In the heart of Cairns, The Espy Hostel offers a vibrant atmosphere with an outdoor pool and laundry facilities. Connect to in-room WiFi, grab tickets for local attractions with tour assistance, and unwind on the terrace. Previous guests rave about the helpful staff.
Reviews
7,67,6 out of 10
Good
Popular amenities
Pool
Air conditioning
Laundry facilities
Free WiFi
Main amenities (10)
Housekeeping once per stay
Outdoor pool
Terrace
Air conditioning
Microwave in a common area
Refrigerator in a common area
Self-serve laundry
Limited hour front desk
Tour/ticket assistance
TV in a common area
Feel at home (5)
Cookware, dishware, and utensils
Terrace
Laundry facilities
Limited housekeeping
Outdoor swimming pools
Room options
Available filters for rooms
Showing 10 of 10 rooms
View all photos for King Private with Ensuite (International & interstate guests only)
King Private with Ensuite (International & interstate guests only)
Highlights
Air conditioning
Refrigerator
Private bathroom
Microwave
Kitchen island
Cookware/dishes/utensils
Stovetop
Shared/communal kitchen
Sleeps 2
1 King Bed
View all photos for 1 Bed Mix 3 Bed Dorm with Ensuite (International & interstate guests only)(18-35 Age Only)
1 Bed Mix 3 Bed Dorm with Ensuite (International & interstate guests only)(18-35 Age Only)
Highlights
Air conditioning
Refrigerator
Private bathroom
Microwave
Kitchen island
Cookware/dishes/utensils
Stovetop
Shared/communal kitchen
Sleeps 1
3 Twin Beds
View all photos for 1 Bed in Mix 4 Bed Dorm (International & interstate guests only)(18-35 Age Only)
1 Bed in Mix 4 Bed Dorm (International & interstate guests only)(18-35 Age Only)
Highlights
Air conditioning
Refrigerator
5 bathrooms
Microwave
Kitchen island
Cookware/dishes/utensils
Stovetop
Shared/communal kitchen
Sleeps 1
1 Twin Bunk Bed
View all photos for 1 Bed in Mix 2 Bed Dorm (International & interstate guests only)(18-35 Age Only)
1 Bed in Mix 2 Bed Dorm (International & interstate guests only)(18-35 Age Only)
Highlights
Air conditioning
Refrigerator
5 bathrooms
Microwave
Kitchen island
Cookware/dishes/utensils
Stovetop
Shared/communal kitchen
Sleeps 1
1 Twin Bunk Bed
View all photos for Double Private with Ensuite (International & interstate guests only)
Double Private with Ensuite (International & interstate guests only)
Highlights
Air conditioning
Refrigerator
Private bathroom
Microwave
Kitchen island
Cookware/dishes/utensils
Stovetop
Shared/communal kitchen
Sleeps 2
1 Double Bed
View all photos for Single Private Share Bathroom (International & interstate guests only)
Single Private Share Bathroom (International & interstate guests only)
Highlights
Air conditioning
Refrigerator
5 bathrooms
Microwave
Kitchen island
Cookware/dishes/utensils
Stovetop
Shared/communal kitchen
Sleeps 1
1 Twin Bed
View all photos for Double Private Share Bathroom (International & interstate guests only)
Double Private Share Bathroom (International & interstate guests only)
Highlights
Air conditioning
Refrigerator
5 bathrooms
Microwave
Kitchen island
Cookware/dishes/utensils
Stovetop
Shared/communal kitchen
Sleeps 2
1 Double Bed
View all photos for 1 Bed Mix 6 Bed Dorm (International & interstate guests only)(18-35 Age Only)
1 Bed Mix 6 Bed Dorm (International & interstate guests only)(18-35 Age Only)
Highlights
Air conditioning
Refrigerator
5 bathrooms
Microwave
Kitchen island
Cookware/dishes/utensils
Stovetop
Shared/communal kitchen
Sleeps 1
1 Twin Bunk Bed
View all photos for 1 Bed in Female 4 Bed Dorm (International & interstate guests only)(18-35 Age Only)
1 Bed in Female 4 Bed Dorm (International & interstate guests only)(18-35 Age Only)
Highlights
Air conditioning
Refrigerator
5 bathrooms
Microwave
Kitchen island
Cookware/dishes/utensils
Stovetop
Shared/communal kitchen
Sleeps 1
1 Twin Bunk Bed
View all photos for 1 Bed Mix 6 Bed Dorm with Ensuite (International & interstate guests only)(18-35 Age Only)
1 Bed Mix 6 Bed Dorm with Ensuite (International & interstate guests only)(18-35 Age Only)
The Espy Hostel offers a great location, putting you within just a 10-minute walk of Cairns Esplanade and Cairns Marlin Marina. An outdoor pool and a terrace are offered, and in-room conveniences include refrigerators and microwaves. Fellow travelers say great things about the helpful staff.
Languages
English
At a glance
Hotel size
17 rooms
Arriving/Leaving
Check-in time starts at 2:00 PM
Early check-in subject to availability
Minimum check-in age – 18
Check-out time is 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
Required at check-in
Credit card, debit card or cash deposit required for incidental charges
Government-issued photo ID may be required
Minimum check-in age is 18
Children
Children (17 years old and younger) are not allowed
Pets
Pets not allowed
Internet
Free WiFi in public areas
Free Wi-Fi in rooms (speed: 250+ Mbps (good for 3–5 people or up to 10 devices))
Parking
No on-site parking
Other information
Designated smoking areas
Property amenities
Food and drink
Shared microwave
Shared refrigerator
Services
Front desk (limited hours)
Tour/ticket assistance
Laundry facilities
Facilities
Terrace
Television in common areas
An outdoor pool
Room amenities
Home comfort
Air conditioning
Sleep well
Bed sheets provided
Freshen up
Towels
Stay connected
Free WiFi (speed of 250+ Mbps (good for 3–5 people or up to 10 devices))
Food and drink
Refrigerator
Microwave
Shared kitchen access
Stovetop
Toaster
Cookware, dishes, and utensils
Kitchen island
More
Housekeeping (once per stay)
Cleaning supplies
Fees & policies
Policies
This property does not have elevators.
Guests can rest easy knowing there's a fire extinguisher, a security system and a first aid kit on site.
This property welcomes guests of all sexual orientations and gender identities (LGBTQ+ friendly).
This property accepts credit cards and debit cards. Cash is not accepted.
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 offer free cancellation for a full refund?
Yes, The Espy Hostel does have fully refundable room rates available to book on our site. If you’ve booked a fully refundable room rate, this can be cancelled up to a few days before check-in depending on the property's cancellation policy. Just make sure to check this property's cancellation policy for the exact terms and conditions.
Is there a pool at The Espy Hostel?
Yes, there's an outdoor pool.
Are pets allowed at The Espy Hostel?
Sorry, pets aren't allowed.
Is parking offered on site at The Espy Hostel?
Sorry, there's no onsite parking at The Espy Hostel.
What are the check-in and check-out times at The Espy Hostel?
You can check in starting at 2:00 PM. Check-out time is 10:00 AM.
Is there an onsite casino at The Espy Hostel?
No, this hostel doesn't have a casino, but Reef Hotel Casino (6-min walk) and Cazalys Cairns (5-min drive) are both nearby.
What is there to do at The Espy Hostel and nearby?
The Espy Hostel has an outdoor pool.
What's the area around The Espy Hostel like?
The Espy Hostel is in Cairns Central Business District, a short 1-minute walk from Cairns Esplanade and 7 minutes' walk from Cairns Marlin Marina.
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The Espy Hostel Reviews
Reviews
7,6
Good
All reviews shown are from real guest experiences. Only travellers who have booked a stay with us can submit a review. We verify reviews according to our guidelines and publish all reviews, positive or negative.More informationOpens in a new window
7,4/10
Cleanliness
7,4/10
Staff & service
6,8/10
Amenities
6,8/10
Property conditions & facilities
7,4/10
Eco-friendliness
Reviews
6/10 Good
16 January 2025
Best location
Difficult to check in but friendly staff, not tidy rooms but best location in cairns!
Verified traveller
2-night trip
8/10 Very good
02 October 2024
Right in the middle of town
Enough hostel eating area
Hans
Hans, 4-night trip
10/10 Exceptional
03 June 2024
Great hostal
Maria
Maria, 3-night trip
10/10 Exceptional
28 May 2024
Awesome staff and great location! Thanks Monica!
Jackson
Jackson, 1-night trip
10/10 Exceptional
20 December 2023
It was great, in the centre of town, cheap, good kitchen with everything you need and a pool!
Drew
Drew, 2-night trip
10/10 Exceptional
26 June 2024
Nice wall painting, kind staff. Long term travelers are also kind.
HIKARU
HIKARU, 3-night trip
10/10 Exceptional
01 November 2022
A hostel with everything I needed, a great location and a friendly staff.
Jason
Jason, 7-night trip
10/10 Exceptional
25 July 2022
Central location, easy walk to absolutely everything,clean facilities and lovely staff.
amanda
amanda, 8-night trip
2/10 Poor
25 September 2024
A fuir absolument
Extremely noisy air conditioning, dilapidated bathroom with elastic closing system, hot water 1 out of 2 times. Very basic room equipment. Uncomfortable bedding
VALERIE
VALERIE, 3-night trip
8/10 Very good
18 August 2023
Covenient location. Close to everything. Nice and quiet.
Ruveen
Ruveen, 4-night trip
10/10 Exceptional
23 October 2024
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.
Jennifer
Jennifer, 5-night trip
8/10 Very good
19 January 2024
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.
Laura
Laura, 5-night trip
8/10 Very good
06 July 2023
Great location and comfortably room and bed
Bit dingy with no windows to outside and very noisy until at least midnight
Hugh
Hugh, 4-night trip
10/10 Exceptional
27 January 2023
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.
Clifmond
Clifmond, -12-night trip
10/10 Exceptional
31 December 2022
You can enjoy a free life. The staff cleans it every day, and you can make friends with other users.
tomoko
6/10 Good
01 March 2024
It’s a hostel - so not super clean or modern, as could be expected. But the Bed and Mattress were horrible, sure wouldn’t hurt to change Mattresses from time to time!
Richard
Richard, 2-night trip
4/10 Fair
13 February 2023
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
Vaia
Vaia, 2-night trip
10/10 Exceptional
23 October 2023
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.
Evan
Evan, 2-night trip
10/10 Exceptional
14 April 2023
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.
Katielynn
Katielynn, 8-night trip
4/10 Fair
02 September 2022
The pictures on Expedia made us believe that we were staying at an apartment
Turn out it was a hostile we were extremely disappointed but the management was excellent and promised a full refund after we found and moved to an apartment
david
david, 5-night trip
2/10 Poor
27 June 2024
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.
Sergey
Sergey, 1-night trip
6/10 Good
20 September 2022
This is hostel and not a hotel. It was a nicer hostel, but I wish I had known that it was a hostel before booking. The bedrooms are nice with minimal furniture - no TV. The bathroom was not nice and bare bones. When thinking this is a motel/hotel - it is not good. For a hostel, it would be one of the nicer hostels.
Jordan
Jordan, 2-night trip
4/10 Fair
14 July 2022
Good location. Friendly, polite manager. Room very basic-no coffee/tea making, fridge or tv. Insufficient sealing off of door into adjacent room meant noisy and light pollution and felt intrusive. Very overpriced for so called deluxe king room
Anne
Anne, 3-night trip
8/10 Very good
16 May 2024
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
Wayne
Wayne, 6-night trip
4/10 Fair
06 September 2024
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.