The 10 best hostels in Cairns, Australia | Booking.com
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Hostels in Cairns

Find the hostels that appeal to you the most

The best hostels in Cairns

Some of the best backpacker spots in Cairns

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Travellers Oasis

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...

T
Therese
From
Austria
The accommodation was thoughtfully designed with great attention to detail, making it comfortable. It has a charming and cute appearance. The bed was very comfortable, especially thanks to the thick duvet instead of just a sheet.
Scored out of 10, guest rating 9.2
Wonderful - What previous guests thought, 1,659 reviews
Price from
$87.56
1 night, 2 adults

Travellers Paradise

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.

A
Amelie
From
Canada
Extremely clean, very comfortable beds and pillows, no charge for the air con, nice garden with pool, free luggage storage, great location near the center, free parking in front of the hostel. We also had a small fridge in our room which is very useful. Peter was also very accommodating and helpful. Highly recommended!
Scored out of 10, guest rating 8.8
Excellent - What previous guests thought, 1,366 reviews
Price from
$113.83
1 night, 2 adults

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.

L
Linnea
From
Sweden
Such a nice hostel, everyone’s super friendly and sociable! Rooms are a good size and the kitchen/f bathrooms are all clean. It’s a bit more chilled out so super nice if you’re staying a bit longer :)
Scored out of 10, guest rating 8.3
Very Good - What previous guests thought, 1,160 reviews
Price from
$83.54
1 night, 2 adults

Dreamtime Hostel

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.

I
Isaac
From
United Kingdom
Tim (manager) was a spot on bloke and made for a great stay
Scored out of 10, guest rating 8.9
Excellent - What previous guests thought, 1,224 reviews
Price from
$64.21
1 night, 2 adults

Mumma's Hostel Cairns

Cairns

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

S
Seggerman
From
United States
Mumma’s is great! Friendly staff, clean beds and bathroom, and a super inviting atmosphere! The location can’t be beat and is within walking distance to anything you’d need. Thomas the manager is great and even put out a great Christmas breakfast for everyone on Christmas morning! 10/10 will be staying again soon.
Scored out of 10, guest rating 8.1
Very Good - What previous guests thought, 613 reviews
Price from
$67.78
1 night, 2 adults

Little Drifter Cairns

Cairns

Located in Cairns and with Cairns Convention Center reachable within a 10-minute walk, Little Drifter Cairns provides express check-in and check-out, non-smoking rooms, a shared lounge, free WiFi...

A
Ava
From
United States
The staff here (shout-out to Luke!!) was amazing! So friendly, kind, and willing to make my accommodation as smooth and seamless as possible. On several occasions, I had help with my luggage and friendly faces to guide me to where I needed to go. The area is top tier and within walking distance to everything you'd need - the rooms are gorgeous and comfy. Would definitely come back again!
Scored out of 10, guest rating 8.6
Excellent - What previous guests thought, 112 reviews
Price from
$110.26
1 night, 2 adults

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...

H
Harrison F. Carter
From
New Zealand
The staff were so lovely, helpful and kind... really wonderful people. My room was clean and comfortable and had all I needed. The location was superb for everything. Ate at the attached Indonesian restaurant each evening, really lovely people and food. Loved my stay and visit.
Scored out of 10, guest rating 8.4
Very Good - What previous guests thought, 389 reviews
Price from
$74.59
1 night, 2 adults

Summer House Cairns

Cairns

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

G
Giorgia
From
Italy
Cleaning, friendly staff, shuttle service for the city, comfortable bad
Scored out of 10, guest rating 7.6
Good - What previous guests thought, 1,761 reviews
Price from
$73.55
1 night, 2 adults

The Jack Backpackers

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!

I
Isaac
From
Canada
great location and super clean and friendly
Scored out of 10, guest rating 7.1
Good - What previous guests thought, 1,800 reviews
Price from
$57.95
1 night, 2 adults

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.

M
Maria
From
United Kingdom
Easy check-in/out, and the shared doom room and ensuite bathroom was really clean. The facilities were good and the staff were super helpful and friendly (just ask and they probably have what you need). The outside communal area was also really nice and a great place to meet people. The location was also fantastic; loads of shops, restaurants and cafes in walking distance.
Scored out of 10, guest rating 7.9
Good - What previous guests thought, 2,478 reviews
Price from
$72.64
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 and surrounding area in the past month

See all
  • Popular with guests booking hostels in Cairns

    Scored out of 10, guest rating 8.9
    Excellent - What previous guests thought, 1,224 reviews
  • Popular with guests booking hostels in Cairns

    Scored out of 10, guest rating 8.8
    Excellent - What previous guests thought, 1,366 reviews
  • Popular with guests booking hostels in Cairns

    Scored out of 10, guest rating 9.2
    Wonderful - What previous guests thought, 1,659 reviews
  • Popular with guests booking hostels in Cairns

    Scored out of 10, guest rating 8.4
    Very Good - What previous guests thought, 389 reviews
  • Popular with guests booking hostels in Cairns

    Scored out of 10, guest rating 8.6
    Excellent - What previous guests thought, 112 reviews
  • Popular with guests booking hostels in Cairns

    Scored out of 10, guest rating 7.1
    Good - What previous guests thought, 1,800 reviews
  • Popular with guests booking hostels in Cairns

    Scored out of 10, guest rating 7.9
    Good - What previous guests thought, 2,478 reviews
  • Popular with guests booking hostels in Cairns

    Scored out of 10, guest rating 7.6
    Good - What previous guests thought, 1,931 reviews
  • Popular with guests booking hostels in Cairns

    Scored out of 10, guest rating 7.6
    Good - What previous guests thought, 1,761 reviews
  • Popular with guests booking hostels in Cairns

    Scored out of 10, guest rating 8.5
    Very Good - What previous guests thought, 1,914 reviews

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

  • Global Backpackers Cairns

    Cairns
    No credit card needed
    Scored out of 10, guest rating 8.5
    Very Good - What previous guests thought, 1,914 reviews

    Located in Cairns and with Cairns Station reachable within a 12-minute walk, Global Backpackers Cairns has a tour desk, non-smoking rooms, a shared lounge, free WiFi and a terrace.

  • Scored out of 10, guest rating 8.2
    Very Good - What previous guests thought, 122 reviews

    Featuring barbecue facilities, MiHaven Shared Living - Martyn St is located in Cairns in the Queensland region, a 15-minute walk from Cairns Station and 1.5 miles from Cairns Convention Center.

  • Scored out of 10, guest rating 7.7
    Good - What previous guests thought, 43 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.

  • Scored out of 10, guest rating 8.5
    Very Good - What previous guests thought, 14 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...

Save money on hostels in Cairns and nearby – budget options available

  • Mad Monkey Central

    Cairns
    Budget options available
    Scored out of 10, guest rating 7.4
    Good - What previous guests thought, 622 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 travelers...

  • Mad Monkey Waterfront

    Cairns
    Budget options available
    Scored out of 10, guest rating 7.9
    Good - What previous guests thought, 557 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!

  • Bohemia Resort Cairns

    Cairns
    Budget options available
    Scored out of 10, guest rating 6.4
    Pleasant - What previous guests thought, 920 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.

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

  • Scored out of 10, guest rating 6.9
    Pleasant - What previous guests thought, 603 reviews

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

FAQ about hostels in Cairns

Hostels that guests love in Cairns

See all
  • Scored out of 10, guest rating 7.8
    Good - What previous guests thought, 816 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 traveler
  • Scored out of 10, guest rating 8.5
    Very Good - What previous guests thought, 1,914 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 traveler
  • Avg. price/night: $87.56
    Scored out of 10, guest rating 9.2
    Wonderful - What previous guests thought, 1,659 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 traveler
  • Avg. price/night: $81.08
    Scored out of 10, guest rating 8.9
    Excellent - What previous guests thought, 1,224 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 traveler
  • Avg. price/night: $75.33
    Scored out of 10, guest rating 7.4
    Good - What previous guests thought, 622 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 traveler
  • Avg. price/night: $87.56
    Scored out of 10, guest rating 9.2
    Wonderful - What previous guests thought, 1,659 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 traveler
  • Avg. price/night: $145.94
    Scored out of 10, guest rating 7.6
    Good - What previous guests thought, 1,931 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 traveler
  • Scored out of 10, guest rating 8.5
    Very Good - What previous guests thought, 1,914 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
  • Avg. price/night: $75.33
    Scored out of 10, guest rating 7.4
    Good - What previous guests thought, 622 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 traveler

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