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Backpacker Hostels in Cairns, Australia

23 Hostels for Backpackers in Cairns. Prices start from $6 for a dorm bed.Sorted by quality, not payments.

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#1 Top Rated

Travellers Oasis

Parramatta Park
Older travelers (+50)Quiet RestSolo Traveller

"…All staff were incredibly awesome! So nice and helpful. It was a quite hostel, which was really good for us since we needed too be up very early. I'd definitely come back here. Definitely recommend

from $14.87
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Travellers Paradise

Parramatta Park
Digital NomadsFamily-Friendly HostelOlder travelers (+50)Quiet RestSolo Traveller

"…I felt at home as soon as I checked in and the help and advice that I received when I was booking tours was second to none. Forget travel agencies, these guys really know their stuff! The place is

from $21.96
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CouplesFemale Solo TravellerOlder travelers (+50)Quiet Rest

"…Pretty, relaxed place, nice staff - Dreamtime was exactly what we were looking for -- a small, very pretty, cozy and homelike hostel, close to the city center but quiet and relaxing enough. Also,

from $16.56

Looking for a specific district?

Check out hostels near the following landmarks

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Party HostelSolo TravellerYouth Hostel

"…Prepare to be amazed as you step into our vibrant sanctuary, strategically located at the heart of the action. Explore our selection of shared dorm and private room options designed to offer you

from $11.07
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Cairns Central YHA Hostel

Cairns North
Free Breakfast
Family-Friendly HostelGroups (10+ people)Quiet RestSolo Traveller

"…We found the location, computers, kitchen, cleanliness, safety, and overall quality of this hostel superb. The reception was especially helpful in arranging tours, especially with Kakadu Dreams out

from $14.45
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Global Backpackers

Cairns North
Female Solo TravellerSolo Traveller

"…Some bedrooms contain a sink and others do not. During our brief stay, two bedrooms had to be closed due to bedbugs, and fellow travelers assured us this was a regular occurrence. Individual shower

from $14.60
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Adventure HostelsDigital NomadsParty HostelSolo TravellerYouth Hostel

"…You can even treat yourself at the beatuy therpy place called Seksi or use the free gym. I LOVED Gilligans! Although i don't see it being as 'family' like as some hostels felt, it was great for my

from $15.01
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Party HostelSolo TravellerYouth Hostel

"…Being located on the Cairns Esplanade with the Cairns Lagoon just across the street, you can pop down for a dip or spend the afternoon sunbathing anytime you fancy! Thanks to our ultra-fast Free Wi-

from $12.38
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Family-Friendly HostelSolo TravellerYouth Hostel

"…Rooms are clean and beds are great, facilities are awesome and they really make you feel at home. (airport pickups, city dropoffs, free meals at the Woolshed, wine & cheese night). The staff couldn'

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Boutique HostelParty HostelSolo Traveller

"…- Check out: 10am - Payment upon arrival by cash, debit and credit cards. This property may pre-authorise your card before arrival. - 1.5% surcharge on all card payments (No Amex accepted) - 24

from $10.95
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Quiet RestSolo Traveller

"…There's a really relaxed vibe here and the staff know how to have fun and get the guests involved. i will be staying here again very soon! Excellent! - This hostel is great for backpackers with

from $12.61
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Mumma's Hostel

Cairns CBD
Free Breakfast
Solo Traveller

"…Mumma's Hostel is your ideal home away from home! Age recommendation: 18-35 years old Reception Hours are: 8 am until Midnight Check-in is after 2pm Check-out is before 10am Mumma’s

from $10.52
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Digital NomadsParty HostelSolo TravellerYouth Hostel

"…Free Wifi but a bit small. But it was all a really good stay. - Cairns Waterfront Backpackers is not really the best hostel in the area, but it is not a dry hostel, which means that you can bring

from $12.09
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Adventure HostelsBeach Lovers RetreatFamily-Friendly HostelSolo TravellerYouth Hostel

"…This by far has been the best! Its not just good on price, its very clean, brings people together as friends, makes you feel at home and has excellent staff members who will go out of the way to

from $39.22
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The Village

Cairns CBD
CouplesFemale Solo Traveller

"…- If you have made a reservation for more than one person in a dormitory room, we cannot guarantee that you will be allocated beds in the same room. Please ensure that you make a request at time of

from $14.38
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Geckos Backpackers

Parramatta Park
Family-Friendly Hostel

187 Bunda Street

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Cheapest
Party HostelSolo Traveller

52-54 Spence Street, On the corner of Spence Street & Sheridan Street

from $10.68
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Bounce Cairns

Cairns CBD
Free Breakfast
Boutique HostelSolo Traveller

"…In fact, staff was smiling and really helpful for organizing activities or any question! With also free breakfast and free internet, great place to recommend! Great stay! - This is a great hostel.

from $12.35
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Party HostelSolo TravellerYouth Hostel

"…We offer all types of accommodation, from mixed to female dorms and private double or private twin rooms. High-quality mattresses with comfy pillows and linen, that is included for a great night

from $12.26
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Bohemia Resort

Cairns North
Free Breakfast
CouplesFamily-Friendly Hostel

"…Rooms and Bathrooms The private rooms are beautiful and offer a mini-fridge, coffee making station, and terraces large enough for you to sit and have a meal outside. The room shares are also

from $34.56

Explore Cairns

Discover the best hostels to suit every traveller type.

Where to stay in Cairns on a budget

Looking for budget stays in Cairns? This section is designed to save you time, money, and unnecessary stress. We've got insider tips to help you find affordable hostels and the cheapest places to stay in Cairns.

Where to stay in Cairns on a budget

Cairns is a city in the northeastern part of Australia (Far North Queensland), with a population of approximately 140,000 people. Cairns is known to be a very touristy city geared toward Japanese tourists (some shop signs are in both English and Japanese).

Cairns hostels are known to backpackers as there are many interesting things to do in the area. The budget traveler should expect to pay 20 dollars and upwards for a dorm room and the hostels are of good value. There are often deals for multiple days too. If you plan to stick around for longer, they can save you some money and are worth checking out. Many Cairns hostels also employ travelers temporarily, if you want to save money or gather some more cash if you still have more traveling to do, this may help you get you on your way.

The activities near Cairns hostels are abundant. There is an artificial lagoon that is a good place to spend a day just enjoying the sun (the days can be scorching hot in the summertime), and there is plenty of good shopping to do in the city.

Many travel agencies, which are often situated really close to the hostels, also offer extreme sport activities packages which you might find interesting. Skydiving is one of the things many people do in Cairns and the surrounding areas, especially on Mission Beach, where you can actually dive and land on the beach. The altitudes range from 9000ft upwards and the prices start at about 229AUD; check the travel agencies for more specific details.

All in all, Cairns hostels are a great way to visit this city which also serves as a good connecting point both for flights, and for some east coast buses, which are a good and reasonably priced way to travel around and make new friends.

Written by Travel Expert Cairns

Written by Travel Expert CairnsMiika

Affordable Hostel Prices in Cairns

Wondering about hostel prices in Cairns? Here's everything you need to know.

Prices for hostels in Cairns start at just $16 per night. Based on our latest data, The Jack Backpackers is currently the most affordable hostel to stay in Cairns.

On average, hostels in Cairns cost around $8 per dorm bed and $56 per private room per night. Compare prices from every major booking site at once on Hostelz.com and always get the best deal. Whether you're a student, a backpacker, or looking for a budget-friendly private room, Cairns has options for every budget.

Want to compare hostels side-by-side? Use our Hostel Comparison Tool to check prices, amenities, and locations—so you can make the smartest choice.

What is the cheapest area to stay in Cairns? Many cheap hostels in Cairns are located in Cairns CBD, Cairns North, Parramatta Park, offering easy access to the city's top attractions and public transport.

Hostel Price Statistics & Key Numbers in Cairns

Total number of hostels 23
Typical dorm bed prices in Cairns $8
Private room costs in Cairns $56
Cheapest hostel in CairnsThe Jack Backpackers for only $16
Popular Party Hostel in CairnsWanna Stay?
(7 hostels for partying in total)
Where to stay in Cairns on a budget? Cairns CBD, Cairns North, Parramatta Park

For students and budget-conscious travelers, Cairns hostels provide great value. Many hostels include free breakfast, shared kitchens, and social spaces perfect for meeting other travelers — everything you need for a fun and easy stay.

Ready to go on an adventure in Cairns? Add your travel dates and start comparing prices, amenities, and availability. At Hostelz, we help you find all available hostels at the best prices.

FAQ about Cairns Hostels

Other Nearby Cities

Palm Cove (22 Km / 14 mi.)
Yungaburra (43 Km / 27 mi.)
Atherton (49 Km / 31 mi.)
Port Douglas (58 Km / 36 mi.)
Innisfail (72 Km / 45 mi.)
Cape Tribulation (99 Km / 61 mi.)
Mission Beach (111 Km / 69 mi.)
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