Search Hostels 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.

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).

Based on reviews from our customers, these hostels in Cairns are some of the most popular ones: The Espy Hostel - Located within a 5-minute walk of Cairns Esplanade. You can take advantage of free WiFi and an outdoor pool, as well as tour assistance. You’ll find towels, bed sheets, and free WiFi in all rooms. 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. You’ll find showers, bed sheets, and free WiFi in all rooms. Gilligan’s Backpackers Hotel & Resort - Located within a 10-minute walk of Cairns Esplanade and Reef Fleet Terminal. Property features include free WiFi, a nightclub, and an outdoor pool. Rooms come with showers, bed sheets, and free WiFi. Cairns City Backpackers Hostel - Close to public transit, this property is within a 10-minute walk of Cairns Station. Property features include free WiFi, free parking, and an outdoor pool. You’ll find towels, bed sheets, and free WiFi in all rooms. Caravella Backpackers - Located within a 5-minute walk of Cairns Esplanade. Property features include free WiFi, free parking, and an outdoor pool. Rooms come with towels, showers, and TVs.

If you’re hoping to find an affordable place to stay in Cairns, one of Expedia’s 17 hostels might be a great choice.

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.

In general, Cairns is known for its coral reefs, rainforest, and local tours. Get out into nature with places like Esplanade Lagoon, Cairns Esplanade Charles Street Parkland, and Crystal Cascades. 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.

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.