Twice the Fun, Half the Price—This is your firsthand guide to the absolute best hostels in Cairns. Expect super social vibes, perfect for solo travelers to meet new friends, join fun events, and create those unforgettable travel stories we all love. My favorite hostels in Cairns truly have it all, loved by backpackers like you and me!
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Table of Content: The Perfect Guide to Hostels
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Cairns, located in the tropical north of Queensland, Australia, is a vibrant city that attracts travelers from all over the world.
Cairns is a must-visit destination for any traveler exploring Australia because of its stunning beaches, lush rainforests, and the Great Barrier Reef.
For those looking for affordable and comfortable accommodations, the city boasts a wide range of hostels, including many with private rooms.
In this article, we'll explore some of the best hostels in Cairns with private rooms, offering both comfort and affordability for any type of traveler.
Short and crisp: The Best Hostels in Cairns
Travellers Oasis - best for Older travelers (+50), Quiet Rest, Solo Traveller
Let's talk about hostel prices in Cairns. This graph shows you typical, average prices for a bed in a dorm and for a private room. Simply mouse-over to see rates for each month.
Prices can vary a lot, especially on high-season, weekends, and special holidays such as New Years Eve.
Based on our data, Travellers Oasis has the cheapest price on Hostelworld.
Travellers Oasis in Cairns is a comfortable and affordable hostel that offers a relaxed and friendly environment for budget-conscious travelers. The property has recently been renovated and tastefully decorated to capture the ambiance of the tropical North Queensland environment.
Travellers Oasis offers various types of accommodation, including private and shared rooms. The private rooms come with a refrigerator, bed-side lamp, table, and a smart TV with 1500 films to watch. The hostel is centrally located, just a short walk to Cairns city centre, shops, cinemas, banks, supermarkets, restaurants, and the waterfront.
Travellers Oasis features a tropical pool, BBQ area, three fully equipped kitchens, a TV room with an LCD TV and DVD player, and laundry facilities. The hostel offers free tour booking and an information desk, free luggage storage, internet access, and WiFi.
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Extra Services
Bike Rental
City Tours
Other Amenities
Common Area
Kitchen
Gameroom
Board Games
Swimming Pool
Nightclub
Darts
Laundry
Coming soon: We all love social hostels! We are currently working on showing you all the events and activities at Travellers Oasis.
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Travellers Oasis
2 Little Drifter Cairns
Rating: 8.9
Dorm: from $30.50/night
Private Room: from $93.86/night
Based on our data, Little Drifter Cairns has the cheapest price on Hostelworld.
Little Drifter Cairns stands as the ultimate haven for backpackers seeking a vibrant blend of adventure and comfort. Nestled in the heart of Cairns, this hostel resonates with a sense of community that's second to none. The spacious communal areas, including a lively bar and pool, foster connections among global explorers.
From cozy dorms to private en-suite rooms, Little Drifter Cairns offers diverse accommodation options to suit every traveler's preferences. The hostel's tour desk is a treasure trove of exciting escapades, ensuring you can easily dive into the Great Barrier Reef, explore the Daintree Rainforest, or conquer the Atherton Tablelands.
With its nightly events and sociable atmosphere, Little Drifter Cairns is a melting pot of cultures and experiences. Whether you're sharing travel tales around the bonfire or dancing the night away at the on-site bar, the hostel ensures every moment is unforgettable.
See all Freebies and Hostel Events at Little Drifter Cairns
Extra Services
City Tours
Other Amenities
Common Area
Kitchen
Board Games
Pool Table
Laundry
Coming soon: We all love social hostels! We are currently working on showing you all the events and activities at Little Drifter Cairns.
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Little Drifter Cairns
3 Dreamtime Travellers Rest
Rating: 9.4
Dorm: from $34.39/night
Private Room: from $61.47/night
Based on our data, Dreamtime Travellers Rest has the cheapest price on Hostelworld.
Dreamtime Travellers Rest is a top-rated hostel that offers a cosy and relaxed atmosphere in a tropical oasis. It has a pool and a BBQ area for guests to enjoy. The property is located across the road from Cairns Central railway station and shopping centre, about a 15-minute walk from the Esplanade and the lagoon.
Dreamtime Travellers Rest features private rooms for up to two people with fresh bed linen provided. All rooms are fan-cooled with shared bathroom facilities cleaned daily. Guests have access to free 24-hour WiFi in public areas, two fully equipped kitchens, and laundry facilities. Air conditioning is available in rooms for an additional cost of only $1 for three hours.
Dreamtime Travellers Rest also provides free luggage storage for guests on tours, and all tours can be booked on-site. Dreamtime Travellers Rest prides itself on its local knowledge and offers a free tour booking service for all activities.
See all Freebies and Hostel Events at Dreamtime Travellers Rest
Freebies/Included
Bike Rental
Extra Services
Pub Crawls $25
Other Amenities
Common Area
Kitchen
Gameroom
Board Games
Bar
Pool Table
Swimming Pool
Laundry
Not Offered
Breakfast
Coming soon: We all love social hostels! We are currently working on showing you all the events and activities at Dreamtime Travellers Rest.
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Dreamtime Travellers Rest
4 Caravella Backpackers Cairns City Waterfront
Rating: 8.6
Dorm: from $23.31/night
Private Room: from $71.51/night
Based on our data, Caravella Backpackers Cairns City Waterfront has the cheapest price on Hostelworld.
Just a short stroll from the main attractions, Caravella Backpackers Cairns City Waterfront offers the perfect balance of relaxation and convenience. Tucked away in the quieter area of the Esplanade, guests can enjoy a peaceful stay while still being within easy reach of the city’s vibrant energy. Caravella Backpackers Cairns City Waterfront provides fantastic amenities, including a large swimming pool, BBQ facilities, two fully equipped shared kitchens, and a self-service laundry. Free WiFi is available in public areas until late evening, and an evening meal deal is offered at a nearby licensed venue.
Guests can choose from private or dormitory-style rooms, all equipped with free air conditioning, a fan, and a refrigerator. Private bathrooms are available in select rooms. Free luggage storage and a safety deposit box are provided at reception, along with discounted tour bookings. A shared TV lounge and communal spaces with all-day free WiFi create a welcoming atmosphere, while the on-site Bagus Café serves delicious meals throughout the day.
See all Freebies and Hostel Events at Caravella Backpackers Cairns City Waterfront
Extra Services
City Tours
Other Amenities
Common Area
Kitchen
Gameroom
Pool Table
Swimming Pool
Table Tennis
Laundry
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Caravella Backpackers Cairns City Waterfront
5 Mad Monkey Village
Rating: 8.6
Dorm: from $26.33/night
Private Room: from $74.63/night
Based on our data, Mad Monkey Village has the cheapest price on Hostelworld.
Mad Monkey Village is a newly renovated hostel in Cairns that offers affordable flashpacker-style accommodations. Guests can enjoy a daily free breakfast, fully equipped designer kitchen, and a swimming pool oasis to relax and sunbathe in.
Mad Monkey Village also features a TV room with Netflix and Playstation, free ultra-fast WiFi, and a daily free access to a local gym. The hostel offers mixed and female dorms, private double rooms, and private twin rooms with high-quality mattresses, pillows, and linen included.
All rooms are air-conditioned, and guests can choose between standard rooms with shared bathrooms or ensuite facilities. Mad Monkey Village also provides personal towels for the private double rooms, and all bunk beds are equipped with personal USB ports and power sockets for convenient charging.
See all Freebies and Hostel Events at Mad Monkey Village
Freebies/Included
City Tours
Pub Crawls
Other Amenities
Common Area
Kitchen
Gameroom
Board Games
Pool Table
Swimming Pool
Laundry
Not Offered
Breakfast
Coming soon: We all love social hostels! We are currently working on showing you all the events and activities at Mad Monkey Village.
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Mad Monkey Village
6 Mumma's Hostel
Rating: 8.6
Dorm: from $23.28/night
Private Room: from $67.87/night
Based on our data, Mumma's Hostel has the cheapest price on Hostelworld.
Mumma's Hostel offers a peaceful and welcoming stay in the heart of the city, perfect for travelers looking to relax after a day of exploring or working. With an outdoor swimming pool, a lush garden, and a cozy shared lounge, guests can unwind in comfort. Mumma's Hostel also features a BBQ area and a communal kitchen, making it easy to enjoy home-cooked meals while meeting fellow travelers.
Just a short walk from Cairns Lagoon, the esplanade, and vibrant shopping and dining spots, the location puts everything within easy reach. Guests can take advantage of incredible tour promotions through Mumma's Hostel’s trusted travel partner. A free breakfast is served daily, helping everyone start their day on the right note.
The rooms are designed for comfort, with high-quality beds featuring privacy curtains, personal power points, and lamps. Air conditioning and free WiFi ensure a pleasant stay, while games like billiards and table tennis add to the laid-back atmosphere.
See all Freebies and Hostel Events at Mumma's Hostel
Freebies/Included
Breakfast
Extra Services
City Tours
Other Amenities
Common Area
Kitchen
Gameroom
Board Games
Pool Table
Swimming Pool
Darts
Table Tennis
Laundry
Evening Entertainment
Coming soon: We all love social hostels! We are currently working on showing you all the events and activities at Mumma's Hostel.
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Mumma's Hostel
7 Mad Monkey Backpackers Waterfront
Rating: 8.4
Dorm: from $25.78/night
Private Room: from $63.64/night
Based on our data, Mad Monkey Backpackers Waterfront has the cheapest price on Hostelworld.
Mad Monkey Backpackers Waterfront is an affordable and clean hostel located in the heart of Cairns, which serves as the gateway to the Great Barrier Reef. The property is situated on the Cairns Esplanade and features the Cairns Lagoon just across the street.
Guests have the option to stay in mixed or female dorms with en-suite bathrooms or private double rooms, all of which are air-conditioned and equipped with high-quality mattresses, pillows, and linen.
Mad Monkey Backpackers Waterfront offers ultra-fast free wifi throughout the property, a fully equipped kitchen, and a common room where guests can enjoy board games, PlayStation tournaments, or Netflix. Mad Monkey Backpackers Waterfront also provides free access to a local gym and offers CCTV covered parking for guests with their own car.
See all Freebies and Hostel Events at Mad Monkey Backpackers Waterfront
Extra Services
City Tours
Other Amenities
Common Area
Kitchen
Board Games
Laundry
Videogames
Coming soon: We all love social hostels! We are currently working on showing you all the events and activities at Mad Monkey Backpackers Waterfront.
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Mad Monkey Backpackers Waterfront
Map for 7 Best Hostels in Cairns
We've got your back when it comes to finding a great hostel location in Cairns. We've gone ahead and mapped out all the hostels for you so you can get a good idea of where they're all at. This map will make your life so much easier!
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I'm Nomadic Nina, a curious and adventurous traveler who has spent most of my life exploring the world. From the deserts of Africa to the jungles of South America, I've traveled to dozens of countries on multiple continents, immersing myself in local cultures and learning about the world firsthand. Through my travels, I've gained a deep appreciation for the diversity and richness of the world's cultures, and I'm passionate about sharing my experiences with others through my travel blog.
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