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Little Drifter Cairns

2.0 star property
Hostel near Cairns Esplanade in Cairns

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Photo gallery for Little Drifter Cairns

Terrace/patio
Lounge
Private 4 Bed Female Room
Terrace/patio
Exterior

Reviews

8.2 out of 10
Very good

Popular amenities

  • Free WiFi
  • Air conditioning
  • Laundry
  • Housekeeping

Explore the area

View in a map
7 Shields St, Unit 1, Cairns, QLD, 4870
  • Place, Cairns Night Markets
    ‪2 min walk‬
  • Place, Cairns Esplanade
    ‪2 min walk‬
  • Place, Reef Hotel Casino
    ‪3 min walk‬
  • Airport, Cairns, QLD (CNS-Cairns Intl.)
    ‪10 min drive‬

Room options

View all photos for Private 4 Bed Room

Private 4 Bed Room

Private 4 Bed Room

8.0 out of 10
Very good
(1 review)
  • 18 sq m
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 4
  • 4 Twin Bunk Beds
  • Free WiFi

View all photos for Private 8 Bed Room

Free WiFi, bed sheets

Private 8 Bed Room

  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 8
  • 8 Twin Bunk Beds
  • Free WiFi

View all photos for Private 6 Bed Room

Private 6 Bed Room

Private 6 Bed Room

  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 6
  • 6 Twin Bunk Beds
  • Free WiFi

View all photos for Private 6 Bed Female Room

Private 6 Bed Female Room

Private 6 Bed Female Room

  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 6
  • 6 Twin Bunk Beds
  • Free WiFi

View all photos for Private 8 Bed Female Room

Free WiFi, bed sheets

Private 8 Bed Female Room

  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 8
  • 8 Twin Bunk Beds
  • Free WiFi

View all photos for Private 4 Bed Female Room

Private 4 Bed Female Room

Private 4 Bed Female Room

  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 4
  • 4 Twin Bunk Beds
  • Free WiFi

View all photos for Private Queen Room

Private Queen Room

Private Queen Room

9.0 out of 10
Wonderful
(4 reviews)
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Queen Bed
  • Free WiFi

About the area

Cairns

Cairns Central Business District stay.At this Cairns Central Business District hostel, you'll be well placed to visit Cairns Esplanade and Esplanade Lagoon, both within a 5-minute walk. Cairns Regional Gallery and Cairns Museum are also within half a mile (1 km).
View more Hostels in CairnsOpens in a new window

What's nearby

  • Cairns Night Markets - 2 min walk - 0.2 km
  • Cairns Esplanade - 2 min walk - 0.2 km
  • Reef Hotel Casino - 3 min walk - 0.3 km
  • Esplanade Lagoon - 5 min walk - 0.4 km
  • Cairns Central Shopping Centre - 6 min walk - 0.6 km

Getting around

  • Cairns Station - 9 min walk
  • Cairns Intl. Airport (CNS) - 12 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Wawawa Izakaya - ‬1 min walk
  • ‪The Roti Shack - ‬2 min walk
  • ‪The Mango Bar - ‬2 min walk
  • ‪Bang & Grind The Esplanade - ‬2 min walk
  • ‪Crave Cairns - ‬1 min walk

About this property

Little Drifter Cairns

Hostel near Cairns Esplanade in Cairns
As a guest of Little Drifter Cairns, you'll find a terrace, a vending machine, and tour/ticket assistance. Public spaces have free WiFi. Little Drifter Cairns also features concierge services, laundry facilities, and a television in a common area.

Smoking is allowed in designated areas at this Cairns hostel.

  • 54 guestrooms or units
  • Self-service laundry
  • Front desk (limited hours)
  • Storage area for luggage
  • Tour and ticket information
  • Concierge
  • Terrace
  • Television in lobby
  • Smoking in designated areas
  • Microwave in a common area
  • Refrigerator in a common area
  • Lockers available
Little Drifter Cairns offers 54 accommodations with air conditioning. This Cairns hostel provides complimentary wireless Internet access. Guests have access to shared bathrooms. Bathrooms include showers. Housekeeping is offered daily and hair dryers can be requested.

Similar properties

Terrace/patio
Hides Hotel Cairns
Cairns Central Business District
  • Free WiFi
  • Air conditioning
  • Breakfast available
  • Business services
3.6 out of 5, Good, 1,002 reviews
The price is CA $97
CA $108 total
includes taxes & fees
Jun 29 - Jun 30
Hides Hotel Cairns

Property amenities

Family friendly

  • Laundry facilities

Internet

  • Available in all rooms: Free WiFi
  • Available in some public areas: Free WiFi

Parking and transportation

  • No onsite parking available

Things to do

  • TV in common areas

Accessibility

  • No elevator

Room amenities

Bedroom

  • Bedsheets provided

Bathroom

  • 4 detached shared bathrooms
  • Hair dryer (on request)
  • Shower

More

  • Air conditioning

Policies

Check-in

Check-in start time: 2:00 PM; Check-in end time: anytime
Contactless check-in available
Minimum check-in age: 18

Check-out

Check-out before 10:00 AM
Contactless check-out available

Special check-in instructions

The property charges 2 percent for credit card payments
The front desk is open daily from 7:00 AM - 9:00 PM
Front desk staffed during limited hours
Guests are recommended to download the property's Duve 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 are welcome.
  • Rollaway/extra beds are not available.
  • Cribs (infant beds) are not available.

Property payment types

Important information

Optional extras

The fees and deposits listed below will be charged at the time of service, check-in, or check-out.

  • Credit card charges are subject to a surcharge of 2 percent

This may not be a comprehensive list. Fees and deposits are subject to change and might not include tax.

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
The name on the credit card used at check-in to pay for incidentals must be the primary name on the guestroom reservation
This property accepts credit cards and debit cards; cash is not accepted
Onsite parties or group events are strictly prohibited
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher, a smoke detector, 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 onsite parking is available. The name on the credit card used at check-in to pay for incidentals must be the primary name on the guestroom reservation. This property accepts Visa, Mastercard, American Express, and debit cards. Cash is not accepted. Onsite parties or group events are strictly prohibited. For guests' safety, the property includes a fire extinguisher, a smoke detector, and a first aid kit in each accommodation.

We should mention

  • Registered guests are the only ones allowed to be in guestrooms.
  • This property welcomes guests of all sexual orientations and gender identities (LGBTQ+ friendly).

Property is also known as

Freedom Cairns Cairns
Freedom Cairns Hostel/Backpacker accommodation Cairns
Freedom Cairns Hostel/Backpacker accommodation
Freedom Cairns
The Village Cairns
Freedom Cairns Hostel
The Village Cairns Hostel
Little Drifter Cairns Cairns
Little Drifter Cairns Hostel/Backpacker accommodation
Little Drifter Cairns Hostel/Backpacker accommodation Cairns

Frequently asked questions

How close is Little Drifter Cairns to the airport?

Little Drifter Cairns is 4 mi (12-min drive) away from the Cairns Intl. Airport (CNS) airport, the closest popular airport to the property.

How much does it cost to stay at Little Drifter Cairns?

As of Jun 11, 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Little Drifter Cairns on Jun 23, 2026 start from CA $110, excluding 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.

Does Little Drifter Cairns have an airport shuttle?

Airport shuttle services are not available at Little Drifter Cairns.

How close is Little Drifter Cairns to the beach?

This hostel is 14.4 mi (26-min drive) from Palm Cove Beach and 7.9 mi (18-min drive) from Holloways Beach. Don't forget your sunscreen!

Does Little Drifter Cairns offer free breakfast?

Little Drifter Cairns does not offer free breakfast.

Is there a casino at Little Drifter Cairns?

No, there is no casino at this hostel, but Reef Hotel Casino (7-min walk) and Cazalys Cairns (5-min drive) are nearby.

What time is check-in at Little Drifter Cairns?

Check-in start time: 2:00 PM; Check-in end time: anytime.

Is there free parking at Little Drifter Cairns?

Free parking is not available at this hostel.

Does Little Drifter Cairns have a pool?

Little Drifter Cairns does not have a pool.

Does Little Drifter Cairns have a spa?

There are no spa services available at this hostel.

How close is Little Drifter Cairns to downtown Cairns?

Little Drifter Cairns is 0.1 mi away from Tropical North Waterfront.

Little Drifter Cairns Reviews

Reviews

8.2

Very good

Rating 10 - Excellent. 89 out of 183 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 51 out of 183 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 20 out of 183 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 13 out of 183 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 10 out of 183 reviews

8.2/10

Cleanliness

8.6/10

Staff & service

8.0/10

Amenities

8.2/10

Property conditions & facilities

Reviews

Verified

8/10 Good

steven

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Very clean throughout, staff were excellent, I had a room near the dining, common area which was very noisy.
Stayed 5 nights in Oct 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

James

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Absolutely lovely environment
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2025
Verified

8/10 Good

Alex

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Nice location and good room.
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Daniela

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Nice surroundings, easy walking access to everything, good friendly staff, safe, several tour agents around
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Daniel

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Friendly staff helpfully, clean quite place not stinky felt quite modern, comfy bed pillow not so much but all in all good for what I needed.
Stayed 1 night in Sep 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Angela

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

Great hostel option

Really nice hostel, central location with lots to walk to- they held luggage for us from our early flight which was super helpful.
Stayed 1 night in Nov 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Greg

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Staff were outstanding and position to everything was excellent
Stayed 4 nights in Jun 2023
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Guy

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Great central location, airy and spacious.
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2022
Verified

8/10 Good

Ilhan

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
The staff were very friendly
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2023
Verified

8/10 Good

Geoffrey

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

Little Drifter.

Had a private room for rwo for four days. The room was entirely adequate but could've benefited with more hanging options for damp towels.
Stayed 4 nights in Aug 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Benjamin

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

Location location location

Great location super central for all things cairns
Stayed 4 nights in Aug 2023
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Rachael Jane

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Johnnie at reception was so friendly and helpful. Great group of guest, great activities, great vibes!! Loved my stay, thank-you!
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Andrew

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Great location and exceptional service. Rooms clean and quiet. I would definitely stay again.
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2022
Verified

8/10 Good

Kimb

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service
I love this area will be back when I back to carins
Stayed 4 nights in Jun 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Claire

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
My first stay in a backpackers that was clean and modern facilities great
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2022
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Jose

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Great hostel at Cairns CBD. Clean, quiet with a great social space in the hallway. Highly recommended for solo travelers that enjoy mostly resting at night after a full day of activities.
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2024
Verified

8/10 Good

Anusha Vijay

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
The place is clean with good rooms and spacious kitchen with all amenities
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2022
Verified

10/10 Excellent

anela

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Excellent, highly recommended for young and old
Stayed 1 night in Sep 2022
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Astrid

Friendly and helpful staff
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2023
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Constanza

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
The best of this place is the staff always willing to help and solve every issue!
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Laisa

Liked: Property conditions & facilities
Can definitely recommend to others
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2023
Verified

8/10 Good

Bianca

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service
I checked in late at night and left early in the morning, only a short stop but the cleanliness of the hostel was pristine, the room was very spacious for a 4 bedder and super neat & clean as well
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2024
Verified

6/10 Okay

Johan

Very good location in Cairns. The room was quite spartan and noisy.
Stayed 3 nights in Apr 2024
Verified

4/10 Poor

Owen

Disliked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Very budget for 40$ a night. Would’ve liked curtains between beds
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2024
Verified

8/10 Good

Monika

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service
Nice Terasse, nearby city and Lagune
Stayed 7 nights in Oct 2022