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YHA Cairns Central

2.0 star property
Hostel with an outdoor pool, 10-minute walk to Cairns Esplanade

Photo gallery for YHA Cairns Central

Outdoor pool
Garden
Twin Room with Ensuite | View from room
Property entrance
Shared kitchen

Reviews

8.4 out of 10
Very good

Popular amenities

  • Kitchen
  • Parking available
  • Breakfast available
  • Pool
  • Air conditioning
  • Laundry
The current price is NZ$108
includes taxes & fees
3 Dec - 4 Dec

Explore the area

View map
20-26 McLeod Street, Cairns, QLD, 4870
  • Place, Cairns Central Shopping Centre
    ‪1 min walk‬
  • Place, Cairns Esplanade
    ‪8 min walk‬
  • Place, Cairns Marlin Marina
    ‪13 min walk‬
  • Airport, Cairns, QLD (CNS-Cairns Intl.)
    ‪9 min drive‬

Room options

View all photos for Bed In 4 Share Mixed Dormitory

Free WiFi, bed sheets

Bed In 4 Share Mixed Dormitory

  • Sleeps 1

View all photos for Bed In 6 Share Male Dormitory

Free WiFi, bed sheets

Bed In 6 Share Male Dormitory

8.0 out of 10
Very good
(1 review)
  • Sleeps 1

View all photos for Bed In 6 Share Female Dormitory

Free WiFi, bed sheets

Bed In 6 Share Female Dormitory

  • Sleeps 1

View all photos for Bed in 10 Share Mixed Dormitory

View from room

Bed in 10 Share Mixed Dormitory

Highlights

Air conditioning
Shared/communal kitchen
  • Sleeps 1
  • 1 Twin Bunk Bed

View all photos for Bed in 4 Share Mixed Dormitory

Free WiFi, bed sheets

Bed in 4 Share Mixed Dormitory

8.0 out of 10
Very good
(1 review)

Highlights

Air conditioning
Shared/communal kitchen
  • Sleeps 1
  • 1 Twin Bunk Bed

View all photos for Double Room, Shared Bathroom

Double Room, Shared Bathroom

Double Room, Shared Bathroom

9.0 out of 10
Wonderful
(2 reviews)

Highlights

Air conditioning
Shared/communal kitchen
Desk
  • City view
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Double Bed

View all photos for Queen Room with Ensuite

Queen Room with Ensuite

Queen Room with Ensuite

8.0 out of 10
Very good
(1 review)

Highlights

Air conditioning
Eco-friendly toiletries
Private bathroom
Shared/communal kitchen
Desk
  • City view
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Queen Bed

View all photos for Double Plus Two with Ensuite

Double Plus Two with Ensuite

Double Plus Two with Ensuite

Highlights

Air conditioning
Fridge
Eco-friendly toiletries
Private bathroom
Electric kettle
Shared/communal kitchen
Desk
  • City view
  • Sleeps 4
  • 2 Twin Bunk Beds and 1 Double Bed

View all photos for Bed In 10 Share Female Dormitory

Free WiFi, bed sheets

Bed In 10 Share Female Dormitory

  • Sleeps 1

View all photos for Bed In 10 Share Mixed Dormitory

Free WiFi, bed sheets

Bed In 10 Share Mixed Dormitory

  • Sleeps 1

View all photos for Bed In 6 Share Mixed Dormitory

Free WiFi, bed sheets

Bed In 6 Share Mixed Dormitory

  • Sleeps 1

View all photos for Bed In 4 Share Female Dormitory With Ensuite

Free WiFi, bed sheets

Bed In 4 Share Female Dormitory With Ensuite

  • Sleeps 1

View all photos for Bed In 4 Share Male Dormitory With Ensuite

Free WiFi, bed sheets

Bed In 4 Share Male Dormitory With Ensuite

  • Sleeps 1

View all photos for Twin Room With Ensuite

Free WiFi, bed sheets

Twin Room With Ensuite

  • Sleeps 2

View all photos for Queen Room With Ensuite

Free WiFi, bed sheets

Queen Room With Ensuite

  • Sleeps 2

View all photos for Queen and 4 Singles with Ensuite

Free WiFi, bed sheets

Queen and 4 Singles with Ensuite

  • Sleeps 6

View all photos for Double Room with Shared Bathroom

Free WiFi, bed sheets

Double Room with Shared Bathroom

  • Sleeps 2

View all photos for Bed in 10 Share Female Dormitory

View from room

Bed in 10 Share Female Dormitory

Highlights

Air conditioning
Shared/communal kitchen
  • Sleeps 1
  • 1 Twin Bunk Bed

View all photos for Bed in 6 Share Female Dormitory

Free WiFi, bed sheets

Bed in 6 Share Female Dormitory

Highlights

Air conditioning
Shared/communal kitchen
  • Sleeps 1
  • 1 Twin Bunk Bed

View all photos for Bed in 6 Share Male Dormitory

Free WiFi, bed sheets

Bed in 6 Share Male Dormitory

Highlights

Air conditioning
Shared/communal kitchen
  • Sleeps 1
  • 1 Twin Bunk Bed

View all photos for Bed in 6 Share Mixed Dormitory

Free WiFi, bed sheets

Bed in 6 Share Mixed Dormitory

8.0 out of 10
Very good
(1 review)

Highlights

Air conditioning
Shared/communal kitchen
  • Sleeps 1
  • 1 Twin Bunk Bed

View all photos for Bed in 6 Share Female Dormitory with Ensuite

Free WiFi, bed sheets

Bed in 6 Share Female Dormitory with Ensuite

10.0 out of 10
Exceptional
(1 review)

Highlights

Air conditioning
Eco-friendly toiletries
Private bathroom
Shared/communal kitchen
  • Sleeps 1
  • 1 Twin Bunk Bed

View all photos for Bed in 6 Share Mixed Dormitory with Ensuite

Free WiFi, bed sheets

Bed in 6 Share Mixed Dormitory with Ensuite

Highlights

Air conditioning
Eco-friendly toiletries
Private bathroom
Shared/communal kitchen
  • Sleeps 1
  • 1 Twin Bunk Bed

View all photos for Bed in 4 Share Female Dormitory

Free WiFi, bed sheets

Bed in 4 Share Female Dormitory

Highlights

Air conditioning
Shared/communal kitchen
  • Sleeps 1
  • 1 Twin Bunk Bed

View all photos for Twin Room with Ensuite

Twin Room with Ensuite

Twin Room with Ensuite

8.0 out of 10
Very good
(1 review)

Highlights

Air conditioning
Eco-friendly toiletries
Private bathroom
Shared/communal kitchen
  • Sleeps 2
  • 2 Twin Beds

View all photos for Queen Plus Four with Ensuite

Queen Plus Four with Ensuite

Queen Plus Four with Ensuite

Highlights

Air conditioning
Eco-friendly toiletries
Private bathroom
Shared/communal kitchen
  • Sleeps 6
  • 1 Queen Bed and 4 Twin Bunk Beds

View all photos for Bed In 6 Share Female Dormitory With Ensuite

Free WiFi, bed sheets

Bed In 6 Share Female Dormitory With Ensuite

  • Sleeps 1

View all photos for Bed In 6 Share Mixed Dormitory With Ensuite

Free WiFi, bed sheets

Bed In 6 Share Mixed Dormitory With Ensuite

  • Sleeps 1

View all photos for Double And Two Singles With Ensuite

Free WiFi, bed sheets

Double And Two Singles With Ensuite

  • Sleeps 4

View all photos for Bed In 4 Share Female Dormitory

Free WiFi, bed sheets

Bed In 4 Share Female Dormitory

  • Sleeps 1

About the area

Cairns

YHA Cairns Central places you steps from Cairns Central Shopping Centre and within a 10-minute stroll of Cairns Esplanade. Highlights at this hostel include an outdoor swimming pool and in-room free WiFi. .This hostel offers free WiFi in public areas, a business centre and a garden. Additionally, you'll find laundry facilities, barbecues and express check-in. Continental breakfast is available daily between 7:00 AM and 10:00 AM. There's also the convenience of self parking. .Sights within a 15-minute walk of this Cairns Central Business District hostel include The Cairns Museum and Cairns Historical Society Museum.
View more Hostels in CairnsOpens in a new window

What's nearby

  • Cairns Central Shopping Centre - 1 min walk - 0.0 km
  • Cairns Esplanade - 8 min walk - 0.7 km
  • Esplanade Lagoon - 10 min walk - 0.9 km
  • Reef Fleet Terminal - 11 min walk - 1.0 km
  • Cairns Marlin Marina - 13 min walk - 1.1 km

Getting around

  • Cairns Station - 4 min walk
  • Cairns, QLD (CNS-Cairns Intl.) - 7 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪McDonald's - ‬2 min walk
  • ‪T2 Tea - ‬1 min walk
  • ‪Gong Cha - ‬2 min walk
  • ‪The Grand Hotel - ‬1 min walk
  • ‪KFC - ‬2 min walk

About this property

YHA Cairns Central

Hostel with an outdoor pool, 10-minute walk to Cairns Esplanade
Public spaces have free WiFi. A business centre and a meeting room are available. An outdoor pool, barbecue grills, and a vending machine are also featured at YHA Cairns Central. Parking is available for a fee.

Smoking is allowed in designated areas at this Cairns hostel.

  • 52 guestrooms or units
  • Business facilities
  • Breakfast available (surcharge)
  • Self-service laundry
  • Front desk (limited hours)
  • Express check-in
  • Express check-out
  • Staff members are multilingual
  • Storage area for luggage
  • Tour and ticket information
  • Pool or billiards table
  • Garden
  • BBQ grill(s)
  • Smoking in designated areas
  • Water dispenser
  • 1 conference room
YHA Cairns Central offers 52 accommodations with air conditioning. Guests can surf the web using complimentary wireless Internet access. Guests can make use of the shared/communal kitchen.

Similar properties

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Gilligan's Backpackers Hotel & Resort
  • Pool
  • Free WiFi
  • Restaurant
  • Air conditioning
4.0 out of 5, Very good, 430 reviews
The price is NZ$239
includes taxes & fees
17 Nov - 18 Nov
Gilligan's Backpackers Hotel & Resort

Property amenities

Internet

  • Available in all rooms: Free WiFi
  • Available in some public areas: Free WiFi

Parking and transport

  • Parking on site (AUD 5 per day)

Food and drink

  • Daily continental breakfast available 7:00 AM to 10:00 AM for a fee: AUD 12 for adults and AUD 12 for children

Things to do

  • Billiards/pool table
  • Outdoor pool

Family friendly

  • Laundry facilities
  • Outdoor pool

Conveniences

  • Laundry facilities
  • Limited-hour front desk
  • Luggage storage
  • Vending machine
  • Water dispenser

Guest services

  • Multilingual staff
  • No housekeeping service
  • Tour and ticket assistance

Business services

  • Business centre
  • Meeting room

Outdoors

  • Barbecue grill
  • Garden

Accessibility

  • No lift

More

  • Comprehensive food waste policy
  • Comprehensive recycling policy
  • Designated smoking areas
  • Eco-friendly cleaning products used
  • Locally-owned and organised tours and activities
  • Water dispenser usage encouraged

Room amenities

Bedroom

  • Bedsheets provided

Bathroom

  • Hair dryer (on request)
  • Towels provided

Food and drink

  • Shared kitchen access

More

  • Air conditioning
  • Bulk dispensers for toiletries
  • Energy-saving switches in guestrooms
  • Recycling
  • Water-efficient showers
  • Water-efficient toilets

Policies

Check-in

Check-in start time: 2:00 PM; check-in end time: 10:00 PM
Express check-in available
Minimum check-in age - 18

Check-out

Check-out before 10 AM
Express check-out available

Special check-in instructions

The front desk is open daily from 7:00 AM - 10:00 PM
Front desk staffed during limited hours
If you are planning to arrive after 10:00 PM please contact the property in advance using the information on the booking confirmation

Access methods

Front desk (limited hours), lockbox

Pets

  • No pets allowed

Children and extra beds

  • Children are welcome.
  • Rollaway/extra beds are not available.
  • Cots (infant beds) are not available.

Payment types

Important information

Optional extras

The fees and deposits listed below will be charged at the time of service, check-in, or check-out.

  • Fee for continental breakfast: from approximately AUD 12 for adults and from AUD 12 for children
  • Self-parking fee: AUD 5 per day

This may not be a comprehensive list. Fees and deposits are subject to change and might not include tax.

You need to know

Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
This property accepts credit cards; cash is not accepted
Cashless transactions are available
This property uses eco-friendly cleaning products
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher, a smoke detector and a first aid kit
Charges for extra guests may apply and vary according to property policy.
A cash deposit, credit card or debit card for incidental charges and government-issued photo identification may be required upon check-in.
Special requests are subject to availability at the time of check-in. Special requests can't be guaranteed and may incur additional charges.
    This property is managed by a professional host. The provision of housing is linked to their trade, business or profession. This property accepts Visa and Mastercard. Cash is not accepted. This property uses eco-friendly cleaning products. For guests' safety, the property includes a fire extinguisher, a smoke detector and a first aid kit in all accommodation. Cashless payment methods are available for all transactions.

Property is also known as

Cairns Central YHA Hostel
Cairns Central YHA
Cairns Central Yha Backpackers Hotel Cairns
Cairns Central Yha Backpackers Hotel
YHA Cairns Central Cairns
Cairns Central YHA Hostel
YHA Cairns Central Hostel/Backpacker accommodation
YHA Cairns Central Hostel/Backpacker accommodation Cairns

Frequently asked questions

What is the cancellation policy at YHA Cairns Central?

YHA Cairns Central offers free cancellation on select room rates. Check out the cancellation policy for more info.

How much does it cost to stay at YHA Cairns Central?

As of 14 Nov 2025, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at YHA Cairns Central on 3 Dec 2025 start from NZ$108.18, including taxes and fees. This price is based on the lowest nightly price found in the last 24 hours for stays in the next 30 days. Prices are subject to change. Choose your dates for more accurate prices.

Is parking available at YHA Cairns Central?

Yep, YHA Cairns Central has a self car park for AUD 5 per day.

Are there any beaches close to YHA Cairns Central?

The closest beach to YHA Cairns Central is Yorkeys Knob Beach (12.4 km).

Does YHA Cairns Central have a pool?

YHA Cairns Central has an outdoor pool.

Does YHA Cairns Central serve breakfast?

Sure does, continental breakfast is offered daily from 7:00 AM to 10:00 AM.

Is there a free airport shuttle available at YHA Cairns Central?

No, YHA Cairns Central does not offer an airport shuttle service.

What time are check-in & check-out at YHA Cairns Central?

Check-in begins at 2:00 PM. Check-out time is 10 AM.

Are pets allowed at YHA Cairns Central?

No, pets are not allowed.

Reviews

YHA Cairns Central Reviews

8.4

Very good

8.4/10

Cleanliness

8.8/10

Staff & service

8.2/10

Amenities

8.2/10

Property conditions & facilities

8.4/10

Eco-friendliness
Rating 10 - Excellent. 78 out of 206 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 96 out of 206 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 21 out of 206 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 7 out of 206 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 4 out of 206 reviews

Reviews

6/10 Okay

Noelene

Travelled with family
Disliked: Amenities
Room was clean and comfortable we had ensuited room. Kitchen was messy unwashed cookware and utensils etc . we washed cutlery before using and when finished. Shops all around was great. Staff always helpful. Near to train station which was a priority for us as needed an overnight stay close to the station.
Stayed 1 night in Sep 2025

2/10 Terrible

Elizah

Alright
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2025

8/10 Good

Barbara

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Everything in rooms clean.& in good condition. Amazing kitchen ! Toilet and shower block new and clean. Pool clean and inviting . Cairns mall just across the street with huge food court plus many shops. Room mates were lovely considerate Asian girls. All in all a wonderful stay
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

Brian

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
As a first time backpacker, I couldn't fault this establishment. It was impeccably clean, staff were friendly, bedding and beds impeccably clean and comfortable. Sheets even had iron marks on them. I would go there again.
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Ed

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Very friendly and comfortable!
Stayed 1 night in May 2025

10/10 Excellent

Dayna

Stayed 6 nights in May 2025

10/10 Excellent

Lais

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2025

8/10 Good

Verified traveller

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities

Good for a short stay

The Hostel it’s self seemed well taken care of with a pretty decent standard of cleanliness, all though many hostel mates didn’t properly clean up after themselves in the kitchen and I found myself re-washing dishes before I could actually use them. The room I stayed in (a 4 bed) was quite spacious and the lockers were big enough for my travel backpack, but the beds themselves were pretty lack luster and I found myself having a hard time getting a comfortable sleep. It does in a pinch, but I probably stayed a day too long for the sake of my back.
Stayed 4 nights in Mar 2025

10/10 Excellent

Lisa

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 4 nights in Feb 2025

8/10 Good

Hieu

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Friendly staff, very convenient location, all (bed linen, towel, ...) very clean, 50m from Cairns big shopping centre with major supermarkets, department store. The communal kitchen is very well organised, clean. Secure car parking for $5 a day. Negative things are the free wifi is only up to 5Mbps during off-peak but very slow and just enough to check email at night (peak-hours), power points should be close to the bed or the floor or the very small table in the room, if your phone charging cables are short then you have to use the power point in the ensuite (if your room has ensuite). In general I would highly recommend this place if you don't expect all the bells and whistle of a 3-4 star hotel.
Stayed 1 night in Jan 2025

8/10 Good

Wenhai

Stayed 1 night in Dec 2024

8/10 Good

melissa

Travelled with family
Liked: Staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 3 nights in Dec 2024

10/10 Excellent

Axel

Stayed 4 nights in Dec 2024

10/10 Excellent

Cheryl

Stayed 1 night in Nov 2024

10/10 Excellent

Emily

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
This was a great place to stay in Cairns! 10-15 minutes walk to the wharf and great shopping and dining. Large kitchen and shared area in the hostel and I loved that they advertised local events and activities happening.
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2024

10/10 Excellent

Steven

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2024

10/10 Excellent

Steven

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Cairns Dive trip

Great facilities, great staff and a great experience all round. Will definately recommend and use again
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2024

8/10 Good

Verified traveller

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2024

8/10 Good

Andrew

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
.
Stayed 1 night in Sep 2024

10/10 Excellent

Sarah

Liked: Property conditions & facilities
Great property would recommend
Stayed 6 nights in Sep 2024

10/10 Excellent

Xi

Stayed 1 night in Aug 2024

10/10 Excellent

HERMANN

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
easy to get to places
Stayed 5 nights in Aug 2024

10/10 Excellent

Brandon

Stayed 1 night in Aug 2024

6/10 Okay

Yoshiaki

Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2024

10/10 Excellent

Susan

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Staff lovely, areas clean, quiet.
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2024