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The Espy Hostel

2.0 star property
Hostel with an outdoor pool, steps from Cairns Esplanade

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Photo gallery for The Espy Hostel

Exterior
1 Bed Mix 3 Bed Dorm with Ensuite (International & interstate guests only)(18-35 Age Only) | Free WiFi, bed sheets
Exterior
Exterior
Free WiFi, bed sheets

Reviews

7.6 out of 10
Good

Popular amenities

  • Kitchen
  • Pool
  • Air conditioning
  • Laundry
  • Free WiFi

Explore the area

View in a map
83 Esplanade, Cairns, QLD, 4870
  • Place, Cairns Esplanade
    ‪3 min walk‬
  • Place, Esplanade Lagoon
    ‪3 min walk‬
  • Place, Reef Fleet Terminal
    ‪6 min walk‬
  • Airport, Cairns, QLD (CNS-Cairns Intl.)
    ‪9 min drive‬

Room options

View all photos for 1 Bed in Female 4 Bed Dorm (International & interstate guests only)(18-35 Age Only)

Free WiFi, bed sheets

1 Bed in Female 4 Bed Dorm (International & interstate guests only)(18-35 Age Only)

10.0 out of 10
Exceptional
(1 review)
  • Sleeps 1
  • 1 Twin Bunk Bed

View all photos for Single Private Share Bathroom (International & interstate guests only)

Single Private Share Bathroom (International & interstate guests only) | Free WiFi, bed sheets

Single Private Share Bathroom (International & interstate guests only)

8.0 out of 10
Very good
(4 reviews)
  • Sleeps 1
  • 1 Twin Bed

View all photos for 1 Bed in Mix 4 Bed Dorm (International & interstate guests only)(18-35 Age Only)

Free WiFi, bed sheets

1 Bed in Mix 4 Bed Dorm (International & interstate guests only)(18-35 Age Only)

  • Sleeps 1
  • 1 Twin Bunk Bed

View all photos for 1 Bed Mix 6 Bed Dorm with Ensuite (International & interstate guests only)(18-35 Age Only)

Free WiFi, bed sheets

1 Bed Mix 6 Bed Dorm with Ensuite (International & interstate guests only)(18-35 Age Only)

10.0 out of 10
Exceptional
(1 review)
  • Sleeps 1
  • 1 Twin Bunk Bed

View all photos for Double Room

Double Room | Free WiFi, bed sheets

Double Room

8.0 out of 10
Very good
(1 review)
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Double Bed

View all photos for Basic Shared Dormitory, Mixed Dorm

Free WiFi, bed sheets

Basic Shared Dormitory, Mixed Dorm

  • Sleeps 1
  • 1 Large Twin Bunk Bed

View all photos for Shared Dormitory

Free WiFi, bed sheets

Shared Dormitory

  • Sleeps 1
  • 1 Twin Bunk Bed

About the neighborhood

Cairns

Located in Cairns Central Business District, The Espy Hostel is adjacent to Cairns Esplanade and within a 10-minute walk of other popular attractions like Reef Fleet Terminal. The 17 rooms at this hostel include refrigerators, microwaves, and kitchen islands.
View more Hostels in CairnsOpens in a new window

What's nearby

  • Cairns Esplanade - 3 min walk - 0.2 miles
  • Esplanade Lagoon - 3 min walk - 0.2 miles
  • Reef Fleet Terminal - 6 min walk - 0.4 miles
  • Cairns Marlin Marina - 6 min walk - 0.4 miles
  • Cairns Central Shopping Centre - 8 min walk - 0.5 miles

Getting around

  • Cairns Station - 13 min walk
  • Cairns Intl. Airport (CNS) - 11 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪La Pizza - ‬1 min walk
  • ‪McDonald's - ‬2 min walk
  • ‪Skewers Lover 炸串 - ‬5 min walk
  • ‪Pho Street Cairns - ‬3 min walk
  • ‪Villa Romana - ‬1 min walk

About this property

The Espy Hostel

Hostel with an outdoor pool, steps from Cairns Esplanade
The Espy Hostel features an outdoor pool, free WiFi in public areas, and microwave in a common area. Front-desk staff can help with tours or tickets, and provide local restaurant recommendations. Additional amenities include a refrigerator in a common area, a terrace, and laundry facilities.
Guests can expect to find free WiFi. Other amenities include refrigerators, microwaves, and stovetops. Housekeeping is available once per stay.
Recreational amenities at the hostel include an outdoor pool.

Similar properties

Outdoor pool

YHA Cairns Central

  • Pool
  • Free WiFi
  • Air conditioning
  • Breakfast available
8.4 out of 10, Very Good, 201 reviews
$60 nightly
The price is $66
Oct 9 - Oct 10
Total with taxes and fees
YHA Cairns Central

Property amenities

Internet

  • Available in all rooms: Free WiFi
  • In-room WiFi speed: 250+ Mbps (good for 3–5 people or up to 10 devices)
  • Available in some public areas: Free WiFi

Parking and transportation

  • No onsite parking available

Things to do

  • Outdoor pool
  • TV in common areas

Conveniences

  • Laundry facilities
  • Limited-hour front desk
  • Shared microwave
  • Shared refrigerator

Guest services

  • Housekeeping (once per stay)
  • Tour and ticket assistance

Outdoors

  • Terrace

Accessibility

  • No elevator

More

  • Designated smoking areas

Room amenities

Bedroom

  • Bedsheets provided

Bathroom

  • Towels provided

Food and drink

  • Cleaning supplies
  • Cookware, dishware, and utensils
  • Kitchen island
  • Microwave
  • Refrigerator
  • Shared kitchen access
  • Stovetop
  • Toaster

More

  • Air conditioning

Policies

Check-in

Check-in time starts at 2:00 PM
Early check-in subject to availability
Minimum check-in age: 18

Check-out

Check-out before 10:00 AM

Special check-in instructions

The front desk is open daily from 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Front desk staffed during limited hours
Guests are required to download the property's Goki mobile app before check-in

Access methods

Front desk (limited hours), smart lock

Pets

  • This property doesn't allow pets

Children and extra beds

  • This property doesn't allow children 17 and younger (only guests older than 17 are allowed)

Property payment types

Important information

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 and debit cards; cash is not accepted
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher, a smoke detector, a security system, and a first aid kit
  • Check-in: 2:00 PM
  • Check-out: 10:00 AM
  • Minimum check-in age: 18
The front desk is available during limited hours.

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.
  • No parking is available onsite.
  • This property accepts credit cards and debit cards. Cash is not accepted. 
  • Onsite safety features include a fire extinguisher, a smoke detector, a security system, and a first aid kit.

Additional information about polices, regulations, and more:

  • There are no elevators.
  • This property welcomes guests of all sexual orientations and gender identities (LGBTQ+ friendly).

Property is also known as

The Espy Hostel Cairns
Cairns Waterfront Haven
The Espy Hostel Hostel/Backpacker accommodation
The Espy Hostel Hostel/Backpacker accommodation Cairns

Frequently asked questions

Is a free cancellation option available at The Espy Hostel?

The Espy Hostel provides free cancellation on select room rates. If you'd like to learn more, review the cancellation policy on Orbitz.

What is there to do within easy reach of The Espy Hostel?

This hostel is situated in Cairns Central Business District within a 10-minute walk of Cairns Esplanade and Reef Fleet Terminal. You'll also find Cairns Central Shopping Centre and Esplanade Lagoon less than a mile away.

Is parking available on site at The Espy Hostel?

No, this hostel doesn't offer parking.

Does The Espy Hostel feature a casino on the premises?

No, The Espy Hostel doesn't have a casino.

Is there an indoor pool at The Espy Hostel?

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

Is The Espy Hostel a good place to stay for couples?

Amenities at this hostel that appeal to couples include an outdoor pool and a terrace.

Does The Espy Hostel have a hot tub?

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

Does The Espy Hostel feature a restaurant that includes a breakfast menu?

No, The Espy Hostel doesn't have a restaurant that serves breakfast.

Does The Espy Hostel allow pets to stay free of charge?

No, pets aren't allowed at The Espy Hostel.

Are there connecting rooms at The Espy Hostel?

No, there aren't connecting guestrooms at this hostel.

What is the closest airport to The Espy Hostel?

The closest major airport to The Espy Hostel is Cairns Intl. Airport (CNS), which is 4 mi away (11 minutes by car).

Are there rooms with balconies at The Espy Hostel?

No, there aren't any rooms with balconies at The Espy Hostel.

Reviews

The Espy Hostel Reviews

7.6

Good

7.4/10

Cleanliness

7.6/10

Staff & service

6.8/10

Amenities

7.0/10

Property conditions & facilities

7.8/10

Eco-friendliness
Rating 10 - Excellent. 35 out of 83 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 19 out of 83 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 10 out of 83 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 11 out of 83 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 8 out of 83 reviews

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Roy

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 2 nights in May 2025

4/10 Poor

Fiona

Disliked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Stayed 4 nights – central location, budget accommodation. Check-in via email code worked well. You get what you pay for – affordable stay, but basic standards. Some bathrooms out of order, and the rest could use maintenance. Kitchen okay but messy inconsiderate guests (my food was left outside fridge overnight). Very noisy overall – AC had to run constantly in the room and was extremely loud. Staff were friendly and helpful. 40+ solo traveler on a budget, two nights would’ve been enough.
Stayed 4 nights in May 2025

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveler

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 16 nights in Mar 2025

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveler

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2025

8/10 Good

Jurdy

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, room comfort

Location excellent

Greatest location. Right on the esplanade. Small private room. Simple, clean, safe, affordable.
Stayed 3 nights in Mar 2025

10/10 Excellent

THECKLA

Traveled with partner
Liked: Amenities
I loved the spacious kitchen and clean bathrooms facilities. The location was perfect! Just next to the lagoon, shopping malls, bus stop and the beach front.
Stayed 5 nights in Feb 2025

4/10 Poor

Rikitake

Stayed 1 night in Jan 2025

8/10 Good

Jihoon

Stayed 1 night in Jan 2025

8/10 Good

Valerie

Traveled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Very easy to find hostel. Convenient in and out. Room and facilities were clean. Bed was comfortable. Shower was hot. Good value for money.
Stayed 2 nights in Jan 2025

8/10 Good

Verified traveler

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 5 nights in Jan 2025

10/10 Excellent

Charity

Bang for the buck 👍
Stayed 1 night in Dec 2024

4/10 Poor

Jason

Disliked: Staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 3 nights in Dec 2024

8/10 Good

Daniel

Stayed 4 nights in Nov 2024

10/10 Excellent

Jennifer

Traveled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Great property in a great location. Clean and no bugs. Great shower pressure!! Staff was friendly and helpful. Had a tour company on site to help with bookings, which was amazing. Kitchen was helpful to have for making our own morning coffee or tea before heading out for the day. Didn’t use the pool as had been out each day all day on boats to the reef, and this location is directly across the street from the lagoon. At first we were worried as I hadn’t realized I’d booked a hostel and not a hotel room. This hostel was quiet at night. I would recommend this location for anyone travelling to the area. It was absolutely what we needed and right near everything we wanted to see or do. All the restaurant choices you could imagine and at least 10 ice cream shops in a one block radius. The bonus of the night market next door was great for nik nacks and things we’d left at home.
Stayed 5 nights in Oct 2024

6/10 Okay

Takae

Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2024

8/10 Good

Hans

Traveled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities
Right in the middle of town Enough hostel eating area
Stayed 4 nights in Sep 2024

4/10 Poor

Lauren

Traveled with group
Disliked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
The property atmosphere was awesome! Everyone was really nice and it was calm and quiet. The reason it is ranking low there were ants in my room. The shower was broken. out of the two showers near me one was dangling off the wall and I had to hold it up. The other shower didn't drain and so I was standing in a foot of water during my shower. The staff was responsive but unprofessional. He came to solve one of my problems quickly but arrived in only underwear. the building is half inside and half outside do you can see roots of above trees in the bathroom and not all shared areas kitchen and hang out spaces had a full roof. However, induvial rooms are enclosed and have wall air conditioning units but you cannot adjust the temperature and I was really cold. Location was perfect and in walking distance to everything we wanted to do and or walking distance to a pick up location to the day tours we booked.
Stayed 6 nights in Aug 2024

6/10 Okay

Panagiotis, MELTON

Traveled with partner
.
Stayed 6 nights in Aug 2024

4/10 Poor

Chisuzu

Disliked: Staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2024

8/10 Good

Jacob

Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2024

10/10 Excellent

HIKARU

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2024

2/10 Terrible

Sergey

Disliked: Staff & service, room comfort

Terrible experience, do not waste your money!

Extremely appalling experience staying at the Espy hostel. Staff unwelcoming and discriminatory towards people over 35 years of age. I was forcefully made to leave this place even though it has been prepaid in full and I did not do anything wrong or cause any disturbance. Just my age over 35 was not good enough for me to stay at this property and staff threatened me by calling security and demanding that I leave immediately without providing their names or offering any compensation or even a refund. DO NOT STAY HERE.
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2024

2/10 Terrible

Ngu

Traveled with family
Disliked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Stayed 5 nights in Jun 2024

10/10 Excellent

HIKARU

Liked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities
Nice wall painting, kind staff. Long term travelers are also kind.
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2024

10/10 Excellent

Maria

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Great hostal
Stayed 3 nights in May 2024