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

Cheap Hotels & Resorts in Cairns from NZ$88

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Check availability on Cairns Cheap Hotels

Tonight
13 Aug - 14 Aug
Tomorrow
14 Aug - 15 Aug
This weekend
14 Aug - 16 Aug
Next weekend
21 Aug - 23 Aug

Our top choices for Cairns cheap hotels

1. Hilton Cairns

Hilton Cairns
Cairns Central Business District
Australia
Owais
NZ$317
includes taxes & fees
4 Sept - 5 Sept
Hilton Cairns

2. Pacific Hotel Cairns

Pacific Hotel Cairns
Cairns Central Business District
Australia
Tanya
NZ$292
includes taxes & fees
5 Sept - 6 Sept
Pacific Hotel Cairns

3. Cairns Harbourside Hotel

Cairns Harbourside Hotel
Cairns North
United States
Venkataraman
NZ$268
includes taxes & fees
2 Sept - 3 Sept
Cairns Harbourside Hotel

4. Heritage Cairns

Heritage Cairns
Cairns Central Business District
Australia
Cindy
NZ$221
includes taxes & fees
16 Aug - 17 Aug
Heritage Cairns

5. Cairns Queens Court

Cairns Queens Court
Cairns North
Australia
Samantha Jayne
NZ$161
includes taxes & fees
2 Sept - 3 Sept
Cairns Queens Court

6. Coral Tree Inn

Coral Tree Inn
Cairns Central Business District
Australia
Melissa
NZ$217
includes taxes & fees
9 Sept - 10 Sept
Coral Tree Inn

7. Hides Hotel Cairns

Hides Hotel Cairns
Cairns Central Business District
Australia
Linda
NZ$189
includes taxes & fees
30 Aug - 31 Aug
Hides Hotel Cairns

8. Cairns Sunland Leisure Park

Cairns Sunland Leisure Park
Manoora
Australia
Sonima
NZ$88
includes taxes & fees
21 Aug - 22 Aug
Cairns Sunland Leisure Park

9. Cairns Sheridan Hotel

Cairns Sheridan Hotel
Cairns North
Australia
Benny
NZ$268
includes taxes & fees
29 Aug - 30 Aug
Cairns Sheridan Hotel

10. Aspect Central

Aspect Central
Cairns North
Australia
Raymond
NZ$159
includes taxes & fees
15 Aug - 16 Aug
Aspect Central
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
"Was an enjoyable stay there"
Wendy 1-night trip
Posted 3 hours ago
Cairns Harbourside Hotel
Pacific Hotel Cairns

Pacific Hotel Cairns

10/10 Excellent
"Room was spotless , staff were very friendly and parking easy"
Janelle 3-night trip
Posted 5 hours ago
Pacific Hotel Cairns
Shangri-La The Marina, Cairns

Shangri-La The Marina, Cairns

10/10 Excellent
"Wonderful stay"
Paul 3-night trip
Posted 6 hours ago
Shangri-La The Marina, Cairns
Ramada By Wyndham Cairns City Centre

Ramada By Wyndham Cairns City Centre

8/10 Good
"Very well priced for so close to the Esplanade"
Towers Motorcycles 1-night trip
Posted 9 hours ago
Ramada By Wyndham Cairns City Centre
Cairns Colonial Club Resort

Cairns Colonial Club Resort

10/10 Excellent
"Lovely property, Clean and well set out - great poolside bar and Pizza restaurant. Well maintained gardens and lovely playgrounds for children."
Majella 5-night trip
Posted 1 day ago
Cairns Colonial Club Resort
DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Cairns

DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Cairns

10/10 Excellent
"Excellent stay, all amenities, accommodation, staff and hotel was excellent... Well done team."
Andrew 7-night trip
Posted 1 day ago
DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Cairns
Rydges Esplanade Resort Cairns

Rydges Esplanade Resort Cairns

10/10 Excellent
"The hotel is very cosy, and we were given a lovely room. We’re really happy with it! 😊"
Viktoriia 3-night trip
Posted 4 days ago
Rydges Esplanade Resort Cairns
Novotel Cairns Oasis Resort

Novotel Cairns Oasis Resort

10/10 Excellent
"Great"
Tony 2-night trip
Posted 4 days ago
Novotel Cairns Oasis Resort
Hides Hotel Cairns

Hides Hotel Cairns

10/10 Excellent
"Close to all restaurants, hotels wtc"
Linda 1-night trip
Posted 12 days ago
Hides Hotel Cairns

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 Gilligan's Backpackers Hotel & Resort.
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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