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

Find Cheap Hotels 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 availability on Cairns Cheap Hotels

Tonight
6 Oct - 7 Oct
Tomorrow
7 Oct - 8 Oct
This weekend
9 Oct - 11 Oct
Next weekend
16 Oct - 18 Oct

Our top choices for Cairns cheap hotels

An aerial view of a resort with a swimming pool, palm trees, and a covered walkway.
A hotel entrance with a covered walkway, steps leading up to the entrance, and surrounding greenery.
A woman walking on a wooden pathway surrounded by lush greenery.
A well-maintained garden with a small pond, palm trees, and a variety of tropical plants.

1. Cairns Colonial Club Resort

Cairns Colonial Club Resort
Manunda
Australia
Anu
AED 370
AED 407 total
includes taxes & fees
19 Oct - 20 Oct
Cairns Colonial Club Resort
A modern two-story house with a covered patio, a driveway, and landscaped garden with palm trees.
A hotel room with a bed, a desk, a chair, a ceiling fan, and a painting on the wall.
A compact kitchen with a white door, wooden cabinets, a stainless steel refrigerator, and a microwave.
A modern living room with a gray sofa, a coffee table, and a dining area with wicker chairs.

2. Cairns Southgate Hotel

Cairns Southgate Hotel
Earlville
Australia
Rachel
AED 311
AED 346 total
includes taxes & fees
4 Nov - 5 Nov
Cairns Southgate Hotel
A pathway lined with palm trees and a building with a blue and beige exterior.
Two people playing with a beach ball in a pool surrounded by rocks and palm trees.
A row of two-story buildings with a green roof, a paved driveway, and surrounding greenery.
A pathway leading to a building with a red door, surrounded by lush greenery and palm trees.

3. Cairns Sunland Leisure Park

Cairns Sunland Leisure Park
Manoora
Australia
Stephen John
AED 190
AED 190 total
includes taxes & fees
8 Oct - 9 Oct
Cairns Sunland Leisure Park
An aerial view of a swimming pool surrounded by palm trees, with lounge chairs and a tiled deck area.
A reception area with a counter, a computer, and a sign for Indigenous Eco Tours. There are potted plants and a refrigerator with beverages.
A modern building with a covered entrance, steps leading up to the entrance, and a signboard.
A group of people on a dock with boats and a mountainous background.

4. YHA Cairns Central

YHA Cairns Central
Cairns Central Business District
United States
Kalin
AED 232
AED 255 total
includes taxes & fees
26 Oct - 27 Oct
YHA Cairns Central
A covered outdoor seating area with a sofa, round table, and potted plants.
A building with a sign reading "Little Drifter" and a covered outdoor seating area with string lights.
A cozy room with a laptop on a round wooden table, a green armchair, a small ottoman, and a wall-mounted light.
A person sitting on a window sill reading a book.

5. Little Drifter Cairns

Little Drifter Cairns
Cairns Central Business District
Australia
Ann
AED 274
AED 302 total
includes taxes & fees
27 Oct - 28 Oct
Little Drifter Cairns
A room with a wooden wardrobe, a metal shelf unit, and a green curtain.
A bed with two decorative pillows featuring tropical leaf patterns, a wooden headboard, and a bedside lamp.
A swimming pool with inflatable toys and lounge chairs.
A compact train compartment with bunk beds, a small kitchenette, and a foldable table.

6. The Espy Hostel

The Espy Hostel
Cairns Central Business District
Australia
Jennifer Ann
AED 226
AED 248 total
includes taxes & fees
13 Oct - 14 Oct
The Espy Hostel
A hotel room with two beds, a nightstand, and a lamp.
A pool area with a person swimming, surrounded by palm trees and a wooden deck with chairs and a table.
A living room with a blue sofa, a wooden coffee table, and a painting of a beach scene.
A reception desk with a dark wood finish, a large potted plant on the left, and a wall with a tropical leaf pattern.

7. Lake Central

Lake Central
Cairns Central Business District
Canada
Steven
AED 400
AED 439 total
includes taxes & fees
20 Oct - 21 Oct
Lake Central
A swimming pool surrounded by tropical plants and a house in the background.
A room with a wooden floor, a white bench with colorful cushions, and a window with white blinds.
A cozy reading area with two sofas, a small table, and a bookshelf.
A bedroom with a bed, a window with blinds, a shelf with folded towels, a potted plant, and a ladder.

8. Cairns City Backpackers Hostel

Cairns City Backpackers Hostel
Parramatta Park
Australia
ROBERT
AED 179
AED 179 total
includes taxes & fees
7 Oct - 8 Oct
Cairns City Backpackers Hostel
A resort with a swimming pool, outdoor seating, and palm trees.
A room with a wooden table and benches, computers, and posters on the wall.
A courtyard with a pool, palm trees, and a building with illuminated windows.
A courtyard with outdoor seating, a pool, and palm trees.

9. Caravella Backpackers

Caravella Backpackers
Cairns Central Business District
Norway
Åge
AED 267
AED 294 total
includes taxes & fees
11 Oct - 12 Oct
Caravella Backpackers
A pool area with lounge chairs and a bar area with umbrellas.
A Gili's restaurant with a tropical theme, featuring a curved wall with the restaurant's logo and the tagline "Stay, Play + Explore".
An indoor patio area with wooden tables and chairs, a hanging wicker light fixture, and a wall covered in green foliage.
A hotel room with two beds, a desk, a chair, a lamp, and a large window with a city view.

10. Gilligan's Backpackers Hotel & Resort

Gilligan's Backpackers Hotel & Resort
Cairns Central Business District
United States
Ashton
AED 496
AED 548 total
includes taxes & fees
6 Oct - 7 Oct
Gilligan's Backpackers Hotel & Resort
View all properties

Find out more about Cairns

Discover cheap things to do in Cairns

Cairns, a vibrant hub in Queensland, offers a plethora of exciting activities that won’t break the bank. Explore the stunning Cairns Esplanade, where you can stroll along the waterfront, enjoy free outdoor concerts, or take a dip in the large saltwater lagoon while the kids splash about. Don’t miss the bustling Night Markets, where you can sample affordable local cuisine and shop for unique souvenirs, all while soaking up the lively atmosphere. For nature lovers, the nearby Cairns Botanic Gardens provide a picturesque setting to wander among exotic plants, with free guided tours available for those seeking to learn more. Adventure seekers can embark on a budget-friendly day trip to the Great Barrier Reef, with various companies offering deals for snorkeling excursions. The city center and Esplanade area feature a range of budget accommodations, from cozy hostels to family-friendly motels, providing convenient access to attractions and eateries, allowing families to explore Cairns without the stress of long commutes. Enjoy the perfect blend of relaxation and adventure while staying in this lively locale that caters to every traveler’s needs.

Find the best cheap hotels in Cairns

For travelers seeking affordable accommodations in Cairns, these budget-friendly hotels offer great value without compromising on comfort. Discover cozy options that fit your wallet and provide essential amenities for a pleasant stay.Cairns City Apartments

  • Why it's great for a budget-friendly vacation: Cairns City Apartments stands out with a review rating of 9.0, providing an excellent budget accommodation experience. Guests can enjoy free self-parking and WiFi, along with spacious rooms equipped with kitchenettes for added convenience. The outdoor pool is a highlight, perfect for relaxation, while the furnished balconies offer lovely views of the surrounding area.
  • Other amenities: Additional amenities include air conditioning, a dishwasher, and a microwave for easy meal preparation. The hotel features a garden for leisurely strolls and mountain views for scenic enjoyment. Families will appreciate the cribs available and the overall child-friendly environment, making it a welcoming choice for all types of guests.
  • Neighborhood: Cairns Central Business District
  • Nearby attractions: Cairns Esplanade - 0.46 miles, Cairns Central Shopping Centre - 0.2 miles, The Cairns Museum - 0.43 miles

Aspect Central

  • Why it's great for a budget-friendly vacation: Aspect Central offers a budget-friendly experience with a review rating of 7.8, perfect for travelers looking for comfort on a budget. Guests can take advantage of free self-parking and free WiFi, alongside a refreshing outdoor pool. The hotel is situated in Cairns North, providing easy access to local attractions while ensuring a cozy stay with essential amenities.
  • Other amenities: In addition to the already mentioned perks, guests can enjoy air conditioning, a kitchenette for in-room dining, and a restaurant by the poolside. The hotel features a garden area, electric kettle, and convenient housekeeping services. For those looking to explore, nearby fitness facilities and outdoor activities are easily accessible.
  • Neighborhood: Cairns North
  • Nearby attractions: Cairns Esplanade - 0.48 miles, Cairns Esplanade Charles Street Parkland - 0.21 miles

Cairns Sunland Leisure Park

  • Why it's great for a budget-friendly vacation: Cairns Sunland Leisure Park is a fantastic option for travelers on a budget, offering an affordable stay with a review rating of 7.6. With free WiFi and self-parking, guests can enjoy essential comforts without breaking the bank. The outdoor pool provides a refreshing escape, while playground facilities make it a great choice for families.
  • Other amenities: Other amenities include air conditioning, a fully equipped kitchen in select rooms, and a patio for enjoying the outdoors. Guests can find a coffee and tea maker in their rooms and easy access to nearby recreational areas. The hotel also offers child-friendly design features and shared kitchen facilities, catering to various guest needs.
  • Neighborhood: Manoora
  • Nearby attractions: Mount Whitfield Conservation Park - 1.65 miles, Centenary Lakes Botanic Gardens - 1.42 miles, Tanks Arts Centre - 1.8 miles

Top Cairns Hotel Reviews

Cairns Harbourside Hotel

Cairns Harbourside Hotel

10/10 Excellent
"Very helpful staff and great location."
Larry 1-night trip
Posted 8 hours ago
Cairns Harbourside Hotel
Pacific Hotel Cairns

Pacific Hotel Cairns

8/10 Good
"Lovely clean spacious room, however very noisy. Lots of traffic noise and banging of doors."
karen 1-night trip
Posted 13 hours ago
Pacific Hotel Cairns
Cairns Plaza Hotel

Cairns Plaza Hotel

10/10 Excellent
"very clean rooms. really liked it."
Vikas 1-night trip
Posted 1 day ago
Cairns Plaza Hotel
Ramada By Wyndham Cairns City Centre

Ramada By Wyndham Cairns City Centre

10/10 Excellent
"Great location Parking Coffee restaurant onsite"
Gerard 6-night trip
Posted 3 days ago
Ramada By Wyndham Cairns City Centre
Cairns Queens Court

Cairns Queens Court

10/10 Excellent
"Friendly team. Good value for the price."
David 1-night trip
Posted 2 weeks ago
Cairns Queens Court
Cairns Sheridan Hotel

Cairns Sheridan Hotel

10/10 Excellent
"I’ve stayed here several times Parking easy Clean, comfortable room Would prefer a proper fridge and a microwave in my room Staff always pleasant and helpful"
Mary 5-night trip
Posted 2 weeks ago
Cairns Sheridan Hotel

Frequently asked questions

What is Cairns like for travelers on a budget?
Cairns offers a variety of cheap accommodations and things to do, making it a great choice for a budget-friendly getaway. You can find ways to save money while getting to know this destination, which is home to attractions like Cairns Night Markets, Cairns Esplanade Lagoon, and Reef Hotel Casino.
What's the best place to stay on a budget in Cairns?
Based on reviews, Cairns Colonial Club Resort is a popular hotel for our travelers who want a more economical choice, and features free WiFi and free parking. Other good choices for your budget-friendly stay include Cairns Sunland Leisure Park and YHA Cairns Central.
How many low cost hotels should I expect to find in Cairns?
Choose a hotel that suits your wallet among Expedia's 22 budget hotels in Cairns.
When is the best time for a budget trip to Cairns?
Weather will likely play an important role when you plan your trip to Cairns, and keep in mind that cheaper options are usually available when the weather isn't as good. 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?
Cairns draws tourists with its lush rainforest and offers plenty to see and do without spending a fortune. You can budget for the local attractions that interest you most, and then fill your itinerary with activities that are easy on the wallet. Head to Cairns Night Markets and Cairns Central Shopping Centre for some bargain shopping, or hunt for deals at Smithfield Shopping Centre.
How can I get to Cairns and get around on a budget?
Checking out these ways to get around Cairns can help keep you on budget. The most convenient airport is Cairns Intl. Airport (CNS), 3.5 mi (5.6 km) away. If you want to journey outside of the area, ride aboard a train from Cairns Station, Freshwater Station, or Redlynch Station. You can explore water travel options at the marina.

Explore a world of travel with Expedia