7 Best Hostels in Cairns

7 Best Hostels in Cairns

Written by Nomadic Nina | Last update: Apr 18, 2024

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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

  1. Travellers Oasis - best for Older travelers (+50), Quiet Rest, Solo Traveller
  2. Wanna Stay? - best for Party Hostel, Solo Traveller, Youth Hostel
  3. Dreamtime Travellers Rest - best for Couples, Female Solo Traveller, Older travelers (+50), Quiet Rest
  4. Cairns Central YHA Hostel - best for Family-Friendly Hostel, Groups (10+ people), Quiet Rest, Solo Traveller
  5. Global Backpackers - best for Female Solo Traveller, Solo Traveller
  6. Travellers Paradise - best for Digital Nomads, Family-Friendly Hostel, Older travelers (+50), Quiet Rest, Solo Traveller
  7. Geckos Backpackers - best for Family-Friendly Hostel

How much are hostels in Cairns?

Let us talk about prices. Here is a graph showing you 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.

Average Dorm Price per Month in Cairns

Average Dorm Price Graph

Average Private Room Price per Month in Cairns

Average Private Price Graph

 

Full List of best Hostels in Cairns

1 Travellers Oasis

#1 Top Rated Hostel in Cairns! Rating: 9.2

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.

Prices start from $29.53 for a dorm and $49.15 for a private room.

Extra Services

City Tours

Other Amenities

Board Games

Darts

Gameroom

Kitchen

Laundry

Lounge Area

Nightclub

Swimming Pool

Book here Travellers Oasis
Check: Hostelworld | Booking.com | Get the Best Deal

2 Wanna Stay?

Rating: 9.0

Nestled in Cairns' vibrant heart, Wanna Stay? offers a cozy and friendly atmosphere perfect for solo travelers and groups. Its prime location allows easy access to the city's bustling markets, cafes, and the iconic Esplanade. The hostel's communal areas foster a welcoming environment for meeting fellow backpackers.

Dorm rooms at Wanna Stay? are clean, comfortable, and affordable, ensuring a restful night after exploring the city. Private rooms are also available for those seeking a bit more privacy. The hostel's amenities include a shared kitchen, free Wi-Fi, and secure lockers, catering to the essential needs of budget travelers.

Wanna Stay? stands out with its regular social events, making it a great spot for those looking to connect with other travelers. Whether you're up for a BBQ night or a group outing to the Great Barrier Reef, this hostel provides ample opportunities for adventure and camaraderie, making it a top choice in Cairns.

Prices start from $21.23 for a dorm and $63.27 for a private room.

Other Amenities

Board Games

Evening Entertainment

Gameroom

Kitchen

Laundry

Lounge Area

Videogames

Book here Wanna Stay?
Check: Hostelworld | Booking.com | Get the Best Deal

3 Dreamtime Travellers Rest

Rating: 8.8

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.

Prices start from $33.12 for a dorm and $63.35 for a private room.

Freebies/Included

Bike Rental

Extra Services

Pub Crawls ($25)

Other Amenities

Bar

Board Games

Gameroom

Kitchen

Laundry

Lounge Area

Pool Table

Swimming Pool

Not Offered

Breakfast

Book here Dreamtime Travellers Rest
Check: Hostelworld | Booking.com | Get the Best Deal

4 Cairns Central YHA Hostel

Rating: 8.2

Cairns Central YHA Hostel is a backpacker's hostel situated at the center of Cairns. The hostel has a large internal courtyard with a swimming pool, two spas, and an outdoor games area. It has 61 air-conditioned rooms, including dorms, single, twin/doubles, and family rooms, many with ensuite.

Cairns Central YHA Hostel has a huge fully-equipped kitchen, laundry, indoor and outdoor dining areas, and a comfy common area with TV. Free and fast Wi-Fi is available throughout the hostel.

Cairns Central Shopping Centre is located opposite the hostel, and Cairns Esplanade, where one can find lots of pubs, shops, and cafes, plus Trinity Wharf, departure point for Great Barrier Reef cruises and day tours, is only a short walk away. The staff is available to help guests book activities and tours right from the hostel.

Prices start from $28.97 for a dorm and $83.61 for a private room.

Freebies/Included

Breakfast

Other Amenities

Bar

Board Games

Gameroom

Hot tub/Jacuzzi

Kitchen

Laundry

Lounge Area

Pool Table

Swimming Pool

Book here Cairns Central YHA Hostel
Check: Hostelworld | Booking.com | Get the Best Deal

5 Global Backpackers

Rating: 8.3

Global Backpackers offers a convenient location with the lagoon, boardwalk, marina, restaurants, shops, and nightlife right on the doorstep. The bars at the accommodation offer evening activities, and guests can enjoy discounts with their room key at various bars and clubs in the area.

Global Backpackers has a rooftop lounge and kitchen area with stunning views of the city and a swimming pool at the famous Esplanade Lagoon. Global Backpackers has a range of rooms, from deluxe queens with balconies and private baths to dorms.

All rooms are equipped with air conditioning and free Wi-Fi. Guests can also get advice and support on various activities and tours from the experienced tour guides at the hostel.

Prices start from $28.42 for a dorm and $97.39 for a private room.

Extra Services

City Tours

Other Amenities

Bar

Board Games

Gameroom

Kitchen

Laundry

Lounge Area

Pool Table

Swimming Pool

Book here Global Backpackers
Check: Hostelworld | Booking.com | Get the Best Deal

6 Travellers Paradise

Rating: 8.8

Travellers Paradise lives up to its name, offering an idyllic gateway to the tropical wonders of Cairns. Nestled in lush surroundings, this hostel offers an authentic, laid-back ambiance that embraces backpackers seeking both relaxation and excitement.

Accommodation here ranges from comfortable dorms to private rooms with a view, catering to solo travelers and groups alike. The lush garden area, complete with hammocks, sets the perfect backdrop for making new friends or simply unwinding.

The hostel's travel desk is your ticket to exploring the region's marvels. Whether you're yearning to bask on stunning beaches or explore the Kuranda rainforest, Travellers Paradise ensures your itinerary is brimming with memorable experiences.

With its communal kitchen, outdoor barbecue, and sociable atmosphere, this hostel invites you to forge connections with fellow travelers while savoring the laid-back charm of tropical living. At Travellers Paradise, every moment becomes a piece of your backpacking paradise.

Prices start from $44.50 for a dorm and $76.35 for a private room.

Other Amenities

Gameroom

Kitchen

Laundry

Lounge Area

Swimming Pool

Videogames

Not Offered

Breakfast

Book here Travellers Paradise
Check: Hostelworld | Booking.com | Get the Best Deal

7 Geckos Backpackers

Rating: 8.4

Geckos Backpackers in Cairns offers budget-friendly accommodations with a vibrant social atmosphere. Conveniently located in the city center, Geckos Backpackers provides comfortable dormitories and private rooms. Nearby attractions include the Cairns Esplanade and the Great Barrier Reef, easily accessible through the hostel's tour booking services.

Guests at Geckos Backpackers can enjoy amenities such as a fully equipped kitchen, laundry facilities, and free Wi-Fi. The hostel organizes regular social events like BBQ nights and pub crawls, fostering a sense of community among travelers. Whether you're exploring Cairns solo or with friends, Geckos Backpackers provides a lively and welcoming environment for your backpacking adventures in Tropical North Queensland.

Prices start from $44.06 for a dorm and $71.27 for a private room.

Extra Services

Bike Rental

Other Amenities

Laundry

Swimming Pool

Book here Geckos Backpackers
Check: HostelsClub | Get the Best Deal

On the map: Hostel Locations 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!

slp name

Hostel Haven: Choose Your Character

🏆 Overall Best Hostel:

Travellers Oasis

🙋‍♀️ Female Solo-Traveler:

Dreamtime Travellers Rest

🤹 Solo-Traveler:

Travellers Oasis

👨‍👩‍👦 Family Hostel with Kids:

Travellers Paradise

👩‍❤️‍👨 for Couples:

Dreamtime Travellers Rest

🎉 Party Hostel:

Wanna Stay?

Still not sure? Pick this!

#1 Top Hostel in Cairns: Travellers Oasis

This is the overall best rated hostel in Travellers Oasis. The overall rating is 9.2. You cannot go wrong here.

It is your safest bet in case you are not sure which hostel to pick.

The price for a dorm at Travellers Oasis starts from $14.77.

Book Travellers Oasis here

#1 Best Hostel in Cairns
Travellers Oasis

FAQ about Cairns Hostels

We've collected the most common questions for hostels in Cairns. The more you know, the better you can plan with confidence and ease, right?

Unleash the Power of Hostel Price Comparison

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Rest assured, there are no hidden costs or fees - our services are completely free for you to use. We take pride in maintaining transparent and unbiased pricing information, and we never manipulate prices or rates.

So go ahead and start comparing prices and availability for all hostels in Cairns with us!

Looking for hostels in a special neighborhood or near a popular landmark? Check out our special guides:

More Cairns Guides for you

Hostel Blog Writer Nomadic Nina

About the author: Nomadic Nina

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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Best Hostel in Cairns is...

Travellers Oasis!

Travellers Oasis, Cairns

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