Loved it here. I stay in the 4 bedroom with a fridge and private bathroom. Honestly I love how clean this hostel is and the people who work here are so friendly. Note it's little loud on one side bit it's only a few hours on the weekend. I would 100 recommend this place to anyone.

Thank you Harriet and Nikki stay amazing ❤️

One of the best hostel I made in Australia, people are friendly, staff friendly, they try to keep the place nice and tidy, cleaning multiple time in a day. The only probleme is the loud musique, but that I was aware before booking. Thanks to all the staff ! :)

Booked a bed 3 weeks ahead of time. Went to check in and was told that I needed an international pin(???). Yet they had a room at 3?- the price. Was informed by 2 locals that they often do this. My bed was sold to someone else at a higher price. Appalling. Definitely would not recommend.

Reviewing here as its not allowing you to on hostelworld
Rooms did have lockers which is a plus, but could hear the downstairs bar from all corners of the place all night
Decent sized kitchen and nice balcony with benches
But no social aspect whatsoever, majority of people are long term stayers. Dead vibes. Rooms are hot, not great smelling.
Unisex showers and toilets which aren't dirty but still not ideal, you'll hear it all.

Best hostel I stayed in Australia so far! It is located just in the center of Cairns, close to the supermarkets and the Esplanade sea front.
There is the famous Rusty's market located just near the hostel, where you can buy fresh products straight from the farms around Cairns.
Downstairs of the backpacker there is a nice pub, great to relax and meet new people! They are hostings some events in the week, like poker tournament or beer pong, with big prizes to win.
The hostel itself is super clean, bathrooms, kitchen and common areas are always checked by the staff few times a day.
There is a big balcony where you can relax after a day on the reef, and then have a good sleep, as it is very quiet at night.
If you have any questions or requests, the team will always find the best options for you! Big thanks to Harriet, the general manager, and all the staff, who are doing a great job!

It was ok , had one of the dinner specials here the food was mediocre, lots of big screens with sports. The beer garden area is not too bad, no live music the night i attended.

It was an okay hostel to stay in, but definitely needs some care and attention.

Firstly, when we arrived the reception wasn't open (it was 7:30pm) which we found a bit strange, and we had to wait 20 minutes in the busy bar next door until we were seen to to check in. Not had an experience similar to this, and we've stayed in a lot of hostels - we did anticipate to be greeted immediately by staff.

The rooms were laid out okay, but the lack of curtains always lowers it for me personally, but most people are okay with this. It was a bit odd we had to put our own bedding on too (again, first time this has ever happened), and the air con wasn't the best, and kept turning off in the middle of the night. The beds were comfy though. There was a fridge in our room, but good lord it was so unkempt and unorganised, plus it didn't get cleaned on the day it said it would. There was barely any space to put stuff in either.

Bathrooms in general were clean, both showers and toilets. Showers were good and powerful.

The kitchen area...oh dear. We witnessed a lot of mopping in terms of cleaning, but other than that, the kitchen was frankly a mess. One of the days we got told to leave and come back in five minutes because one of the staff needed to mop, even though we'd nearly finished making a sandwich. Very bizarre, would've been a lot more polite to ask how long we'd be, rather than telling us to leave.

The hobs were not clean, pans were old and scratched, knives were so blunt they couldn't cut butter, and the sponges were actually disgusting. We really hated making food in this kitchen, so much so we avoided it mainly and ended up spending more money on food out. We appreciated the care and attention on the floor being cleaned, but the rest of the kitchen needed a lot more attention.

The common areas were okay to be fair, there were a few rooms, including one that had a big tv and free Netflix, and there was a lot of outdoor covered seating upstairs on the balcony.

We also appreciated the discounts we got at the bar for both food and drinks. Plus, the bar to watch live sport is fantastic. This hostel is in a good location, close to bars, shops and the beach.

Also, the lady who checked us out was fantastic, and very very friendly so we thank her for that.

Overall, okay for a couple of nights, but not great for longer term stays. Probably wouldn't go back personally.

I really liked the big terrace outside, it's stretches out both ways and there is plenty of spaces to sit down and chill! The place is big, a bit like a maze with all the corridors. The pub is just downstairs and you get some discounts with your room key. The computers in the reception works super fast - if you need to do some stuff online, use those computers! The locks work funny. You have to try a bit before the door really opens.

Great value for money, provided me with temporary accommodation for the night when my landlord stood me up .
Excellent location close to various parts of the city. The staff, especially Tegan, was very friendly and welcoming. I would definitely consider revisiting in the future.

Great value for money, provided me with temporary accommodation for the night when my landlord stood me up .
Excellent location close to various parts of the city. The staff, especially Tegan, was very friendly and welcoming. I would definitely consider revisiting in the future.

Great value for money, provided me with temporary accommodation for the night when my landlord stood me up .
Excellent location close to various parts of the city. The staff, especially Tegan, was very friendly and welcoming. I would definitely consider revisiting in the future.

Good pub offering good pub grub.
Pokies were good to me, outside in the beer garden area there is several huge big screens with sport on and a couple pool tables and a stage for events.

Cheap, comfortable, aircon in bedrooms (and fridge inside bedrooms too). Clean kitchen. Good prices for eating downstairs at the bar. Good location. Toilets and showers could be a little better. Good staff at reception too.

Rnb night was alright the songs could have been better and they played some twice which was annoying.
The security guards were all nice though and one was particularly helpful getting my mate water when she wasn't feeling too good. Other establishments have bully security guards and don't make u feel safe. But the security guards at the jack made sure people were safe, so thank u ! Handled removing people very well too ??'?
Bar staff were all lovely. Thanks for a good night

Had an awesome feed at this hotel. Prices were great. The quality of the food was amazing. Best lasagna salad and chips I've had ever all over Qld. Others at my table had steak and parmis. All our meals were amazing. Nice quiet place to eat with quality amazing meals

Old, moldy and noisy.
When you check in, you sign a paper that there may be loud music till 2am. However, you do not sign for neighbours so drunk and making noise till late and there is nobody to control it... as if nobody cares. Walls seem made of paper.
The balcony is fantastic. We were working remotely from the balcony from 8am and nobody was there, completely for us. Until 4pm, when the zombies started living again and getting ready for another crazy night.
We paid for a private double bedroom with shared bathroom for 3 nights for $160 aprox. Bedroom was ok, with our own little fridge and a window straight to the balcony where everyone can see you.
Amenities were close to disgusting. I even wonder if it is legal to have such amenities.
They were all mixed gender. Showered acceptable, toilets and sinks fully disgusting (see photos).
Kitchen small, rainy, smelly, unequipped and dirty.

And now the pub. Beers are ok (because they are not homemade). Food is horrible. A chicken parmi and a beed parmi that were burnt, with a horrible ham and tasteless chicken. Truly horrible food.

And we're giving them a 2* because of the location and because at the end we were on holidays and didn't pay much but they should seriously reconsider how they make business.

The worst kitchen I've used, extremely small and when it rains it floods.
The fridge is in the bedroom, away from the kitchen. If you forget an ingredient, you'll need to keep going up and down the stairs.
Very loud music day and night, inside the room it feels like we are inside the bar.
One day was raining and impossible to use the kitchen for a simple breakfeast. I needed to wait until 10 am.
Also, it's centrally accessible, buses at the door and rooms are clean.

Bought 2 x $35main meals. They were entree size at best. One consisted of 5 cocktail prawns and a cup of white rice together with some garlic sauce. When we questioned it, was told that was it. Won't be returning.

Overall not too bad, but I suggest they get a more efficient checking in. After being insured that late check in would be no problem, they let us wait very long. Not very nice to stand with your luggage in street at night after a long bus drive. ☹️

Lots of people but still spacious and clean. Nice kitchen and wrap around porch with dinner tables. Bar downstairs, not too loud but you should still bring ear plugs if you want to sleep early.

If I could give this hostel a higher rating, then I would. Everything about it was brilliant. First of all, the price is very reasonable, which is important as most hostels have become super expensive following the pandemic. Also, the location is brilliant, only a five minute walk from the center of Cairns and ten minutes from the lagoon and waterfront.

The facilities here are also great. Everything is kept clean and tidy by the housekeeping staff. Plenty of showers and toilet facilities for everyone. The kitchen features not only cooking hobs but also ovens (a rarity in hostels). Moreover, the hostel has a good sized social area and a TV lounge which are great to chill out in. All rooms are also equipped with a fridge and Air Con which, believe me, you will need in Cairns.

The hostel has its own onsite pub (also called the Jack) which hosts live bands on some nights. The hostel does warn you in advance about the potential noise this may create as the pub is open until late on Fridays and Saturdays, but we did not find it to be that loud and experienced no noise issues. Furthermore, the legendary nightclub Gilligan's is only a two minute walk away and with the more relaxing atmosphere you find at the Jack, you really do get the best of both worlds when it comes to partying or just relaxing and taking it easy.

By far my biggest compliments, however, go to the manager, Harriet and her team at reception, who are not only very friendly and always up for a chat, but really do go above and beyond to ensure the hostel is well run, and to help out with any problems or queries you may have and to make sure your stay is as comfortable as possible.

I cannot recommend this place enough. Easily one of my favourite hostels. Needless to say, when I find myself back in Cairns, I know where I'll be staying!

Yet again The Jack delivered! I'm on night 2 of a 5 night stay and tonight being Friday I can hear a great cover band playing at the courtyard near my room so going to check that out. Top feeds too. Clean room and close to everything. I last stayed here 8 or 9 years ago and it's still a great place staff are so helpful at accommodation area and the pub.. big thumbs up! Gotta love the live music on weekends ??'?

Stayed at The Jack hostel for over a month, while i was working in Cairns, and really enjoyed my stay there. Had very helpful members of staff that were on hand to help you out with any issues. Particularly liked the pretty terraced area and TV room above the main bar. Met some really friendly people and overall had a great experience. On some nights of the week it does get a bit loud with the music and live entertainment, but in my opinion this contributes to the cool and social atmosphere of the place. Would recommend!

Absolutely Terrible Service.
I paid a deposit to stay there over 4 months ago and booked through Hostel World.
The Jack Backpackers realised they had overbooked and called me. I am yet to receive my deposit refund.
They have tried their best to avoid the issue for months. They do no want to reimburse me.
I did stay there a few years before hand on a footy trip. The place is dirty and I don't know why I decided to go back there (there was not many other options) Probably a blessing we had to stay somewhere else.
The deposit refund would be nice and the right thing for the Hostel to do.
Jay the General Manager is extremely rude and unhelpful.
Learn how to run the business in the right manner and be helpful to your customers.
I look forward to hearing your reply.

The manager that took care of my Mums party was fantastic. The service was impeccable. The lady that helped with the arrangements was amazing. The food and decorations were second to none. The food was so yummy. If your having a party The Jack is the place to go. We had 70 people turn up and everything went perfect. Beryl's 80th best party ever.

This is an very nice hostel with really big rooms and very good showers. Sometimes little bit noise but every guest now this when there book this hostel. The showers very new and the facilities mostly clean.

Great location. Great place to watch sport. Good value for a private room with bathroom. But VERY noisy at night (our stay included a Saturday night which had a band on).

Had a ball here! A mixed bag but buzzing for sure. Pleasant crowd with an awesome band on a Friday night. Reasonably priced drinks and large smoking areas. Security were awesome things are a lot more chilled here as were on holiday from Melbourne ðŸ'ðŸ¼

Best hostel yet! I've stayed at a few different hostels over the past few months and The jack has been the best experience so far. The staff were amazing, so friendly it felt so homely. The room was clean and there was a bathroom inside too which was a different and great concept for me as other hostels usually have just a shared bathroom outside of the rooms, similarly there's also a fridge in the room. The location is also great, I could walk to just about everything, reception did recommend hiring a car to see waterfalls and other places too which I recommend highly but a lot of the tourist places are in walkable distance from the Jack. It is a very noisy area though and lots of events going on at night but I feel like that should be expected, especially considering the location!

We had a last minute need to book a night of accommodation in Cairns and we came across Jack Backpackers. Very worthy stay at the dorm. The rooms are very clean with private bathroom and a fridge inside the room which we thought was fantastic.

The kitchen could use some upgrade, but nothing major and we didn't have any issues to cook meals.
Just a tip for those noise sensitive, really loud music from the pub goes on till midnight, wasn't a huge issue for us.

Friendly staff and unbeatable price.

Cheap prices accommodation for a room, only for people with credit cards pejeduce to others without credit cards even debit cards aren't good enough. Relying on credit card policy discriminates those who can still pay each week no problems. I don't think I'll ever see a day of getting a fair go to even begin with. Feel like a foreigner in my own country

Very nice pub with cheap meal offers throughout the week. We went on a Tuesday which happened to be $15 T-bone Steak day. We ordered a well done and a medium rare. We had to wait about 45 minutes for our meal, but we were warned when we ordered that they were busy. Our meals were perfect and were well worth the wait.

We held a birthday party here. The night was Perfect!!! Food was great. Staff went above and beyond.. Big individual thanks to night manager Chris... Nothing was too much trouble on the night.

A perfect experience, great views, top service, excellent food in an ideal location. Don't drive past, if you do, you'll be depriving yourself

Very friendly staffs upon our first visit and very helpful with the QR code check in process.

Nice place to have a beer and a meal when in Cairns cold beer and friendly staff, the nice young who was serving me had a beautiful smile

Awesome place!

Outdoor under cover space is enormous, offering music and a great casual atmosphere.

TV screens everywhere, a couple of pool tables, live music towards the weekend and a great place for groups and meeting the locals.

Food menu is extensive with many delicious options. Drinks available at very reasonable prices.

Staff are very friendly and helpful.

The staff is very friendly and helpful. Good location. Close to the market and shopping center

Good beer on tap, a relaxed crowd, decent music. Less overran than other Cairns pubs and hotels. Recommended.

Hotel smelt of urine, drunk men pondering around upstairs using the bathroom with the door open. No pillow on my bed. Music playing extremely loud all nice long

Plenty of room to move. Friendly helpful staff. Large beer garden with plenty of seats. Pool tables. Great pub meals at good prices. Variety of meals even with the current reduced menu excellent. Clean and following social distancing protocols. Plenty of parking in the surrounding streets.

Me and my friends came for 5 days and ended up staying 2 weeks in the Jacks backpackers Hostel. Would totally recommend it:1. Its very clean and the staff is lovely (thank you Harriet!)2. The price is very cheap for the quality3. Its very relaxed and quiet. Definitely go if you want to rest and still be able to meet nice people!4. Location is perfect, in the center of Cairns, next to Rustys market and many bars and clubsGo and check it out!

Love this place! Nice big open areas to hang out in and meet lots of great people. Central and easy to get to the main parts of Cairns. Food is great! And the pub is next door. I highly reccomend Jack's! All of my students will be going there at some stage too! Thanks guys!