Waterfront Backpackers - Hostel

Adults-only hostel with outdoor pool, near Cairns Esplanade

Choose dates to view prices

Mon, Apr 20
Tue, Apr 21
April 2026
5
May 2026
Near Cairns Central Shopping Centre, Waterfront Backpackers - Hostel welcomes you with an outdoor pool and bar. Enjoy the sunshine on the terrace or connect with free in-room WiFi. Previous guests rave about this convenient location.

Popular amenities

  • Pool
  • Airport transfer
  • Parking available
  • Free WiFi
  • Air conditioning
  • Bar

Main amenities (12)

  • 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 (6)

  • Cookware, dishware, and utensils
  • Terrace
  • Daily housekeeping
  • Laundry facilities
  • Barbecue grill(s)
  • Free parking nearby

Room options

Showing 6 of 6 rooms
Double Room (Shared Bathroom Facilities) | In-room safe, free WiFi, bed sheets
Double Room (Shared Bathroom Facilities) | In-room safe, free WiFi, bed sheets
Double Room (Shared Bathroom Facilities) | In-room safe, free WiFi, bed sheets
Double Room (Shared Bathroom Facilities) | In-room safe, free WiFi, bed sheets

Double Room (Shared Bathroom Facilities)

  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Double Bed OR 2 Twin Beds
Shared Dormitory (6 bed with ensuite) | In-room safe, free WiFi, bed sheets
Shared Dormitory (6 bed with ensuite) | In-room safe, free WiFi, bed sheets
Shared Dormitory (6 bed with ensuite) | In-room safe, free WiFi, bed sheets
Shared Dormitory (6 bed with ensuite) | In-room safe, free WiFi, bed sheets

Shared Dormitory (6 bed with ensuite)

  • Sleeps 1
  • 1 Twin Bed
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) | In-room safe, free WiFi, bed sheets
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) | In-room safe, free WiFi, bed sheets

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

  • Sleeps 1
  • 1 Twin Bed
In-room safe, free WiFi, bed sheets
In-room safe, free WiFi, bed sheets
In-room safe, free WiFi, bed sheets
In-room safe, free WiFi, bed sheets

Shared Dormitory (6 bed with shared bathroom)

  • Sleeps 1
  • 1 Twin Bed

Twin Room (Shared bathroom)

  • Sleeps 2
  • 2 Twin Beds

Shared Dormitory (2 bed with shared bathroom)

  • Sleeps 1
  • 1 Twin Bed

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About the neighborhood

Map
83 The Esplanade, Cairns, QLD, 4870

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
  • Reef Fleet Terminal - 6 min walk - 0.6 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

  • ‪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

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.

At a glance

Hotel size

    • 20 rooms
    • Arranged over 2 floors

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

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

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

Children

    • No cribs (infant beds)

Pets

    • Pets not allowed
    • Service animals welcome

Internet

    • Free WiFi in public areas
    • Free WiFi in rooms

Parking

    • Free offsite parking nearby

Transfers

    • Airport pickup from 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM*

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.
Credit cards accepted: Visa, Mastercard, JCB International

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 7-minute walk from Reef Fleet Terminal and 4 minutes' walk from Esplanade Lagoon.

Have a question?

Get instant answers with AI powered search of property information and reviews.

Waterfront Backpackers - Hostel Reviews

5.4

5.4

Cleanliness

8.6

Location

6.4

Staff & service

4.8

Property conditions & facilities
Verified

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

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

4/10 Fair

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

6/10 Good

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
4-night trip
Verified

10/10 Exceptional

Go for it

Great location. Chill spot to enjoy cairns.
Matt, 3-night trip
Verified

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

10/10 Exceptional

Solo backpacker

Quiet place. Thursday nights are the best time to come.
Matt, 3-night trip
Verified

8/10 Very good

It is located close to public swiming pool and harbor
Rico, 3-night trip
Verified

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 trip
Verified

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

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

2/10 Poor

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
bastide, 9-night trip
Verified

4/10 Fair

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

6/10 Good

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

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

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

4/10 Fair

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。
yuppy, 1-night trip
Verified

4/10 Fair

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 Poor

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 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

6/10 Good

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 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

6/10 Good

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 Poor

never again

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

8/10 Very good

It's a wonderful little hostel