The Espy Hostel, Cairns ➤ Reviews, Rooms & Prices 2026

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Key details

About the Hotel

83 Esplanade, Cairns, Qld 4780 Cairns, Qld 4780, Cairns, Australia, 4780

Near the Cairns Esplanade

Very good

7.1

7.6

/10

Loved by guests

Great location
Comfy beds
Fully stocked kitchen
Keyless entry

"Genuinely the best hostel I've ever stayed at - It's family-owned and operated, made for travellers, by travellers."

Christina from Australia

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"The kitchen is well equipped and has also an airfryer."

Laura

"Great property in a great location."

Jennifer

Rooms

The Espy Hostel offers mixed dorms accommodating up to 8 guests, providing the perfect chance for social interaction. Private rooms are available with en-suite bathrooms for a more personal experience. Guests can unwind and recharge in clean, air-conditioned spaces equipped with comfortable bedding.

Location

Located in the heart of Cairns, the hostel is just a short walk from major attractions such as the Cairns Esplanade and local markets. Access to public transport and tour operators is convenient, making exploration of the Great Barrier Reef easy and accessible. The airport is only a 15-minute drive away, allowing for seamless travel.

Dining

The Espy Hostel features an on-site bar and restaurant, The Espy Bar & Café, offering a range of meals and beverages throughout the day. Guests can enjoy budget-friendly dining options with a menu that caters to various tastes. Additionally, the communal kitchen allows for home-cooked meals, supporting guests' culinary interests.

Entertainment

The hostel provides a variety of entertainment options, including pool tables and organized events to foster guest interaction. Weekly trivia nights and movie screenings create a lively social atmosphere. Guests can also access tour bookings for outdoor adventures and experiences in the surrounding area.

Amenities

Guests benefit from laundry facilities on-site, ensuring convenience during longer stays. Free parking is available for those traveling by car, and the reception offers assistance with booking activities. The hostel also provides bike rentals, encouraging exploration of the beautiful Cairns area.

Highlights

Location: Short walk from main attractions

Rooms: Mixed dorms and private rooms

Dining: The Espy Bar & Café

Entertainment: Pool tables and events

“The Espy Hostel makes a practical base for exploring Cairns, especially given its proximity to the lagoon and night market. I found the kitchen well-equipped, and the availability of both dorm and private room options is a definite plus. While some rooms show their age, the consistently helpful staff and convenient tour booking options are notable advantages.”

James DavidEditor-in-Chief at Tohotel

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Highlights from guests

Room FeaturesComfy beds!

The beds felt like sleeping in a cozy pod! The wooden frames offer privacy, and the mattresses are super comfy.

Anders from Sweden

Review on

BathroomClean Facilities

Bathrooms were clean and spacious. Showers had great pressure. They provide large bath towels, which is a plus.

Mei from China

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DiningSpacious Kitchen

The kitchen is well-equipped, even with an air fryer! Plenty of space for cooking and meeting fellow travelers.

Klaus from Germany

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Spa & LeisureChilled vibes

The pool area is super comfy, with sofas and a hammock! A perfect spot to relax and meet people.

Marco from Italy

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Select your room type

The hotel offers a variety of rooms including double rooms, family rooms, and suites with breakfast, free cancelations, and special deals

Bed 4-Bed Female Dormitory Room 18 35 ages only

2 persons

155 sq. feet

1 Bunk bed

Shower

Air conditioning

room details

Standard Single Room

2 persons

110 sq. feet

1 Single bed

Shower

Air conditioning

room details

Standard Double Room

2 persons

130 sq. feet

1 Double bed

Shower

Air conditioning

room details

Bed 4-Bed Mixed Dormitory Room 18 35 ages only

2 persons

155 sq. feet

1 Bunk bed

Shower

Air conditioning

room details

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Price and Room Availability Calendar

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Facilities

The hotel offers amenities for your comfortable stay and unforgettable experiences

General

Non-smoking rooms
Free Wi-Fi
VIP check-in/ -out
Express check-in/ -out
No pets allowed
Security
Adults only
Vending machines
Smoke detectors
Fire extinguishers

Guest Parking

Shared kitchen

Children

Board games

Spa & Leisure

Rooftop pool
Sun loungers
Leisure/ TV room

Room features

Air conditioning
Sitting area
Garden furniture

Bathroom

Washing machine
Free toiletries

Self-catering

Shared kitchen

Media

Flat-screen TV

Location

83 Esplanade, Cairns, Qld 4780 Cairns, Qld 4780, Cairns, Australia, 4780

Map view

83 Esplanade, Cairns, Qld 4780 Cairns, Qld 4780, Cairns, Australia, 4780

City landmarks

Landmark

Cairns Night Markets

2400 ft

Market

Rusty's Markets

3100 ft

Museum

The Cairns Museum

2600 ft

Library

Cairns City Library

2600 ft

Park

Muddy's Playground

3800 ft

Aquarium

Cairns Aquarium

3700 ft

Church

St Monica's Cathedral

4000 ft

Park

Munro Martin Parklands

4800 ft

Landmark

Josephine Falls

3200 ft

Public Building

Cairns Regional Council

1.0 mi

Nearby

Green Island

1300 ft

Gallery

Cairns Regional Gallery

1900 ft

Zoo

Cairns ZOOM and Wildlife Dome

1500 ft

52-54 The Esplanade

Cairns Cenotaph

1100 ft

Gallery

Michael Seebeck Gallery

100 ft

The Esplanade

1876 Landing Party

1600 ft

Gallery

Samurai Gallery Australia

900 ft

Gallery

Doongal Aboriginal Art Gallery Cairns

1000 ft

Gallery

KickArts Contemporary Arts

1000 ft

Shop 4

Underart Gallery

1300 ft

1 Spence St

Cairns Marlin Marina

1600 ft

Great Barrier Reef

Michaelmas Cay

1700 ft

1/47 Shields St

Bones and Jones

1800 ft

58 Lake St Suite 3-4

Foot and Body Massage

1200 ft

Shopping Area

T Galleria by DFS

1300 ft

Shopping Area

Orchid Plaza

1200 ft

Zoo

ZOO To You HQ Wildlife Discovery Centre

1900 ft

Green Arrow Walk

2100 ft

85-87 The Esplanade

Gareth Kelly Gallery

100 ft

52-54 Esplanade

Cairns Esplanade Markets

600 ft

Restaurants

Devine Gelato

600 ft

Shop 3 5 Aplin St

Gelocchio

500 ft

9/93 The Esplanade (50 metres up Aplin street From Esplanade-Aplin corner

Oasis Kebab

1000 ft

83 Esplanade

YOMG Cairns

100 ft

125 Abbott St

Food House Cafe

100 ft

89 Esplanade

Pho Viet

800 ft

Orchid Plaza 24 Shields St And Shop 18. Orchid Plaza

Self Service

900 ft

Abbott Street

Blue Lagoon Bar

200 ft

11/71-75 The Esplanade

Pho Street

1100 ft

Shop 15 54-60 Abbott St

Ice Cloud

1100 ft

Abbott St Night Markets

Explore Cairns

Local Highlights

Cairns ZOOM and Wildlife Dome

6 minutes' walk

Wildlife and adventure combined at this interactive park featuring zip lines and native animals.

Cairns Aquarium

14 minutes' walk

Learn about marine life native to the Great Barrier Reef with stunning exhibits and daily feeding shows.

The Cairns Museum

10 minutes' walk

Insightful exhibits on Cairns' history and culture. Special displays and guided tours available.

Cairns Cenotaph

5 minutes' walk

A tribute to veterans, this memorial offers peaceful surroundings and is a great spot for reflection.

Cairns Esplanade Lagoon

5 minutes' walk

Relax at this free swimming lagoon with stunning ocean views, BBQ areas, and picnic spots.

Skydiving over Cairns

15 minutes' drive

Thrill-seekers can enjoy breathtaking views while skydiving above the Great Barrier Reef.

Yoga by the Sea

10 minutes' walk

Join outdoor yoga classes at the Esplanade with stunning views and a refreshing atmosphere.

Gelocchio

2 minutes' walk

Homemade gelato offering a variety of flavors in a charming space, perfect for a sweet treat.

Oasis Kebab

4 minutes' walk

Casual dining with delicious kebabs and Mediterranean dishes, catering to various dietary preferences.

Devine Gelato

3 minutes' walk

A local favorite for gelato and real fruit smoothies in a relaxed setting close to the esplanade.

Cairns Night Markets

9 minutes' walk

A vibrant market featuring local crafts, food stalls, and live entertainment every evening.

Reef Hotel Casino

10 minutes' walk

Casino and entertainment venue hosting live shows, restaurants, and a lively bar scene.

Munro Martin Parklands

18 minutes' walk

A beautiful park hosting live music events and community gatherings in a scenic outdoor setting.

Getting around

City Centre

Cairns9 min · 2300 ft

Airports

Cairns International Airport (CNS)10 min · 4.0 mi

Train

Cairns Central Station10 min · 2700 ft

Bus

Bus stop2 min · 400 ft

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Property information and rules

Check-in

from 14:00-23:59

Check-out

from 08:00-10:00

Guest Parking

No parking available.

Internet

is available in for free.

Pets

Pets are not allowed.

Number of rooms:

Former name

cairns waterfront haven

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The Espy Hostel, Cairns

About the Hotel

Rooms

Location

Dining

Entertainment

Amenities

Highlights

Select your room type

Price and Room Availability Calendar

Facilities

General

Guest Parking

Children

Spa & Leisure

Room features

Bathroom

Self-catering

Media

Location

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