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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...

N
Nathalie
From
Brazil
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.
Scored out of 10, guest rating 9.3
Superb - What previous guests thought, 1,654 reviews
Price from
US$89.59
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.

C
Cathrine Helen Lervik
From
Norway
My favorite hostel in Australia! This is not just a hostel - this is a home away from home thanks to Chelsea, Paul and Tim. The female dorm is super cozy and you get your own single bed (no bunk beds!). The hostel is chill, friendly, social and tropical. I will definitely be back! Lots of love from your first Norwegian guest :)
Scored out of 10, guest rating 9.0
Superb - What previous guests thought, 1,167 reviews
Price from
US$74.66
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.

R
Roman
From
Australia
Peter the owner was lovely, checked us in 4 hours early from a long flight to Cairns and was very friendly and helpful Bathrooms and facilities were very clean and modern Very quiet and relaxed hostel and in a great location (right next to the bus/train station) Rooms were also great all equipped with mirrors, towel pegs and mini fridges
Scored out of 10, guest rating 8.8
Fabulous - What previous guests thought, 1,306 reviews
Price from
US$70.85
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.

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 8.4
Very good - What previous guests thought, 1,103 reviews
Price from
US$76.93
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.

T
Tracy
From
Taiwan
Front desk staff are super nice and friendly. Kitchen, toilet, and shower rooms are all very clean. It's nice to stay here.
Scored out of 10, guest rating 8.2
Very good - What previous guests thought, 589 reviews
Price from
US$73.51
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...

C
Cheyenne
From
Netherlands
The property just opened after its renovations. The staff were very welcoming and the facilities were really good and clean. Definitely recommend this hostel when you are looking for a hostel in which you can relax and socialize at the same time!
Scored out of 10, guest rating 8.3
Very good - What previous guests thought, 211 reviews
Price from
US$131.40
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...

H
Hannah
From
Germany
好的，我给你整理成一份自然、真诚、很像真实旅客写的英文好评。读起来顺畅，不夸张，不机械。 你可以直接贴到 Google Reviews、Hostelworld 或 Booking。 ⸻ I stayed here when I first arrived in Cairns, and I’m really glad I chose this place. I only booked two nights at the beginning, and honestly that wasn’t enough, but I had to leave because of my plans. On my first day I met the owner. He was warm, welcoming, and very professional, and even let me check in early. That friendly energy wasn’t just for me. You can tell he treats everyone with the same kindness, which made me want to share my little daily stories in Cairns with him. The location is perfect. It’s right next to the Esplanade, easy to walk everywhere, and the ocean is literally across the road. The hostel has two kitchens and both were kept very clean, which I really appreciated. There’s also a nice pool. You can see the whole place is well managed and cleaned every day. They even separate the smoking area from the dining area, which makes a big difference. One thing I really liked is that the fridge is inside the room, not in the kitchen. It reduces the chance of food going missing, which happens a lot in hostels. I stayed in the female 6-bed dorm. The room was big, clean, and had tiled floors. The bunks are a bit low, so when the person on the top or down moves, you can feel it a little, but it was still fine. The bathrooms were surprisingly clean too. It’s the low season now, and I only stayed two days, but I felt genuinely happy here. Cavavella Central and Cairns together gave me a really lovely memory. I’ll remember this place. Thank you for having me.
Scored out of 10, guest rating 8.5
Very good - What previous guests thought, 558 reviews
Price from
US$78.97
1 night, 2 adults
Check availability

Summer House Cairns

Cairns

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

N
Natalie
From
Japan
Nice surprise to be upgraded to private room. Free bike rental, shuttle to and from town, lots of cooking space with decent fridge and storage space with good toilets and showers, with an added bonus of community WhatsApp group for updates and your own personal towels and cutlery provided. Use of paid (a few dollars) washers and dryers and good discounts provided at the bar and tours/events.
Scored out of 10, guest rating 7.6
Good - What previous guests thought, 1,708 reviews
Price from
US$47.38
1 night, 2 adults
Check availability

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!

M
Mélodie
From
French Polynesia
Loved the vibe there! Everyone was talking to each other and it wasn’t difficult to feel a sense of community in the hostel. I travel a lot and I found it is hard to get this kind of vibe in most hostels in Australia. Thanks!
Scored out of 10, guest rating 7.1
Good - What previous guests thought, 1,734 reviews
Price from
US$59.30
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.

K
Katja_kap
From
Croatia
Everything was perfect! Located just across the street from the mall and railway and bus stadtion. 10min walk to the lagoon and the port. The staff was really kind and helpful. Backyard has a pool and the kitchen is well equipped and very big.
Scored out of 10, guest rating 7.8
Good - What previous guests thought, 2,417 reviews
Price from
US$79.64
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, 770 reviews

Popular with guests booking hostels in Cairns

Scored out of 10, guest rating 9.3
Superb - What previous guests thought, 1,654 reviews

Popular with guests booking hostels in Cairns

Scored out of 10, guest rating 8.2
Very good - What previous guests thought, 589 reviews

Popular with guests booking hostels in Cairns

Scored out of 10, guest rating 8.5
Very good - What previous guests thought, 558 reviews

Popular with guests booking hostels in Cairns

Scored out of 10, guest rating 8.3
Very good - What previous guests thought, 211 reviews

Popular with guests booking hostels in Cairns

Scored out of 10, guest rating 7.7
Good - What previous guests thought, 1,687 reviews

Popular with guests booking hostels in Cairns

Scored out of 10, guest rating 7.1
Good - What previous guests thought, 1,734 reviews

Popular with guests booking hostels in Cairns

Scored out of 10, guest rating 7.8
Good - What previous guests thought, 2,417 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, 1,708 reviews

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

Mad Monkey Central

Cairns
Budget options available
Scored out of 10, guest rating 7.3
Good - What previous guests thought, 549 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
Budget options available
Scored out of 10, guest rating 7.2
Good - What previous guests thought, 299 reviews

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

Mad Monkey Waterfront

Cairns
Budget options available
Scored out of 10, guest rating 7.8
Good - What previous guests thought, 542 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
Budget options available
Scored out of 10, guest rating 7.4
Good - What previous guests thought, 182 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.

Global Backpackers Cairns

Cairns
Budget options available
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.

Scored out of 10, guest rating 7.8
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.

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

Bohemia Resort Cairns

Cairns
No credit card needed
Scored out of 10, guest rating 6.6
Pleasant - What previous guests thought, 840 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.

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

Scored out of 10, guest rating 7.7
Good - What previous guests thought, 1,687 reviews

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

From US$248.87 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$53.09 per night

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, 770 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, 1,654 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$89.59
Scored out of 10, guest rating 9.0
Superb - What previous guests thought, 1,167 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, 549 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, 1,654 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$248.87
Scored out of 10, guest rating 7.7
Good - What previous guests thought, 1,687 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, 549 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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