What affordable attractions should backpackers visit in Cairns?

Cairns has plenty of budget-friendly attractions. The Cairns Esplanade is a great place to start, with free activities like the Lagoon, the Muddy's Playground, and the Flecker Botanic Gardens. For a taste of the rainforest, head to the Barron Falls, or take a walk along the scenic boardwalk at the Red Arrow Walk. If you're feeling adventurous, you can even go for a swim at the Crystal Cascades.

What are the best hostels in Cairns?

Among the hostels in Cairns, Travellers Oasis , Happytourcairns Sharehouse and Dreamtime Hostel are the most popular ones.

What nightlife options are popular among hostel guests in Cairns?

The nightlife scene in Cairns is lively, especially in the city centre. The Woolshed is a popular spot for backpackers, with live music and cheap drinks. Gilligan's is another favourite, known for its laid-back atmosphere and regular events. For a more relaxed vibe, head to the Pier Bar, where you can enjoy the ocean views while sipping on a cocktail.

What are the best hostels with a pool in Cairns?

Travellers Oasis , Happytourcairns Sharehouse and Dreamtime Hostel are the best hostels with a pool in Cairns.

What are the top social spots in Cairns for hostel guests to meet other travelers?

The best places to meet other travellers in Cairns are usually the hostels themselves. The Nomads Cairns and the Gilligan's Backpackers are known for their social atmosphere and organised events. The Woolshed is also a great place to meet people, especially if you're into live music and cheap drinks.

What are the best hostels with a jacuzzi in Cairns?

The best hostels with a jacuzzi in Cairns are Yha Cairns Central , Yha Cairns Central and Bohemia Resort Cairns .

What’s the best budget-friendly way to reach Cairns?

The most affordable way to get to Cairns is by flying into Cairns Airport. You can find cheap flights with budget airlines like Jetstar and Tigerair. If you're travelling from another part of Australia, you can also take a Greyhound bus, which is a good option if you have more time and want to see the scenery.

What are the best hostels for families and kids in Cairns?

The best hostels for families and kids in Cairns are Happytourcairns Sharehouse , Dreamtime Hostel and Yha Cairns Central .

What should you know before renting a hostel in Cairns?

When choosing a hostel in Cairns, consider your budget, the location, and the social atmosphere. Some hostels offer free activities and events, while others focus on providing clean and comfortable accommodation. It's always a good idea to read reviews online before booking.

What are the best hostels with parking in Cairns?

Travellers Oasis , Happytourcairns Sharehouse and Dreamtime Hostel are the best hostels with parking in Cairns.

What's the best time of the year to visit Cairns?

The best time to visit Cairns is during the dry season, from May to October. The weather is warm and sunny, with less rainfall. However, if you're on a budget, you can find cheaper flights and accommodation during the shoulder seasons, April and November. Just be prepared for some rain.

Where in Cairns can you find the best areas to stay in a hostel?

The best areas to stay in a hostel in Cairns are the city centre, close to the Cairns Esplanade and the nightlife. The northern beaches, such as Palm Cove and Trinity Beach, are also popular with backpackers, offering a more relaxed atmosphere.

Cairns Hostels | Best Deals on cozycozy

9.2 1667 reviews

Mad Monkey Village

hostel, Cairns

Mad Monkey Village is located in Cairns, just a short walk from the bustling Cairns Esplanade and its many restaurants and bars. The hostel has received very good ratings for cleanliness and user experience, with a good location rating.
The hostel offers private double rooms with air conditioning. Guests can enjoy a range of amenities, including a swimming pool, a fitness centre, a restaurant and bar, a kitchen, and free continental breakfast.

9.4 3 reviews

Redhill Cairns Shared Living – Pembroke St

hostel, Parramatta Park

Redhill Cairns Shared Living – Pembroke St is a hostel located in the Parramatta Park district, within a 15-minute walk of Cazaly's Stadium and Cairns Esplanade, and 1.6 kilometres from Cairns Private Hospital and Cairns Central Shopping Centre.
This accommodation offers air conditioning, a communal kitchen with a fridge, microwave oven, and dishwasher, free Wi-Fi in common areas, and on-site parking.

9.1 774 reviews

Global Backpackers Cairns

hostel, Cairns

Global Backpackers Cairns is on the Cairns Esplanade, a short walk from the Lagoon, boardwalk, marina, restaurants, shops, and nightlife. The hostel has excellent location and cleanliness ratings, and a very good user rating.
The hostel offers a range of room types, from private rooms with balconies and en suites to shared dormitories. Guests can enjoy a rooftop lounge with a kitchen, a swimming pool, a terrace, a garden, a fitness centre, and free Wi-Fi and air conditioning.

8.8 1244 reviews

Mumma's Hostel Cairns

hostel, Cairns

Mumma's Hostel Cairns is conveniently located in the city centre, just 1.6 kilometres from Cairns Station and 1.3 kilometres from the Cairns Convention Centre. The hostel has received very good ratings for cleanliness and user experience, and an excellent rating for its location.
The hostel offers a shared kitchen, a games room, and a lounge with a terrace. Guests can enjoy the outdoor swimming pool and garden, barbecue facilities, and evening entertainment.

8.7 6294 reviews

Gilligan's Hotel & Resort Cairns

hostel, Cairns

Gilligan's Hotel & Resort Cairns is located in the Cairns City Centre, just a short walk from Rusty's Market, the Esplanade and the Kuranda Railway Station. The hostel is rated very good for its overall experience, excellent for its location and good for its cleanliness.
The accommodation offers a range of room types, including spacious, air-conditioned rooms with private bathrooms and free bed linen. Guests can enjoy a range of amenities, including a swimming pool, a fitness centre, a restaurant, a bar and free Wi-Fi.

8.2 144 reviews

Redhill Cairns Living - Martyn St

hostel, Cairns

MiHaven Shared Living - Martyn St in Cairns, Queensland offers convenient accommodation a short walk from Cairns railway station and within easy reach of attractions such as the Cairns Civic Theatre and Cairns Regional Gallery.
This Cairns hostel features a shared kitchen, lounge, swimming pool, tennis court, and barbecue facilities, plus free Wi-Fi and on-site parking; bike rentals are also available.

8.2 32 reviews

Redhill Cairns Living - Gatton St

hostel, Cairns

MiHaven Shared Living - Gatton St offers budget accommodation in Cairns, a short walk from Cairns Railway Station and within 2.6km of the Cairns Convention Centre, Cairns Regional Gallery, and Cairns Botanic Gardens.
This Cairns hostel features air-conditioned rooms with private bathrooms, some with balconies, plus free Wi-Fi, a shared lounge, and on-site parking; nearby attractions include the Cairns Civic Theatre and TAFE Queensland North - Cairns Campus.

8.1 2 reviews

Redhill Cairns Shared Living – Gatton St

hostel, Parramatta Park

Redhill Cairns Shared Living – Gatton St is a hostel located in Parramatta Park, within 2 kilometres of Cairns Esplanade, Cairns Esplanade Charles Street Parkland, and Cairns Central Shopping Centre, with Cairns Station an 18-minute walk away.
This accommodation offers complimentary WiFi in public areas, on-site parking, laundry facilities, and a garden, with air conditioning and a terrace or balcony for guest comfort.

8.4 2158 reviews

Little Drifter Cairns

hostel, Cairns

The Village Cairns is conveniently located in central Cairns, just a short walk from the Cairns Convention Center and within easy reach of the city’s main attractions. This hostel has received very good ratings for its cleanliness and overall experience, while its location has been praised as excellent.
The accommodation offers a shared kitchen, lounge and terrace, perfect for socialising with fellow travellers. Guests can also benefit from a range of amenities including air conditioning, free Wi-Fi, a fitness centre and a restaurant, as well as tour organisation services.

8.1 701 reviews

Mad Monkey Jungle

hostel, Cairns

Mad Monkey Jungle, a resort-style hostel, is centrally located in Cairns, a short walk from major attractions.
This accommodation offers air-conditioned rooms with private bathrooms and balconies or courtyard gardens, a swimming pool, a bar, and free ultra-fast WiFi, with a guest capacity of one person.

9.3 1467 reviews

Travellers Oasis

hostel, Cairns

Travellers Oasis is ideally situated in Cairns' city centre, just a short walk from the Esplanade, The Pier, and Cairns Central Shopping Centre. The hostel enjoys an excellent user rating and very good location and cleanliness ratings.
The hostel offers a variety of rooms, including private singles, twins, and doubles, as well as dormitories. Guests can enjoy a swimming pool, a terrace, a garden, free Wi-Fi, and a tour desk to help plan their adventures.

8.4 1705 reviews

Global Backpackers Youth Hostel

hostel, Cairns

Global Backpackers Cairns offers budget accommodation a 13-minute walk (approximately 1km) from Cairns Railway Station, close to the Cairns Convention Centre, Botanic Gardens, and Cairns Airport.
This Cairns hostel features air conditioning, a terrace, free WiFi, a shared lounge, and a tour desk, with sea views from some balconies and nearby hiking and water parks.

Coastal Hostels in Cairns, Australia

Roll out of your bunk and step directly onto the warm sand without breaking your travel budget at seashore hostels in Cairns, Australia.

9.0 1070 reviews

Yha Cairns Central

hostel, Cairns

Cairns Central YHA is conveniently located in the city centre, just a five-minute walk from The Esplanade and Trinity Wharf, making it ideal for exploring Cairns' attractions. The hostel has received very good ratings for cleanliness and user experience, with an excellent location rating.
The hostel offers a range of rooms, including private rooms with private bathrooms and dormitory rooms with shared bathrooms. Guests can enjoy a variety of amenities and activities, including a swimming pool, a spa, a restaurant, a bar, and a fitness centre.