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Cairns hostels
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68 Hostels in Cairns

Best Cairns hostels with breakfast

Among the 68 accommodations in Cairns, here are the 3 best hostels with breakfast

Mumma's Hostel Cairns - Cairns
8.8 1243 reviews

Mumma's Hostel Cairns

hostel, Cairns
Mumma's Hostel Cairns is conveniently located in the city centre, just 1.6 kilometres from Cairns Station and 1.3 kilometres from the Cairns Convention Centre. The hostel has received very good ratings for cleanliness and user experience, and an excellent rating for its location.
The hostel offers a shared kitchen, a games room, and a lounge with a terrace. Guests can enjoy the outdoor swimming pool and garden, barbecue facilities, and evening entertainment.
Rydges Esplanade Resort Cairns - Cairns
8.1 990 reviews

Rydges Esplanade Resort Cairns

hostel, Cairns
Rydges Esplanade Resort Cairns offers accommodation on the Esplanade, placing guests within easy reach of the city centre and waterfront attractions.
This resort provides complimentary internet, a swimming pool, a fitness centre, on-site dining, and transportation booking services, with rooms featuring air conditioning and some with balconies.
Yha Cairns Central - Cairns
9.0 1066 reviews

Yha Cairns Central

hostel, Cairns
Cairns Central YHA is conveniently located in the city centre, just a five-minute walk from The Esplanade and Trinity Wharf, making it ideal for exploring Cairns' attractions. The hostel has received very good ratings for cleanliness and user experience, with an excellent location rating.
The hostel offers a range of rooms, including private rooms with private bathrooms and dormitory rooms with shared bathrooms. Guests can enjoy a variety of amenities and activities, including a swimming pool, a spa, a restaurant, a bar, and a fitness centre.

Best Cairns hostels with a locker

Dreamtime Hostel - Cairns
9.0 1220 reviews

Dreamtime Hostel

hostel, Cairns
Dreamtime Hostel is located in a central district, mere metres from the Cairns Esplanade boardwalk and lagoon, within 500 metres of the Cairns Central Shopping Centre, and a short walk to the departure point for Great Barrier Reef tours and the Cairns Convention Centre.
This family-friendly hostel offers air-conditioned rooms, free Wi-Fi, a communal kitchen, a swimming pool, and a garden, with on-site parking available for guests.
Mad Monkey Waterfront - Cairns
8.9 1765 reviews

Mad Monkey Waterfront

hostel, Cairns
Mad Monkey Waterfront is on the Cairns Esplanade, just across the street from the lagoon, making it a great base for exploring the city and its attractions. The hostel has received excellent ratings for its location and cleanliness, and guests have praised its social atmosphere.
The accommodation offers a variety of room types, including dorms and private rooms. Guests can enjoy amenities such as a swimming pool, a terrace, a restaurant, a bar, and a fitness centre, as well as free Wi-Fi and access to a fully equipped kitchen.
Mad Monkey Jungle - Cairns
8.1 701 reviews

Mad Monkey Jungle

hostel, Cairns
Mad Monkey Jungle, a resort-style hostel, is centrally located in Cairns, a short walk from major attractions.
This accommodation offers air-conditioned rooms with private bathrooms and balconies or courtyard gardens, a swimming pool, a bar, and free ultra-fast WiFi, with a guest capacity of one person.
Mad Monkey Central - Cairns
8.0 2051 reviews

Mad Monkey Central

hostel, Cairns
Mad Monkey Central hostel in Cairns offers a prime location, a short walk from the Cairns Esplanade and major tour departure points for the Great Barrier Reef and Daintree Rainforest.
This Cairns hostel boasts a swimming pool, bar serving Coral Sea beer, a fully equipped kitchen, and free events, plus rooms ranging from dorms to private en-suite rooms.

Frequently asked questions about hostels in Cairns

  • What affordable attractions should backpackers visit in Cairns?

    Cairns has loads of free or cheap things to see. You can wander around the Cairns Botanic Gardens, explore the Esplanade Lagoon, or take a stroll along the Cairns Esplanade. If you're feeling adventurous, you could hike up to the top of Mount Whitfield for stunning views of the city.
  • What are the best hostels in Cairns?

    Among the hostels in Cairns, Travellers Oasis, Happytourcairns Sharehouse and Dreamtime Hostel are the most popular ones.

  • What nightlife options are popular among hostel guests in Cairns?

    The Woolshed is a popular spot for backpackers, with live music and a lively atmosphere. The Pier Bar is another good option, right on the waterfront with great views. And if you're looking for something a bit quieter, The Jacks Bar is a good choice for a relaxed drink.
  • What are the best hostels with a pool in Cairns?

    Travellers Oasis, Happytourcairns Sharehouse and Dreamtime Hostel are the best hostels with a pool in Cairns.

  • What budget-friendly events or festivals are taking place in and around Cairns?

    Cairns has a calendar packed with events throughout the year. The Cairns Indigenous Art Fair is a great opportunity to experience local culture, and the Cairns Festival is a month-long celebration of arts and culture. If you're looking for something a bit more active, the Cairns Ironman is a popular event.
  • What are the best hostels with a jacuzzi in Cairns?

    The best hostels with a jacuzzi in Cairns are Yha Cairns Central, Yha Cairns Central and Bohemia Resort Cairns.

  • What are the top social spots in Cairns for hostel guests to meet other travelers?

    The Woolshed is a great spot for meeting other backpackers, with live music and a lively atmosphere. The Gilligan's Backpackers is another good option, with a large common area and regular events. If you're looking for something a bit more relaxed, The Cairns Backpackers Hostel has a great rooftop bar.
  • What are the best hostels for families and kids in Cairns?

    The best hostels for families and kids in Cairns are Happytourcairns Sharehouse, Dreamtime Hostel and Mad Monkey Waterfront.

  • What’s the best budget-friendly way to reach Cairns?

    The best way to get to Cairns on a budget is to fly. There are often good deals available if you book in advance. If you're coming from another part of Australia, you could also catch a Greyhound bus, which is a more affordable option.
  • What are the best hostels with parking in Cairns?

    Travellers Oasis, Happytourcairns Sharehouse and Dreamtime Hostel are the best hostels with parking in Cairns.

  • What should you know before renting a hostel in Cairns?

    When choosing a hostel, it's important to consider its location. Hostels in the city centre are close to the action but can be noisy. Hostels in the northern beaches are quieter but further from the city centre. You should also check the hostel's facilities and reviews before booking.
  • What's the best time of the year to visit Cairns?

    The best time to visit Cairns is during the dry season, from May to October. The weather is warm and sunny, and there's less chance of rain. If you're looking for a bargain, the shoulder seasons (April-May and September-October) are good options too.
  • Where in Cairns can you find the best areas to stay in a hostel?

    The best areas to stay in a hostel are in the city centre, close to the action. The Esplanade is a great location, with plenty of restaurants, bars, and shops. You could also consider staying in the northern beaches, which are quieter and more relaxed.

Popular destinations

Best Cairns hostels with air conditioning

Dreamtime Hostel - Cairns
8.8 1175 reviews

Dreamtime Hostel

hostel, Cairns
Dreamtime Hostel is located just a short walk from Cairns city centre, offering easy access to shops, restaurants, and entertainment. The hostel has excellent location and cleanliness ratings, as well as a very good overall rating.
Dreamtime is a family-friendly hostel with a peaceful atmosphere. The hostel has a swimming pool, garden, and parking, as well as air conditioning and internet access.
Caravella Backpackers - Cairns
8.7 2372 reviews

Caravella Backpackers

hostel, Cairns
Caravella Backpackers is located in the heart of Cairns, just a short walk from Muddy's Playground, the Esplanade and the Marina. This hostel has been rated as very good by previous guests, making it a popular choice for travellers.
The hostel features a swimming pool, a restaurant and a fitness centre, giving guests plenty of options for relaxation and entertainment. There is also a kitchen, laundry facilities, a library and tour/ticket assistance, making it easy for travellers to get around and make the most of their stay.
Travellers Paradise - Cairns
9.1 10621 reviews

Travellers Paradise

hostel, Cairns
Dreamtime Travellers Rest is located in Cairns, just a short walk from the city centre and the Cairns Esplanade, offering easy access to the vibrant waterfront. The hostel has consistently received very good ratings for its cleanliness, location, and overall experience.
Dreamtime Travellers Rest is a family-friendly hostel with a relaxed atmosphere, perfect for travellers looking to unwind after exploring the Great Barrier Reef and Rainforest. Guests can enjoy a range of amenities including a swimming pool, a terrace, a garden, and a fitness centre, along with a restaurant and bar for socialising.
Little Drifter Cairns - Cairns
8.4 2157 reviews

Little Drifter Cairns

hostel, Cairns
The Village Cairns is conveniently located in central Cairns, just a short walk from the Cairns Convention Center and within easy reach of the city’s main attractions. This hostel has received very good ratings for its cleanliness and overall experience, while its location has been praised as excellent.
The accommodation offers a shared kitchen, lounge and terrace, perfect for socialising with fellow travellers. Guests can also benefit from a range of amenities including air conditioning, free Wi-Fi, a fitness centre and a restaurant, as well as tour organisation services.

Best Cairns hostels with laundry available

Global Backpackers Cairns - Cairns
9.0 773 reviews

Global Backpackers Cairns

hostel, Cairns
Global Backpackers Cairns is on the Cairns Esplanade, a short walk from the Lagoon, boardwalk, marina, restaurants, shops, and nightlife. The hostel has excellent location and cleanliness ratings, and a very good user rating.
The hostel offers a range of room types, from private rooms with balconies and en suites to shared dormitories. Guests can enjoy a rooftop lounge with a kitchen, a swimming pool, a terrace, a garden, a fitness centre, and free Wi-Fi and air conditioning.
Gilligan's Hotel & Resort Cairns - Cairns
8.7 6292 reviews

Gilligan's Hotel & Resort Cairns

hostel, Cairns
Gilligan's Hotel & Resort Cairns is located in the Cairns City Centre, just a short walk from Rusty's Market, the Esplanade and the Kuranda Railway Station. The hostel is rated very good for its overall experience, excellent for its location and good for its cleanliness.
The accommodation offers a range of room types, including spacious, air-conditioned rooms with private bathrooms and free bed linen. Guests can enjoy a range of amenities, including a swimming pool, a fitness centre, a restaurant, a bar and free Wi-Fi.
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