Top Picks: The Best Hostels in Cairns

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Backpacker Hostels in Cairns, Australia

23 Hostels for Backpackers in Cairns. Prices start from AU$10 for a dorm bed.Sorted by quality, not payments.
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#1 Top Rated

Travellers Oasis

Parramatta Park
Older travelers (+50)Quiet RestSolo Traveller

"…Stay here if you can, I had booked one night and could not extend my stay because they had no vacancies, but they set me up in a room with their sister hostel (Tropic Days) which was just as

from AU$26.41
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CouplesFemale Solo TravellerOlder travelers (+50)Quiet Rest

"…There are plenty of public space for backpackers to socialize or rest, but not a place for partying. The staffs are very friendly and helpful. If you are looking for a budget accommodation for quiet

from AU$26.29
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Travellers Paradise

Parramatta Park
Digital NomadsFamily-Friendly HostelOlder travelers (+50)Quiet RestSolo Traveller

"…I will be moving back through Cairns in six months and have already booked to stay here again. Its good for drinking the goon and it is possibly the greatest backpackers in the world! A great place

from AU$31.62
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CouplesFemale Solo Traveller

"…Whether you're diving the Great Barrier Reef, exploring lush rainforests, or unwinding at the Esplanade Lagoon, everything is just a short stroll away. Inside, our thoughtfully redesigned rooms

from AU$23.32
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Quiet RestSolo Traveller

"…I loved the relaxed atmosphere and it's proximity to the city. Amazing - This hostel is wicked, you can take your own booze into the rooms unlike a lot of hostels around cairns where they have a no

from AU$20.13
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Beach Lovers RetreatFamily-Friendly HostelSolo TravellerYouth Hostel

149 The Esplanade

from AU$17.82
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Mumma's Hostel

Cairns CBD
Free Breakfast
Solo Traveller

"…Plus, we’re just a 10-minute drive from the airport! Our comfortable rooms feature high-quality beds with curtains for privacy, electric power point, and lamps at each bed. Enjoy air

from AU$19.64
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Party HostelSolo TravellerYouth Hostel

"…- Fully Equipped Kitchen - Fully Air-Conditioned Rooms with Ensuites - Spacious Rooms with Power Point & Bed Light at Each Bed - Free Events & Nightly Entertainment (including pub crawls to top

from AU$19.98
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Global Backpackers

Cairns North
Female Solo TravellerSolo Traveller

"…Bathrooms have two toilets and two showers per sex, and are shared amongst the thirty or so guests on each floor. Some bedrooms contain a sink and others do not. During our brief stay, two bedrooms

from AU$23.73
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Mad Monkey Jungle

Cairns CBD
Free Breakfast
Boutique HostelSolo Traveller

"…The TV broke up during our stay and staff was responsive. In fact, staff was smiling and really helpful for organizing activities or any question! With also free breakfast and free internet, great

from AU$18.91
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Boutique HostelParty HostelSolo Traveller

"…We also have stunning facilities including an enormous lagoon style pool, volleyball court, onsite bar with pool table, restaurant, free parking, numerous common areas, lounges, gardens, a tour desk

from AU$16.15
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Family-Friendly HostelGroups (10+ people)Solo Traveller

"…The staff were so helpful and friendly. I had an unreal time. They knew so much about diving, and I ended up doing my course with Pro Dive, which was amazing. The hostel is clean, and the TV room is

from AU$21.34
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Party HostelSolo TravellerYouth Hostel

"…- Massive Social Spaces & Great Outdoor Pool Oasis - Fully Equipped Kitchen - Fully Air-Conditioned Rooms with Ensuites - Spacious Rooms with Power Point at Each Bed - Free Events & Nightly

from AU$20.10
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Digital NomadsParty HostelSolo TravellerYouth Hostel

"…Just request a room farther away from the club (noise levels), i was given this tip ahead of time and it helped heaps! This was my fav of all hostels i visited. We drank in the room and ate, but

from AU$24.39
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Cheapest
Party HostelSolo TravellerYouth Hostel

"…Rent Payment: 3.1. The weekly rent shall be paid in advance on the move-in day and subsequently on or before the same day of each week. 3.2. Failure to pay rent on time may result in deductions

from AU$17.17
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Digital NomadsParty HostelSolo TravellerYouth Hostel

"…- Cairns Waterfront Backpackers is not really the best hostel in the area, but it is not a dry hostel, which means that you can bring your own alcohol -- which, again, makes it a little bit better.

from AU$19.64
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Party HostelSolo Traveller

"…It's not the nicest of places but at least it has a lively bar and beer garden. Most of the dorms are large, and the beds are pretty ancient and squeaky. The kitchen is small and useless, there's no

from AU$17.78
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Bohemia Resort

Cairns North
Free Breakfast
CouplesFamily-Friendly Hostel

"…Bed is comfy and fresh sheets and towels are supplied daily. Common Spaces The pool is much larger than the other hostels we've seen and has a private bar, nice lounge chairs, picnic tables,

from AU$50.08
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Solo TravellerYouth Hostel

"…(airport pickups, city dropoffs, free meals at the Woolshed, wine & cheese night). The staff couldn't do enough for us, helping us book trips and try to arrange out-of-the-way activities, and made

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Why Not Backpackers

Cairns North
Free Breakfast
Digital NomadsParty HostelSolo Traveller

"…Other than that, the dorms are very clean and there's surely no lack of toilets! We weren't bothered by the distance from CBD because we spent most of the day out and only returned in the night.

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Tropic Days Boutique Hostel

Westcourt
Free Breakfast
Boutique HostelFemale Solo TravellerQuiet Rest

"…And the BBQ on Monday evening is really worth it, best BBQ we had in Ozzi, so try it if you get the chance! All the best for the whole team... I had a great stay at Tropic Days. It's clean and safe

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Reef Backpackers

Free Breakfast

"…Summary Reef Backpackers is the right choice if you are looking for a chill environment in which to rest peacefully and relax while exploring the northern city of Cairns. Suited for any kind of

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Female Only HostelsFemale Solo Traveller

"…And friendly and helpful host! I will surely recommend it to my friends! Hope to stay again! The best hostel in Oz! - Such a lovely, laid-back hostel in a great location in the centre of Cairns. Two

Looking for a specific district?

Check out hostels near the following landmarks

Hotels in Cairns

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Inn Cairns Boutique Hotel, Cairns
Solo Traveller

"…The Complex features an internal atrium with a landscaped pool area on level one- complete with b.b.q and gazebo. On the ground floor, the bistro provides a nice option for breakfast, lunches and

from AU$90.25
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Party HostelSolo Traveller

"With everything you need and nothing you don’t, you will have no reason to leave Nightcap at Edge Hill Tavern. Featuring a bar, restaurant regular live entertainment, billiards table and children’s

from AU$83.09
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Beach Lovers RetreatParty Hostel

4 Pembroke Street

from AU$34.42
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Digital NomadsParty HostelSolo Traveller

"…With the well equipped room facilities and the practical building layout ease of access and free movement is created. With live wild orchids, ferns, fan palms and native flora adorning the suites

from AU$46.36
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Family-Friendly Hostel

"…Our facilities include an in-ground salt water swimming pool, WiFi, tour desk and on-site parking (limited availability), all for your convenience. If while you're here you are looking to

from AU$73.08
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Cairns Queens Court

Free Breakfast
Party HostelSolo Traveller

"…It is well situated within Cairns city centre, close to the vibrant Cairns Esplanade, main business district, shops and restaurants. The hotel is ideally located as a base to explore Tropical North

from AU$64.59
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Hides Hotel

Free Breakfast

"…Please see reception staff if you would like to pay for early check in / late check out. A $100 bond is required on check in – Pre-Authorization Card. This is released day of departure, provided

from AU$72.36
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Solo TravellerYouth Hostel

"…Whether you are staying for a month or 3, Castaways is your no fuss lodge. Castaways Backpackers has been awarded the Certificate of Excellence 2015 for the fifth year in a row by Tripadvisor and

Guest Houses in Cairns

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Party HostelSolo Traveller

"…It has new very clean facilities. It would be excellent but for the rooms which need a bit of uplifting, paint. (I visited in 1999). I did meet interesting travellers there." …"Situated on the

from AU$112.97

Apartments in Cairns

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Cairns Colonial Club Resort, Cairns
Female Solo TravellerParty HostelSolo TravellerYouth Hostel

18 - 26 Cannon Street

from AU$72.50
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Beach Lovers RetreatParty HostelSolo Traveller

92 Martyn Street

from AU$39.62
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Solo TravellerYouth Hostel

"…Great facilities -- three computers from which you can access the internet -- just buy vouchers from reception -- fast connections. TV and DVDs that you can rent for free. Dorms generally quite

from AU$18.33

Explore Cairns

Discover the best hostels to suit every traveller type.

Where to stay in Cairns on a budget

Looking for budget stays in Cairns? This section is designed to save you time, money, and unnecessary stress. We've got insider tips to help you find affordable hostels and the cheapest places to stay in Cairns.

Where to stay in Cairns on a budget

Cairns is a city in the northeastern part of Australia (Far North Queensland), with a population of approximately 140,000 people. Cairns is known to be a very touristy city geared toward Japanese tourists (some shop signs are in both English and Japanese).

Cairns hostels are known to backpackers as there are many interesting things to do in the area. The budget traveler should expect to pay 20 dollars and upwards for a dorm room and the hostels are of good value. There are often deals for multiple days too. If you plan to stick around for longer, they can save you some money and are worth checking out. Many Cairns hostels also employ travelers temporarily, if you want to save money or gather some more cash if you still have more traveling to do, this may help you get you on your way.

The activities near Cairns hostels are abundant. There is an artificial lagoon that is a good place to spend a day just enjoying the sun (the days can be scorching hot in the summertime), and there is plenty of good shopping to do in the city.

Many travel agencies, which are often situated really close to the hostels, also offer extreme sport activities packages which you might find interesting. Skydiving is one of the things many people do in Cairns and the surrounding areas, especially on Mission Beach, where you can actually dive and land on the beach. The altitudes range from 9000ft upwards and the prices start at about 229AUD; check the travel agencies for more specific details.

All in all, Cairns hostels are a great way to visit this city which also serves as a good connecting point both for flights, and for some east coast buses, which are a good and reasonably priced way to travel around and make new friends.

Written by Travel Expert Cairns

Written by Travel Expert CairnsMiika

Affordable Hostel Prices in Cairns

Wondering about hostel prices in Cairns? Here's everything you need to know.

Prices for hostels in Cairns start at just $17 per night. Based on our latest data, Wanna Stay? is currently the most affordable hostel to stay in Cairns.

On average, hostels in Cairns cost around $8 per dorm bedand$58 per private room per night. Compare prices from every major booking site at once on Hostelz.com and always get the best deal. Whether you're a student, a backpacker, or looking for a budget-friendly private room, Cairns has options for every budget.

Want to compare hostels side-by-side? Use our Hostel Comparison Tool to check prices, amenities, and locations—so you can make the smartest choice.

What is the cheapest area to stay in Cairns? Many cheap hostels in Cairns are located in Cairns North, Cairns CBD, Parramatta Park, offering easy access to the city's top attractions and public transport.

Hostel Price Statistics & Key Numbers in Cairns

Total number of hostels23
Typical dorm bed prices in Cairns $8
Private room costs in Cairns $58
Cheapest Hostel in CairnsWanna Stay? for only $17
Popular Party Hostel in CairnsWhy Not Backpackers
(8 hostels for partying in total)
Where to stay in Cairns on a budget?Cairns North, Cairns CBD, Parramatta Park

For students and budget-conscious travelers, Cairns hostels provide great value. Many hostels include free breakfast, shared kitchens, and social spaces perfect for meeting other travelers — everything you need for a fun and easy stay.

Ready to go on an adventure in Cairns? Add your travel dates and start comparing prices, amenities, and availability. At Hostelz, we help you find all available hostels at the best prices.

FAQ about Cairns Hostels

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