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Reviews of Global Backpackers Cairns 4.5 stars

67 The Esplanade, 4870 Cairns, Australia

#14 of 75 hotels in Cairns

Guests' Choice

Review score

Based on 1068 hostel reviews

8.5

Score breakdown

  • Cleanliness

    8.6

  • Comfort

    8.6

  • Location

    9.8

  • Facilities

    8.7

  • Staff

    9.0

  • Value for money

    8.6

  • Free WiFi

    8.7

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Showing 1 – 25

  • Reviewed: 2 September 2025

    8.0
    Best location , worth the money
    • Leisure trip
    • Solo traveller
    • Queen Room
    • Stayed 3 nights
    • Submitted via mobile

    There 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

    9.0
    Perfect, central location!
    • Leisure trip
    • Couple
    • Queen Room
    • Stayed 5 nights

    We 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

    10
    Awesome place to stay!
    • Leisure trip
    • Couple
    • Queen Room with Ensuite and Balcony
    • Stayed 2 nights
    • Submitted via mobile

    Parking 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

    10
    Fantastic! great place to stay.
    • Leisure trip
    • Couple
    • Queen Room with Ensuite and Balcony
    • Stayed 2 nights
    • Submitted via mobile

    The 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

    7.0
    Good
    • Leisure trip
    • Couple
    • Queen Room with Ensuite and Balcony
    • Stayed 3 nights
    • Submitted via mobile

    The 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

    7.0
    Small but clean and in a good location
    • Leisure trip
    • Couple
    • Standard Twin Room with Shared Bathroom
    • Stayed 2 nights
    • Submitted via mobile

    Room 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

    9.0
    Superb
    • Leisure trip
    • Solo traveller
    • Bed in 8-Bed Mixed Dormitory Room (ages 18 - 35 only)
    • Stayed 2 nights
    • Submitted via mobile

    8 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

    8.0
    Does the job
    • Leisure trip
    • Family with young children
    • Bunk Bed in Female Dormitory Room (ages 18 - 35 only)
    • Stayed 6 nights
    • Submitted via mobile

    A 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

    10
    Excellent stay in Cairns
    • Leisure trip
    • Couple
    • Queen Room
    • Stayed 5 nights
    • Submitted via mobile

    -

    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

    10
    Pleasant
    • Leisure trip
    • Solo traveller
    • Bed in 6-Bed Female Dormitory Room (ages 18 - 35 only)
    • Stayed 3 nights
    • Submitted via mobile

    Nothing

    A lot of facilities

    Stayed in July 2025

  • Reviewed: 14 August 2025

    9.0
    Superb
    • Leisure trip
    • Solo traveller
    • Bed in 10-Bed Mixed Dormitory Room (ages 18 - 35 only)
    • Stayed 7 nights
    • Submitted via mobile

    It 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

    7.0
    I stayed at this hostel for over a month and overall it’s good: clean, quiet, and really well located. I stayed in almos
    • Business trip
    • Solo traveller
    • Bed in 6-Bed Female Dormitory Room (ages 18 - 35 only)
    • Stayed 7 nights
    • Submitted via mobile

    The 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

    7.0
    Good
    • Leisure trip
    • Group
    • Queen Room
    • Stayed 2 nights

    The check in process.

    The private room was comfortable. There was a big kitchen.

    Stayed in July 2025

  • Reviewed: 4 August 2025

    9.0
    It was grand
    • Leisure trip
    • Solo traveller
    • Bed in 4 bed Mixed Dormitory Room with Ensuite (ages 18 - 35 only)
    • Stayed 4 nights
    • Submitted via mobile

    Nothing

    Location

    Stayed in July 2025

  • Reviewed: 4 August 2025

    9.0
    One of the best hostels I’ve ever stayed
    • Leisure trip
    • People with friends
    • Bunk Bed in Female Dormitory Room (ages 18 - 35 only)
    • Stayed 5 nights
    • Submitted via mobile

    Would 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

    10
    Perfect Location
    • Leisure trip
    • Solo traveller
    • Standard Twin Room with Shared Bathroom
    • Stayed 3 nights
    • Submitted via mobile

    Absolutely 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

    10
    Clean, comfortable and affordable. Prime location.
    • Leisure trip
    • Couple
    • Queen Room with Ensuite and Balcony
    • Stayed 4 nights
    • Submitted via mobile

    The 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

    10
    Exceptional
    • Leisure trip
    • Solo traveller
    • Queen Room
    • Stayed 4 nights
    • Submitted via mobile

    -

    Location, value, ease of stay

    Stayed in July 2025

  • Reviewed: 3 July 2025

    10
    Very good
    • Leisure trip
    • Couple
    • Queen Room
    • Stayed 2 nights
    • Submitted via mobile

    Good facilities. Clean property

    Stayed in June 2025

  • Reviewed: 1 July 2025

    8.0
    Affordable and convenient hostel
    • Leisure trip
    • Solo traveller
    • Bed in 4 bed Female Dormitory Room with Ensuite (ages 18 -35 only)
    • Stayed 3 nights

    On 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

    8.0
    Very good
    • Leisure trip
    • Solo traveller
    • Bed in 10-Bed Mixed Dormitory Room (ages 18 - 35 only)
    • Stayed 3 nights
    • Submitted via mobile

    Clean kitchen and good location

    Stayed in June 2025

  • Reviewed: 30 June 2025

    10
    Great value, location, and comfort with helpful staff
    • Leisure trip
    • Solo traveller
    • Bed in 4 bed Mixed Dormitory Room with Ensuite (ages 18 - 35 only)
    • Stayed 3 nights
    • Submitted via mobile

    Everything 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

    8.0
    Very good
    • Leisure trip
    • Solo traveller
    • Bed in 4 bed Mixed Dormitory Room with Ensuite (ages 18 - 35 only)
    • Stayed 14 nights
    • Submitted via mobile

    The 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

    8.0
    We were there for an event and Global Backpackers was perfectly located and very comfortable
    • Leisure trip
    • Couple
    • Queen Room - Disability Access
    • Stayed 3 nights

    We 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

Showing 1 – 25

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