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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 Parramatta Park

Conveniently located in the heart of Cairns, opposite the Cairns Central Shopping Center and Cairns train station, Travelers Oasis presents an inviting accommodations option featuring an outdoor...

Landscaping, location, well maintained, satellite kitchens, plenty of showers.
Scored 9.2
9.2
Rated wonderful
Wonderful
1,604 reviews
Price from
$83.97
1 night, 2 adults
YHA Cairns Central, hotel in Cairns

YHA Cairns Central is located just 15 minutes' walk from The Esplanade and Trinity Wharf. It features an outdoor swimming pool, 2 spas, and a free Wi-Fi hotspot.

I loved the kitchen, it was very helpful!
Scored 8.0
8.0
Rated very good
Very Good
2,308 reviews
Price from
$74.02
1 night, 2 adults
Dreamtime Hostel, hotel in Cairns

Dreamtime is an award winning hostel with a difference. We offer travelers a safe, peaceful & cozy place to stay. We are not a party hostel.

All areas of property were fantastic. Very homey and quaint and cool at the same time. I liked there was no food allowed in rooms. Cleaning staff were friendly, helpful and did a great job. As well, owner was accommodating when I checked out.
Scored 8.9
8.9
Rated excellent
Excellent
1,182 reviews
Price from
$60.46
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.

Stayed for a long time and the staff was super helpful, doing their best to help. Also met a lot of nice people, good vibe. Facilities are comfortable and the rooms as well.
Scored 8.1
8.1
Rated very good
Very Good
1,180 reviews
Price from
$67.92
1 night, 2 adults
Travellers Paradise, hotel in Cairns

Surrounded by lush tropical gardens, Travelers Paradise offers accommodations in a historical, heritage listed Guest House in Cairns, 0.7 mi from Cairns Convention Center.

Peter the host is super nice and assisted me with early check in. Quite, clean and comfortable.
Scored 8.8
8.8
Rated excellent
Excellent
1,436 reviews
Price from
$94.72
1 night, 2 adults
Mumma's Hostel Cairns, hotel in Cairns City

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

Scored 8.2
8.2
Rated very good
Very Good
601 reviews
Price from
$48.11
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...

Scored 8.2
8.2
Rated very good
Very Good
175 reviews
Price from
$111.96
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!

Everything was amazing 🤩
Scored 7.5
7.5
Rated good
Good
2,206 reviews
Price from
$118.18
1 night, 2 adults
The Jack Backpackers, hotel in Cairns

Guests enjoy FREE WIFI, NEW Air Cons, FREE Lockers, FREE Netflix available in common lounge area & private rooms with attached bathroom with an on-site bar and restaurant downstairs!

Scored 7.2
7.2
Rated good
Good
1,633 reviews
Price from
$56.14
1 night, 2 adults
Summer House Cairns, hotel in Cairns North

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

they have pool, play areas, kitchen... it's a good option for backpackers, hence the name. the location itself is very quiet but it's near the airport. they have a free shuttle bus every 30 mins back and forth which is very convenient if you want to go somewhere.
Scored 7.7
7.7
Rated good
Good
1,690 reviews
Price from
$60.96
1 night, 2 adults
All hostels in Cairns
Looking for a hostel?
Budget travelers know there's 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 little more.

Most booked hostels in Cairns this month

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Save money on hostels in Cairns – budget options available!

  • Travellers Oasis
    Budget options available
    Scored 9.2
    9.2
    Rated wonderful
    Wonderful
     · 1,604 reviews

    Conveniently located in the heart of Cairns, opposite the Cairns Central Shopping Center and Cairns train station, Travelers Oasis presents an inviting accommodations option featuring an outdoor...

    The room was clean; the facilities in the hostel are amazing

  • Mad Monkey Village
    Budget options available
    Scored 8.1
    8.1
    Rated very good
    Very Good
     · 1,180 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.

    The property it’s perfect, always cleans, the staff are just awesome.

  • Dreamtime Hostel
    Budget options available
    Scored 8.9
    8.9
    Rated excellent
    Excellent
     · 1,182 reviews

    Dreamtime is an award winning hostel with a difference. We offer travelers a safe, peaceful & cozy 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
     · 2,308 reviews

    YHA Cairns Central is located just 15 minutes' walk from The Esplanade and Trinity Wharf. It features an outdoor swimming pool, 2 spas, and a free Wi-Fi hotspot.

    Perfect location to walk everywhere and super clean

  • Summer House Cairns
    Budget options available
    Scored 7.7
    7.7
    Rated good
    Good
     · 1,690 reviews

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

    24hrs reception, free shuttle to town, good vibes.

  • The Jack Backpackers
    Budget options available
    Scored 7.2
    7.2
    Rated good
    Good
     · 1,633 reviews

    Guests enjoy FREE WIFI, NEW Air Cons, FREE Lockers, FREE Netflix available in common lounge area & private rooms with attached bathroom with an on-site bar and restaurant downstairs!

    Very central location, easy to get around the city

  • Mad Monkey Waterfront
    Budget options available
    Scored 7.9
    7.9
    Rated good
    Good
     · 513 reviews

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

    2024 / july / 15 AM 9:00 wifi speed is good

  • Mad Monkey Central
    Budget options available
    Scored 7.5
    7.5
    Rated good
    Good
     · 610 reviews

    Offering an outdoor pool, barbecue and sun terrace, Mad Monkey Central is located in Cairns in the Queensland Region, 1312 feet from Cairns Convention Center.

    Plenty of amenities such as kitchen, bar and pool, incredibly friendly staff!

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

  • Travellers Paradise
    Scored 8.8
    8.8
    Rated excellent
    Excellent
     · 1,436 reviews

    Surrounded by lush tropical gardens, Travelers Paradise offers accommodations in a historical, heritage listed Guest House in Cairns, 0.7 mi from Cairns Convention Center.

    Late arrival, Peter was more than welcoming and very friendly.

  • Global Backpackers Cairns
    Scored 8.5
    8.5
    Rated very good
    Very Good
     · 1,964 reviews

    Located in Cairns and with Cairns Station reachable within a 13-minute walk, Global Backpackers Cairns has a tour desk, non-smoking rooms, a shared lounge, free WiFi and a terrace.

    The location was great, and also it was really clean

  • Caravella Backpackers
    Scored 8.2
    8.2
    Rated very good
    Very Good
     · 175 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
    Central location
    Scored 7.9
    7.9
    Rated good
    Good
     · 1,468 reviews

    Located in Cairns and with Cairns Convention Center reachable within a 9-minute walk, The Village Cairns provides express check-in and check-out, non-smoking rooms, a shared lounge, free WiFi...

    The location is near the harbour and most attractions.

  • Gilligan's Hotel & Resort Cairns
    Scored 7.5
    7.5
    Rated good
    Good
     · 2,206 reviews

    2024 Renovation Revelation: A Bold Makeover Journey Begins – Brace Yourself for an Entirely Revamped Bathroom Experience!

    the fact that the bathroom were inside my bedroom.

  • MiHaven Shared Living - Martyn St
    Scored 7.6
    7.6
    Rated good
    Good
     · 85 reviews

    Featuring barbecue facilities, MiHaven Shared Living - Martyn St is located in Cairns in the Queensland region, a 18-minute walk from Cairns Station and 1.5 miles from Cairns Convention Center.

    Bonne literie et bonne salle d'eau Bien agencé

  • MiHaven Shared Living - Pembroke St
    Scored 7.4
    7.4
    Rated good
    Good
     · 44 reviews

    Located in Cairns, a 16-minute walk from Cairns Station, MiHaven Shared Living - Pembroke St provides accommodations with a garden, private parking, a shared lounge and barbecue facilities.

    the ease of getting there and the tranquility of the place

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

    Located in Cairns, a 7-minute walk from Cairns Station, Cairns City Backpackers Hostel provides air-conditioned rooms and a garden.

    The bedroom was confortable and the owner was so nice.

  • MiHaven Shared Living - Gatton St
    Scored 7.1
    7.1
    Rated good
    Good
     · 9 reviews

    Located in Cairns and with Cairns Station reachable within a 18-minute walk, MiHaven Shared Living - Gatton St provides a garden, non-smoking rooms, free WiFi throughout the property and a shared...

  • Happytourcairns sharehouse
    Scored 6.9
    6.9
    Rated pleasant
    Pleasant
     · 118 reviews

    Happytourcairns sharehouse is located in Cairns, a 13-minute walk from Cairns Regional Gallery and 3 miles from Cairns Flecker Botanic Gardens.

    The fast wifi, the kitchen, the shower and the room.

  • Bohemia Resort Cairns
    Scored 6.4
    6.4
    Rated pleasant
    Pleasant
     · 958 reviews

    Bohemia Resort Cairns provides accommodations close to the Cairns city center. There is a large outdoor undercover area overlooking the lagoon-style pools and landscaped gardens.

    No breakfast Kitchen and pool area was excellent

FAQ about hostels in Cairns

Hostels that guests love in Cairns

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  • Scored 7.5
    7.5
    Rated good
    Good
     · 763 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 traveler
  • Scored 8.5
    8.5
    Rated very good
    Very Good
     · 1,964 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 traveler
  • Avg. price/night: $80.24
    Scored 9.2
    9.2
    Rated wonderful
    Wonderful
     · 1,604 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 traveler
  • Avg. price/night: $67.18
    Scored 8.9
    8.9
    Rated excellent
    Excellent
     · 1,182 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 traveler
  • Avg. price/night: $55.51
    Scored 7.5
    7.5
    Rated good
    Good
     · 610 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 traveler
  • Avg. price/night: $80.24
    Scored 9.2
    9.2
    Rated wonderful
    Wonderful
     · 1,604 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 traveler
  • Scored 7.7
    7.7
    Rated good
    Good
     · 571 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 traveler
  • Avg. price/night: $118.18
    Scored 7.5
    7.5
    Rated good
    Good
     · 2,206 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 traveler
  • Scored 8.5
    8.5
    Rated very good
    Very Good
     · 1,964 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: $55.51
    Scored 7.5
    7.5
    Rated good
    Good
     · 610 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 traveler

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