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Check prices for these dates

Next weekend
Dec 26 - Dec 28
In two weeks
Jan 2 - Jan 4
In one month
Jan 16 - Jan 18
In two months
Feb 13 - Feb 15

Our top choices for Cairns hostels

Outdoor pool
Gilligan's Backpackers Hotel & Resort

Gilligan's Backpackers Hotel & Resort

Gilligan's Backpackers Hotel & Resort
2.0 star property
Cairns Central Business District
8.0 out of 10, Very Good, (436)
"Great cheap place to stay"
United Kingdom
sarah
The price is ￥18,744
￥20,850 total
includes taxes & fees
Dec 22 - Dec 23
Gilligan's Backpackers Hotel & Resort
Terrace/patio
Little Drifter Cairns

Little Drifter Cairns

Little Drifter Cairns
2.0 star property
Cairns Central Business District
8.2 out of 10, Very Good, (182)
"Absolutely lovely environment"
United States
James
The price is ￥9,827
￥10,810 total
includes taxes & fees
Dec 17 - Dec 18
Little Drifter Cairns
Outdoor pool
YHA Cairns Central

YHA Cairns Central

YHA Cairns Central
2.0 star property
Cairns Central Business District
8.4 out of 10, Very Good, (209)
"Had a great stay, thanks!"
Australia
Ryoichi
The price is ￥9,266
￥10,193 total
includes taxes & fees
Dec 18 - Dec 19
YHA Cairns Central
Exterior
Caravella Backpackers

Caravella Backpackers

Caravella Backpackers
2.0 star property
Cairns Central Business District
8.4 out of 10, Very Good, (147)
"So convenient, over the road from Muddies for play area and food, as well as walking. Cafe next door also excellent. Did not use shared kitchen but very well stocked with needs for future stays."
Australia
Rani
The price is ￥10,764
￥11,840 total
includes taxes & fees
Dec 17 - Dec 18
Caravella Backpackers
Exterior
Travellers Paradise Heritage Historical Place - Hostel

Travellers Paradise Heritage Historical Place - Hostel

Travellers Paradise Heritage Historical Place - Hostel
2.0 star property
Parramatta Park
7.6 out of 10, Good, (100)
"Property was very convenient for central Cairns. It was quiet and quaint, and very cosy."
Australia
David
The price is ￥16,099
￥17,709 total
includes taxes & fees
Jan 6 - Jan 7, 2026
Travellers Paradise Heritage Historical Place - Hostel
Exterior
The Espy Hostel

The Espy Hostel

The Espy Hostel
2.0 star property
Cairns Central Business District
7.6 out of 10, Good, (84)
"Peaceful and easy with the added bonus of international aromas "
Australia
Timothy
The price is ￥12,818
￥14,225 total
includes taxes & fees
Jan 16 - Jan 17, 2026
The Espy Hostel
Outdoor pool
Dougies Backpackers

Dougies Backpackers

Dougies Backpackers
1.5 star property
Port Douglas
9.0 out of 10, Wonderful, (16)
"Great place, no complaints. "
United States
Kaidan
The price is ￥8,891
￥9,781 total
includes taxes & fees
Dec 18 - Dec 19
Dougies Backpackers
Gazebo
On The Wallaby Eco Lodge - Hostel

On The Wallaby Eco Lodge - Hostel

On The Wallaby Eco Lodge - Hostel
2.0 star property
Yungaburra
9.4 out of 10, Exceptional, (101)
"Really nice hostel, Ideal to visit the lakes!"
Australia
Santiago
The price is ￥7,488
￥8,237 total
includes taxes & fees
Dec 17 - Dec 18
On The Wallaby Eco Lodge - Hostel
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
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Top Cairns Hotel Reviews

Palm Royale Cairns

Palm Royale Cairns

10/10 Excellent
"Clean room, friendly staff"
Zoran 1-night trip
Posted 3 days ago
Palm Royale Cairns

Find out more about Cairns

Cairns Hostels information

Number of reviews
1,272
Accommodation
17 Hostels
Lowest Price
￥8,237
Highest Price
￥20,850

Frequently asked questions

Should I stay in a hostel in Cairns?
By staying at a hostel you can cut your spending on lodging and use more of your money for going out during your stay. We've heard good things about this destination's natural setting, including its coral reefs and rainforests.
What is a hostel?
These dorm-style accommodations come in quite a few shapes and sizes, but they all have a few things in common, including budget-friendly prices, a social setting, and shared rooms (though many hostels offer private room options too).
What are the best hostels in Cairns?
Based on reviews from our customers, these hostels in Cairns are some of the most popular ones: YHA Cairns Central - Close to public transit, this property is within a 5-minute walk of Cairns Station. Guests can enjoy free WiFi, an outdoor pool, and tour assistance. Rooms come with towels, bed sheets, and free WiFi. Little Drifter Cairns - Located within a 5-minute walk of Cairns Esplanade. Guests can enjoy free WiFi, tour assistance, and laundry facilities. Rooms come with showers, bed sheets, and free WiFi. Gilligan's Backpackers Hotel & Resort - Located within a 10-minute walk of Cairns Esplanade. Property features include free WiFi, a nightclub, and an outdoor pool. Rooms come with showers, bed sheets, and free WiFi. Caravella Backpackers - Located within a 5-minute walk of Cairns Esplanade. Property features include free WiFi, an outdoor pool, and a restaurant. You'll find towels, showers, and TVs in all rooms. The Espy Hostel - Located within a 5-minute walk of Cairns Esplanade. Property features include free WiFi, an outdoor pool, and tour assistance. You'll find towels, bed sheets, and free WiFi in all rooms.
How many hostels will I be able to find in Cairns?
If you're hoping to find an affordable place to stay in Cairns, one of Expedia's 16 hostels might be a great choice.
When is the best time of year to stay in a hostel in Cairns?
Good weather's always better when you're experiencing new places, so here's a little information about the seasons: The hottest months are usually January and February with an average temp of 80°F, while the coldest months are August and July with an average of 70°F. The rainiest months in Cairns are January, February, March, and December, with each month seeing an average of 11 inches of rainfall.
What is there to see and do in Cairns?
In general, Cairns is known for its coral reefs, rainforest, and local tours. Get out into nature with places like Esplanade Lagoon, Muddy's Playground, and Cairns Esplanade Charles Street Parkland. Cultural attractions include Cairns Performing Arts Centre, Australian Armour and Artillery Museum, and The Cairns Museum. Locals like to shop at Cairns Night Markets and Cairns Central Shopping Centre.
What's the best way to get to and around Cairns while staying at a hostel?
Keep this information about transit options in Cairns on hand to make the most of your stay: You can fly into the nearest airport, which is Cairns Intl. Airport (CNS), located 3.5 mi (5.6 km) away from the city center. Once you've arrived, you might want to make use of public transit. To check out more of the area, catch a train at Cairns Station, Freshwater Station, or Redlynch Station.

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