A coastal town with dense forest, a mountain, and a large body of water.

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Check prices for these dates

Next weekend
3 Jul - 5 Jul
In two weeks
10 Jul - 12 Jul
In one month
24 Jul - 26 Jul
In two months
21 Aug - 23 Aug

Our top choices for Cairns hostels

Terrace/patio

Little Drifter Cairns

Little Drifter Cairns
2.0 star property
Cairns Central Business District
8.2 out of 10, Very Good, (183 reviews)
"Very clean throughout, staff were excellent, I had a room near the dining, common area which was very noisy."
Australia
steven
The price is AED 338
AED 373 total
includes taxes & fees
28 Jul - 29 Jul
Little Drifter Cairns
Outdoor pool

Gilligan's Backpackers Hotel & Resort

Gilligan's Backpackers Hotel & Resort
2.0 star property
Cairns Central Business District
8.0 out of 10, Very Good, (443 reviews)
"Had a great stay at Gilligan's Hotel & Resort! It's a fun, social hostel atmosphere with the option of private rooms, which was the perfect combination for us. Our room was spacious, clean, and surprisingly quiet, making it easy to relax after a busy day exploring. The housekeeping service did a great job keeping everything tidy throughout our stay. One of the best parts was the variety of activities offered each day, making it easy to meet people and stay entertained. The onsite restaurant is...
United States
Heather
The price is AED 494
AED 546 total
includes taxes & fees
1 Jul - 2 Jul
Gilligan's Backpackers Hotel & Resort
Outdoor pool

YHA Cairns Central

YHA Cairns Central
2.0 star property
Cairns Central Business District
8.4 out of 10, Very Good, (224 reviews)
"Had a great stay, thanks!"
Australia
Ryoichi
The price is AED 228
AED 251 total
includes taxes & fees
29 Jun - 30 Jun
YHA Cairns Central
Exterior

Travellers Paradise Heritage Historical Place - Hostel

Travellers Paradise Heritage Historical Place - Hostel
2.0 star property
Parramatta Park
7.6 out of 10, Good, (101 reviews)
"Excellent "
Australia
Melissa
The price is AED 384
AED 424 total
includes taxes & fees
28 Jun - 29 Jun
Travellers Paradise Heritage Historical Place - Hostel
Exterior

Caravella Backpackers

Caravella Backpackers
2.0 star property
Cairns Central Business District
8.4 out of 10, Very Good, (154 reviews)
"Excellent quiet hostel that will make you feel at home!! The staff are all very friendly and the smaller size definitely makes it feel more homey. Would recommend if you are looking for a hostel to call "home" while you are away!"
Canada
Elizabeth
The price is AED 265
AED 291 total
includes taxes & fees
30 Jun - 1 Jul
Caravella Backpackers
Outdoor pool

Cairns City Backpackers Hostel

Cairns City Backpackers Hostel
2.0 star property
Parramatta Park
6.8 out of 10, (43 reviews)
"Good location , easy to get around "
Australia
Chen
The price is AED 177
AED 177 total
includes taxes & fees
28 Jun - 29 Jun
Cairns City Backpackers Hostel
Free WiFi, bed sheets

The Espy Hostel

The Espy Hostel
2.0 star property
Cairns Central Business District
7.6 out of 10, Good, (87 reviews)
"Great location"
Australia
Jennifer Ann
The price is AED 253
AED 280 total
includes taxes & fees
28 Jun - 29 Jun
The Espy Hostel
Comfort Double Room with Air-conditioning | Bathroom | Shower, towels

On The Wallaby Eco Lodge - Hostel

On The Wallaby Eco Lodge - Hostel
2.0 star property
Yungaburra
9.4 out of 10, Exceptional, (109 reviews)
"Nice and clean, great spot, always a good time when we stay here."
Australia
Mykle
The price is AED 124
AED 137 total
includes taxes & fees
18 Jul - 19 Jul
On The Wallaby Eco Lodge - Hostel
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
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Top Cairns Hotel Reviews

Shangri-La The Marina, Cairns

Shangri-La The Marina, Cairns

10/10 Excellent
"Lovely, spacious, clean room with a nice view. Pool could use a little love but otherwise enjoyable stay."
Beth 2-night trip
Posted 7 hours ago
Shangri-La The Marina, Cairns

Frequently asked questions

Should I stay in a hostel in Cairns?
By staying at a hostel you can cut your spending on lodging and use more of your money for going out during your stay. We've heard good things about this destination's natural setting, including its coral reefs and rainforests.
What is a hostel?
These dorm-style accommodations come in quite a few shapes and sizes, but they all have a few things in common, including budget-friendly prices, a social setting, and shared rooms (though many hostels offer private room options too).
What are the best hostels in Cairns?
Based on reviews from our customers, these hostels in Cairns are some of the most popular ones: Gilligan's Backpackers Hotel & Resort - Located within a 10-minute walk of Cairns Esplanade and Reef Fleet Terminal. Guests can enjoy free WiFi, a nightclub, and an outdoor pool. You'll find showers, bed sheets, and free WiFi in all rooms. YHA Cairns Central - Close to public transit, this property is within a 5-minute walk of Cairns Station. Guests can enjoy free WiFi, an outdoor pool, and tour assistance. You'll find towels, bed sheets, and free WiFi in all rooms. The Espy Hostel - Located steps from Esplanade Lagoon. Guests can enjoy free WiFi, an outdoor pool, and tour assistance. Rooms come with towels, bed sheets, and free WiFi. Little Drifter Cairns - Located within a 5-minute walk of Cairns Esplanade and Esplanade Lagoon. You can take advantage of free WiFi and tour assistance, as well as laundry facilities. You'll find showers, bed sheets, and free WiFi in all rooms. Caravella Backpackers - Located within a 20-minute walk of Esplanade Lagoon and Reef Fleet Terminal. Property features include free WiFi, an outdoor pool, and a restaurant. Rooms come with towels, showers, and TVs.
How many hostels will I be able to find in Cairns?
If you're hoping to find an affordable place to stay in Cairns, one of Expedia's 16 hostels might be a great choice.
When is the best time of year to stay in a hostel in Cairns?
Good weather's always better when you're experiencing new places, so here's a little information about the seasons: The hottest months are usually January and February with an average temp of 80°F, while the coldest months are August and July with an average of 70°F. The rainiest months in Cairns are January, February, March, and December, with each month seeing an average of 11 inches of rainfall.
What is there to see and do in Cairns?
In general, Cairns is known for its coral reefs, rainforest, and local tours. Get out into nature with places like Esplanade Lagoon, Cairns Esplanade Charles Street Parkland, and Crystal Cascades. Cultural attractions include Australian Armour and Artillery Museum, Tanks Arts Centre, and Cairns Museum. Locals like to shop at Cairns Night Markets and Cairns Central Shopping Centre.
What's the best way to get to and around Cairns while staying at a hostel?
Keep this information about transit options in Cairns on hand to make the most of your stay: You can fly into the nearest airport, which is Cairns Intl. Airport (CNS), located 3.5 mi (5.6 km) away from the city center. Once you've arrived, you might want to make use of public transit. To check out more of the area, catch a train at Cairns Station, Freshwater Station, or Redlynch Station.

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