CALI Backpackers
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Fast facts
Check in from: | 13:00 |
|---|---|
Check out before: | 10:00 |
Amenities
Wi-Fi
Parking
Air conditioning
Pool
Laundry
Beach umbrellas
More about CALI Backpackers
CALI Backpackers
Set in Caloundra, 700 metres from Golden Beach, CALI Backpackers offers accommodation with an outdoor swimming pool, free private parking, a garden and a shared lounge. Featuring a shared kitchen, this property also provides guests with a terrace.
Reviews from 
Group traveller
Comment: 4 Apr 2026
Stayed in: Apr 2026
The worst backpackers in Australia!
Manager is the rudest person I've ever come across. We booked this place through booking.com with confirmation and payment processed in full for 3 nights.
Via the app, I received a message stating that there is an age restriction. I have previously stayed in Cali backpackers without any issues concerning my age.
We arrived at 10am on Good Friday. The young lady at the reception said that she was fine for us to have our breakfast until our 12 pm check in.
While making connections in the dining area, I noticed cockroaches crawling in the kitchen and lockers. Unfortunately I didn't take photos at the time as we hadn't fully checked in.
The kitchen and dining area was disgraceful. Dirty, sticky and unhygienic. I was shocked to see so much filth, cross contamination and with an excessive amount of backpacker's bags of food on top of lockers, the floor and fridges.
I'm surprised to see a place like this still functioning, as a health inspector would shut this place down immediately.
At 12pm check in time the manger denied our service stating that they had a strict age restriction policy. He was obnoxious, unapologetic as he last minute left us on the street. Being a long weekend with no vacancies anywhere, he showed no empathy and totally screwed our plans.
Nobody reads terms and conditions when booking accommodation. The discrimination of age restrictions at a backpackers place is ridiculous. That should be 100% visible on the booking page to begin with.
Not only has this affected us financially, it has created emotional distress, inconvenience and we will boycott and never recommend this dump to anyone. I will be taking this further via the ACCC.
Via the app, I received a message stating that there is an age restriction. I have previously stayed in Cali backpackers without any issues concerning my age.
We arrived at 10am on Good Friday. The young lady at the reception said that she was fine for us to have our breakfast until our 12 pm check in.
While making connections in the dining area, I noticed cockroaches crawling in the kitchen and lockers. Unfortunately I didn't take photos at the time as we hadn't fully checked in.
The kitchen and dining area was disgraceful. Dirty, sticky and unhygienic. I was shocked to see so much filth, cross contamination and with an excessive amount of backpacker's bags of food on top of lockers, the floor and fridges.
I'm surprised to see a place like this still functioning, as a health inspector would shut this place down immediately.
At 12pm check in time the manger denied our service stating that they had a strict age restriction policy. He was obnoxious, unapologetic as he last minute left us on the street. Being a long weekend with no vacancies anywhere, he showed no empathy and totally screwed our plans.
Nobody reads terms and conditions when booking accommodation. The discrimination of age restrictions at a backpackers place is ridiculous. That should be 100% visible on the booking page to begin with.
Not only has this affected us financially, it has created emotional distress, inconvenience and we will boycott and never recommend this dump to anyone. I will be taking this further via the ACCC.
Solo traveller
Comment: 21 Nov 2024
Stayed in: Sep 2024
Avoid !!!
Worst hostel i have ever stayed at. Dirty showers with cockroaches. Rude manager of the hostel who likes to make daily negative comments about your looks. I booked a girls dorm however one evening a man was given the code to my room and entered without any warning which made me feel unsafe for the rest of my stay. I wouldn’t stay at this hostel if you are looking to make friends as everyone staying there are unwelcoming and staying long term. The kitchen was disgusting to the point where i didn’t even want to drink the tap water and the indoor eating area is full of flies. Loud music played until early hours of the morning directly outside your room. After continuous negative comments from the manager i warned him that i will leave a bad review to which he replied ‘no one will care because you’re english’. If you’re french you will be welcomed with open arms however if not i would avoid at all costs. It might be the cheapest hostel in the area but it’s not worth it.
Couple
Comment: 9 Jul 2024
Stayed in: Jul 2024
Rip off manager
Manager took my $90 then refused us entry bc over age 35. Will not refund. Surely this is illegal. Appears run down facility.
Went to caloundra police re theft of $90. Also will report re age discrimination. I am irish visitor. Disgusting management.
Went to caloundra police re theft of $90. Also will report re age discrimination. I am irish visitor. Disgusting management.
Solo traveller
Comment: 20 Jun 2024
Stayed in: Jun 2024
THE WORST NIGHTMARE
worst hostel i've ever been to. weird people, screaming and super messy. the room have aircon on freeeeezing the room, and you cant stop it or change it. HORRIBLE, NEVER COME HERE.
The pictures are from 2018, not accurate as how it is now a days.
The pictures are from 2018, not accurate as how it is now a days.
Solo traveller
Comment: 13 Jun 2024
Stayed in: Dec 2023
Awful management, very very basic hostel
The people are great, the rooms are terrible - no plugs, no lamps, no privacy curtains, and the manager (Brian) is unwelcoming, unprofessional and rude. He speaks about guests in French when he thinks they don’t understand. I was really disappointed. If you’re not a long term guest, you won’t enjoy. Close to the beach which is nice.
Location
84 Omrah Avenue, Caloundra, Shelly Beach, 4551, Australia|2.16 km from city centre
Check in and check out
Check in from:
13:00
Check out before:
10:00
Good to know
Please contact the hotel for details about adding extra beds.
Please contact the hotel for details about adding a cot.
This property will not accommodate hen, stag or similar parties. Please inform CALI Backpackers in advance of your expected arrival time. You can use the Special Requests box when booking, or contact the property directly with the contact details provided in your confirmation. Guests are required to show a photo identification and credit card upon check-in. Please note that all Special Requests are subject to availability and additional charges may apply. A damage deposit of AUD 20 is required on arrival. This will be collected as a cash payment. You should be reimbursed on check-out. Your deposit will be refunded in full in cash, subject to an inspection of the property. Exclusive international youth working accommodation for 18-35yr olds.
CALI Backpackers: FAQs
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