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Little Drifter Cairns

2.0 star property

Choose dates to view prices

Photo gallery for Little Drifter Cairns

A covered outdoor seating area with a sofa, round table, and potted plants.
A building with a sign reading "Little Drifter" and a covered outdoor seating area with string lights.
A person sitting on a window sill reading a book.
A cozy room with a laptop on a round wooden table, a green armchair, a small ottoman, and a wall-mounted light.
A spacious lobby with a high ceiling, a green sofa, and potted plants.

Reviews

8.2 out of 10
Very good

Popular amenities

  • Free WiFi
  • Air conditioning
  • Laundry
  • Housekeeping

Explore the area

View in a map
7 Shields St, Unit 1, Cairns, QLD, 4870
  • Place, Cairns Night Markets
    ‪2 min walk‬
  • Place, Cairns Esplanade Lagoon
    ‪3 min walk‬
  • Place, Cairns Marlin Marina
    ‪6 min walk‬
  • Airport, Cairns, QLD (CNS-Cairns Intl.)
    ‪10 min drive‬

Room options

View all photos for Private 4 Bed Room

A bunk bed room with a striped towel on the wall, a window with curtains, and a power outlet.

Private 4 Bed Room

8.0 out of 10
Very good
(1 review)
  • 194 sq ft
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 4
  • 4 Twin Bunk Beds
  • Free WiFi

View all photos for Private 8 Bed Room

A bunk bed room with a striped towel, brown curtains, and a storage unit with letters.

Private 8 Bed Room

  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 8
  • 8 Twin Bunk Beds
  • Free WiFi

View all photos for Private 6 Bed Room

A room with bunk beds, a ceiling fan, and an air conditioning unit.

Private 6 Bed Room

  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 6
  • 6 Twin Bunk Beds
  • Free WiFi

View all photos for Private 6 Bed Female Room

A room with bunk beds, a window with curtains, and a bed with a striped pillow.

Private 6 Bed Female Room

  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 6
  • 6 Twin Bunk Beds
  • Free WiFi

View all photos for Private 8 Bed Female Room

A dormitory room with bunk beds, a ceiling fan, and a window with curtains.

Private 8 Bed Female Room

  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 8
  • 8 Twin Bunk Beds
  • Free WiFi

View all photos for Private 4 Bed Female Room

A person sitting on a window sill reading a book.

Private 4 Bed Female Room

  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 4
  • 4 Twin Bunk Beds
  • Free WiFi

View all photos for Private Queen Room

A neatly made bed with a brown blanket, a bedside lamp, and two framed pictures on the wall.

Private Queen Room

9.0 out of 10
Wonderful
(4 reviews)
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Queen Bed
  • Free WiFi

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Total with taxes and fees
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About the neighborhood

Cairns

Located in Cairns Central Business District, Little Drifter Cairns is within a 5-minute walk of Cairns Esplanade and within 15 minutes of other popular attractions like Reef Fleet Terminal. This 54-room hostel welcomes guests with conveniences like free in-room WiFi, concierge services, and laundry facilities.
View more Hostels in CairnsOpens in a new window

What's nearby

  • Cairns Night Markets - 2 min walk - 0.1 miles
  • Cairns Esplanade Lagoon - 3 min walk - 0.2 miles
  • Reef Hotel Casino - 3 min walk - 0.2 miles
  • Cairns Esplanade - 3 min walk - 0.2 miles
  • Cairns Marlin Marina - 6 min walk - 0.4 miles

Getting around

  • Cairns Station - 9 min walk
  • Cairns Intl. Airport (CNS) - 12 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Wawawa Izakaya - ‬1 min walk
  • ‪The Mango Bar - ‬2 min walk
  • ‪The Roti Shack - ‬2 min walk
  • ‪Imm Thai Cafe - ‬2 min walk
  • ‪Viet Fresh - ‬2 min walk

About this property

Little Drifter Cairns

Little Drifter Cairns features free WiFi in public areas, microwave in a common area, and refrigerator in a common area. Front-desk staff can assist with luggage storage, access to locker space, and concierge services. Additional amenities include laundry facilities, a vending machine, and a TV in a common area.
Guests can stay connected with free WiFi. 4 bathrooms are also included. Bathrooms are shared.
The recreational activities listed below are available either on site or nearby; fees may apply.

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Hides Hotel Cairns
Cairns Central Business District
  • Free WiFi
  • Air conditioning
  • Breakfast available
  • Business services
7.2 out of 10, Good, 1,002 reviews
$86 nightly
The price is $96
Aug 30 - Aug 31
Total with taxes and fees
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Property amenities

Internet

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

Parking and transportation

  • No onsite parking available

Things to do

  • TV in common areas

Family friendly

  • Laundry facilities

Conveniences

  • Laundry facilities
  • Limited-hour front desk
  • Lockers
  • Luggage storage
  • Shared microwave
  • Shared refrigerator
  • Vending machine

Guest services

  • Concierge services
  • Housekeeping (daily)
  • Tour and ticket assistance

Accessibility

  • No elevator

More

  • Designated smoking areas

Room amenities

Bedroom

  • Bedsheets provided

Bathroom

  • 4 detached shared bathrooms
  • Hair dryer (on request)
  • Shower

More

  • Air conditioning

Policies

Check-in

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

Check-out

Check-out before 10:00 AM
Contactless check-out available

Special check-in instructions

The property charges 2 percent for credit card payments
The front desk is open daily from 7:00 AM - 9:00 PM
Front desk staffed during limited hours
Guests are recommended to download the property's Duve mobile app before check-in
Information provided by the property may be translated using automated translation tools

Access methods

Front desk (limited hours), smart lock

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.

  • Credit card charges are subject to a surcharge of 2 percent

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
The name on the credit card used at check-in to pay for incidentals must be the primary name on the guestroom reservation
This property accepts credit cards and debit cards; cash is not accepted
Onsite parties or group events are strictly prohibited
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher, a smoke detector, 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. 
  • The credit card used at check-in for incidentals must be in the name of the primary guest who made the reservation.
  • Onsite parties or group events are strictly prohibited.
  • Onsite safety features include a fire extinguisher, a smoke detector, and a first aid kit.

Additional information about polices, regulations, and more:

  • Registered guests are the only ones allowed in guestrooms.
  • There are no elevators.
  • No cribs or infant beds are available.
  • No rollaway or extra beds are available.
  • This property welcomes guests of all sexual orientations and gender identities (LGBTQ+ friendly).

Property is also known as

Freedom Cairns Cairns
Freedom Cairns Hostel/Backpacker accommodation Cairns
Freedom Cairns Hostel/Backpacker accommodation
Freedom Cairns
The Village Cairns
Freedom Cairns Hostel
The Village Cairns Hostel
Little Drifter Cairns Cairns
Little Drifter Cairns Hostel/Backpacker accommodation
Little Drifter Cairns Hostel/Backpacker accommodation Cairns

Frequently asked questions

Is free cancellation available at Little Drifter Cairns?

Little Drifter Cairns provides free cancellation on certain room rates. For specific requirements, review the cancellation policy on Orbitz.

How much does it cost to stay at Little Drifter Cairns?

As of Aug 7, 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Little Drifter Cairns on Aug 24, 2026 start from $118, 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.

What's there to do around Little Drifter Cairns?

This hostel is situated in Cairns Central Business District, just steps from Cairns Esplanade, and within a 10-minute walk of Reef Fleet Terminal and Cairns Marlin Marina. You'll also find Cairns Night Markets and Cairns Esplanade Lagoon less than a mile away.

Is there parking available at Little Drifter Cairns?

No, there isn't parking available at the hostel.

Does Little Drifter Cairns include a casino on the premises?

No, Little Drifter Cairns doesn't have a casino.

Is there an indoor pool at Little Drifter Cairns?

No, there is no indoor pool at this hostel.

Are there hot tubs at Little Drifter Cairns?

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

Does Little Drifter Cairns have a restaurant with a breakfast menu?

No, Little Drifter Cairns doesn't have a restaurant that serves breakfast.

Does Little Drifter Cairns allow pets to stay free of charge?

No, pets aren't allowed at Little Drifter Cairns.

Are there connecting rooms at Little Drifter Cairns?

No, this hostel doesn't feature connecting guestrooms.

How far is the airport from Little Drifter Cairns?

The closest major airport to Little Drifter Cairns is Cairns Intl. Airport (CNS), which is 4 mi away (12 minutes by car).

Are there rooms with balconies at Little Drifter Cairns?

No, there aren't any rooms at Little Drifter Cairns that offer a balcony.

Little Drifter Cairns Reviews

Reviews

8.2

Very Good

Rating 10 - Excellent. 91 out of 185 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 51 out of 185 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 20 out of 185 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 13 out of 185 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 10 out of 185 reviews

8.2/10

Cleanliness

8.6/10

Staff & service

8.0/10

Amenities

8.2/10

Property conditions & facilities

Reviews

Verified review

8/10 Good

steven

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Very clean throughout, staff were excellent, I had a room near the dining, common area which was very noisy.
Stayed 5 nights in Oct 2025
Verified review

8/10 Good

Alex

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Nice location and good room.
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2024
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

James

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Absolutely lovely environment
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2025
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Daniela

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Nice surroundings, easy walking access to everything, good friendly staff, safe, several tour agents around
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2024
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Greg

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Staff were outstanding and position to everything was excellent
Stayed 4 nights in Jun 2023
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Daniel

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Friendly staff helpfully, clean quite place not stinky felt quite modern, comfy bed pillow not so much but all in all good for what I needed.
Stayed 1 night in Sep 2024
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Guy

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Great central location, airy and spacious.
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2022
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Angela

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

Great hostel option

Really nice hostel, central location with lots to walk to- they held luggage for us from our early flight which was super helpful.
Stayed 1 night in Nov 2024
Verified review

8/10 Good

Ilhan

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
The staff were very friendly
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2023
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Benjamin

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

Location location location

Great location super central for all things cairns
Stayed 4 nights in Aug 2023
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Andrew

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Great location and exceptional service. Rooms clean and quiet. I would definitely stay again.
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2022
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Rachael Jane

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Johnnie at reception was so friendly and helpful. Great group of guest, great activities, great vibes!! Loved my stay, thank-you!
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2024
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Claire

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
My first stay in a backpackers that was clean and modern facilities great
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2022
Verified review

8/10 Good

Kimb

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service
I love this area will be back when I back to carins
Stayed 4 nights in Jun 2024
Verified review

8/10 Good

Anusha Vijay

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
The place is clean with good rooms and spacious kitchen with all amenities
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2022
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Jose

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Great hostel at Cairns CBD. Clean, quiet with a great social space in the hallway. Highly recommended for solo travelers that enjoy mostly resting at night after a full day of activities.
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2024
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

anela

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Excellent, highly recommended for young and old
Stayed 1 night in Sep 2022
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Astrid

Friendly and helpful staff
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2023
Verified review

8/10 Good

Geoffrey

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

Little Drifter.

Had a private room for rwo for four days. The room was entirely adequate but could've benefited with more hanging options for damp towels.
Stayed 4 nights in Aug 2025
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Laisa

Liked: Property conditions & facilities
Can definitely recommend to others
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2023
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Constanza

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
The best of this place is the staff always willing to help and solve every issue!
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2024
Verified review

8/10 Good

Bianca

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service
I checked in late at night and left early in the morning, only a short stop but the cleanliness of the hostel was pristine, the room was very spacious for a 4 bedder and super neat & clean as well
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2024
Verified review

6/10 Okay

Johan

Very good location in Cairns. The room was quite spartan and noisy.
Stayed 3 nights in Apr 2024
Verified review

8/10 Good

Monika

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service
Nice Terasse, nearby city and Lagune
Stayed 7 nights in Oct 2022
Verified review

4/10 Poor

Owen

Disliked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Very budget for 40$ a night. Would’ve liked curtains between beds
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2024