Search Hostels in Cairns

  • Change your mind

    Book hotels with free cancellation

  • Treat yourself

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

  • Be picky

    Search almost a million properties worldwide

Check prices for these dates

Next weekend
17 Apr - 19 Apr
In two weeks
24 Apr - 26 Apr
In one month
8 May - 10 May
In two months
5 Jun - 7 Jun

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 291
AED 321 total
includes taxes & fees
13 Apr - 14 Apr
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, (439 reviews)
"Receptionist were lovely and this is such a good vibe rooms are clean location is perfect "
Australia
Sharni
The price is AED 532
AED 585 total
includes taxes & fees
21 Apr - 22 Apr
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, (219 reviews)
"Had a great stay, thanks!"
Australia
Ryoichi
The price is AED 213
AED 234 total
includes taxes & fees
12 Apr - 13 Apr
YHA Cairns Central
Exterior

Caravella Backpackers

Caravella Backpackers
2.0 star property
Cairns Central Business District
8.4 out of 10, Very Good, (150 reviews)
"Great hotel"
Norway
Åge
The price is AED 271
AED 298 total
includes taxes & fees
12 Apr - 13 Apr
Caravella Backpackers
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 346
AED 381 total
includes taxes & fees
17 Apr - 18 Apr
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)
"Great location, good vibes."
Australia
Harinath
The price is AED 256
AED 282 total
includes taxes & fees
17 Apr - 18 Apr
The Espy Hostel
Outdoor pool

Cairns City Backpackers Hostel

Cairns City Backpackers Hostel
2.0 star property
Parramatta Park
6.8 out of 10, (43 reviews)
"Receptionist lady Nico was courteous and accommodating. Room is clean and adequate. Will definitely recommend."
United States
Veralex
The price is AED 181
AED 181 total
includes taxes & fees
22 Apr - 23 Apr
Cairns City 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.
View all properties
Save an average of 15% on thousands of hotels when you're signed in
Sign in
Sign up, it's free

Top Cairns Hotel Reviews

Crystalbrook Riley

Crystalbrook Riley

10/10 Excellent
"Resort style hotel with an excellent location and friendly staff. "
Elamin 2-night trip
Posted 5 hours ago
Crystalbrook Riley

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: The Espy Hostel - Located within a 5-minute walk of Cairns Esplanade. You can take advantage of free WiFi and an outdoor pool, as well as tour assistance. You'll find towels, 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. 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 20-minute walk of Reef Fleet Terminal. Property features include free WiFi, an outdoor pool, and a restaurant. You'll find towels, showers, and TVs in all rooms. Little Drifter Cairns - Located within a 5-minute walk of Cairns Esplanade. You can take advantage of free WiFi and tour assistance, as well as laundry facilities. Rooms come with showers, bed sheets, and free WiFi.
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, Cairns Museum, and Tanks Arts Centre. 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.

Explore a world of travel with Expedia