7 Youth Hostels in Cairns

7 Youth Hostels in Cairns

Written by Undercover Phoenician | Last update: Apr 17, 2024

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Dive into the heart of the Great Barrier Reef from the coolest, budget-friendly bases with our guide to the best youth hostels in Cairns! These aren't just sleeping quarters—they're your launchpads for reef explorations, rainforest treks, and spontaneous barbecues under the stars.

Meet fellow adventurers eager to swap tales and tackle Cairns' natural playground together. Ready for crocodile sightings, waterfall swims, and unforgettable nights? Grab your snorkel and your sense of adventure—it’s time to experience Cairns like a true backpacker!

Short and crisp: Hostels in Cairns

  1. Wanna Stay? - best for Party Hostel, Solo Traveller, Youth Hostel
  2. The Espy Hostel - best for Digital Nomads, Party Hostel, Solo Traveller, Youth Hostel
  3. Mad Monkey Backpackers Waterfront - best for Party Hostel, Solo Traveller, Youth Hostel
  4. Gilligans Backpackers Hotel & Resort - best for Adventure Hostels, Digital Nomads, Party Hostel, Solo Traveller, Youth Hostel
  5. Castaway's Backpackers - best for Family-Friendly Hostel, Solo Traveller, Youth Hostel
  6. Mad Monkey Central - best for Party Hostel, Solo Traveller, Youth Hostel
  7. Caravella Backpackers Cairns City Waterfront - best for Adventure Hostels, Beach Lovers Retreat, Family-Friendly Hostel, Solo Traveller, Youth Hostel

Full List of Youth Hostels in Cairns

1 Wanna Stay?

#1 Top Rated Hostel in Cairns! Rating: 8.8

Dive into the vibrant heart of Cairns at Wanna Stay?, a contender for the best youth hostel in the city. This place boasts a cozy, intimate vibe, making it easy to mingle and share tales from the road. The staff, known for their local insights, will guide you to hidden gems.

Wanna Stay? shines with its clean, comfortable rooms and communal areas where friendships bloom over shared meals. Its location is a sweet spot for those eager to explore the city's bustling markets and beaches. Perfect for the social butterfly craving a homely feel.

Whether you're plotting your next adventure or chilling in the common areas, Wanna Stay? caters to the budget-conscious traveler seeking a blend of comfort and fun. It's more than a stay; it's where memories are made.

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

2 The Espy Hostel

Rating: 8.1

Step into The Espy Hostel, where modern meets the laid-back beach lifestyle, making it a top pick for best youth hostel in Cairns. Its beachfront location offers stunning views, and it's just a stroll away from lively bars and eateries.

Inside, The Espy Hostel is all about cool, comfortable vibes, with spacious dorms and private rooms. The rooftop terrace is the heart of social life here, where travelers bond under the stars. It’s ideal for those who love to be in the mix, yet seek a peaceful night's sleep.

The Espy Hostel doesn't just offer a bed; it's a gateway to Cairns' adventures with staff ready to help plan your next escapade. For those seeking a balance of excitement and relaxation, this hostel is your go-to.

Prices start from $26.19 for a dorm and $41.77 for a private room.

Other Amenities

Bar

Board Games

Kitchen

Laundry

Lounge Area

Nightclub

Swimming Pool

Book here The Espy Hostel
Check: Hostelworld | Booking.com | Get the Best Deal

3 Mad Monkey Backpackers Waterfront

Rating: 8.0

Mad Monkey Backpackers Waterfront takes the crown for being a lively hub in the quest for the best youth hostel in Cairns. Positioned right on the waterfront, it offers easy access to the Esplanade and the Great Barrier Reef departures, perfect for the adventurous spirit.

With its vibrant social scene, Mad Monkey Backpackers Waterfront is a magnet for travelers looking to meet like-minded folks. The communal kitchen and the outdoor pool are just the spots for making new friends or lounging after a day's exploration.

This hostel promises an unforgettable stay with its mix of dorms and private rooms, catering to all types of travelers. Mad Monkey Backpackers Waterfront is where your Cairns adventure begins, with fun and relaxation rolled into one.

Prices start from $24.15 for a dorm and $57.04 for a private room.

Freebies/Included

Breakfast

Extra Services

City Tours

Other Amenities

Board Games

Kitchen

Laundry

Lounge Area

Videogames

Book here Mad Monkey Backpackers Waterfront
Check: Hostelworld | Booking.com | Get the Best Deal

4 Gilligans Backpackers Hotel & Resort

Rating: 7.8

Gilligans Backpackers Hotel & Resort is not just a hostel; it's an experience. As a frontrunner for the best youth hostel in Cairns, it combines the affordability of a hostel with the luxury of a resort. Think pool parties, DJ nights, and that ever-so-inviting lagoon pool.

Situated in the heart of Cairns, Gilligans Backpackers Hotel & Resort is moments away from local markets, cafes, and nightlife. It's the perfect base for those who want to dive into the local culture by day and party by night.

Offering a range of accommodation options, from dorms to hotel rooms, Gilligans Backpackers Hotel & Resort caters to every traveler's needs. If you're looking for a vibrant, energetic stay with a touch of indulgence, this is the place.

Prices start from $29.98 for a dorm and $117.63 for a private room.

Extra Services

Bike Rental

Other Amenities

Bar

Evening Entertainment

Gameroom

Kitchen

Laundry

Live Music/Performance

Lounge Area

Nightclub

Pool Table

Swimming Pool

Book here Gilligans Backpackers Hotel & Resort
Check: Hostelworld | Booking.com | HostelsClub | Get the Best Deal

5 Castaway's Backpackers

Rating: 7.8

Castaway's Backpackers stands out as a charming oasis, offering a more laid-back atmosphere for those scouting the best youth hostel in Cairns. Its welcoming vibe and lush garden setting make it a peaceful retreat from the city's hustle.

Located within walking distance to Cairns Central, Castaway's Backpackers ensures you're never far from exploring. The friendly staff are always on hand to share local tips, enhancing your stay with that personal touch.

This hostel is perfect for those who value a quiet, friendly environment. With comfortable beds and communal areas designed for relaxation, Castaway's Backpackers feels like a home away from home.

Prices start from $34.22 for a private room.

Extra Services

Bike Rental

Other Amenities

Board Games

Gameroom

Kitchen

Laundry

Lounge Area

Pool Table

Swimming Pool

Videogames

Book here Castaway's Backpackers
Check: Booking.com | HostelsClub | Get the Best Deal

6 Mad Monkey Central

Rating: 7.7

Welcome to Mad Monkey Central, the heartthrob of Cairns' hostel scene, known for its spirited atmosphere and central location. It's a haven for backpackers looking to soak up the city's vibrant energy.

Mad Monkey Central is famed for its social events, making it easy to meet fellow travelers. The on-site bar and the communal kitchen are the social nuclei, buzzing with stories and laughter. This is where friendships are forged.

Ideal for those who want the best of both worlds - a lively hostel experience within a stone's throw of Cairns' attractions. Mad Monkey Central is your ticket to an adventure-filled stay, surrounded by new friends.

Prices start from $22.39 for a dorm and $60.92 for a private room.

Freebies/Included

Breakfast

Extra Services

City Tours

Other Amenities

Bar

Board Games

Evening Entertainment

Gameroom

Kitchen

Laundry

Lounge Area

Swimming Pool

Videogames

Book here Mad Monkey Central
Check: Hostelworld | Booking.com | Get the Best Deal

7 Caravella Backpackers Cairns City Waterfront

Rating: 7.6

Caravella Backpackers Cairns City Waterfront is a gem among Cairns' hostels, boasting a prime waterfront location. It's a sanctuary for those who dream of waking up to sea breezes, yet it’s close enough to dive into the city's lively culture.

With a laid-back vibe, Caravella Backpackers Cairns City Waterfront is all about creating connections. Whether it’s chatting over barbecue nights or planning excursions at the travel desk, this place brings together like-minded travelers. The pool area, overlooking the esplanade, is the perfect spot to unwind after a day of adventure.

Caravella Backpackers Cairns City Waterfront offers a variety of room options to suit every traveler’s budget and preferences, from airy dorms to private rooms. It's the ideal choice for those seeking a friendly, convenient base to explore Cairns and beyond. With its blend of comfort, community, and unbeatable location, Caravella Backpackers Cairns City Waterfront stands out as a top pick for the best youth hostel in Cairns. Whether you’re here to explore the Great Barrier Reef or immerse yourself in local culture, Caravella Backpackers Cairns City Waterfront provides a welcoming, memorable stay.

Prices start from $78.12 for a private room.

Extra Services

City Tours

Other Amenities

Gameroom

Kitchen

Laundry

Lounge Area

Pool Table

Swimming Pool

Book here Caravella Backpackers Cairns City Waterfront
Check: Booking.com | 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

👨👩 Youth Hostel:

Wanna Stay?

🏆 Overall Best Hostel:

Wanna Stay?

🤹 Solo-Traveler:

Wanna Stay?

👨‍👩‍👦 Family Hostel with Kids:

Castaway's Backpackers

🎉 Party Hostel:

Wanna Stay?

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

Still not sure? Pick this!

#1 Top Hostel in Cairns: Wanna Stay?

This is the overall best rated hostel in Wanna Stay?. The overall rating is 8.8. 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 Wanna Stay? starts from $10.62.

Book Wanna Stay? here

#1 Best Hostel in Cairns
Wanna Stay?

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

Welcome to Hostelz.com, your reliable gateway to finding the best prices for hostels worldwide! Our platform allows you to compare prices from major booking portals, saving you valuable time and money in the process.

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 Undercover Phoenician

About the author: Undercover Phoenician

Hostelz.com is your #1 hostel guide to find the best prices for every single hostel worldwide. We show you all prices and hostels at a glance - save money by using the right booking platform.

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Smart Hostel Price Comparison

Best Hostel in Cairns is...

Wanna Stay?!

Wanna Stay?, Cairns

Book Wanna Stay? here

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