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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

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

Reviews

7.6 out of 10
Good

Popular amenities

  • Pool
  • Air conditioning
  • Kitchen
  • Laundry
  • Free WiFi
The current price is AU$36
includes taxes & fees
5 Apr - 6 Apr

Explore the area

Map
83 Esplanade, Cairns, QLD, 4870
  • Cairns Esplanade
    ‪1 min walk‬
  • Cairns Marlin Marina
    ‪7 min walk‬
  • Reef Fleet Terminal
    ‪7 min walk‬
  • Cairns, QLD (CNS-Cairns Intl.)
    ‪11 min drive‬

Room options

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)

Highlights

Air conditioning
Fridge
5 bathrooms
Microwave
Stovetop
Cookware/dishes/utensils
Kitchen island
Toaster
  • Sleeps 1
  • 1 Single 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)

Highlights

Air conditioning
Fridge
5 bathrooms
Microwave
Stovetop
Cookware/dishes/utensils
Kitchen island
Toaster
  • Sleeps 1
  • 1 Single Bunk Bed

View all photos for Double Room

Double Room

Double Room

Highlights

Air conditioning
Fridge
Microwave
Stovetop
Cookware/dishes/utensils
Kitchen island
Toaster
Shared/communal kitchen
  • 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
Fridge
5 bathrooms
Microwave
Stovetop
Cookware/dishes/utensils
Kitchen island
Toaster
  • Sleeps 1
  • 1 Single Bunk Bed

Shared Dormitory

Highlights

Air conditioning
Fridge
5 bathrooms
Microwave
Stovetop
Cookware/dishes/utensils
Kitchen island
Toaster
  • Sleeps 1
  • 1 Single Bunk Bed

View all photos for Shared Dormitory, Mixed Dorm

Free WiFi, bed sheets

Shared Dormitory, Mixed Dorm

Highlights

Air conditioning
Fridge
Microwave
Stovetop
Cookware/dishes/utensils
Kitchen island
Toaster
Shared/communal kitchen
  • Sleeps 1
  • 1 Large 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)

Highlights

Air conditioning
Fridge
Private bathroom
Microwave
Stovetop
Cookware/dishes/utensils
Kitchen island
Toaster
  • Sleeps 1
  • 1 Single Bunk Bed

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About the area

Cairns

The Espy Hostel puts you in the heart of Cairns, steps from Cairns Esplanade and within a 10-minute stroll of Cairns Marlin Marina. 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. .Attractions within a 15-minute walk of this Cairns Central Business District hostel include Reef Fleet Terminal and Cairns Central Shopping Centre.
View more Hostels in CairnsOpens in a new window

What's nearby

  • Cairns Esplanade - 1 min walk - 0.1 km
  • Esplanade Lagoon - 4 min walk - 0.4 km
  • Cairns Marlin Marina - 7 min walk - 0.6 km
  • Reef Fleet Terminal - 7 min walk - 0.7 km
  • Cairns Central Shopping Centre - 12 min walk - 1.1 km

Getting around

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

Restaurants

  • ‪Rattle N Hum - ‬1 min walk
  • ‪Flynn's Italian by Crystalbrook - ‬1 min walk
  • ‪Crepe - ‬4 min walk
  • ‪La Pizza Trattoria - ‬1 min walk
  • ‪Imm Thai Cafe - ‬4 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.

Languages

English

Similar properties

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YHA Cairns Central

  • Pool
  • Free WiFi
  • Air conditioning
  • Breakfast available
4.2 out of 5, Very good, 184 reviews
The price is AU$90
includes taxes & fees
1 Apr - 2 Apr
YHA Cairns Central

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

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

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 28 Mar 2025, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at The Espy Hostel on 5 Apr 2025 start from AU$35.99, 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 Palm Cove Beach (21.3 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. 30 out of 75 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 19 out of 75 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 9 out of 75 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 10 out of 75 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 7 out of 75 reviews

7.4/10

Cleanliness

7.4/10

Staff & service

7.0/10

Amenities

6.8/10

Property conditions & facilities

7.6/10

Eco-friendliness

Reviews

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

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

10/10 Excellent

Maria

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

Shaun

Stayed 1 night in May 2024

8/10 Good

Wayne, Saint Maries

Travelled with partner
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

10/10 Excellent

Hiito

Stayed 7 nights in Jan 2024

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

Nils Erik Kristoffer

Stayed 1 night in Dec 2023

10/10 Excellent

Drew

Travelled with partner
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

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.

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

Martina

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Stayed 6 nights in Oct 2023