Hostels in Cairns
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The 10 Best Hostels in Cairns, Australia
Some of the best backpacker spots in Cairns
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Travellers Oasis 5 stars
Cairns
Accommodation options at Travellers Oasis include spacious dormitory rooms along with private double, twin, and single rooms. Each room is furnished with fans, bed linen, towels, and a personal safety deposit box. Private rooms also feature a fridge stocked with complimentary600 ml water per guest, as well as a TV. Shared bathroom facilities are accessible to all guests, while air conditioning is available for an additional fee.
Poland
Excellent Staff, clean rooms, lovely atmosphere
Travellers Paradise 5 stars
Cairns
Surrounded by lush tropical gardens, Travellers Paradise offers accommodation in a historical, heritage listed building in Cairns, 1.2 km from Cairns Convention Centre. Free street parking is available. It is located opposite Cairns Central Shopping Centre, Coles Supermarket and the train station. Free unlimited WiFi is available.
Taiwan
The room and shared bathroom are clean, and the location is great.
Global Backpackers Cairns 4.5 stars
Cairns
Global Backpackers Waterfront is situated on the Cairns Esplanade waterfront and the Lagoon, boardwalk, marina, restaurants, shops and nightlife are a short walk away. There are evening activities held in the property's bar venues, all within a 5-minute walk from Global Backpackers Waterfront, where you can receive discounts in bars and clubs.
The hostel offers a range of rooms from private rooms with balconies and en suites to shared dormitory rooms. All have air conditioning and free WiFi.
Hong Kong
I had a private room so can't speak for the dorms, but it was very clean and quiet, with comfortable bed and good quality towels. Honestly cannot complain.
YHA Cairns Central 4 stars
Cairns
Accommodation options include private rooms with an en suite bathroom or dormitory rooms with a shared bathroom. All rooms are air-conditioned.
Facilities include a communal kitchen and dining area and a guest laundry. Relax in the TV room or a reading room, or play a game of billiards. The tour desk can arrange Great Barrier Reef cruises, snorkeling and diving trips.
Papua New Guinea
Convenient and close to shopping mall.
Mad Monkey Waterfront 3 stars
Cairns
We offer all types of accommodation, from Mixed Dorms Ensuite to Female Dorms Ensuite and Private Double Rooms. We have high-quality mattresses, pillows and linen which is included for a comfortable night’s sleep. All our dorms have a private en-suite bathroom and all our private rooms come with personal towels, otherwise our reception team is more than happy to assist you with a towel hire in case you forgot one. All our rooms are Air-Conditioned & All our bunk beds are equipped with personal USB ports & power sockets to make sure you can comfortably scroll through your new travel pictures from bed.
Belgium
it’s very central in cairns and right in front of the water. The hostel is clean and not too big so there are enough people to socialize but it’s not a mess. The kitchen is very nice. The price is very good for what you get!
Dreamtime Travellers Rest 3 stars
Cairns
Dreamtime is an award winning hostel with a difference. We offer travellers a safe, peaceful & cosy place to stay. We are not a party hostel.
As we are a small, independent hostel, our reception is open from 8.00am to 6.00pm.
Canada
I planned to stay for just a little while after arriving from Canada and ended up extending my stay. Paul and Tim were great hosts and I was sad to leave when the time came. If you're looking for a party hostel, this isn't it -- Dreamtime is peaceful and quiet, even when people are up late chatting over drinks. Comfy beds, good facilities, and the coin-operated AC was definitely enough to cut the heat when going to bed at night. I hope to be able to come back one day!
The Village Cairns
Cairns
Set in Cairns and with Cairns Convention Centre reachable within less than 1 km, The Village Cairns offers express check-in and check-out, non-smoking rooms, a shared lounge, free WiFi throughout the property and a terrace. The property is located 4.6 km from Cairns Flecker Botanic Gardens, 14 km from Tjapukai Aboriginal Cultural Park and 14 km from Skyway Rainforest Cableway. The accommodation provides a shared kitchen, a 24-hour front desk and organising tours for guests.
Rooms are complete with a shared bathroom equipped with a shower, while certain units at the hostel also provide guests with a seating area.
United Kingdom
- Lovely & very helpful staff - Very clean and comfortable - Not too crowded - Socialable but also quiet at night - Good showers/bathroom
Summer House Backpackers Cairns 3.5 stars
Cairns
Summer House Backpackers Cairns features free bikes, outdoor swimming pool, a garden and shared lounge in Cairns. Among the facilities of this property are a restaurant, a shared kitchen and a 24-hour front desk, along with free WiFi throughout the property. The accommodation provides evening entertainment and an ATM.
United Kingdom
Everything! There are games and activities every night which is such a good way to meet people. There is a free shuttle into the centre, free rental bikes, washing facilities and literally everything you need for a short or long term stay. I love it so much I have decided to here stay long term! The staff are amazing too and will help you with everything you need, and reception is 24/7 which is great for arriving late. The people that stay in the hostel are amazing too, I had made so many friends even by my second day - it’s like a big family here. The rooms are clean, the air con is great, there is a bar and restaurant which sells the tastiest food and the kitchen/ toilets are cleaned loads of times during the day too unlike other hostels. I really can’t fault Summerhouse at all, it’s turned into a second home for me😍
The Jack Backpackers 2 stars
Cairns
If you are planning a late check-in after 19:00 pm. Please call our friendly reception team at your earliest convenience to arrange a late check in. Night Security Number 0484737381. Please also note that The Jack Backpackers is a international hostel and only accepts booking with a valid International passport and credit card will be required upon check-in. Please note that there is a surcharge of minimum 1.40% when paying with Eftpos. The Jack Backpackers is unsuitable for persons under the age of 18. Bookings made by any guests under the age of 18 will not be accepted and will be asked to cancel the booking.
The Jack Backpackers is a International Youth Hostel and only accepts bookings with a valid International passport.
Italy
All the hostel Is cleaned 2 times AT DAY, so really clean rooms and shared space. Good kitchen and great balcony where u can eat and have a good chat with friendly people of the hostel. 10+ reception service and vibes. I Will come.back for sure here.
Mad Monkey Village 3 stars
Cairns
Refurbished in May, 2018, Mad Monkey Village featuresa TV, a kitchen, bathrooms with air-conditioners in every room. There is also an outdoor swimming pool. Free WiFi provided.
All the private double rooms are air-Conditioned and come with towels.
Malta
Really nice and friendly atmosphere. It’s a great hostel for socializing and having a few drinks but also quiet after midnight which is perfect. There’s also a great pool area and TV room to relax! The staff are also really nice and helpful
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8.1Scored 8.1Very goodRated very good· 1724 hostel reviews
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7.3Scored 7.3GoodRated good· 1379 hostel reviews
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7.2Scored 7.2GoodRated good· 668 hostel reviews
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8.4Scored 8.4Very goodRated very good· 1783 hostel reviews
Popular with guests booking hostels in Cairns
7.8Scored 7.8GoodRated good· 1100 hostel reviews
Popular with guests booking hostels in Cairns
9.0Scored 9.0SuperbRated superb· 1320 hostel reviews
Popular with guests booking hostels in Cairns
8.6Scored 8.6FabulousRated fabulous· 963 hostel reviews
Save money on hostels in Cairns – budget options available!
Travellers Oasis
CairnsBudget options available9.0Scored 9.0SuperbRated superb· 1,320 reviewsConveniently situated in the heart of Cairns, opposite the Cairns Central Shopping Centre and Cairns train station, Travellers Oasis presents an inviting accommodation option featuring an outdoor...
Great place, nice pool, enough space, good people!
YHA Cairns Central
CairnsBudget options available8.1Scored 8.1Very goodRated very good· 1,724 reviewsYHA Cairns Central is located just 5 minutes' walk from The Esplanade and Trinity Wharf. It features an outdoor swimming pool, 2 spas, and a free WiFi hotspot.
Very clean, very socially for backpackers like my self
Mad Monkey Waterfront
CairnsBudget options available8.0Scored 8.0Very goodRated very good· 421 reviewsAt Mad Monkey Waterfront we offer an affordable and clean accommodation in the heart of Cairns, the gateway to the Great Barrier Reef.
The kitchen is very clean and it's easy to cook. The staff is also very nice.
Dreamtime Travellers Rest
CairnsBudget options available8.6Scored 8.6FabulousRated fabulous· 963 reviewsDreamtime is an award winning hostel with a difference. We offer travellers a safe, peaceful & cosy place to stay. We are not a party hostel.
Great place. Nice chilled vibes. Stayed here twice!
The Village Cairns
CairnsBudget options available7.9Scored 7.9GoodRated good· 1,275 reviewsSet in Cairns and with Cairns Convention Centre reachable within less than 1 km, The Village Cairns offers express check-in and check-out, non-smoking rooms, a shared lounge, free WiFi throughout the...
rooms are big, great location, nice balcony, clean…
Summer House Backpackers Cairns
CairnsBudget options available7.6Scored 7.6GoodRated good· 1,468 reviewsSummer House Backpackers Cairns features free bikes, outdoor swimming pool, a garden and shared lounge in Cairns.
Everything: great great people, great great facilities.
The Jack Backpackers
CairnsBudget options available7.3Scored 7.3GoodRated good· 1,379 reviewsGuests enjoy FREE WiFi daily, NEW Air cons, FREE lockers, FREE Netflix available in common lounge area and Private En suite rooms, on-site bar and restaurant.
Friendly staff, discounted dinners, good location.
Mad Monkey Village
CairnsBudget options available7.8Scored 7.8GoodRated good· 1,100 reviewsRefurbished in May, 2018, Mad Monkey Village featuresa TV, a kitchen, bathrooms with air-conditioners in every room. There is also an outdoor swimming pool. Free WiFi provided.
Excellant location, clean and the pancakes for breakfast were Devine
Great access to the city centre! Check these hostels in Cairns
Travellers Paradise
CairnsCentral location8.7Scored 8.7FabulousRated fabulous· 1,352 reviewsSurrounded by lush tropical gardens, Travellers Paradise offers accommodation in a historical, heritage listed building in Cairns, 1.2 km from Cairns Convention Centre.
super nice and clean. They will offer the best to you if they can.
Global Backpackers Cairns
CairnsCentral location8.4Scored 8.4Very goodRated very good· 1,783 reviewsGlobal Backpackers Waterfront is situated on the Cairns Esplanade waterfront and the Lagoon, boardwalk, marina, restaurants, shops and nightlife are a short walk away.
Great kitchen Perfect location Air con worked well
Wanna Stay?
CairnsCentral location7.6Scored 7.6GoodRated good· 31 reviewsWanna Stay? is situated in Cairns, within 800 metres of The Cairns Civic Theater and 4.7 km of Cairns Flecker Botanic Gardens.
Homey atmosphere. Highly recommended. Quiet and perfect for long stay
MiHaven Shared Living - Martyn St
CairnsCentral location7.6Scored 7.6GoodRated good· 55 reviewsFeaturing barbecue facilities, MiHaven Shared Living - Martyn St is set in Cairns in the Queensland region, 1.5 km from Cairns Station and 2.4 km from Cairns Convention Centre.
Clean, organised, sensible rules. value for money.
Gilligan's Hotel & Resort Cairns
CairnsCentral location7.5Scored 7.5GoodRated good· 2,068 reviews2024 Renovation Revelation: A Bold Makeover Journey Begins – Brace Yourself for an Entirely Revamped Bathroom Experience! Welcome to Gilligan's, your gateway to Cairns' tropical paradise.
I've already made my comment. I've stayed few days.
Caravella Backpackers
CairnsCentral location7.5Scored 7.5GoodRated good· 146 reviewsIdeally located in the scenic and quieter area of the Esplanade- away from the noise of the clubs, bars and traffic- but only an easy 10 minute walk to the main attractions, the Pier and Cairns City...
Location is close to the boardwalk and restaurants.
MiHaven Shared Living - Pembroke St
CairnsCentral location7.5Scored 7.5GoodRated good· 39 reviewsMiHaven Shared Living - Pembroke St offers rooms in shared apartments with access to a shared kitchen and living area with a TV. Free WiFi is available.
the ease of getting there and the tranquility of the place
Mumma's Hostel Cairns
CairnsCentral location7.2Scored 7.2GoodRated good· 547 reviewsMumma's Hostel Cairns has an outdoor swimming pool, garden, a shared lounge and terrace in Cairns. Boasting a tour desk, this property also provides guests with a barbecue.
Very good hostel, clean, good vibe, friendly staff
Mad Monkey Central
CairnsCentral location7.2Scored 7.2GoodRated good· 573 reviewsOffering an outdoor pool, barbecue and sun terrace, Mad Monkey Central is situated in Cairns in the Queensland Region, 400 metres from Cairns Convention Centre.
Vibe is so nice!! I really recommend this hostel!!
Cairns City Backpackers Hostel
CairnsCentral location7.2Scored 7.2GoodRated good· 354 reviewsSet amongst tropical gardens with an outdoor swimming pool, Cairns City Backpackers is a 25-minute walk from The Esplanade.
Nice acclimation, that is clean and well organized
Happytourcairns sharehouse
CairnsCentral location7.0Scored 7.0GoodRated good· 127 reviewsSet within 1.1 km of Cairns Regional Gallery and 4.8 km of Cairns Flecker Botanic Gardens, Happytourcairns sharehouse features rooms in Cairns.
The fast wifi, the kitchen, the shower and the room.
Bohemia Resort Cairns
CairnsCentral location6.6Scored 6.6PleasantRated pleasant· 929 reviewsBohemia Resort Cairns provides accommodation close to the Cairns city centre. There is a large outdoor undercover area overlooking the lagoon-style pools and landscaped gardens.
We got a family room and it was nice. Good value for money!
MiHaven Shared Living - Gatton St
CairnsCentral location5.2Scored 5.2AverageRated passable· 4 reviewsLocated in Cairns and with Cairns Station reachable within 1.5 km, MiHaven Shared Living - Gatton St provides a garden, non-smoking rooms, free WiFi throughout the property and a shared lounge.
Castaways Backpackers Cairns
CairnsCentral location4.8Scored 4.8DisappointingRated disappointing· 30 reviewsEnjoy free Wi-Fi and access to a swimming pool and a communal kitchen at Castaways Backpackers Cairns. It is located 5 minutes’ walk from the popular Esplanade.
FAQ about hostels in Cairns
Hostels that guests love in Cairns
- Avg. price/night: £47.377.3Scored 7.3GoodRated good· 1,379 reviewsThe Jack offered excellent service and room facilities. The Hostel is located very central in Cairns and even has its own bar and restaurant. They host many fun events for backpackers to meet at.JohanneGroup
- 7.6Scored 7.6GoodRated good· 31 reviewsStayed there for couple of nights. I can say that this is one best hostel ever comparing to other places I went to around in Australia. Their facilities are new and in good condition. Their kitchen is clean. I will be back to this place for sure.PATARASolo traveller
- Avg. price/night: £67.899.0Scored 9.0SuperbRated superb· 1,320 reviewsA gorgeous hostel in a great location. Felt really homely and generally there is a nice social but chill vibe. Staff where great and the whole place is maintained beautifully with lots of good facilities. One of my favourite hostels on the whole east coast by miles and I made some great friends here!JJosephineSolo traveller
- Avg. price/night: £32.268.0Scored 8.0Very goodRated very good· 421 reviewsThe hostel is at a great location, right by the Lagoon! The staff cleans everyday so it feels very clean here.SmythSolo traveller
- Avg. price/night: £57.897.9Scored 7.9GoodRated good· 1,275 reviewsI stayed in a private “deluxe” room. Very modern, great location and key app access very convenient. Felt very safe travelling as a solo female. Free breakfast was a nice inclusion.
emmaSolo traveller - Avg. price/night: £57.897.9Scored 7.9GoodRated good· 1,275 reviewsVery nice and clean hostel! Great location and good but simple breakfast
SaraSolo traveller - Avg. price/night: £67.899.0Scored 9.0SuperbRated superb· 1,320 reviewsBest hostel I've ever been, that's why I came back again. Surrounded by rain forest, this hostel is very nice and clean, room are comfortable and the atmosphere is relaxing. Close to train station, included the one to Kuranda village, and a walking distance to the cbd and the promenade.
JessicaSolo traveller - Avg. price/night: £57.897.9Scored 7.9GoodRated good· 1,275 reviewsThe whole team makes evrything so easy for you. Hraps of activities during the week and even breakfast. Best hostel im Cairns for sure!! Ian legendd!!VictorSolo traveller
- Avg. price/night: £67.899.0Scored 9.0SuperbRated superb· 1,320 reviewsWe liked everything about this hostel, difficult to find a better price for value in Cairns (or even in Australia). Very good vibe, nice staff very responsive, comfortable bed in the 4 beds dormitory. Super clean at all times (even the bathroom or the kitchen). Very quiet at night which is a big +. Very central location. We had a nice dinner for a super cheap price the night we stayed. No hesitation we would come back again.
Thomas MonsterleetYoung couple - Avg. price/night: £57.897.9Scored 7.9GoodRated good· 1,275 reviewsGreat location. Clean hostel. Safe and secure with ekey system. Quiet and private. Cooperative staffs. Easy check in / check out.
William PutraFamily with young children
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