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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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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...

G
Guillaume
From
Thailand
Super hostel, very well located with plenty of kitchen and bathroom facilities. Very pleasant atmosphere.
Scored out of 10, guest rating 9.3
Superb - What previous guests thought, 1,656 reviews
Price from
US$89.87
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.

M
Marrie
From
United Kingdom
Really enjoyed my stay. Felt more like a family than a hostel. The facilities were nice, staff were exceptional - they really go out of their way to make you feel welcome and comfortable. Tim organised a kayaking trip which was fantastic. I felt like I became part of the family while I was there.
Scored out of 10, guest rating 9.0
Superb - What previous guests thought, 1,161 reviews
Price from
US$74.89
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.

G
Giancarlo
From
Peru
Peter help you all the time. Do not hesitate tl contact him
Scored out of 10, guest rating 8.8
Fabulous - What previous guests thought, 1,310 reviews
Price from
US$62.02
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 8.4
Very good - What previous guests thought, 1,090 reviews
Price from
US$77.17
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.

J
Jana
From
Germany
the pool is amazing, the kitchen is clean, nice free breakfast, curtains in front of the beds for privacy and super friendly staff. loved it
Scored out of 10, guest rating 8.2
Very good - What previous guests thought, 586 reviews
Price from
US$73.05
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...

A
Amanda
From
Sweden
Everything! Best location, CLEAN, great kitchen+eating area, free coffee, and the beds are comfy and has light+electrical outlet+privacy curtains. One of the best hostels I've stayed at (in 100 countries).
Scored out of 10, guest rating 8.3
Very good - What previous guests thought, 220 reviews
Price from
US$135.14
1 night, 2 adults

Mad Monkey Jungle

Cairns

Mad Monkey Jungle is a resort style hostel, featuring FREE ultra fast WIFI. Centrally located in the heart of Cairns and is only a short walk to all the major attractions.

M
Malin
From
Norway
Its super central, easy to get around and easy to get back to after a night out! Really friendly staff and easy to meet people during their evening activities!
Scored out of 10, guest rating 8.0
Very good - What previous guests thought, 767 reviews
Price from
US$45.48
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
Sara
From
Italy
The hostel is so nice. There are huge communal spaces, the pool and also rooms and bathroom are so spacious. The bed are pretty comfortable too. It’s pretty chill and the vibes are really cool. Also, there are no noise from clubs or anything and I love that. The staff also was lovely! Definitely recommend it!!
Scored out of 10, guest rating 8.6
Fabulous - What previous guests thought, 579 reviews
Price from
US$79.22
1 night, 2 adults

Summer House Cairns

Cairns

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

C
Catlianna
From
New Zealand
I absolutely loved my stay at Summer House Cairns! It's not a super big hostel so you get to know a lot of people by just cooking in the kitchen, like a big friendly family vibes! I've met travelers from all over the world who became real good friends! The staff were also amazing, super helpful, lovely and funny! They also were from all over the world so knew many languages which I loved! I especially want to thank a lot the german receptionist (with beautiful eyes, but can't remember her name) who was so wonderful and made my stay exceptional. The female dorm I had booked was right next to the housekeeping room so it was a bit noisy, thus I asked her if I could be moved to another female dorm for 3 nights, however since there wasn't another female dorm available to move me to, she so kindly moved me to a private room for my whole stay for no extra price! Thank you so so much!!! The hostel was a little bit away from Cairns city centre but the hostel offers a free shuttle there and back every 30 min: so so useful!
Scored out of 10, guest rating 7.5
Good - What previous guests thought, 1,698 reviews
Price from
US$47.53
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!

S
Sagi
From
Israel
The staff is very kind and super helpful with information and recomendations on activities. Restaurant has good food and a discounted menu for guests. Bar has a daily happy hour.
Scored out of 10, guest rating 7.2
Good - What previous guests thought, 1,734 reviews
Price from
US$53.22
1 night, 2 adults
All hostels in Cairns

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, 1,161 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, 2,408 reviews
    From
    US$77
    1 night, 2 adults
  • Scored out of 10, guest rating 7.2
    Good - What previous guests thought, 1,734 reviews
    From
    US$53
    1 night, 2 adults
  • Scored out of 10, guest rating 8.2
    Very good - What previous guests thought, 586 reviews
    From
    US$65
    1 night, 2 adults
  • Scored out of 10, guest rating 7.5
    Good - What previous guests thought, 1,698 reviews
    From
    US$48
    1 night, 2 adults
  • Scored out of 10, guest rating 8.6
    Fabulous - What previous guests thought, 579 reviews
    From
    US$79
    1 night, 2 adults
  • Scored out of 10, guest rating 8.3
    Very good - What previous guests thought, 220 reviews
    From
    US$135
    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, 1,666 reviews
    From
    US$135
    1 night, 2 adults
  • Scored out of 10, guest rating 7.0
    Good - What previous guests thought, 658 reviews
    From
    US$53
    1 night, 2 adults
  • Scored out of 10, guest rating 8.4
    Very good - What previous guests thought, 1,090 reviews
    From
    US$77
    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 7.8
    Good - What previous guests thought, 541 reviews
    From
    US$76
    1 night, 2 adults
  • Scored out of 10, guest rating 8.0
    Very good - What previous guests thought, 767 reviews
    From
    US$45
    1 night, 2 adults
  • Scored out of 10, guest rating 7.3
    Good - What previous guests thought, 533 reviews
    From
    US$54
    1 night, 2 adults
  • Scored out of 10, guest rating 7.3
    Good - What previous guests thought, 184 reviews
    From
    US$47
    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...

G
Guillaume
From
Thailand
Super hostel, very well located with plenty of kitchen and bathroom facilities. Very pleasant atmosphere.
Scored out of 10, guest rating 9.3
Superb - What previous guests thought, 1,656 reviews
Price from
US$89.87
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.

M
Marrie
From
United Kingdom
Really enjoyed my stay. Felt more like a family than a hostel. The facilities were nice, staff were exceptional - they really go out of their way to make you feel welcome and comfortable. Tim organised a kayaking trip which was fantastic. I felt like I became part of the family while I was there.
Scored out of 10, guest rating 9.0
Superb - What previous guests thought, 1,161 reviews
Price from
US$74.89
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.

G
Giancarlo
From
Peru
Peter help you all the time. Do not hesitate tl contact him
Scored out of 10, guest rating 8.8
Fabulous - What previous guests thought, 1,310 reviews
Price from
US$62.02
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 8.4
Very good - What previous guests thought, 1,090 reviews
Price from
US$77.17
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.

J
Jana
From
Germany
the pool is amazing, the kitchen is clean, nice free breakfast, curtains in front of the beds for privacy and super friendly staff. loved it
Scored out of 10, guest rating 8.2
Very good - What previous guests thought, 586 reviews
Price from
US$73.05
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...

A
Amanda
From
Sweden
Everything! Best location, CLEAN, great kitchen+eating area, free coffee, and the beds are comfy and has light+electrical outlet+privacy curtains. One of the best hostels I've stayed at (in 100 countries).
Scored out of 10, guest rating 8.3
Very good - What previous guests thought, 220 reviews
Price from
US$135.14
1 night, 2 adults

Mad Monkey Jungle

Cairns

Mad Monkey Jungle is a resort style hostel, featuring FREE ultra fast WIFI. Centrally located in the heart of Cairns and is only a short walk to all the major attractions.

M
Malin
From
Norway
Its super central, easy to get around and easy to get back to after a night out! Really friendly staff and easy to meet people during their evening activities!
Scored out of 10, guest rating 8.0
Very good - What previous guests thought, 767 reviews
Price from
US$45.48
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
Sara
From
Italy
The hostel is so nice. There are huge communal spaces, the pool and also rooms and bathroom are so spacious. The bed are pretty comfortable too. It’s pretty chill and the vibes are really cool. Also, there are no noise from clubs or anything and I love that. The staff also was lovely! Definitely recommend it!!
Scored out of 10, guest rating 8.6
Fabulous - What previous guests thought, 579 reviews
Price from
US$79.22
1 night, 2 adults

Summer House Cairns

Cairns

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

C
Catlianna
From
New Zealand
I absolutely loved my stay at Summer House Cairns! It's not a super big hostel so you get to know a lot of people by just cooking in the kitchen, like a big friendly family vibes! I've met travelers from all over the world who became real good friends! The staff were also amazing, super helpful, lovely and funny! They also were from all over the world so knew many languages which I loved! I especially want to thank a lot the german receptionist (with beautiful eyes, but can't remember her name) who was so wonderful and made my stay exceptional. The female dorm I had booked was right next to the housekeeping room so it was a bit noisy, thus I asked her if I could be moved to another female dorm for 3 nights, however since there wasn't another female dorm available to move me to, she so kindly moved me to a private room for my whole stay for no extra price! Thank you so so much!!! The hostel was a little bit away from Cairns city centre but the hostel offers a free shuttle there and back every 30 min: so so useful!
Scored out of 10, guest rating 7.5
Good - What previous guests thought, 1,698 reviews
Price from
US$47.53
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!

S
Sagi
From
Israel
The staff is very kind and super helpful with information and recomendations on activities. Restaurant has good food and a discounted menu for guests. Bar has a daily happy hour.
Scored out of 10, guest rating 7.2
Good - What previous guests thought, 1,734 reviews
Price from
US$53.22
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, 586 reviews

Popular with guests booking hostels in Cairns

Scored out of 10, guest rating 8.6
Fabulous - What previous guests thought, 579 reviews

Popular with guests booking hostels in Cairns

Scored out of 10, guest rating 8.3
Very good - What previous guests thought, 220 reviews

Popular with guests booking hostels in Cairns

Scored out of 10, guest rating 7.7
Good - What previous guests thought, 1,666 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, 2,408 reviews

Popular with guests booking hostels in Cairns

Scored out of 10, guest rating 8.6
Fabulous - What previous guests thought, 1,839 reviews

Popular with guests booking hostels in Cairns

Scored out of 10, guest rating 7.5
Good - What previous guests thought, 1,698 reviews

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, 533 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$63.77 per night

The Espy Hostel

Cairns
Central location
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$65.90 per night
Scored out of 10, guest rating 7.7
Good - What previous guests thought, 1,666 reviews

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

From US$149.78 per night
Scored out of 10, guest rating 7.0
Good - What previous guests thought, 658 reviews

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

Scored out of 10, guest rating 7.8
Good - What previous guests thought, 541 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!

Scored out of 10, guest rating 8.6
Fabulous - What previous guests thought, 1,839 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.

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

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.

Bohemia Resort Cairns

Cairns
Budget options available
Scored out of 10, guest rating 6.6
Pleasant - What previous guests thought, 836 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.

FAQ about hostels in Cairns

Hostels that guests love in Cairns

See all
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 8.6
Fabulous - What previous guests thought, 1,839 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$89.87
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$83.21
Scored out of 10, guest rating 9.0
Superb - What previous guests thought, 1,161 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$63.77
Scored out of 10, guest rating 7.3
Good - What previous guests thought, 533 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$89.87
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$149.78
Scored out of 10, guest rating 7.7
Good - What previous guests thought, 1,666 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 8.6
Fabulous - What previous guests thought, 1,839 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