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The Espy Hostel

2.0 star property
Hostel near Cairns Esplanade in Cairns

Choose dates to view prices

Photo gallery for The Espy Hostel

A room with a green chair, a small table with a potted plant, and a wooden shelf with hanging towels.
A swimming pool with inflatable toys and lounge chairs.
A bed with two decorative pillows featuring tropical leaf patterns, a wooden headboard, and a bedside lamp.
A spacious patio with a cushioned seating area, a fan, and potted plants.
A group of people standing in front of 'The ESPY Hostel' sign, with a 'Millhone' sign above.

Reviews

7.6 out of 10
Good

Popular amenities

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

Explore the area

View in a map
83 Esplanade, Cairns, QLD, 4870
  • Place, Cairns Night Markets
    ‪2 min walk‬
  • Place, Cairns Esplanade
    ‪2 min walk‬
  • Place, Cairns Esplanade Lagoon
    ‪2 min walk‬
  • Airport, Cairns, QLD (CNS-Cairns Intl.)
    ‪10 min drive‬

Room options

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

A room with bunk beds, a tiled floor, and a framed picture on the wall.

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

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

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

A bedroom with a bed, a bedside table with a lamp, a wall-mounted picture, and a power outlet.

Single Private Share Bathroom (International & interstate guests only)

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

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

A room with bunk beds, a tiled floor, and a framed picture on the wall.

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

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

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

A narrow corridor with bunk beds on either side, a tiled floor, and a window at the end.

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

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

View all photos for Double Room (International & interstate guests only) (all ages)

A bedroom with a bed, two bedside lamps, a wall-mounted painting of a beach, and a tiled floor.

Double Room (International & interstate guests only) (all ages)

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

View all photos for Basic Shared Dormitory, Mixed 6 beds Dorm (International & interstate guests only) (18-35 Age Only)

A narrow corridor with bunk beds on either side, a tiled floor, and a window at the end.

Basic Shared Dormitory, Mixed 6 beds Dorm (International & interstate guests only) (18-35 Age Only)

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

View all photos for Shared Dormitory, Mixed 4 beds Dorm (International & interstate guests only all ages with bathroom)

A room with bunk beds, a tiled floor, and a framed picture on the wall.

Shared Dormitory, Mixed 4 beds Dorm (International & interstate guests only all ages with bathroom)

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

About the neighborhood

Cairns

Cairns Central Business District stay.Within a 10-minute walk of this Cairns Central Business District hostel, you'll find Cairns Esplanade and Cairns Marlin Marina. Cairns Regional Gallery and Michaelmas Cay are also within half a mile (1 km).
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
  • Cairns Esplanade Lagoon - 2 min walk - 0.1 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

  • ‪McDonald's - ‬2 min walk
  • ‪Rattle n Hum Cairns - ‬1 min walk
  • ‪Villa Romana - ‬1 min walk
  • ‪La Pizza - ‬1 min walk
  • ‪Boardwalk Social by Crystalbrook - ‬1 min walk

About this property

The Espy Hostel

Hostel near Cairns Esplanade in Cairns
As a guest of The Espy Hostel, you'll find an outdoor pool, a terrace, and a vending machine. WiFi is free in public spaces. The Espy Hostel also features tour/ticket assistance, laundry facilities, and a television in a common area.

Smoking is allowed in designated areas at this Cairns hostel.

  • 17 guestrooms or units
  • Self-service laundry
  • Front desk (limited hours)
  • Tour and ticket information
  • Terrace
  • Television in lobby
  • Smoking in designated areas
  • Microwave in a common area
  • Refrigerator in a common area
The Espy Hostel offers 17 air-conditioned accommodations with shared/communal kitchens. Guests can surf the web using the complimentary wireless Internet access (speed: 250+ Mbps (good for 3–5 people or up to 10 devices)). Guests can make use of the in-room refrigerators and microwaves. Housekeeping is provided once per stay.

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Cairns City Backpackers Hostel
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  • Pool
  • Parking included
  • Free WiFi
  • Air conditioning
3.4 out of 5, 44 reviews
$49 nightly
The price is $49
Aug 2 - Aug 3
Total with taxes and fees
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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

Accessibility

  • No elevator

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
Information provided by the property may be translated using automated translation tools

Access methods

Front desk (limited hours), smart lock

Pets

  • No pets allowed

Children and extra beds

  • Children 17 and younger are not allowed at this property. All guests older than 17 are welcome.

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
Charges for extra guests may apply and vary according to property policy.
A cash deposit, credit card, or debit card for incidental charges and government-issued photo identification may be required upon check-in.
Special requests are subject to availability at the time of check-in. Special requests can't be guaranteed and may incur additional charges.
    This property is managed by a professional host. The provision of housing is linked to their trade, business, or profession. No onsite parking is available. This property accepts Visa, Mastercard, JCB International, Union Pay, and debit cards. Cash is not accepted. For guests' safety, the property includes a fire extinguisher, a smoke detector, a security system, and a first aid kit in each accommodation.

We should mention

  • Children 17 years old and younger aren't allowed at this property.
  • 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

How close is The Espy Hostel to the airport?

The Espy Hostel is 4 mi (11-min drive) away from the Cairns Intl. Airport (CNS) airport, the closest popular airport to the property.

How much does it cost to stay at The Espy Hostel?

As of Jul 28, 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at The Espy Hostel on Aug 9, 2026 start from $75, 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.

Does The Espy Hostel have an airport shuttle?

Airport shuttle services are not available at The Espy Hostel.

How close is The Espy Hostel to the beach?

This hostel is 14.3 mi (26-min drive) from Palm Cove Beach and 7.8 mi (17-min drive) from Holloways Beach. Don't forget your sunscreen!

Does The Espy Hostel offer free breakfast?

The Espy Hostel does not offer free breakfast.

Is there a casino at The Espy Hostel?

No, there is no casino at this hostel, but Reef Hotel Casino (6-min walk) and Cazalys Cairns (5-min drive) are nearby.

What time is check-in at The Espy Hostel?

Check-in begins at 2:00 PM.

Is there free parking at The Espy Hostel?

Free parking is not available at this hostel.

Does The Espy Hostel have a pool?

The Espy Hostel features an outdoor pool.

Does The Espy Hostel have a spa?

There are no spa services available at this hostel.

How close is The Espy Hostel to downtown Cairns?

The Espy Hostel is 0.2 mi away from Tropical North Waterfront.

The Espy Hostel Reviews

Reviews

7.6

Good

Rating 10 - Excellent. 37 out of 89 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 21 out of 89 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 12 out of 89 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 11 out of 89 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 8 out of 89 reviews

7.6/10

Cleanliness

7.6/10

Staff & service

7.0/10

Amenities

7.0/10

Property conditions & facilities

Reviews

Verified

10/10 Excellent

Luis A

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Quiet place for rest.
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2026
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Harinath

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Great location, good vibes.
Stayed 1 night in Apr 2022
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Jason

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
A hostel with everything I needed, a great location and a friendly staff.
Stayed 7 nights in Oct 2022
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Drew

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
It was great, in the centre of town, cheap, good kitchen with everything you need and a pool!
Stayed 2 nights in Dec 2023
Verified

10/10 Excellent

amanda

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Central location, easy walk to absolutely everything,clean facilities and lovely staff.
Stayed 8 nights in Jul 2022
Verified

10/10 Excellent

THECKLA

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
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Maria

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

8/10 Good

Hans

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

10/10 Excellent

Timothy

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

Food flair and flavors

Peaceful and easy with the added bonus of international aromas
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2025
Verified

6/10 Okay

Verified traveler

Disliked: Cleanliness

Best location

Difficult to check in but friendly staff, not tidy rooms but best location in cairns!
Stayed 2 nights in Jan 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Yuki

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
It was a quiet and comfortable environment
Stayed 1 night in Mar 2025
Verified

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
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Jackson

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Awesome staff and great location! Thanks Monica!
Stayed 1 night in May 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Charity

Bang for the buck đź‘Ť
Stayed 1 night in Dec 2024
Verified

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
Verified

8/10 Good

Valerie

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
Verified

8/10 Good

Ruveen

Liked: Staff & service
Covenient location. Close to everything. Nice and quiet.
Stayed 4 nights in Aug 2023
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Clifmond

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
I was so impressed at the quality for a low budget place. The guests were very respectful, friendly. The kitchen facilities were good. I would stay again. I did notice someone was sleeping kitchen when I woke up at 5am. Not sure if he was guest in the hotel.
Stayed 2 nights in Jan 2023
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Gaku

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Good
Stayed 4 nights in Jan 2025
Verified

8/10 Good

Hugh

Liked: Cleanliness
Great location and comfortably room and bed Bit dingy with no windows to outside and very noisy until at least midnight
Stayed 4 nights in Jun 2023
Verified

10/10 Excellent

tomoko

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
You can enjoy a free life. The staff cleans it every day, and you can make friends with other users.
Verified

8/10 Good

Laura

Liked: Cleanliness, room comfort
Disliked: Property conditions & facilities

Top position in the city center

The room was really big with a lot of space, the problem was humidity, there was mold in the walls and got worse during the days we stayed. The kitchen is well equipped and has also an airfryer. The best was location really near everything supermarket , port and lagoon pool.
Stayed 5 nights in Jan 2024
Verified

4/10 Poor

Vaia

Disliked: Staff & service
We paid for a room to be on the Esplanade. It was a Hostel, not a Hotel so the expectation wasn’t high. The room and amenities were clean and tidy. The cleanliness m
Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2023
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Katielynn

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

Perfect Hidden Gem

As much as i want to keep this hostel a hidden gem, they deserve all the business possible. A simple yet welcoming environment, this place completely changed my prospective on hostels. It's not a party place and everyone respects one another, a very relaxed place. Location is centeral to everything in town on the waterfront, but the sounds of outside arent heard. I cannot recommend this place enough and cannot wait to return.
Stayed 8 nights in Feb 2023
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Evan

Liked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Great location on the boardwalk

Excellent location right on the waterfront. Self check-in did not work for me either time staying here but they have a number you can call 24 hours to check in. Rooms are pretty sparse but decently comfortable. No comforter on the bed (only a bed sheet) but it's warm enough that you don't really need it. A/C units are also pretty strong. Not loud at night.
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2023

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