13 Cheapest Hostels in Cairns

The Jack Backpackers is a lively hostel located in Cairns, offering private en suite rooms and dormitories with free Wi-Fi, lockers, and new air conditioning. The hostel also features an on-site bar and restaurant with discounted menu options for guests. The bar shows sports on big screens, has pool tables and dartboards, and offers live entertainment mainly on weekends.

The Jack Backpackers travel desk provides discounted rates and local knowledge for visitors to explore the Great Barrier Reef and the Daintree Rainforest. The hostel is only a two-minute walk from the major shopping centers, city attractions, and the Lagoon.

Guests should note that the hostel is a licensed venue with live entertainment in the beer garden from 6 pm until 2 am, mainly on weekends. The reception desk is open from 9:00 am to 7:00 pm, and guests must have a valid international passport and credit card for check-in. Additionally, guests under the age of 18 are not allowed at the hostel.

Wanna Stay? stands as a beacon of affordability in the heart of Cairns, welcoming travelers with its unbeatable prices. Positioned strategically, it provides easy access to public transport and is a short stroll away from popular spots like the Esplanade Lagoon and Cairns Central Shopping Centre. Its location is a boon, offering guests the convenience of exploring the city’s charm without any hassle.

Delving into the social aspect, Wanna Stay? fosters a communal atmosphere, making it easy for backpackers to connect and share experiences. The common areas are well-maintained, and the staff is friendly, always ready to assist with a warm smile. The hostel ensures that travelers have ample opportunities to mingle, making the stay more enriching and memorable.

Rooms at Wanna Stay? are basic but comfortable, ensuring that guests have a restful sleep after a day of exploring. Essential facilities such as clean beds, lockers, and Wi-Fi are provided, ensuring a hassle-free stay. Prioritizing guests' needs and comfort, this hostel ensures that budget-travel doesn’t compromise the quality of the backpacking experience.

The Espy Hostel is a budget-friendly hostel located in the heart of Cairns Esplanade. The hostel is in close proximity to some of Cairns City's favourite places including the Lagoon pool, waterfront, marina, cafes, and bars.

The Espy Hostel offers a quiet, chilled, and relaxed vibe, making it a home away from home. The Espy Hostel has strict noise and alcohol policies after 10 pm, making it a perfect place for those who want to enjoy a peaceful and relaxing environment. The hostel offers newly renovated private rooms and dorms with affordable prices. However, the dorms are only available for under 35's.

The Espy Hostel also offers excellent weekly long-term rates for working backpackers. The hostel has a fully equipped kitchen, lounge area, and a pool to chill out. It also occasionally hosts pop-up social events. The hostel has a self-check-in system, but the friendly staff is always available to help guests.

Summer House Backpackers is a 3-star hostel located in Cairns. The hostel features an outdoor swimming pool, a garden, and a shared lounge. It also offers a restaurant, shared kitchen, and a 24-hour front desk, as well as free bikes and free WiFi throughout the property.

Guests can enjoy a continental breakfast and the hostel provides karaoke and an ATM. Summer House Backpackers also offers a sun terrace and activities such as table tennis, darts, and hiking.

Summer House Backpackers is 3.4 km from Cairns Station and 3.8 km from Cairns Convention Centre. Cairns Airport is the nearest airport, located 5 km away.

Caravella Backpackers Cairns City Waterfront is a laid-back and social hostel perfect for travelers looking to unwind without being right in the middle of the party zone. Set along the Esplanade in a peaceful part of town, it’s still just a short stroll to all the action—shops, nightclubs, and the buzz of Cairns. Guests love cooling off in the spacious swimming pool, flipping something tasty on the BBQ, or cooking up a feast in one of the two shared kitchens. There’s also a handy self-service laundry and comfy TV lounge to kick back in.

Caravella Backpackers Cairns City Waterfront offers both private and dorm rooms, all with free air conditioning, a fan, and a fridge. Some even have private bathrooms. Free WiFi runs throughout the common areas during the day, and there's an on-site café serving up tasty meals. With tour discounts, free luggage storage, and friendly staff ready to help, Caravella is a great base to chill and plan your adventures.

Mumma's Hostel, located in Cairns, features an outdoor swimming pool, garden, shared lounge, and terrace. The hostel provides guests with a tour desk and a barbecue. Mumma's Hostel offers a shared kitchen and evening entertainment.

Rooms are equipped with a seating area, air conditioning, and a desk. Some of the rooms feature a city view, and all of the rooms have free WiFi and a shared bathroom with a shower and a hairdryer. A continental breakfast is served every morning at the hostel.

Guests can enjoy playing billiards, table tennis, and darts, and hiking in the surrounding area. Popular attractions such as Cairns Station, Cairns Convention Centre, and The Cairns Civic Theater are close to the hostel. Cairns Airport is the nearest airport, located 7 km away from the accommodation.

Mad Monkey Backpackers Waterfront is an affordable and clean accommodation located in the heart of Cairns, the gateway to the Great Barrier Reef. The property is situated on the Cairns Esplanade, across from the Cairns Lagoon, providing guests with easy access to the beach. The hostel offers a range of accommodations, including mixed dorms, female dorms, and private double rooms, all with high-quality mattresses, pillows, and linens. All rooms are air-conditioned, and dorms have private en-suite bathrooms.

Mad Monkey Backpackers Waterfront also offers ultra-fast free Wi-Fi and a fully equipped kitchen for guests to use. Guests can unwind in the common room or socialize over board games, a PlayStation tournament, or a film on Netflix. Mad Monkey Backpackers Waterfrontalso provides guests with free access to a local gym. If guests have a car, they can park at the sister hostel, which is five minutes away on foot, for $5 per day. Please note that there is a maximum age restriction of 35 years old for guests staying in shared dorms.

Mad Monkey Jungle is a centrally located hostel in the heart of Cairns that offers a resort-style accommodation experience. Guests can enjoy a free hot breakfast and ultra-fast Wi-Fi. The hostel features fully air-conditioned rooms with en suite bathrooms, private balconies, and courtyard gardens.

Mad Monkey Jungle has an outdoor pool, an outdoor bar serving cheap drinks, and a social area where guests can meet new friends. The entertainment team organizes daily and nightly events for guests, and they can also recommend backpacker bars that offer cheap eats and drinks.

Mad Monkey Central is a backpacker hostel located in Cairns, offering clean and comfortable facilities in a central location. The hostel provides a daily free hot breakfast, discounted food from their on-site Gourmet Pizza restaurant, and budget-priced drinks at the brand new outdoor bar.

Guests can relax at the refurbished swimming pool, sunbathe at the cabanas, and enjoy daily free events and activities.

Mad Monkey Central also offers a TV room with Netflix and Playstation, super-fast free wifi throughout the property, and a daily free access to a local gym. Accommodation options include mixed and female dorms, private double or twin rooms, with high-quality mattresses, comfy pillows, and linen included.

All rooms are air-conditioned and equipped with personal USB ports and power sockets. Personal towels are provided in private double rooms, but available for hire at reception if needed.

Mad Monkey Village is a recently refurbished hostel in Cairns, Australia. The property offers private double rooms that come with air conditioning and towels. Guests can enjoy a continental breakfast for free, and have access to a TV, a kitchen, and bathrooms with air conditioning in every room.

Mad Monkey Village also features an outdoor swimming pool, free WiFi, and a free fitness center. Located only 800 meters from the bars and restaurants of Cairns Esplanade, Mad Monkey Village is an ideal base for travelers looking to explore the area.

Cairns Central YHA Hostel is a backpackers' hostel located in the heart of Cairns. The hostel features a large internal courtyard with landscaped gardens, swimming pool, two spas, and an outdoor games area.

Cairns Central YHA Hostel offers 61 rooms, including dorms, single, twin/doubles, and family rooms, many of which are air-conditioned and with ensuite facilities. The hostel also features a fully-equipped kitchen, a large TV screen over the pool for movie nights, laundry, indoor and outdoor dining areas, free and fast Wi-Fi, a common area with TV, and secure luggage storage.

Cairns Central YHA Hostel is located opposite Cairns Central Shopping Centre and a short walk from the Cairns Esplanade. The hostel staff can help guests book the best activities and tours right from the hostel.

Global Backpackers is a hostel located on the Cairns Esplanade waterfront, providing easy access to the Lagoon, boardwalk, marina, restaurants, shops and nightlife. The hostel offers a range of accommodation options, from private rooms with balconies and en suites to shared dormitory rooms, all equipped with air conditioning and free WiFi.

Global Backpackers has a rooftop lounge and kitchen area with stunning views of the city and sunset. Guests can also swim in the Esplanade Lagoon, located right outside the hostel. The hostel's travel staff can provide advice on various activities and tours, including skydiving, white water rafting, snorkelling, and cultural experiences. The hostel's bar venues also offer discounts to guests.

Gilligans Backpackers Hotel & Resort is a hostel located in the city center of Cairns, ideal for travellers looking for a place close to the famous Cairns Esplanade Lagoon and buzzing nightlife. The accommodation offers spacious, air-conditioned, en-suite rooms in dorm-style accommodation or private hotel rooms, with free linen, free Wi-Fi, and free luggage storage.

Gilligans Backpackers Hotel & Resort also features a huge swimming pool, fitness room, and four brand new communal kitchens, fully equipped for guests to prepare their meals. Gilligans Backpackers Hotel & Resort also has an onsite Workers wanted agency, powder room, and pool tables. The management prioritizes the health and safety of all guests, staff, and patrons, ensuring that everyone takes social distancing and personal hygiene seriously.

Note that bookings of four or more guests are subject to different terms and conditions, and the hostel cannot guarantee to place all group bookings in the same room.