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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 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...

Great location, friendly staff, good amenities, clean & the most AMAZING outdoor shower
Scored 9.0
9.0
Rated wonderful
Wonderful
1,387 reviews
Price from$84.54per night
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.

Location
Scored 8.1
8.1
Rated very good
Very Good
1,876 reviews
Price from$74.71per night
Dreamtime Travellers Rest, 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.

Perfect environment
Scored 8.6
8.6
Rated excellent
Excellent
1,042 reviews
Price from$71.37per night
Travellers Paradise, hotel in Cairns

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

Cleanliness, location
Scored 8.7
8.7
Rated excellent
Excellent
1,380 reviews
Price from$119.73per night
The Village Cairns, hotel in Cairns

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 was great, and the staff too, especially the free yoga with Tina was a great hostel activity
Scored 8.0
8.0
Rated very good
Very Good
1,283 reviews
Price from$74.71per night
Global Backpackers Cairns, hotel in Cairns

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

Booked a mixed dorm and asked if theres a femail avalible, they kindly moved me to a mixed dorm that had only girls in it and that was brriliant!! Thanks!
Scored 8.4
8.4
Rated very good
Very Good
1,822 reviews
Price from$105.51per night
Mad Monkey Waterfront, hotel in Cairns

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

Clean hostel and perfect location right by the water. Friendly people and chill vibes. Close to restaurants and bars and just a couple minutes walk to the marina for trips out to the reef. Enjoyed my time here!
Scored 8.0
8.0
Rated very good
Very Good
460 reviews
Price from$60.75per night
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.

Scored 7.8
7.8
Rated good
Good
1,128 reviews
Price from$68.16per night
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.

My room was recently renovated
Scored 7.5
7.5
Rated good
Good
2,112 reviews
Price from$124.52per night
The Jack Backpackers, hotel in Cairns

Guests enjoy FREE WiFi daily, NEW Air cons, FREE lockers, FREE Netflix available in common lounge area and Private Rooms with attached bathroom, on-site bar and restaurant.

Great location
Scored 7.3
7.3
Rated good
Good
1,494 reviews
Price from$56.03per night
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.
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Most booked hostels in Cairns this month

Save money on hostels in Cairns – budget options available!

  • Travellers Oasis
    Budget options available
    Scored 9.0
    9.0
    Rated wonderful
    Wonderful
     · 1,387 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...

    Great place, nice pool, enough space, good people!

  • The Village Cairns
    Budget options available
    Scored 8.0
    8.0
    Rated very good
    Very Good
     · 1,283 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...

    Super friendly staff, lots of events on, clean room

  • Dreamtime Travellers Rest
    Budget options available
    Scored 8.6
    8.6
    Rated excellent
    Excellent
     · 1,042 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.

    Great place. Nice chilled vibes. Stayed here twice!

  • YHA Cairns Central
    Budget options available
    Scored 8.1
    8.1
    Rated very good
    Very Good
     · 1,879 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 clean, very socially for backpackers like my self

  • Mad Monkey Waterfront
    Budget options available
    Scored 8.0
    8.0
    Rated very good
    Very Good
     · 460 reviews

    At Mad Monkey Waterfront we offer an affordable and clean accommodations 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.

  • Summer House Backpackers Cairns
    Scored 7.5
    7.5
    Rated good
    Good
     · 1,551 reviews

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

    Took a while to check in, not enough staff on the desk at that time.

  • The Jack Backpackers
    Budget options available
    Scored 7.3
    7.3
    Rated good
    Good
     · 1,494 reviews

    Guests enjoy FREE WiFi daily, NEW Air cons, FREE lockers, FREE Netflix available in common lounge area and Private Rooms with attached bathroom, on-site bar and restaurant.

    Great place to stay, the staff is doing a great job!

  • Mad Monkey Village
    Budget options available
    Scored 7.8
    7.8
    Rated good
    Good
     · 1,128 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.

    Breakfast free every morning 👍 Super clean, respectfully! Perfect 💯

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

  • Travellers Paradise
    Scored 8.7
    8.7
    Rated excellent
    Excellent
     · 1,380 reviews

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

    Peter very helpful and accommodating very modern facility

  • Global Backpackers Cairns
    Scored 8.4
    8.4
    Rated very good
    Very Good
     · 1,822 reviews

    Global Backpackers Waterfront is located 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

  • Caravella Backpackers
    Scored 7.7
    7.7
    Rated good
    Good
     · 123 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...

    Location is close to the boardwalk and restaurants.

  • MiHaven Shared Living - Martyn St
    Scored 7.6
    7.6
    Rated good
    Good
     · 55 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.

    Clean facilities, newly built house, friendly tenants.

  • Gilligan's Hotel & Resort Cairns
    Scored 7.5
    7.5
    Rated good
    Good
     · 2,112 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.

    Partying was great and filmed aussie shore there too lol

  • Wanna Stay?
    Central location
    Scored 7.5
    7.5
    Rated good
    Good
     · 48 reviews

    Located within a 9-minute walk of Cairns Convention Center and 700 yards of Cairns Station, Wanna Stay? has rooms with air conditioning and a shared bathroom in Cairns.

    Very good mood with a lot of activities, it’s perfect to meet people

  • MiHaven Shared Living - Pembroke St
    Scored 7.5
    7.5
    Rated good
    Good
     · 37 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

  • The Espy Hostel
    Central location
    Scored 7.4
    7.4
    Rated good
    Good
     · 241 reviews

    The Espy Hostel provides rooms in Cairns near The Cairns Civic Theater and Cairns City Library.

    Everything was good and staff was very cooperative.

  • Mumma's Hostel Cairns
    Scored 7.3
    7.3
    Rated good
    Good
     · 543 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 7.2
    7.2
    Rated good
    Good
     · 581 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.

    I liked the overall place, it was fabulous, very friendly vibe

  • Cairns City Backpackers Hostel
    Scored 7.2
    7.2
    Rated good
    Good
     · 403 reviews

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

    So helpful the owner helping us with everything we needed.

  • Bohemia Resort Cairns
    Scored 6.5
    6.5
    Rated pleasant
    Pleasant
     · 923 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.

    Staff was excellent with our request and made it happen

  • MiHaven Shared Living - Gatton St
    Scored 5.8
    5.8
    Rated okay
    Above average
     · 5 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...

FAQ about hostels in Cairns

Hostels that guests love in Cairns

  • Scored 8.4
    8.4
    Rated very good
    Very Good
     · 1,822 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: $91.09
    Scored 9.0
    9.0
    Rated wonderful
    Wonderful
     · 1,387 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: $79.30
    Scored 8.6
    8.6
    Rated excellent
    Excellent
     · 1,042 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: $78.64
    Scored 7.2
    7.2
    Rated good
    Good
     · 581 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: $91.09
    Scored 9.0
    9.0
    Rated wonderful
    Wonderful
     · 1,387 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 7.9
    7.9
    Rated good
    Good
     · 459 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: $124.52
    Scored 7.5
    7.5
    Rated good
    Good
     · 2,112 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 8.4
    8.4
    Rated very good
    Very Good
     · 1,822 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: $78.64
    Scored 7.2
    7.2
    Rated good
    Good
     · 581 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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