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Knowing the right hostel to stay in is an important decision for any backpacker to make. Hostels are cheap, easily accessible, and a great place to find work and meet other travelers. There are several options to choose from in Cairns but we've made deciding a lot easier.
This post will go over our 13 favorite hostels in Cairns.
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Even as a budget hostel, Summer House is fully equipped with a lagoon style pool and volleyball court. A little pricier than dirt cheap, but either way a total steal, this hostel offers great bonuses like free bus and train station pickups. Summer House is a really fun and affordable youth hostel in Cairns, well worth considering.
Address: 341 Lake St, Cairns City QLD 4870, Australia
Nearby: Tobruk Memorial Pool is a 6 minute walk away. Also nearby is the landmark gallery only 3 minute walk from the hostel.
Contact: +61742213411
Rating: Google Reviews: 4.4/ 5
TripAdvisor: 3.5/ 5
Booking: 8.4/ 10
Amenities:
Luggage Storage
24 hour security
Yoga Classes
Outdoor Terrace
Free Wifi
Television
Pool Table
Asylum is a great budget hostel in Cairns. Very affordable, well located, clean and comfortable, you’ll be hard-pressed to find a complaint about this property. They even offer a free airport transfer. The team runs an all-you-can-eat BBQ every Monday night for just $5. No fighting over who gets to charge their phone next to your dorm mates since you'll get a separate charging port for your bed.
Address: 149 Grafton St, Cairns City QLD 4870, Australia
Nearby: Muddy’s Playground and St Monica’s Cathedral are just a 6 minute walk from the property. Also nearby is the Cairns Aquarium and Munro Martin Parklands.
Contact: +61740311474
Rating: Google Reviews: 4.1/ 5
TripAdvisor: 3.5/ 5
Booking: 8.1/ 10
Amenities: Vending Machines
Baggage Storage
Outdoor Swimming Pool
BBQ Facilities
Terrace
Laundry Facilities
Mumma’s is a fun, yet relaxed budget friendly hostel in Cairns. It’s located very close to some of the biggest clubs in Cairns but also far enough so you can have a good night’s sleep too. If clubbing isn’t your thing then unwind with netflix, xbox, the free 8 ball table,ping pong and so much more!
Address: 140 Grafton St, Cairns, Queensland 4870 Australia
Nearby: 6 minute walk from Esplanade Boardwalk and 4 min walk from St Cathedral Church. Also a 2 minute walk from Cairns Marina.
Contact : +61480148499
Rating: Google Reviews: 4.2/ 5
TripAdvisor: 3.5/ 5
Booking: 8.3/ 10
Amenities: Baggage Storage
Laundry Facilities
Swimming Pool
Board Games
Common Room
Free Parking
Castaways is only a 10 minute walk from Esplanade. This hostel has a great social vibe but without the rowdy party crew. Castaways offers digital nomads the opportunity to get a heap of work done in a quiet environment then relax and unwind with fellow travellers. The dorms are bright and spacious and the guest kitchen is ideal for digital nomads looking to cut costs. The swimming pool is also a great incentive for when you get all of your work done.
Address: 207 Sheridan St, Cairns North QLD 4870, Australia
Nearby: Torres Strait Cultural Experience is just a 6 minute walk away and Crackerbox Palace is a 5 minute walk away.
Contact: +61740511238
Rating: Google Reviews: 4.5/ 5
TripAdvisor: 4.5/ 5
Booking: 8.2/ 10
Amenities:
Vending Machines
Outdoor Terrace
Common Room
Laundry Facilities
BBQ Facilities
Outdoor Swimming Pool
Just a quick 15 minute walk away from the Cairns City centre this amazing hostel is especially suited for solo travelers due to the social atmosphere created by the different daytime and nighttime events. Recent renovations have given this hostel new life, and it is now equipped with super speed wifi and customised private rooms. You are likely to have the time of your life here and make a lot of friends along the way.
Address: 100:102 Sheridan St, Cairns City QLD 4870, Australia
Nearby: 4 minute walk from Cairns Museum and a 6 minute walk from Cairns Art Gallery. Some other attractions are Rusty’s Market and Cairns Aquarium.
Contact: +61742290888
Rating: Google Reviews: 4.4/5
TripAdvisor: 4/5
Booking: 8.2/10
Amenities:
Outdoor Terrace
Outdoor Swimming Pool
Free Parking
Laundry Facilities
24 Hour Security
Free Wifi
Luggage Storage
This resort style hostel is situated right in the heart of the Cairns city centre and is only a short distance away from the majority of the city’s main attractions. Equipped with a top bar and entertainment centre, the host plans events almost every day and night so there is no chance that your stay here is going to be boring. All the room’s are air conditioned with spacious en-suite bathrooms.
Address: 117 Grafton St, Cairns City QLD 4870, Australia
Nearby: A two minute walk would lead you to Cairns Museum and another 6 minute walk to Esplanade Boardwalk.
Contact: +61740477200
Rating: Google Reviews: 4.3/ 5
TripAdvisor: 4.5/ 5
Booking: 8.5/ 10
Amenities:
Security Lockers
Common Room
Free Wifi
Playstation
Pool Table
Swimming Pool
Bicycle Parking
Located strategically opposite of the Cairns Central Shopping Centre and only a short walk from Cairns esplanade lies this amazing little hostel perfect for solo travelers. The 61 rooms offer a lot of varieties ranging from dorms to family rooms. A huge outdoor games area along with 2 spas are just some amenities this magical hostel provides. If you are looking to find friends during your trip, you can’t go wrong by choosing Cairns Central YHA.
Address: 20:26 McLeod St, Cairns City QLD 4870, Australia
Nearby: A 6 minute walk from Samurai Gallery and a two minute walk from Rusty's market. 5 minute walk from Cairns Museum.
Contact: +61740510772
Rating: Google Reviews: 4.3/ 5
TripAdvisor: 4/ 5
Booking: 8.5/ 10
Amenities:
Games Area
Terrace
Common Room
Security Lockers
Laundry Facilities
BBQ Facilities
Outdoor Area
With over 20 years of experience in the hospitality business, Globetrotter’s knows exactly how you should be enjoying your stay around Cairns. If you want to have a calm and cozy stay while making new friends you should look no further than Globetrotter’s.
Address: 154/156 Lake St, Cairns City QLD 4870, Australia
Nearby: Muddy’s Playground is only a 5 minute walk from the hostel. St Monica’s Cathedral is also only 5 minutes away.
Contact: +61419744431
Rating: Google Reviews: 4.3/ 5
TripAdvisor: 4.5/ 5
Booking: 8.6/ 10
Amenities:
Outdoor Terrace
Common Room
Bar
Pool Table
Security Lockers
Self Catering Service
Just a 5 minute walk from the Greyhound and Premier Bus Stations and also a short walk from Rusty’s Market lies this amazing modern hotel which is perfectly suited for backpackers looking to party but also have a goodnight’s sleep. Gilligan’s has all the facilities and stylishness of a hotel with the price tag and laid-back feel of a hostel.
Address: 57/89 Grafton St, Cairns City QLD 4870, Australia
Nearby: A short walk from Rusty’s Market. Samurai Gallery and Cairns Museum are also just a 5 minute walk away.
Contact: +61740416566
Rating: Google Reviews: 4.1/ 5
TripAdvisor: 4/ 5
Booking: 8.3/ 10
Amenities:
Nightclub
DJ
Bar
Outdoor Swimming Pool
Terrace
Common Room
Car Hire
People famously say that this hostel is not just a hostel but a lifestyle due to its legendary party scene. Equipped with a pumping bar named THE ZANZIBAR and a swimming pool and pool table, Why Not is a great time from the minute you walk in. The cozy and comfortable beds in the air conditioned rooms are the best place to wake up after a whole night of drinking.
Address: 5/9 Digger St, Cairns North QLD 4870, Australia
Nearby: A 4 minute walk from Crackerbox Palace and also the famous Little Ricardo’s Restaurant.
Contact: +61740310910
Ratings: Google Reviews: 4.3/ 5
TripAdvisor: 4/ 5
Booking: 8.3/ 10
Amenities:
Vending Machines
Free Car Parking
Cooking
Swimming Pool
Entertainment Area
Fitness Classes
The Jack Cairns
Located right in the heart of Cairns CBD, this trendy hostel is equipped with modern amenities so you never get bored. Jack Cairns is cozy, bright and it’ll never cease to capture your imagination with something new to do and someone new to meet everyday.
Address : Sheridan St &, Spence St, Cairns City QLD 4870, Australia
Nearby : Four minute walk from Cairns Museum and just a two minute walk from Rusty’s market.
Contact : +61740512490
Rating : Google Reviews: 4.1/ 5
TripAdvisor: 4/ 5
Booking: 7.9/ 10
Amenities :
Common Room
Outdoor Swimming Pool
Free Parking
Bicycle Hire
Outdoor Terrace
Rated as the best hostel in Australia by Hostel World in 2018, this little oasis is a haven for all categories of travelers. A modern swimming pool, a guest kitchen, free wifi and parking space are some amenities that are enjoyed here. Spacious and bright yet homely, this whole space is spotless and really cozy.
Address: 8/10 Scott St, Cairns City QLD 4870, Australia.
Nearby: 5 minute walk from Cairns Central Railway Station, Short Walk from Esplanade and Night Market
Contact: +61740521377
Rating: Google Reviews: 4.7/ 5
TripAdvisor Rating: 5/ 5
Booking: 9.1/ 10
Amenities:
Snorkeling
Picnic Area
Free Wifi
Free Parking
Outdoor Pool
Board Games
Laundry Facilities
Luggage Storage
This awesome hostel comes with all the modern luxuries with a hint of tradition too. Freedom Hostel is located on the main strip of Cairns, giving you easy access to the local bars and cafés. If you feel like going for a swim, Freedom Hostel is only a 2 min walk from Esplanade Lagoon and the marina where you can go snorkelling and diving along the Great Barrier Reef.
Address: 1/7 Shields St, Cairns City QLD 4870, Australia
Nearby: 3 minute walk from Michaelmas Cay and 2 minute walk from Cairns Esplanade Lagoon. Also Cairns Museum is 5 minutes walk from the property.
Contact: +61742209307
Rating: Google Reviews: 4.8/ 5
TripAdvisor Rating: 4.5/ 5
Booking: 8.8/ 10
Amenities:
Common Room
Outdoor Terrace
Laundry Facilities
24 Hour Security
Free Wifi
Luggage Storage
By now, you should have found the ideal hostel for your trip to Cairns.
For more cool hostel guides around Australia and New Zealand, you can check out:
If you think we’ve missed any hostels or if you have any other thoughts or feedback about our picks, don’t hesitate to share your thoughts with us in the comments.
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