The man, who lived in Cairns, faced court on charges including four counts of rape, eight counts of assault, four counts of strangulation, and two of deprivation of liberty. He is also facing drug charges.

The man is being held in jail in Queensland. He applied for bail but was refused, the court said.

Mr Hart said that the victim sustained facial fractures, scratches and abrasions to the neck area and other bruising consistent with the offences she outlined to police.

"We have potentially saved this girl's life," the detective said, as he went on praising the woman for the courage shown in disclosing the details of her ordeal.

"It has taken great courage for our victim to provide the detail that she has."

Police also revealed that they believe the man damaged the backpacker's passport, and she will probably remain in Australia at least until she replaces it.