A coastal town with dense forest, a mountain, and a large body of water.

Cheap Hotels & Resorts in Cairns from NZ$87

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Check availability on Cairns Cheap Hotels

Tonight
28 Sept - 29 Sept
Tomorrow
29 Sept - 30 Sept
This weekend
2 Oct - 4 Oct
Next weekend
9 Oct - 11 Oct

Our top choices for Cairns cheap hotels

A spacious lobby with a reception desk, seating area, and a staircase leading to upper floors.
A hotel room with a large bed, a sofa, a TV, and a balcony with a view of the city and mountains.
A poolside area with lounge chairs and a swimming pool, surrounded by greenery and a view of mountains.
A modern hotel room with a large window, a bed, a sofa, two wicker chairs, and a small table.

1. Pacific Hotel Cairns

Pacific Hotel Cairns
Cairns Central Business District
Australia
Michaela
NZ$267
includes taxes & fees
26 Oct - 27 Oct
Pacific Hotel Cairns
A hotel with a swimming pool, outdoor seating, and a two-story building with a white facade.
A restaurant with round glass tables, wicker chairs, and potted plants.
A modern hotel room with a balcony, furnished with white lounge chairs and a small table.
A modern hotel with a prominent red sign, surrounded by palm trees and a clear sky.

2. Ramada By Wyndham Cairns City Centre

Ramada By Wyndham Cairns City Centre
Cairns Central Business District
Canada
Yingjie
NZ$162
includes taxes & fees
24 Oct - 25 Oct
Ramada By Wyndham Cairns City Centre
A lush garden with a wooden pathway leading to a building.
A beach with palm trees and clear blue water.
A spacious indoor dining area with multiple tables and chairs, large windows, and hanging pendant lights.

3. Cairns Harbourside Hotel

Cairns Harbourside Hotel
Cairns North
Australia
steven
NZ$242
includes taxes & fees
17 Oct - 18 Oct
Cairns Harbourside Hotel
A hotel room with a sofa, two beds, a large mirror, a coffee table with flowers, and artwork on the walls.
A storefront with 'Abbott Chairs' signage, a glass door entrance, and a visible car parked outside.
A modern dining area with multiple tables and chairs, a kitchen in the background, and large windows with a view of the outside.
A hotel reception area with a staircase leading to upper floors, a reception desk, and a seating area with a floral-patterned sofa.

4. The Abbott Boutique Hotel

The Abbott Boutique Hotel
Cairns Central Business District
United States
Alok
NZ$216
includes taxes & fees
26 Oct - 27 Oct
The Abbott Boutique Hotel
A hotel with a swimming pool, outdoor seating, and a covered area with umbrellas.
A hotel room with two beds, a desk, a chair, a TV, and a balcony with a view.
A restaurant with wooden chairs, white tablecloths, and a bar area in the background.
A modern hotel with a covered outdoor area, a staircase, and a view of the street at night.

5. Cairns Sheridan Hotel

Cairns Sheridan Hotel
Cairns North
United States
Theodore
NZ$242
includes taxes & fees
27 Oct - 28 Oct
Cairns Sheridan Hotel
A spacious hotel lobby with a high ceiling, a central seating area with sofas and a coffee table, a staircase leading to an upper level, and a reception desk.
A spacious living area with a high ceiling, a ceiling fan, and a chandelier. There are two sofas with patterned cushions and a coffee table in the center. A staircase leads to an upper level.
A pool area with a water feature, palm trees, and a bar area.
A multi-level atrium with palm trees, a staircase, and a dining area with tables and chairs.

6. Cairns Queens Court

Cairns Queens Court
Cairns North
Australia
Peter
NZ$125
includes taxes & fees
22 Oct - 23 Oct
Cairns Queens Court
A pathway lined with palm trees and a building with a blue and beige exterior.
Two people playing with a beach ball in a pool surrounded by rocks and palm trees.
A modern room with a bunk bed, a round table with chairs, and a window with curtains.
A pathway leading to a building with a red door, surrounded by lush greenery and palm trees.

7. Cairns Sunland Leisure Park

Cairns Sunland Leisure Park
Manoora
Australia
Stephen John
NZ$87
includes taxes & fees
30 Sept - 1 Oct
Cairns Sunland Leisure Park
A person standing in a pool with large wind turbines in the background.
An aerial view of a tropical island with clear turquoise waters, a sandy beach, and a pier with boats.
A lobby with a sofa, chairs, a coffee table, a bookshelf, and a view of the outdoors.
A spacious indoor dining area with white chairs and tables, large windows, and potted plants.

8. Coral Tree Inn

Coral Tree Inn
Cairns Central Business District
Canada
Chelsea
NZ$213
includes taxes & fees
27 Oct - 28 Oct
Coral Tree Inn
A hotel with a pool area, multiple balconies, and a well-lit exterior.
A multi-level atrium with balconies, indoor plants, and a central water feature.
A multi-story hotel with balconies, a central fountain, and lush tropical landscaping.
A buffet with various fruits and vegetables, including bananas, lemons, and grapes.

9. DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Cairns

DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Cairns
Cairns Central Business District
United States
James
NZ$264
includes taxes & fees
28 Oct - 29 Oct
DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Cairns
A modern hotel room with a large bed, a sofa, a TV, and a balcony with a view of palm trees.
A modern hotel room with a large bed, a TV on a wooden stand, a small table, and a view of the city through large windows.
A modern bar area with a long counter and several stools, a reception desk in the background, and a ceiling with exposed ductwork.
A multi-story hotel with a swimming pool, palm trees, and a sunset view.

10. Alivio Hotel Cairns

Alivio Hotel Cairns
Cairns Central Business District
Canada
Douglas
NZ$216
includes taxes & fees
10 Oct - 11 Oct
Alivio Hotel Cairns
View all properties

Find out more about Cairns

Discover cheap things to do in Cairns

Cairns is a paradise of affordable adventures for the budget-conscious traveller. Start your day at the Cairns Esplanade, where you can enjoy a leisurely stroll or a swim in the lagoon, all for free. The vibrant atmosphere is perfect for families, with playgrounds and picnic areas available for a delightful afternoon. For a taste of local culture, don’t miss the bustling Cairns Night Markets, where you can savour delicious street food without breaking the bank, alongside unique handicrafts and souvenirs. Adventurous spirits can explore the lush greenery of the Cairns Botanic Gardens, featuring a range of walking trails and stunning tropical flora, all at no cost. And if you’re up for a short trip, consider a day trip to the Great Barrier Reef; affordable tours can be found which cater to families, offering snorkelling experiences that won’t empty your wallet. For accommodation, the area around the Esplanade is perfect for families seeking good value; here, you’ll find a variety of budget-friendly hotels that offer convenient access to all these attractions, along with attentive guest service to make your stay comfortable and enjoyable.

Find the best cheap hotels in Cairns

For travellers seeking affordable yet comfortable stays in Cairns, these hotels provide excellent options without compromising on quality. Each hotel offers a range of amenities tailored for budget-conscious guests.Cairns City Apartments

  • Why it's great for a budget-friendly vacation: Cairns City Apartments is a top pick for budget travellers, receiving an impressive review rating of 9.0. The apartments provide essential amenities like free Wi-Fi and self-parking, making it a convenient choice for exploring the city. Guests can enjoy the outdoor pool, ideal for relaxation after a busy day.
  • Other amenities: Each apartment includes a kitchenette, allowing guests to prepare meals at their leisure, with additional features like a refrigerator and stovetop. The hotel also offers a furnished balcony in every room, providing a private space to enjoy the views. With a garden, pool sun loungers, and easy access to local attractions, Cairns City Apartments ensures a comfortable and enjoyable stay.
  • Neighborhood: Cairns Central Business District
  • Nearby attractions: Cairns Esplanade - 0.7 km, Cairns Central Shopping Centre - 0.3 km, The Cairns Museum - 0.7 km

Aspect Central

  • Why it's great for a budget-friendly vacation: Aspect Central is a delightful option for budget travellers, earning a solid review rating of 7.8. The hotel provides essential amenities such as free Wi-Fi and self-parking, making it a convenient choice for those looking to save. Guests can also enjoy the outdoor pool, perfect for a refreshing dip on a warm Cairns day.
  • Other amenities: The hotel boasts comfortable air-conditioned rooms with kitchenettes for added flexibility, allowing guests to prepare their own meals. A poolside restaurant and bar offer dining options without straying far from the water. Additional conveniences include daily housekeeping, an electric kettle in rooms, and a picturesque garden area for relaxation.
  • Neighborhood: Cairns North
  • Nearby attractions: Cairns Esplanade - 0.8 km, Cairns Esplanade Charles Street Parkland - 0.3 km

Cairns Sunland Leisure Park

  • Why it's great for a budget-friendly vacation: Cairns Sunland Leisure Park offers an affordable and welcoming atmosphere for budget travellers, with a review rating of 7.6. Guests appreciate the complimentary Wi-Fi and self-parking, making it easy to explore the local area. The outdoor pool is a highlight, providing a fun space for guests to unwind and cool off.
  • Other amenities: This hotel features air-conditioned accommodations with kitchen facilities, allowing for easy meal preparation. Enjoy playgrounds for family fun, and take advantage of the shared kitchen for communal cooking experiences. Guests can also relax on their private balconies or patios, while off-street parking ensures peace of mind during your stay.
  • Neighborhood: Manoora
  • Nearby attractions: Centenary Lakes Botanic Gardens - 2.3 km, Mount Whitfield Conservation Park - 2.7 km, Tanks Arts Centre - 2.9 km

Top Cairns Hotel Reviews

Cairns Harbourside Hotel

Cairns Harbourside Hotel

8/10 Good
"The staff are terrific"
steven 2-night trip
Posted 20 hours ago
Cairns Harbourside Hotel
Pullman Cairns International

Pullman Cairns International

10/10 Excellent
"Everything was Nice and clean will visit again surely"
Pavneet 1-night trip
Posted 20 hours ago
Pullman Cairns International
Shangri-La The Marina, Cairns

Shangri-La The Marina, Cairns

8/10 Good
"Fantastic location, great amenities and very helpful staff. The rooms were serviced daily and items were replenished according to your preferences. Breakfast buffet had a good selection of food and drink and was good value for money. The hotel room was very clean. Only downside was that some elements of the hotel look a bit tired (eg the outside walls, some of the paintwork and soft furnishings) and could do with a refresh. Overall would recommend and would stay again."
Eve 6-night trip
Posted 2 days ago
Shangri-La The Marina, Cairns
Cairns Plaza Hotel

Cairns Plaza Hotel

10/10 Excellent
"Great position being on the waterfront, with close proximity to restaurants, tours and shopping. Staff were very friendly and room was well maintained with good services. Highly recommend this establishment."
Philip 7-night trip
Posted 2 days ago
Cairns Plaza Hotel
Hilton Cairns

Hilton Cairns

10/10 Excellent
"The buffet breakfast is like nothing you’ve ever experienced. It was excellent. The location is perfect for views and a stroll. Very comfortable beds and they have room service if you’re just too tired to go out. Loved it!"
Michelle 4-night trip
Posted 2 days ago
Hilton Cairns
Rydges Esplanade Resort Cairns

Rydges Esplanade Resort Cairns

10/10 Excellent
"Quite clean and spacious. I disliked the bed having wheels. You couldn’t sit up on the bed and lean on the wall. The beds kept rolling away."
Manoa 1-night trip
Posted 3 days ago
Rydges Esplanade Resort Cairns
Ramada By Wyndham Cairns City Centre

Ramada By Wyndham Cairns City Centre

8/10 Good
"Great location. Dated but functional , large clean ,rooms. No block out blinds so room is very lit up from carpark lighting at night and early morning sun through the plantation shutters common to this area. If you need darkness to sleep , bring a mask If you want fresh air ,have to jam the front door open as not opening front windows. ( room has excellent ceiling fan and good A/c )"
Charles 2-night trip
Posted 6 days ago
Ramada By Wyndham Cairns City Centre
Cairns Sheridan Hotel

Cairns Sheridan Hotel

10/10 Excellent
"I’ve stayed here several times Parking easy Clean, comfortable room Would prefer a proper fridge and a microwave in my room Staff always pleasant and helpful"
Mary 5-night trip
Posted 7 days ago
Cairns Sheridan Hotel

Frequently asked questions

What is Cairns like for travellers on a budget?
Cairns offers cheap accommodation options and a range of things to see and do, making it a great getaway spot for budget travellers. You can find ways to save money while getting to know this destination, which is home to attractions such as Cairns Night Markets, Cairns Esplanade Lagoon and Reef Hotel Casino.
What's the best place to stay on a budget in Cairns?
Based on reviews, Cairns Colonial Club Resort is a popular hotel for our travellers who want a more economical choice, and features free Wi-Fi and free parking. Other good options for your budget-friendly stay include Cairns Sunland Leisure Park and YHA Cairns Central.
How many budget hotels will I be able to find in Cairns?
Choose a hotel that suits your wallet from Expedia's 22 budget hotels in Cairns.
When is the best time for a budget trip to Cairns?
Weather will likely play an important role when you plan your trip to Cairns, but bear in mind that cheaper options are usually available when the weather isn't as good. The hottest months are usually January and February, with an average temperature of 27°C, while the coldest months are August and July, with an average of 21°C. The rainiest months in Cairns are January, February, March and December, with each month seeing an average of 281 mm of rainfall.
What is there to see and do in Cairns?
Cairns draws tourists with its lush rainforest and offers plenty to see and do without spending a fortune. You can budget for the local attractions that interest you most, and then plan some activities that are easy on the wallet. Head to Cairns Night Markets and Cairns Central Shopping Centre for some bargain shopping, or hunt for deals at Smithfield Shopping Centre.
How can I get to Cairns and get around on a budget?
Looking at these ways to get around Cairns can help keep you on budget. The nearest airport is Cairns, QLD (CNS-Cairns Intl.), 3.5 mi (5.6 km) away. If you'd like to explore more of the area, hop on a train from Cairns Station, Freshwater Station or Redlynch Station. You can learn about your water travel options at the marina.

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