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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...

Everything!!! This was the most perfect hostel I've stayed in so far. Everything was wonderful from the staff to the kitchen. A proper home from home feel. Could have stayed so much longer.
Scored 9.2
9.2
Rated superb
Superb
1,602 reviews
Price from
£68.55
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.

Loved the pool and the location 👌 staff are friendly 😊
Scored 8.0
8.0
Rated very good
Very good
2,295 reviews
Price from
£60.43
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.

Super cozy tropical vibes. Loved the pool. Tim was very nice and friendly. Housekeeping staff very lovely. Met some awesome people! Loved that there was a female only dorm. Felt very homey. Multiple kitchens, toilets and showers. Central location right near the CBD and easy walk to popular spots like the lagoon and esplanade. Cairns central shopping centre right opposite so very easy to buy groceries, a bite to eat or do some shopping.
Scored 8.9
8.9
Rated fabulous
Fabulous
1,180 reviews
Price from
£49.36
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.

having a swimming pool with beautiful palm trees in a hostel is really very appreciable. The common areas are very pleasant and allow you to meet great people!
Scored 8.1
8.1
Rated very good
Very good
1,179 reviews
Price from
£55.45
1 night, 2 adults
Travellers Paradise, hotel in 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.

This is the place to go if you want a calm, clean environment. In addition to helping me arrange the three trips, Peter also provided me advice on where to go, pointed me in the direction of the closest grocery store, and always paid attention to my enquiries. I called him as soon as I got there, and he assisted me with checking in as soon as possible. Fans, towels, and air conditioning are provided in the rooms. I had a wonderful overall experience and would most certainly go back.
Scored 8.8
8.8
Rated fabulous
Fabulous
1,434 reviews
Price from
£69.59
1 night, 2 adults
Mumma's Hostel Cairns, hotel in Cairns

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

Everything
Scored 8.1
8.1
Rated very good
Very good
596 reviews
Price from
£39.27
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...

Loved how close it was to Muddy's playground and the Esplanade. Also really liked how relaxed it was.
Scored 8.1
8.1
Rated very good
Very good
173 reviews
Price from
£91.41
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!

Affordable and convenient location within walking distance to pretty much everything. Good activities at the attached bar every night for socialising. Lovely modern bathrooms with good water pressure in showers and hot water never ran out. Lockers that are big enough to fit a big suitcase. 10/10 will book here again next time I’m in Cairns!
Scored 7.5
7.5
Rated good
Good
2,205 reviews
Price from
£96.48
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 ensuite rooms with an on-site bar and restaurant downstairs!

location in middle cairns city, pub was adjacent so was well aware to expect some noise prior booking as the host mentioned it in their writeup, noise was minimal and we were facing the venue. Easy quick checkin and out. Beds comfortable and room was clean.
Scored 7.2
7.2
Rated good
Good
1,633 reviews
Price from
£45.83
1 night, 2 adults
Summer House Cairns, hotel in Cairns

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

The pool was beautiful, the place was very clean and the room was very comfortable. The staff is very nice, and I love that they have free transport to the center, an excellent place to stay in Cairns!
Scored 7.6
7.6
Rated good
Good
1,688 reviews
Price from
£44.79
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.

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 superb
    Superb
     · 1,602 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...

    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
     · 1,179 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
     · 1,180 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
     · 2,295 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 7.6
    7.6
    Rated good
    Good
     · 1,688 reviews

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

    Good facilities. Walk in fridge. Shuttle bus to town.

  • 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 ensuite rooms 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 accommodation 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 7.4
    7.4
    Rated good
    Good
     · 609 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.

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

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

  • Travellers Paradise
    Scored 8.8
    8.8
    Rated fabulous
    Fabulous
     · 1,435 reviews

    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.

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

  • Global Backpackers Cairns
    Scored 8.5
    8.5
    Rated very good
    Very good
     · 1,956 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.

    The location was great, and also it was really clean

  • Caravella Backpackers
    Scored 8.1
    8.1
    Rated very good
    Very good
     · 173 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

    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...

    The location is near the harbour and most attractions.

  • MiHaven Shared Living - Martyn St
    Scored 7.6
    7.6
    Rated good
    Good
     · 84 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.

    Bonne literie et bonne salle d'eau Bien agencé

  • Gilligan's Hotel & Resort Cairns
    Scored 7.5
    7.5
    Rated good
    Good
     · 2,205 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 - Pembroke St
    Scored 7.4
    7.4
    Rated good
    Good
     · 45 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.

    the ease of getting there and the tranquility of the place

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

    Located in Cairns, 600 metres 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 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 6.4
    6.4
    Rated pleasant
    Pleasant
     · 957 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.

    No breakfast Kitchen and pool area was excellent

FAQ about hostels in Cairns

Hostels that guests love in Cairns

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  • Scored 7.4
    7.4
    Rated good
    Good
     · 762 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 8.5
    8.5
    Rated very good
    Very good
     · 1,956 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: £65.51
    Scored 9.2
    9.2
    Rated superb
    Superb
     · 1,602 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: £54.84
    Scored 8.9
    8.9
    Rated fabulous
    Fabulous
     · 1,180 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: £45.32
    Scored 7.4
    7.4
    Rated good
    Good
     · 609 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: £65.51
    Scored 9.2
    9.2
    Rated superb
    Superb
     · 1,602 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
     · 569 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
  • Avg. price/night: £96.48
    Scored 7.5
    7.5
    Rated good
    Good
     · 2,205 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 8.5
    8.5
    Rated very good
    Very good
     · 1,956 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: £45.32
    Scored 7.4
    7.4
    Rated good
    Good
     · 609 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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