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Little Drifter Cairns

Property class: 2

Photo gallery for Little Drifter Cairns

A covered outdoor seating area with a sofa, round table, and potted plants.
A spacious lobby with a high ceiling, a green sofa, and potted plants.
A cozy room with a laptop on a round wooden table, a green armchair, a small ottoman, and a wall-mounted light.
A building with a sign reading "Little Drifter" and a covered outdoor seating area with string lights.
A person sitting on a window sill reading a book.

Reviews

8.2 out of 10
Very good

Popular amenities

  • Free Wi-Fi
  • Air-conditioning
  • Laundry room
  • Housekeeping
The current price is AU$131
includes taxes & fees
1 Oct - 2 Oct

Explore the area

View map
7 Shields St, Unit 1, Cairns, QLD, 4870
  • Place, Cairns Night Markets
    ‪2 min walk‬
  • Place, Cairns Esplanade Lagoon
    ‪3 min walk‬
  • Place, Cairns Marlin Marina
    ‪6 min walk‬
  • Airport, Cairns, QLD (CNS-Cairns Intl.)
    ‪10 min drive‬

Room options

View all photos for Bunkhouse 4 Person

A bunk bed room with a striped towel on the wall, a window with curtains, and a power outlet.

Bunkhouse 4 Person

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

View all photos for Bunkhouse 8 Person

A bunk bed room with a striped towel, brown curtains, and a storage unit with letters.

Bunkhouse 8 Person

  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 8
  • 8 Single Bunk Beds

View all photos for Bunkhouse 6 Person

A room with bunk beds, a ceiling fan, and an air conditioning unit.

Bunkhouse 6 Person

  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 6
  • 6 Single Bunk Beds

View all photos for Bunkhouse 6 Persons

A room with bunk beds, a window with curtains, and a bed with a striped pillow.

Bunkhouse 6 Persons

  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 6
  • 6 Single Bunk Beds

View all photos for Bunkhouse 8 Persons

A dormitory room with bunk beds, a ceiling fan, and a window with curtains.

Bunkhouse 8 Persons

  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 8
  • 8 Single Bunk Beds

View all photos for Bunkhouse 4 Persons

A person sitting on a window sill reading a book.

Bunkhouse 4 Persons

  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 4
  • 4 Single Bunk Beds

View all photos for Queen Room

A neatly made bed with a brown blanket, a bedside lamp, and two framed pictures on the wall.

Queen Room

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

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About the area

Cairns

At Little Drifter Cairns you'll be within a short 5-minute stroll of popular places like Cairns Esplanade and Cairns Esplanade Lagoon. Highlights at this hostel include free in-room WiFi. .This hostel has free WiFi in public areas, concierge services and luggage storage. Added amenities include laundry facilities, a microwave in a common area and a fridge in a common area. .Attractions within a 10-minute walk of this Cairns Central Business District hostel include Cairns Central Shopping Centre and Reef Fleet Terminal.
View more Hostels in CairnsOpens in a new window

What's nearby

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

Getting around

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

Restaurants

  • ‪The Mango Bar - ‬2 min walk
  • ‪Crave Cairns - ‬1 min walk
  • ‪Imm Thai Cafe - ‬2 min walk
  • ‪VT Espresso - ‬2 min walk
  • ‪Bang & Grind The Esplanade - ‬2 min walk

About this property

Little Drifter Cairns

Little Drifter Cairns offers its guests a vending machine, tour/ticket assistance, and concierge services. Public spaces have free WiFi. Little Drifter Cairns 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.

  • 54 guestrooms or units
  • Self-service laundry
  • Front desk (limited hours)
  • Storage area for luggage
  • Tour and ticket information
  • Concierge
  • Television in lobby
  • Smoking in designated areas
  • Microwave in a common area
  • Fridge in a common area
  • Locker space
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 a shower. Housekeeping is offered on a daily basis and hairdryers can be requested.

Similar properties

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YHA Cairns Central
Cairns Central Business District
  • Pool
  • Free Wi-Fi
  • Air-conditioning
  • Breakfast available
4.2 out of 5, Very good, 240 reviews
The price is AU$113
includes taxes & fees
8 Oct - 9 Oct
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Property amenities

Internet

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

Parking and transport

  • No on-site parking available

Things to do

  • TV in common areas

Family friendly

  • Laundry facilities

Conveniences

  • Laundry facilities
  • Limited-hour front desk
  • Lockers
  • Luggage storage
  • Shared microwave
  • Shared refrigerator
  • Vending machine

Guest services

  • Concierge services
  • Housekeeping (daily)
  • Tour and ticket assistance

Accessibility

  • No lift

More

  • Designated smoking areas

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 and check-out are available

Minimum check-in age - 18

Check-out

Check-out before 10:00 AM

Contactless check-out

Special check-in instructions

The property charges 2 per cent 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.
  • Cots (infant beds) are not available.

Payment types

American ExpressMastercardVisa

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 per cent

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
On-site 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 on-site parking is available. The name on the credit card used at check-in to pay for incidentals must be the primary name on the guest room reservation. This property accepts Visa, Mastercard, American Express and debit cards. Cash is not accepted. On-site 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 all 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

What is the cancellation policy at Little Drifter Cairns?

Little Drifter Cairns offers free cancellation on select room rates. Check out the cancellation policy for more info.

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

As of 20 Sept 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Little Drifter Cairns on 1 Oct 2026 start from AU$131, 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 Little Drifter Cairns?

The closest beach to Little Drifter Cairns is Palm Cove Beach (21.5 km).

Is there a free airport shuttle available at Little Drifter Cairns?

No, Little Drifter Cairns does not offer an airport shuttle service.

What time are check-in & check-out at Little Drifter Cairns?

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

Are pets allowed at Little Drifter Cairns?

No, pets are not allowed.

Little Drifter Cairns Reviews

Reviews

8.2

Very good

Rating 10 - Excellent. 92 out of 187 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 51 out of 187 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 20 out of 187 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 14 out of 187 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 10 out of 187 reviews

8.2/10

Cleanliness

8.6/10

Staff & service

8.0/10

Amenities

8.2/10

Property conditions & facilities

Reviews

Verified review

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 review

8/10 Good

Alex

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

10/10 Excellent

James

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

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 review

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 review

10/10 Excellent

Guy

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

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 review

8/10 Good

Ilhan

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

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 review

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 review

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 review

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 review

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 review

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 review

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 review

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 review

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 review

10/10 Excellent

Astrid

Friendly and helpful staff
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2023
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Laisa

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

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 review

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 review

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 review

6/10 Okay

Johan

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

8/10 Good

Monika

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

10/10 Excellent

Daphnie

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
I was in a private room, ac worked well and it was a clean, comfortable and quiet
Stayed 4 nights in Sep 2022