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Little Drifter Cairns

2.0 star property
Hostel near Cairns Esplanade in Cairns

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Photo gallery for Little Drifter Cairns

Terrace/patio
Exterior
Private 4 Bed Female Room | 1 bedroom, free WiFi, bed sheets
Lounge
Lounge

Reviews

8.2 out of 10
Very good

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

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

Cairns Central Business District stay.Within a 10-minute walk of this Cairns Central Business District hostel, you'll find Cairns Esplanade and Cairns Central Shopping Centre. Cairns Regional Gallery and The Cairns Museum 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
  • 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 near Cairns Esplanade in Cairns
Little Drifter Cairns offers its guests a terrace, tour/ticket assistance, and concierge services. Public spaces have free WiFi. Little Drifter Cairns also features laundry facilities, a television in a common area, and a microwave in a common area.

Smoking is allowed in designated areas at this Cairns hostel.

  • 54 guestrooms or units
  • Self-service laundry
  • Front desk (limited hours)
  • Storage area for luggage
  • Tour and ticket information
  • Concierge
  • Terrace
  • Television in lobby
  • Smoking in designated areas
  • Microwave in a common area
  • Refrigerator in a common area
  • Lockers available
Little Drifter Cairns offers 54 accommodations with air conditioning. This Cairns hostel provides complimentary wireless Internet access. Guests have access to shared bathrooms. Housekeeping is offered daily and hair dryers can be requested.

Languages

English

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  • Parking included
  • Free WiFi
  • Air conditioning
4.4 out of 5, Excellent, 882 reviews
Heritage Cairns

Property amenities

Family friendly

  • Laundry facilities

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

Accessibility

  • No elevator

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

  • No pets allowed

Children and extra beds

  • Children are welcome.
  • Rollaway/extra beds are not available.
  • Cribs (infant beds) are not available.

Property payment types

Important information

Optional extras

The fees and deposits listed below will be charged at the time of service, check-in, or check-out.

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

This may not be a comprehensive list. Fees and deposits are subject to change and might not include tax.

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
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. 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 Visa, Mastercard, American Express, and debit cards. Cash is not accepted. For guests' safety, the property includes a fire extinguisher, a smoke detector, and a first aid kit in each accommodation.

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

How close is Little Drifter Cairns to the airport?

Little Drifter Cairns is 4 mi (12-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 Little Drifter Cairns?

As of Jul 21, 2025, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Little Drifter Cairns on Jul 23, 2025 start from $134.2, excluding 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 Little Drifter Cairns have an airport shuttle?

Airport shuttle services are not available at Little Drifter Cairns.

How close is Little Drifter Cairns to the beach?

This hostel is 7.9 mi (18-min drive) from Holloways Beach and 11.3 mi (23-min drive) from Yorkeys Knob Beach. Don't forget your sunscreen!

Does Little Drifter Cairns offer free breakfast?

Little Drifter Cairns does not offer free breakfast.

Is there a casino at Little Drifter Cairns?

No, there is no casino at this hostel, but Reef Hotel Casino (7-min walk) and Cazalys Cairns (5-min drive) are nearby.

What time is check-in at Little Drifter Cairns?

Check-in start time: 2:00 PM; Check-in end time: anytime.

Is there free parking at Little Drifter Cairns?

Free parking is not available at this hostel.

Does Little Drifter Cairns have a pool?

Little Drifter Cairns does not have a pool.

Does Little Drifter Cairns have a spa?

There are no spa services available at this hostel.

How close is Little Drifter Cairns to downtown Cairns?

Little Drifter Cairns is 0.1 mi away from Cairns.

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