Written by Nomadic Nina| Last update: Aug 31, 2024
Table of Content: The Perfect Guide to Hostels
Always keep exploring: Find exactly what you're looking for by jumping to your preferred sections.
Cairns, located in the tropical north of Queensland, Australia, is a vibrant city that attracts travelers from all over the world.
Cairns is a must-visit destination for any traveler exploring Australia because of its stunning beaches, lush rainforests, and the Great Barrier Reef.
For those looking for affordable and comfortable accommodations, the city boasts a wide range of hostels, including many with private rooms.
In this article, we'll explore some of the best hostels in Cairns with private rooms, offering both comfort and affordability for any type of traveler.
Short and crisp: The Best Hostels in Cairns
Travellers Oasis - best for Older travelers (+50), Quiet Rest, Solo Traveller
Wanna Stay? - best for Party Hostel, Solo Traveller, Youth Hostel
Dreamtime Travellers Rest - best for Couples, Female Solo Traveller, Older travelers (+50), Quiet Rest
Cairns Central YHA Hostel - best for Family-Friendly Hostel, Groups (10+ people), Quiet Rest, Solo Traveller
Travellers Paradise - best for Digital Nomads, Family-Friendly Hostel, Older travelers (+50), Quiet Rest, Solo Traveller
How much are hostels in Cairns?
Let's talk about hostel prices in Cairns. This graph shows you typical, average prices for a bed in a dorm and for a private room. Simply mouse-over to see rates for each month.
Prices can vary a lot, especially on high-season, weekends, and special holidays such as New Years Eve.
Travellers Oasis in Cairns is a comfortable and affordable hostel that offers a relaxed and friendly environment for budget-conscious travelers. The property has recently been renovated and tastefully decorated to capture the ambiance of the tropical North Queensland environment.
Travellers Oasis offers various types of accommodation, including private and shared rooms. The private rooms come with a refrigerator, bed-side lamp, table, and a smart TV with 1500 films to watch. The hostel is centrally located, just a short walk to Cairns city centre, shops, cinemas, banks, supermarkets, restaurants, and the waterfront.
Travellers Oasis features a tropical pool, BBQ area, three fully equipped kitchens, a TV room with an LCD TV and DVD player, and laundry facilities. The hostel offers free tour booking and an information desk, free luggage storage, internet access, and WiFi.
Prices start from $29.73 for a dorm and $56.65 for a private room.
Nestled in Cairns' vibrant heart, Wanna Stay? offers a cozy and friendly atmosphere perfect for solo travelers and groups. Its prime location allows easy access to the city's bustling markets, cafes, and the iconic Esplanade. The hostel's communal areas foster a welcoming environment for meeting fellow backpackers.
Dorm rooms at Wanna Stay? are clean, comfortable, and affordable, ensuring a restful night after exploring the city. Private rooms are also available for those seeking a bit more privacy. The hostel's amenities include a shared kitchen, free Wi-Fi, and secure lockers, catering to the essential needs of budget travelers.
Wanna Stay? stands out with its regular social events, making it a great spot for those looking to connect with other travelers. Whether you're up for a BBQ night or a group outing to the Great Barrier Reef, this hostel provides ample opportunities for adventure and camaraderie, making it a top choice in Cairns.
Prices start from $22.13 for a dorm and $60.20 for a private room.
Dreamtime Travellers Rest is a top-rated hostel that offers a cosy and relaxed atmosphere in a tropical oasis. It has a pool and a BBQ area for guests to enjoy. The property is located across the road from Cairns Central railway station and shopping centre, about a 15-minute walk from the Esplanade and the lagoon.
Dreamtime Travellers Rest features private rooms for up to two people with fresh bed linen provided. All rooms are fan-cooled with shared bathroom facilities cleaned daily. Guests have access to free 24-hour WiFi in public areas, two fully equipped kitchens, and laundry facilities. Air conditioning is available in rooms for an additional cost of only $1 for three hours.
Dreamtime Travellers Rest also provides free luggage storage for guests on tours, and all tours can be booked on-site. Dreamtime Travellers Rest prides itself on its local knowledge and offers a free tour booking service for all activities.
Prices start from $33.12 for a dorm and $62.51 for a private room.
Cairns Central YHA Hostel is a backpacker's hostel situated at the center of Cairns. The hostel has a large internal courtyard with a swimming pool, two spas, and an outdoor games area. It has 61 air-conditioned rooms, including dorms, single, twin/doubles, and family rooms, many with ensuite.
Cairns Central YHA Hostel has a huge fully-equipped kitchen, laundry, indoor and outdoor dining areas, and a comfy common area with TV. Free and fast Wi-Fi is available throughout the hostel.
Cairns Central Shopping Centre is located opposite the hostel, and Cairns Esplanade, where one can find lots of pubs, shops, and cafes, plus Trinity Wharf, departure point for Great Barrier Reef cruises and day tours, is only a short walk away. The staff is available to help guests book activities and tours right from the hostel.
Prices start from $28.89 for a dorm and $83.86 for a private room.
Mad Monkey Backpackers Waterfront is an affordable and clean hostel located in the heart of Cairns, which serves as the gateway to the Great Barrier Reef. The property is situated on the Cairns Esplanade and features the Cairns Lagoon just across the street.
Guests have the option to stay in mixed or female dorms with en-suite bathrooms or private double rooms, all of which are air-conditioned and equipped with high-quality mattresses, pillows, and linen.
Mad Monkey Backpackers Waterfront offers ultra-fast free wifi throughout the property, a fully equipped kitchen, and a common room where guests can enjoy board games, PlayStation tournaments, or Netflix. Mad Monkey Backpackers Waterfront also provides free access to a local gym and offers CCTV covered parking for guests with their own car.
Prices start from $24.76 for a dorm and $60.83 for a private room.
Mad Monkey Village is a newly renovated hostel in Cairns that offers affordable flashpacker-style accommodations. Guests can enjoy a daily free breakfast, fully equipped designer kitchen, and a swimming pool oasis to relax and sunbathe in.
Mad Monkey Village also features a TV room with Netflix and Playstation, free ultra-fast WiFi, and a daily free access to a local gym. The hostel offers mixed and female dorms, private double rooms, and private twin rooms with high-quality mattresses, pillows, and linen included.
All rooms are air-conditioned, and guests can choose between standard rooms with shared bathrooms or ensuite facilities. Mad Monkey Village also provides personal towels for the private double rooms, and all bunk beds are equipped with personal USB ports and power sockets for convenient charging.
Prices start from $25.22 for a dorm and $69.88 for a private room.
Travellers Paradise lives up to its name, offering an idyllic gateway to the tropical wonders of Cairns. Nestled in lush surroundings, this hostel offers an authentic, laid-back ambiance that embraces backpackers seeking both relaxation and excitement.
Accommodation here ranges from comfortable dorms to private rooms with a view, catering to solo travelers and groups alike. The lush garden area, complete with hammocks, sets the perfect backdrop for making new friends or simply unwinding.
The hostel's travel desk is your ticket to exploring the region's marvels. Whether you're yearning to bask on stunning beaches or explore the Kuranda rainforest, Travellers Paradise ensures your itinerary is brimming with memorable experiences.
With its communal kitchen, outdoor barbecue, and sociable atmosphere, this hostel invites you to forge connections with fellow travelers while savoring the laid-back charm of tropical living. At Travellers Paradise, every moment becomes a piece of your backpacking paradise.
Prices start from $43.91 for a dorm and $85.96 for a private room.
We've got your back when it comes to finding a great hostel location in Cairns. We've gone ahead and mapped out all the hostels for you so you can get a good idea of where they're all at. This map will make your life so much easier!
What is the best way to find cheap places to stay in Cairns?
Hostelz.com compares prices for 23 hostels in Cairns, Australia. We list for you all cheap places to stay in Cairns such as
8 hotels
1 guesthouse
4 apartments
Hostelz.com the best place to find cheap accommodation in Cairns.
What are the best party hostels in Cairns?
Wanna Stay? is the best hostel for partying in Cairns.
Unleash the Power of Hostel Price Comparison
Welcome to Hostelz.com, your reliable gateway to finding the best prices for hostels worldwide! Our platform allows you to compare prices from major booking portals, saving you valuable time and money in the process.
Rest assured, there are no hidden costs or fees - our services are completely free for you to use. We take pride in maintaining transparent and unbiased pricing information, and we never manipulate prices or rates.
So go ahead and start comparing prices and availability for all hostels in Cairns with us!
Looking for hostels in a special neighborhood or near a popular landmark? Check out our special guides:
Hostelz.com is the world’s most comprehensive hostel-focused travel platform. We bring together listings from all the major booking sites to help you easily compare prices, see real guest reviews, and find the best deals—no matter where you’re headed. Check out our How It Works page.
Not sure which hostel to pick? Use our Hostel Comparizon Tool to compare your favorite hostels side-by-side before you book.
I'm Nomadic Nina, a curious and adventurous traveler who has spent most of my life exploring the world. From the deserts of Africa to the jungles of South America, I've traveled to dozens of countries on multiple continents, immersing myself in local cultures and learning about the world firsthand. Through my travels, I've gained a deep appreciation for the diversity and richness of the world's cultures, and I'm passionate about sharing my experiences with others through my travel blog.