Search Cairns Hostels

    calendar shield illustration

    Change your mind

    Book hotels with free cancellation
    deals illustration

    Treat yourself

    Sign in to save 10% or more on thousands of hotels
    Sign in
    bed illustration

    Be picky

    Search almost a million properties worldwide

Check prices for these dates

Next weekend
15 Aug - 17 Aug
In two weeks
22 Aug - 24 Aug
In one month
5 Sept - 7 Sept
In two months
3 Oct - 5 Oct

Featured Hostels in Cairns

Gilligan's Backpackers Hotel & Resort
Relax by the pool surrounded by lush greenery and enjoy a refreshing drink at the bar.

Gilligan's Backpackers Hotel & Resort

2.0 star property
8.0 out of 10, Very good, (417)
"Loved it, was the last 2 nights of our 4 weeks trip that we started in Melbourne, would definitely stay here again if I visit cairns again "
The price is AU$200
includes taxes & fees
4 Sept - 5 Sept
Gilligan's Backpackers Hotel & Resort
YHA Cairns Central
Relax by the serene pool surrounded by lush foliage and lounge in comfort on the patio.

YHA Cairns Central

2.0 star property
8.4 out of 10, Very good, (191)
"Very friendly and comfortable!"
The price is AU$111
includes taxes & fees
21 Aug - 22 Aug
YHA Cairns Central
Little Drifter Cairns
Relax on the elevated deck with a sofa and table, surrounded by lush trees and potted plants.

Little Drifter Cairns

2.0 star property
8.2 out of 10, Very good, (179)
"Absolutely lovely environment"
The price is AU$205
includes taxes & fees
12 Aug - 13 Aug
Little Drifter Cairns
Cairns City Backpackers Hostel
Relax by the serene pool surrounded by lush tropical vegetation and vibrant plants.

Cairns City Backpackers Hostel

2.0 star property
6.6 out of 10, (38)
"Location excellent close to centre and public transport. Staff very helpful building and facilities are rather tired I enjoyed my stay and very good value for money. "
Cairns City Backpackers Hostel
MiHaven Shared Living – Martyn St - Hostel
Enjoy dining or relaxing on the balcony with a table and bench set, surrounded by lush greenery and a view of the surrounding area.

MiHaven Shared Living – Martyn St - Hostel

2.0 star property
8.8 out of 10, Excellent, (3)
MiHaven Shared Living – Martyn St - Hostel
MiHaven Shared Living - Gatton St
Stunning two-story residence with a balcony and beautifully maintained garden.

MiHaven Shared Living - Gatton St

2.0 star property
10.0 out of 10, Exceptional, (1)
MiHaven Shared Living - Gatton St
Caravella Backpackers
Stroll through our lush courtyard, surrounded by vibrant plants and palm trees, and enjoy the tranquil atmosphere.

Caravella Backpackers

2.0 star property
8.4 out of 10, Very good, (142)
"Loved my stay at Caravellas. Really great location on the Esplanade. Very friendly. Staff were great. Highly recommend "
The price is AU$130
includes taxes & fees
10 Aug - 11 Aug
Caravella Backpackers
Travellers Paradise Heritage Historical Place - Hostel
Relax by the serene pool surrounded by lush greenery and shaded seating.

Travellers Paradise Heritage Historical Place - Hostel

2.0 star property
7.6 out of 10, Good, (98)
"Clean and friendly accommodation across the road from the station "
The price is AU$210
includes taxes & fees
2 Sept - 3 Sept
Travellers Paradise Heritage Historical Place - Hostel
The Espy Hostel
Relax by the pool surrounded by comfortable seating and colorful pool floats.

The Espy Hostel

2.0 star property
7.6 out of 10, Good, (81)
"It was a quiet and comfortable environment"
The Espy Hostel
MiHaven Shared Living - Pembroke St
Relax by the pool overlooking the ocean.

MiHaven Shared Living - Pembroke St

2.0 star property
9.0 out of 10, Wonderful, (2)
"It was a shame that one washing machine was broken."
MiHaven Shared Living - Pembroke St
Global Backpackers Cairns
Pool

Global Backpackers Cairns

2.0 star property
9.6 out of 10, Exceptional, (29)
"Walking distance to most places. Super clean. Excellent room. Comfortable bed. Had a queen room with it’s own shower. Would recommend and would absolutely stay there again. "
Global Backpackers Cairns
Njoy Backpackers Hostel
Outdoor pool

Njoy Backpackers Hostel

1.0 star property
7.6 out of 10, Good, (85)
"The hostel is really nice. They have a free bus to the esplanade and free breakfast."
Njoy Backpackers Hostel
Nomads Esplanade
Outdoor pool

Nomads Esplanade

2.0 star property
5.0 out of 10, (17)
"When we got there we found out the hotel didnt exist anymore. After a bit of exploring we found where we were booked, and it was crummy to say the least"
Nomads Esplanade
Travellers Oasis - Hostel
Relax by the inviting pool surrounded by palm trees and lounge chairs.

Travellers Oasis - Hostel

2.0 star property
9.4 out of 10, Exceptional, (51)
Travellers Oasis - Hostel
Dreamtime Travellers Rest Hostel
Outdoor pool

Dreamtime Travellers Rest Hostel

2.0 star property
8.2 out of 10, Very good, (67)
"Staff very great, place with comfortable, youg people, all perfect even if we could hear other couple in bedrooms around us.."
Dreamtime Travellers Rest Hostel
Waterfront Backpackers - Hostel
Welcome to the JAL reception area, where friendly staff are available to assist with your stay.

Waterfront Backpackers - Hostel

2.0 star property
5.4 out of 10, (42)
"Filthy. Bed had sand on it. Floors had weird stains. Air con locked out during peak heat times. Noisy. No lock on bathroom door leading directly from kitchen. "
Waterfront Backpackers - 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.
Save an average of 15% on thousands of hotels when you're signed in
Sign in
Sign up, it's free

Frequently asked questions

Should I stay in a hostel in Cairns?
By staying at a hostel, you can spend less on lodging and set aside more of your budget for exploring during your holiday. 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 many shapes and sizes, but all of them have a few qualities in common, including budget-friendly prices, a social atmosphere and shared rooms (though many hostels offer private room options too).
What are the best hostels in Cairns?
Based on reviews from our guests, these hostels in Cairns have the best ratings: YHA Cairns Central - Located steps from Cairns Central Shopping Centre. Guests can enjoy free Wi-Fi, an outdoor pool and tour/ticket assistance. Rooms come with showers, bed sheets and free Wi-Fi. Gilligan's Backpackers Hotel & Resort - Located within a 10-minute walk of Cairns Esplanade and Cairns Central Shopping Centre. You can take advantage of free Wi-Fi and a nightclub, as well as an outdoor pool. You'll find showers, bed sheets and free Wi-Fi in all rooms. Little Drifter Cairns - Located within a 5-minute walk of Cairns Esplanade. Property features include free Wi-Fi, tour/ticket assistance and laundry facilities. Rooms come with bed sheets and free Wi-Fi. Travellers Paradise Heritage Historical Place - Hostel - Located steps from Cairns Central Shopping Centre. You can take advantage of free Wi-Fi and free parking, as well as an outdoor pool. Rooms come with towels, showers and bed sheets. The Espy Hostel - Located within a 5-minute walk of Cairns Esplanade. Property features include free Wi-Fi, an outdoor pool and tour/ticket assistance. You'll find towels, bed sheets and free Wi-Fi in all rooms.
How many hostels will I find in Cairns?
If you're in the market for somewhere affordable to stay in Cairns, one of Expedia's 17 hostels could be a great option for you.
When is the best time of year to stay in a hostel in Cairns?
Good weather's always better when you're discovering new places, so here are some stats about the seasons: The hottest months are usually January and February, with an average temperature of 27°C, while the coldest months are August and July, with an average of 21°C. The rainiest months in Cairns are January, February, March and December, with each month seeing an average of 281 mm of rainfall.
What is there to see and do in Cairns?
Overall, Cairns is known for its coral reefs, rainforest and local tours. Get out into nature with places such as Esplanade Lagoon, Muddy's Playground and Cairns Esplanade Charles Street Parkland. Cultural attractions include Cairns Performing Arts Centre, Australian Armour and Artillery Museum and The 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, QLD (CNS-Cairns Intl.), located 3.5 mi (5.6 km) away from the city centre. Once you're on the ground, you might want to use public transport during your trip. To check out more of the area, take a train from Cairns Station, Freshwater Station or Redlynch Station.