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Waterfront Backpackers - Hostel

2.0 star property
Adults-only hostel with outdoor pool, near Cairns Esplanade

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your current months are January, 2025 and February, 2025.
January 2025
February 2025

Photo gallery for Waterfront Backpackers - Hostel

Lobby
Exterior
In-room safe, free WiFi, bed sheets
Sports facility
In-room safe, free WiFi, bed sheets

Reviews

5,4 out of 10

Popular amenities

  • Airport transfer
  • Bar
  • 24/7 front desk
  • Parking available
  • Pool
  • Air conditioning
Main amenities
  • Daily housekeeping
  • Outdoor pool
  • Bar/lounge
  • Airport pick-up service
  • Terrace
  • 24-hour front desk
  • Air conditioning
  • Computer station
  • Front-desk safe
  • Snack bar/deli
  • Laundry service
  • Self-serve laundry
Feel at home
  • Cookware, dishware, and utensils
  • Terrace
  • Daily housekeeping
  • Laundry facilities
  • Barbecue grill(s)
  • Free parking nearby

Room options

Available filters for rooms
Showing 6 of 6 rooms

View all photos for 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)

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

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

View all photos for 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

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

Similar properties

Exterior

Travellers Paradise Heritage Historical Place - Hostel

Pool
Airport transfer
Free parking
Free WiFi
7.6 out of 10, Good, (98)
The price is R2 264
R2 490 total
includes taxes & fees
29 Dec - 30 Dec
Travellers Paradise Heritage Historical Place - Hostel
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About the area

Map
83 The Esplanade, Cairns, QLD, 4870

What's nearby

  • Cairns Esplanade - 1 min walk - 0.0 km
  • Esplanade Lagoon - 4 min walk - 0.4 km
  • Cairns Marlin Marina - 7 min walk - 0.6 km
  • Reef Fleet Terminal - 7 min walk - 0.6 km
  • Cairns Central Shopping Centre - 12 min walk - 1.1 km

Getting around

  • Cairns Intl. Airport (CNS) - 8 min drive
  • Freshwater Station - 11 min drive
  • Cairns Station - 13 min walk
  • Redlynch Station - 13 min drive
  • Airport pick-up service

Restaurants

  • ‪Rattle N Hum - ‬1 min walk
  • ‪Flynn's Italian by Crystalbrook - ‬1 min walk
  • ‪Crepe - ‬4 min walk
  • ‪La Pizza Trattoria - ‬1 min walk
  • ‪Imm Thai Cafe - ‬4 min walk

About this property

Waterfront Backpackers - Hostel

Waterfront Backpackers - Hostel is just 4.4 mi (7.1 km) from the airport and offers pick-up service (available on request). After splashing around at the outdoor pool, you can unwind with a drink at the bar/lounge. A snack bar/deli and a terrace are offered, and in-room conveniences include refrigerators and microwaves.

Languages

English

At a glance

DONE

Hotel size

    • 20 rooms
    • Arranged over 2 floors
DONE

Arriving/Leaving

    • Check-in start time: 2:00 PM; check-in end time: 5:30 AM
    • Express check-out available
    • Minimum check-in age – 18
    • Check-out time is 10:00 AM
DONE

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
DONE

Required at check-in

    • Credit card required for incidental charges
    • Government-issued photo ID may be required
    • Minimum guest age is 18
    • Minimum check-in age is 18
DONE

Children

    • No cots (infant beds)
DONE

Pets

    • Pets not allowed
    • Service animals welcome
WIFI

Internet

    • Free WiFi in public areas
    • Free WiFi in rooms
LOCAL_PARKING

Parking

    • Free off-site parking nearby
DONE

Transfers

    • Airport pick-up from 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM*
DONE

Other information

    • Designated smoking areas
    • Caters to adults only

Property amenities

Food and drink

  • Bar/lounge
  • Barbecue grills
  • Snack bar/deli

Working away

  • Computer station

Services

  • 24-hour front desk
  • Tour/ticket assistance
  • Dry cleaning/laundry services
  • Luggage storage

Facilities

  • 1 building/tower
  • Safe-deposit box at front desk
  • Picnic area
  • Terrace
  • Television in common areas
  • An outdoor pool

Room amenities

Home comfort

  • Air conditioning

Sleep well

  • Bed sheets provided

Freshen up

  • Towels

Stay connected

  • Free WiFi
  • Phone

Food and drink

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

More

  • Daily housekeeping
  • In-room safe

Fees & policies

Refundable deposits

  • Deposit: AUD 50.00 per stay

Optional extras

  • Airport shuttle service is offered for an extra charge of AUD 15 per person

Policies

This property does not have elevators.
Guests can rest easy knowing there's a fire extinguisher and a first aid kit on site.
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.

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 offer free cancellation for a full refund?
Yes, Waterfront Backpackers - Hostel does have fully refundable room rates available to book on our site. If you’ve booked a fully refundable room rate, this can be cancelled up to a few days before check-in depending on the property's cancellation policy. Just make sure to check this property's cancellation policy for the exact terms and conditions.
Is there a pool at Waterfront Backpackers - Hostel?
Yes, there's an outdoor pool.
Are pets allowed at Waterfront Backpackers - Hostel?
Sorry, pets aren't allowed, but service animals are welcome.
Is parking offered on site at Waterfront Backpackers - Hostel?
No, unfortunately, but there's free parking nearby.
Is airport shuttle service offered by Waterfront Backpackers - Hostel?
Yes, a shuttle from the airport to the hotel is available from 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM on request. The charge is AUD 15 per person.
What are the check-in and check-out times at Waterfront Backpackers - Hostel?
Check-in start time: 2:00 PM; Check-in end time: 5:30 AM. Check-out time is 10:00 AM. Express check-out is available.
Is there an onsite casino at Waterfront Backpackers - Hostel?
No, this hostel doesn't have a casino, but Reef Hotel Casino (6-min walk) and Cazalys Cairns (5-min drive) are both nearby.
What is there to do at Waterfront Backpackers - Hostel and nearby?
Waterfront Backpackers - Hostel has an outdoor pool and a picnic area.
What's the area around Waterfront Backpackers - Hostel like?
Waterfront Backpackers - Hostel is a short 1-minute walk from Cairns Esplanade and 7 minutes' walk from Cairns Marlin Marina.

Waterfront Backpackers - Hostel Reviews

Reviews

5,4

5,4/10

Cleanliness

6,4/10

Staff & service

3,4/10

Amenities

4,8/10

Property conditions & facilities

Reviews

2/10 Poor

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.
D, 2-night trip
Verified Wotif guest review

4/10 Fair

The room doesn't have enough outlets. Unclean and old hotel.
., 3-night trip
Verified Expedia guest review

10/10 Exceptional

Go for it
Great location. Chill spot to enjoy cairns.
Matt, 3-night trip
Verified Hotels.com guest review

8/10 Very good

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
2-night trip
Verified Hotels.com guest review

10/10 Exceptional

Solo backpacker
Quiet place. Thursday nights are the best time to come.
Matt, 3-night trip
Verified Hotels.com guest review

6/10 Good

1-night trip with friends
Verified Hotels.com guest review

2/10 Poor

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.
1-night romance trip
Verified Hotels.com guest review

4/10 Fair

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.
Tara, 3-night trip
Verified Expedia guest review

6/10 Good

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.
2-night trip
Verified Hotels.com guest review

4/10 Fair

The hostel is right next to a major construction site. It is dark and drab.
2-night trip
Verified Wotif guest review

6/10 Good

No air conditionings shared toilet didn't have toilet paper
1-night trip
Verified Wotif guest review

6/10 Good

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.
Dimiter, 3-night trip
Verified Hotels.com guest review

2/10 Poor

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!
baily, 2-night trip
Verified Hotels.com guest review

6/10 Good

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 Hotels.com guest review

4/10 Fair

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 Hotels.com guest review

8/10 Very good

It's a wonderful little hostel
Verified Hotels.com guest review

6/10 Good

Close, Cheap, Free Wifi
I booked very last minute late in the arvo. The only downside I have is that I was extremely tired and had to wait 30+ minutes (told 20minutes) for the guy on front desk to arrive as he was not in the office. I went a couple of shops down and ate some amazing food (amazing food everywhere in walking distance). I did come back the next night to stay as it was so convenient. Unfortunately I was too busy to check out our pool.
Verified Lastminute guest review

2/10 Poor

The service was good, the desk man was helpful but the hotel is self was gross & the the room looked a jail cell. If you want a budget place but dont care about anything else then this is fine, otherwise i urge not for you yo stay. The communal bath room was so dirty which was the worst part of this hostel.
Verified Hotels.com guest review

8/10 Very good

All you can expect for backpacker accommodation
Handy to all cbd needs Clean sheets, mattress not so clean Reasonable noise levels from other guests Air con between 5pm and 9am Staff good Kitchen was a mess and bathrooms need more cleaning but not totally unusable
Verified Wotif guest review

6/10 Good

Excellent location; Inexpensive
The staff were helpful and location is excellent. The staff were helpful and pleasant. It is a party hostel and the rooms are very basic. You get what you pay for and if all you're doing is sleeping there it's not a bad deal!
Verified Expedia guest review

4/10 Fair

Location is good but facilities is dirty. Very noisy hostel.
Verified Expedia guest review

6/10 Good

Verified Hotels.com guest review

6/10 Good

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.
Melker, 3-night trip
Verified Hotels.com guest review

6/10 Good

Siegfried, 3-night trip
Verified Hotels.com guest review

8/10 Very good

Amanda, 4-night trip with friends
Verified Hotels.com guest review