The 10 best hostels in Cairns, Australia | Booking.com
Skip to main content

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

Filter by:

Review score

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...

J
Jessica
From
Italy
The hostel is very nice, atmosphere and room were great, especially if you upgrade your room with a balcony! Very relaxing place, surrounded by palms and nature. Swimming pool and rest areas, birds chirping in the morning. Clean bathrooms.
Scored out of 10, guest rating 9.2
Superb - What previous guests thought, 1,651 reviews
Location 9.0
Price from
US$86.13
1 night, 2 adults

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.

S
Sue77
From
Malaysia
The location was good with a nice atmosphere. I appreciate that the kitchen is cleaned regularly and the place is quiet.
Scored out of 10, guest rating 9.0
Superb - What previous guests thought, 1,219 reviews
Location 9.0
Price from
US$75.12
1 night, 2 adults

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.

B
Brooklyn
From
Canada
The house was quaint and adorable, with very nice facilities. I could tell the owner had put a lot of work into making the place feel cozy. The double bed room was amazing, and I loved the property, inside and out. Everything was very clean and in working order, and the bed was super comfy. It was a fantastic place to rest my head after a long day of travelling and car problems. I would stay there again!
Scored out of 10, guest rating 8.8
Fabulous - What previous guests thought, 1,356 reviews
Location 9.2
Price from
US$106.36
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.

T
Thomas
From
United Kingdom
Highly recommend this hostel! The kitchen is spotless and the crew work hard to make the hostel as clean as possible. Not far from everything and free breakfast is just a bonus.
Scored out of 10, guest rating 8.3
Very good - What previous guests thought, 1,146 reviews
Location 8.4
Price from
US$86
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.

T
Tiaan
From
South Africa
The staff is very friend especially the Receptionist Nadia that helped me on my arrival. Overall a welcoming hostel!
Scored out of 10, guest rating 8.1
Very good - What previous guests thought, 601 reviews
Location 9.0
Price from
US$62.10
1 night, 2 adults

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...

T
TSAI YU
From
Taiwan
the location is great. art gallery, woolworths, night market... all in walking distance. And they even provide shower gel in bathroom. Kitchen is clean. Hooks in the room for you to hang your coat.
Scored out of 10, guest rating 8.5
Very good - What previous guests thought, 131 reviews
Location 9.8
Price from
US$120.19
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...

p
paula
From
Argentina
nice people and environment 🩷
Scored out of 10, guest rating 8.5
Very good - What previous guests thought, 424 reviews
Location 9.4
Price from
US$46.74
1 night, 2 adults

Summer House Cairns

Cairns

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

B
Bonang
From
South Africa
The staff was super friendly and helpful. The property is close to the airport. They have a lot of social activities and a WhatsApp community with the announcements so you don’t miss out. They have the cheapest food and drink prices I’ve seen in my time in Australia and the food was delicious.
Scored out of 10, guest rating 7.6
Good - What previous guests thought, 1,775 reviews
Location 7.8
Price from
US$63.10
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 ensuite rooms with an on-site bar and restaurant downstairs!

A
Amar
From
Spain
The staff is amazing, so far the best hostel in Cairns.
Scored out of 10, guest rating 7.2
Good - What previous guests thought, 1,788 reviews
Location 8.9
Price from
US$59.66
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.

j
jacinta
From
Portugal
Everything!! Very nice staff, very nice place to stay and to cook!!
Scored out of 10, guest rating 7.9
Good - What previous guests thought, 2,474 reviews
Location 9.0
Price from
US$74.11
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 and surroundings in the past month

See all
  • Popular with guests booking hostels in Cairns

    Scored out of 10, guest rating 8.8
    Fabulous - What previous guests thought, 1,356 reviews
  • Popular with guests booking hostels in Cairns

    Scored out of 10, guest rating 7.8
    Good - What previous guests thought, 801 reviews
  • Popular with guests booking hostels in Cairns

    Scored out of 10, guest rating 9.2
    Superb - What previous guests thought, 1,651 reviews
  • Popular with guests booking hostels in Cairns

    Scored out of 10, guest rating 8.5
    Very good - What previous guests thought, 131 reviews
  • Popular with guests booking hostels in Cairns

    Scored out of 10, guest rating 8.5
    Very good - What previous guests thought, 424 reviews
  • Popular with guests booking hostels in Cairns

    Scored out of 10, guest rating 7.2
    Good - What previous guests thought, 1,788 reviews
  • Popular with guests booking hostels in Cairns

    Scored out of 10, guest rating 7.9
    Good - What previous guests thought, 2,474 reviews
  • Popular with guests booking hostels in Cairns

    Scored out of 10, guest rating 7.6
    Good - What previous guests thought, 1,879 reviews
  • Popular with guests booking hostels in Cairns

    Scored out of 10, guest rating 8.5
    Very good - What previous guests thought, 1,906 reviews
  • Popular with guests booking hostels in Cairns

    Scored out of 10, guest rating 7.6
    Good - What previous guests thought, 1,775 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, 1,906 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 8.2
    Very good - What previous guests thought, 124 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.

  • Scored out of 10, guest rating 7.8
    Good - What previous guests thought, 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.

  • Scored out of 10, guest rating 8.4
    Very good - What previous guests thought, 15 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.

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, 611 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...

    From US$72.56 per night
  • Scored out of 10, guest rating 7.9
    Good - What previous guests thought, 559 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!

    From US$71.94 per night
  • Scored out of 10, guest rating 7.6
    Good - What previous guests thought, 1,879 reviews

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

    From US$150.23 per night
  • Scored out of 10, guest rating 6.9
    Pleasant - What previous guests thought, 611 reviews

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

    From US$53.42 per night
  • Scored out of 10, guest rating 6.4
    Pleasant - What previous guests thought, 902 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.

    From US$62.10 per night

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, 801 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
  • Scored out of 10, guest rating 8.5
    Very good - What previous guests thought, 1,906 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
  • Avg. price/night: US$96.82
    Scored out of 10, guest rating 9.2
    Superb - What previous guests thought, 1,651 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
  • Avg. price/night: US$83.46
    Scored out of 10, guest rating 9.0
    Superb - What previous guests thought, 1,219 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
  • Avg. price/night: US$72.56
    Scored out of 10, guest rating 7.3
    Good - What previous guests thought, 611 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
  • Avg. price/night: US$96.82
    Scored out of 10, guest rating 9.2
    Superb - What previous guests thought, 1,651 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
  • Avg. price/night: US$150.23
    Scored out of 10, guest rating 7.6
    Good - What previous guests thought, 1,879 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
  • Scored out of 10, guest rating 8.5
    Very good - What previous guests thought, 1,906 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: US$72.56
    Scored out of 10, guest rating 7.3
    Good - What previous guests thought, 611 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