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Hostel Why Not Backpackers

5-9 Digger Street, 4870 Cairns, Australia – Good location – show map

After booking, all of the property’s details, including telephone and address, are provided in your booking confirmation and your account.
8.3
Very Good
457 reviews

Great atmosphere you cam chill and party if you'd like

Nomadic Germany

Great hostel. A little far from the city center but hourly shuttle provided and only a 20 minute walk when outside of that time. AMAZING burger bar right in the common area. I ate there every night for 5 days it was that good. Very nice communal space and cooking area. Free pancakes and cereal / milk / bread breakfasts every day and free parking out were the selling points to me. Very comfortable beds and cold AC in the rooms. Everyone I met was nice.

Will Vietnam

Right on the beach with a free shuttle to the bus stop and the grocery store.

Helen Canada

Bar open until midnight and plenty of space to sit and chill. We had a private double room which was comfy and had enough room for our bags. The night manager who checked us in was super friendly. Kitchen facilities available, good for young and hardened backpackers.

Anne Australia

Friendly staff, fun activities planned (bingo w/prizes, free pizza night, group activity opportunities), awesome burgers and fries available from onsite grill (really reasonably priced!), free hourly shuttle to and from town, knowledgeable travel assistance

Holly United States of America

Sometimes it could be a little bit noisy when you just want to relax outside of your room. There are no lockers where you can store your important stuff.

Jeisonponce Spain

Great staff, nice and clean beds, wall sockets for each bed. I stayed in a 8 shared room and there was plenty of space for everyone. Many benches for having meals, write emails or hang out with your friends (anyway, there a need for sockets in this area).

Javierpavezm Chile

Is a excellent placer te stay and relaxing, meet New people and enjoy Cairns

Francisca Australia

very good atmosphere, entertainment everyday activities, good beds, there is always free food, free breakfast, free gym (has an agreement with one fitness) clean rooms, shuttle bus, air conditioning very good hostel return for the second time

Renealvear Chile

Free breakfast was included, everything was always clean. The staff was nice and friendly and everything we needed was provided. We had more than what we could expect for this price. we enjoyed the pool a lot and the place is really pretty

Elodie Australia
8.3
Very Good
457 reviews
  • What guests loved the most:
  • “Great atmosphere you cam chill and party if you'd like”
    Nomadic Nomadic Germany Germany
  • “Great hostel. A little far from the city center but hourly shuttle provided and only a 20 minute walk when outside of that time. AMAZING burger bar right in the common area.”
    Will Will Vietnam Vietnam
  • “Right on the beach with a free shuttle to the bus stop and the grocery store.”
    Helen Helen Canada Canada
  • “Bar open until midnight and plenty of space to sit and chill. We had a private double room which was comfy and had enough room for our bags. The night manager who checked us in was super friendly.”
    Anne Anne Australia Australia
  • “Friendly staff, fun activities planned (bingo w/prizes, free pizza night, group activity opportunities), awesome burgers and fries available from onsite grill (really reasonably priced!), free...”
    Holly Holly United States of America United States of America
  • “Sometimes it could be a little bit noisy when you just want to relax outside of your room. There are no lockers where you can store your important stuff.”
    Jeisonponce Jeisonponce Spain Spain
  • “Great staff, nice and clean beds, wall sockets for each bed. I stayed in a 8 shared room and there was plenty of space for everyone.”
    Javierpavezm Javierpavezm Chile Chile
  • “Is a excellent placer te stay and relaxing, meet New people and enjoy Cairns”
    Francisca Francisca Australia Australia
  • “very good atmosphere, entertainment everyday activities, good beds, there is always free food, free breakfast, free gym (has an agreement with one fitness) clean rooms, shuttle bus, air conditioning...”
    Renealvear Renealvear Chile Chile
  • “Free breakfast was included, everything was always clean. The staff was nice and friendly and everything we needed was provided. We had more than what we could expect for this price.”
    Elodie Elodie Australia Australia

Categories:

  • Staff8.8
  • Facilities8.2
  • Cleanliness8.1
  • Comfort8.1
  • Value for money8.9
  • Location7.9
  • Free WiFi 8.9
High score for Cairns

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Featuring a tropical garden with an outdoor swimming pool, this property includes free WiFi, relaxing hammocks and a bar. Why Not Backpackers offers a choice of shared and private air-conditioned rooms.

Free regular return transfers to the city center are included. Free luggage storage, free safety deposit box and 24-hour front desk are available.

Guests have access to shared laundry and kitchen facilities. The bar serves local alcoholic beverages, and homemade burgers and snacks are available at the on-site restaurant. The property organizes daily events in the evenings. Guests can also enjoy use of an entertainment room during reception hours, with Netflix, PlayStation 4 and more.

Why Not Backpackers is only 1,000 feet from the vibrant nightlife of Cairns Esplanade. Cairns Pier, departure point for Great Barrier Reef trips, is 1.6 mi away. Cairns Airport is 3 mi from the property, and the property offers free airport pick-up service.

Each room includes bed linen. All rooms are nonsmoking.

Couples in particular like the location – they rated it 8.0 for a two-person trip.

We speak your language!

Why Not Backpackers has been welcoming Booking.com guests since Feb 22, 2012

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Breakfast Info

Buffet

FREE parking!

Most popular amenities

1 swimming pool
Free WiFi
Free parking
Non-smoking rooms
Restaurant
Bar

ATM: Need cash? This property has an ATM on site.

Lock in a great price for your upcoming stay

Get instant confirmation with FREE cancellation on most rooms!

Availability

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1 property in Cairns like Why Not Backpackers was booked in the last 12 hours

4 reasons to choose Why Not Backpackers

  • Prices you can't beat!
  • Booking is safe
  • Manage your bookings online
  • The staff speaks English

Guest reviews

8.3
Very Good
 · 457 reviews
Read all reviews
  • Staff8.8
  • Facilities8.2
  • Cleanliness8.1
  • Comfort8.1
  • Value for money8.9
  • Location7.9
  • Free WiFi 8.9
High score for Cairns

Select topics to read reviews:

See what guests loved the most:

  • Nomadic Germany

    “Great atmosphere you cam chill and party if you'd like ”

  • Will Vietnam

    “Great hostel. A little far from the city center but hourly shuttle provided and only a 20 minute walk when outside of that time. AMAZING burger bar right in the common area. I ate there every night for 5 days it was that good. Very nice communal space and cooking area. Free pancakes and cereal / milk / bread breakfasts every day and free parking out were the selling points to me. Very comfortable beds and cold AC in the rooms. Everyone I met was nice.”

  • Helen Canada

    “Right on the beach with a free shuttle to the bus stop and the grocery store. ”

  • Anne Australia

    “Bar open until midnight and plenty of space to sit and chill. We had a private double room which was comfy and had enough room for our bags. The night manager who checked us in was super friendly. Kitchen facilities available, good for young and hardened backpackers.”

  • Holly United States of America

    “Friendly staff, fun activities planned (bingo w/prizes, free pizza night, group activity opportunities), awesome burgers and fries available from onsite grill (really reasonably priced!), free hourly shuttle to and from town, knowledgeable travel assistance”

  • Jeisonponce Spain

    “Sometimes it could be a little bit noisy when you just want to relax outside of your room. There are no lockers where you can store your important stuff.”

  • Javierpavezm Chile

    “Great staff, nice and clean beds, wall sockets for each bed. I stayed in a 8 shared room and there was plenty of space for everyone. Many benches for having meals, write emails or hang out with your friends (anyway, there a need for sockets in this area). ”

  • Francisca Australia

    “Is a excellent placer te stay and relaxing, meet New people and enjoy Cairns”

  • Renealvear Chile

    “very good atmosphere, entertainment everyday activities, good beds, there is always free food, free breakfast, free gym (has an agreement with one fitness) clean rooms, shuttle bus, air conditioning very good hostel return for the second time”

  • Elodie Australia

    “Free breakfast was included, everything was always clean. The staff was nice and friendly and everything we needed was provided. We had more than what we could expect for this price. we enjoyed the pool a lot and the place is really pretty”

Got a question?

Find more info in the questions and answers. Need something else? Send your own question to the property below.

About Why Not Backpackers

Welcoming Booking.com guests since Feb 22, 2012

We speak your language

The property usually replies within a few days

Thanks! You'll receive an email as soon as the property answers your question.

  • Do you offer luggage storage?

    Yes, we provide free luggage storage just next to reception. Just ask reception upon arrival!

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    Answered on October 20, 2019
  • Are there any age restrictions on booking?

    Hi, Thank you for your message. We do have an age restriction of under 35's only for our shared dorm rooms. We do however welcome those over 35 to book one of our twin or double rooms :)

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    Answered on January 31, 2021
  • Hello looking at booking 3 nights on 6-9/01 but we arrive at airport at 8:10pm. Can we do late check in?

    Hi, Absolutely you can do a late check in. Our bus driver will be able to check you in. If they are not on reception when you arrive, just grab a seat as they may be on a bus run to town. They will be able to help you out as soon as they are back.

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    Answered on December 15, 2020
  • Hi, how far is the free carpark from the place?

    Hi, We have don't have a car park facility at the hostel. However, there is free on-street parking around the Hostel. Please enquire at reception on arrival as some streets are free and others only short term. Thanks, Caelan

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    Asked about: Bed in 4-Bed Mixed Dormitory Room • Answered on December 17, 2020
  • How much does it cost to rent a lock?

    We sell locks at reception for $5.

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    Answered on October 20, 2019
  • Do you have planned events or activities?

    Yes, every night of the week we have different planned events and activities that are aimed to target all of our guests!

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    Answered on October 20, 2019
  • Hi! I send you my mail again for the check police. Thanks very much

    Hi, We have messaged you regarding the police check :) Thanks Stacey Hostel Manager

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    Answered on December 25, 2020
  • Do I need a lock for the lockers?

    Yes, we provide lockers in most rooms but we do not provide locks. If needed they can be purchased at reception!

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    Answered on October 20, 2019
  • Is it quiet at night?

    There are social activities every night in the bar area where we play music until midnight, but we shut the music down at 12am and start lowering it down at 11pm.

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    Answered on August 16, 2019
  • Is there a fridge in the room?

    No, we request that all guests do not have any food or drinks in the rooms to help maintain cleanliness throughout the hostel.

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    Asked about: Budget Double Room • Answered on October 20, 2019
  • Hi Im Noheunjeong. I already paid our reservation, but I want to get some more information about shuttle bus. I heard information about free shttle bus at the main desk in the morning, but i forget about shuttle bus timetable. So can I get some more specific information about shuttle bus timetable and location where I can get the bus in the city? Thank you for your help in advance

    Hey, We have a free shuttle that takes you to and from town starting at 9:30 in the morning, it goes at every half past until 23:00. It leaves directly from the hostel and drops everyone off at the Night Markets on Abbott street. It picks people up as it drops people off.

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    Answered on October 20, 2019
  • Are sheets and towels included?

    Sheets are included in all of our rooms. Towels are included in our privates but not in our dorms. They can be rented from reception for a $10 deposit and $3 fee.

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    Answered on October 20, 2019
  • Can I use my own sleeping bag?

    No, sorry, we do not allow the use of own sleeping bags or camping equipment within the rooms. This is in order to prevent any outside pests from entering the hostel.

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    Answered on October 20, 2019
Area Info *
Guests loved walking around the neighborhood!
Good location – show map
Restaurants & cafes
  • Restaurant Cock and Bull
    0 miles
  • Restaurant Bay Leaf Balinese Restaurant
    0.1 miles
  • Restaurant Sushi Train
    0.1 miles
  • Cafe/Bar Tias Cafe
    0.1 miles
  • Cafe/Bar Ali Babas Kebab
    0.1 miles
  • Cafe/Bar Annabels Bakery
    0.1 miles
Natural Beauty
  • River Barron River
    3.1 miles
  • Mountain Bellenden Kerr
    25.5 miles
  • Ocean/Sea Coral Sea
    0.3 miles
Beaches in the Neighborhood
  • Holloways Beach
    4.9 miles
Closest Airports
  • Cairns Airport
    2.5 miles
How to get to Why Not Backpackers from Cairns Airport
    Public shuttle
    Car
    Taxi
    Free parking is available.
* All distances are measured in straight lines. Actual travel distances may vary.
Are you missing any information about this area?
Brilliant!
1 Restaurant On Site

    The Lush Burger

    Open for: Lunch, Dinner

Amenities of Why Not Backpackers

Most popular amenities

1 swimming pool
Free WiFi
Free parking
Non-smoking rooms
Restaurant
Bar
Outdoors
  • Outdoor furniture
  • Garden
Kitchen
  • Shared kitchen
Activities
  • Live music/Performance
  • Happy hour
  • Bar crawls Additional charge
  • Evening entertainment
  • Entertainment staff
  • Pool table
Food & Drink
  • Bottle of water Additional charge
  • Wine/Champagne Additional charge
  • Bar
  • Restaurant
Internet
WiFi is available in all areas and is free of charge.
Parking
Free public parking is available at a location nearby (reservation is not needed).
  • Street parking
Services
  • Daily housekeeping
  • Shared lounge/TV area
  • Vending machine (snacks)
  • Vending machine (drinks)
  • ATM on site
  • Baggage storage
  • Tour desk
Entertainment & Family Services
  • Board games/Puzzles
Safety & security
  • Fire extinguishers
  • CCTV in common areas
  • Smoke alarms
  • 24-hour security
  • Safe
General
  • Adults only
  • Designated smoking area
  • Air conditioning
  • Non-smoking rooms
Outdoor swimming pool
Free! All pools are free of charge
  • Open all year
  • Opening times
  • Adults only
  • Beach chairs/Loungers
Spa
  • Fitness
  • Beach chairs/Loungers
  • Fitness center
Languages Spoken
  • English
Missing some info?
Awesome!

House rules Why Not Backpackers takes special requests – add in the next step!

Check-in

2:00 PM - 8:00 PM

Guests are required to show a photo ID and credit card at check-in

Check-out

12:00 AM

Cancellation/
prepayment

Cancellation and prepayment policies vary according to accommodations type. Please enter the dates of your stay and check what conditions apply to your preferred room.

Children & Beds

Child policies

Children not allowed.

Crib and extra bed policies

There's no capacity for cribs at this property.

This property doesn't offer extra beds.

Age restriction

Check-in is only possible for guests between 18 and 35 years old

Pets

Pets are not allowed.

Mastercard Visa Why Not Backpackers accepts these cards and reserves the right to temporarily hold an amount prior to arrival.

The fine print

Guests are required to show a valid photo ID upon check in.

In accordance with government guidelines to minimize transmission of the coronavirus (COVID-19), this property can only accept bookings from essential workers/permitted travelers on dates where such guidelines exist. Reasonable evidence must be provided on arrival. If it isn't provided, your booking will be canceled on arrival.

In accordance with government guidelines to minimize transmission of the coronavirus (COVID-19), this property may request additional documentation from guests to validate identity, travel itinerary, and other relevant info on dates where such guidelines exist.

In response to the coronavirus (COVID-19), additional safety and sanitation measures are in effect at this property.

Due to the coronavirus (COVID-19), this property is taking steps to protect the safety of guests and staff. Certain services and amenities may be reduced or unavailable as a result.

Due to the coronavirus (COVID-19), this property has reduced reception and service hours.

Guests are required to show a photo ID and credit card upon check-in. Please note that all Special Requests are subject to availability and additional charges may apply.

Please inform Why Not Backpackers of your expected arrival time in advance. You can use the Special Requests box when booking, or contact the property directly using the contact details in your confirmation.

FAQs about Why Not Backpackers

  • Why Not Backpackers offers the following activities/services (charges may apply):

    • Fitness center
    • Pool table
    • Evening entertainment
    • Entertainment staff
    • Bar crawls
    • Live music/Performance
    • Happy hour
    • Fitness

  • The prices at Why Not Backpackers may vary depending on your stay (e.g. dates, hotel's policy etc.). To see prices, enter your dates.

  • Why Not Backpackers has 1 restaurant:

    • The Lush Burger

  • The nearest beach is 0.6 miles from Why Not Backpackers.

  • Guests staying at Why Not Backpackers can enjoy a highly-rated breakfast during their stay (guest review score: 9.2).

    Breakfast option(s) include:

    • Buffet

  • From the nearest airport, you can get to Why Not Backpackers by:

    • Taxi 8min
    • Car 8min
    • Airport shuttle (public) 30min

  • Yes, this hotel has a pool. See details about the pool and other facilities on this page.

  • Why Not Backpackers is 0.7 miles from the center of Cairns.

  • The following parking options are available to guests staying at Why Not Backpackers (subject to availability):

    • Parking
    • Street parking
    • Free parking