget
Languages Spoken
English, German
188Reviews1Q+A13Room tips

Reviews
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Mitchell Brennan wrote a review Aug 2022
South Australia, Australia10 contributions14 helpful votes
The hostel was in a very convenient location and is next to popular eateries. It is also very well priced. There was very little communication with the managers who we didn’t see for our the entire stay, which was really bizarre and unsettling. The cleanliness was typical for a hostel. There were only 3-4 showers which would get annoying in a peak period. There was no hot water on our first night as well, which was odd. The pool and other facilities were well kept. If you’re after a decent night stay, I’d recommend here over Monkeys. Id stay here again.
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Date of stay: August 2022Trip type: Travelled as a couple
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Jane T wrote a review Apr 2022
Darwin, Australia18 contributions3 helpful votes
It's small but clean. It’s surrounded by all you need; the lagoon, restaurants, market, food court, tourist information centre etc. just in front of you or few minutes walk. It’s all about the location. The manager is a lovely lady who would happily help you. There’s still room for improvement.. Will definitely be back.
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Date of stay: April 2022
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Alice wrote a review Jan 2020
11 contributions6 helpful votes
Where to start? This hostel resembles a dirty farmyard rather than a place of accommodation. I understand it is cheap however the hallway resembles a dirty farmyard.... decorated with buckets full of water, this must be for the pigs? (air conditioning leaking from each room). The swamp aka the pool had water a beautiful unique green shade. It is large maybe bathtub sized and pigs would love a roll around in there I would think. They clearly have just been in the kitchen so might like to cool off. Humanity might pick up many water borne diseases.... Perhaps this is where the Ebola virus originates from. The facilities. Surprisingly the animals staying here are provided with toilet paper however no soap or towel. But that would be hygienic perhaps and this is clearly not catered for here. The floor was a tad bit wet....perhaps one of the buckets were leaking so if you do not have hooves I would recommend shoes. There were palets in the kitchen area, perhaps this is the animal pen? The rooms could do with a major paint and the floors looked very worn. The curtains were perhaps put up during the Stone Age and not washed since. They had stains that looked years old. The shower had running water on a positive note. Some sort of cup with some sort of powder seems to live in the corner of the shower and again no questions asked in this place. Unfortunately the advertised free dinner is only provided once a week.... It would be have been interesting to see what scraps would have been provided. Reception area is kept clean..... Perhaps to disguise the Narnia the exists behind the metal gate that leads you from the reception to the farmyard. Needless to say I will be back as I think this is exceptional accommodation for my pigs.
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Date of stay: December 2019Trip type: Travelled with friends
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
1 Helpful vote
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Lani wrote a review Jan 2020
5 contributions
Enjoyed my stay thoughly, helpfull staff ready to help you book your tours, free brekkie is a great bonus. Location is perfect, litterly across from the lagoon and shops cafes etc... However, due to the lack of cleanliness and horrible smell and poor hygiene in the bathroom in the room I stayed in (possibly fault of the individuals staying in the room) , and the unworkable aircon which ment the room was even hotter and smellier all night, plus the indoor pool not working :( I will have to minus one star. Would definitely recommend staying here in Cairns!
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Date of stay: January 2020Trip type: Travelled with friends
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Sam Meijer wrote a review Dec 2019
11 contributions1 helpful vote
+1
If you're planning on having a nice holiday in Cairns, do not go here. This hostel will ruin your holiday. The staff is nowhere to be found. This is a problem because the computer with all the information about the guests is at the reception (which is next to the outside door). Everyone has access to the computer with all the information about the guests, included credit card information. The rooms are disgraceful. There are white and yellow stains on the sheets and the curtains are disgusting. The bed has white stains on it. I am afraid to walk barefoot. Any guest can open the window to the rooms from the hallway because there is no lock. So your stuff is unsafe. The air conditioning doesn't go on until late and shuts down early in the morning. This is in Cairns!! 30 degrees and 60+% humidity. It is a sauna in the rooms. The toilet seats have yellow stains on them and they are shared unisex toilets. The room really feels like a prison cell. The kitchen is filthy. You're not allowed to smoke in the building but it still happens. Not in the rooms, in the shared area. Cheap accommodation makes sense but this is uninhabitable, don't waste your money on a place you can easily be robbed not that you would know because you can't be in the rooms until the temperature drops for the night..
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Date of stay: January 2020Trip type: Travelled as a couple
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Missy wrote a review Nov 2019
1 contribution
Great hostel with the best location. Everyone is super friendly and welcoming (including live in staff) one of the only hostels where I haven't found people in little groups. Everyone sits around a big table in the social area and is mega friendly, sharing food, drinks and playing games. Aircon and bathroom in room was an unexpected bonus. Hostel was clean and the kitchen has all the basic requirements, the fridges have locked compartments which means no one can take your food - such a great idea. For the price this is definitely one of the best hostels I have stayed at and I have made some great friends. I will definitely return to this hostel when I come back to cairns :D
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Date of stay: November 2019
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Frida H wrote a review Oct 2019
Copenhagen, Denmark1 contribution
Loved the atmosphere, the facilities and the people. You will have everything you need just right outside the hostel. I recomend this hostel to people who want to stay for a few nights or long term. Will definintly come back! So many great memories.
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Date of stay: August 2019Trip type: Travelled with friends
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GenLodA wrote a review Sept 2019
13 contributions
The hostel is situated directly on the esplanade, literally in front of the iconic pool/lagoon. If you're looking for a cheap bed to sleep it's definitely the best option. The manager may look grumpy but he's always up to help. Plus, there's free breakfast and wifi works good everywhere. Don't understand why there's so many people labeled as "staff" tho, they occupy all the food shelves.
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Date of stay: September 2019Trip type: Travelled solo
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Harry M wrote a review Sept 2019
1 contribution1 helpful vote
There is nothing supplied to dry and wash your plates, cutlery after you have eaten. There is one sponge that is most likely a few months old because you can see mould and dirt seeping through it. None of the rules are enforced. Do not go into the pool I heard from a fellow traveller that the pool is never cleaned so you are more than likely going to catch a an illness with your swim. We needed a refund due to unforseen circumstances (death in the family) we received some of the refund but not the whole amount, when we came back to speak to the owner he said we will receive the rest in a couple of days. A couple days came and went and we still did not receive the rest of the money. The owner is blunt, ignorant and just plain rude. There were some worrying rumours floating around about him as well so be very careful if you are a solo traveller.
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Date of stay: May 2019Trip type: Travelled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
1 Helpful vote
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Lukas Fr wrote a review Aug 2019
1 contribution
Waterfront Backpackers is a very familiar place (directly to the esplanade!!) You can hang out in the common areas and have chats with everyone If you have a problem, the friendly staff will help you. It's a great place to be and awesome to get in touch with new people, especially at the thursday nights, when everyone is having some free pre drinks and going to Woolshed for free food and beer 😜👍🏻
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Date of stay: August 2019Trip type: Travelled solo
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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PRICE RANGE
AU$99 - AU$110 (Based on Average Rates for a Standard Room)
LOCATION
AustraliaQueenslandCairns RegionCairns
NUMBER OF ROOMS
19
Prices are provided by our partners for one room, with variable occupancy rules as provided by the property, and reflect total costs of the stay, including all taxes and fees known to our partners. Please see our partners for more details.
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CAIRNS WATERFRONT BACKPACKERS (AU$99): 2024 Prices & Reviews - Photos of Hostel - Tripadvisor

Frequently Asked Questions about Cairns Waterfront Backpackers
Which popular attractions are close to Cairns Waterfront Backpackers?
Nearby attractions include Cairns Aquarium (0.3 km), Esplanade Boardwalk (0.05 km), and Cairns Museum (0.3 km).
What are some of the property amenities at Cairns Waterfront Backpackers?
Some of the more popular amenities offered include free wifi, a pool, and airport transportation.
Which room amenities are available at Cairns Waterfront Backpackers?
Top room amenities include a kitchenette, air conditioning, and a seating area.
What food & drink options are available at Cairns Waterfront Backpackers?
Guests can enjoy breakfast and barbeque facilities during their stay.
What are some restaurants close to Cairns Waterfront Backpackers?
Conveniently located restaurants include Snoogies, Cruze Coffee, and Gelocchio.
Are there opportunities to exercise at Cairns Waterfront Backpackers?
Yes, guests have access to a pool during their stay.
Does Cairns Waterfront Backpackers have airport transportation?
Yes, Cairns Waterfront Backpackers offers airport transportation for guests. We recommend calling ahead to confirm details.
Is Cairns Waterfront Backpackers located near the city centre?
Yes, it is 0.4 km away from the centre of Cairns.
Are any cleaning services offered at Cairns Waterfront Backpackers?
Yes, laundry service and self serve laundry are offered to guests.
Which languages are spoken by the staff at Cairns Waterfront Backpackers?
The staff speaks multiple languages, including English and German.