Top Picks: The Best Hostels in Cairns

Filters

Price Range (per night)
AU$9 - AU$303

Rating


Suitable For

Show more

Facilities

Show more

Neigborhood

Show more

Tech & Gadgets

Show more

Accessibility


Comfort & Safety

Show more

Activities & Extras

Show more

Property Type


Fun Social Hostels in Cairns – Make Friends Easily!

11 Hostels for Backpackers in Cairns. Prices start from AU$9 for a dorm bed.Sorted by quality, not payments.

Traveling to Cairns and ready to meet new friends? These fun social hostels are perfect for travelers who love community life, group activities, and shared adventures. Expect events like pub crawls, family dinners, game nights, karaoke, walking tours, and cooking classes — all designed to break the ice and make it easy to connect.

We’ve handpicked hostels known for their lively atmosphere and welcoming staff, where you’ll feel part of a travel family in no time. Plus, we compare prices from major booking platforms so you can save money while making lifelong memories!

$
Add to Hostel wishlist
Add to Hostel Comparizon tool
#1 Top Rated

Travellers Oasis

Parramatta Park
Older travelers (+50)Quiet RestSolo Traveller

"…Provided a bath towel for each bed too. 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

from AU$26.14
Add to Hostel wishlist
Add to Hostel Comparizon tool
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$24.55
Add to Hostel wishlist
Add to Hostel Comparizon tool
CouplesFemale Solo TravellerOlder travelers (+50)Quiet Rest

"…Everything was very clean and the staff was very friendly and helpful. In my opinion one of the best places to stay. Pretty, relaxed place, nice staff - Dreamtime was exactly what we were looking

from AU$25.20
Add to Hostel wishlist
Add to Hostel Comparizon tool
Quiet RestSolo Traveller

"…There's a really relaxed vibe here and the staff know how to have fun and get the guests involved. i will be staying here again very soon! Excellent! - This hostel is great for backpackers with

from AU$19.97
Add to Hostel wishlist
Add to Hostel Comparizon tool

Mad Monkey Jungle

Cairns CBD
Free Breakfast
Boutique HostelSolo Traveller

"…The setting of public area is very comfortable and free relax. Wifi connection is good and it is free!(although only accessible in public area). Nothing to complain! Great! Best hostel on the East

from AU$19.97
Add to Hostel wishlist
Add to Hostel Comparizon tool
Boutique HostelParty HostelSolo Traveller

"…- Check In: 2pm - Check out: 10am - Payment upon arrival by cash, debit and credit cards. This property may pre-authorise your card before arrival. - 1.9% surcharge on all card payments (No Amex

from AU$16.05
Add to Hostel wishlist
Add to Hostel Comparizon tool
Party HostelSolo TravellerYouth Hostel

"…Plus, all the major tour departures for the Great Barrier Reef, the ancient Daintree Rainforest, and stunning waterfalls are just a short walk away, making it incredibly easy to kickstart your

from AU$19.95
Add to Hostel wishlist
Add to Hostel Comparizon tool

Bohemia Resort

Cairns North
Free Breakfast
CouplesFamily-Friendly Hostel

"…For such a low cost, this is one of the most lovely places we've stayed in during our time in Australia. It's well worth trekking a bit out of town for a clean, beautiful, budget resort, though it's

from AU$49.31
Add to Hostel wishlist
Add to Hostel Comparizon tool
Solo TravellerYouth Hostel

"…The staff couldn't do enough for us, helping us book trips and try to arrange out-of-the-way activities, and made our stay so much better. Thanks Erin & Laura!! Brilliant! - Quality hostel!!

Add to Hostel wishlist
Add to Hostel Comparizon tool

Why Not Backpackers

Cairns North
Free Breakfast
Digital NomadsParty HostelSolo Traveller

"…They always gave us their personal opinion on tours, having been on them themselves, never just gave us a leaflet. Excellent internet access, eight to ten computers available until 10 p.m. on the

Add to Hostel wishlist
Add to Hostel Comparizon tool

Tropic Days Boutique Hostel

Westcourt
Free Breakfast
Boutique HostelFemale Solo TravellerQuiet Rest

"…They provide an excellent service to the public! From the moment we walked in the door to check in it was laughter and it continued until we left. The best hostel i have ever had the pleasure of

Looking for a specific district?

Check out hostels near the following landmarks

Hotels in Cairns

Add to Hostel wishlist
Add to Hostel Comparizon tool
Party HostelSolo Traveller

"…Like all Nightcap Hotels, we offer an on-site bistro, bar and bottle shop, free unlimited 24 hour Wi-Fi, with all rooms featuring a flat-screen TV, refrigerator, desk, heating, air-conditioning and

from AU$82.32
Add to Hostel wishlist
Add to Hostel Comparizon tool
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$65.80
Add to Hostel wishlist
Add to Hostel Comparizon tool

Cairns Queens Court

Free Breakfast
Party HostelSolo Traveller

"…The hotel is ideally located as a base to explore Tropical North Queensland, the Great Barrier Reef and the Daintree Rainforest. Accommodation ranges from budget style, to three and four star

from AU$62.51

Explore Cairns

Discover the best hostels to suit every traveller type.

Cool Social Hostels in Cairns we all Love

We all love the social hostel life. These social hostels in Cairns are perfect for travelers who enjoy community, fun, and connection. Whether it’s a family dinner, a pub crawl, a game night, or a walking tour, these hostels offer plenty of ways to break the ice and make new friends.

The common areas are always buzzing with activity, and the hostel staff are pros at creating a fun, welcoming vibe. Many hostels also feature organized events like cooking classes, themed parties, karaoke nights, and more — perfect for bonding with fellow adventurers.

Pro tip: Check the hostel’s event calendar or the blackboard for daily activities. Jump in, say “hello,” and let the good times roll!

Pack your bags, join the fun, and make Cairns one of your most social travel experiences yet!

More from Our Blog About Cairns

HomePluz
0
Comparizon