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The Espy Hostel

2.0 star property
Travelers relax by the outdoor pool or get insider advice on exploring Cairns' attractions with expert ticket assistance at this central hostel

Choose dates to view prices

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

  • Pool
  • Free Wi-Fi
  • Air-conditioning
  • Laundry room
  • Kitchen
The current price is NZ$168
includes taxes & fees
22 Jan - 23 Jan

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
Fridge
5 bathrooms
Microwave
Kitchen island
Cookware/dishes/utensils
Stovetop
Shared/communal kitchen
  • Sleeps 1
  • 1 Single Bunk Bed

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

Single Private Share Bathroom (International & interstate guests only)

Single Private Share Bathroom (International & interstate guests only)

8.0 out of 10
Very good
(4 reviews)

Highlights

Air conditioning
Fridge
5 bathrooms
Microwave
Kitchen island
Cookware/dishes/utensils
Stovetop
Shared/communal kitchen
  • Sleeps 1
  • 1 Single 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
Fridge
5 bathrooms
Microwave
Kitchen island
Cookware/dishes/utensils
Stovetop
Shared/communal kitchen
  • Sleeps 1
  • 1 Single 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
Fridge
Private bathroom
Microwave
Kitchen island
Cookware/dishes/utensils
Stovetop
Shared/communal kitchen
  • Sleeps 1
  • 1 Single Bunk Bed

View all photos for Double Room

Double Room

Double Room

8.0 out of 10
Very good
(1 review)

Highlights

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

View all photos for Shared Dormitory

Free WiFi, bed sheets

Shared Dormitory

Highlights

Air conditioning
Fridge
5 bathrooms
Microwave
Kitchen island
Cookware/dishes/utensils
Stovetop
Shared/communal kitchen
  • Sleeps 1
  • 1 Single Bunk Bed

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About the area

Located in Cairns Central Business District, a neighbourhood in Cairns, The Espy Hostel is in the entertainment district. Cairns Regional Gallery and Copperlode Dam are local landmarks, and travellers looking to shop may want to visit Cairns Night Markets and Cairns Central Shopping Centre. Muddy's Playground and Reef Teach are also worth visiting.
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Map
83 Esplanade, Cairns, QLD, 4870

What's nearby

  • Cairns Esplanade - 2 min walk - 0.2 km
  • Cairns Night Markets - 2 min walk - 0.2 km
  • Esplanade Lagoon - 3 min walk - 0.3 km
  • Reef Fleet Terminal - 6 min walk - 0.6 km
  • Cairns Marlin Marina - 6 min walk - 0.6 km

Getting around

  • Cairns Station - 13 min walk
  • Cairns, QLD (CNS-Cairns Intl.) - 11 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪La Pizza - ‬1 min walk
  • ‪McDonald's - ‬2 min walk
  • ‪Villa Romana - ‬1 min walk
  • ‪Skewers Lover 炸串 - ‬5 min walk
  • ‪Grill'd - ‬5 min walk

About this property

The Espy Hostel

Hostel near Cairns Esplanade
The Espy Hostel provides amenities, such as a terrace and laundry facilities. Stay connected with free in-room WiFi.
Other perks at this hostel include:
  • An outdoor pool
  • A TV in reception and tour/ticket information
  • Guest reviews say great things about the helpful staff
Room features
All guest rooms at The Espy Hostel feature thoughtful touches, such as air conditioning, as well as amenities, such as free WiFi and kitchen islands.
Other conveniences in all rooms include:
  • Communal kitchens with fridges, microwaves and toasters
  • Stovetops, cookware/dishes/utensils and kitchen islands

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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 transport

  • No on-site 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 lift

More

  • Designated smoking areas

Room amenities

Bedroom

  • Bedsheets provided

Bathroom

  • Towels provided

Food and drink

  • Cleaning supplies
  • Cookware, dishware, and utensils
  • Hob
  • Kitchen island
  • Microwave
  • Refrigerator
  • Shared kitchen access
  • 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

Pets not allowed

Children and extra beds

Children 17 and younger are not allowed at this property; all guests older than 17 are welcome

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 any lifts
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 18 Jan 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at The Espy Hostel on 22 Jan 2026 start from NZ$167.57, 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.

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?

Checkout is at 10:00 AM.

Where is The Espy Hostel located?

Located in Cairns Central Business District, this hostel is steps away from Michaelmas Cay and Cairns Esplanade. Cairns Night Markets and Esplanade Lagoon are just steps away. Cairns Station is 13 minutes by foot.

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Reviews

The Espy Hostel Reviews

7.6

Good

7.4

Cleanliness

6.8

Amenities

7.6

Staff & service

7.0

Property conditions & facilities
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

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 traveller

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

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

Jackson

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

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

8/10 Good

Ruveen

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

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

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

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

10/10 Excellent

Jennifer

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Great property in a great location. Clean and no bugs. Great shower pressure!! Staff was friendly and helpful. Had a tour company on site to help with bookings, which was amazing. Kitchen was helpful to have for making our own morning coffee or tea before heading out for the day. Didn’t use the pool as had been out each day all day on boats to the reef, and this location is directly across the street from the lagoon. At first we were worried as I hadn’t realized I’d booked a hostel and not a hotel room. This hostel was quiet at night. I would recommend this location for anyone travelling to the area. It was absolutely what we needed and right near everything we wanted to see or do. All the restaurant choices you could imagine and at least 10 ice cream shops in a one block radius. The bonus of the night market next door was great for nik nacks and things we’d left at home.
Stayed 5 nights in Oct 2024

6/10 Okay

Jessi Rose

Liked: Staff & service
Disliked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities
Super convenient, right on the Esplanade close to food, wharf, and you can book tours right at the "reception" desk. Reception folks were very helpful. There were lots of cockroaches in my room -- scampering thru day and night. I was told "it's the tropics," "it's that time of year," and "we have exterminators in every month." The manager left with my a spray bottle of Raid. Secondly, the kitchen facilities were packed. It was nearly impossible to find room in any of the fridges, and waiting in line to cook or clean at any mealtime was routine.

4/10 Poor

Lauren

Disliked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
The property atmosphere was awesome! Everyone was really nice and it was calm and quiet. The reason it is ranking low there were ants in my room. The shower was broken. out of the two showers near me one was dangling off the wall and I had to hold it up. The other shower didn't drain and so I was standing in a foot of water during my shower. The staff was responsive but unprofessional. He came to solve one of my problems quickly but arrived in only underwear. the building is half inside and half outside do you can see roots of above trees in the bathroom and not all shared areas kitchen and hang out spaces had a full roof. However, induvial rooms are enclosed and have wall air conditioning units but you cannot adjust the temperature and I was really cold. Location was perfect and in walking distance to everything we wanted to do and or walking distance to a pick up location to the day tours we booked.
Stayed 6 nights in Aug 2024

10/10 Excellent

steven

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service

Location, location, location!

Great place to stay on the heart of Cairns, everything is on your doorstep. Rooms are very basic but the Espy is all about location. Other guests and staff were friendly and engaging, the shared kitchen was clean and had everything you could want for food preparation. Given the price, you can't go past this place. The code system to access the building and rooms needs attention and can be frustrating but support from management was immediate and always forthcoming as required.
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2023

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

10/10 Excellent

Harinath

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

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

10/10 Excellent

Maria

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

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

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

Charity

Bang for the buck 👍
Stayed 1 night in Dec 2024

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

10/10 Excellent

Gaku

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

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