Cheap Hotels & Resorts in Cairns from NZ$86

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Our top choices for Cairns cheap hotels

Shangri-La The Marina, Cairns

Shangri-La The Marina, Cairns
5.0 star property
Cairns Central Business District
8.8 out of 10, Excellent, (1007)
"Great location and a great hotel "
United States
Gustavo
The price is NZ$243
includes taxes & fees
29 Jan - 30 Jan 2026
Shangri-La The Marina, Cairns

NRMA Cairns Holiday Park

NRMA Cairns Holiday Park
4.0 star property
Manunda
8.6 out of 10, Excellent, (168)
"My second time here and as always it was a nice stay. Very safe quiet and relaxing stay. The shared facilities is clean and the other campers are respectful. Close to the central business district, so plenty to do."
Australia
Hai
The price is NZ$86
includes taxes & fees
10 Jan - 11 Jan 2026
NRMA Cairns Holiday Park

Caravella Backpackers

Caravella Backpackers
2.0 star property
Cairns Central Business District
8.4 out of 10, Very good, (148)
"The entire resort is spotless Location is a short stroll to the Night Markets and centrally located to everything else with the Esplanade just across the Staff are fabulous and the entire place makes you feel welcome "
Australia
Barbra
The price is NZ$132
includes taxes & fees
12 Jan - 13 Jan 2026
Caravella Backpackers

Reef Palms Motel

Reef Palms Motel
3.5 star property
Cairns North
8.2 out of 10, Very good, (849)
"Friendly staff. Place is dated but has a nice pool."
Australia
Michael
The price is NZ$136
includes taxes & fees
28 Jan - 29 Jan 2026
Reef Palms Motel

Crystalbrook Riley

Crystalbrook Riley
5.0 star property
Cairns Central Business District
9.2 out of 10, Wonderful, (1006)
"Great place to stay."
Australia
Mohmmadaftabhusen Altafhusen
The price is NZ$244
includes taxes & fees
28 Jan - 29 Jan 2026
Crystalbrook Riley

Palm Cove Studio Apartments

Palm Cove Studio Apartments
2.0 star property
Palm Cove
9.2 out of 10, Wonderful, (27)
"Great accommodation in close proximity to Palm Beach esplanade."
Australia
Janine
The price is NZ$176
includes taxes & fees
12 Jan - 13 Jan 2026
Palm Cove Studio Apartments

Cairns Harbourside Hotel

Cairns Harbourside Hotel
4.0 star property
Cairns North
8.8 out of 10, Excellent, (1011)
"awesome location great service "
Canada
Mary ann
The price is NZ$172
includes taxes & fees
20 Jan - 21 Jan 2026
Cairns Harbourside Hotel

Pullman Cairns International

Pullman Cairns International
5.0 star property
Cairns Central Business District
8.8 out of 10, Excellent, (1002)
"It was amaging stay, thank you so much!"
Australia
Riho
The price is NZ$249
includes taxes & fees
16 Jan - 17 Jan 2026
Pullman Cairns International

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, (436)
"Great cheap place to stay"
United Kingdom
sarah
The price is NZ$238
includes taxes & fees
5 Jan - 6 Jan 2026
Gilligan's Backpackers Hotel & Resort

Ranch Retreat Kewarra Beach

Ranch Retreat Kewarra Beach
3.0 star property
Kewarra Beach
10.0 out of 10, Exceptional, (12)
"Beautiful accommodation,spotlessly"
United Kingdom
KARL
The price is NZ$311
includes taxes & fees
27 Jan - 28 Jan 2026
Ranch Retreat Kewarra Beach
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.

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

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, 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 Little Drifter Cairns.
How many budget hotels will I be able to find in Cairns?
Choose a hotel that suits your wallet from Expedia's 21 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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