Castaways Backpackers
207 Sheridan St, Cairns, Queensland 4870 Australia
Payments made by partners impact the order of prices displayed. Room types may vary.
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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Room & Suite (8)
Dining (6)
About
#6 of 33 hostels in Cairns
Location
Cleanliness
Service
Value
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Property amenities
Free parking
Free High Speed Internet (WiFi)
Pool
Vending machine
Bicycle rental
Darts
Airport transportation
BBQ facilities
Parking
Wifi
Outdoor pool
Shuttle bus service
Baggage storage
Non-smoking hotel
Shared kitchen
Shared lounge / TV area
24-hour check-in
Express check-in / check-out
Laundry service
Self-serve laundry
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Room features
Air conditioning
Housekeeping
Separate dining area
Separate living room
Kitchenette
Room types
Non-smoking rooms
Family rooms
Good to know
HOTEL CLASS
HOTEL STYLE
Budget
Languages Spoken
English, Italian
Location
73Somewhat walkable
Grade: 73 out of 100
22Restaurantswithin 0.5 km
4Attractionswithin 0.5 km
207 Sheridan St, Cairns, Queensland 4870 Australia
Getting there
Rental CarsSee car hire from USD 78/day
305Reviews6Q+A36Room tips
ReviewsWe perform checks on reviews.Tripadvisor’s approach to reviewsBefore posting, each Tripadvisor review goes through an automated tracking system, which collects information, answering the following questions: how, what, where and when. If the system detects something that potentially contradicts our community guidelines, the review is not published.
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We perform checks on reviews.
Tripadvisor’s approach to reviews
Before posting, each Tripadvisor review goes through an automated tracking system, which collects information, answering the following questions: how, what, where and when. If the system detects something that potentially contradicts our community guidelines, the review is not published.
When the system detects a problem, a review may be automatically rejected, sent to the reviewer for validation, or manually reviewed by our team of content specialists, who work 24/7 to maintain the quality of the reviews on our site.
Our team checks each review posted on the site disputed by our community as not meeting our community guidelines.
Learn more about our review moderation.
Traveller rating
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We stayed here in the van site for one night. It's okay for one night, I wouldn't stay longer. Amenities are pretty dirty. Some of the tenants started playing music at 04:30am in the rec area. Did feel like things would get stolen.
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Date of stay: June 2023Trip type: Travelled as a couple
Value
Location
Service
Room Tip: It's more a motel than a hostel. Lots of full time tenants.
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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.
Helpful
I had an unforgettable experience in Cairns, and it all started at Castaways. The staff are absolute gems, incredibly helpful, relaxed, and friendly. There aren't many hostels where you see the owner (Wayne) socialising with guests... He even took a number of us out to Walsh's Pyramid for spectacular views of the coast and mountains... Thanks Wayne! Highly recommended for solo travellers as the layout of the hostel means you can't help but congregate and socialise, and the staff know the region very well, so knowledge sharing comes easily and you'll always feel welcome. There's two kitchens, one outdoors, replete with a BBQ, a pool to relax by, pool table, and an upstairs patio to chill in if you need it. The only downside was that I had to leave, but will be going back to stay again for sure!…
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Date of stay: June 2020Trip type: Travelled with family
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.
Helpful
Great atmosphere and great rooms. It feels like one big family. Would stay there again and again whilst in Cairns. Lots of restaurant choices within 200m of Castaways. Great pool table. Wayne, owner, is a gem and has so many interesting stories.
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Date of stay: May 2020Trip 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.
Helpful
Me and my boyfriend got into Cairns after travelling up the east coast of Australia. Our first hostel was castaways and we loved it so much we stayed for a week. When we arrived we booked a 3 bed dorm and the owner put us into a nice room and also gave us special treatment by not putting anyone else in there with us which we were very grateful for. We wanted to go onto the Gt Barrier Reef which Wayne (manager/owner) recommenced us to go onto the best one to dive and snorkel - the company also picked us up outside the hostel. This was probably the best experience we have been on since staying in Australia. It’s nice being able to play pool and table tennis in the evening and socialise with the other guests and staff. 20 minute walk into the town, 2 minute walk to a bottle & food shop. Friendly and clean place to stay! Highly recommend!…
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Date of stay: February 2020Trip 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.
Helpful
Response from CastawaysBP, Owner at Castaways Backpackers
Responded 22 Feb 2020
Hi Olivia, So great to hear we made your experience in Cairns wonderful, thank you for taking your time to write a lovely review. Wayne and the rest of the castaways family wishes both you and your boyfriend happy travels! Hope to see you again if you choose to visit Cairns in the future. Thank you for staying with us. Kieran :)
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Upon arrival we were greeted by the owner at reception who had no issue in storing our luggage as we arrived before check in, he kindly showed us around the small but homely hostel and showed us to our rooms. The room itself was exceptionally clean and offered a spacious mini fridge, a double and a single bed (we only expected two single beds so this was a nice surprise) and there was also space to hang our clothes with hangers provided. The room had a ceiling fan which worked perfectly fine and additional air con was $1 which lasted for 3 hours but it cooled down the room very quickly and seemed to keep us cool throughout the night. Whilst the location of the hostel itself isn’t in the centre of Cairns (approx 20 min walk away), we didn’t mind this so much as it meant that at night it was quiet and we could get a good nights sleep. The toilets and shower rooms were again very clean and also very spacious - not your typical cubicle but had more of a homely bathroom vibe. The kitchen was fully equipped, very clean, and offered free amenities such as tea and coffee, as well as other dried goods which other backpackers had left. I would recommend this hostel to someone who is perhaps looking for a quiet hostel - especially if you’re staying for a prolonged period of time as it did feel very homely and safe. …
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Date of stay: January 2020Trip 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.
Helpful
Response from CastawaysBP, Owner at Castaways Backpackers
Responded 22 Feb 2020
Thank you for taking you time to write such a nice review. We are glad to hear you enjoyed your time with us. Happy Travels :)
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Awesome hostel with nice staff and a very kind owner. It was my first hostel during my first trip to Australia and I felt very comfortable and familiar. The rooms are nice and clean like the bathrooms. It's easy to get to know with the other poeople. I would definetly come back. Thanks for this amazing start, you made my trip to Down Under!
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Date of stay: November 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.
Helpful
Response from CastawaysBP, Owner at Castaways Backpackers
Responded 22 Feb 2020
Hi Brigitta, We are glad to have made your first stay in Australia! Thank you for writing us such a nice review. Wishing your safe and happy travels. Kieran :)
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Recommended by our friends we (my partner and I) checked in without hesitation and we were not disappointed. We had initially planned to stay in Cairns only for a few days but we enjoyed Castaways that much we stayed for 2 weeks (reluctant to leave when we did). The owner made you feel immediately at home, as did the staff. They took the time to get to know you and were very helpful and accommodating - you felt like you were staying with friends within a matter of minutes. The facilities are good. We stayed in one of the private rooms with bathrooms within close reach. The bed was comfy, the room was clean - I like having my own space and I found there was ample space in the room as well as throughout the hostel. Want some quiet time? No problem. Want to socialise? No problem; pick and choose the environment you want as you want. I especially respect their rule of ‘quiet after 10:30pm’. They also provide loads of information on local tours/activities. My partner and I went on a trip to Cape Tribulation with the hostel; it was like a lovely family day out! On the way we saw crocodiles and ate ice cream (they even brought along sandwiches and drinks). If you are looking for home away from home; this is the place to stay. Thank you so much Castaway’s! (We will be back in 2021 when we return from New Zealand!)…
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Date of stay: September 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.
Helpful
Response from KieranHut, Owner at Castaways Backpackers
Responded 10 Oct 2019
Thank you for the lovely review. I'm glad to hear you and your partner enjoyed your time with us. I wish you happy travels and hope to see you again.
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
We arrived in Cairns with the intent to just stay for a couple of nights and then make our way south. We ended up staying in this hostel for 2 weeks! My girlfriend and I absolutely fell in love with it, it’s so relaxed and everyone is so friendly! They also have a hostel dog (bonus points) Castaways has loads of information on what to do in Cairns. We went on a trip with the hostel to see some crocodiles up in the Daintree Rainforest, they drove us, brought sandwiches and drinks and we stopped at a ice cream place. It’s literally like staying and hanging out with one big cool family at this place, from the moment we arrived we felt like we were part of it! It’s really good for couples since there’s double room options, there’s a pool table, games room, cinema room, 2 kitchens, hammocks, a pool and heaps of toilets / shower rooms that are all cleaned daily. It’s lovely to walk across to the esplanade and walking into town that way, don’t worry, if you’re lazy they provide a shuttle bus for you! I highly recommend this Castaways, it’s my home away from home and I will be back! …
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Date of stay: September 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.
Helpful
Response from KieranHut, Owner at Castaways Backpackers
Responded 10 Oct 2019
Hi Jordan, I'm glad you felt apart of the Castaways family during your stay and thank you for taking the time to give us such a nice review. We all wish you the very best with your future travels. Kind Regards, The Castaways Family
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
It was the cheapest accomodation available that night.if i had known how bot that great it was i would have booked some place else. The location is not great, it wasn"t really clean, the kitchen was a mess and the showers were not numerous. The pillows were brown and moldy, same for the matresses At least the front desk clerk from Argentina was really nice an knowledgeable about the area. Pay the extra 4 or 5 $ and stay at a place a bit nicer, that's my opinion. 4/10 wouln't recommend.
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Date of stay: September 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.
Helpful
Response from KieranHut, Owner at Castaways Backpackers
Responded 3 Oct 2019
Hi, Thank you for you time to write a review. I'm disappointed to hear you didn't enjoy your stay. We try to make it clear of our location and offer the shuttle for who ever wishes not to walk. I am surprised to hear about the mattresses and pillows since we completely replaced the lot only just over a year ago now as it's important for our guests to have a clean, safe and comfortable sleep. We do clean each of the areas daily however sometimes after we clean it can become dirty from other people using the area. If at anytime you think an area is unaccetable and needs attention we appreicate being told then so we can attend to the matter straight away instead of hearing about it in a review weeks later, wish we could have helped during you stay. Happy Travels.
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Had a lovely time at castawya backpackers. The owner was suoer friendly as well as very helpful. The hostel was also very affordable, which makes it perfect for anyone on a low budget. Would always recommend.
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Date of stay: June 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.
Helpful
Response from KieranHut, Owner at Castaways Backpackers
Responded 3 Oct 2019
Thank you for the review and I'm glad to hear you enjoyed your time with us.
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
PRICE RANGE
USD 45 - USD 55 (Based on Average Rates for a Standard Room)
LOCATION
AustraliaQueenslandCairns RegionCairns
NUMBER OF ROOMS
24
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Claim Your ListingCASTAWAYS BACKPACKERS (AU$68): 2023 Prices & Reviews (Cairns) - Photos of Hostel - Tripadvisor
Frequently Asked Questions about Castaways Backpackers
Which popular attractions are close to Castaways Backpackers?
Nearby attractions include McLeod Street Pioneer Cemetery (0.07 km), Torres Strait Cultural Experience (0.5 km), and Crackerbox Palace (0.4 km).
What are some of the property amenities at Castaways Backpackers?
Some of the more popular amenities offered include free wifi, a pool, and free parking.
Which room amenities are available at Castaways Backpackers?
Top room amenities include a kitchenette, air conditioning, and a separate dining room.
What food & drink options are available at Castaways Backpackers?
Guests can enjoy barbeque facilities during their stay.
Is parking available at Castaways Backpackers?
Yes, free parking is available to guests.
What are some restaurants close to Castaways Backpackers?
Conveniently located restaurants include Bayleaf Balinese Restaurant, Cock & Bull, Cairns, and Tia's Cafe in Cairns.
Are there opportunities to exercise at Castaways Backpackers?
Yes, guests have access to a pool during their stay.
Does Castaways Backpackers have an airport shuttle?
Yes, Castaways Backpackers offers an airport shuttle for guests. We recommend calling ahead to confirm details.
Does Castaways Backpackers have airport transportation?
Yes, Castaways Backpackers offers airport transportation for guests. We recommend calling ahead to confirm details.
Is Castaways Backpackers located near the city centre?
Yes, it is 0.9 km away from the centre of Cairns.
Are any cleaning services offered at Castaways Backpackers?
Yes, laundry service and self serve laundry are offered to guests.