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Waterfront Backpackers - Hostel

2.0 star property

Photo gallery for Waterfront Backpackers - Hostel

A hostel named 'Waterfront Backpackers Cairns' with a green door and a signboard advertising specials.
A reception desk with a computer monitor, papers, and a magazine. There are signs for 'JAL' and 'HOTEL RECEPTION'.
A room with a ping pong table, a staircase, and a door.
A bunk bed with a ladder, a white wall, and two paintings.
A bunk bed with a mattress and metal frame.

Reviews

5.4 out of 10

Popular amenities

  • Pool
  • Free Wi-Fi
  • Air-conditioning
  • Business services
  • Bar
  • Laundry room

Explore the area

View map
83 The Esplanade, Cairns, QLD, 4870
  • Place, Cairns Esplanade
    ‪1 min walk‬
  • Place, Esplanade Lagoon
    ‪2 min walk‬
  • Place, Cairns Marlin Marina
    ‪5 min walk‬
  • Airport, Cairns, QLD (CNS-Cairns Intl.)
    ‪10 min drive‬

Room options

View all photos for Double Room (Shared Bathroom Facilities)

A bunk bed with a mattress and metal frame.

Double Room (Shared Bathroom Facilities)

  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Double Bed OR 2 Single Beds
  • Free Wi-Fi

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

A bunk bed room with a fan and a ladder.

Shared Dormitory (6 bed with ensuite)

  • Sleeps 1
  • 1 Single Bed
  • Free Wi-Fi

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

A bunk bed room with white bedding and tiled flooring.

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

  • Sleeps 1
  • 1 Single Bed
  • Free Wi-Fi

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

A dormitory room with bunk beds, a door, and a tiled floor.

Shared Dormitory (6 bed with shared bathroom)

  • Sleeps 1
  • 1 Single Bed
  • Free Wi-Fi

Twin Room (Shared bathroom)

  • Sleeps 2
  • 2 Single Beds
  • Free Wi-Fi

Shared Dormitory (2 bed with shared bathroom)

  • Sleeps 1
  • 1 Single Bed
  • Free Wi-Fi

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About the area

Cairns

Waterfront Backpackers - Hostel places you steps from Cairns Esplanade and within a 10-minute stroll of Cairns Marlin Marina. Highlights at this hostel include an outdoor swimming pool and in-room free WiFi. .For a drink, you can stop by the hostel's own lounge bar. Added amenities include free Wi-Fi in public areas, a snack bar/deli and laundry facilities. There's also free parking nearby, along with the convenience of airport pick-up service. .Attractions within a 15-minute walk of this Cairns Central Business District hostel include Reef Fleet Terminal and Cairns Central Shopping Centre.
View more Hostels in CairnsOpens in a new window

What's nearby

  • Cairns Esplanade - 1 min walk - 0.1 km
  • Esplanade Lagoon - 2 min walk - 0.2 km
  • Cairns Night Markets - 3 min walk - 0.3 km
  • Cairns Marlin Marina - 5 min walk - 0.5 km
  • Cairns Central Shopping Centre - 10 min walk - 0.9 km

Getting around

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

Restaurants

  • ‪McDonald's - ‬2 min walk
  • ‪Rattle n Hum Cairns - ‬1 min walk
  • ‪Villa Romana - ‬1 min walk
  • ‪La Pizza - ‬1 min walk
  • ‪Boardwalk Social by Crystalbrook - ‬1 min walk

About this property

Waterfront Backpackers - Hostel

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 a safe and shared/communal kitchens. This Cairns hostel provides complimentary wireless Internet access. Guests can make use of the in-room fridges and microwaves. Housekeeping is provided on a daily basis.

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  • Air-conditioning
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Property amenities

Internet

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

Parking and transport

  • 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 lift

More

  • 1 building
  • 2 floors
  • Designated smoking areas

Room amenities

Bedroom

  • Bedsheets provided

Bathroom

  • Towels provided

Food and drink

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

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

  • 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.
  • Cots (infant beds) are not available.

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 guest room 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 all 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

Frequently asked questions

What is the cancellation policy at Waterfront Backpackers - Hostel?

Waterfront Backpackers - Hostel offers free cancellation on select room rates. Check out the cancellation policy for more info.

Are there any beaches close to Waterfront Backpackers - Hostel?

Yep, Waterfront Backpackers - Hostel is a short 16-minute walk from Cairns North Beach.

Does Waterfront Backpackers - Hostel have a pool?

Waterfront Backpackers - Hostel has an outdoor pool.

Is Waterfront Backpackers - Hostel family-friendly?

No, Waterfront Backpackers - Hostel is an adults-only property.

Is there a free airport shuttle available at Waterfront Backpackers - Hostel?

No, but there's a shuttle from the airport to the hotel that runs from 8:00 AM - 8:00 PM on request for a fee.

What time are check-in & check-out at Waterfront Backpackers - Hostel?

Check-in begins at 2:00 PM. Check-out time is 10:00 AM.

Are pets allowed at Waterfront Backpackers - Hostel?

No, only service animals are allowed.

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

Verified

2/10 Terrible

D

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
Verified

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
Verified

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
Verified

6/10 Okay

Verified traveller

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
Verified

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
Verified

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
Verified

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
Verified

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
Verified

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
Verified

4/10 Poor

Tara

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
Verified

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
Verified

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
Verified

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
Verified

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
Verified

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
Verified

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
Verified

4/10 Poor

yuppy

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
Verified

4/10 Poor

Tina

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。
Verified

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。
Verified

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
Verified

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。
Verified

4/10 Poor

Craig

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.
Verified

6/10 Okay

Verified traveller

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.
Verified

2/10 Terrible

luke

Disliked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

never again

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

8/10 Good

Verified traveller

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