Hostel · Cairns
Travellers Oasis
9.3
216 reviewsHomely vibe, tropical garden, close to the marina, popular with solo travellers.
- Dorm bed
- A$25–40
- Wi-Fi
Cairns
Queensland · Australia
Common stamp · 25 km circle
Stamp Cairns
Not stamped yet
- A day
- ~A$63
- Best
- Apr–Nov
- Dorms from
- A$25
Adventure base
Why Cairns
- Premier gateway to the Great Barrier Reef — day trips and liveaboard dive expeditions depart daily
- Where reef meets rainforest: two UNESCO World Heritage areas within a short drive
- Adventure activity hub: diving, snorkelling, skydiving, bungee jumping, white-water rafting, and jungle surfing
Cairns is the adventure capital of tropical North Queensland and the northern terminus of the classic east coast backpacker trail. Wedged between the Great Barrier Reef and the Daintree Rainforest — the only place on earth where two UNESCO World Heritage sites meet — Cairns is where backpackers come to dive, snorkel, bungee jump, and explore the tropics. The city itself is compact and hostel-heavy, with a free lagoon pool, night markets, and a buzzing backpacker strip.
A day in Cairns
- Hostel dorm
- A$24
- Food
- A$15
- Transport
- A$2
- Activities
- A$6
- About a day
- A$63
Where to stay in Cairns
Tap a hostel for the details, or + Plan to save it for the planner.
- Travellers Oasis
9.3 · A$25–40 dorm · homely vibe, tropical garden, close to the marina, popular with solo travellers
- Cairns Central YHA
9.1 · A$25–40 dorm · clean, well-run, quiet option in a central location
- Global Backpackers Cairns
8.1 · A$25–40 dorm · laid-back vibe, good for couples and those tired of mega-hostels
- Hides Hotel
8.1 · A$25–40 dorm · heritage hotel turned hostel with character, opposite the train station
- Mad Monkey Cairns
7.8 · A$25–40 dorm · central location near the marina, social atmosphere, events programme
- Gilligan's Backpackers
7.5 · A$25–40 dorm · mega-hostel and party venue with 800+ beds, pool, and famous nightclub
Hostel · Cairns
Cairns Central YHA
9.1
159 reviewsClean, well-run, quiet option in a central location.
- Dorm bed
- A$25–40
- Wi-Fi
Hostel · Cairns
Global Backpackers Cairns
8.1
383 reviewsLaid-back vibe, good for couples and those tired of mega-hostels.
- Dorm bed
- A$25–40
- Wi-Fi
Hostel · Cairns
Hides Hotel
8.1
94 reviewsHeritage hotel turned hostel with character, opposite the train station.
- Dorm bed
- A$25–40
- Wi-Fi
Hostel · Cairns
Mad Monkey Cairns
7.8
225 reviewsCentral location near the marina, social atmosphere, events programme.
- Dorm bed
- A$25–40
- Wi-Fi
Hostel · Cairns
Gilligan's Backpackers
7.5
179 reviewsMega-hostel and party venue with 800+ beds, pool, and famous nightclub.
- Dorm bed
- A$25–40
- Wi-Fi
- Pool
Things to do in Cairns
Tap one to see it, or + Plan to add it to your trip.
Adventure · Cairns
Bungee jump or jungle swing at AJ Hackett Cairns
Bungee jump or jungle swing at AJ Hackett Cairns (from $179 AUD)
- Price
- A$179
Culture · Cairns
Day trip to the Daintree Rainforest and Cape-Tribulation for the oldest tropical rainforest on earth
Water · Cairns
Explore the Atherton Tablelands for waterfalls, crater lakes, and platypus spotting
Water · Cairns
Get your PADI Open Water certification with a reef dive
Get your PADI Open Water certification with a reef dive (3-4 day courses)
Tours · Cairns
Ride the Skyrail Rainforest Cableway to Kuranda and return on the Kuranda Scenic Railway
Ride the Skyrail Rainforest Cableway to Kuranda and return on the Kuranda Scenic Railway ($76 AUD combo)
- Price
- A$76
Water · Cairns
Skydive over the reef and rainforest
Skydive over the reef and rainforest (from $280 AUD)
- Price
- A$280
Water · Cairns
Swim in the free Cairns Esplanade Lagoon
Swim in the free Cairns Esplanade Lagoon (open year-round, lifeguard patrolled)
Water · Cairns
White-water rafting on the Barron River or Tully River
White-water rafting on the Barron River (half day, from $109 AUD) or Tully River (full day, $219 AUD)
- Price
- A$109
Getting to Cairns
- Bus from Townsville & Magnetic Island4 h 30 minUS$31Greyhound
- Flight from Townsville & Magnetic IslandUS$83–172
- Bus from Townsville & Magnetic Island
- Bus from Townsville & Magnetic Island
- Bus from Townsville & Magnetic Island
Coming soon · The Cairns wall
Stamp selfies from travellers who were really here
Stamp Cairns, then frame a selfie with your stamp and share it here or on your socials. Only stamped travellers can post. Month only, never the day, and the location is stripped from every photo.
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