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Stay, Work & Explore
North Queensland

Secure local farm work, make lifelong friends, and experience true North Queensland living - all in the heart of Innisfail.

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G’day and Welcome!

We’re your tropical home base while you explore the best of North Queensland! We’re tucked right in the middle of paradise, surrounded by rainforests, waterfalls, and the Great Barrier Reef. Whether you’re chasing adventure, a bit of sunshine, or just some chill vibes with new mates, you’ll find it all right here in Innisfail.

At The Shack, we’ve got everything you need to make your working holiday easy. We help you find local farm work — mostly in the banana industry — so you can earn some cash while soaking up the tropical lifestyle. Kick back after a day’s work, cook up a feed with your new crew – life’s good at the Backpackers Shack.

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About the Shack

Backpackers Shack is a modern, two-level hostel right in the heart of Innisfail at 7 Ernest Street. We’ve got clean, comfy dorms at great prices – each 8-bed room is fully air-conditioned and comes with its own shower and toilet.

Downstairs you’ll find the manager’s office, kitchen, and laundry, while upstairs is where everyone hangs out – the recreation and dining areas, another kitchen, and extra laundry facilities. Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the hostel.

Feeling hungry? You’re surrounded by food options – Macca’s, Subway, Domino’s, and Hungry Jack’s are just around the corner, and there’s plenty of Italian, Indian, Chinese, seafood, and Aussie pub meals nearby too. Kmart, Coles, and Woolies are all within walking distance, and the Innisfail Memorial Swimming Pool is only a couple of doors down for a quick dip after work.

What’s at the Shack?

wifi Free Wi-Fi to keep in touch

Ensuites Ensuite dorms – no lining up here

Air Conditioning in every dorm Air-con in every dorm to beat the heat

Car Parking Plenty of parking if you’ve got wheels

Local Farm Work On-site help finding local farm work

Laundry with machines & dryers

Shared Kitchen Big shared kitchen for feeds & snacks

24-hour security cameras

BBQ Chill BBQ area for cook-ups

Comfy Hangout Spots Comfy hangout spots

Town Swimming Pool Only 50 metres from the town pool

Close to Town Easy walk to the shops and cafes

Work hard, play harder!

    • FAQs

    Got a question? Check out our FAQ – we’ve probably heard it before!

    From finding work to what’s included in your stay, we’ve got all the answers to help you get settled at the Backpackers Shack.

    Innisfail is the major producer of bananas and paw paws in Queensland, Australia. Farmers hire international backpackers all year round. The produce is picked, packed local and sent weekly to southern markets.

    WORK and VISA CONDITIONS: International workers in Australia must hold a Working Holiday Visa to be considered for a job placement. We do not guarantee work prior to your arrival, but we have a strong reputation of finding the right work placement once you are here. You are required to present the following documents to your employer – Work Visa Grant Number, Australian Tax File Number, Australian Bank Account, Australian Superannuation Account Details and Member Number.

    You will be working directly for your employer, not for Backpackers Shack. All of the businesses we work with provide payslips and pay Award Wages or above. You do not pay us for our work-finding services, and neither does the employer. You only pay for rent. This is a mutually beneficial arrangement that – hopefully – encourages our guests to stay long-term and helps employers recruit motivated workers more easily.

    This is a free service to our residents, unfortunately we cannot currently offer seasonal work placements to people who are not staying with us.

    Check-in at the Backpackers Shack is from 2:00 pm, and check-out is by 10:00 am. If you’re arriving early or need a later check-out, just let us know in advance – we’ll do our best to accommodate where possible.

    Yes – the Backpackers Shack is open to guests aged 18 and over. Because it’s a working holiday hostel, we’re set up for adults travelling and working in the local area, not for children or families.

    Reception at the Backpackers Shack is open daily from 8:00 am to 6:00 pm. If you’re arriving outside these hours, just contact us beforehand to arrange a late check-in – we’re happy to help make your arrival smooth.

    If you’re arriving after reception closes, no worries – just let us know ahead of time. We can arrange a late check-in and provide clear instructions so you can settle in when you arrive.

    Yes – all guests must show a valid photo ID or passport at check-in. This helps us confirm your booking and meet accommodation regulations. For international guests, a passport is preferred; for Australian residents, a driver’s licence or similar photo ID is fine.