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Waterfront Backpackers - Hostel

2.0 star property
Travelers sip refreshing drinks poolside or at the bar at Waterfront Backpackers - Hostel, with views overlooking Cairns Central Shopping Centre

Choose dates to view prices

Located near Cairns Central Shopping Centre, Waterfront Backpackers - Hostel offers a welcoming outdoor pool and bar. Guests relax on the sunny terrace and stay connected with free in-room WiFi. The convenient location consistently earns praise from previous visitors.

Reviews

5.4 out of 10

Popular amenities

  • Pool
  • Free WiFi
  • Air conditioning
  • Business services
  • Bar
  • Laundry

Room options

Available filters for rooms
Showing 6 of 6 rooms

View all photos for Double Room (Shared Bathroom Facilities)

Double Room (Shared Bathroom Facilities) | In-room safe, free WiFi, bed sheets

Double Room (Shared Bathroom Facilities)

Highlights

Air conditioning
Refrigerator
Microwave
Stovetop
Shared/communal kitchen
Cookware/dishes/utensils
Daily housekeeping
In-room safe
  • 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) | In-room safe, free WiFi, bed sheets

Shared Dormitory (6 bed with ensuite)

Highlights

Air conditioning
Refrigerator
Microwave
Stovetop
Shared/communal kitchen
Cookware/dishes/utensils
Daily housekeeping
In-room safe
  • Sleeps 1
  • 1 Twin Bed

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

Shared Dormitory, Women only (6 bed with shared bathroom) | In-room safe, free WiFi, bed sheets

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

Highlights

Air conditioning
Refrigerator
Microwave
Stovetop
Shared/communal kitchen
Cookware/dishes/utensils
Daily housekeeping
In-room safe
  • 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)

Highlights

Air conditioning
Refrigerator
Microwave
Stovetop
Shared/communal kitchen
Cookware/dishes/utensils
Daily housekeeping
In-room safe
  • Sleeps 1
  • 1 Twin Bed

Twin Room (Shared bathroom)

Highlights

Air conditioning
Refrigerator
Microwave
Stovetop
Shared/communal kitchen
Cookware/dishes/utensils
Daily housekeeping
In-room safe
  • Sleeps 2
  • 2 Twin Beds

Shared Dormitory (2 bed with shared bathroom)

Highlights

Air conditioning
Refrigerator
Microwave
Stovetop
Shared/communal kitchen
Cookware/dishes/utensils
Daily housekeeping
In-room safe
  • Sleeps 1
  • 1 Twin Bed

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About the neighborhood

Located in Cairns Central Business District, a neighborhood in Cairns, Waterfront Backpackers - Hostel is near a train station. The Cultural Place and Bulmba-ja Arts Centre are cultural highlights, and some of the area's attractions include Muddy's Playground and Cairns Performing Arts Centre. Reef Teach and Esplanade Lagoon are also worth visiting. Visit our Cairns travel guide
View more Hostels in Cairns
Map
83 The Esplanade, Cairns, QLD, 4870

What's nearby

  • Cairns Esplanade which includes a pool, swimming and a luxury hotel or resort
    Cairns Esplanade
    1 min walk - 0.1 km
  • Esplanade Lagoon featuring general coastal views, swimming and a pool
    Esplanade Lagoon
    2 min walk - 0.2 km
  • Cairns Night Markets showing markets as well as a small group of people
    Cairns Night Markets
    3 min walk - 0.3 km
  • Cairns Marlin Marina showing a sunset and a bay or harbor
    Cairns Marlin Marina
    5 min walk - 0.5 km
  • Reef Fleet Terminal
    6 min walk - 0.6 km

Getting around

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

Restaurants

  • McDonald's
    2 min walk
  • Villa Romana
    1 min walk
  • La Pizza
    1 min walk
  • Cc’s Bar And Grill
    3 min walk
  • Rattle n Hum Cairns
    1 min walk

About this property

Waterfront Backpackers - Hostel

Hostel near Cairns Esplanade
A terrace, dry cleaning/laundry services, and a bar are just a few of the amenities provided at Waterfront Backpackers - Hostel. Stay connected with free in-room WiFi.
You'll also enjoy the following perks during your stay:
  • An outdoor pool
  • Airport pick-up service (surcharge), express check-out, and a 24-hour front desk
  • Barbecue grills, luggage storage, and a TV in the lobby
  • A computer station, a front-desk safe, and tour/ticket assistance
Room features
All guestrooms at Waterfront Backpackers - Hostel boast perks such as air conditioning, in addition to amenities like free WiFi and safes.
More amenities include:
  • Communal kitchens with refrigerators, microwaves, and stovetops
  • Cookware/dishes/utensils, daily housekeeping, and phones

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Property amenities

Internet

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

Parking and transportation

  • Free offsite parking
  • Airport pick-up shuttle (surcharge) from 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM at scheduled times and on request

Food and drink

  • A bar/lounge
  • Snack bar/deli

Things to do

  • Outdoor pool
  • TV in common areas

Conveniences

  • 24-hour front desk
  • Laundry facilities
  • Luggage storage
  • Safe at front desk

Guest services

  • Dry cleaning/laundry service
  • Housekeeping (daily)
  • Tour and ticket assistance

Business services

  • Computer station

Outdoors

  • Barbecue grill
  • Picnic area
  • Terrace

Accessibility

  • No elevator

More

  • 1 building
  • 2 floors
  • Designated smoking areas

Room amenities

Bedroom

  • Bedsheets provided

Bathroom

  • Towels provided

Food and drink

  • Cookware, dishware, and utensils
  • Microwave
  • Refrigerator
  • Shared kitchen access
  • Stovetop

More

  • Air conditioning
  • 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
Information provided by the property may be translated using automated translation tools

Access methods

Staffed front desk, lockbox

Pets

Pets not allowed (service animals are welcome, and are exempt from fees)

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

You'll be asked to pay the following charges at the property. Fees may include applicable taxes:

  • Deposit: AUD 50.00 per stay

We have included all charges provided to us by the property.

Optional extras

  • Airport shuttle fee: AUD 15 per person

The above list may not be comprehensive. Fees and deposits may not include tax and are subject to change.

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

We should mention

This property does not have elevators
Guests under 18 years old are not permitted at this adults-only property

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

Frequently asked questions

Does Waterfront Backpackers - Hostel have a pool?

Yes, this property has an outdoor pool.

Is Waterfront Backpackers - Hostel pet-friendly?

No, only service animals are welcome at the property.

How much is parking?

There is free parking nearby.

What time is check-in at Waterfront Backpackers - Hostel?

Check-in start time: 2:00 PM; Check-in end time: 5:30 AM.

What time is check-out at Waterfront Backpackers - Hostel?

Check-out is at 10:00 AM.

Does Waterfront Backpackers - Hostel provide a shuttle to the airport?

Yes, there's a shuttle from the airport to the hotel that runs 8:00 AM–8:00 PM on request. A fee of AUD 15 per person applies.

Where is Waterfront Backpackers - Hostel located?

Located in Cairns Central Business District, this hostel is steps from Michaelmas Cay and Cairns Esplanade. Esplanade Lagoon and Cairns Night Markets are just steps away. Cairns Station is 13 minutes by foot.

Can I cancel my reservation for free and receive a full refund?

Yes, this property offers free cancellation on select room rates, because flexibility matters! Please refer to the property cancellation policy on our site for more details about any exclusions or requirements.

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Reviews

Waterfront Backpackers - Hostel Reviews

5.4

5.4

Cleanliness

8.6

Location

6.4

Staff & service

4.8

Property conditions & facilities
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

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

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

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

6/10 Okay

Verified traveler

Liked: Staff & service
まあまあよかったと思います もう少し清潔感があればなお良いですが、 価格に対するクオリティは充分です
Stayed 4 nights in Jul 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 traveler

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

8/10 Good

Rico

Liked: Staff & service, room comfort
It is located close to public swiming pool and harbor
Stayed 3 nights in Jan 2019

2/10 Terrible

Verified traveler

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 traveler

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

2/10 Terrible

bastide

Disliked: Staff & service, property conditions & facilities

Don t go there

During my period in this hostel rats, cockroach. The swimming pool is really really dirty. Construction site just above is pretty noisy. The wifi is good but depend where you are in the hostel. And if you call them to ask if you can work for accomadation they say yes to make you come and after they found escuses to not let you work
Stayed 9 nights in Sep 2018

4/10 Poor

Verified traveler

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 traveler

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

4/10 Poor

yuppy, tokyo

Disliked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

寝るだけのホテル

バックパッカー用なので、寝るだけならWi-Fiが使えるから問題はないかな？英語が話せれば、どうにかなる。シャワー付きトイレが一階にしかない。階段のみなので、ヘビーなトランクは持ち運ぶのが大変。
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2017

4/10 Poor

Tina, mareeba

Disliked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

ラグーンに近いホテル

立地いいと思います、 安いのでまた利用するかもしれないです。 またラグーンやお店も近いので暇になってもすぐに出掛けれるから寝るだけで考えたらコスパも悪くない。

2/10 Terrible

ruei jin

Disliked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

這家旅舍會盜刷盜用客人的信用卡，大家要小心，他們趁要押房卡金過卡時，再度偷刷，是不良不道德的旅舍。

這家旅舍會盜刷盜用客人的信用卡，大家要小心，他們趁要押房卡金過卡時，再度偷刷，是不良不道德的旅舍。房間太髒亂，有怪味，衛生間很噁心，家具破舊不堪，床單也有破洞。旅舍住客喝酒大聲宣譁到凌晨3點，缺乏管理與制度，我訂的是女性用6床房，但是櫃台執意給男女混住房也，夜裡叫春聲不斷，太不安全，也不規範。廚房碗盤破裂鍋盆凹凸不平已不堪使用。

6/10 Okay

Verified traveler

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

6/10 Okay

Chiharu

Liked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

普通

この値段で立地もよく部屋も可もなく不可もなくでした。 一ついうなら充電が出来るのは下のベットの人だけなので心配な方はタコ足など持って行くといいと思います。

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.

6/10 Okay

Verified traveler

Liked: Cleanliness, room comfort

Pretty good living & cooking yourself

You can enjoy yourself living, and cook every meals you want, the Cairns Centre is near 4 blocks street very close, shopping, buying food materials are very convenience. Sleeping comfortable and almost cleaning everyday while you wake up they're washing & cleaning everywhere, thats pretty good.

2/10 Terrible

luke, perth

Disliked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

never again

noise was terrible, ants everywhere, terrible bed.. never again..

8/10 Good

Verified traveler

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