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Yha Cairns Central
20 - 26 McLeod St, Cairns, Queensland 4870 Australia
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Avg. AU$83 /night, 2/16 - 2/17
AU$128
per night
AU$104
per night
AU$79
per night
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About
#10 of 34 hostels in Cairns
Location
Rooms
Value
Cleanliness
Service
Sleep Quality
Our resort style property is located right in the heart of town, across the road from the main shopping hub and only a block from the train station. We are surrounded by great local cafes, restaurants, and pubs. Comfortable common areas, a swimming pool, and social BBQ area make it the perfect spot to chill out and experience the best of the tropics.
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Property amenities
Paid private parking on-site
Free internet
Pool
Free breakfast
Bicycle rental
Game room
Car hire
Meeting rooms
Secured parking
Wifi
Hot bath
Outdoor pool
Fence around pool
Breakfast available
Vending machine
Hiking
Snorkelling
Billiards
Entertainment staff
BBQ facilities
Baggage storage
Non-smoking hotel
Outdoor furniture
Shared bathroom
Shared kitchen
Shared lounge / TV area
Sun loungers / beach chairs
24-hour front desk
Express check-in / check-out
Laundry service
Self-serve laundry
Room features
Air conditioning
Safe
Complimentary toiletries
Room types
Non-smoking rooms
Family rooms
Good to know
HOTEL CLASS
Star ratings are intended to indicate the general level of features, amenities, and services to expect. This property is classified according to Giata.
HOTEL STYLE
Budget
Centrally Located
Languages Spoken
English
Location
20 - 26 McLeod St, Cairns, Queensland 4870 Australia
Getting there
Great for walkers
Places to stay are graded on a 0-100 scale. The higher the grade, the easier it is for travellers to find restaurants and things to do within walking distance.
Grade: 100 out of 100
100
Cairns Airport
5.7 km•
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Rental Cars
192 Restaurants
within 0.5 kilometers
ReviewsWe perform checks on reviews.Tripadvisor’s approach to reviewsBefore posting, each Tripadvisor review goes through an automated tracking system, which collects information, answering the following questions: how, what, where and when. If the system detects something that potentially contradicts our community guidelines, the review is not published.
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We perform checks on reviews.
Tripadvisor’s approach to reviews
Before posting, each Tripadvisor review goes through an automated tracking system, which collects information, answering the following questions: how, what, where and when. If the system detects something that potentially contradicts our community guidelines, the review is not published.
When the system detects a problem, a review may be automatically rejected, sent to the reviewer for validation, or manually reviewed by our team of content specialists, who work 24/7 to maintain the quality of the reviews on our site.
Our team checks each review posted on the site disputed by our community as not meeting our community guidelines.
Learn more about our review moderation.
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Detailed Reviews
I left another local hostel after one night as it was just too noisy - I wanted a place for a good rest so that I could really enjoy all the amazing day trips nearby. This place did just that! I booked a single occupancy room (shared bathroom) on the day and stayed for 4 nights - great value for money and really did the job - I had a perfect rest here. Other guests were of all ages and were friendly. The hostel was very quiet at night and put on some optional entertainment (I chose not to partake and it didn’t disturb me at all).
The pool area is small but great! Big kitchen area to cook in and store food. The staff were great at helping me book day trips and the location is fantastic for these (I did the Great Barrier Reef, karunda skyrail and daintree trip from here and the location was perfect). I would definitely stay again!
The pool area is small but great! Big kitchen area to cook in and store food. The staff were great at helping me book day trips and the location is fantastic for these (I did the Great Barrier Reef, karunda skyrail and daintree trip from here and the location was perfect). I would definitely stay again!
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Date of stay: August 2022Trip type: Travelled solo
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Cairns Central YHA was all we could have asked for it to be when me and 2 other teenage mates of mine travelled to North Queensland for a week. The facilities were clean and tidy and we had heaps of room.
The best part of staying here was actually Sam. Sam at the front desk (and maintenance, cleaning and everything else) helped us work out our trip, book in our tours and get us discounts to save us students valuable money. He was extremely helpful and went out of his way to call companies to find us spots on tours the day before they were happening.
Definitely recommend staying here if you want cheap, value for money, helpful services and stay in Cairns!
The best part of staying here was actually Sam. Sam at the front desk (and maintenance, cleaning and everything else) helped us work out our trip, book in our tours and get us discounts to save us students valuable money. He was extremely helpful and went out of his way to call companies to find us spots on tours the day before they were happening.
Definitely recommend staying here if you want cheap, value for money, helpful services and stay in Cairns!
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Date of stay: July 2021
Rooms
Location
Service
Room Tip: Level 4 around the back away from kitchen and pool.
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
My title above summed up everything plus very quiet after 10.30pm as a solo female traveler I feel safe, the place is clean, flexible & allow me to have day pass to use the common place while before check in time and after check out time.
A fair bit of long term tenants where I understand why. YHA Cairns easily my long term based while I am in Cairns. I will be back next week again :)
A fair bit of long term tenants where I understand why. YHA Cairns easily my long term based while I am in Cairns. I will be back next week again :)
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Date of stay: July 2021
Value
Rooms
Service
Room Tip: Quiet at night, safe surroundings, clean facilities as a solo female traveler
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
The location is second to none - everything at the doorstep. The staff and service are stellar, from Reception through to Housekeeping and online communication for those 1am arrivals ( ouch!). The room was immaculately clean, comfy bed and crisp sheets ( with good corner folds!). There was plenty of hot water in a spacious, modern bathroom. Yes. There are some changes to operations in the time of COVID-19. Communal cutlery and flatware are gone and sterilized kits are available at the front desk. No biggy and, actually, I appreciate the hostel taking my wellbeing seriously.
Yet again, I had a wonderful stay in Cairns. Thanks YHA!
Yet again, I had a wonderful stay in Cairns. Thanks YHA!
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Date of stay: July 2021
Rooms
Location
Service
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Good location, close to train station and shops. Relatively clean place, great staff at reception who is able to recommend tours based on own experience.
Pool and free pancakes two days a week.
Reading lights in the beds and power sockets would be a great addition to the rooms and also one of the rooms shares a wall next to the showers which can be quite noisy until late at night. But otherwise a good and central location, clean and not a party place.
Pool and free pancakes two days a week.
Reading lights in the beds and power sockets would be a great addition to the rooms and also one of the rooms shares a wall next to the showers which can be quite noisy until late at night. But otherwise a good and central location, clean and not a party place.
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Date of stay: September 2022Trip type: Travelled solo
Room Tip: Ask for a room that is not adjacent to one of the bathrooms. (Shower noise until late)
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Everything you want from a hostel really. Super helpful staff. I had a large bug in my room one day and they kindly came to remove it for me. Lots of local knowledge.
Stayed as a single female in a mixed dorm and didn’t have any problems. Mixed crowd but mostly young solo/friend group backpackers
Bonus they have a cold spa (jacuzzi - in English!) by the pool which is just perfect for cooling down on the hot and humid days.
Stayed as a single female in a mixed dorm and didn’t have any problems. Mixed crowd but mostly young solo/friend group backpackers
Bonus they have a cold spa (jacuzzi - in English!) by the pool which is just perfect for cooling down on the hot and humid days.
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Date of stay: February 2023Trip type: Travelled solo
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Cairns Central YHA, Guest Services / Front Office at Yha Cairns Central
Responded 15 Apr 2023
Thank you Jessica for your review! Our pool is a well loved feature in our hostel, especially with the tropical climate. We are pleased you found our staff helpful, they do love the area and always willing to help the numerous guests who walk through our doors. It was a pleasure to have you stay with us and we wish you the best on your future travels.
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
This is probably the most spacious hostel I've ever stayed in, and certainly in Australia. It's large, but doesn't feel large, which is a major plus for more introverted travellers.
The kitchen is the best organised hostel kitchen I've ever seen; usually I don't feel like cooking in hostels because you can really feel that you're sharing it with soooo many others, and it's difficult to keep surfaces clean, but that's not the case here. There's also a free food fridge and shelf which facilitates sharing unfinished supplies, which is very convenient.
Bathrooms are also spacious and well laid out, no issues whatsoever with figuring out where to put towels and bath items in dinky little cubicles. Women's bathrooms upstairs require a female room keycard to enter.
Reception is helpful to arrange and advise tours; lots of options available for things to do, and even if you just stay in there are discreet movie screenings etc sometimes. In house activities are never disruptive to those who aren't participating.
The kitchen is the best organised hostel kitchen I've ever seen; usually I don't feel like cooking in hostels because you can really feel that you're sharing it with soooo many others, and it's difficult to keep surfaces clean, but that's not the case here. There's also a free food fridge and shelf which facilitates sharing unfinished supplies, which is very convenient.
Bathrooms are also spacious and well laid out, no issues whatsoever with figuring out where to put towels and bath items in dinky little cubicles. Women's bathrooms upstairs require a female room keycard to enter.
Reception is helpful to arrange and advise tours; lots of options available for things to do, and even if you just stay in there are discreet movie screenings etc sometimes. In house activities are never disruptive to those who aren't participating.
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Date of stay: December 2019
Location
Service
Sleep Quality
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from YHA_Backpacker, Guest Relations Manager at Yha Cairns Central
Responded 2 Feb 2020
Hi Nuraini - so glad you enjoyed your stay and thanks for the detailed review. Hope you also got some free breakfast pancakes too :-) Happy travelling ...
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
I really cannot see why this hostel was supposedly rated as one of the best in Australia. I stayed in so many YHA hostels that were better. I booked a private room without a bath but when I got there I could book a private room with a bath for not much more money so I did even though I had to spend the first night in the room without a bath. First of all, this room was right by the pool and all I heard all night was people making huge splashes by diving even though no diving was allowed.
The next day I had to change rooms. I was not allowed to stay in my one room until my second room was ready. It was impossible for them to clean my new room as soon as checkout occurred for reasons that are known only to them. Since the hostel in Edinburgh managed to do that for me at the height of the Fringe Festival, I can’t see why they couldn’t. I was forced to hang out “homeless” for over 4 hours. When I tried to use the common bathrooms I couldn’t because they chose to clean those before my new room. When I finally was allowed to check in after the official check in time, I got to my new room to see that it still hadn’t been cleaned - AFTER the time I was supposed to officially check in. It took them all of 10 minutes to clean it. Why couldn’t they have simply done that earlier to accommodate a guest? I can’t imagine why not but they kept insisting it was impossible. When I got my luggage out of the storage room I discovered that someone else had leaked their shampoo onto my bag. Of course no one at the counter cared.
They have free pancakes for breakfast but they tasted so awful I avoided them. Later I met other travelers on tours that were staying elsewhere and I would choose another hostel if I ever go back. I stayed in YHA throughout Australia and every other hostel was great, however.
The next day I had to change rooms. I was not allowed to stay in my one room until my second room was ready. It was impossible for them to clean my new room as soon as checkout occurred for reasons that are known only to them. Since the hostel in Edinburgh managed to do that for me at the height of the Fringe Festival, I can’t see why they couldn’t. I was forced to hang out “homeless” for over 4 hours. When I tried to use the common bathrooms I couldn’t because they chose to clean those before my new room. When I finally was allowed to check in after the official check in time, I got to my new room to see that it still hadn’t been cleaned - AFTER the time I was supposed to officially check in. It took them all of 10 minutes to clean it. Why couldn’t they have simply done that earlier to accommodate a guest? I can’t imagine why not but they kept insisting it was impossible. When I got my luggage out of the storage room I discovered that someone else had leaked their shampoo onto my bag. Of course no one at the counter cared.
They have free pancakes for breakfast but they tasted so awful I avoided them. Later I met other travelers on tours that were staying elsewhere and I would choose another hostel if I ever go back. I stayed in YHA throughout Australia and every other hostel was great, however.
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Date of stay: November 2019
Location
Cleanliness
Service
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
My wife and I (70 and 68) visited this Youth Hostel as first timers staying at a youth hostel, so forgive me if some of my comments refer to all hostels. We stayed in an en-suite double room, fairly basic but on the plus side it had air conditioning and on the minus side it was on the second floor with no lift. Although filled with mainly young backpackers we were not the eldest and there were three children. Reception was helpful , there was a launderette and TV room. There was a swimming pool and hot tub although during our stay they were not used much, possibly because of the biters that drove me mad (but did not seem to be troubling others). The kitchen was big enough for everyone to use at the same time who wished to do so. Any food owned by you could be placed in individual unlocked lockers which you marked with your name and in bags in one of the numerous fridges, once again marked with your name. There were nights that you could take part in; big screen open-air films, free cheese and wine and pizza nights. Free pancake breakfast were served each morning. When you left you were encouraged to leave unwanted food on 'community' shelves, a community fridge or shelves for other non-food items. Very useful as many people had oil, butter, coffee, tea etc left over or needed just a small amount themselves. If you want to compare this with a hotel it will fall short; however, if you want an opportunity to chat with people of all ages and nationalities you will appreciate this. It was not at all noisy as us oldies don't stay up late.
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Date of stay: February 2020
Rooms
Service
Sleep Quality
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
I started with a single room at a great weekly rate then upgraded to a double when my 14yr old daughter arrived for a week. I was given a free upgrade to a room with ensuite soon after, which was much better for us. Staff were always patient friendly and courteous, and the property clean and well managed. Some rooms near the free pool table/social area can be a bit loud till about 10pm, but never late night. The rest are very quiet. Thank you YHA...I will return.
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Date of stay: July 2021
Rooms
Cleanliness
Service
Room Tip: rooms above ground floor are quieter
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Unfortunately there is no shuttle bus to and from airport. Taxi is the best option. There are lockers available in the room to lock up precious items. You can bring your own lock or purchase one at the front desk.
Hi Astrid,
There is free parking in the middle row of parking in the city but this is limited to only 3 hours. Unfortunately there is no long term free parking in the Cairns CBD, but we do have parking in house for $5.00 per night.
Hi there, We have large and small lockers available.
The prices start from $4.00 for four hours in the small and $6.00 for four hours in the larger lockers.
If your room available earlier we can check you in before 2pm so please ask reception on your arrival.
You are more than welcome to use our facilities (wifi, pool, shower etc) while you wait for check in.
Hi Fiona,
Lovely to hear from you. Yes we do provide hair dryers in the communal bathrooms for guests to use. If you are staying in a private room then hair dryers can be borrowed from reception to use during your stay. Now you'll have more room to pack your swimmers!
We look forward to seeing you soon!
"Bring a plug with multiple outlets (or even better and extension) as you will be fighting with everyone to get to the plugs."Read full review
"Rusty's market is a great place to find and stock up on fresh produce. Open Fri-Sun"Read full review
"Ask for a room that is not adjacent to one of the bathrooms. (Shower noise until late)"Read full review
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PRICE RANGE
AU$49 - AU$110 (Based on Average Rates for a Standard Room)
ALSO KNOWN AS
cairns central yha backpackers hotel cairns
LOCATION
AustraliaQueenslandCairns RegionCairns
NUMBER OF ROOMS
52
Prices are provided by our partners for one room, with variable occupancy rules as provided by the property, and reflect total costs of the stay, including all taxes and fees known to our partners. Please see our partners for more details.
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Frequently Asked Questions about Yha Cairns Central
Which popular attractions are close to Yha Cairns Central?
Nearby attractions include Cairns Museum (0.4 km), Rusty's Market (0.1 km), and Samurai Gallery Australia (0.5 km).
What are some of the property amenities at Yha Cairns Central?
Some of the more popular amenities offered include free breakfast, a pool, and a hot tub.
What food & drink options are available at Yha Cairns Central?
Guests can enjoy free breakfast and barbeque facilities during their stay.
Is parking available at Yha Cairns Central?
Yes, paid private parking on-site and secured parking are available to guests.
What are some restaurants close to Yha Cairns Central?
Conveniently located restaurants include Snoogies, Cruze Coffee, and Falafellicious.
Are there opportunities to exercise at Yha Cairns Central?
Yes, guests have access to a pool during their stay.
Is Yha Cairns Central located near the city centre?
Yes, it is 0.7 km away from the centre of Cairns.
Are any cleaning services offered at Yha Cairns Central?
Yes, laundry service and self serve laundry are offered to guests.
Is Yha Cairns Central accessible?
Yes, it offers wheelchair access and reduced mobility rooms. For specific enquiries, we recommend calling ahead to confirm.