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8.3

387 reviews

Caravella Backpackers

Caravella Backpackers

149 The Esplanade, Cairns, 4870, Australia

Choose dates to view prices

Water park

Free parking

Restaurant

Beachfront

Outdoor swimming pool

Free wifi

Water sports facilities on site

Beach

Caravella Backpackers

Caravella Backpackers is a 2-star hostel in Cairns, Queensland, Australia. Located at 149 The Esplanade, it sits beachfront and about 0.7mi from the city center, making strolls into town easy after a day by the water.

Around-the-clock perks include a free water park, free parking, and an outdoor swimming pool, plus free Wi‑Fi and a restaurant. Beachfront access, air conditioning, sun deck, and a garden set a relaxed vibe, while a tour desk helps map out adventures. For activity options, snorkeling and horseback riding are available for extra charges, and a playground plus beach chairs/loungers add family-friendly touches; water sports facilities on site are free.

Reviews total 387, and the price starts from $71.

Wake up to the sound of waves along The Esplanade, with this beachfront base putting Cairns at your doorstep and the city center just a short 0.7mi stroll away. Bagus Cafe Indonesian on site serves tasty Indonesian bites to fuel daytime adventures. The sun deck and garden offer relaxed spaces to unwind, and air conditioning keeps things comfy after a salty dive or a long stroll. A handy tour desk helps chart the next adventure along the coast or beyond.

Adventure doesn’t have to wait indoors: snorkeling and horseback riding are available as extras, adding a splash of local flavor to the itinerary. On-site water sports facilities are free, making it easy to stay active without chasing gear elsewhere, and an outdoor pool provides a refreshing break in the shade. Family-friendly touches include a playground and plenty of beach chairs and loungers for lazy afternoons by the shore.

Practical details help smooth the stay: payment is accepted by cash, Mastercard, Visa, and Eftpos. With a solid track record reflected in a large number of reviews, this option offers a dependable drop-off point for Cairns-bound travelers. Prices start from $71, offering an affordable base for beach days, reef trips, and city explorations alike.

Closest airports

Cairns International Airport

2.3mi

Most popular amenities

Water park

Free parking

Restaurant

Beachfront

Outdoor swimming pool

Free wifi

Water sports facilities on site

Beach

Air conditioning

Sun deck

Tour desk

Non-smoking rooms

Beach chairs/Loungers

Playground

Garden

Rooms

Deluxe Apartment in Caravella Backpackers

Show 7 photos

Deluxe Apartment

1 Double Bed

1 Sofa Bed

Private Bathroom

Shower

x10

+

x6

More details

This apartment consists of 1 living room, 1 separate bedroom and 1 bathroom with a shower and a hairdryer. The unit offers 2 beds.

Show 2 photos

Twin Room, Shared Bathroom

1 Twin Bed

215 sqft

Refrigerator

+

More details

This air-conditioned room has a fan and a fridge. Bathroom facilities are shared.

Show 7 photos

Dormitory, 6 Bed, Private Bathroom

195 sqft

Refrigerator

+

More details

This shared air-conditioned room has a bathroom and a refrigerator. Please note that the price is based on 1 guest. Maximum occupancy is 6 (see Hotel Policies).

Show 6 photos

Dormitory, 6 Bed, Shared Bathroom, Female Only

195 sqft

Refrigerator

+

More details

This shared air-conditioned room includes a fridge. Guests have access to a shared bathroom. Please note that the price is based on 1 guest. Maximum occupancy is 6 (see Hotel Policies).

Show 6 photos

Superior, Private Bathroom

325 sqft

Refrigerator

+

More details

This double room features a separate and spacious living room, a bathroom with toilet and shower and an air conditioned bedroom.

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Budget, Shared Bathroom

110 sqft

Refrigerator

+

More details

This small room includes air conditioning. It provides access to shared bathroom facilities on a different floor.

Show 5 photos

Double Room, Terrace

1 Double Bed

215 sqft

Refrigerator

+

More details

Air-conditioned room with fan, private bathroom and refrigerator.

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Dormitory, 4 Bed, Shared Bathroom, No Air Conditioner

160 sqft

Refrigerator

+

More details

This room has access to shared bathroom facilities. Please note that this room does not have air-conditioning.

Show 4 photos

Twin Room, Private Bathroom

1 Twin Bed

215 sqft

Refrigerator

+

More details

This air-conditioned room has a fan, a private bathroom and a refrigerator.

Double Room with Shared Bathroom in Caravella Backpackers

Show 4 photos

Double Room, Shared Bathroom

1 Double Bed

215 sqft

Refrigerator

Air conditioning

Shower

x4

+

x3

More details

This air-conditioned room comes with a fan and a refrigerator.

Superior Double/Twin Room with Private Bathroom - single occupancy in Caravella Backpackers

Show 6 photos

Superior, Single Use, Private Bathroom

1 Twin Bed

1 Double Bed

325 sqft

Private Bathroom

Refrigerator

Air conditioning

Shower

x3

+

More details

Double Room with Private Bathroom - single occupancy in Caravella Backpackers

Show 8 photos

Double Room, Single Use, Private Bathroom

1 Double Bed

215 sqft

Private Bathroom

Refrigerator

Air conditioning

Shower

More details

Guest reviews

8.3

387 reviews

Categories of assessments

Cleanliness

Comfort

Location

Facilities

Staff

Value for money

WiFi quality

Featured reviews:

🇳🇿

Anna

9.1

May 2025

we stayed in deluxe apartments which were really lovely. great location and friendly staff

nothing

🇰🇷

Elle

9.1

August 2025

I had a very comfortable stay here and would happily recommend it. - Great location close to the beach, with nice cafés and restaurants nearby. - Two large kitchens that are slightly separated, making it easy to cook without crowding. - Stayed in a 4-bed female dorm located in a separate building — the room had its own air-conditioning (individually controlled) and a fridge, which was very convenient. - Spacious garden with plenty of tables where groups can gather, even set up a BBQ party. I saw a stroller outside, so it seems suitable for families as well. - Clean facilities, towels provided, stable Wi-Fi, and hot showers — overall very comfortable.

It's not really a demerit, but the reception seems to close fairly early. Since I checked in late (after 4 PM) and checked out early, I never met the receptionist in person and had to rely on messages. As my booking was set to pay on-site, I missed the chance to pay directly and the system charged me afterwards. Worth noting if you prefer to settle payment in person. In my building/floor, there seemed to be only one combined toilet+bathroom. It wasn’t a problem for me, but in a rush, guests might find themselves in a slightly awkward situation. The room didn’t have anywhere to hang clothes. A simple wall hanger would make the stay even better.

🇳🇱

Anna

10

May 2025

Despite the name “Backpackers”, this place was absolutely perfect for our family with two young kids (3 and 4 years old). We had a spacious, clean apartment with two bedrooms and a fresh, modern bathroom. Everything was new and well-maintained. The shared kitchen facilities were excellent, and the pool was a big hit with the kids. Across the road is a huge public playground — great for children up to around 10–12 years old — and there’s a little café nearby too. The walk to the city centre is easy (we used a stroller), and on rainy days we just took a quick taxi. The price-quality ratio was outstanding — one of the cheapest options we found in Cairns, but with everything we needed. The staff were also very friendly and made sure we had everything we needed. Highly recommended for families!

we had a bit of trouble locking and unlocking the front door, which could be looked into. But overall, we had a fantastic stay and would definitely recommend this place to other families!

🇬🇧

Lucy

9.1

August 2025

Private room was comfortable and very clean, had everything needed for a good stay. I stayed for 6 nights and it was exactly what I needed. Air conditioning was good and cooled the room quickly. Common areas were all clean. Great location. Nice atmosphere, not noisy at night.

My private room only had a window in the bathroom, no window in the bedroom which made it feel quite enclosed as there was no natural light. However, the is not something that would stop me from staying again.

🇳🇿

Michael

8.2

June 2025

Room was spacious, staff super nice, nice pool , nice central location , plenty of eateries near by, AtMonicas catholic church across theroad, parkrun Cairns near by, great kids Muddy playground and cafe across the road. Its right on the esplanade

I was there a week and no cleaning, I wish it was cleaned more with sheets and towels replaced. The shared kitchen was tired and a bit run down, some of the pot and pans needed replacing

🇦🇺

Korixx

10

August 2025

Well the staff from Reception very Friendly, a Day beforey Stay i went there and ask i i can see the Apartment,The Lady from reception straighr away she guide me inside the Partnent and show to me,I was Happy About that .

well only my comment is The Window to the Bath room will need to Put Blind or civer ,because if you shower when light is on they can see you or notice ouside.

🇦🇺

Chin-yu

9.1

August 2025

The location is really good. You can walk back here at the Esplanade after having dinner in town. And the place is quiet, too. The environment is very clean as a packpacker. There is a night manager on site so you can get help after hour.

I did not get the E-mail for instructions on my late check-in and I did not get informed on how to access after late. I was lucky to meet the manager and a tenant on the occasions or I might be stuck outside of the place.

🇸🇰

Klaudia

8.2

August 2024

We had a room in the BACK part of the accommodation, with a private bathroom. The second time, we chose a DELUXE room, which was incomparable. Everything was beautifully clean, brand new, fragrant, and spacious!!! The Deluxe room was much cheaper than other hotels in the area and met all our expectations. Since I attended the stay with my mother and daughter, I was a bit worried but pleasantly surprised. Everything went excellently, without any complications. The accommodation exceeded our expectations. We also used the pool!!! It was beautiful, clean, and we were mostly alone by it!!!

The first room did not meet our expectations, but the Deluxe was excellent!!!

🇦🇺

Perry

10

July 2025

The staff are friendly, very helpful and kind. They will bend over backwards to ensure you are comfortable. Super family friendly (one small child and two adults), location brilliant, directly across the road from a park also with wonderful facilities, perfect for those super early wake ups with a small child. Exceptional communication and services. I felt safe and secure and all the facilities were available for a comfortable stay

🇬🇧

Chadders

8.2

February 2025

What a wonderful place. I got a free upgrade to a recently-refurbished chalet with a bedroom and adjoining lounge with a fridge and a great , hot shower. There is a lovely pool and cooking facilities for those who wish to use them (not me!). Caravella is right on the sea front and a short walk to the vibrant Cairns nightlife near the Lagoon. Staff were welcoming and helpful.

It would be nice to have Wi-Fi in the chalets, but I think they are working on this.

Points of Interest Around Caravella Backpackers

Attractions

Cairns Aquarium

0.2mi

Michaelmas Cay

0.4mi

Cairns Esplanade Lagoon

0.5mi

Great Barrier Reef

0.6mi

Rusty's Markets

0.6mi

Green Island

0.7mi

Cairns Botanic Gardens

1.8mi

Centenary Lakes

1.8mi

Barron Gorge National Park

10.9mi

Kuranda

11.2mi

Australian Butterfly Sanctuary

11.4mi

Hartley's Crocodile Adventures

13.6mi

Lake Barrine

24.5mi

Atherton Tablelands

24.5mi

Granite Gorge Nature Park

29.2mi

Restaurants

Bagus Cafe

Cuisines

  • Indonesian

Pools

Location

  • Outdoor

Availability

  • All season

Amenities of Caravella Backpackers

Water park

Free parking

Restaurant

Beachfront

Outdoor swimming pool

Free wifi

Water sports facilities on site

Beach

Air conditioning

Sun deck

Tour desk

Non-smoking rooms

Beach chairs/Loungers

Playground

Garden

Stay rules - Caravella Backpackers

  • Check-in / Check-out

  • Pets

  • Internet

  • Age restrictions

  • Parking

  • Children and beds

  • Cards accepted at this property

Frequently Asked Questions - Caravella Backpackers

Can guests park for free at Caravella Backpackers?

Yes, parking is available at Caravella Backpackers. It is free and located at a nearby public parking location, and no reservation is required.

How much does a stay at Caravella Backpackers cost?

Starting prices for Caravella Backpackers are around $71. This may vary based on room categories and travel dates. To confirm rates, please provide your stay dates.

Which room categories can I book at Caravella Backpackers?

At Caravella Backpackers, guests can choose from a Superior Double/Twin Room, a Double Room, or a Deluxe Apartment. The rooms do not allow smoking and are well-suited for solo travelers or small groups. Bed sizes range from Twin to Double, and maximum occupancy varies from 1 adult to 3 adults and 2 children.

How can guests spend their time at Caravella Backpackers?

Guests at Caravella Backpackers can enjoy a variety of leisure activities during their stay. They can relax by the outdoor swimming pool or on the sun deck overlooking the beach. The hotel's water park and water sports facilities offer exciting options for those seeking adventure. For dining, guests can try Indonesian cuisine at Bagus Cafe, the on-site restaurant. With the beachfront location, visitors have easy access to the beach and can unwind on beach chairs. Additionally, the hotel offers amenities such as parking, pet-friendliness, and air conditioning to ensure a comfortable stay for all guests.

Can guests use a pool at Caravella Backpackers?

Caravella Backpackers has one pool available, located outdoors, and it is open all year round.

Does Caravella Backpackers have on-site restaurants?

The hotel has an on-site restaurant called Bagus Cafe, which serves Indonesian cuisine.

Are both cash and credit cards valid payment options at Caravella Backpackers?

Yes, both cash and credit cards are valid payment options at Caravella Backpackers. They accept cash, Mastercard, Visa, and Eftpos as payment methods.