
Cairns
australia
About Cairns
If you’re looking for a tropical getaway, pack your bags and get ready to explore far north Queenstown. Cairns, known as the gateway to the Great Barrier Reef, one of Australia’s gems and an area that should most definitely be on your backpacker’s bucket list. In terms of the weather, you can expect hot, humid summers and mild, dry winters. The average temperature is 29°C (84.2°F for our American friends), with 62% humidity making it a great summer escape year-round!
Looking for a destination with cheap hostels, Cairns is your new BFF. Hostels in Cairns are relatively cheap and most have their own pools. The party hostels here are stuff of legends on the backpacker trail, so book wisely if you’re after a more chill base. There’s a Cairns hostel for everyone, even those after a free hot dinner each night! Free Wi-Fi is available as is free breakfast and the social areas tend to attract sociable travelling crowds. There’s a hostel volleyball court and many on-site restaurants and bars. Cairns is the stepping stone to many traveller’s adventures, so pick a hostel that can give advice and book trips to the Daintree Rainforest and the Great Barrier Reef. You can't go wrong with the best hostels in Cairns!
Most hostels in Cairns you will find centrally located, which is great if you plan on exploring the town, its beaches and beautiful coastal walks. If you’re keen to be as close as you can to the night action in Cairns, book a hostel on the Esplanade, where you’ll find many lively hangouts. Or shuffle back a little from the ocean edge and stay on one of the parallel streets a little closer to Parramatta Park and grab a hostel shuttle into town. You can also stay a little further up the coast, near Cairns Botanic Gardens and be close to the night markets.
No matter what types of adventures you are after, you’ll be rather surprised with what this town offers. For those chasing adventure try bungee jumping or skydiving. After some good old exploring? The oldest rainforest on the planet, the Daintree National Park is your playground. Why not take a day trip and explore some of the picturesque beaches, waterfalls and cascades such as Stoney Creek Falls and Crystal Cascades. Cairns Esplanade is where you’ll find bars, restaurant and a swimming lagoon! Last but not least, hop on a catamaran that cruises out to a pontoon where you can explore the Great Barrier Reef.
Owing to its size and flat landscape, Cairns city is fairly easy to get around by foot. However, if you’re chasing waterfalls (sorry TLC) or want to explore areas further out, you will need something stronger than foot power, like a four-wheel drive which you can hire in town. You can find Sunbuses that travel around the suburbs, beaches and city. There’s an airport, so if you’re not on a campervan road-trip, or a Greyhound Bus, you can land direct here. As mentioned before, if you’re keen for a Great Barrier Reef adventure than a boat from the Cairns Marlin Marina will serve you wonders.
City Info
16 Hostels in Cairns
Located in Cairns
Our traveller's haven is centrally located with a tropical garden, large swimming pool & nice big sundeck for the all-important sun tan.
Located in Cairns
Dreamtime Traveller's Rest was rated #1 in Australia and #2 in Oceania at the 2011 Hoscars
Located in Cairns
Come and join us at Wanna Stay, the newest backpacker hostel in Cairns! Offering for short and long term bookings, whether you are enjoying Cairns for a few days or getting those 88 days done, we are the perfect place for you!
Located in Cairns
Gilligan's resort is located in the Cairns city centre. Gilligan's is Cairns' newest and most up-market budget accommodation, offering both tradtional backpacker facilities
Located in Cairns
Step into a world class waterfront Youth Hostel for 18 to 35 year olds. Opened in 2019 Global Backpackers is in an awesome location on the Esplanade opposite Cairns swimming Lagoon, close to restaurants, nightlife and shopping. We have a range of rooms, from...

Located in Cairns
Our stunning resort-style backpackers haven, Summer House Cairns, is your perfect place to relax, and your gateway to the Great Barrier Reef.
Located in Cairns
Geckos Backpackers has a brilliant location in central Cairns
Located in Cairns
Mumma's Hostel Cairns renovated in November 2018 and centrally located in the center of Cairns.
Located in Cairns
Cairns Waterfront Haven, 'Come Home to yourself' Peaceful oasis in the middle of entertainment strip. We
Located in Cairns
At Mad Monkey Waterfront we offer an affordable and clean accommodation in the heart of Cairns, the gateway to the Great Barrier Reef. Being located on the Cairns Esplanade with the Cairns Lagoon just across the street, you can pop down for a dip or spend...
Located in Cairns
Cairns is a backpackers' mecca and YHA Cairns Central has everything a backpacker needs for a comfortable
Located in Cairns
At Mad Monkey Village we offer an affordable, Flashpacker style accommodation in a newly renovated hostel in Cairns. Our fully equipped designer's kitchen allows you to cook whatever you fancy. Relax and sunbath by our swimming pool oasis after a great day...
Located in Cairns
At Mad Monkey Central we offer comfortable and clean facilities for backpackers in a great central location in Cairns! Treat yourselves to budget priced drinks at our brand new outdoor bar in the evenings! Relax at our newly refurbished swimming pool and...
Located in Cairns
Our luxe hostel has been freshly refurbished (June 2019) and offers traditional dorm style accommodation
Located in Cairns
Guests enjoy FREE unlimiited WiFi, NEW aircons, FREE lockers, FREE Netflix available in common lounge area and Private Ensuite rooms, On-site bar and restaurant. Sports are available to watch on the big screens, just ask our lovely bar staff what we have...
Located in Cairns
Check-in is from 1400. Let us know in advance if you are going to arrive outside reception hours so we can organise your key (if you are arriving by flight after midnight make sure you book your first night for the correct arrival date (usually this will...
Cairns is a fantastic destination for backpackers offering a perfect blend of culture, adventure, and affordability. Whether you're planning a short trip or making it part of a longer backpacking journey, this city should definitely be included in your travel itinerary. When looking for accommodation in Cairns, hostels provide the best value and opportunity to meet fellow travelers.
Whether you're looking for a social party hostel, a quiet retreat, a centrally located base for exploring the city, or something in between, Cairns has options for every type of traveler. Many hostels in Cairns offer additional amenities like free breakfast, communal kitchens, outdoor spaces, and organized activities.
When visiting Cairns, don't miss the opportunity to:
- Explore the local cuisine and nightlife
- Visit historical landmarks and cultural sites
- Connect with other travelers at hostel events
- Discover hidden gems off the tourist path in Cairns