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Hostels in Cairns

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The best hostels in Cairns

Some of the best backpacker spots in Cairns

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Travellers Oasis

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...

W
Wan-Lin
From
Taiwan
Power jump problem after I checked in. The staff helped me deal with and was patient.
Scored out of 10, guest rating 9.3
Superb - What previous guests thought, 1,656 reviews
Price from
US$89.70
1 night, 2 adults
Check availability

Dreamtime Hostel

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.

M
Marrie
From
United Kingdom
Really enjoyed my stay. Felt more like a family than a hostel. The facilities were nice, staff were exceptional - they really go out of their way to make you feel welcome and comfortable. Tim organised a kayaking trip which was fantastic. I felt like I became part of the family while I was there.
Scored out of 10, guest rating 9.0
Superb - What previous guests thought, 1,161 reviews
Price from
US$74.75
1 night, 2 adults
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Travellers Paradise

Cairns

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

d
dean
From
Anguilla
There is easy close access to Cairns Central shopping centre completely opposite Travellers Paradise. There is a really nice pool and big screen television and it is comfortable at Travellers Paradise, and easy close access to nearby shops and businesses and so on and the Cairns city main area.
Scored out of 10, guest rating 8.8
Fabulous - What previous guests thought, 1,306 reviews
Price from
US$61.90
1 night, 2 adults
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Mad Monkey Village

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.

M
Marie
From
Finland
I had an incredible stay at this hostel ! The location is simply perfect, close to everything you might need. The kitchen is a real asset, very well equipped with even an oven ! The pool with its hammock creates a very relaxing tropical atmosphere. Plus, the rooms are nice and comfortable, adding to the overall experience. But what really makes this place special is the convivial atmosphere between guests and the staff: always there to help with a smile, which makes the experience even more enjoyable. I highly recommend this youth hostel to anyone looking for a memorable stay !
Scored out of 10, guest rating 8.4
Very good - What previous guests thought, 1,100 reviews
Price from
US$77.02
1 night, 2 adults
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Mumma's Hostel Cairns

Cairns

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

Y
YOANN
From
Cambodia
Calm and good vibes hostel with privacy on the room. Good destination for every backpackers.
Scored out of 10, guest rating 8.2
Very good - What previous guests thought, 586 reviews
Price from
US$73.60
1 night, 2 adults
Check availability

Little Drifter Cairns

Cairns

Set in Cairns and with Cairns Convention Centre reachable within less than 1 km, Little Drifter Cairns offers express check-in and check-out, non-smoking rooms, a shared lounge, free WiFi throughout...

W
William
From
United Kingdom
amazing hostel great kitchen and clean.
Scored out of 10, guest rating 8.3
Very good - What previous guests thought, 212 reviews
Price from
US$131.56
1 night, 2 adults
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Caravella Backpackers

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...

S
Sophie
From
New Zealand
The deluxe apartment was excellent, perfect for a 3 night stay for a family of 4. Good value for Cairns.
Scored out of 10, guest rating 8.5
Very good - What previous guests thought, 564 reviews
Price from
US$79.07
1 night, 2 adults
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Summer House Cairns

Cairns

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

N
Nithya
From
India
Staff and overall atmosphere was really good
Scored out of 10, guest rating 7.6
Good - What previous guests thought, 1,706 reviews
Price from
US$47.44
1 night, 2 adults
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The Jack Backpackers

Cairns

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

J
Julia
From
Poland
-clean room -fridge in the room -good location -kitchen well equipped -a lot of space to rest and relax -clean showers and toilets
Scored out of 10, guest rating 7.2
Good - What previous guests thought, 1,735 reviews
Price from
US$59.37
1 night, 2 adults
Check availability

YHA Cairns Central

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.

A
Aristide Thomas
From
Germany
I liked that the poeple,who work there were really nice and helpfull with information,tips and booking. The pool is really nice btw. December and March because of the humidity😅.You will need it.The place has all the equipements that you need and the kitchen is big and clean.I can highly recommand this place!
Scored out of 10, guest rating 7.8
Good - What previous guests thought, 2,415 reviews
Price from
US$78.41
1 night, 2 adults
Check availability
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.

Most booked hostels in Cairns and surroundings in the past month

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Popular with guests booking hostels in Cairns

Scored out of 10, guest rating 7.9
Good - What previous guests thought, 767 reviews

Popular with guests booking hostels in Cairns

Scored out of 10, guest rating 9.3
Superb - What previous guests thought, 1,656 reviews

Popular with guests booking hostels in Cairns

Scored out of 10, guest rating 8.2
Very good - What previous guests thought, 586 reviews

Popular with guests booking hostels in Cairns

Scored out of 10, guest rating 8.5
Very good - What previous guests thought, 564 reviews

Popular with guests booking hostels in Cairns

Scored out of 10, guest rating 8.3
Very good - What previous guests thought, 212 reviews

Popular with guests booking hostels in Cairns

Scored out of 10, guest rating 7.7
Good - What previous guests thought, 1,684 reviews

Popular with guests booking hostels in Cairns

Scored out of 10, guest rating 7.2
Good - What previous guests thought, 1,735 reviews

Popular with guests booking hostels in Cairns

Scored out of 10, guest rating 7.8
Good - What previous guests thought, 2,415 reviews

Popular with guests booking hostels in Cairns

Scored out of 10, guest rating 8.5
Very good - What previous guests thought, 1,842 reviews

Popular with guests booking hostels in Cairns

Scored out of 10, guest rating 7.6
Good - What previous guests thought, 1,706 reviews

Great access to the city centre. Check these hostels in Cairns and nearby

Mad Monkey Central

Cairns
Central location
Scored out of 10, guest rating 7.3
Good - What previous guests thought, 545 reviews

Kick back and enjoy a refreshing drink at our outdoor bar, serving up budget-friendly sips including locally brewed Coral Sea beer – perfect for those chilled pre-drinks to easily meet other...

The Espy Hostel

Cairns
Central location
Scored out of 10, guest rating 7.2
Good - What previous guests thought, 297 reviews

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

Scored out of 10, guest rating 7.7
Good - What previous guests thought, 1,684 reviews

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

From US$249.17 per night
Scored out of 10, guest rating 7.0
Good - What previous guests thought, 655 reviews

Located in Cairns, 700 metres from Cairns Station, Cairns City Backpackers Hostel provides air-conditioned rooms and a garden.

From US$53.16 per night
Scored out of 10, guest rating 7.8
Good - What previous guests thought, 541 reviews

You simply can't beat our location – we're directly on the vibrant Cairns Esplanade, with the stunning Cairns Lagoon just across the street!

Wanna Stay?

Cairns
Central location
Scored out of 10, guest rating 7.3
Good - What previous guests thought, 184 reviews

Situated within 600 metres of Cairns Convention Centre and 700 metres of Cairns Station, Wanna Stay? features rooms with air conditioning and a shared bathroom in Cairns.

Scored out of 10, guest rating 8.5
Very good - What previous guests thought, 1,842 reviews

Situated in Cairns and with Cairns Station reachable within 1.1 km, Global Backpackers Cairns features a tour desk, non-smoking rooms, a shared lounge, free WiFi and a terrace.

Scored out of 10, guest rating 8.0
Very good - What previous guests thought, 133 reviews

Featuring barbecue facilities, MiHaven Shared Living - Martyn St is set in Cairns in the Queensland region, 1.3 km from Cairns Station and 2.4 km from Cairns Convention Centre.

No credit card needed to book these hostels in Cairns and nearby

Scored out of 10, guest rating 7.9
Good - What previous guests thought, 42 reviews

Set in Cairns, 1.4 km from Cairns Station, MiHaven Shared Living - Pembroke St offers accommodation with a garden, private parking, a shared lounge and barbecue facilities.

Scored out of 10, guest rating 8.6
Fabulous - What previous guests thought, 17 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

Cairns
No credit card needed
Scored out of 10, guest rating 6.6
Pleasant - What previous guests thought, 839 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.

FAQ about hostels in Cairns

Hostels that guests love in Cairns

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Mad Monkey Jungle

Hostel in Cairns
Scored out of 10, guest rating 7.9
Good - What previous guests thought, 767 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
Guest review by
Piccioni
Solo traveller

Global Backpackers Cairns

Hostel in Cairns
Scored out of 10, guest rating 8.5
Very good - What previous guests thought, 1,842 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.
Guest review by
Jacqueline
Solo traveller

Travellers Oasis

Hostel in Cairns
Scored out of 10, guest rating 9.3
Superb - What previous guests thought, 1,656 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.
Guest review by
Vittoria
Solo traveller

Dreamtime Hostel

Hostel in Cairns
Avg. price/night: US$89.70
Scored out of 10, guest rating 9.0
Superb - What previous guests thought, 1,161 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!
Guest review by
Vittoria
Solo traveller

Mad Monkey Central

Hostel in Cairns
Scored out of 10, guest rating 7.3
Good - What previous guests thought, 545 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!!
Guest review by
Sarah
Solo traveller

Travellers Oasis

Hostel in Cairns
Scored out of 10, guest rating 9.3
Superb - What previous guests thought, 1,656 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.
Guest review by
Nathalie
Solo traveller

Gilligan's Hotel & Resort Cairns

Hostel in Cairns
Avg. price/night: US$249.17
Scored out of 10, guest rating 7.7
Good - What previous guests thought, 1,684 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
Guest review by
Victoria
Solo traveller

Global Backpackers Cairns

Hostel in Cairns
Scored out of 10, guest rating 8.5
Very good - What previous guests thought, 1,842 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
Guest review by
Nahum
Young couple

Mad Monkey Central

Hostel in Cairns
Scored out of 10, guest rating 7.3
Good - What previous guests thought, 545 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!!
Guest review by
Laia
Solo traveller

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