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Check prices for these dates

Next weekend
13 Mar - 15 Mar
In two weeks
20 Mar - 22 Mar
In one month
3 Apr - 5 Apr
In two months
1 May - 3 May

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, (182 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 306
AED 338 total
includes taxes & fees
12 Mar - 13 Mar
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, (438 reviews)
"Great cheap place to stay"
United Kingdom
sarah
The price is AED 507
AED 560 total
includes taxes & fees
18 Mar - 19 Mar
Gilligan's Backpackers Hotel & Resort
Exterior

Caravella Backpackers

Caravella Backpackers
2.0 star property
Cairns Central Business District
8.4 out of 10, Very Good, (149 reviews)
"Great hotel"
Norway
Åge
The price is AED 273
AED 300 total
includes taxes & fees
4 Mar - 5 Mar
Caravella Backpackers
Outdoor pool

YHA Cairns Central

YHA Cairns Central
2.0 star property
Cairns Central Business District
8.4 out of 10, Very Good, (218 reviews)
"Had a great stay, thanks!"
Australia
Ryoichi
The price is AED 221
AED 243 total
includes taxes & fees
16 Mar - 17 Mar
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, (100 reviews)
"Property was very convenient for central Cairns. It was quiet and quaint, and very cosy."
Australia
David
The price is AED 375
AED 412 total
includes taxes & fees
10 Mar - 11 Mar
Travellers Paradise Heritage Historical Place - 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, (84 reviews)
"Peaceful and easy with the added bonus of international aromas "
Australia
Timothy
The price is AED 230
AED 253 total
includes taxes & fees
17 Mar - 18 Mar
The Espy Hostel
Outdoor pool

Cairns City Backpackers Hostel

Cairns City Backpackers Hostel
2.0 star property
Parramatta Park
6.8 out of 10, (42 reviews)
"Good location , easy to get around "
Australia
Chen
The price is AED 183
AED 183 total
includes taxes & fees
6 Mar - 7 Mar
Cairns City Backpackers Hostel
Outdoor pool

Dougies Backpackers

Dougies Backpackers
1.5 star property
Port Douglas
9.2 out of 10, Wonderful, (18 reviews)
"Great place, no complaints. "
United States
Kaidan
The price is AED 225
AED 248 total
includes taxes & fees
4 Mar - 5 Mar
Dougies Backpackers
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, (107 reviews)
"Room was great, walking distance to the lovely Yungaburra village, Peterson Creek walking track and platypus viewing platform. Also a lovely outdoor area with hammocks and eating area"
Australia
Ann
The price is AED 62
AED 68 total
includes taxes & fees
28 Mar - 29 Mar
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

Southern Cross Atrium Apartments

Southern Cross Atrium Apartments

10/10 Excellent
"Clean and spacious room. Property is close to lots of bars and restaurants. "
KEVIN 4-night trip
Posted 3 days ago
Southern Cross Atrium Apartments

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: 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. Rooms come with towels, bed sheets, and free WiFi. The Espy Hostel - Located within a 5-minute walk of Cairns Esplanade. Property features include free WiFi, an outdoor pool, and tour assistance. Rooms come with towels, bed sheets, and free WiFi. Gilligan's Backpackers Hotel & Resort - Located within a 10-minute walk of Cairns Esplanade and Reef Fleet Terminal. Property features include free WiFi, a nightclub, and an outdoor pool. Rooms come with showers, bed sheets, and free WiFi. Caravella Backpackers - Located within a 5-minute walk of Cairns Esplanade. Property features include free WiFi, an outdoor pool, and a restaurant. You'll find towels, showers, and TVs in all rooms. Cairns City Backpackers Hostel - Close to public transit, this property is within a 10-minute walk of Cairns Station. You can take advantage of free WiFi and free parking, as well as an outdoor pool. You'll find towels, bed sheets, and free WiFi in all rooms.
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 Cairns Performing Arts Centre, Australian Armour and Artillery Museum, 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.