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Hostels in Cairns

Find the hostels that appeal to you the most

Top picks for Cairns hotels

Explore our most popular hotels in Cairns

  • Scored out of 10, guest rating 9.0
    Superb - What previous guests thought, 1,160 reviews
    From
    US$75
    1 night, 2 adults
  • Scored out of 10, guest rating 8.8
    Fabulous - What previous guests thought, 1,310 reviews
    From
    US$62
    1 night, 2 adults
  • Scored out of 10, guest rating 7.8
    Good - What previous guests thought, 2,413 reviews
    From
    US$78
    1 night, 2 adults
  • Scored out of 10, guest rating 8.2
    Very good - What previous guests thought, 585 reviews
    From
    US$74
    1 night, 2 adults
  • Scored out of 10, guest rating 7.2
    Good - What previous guests thought, 1,734 reviews
    From
    US$59
    1 night, 2 adults
  • Scored out of 10, guest rating 8.6
    Fabulous - What previous guests thought, 571 reviews
    From
    US$79
    1 night, 2 adults
  • Scored out of 10, guest rating 7.5
    Good - What previous guests thought, 1,704 reviews
    From
    US$47
    1 night, 2 adults
  • Scored out of 10, guest rating 8.3
    Very good - What previous guests thought, 214 reviews
    From
    US$131
    1 night, 2 adults
  • Scored out of 10, guest rating 9.3
    Superb - What previous guests thought, 1,656 reviews
    From
    US$90
    1 night, 2 adults
  • Scored out of 10, guest rating 7.7
    Good - What previous guests thought, 1,681 reviews
    From
    US$134
    1 night, 2 adults
  • Scored out of 10, guest rating 7.0
    Good - What previous guests thought, 656 reviews
    From
    US$50
    1 night, 2 adults
  • Scored out of 10, guest rating 7.2
    Good - What previous guests thought, 296 reviews
    From
    US$66
    1 night, 2 adults
  • Scored out of 10, guest rating 8.4
    Very good - What previous guests thought, 1,092 reviews
    From
    US$77
    1 night, 2 adults
  • Scored out of 10, guest rating 7.8
    Good - What previous guests thought, 543 reviews
    From
    US$76
    1 night, 2 adults
  • Scored out of 10, guest rating 7.3
    Good - What previous guests thought, 538 reviews
    From
    US$54
    1 night, 2 adults
  • Scored out of 10, guest rating 7.9
    Good - What previous guests thought, 767 reviews
    From
    US$45
    1 night, 2 adults

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...

D
Devora
From
Israel
The location is excellent! A very spacious, beautiful and colorful place. It was clean and pleasant everywhere. The staff is kind and nice. The room is cozy and beautiful. The pool is clean. Spacious and comfortable common area. There is great storage. .
Scored out of 10, guest rating 9.3
Superb - What previous guests thought, 1,656 reviews
Price from
US$89.63
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.

H
Helene
From
Switzerland
I would definitely recommend this hostel to others. I had a great time there and met so many lovely people. The bed was comfortable and it was very clean! I was also able to book all my day trips through the hostel manager Tim.
Scored out of 10, guest rating 9.0
Superb - What previous guests thought, 1,160 reviews
Price from
US$74.69
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.

D
Diana
From
United States
I loved everything about this place, its well located, very clean and comfortable. The owner was very welcoming and kind. Coming off a several day boat trip, it truly felt like paradise! My room was very cozy, well decorated and clean with a beautiful view of the inner court.
Scored out of 10, guest rating 8.8
Fabulous - What previous guests thought, 1,310 reviews
Price from
US$61.85
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.

N
Nicole
From
Austria
I recently stayed at Mad Monkey Village and I had a good time there! They have free breakfast that includes fresh pancakes every morning, that's a huge plus. On Monday there is also a free BBQ. What I also liked was the travel desk directly in the hostel, where you can get some good deals. The hostel in general is clean and tidy. It's a really social place and the perfect, if you want to meet new people.
Scored out of 10, guest rating 8.4
Very good - What previous guests thought, 1,092 reviews
Price from
US$76.97
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.

L
Lívia
From
Slovakia
First time in a hostel and I would do it again! Everything was clean, the curtain in the room were perfect for privacy and the people there were absolutely lovely and amazing ❤️
Scored out of 10, guest rating 8.2
Very good - What previous guests thought, 585 reviews
Price from
US$73.55
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...

G
Gabija
From
Lithuania
The location, the staff, the rooms, shared spaces - everything was great! I definitely did not expect that, and this hostel just exceeded my expectations.
Scored out of 10, guest rating 8.3
Very good - What previous guests thought, 214 reviews
Price from
US$131.46
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
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 8.6
Fabulous - What previous guests thought, 571 reviews
Price from
US$79.01
1 night, 2 adults

Summer House Cairns

Cairns

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

D
David
From
Australia
They set the bar very high, now I hope all the hostels are up to par and so far I haven't found any.
Scored out of 10, guest rating 7.5
Good - What previous guests thought, 1,704 reviews
Price from
US$47.41
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!

N
Nea
From
Slovenia
Jack's is fantastic! The outdoor terrace is an awesome place to hang out and meet other travelers. Highly recommend if you're young and sociable!
Scored out of 10, guest rating 7.2
Good - What previous guests thought, 1,734 reviews
Price from
US$59.32
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.

E
Ezyian
From
Switzerland
Great Location Super kitchen and laundry Nice Staff
Scored out of 10, guest rating 7.8
Good - What previous guests thought, 2,413 reviews
Price from
US$78.35
1 night, 2 adults
All hostels in Cairns

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...

D
Devora
From
Israel
The location is excellent! A very spacious, beautiful and colorful place. It was clean and pleasant everywhere. The staff is kind and nice. The room is cozy and beautiful. The pool is clean. Spacious and comfortable common area. There is great storage. .
Scored out of 10, guest rating 9.3
Superb - What previous guests thought, 1,656 reviews
Price from
US$89.63
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.

H
Helene
From
Switzerland
I would definitely recommend this hostel to others. I had a great time there and met so many lovely people. The bed was comfortable and it was very clean! I was also able to book all my day trips through the hostel manager Tim.
Scored out of 10, guest rating 9.0
Superb - What previous guests thought, 1,160 reviews
Price from
US$74.69
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.

D
Diana
From
United States
I loved everything about this place, its well located, very clean and comfortable. The owner was very welcoming and kind. Coming off a several day boat trip, it truly felt like paradise! My room was very cozy, well decorated and clean with a beautiful view of the inner court.
Scored out of 10, guest rating 8.8
Fabulous - What previous guests thought, 1,310 reviews
Price from
US$61.85
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.

N
Nicole
From
Austria
I recently stayed at Mad Monkey Village and I had a good time there! They have free breakfast that includes fresh pancakes every morning, that's a huge plus. On Monday there is also a free BBQ. What I also liked was the travel desk directly in the hostel, where you can get some good deals. The hostel in general is clean and tidy. It's a really social place and the perfect, if you want to meet new people.
Scored out of 10, guest rating 8.4
Very good - What previous guests thought, 1,092 reviews
Price from
US$76.97
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.

L
Lívia
From
Slovakia
First time in a hostel and I would do it again! Everything was clean, the curtain in the room were perfect for privacy and the people there were absolutely lovely and amazing ❤️
Scored out of 10, guest rating 8.2
Very good - What previous guests thought, 585 reviews
Price from
US$73.55
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...

G
Gabija
From
Lithuania
The location, the staff, the rooms, shared spaces - everything was great! I definitely did not expect that, and this hostel just exceeded my expectations.
Scored out of 10, guest rating 8.3
Very good - What previous guests thought, 214 reviews
Price from
US$131.46
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
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 8.6
Fabulous - What previous guests thought, 571 reviews
Price from
US$79.01
1 night, 2 adults

Summer House Cairns

Cairns

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

D
David
From
Australia
They set the bar very high, now I hope all the hostels are up to par and so far I haven't found any.
Scored out of 10, guest rating 7.5
Good - What previous guests thought, 1,704 reviews
Price from
US$47.41
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!

N
Nea
From
Slovenia
Jack's is fantastic! The outdoor terrace is an awesome place to hang out and meet other travelers. Highly recommend if you're young and sociable!
Scored out of 10, guest rating 7.2
Good - What previous guests thought, 1,734 reviews
Price from
US$59.32
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.

E
Ezyian
From
Switzerland
Great Location Super kitchen and laundry Nice Staff
Scored out of 10, guest rating 7.8
Good - What previous guests thought, 2,413 reviews
Price from
US$78.35
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 8.0
Very good - What previous guests thought, 767 reviews

Popular with guests booking hostels in Cairns

Scored out of 10, guest rating 9.3
Superb - What previous guests thought, 1,656 reviews

Popular with guests booking hostels in Cairns

Scored out of 10, guest rating 8.2
Very good - What previous guests thought, 585 reviews

Popular with guests booking hostels in Cairns

Scored out of 10, guest rating 8.6
Fabulous - What previous guests thought, 571 reviews

Popular with guests booking hostels in Cairns

Scored out of 10, guest rating 8.3
Very good - What previous guests thought, 215 reviews

Popular with guests booking hostels in Cairns

Scored out of 10, guest rating 7.7
Good - What previous guests thought, 1,677 reviews

Popular with guests booking hostels in Cairns

Scored out of 10, guest rating 7.2
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, 2,415 reviews

Popular with guests booking hostels in Cairns

Scored out of 10, guest rating 8.5
Very good - What previous guests thought, 1,838 reviews

Popular with guests booking hostels in Cairns

Scored out of 10, guest rating 7.5
Good - What previous guests thought, 1,704 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, 538 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$64.14 per night

The Espy Hostel

Cairns
Budget options available
Scored out of 10, guest rating 7.2
Good - What previous guests thought, 296 reviews

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

From US$65.73 per night

Mad Monkey Waterfront

Cairns
Budget options available
Scored out of 10, guest rating 7.8
Good - What previous guests thought, 543 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 7.3
Good - What previous guests thought, 184 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, 1,838 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 7.9
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, 838 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, 1,677 reviews

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

From US$149.39 per night
Scored out of 10, guest rating 7.0
Good - What previous guests thought, 656 reviews

Located in Cairns, 700 metres 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

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Scored out of 10, guest rating 8.0
Very good - What previous guests thought, 767 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, 1,838 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$89.63
Scored out of 10, guest rating 9.3
Superb - What previous guests thought, 1,656 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$82.99
Scored out of 10, guest rating 9.0
Superb - What previous guests thought, 1,160 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$64.14
Scored out of 10, guest rating 7.3
Good - What previous guests thought, 538 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$89.63
Scored out of 10, guest rating 9.3
Superb - What previous guests thought, 1,656 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$149.39
Scored out of 10, guest rating 7.7
Good - What previous guests thought, 1,677 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, 1,838 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