Backpackers In Paradise

Australia , Gold Coast - QLD
GOLD COAST, 40 Peninsular Drive
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100 reviews shown

8/10

Excellent

13 Mar 2026

Teresa

Very friendly staff and a welcoming atmosphere. Our room was clean and had everything we needed. Great place for a simple and affordable stay.

6/10

Pleasant

12 Feb 2026

Alexander

Nice hostel, has a pool and cafe which is cool, my WiFi didn’t work. And with one fan in the room it made it super hard to sleep, but staff were nice.

Leisure Self

4/10

Poor

15 Oct 2025

Henry

Good location and price.

2/10

Poor

25 Sep 2025

Yin Sing

The beds were extremely uncomfortable. The area was often unclean. There are people walking in and out of the room throughout the evening; it was extremely hard to sleep well. The bathroom and shower area has a lot of grime; evidently have not been cleaned in a long time.

Leisure Self

8/10

Excellent

30 Aug 2025

Verified traveler

In overall I was happy with my stay. It's close to the beach, shops etc. I haven't given 5 stars just because where I was staying it was super noisy. I had a room on my own facing towards the cafe/reception area so it felt like I was hearing everything. Also the walkway outside my window had a sensor light on which was a bit uncomfortable when it was going on and off quite a bit. I was able to leave my bag for a bit after checking out which was super handy. There are upkeep works going which is great to see. No need to pay for a shuttle, the public transport works great. Look it up ;-)

Self

6/10

Pleasant

23 Aug 2025

Ramsay

10/10

Exceptional

15 Aug 2025

Melanie

Leisure Friends

10/10

Exceptional

09 Aug 2025

Damian

Overall great place

Leisure Friends

2/10

Poor

08 Aug 2025

Two words: BED BUGS. BED BUGS. BED BUGS. BED BUGS!!!!!!!! BED BUGS!!!!!!! BED BUGS!!!!!!! BED BUGS!!!!! BED BUGS!!!!!!!!!!!! This property is well aware they have bed bugs yet do nothing to fix the problem. I woke up at 4am with acute itching (then could no longer sleep!) 48hours later I am still itching, with large red inflamed patches all over my body which will leave scars and a hugely swollen finger that is weeping at the bite mark and likely infected, meaning I am limited in the use of my hand and may have to see a doctor. Avoid this place if you value your health and safety. They also are offering a 'competition' incentive if you leave them a review, therefore I would not trust any favourable reviews.

Business Self

10/10

Exceptional

08 Aug 2025

Damian

Great location and value for money, the staff are friendly and keep on top of everything which is great, will be staying here again in the future.

Leisure Friends

8/10

Excellent

03 Aug 2025

Jaye

Need a tv

10/10

Exceptional

01 Aug 2025

Haolei

Great location

Leisure Partner

10/10

Exceptional

15 Jul 2025

oli

Good Location, Clean & Nice People/Place

Leisure Partner

6/10

Pleasant

05 Jul 2025

Jayson

It was okay just had little issues with cleanliness and windows not locking felt uneasy leaving belongings there.

Leisure Partner

2/10

Poor

05 Jul 2025

Elizabeth

The lady at reception was lovely, but by far the most dank unhygienic and dirty place ive ever stayed at.

Sheets were stained, was hairs in the bed, a dirty sock at the bed head. Was minging for the price to. Shower was so flipping gross. N pretty sure there were bed bugs.

Business_and_leisure Partner

8/10

Excellent

31 Mar 2025

Kim

Single bed was horrible. inner springs were shot. Really need new beds in this place. Otherwise everything else was all good.

10/10

Exceptional

16 Mar 2025

Lisa

Thank you

Fantastic had no idea of being a back packers venue at all stayed end of gold coast Alfred cyclone had particularly nothing yet greeted and looked after with my partner so kindly the bedroom was so clean welcoming bathroom clean and big had a very safe comfortable place to stay thank you to the man at reception for all your all your helo

Partner

8/10

Excellent

03 Mar 2025

Daisy Rose

The location is amazing, a short walk to the beach and main clubs. Majority of the staff were exceptional however there was one point where we were in our room ill and a cleaner came into our room ‘to clean’ and wouldn’t leave for a solid 5 minutes of us asking. The cleanliness of our room was also questionable with stains and dirt all over the floor but the overall atmosphere is really friendly

Leisure Friends

2/10

Poor

21 Feb 2025

MVG

Backpackers in Paradise is definitely a budget option, but despite the efforts of the staff, the hostel has some major drawbacks.

The cleanliness is poor, and the noise levels at night are unbearable. Most rooms face an inner courtyard that is constantly full of people, making it nearly impossible to sleep. The kitchen is infested with flies, which makes cooking quite unpleasant.

I also had an issue where my food was mistakenly taken and placed in the “free food” section, but to be fair, they compensated me with $20. Additionally, the bunk beds are very unstable and move a lot, making it hard to get a proper rest.

If you’re staying just for one night, it might be manageable, but for a longer stay, I’d recommend spending a bit more for a better-managed hostel.

Self

10/10

Exceptional

15 Feb 2025

Bryon

Great hostel. Quick getaway to party. Didn't expect to meet a bloke name Luke who happened to stay here also and at Wicked Pub crawl. Great value for money. Just wish the top bunk i was on had power outlet. 10 min walk from Cavil Ave. Highly recommend great staff too

Leisure Self

8/10

Excellent

06 Jan 2025

Verified traveler

Great first days until last night where 2 un respectful guys walked in the room unfortunately.

Friends_and_family Friends

10/10

Exceptional

12 Dec 2024

Jaime

Really well organised hostel, excellent value, good vibes and lovely helpful staff 20/10

4/10

Poor

03 Dec 2024

Connor

Police came in, arrested one person, two people got kicked out, three fights broke out, stayed for one night btw.
Floor was unvaccumed, found an old bottle under my bed. Highest speed of the ceiling fan was the same as the lowest speed. Shower was missing tiles.

Leisure Partner

4/10

Poor

26 Nov 2024

Erik

No air condition system

Acomodation was sauna hot. Couldnt fall asleep till 3am. A guy from another room toled me most rooms are hot. The rest was good. Friendly people and good backpacking experiance in the yard and around the little pool. Kitchen looked good and bar too

Self

4/10

Poor

23 Nov 2024

Marion

The room and the bathroom were very dirty. Their restaurant supposed to be open at 7:00 a.m. was not open still at 8am. Other guests very noisy with no consideration all hours of the night

Partner

4/10

Poor

27 Oct 2024

helen

Cockroaches in bathrooms, cockroaches in dining area and in common areas. Dirty, lots of black mold in bathrooms and showers. Hot, smelly rooms. Rickety beds, swayed plenty when going up or down bunk beds.

Leisure Self

2/10

Poor

27 Oct 2024

Graham

1st we had to wait by their check in for approximately 45 minutes because the staff member decided she needed a break and just disappeared.
2nd all though the room was clean it was rather run down. Eg. Some lights didn’t work. Plug in vanity jammed so water couldn’t drain away. On a positive note the bed was very comfortable.
3rd. They have permanent residence living there. At 1.30 am Saturday night were fighting with other guests at the top of their lungs and throwing wheelie bins around the court yard.
I would not recommend this place to anyone and won’t be booking with them ever again.

Leisure Family

8/10

Excellent

26 Sep 2024

Verified traveler

Affordable and great for young people

Pretty basic accommodation- you get what you pay for. It's great for young people who want to meet other young people from around the world. There's some opportunities to pay for accommodation by working in housekeeping. Good location - 10mins from the beach and all the amenities.

There's a fully licensed bar, a swimming pool, fully kitted kitchen, and laundry facilities.

Highly recommended if you want somewhere affordable to stay in Surfer's Paradise.

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

20 Aug 2024

Andrew

Amazing Staff

I arrived for check in a couple of hours early and the Staff were so nice & accommodating.
They went out their way to get my room ready because I had to go out & wasn’t back till late.

Self

10/10

Exceptional

15 Aug 2024

Cami

A really comfy place to stay… very walkable from the heart of the city and near the beach. Excellent service for the price that we paid.

Leisure Family

2/10

Poor

13 Jul 2024

Gregory

Paper thin bed sheet. One tiny bathroom for fourteen people. Inaccessible light switches. No curtain on front windows. To few outlets in hard to reach areas.

2/10

Poor

08 Jul 2024

Monica

The room/bathroom was disgusting and they binned my belongings on my second last day. They also play music until very late hours.

Leisure

10/10

Exceptional

02 Jul 2024

mark

Very pleasant

My stay was very pleasant. Thanks to the tesm..

Business

2/10

Poor

25 Jun 2024

Fermín

Everything. Staff was so rude, the room was a fake compared to the photo on internet.

Self

6/10

Pleasant

30 May 2024

Gabrielle

Decent hostel. Kitchen was small, narrow, and dirty but still useable. Staff were nice. They have a restaurant on site that made a good veggie burger.

6/10

Pleasant

30 May 2024

Gabrielle

Decent hostel. Kitchen was dirty, narrow and small (basically a hallway), but was still useable. Staff were nice. They have a restaurant on site that made a great veggie burger. Central to bus station and downtown. Not sure if I would stay again.

6/10

Pleasant

19 May 2024

Sharon

It’s a very old and a bit dilapidated building with dodgy narrow stairs. Room was so basic and a bit grungy. The room wasn’t ready which was annoying.
The best thing was the locality to everything.
Staff were inexperienced and when I ordered coffee I burnt my mouth from the scorching water.

Leisure Partner

4/10

Poor

17 May 2024

Anita

The staff were fabulous when I requested to move room after finding considerable mould.
Overall the cleanliness was pretty atrocious, but you get that when you can trade cleaning for free nights.
Overall, the vibe of the place is chill and kinda cool and the location is great - far enough away to be quiet, but close enough to easily walk to everything, including the beach.

Business_and_leisure Self

10/10

Exceptional

09 Apr 2024

Cody

Home away from home.

My stay was great! Staff made the stay even more enjoyable with entertainment and a quiz to bring everyone together. The entertainment host Mia was terrific in doing so. Thankyou for the stay and look forward to returning again.

Self

8/10

Excellent

09 Mar 2024

Adrian

Overall good experience. My matress was terrible though. Definitely need an upgrade. Other than that, thank you for the stay!

Leisure Self

4/10

Poor

15 Jan 2024

Etienne

No good free wifi, good area

Leisure Self

2/10

Poor

08 Jan 2024

Darly

Everything super dirty, the kitchen the worst

Self

2/10

Poor

04 Dec 2023

Verified traveler

health hazard

This place is a health hazard. Really disgusting and the whole place stinks (from mould I reckon). There were stains on towels and sheets, fan was not working.

2/10

Poor

10 Nov 2023

Vincent

Terrible hostel. Noisy in the mornings blaring music at 6am and policy on no drink is crazy. Thry took my drink through i bought for the next day and i wasnt drinking it in the hostel. Rude staff too. avoid !

Leisure Self

2/10

Poor

21 Oct 2023

Verified traveler

Worst Hostel. Water was leaking from Sealing and sinks are so small that you won't be able to wash your face or hands.
All the Dust all over the room no cleanness.

Congusted beds and No AC.

I won't recommend to any one.

6/10

Pleasant

20 Aug 2023

Monica

Convenience to beach access. Pillows were almost flat and real hard mattress.

Leisure Partner

6/10

Pleasant

11 Jul 2023

Jaelen

The hostel was decent but a few things that stuck out was that the light in my bathroom didn't work and the Wi-Fi was terrible, even with an access code or paid plan. The common area outside got very loud at night, which made it hard to sleep for someone like me who is early to bed and early to rise. I wish there were some indoor common areas to stay in. With everything outdoors, it was too cold to be out there during the evening hours (I visited in July). Overall, not the worst hostel I have stayed in. Staff was very friendly.

Business_and_leisure Self

4/10

Poor

03 Jul 2023

Tateki

It’s what you get for the price, I guess. You can’t control your guests.

Leisure Self

2/10

Poor

01 Jul 2023

federico

The most dirty room I've ever been. Disgusting.

6/10

Pleasant

10 May 2023

Jarrod

Whilst this was convenient for my purposes, in that I was only there for a limited time, I did find it frustrating that the designated smoking area was between the main entry and reception area, meaning there was no option but to walk through it. Having said that, the designated non-smoking area was full of smokers as well. Also, no control over \"quiet\" time after midnight. Loud partying still going on until 2-3am on all 3 nights I was there. If you are a partying smoker, perfect for you :)

Business_and_leisure Self

8/10

Excellent

26 Mar 2023

sara

It's a party hostel, which is all good! just make sure you expect a lot of mess and a lot of noise, but you get what you pay for, its the cheapest hostel in surfers! and does have good hang out spaces but again there will always be people drinking and being rowdy.

Business Self

8/10

Excellent

11 Jan 2023

George

Nice place, very friendly staff

Leisure Family

6/10

Pleasant

29 Oct 2022

Irwin

For an apartment I would have expected better

The receptionist was rude and offhand
The room 2 of the windows could not be closed, the main light in the living room kept blinking.
there was no television in the apartment

Business

2/10

Poor

25 Sep 2022

Loretta

Limited parking. My car had eggs thrown at it while parked on the street out front.
Cleanliness was poor.
I was charged twice. Once my lady minute then a second time by the hotel on checkin

Leisure Friends

4/10

Poor

05 Jun 2022

David

The property is quite well located, being only 10 minutes walk from the beach and shopping/
The Receptionist was bright, pleasant and helpful. The accommodation (double bed room) was not impressively decorated, and one broken window, had been boarded over. The Booked Continental Breakfast did not exist. The structure of the adjacent rooms looked extremely tatty and curtains opposite rooms were grimy and paintwork in extremely poor condition. The room was very cold, with no form of heating ... I literally slept in bed, with my clothes on ...

Business_and_leisure Self

6/10

Pleasant

22 May 2022

David

Not a bad option for a backpackers in Gold Coast.

Leisure Self

2/10

Poor

20 Mar 2022

carol

Single female placed in a 4 bed dorm with men! when i asked to move from this scary situation, the receptionist complained that it was my fault that had occurred, as i had not clicked at booking site that i wanted gender specific. Thing is, no such choice was presented that i could see on the website. I was then moved to a dorm on 10 women. 1 toilet and one roll of toilet paper for all!!!!!!!

2/10

Poor

16 Feb 2022

Hayley

so bad we didn't even stay the night, the boy at reception was not welcoming or friendly at all

2/10

Poor

27 Jan 2022

Dale

Will never go back again

Business_and_leisure Self

2/10

Poor

15 Nov 2021

philip

Worst hostel in surfers

Wasn’t able to check in

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

20 May 2021

Cheryl

Amazing couple days off!!

Excellent customer service!! Need more bin I the dorm room and offer a variety more tap beer like ginger beer in the bar please!!

Self

2/10

Poor

17 Feb 2021

Verified traveler

Nothing except value, waiting for check in half hour, no attention in reception, no answer on phone

Leisure Partner

6/10

Pleasant

27 Dec 2019

Mikael

Nothing beyond expectations

Everything was as expected. Cleanliness, service etc.. The atmosphere however was very flat during the entirety of my stay. Staff were nice though. Would probably try and go somewhere a bit livelier next time around.

Self

4/10

Poor

16 Nov 2019

Mariana

The location is great, but the accommodation is not good. Reeeeealy noise with people talking all the night outside and you can hear everything in the other room (terrible acoustic). Also, not too clean.

Friends_and_family Friends

10/10

Exceptional

06 Nov 2019

Verified traveler

Staff were really friendly and good organised nights out :)

Business_and_leisure Self

8/10

Excellent

18 Sep 2019

Verified traveler

The property was nice with pool, pool tables, ping pong table, TV showing sports games and a nice sun lounge. The people staying were loud until early in the morning and slamming beds but i guess it was just a rowdy rugby team that stayed over that night. Other than that the stay was pleasant for the money!

Friends_and_family Family

8/10

Excellent

14 Sep 2019

Gregory

Good atmosphere and affordable enjoyed the fun we had playing table tennis nice community feel!

Self

6/10

Pleasant

29 Aug 2019

Verified traveler

Thew was know indoor eating apart from that every other thing was fine

Business Self

8/10

Excellent

16 Aug 2019

Verified traveler

Staff are friendly, great location. Strange and funky smell to the room. parking was pot luck (some days could park outside, other days had to park miles away). Overall value for money.

Leisure Friends

2/10

Poor

25 Jul 2019

Verified traveler

Photo of room and the blurb totally misleading,at check in staff tried to charge me twice,had to struggle up old skinny staircase,had to explain to cook who spoke very little english re breakfast,one toilet and shower to service four double rooms,slum lord...mmm

Business_and_leisure Self

8/10

Excellent

23 Jul 2019

Verified traveler

Good hostel and good staff. Only issue was that we were on the ground floor and there was a room above us and there was a group of people arriving at 2am and it was really noisy coz of the old wood floor. You could hear every step and word they said.

Otherwise the hostel was great. Good kitchen, bar and a small burger shop attached with cheap food/drinks. Staff were really nice and helpful. Facilities are good maintained.

Leisure Friends

6/10

Pleasant

26 May 2019

Verified traveler

All okay. The staff was friendly. However, too bad I couldn't get my refund after I check-out a few days earlier, that's the minus point.

Leisure Self

6/10

Pleasant

22 May 2019

Angela

I would find another hostel!

Unless you want to party, I would not recommend staying here! The rooms were not clean and the showers felt very dirty! We checked out a day early and lost money just to stay somewhere else.

Friends

6/10

Pleasant

05 May 2019

Verified traveler

Basic Hostel

This is a party hostel. Don’t expect to get much sleep if that’s what you’re after. The staff is nice and the location is good— plus free street parking as the lot fills up quick. Unfortunately it’s just paper thin wall so we could hear everyone hanging out downstairs in the lobby and our neighbors entire conversation quite loud and clearly. We didn’t really mind this as it was expected. The thing that bothered us the most was that the room has two large windows, and while both of them have screens, one of the screens was nearly sheer. It was basically see-through, and there was bright lights shining into the room all night, as well as sunlight shining in at the beginning of the day. The free brekky in the morning is just two pieces of toast OR a bowl of cereal, no drinks or coffee included. Overall a terrible night’s sleep, and not worth the money in my opinion.

Partner

4/10

Poor

03 Apr 2019

Verified traveler

Stated free parking. But only a few parking bays available. There were bedbugs.

Leisure Family

10/10

Exceptional

15 Dec 2018

Gregory

Great vibe

Great vibe good position good value for price .👍

10/10

Exceptional

12 Dec 2018

Gregory

Happy Backpacker

Nice affordability and good vibe

10/10

Exceptional

02 Dec 2018

Verified traveler

Totally adequate accommodation. Nice staff, great location. Thank you.

8/10

Excellent

25 Nov 2018

Verified traveler

I mean the front entrance was a tad sketchy but the room was decent although a lot of damage to the actual apartment itself was already done like holes in the walls. Also there were quite a few cockroaches finding their way around at night.

6/10

Pleasant

18 Nov 2018

Verified traveler

Quite difficult to find. However great staff to boost up the experience, and make it pleasure moment to stay in.

10/10

Exceptional

17 Nov 2018

Verified traveler

friendly staff, great location,amazing value. walk around GC, easy to park. recommended

8/10

Excellent

15 Nov 2018

Dan

Close to the action, well equipped double bed in a private room. Quiet and safe.

10/10

Exceptional

30 Jul 2018

David

Great place

Great location, the atmosphere is awesome, plenty of activities on site, overall a great place to stay.

8/10

Excellent

24 Jul 2018

James

Good value stay in a good area

Don’t like how you have to pay for Wi-fi. Originally just given a sheet as a cover and it’s very cold in winter. Nice place though and cheap. Cool bar with average priced drinks. Friendly staff and guests.

4/10

Poor

04 Jul 2018

Yasuo

It was too noisy.

10/10

Exceptional

02 May 2018

karisha

Great

Great place nice staff really enjoyable.

10/10

Exceptional

29 Apr 2018

karisha

comfy

Great friendly homely place want to come and stay here every time I'm down at gold coast love the cat .

8/10

Excellent

16 Apr 2018

Verified traveler

Stayed for 16 days Very helpful staff. Beds a little small but then I’m use to a queens sime and I’m a robust type person. All in all very good. Convenient location.

4/10

Poor

04 Apr 2018

Verified traveler

Bad experience

The check in staff were extremely rude and unhelpful. There were bed bugs in the hostel. Fans not working. Dirty sheets. Never again!!

2/10

Poor

04 Apr 2018

Ezequiel

terrible mattress

the hostel is good and comfortable, but the mattress that were in my bed was old and thin, I literally slept in the bed frame. the next morning I went to ask if there was any possibility to replace or swap it, and the reception guy told me that they don't have any mattress to swap it or replace it. So I had to slept there for 3 days with back pain until one of the guys in the room left and i change bed. I think they didn't care about my complain and didn't try to help me.

8/10

Excellent

13 Oct 2017

Jordan

Amazing customer service! Value for money!

The best backpackers ive stayed at. Very handy and centeral location, walking distance to all major nececities and tour activitys, very affordable coupled with Amazing friendly service. Handy cafe and bar, not too big that its overcrowded and noisy and not to small so you get a good mixtyre of people! I rented the apartment for the week, could have used a touch up in the bathroom but its a backpackers not a resort! But it will be the people that work there that was my favourite part of the stay!

2/10

Poor

23 Sep 2017

Verified traveler

So noisey... party and drug spot.. two people collapse in toilet on the last night we were there.. other guests made noises all through the night, not ideal for a traveller wanting to rest before travelling the next day. Would not recommend

10/10

Exceptional

22 Aug 2017

olivia

Affordable place yo stay

Stayed in a private double room with shared toilet/bathroom facilities, payed @$10 deposit. Just perfect and what we needed. Bed was very comfy and sheets were clean. Loved the atmosphere, loud partying but didnt mind. Would definately stay there again.

8/10

Excellent

12 Aug 2017

Ciaran

Worth a Visit

The Gold Coast was very nice but I wouldn't recommend staying there for very long on unless you're after theme parks or a beach holiday. I went the wrong season for surfing so didn't get to surf much. The hostel was very nice. Large open common area, tanning areas over looking the pool, nice pool/pool area, good loaction and clean. Cheap kitchen and the food was ok. If I went back to the Gold Coast, I would book the same hostel.

10/10

Exceptional

31 Jul 2017

Arif

Good value accommodation

We really enjoyed our stay at the hotel. The premises were clean including the common areas. It's a very good value at a prime location.

Partner

8/10

Excellent

03 Apr 2017

Verified traveler

Great proximity to the beach and nightlife. Nightly games and drink deals with very friendly staff.

10/10

Exceptional

26 Mar 2017

Jesse

Prime Hostel Location

My first impressions of the hostel were 'this is spacious', the layout of the hostel is visually motel style rooms, two levels with rooms above and good sized courtyard.

There's a small kitchen with a pool next to the kitchen / food bar. The pool isn't heated although at night there are some pretty cool blue lights under the varandah.

Overall I was happy with the stay and staff were friendly.

8/10

Excellent

09 Mar 2017

Tricia

Great except for WiFi services

The rooms and space were above expectations. Donna was really polite and helpful. The only drawback was the limited and relatively cost for the use of WiFi internet.

8/10

Excellent

03 Mar 2017

Jules

Great location and set up!

Would highly recommend Backpackers in Paradise. The room and facilities were clean,the staff were very hospitable and just loved the atmosphere of the place. First time in a backpackers and will definately be back!

6/10

Pleasant

12 Jan 2017

saagar

Nice location but untidy

Nice location, close to pretty much everything. Rooms were not tidy, beds stink. Hotel description says free parking but its just 5 slots, which are mostly occupied. Plenty of street parking though but just for after hours!