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The Espy Hostel

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

Photo gallery for The Espy Hostel

Free WiFi, bed sheets
Exterior
Exterior
Free WiFi, bed sheets
Exterior

Reviews

7.6 out of 10
Good

Popular amenities

  • Pool
  • Free Wi-Fi
  • Air-conditioning
  • Laundry room
  • Kitchen
The current price is NZ$164
includes taxes & fees
21 Jan - 22 Jan 2026

Explore the area

View map
83 Esplanade, Cairns, QLD, 4870
  • Place, Cairns Esplanade
    ‪2 min walk‬
  • Place, Cairns Night Markets
    ‪2 min walk‬
  • Place, Esplanade Lagoon
    ‪3 min walk‬
  • Airport, Cairns, QLD (CNS-Cairns Intl.)
    ‪8 min drive‬

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
Toaster
Stovetop
Kitchen island
Cookware/dishes/utensils
  • 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
Toaster
Stovetop
Kitchen island
Cookware/dishes/utensils
  • 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
Toaster
Stovetop
Kitchen island
Cookware/dishes/utensils
  • 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
Toaster
Stovetop
Kitchen island
Cookware/dishes/utensils
  • 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
Toaster
Stovetop
Kitchen island
Cookware/dishes/utensils
Shared/communal kitchen
  • 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
Toaster
Stovetop
Kitchen island
Cookware/dishes/utensils
Shared/communal kitchen
  • 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
Toaster
Stovetop
Kitchen island
Cookware/dishes/utensils
  • Sleeps 1
  • 1 Single Bunk Bed

About the area

Cairns

The Espy Hostel puts you in the heart of Cairns, within steps of Cairns Esplanade and Michaelmas Cay. Highlights at this hostel include an outdoor swimming pool and in-room free WiFi. .This hostel offers free WiFi in public areas, a terrace and tour/ticket assistance. Additionally, you'll find laundry facilities, a microwave in a common area and a fridge in a common area. .Sights within a 15-minute walk of this Cairns Central Business District hostel include Cairns Regional Gallery and Esplanade Lagoon.
View more Hostels in CairnsOpens in a new window

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
  • ‪Skewers Lover 炸串 - ‬5 min walk
  • ‪Villa Romana - ‬1 min walk
  • ‪Grill'd - ‬5 min walk

About this property

The Espy Hostel

Hostel with an outdoor pool, steps from Cairns Esplanade
As a guest of The Espy Hostel, you'll find an outdoor pool, a terrace, and tour/ticket assistance. WiFi is free in public spaces. The Espy Hostel also features laundry facilities, a television in common area, and a microwave in a common area.

Smoking is allowed in designated areas at this Cairns hostel.

  • 17 guestrooms or units
  • Self-service laundry
  • Front desk (limited hours)
  • Tour and ticket information
  • Terrace
  • Television in lobby
  • Smoking in designated areas
  • Microwave in a common area
  • Fridge in a common area
The Espy Hostel offers 17 air-conditioned accommodations, with shared/communal kitchens. Guests can surf the web using the complimentary wireless Internet access (speed: 250+ Mbps (good for 3–5 people or up to 10 devices)). Guests can make use of the in-room fridges and microwaves. Housekeeping is provided once per stay.

Similar properties

Outdoor pool
Gilligan's Backpackers Hotel & Resort
  • Pool
  • Free Wi-Fi
  • Restaurant
  • Air-conditioning
4.0 out of 5, Very good, 436 reviews
The price is NZ$240
includes taxes & fees
23 Dec - 24 Dec
Gilligan's Backpackers Hotel & Resort

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

  • No pets 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
Charges for extra guests may apply and vary according to property policy.
A cash deposit, credit card or debit card for incidental charges and government-issued photo identification may be required upon check-in.
Special requests are subject to availability at the time of check-in. Special requests can't be guaranteed and may incur additional charges.
    This property is managed by a professional host. The provision of housing is linked to their trade, business or profession. No on-site parking is available. This property accepts Visa, Mastercard, JCB International, Union Pay and debit cards. Cash is not accepted. For guests' safety, the property includes a fire extinguisher, a smoke detector, a security system and a first aid kit in all accommodation.

We should mention

  • Children 17 years old and younger aren't allowed 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

What is the cancellation policy at The Espy Hostel?

The Espy Hostel offers free cancellation on select room rates. Check out the cancellation policy for more info.

How much does it cost to stay at The Espy Hostel?

As of 21 Dec 2025, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at The Espy Hostel on 21 Jan 2026 start from NZ$163.88, 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.

Are there any beaches close to The Espy Hostel?

The closest beach to The Espy Hostel is Yorkeys Knob Beach (12 km).

Does The Espy Hostel have a pool?

The Espy Hostel has an outdoor pool.

Is there a free airport shuttle available at The Espy Hostel?

No, The Espy Hostel does not offer an airport shuttle service.

What time are check-in & check-out at The Espy Hostel?

Check-in begins at 2:00 PM. Check-out time is 10:00 AM.

Are pets allowed at The Espy Hostel?

No, pets are not allowed.

The Espy Hostel Reviews

Reviews

7.6

Good

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

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

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

6/10 Okay

Timothy

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, room comfort
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

Roy

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 2 nights in May 2025

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

Verified traveller

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 16 nights in Mar 2025

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 2 nights 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

10/10 Excellent

THECKLA

Travelled with partner
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

4/10 Poor

Rikitake

Stayed 1 night in Jan 2025

8/10 Good

Jihoon

Stayed 1 night in Jan 2025

8/10 Good

Valerie

Travelled with partner
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

Verified traveller

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 5 nights in Jan 2025

10/10 Excellent

Charity

Bang for the buck 👍
Stayed 1 night in Dec 2024

4/10 Poor

Jason

Disliked: Staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 3 nights in Dec 2024

8/10 Good

Daniel

Stayed 4 nights in Nov 2024

10/10 Excellent

Jennifer

Travelled with partner
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

Takae

Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2024

8/10 Good

Hans

Travelled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities
Right in the middle of town Enough hostel eating area
Stayed 4 nights in Sep 2024

4/10 Poor

Lauren

Travelled with group
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

6/10 Okay

Panagiotis, MELTON

Travelled with partner
.
Stayed 6 nights in Aug 2024

4/10 Poor

Chisuzu

Disliked: Staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2024

8/10 Good

Jacob

Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2024

10/10 Excellent

HIKARU

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2024

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

2/10 Terrible

Ngu

Travelled with family
Disliked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Stayed 5 nights in Jun 2024