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Global Backpackers Cairns

2.0 star property
Travelers find a social retreat with tropical charm at this well-connected hostel offering airport shuttles and positioned perfectly for shopping adventures

Choose dates to view prices

Global Backpackers Cairns is steps from Cairns Central Shopping Centre. Enjoy the rooftop terrace, practical laundry facilities, and multilingual staff who arrange local tours. In-room WiFi keeps you connected. Cool off in the nearby outdoor pool after exploring.

Reviews

9.6 out of 10
Exceptional

Popular amenities

  • Free WiFi
  • Air conditioning
  • Parking available
  • Laundry
  • Housekeeping
  • Kitchen

Room options

Available filters for rooms
Showing 7 of 7 rooms

View all photos for Standard Shared Dormitory, Mixed Dorm, Non Smoking, Shared Bathroom (8 Bed Dorm Room)

Standard Shared Dormitory, Mixed Dorm, Non Smoking, Shared Bathroom (8 Bed Dorm Room)

Standard Shared Dormitory, Mixed Dorm, Non Smoking, Shared Bathroom (8 Bed Dorm Room)

Highlights

Air conditioning
Fan
Private bathroom
Shared/communal kitchen
In-room safe
Daily housekeeping
  • Sleeps 8
  • 4 Twin Bunk Beds

View all photos for Standard Shared Dormitory, Multiple Beds, Non Smoking, Shared Bathroom (4 Bed Waterfront Dorm)

Standard Shared Dormitory, Multiple Beds, Non Smoking, Shared Bathroom (4 Bed Waterfront Dorm)

Standard Shared Dormitory, Multiple Beds, Non Smoking, Shared Bathroom (4 Bed Waterfront Dorm)

10.0 out of 10
Exceptional
(1 review)

Highlights

Furnished balcony
Air conditioning
Fan
Shared/communal kitchen
In-room safe
Daily housekeeping
  • Sleeps 4
  • 2 Twin Bunk Beds

View all photos for Signature Room, 1 Queen Bed, Non Smoking, Private Bathroom

Signature Room, 1 Queen Bed, Non Smoking, Private Bathroom

Signature Room, 1 Queen Bed, Non Smoking, Private Bathroom

Highlights

Air conditioning
Fan
Private bathroom
Shared/communal kitchen
In-room safe
Daily housekeeping
  • 102 sq ft
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Queen Bed

View all photos for Standard Shared Dormitory, Multiple Beds, Non Smoking, Shared Bathroom (4 Bed Dorm Room)

In-room safe, iron/ironing board, free WiFi, bed sheets

Standard Shared Dormitory, Multiple Beds, Non Smoking, Shared Bathroom (4 Bed Dorm Room)

Highlights

Air conditioning
Fan
Shared/communal kitchen
In-room safe
Daily housekeeping
  • Sleeps 4
  • 2 Twin Bunk Beds

View all photos for Standard Shared Dormitory, Multiple Beds, Non Smoking, Shared Bathroom (4 Bed Dorm Female Only)

Standard Shared Dormitory, Multiple Beds, Non Smoking, Shared Bathroom (4 Bed Dorm Female Only)

Standard Shared Dormitory, Multiple Beds, Non Smoking, Shared Bathroom (4 Bed Dorm Female Only)

Highlights

Air conditioning
Fan
Shared/communal kitchen
In-room safe
Daily housekeeping
  • Sleeps 4
  • 2 Twin Bunk Beds

View all photos for Standard Shared Dormitory, Multiple Beds, Non Smoking, Shared Bathroom (6 Bed Dorm Room)

Standard Shared Dormitory, Multiple Beds, Non Smoking, Shared Bathroom (6 Bed Dorm Room)

Standard Shared Dormitory, Multiple Beds, Non Smoking, Shared Bathroom (6 Bed Dorm Room)

8.0 out of 10
Very good
(1 review)

Highlights

Air conditioning
Fan
Shared/communal kitchen
In-room safe
Daily housekeeping
  • Sleeps 6
  • 3 Twin Bunk Beds

View all photos for Superior Room, 1 Queen Bed

Superior Room, 1 Queen Bed

Superior Room, 1 Queen Bed

Highlights

Air conditioning
Fan
Separate bedroom
Shared/communal kitchen
In-room safe
Daily housekeeping
  • 113 sq ft
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Queen Bed

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8.8 out of 10, Excellent, 883 reviews
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About the area

Located in Cairns Central Business District, a neighborhood in Cairns, Global Backpackers Cairns is in a shopping district and on the waterfront. Cairns Regional Gallery and Copperlode Dam are local landmarks, and some of the area's activities can be experienced at Reef Fleet Terminal and Cairns Marlin Marina. Bulmba-ja Arts Centre and The Cultural Place are also worth visiting. Visit our Cairns travel guide
View more Hostels in Cairns
Map
67 The Esplanade, Cairns, QLD, 4870

What's nearby

  • Cairns Esplanade featuring a pool, a luxury hotel or resort and swimming
    Cairns Esplanade
    1 min walk - 0.0 km
  • Esplanade Lagoon featuring general coastal views, swimming and a pool
    Esplanade Lagoon
    2 min walk - 0.2 km
  • Cairns Night Markets showing markets as well as a small group of people
    Cairns Night Markets
    2 min walk - 0.2 km
  • Cairns Marlin Marina showing a sunset and a bay or harbor
    Cairns Marlin Marina
    5 min walk - 0.5 km
  • Reef Fleet Terminal
    5 min walk - 0.4 km

Getting around

  • Cairns Station
    12 min walk
  • Cairns Intl. Airport (CNS)
    12 min drive

Restaurants

  • McDonald's
    1 min walk
  • Villa Romana
    2 min walk
  • La Pizza
    2 min walk
  • Rattle n Hum Cairns
    1 min walk
  • Skewers Lover 炸串
    4 min walk

About this property

Global Backpackers Cairns

Hostel near Cairns Esplanade
Take advantage of an airport shuttle, a rooftop terrace, and laundry facilities at Global Backpackers Cairns. Guests can connect to free in-room WiFi.
You'll also enjoy the following perks during your stay:
  • Outdoor pool access nearby
  • A roundtrip airport shuttle (surcharge), an elevator, and a vending machine
  • Tour/ticket assistance, smoke-free premises, and luggage storage
  • A front-desk safe, multilingual staff, and a TV in the lobby
Room features
All guestrooms at Global Backpackers Cairns offer comforts such as air conditioning, as well as amenities like free WiFi and safes.
Extra conveniences in all rooms include:
  • Communal kitchens, fans, and daily housekeeping

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includes taxes & fees
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Property amenities

Internet

  • Available in all rooms: Free WiFi
  • Available in some public areas: Free WiFi and wired internet

Parking and transportation

  • Roundtrip airport shuttle (surcharge) from 3:30 AM to 9:00 PM at scheduled times

Things to do

  • Outdoor pool (guest access)
  • TV in common areas

Conveniences

  • Laundry facilities
  • Limited-hour front desk
  • Luggage storage
  • Safe at front desk
  • Shared microwave
  • Shared refrigerator
  • Vending machine

Guest services

  • Housekeeping (daily)
  • Multilingual staff
  • Tour and ticket assistance

Outdoors

  • On the waterfront
  • Rooftop terrace

Accessibility

  • If you have requests for specific accessibility needs, please contact the property using the information on the reservation confirmation received after booking.
  • Elevator
  • Wheelchair accessibility
  • Wheelchair accessible (may have limitations)

More

  • Communal living room
  • Smoking not allowed

Room amenities

Bedroom

  • Bedsheets provided

Bathroom

  • Hair dryer (on request)
  • Shower
  • Towels provided

Food and drink

  • Shared kitchen access

More

  • Air conditioning
  • Fan
  • Iron/ironing board on request
  • Safe

Policies

Check-in

Check-in start time: 2 PM; Check-in end time: 8 PM
Contactless check-in available
Minimum check-in age: 18

Check-out

Check-out before 10 AM
Contactless 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
The front desk is open daily from 7 AM - 10 PM
Front desk staffed during limited hours
This property doesn't offer after-hours check-in
Information provided by the property may be translated using automated translation tools

Access methods

Front desk (limited hours)

Pets

Pets not allowed (service animals are welcome, and are exempt from fees)

Children and extra beds

This property welcomes adults only
Rollaway/extra beds are not available
Cribs (infant beds) are not available

Property payment types

Important information

Optional extras

  • Airport shuttle fee: AUD 15 per person (one-way)

The above list may not be comprehensive. Fees and deposits may 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, debit card, or cash deposit 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
This property accepts credit cards; cash is not accepted
This property reserves the right to pre-authorize the guest's credit card prior to arrival.
Cashless transactions are available
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher, a smoke detector, and a first aid kit
This property has outdoor spaces, such as balconies, patios, terraces which may not be suitable for children; if you have concerns, we recommend contacting the property prior to your arrival to confirm they can accommodate you in a suitable room

Property is also known as

Global Backpackers Waterfront Hostel Cairns
Global Backpackers Waterfront Hostel
Global Backpackers Waterfront Cairns
Global Backpackers Waterfront
Global Backpackers Cairns Cairns
Global Backpackers Cairns Hostel/Backpacker accommodation
Global Backpackers Cairns Hostel/Backpacker accommodation Cairns

Frequently asked questions

Does Global Backpackers Cairns have a pool?

Yes, this property has outdoor pool access.

Is Global Backpackers Cairns pet-friendly?

No, only service animals are welcome at the property.

How much is parking?

Onsite parking is available at the property.

What time is check-in at Global Backpackers Cairns?

Check-in start time: 2 PM; Check-in end time: 8 PM. After-hours check-in is not available.

What time is check-out at Global Backpackers Cairns?

Check-out is at 10 AM.

Does Global Backpackers Cairns provide a shuttle to the airport?

Yes, there's an airport shuttle that runs 3:30 AM–9:00 PM at scheduled times. A fee of AUD 15 per person applies.

Where is Global Backpackers Cairns located?

Located in Cairns Central Business District, this hostel is steps from Michaelmas Cay and Cairns Esplanade. Esplanade Lagoon and Cairns Night Markets are just steps away. Cairns Station is 12 minutes by foot.

Can I cancel my reservation for free and receive a full refund?

Yes, this property offers free cancellation on select room rates, because flexibility matters! Please refer to the property cancellation policy on our site for more details about any exclusions or requirements.

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Reviews

Global Backpackers Cairns Reviews

9.6

Exceptional

9.4

Cleanliness

10

Location

9.8

Staff & service

9.8

Property conditions & facilities
Rating 10 - Excellent. 22 out of 29 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 7 out of 29 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 0 out of 29 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 29 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 29 reviews

Reviews

8/10 Good

Verified traveller

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Great visit all good
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2021

10/10 Excellent

Kate

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Walking distance to most places. Super clean. Excellent room. Comfortable bed. Had a queen room with it’s own shower. Would recommend and would absolutely stay there again.
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2022

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Amazing Views!

WOW - what an amazing place! I stayed here for three nights, but I wish it had been longer. This hostel has just recently reopened after major renovations (June 20, 2019, I believe). It has a wonderful location as well as a beautiful view of the ocean. It is in a prime location on the Esplanade. Loads of restaurants nearby, the night markets, the lagoon, the Reef Fleet Terminal, Train Station, Woolworths, etc. When I arrived I was greeted by the two people who were running the travel desk. Laura was manning the reception desk. She checked me in quickly and gave me a personal tour of the hostel. Originally, I had booked a 4 bed dorm, but after the tour decided to switch to a waterfront dorm. The views are stunning. I highly recommend the waterfront rooms. You have an unobstructed view of the Pacific. The beds and sheets are great. Each bed has two outlets to use and there are storage lockers under the lower bunk. The kitchen is on the top floor and has an open deck looking out on the water. The kitchen is fully equipped and everything is brand new. There is a huge fridge and pantry, for food storage. Free breakfast is included in your stay and includes toast with a variety of spreads and also a selection of cereals. Communal bathrooms are fantastic. Some rooms also feature an ensuite, if you prefer. All three ladies, who work at the front desk (Laura, Kim and Kiera), were incredibly helpful and made my stay most enjoyable and memorable. I would definitely book here again.
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2019

10/10 Excellent

Kara

Liked: Staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Kim was really outstanding in her service. I had accidentally booked into a mixed dorm that was full of males, and when she knew I was coming for a funeral, she went absolutely above and beyond to accommodate me. I ended up having a room to myself with waterfront views. This is not the norm, so I was ever so appreciative. Apart from that I really enjoyed the atmosphere and the building is perfectly situated and surrounded by cool things to see and do. Thanks Global. I’ll be back again. 😘
Stayed 2 nights in May 2022

10/10 Excellent

Yen Kit Kelvin

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
It’s a very clean and new hostel. Staffs are super nice and helpful! Definitely recommended!
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2022

8/10 Good

Renuma

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
The views from the kitchen were beautiful! Host was very friendly and accommodating, rooms clean and comfortable for a short stay. Laidback environment not party scene. Would highly recommend.
Stayed 3 nights in Dec 2021

10/10 Excellent

Glenda

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Great

The staff are so friendly and they he services are great.
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2021

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Beautifully located, close to everything you need and great value. Kim and the other staff are very helpful and friendly.
Stayed 4 nights in Feb 2021

8/10 Good

Sven

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Great hostel in Cairns, Australia

I had a short one night stay due to busy travel home to Denmark (Corona) and limited flights. Excellent location and nice people. Fine kitchen area and roof terrace. Room could need a little better floor cleaning. I was in a 4 bed with no bathroom but fine terrace with ocean view.
Stayed 1 night in Mar 2020

10/10 Excellent

Natalie

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Fab hostel

I really enjoyed my stay at this hostel. When I arrived, I was able to upgrade to a 4 bed dorm with en-suite which I had to myself. The hostel staff let me check in early and were really helpful regarding trips in the area. The view from the kitchen is brilliant. The rooms are really clean and so are the communal spaces. There is a decent free breakfast in the mornings too. This is probably the best hostel I’ve stayed at on the east coast!
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2020

10/10 Excellent

stefan

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Great hostel. Clean, ok size rooms, commonareas fresh.
Stayed 3 nights in Mar 2020

10/10 Excellent

David

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Great place

Great place in a great location. Clean modern friendly. Swimming across the road in the lagoon is wonderful. Cheap meals at PJ oBrien with a hostel voucher a bonus. 99% perfect. Only issues slightly warm at night even with air con which is set at 24 degs and a bit of shade in the dining area at breakfast would help. View from breakfast area is superb.
Stayed 4 nights in Feb 2020

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
This was quite a perfect place to stay! The hostel was brand new and clean, the location was perfect and I even ended up staying alone in the dorm for a couple of nights (it pays off to pay a little bit extra for the waterfront dorm!).
Stayed 4 nights in Jan 2020

8/10 Good

Verified traveller

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Very clean and tidy. The communal kitchen is large and everyting is placed in particular spots and labled.
Stayed 1 night in Jan 2020

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
たまに臭い枕があったこと以外全て満足しました。水回りや寝室もとても清潔でした。年越しの花火は、ホステルの屋上からゆったりと見ることができ、また他の主要スポットにも近く最高のリッチでした。スタッフの方も英語が話せない私達に時間外でも親切に臨機応変に対応していただきありがとうございました。
Stayed 1 night in Jan 2020

10/10 Excellent

Kevin

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Best hostel I’ve ever stayed in

Amazing staff, Priscilla was great—room was new and clean, location was better than all of the hotels I saw in Cairns. Highly recommend, best hostel I’ve stayed in!
Stayed 1 night in Dec 2019

10/10 Excellent

Gregory

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Impressively renovated and great location

I stayed in a four-bed dorm with sea view and balcony. It was very nice. The kitchen and eating area are on a fourth-floor balcony looking out over the water. Although a holiday period, the hostel was not full, possibly because travelers have not yet discovered the value this hostel now offers.
Stayed 2 nights in Dec 2019

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Excellent hostel in great location.
Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2019

8/10 Good

Kamilla

Liked: Staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
The reception area was cool and with a modern touch on the furniture. The kitchen and dining area has a beautiful view over the harbour/reef fleet. Close to the City Centre
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2019

10/10 Excellent

Majid

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service
Disliked: Amenities
i dunno why u didn't include the towel, but the room was clean, the wifi connection was supper fast
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2019

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Staff was very friendly and brought us up to our room! Everything was very clean and secure. Breakfast could have been a little better- mostly toast and cereal.
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2019

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Great service, good cooking facilities
Stayed 4 nights in Oct 2019

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Nice modern hostel

The hostel was nice and clean. The people in our room were super friendly and nice too.
Stayed 1 night in Sep 2019

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Nice updated clean hostel

The hostel was super nice. Very clean and modernized. The people that were in the room were super cool and friendly as well. People from all over the world and fun to talk to.
Stayed 1 night in Sep 2019

10/10 Excellent

Alice

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Great stay!

Clean and comfortable room, friendly staff, great location! I'd highly recommend it!
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2019