Search Hostels in Great Barrier Reef

  • 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
13 Nov - 15 Nov
In two weeks
20 Nov - 22 Nov
In one month
4 Dec - 6 Dec
In two months
1 Jan - 3 Jan

Our top choices for Great Barrier Reef hostels

A pool area with a wooden deck, lounge chairs, and a covered seating area surrounded by trees.

1. Bounce Magnetic Island

Bounce Magnetic Island
3.0 star property
Horseshoe Bay
9.2 out of 10, Wonderful, (82 reviews)
"This is an excellent place to experience a tropical island. Peaceful relaxing and a friendly happy atmosphere. Staff were great, amenities were clean facilities like bar pool and kitchen really good."
Australia
Robert
The price is AED 326
AED 358 total
includes taxes & fees
29 Nov - 30 Nov
Bounce Magnetic Island
A covered outdoor seating area with a sofa, round table, and potted plants.

2. Little Drifter Cairns

Little Drifter Cairns
2.0 star property
Cairns Central Business District
8.2 out of 10, Very good, (188 reviews)
"The best hostel we have ever stayed at. Location is perfect plus next door to Woolworths, everything is run and maintained really well. And the evening specials were a lovely bonus"
Australia
Ann
The price is AED 271
AED 298 total
includes taxes & fees
16 Nov - 17 Nov
Little Drifter Cairns
A nighttime pool area with umbrellas, lounge chairs, and palm trees.

3. 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 252
AED 277 total
includes taxes & fees
10 Nov - 11 Nov
Dougies Backpackers
An outdoor covered seating area with red pillars and a tiled floor.

4. The Jack Backpackers

The Jack Backpackers
2.0 star property
Cairns Central Business District
The price is AED 200
AED 220 total
includes taxes & fees
8 Dec - 9 Dec
The Jack Backpackers
An outdoor patio area with wicker furniture, string lights, and potted plants.

5. Yeppoon Beachhouse - Hostel

Yeppoon Beachhouse - Hostel
2.0 star property
Yeppoon
9.6 out of 10, Exceptional, (65 reviews)
"Right across the street from the beach and a caffe serving all levels of breakfast and lunch 40 meters away"
Australia
Derek
The price is AED 280
AED 308 total
includes taxes & fees
8 Nov - 9 Nov
Yeppoon Beachhouse - Hostel
An aerial view of a swimming pool surrounded by palm trees, with lounge chairs and a tiled deck area.

6. YHA Cairns Central

YHA Cairns Central
2.0 star property
Cairns Central Business District
8.4 out of 10, Very good, (249 reviews)
"The kitchen was well stocked and had lits of cupboards and fridges for keeping your own food organised. Great wifi, The room was a good size with a very comfortable bed. Staff were super helpful. The laundry had washers and dryers ehich was good. The location was great. We could walk across the road to the supermarket and close to lots of restaurants and pubs."
Australia
Carolyn
The price is AED 201
AED 221 total
includes taxes & fees
6 Dec - 7 Dec
YHA Cairns Central
Lobby sitting area

7. Avenues Xchange

Avenues Xchange
1.0 star property
Hermit Park
8.0 out of 10, Very good, (102 reviews)
"Great staff, beautiful house"
Australia
Zoe
The price is AED 146
AED 161 total
includes taxes & fees
8 Nov - 9 Nov
Avenues Xchange
A narrow outdoor space with corrugated metal walls, a wooden door, and a small garden area with potted plants.

8. On The Wallaby Eco Lodge - Hostel

On The Wallaby Eco Lodge - Hostel
2.0 star property
Yungaburra
9.4 out of 10, Exceptional, (120 reviews)
"Lovely chill place to stay - wish we had longer Looks like a place you could really relax and enjoy a chilled out pace of life for a while"
United Kingdom
Fiona
The price is AED 125
AED 137 total
includes taxes & fees
14 Nov - 15 Nov
On The Wallaby Eco Lodge - Hostel
An indoor pool area with a hammock, lounge chairs, a bar, and a mural on the wall.

9. The Espy Hostel

The Espy Hostel
2.0 star property
Cairns Central Business District
7.6 out of 10, Good, (95 reviews)
"Great location"
Australia
Jennifer Ann
The price is AED 223
AED 245 total
includes taxes & fees
6 Dec - 7 Dec
The Espy Hostel
A beach scene with clear blue water and distant islands.

10. Jackaroo Treehouse Mission Beach - Hostel

Jackaroo Treehouse Mission Beach - Hostel
2.0 star property
Bingil Bay
8.2 out of 10, Very good, (54 reviews)
"Amazing atmosphere among rainforest, loved the stay!"
Australia
Daria
The price is AED 267
AED 295 total
includes taxes & fees
8 Dec - 9 Dec
Jackaroo Treehouse Mission Beach - Hostel
A pool area with lounge chairs and a bar area with umbrellas.

11. 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, (463 reviews)
"Great place and lots of fun!"
United States
Ashton
The price is AED 512
AED 564 total
includes taxes & fees
8 Dec - 9 Dec
Gilligan's Backpackers Hotel & Resort
A resort with a swimming pool, outdoor seating, and palm trees.

12. Caravella Backpackers

Caravella Backpackers
2.0 star property
Cairns Central Business District
8.4 out of 10, Very good, (160 reviews)
"Good value. Ok beds, and good a/c. Very basic. Staff is very nice."
United States
katri
The price is AED 264
AED 290 total
includes taxes & fees
8 Dec - 9 Dec
Caravella Backpackers
A beachfront property with a wooden structure, a balcony, and a view of the ocean and hills.

13. Nomads Magnetic Island - Hostel

Nomads Magnetic Island - Hostel
2.0 star property
Nelly Bay
8.4 out of 10, Very good, (67 reviews)
"Friendly staff and amazing views !!"
Australia
Evyenia
The price is AED 768
AED 845 total
includes taxes & fees
9 Nov - 10 Nov
Nomads Magnetic Island - Hostel
A swimming pool surrounded by tropical plants and a house in the background.

14. Cairns City Backpackers Hostel

Cairns City Backpackers Hostel
2.0 star property
Parramatta Park
6.8 out of 10, (48 reviews)
"It was convenient enough to walk to the town and served it purpose of economics and convience."
Australia
ROBERT
The price is AED 177
AED 177 total
includes taxes & fees
7 Dec - 8 Dec
Cairns City Backpackers Hostel
A clear swimming pool with white chairs and an umbrella, surrounded by lush greenery.

15. Travellers Paradise Heritage Historical Place - Hostel

Travellers Paradise Heritage Historical Place - Hostel
2.0 star property
Parramatta Park
7.6 out of 10, Good, (103 reviews)
"Short but magical stay - loved the historic building, the courtyard and pool were wonderfully social, and the location could not have been better for getting to a world class chamber orchestra performance; wide ranging street food; and boarding the Spirit of Queensland train for an epic journey south. "
Australia
Derek
The price is AED 373
AED 410 total
includes taxes & fees
1 Dec - 2 Dec
Travellers Paradise Heritage Historical Place - Hostel
A swimming pool with a thatched roof structure, surrounded by lush greenery and palm trees.

16. Gladstone Backpackers

Gladstone Backpackers
2.0 star property
Gladstone Central
7.2 out of 10, Good, (26 reviews)
"Exceptional service. Mariana was very helpful. Rooms were clean. Comfortable and homey vibe."
Australia
Amani
The price is AED 329
AED 362 total
includes taxes & fees
8 Dec - 9 Dec
Gladstone Backpackers
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

Learn more about Great Barrier Reef

During your stay in Great Barrier Reef, you can discover things to see and do in the local area.

See all hotels in Great Barrier Reef
An aerial view of a coral reef with clear turquoise waters and sandy bottom.

Top reviews in Great Barrier Reef

A pool area with a wooden deck, lounge chairs, and a covered seating area surrounded by trees.
Bounce Magnetic Island

Bounce Magnetic Island

Bounce Magnetic Island
Horseshoe Bay

10/10 Excellent

Walkable to beach and staff helpful
United States
kim
Reviewed September 11, 2025
Bounce Magnetic Island

Explore a world of travel with Expedia