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
Pro-Dive is just 6 minutes on foot from this heritage hostel, and natural sites like the Munro Martin Parklands are just 1 km away. The nearby sports attractions include Lagoon Public Swimming Pool, 1.4 km away.
The Cairns City Library is a short way from the accommodation.
Each of the 22 rooms in the hostel comes with storage and overlooks the garden.
- Picnic area/ Tables
- Free parking
- VIP check-in/ -out
- Air conditioning
- Leisure/ TV room
- Outdoor swimming pool
Pro-Dive is just 6 minutes on foot from this heritage hostel, and natural sites like the Munro Martin Parklands are just 1 km away. The nearby sports attractions include Lagoon Public Swimming Pool, 1.4 km away.
The Cairns City Library is a short way from the accommodation.
Each of the 22 rooms in the hostel comes with storage and overlooks the garden.
Dreamtime Hostel
- BBQ facilities
- Free parking
- VIP check-in/ -out
- Air conditioning
- Leisure/ TV room
- Outdoor swimming pool
The Michaelmas Cay is situated only 1.8 km from this hostel, and the Green Island is 18 minutes' walk away. Also, nature lovers will appreciate that the Cairns hostel is 20 minutes' stroll from the Munro Martin Parklands.
Families can have quality time by visiting the Muddy's Playground, which is 2.4 km away.
- BBQ facilities
- Free parking
- VIP check-in/ -out
- Air conditioning
- Leisure/ TV room
- Outdoor swimming pool
The Michaelmas Cay is situated only 1.8 km from this hostel, and the Green Island is 18 minutes' walk away. Also, nature lovers will appreciate that the Cairns hostel is 20 minutes' stroll from the Munro Martin Parklands.
Families can have quality time by visiting the Muddy's Playground, which is 2.4 km away.
Global Backpackers Youth Hostel
- Shared kitchen
- Housekeeping
- Air conditioning
- Flat-screen TV
- Fitness centre
- Sun terrace
This comfortable hostel boasts a convenient location a 20-minute walk from the Cairns Showgrounds, within a few blocks of shopping opportunities such as Cairns Central Shopping Centre. The Cairns hostel is 0.8 km from the Rusty's Markets and about 600 metres from Foot and Body Massage.
The 55-room Global Backpackers Youth hostel is also situated in the immediate vicinity of the Green Island.
- Shared kitchen
- Housekeeping
- Air conditioning
- Flat-screen TV
- Fitness centre
- Sun terrace
This comfortable hostel boasts a convenient location a 20-minute walk from the Cairns Showgrounds, within a few blocks of shopping opportunities such as Cairns Central Shopping Centre. The Cairns hostel is 0.8 km from the Rusty's Markets and about 600 metres from Foot and Body Massage.
The 55-room Global Backpackers Youth hostel is also situated in the immediate vicinity of the Green Island.
Mad Monkey Village
- BBQ facilities
- VIP check-in/ -out
- Air conditioning
- Leisure/ TV room
- Luggage storage
- Sun terrace
Staying at the hostel in Cairns, guests will also find entertainment venues in the vicinity, including the Cairns Marlin Marina, which is 1.8 km away. There is Lagoon Public Swimming Pool 18 minutes' stroll from the Cairns property.
Mad Monkey Village hostel boasts location in proximity to the public Cairns Aquarium.
Mad Monkey Village
- BBQ facilities
- VIP check-in/ -out
- Air conditioning
- Leisure/ TV room
- Luggage storage
- Sun terrace
Mad Monkey Village
Staying at the hostel in Cairns, guests will also find entertainment venues in the vicinity, including the Cairns Marlin Marina, which is 1.8 km away. There is Lagoon Public Swimming Pool 18 minutes' stroll from the Cairns property.
Mad Monkey Village hostel boasts location in proximity to the public Cairns Aquarium.
Mad Monkey Jungle
- Shared kitchen
- 24-hour reception
- Air conditioning
- Leisure/ TV room
- Entertainment
- Outdoor swimming pool
Guests of the Cairns hostel can discover Foot and Body Massage, located just 1.2 km away, or visit sports venues like Lagoon Public Swimming Pool, which is 850 metres away. Natural sights in the area include the Munro Martin Parklands, 550 m from Mad Monkey Jungle hostel, and a beach is approximately a 10-minute walk away.
Cairns Night Indoor Markets is just 600 metres away, and the Cairns Marlin Marina, available to diversify your stay, is a mere 0.9 km away.
Mad Monkey Jungle hostel offers rooms with a balcony and provides guests with complimentary Wi-Fi for a more enjoyable stay.
Mad Monkey Jungle
- Shared kitchen
- 24-hour reception
- Air conditioning
- Leisure/ TV room
- Entertainment
- Outdoor swimming pool
Mad Monkey Jungle
Guests of the Cairns hostel can discover Foot and Body Massage, located just 1.2 km away, or visit sports venues like Lagoon Public Swimming Pool, which is 850 metres away. Natural sights in the area include the Munro Martin Parklands, 550 m from Mad Monkey Jungle hostel, and a beach is approximately a 10-minute walk away.
Cairns Night Indoor Markets is just 600 metres away, and the Cairns Marlin Marina, available to diversify your stay, is a mere 0.9 km away.
Mad Monkey Jungle hostel offers rooms with a balcony and provides guests with complimentary Wi-Fi for a more enjoyable stay.
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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
Martin College is located approximately a 5-minute walk from the 112-room Gilligan'S Hotel & Resort Cairns hostel, while natural sites, such as Cairns ZOOM and Wildlife Dome are around 700 metres away. The hostel is a few moments from Cairns Magistrates Court.
The Muddy's Playground is merely 1.4 km from the Cairns hostel.
Certain rooms have a private bathroom with a roll-in shower, and some units additionally boast a writing desk.
- Shared kitchen
-
Car park
US$ 8.56 per day
- 24-hour reception
- Air conditioning
- Live entertainment
- Outdoor swimming pool
Martin College is located approximately a 5-minute walk from the 112-room Gilligan'S Hotel & Resort Cairns hostel, while natural sites, such as Cairns ZOOM and Wildlife Dome are around 700 metres away. The hostel is a few moments from Cairns Magistrates Court.
The Muddy's Playground is merely 1.4 km from the Cairns hostel.
Certain rooms have a private bathroom with a roll-in shower, and some units additionally boast a writing desk.
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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
The hostel boasts a convenient location fairly close to sports attractions such as Lagoon Public Swimming Pool and provides easy access to The Cairns Museum, which is a mere 6 minutes' walk away. Natural sights in the area include Cairns ZOOM and Wildlife Dome, only 1.1 km from the Cairns hostel, and a beach is around 1 km away.
Guests can visit the public Cairns Aquarium, an ideal spot for family time a 5-minute stroll 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
The hostel boasts a convenient location fairly close to sports attractions such as Lagoon Public Swimming Pool and provides easy access to The Cairns Museum, which is a mere 6 minutes' walk away. Natural sights in the area include Cairns ZOOM and Wildlife Dome, only 1.1 km from the Cairns hostel, and a beach is around 1 km away.
Guests can visit the public Cairns Aquarium, an ideal spot for family time a 5-minute stroll away.
Little Drifter Cairns
- Shared kitchen
- Express check-in/ -out
- Air conditioning
- Leisure/ TV room
- Luggage storage
- Terrace
The Cairns hostel is within 15 minutes' walk of the St Monica's Cathedral and only a few steps from such cultural venues as the Doongal Aboriginal Art Gallery Cairns. Natural sights in the area include the Munro Martin Parklands, only 1.4 km from Little Drifter Cairns hostel, and a beach is 450 metres away.
This accommodation is perfectly located within a few blocks of the Michaelmas Cay.
The Cairns property offers 97 rooms with a kitchen, as well as amenities like free Wi-Fi.
- Shared kitchen
- Express check-in/ -out
- Air conditioning
- Leisure/ TV room
- Luggage storage
- Terrace
The Cairns hostel is within 15 minutes' walk of the St Monica's Cathedral and only a few steps from such cultural venues as the Doongal Aboriginal Art Gallery Cairns. Natural sights in the area include the Munro Martin Parklands, only 1.4 km from Little Drifter Cairns hostel, and a beach is 450 metres away.
This accommodation is perfectly located within a few blocks of the Michaelmas Cay.
The Cairns property offers 97 rooms with a kitchen, as well as amenities like free Wi-Fi.
Redhill Cairns Living - Gatton St
- Shared kitchen
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Car park
Charges may apply
- Leisure/ TV room
- Garden area
The comfortable hostel is a 14-minute stroll from the Cairns Showgrounds and around 10 minutes' drive from such cultural venues as the Underart Gallery. The Cairns City Library is merely 1.9 km from this hostel.
Guests can visit the Muddy's Playground, an ideal spot for family time an 18-minute stroll away.
The rooms feature a balcony, as well as such comforts as climate control.
- Shared kitchen
-
Car park
Charges may apply
- Leisure/ TV room
- Garden area
The comfortable hostel is a 14-minute stroll from the Cairns Showgrounds and around 10 minutes' drive from such cultural venues as the Underart Gallery. The Cairns City Library is merely 1.9 km from this hostel.
Guests can visit the Muddy's Playground, an ideal spot for family time an 18-minute stroll away.
The rooms feature a balcony, as well as such comforts as climate control.
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Popular choice
Yha Cairns Central
- Shared kitchen
-
Car park
US$ 7.13 per day
- Express check-in/ -out
- Air conditioning
- Billiard tables
- Outdoor swimming pool
Offerring a location not far from the Cairns Showgrounds, the hostel is in the vicinity of entertainment venues including the Cairns Marlin Marina, which is 13 minutes' stroll away. In addition, the Samurai Gallery Australia can be found just 550 m from the Cairns hostel.
Yha Cairns Central hostel is about 5 minutes' walk from the Rusty's Markets and in close proximity to Cairns Family Court.
- Shared kitchen
-
Car park
US$ 7.13 per day
- Express check-in/ -out
- Air conditioning
- Billiard tables
- Outdoor swimming pool
Offerring a location not far from the Cairns Showgrounds, the hostel is in the vicinity of entertainment venues including the Cairns Marlin Marina, which is 13 minutes' stroll away. In addition, the Samurai Gallery Australia can be found just 550 m from the Cairns hostel.
Yha Cairns Central hostel is about 5 minutes' walk from the Rusty's Markets and in close proximity to Cairns Family Court.
Mad Monkey Waterfront
- BBQ facilities
-
Car park
US$ 3.57 per day
- VIP check-in/ -out
- Air conditioning
- Leisure/ TV room
- Luggage storage
Staying at this hostel in Cairns, guests will also find entertainment venues in the vicinity, including the Cairns Marlin Marina, which is around 700 metres away. There is Ocean Free & Ocean Freedom not far from the intimate hostel.
Mad Monkey Waterfront hostel offers an unbeatable location 9 minutes' walk from Cairns ZOOM and Wildlife Dome.
- BBQ facilities
-
Car park
US$ 3.57 per day
- VIP check-in/ -out
- Air conditioning
- Leisure/ TV room
- Luggage storage
Staying at this hostel in Cairns, guests will also find entertainment venues in the vicinity, including the Cairns Marlin Marina, which is around 700 metres away. There is Ocean Free & Ocean Freedom not far from the intimate hostel.
Mad Monkey Waterfront hostel offers an unbeatable location 9 minutes' walk from Cairns ZOOM and Wildlife Dome.
Summer House Cairns
- Shared kitchen
- Free shuttle service
- 24-hour reception
- Air conditioning
- Entertainment
- Outdoor swimming pool
Offerring a location 2.9 km from Cairns ZOOM and Wildlife Dome, the comfortable hostel is in the vicinity of entertainment venues including the Cairns Marlin Marina, which is 2.8 km away. The Dancers is right around the corner from the Cairns property.
Summer House Cairns hostel allows guests to enjoy such natural sights as the flecker Cairns Botanic Gardens, located about 30 minutes' walk away.
Summer House Cairns
- Shared kitchen
- Free shuttle service
- 24-hour reception
- Air conditioning
- Entertainment
- Outdoor swimming pool
Summer House Cairns
Offerring a location 2.9 km from Cairns ZOOM and Wildlife Dome, the comfortable hostel is in the vicinity of entertainment venues including the Cairns Marlin Marina, which is 2.8 km away. The Dancers is right around the corner from the Cairns property.
Summer House Cairns hostel allows guests to enjoy such natural sights as the flecker Cairns Botanic Gardens, located about 30 minutes' walk 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
Staying at the hostel in Cairns, guests will also find entertainment venues in the vicinity, including the Cairns Marlin Marina, which is nearly 10 minutes away by car. The Cairns hostel is within reach of the Muddy's Playground.
The Great Barrier Reef is merely 1.5 km from this property.
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
Staying at the hostel in Cairns, guests will also find entertainment venues in the vicinity, including the Cairns Marlin Marina, which is nearly 10 minutes away by car. The Cairns hostel is within reach of the Muddy's Playground.
The Great Barrier Reef is merely 1.5 km from this property.
Mad Monkey Central
- BBQ facilities
- 24-hour security
- Air conditioning
- Leisure/ TV room
- Entertainment
- Sun terrace
The Cairns Civic Theater is around 400 metres from the hostel, and natural sites like Cairns ZOOM and Wildlife Dome are just 1.8 km away. In addition, the Rusty's Markets can be found not far from the Cairns hostel.
The Bustling Cairns Night Indoor Markets is 14 minutes' walk from the accommodation.
- BBQ facilities
- 24-hour security
- Air conditioning
- Leisure/ TV room
- Entertainment
- Sun terrace
The Cairns Civic Theater is around 400 metres from the hostel, and natural sites like Cairns ZOOM and Wildlife Dome are just 1.8 km away. In addition, the Rusty's Markets can be found not far from the Cairns hostel.
The Bustling Cairns Night Indoor Markets is 14 minutes' walk from the accommodation.
The Jack Backpackers
- BBQ facilities
- Car park
- VIP check-in/ -out
- Air conditioning
- Live entertainment
- Terrace
The hostel is merely 1.2 km from the St Monica's Cathedral and within a few blocks of such cultural venues as the Cairns City Library. The Josephine Falls can be reached approximately 10 minutes' walk from the property.
The 107-room The Jack Backpackers hostel allows guests to enjoy such natural sights as the Munro Martin Parklands, located 950 metres away.
Certain rooms include a balcony and a mini-kitchen, as well as amenities like coffee and tea making equipment for guests' added comfort. Some rooms provide a flat-screen TV with satellite channels to enhance guests' leisure time.
- BBQ facilities
- Car park
- VIP check-in/ -out
- Air conditioning
- Live entertainment
- Terrace
The hostel is merely 1.2 km from the St Monica's Cathedral and within a few blocks of such cultural venues as the Cairns City Library. The Josephine Falls can be reached approximately 10 minutes' walk from the property.
The 107-room The Jack Backpackers hostel allows guests to enjoy such natural sights as the Munro Martin Parklands, located 950 metres away.
Certain rooms include a balcony and a mini-kitchen, as well as amenities like coffee and tea making equipment for guests' added comfort. Some rooms provide a flat-screen TV with satellite channels to enhance guests' leisure time.
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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 the Cairns City Library, the hostel is just 1.8 km from worship locations like the St Monica's Cathedral. In addition, the Rusty's Markets can be found a 25-minute walk from the Cairns hostel.
Redhill Cairns Living - Pembroke St hostel invites sports fans to visit Lagoon Public Swimming Pool, which is 2.6 km away.
Along with views of the garden, this Cairns hostel offers 44 rooms, some of which come with an adjoining terrace and a balcony.
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 the Cairns City Library, the hostel is just 1.8 km from worship locations like the St Monica's Cathedral. In addition, the Rusty's Markets can be found a 25-minute walk from the Cairns hostel.
Redhill Cairns Living - Pembroke St hostel invites sports fans to visit Lagoon Public Swimming Pool, which is 2.6 km away.
Along with views of the garden, this Cairns hostel offers 44 rooms, some of which come with an adjoining terrace and a balcony.
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