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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 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...

R
Raphael
From
Switzerland
Very social, just very nice with the pool and everything, calm
Scored out of 10, guest rating 9.2
Superb - What previous guests thought, 1,664 reviews
Price from
US$88.38
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.

Z
Zara
From
Turkey
Initially booked this hostel for three days, but the atmosphere was so wonderful and relaxing that I ended up staying for nearly a month. There are no bunk beds—just regular beds—so it feels much more comfortable. Almost every room has its own fridge, and there are plenty of bathrooms and kitchens available, the place also very clean which adds to overall comfort. The garden is incredibly peaceful; you might not even want to leave once you settle in. There’s also a cool common area on the second-floor balcony with a red sofa where I spent most of my time. This is definitely not the typical party hostel full of loud drinking or drugs. Whenever I came in, people were meditating, doing yoga, reading, painting, or writing. If you’re looking for a party-all-night vibe, this may not be the place for you. The guests here have a different energy—more mature, quiet, and respectful. It’s also a very safe choice for solo female travelers. Another unique aspect is that the owners are often at reception, which makes the place feel safer, and they address any issues immediately. However, if you’re a digital nomad, be aware that the internet can be spotty in some rooms—especially in rooms 6 and 7, where it doesn’t reach at all. Even a Telstra hotspot wasn’t sufficient there. The internet in room 19 was much better, and it’s very good in the common areas. But working in the common area during the summer without air conditioning can be tough due to the heat. In the winter, though, it could be a great environment for digital nomads. It might be even better if they added two or three small coworking or meeting areas in the garden—then it would be a digital nomad’s paradise. They’ve created an incredibly peaceful atmosphere overall. If you’re looking for a calm, relaxing place rather than a party hostel, this is a wonderful place to stay. If you visit Cairns, don’t bother looking anywhere else!
Scored out of 10, guest rating 9.0
Superb - What previous guests thought, 1,186 reviews
Price from
US$73.65
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.

L
Linda
From
Indonesia
Super chilled place to stay, owner is very friendly & helpful
Scored out of 10, guest rating 8.8
Fabulous - What previous guests thought, 1,326 reviews
Price from
US$98.50
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, 1,129 reviews
Price from
US$75.89
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.

N
Nicolas
From
Spain
yes, very nice staff and very familiar environment. If I have a chance I definitely would stay again
Scored out of 10, guest rating 8.1
Very good - What previous guests thought, 594 reviews
Price from
US$72.52
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...

S
Sara
From
Australia
Amazing staff, rooms and bathrooms
Scored out of 10, guest rating 8.4
Very good - What previous guests thought, 191 reviews
Price from
US$110.64
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...

S
Sascha
From
Germany
Zenon and his team took great care of me. Ask them to hook you up with Jeremy for a tour of the Daintree Rainforest. You will not regret it. Place is a couple of minutes on foot to central Cairns. Malaysian restaurant out front was very good. Check-in is possible after hours. Keys will be placed in a safe. Checkout and bag storage was flawless. Would definitely stay again.
Scored out of 10, guest rating 8.5
Very good - What previous guests thought, 535 reviews
Price from
US$75.29
1 night, 2 adults

Summer House Cairns

Cairns

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

M
Mernagh
From
Ireland
Loved it! Vibes were great, so clean, great staff and lovely food!
Scored out of 10, guest rating 7.6
Good - What previous guests thought, 1,723 reviews
Price from
US$49.50
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 7.1
Good - What previous guests thought, 1,745 reviews
Price from
US$58.50
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.

K
Kala
From
Indonesia
Excellent stay, service cleanliness and location
Scored out of 10, guest rating 7.8
Good - What previous guests thought, 2,427 reviews
Price from
US$75.95
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 8.1
Very good - What previous guests thought, 594 reviews

Popular with guests booking hostels in Cairns

Scored out of 10, guest rating 9.2
Superb - What previous guests thought, 1,664 reviews

Popular with guests booking hostels in Cairns

Scored out of 10, guest rating 7.9
Good - What previous guests thought, 775 reviews

Popular with guests booking hostels in Cairns

Scored out of 10, guest rating 8.5
Very good - What previous guests thought, 535 reviews

Popular with guests booking hostels in Cairns

Scored out of 10, guest rating 8.4
Very good - What previous guests thought, 191 reviews

Popular with guests booking hostels in Cairns

Scored out of 10, guest rating 7.7
Good - What previous guests thought, 1,756 reviews

Popular with guests booking hostels in Cairns

Scored out of 10, guest rating 7.8
Good - What previous guests thought, 2,427 reviews

Popular with guests booking hostels in Cairns

Scored out of 10, guest rating 7.1
Good - What previous guests thought, 1,745 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, 1,723 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, 569 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$60.23 per night

Mad Monkey Waterfront

Cairns
Budget options available
Scored out of 10, guest rating 7.8
Good - What previous guests thought, 547 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$60.23 per night

The Espy Hostel

Cairns
Budget options available
Scored out of 10, guest rating 7.1
Good - What previous guests thought, 295 reviews

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

From US$63.51 per night

Bohemia Resort Cairns

Cairns
Budget options available
Scored out of 10, guest rating 6.5
Pleasant - What previous guests thought, 859 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$60.89 per night

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, 131 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, 43 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.

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, 1,756 reviews

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

From US$147.31 per night
Scored out of 10, guest rating 7.0
Good - What previous guests thought, 641 reviews

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

From US$52.38 per night

FAQ about hostels in Cairns

Hostels that guests love in Cairns

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Scored out of 10, guest rating 7.9
Good - What previous guests thought, 775 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, 1,842 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
Avg. price/night: US$94.93
Scored out of 10, guest rating 9.2
Superb - What previous guests thought, 1,664 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$81.84
Scored out of 10, guest rating 9.0
Superb - What previous guests thought, 1,186 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$60.23
Scored out of 10, guest rating 7.3
Good - What previous guests thought, 569 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$94.93
Scored out of 10, guest rating 9.2
Superb - What previous guests thought, 1,664 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$147.31
Scored out of 10, guest rating 7.7
Good - What previous guests thought, 1,756 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, 1,842 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
Avg. price/night: US$60.23
Scored out of 10, guest rating 7.3
Good - What previous guests thought, 569 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