Photo by Cheskie's Gap Life

Find Cheap Hostels in Portsmith

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Check prices for these dates

Next weekend
Nov 20 - Nov 22
In two weeks
Nov 27 - Nov 29
In one month
Dec 11 - Dec 13
In two months
Jan 8 - Jan 10

Our top choices for Portsmith hostels

An aerial view of a swimming pool surrounded by palm trees, with lounge chairs and a tiled deck area.

1. YHA Cairns Central

YHA Cairns Central
2.0 star property
Cairns Central Business District
8.4 out of 10, Very good, (249 reviews)
"The kitchen was well stocked and had lits of cupboards and fridges for keeping your own food organised. Great wifi, The room was a good size with a very comfortable bed. Staff were super helpful. The laundry had washers and dryers ehich was good. The location was great. We could walk across the road to the supermarket and close to lots of restaurants and pubs."
Australia
Carolyn
$55 nightly
The price is $60
Dec 6 - Dec 7
Total with taxes and fees
YHA Cairns Central
A covered outdoor seating area with a sofa, round table, and potted plants.

2. Little Drifter Cairns

Little Drifter Cairns
2.0 star property
Cairns Central Business District
8.2 out of 10, Very good, (188 reviews)
"The best hostel we have ever stayed at. Location is perfect plus next door to Woolworths, everything is run and maintained really well. And the evening specials were a lovely bonus"
Australia
Ann
$72 nightly
The price is $79
Nov 16 - Nov 17
Total with taxes and fees
Little Drifter Cairns
An outdoor covered seating area with red pillars and a tiled floor.

3. The Jack Backpackers

The Jack Backpackers
2.0 star property
Cairns Central Business District
$52 nightly
The price is $57
Nov 10 - Nov 11
Total with taxes and fees
The Jack Backpackers
A swimming pool surrounded by tropical plants and a house in the background.

4. Cairns City Backpackers Hostel

Cairns City Backpackers Hostel
2.0 star property
Parramatta Park
6.8 out of 10, (48 reviews)
"It was convenient enough to walk to the town and served it purpose of economics and convience."
Australia
ROBERT
$48 nightly
The price is $48
Nov 10 - Nov 11
Total with taxes and fees
Cairns City Backpackers Hostel
An indoor pool area with a hammock, lounge chairs, a bar, and a mural on the wall.

5. The Espy Hostel

The Espy Hostel
2.0 star property
Cairns Central Business District
7.6 out of 10, Good, (96 reviews)
"Great location"
Australia
Jennifer Ann
$61 nightly
The price is $67
Nov 16 - Nov 17
Total with taxes and fees
The Espy Hostel
A pool area with lounge chairs and a bar area with umbrellas.

6. Gilligan's Backpackers Hotel & Resort

Gilligan's Backpackers Hotel & Resort
2.0 star property
Cairns Central Business District
8.0 out of 10, Very good, (464 reviews)
"Great place and lots of fun!"
United States
Ashton
$136 nightly
The price is $150
Nov 10 - Nov 11
Total with taxes and fees
Gilligan's Backpackers Hotel & Resort
A resort with a swimming pool, outdoor seating, and palm trees.

7. Caravella Backpackers

Caravella Backpackers
2.0 star property
Cairns Central Business District
8.4 out of 10, Very good, (161 reviews)
"Good value. Ok beds, and good a/c. Very basic. Staff is very nice."
United States
katri
$72 nightly
The price is $79
Nov 12 - Nov 13
Total with taxes and fees
Caravella Backpackers
A clear swimming pool with white chairs and an umbrella, surrounded by lush greenery.

8. Travellers Paradise Heritage Historical Place - Hostel

Travellers Paradise Heritage Historical Place - Hostel
2.0 star property
Parramatta Park
7.6 out of 10, Good, (103 reviews)
"Short but magical stay - loved the historic building, the courtyard and pool were wonderfully social, and the location could not have been better for getting to a world class chamber orchestra performance; wide ranging street food; and boarding the Spirit of Queensland train for an epic journey south. "
Australia
Derek
$101 nightly
The price is $111
Dec 1 - Dec 2
Total with taxes and fees
Travellers Paradise Heritage Historical Place - Hostel
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
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Learn more about Portsmith

Escape to Portsmith! Enjoy its beaches and sports.

See all hotels in Portsmith
A mountain range silhouetted against a sunset, with a calm lake in the foreground.
Photo by Cheskie's Gap Life
Open Photo by Cheskie's Gap Life

Top reviews in Portsmith

An aerial view of a swimming pool surrounded by palm trees, with lounge chairs and a tiled deck area.
YHA Cairns Central

YHA Cairns Central

YHA Cairns Central
Cairns Central Business District

10/10 Excellent

First time trying hostels but it was clean and staffs were nice. Easy access and it is perfect for budget travelers.
United States
Kalin
Reviewed September 4, 2026
YHA Cairns Central

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the best hostels in Portsmith?

You might like the room rates at this top accommodation option in the surrounding area, which has good reviews from our customers: Shangri-La The Marina, Cairns - 2.7 mi (4.3 km) from the heart of Portsmith. Guests can enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and an outdoor pool at this holiday park.

When is the best time of year to stay in a hostel in Portsmith?

Good weather's always better when you want to venture out and explore, so here's some information that might be helpful: The hottest months are usually January and February with an average temp of 80°F, while the coldest months are August and July with an average of 70°F. The rainiest months in Portsmith are January, February, March, and December, with each month seeing an average of 11 inches of rainfall.

What is there to see and do in Portsmith?

Generally, Portsmith is known for its: beaches and sports. Get out into nature with places like Cairns Esplanade Lagoon, Muddy's Playground, and Cairns Esplanade Charles Street Parkland. Cultural attractions include Australian Armour and Artillery Museum, Cairns Museum, and Bulmba-ja Arts Centre. Locals like to shop at Cairns Central Shopping Centre and Cairns Night Markets.

What's the best way to get to and around Portsmith while staying at a hostel?

Keep this information about transit options in Portsmith in your back pocket to make the most of your stay: You can search for flights to the closest airport, which is Cairns Intl. Airport (CNS), 5.7 mi (9.3 km) from the city center.