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The Espy Hostel

2.0 star property
Hostel with an outdoor pool, steps from Cairns Esplanade

Choose dates to view prices

Photo gallery for The Espy Hostel

Exterior
Exterior
Exterior
1 Bed Mix 3 Bed Dorm with Ensuite (International & interstate guests only)(18-35 Age Only) | Free WiFi, bed sheets
Free WiFi, bed sheets
The Espy Hostel in central Cairns features an inviting outdoor pool and practical laundry facilities. Guests enjoy in-room WiFi and can easily book local tours with highly praised staff. The terrace is perfect for unwinding after a day of adventures.

Reviews

7.6 out of 10
Good

Popular amenities

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

Room options

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

Free WiFi, bed sheets

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

10.0 out of 10
Exceptional
(1 review)

Highlights

Air conditioning
Refrigerator
5 bathrooms
Microwave
Shared/communal kitchen
Stovetop
Cookware/dishes/utensils
Toaster
  • Sleeps 1
  • 1 Twin Bunk Bed

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

Single Private Share Bathroom (International & interstate guests only) | Free WiFi, bed sheets

Single Private Share Bathroom (International & interstate guests only)

8.0 out of 10
Very good
(4 reviews)

Highlights

Air conditioning
Refrigerator
5 bathrooms
Microwave
Shared/communal kitchen
Stovetop
Cookware/dishes/utensils
Toaster
  • Sleeps 1
  • 1 Twin Bed

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

Free WiFi, bed sheets

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

Highlights

Air conditioning
Refrigerator
5 bathrooms
Microwave
Shared/communal kitchen
Stovetop
Cookware/dishes/utensils
Toaster
  • Sleeps 1
  • 1 Twin Bunk Bed

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

Free WiFi, bed sheets

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

10.0 out of 10
Exceptional
(1 review)

Highlights

Air conditioning
Refrigerator
Private bathroom
Microwave
Shared/communal kitchen
Stovetop
Cookware/dishes/utensils
Toaster
  • Sleeps 1
  • 1 Twin Bunk Bed

View all photos for Double Room

Double Room | Free WiFi, bed sheets

Double Room

8.0 out of 10
Very good
(1 review)

Highlights

Air conditioning
Refrigerator
Microwave
Shared/communal kitchen
Stovetop
Cookware/dishes/utensils
Toaster
Kitchen island
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Double Bed

View all photos for Basic Shared Dormitory, Mixed Dorm

Free WiFi, bed sheets

Basic Shared Dormitory, Mixed Dorm

Highlights

Air conditioning
Refrigerator
Microwave
Shared/communal kitchen
Stovetop
Cookware/dishes/utensils
Toaster
Kitchen island
  • Sleeps 1
  • 1 Large Twin Bunk Bed

View all photos for Shared Dormitory

Free WiFi, bed sheets

Shared Dormitory

Highlights

Air conditioning
Refrigerator
5 bathrooms
Microwave
Shared/communal kitchen
Stovetop
Cookware/dishes/utensils
Toaster
  • Sleeps 1
  • 1 Twin Bunk Bed
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About the neighborhood

Map
83 Esplanade, Cairns, QLD, 4870

What's nearby

  • Cairns Esplanade - 3 min walk - 0.2 miles
  • Esplanade Lagoon - 3 min walk - 0.2 miles
  • Reef Fleet Terminal - 6 min walk - 0.4 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

  • ‪La Pizza - ‬1 min walk
  • ‪McDonald's - ‬2 min walk
  • ‪Skewers Lover 炸串 - ‬5 min walk
  • ‪Pho Street Cairns - ‬3 min walk
  • ‪Villa Romana - ‬1 min walk

About this property

The Espy Hostel

Hostel near Cairns Esplanade
Close to Reef Fleet Terminal and Cairns Central Shopping Centre, The Espy Hostel provides a terrace, laundry facilities, and more. Stay connected with free in-room WiFi.
Other perks at this hostel include:
  • An outdoor pool
  • A TV in the lobby and tour/ticket assistance
  • Guest reviews say great things about the helpful staff
Room features
All guestrooms at The Espy Hostel have perks such as air conditioning, as well as amenities like free WiFi and kitchen islands.
More conveniences in all rooms include:
  • Communal kitchens with refrigerators, microwaves, and toasters
  • Stovetops, cookware/dishes/utensils, and kitchen islands

Similar properties

Outdoor pool

YHA Cairns Central

  • Pool
  • Free WiFi
  • Air conditioning
  • Breakfast available
8.4 out of 10, Very Good, 205 reviews
$65 nightly
The price is $71
Nov 4 - Nov 5
Total with taxes and fees
YHA Cairns Central

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

Conveniences

  • Laundry facilities
  • Limited-hour front desk
  • Shared microwave
  • Shared refrigerator

Guest services

  • Housekeeping (once per stay)
  • Tour and ticket assistance

Outdoors

  • Terrace

Accessibility

  • No elevator

More

  • Designated smoking areas

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

Access methods

Front desk (limited hours), smart lock

Pets

Pets not 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

We should mention

This property does not have elevators
Children 17 years old and younger are not permitted 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

Does The Espy Hostel have a pool?

Yes, this property has an outdoor pool.

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

As of Oct 30, 2025, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at The Espy Hostel on Nov 13, 2025 start from $88.69, 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.

Is The Espy Hostel pet-friendly?

No, pets are not allowed at this property.

How much is parking at The Espy Hostel?

This property doesn't offer parking.

What time is check-in at The Espy Hostel?

Check-in begins at 2:00 PM.

What time is check-out at The Espy Hostel?

Check-out is at 10:00 AM.

Where is The Espy Hostel located?

Located in Cairns Central Business District, this hostel is steps from Michaelmas Cay and Cairns Esplanade. Reef Fleet Terminal and Cairns Central Shopping Centre are also within 15 minutes. Cairns Station is 13 minutes by foot.

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The Espy Hostel Reviews

Reviews

7.6

Good

Rating 10 - Excellent. 35 out of 84 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 19 out of 84 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 11 out of 84 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 11 out of 84 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 8 out of 84 reviews

7.4/10

Cleanliness

7.6/10

Staff & service

6.8/10

Amenities

7.0/10

Property conditions & facilities

7.8/10

Eco-friendliness

Reviews

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

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

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

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

10/10 Excellent

Harinath

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

4/10 Poor

Fiona

Disliked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Stayed 4 nights – central location, budget accommodation. Check-in via email code worked well. You get what you pay for – affordable stay, but basic standards. Some bathrooms out of order, and the rest could use maintenance. Kitchen okay but messy inconsiderate guests (my food was left outside fridge overnight). Very noisy overall – AC had to run constantly in the room and was extremely loud. Staff were friendly and helpful. 40+ solo traveler on a budget, two nights would’ve been enough.
Stayed 4 nights in May 2025

10/10 Excellent

Gaku

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

8/10 Good

Ruveen

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

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 -12 nights in Jan 2023

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

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

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.

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

2/10 Terrible

VALERIE

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

A fuir absolument

Extremely noisy air conditioning, dilapidated bathroom with elastic closing system, hot water 1 out of 2 times. Very basic room equipment. Uncomfortable bedding
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2024

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

6/10 Okay

Richard

Disliked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities
It’s a hostel - so not super clean or modern, as could be expected. But the Bed and Mattress were horrible, sure wouldn’t hurt to change Mattresses from time to time!
Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2024

4/10 Poor

david

Liked: Staff & service
Disliked: Amenities, property conditions & facilities
The pictures on Expedia made us believe that we were staying at an apartment Turn out it was a hostile we were extremely disappointed but the management was excellent and promised a full refund after we found and moved to an apartment
Stayed 5 nights in Aug 2022

6/10 Okay

Jordan

Liked: Staff & service
Disliked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities
This is hostel and not a hotel. It was a nicer hostel, but I wish I had known that it was a hostel before booking. The bedrooms are nice with minimal furniture - no TV. The bathroom was not nice and bare bones. When thinking this is a motel/hotel - it is not good. For a hostel, it would be one of the nicer hostels.
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2022

4/10 Poor

Anne

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service
Disliked: Amenities, property conditions & facilities
Good location. Friendly, polite manager. Room very basic-no coffee/tea making, fridge or tv. Insufficient sealing off of door into adjacent room meant noisy and light pollution and felt intrusive. Very overpriced for so called deluxe king room
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2022