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YHA Cairns Central

2.0 star property

Choose dates to view prices

Photo gallery for YHA Cairns Central

An aerial view of a swimming pool surrounded by palm trees, with lounge chairs and a tiled deck area.
A covered outdoor seating area with tables and chairs, surrounded by lush greenery and plants.
A modern building with a covered entrance, steps leading up to the entrance, and a signboard.
Reception
A group of people on a dock with boats and a mountainous background.

Reviews

8.4 out of 10
Very good

Popular amenities

  • Free WiFi
  • Air conditioning
  • Breakfast available
  • Parking available
  • Business services

Explore the area

View in a map
20-26 McLeod Street, Cairns, QLD, 4870
  • Place, Cairns Central Shopping Centre
    ‪1 min walk‬
  • Place, Cairns Night Markets
    ‪6 min walk‬
  • Place, Esplanade Lagoon
    ‪10 min walk‬
  • Airport, Cairns, QLD (CNS-Cairns Intl.)
    ‪10 min drive‬

Room options

View all photos for Bed In 4 Share Mixed Dormitory

A bunk bed with a white mattress and a rolled white towel, a metal mesh headboard, and a window with a view of the sky.

Bed In 4 Share Mixed Dormitory

  • Sleeps 1
  • Free WiFi

View all photos for Bed In 6 Share Male Dormitory

A dormitory room with bunk beds, a window with curtains, and a white wall.

Bed In 6 Share Male Dormitory

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

View all photos for Bed In 6 Share Female Dormitory

A dormitory room with bunk beds, a window with curtains, and a white wall.

Bed In 6 Share Female Dormitory

  • Sleeps 1
  • Free WiFi

View all photos for Bed in 10 Share Mixed Dormitory

A bunk bed room with a window, a door, and a carpeted floor.

Bed in 10 Share Mixed Dormitory

  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 1
  • 1 Twin Bunk Bed
  • Free WiFi

View all photos for Bed in 4 Share Mixed Dormitory

A bunk bed with a white mattress and a rolled white towel.

Bed in 4 Share Mixed Dormitory

8.0 out of 10
Very good
(1 review)
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 1
  • 1 Twin Bunk Bed
  • Free WiFi

View all photos for Double Room, Shared Bathroom

A single bed with a patterned bedspread, a blue metal frame, a window with blue curtains, a wall-mounted radiator, and a small trash bin.

Double Room, Shared Bathroom

9.0 out of 10
Wonderful
(2 reviews)
  • City view
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Double Bed
  • Free WiFi

View all photos for Queen Room with Ensuite

A single bed with a checkered bedspread, two pillows, and two folded towels. There is a small wooden nightstand on each side of the bed.

Queen Room with Ensuite

8.0 out of 10
Very good
(1 review)
  • City view
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Queen Bed
  • Free WiFi

View all photos for Double Plus Two with Ensuite

Double Plus Two with Ensuite | Free WiFi, bed sheets

Double Plus Two with Ensuite

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

View all photos for Bed in 10 Share Female Dormitory

A bunk bed room with a window, a door, and a carpeted floor.

Bed in 10 Share Female Dormitory

  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 1
  • 1 Twin Bunk Bed
  • Free WiFi

View all photos for Bed in 6 Share Female Dormitory

A bunk bed room with a window, a door, and a carpeted floor.

Bed in 6 Share Female Dormitory

  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 1
  • 1 Twin Bunk Bed
  • Free WiFi

View all photos for Bed in 6 Share Male Dormitory

A bunk bed room with a window, a door, and a carpeted floor.

Bed in 6 Share Male Dormitory

  • Sleeps 1
  • 1 Twin Bunk Bed
  • Free WiFi

View all photos for Bed in 6 Share Mixed Dormitory

A bunk bed room with a window, a door, and a carpeted floor.

Bed in 6 Share Mixed Dormitory

8.0 out of 10
Very good
(1 review)
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 1
  • 1 Twin Bunk Bed
  • Free WiFi

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

A bunk bed room with a window, a door, and a carpeted floor.

Bed in 6 Share Female Dormitory with Ensuite

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

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

A bunk bed room with a window, a door, and a carpeted floor.

Bed in 6 Share Mixed Dormitory with Ensuite

  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 1
  • 1 Twin Bunk Bed
  • Free WiFi

View all photos for Bed in 4 Share Female Dormitory

A bunk bed with a white mattress and a rolled white towel.

Bed in 4 Share Female Dormitory

  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 1
  • 1 Twin Bunk Bed
  • Free WiFi

View all photos for Twin Room with Ensuite

Twin Room with Ensuite | Free WiFi, bed sheets

Twin Room with Ensuite

8.0 out of 10
Very good
(2 reviews)
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 2
  • 2 Twin Beds
  • Free WiFi

View all photos for Queen Plus Four with Ensuite

A room with bunk beds, a desk, a wardrobe, and an air conditioning unit.

Queen Plus Four with Ensuite

  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 6
  • 1 Queen Bed and 4 Twin Bunk Beds
  • Free WiFi

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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 Night Markets - 6 min walk - 0.4 miles
  • Cairns Esplanade - 8 min walk - 0.5 miles
  • Cairns Convention Centre - 10 min walk - 0.5 miles
  • Esplanade Lagoon - 10 min walk - 0.6 miles

Getting around

  • Cairns Station - 4 min walk
  • Cairns Intl. Airport (CNS) - 13 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪The Grand Hotel - ‬1 min walk
  • ‪KFC - ‬2 min walk
  • ‪McDonald's - ‬3 min walk
  • ‪T2 Tea - ‬2 min walk
  • ‪Jimmys Burger & Co - ‬3 min walk

About this property

YHA Cairns Central

Guests of YHA Cairns Central enjoy an outdoor pool, free WiFi in public areas, and a business center. Self parking is offered for AUD 5 per day. The front desk has multilingual staff that can help with tours/tickets and luggage storage. Additional amenities include a meeting room, express check-in, and express check-out.
Guests can stay connected with free WiFi. 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.

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  • Air conditioning
  • Breakfast available
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Aug 10 - Aug 11
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

  • Self 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 center
  • Meeting room

Outdoors

  • Barbecue grill
  • Garden

Accessibility

  • No elevator

More

  • Comprehensive food waste policy
  • Designated smoking areas
  • Eco-friendly cleaning products used
  • Local artist showcase
  • Locally-owned and organized tours and activities
  • Some LED lighting used
  • Waste recycling policy
  • 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 used
  • Recycling
  • Water-efficient showers
  • Water-efficient toilets

Policies

Check-in

Check-in start time: 2:00 PM; Check-in end time: 9:00 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 - 9:00 PM
Front desk staffed during limited hours
If you are planning to arrive after 9:00 PM please contact the property in advance using the information on the booking confirmation
Information provided by the property may be translated using automated translation tools

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 5 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
Special cancellation policies or charges may apply for group reservations (more than 8 rooms for the same property / stay dates)
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—-9:00 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. 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.
  • Charges or special cancellation policies for group reservations may apply (more than 8 rooms for the same property/stay dates).
  • 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 Jul 10, 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at YHA Cairns Central on Jul 29, 2026 start from $72, 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 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 Reef Fleet Terminal and Cairns Marlin Marina less than a mile away.

Will I be able to park at YHA Cairns Central?

Yes, parking is offered for AUD 5 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 will couples enjoy most about a stay at YHA Cairns Central?

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

Are there hot tubs at YHA Cairns Central?

No, there isn't a spa tub at this hostel.

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, there aren't connecting guestrooms at this hostel.

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 (13 minutes by car).

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

No, there aren't any rooms at YHA Cairns Central that offer a balcony.

YHA Cairns Central Reviews

Reviews

8.4

Very Good

Rating 10 - Excellent. 88 out of 225 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 101 out of 225 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 24 out of 225 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 8 out of 225 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 4 out of 225 reviews

8.4/10

Cleanliness

8.8/10

Staff & service

8.0/10

Amenities

8.2/10

Property conditions & facilities

Reviews

Verified

10/10 Excellent

Ryoichi

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Had a great stay, thanks!
Stayed 4 nights in Oct 2025
Verified

8/10 Good

Philip

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Had a great stay there. Would recommend staying here. Super central and clean
Stayed 5 nights in Sep 2025
Verified

8/10 Good

Paul

Great staff. Decent amenities. Location is a ten min walk to lagoon
Stayed 4 nights in Jan 2026
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Johnny

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Clean, nice green area to share and good parking.
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2025
Verified

6/10 Okay

Matias

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Really good place to be a hostel. The staff is very friendly and nice, the kitchen that’s fine. In the outside of the hostel to many homeless around the place
Stayed 7 nights in Nov 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Susan

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

10/10 Excellent

??

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Absolutely graetest hottel Ive ever stayed.
Stayed 1 night in Apr 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Matt

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Nice hostel, quiet area, easy street parking
Stayed 1 night in Jan 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Ed

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

10/10 Excellent

Sarah

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

10/10 Excellent

Janford

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Would definitely choose and recommend YHA to a friend the next time. 👍
Verified

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
Verified

10/10 Excellent

HERMANN

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

8/10 Good

Asher

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Good, cheap accommodation in central Cairns
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2023
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Shinji

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
The staff is very kind.
Stayed 2 nights in May 2024
Verified

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
Verified

4/10 Poor

Crystal

Liked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities
Nice clean room, beds were comfy, but we where waiting 15min to be served to check-in and it was not busy we where the only ones waiting 2 staff ignored us the other lady was making someone a coffee, i expessed that we where in a hurry to get to a cruise, that didn't change anything. So all was good except the frount counter.
Stayed 1 night in Mar 2026
Verified

8/10 Good

HIKARU

Great kitchen
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2024
Verified

8/10 Good

Jordan

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

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
Verified

6/10 Okay

david

Fine
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveler

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

Comfortable and good value

Nice hostel with friendly and helpful staff. Private room is very comfortable and good value for money. Hostel itself is quite social through the events they put on every night but relaxed in the day which makes a good mix.
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2023
Verified

6/10 Okay

Rhiannon

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
Verified

10/10 Excellent

KYLE

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
This was my first stay at a hostel. It was great. The folks at the front desk were very friendly and helpful. The kitchen facilities were great. The pool looked nice just didn’t get a chance to use it. All of the people staying there were friendly. Only complaint was there was only one dryer operational in the laundry room. I would highly recommend staying here if you are traveling to Cairns.
Stayed 5 nights in Aug 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Samuel

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