The 10 best hostels in Cairns, Australia | Booking.com
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The best hostels in Cairns

Some of the best backpacker spots in Cairns

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Travellers Oasis

Cairns

Conveniently situated in the heart of Cairns, opposite the Cairns Central Shopping Centre and Cairns train station, Travellers Oasis presents an inviting accommodation option featuring an outdoor...

A
Annelies
From
Australia
Such a lovely hostel! So beautiful and peaceful, I loved my stay. Staff was super friendly. Incredible vibes, it felt more like a home than a hostel. Would definitely come back!
Scored out of 10, guest rating 9.2
Superb - What previous guests thought, 1,663 reviews
Price from
€ 75.43
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.

C
Chun Fai
From
Belgium
Great location close to central station and close to the nightmarket.
Scored out of 10, guest rating 9.0
Superb - What previous guests thought, 1,239 reviews
Price from
€ 62.86
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...

L
Laura
From
Spain
Everything is sparkling clean and new
Scored out of 10, guest rating 9.5
Exceptional - What previous guests thought, 22 reviews
Price from
€ 94.98
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.

P
Paige
From
Australia
Beautiful Old Queenslander done up so modern! Toilets and showers are great and always clean.
Scored out of 10, guest rating 8.8
Fabulous - What previous guests thought, 1,433 reviews
Price from
€ 84.63
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.

R
Rofael
From
Australia
Every thing was fantastic and the room was quite.the building is spacious.all the people were friendly and respectful.
Scored out of 10, guest rating 8.2
Very good - What previous guests thought, 1,195 reviews
Price from
€ 70.68
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.

S
Samuel
From
Australia
Helpful staff. Really cozy vibe. Bed with curtains is great for some privacy. Good amount of storage space in the room with a locker and drawer under the bed. Nice outdoor space in the back.
Scored out of 10, guest rating 8.2
Very good - What previous guests thought, 617 reviews
Price from
€ 45.55
1 night, 2 adults

Mad Monkey Waterfront

Cairns

At Mad Monkey Waterfront we offer an affordable and clean accommodation in the heart of Cairns, the gateway to the Great Barrier Reef.

A
Anonymous
From
Portugal
Highly recommend! The staff at the hostel are incredibly friendly and always ready to help with anything you need. The rooms are spacious and comfortable, and the common areas offer plenty of room to relax or socialize. I was especially impressed by how clean the in-room bathrooms were—everything felt fresh and well looked after. Overall, the facilities are very well-maintained, making for a smooth and enjoyable stay.
Scored out of 10, guest rating 8.1
Very good - What previous guests thought, 551 reviews
Price from
€ 54.36
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...

G
Guy
From
Australia
Room size
Scored out of 10, guest rating 8.2
Very good - What previous guests thought, 286 reviews
Price from
€ 61.46
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
Christiane
From
Australia
Last minute booking, close to airport.
Scored out of 10, guest rating 7.7
Good - What previous guests thought, 1,763 reviews
Price from
€ 47.87
1 night, 2 adults

The Jack Backpackers

Cairns

Guests enjoy FREE WIFI, NEW Air Cons, FREE Lockers, FREE Netflix available in common lounge area & private ensuite rooms with an on-site bar and restaurant downstairs!

N
Noam
From
Germany
Mostly great except for the kitchen
Scored out of 10, guest rating 7.2
Good - What previous guests thought, 1,766 reviews
Price from
€ 49.92
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 this month

See all
  • Popular with guests booking hostels in Cairns

    Scored out of 10, guest rating 7.7
    Good - What previous guests thought, 1,763 reviews
  • Popular with guests booking hostels in Cairns

    Scored out of 10, guest rating 8.5
    Very good - What previous guests thought, 1,994 reviews
  • Popular with guests booking hostels in Cairns

    Scored out of 10, guest rating 7.9
    Good - What previous guests thought, 2,484 reviews
  • Popular with guests booking hostels in Cairns

    Scored out of 10, guest rating 7.7
    Good - What previous guests thought, 2,082 reviews
  • Popular with guests booking hostels in Cairns

    Scored out of 10, guest rating 7.2
    Good - What previous guests thought, 1,766 reviews
  • Popular with guests booking hostels in Cairns

    Scored out of 10, guest rating 9.5
    Exceptional - What previous guests thought, 22 reviews
  • Popular with guests booking hostels in Cairns

    Scored out of 10, guest rating 8.2
    Very good - What previous guests thought, 286 reviews
  • Popular with guests booking hostels in Cairns

    Scored out of 10, guest rating 7.6
    Good - What previous guests thought, 640 reviews
  • Popular with guests booking hostels in Cairns

    Scored out of 10, guest rating 9.2
    Superb - What previous guests thought, 1,663 reviews
  • Popular with guests booking hostels in Cairns

    Scored out of 10, guest rating 9.0
    Superb - What previous guests thought, 1,239 reviews

Save money on hostels in Cairns – budget options available!

  • Dreamtime Hostel

    Cairns
    Budget options available
    Scored out of 10, guest rating 9.0
    Superb - What previous guests thought, 1,239 reviews

    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.

    Guest review
    Everything was so easy! Good staff clean Great vibes just loved it
  • Little Drifter Cairns

    Cairns
    Budget options available
    Scored out of 10, guest rating 9.5
    Exceptional - What previous guests thought, 22 reviews

    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...

    Guest review
    Great location, safe and clean hostel. Very nice staff, especially Alex, thank you!
  • Mad Monkey Village

    Cairns
    Budget options available
    Scored out of 10, guest rating 8.2
    Very good - What previous guests thought, 1,195 reviews

    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.

    Guest review
    The hostel was very clean and lot of staff member everywhere.
  • Mumma's Hostel Cairns

    Cairns
    Budget options available
    Scored out of 10, guest rating 8.2
    Very good - What previous guests thought, 617 reviews

    Mumma's Hostel Cairns has an outdoor swimming pool, garden, a shared lounge and terrace in Cairns.

    Guest review
    Very good hostel, clean, good vibe, friendly staff
  • Mad Monkey Waterfront

    Cairns
    Budget options available
    Scored out of 10, guest rating 8.1
    Very good - What previous guests thought, 551 reviews

    At Mad Monkey Waterfront we offer an affordable and clean accommodation in the heart of Cairns, the gateway to the Great Barrier Reef.

    Guest review
    I like that is not too big property and it feels like a home :)
  • The Jack Backpackers

    Cairns
    Budget options available
    Scored out of 10, guest rating 7.2
    Good - What previous guests thought, 1,766 reviews

    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!

    Guest review
    Very central location, easy to get around the city
  • YHA Cairns Central

    Cairns
    Budget options available
    Scored out of 10, guest rating 7.9
    Good - What previous guests thought, 2,484 reviews

    YHA Cairns Central is located just 15 minutes' walk from The Esplanade and Trinity Wharf. It features an outdoor swimming pool, 2 spas, and a free Wi-Fi hotspot.

    Guest review
    Clean, quiet, good pool, good facilities. Well located
  • Mad Monkey Central

    Cairns
    Budget options available
    Scored out of 10, guest rating 7.6
    Good - What previous guests thought, 640 reviews

    Offering an outdoor pool, barbecue and sun terrace, Mad Monkey Central is situated in Cairns in the Queensland Region, 400 metres from Cairns Convention Centre.

    Guest review
    Really good vibes & energy, feels like a familyy

Great access to the city centre! Check these hostels in Cairns

  • Travellers Oasis

    Cairns
    Central location
    Scored out of 10, guest rating 9.2
    Superb - What previous guests thought, 1,663 reviews

    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...

    Guest review
    Perfect place to relax and to meet friendly people
  • Scored out of 10, guest rating 8.8
    Fabulous - What previous guests thought, 1,433 reviews

    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.

    Guest review
    Good service nice little back beer garden handy to town
  • Scored out of 10, guest rating 8.5
    Very good - What previous guests thought, 1,994 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.

    Guest review
    The location was great, and also it was really clean
  • Scored out of 10, guest rating 8.2
    Very good - What previous guests thought, 286 reviews

    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...

    Guest review
    The staff, the vibes, the room, the location, the price.
  • Scored out of 10, guest rating 8.2
    Very good - What previous guests thought, 108 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.

    Guest review
    Breakfast? I could get breakfast, why wasn't I told.
  • Scored out of 10, guest rating 8.2
    Very good - What previous guests thought, 12 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.

  • Scored out of 10, guest rating 7.7
    Good - What previous guests thought, 2,082 reviews

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

    Guest review
    the fact that the bathroom were inside my bedroom.
  • Scored out of 10, guest rating 7.7
    Good - What previous guests thought, 1,763 reviews

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

    Guest review
    Friendly, A space dedicated to sharing and exchange
  • Scored out of 10, guest rating 7.7
    Good - What previous guests thought, 48 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.

    Guest review
    the ease of getting there and the tranquility of the place
  • Scored out of 10, guest rating 7.1
    Good - What previous guests thought, 585 reviews

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

    Guest review
    The bedroom was confortable and the owner was so nice.
  • Scored out of 10, guest rating 6.5
    Pleasant - What previous guests thought, 939 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.

    Guest review
    No breakfast Kitchen and pool area was excellent

FAQ about hostels in Cairns

Hostels that guests love in Cairns

See all
  • Scored out of 10, guest rating 7.7
    Good - What previous guests thought, 839 reviews
    Best hostel in Cairns. Super social, nice events and cheap drinks at the bar. Location is in the heart of the city and you can literally walk everywhere in 5 minutes. Will definetly be back one day
    Guest review by
    Piccioni
    Solo traveller
  • Scored out of 10, guest rating 8.5
    Very good - What previous guests thought, 1,994 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
  • Scored out of 10, guest rating 9.2
    Superb - What previous guests thought, 1,663 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: € 69.84
    Scored out of 10, guest rating 9.0
    Superb - What previous guests thought, 1,239 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: € 67.47
    Scored out of 10, guest rating 7.6
    Good - What previous guests thought, 640 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
  • Scored out of 10, guest rating 9.2
    Superb - What previous guests thought, 1,663 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: € 105.60
    Scored out of 10, guest rating 7.7
    Good - What previous guests thought, 583 reviews
    The cleanliness, it's cleaned at a 5star standard which I loved by karen, nothing was to much effort. I stayed for few weeks, made use of pool and great facilities. Very cheap stay for excellent quality. Highly recommended. It's next to major rd, but u don't hear noise. Close to shops & bus stop. Staff are amazing only to willing to help. Very much appreciated. If your on a budget this is definitely the place to stay. You won't be disappointed.
    Guest review by
    Pruedence
    Solo traveller
  • Avg. price/night: € 125.71
    Scored out of 10, guest rating 7.7
    Good - What previous guests thought, 2,082 reviews
    very Social place if you like to party, cheap drinks for hostel guests. was pretty clean and even had a little workout room; pool area is very big and chill great location next to Rusty’s Market
    Guest review by
    Victoria
    Solo traveller
  • Scored out of 10, guest rating 8.5
    Very good - What previous guests thought, 1,994 reviews
    Kitchen has a terrace which looks across the esplanade, so nice to sit & cook up there. Each floor of rooms had a sofa area outside to chill which I’ve never seen in a hostel before & was great to have a space other than your bunk bed. Great location & cheap
    Guest review by
    Nahum
    Young couple
  • Avg. price/night: € 67.47
    Scored out of 10, guest rating 7.6
    Good - What previous guests thought, 640 reviews
    As a backpacker, one of the best hostels I've been to, the hostel itself is very welcoming and the people very close. I've been here for a month and a half and I've felt at home. It is great that breakfast is included and the kitchen is very large and clean, there is no space problem as it usually happens in other hostels. There is a bar in the hostel and the drinks are cheap, they also hold events in the hostel and it allows you to meet a lot of people. Would repeat again without a doubt!!
    Guest review by
    Laia
    Solo traveller

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