Best Hostels in Cairns
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Best-rated
Travellers Oasis
- BBQ facilities
- Free parking
- Security
- Air conditioning
- Live entertainment
- Outdoor swimming pool
Staying at the hostel in Cairns, guests will also find entertainment venues in the vicinity, including the Cairns Marlin Marina, which is 1.5 km away. T Galleria by DFS is 16 minutes' stroll from the Cairns property.
The Cairns City Library is just 1.6 km from this hostel.
Offering a flat-screen TV with satellite channels, certain rooms at the property also have an individual safe for a more convenient stay.
- BBQ facilities
- Free parking
- Security
- Air conditioning
- Live entertainment
- Outdoor swimming pool
Staying at the hostel in Cairns, guests will also find entertainment venues in the vicinity, including the Cairns Marlin Marina, which is 1.5 km away. T Galleria by DFS is 16 minutes' stroll from the Cairns property.
The Cairns City Library is just 1.6 km from this hostel.
Offering a flat-screen TV with satellite channels, certain rooms at the property also have an individual safe for a more convenient stay.
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Beach access
Caravella Backpackers
- BBQ facilities
- Free parking
- VIP check-in/ -out
- Air conditioning
- Table tennis
- Outdoor swimming pool
Located 950 metres from Lagoon Public Swimming Pool, the hostel is a mere 1 km from the Samurai Gallery Australia. The shopping mall "Orchid Plaza" is within a few blocks of the Cairns accommodation.
Caravella Backpackers hostel boasts location within 10 minutes' walk of the Muddy's Playground.
- BBQ facilities
- Free parking
- VIP check-in/ -out
- Air conditioning
- Table tennis
- Outdoor swimming pool
Located 950 metres from Lagoon Public Swimming Pool, the hostel is a mere 1 km from the Samurai Gallery Australia. The shopping mall "Orchid Plaza" is within a few blocks of the Cairns accommodation.
Caravella Backpackers hostel boasts location within 10 minutes' walk of the Muddy's Playground.
Travellers Paradise
- Picnic area/ Tables
- Free parking
- VIP check-in/ -out
- Air conditioning
- Leisure/ TV room
- Outdoor swimming pool
Situated only 650 metres from the Josephine Falls, this heritage hostel is only 1.4 km from such sports venues as Lagoon Public Swimming Pool. Also, nature lovers will appreciate that the historical Travellers Paradise hostel is a short way from Cairns ZOOM and Wildlife Dome.
The nearby cultural landmarks include the Doongal Aboriginal Art Gallery Cairns, which is merely 1.2 km away.
Travellers Paradise hostel offers rooms with storage and provides guests with free wireless internet for a more enjoyable stay.
- Picnic area/ Tables
- Free parking
- VIP check-in/ -out
- Air conditioning
- Leisure/ TV room
- Outdoor swimming pool
Situated only 650 metres from the Josephine Falls, this heritage hostel is only 1.4 km from such sports venues as Lagoon Public Swimming Pool. Also, nature lovers will appreciate that the historical Travellers Paradise hostel is a short way from Cairns ZOOM and Wildlife Dome.
The nearby cultural landmarks include the Doongal Aboriginal Art Gallery Cairns, which is merely 1.2 km away.
Travellers Paradise hostel offers rooms with storage and provides guests with free wireless internet for a more enjoyable stay.
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.
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Guest favorite
Global Backpackers Youth Hostel
- Shared kitchen
- Housekeeping
- Air conditioning
- Flat-screen TV
- Fitness centre
- Sun terrace
The hostel is positioned approximately 400 metres from a central beach. In addition, Foot and Body Massage can be found within a few blocks of the property.
The Green Island is just a 7-minute walk away, and the Cairns Marlin Marina, available to diversify your stay, is merely 0.6 km away.
- Shared kitchen
- Housekeeping
- Air conditioning
- Flat-screen TV
- Fitness centre
- Sun terrace
The hostel is positioned approximately 400 metres from a central beach. In addition, Foot and Body Massage can be found within a few blocks of the property.
The Green Island is just a 7-minute walk away, and the Cairns Marlin Marina, available to diversify your stay, is merely 0.6 km away.
Mad Monkey Village
- BBQ facilities
- VIP check-in/ -out
- Air conditioning
- Leisure/ TV room
- Luggage storage
- Sun terrace
The hostel is 1.1 km from the Bustling Cairns Night Indoor Markets and 1.5 km from such cultural venues as the Doongal Aboriginal Art Gallery Cairns. Mad Monkey Village hostel is located a 20-minute stroll from the Cairns Marlin Marina.
This property is situated in proximity to the public Cairns Aquarium.
Rooms at the Cairns hostel come with a kitchen, while certain units include carpeted flooring.
Mad Monkey Village
- BBQ facilities
- VIP check-in/ -out
- Air conditioning
- Leisure/ TV room
- Luggage storage
- Sun terrace
Mad Monkey Village
The hostel is 1.1 km from the Bustling Cairns Night Indoor Markets and 1.5 km from such cultural venues as the Doongal Aboriginal Art Gallery Cairns. Mad Monkey Village hostel is located a 20-minute stroll from the Cairns Marlin Marina.
This property is situated in proximity to the public Cairns Aquarium.
Rooms at the Cairns hostel come with a kitchen, while certain units include carpeted flooring.
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$ 8.72 per day
- 24-hour reception
- Air conditioning
- Live entertainment
- Outdoor swimming pool
Situated 250 metres from such significant cultural landmarks as The Cairns Museum, this Cairns hostel is also a few steps from Martin College. The hostel is approximately 5 minutes on foot from Cairns Magistrates Court.
Gilligan'S Hotel & Resort Cairns hostel offers access to Cairns Night Indoor Markets, which is merely 600 metres away.
Providing a laptop-compatible safe, high-speed internet and a flat-screen TV with satellite channels, certain rooms also include an adjoining terrace and a balcony.
- Shared kitchen
-
Car park
US$ 8.72 per day
- 24-hour reception
- Air conditioning
- Live entertainment
- Outdoor swimming pool
Situated 250 metres from such significant cultural landmarks as The Cairns Museum, this Cairns hostel is also a few steps from Martin College. The hostel is approximately 5 minutes on foot from Cairns Magistrates Court.
Gilligan'S Hotel & Resort Cairns hostel offers access to Cairns Night Indoor Markets, which is merely 600 metres away.
Providing a laptop-compatible safe, high-speed internet and a flat-screen TV with satellite channels, certain rooms also include an adjoining terrace and a balcony.
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Top location
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Beach access
Mumma'S Hostel Cairns
- BBQ facilities
-
Car park
US$ 7.27 per day
- Express check-in/ -out
- Leisure/ TV room
- Entertainment
- Outdoor swimming pool
The hostel is located merely 1.1 km from Cairns ZOOM and Wildlife Dome and within reach of the Cairns Showgrounds. Natural sights in the area include the Munro Martin Parklands, about 300 metres from the Cairns hostel, and a beach is only a 13-minute walk away.
The Rusty's Markets is a mere 650 metres away, and the Cairns Marlin Marina, available to diversify your stay, is a mere 1.2 km away.
Some rooms welcome guests with free Wi-Fi, along with comforts like an iron with ironing board and air conditioning.
Mumma'S Hostel Cairns
- BBQ facilities
-
Car park
US$ 7.27 per day
- Express check-in/ -out
- Leisure/ TV room
- Entertainment
- Outdoor swimming pool
Mumma'S Hostel Cairns
The hostel is located merely 1.1 km from Cairns ZOOM and Wildlife Dome and within reach of the Cairns Showgrounds. Natural sights in the area include the Munro Martin Parklands, about 300 metres from the Cairns hostel, and a beach is only a 13-minute walk away.
The Rusty's Markets is a mere 650 metres away, and the Cairns Marlin Marina, available to diversify your stay, is a mere 1.2 km away.
Some rooms welcome guests with free Wi-Fi, along with comforts like an iron with ironing board and air conditioning.
Little Drifter Cairns
- Shared kitchen
- Express check-in/ -out
- Air conditioning
- Leisure/ TV room
- Luggage storage
- Terrace
Situated just 1.2 km from the St Monica's Cathedral, the Cairns hostel is in proximity to such sports venues as Lagoon Public Swimming Pool. The hostel is around 500 metres from the Cairns Marlin Marina.
Little Drifter Cairns hostel is only 7 minutes' walk from the Michaelmas Cay and right around the corner from the Green Island.
The Cairns hostel 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
Situated just 1.2 km from the St Monica's Cathedral, the Cairns hostel is in proximity to such sports venues as Lagoon Public Swimming Pool. The hostel is around 500 metres from the Cairns Marlin Marina.
Little Drifter Cairns hostel is only 7 minutes' walk from the Michaelmas Cay and right around the corner from the Green Island.
The Cairns hostel 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
This hostel is only 1.1 km from the Cairns Showgrounds and 2.3 km from such cultural venues as the Underart Gallery. The Cairns City Library is within 25 minutes' walk of the hostel.
Guests can visit the Muddy's Playground, an ideal spot for family time 1.5 km away.
- Shared kitchen
-
Car park
Charges may apply
- Leisure/ TV room
- Garden area
This hostel is only 1.1 km from the Cairns Showgrounds and 2.3 km from such cultural venues as the Underart Gallery. The Cairns City Library is within 25 minutes' walk of the hostel.
Guests can visit the Muddy's Playground, an ideal spot for family time 1.5 km away.
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Popular choice
Yha Cairns Central
- Shared kitchen
-
Car park
US$ 7.27 per day
- Express check-in/ -out
- Air conditioning
- Billiard tables
- Outdoor swimming pool
The Cairns hostel is situated in the Cairns Central Business district of Cairns, about 400 metres from the Rusty's Markets. The nearby sports attractions include Lagoon Public Swimming Pool, only a 13-minute walk away.
The Cairns Showgrounds is in the vicinity of the property.
- Shared kitchen
-
Car park
US$ 7.27 per day
- Express check-in/ -out
- Air conditioning
- Billiard tables
- Outdoor swimming pool
The Cairns hostel is situated in the Cairns Central Business district of Cairns, about 400 metres from the Rusty's Markets. The nearby sports attractions include Lagoon Public Swimming Pool, only a 13-minute walk away.
The Cairns Showgrounds is in the vicinity of the property.
Mad Monkey Waterfront
- BBQ facilities
-
Car park
US$ 3.63 per day
- VIP check-in/ -out
- Air conditioning
- Leisure/ TV room
- Luggage storage
Located 0.7 km from Lagoon Public Swimming Pool, the hostel is 10 minutes' drive from the flecker Cairns Botanic Gardens. There is Ocean Free & Ocean Freedom not far from the Cairns property.
Mad Monkey Waterfront hostel is situated within 700 metres of Cairns ZOOM and Wildlife Dome.
Offering amenities such as hairdryers and towels, the private bathrooms have a shower and a toilet.
- BBQ facilities
-
Car park
US$ 3.63 per day
- VIP check-in/ -out
- Air conditioning
- Leisure/ TV room
- Luggage storage
Located 0.7 km from Lagoon Public Swimming Pool, the hostel is 10 minutes' drive from the flecker Cairns Botanic Gardens. There is Ocean Free & Ocean Freedom not far from the Cairns property.
Mad Monkey Waterfront hostel is situated within 700 metres of Cairns ZOOM and Wildlife Dome.
Offering amenities such as hairdryers and towels, the private bathrooms have a shower and a toilet.
Summer House Cairns
- Shared kitchen
- Free shuttle service
- 24-hour reception
- Air conditioning
- Entertainment
- Outdoor swimming pool
The hostel is 2.9 km from Cairns ZOOM and Wildlife Dome and 2.7 km from such cultural venues as the Doongal Aboriginal Art Gallery Cairns. The Dancers is in close proximity to the Cairns property.
In proximity to Summer House Cairns hostel, guests will find natural sights, such as the flecker Cairns Botanic Gardens, which is 30 minutes' walk away.
Summer House Cairns
- Shared kitchen
- Free shuttle service
- 24-hour reception
- Air conditioning
- Entertainment
- Outdoor swimming pool
Summer House Cairns
The hostel is 2.9 km from Cairns ZOOM and Wildlife Dome and 2.7 km from such cultural venues as the Doongal Aboriginal Art Gallery Cairns. The Dancers is in close proximity to the Cairns property.
In proximity to Summer House Cairns hostel, guests will find natural sights, such as the flecker Cairns Botanic Gardens, which is 30 minutes' walk away.
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Beach access
Redhill Cairns Living - Martyn St
- BBQ facilities
-
Car park
US$ 6.54 per day
- VIP check-in/ -out
- Air conditioning
- Leisure/ TV room
- Tennis court
Offerring a location merely 1.5 km from the Great Barrier Reef, this Cairns hostel is in the vicinity of entertainment venues including the Cairns Marlin Marina, which is 2.5 km away. Nearby shopping destinations comprise the shopping mall "Orchid Plaza" (1.9 km) and the Bustling Cairns Night Indoor Markets (1.8 km) for visitors to explore.
Nearby cultural landmarks feature the Underart Gallery, located approximately 30 minutes' walk away.
Redhill Cairns Living - Martyn St
- BBQ facilities
-
Car park
US$ 6.54 per day
- VIP check-in/ -out
- Air conditioning
- Leisure/ TV room
- Tennis court
Redhill Cairns Living - Martyn St
Offerring a location merely 1.5 km from the Great Barrier Reef, this Cairns hostel is in the vicinity of entertainment venues including the Cairns Marlin Marina, which is 2.5 km away. Nearby shopping destinations comprise the shopping mall "Orchid Plaza" (1.9 km) and the Bustling Cairns Night Indoor Markets (1.8 km) for visitors to explore.
Nearby cultural landmarks feature the Underart Gallery, located approximately 30 minutes' walk away.
Mad Monkey Central
- BBQ facilities
- 24-hour security
- Air conditioning
- Leisure/ TV room
- Entertainment
- Sun terrace
Located in the centre of Cairns, the hostel gives easy access to the public Cairns Aquarium, which is just 0.7 km away. Also, nature lovers will appreciate that the Cairns hostel is around a 5-minute drive from Cairns ZOOM and Wildlife Dome.
The Bustling Cairns Night Indoor Markets is not far from the accommodation.
This Cairns hostel offers 189 spacious rooms with convenient amenities like climate control.
- BBQ facilities
- 24-hour security
- Air conditioning
- Leisure/ TV room
- Entertainment
- Sun terrace
Located in the centre of Cairns, the hostel gives easy access to the public Cairns Aquarium, which is just 0.7 km away. Also, nature lovers will appreciate that the Cairns hostel is around a 5-minute drive from Cairns ZOOM and Wildlife Dome.
The Bustling Cairns Night Indoor Markets is not far from the accommodation.
This Cairns hostel offers 189 spacious rooms with convenient amenities like climate control.
The Jack Backpackers
- BBQ facilities
- VIP check-in/ -out
- Air conditioning
- Flat-screen TV
- Live entertainment
- Terrace
Offerring a location within a few blocks of the St Monica's Cathedral, this Cairns hotel is in the vicinity of entertainment venues including the Cairns Marlin Marina, which is 0.7 km away. The hostel is just 9 minutes on foot from Cairns ZOOM and Wildlife Dome and approximately 200 metres from the Josephine Falls.
The Jack Backpackers hostel is also situated right near The Cairns Museum.
There are 107 rooms in the Cairns hostel, some of them come with tea and coffee-making facilities, as well as amenities like a flat-screen TV with satellite channels. Furnished with a writing table, some rooms also have a balcony and a kitchenette.
- BBQ facilities
- VIP check-in/ -out
- Air conditioning
- Flat-screen TV
- Live entertainment
- Terrace
Offerring a location within a few blocks of the St Monica's Cathedral, this Cairns hotel is in the vicinity of entertainment venues including the Cairns Marlin Marina, which is 0.7 km away. The hostel is just 9 minutes on foot from Cairns ZOOM and Wildlife Dome and approximately 200 metres from the Josephine Falls.
The Jack Backpackers hostel is also situated right near The Cairns Museum.
There are 107 rooms in the Cairns hostel, some of them come with tea and coffee-making facilities, as well as amenities like a flat-screen TV with satellite channels. Furnished with a writing table, some rooms also have a balcony and a kitchenette.
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Beach access
Redhill Cairns Living - Pembroke St
- BBQ facilities
-
Car park
US$ 6.54 per day
- VIP check-in/ -out
- Air conditioning
- Leisure/ TV room
- Garden area
Situated 2.2 km from the Cairns City Library, the hostel is 2.6 km from such sports venues as Lagoon Public Swimming Pool. In addition, the Rusty's Markets can be found within 25 minutes' walk of the Cairns hostel.
The St Monica's Cathedral, a prominent religious site, is just 1.8 km from the property.
Redhill Cairns Living - Pembroke St
- BBQ facilities
-
Car park
US$ 6.54 per day
- VIP check-in/ -out
- Air conditioning
- Leisure/ TV room
- Garden area
Redhill Cairns Living - Pembroke St
Situated 2.2 km from the Cairns City Library, the hostel is 2.6 km from such sports venues as Lagoon Public Swimming Pool. In addition, the Rusty's Markets can be found within 25 minutes' walk of the Cairns hostel.
The St Monica's Cathedral, a prominent religious site, is just 1.8 km from the property.
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 (1584 Reviews) |
From 35$ | |
| Caravella Backpackers |
8.7 / 10 (722 Reviews) |
From 23$ | |
| Travellers Paradise |
8.9 / 10 (1271 Reviews) |
From 49$ | |
| Dreamtime Hostel |
8.9 / 10 (1198 Reviews) |
From 82$ | |
| Global Backpackers Youth Hostel |
8.5 / 10 (1746 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