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Cairns hostels
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68 Hostels in Cairns

Best Cairns hostels with air conditioning

Mad Monkey Jungle - Cairns
8.1 709 reviews

Mad Monkey Jungle

hostel, Cairns
The Mad Monkey Jungle hostel is centrally located in Cairns, a short walk from major attractions.
This resort-style hostel offers a 380 square feet floor area with air conditioning, free ultra-fast WIFI, a swimming pool, a bar, and organized daily and nightly events.
Mumma's Hostel Cairns - Cairns
8.8 1106 reviews

Mumma's Hostel Cairns

hostel, Cairns
Mumma's Hostel Cairns is conveniently located in the city center, just a short walk from Cairns Station, the Cairns Convention Center, and The Cairns Civic Theater. The hostel receives very good ratings for user experience, cleanliness, and location.
Mumma's Hostel Cairns offers a range of amenities, including a shared kitchen, a swimming pool, a garden, and a terrace. Guests can enjoy activities like table tennis, darts, and barbecue facilities.
Travellers Oasis - Cairns
9.3 1516 reviews

Travellers Oasis

hostel, Cairns
Travelers Oasis is located in the Cairns Central district, just across from the Cairns Central Shopping Center and train station, a short walk from The Esplanade and The Pier. This hostel has excellent user ratings and very good location and cleanliness ratings.
The hostel offers a variety of rooms, including private doubles, twins, and singles, as well as dormitory rooms. Guests can enjoy free Wi-Fi, a swimming pool, a garden, a terrace, parking, and a tour desk.
Lake Central Cairns - Cairns
No reviews

Lake Central Cairns

hostel, Cairns
Koala Beach Resort Cairns offers budget-friendly rooms and dorms, a short walk (0.3 miles) from the Cairns Esplanade, Lagoon, and approximately half a mile from Trinity Wharf.
This Cairns lodging boasts a pool, on-site restaurant and bar, fully air-conditioned rooms with en-suite bathrooms and kitchenettes, plus assistance booking tours to the Great Barrier Reef and Kuranda.

Guest-Favorite Hostels with Breakfast Included in Cairns

No need to hunt for a cafe in the morning, as breakfast is included with these hostels in Cairns.

Mumma 'S Hostel Cairns - Cairns
8.8 126 reviews

Mumma 'S Hostel Cairns

hostel, Cairns
Mumma's Hostel Cairns offers a convenient stay in Cairns, with no specific location details or distances to landmarks provided.
This hostel provides amenities such as internet, air conditioning in some rooms, a swimming pool, terrace/balcony, garden, and parking, along with in-room entertainment and laundry service in select rooms.

Frequently Asked Questions about hostels in Cairns

  • What affordable attractions should backpackers visit in Cairns?

    Cairns has tons of free and cheap attractions! You can walk the Esplanade for stunning views, relax at the lagoon, or explore the Cairns Botanic Gardens. For a unique experience, head to the Flecker Botanic Gardens for a jungle walk.
  • What are the best hostels in Cairns?

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

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

    The nightlife scene in Cairns is pretty lively! The Woolshed is a popular spot for live music and dancing, while The Pier is known for its relaxed atmosphere and harbor views. If you're looking for something a bit more laid-back, check out the bars and restaurants in the city center.
  • What are the best hostels with a pool in Cairns?

    Travellers Oasis, Travellers Paradise 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 hosts a bunch of free events throughout the year! The Cairns Esplanade Markets are a great place to find local crafts and food, while the Cairns Indigenous Art Fair is a vibrant celebration of Aboriginal culture. If you're around in July, check out the Cairns Festival for live music, arts, and food.
  • 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?

    Cairns is a great place to meet other travelers! The Gilligan's Backpackers, the Rydges Esplanade Resort, and the Cairns Central YHA are all known for their social atmospheres and organized activities. Don't forget to check out the bars and restaurants in the city center, where you're sure to find other backpackers.
  • What are the best hostels for families and kids in Cairns?

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

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

    The cheapest way to get to Cairns is by flying. You can often find great deals on flights from major cities in Australia. If you're on a really tight budget, you could consider taking the train from Brisbane, but it's a long journey.
  • What are the best hostels with parking in Cairns?

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

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

    When booking a hostel in Cairns, make sure you check the location. Some hostels are closer to the city center, while others are further out. Also, consider the type of hostel you want. Some hostels are more social, while others are more relaxed. Don't forget to read reviews before you book!
  • 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 rainfall. If you're looking for a bargain, you might want to visit during the shoulder seasons, from April to May and September to October.
  • Where in Cairns can you find the best areas to stay in a hostel?

    The best areas to stay in a hostel in Cairns are the city center and the waterfront. These areas are close to all the action, including restaurants, bars, and shops. You'll also find a lot of hostels in the northern suburbs, which are a bit quieter and more affordable.

Popular destinations

Best Cairns hostels with a locker

Global Backpackers Cairns - Cairns
8.6 771 reviews

Global Backpackers Cairns

hostel, Cairns
Global Backpackers Cairns is located on the Cairns Esplanade, just steps away from the lagoon, boardwalk, marina, restaurants, shops, and nightlife. The hostel boasts excellent location and cleanliness ratings and very good user reviews.
The hostel features a rooftop lounge and kitchen with stunning views of the sunrise or sunset. Amenities include air conditioning, free Wi-Fi, a swimming pool, a terrace, a garden, a fitness center, and parking. Guests can also enjoy discounts at nearby bars and clubs, as well as evening activities held at the hostel's bar venues.
Little Drifter Cairns - Cairns
8.4 2095 reviews

Little Drifter Cairns

hostel, Cairns
The Village Cairns is located in the heart of Cairns, within a short walk from the Cairns Convention Center, Cairns Station, and the Cairns Regional Gallery. This hostel has received very good ratings for cleanliness and overall user experience, with an excellent location rating.
The Village Cairns features a shared kitchen, lounge, and terrace, providing a social space for travelers to connect. Amenities include air conditioning, a fitness center, and free Wi-Fi, along with a restaurant, concierge services, and tour organization to help guests explore Cairns.
Mad Monkey Waterfront - Cairns
8.8 1761 reviews

Mad Monkey Waterfront

hostel, Cairns
Mad Monkey Waterfront is right on the Cairns Esplanade, across from the lagoon and within easy walking distance of the Reef Terminal, Night Markets, restaurants, and shops. The hostel has earned very good ratings for cleanliness and an excellent rating for location.
The hostel offers a variety of room types, including mixed dorms, female dorms, and private doubles. It has a shared kitchen, a bar, a restaurant, a pool, a garden, a terrace, and a fitness center.
Dreamtime Hostel - Cairns
9.0 1220 reviews

Dreamtime Hostel

hostel, Cairns
Dreamtime Hostel in Cairns offers a central location with easy access to key attractions and public transport, making it ideal for budget-conscious travelers.
This hostel features air conditioning, a swimming pool, a garden, and on-site kitchen facilities, providing a practical option for longer stays.

Best Cairns hostels with laundry available

Cairns Crew - 8 Beds, Private Space - Cairns
No reviews

Cairns Crew - 8 Beds, Private Space

hostel
This Cairns City guesthouse is ideally located on the main strip, a two-minute walk from the Esplanade Lagoon and marina, and a ten-minute walk from the Cairns train station.
This one-bedroom rental offers four bunk beds sleeping up to eight guests, features a shared bathroom, kitchen with fridge, freezer, and microwave, air conditioning, free WiFi, and easy access to nearby parking.
Gilligan's Hotel & Resort Cairns - Cairns
8.6 6338 reviews

Gilligan's Hotel & Resort Cairns

hostel, Cairns
Gilligan's Hotel & Resort Cairns is conveniently located in the Cairns City Center, a short walk from Rusty's Market, the Reef Terminal, the Esplanade, and the Kuranda Railway Station. The hostel has received very good user ratings, with excellent location and good cleanliness ratings.
The hostel has modern communal kitchens and lounge areas on each floor, perfect for socializing or preparing meals. Amenities include a lagoon-style swimming pool, a fitness center, free Wi-Fi, and a range of other features, making it a great choice for travelers looking for a comfortable and convenient stay.
Cairns Crew - 8 Beds, Family & Friends - Cairns
No reviews

Cairns Crew - 8 Beds, Family & Friends

hostel
The Cairns Crew - 8 Beds, Family & Friends is a newly refurbished hostel located in Cairns City's central district, offering convenient access to the Great Barrier Reef, Esplanade Lagoon, and local cafes and bars. This accommodation provides 8 beds across one bedroom, featuring air conditioning, a garden, a kitchen with a fridge and microwave, and smart key app access to communal areas.
Travellers Paradise - Cairns
9.1 10719 reviews

Travellers Paradise

hostel, Cairns
Dreamtime Travellers Rest is located in Cairns, just a short walk from the city center, the Cairns Esplanade, and the Cairns Aquarium. The hostel boasts excellent ratings for cleanliness, location, and overall experience, making it a popular choice for travelers.
Dreamtime Travellers Rest offers a range of amenities for guests, including a swimming pool, a terrace, a garden, and a fitness center. Guests can also enjoy the on-site restaurant and bar, as well as take advantage of the hostel's eco-friendly practices, such as composting food waste and eliminating single-use plastic.

Find the Best Seaside Hostels in Cairns

Base your next beach-town trip at these seaside hostels in Cairns, situated short distances from local waterfront highlights.

Caravella Backpackers - Cairns
8.6 1419 reviews

Caravella Backpackers

hostel, Cairns

Browse Hostels with Parking in Cairns

Park up and enjoy the local coast; these Cairns hostels come with a free on-site parking spot.

Caravella Backpackers - Cairns
8.7 810 reviews

Caravella Backpackers

hostel, Cairns
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