67 The Esplanade, 4870 Cairns, Australia
#14 of 75 hotels in Cairns
Guests' ChoiceBased on 1068 hostel reviews
8.5Cleanliness
8.6
Comfort
8.6
Location
9.8
Facilities
8.7
Staff
9.0
Value for money
8.6
Free WiFi
8.7
Each review score is between 1-10. To get the overall score that you see, we add up all the review scores we’ve received and divide that total by the number of review scores we’ve received. We use a weighted review system which means that the more recent the review, the bigger the impact on the total review score calculation. In addition, guests can give separate ‘subscores’ in crucial areas, such as location, cleanliness, staff, comfort, facilities, value for money and free Wi-Fi. Note that guests submit their subscores and their overall scores independently, so there’s no direct link between them.
You can review an Accommodation that you booked through our Platform if you stayed there or if you arrived at the property but didn’t actually stay there. To edit a review you’ve already submitted, please contact our Customer Service team.
We have people and automated systems that specialise in detecting fake reviews submitted to our Platform. If we find any, we delete them and, if necessary, take action against whoever is responsible.
Anyone else who spots something suspicious can always report it to our Customer Service team, so our Fraud team can investigate.
Ideally, we would publish every review we receive, whether positive or negative. However, we won’t display any review that includes or refers to (among other things):
To make sure reviews are relevant, we may only accept reviews that are submitted within 3 months of checking out, and we may stop showing reviews once they’re 36 months old – or if the Accommodation has a change of ownership.
An Accommodation may choose to reply to a review.
When you see multiple reviews, the most recent ones will be at the top, subject to a few other factors (what language a review is in, whether it’s just a rating or contains comments as well, etc.). If you like, you can sort and/or filter them (by time of year, review score, etc.).
We sometimes show external review scores from other well-known travel websites. We make it clear when we’ve done this.
These guidelines and standards aim to keep the content on Booking.com relevant and family-friendly without limiting expression of strong opinions. They are also applicable regardless of the sentiment of the comment.
Contributions should be travel related. The most helpful contributions are detailed and help others make better decisions. Please don’t include personal, political, ethical, or religious commentary. Promotional content will be removed and issues concerning Booking.com’s services should be routed to our Customer Service or Accommodation Service teams.
Contributions should be appropriate for a global audience. Please avoid using profanity or attempts to approximate profanity with creative spelling, in any language. Comments and media that include 'hate speech', discriminatory remarks, threats, sexually explicit remarks, violence, and the promotion of illegal activity are not permitted.
All content should be genuine and unique to the guest. Reviews are most valuable when they are original and unbiased. Your contribution should be yours. Booking.com property partners should not post on behalf of guests or offer incentives in exchange for reviews. Attempts to bring down the rating of a competitor by submitting a negative review will not be tolerated.
Respect the privacy of others. Booking.com will make an effort to obscure email addresses, telephone numbers, website addresses, social media accounts, and similar details.
The opinions expressed in contributions are those of Booking.com customers and properties and not of Booking.com. Booking.com does not accept responsibility or liability for any reviews or responses. Booking.com is a distributor (without any obligation to verify) and not a publisher of these comments and responses.
By default, reviews are sorted based on the date of the review and on additional criteria to display the most relevant reviews, including but not limited to: your language, reviews with text, and non-anonymous reviews. Additional sorting options may be available (by type of traveller, by score, etc.).
This service may contain translations powered by Google. Google disclaims all warranties related to the translations, express or implied, including any warranties of accuracy, reliability, and any implied warranties of merchantability, fitness for a particular purpose and non-infringement.
End of dialog contentReviewed: 2 September 2025
Nupur
IndiaThere was no wardrobe in the room, and they put huge lamps on the side tables occupying the space. Bathroom was big, could have used the space to add wardrobe in the room. The room lights were weird as they turn off automatically after 30 minutes. Also, I reached via overnight flight and reached early morning. I asked if I can take shower , because everywhere I went before hostels always allow showers as they have common bathroom. First the lady at the reception denied but after 5 minutes she said ok. I was grateful that she allowed it later but felt weird on denial at first.
Location , just opposite the Esplanade. 20 min Walkable to central station and 15 min to near by supermarket. Aquarium is also near like 5 to 7 min walk. 10 minute walk to Reef Terminal. It was really good area, with lot of food options. You can cook onsite with kitchen available. They have tie up with few places which gives you discount on food and drinks. Good to have onsite laundry facilities.
Stayed in August 2025
Reviewed: 1 September 2025
Kenzo
NorwayWe stayed 4 nights, thought it would be good to have some house-keeping at some point but we managed without it. Bathroom had no windows so was afraid of taking a shower and opening the door and starting the smoke detector in the room as it was written we should pay a fee if that happened. Luckily it didn´t! Would not recommend to have a car because area is quite central and parking seems hard to find besides being expensive...
Can´t say enough about the location!! It was perfect!! Very central, in a busy area, with many restaurants, night market, cafes... Also close to the marina where the boats leave. We walked everywhere. But our room was still quiet, had no problem to sleep. Room was tiny but comfortable with our own bathroom, even though it was a hostel with shared rooms as well. Staff was nice and helpful. Good to have shared washing machines, kitchen and a lounge. Also, nice view from the sea from the kitchen area. There was a gym that could be used for free, not so close to the hostel (like 20 min. walk) but great if you want to keep your workout some days during your stay. Great value for money.
Stayed in August 2025
Reviewed: 29 August 2025
Lisa
AustraliaParking is off site but staff were helpful to let us know were the best spots are.
Awesome place to stay with everything at your fingertips. Very comfortable super clean queen room with ensuite with water views from balcony. Friendly helpful staff. Highly recommend.
Stayed in August 2025
Reviewed: 29 August 2025
Lisa
AustraliaThe only thing that was only a slight concern is parking. There is no parking at the facility but the staff were very helpful to let us know where the best spots are.
This is the perfect place for a stopover in Cairns right in the city centre.We stayed in a queen room with an esuite and water views from our small balcony. Staff are super friendly and helpful. Very clean and well managed. Very quiet for a backpackers. We (over 50's couple) highly recommend staying here.
Stayed in August 2025
Reviewed: 24 August 2025
Hayley
AustraliaThe room was very noisy, the street noise was loud and people were yelling in hallway several times per night.
Great location, good value for money, room was clean and comfortable, staff very friendly.
Stayed in August 2025
Reviewed: 23 August 2025
Tea
ItalyRoom is really small and there is little place for the luggage, but it’s nice to have a little balcony. Male toilet was a little dirty.
The hostel is clean and the location is perfect for nightlife or early ferry tour. They give you a 20% at the restaurant next door which has good quality food and nice vibes even for just a beer.
Stayed in August 2025
Reviewed: 22 August 2025
Jan
Australia8 beds room feels very small but I know that's the price. Room with 6 beds and bathroom was exceptionall.
Very clean rooms and amenities. The staff are very helpful with a lot of things.
Stayed in August 2025
Reviewed: 20 August 2025
Lauren
United StatesA bit overpriced and just clean enough. Front desk staff were pretty cold, except for a couple of the younger women.
Clean and good location, no frills
Stayed in August 2025
Reviewed: 19 August 2025
Matic
Slovenia-
Very good location, walking distance to almost everything you need, nice rooms, enough place in kitchen and big fridge
Stayed in August 2025
Reviewed: 19 August 2025
Xiaojuan
AustraliaNothing
A lot of facilities
Stayed in July 2025
Reviewed: 14 August 2025
Sara
ItalyIt would have been nice to have breakfast included and some group activities to building relationships with the other guests.
Super comfortable hostel and the location was amazing, right in the city centre.
Stayed in August 2025
Reviewed: 12 August 2025
Bórquez
ChileThe kitchen closes too early, and the staff doesn’t offer any options for people who work at night and want something to eat.
Good location, quiet place and clean
Stayed in August 2025
Reviewed: 9 August 2025
Che
SpainThe check in process.
The private room was comfortable. There was a big kitchen.
Stayed in July 2025
Reviewed: 4 August 2025
Sinead
IrelandNothing
Location
Stayed in July 2025
Reviewed: 4 August 2025
Vidal
PortugalWould be great to add a curtain and light in the bunk beds
Best location possible, amazing balcony right in front of the sea, super clean, huge kitchen with a lot of stoves and space in the fridge, friendly staff and clean sheets
Stayed in July 2025
Reviewed: 23 July 2025
Kerry
AustraliaAbsolutely perfectly located, directly opposite the Cairns Lagoon. I stayed alone in a twin share room, right at the front. The room even had a balcony with a table and chairs, with a view of the Cairns Eye and Esplanade. The room had a large window and sliding glass doors and the blinds were enough to keep the light out. The size of the room was fine and the balcony was such a lovely bonus. Two power points per bed. A/C and a fan. Great value. Clean. I can't fault it.
Stayed in July 2025
Reviewed: 19 July 2025
Loudon76
AustraliaThe noise from the dorm room next door banging every time someone entered or exited, sounded like an explosion in a very quiet room, while trying to sleep. Needs the hinges adjusted for soft closing.
Friendly and accommodating staff. Room cleanliness. Location. Price, cost effective.
Stayed in July 2025
Reviewed: 14 July 2025
Alexandra
Australia-
Location, value, ease of stay
Stayed in July 2025
Reviewed: 3 July 2025
Niamh
IrelandGood facilities. Clean property
Stayed in June 2025
Reviewed: 1 July 2025
Maria-christina
United KingdomOn some nights, people may sleep in the sofas instead of going into their doors which may result in noise in the morning. However, the most inconvenient thing is the fact that some people may use the hostel for a prolonged period of time - something that I experienced in the room where I stayed - and doesn't leave a pleasant feeling.
The location is ideal as the hostel is in central Cairns and literally 5-7 minutes walk from most things you'll need while there. Staff are friendly and always happy to help. Keep in mind that the reception is open 7am-7pm and if you arrive later, you need to ring/WhatsApp the duty/night manager who is on site. Also, keep in mind that towels are not provided - they charge them 6 AUD. Overall, I would recommend the female-only en-suite dorms as you share the bathroom with 4 more people only and it's fine for a 2-3 days of stay.
Stayed in July 2025
Reviewed: 30 June 2025
Angelica
AustraliaClean kitchen and good location
Stayed in June 2025
Reviewed: 30 June 2025
Henry
United StatesEverything was great! Comfortable beds & pillows, nice bathrooms, air conditioning, big kitchen with nice balcony seating, even a small gym (not the best but better than nothing!).
Stayed in June 2025
Reviewed: 20 June 2025
Marco
ItalyThe only thing I didn’t like was that the kitchen closes at 10 PM — a bit too early, especially if you work late or have a different schedule.
I really enjoyed my stay at Global Backpackers. The location is perfect — right in the center but still quiet and peaceful. The place is clean and well maintained, and the staff are super friendly and helpful. Highly recommended if you’re looking for a comfortable and well-organized hostel!
Stayed in June 2025
Reviewed: 20 June 2025
Wood-rich
AustraliaWe had a private room with bathroom which was excellent - I would have liked a couple of chairs and a table (folding chair and card table would have been sufficient and welcome)
The location was perfect for our needs, right in the hub of activity but was surprisingly quiet and peaceful in the room. Equally, there felt a good vibe with the other residents at the Backpackers during our stay
Stayed in June 2025
Zawiercie, Poland
Elblag, Poland
Ajman , UAE
Bocas del Toro, Panama
Sunriver, USA
Cajamarca, Peru
Dubrovnik, Croatia
Smokvica, Croatia
Booking.com is part of Booking Holdings Inc., the world leader in online travel and related services.
We have more than 70 million property reviews, and they're all from real, verified guests.
1
The only way to leave a review is to first make a booking. That's how we know our reviews come from real guests who have stayed at the property.
2
When guests stay at the property they check out how quiet the room is, how friendly the staff are and more.
3
After their trip, guests tell us about their stay. We check for naughty words and verify the authenticity of all guest reviews before adding them to our site.
If you booked through us and want to leave a review, please sign in first.
End of dialog content