Best Hostels in Cairns
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Best-rated
Travellers Oasis
- BBQ facilities
- Free parking
- Security
- Air conditioning
- Live entertainment
- Outdoor swimming pool
Kmart Cairns Central is within easy reach of this hostel, while Cairns airport is 5 km away. There is T Galleria by DFS 16 minutes' walk from the Cairns hostel.
Also, Travellers Oasis hostel is merely 1.6 km from the Cairns City Library.
- BBQ facilities
- Free parking
- Security
- Air conditioning
- Live entertainment
- Outdoor swimming pool
Kmart Cairns Central is within easy reach of this hostel, while Cairns airport is 5 km away. There is T Galleria by DFS 16 minutes' walk from the Cairns hostel.
Also, Travellers Oasis hostel is merely 1.6 km from the Cairns City Library.
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Beach access
Caravella Backpackers
- BBQ facilities
- Free parking
- VIP check-in/ -out
- Air conditioning
- Table tennis
- Outdoor swimming pool
The hostel is a mere 1 km from the Samurai Gallery Australia and a mere 0.7 km from such cultural venues as the Cairns City Library. Natural sights in the area include Cairns ZOOM and Wildlife Dome, within a few blocks of Caravella Backpackers hostel, and a beach is merely 650 metres away.
The Cairns accommodation offers a scenic location just a 10-minute walk from the Muddy's Playground.
- BBQ facilities
- Free parking
- VIP check-in/ -out
- Air conditioning
- Table tennis
- Outdoor swimming pool
The hostel is a mere 1 km from the Samurai Gallery Australia and a mere 0.7 km from such cultural venues as the Cairns City Library. Natural sights in the area include Cairns ZOOM and Wildlife Dome, within a few blocks of Caravella Backpackers hostel, and a beach is merely 650 metres away.
The Cairns accommodation offers a scenic location just a 10-minute walk from the Muddy's Playground.
Travellers Paradise
- Picnic area/ Tables
- Free parking
- VIP check-in/ -out
- Air conditioning
- Leisure/ TV room
- Outdoor swimming pool
The Cairns hostel is situated within reach of KickArts Contemporary Arts.
Guests will enjoy proximity to entertainment attractions like Cairns Marlin Marina, which is only 1.5 km away.
- Picnic area/ Tables
- Free parking
- VIP check-in/ -out
- Air conditioning
- Leisure/ TV room
- Outdoor swimming pool
The Cairns hostel is situated within reach of KickArts Contemporary Arts.
Guests will enjoy proximity to entertainment attractions like Cairns Marlin Marina, which is only 1.5 km away.
Dreamtime Hostel
- BBQ facilities
- Free parking
- VIP check-in/ -out
- Air conditioning
- Leisure/ TV room
- Outdoor swimming pool
Michaelmas Cay is a mere 1.8 km from this hostel, while Green Island is 18 minutes' walk away. The local shopping options feature the shopping mall "Orchid Plaza" (0.9 km) and Makin' Whoopie Gift Shop (0.6 km).
Also, Dreamtime hostel is in proximity to Foot and Body Massage.
This Cairns hostel features rooms with a kitchenette, as well as comforts like air conditioning.
- BBQ facilities
- Free parking
- VIP check-in/ -out
- Air conditioning
- Leisure/ TV room
- Outdoor swimming pool
Michaelmas Cay is a mere 1.8 km from this hostel, while Green Island is 18 minutes' walk away. The local shopping options feature the shopping mall "Orchid Plaza" (0.9 km) and Makin' Whoopie Gift Shop (0.6 km).
Also, Dreamtime hostel is in proximity to Foot and Body Massage.
This Cairns hostel features rooms with a kitchenette, as well as comforts like air conditioning.
Global Backpackers Youth Hostel
- Shared kitchen
- Housekeeping
- Air conditioning
- Flat-screen TV
- Fitness centre
- Sun terrace
Located just 300 metres from such significant cultural landmarks as Cairns Regional Gallery, this comfortable hostel is also only 1.7 km from Cairns Showgrounds Museum. St Monica's Cathedral, a nearby place of worship, is within a few blocks of the Cairns hostel.
Families can have quality time by visiting Muddy's Playground, which is merely a 9-minute walk away.
- Shared kitchen
- Housekeeping
- Air conditioning
- Flat-screen TV
- Fitness centre
- Sun terrace
Located just 300 metres from such significant cultural landmarks as Cairns Regional Gallery, this comfortable hostel is also only 1.7 km from Cairns Showgrounds Museum. St Monica's Cathedral, a nearby place of worship, is within a few blocks of the Cairns hostel.
Families can have quality time by visiting Muddy's Playground, which is merely a 9-minute walk away.
Mad Monkey Village
- BBQ facilities
- VIP check-in/ -out
- Air conditioning
- Leisure/ TV room
- Luggage storage
- Sun terrace
Located 1.4 km from Lagoon Public Swimming Pool, this hostel is in proximity to the Bustling Cairns Night Indoor Markets.
The public Cairns Aquarium can also be found 9 minutes' walk away.
Mad Monkey Village
- BBQ facilities
- VIP check-in/ -out
- Air conditioning
- Leisure/ TV room
- Luggage storage
- Sun terrace
Mad Monkey Village
Located 1.4 km from Lagoon Public Swimming Pool, this hostel is in proximity to the Bustling Cairns Night Indoor Markets.
The public Cairns Aquarium can also be found 9 minutes' walk away.
Mad Monkey Jungle
- Shared kitchen
- 24-hour reception
- Air conditioning
- Leisure/ TV room
- Entertainment
- Outdoor swimming pool
This Cairns hostel is just 1.2 km from Foot and Body Massage and right around the corner from such cultural venues as Cairns Regional Gallery. The hostel is merely 500 metres from Josephine Falls.
Mad Monkey Jungle hostel is only 7 minutes on foot from the Bustling Cairns Night Indoor Markets and in close proximity to Cairns Family Court.
This Cairns hostel also offers private bathrooms with a separate toilet and a shower.
Mad Monkey Jungle
- Shared kitchen
- 24-hour reception
- Air conditioning
- Leisure/ TV room
- Entertainment
- Outdoor swimming pool
Mad Monkey Jungle
This Cairns hostel is just 1.2 km from Foot and Body Massage and right around the corner from such cultural venues as Cairns Regional Gallery. The hostel is merely 500 metres from Josephine Falls.
Mad Monkey Jungle hostel is only 7 minutes on foot from the Bustling Cairns Night Indoor Markets and in close proximity to Cairns Family Court.
This Cairns hostel also offers private bathrooms with a separate toilet and a shower.
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Great deal
Gilligan'S Hotel & Resort Cairns
- Shared kitchen
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Car park
US$ 8.56 per day
- 24-hour reception
- Air conditioning
- Live entertainment
- Outdoor swimming pool
Located about 400 metres from Cairns Magistrates Court, the hostel is in proximity to shopping venues such as Cairns Convention Centre. Green Island is located only 0.6 km from the Cairns hostel.
Also, the Cairns accommodation is not far from Muddy's Playground.
Guests can relax in the private bathrooms equipped with amenities like a roll-in shower.
- Shared kitchen
-
Car park
US$ 8.56 per day
- 24-hour reception
- Air conditioning
- Live entertainment
- Outdoor swimming pool
Located about 400 metres from Cairns Magistrates Court, the hostel is in proximity to shopping venues such as Cairns Convention Centre. Green Island is located only 0.6 km from the Cairns hostel.
Also, the Cairns accommodation is not far from Muddy's Playground.
Guests can relax in the private bathrooms equipped with amenities like a roll-in shower.
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Top location
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Beach access
Mumma'S Hostel Cairns
- BBQ facilities
-
Car park
US$ 7.13 per day
- Express check-in/ -out
- Leisure/ TV room
- Entertainment
- Outdoor swimming pool
Situated approximately 5 minutes' drive from such significant cultural landmarks as Samurai Gallery Australia, the hostel is also just steps from The Cairns Museum. Cairns Cenotaph War Memorial is also situated merely 0.9 km away.
Families can have quality time by visiting the public Cairns Aquarium, which is only 10 minutes' walk away.
Mumma'S Hostel Cairns
- BBQ facilities
-
Car park
US$ 7.13 per day
- Express check-in/ -out
- Leisure/ TV room
- Entertainment
- Outdoor swimming pool
Mumma'S Hostel Cairns
Situated approximately 5 minutes' drive from such significant cultural landmarks as Samurai Gallery Australia, the hostel is also just steps from The Cairns Museum. Cairns Cenotaph War Memorial is also situated merely 0.9 km away.
Families can have quality time by visiting the public Cairns Aquarium, which is only 10 minutes' walk away.
Little Drifter Cairns
- Shared kitchen
- Express check-in/ -out
- Air conditioning
- Leisure/ TV room
- Luggage storage
- Terrace
Situated just 1.2 km from St Monica's Cathedral, the Cairns hostel is about 700 metres from such sports venues as Lagoon Public Swimming Pool. Natural sights in the area include Munro Martin Parklands, a short way from Little Drifter Cairns hostel, and a beach is approximately a 5-minute ride away.
Travellers with children will enjoy proximity to the public Cairns Aquarium, which is merely 1.1 km away.
- Shared kitchen
- Express check-in/ -out
- Air conditioning
- Leisure/ TV room
- Luggage storage
- Terrace
Situated just 1.2 km from St Monica's Cathedral, the Cairns hostel is about 700 metres from such sports venues as Lagoon Public Swimming Pool. Natural sights in the area include Munro Martin Parklands, a short way from Little Drifter Cairns hostel, and a beach is approximately a 5-minute ride away.
Travellers with children will enjoy proximity to the public Cairns Aquarium, which is merely 1.1 km away.
Redhill Cairns Living - Gatton St
- Shared kitchen
-
Car park
Charges may apply
- Leisure/ TV room
- Garden area
The comfortable hostel is a mere 1.1 km from Cairns Showgrounds Museum and 2.3 km from such cultural venues as Underart Gallery. There is Cairns City Library within 25 minutes' walk of this hostel.
In proximity to Redhill Cairns Living - Gatton St hostel, guests will find natural sights, such as Cairns ZOOM and Wildlife Dome, which is 2.6 km away.
The rooms feature a balcony, as well as such comforts as air conditioning. Each room offers a separate toilet and a shower, as well as carpet flooring.
- Shared kitchen
-
Car park
Charges may apply
- Leisure/ TV room
- Garden area
The comfortable hostel is a mere 1.1 km from Cairns Showgrounds Museum and 2.3 km from such cultural venues as Underart Gallery. There is Cairns City Library within 25 minutes' walk of this hostel.
In proximity to Redhill Cairns Living - Gatton St hostel, guests will find natural sights, such as Cairns ZOOM and Wildlife Dome, which is 2.6 km away.
The rooms feature a balcony, as well as such comforts as air conditioning. Each room offers a separate toilet and a shower, as well as carpet flooring.
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Popular choice
Yha Cairns Central
- Shared kitchen
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Car park
US$ 7.13 per day
- Express check-in/ -out
- Air conditioning
- Billiard tables
- Outdoor swimming pool
Staying at the hostel in Cairns, guests will also find entertainment venues in the vicinity, including Cairns Marlin Marina, which is merely 1 km away. There is Samurai Gallery Australia not far from the Cairns hostel.
Yha Cairns Central hostel is a mere 6 minutes on foot from Cairns Family Court and approximately 400 metres from Rusty's Markets.
- Shared kitchen
-
Car park
US$ 7.13 per day
- Express check-in/ -out
- Air conditioning
- Billiard tables
- Outdoor swimming pool
Staying at the hostel in Cairns, guests will also find entertainment venues in the vicinity, including Cairns Marlin Marina, which is merely 1 km away. There is Samurai Gallery Australia not far from the Cairns hostel.
Yha Cairns Central hostel is a mere 6 minutes on foot from Cairns Family Court and approximately 400 metres from Rusty's Markets.
Mad Monkey Waterfront
- BBQ facilities
-
Car park
US$ 3.57 per day
- VIP check-in/ -out
- Air conditioning
- Leisure/ TV room
- Luggage storage
Located within 700 metres of Lagoon Public Swimming Pool, this hostel is 3.7 km from the flecker Cairns Botanic Gardens. Ocean Free & Ocean Freedom can be reached not far from the intimate hostel.
Guests will find Cairns ZOOM and Wildlife Dome, which is a 9-minute walk away.
- BBQ facilities
-
Car park
US$ 3.57 per day
- VIP check-in/ -out
- Air conditioning
- Leisure/ TV room
- Luggage storage
Located within 700 metres of Lagoon Public Swimming Pool, this hostel is 3.7 km from the flecker Cairns Botanic Gardens. Ocean Free & Ocean Freedom can be reached not far from the intimate hostel.
Guests will find Cairns ZOOM and Wildlife Dome, which is a 9-minute walk away.
Summer House Cairns
- Shared kitchen
- Free shuttle service
- 24-hour reception
- Air conditioning
- Entertainment
- Outdoor swimming pool
Located 2.5 km from Lagoon Public Swimming Pool, this hostel is 2.9 km from Cairns ZOOM and Wildlife Dome. Also, nature lovers will appreciate that the Cairns hostel is 30 minutes' walk from the flecker Cairns Botanic Gardens.
Guests can visit Muddy's Playground, an ideal spot for family time 1.8 km away.
Summer House Cairns
- Shared kitchen
- Free shuttle service
- 24-hour reception
- Air conditioning
- Entertainment
- Outdoor swimming pool
Summer House Cairns
Located 2.5 km from Lagoon Public Swimming Pool, this hostel is 2.9 km from Cairns ZOOM and Wildlife Dome. Also, nature lovers will appreciate that the Cairns hostel is 30 minutes' walk from the flecker Cairns Botanic Gardens.
Guests can visit Muddy's Playground, an ideal spot for family time 1.8 km away.
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Beach access
Redhill Cairns Living - Martyn St
- BBQ facilities
-
Car park
US$ 6.42 per day
- VIP check-in/ -out
- Air conditioning
- Leisure/ TV room
- Tennis court
Guests of the hostel can discover Great Barrier Reef Liveaboard, located just 1.5 km away, or visit sports venues like Lagoon Public Swimming Pool, which is 2.1 km away. The 10-room Redhill Cairns Living - Martyn St hostel is in proximity to Muddy's Playground.
Nearby cultural landmarks feature Underart Gallery, located about a 30-minute walk away.
Redhill Cairns Living - Martyn St
- BBQ facilities
-
Car park
US$ 6.42 per day
- VIP check-in/ -out
- Air conditioning
- Leisure/ TV room
- Tennis court
Redhill Cairns Living - Martyn St
Guests of the hostel can discover Great Barrier Reef Liveaboard, located just 1.5 km away, or visit sports venues like Lagoon Public Swimming Pool, which is 2.1 km away. The 10-room Redhill Cairns Living - Martyn St hostel is in proximity to Muddy's Playground.
Nearby cultural landmarks feature Underart Gallery, located about a 30-minute walk away.
Mad Monkey Central
- BBQ facilities
- 24-hour security
- Air conditioning
- Leisure/ TV room
- Entertainment
- Sun terrace
Staying at the hostel in Cairns, guests will also find entertainment venues in the vicinity, including Cairns Marlin Marina, which is a mere 1.8 km away. Rusty's Markets can be reached not far from the Cairns hostel.
Mad Monkey Central hostel is approximately a 5-minute drive from The Cairns Civic Theater and merely 9 minutes on foot from the public Cairns Aquarium.
This Cairns hostel offers 189 spacious rooms with convenient amenities like air conditioning.
- BBQ facilities
- 24-hour security
- Air conditioning
- Leisure/ TV room
- Entertainment
- Sun terrace
Staying at the hostel in Cairns, guests will also find entertainment venues in the vicinity, including Cairns Marlin Marina, which is a mere 1.8 km away. Rusty's Markets can be reached not far from the Cairns hostel.
Mad Monkey Central hostel is approximately a 5-minute drive from The Cairns Civic Theater and merely 9 minutes on foot from the public Cairns Aquarium.
This Cairns hostel offers 189 spacious rooms with convenient amenities like air conditioning.
The Jack Backpackers
- BBQ facilities
- Car park
- VIP check-in/ -out
- Air conditioning
- Live entertainment
- Terrace
The hostel is located approximately 15 minutes' walk from St Monica's Cathedral and just 0.7 km from Cairns ZOOM and Wildlife Dome. The Cairns hotel is just moments from Josephine Falls.
The property is around 5 minutes on foot from Cairns Magistrates Court and merely 450 metres from The Cairns Museum.
- BBQ facilities
- Car park
- VIP check-in/ -out
- Air conditioning
- Live entertainment
- Terrace
The hostel is located approximately 15 minutes' walk from St Monica's Cathedral and just 0.7 km from Cairns ZOOM and Wildlife Dome. The Cairns hotel is just moments from Josephine Falls.
The property is around 5 minutes on foot from Cairns Magistrates Court and merely 450 metres from The Cairns Museum.
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Beach access
Redhill Cairns Living - Pembroke St
- BBQ facilities
-
Car park
US$ 6.42 per day
- VIP check-in/ -out
- Air conditioning
- Leisure/ TV room
- Garden area
Found 2.2 km from Cairns City Library, the hostel is only 1.8 km from worship locations like St Monica's Cathedral. In addition, Rusty's Markets can be found within 25 minutes' walk of the Cairns hostel.
Redhill Cairns Living - Pembroke St hostel invites sports fans to visit Lagoon Public Swimming Pool, which is 2.6 km away.
There are 44 rooms with views of the garden equipped with air conditioning. The private bathrooms at this Cairns hostel are fitted with a separate toilet and a shower. Also, the presence of a dryer in the bathrooms ensures a comfortable stay.
Redhill Cairns Living - Pembroke St
- BBQ facilities
-
Car park
US$ 6.42 per day
- VIP check-in/ -out
- Air conditioning
- Leisure/ TV room
- Garden area
Redhill Cairns Living - Pembroke St
Found 2.2 km from Cairns City Library, the hostel is only 1.8 km from worship locations like St Monica's Cathedral. In addition, Rusty's Markets can be found within 25 minutes' walk of the Cairns hostel.
Redhill Cairns Living - Pembroke St hostel invites sports fans to visit Lagoon Public Swimming Pool, which is 2.6 km away.
There are 44 rooms with views of the garden equipped with air conditioning. The private bathrooms at this Cairns hostel are fitted with a separate toilet and a shower. Also, the presence of a dryer in the bathrooms ensures a comfortable stay.
Are you in a hurry?
Here is a quick list of Hostels in Cairns, selected based on their rating
| Name of hotel | Accommodation Rating | Price, $ | |
| Travellers Oasis |
9.3 / 10 (1493 Reviews) |
From 35$ | |
| Caravella Backpackers |
8.7 / 10 (874 Reviews) |
From 23$ | |
| Travellers Paradise |
8.9 / 10 (1228 Reviews) |
From 49$ | |
| Dreamtime Hostel |
8.9 / 10 (1176 Reviews) |
From 31$ | |
| Global Backpackers Youth Hostel |
8.4 / 10 (1732 Reviews) |
From 31$ |
More accommodations in Cairns
Frequently Asked Questions
Which Cairns hostels are best for exploring the downtown area?
YHA Cairns Central and Gilligan's Hotel & Resort Cairns are both located in the downtown area. You can easily visit shops, restaurants, and the Cairns Esplanade from these hostels.
Walk to the Cairns Esplanade after breakfast for scenic views; it's less crowded before 10am.
What budget-friendly hostels are near the airport?
Mad Monkey Central and Caravella Backpackers are both budget hostels with easy access to Cairns Airport. They offer shuttles that make traveling to and from the airport convenient.
Book your shuttle to the airport a day in advance for the best rates; check with the hostel's front desk.
Where can I find affordable hostels near the beach?
Travellers Oasis and Mad Monkey Waterfront are affordable options close to the beach. Both provide great access to the beautiful sands of Cairns Beach.
Visit the beach early in the morning for the best sun and fewer crowds; it's perfect for a peaceful swim.
Which hostels in Cairns are great for meeting other travelers?
Mad Monkey Village and Dreamtime Hostel have social activities and communal spaces. These features encourage interaction among guests.
Join the evening barbecues at Mad Monkey Village for affordable dinners and fun with fellow travelers.
Which hostels are the best for families traveling to Cairns?
Travellers Paradise offers family rooms and a relaxed atmosphere. It provides a great base for family-friendly activities in Cairns.
Look for family package deals at Travellers Paradise for extra savings on room rates.
What hostels in Cairns have unique themes or styles?
The Jack Backpackers features a laid-back vibe with colorful decor and artwork. Unique design can enhance your stay.
Check out the communal kitchen at The Jack Backpackers; cooking your meals can save money while enjoying a unique atmosphere.
Which hostels offer activities for outdoor adventures in Cairns?
Caravella Backpackers and Global Backpackers Youth Hostel provide adventure tours, including reef trips. They focus on experiences beyond just accommodation.
Book your Great Barrier Reef tour at least a day in advance to secure your spot during peak seasons.
What are the must-try local foods while staying in Cairns?
While in Cairns, try fresh seafood at Rusty's Markets and enjoy traditional Australian dishes such as barramundi and kangaroo. These local eateries offer a taste of the region.
Visit Rusty's Markets on Saturdays for fresh produce and food stalls; many offer tastings less than $5.
What exciting events take place in Cairns throughout the year?
Cairns hosts the Cairns Indigenous Art Fair every July, showcasing local Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander art. It's a unique opportunity to engage with local culture.
Plan your visit in July to experience this event; book accommodation early as it gets busy.
How do I get around Cairns efficiently?
Public buses operate throughout Cairns, providing affordable transport to key areas. Biking along the Esplanade is also a popular and scenic option.
Purchase a Smart Card for discounted fares on buses; it's more economical than cash payments.
Cairns and related destinations