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The Espy Hostel

2.0 star property
Hostel with an outdoor pool, steps from Cairns Esplanade

Choose dates to view prices

Photo gallery for The Espy Hostel

Exterior
Free WiFi, bed sheets
Exterior
Exterior
1 Bed Mix 3 Bed Dorm with Ensuite (International & interstate guests only)(18-35 Age Only) | Free WiFi, bed sheets
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

  • Kitchen
  • Air conditioning
  • Laundry
  • Pool
  • Free WiFi

Room options

Check availability for these dates

Tonight

Sep 9 - Sep 10
Check availability for tonight Sep 9 - Sep 10

Tomorrow

Sep 10 - Sep 11
Check availability for tomorrow Sep 10 - Sep 11

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

Single Private Share Bathroom (International & interstate guests only) | Free WiFi, bed sheets

Single Private Share Bathroom (International & interstate guests only)

8.0 out of 10
Very good
(4 reviews)

Highlights

Air conditioning
Refrigerator
5 bathrooms
Microwave
Kitchen island
Shared/communal kitchen
Toaster
Stovetop
  • Sleeps 1
  • 1 Twin Bed

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
Refrigerator
5 bathrooms
Microwave
Kitchen island
Shared/communal kitchen
Toaster
Stovetop
  • Sleeps 1
  • 1 Twin Bunk Bed

View all photos for Double Room

Double Room | Free WiFi, bed sheets

Double Room

8.0 out of 10
Very good
(1 review)

Highlights

Air conditioning
Refrigerator
Microwave
Kitchen island
Shared/communal kitchen
Toaster
Stovetop
Cookware/dishes/utensils
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Double 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
Refrigerator
5 bathrooms
Microwave
Kitchen island
Shared/communal kitchen
Toaster
Stovetop
  • Sleeps 1
  • 1 Twin Bunk Bed

View all photos for Shared Dormitory

Free WiFi, bed sheets

Shared Dormitory

Highlights

Air conditioning
Refrigerator
5 bathrooms
Microwave
Kitchen island
Shared/communal kitchen
Toaster
Stovetop
  • Sleeps 1
  • 1 Twin Bunk Bed

View all photos for Basic Shared Dormitory, Mixed Dorm

Free WiFi, bed sheets

Basic Shared Dormitory, Mixed Dorm

Highlights

Air conditioning
Refrigerator
Microwave
Kitchen island
Shared/communal kitchen
Toaster
Stovetop
Cookware/dishes/utensils
  • Sleeps 1
  • 1 Large Twin 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
Refrigerator
Private bathroom
Microwave
Kitchen island
Shared/communal kitchen
Toaster
Stovetop
  • Sleeps 1
  • 1 Twin Bunk Bed

About the neighborhood

Located in Cairns Central Business District, a neighborhood in Cairns, The Espy Hostel is in the entertainment district. Cairns Regional Gallery and Copperlode Dam are local landmarks, and travelers looking to shop may want to visit Cairns Central Shopping Centre and Cairns Night Markets. 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 - 3 min walk - 0.2 miles
  • Esplanade Lagoon - 3 min walk - 0.2 miles
  • Reef Fleet Terminal - 6 min walk - 0.4 miles
  • Cairns Marlin Marina - 6 min walk - 0.4 miles
  • Cairns Central Shopping Centre - 8 min walk - 0.5 miles

Getting around

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

Restaurants

  • ‪McDonald's - ‬2 min walk
  • ‪La Pizza Trattoria - ‬1 min walk
  • ‪Skewers Lover 炸串 - ‬5 min walk
  • ‪Splash Seafood - ‬2 min walk
  • ‪Phở Street - ‬3 min walk

About this property

The Espy Hostel

Hostel near Cairns Esplanade
Close to Reef Fleet Terminal and Cairns Central Shopping Centre, The Espy Hostel provides a terrace, laundry facilities, and more. Stay connected with free in-room WiFi.
Other perks at this hostel include:
  • An outdoor pool
  • A TV in the lobby and tour/ticket assistance
  • Guest reviews say great things about the helpful staff
Room features
All guestrooms at The Espy Hostel have perks such as air conditioning, as well as amenities like free WiFi and kitchen islands.
More conveniences in all rooms include:
  • Communal kitchens with refrigerators, microwaves, and toasters
  • Stovetops, cookware/dishes/utensils, and kitchen islands

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 transportation

  • No onsite 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 elevator

More

  • Designated smoking areas

Room amenities

Bedroom

  • Bedsheets provided

Bathroom

  • Towels provided

Food and drink

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

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

Property 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 elevators
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.

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?

Check-out is at 10:00 AM.

Where is The Espy Hostel located?

Located in Cairns Central Business District, this hostel is steps from Michaelmas Cay and Cairns Esplanade. Reef Fleet Terminal and Cairns Central Shopping Centre are also within 15 minutes. Cairns Station is 13 minutes by foot.

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The Espy Hostel Reviews

Reviews

7.6

Good

Rating 10 - Excellent. 35 out of 83 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 19 out of 83 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 10 out of 83 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 11 out of 83 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 8 out of 83 reviews

7.4/10

Cleanliness

7.6/10

Staff & service

6.8/10

Amenities

7.0/10

Property conditions & facilities

7.8/10

Eco-friendliness

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

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

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

Maria

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

10/10 Excellent

Harinath

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

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

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

Charity

Bang for the buck 👍
Stayed 1 night in Dec 2024

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

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

8/10 Good

Ruveen

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

6/10 Okay

Panagiotis

.
Stayed 6 nights in Aug 2024

8/10 Good

Hugh

Liked: Cleanliness
Great location and comfortably room and bed Bit dingy with no windows to outside and very noisy until at least midnight
Stayed 4 nights in Jun 2023

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

tomoko

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
You can enjoy a free life. The staff cleans it every day, and you can make friends with other users.

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

4/10 Poor

Vaia

Disliked: Staff & service
We paid for a room to be on the Esplanade. It was a Hostel, not a Hotel so the expectation wasn’t high. The room and amenities were clean and tidy. The cleanliness m
Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2023

10/10 Excellent

Katielynn

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Perfect Hidden Gem

As much as i want to keep this hostel a hidden gem, they deserve all the business possible. A simple yet welcoming environment, this place completely changed my prospective on hostels. It's not a party place and everyone respects one another, a very relaxed place. Location is centeral to everything in town on the waterfront, but the sounds of outside arent heard. I cannot recommend this place enough and cannot wait to return.
Stayed 8 nights in Feb 2023

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

Lauren

Liked: Cleanliness
Disliked: Staff & service, amenities
THE GOOD: Room was clean, comfortable and located on the Esplanade. Great location! The BAD: I did not receive a pin code to access premises and room. When I arrived at the premises there was no staff. I had to find a blanket. Kitchen area very untidy, rubbish bins needed to be disposed of. Kitchen rules needs to be made clear and apparent to all guests.
Stayed 4 nights in Aug 2022

2/10 Terrible

Sergey

Disliked: Staff & service, room comfort

Terrible experience, do not waste your money!

Extremely appalling experience staying at the Espy hostel. Staff unwelcoming and discriminatory towards people over 35 years of age. I was forcefully made to leave this place even though it has been prepaid in full and I did not do anything wrong or cause any disturbance. Just my age over 35 was not good enough for me to stay at this property and staff threatened me by calling security and demanding that I leave immediately without providing their names or offering any compensation or even a refund. DO NOT STAY HERE.
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2024

4/10 Poor

Wade

Disliked: Staff & service
No clear directions for the door codes to enter the accomodation, when I did get codes they were incorrect and the 24 hour number was generally unreachable when needed
Stayed 4 nights in Aug 2023

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.

8/10 Good

Wayne

Liked: Staff & service
I shouldn't expect too much from any hostel, including the Espy. I found what appeared to be a cockroach in the room the first night In the hallway, I dispatched of a very large one. I didn't receive an email with instructions for self check-in. Fortunately, there was someone who contacted a staff person who provided us with the necessary information to get in the room. Shower was good, but the handles fell off. Hot water in the sink never really got hot. Nonetheless, we got by and enjoyed the staff and tenants
Stayed 6 nights in May 2024

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