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YHA Cairns Central

2.0 star property
Hostel with an outdoor pool, steps from Cairns Central Shopping Centre

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Photo gallery for YHA Cairns Central

Garden
Shared kitchen
View from property
Front of property
Property entrance

Reviews

8.4 out of 10
Very good

Popular amenities

  • Kitchen
  • Pool
  • Parking available
  • Breakfast available
  • Air conditioning
  • Laundry

Explore the area

Map
20-26 McLeod Street, Cairns, QLD, 4870
  • Cairns Central Shopping Centre
    ‪1 min walk‬
  • Cairns Esplanade
    ‪10 min walk‬
  • Cairns Marlin Marina
    ‪15 min walk‬
  • Cairns, QLD (CNS-Cairns Intl.)
    ‪7 min drive‬

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Room options

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

Shared kitchen

Bed in 6 Share Female Dormitory with Ensuite

  • Sleeps 1
  • 1 Twin Bunk Bed

View all photos for Bed in 10 Share Mixed Dormitory

In-room safe, free WiFi, bed sheets

Bed in 10 Share Mixed Dormitory

  • Sleeps 1
  • 1 Twin Bunk Bed

View all photos for Queen Plus Four with Ensuite

Queen Plus Four with Ensuite | In-room safe, free WiFi, bed sheets

Queen Plus Four with Ensuite

  • Sleeps 6
  • 1 Queen Bed and 4 Twin Bunk Beds

View all photos for Double Room, Shared Bathroom

Double Room, Shared Bathroom | In-room safe, free WiFi, bed sheets

Double Room, Shared Bathroom

  • City view
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Double Bed

View all photos for Twin Room with Ensuite

Twin Room with Ensuite | In-room safe, free WiFi, bed sheets

Twin Room with Ensuite

  • Sleeps 2
  • 2 Twin Beds

View all photos for Queen Room with Ensuite

Queen Room with Ensuite | In-room safe, free WiFi, bed sheets

Queen Room with Ensuite

  • City view
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Queen Bed

View all photos for Bed in 6 Share Mixed Dormitory

In-room safe, free WiFi, bed sheets

Bed in 6 Share Mixed Dormitory

  • Sleeps 1
  • 1 Twin Bunk Bed

View all photos for Bed in 4 Share Mixed Dormitory

In-room safe, free WiFi, bed sheets

Bed in 4 Share Mixed Dormitory

  • Sleeps 1
  • 1 Twin Bunk Bed

View all photos for Bed in 4 Share Female Dormitory

In-room safe, free WiFi, bed sheets

Bed in 4 Share Female Dormitory

  • Sleeps 1
  • 1 Twin Bunk Bed

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

In-room safe, free WiFi, bed sheets

Bed in 6 Share Mixed Dormitory with Ensuite

  • Sleeps 1
  • 1 Twin Bunk Bed

View all photos for Bed in 10 Share Female Dormitory

View from room

Bed in 10 Share Female Dormitory

  • Sleeps 1
  • 1 Twin Bunk Bed

View all photos for Bed in 6 Share Female Dormitory

In-room safe, free WiFi, bed sheets

Bed in 6 Share Female Dormitory

  • Sleeps 1
  • 1 Twin Bunk Bed

View all photos for Double Plus Two with Ensuite

Double Plus Two with Ensuite | In-room safe, free WiFi, bed sheets

Double Plus Two with Ensuite

  • City view
  • Sleeps 4
  • 2 Twin Bunk Beds and 1 Double Bed

View all photos for Bed in 6 Share Male Dormitory

In-room safe, free WiFi, bed sheets

Bed in 6 Share Male Dormitory

  • Sleeps 1
  • 1 Twin Bunk Bed

View all photos for Queen Room With Ensuite

In-room safe, free WiFi, bed sheets

Queen Room With Ensuite

  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Queen Bed

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

In-room safe, free WiFi, bed sheets

Bed In 4 Share Female Dormitory With Ensuite

  • Sleeps 1
  • 1 Twin Bunk Bed

View all photos for Bed In 10 Share Female Dormitory

In-room safe, free WiFi, bed sheets

Bed In 10 Share Female Dormitory

  • Sleeps 1
  • 1 Twin Bunk Bed

View all photos for Double And Two Singles With Ensuite

In-room safe, free WiFi, bed sheets

Double And Two Singles With Ensuite

  • Sleeps 4
  • 1 Double Bed and 2 Twin Bunk Beds

View all photos for Bed In 4 Share Female Dormitory

In-room safe, free WiFi, bed sheets

Bed In 4 Share Female Dormitory

  • Sleeps 1
  • 1 Twin Bunk Bed

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

In-room safe, free WiFi, bed sheets

Bed In 4 Share Male Dormitory With Ensuite

  • Sleeps 1
  • 1 Twin Bunk Bed

View all photos for Bed In 6 Share Male Dormitory

In-room safe, free WiFi, bed sheets

Bed In 6 Share Male Dormitory

  • Sleeps 1
  • 1 Twin Bunk Bed

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

In-room safe, free WiFi, bed sheets

Bed In 6 Share Female Dormitory With Ensuite

  • Sleeps 1
  • 1 Twin Bunk Bed

View all photos for Bed In 6 Share Female Dormitory

In-room safe, free WiFi, bed sheets

Bed In 6 Share Female Dormitory

  • Sleeps 1
  • 1 Twin Bunk Bed

View all photos for Double Room with Shared Bathroom

In-room safe, free WiFi, bed sheets

Double Room with Shared Bathroom

  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Double Bed

View all photos for Bed In 10 Share Mixed Dormitory

In-room safe, free WiFi, bed sheets

Bed In 10 Share Mixed Dormitory

  • Sleeps 1
  • 1 Twin Bunk Bed

View all photos for Queen and 4 Singles with Ensuite

In-room safe, free WiFi, bed sheets

Queen and 4 Singles with Ensuite

  • Sleeps 6
  • 4 Twin Bunk Beds and 1 Queen Bed

View all photos for Bed In 6 Share Mixed Dormitory

In-room safe, free WiFi, bed sheets

Bed In 6 Share Mixed Dormitory

  • Sleeps 1
  • 1 Twin Bunk Bed

View all photos for Twin Room With Ensuite

In-room safe, free WiFi, bed sheets

Twin Room With Ensuite

  • Sleeps 2
  • 2 Twin Beds

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

In-room safe, free WiFi, bed sheets

Bed In 6 Share Mixed Dormitory With Ensuite

  • Sleeps 1
  • 1 Twin Bunk Bed

View all photos for Bed In 4 Share Mixed Dormitory

Interior

Bed In 4 Share Mixed Dormitory

  • Sleeps 1
  • 1 Twin Bunk Bed

About the neighborhood

Cairns

Located in Cairns Central Business District, YHA Cairns Central is adjacent to Cairns Central Shopping Centre and within a 10-minute walk of other popular attractions like Cairns Esplanade. This 52-room hostel welcomes guests with conveniences like an outdoor pool, free in-room WiFi, and a business center.
View more Hostels in CairnsOpens in a new window

What's nearby

  • Cairns Central Shopping Centre - 1 min walk - 0.1 miles
  • Cairns Esplanade - 10 min walk - 0.6 miles
  • Cairns Convention Centre - 11 min walk - 0.6 miles
  • Cairns Marlin Marina - 15 min walk - 0.8 miles
  • Reef Fleet Terminal - 15 min walk - 0.8 miles

Getting around

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

Restaurants

  • ‪Rusty's Markets - ‬4 min walk
  • ‪Food Court - Cairns Central - ‬2 min walk
  • ‪T2 Tea - ‬1 min walk
  • ‪The Coffee Club - ‬2 min walk
  • ‪Grand Hotel - ‬1 min walk

About this property

YHA Cairns Central

Hostel with an outdoor pool, steps from Cairns Central Shopping Centre
Guests of YHA Cairns Central enjoy an outdoor pool, free WiFi in public areas, and a business center. If you drive, self parking is AUD 10.00 per day, and there's also an airport shuttle for a fee. The front desk has multilingual staff that can help with securing valuables, luggage storage, and tours or tickets. Additional amenities include a meeting room, a library, and express check-in.
Guests can stay connected with free WiFi. Safes are also included. Housekeeping is not available.
Recreational amenities at the hostel include an outdoor pool.

The recreational activities listed below are available either on site or nearby; fees may apply.

Languages

English, German, Japanese, Spanish

Similar properties

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Gilligan's Backpackers Hotel & Resort

  • Pool
  • Free WiFi
  • Restaurant
  • Air conditioning
8.0 out of 10, Very Good, 404 reviews
The price is $144
includes taxes & fees
$131 per night
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Gilligan's Backpackers Hotel & Resort

Property amenities

Internet

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

Parking and transportation

  • Roundtrip airport shuttle (surcharge)
  • Self parking on site (AUD 10 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

  • Bicycle rentals
  • Billiards/pool table
  • Library
  • Outdoor pool

Family friendly

  • Laundry facilities
  • Outdoor pool

Conveniences

  • Laundry facilities
  • Limited-hour front desk
  • Luggage storage
  • Safe at front desk
  • Vending machine

Guest services

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

Business services

  • Business center
  • Meeting room

Outdoors

  • Barbecue grill
  • Garden

Accessibility

  • No elevator

More

  • Designated smoking areas

Room amenities

Bedroom

  • Bedsheets provided

Bathroom

  • Hair dryer (on request)
  • Shower

Food and drink

  • Shared kitchen access

More

  • Air conditioning
  • Safe

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

  • This property doesn't allow pets

Property payment types

Important information

Optional extras

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

  • Fee for continental breakfast: approximately AUD 12 for adults and AUD 12 for children
  • Self parking fee: AUD 10.00 per day

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

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
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher, a smoke detector, and a first aid kit
  • Check-in: 2:00 PM—-10:00 PM
  • Check-out: 10 AM
  • Minimum check-in age: 18
The front desk is available during limited hours, and checking in and out are easy with express services. For convenient arrivals and departures, you can take advantage of the airport shuttle (fees apply). Driving? This property offers parking (fees apply).

We should mention

Details about charges, deposits, or other important information:

  • This property is managed by a professional host. The provision of housing is linked to their trade, business, or profession.
  • Charges for extra guests may apply and vary depending on the property's policy.
  • A cash deposit, credit card, or debit card for incidental charges, as well as a government-issued photo ID, may be required at check-in.
  • Special requests are subject to availability at the time of check-in and can't be guaranteed. Certain requests may come with additional charges.
  • This property accepts credit cards. Cash is not accepted. 
  • Onsite safety features include a fire extinguisher, a smoke detector, and a first aid kit.
  • Cashless payment methods are available for all transactions.

Additional information about polices, regulations, and more:

  • There are no elevators.
  • No cribs or infant beds are available.
  • No rollaway or extra beds are available.

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

Is a free cancellation option available at YHA Cairns Central?

YHA Cairns Central offers free cancellation on some room rates. For specific requirements, look at the cancellation policy on our site.

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

As of Apr 30, 2025, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at YHA Cairns Central on May 9, 2025 start from $58.45, excluding 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.

What's there to see near YHA Cairns Central?

This hostel is situated in Cairns Central Business District within a 10-minute walk of Cairns Esplanade and Cairns Central Shopping Centre. You'll also find Cairns Marlin Marina and Cairns Night Markets less than a mile away.

Is parking available on site at YHA Cairns Central?

Yes, parking is offered for AUD 10.00 per day.

Does YHA Cairns Central have a casino?

No, YHA Cairns Central doesn't have a casino.

Is there an indoor pool at YHA Cairns Central?

No, this hostel doesn't have an indoor pool; however, there is an outdoor pool.

What do couples enjoy most about YHA Cairns Central?

Couples staying at this hostel will appreciate amenities like an outdoor pool and a garden plus some rooms include city views.

Are there hot tubs at YHA Cairns Central?

No, this hostel doesn't have a spa tub.

Does YHA Cairns Central have a restaurant with a breakfast menu?

YHA Cairns Central offers continental breakfast each morning for a surcharge though there is no restaurant.

Does YHA Cairns Central allow pets to stay free of charge?

No, pets aren't allowed at YHA Cairns Central.

Are there connecting rooms at YHA Cairns Central?

No, this hostel doesn't feature connecting guestrooms.

How close is the airport from YHA Cairns Central?

The closest major airport to YHA Cairns Central is Cairns Intl. Airport (CNS), which is 4.3 mi away (7 minutes by car).

Can I book a room with a balcony at YHA Cairns Central?

No, there aren't any rooms with balconies at YHA Cairns Central.

YHA Cairns Central Reviews

Reviews

8.4

Very Good

Rating 10 - Excellent. 65 out of 184 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 90 out of 184 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 19 out of 184 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 7 out of 184 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 3 out of 184 reviews

8.4/10

Cleanliness

8.6/10

Staff & service

8.0/10

Amenities

8.2/10

Property conditions & facilities

8.4/10

Eco-friendliness

Reviews

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

Traveled 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 traveler

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

6/10 Okay

Rhiannon, Corlette

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service
Was great to meet some lovely ladies during my 2 night stay. Staff was excellent and accommodating. The bed was uncomfortable. Convenient location.
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2024

8/10 Good

owen

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Easy for when in transit
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2024

8/10 Good

Robbie

Business traveler
Liked: Staff & service, property conditions & facilities

Standard hostel.

Over all was good, the bathrooms were a little dirty. The kitchen was good, though other uses left it untidy.
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2024

6/10 Okay

Sok

Liked: Amenities
It’s ok for the price. Stayed in the 10-bed room, which felt quite packed when full. Hardly any privacy. Made a mistake of getting the breakfast, better to just walk across the street to Cairns central for a better proper coffee and breakfast for the same price. Location is excellent and very convenient, although a bit dodgy area.
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2024

8/10 Good

HIKARU

Great kitchen
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2024

8/10 Good

Marcelle

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
I always stay at the YHA Cairns Central because the location is so convenient, right opposite a large, air conditioned shopping centre, buses right outside the door and friendly service but I did find my room hugely over priced, (I stayed in a queen sized room with an ensuite)...$150 a night!! Great facilities, and service but found the price very disappointing; for that price I thought at least a hair dryer, little shampoos, etc and coffee and tea making facilities would have been included
Stayed 5 nights in Jun 2024

8/10 Good

Jordan

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Good experience all around.
Stayed 4 nights in Jun 2024

6/10 Okay

Jonatan

Stayed 4 nights in Jun 2024

4/10 Poor

Brook

Liked: Cleanliness
Disliked: Staff & service
Pool and gardens are very nice. Room was extremely basic and not good value for money. Most staff are friendly but there are some which are very inviting and shouldn't be working in the hospitality industry.
Stayed 1 night in May 2024