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Waterfront Backpackers - Hostel

2.0 star property

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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 bunk bed with a ladder, a white wall, and two paintings.
A room with a ping pong table, a staircase, and a door.
A bunk bed with a mattress and metal frame.

Reviews

5.4 out of 10

Popular amenities

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

Explore the area

View in a 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 Twin Beds
  • Free WiFi

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 Twin Bed
  • Free WiFi

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 Twin Bed
  • Free WiFi

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 Twin Bed
  • Free WiFi

Twin Room (Shared bathroom)

  • Sleeps 2
  • 2 Twin Beds
  • Free WiFi

Shared Dormitory (2 bed with shared bathroom)

  • Sleeps 1
  • 1 Twin Bed
  • Free WiFi

About the neighborhood

Cairns

Located in Cairns Central Business District, Waterfront Backpackers - Hostel is next to popular attractions like Cairns Esplanade and Esplanade Lagoon. This 20-room hostel welcomes guests with a bar/lounge and conveniences like an outdoor pool and free in-room WiFi.
View more Hostels in CairnsOpens in a new window

What's nearby

  • Cairns Esplanade - 1 min walk - 0.1 miles
  • Esplanade Lagoon - 2 min walk - 0.1 miles
  • Cairns Night Markets - 3 min walk - 0.2 miles
  • Cairns Marlin Marina - 5 min walk - 0.3 miles
  • Reef Hotel Casino - 8 min walk - 0.5 miles

Getting around

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

Guests of Waterfront Backpackers - Hostel enjoy features like an outdoor pool, free WiFi in public areas, and a computer station. You can take advantage of free offsite parking, along with a shuttle from the airport to the hotel (available on request) for AUD 15 per person. The 24-hour front desk has staff standing by to help with tours or tickets, dry cleaning/laundry, and securing valuables. Other amenities at this adults-only hostel include express check-out, a terrace, and laundry facilities.
Guests can stay connected with free WiFi. Other standard amenities include refrigerators, microwaves, and stovetops.
Recreational amenities at the hostel include an outdoor pool.

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YHA Cairns Central
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  • Pool
  • Free WiFi
  • Air conditioning
  • Breakfast available
8.4 out of 10, Very Good, 224 reviews
$71 nightly
The price is $78
Jul 19 - Jul 20
Total with taxes and fees
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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

  • Service animals exempt from fees

Children and extra beds

  • Children younger than 18 are not permitted to stay at this adults-only property (only guests 18 and older are allowed)

Property payment types

Important information

Fees

You'll be asked to pay these charges at the property:

  • Deposit: AUD 50.00 per stay

These are all of the charges provided to us by the property.

Optional extras

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

  • Airport shuttle fee: AUD 15 per person

This list may not be comprehensive. Fees and deposits might 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
  • Check-in: 2:00 PM
  • Check-out: 10:00 AM
  • Minimum check-in age: 18
The front desk is open 24 hours a day, and checking out is easy with express services. For convenient arrivals, you can take advantage of the airport pick-up service (fees apply). Driving? This property offers free nearby parking.

We should mention

Details about charges, deposits, or other important information:

  • This property is managed by a professional host. The provision of housing is linked to their trade, business, or profession.
  • Charges for extra guests may apply and vary depending on the property's policy.
  • A credit card for incidental charges and a government-issued photo ID may be required at check-in.
  • Special requests are subject to availability at the time of check-in and can't be guaranteed. Certain requests may come with additional charges.
  • This property accepts credit cards. Cash is not accepted. 
  • The credit card used at check-in for incidentals must be in the name of the primary guest who made the reservation.
  • Onsite safety features include a fire extinguisher and a first aid kit.

Additional information about polices, regulations, and more:

  • There are no elevators.
  • No cribs or infant beds are available.
  • No rollaway or extra beds are available.

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

Is free cancellation available at Waterfront Backpackers - Hostel?

Waterfront Backpackers - Hostel offers free cancellation on select room rates. For additional details, review the cancellation policy on our site.

What can I see within easy reach of Waterfront Backpackers - Hostel?

This hostel is situated in Cairns Central Business District, just steps from Cairns Esplanade and Esplanade Lagoon, and within a short walk of Reef Fleet Terminal. You'll also find Cairns Night Markets and Reef Hotel Casino less than a mile away.

Is parking available on site at Waterfront Backpackers - Hostel?

No, there isn't parking at the hostel but you'll find free parking.

Does Waterfront Backpackers - Hostel feature a casino?

No, Waterfront Backpackers - Hostel doesn't have a casino.

Will I find an indoor pool at Waterfront Backpackers - Hostel?

No, this hostel doesn't have an indoor pool; however, there is an outdoor pool.

Is Waterfront Backpackers - Hostel a good place to stay for couples?

Couples will appreciate amenities at this adults-only hostel, including an outdoor pool, a bar/lounge, and a 24-hour front desk.

Does Waterfront Backpackers - Hostel have a hot tub?

No, this hostel doesn't have a spa tub.

Does Waterfront Backpackers - Hostel feature a restaurant that includes a breakfast menu?

No, Waterfront Backpackers - Hostel doesn't have a restaurant that serves breakfast.

Will Waterfront Backpackers - Hostel allow pets to stay free of charge?

No, pets aren't allowed at Waterfront Backpackers - Hostel though service animals are welcome.

Does Waterfront Backpackers - Hostel have connecting rooms available?

No, this hostel doesn't feature connecting guestrooms.

How close is the airport from Waterfront Backpackers - Hostel?

The closest major airport to Waterfront Backpackers - Hostel is Cairns Intl. Airport (CNS), which is 4.4 mi away (8 minutes by car).

Are there rooms with balconies that I can book at Waterfront Backpackers - Hostel?

No, there aren't any rooms at Waterfront Backpackers - Hostel that offer a balcony.

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 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
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 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
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 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
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 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
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 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
Verified

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
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 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
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 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.
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 traveler

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