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The best hostels in Cairns

Some of the best backpacker spots in Cairns

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Travellers Oasis, hotel in Cairns

Conveniently 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...

Such a good place for meeting fellow travellers. It’s very chill, you can bring your own food and drinks, and it’s a great location. Would definitely book again.
Scored 9.1
9.1
Rated superb
Superb
1,484 reviews
Price from
£67
1 night, 2 adults
YHA Cairns Central, hotel in Cairns

YHA 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.

Super central and close to everything you would need in the city. Only a 5 minute walk from the beach and harbour!
Scored 8.0
8.0
Rated very good
Very good
2,048 reviews
Price from
£59
1 night, 2 adults
Dreamtime Hostel, hotel in 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.

I am not happy with any things Not again
Scored 8.9
8.9
Rated fabulous
Fabulous
1,096 reviews
Price from
£58
1 night, 2 adults
Mad Monkey Village, hotel in 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.

the atmosphere
Scored 8.0
8.0
Rated very good
Very good
1,164 reviews
Price from
£56
1 night, 2 adults
Global Backpackers Cairns, hotel in 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.

The hostel was close to the esplanade, restaurants, the beach and everything else I needed during my stay here. The rooms were airconditioned which made my stay comfortable.
Scored 8.4
8.4
Rated very good
Very good
1,874 reviews
Price from
£83
1 night, 2 adults
Travellers Paradise, hotel in 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.

Clean and spacious. Nice kitchen. Aircon definitely worked in the rooms :) Friendly staff.
Scored 8.8
8.8
Rated fabulous
Fabulous
1,411 reviews
Price from
£73
1 night, 2 adults
Mad Monkey Waterfront, hotel in Cairns

At Mad Monkey Waterfront we offer an affordable and clean accommodation in the heart of Cairns, the gateway to the Great Barrier Reef.

Location and value for money
Scored 8.1
8.1
Rated very good
Very good
480 reviews
Price from
£50
1 night, 2 adults
Caravella Backpackers, hotel in Cairns

Ideally 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...

Extremely nice location and rooms exceeded expectations and clearly freshly renovated
Scored 8.1
8.1
Rated very good
Very good
137 reviews
Price from
£88
1 night, 2 adults
The Village Cairns, hotel in 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...

Central and well organised
Scored 7.8
7.8
Rated good
Good
1,343 reviews
Price from
£65
1 night, 2 adults
Gilligan's Hotel & Resort Cairns, hotel in Cairns

2024 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.

Price was perfect. Location was great. No need for a car
Scored 7.4
7.4
Rated good
Good
2,177 reviews
Price from
£98
1 night, 2 adults
All hostels in Cairns
Looking for a hostel?
Budget travellers know that there is no better way to make the most of their trip than by staying at a hostel: save money for exploring during the day, and swap stories with fellow backpackers in the shared kitchen or bar in the evening. Dorm-style bedrooms with shared bathrooms are standard hostel fare, but private rooms are also available for those willing to pay a bit more.
Search hostels in Cairns

Most booked hostels in Cairns this month

Save money on hostels in Cairns – budget options available!

  • Travellers Oasis
    Budget options available
    Scored 9.1
    9.1
    Rated superb
    Superb
     · 1,484 reviews

    Conveniently 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...

    in the vicinity of the station. whole artistic decoration.

  • Mad Monkey Village
    Budget options available
    Scored 8.0
    8.0
    Rated very good
    Very good
     · 1,164 reviews

    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.

    I loved to have my own dishes and my own sink in the room.

  • Dreamtime Hostel
    Budget options available
    Scored 8.9
    8.9
    Rated fabulous
    Fabulous
     · 1,096 reviews

    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.

    Very cute, chill and relaxed. Clean facilities and comfy beds.

  • YHA Cairns Central
    Budget options available
    Scored 8.0
    8.0
    Rated very good
    Very good
     · 2,048 reviews

    YHA 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 nice hostel, defenitely above my expectations.

  • Mad Monkey Waterfront
    Budget options available
    Scored 8.1
    8.1
    Rated very good
    Very good
     · 480 reviews

    At 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.

  • Caravella Backpackers
    Budget options available
    Scored 8.1
    8.1
    Rated very good
    Very good
     · 137 reviews

    Ideally 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...

    Friendly, cheap, opportunity to mix with other people

  • The Village Cairns
    Budget options available
    Scored 7.8
    7.8
    Rated good
    Good
     · 1,343 reviews

    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...

    Good clean hostel Nice staff Good location in town

  • Summer House Cairns
    Budget options available
    Scored 7.6
    7.6
    Rated good
    Good
     · 1,580 reviews

    Summer House Cairns features free bikes, outdoor swimming pool, a garden and shared lounge in Cairns.

    Friendly staff, big kitchen, very good vibes, nice bar and amenities

Great access to the city centre! Check these hostels in Cairns

  • Travellers Paradise
    Scored 8.8
    8.8
    Rated fabulous
    Fabulous
     · 1,411 reviews

    Surrounded by lush tropical gardens, Travellers Paradise offers accommodation in a historical, heritage listed building in Cairns, 1.2 km from Cairns Convention Centre.

    Very clean and quiet in a super convenient location

  • Global Backpackers Cairns
    Scored 8.4
    8.4
    Rated very good
    Very good
     · 1,874 reviews

    Global Backpackers Waterfront is situated on the Cairns Esplanade waterfront and the Lagoon, boardwalk, marina, restaurants, shops and nightlife are a short walk away.

    The location was great, and also it was really clean

  • Mumma's Hostel Cairns
    Scored 7.9
    7.9
    Rated good
    Good
     · 563 reviews

    Mumma's Hostel Cairns has an outdoor swimming pool, garden, a shared lounge and terrace in Cairns.

    Very good hostel, clean, good vibe, friendly staff

  • Mad Monkey Central
    Central location
    Scored 7.5
    7.5
    Rated good
    Good
     · 602 reviews

    Offering an outdoor pool, barbecue and sun terrace, Mad Monkey Central is situated in Cairns in the Queensland Region, 400 metres from Cairns Convention Centre.

    very nice staff and rooms, my favourite hostel in Cairns so far

  • Gilligan's Hotel & Resort Cairns
    Scored 7.4
    7.4
    Rated good
    Good
     · 2,177 reviews

    2024 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.

    Big room, big bed, clean, big kitchen, big fridges

  • MiHaven Shared Living - Martyn St
    Scored 7.4
    7.4
    Rated good
    Good
     · 61 reviews

    Featuring 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 facilities, newly built house, friendly tenants.

  • The Espy Hostel
    Central location
    Scored 7.3
    7.3
    Rated good
    Good
     · 258 reviews

    The Espy Hostel in Cairns provides adults-only accommodation with an outdoor swimming pool and a shared lounge.

    Everything was good and staff was very cooperative.

  • The Jack Backpackers
    Scored 7.1
    7.1
    Rated good
    Good
     · 1,534 reviews

    Guests 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.

    Good sized rooms, enough bathrooms and showers for everyone

  • Cairns City Backpackers Hostel
    Scored 7.1
    7.1
    Rated good
    Good
     · 452 reviews

    Set amongst tropical gardens with an outdoor swimming pool, Cairns City Backpackers is a 25-minute walk from The Esplanade.

    The bedroom was confortable and the owner was so nice.

  • MiHaven Shared Living - Pembroke St
    Scored 6.8
    6.8
    Rated pleasant
    Pleasant
     · 40 reviews

    MiHaven 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

  • MiHaven Shared Living - Gatton St
    Scored 6.8
    6.8
    Rated pleasant
    Pleasant
     · 6 reviews

    Located 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.

  • Bohemia Resort Cairns
    Scored 6.3
    6.3
    Rated pleasant
    Pleasant
     · 937 reviews

    Bohemia 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.

    Staff was excellent with our request and made it happen

FAQ about hostels in Cairns

Hostels that guests love in Cairns

  • Scored 7.3
    7.3
    Rated good
    Good
     · 711 reviews
    Best hostel in Cairns. Super social, nice events and cheap drinks at the bar. Location is in the heart of the city and you can literally walk everywhere in 5 minutes. Will definetly be back one day
    Piccioni
    Solo traveller
  • Scored 8.4
    8.4
    Rated very good
    Very good
     · 1,874 reviews
    In addition to the great location of the hostel, I really enjoyed the kitchen and common area on the top level. It's a great way to connect with people throughout the hostel. They do make sure that the hostel stays safe, asking all backpackers not to bring guests or people from outside.
    J
    Jacqueline
    Solo traveller
  • Avg. price/night: £71.85
    Scored 9.1
    9.1
    Rated superb
    Superb
     · 1,484 reviews
    This is a very nice hostel. The building has everything you need. They take great care for everyday cleanings. My dorm was mixed with bunk beds. There’s a safe under the bed for each person. Sheets were clean, and so the bathrooms.
    Vittoria
    Solo traveller
  • Avg. price/night: £64.61
    Scored 8.9
    8.9
    Rated fabulous
    Fabulous
     · 1,096 reviews
    This was the best hostel I’ve been so far. I stayed in the upstairs dorms which are very nice. With just 4/5 beds per room (not bunk beds for once). The building is not new but really nice with great vibes! Everybody was so chill…The common areas are great and the staff is awesome: thanks to Tim, Paul and Chelsea for what they do!
    Vittoria
    Solo traveller
  • Avg. price/night: £61.06
    Scored 7.5
    7.5
    Rated good
    Good
     · 602 reviews
    The breakfast was great, the hostel is extremely clean, i loved the common area, it’s so social I met lots of new people. The beds were extremely comfortable and everyone from staff is so nice and helpful. One of the best hostels I‘ve stayed in, also perfectly located, only 5-10 minute walk anywhere you wanna go. Really great hostel!!
    S
    Sarah
    Solo traveller
  • Avg. price/night: £71.85
    Scored 9.1
    9.1
    Rated superb
    Superb
     · 1,484 reviews
    Best hostel I stayed in Australia! Staff is great, super helpful and thoughtful! The hostel is super clean and bedrooms comfortable. Stayed in a 3-bed dormitory and I felt like home. You can also feel that this place is so special that it creates a very calm ambiance amongst guests. There are different common areas/kitchens for each group of bedrooms. The hostel is located just beside the bus station and a commercial center where there is a supermarket and some stores open until 10 Pm.
    Nathalie
    Solo traveller
  • Scored 7.7
    7.7
    Rated good
    Good
     · 517 reviews
    The cleanliness, it's cleaned at a 5star standard which I loved by karen, nothing was to much effort. I stayed for few weeks, made use of pool and great facilities. Very cheap stay for excellent quality. Highly recommended. It's next to major rd, but u don't hear noise. Close to shops & bus stop. Staff are amazing only to willing to help. Very much appreciated. If your on a budget this is definitely the place to stay. You won't be disappointed.
    Pruedence
    Solo traveller
  • Scored 7.4
    7.4
    Rated good
    Good
     · 2,177 reviews
    very Social place if you like to party, cheap drinks for hostel guests. was pretty clean and even had a little workout room; pool area is very big and chill great location next to Rusty’s Market
    Victoria
    Solo traveller
  • Scored 8.4
    8.4
    Rated very good
    Very good
     · 1,874 reviews
    Kitchen has a terrace which looks across the esplanade, so nice to sit & cook up there. Each floor of rooms had a sofa area outside to chill which I’ve never seen in a hostel before & was great to have a space other than your bunk bed. Great location & cheap
    Nahum
    Young couple
  • Avg. price/night: £61.06
    Scored 7.5
    7.5
    Rated good
    Good
     · 602 reviews
    As a backpacker, one of the best hostels I've been to, the hostel itself is very welcoming and the people very close. I've been here for a month and a half and I've felt at home. It is great that breakfast is included and the kitchen is very large and clean, there is no space problem as it usually happens in other hostels. There is a bar in the hostel and the drinks are cheap, they also hold events in the hostel and it allows you to meet a lot of people. Would repeat again without a doubt!!
    Laia
    Solo traveller

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