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Little Drifter Cairns

2.0 star property
Hostel in Cairns, steps from Cairns Esplanade

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Photo gallery for Little Drifter Cairns

Relax on the elevated deck with a sofa and table, surrounded by lush trees and potted plants.
Work and unwind in a stylish space with a comfortable chair, ottoman, and desk area.
Relax in our spacious lobby with a mezzanine level, polished floors, and comfortable seating areas.
Cozy accommodations feature a bunk bed setup with a bed and a lower bunk.
Little Drifter features a classic, symmetrical design with a central archway and multiple windows.

Popular amenities

  • Housekeeping
  • Air conditioning
  • Laundry
  • Free WiFi

Explore the area

Map
7 Shields St, Unit 1, Cairns, QLD, 4870
  • Cairns Esplanade
    ‪2 min walk‬
  • Reef Fleet Terminal
    ‪5 min walk‬
  • Cairns Central Shopping Centre
    ‪8 min walk‬
  • Cairns, QLD (CNS-Cairns Intl.)
    ‪9 min drive‬

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Room options

View all photos for Private 4 Bed Female Room

Private 4 Bed Female Room | 1 bedroom, free WiFi, bed sheets

Private 4 Bed Female Room

  • Sleeps 4
  • 4 Twin Bunk Beds

View all photos for Private Queen Room

Private Queen Room | 1 bedroom, free WiFi, bed sheets

Private Queen Room

  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Queen Bed

View all photos for Private 6 Bed Female Room

Private 6 Bed Female Room | 1 bedroom, free WiFi, bed sheets

Private 6 Bed Female Room

  • Sleeps 6
  • 6 Twin Bunk Beds

View all photos for Private 8 Bed Female Room

1 bedroom, free WiFi, bed sheets

Private 8 Bed Female Room

  • Sleeps 8
  • 8 Twin Bunk Beds

View all photos for Private 4 Bed Room

Private 4 Bed Room | 1 bedroom, free WiFi, bed sheets

Private 4 Bed Room

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

View all photos for Private 6 Bed Room

Private 6 Bed Room | 1 bedroom, free WiFi, bed sheets

Private 6 Bed Room

  • Sleeps 6
  • 6 Twin Bunk Beds

View all photos for Private 8 Bed Room

1 bedroom, free WiFi, bed sheets

Private 8 Bed Room

  • Sleeps 8
  • 8 Twin Bunk Beds

About the neighborhood

Cairns

Located in Cairns Central Business District, Little Drifter Cairns is adjacent to Cairns Esplanade and within a 10-minute walk of other popular attractions like Cairns Central Shopping Centre. This 54-room hostel welcomes guests with conveniences like free in-room WiFi, concierge services, and a terrace.
View more Hostels in CairnsOpens in a new window

What's nearby

  • Cairns Night Markets - 2 min walk - 0.1 miles
  • Cairns Esplanade - 2 min walk - 0.1 miles
  • Esplanade Lagoon - 5 min walk - 0.3 miles
  • Reef Fleet Terminal - 5 min walk - 0.3 miles
  • Cairns Central Shopping Centre - 8 min walk - 0.5 miles

Getting around

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

Restaurants

  • ‪Crepe - ‬2 min walk
  • ‪Prawn Star - ‬1 min walk
  • ‪Bang & Grind the Esplanade - ‬2 min walk
  • ‪The Wool Shed Char Grill & Saloon Bar - ‬1 min walk
  • ‪Corea Corea - ‬3 min walk

About this property

Little Drifter Cairns

Hostel in Cairns, steps from Cairns Esplanade
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 tours or tickets, luggage storage, and access to locker space. Additional amenities include a terrace, laundry facilities, and a TV in a common area.
Guests can stay connected with free WiFi. Bathrooms are shared.
The recreational activities listed below are available either on site or nearby; fees may apply.

Languages

English

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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

Guest services

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

Outdoors

  • Terrace

Accessibility

  • No elevator

More

  • Designated smoking areas

Room amenities

Bedroom

  • Bedsheets provided

Bathroom

  • Detached shared bathroom
  • Hair dryer (on request)

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

Access methods

Front desk (limited hours)

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
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 safety features include a fire extinguisher, a smoke detector, and a first aid kit.

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

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.

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 Cairns Central Shopping Centre and Reef Fleet Terminal. You'll also find Cairns Night Markets and Esplanade Lagoon less than a mile away.

Is parking available on site 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.

What amenities will couples enjoy at Little Drifter Cairns?

Couples staying at this hostel will appreciate amenities like concierge services and a terrace plus some rooms include premium bedding.

Does Little Drifter Cairns have a hot tub?

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.

Does Little Drifter Cairns have connecting rooms?

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

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 that I can book at Little Drifter Cairns?

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

Little Drifter Cairns Reviews

Reviews

8.2

Very Good

Rating 10 - Excellent. 85 out of 177 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 49 out of 177 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 20 out of 177 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 13 out of 177 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 10 out of 177 reviews

8.0/10

Cleanliness

8.6/10

Staff & service

8.0/10

Amenities

8.2/10

Property conditions & facilities

7.6/10

Eco-friendliness

Reviews

4/10 Poor

sophie

Traveled with partner
Disliked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
This hostel was very dirty when we arrived, even though the bathrooms had apparently been cleaned just 1/2 hours before. The rooms felt very much like a prison, literally a bed, hard floor and no windows. I will give credit to the staff who quickly moved us rooms and apologised for the bathrooms but I would not stay again or recommend.
Stayed 5 nights in Jan 2025

8/10 Good

Monique, Kaneohe

Traveled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Property was in a good location but the kitchen was very full and hard to find any space.
Stayed 3 nights in Nov 2024

10/10 Excellent

Angela

Traveled with family
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

10/10 Excellent

Philemon

Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2024

10/10 Excellent

Robert L

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

A very good backpacker type of place

In a central location, very close to both attractions and amenities (restaurants, bars, shops, bottle (liquor) store.) All star ratings are relative, i.e., based on this being a backpacker dormitory type of place. Needed a place to stay on short notice and was able to get room with just four beds and semi-private pair of toilet + shower rooms. People staying observed the 10 PM quiet hour start. The people out on the street, not so much.
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2024

8/10 Good

Alex

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

10/10 Excellent

Bianca

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
One of the more respectful, cleaner hostels in cairns, perfect for the more matured generation who respect others privacy, females shared bathroom is extremely clean. Aside from requiring maintenance to 2/3 hand basins and regular topup of hand towels/soap, I cannot fault this hostel.
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2024

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

10/10 Excellent

Chelsea

Traveled with group
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Very quiet, stayed in a 2 person room with my friend. Simple & clean. Bathroom was great…lots of showers & clean. Felt very safe. No parking, so try the parking garage on Lake St, $12/day.
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2024

4/10 Poor

Andrew

Business traveler
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service
Disliked: Property conditions & facilities
Paid extra for the premium king private room and spent the whole time listening to slamming doors. The shared bathroom for the premium rooms isn’t lockable so be prepared to walk in on people on the loo or in the shower! Staff are great and location is central and it’s probably great if you’re in a dorm and on a budget but personally I wouldn’t stay there again.
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2024

10/10 Excellent

Krystle

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

8/10 Good

Verified traveler

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2024

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

2/10 Terrible

Verified traveler

Disliked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Staff seem to not care about this place, the cleaning is surface and thick dust on vents, top of any surface. Floors and bathrooms were cleaned terribly, with thick ingrained dirt around the edges. Cracks tiles, some broken showers, 1 working tumble dryer out of 4, water damage in areas and paint falling off walls in the bed room which were cleaner then the communual areas but defiantly not clean. Staff beside 1 seemed rude and when I asked what the situation with the kitchen was as I have not been there before she said use a box and I couldn't find one as they are overfilled with several “staff” labeled boxes taking up multiple per person. They responded that, it wasn't their problem and I had to figure it out. They had somebags at the bottom which had to be removed as a message was sent to everyoneim not sure what those people did. The kitchen is incredibly dirty, no fresh tea towels available and old dirt almost every where. .the comunnal areas had some sofas which you could see the dirt build up on them. I felt like they didn't care or haven't for a long while. This place could be so much better but its just lacking management and quality staff. I hate to leave a bad review but it was gross. I would add photos but it won't let me
Stayed 5 nights in Aug 2024

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

10/10 Excellent

Jose, champaign

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

8/10 Good

Victoria

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Great location, clean bathrooms, but no window in the rooms and therefore smelly and no fresh air
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2024

10/10 Excellent

Jordan

Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2024

10/10 Excellent

Gary

Stayed 1 night in Jul 2024

2/10 Terrible

BRAIRA

Liked: Cleanliness
Scary night, all I could hear was weird noise of group of guys trying to break in lock and yelling too much F word around.
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2024

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

10/10 Excellent

Zivile

Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2024

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

10/10 Excellent

Kenneth

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
All the front desk staff I interacted with were very helpful, warm, and genuinely cared about my travel experience and were very resourceful with recommending places and things to try. I arrived at 12am and the manager on call was very kind to check me in. The room smelled of a melting pot of body odour though... I wish there was better ventilation and a window. The place had pretty much everything you would need. I think the bathrooms could be cleaner. The staff alone made my stay enjoyable and it was definitely worth the cheap stay.
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2024

10/10 Excellent

Ayesha

Stayed 1 night in Jun 2024

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