Cairns
Queensland, Australia
Daily Budget
~A$63
~US$60 · per day
Best Months
Climate
Dry Season / Winter
Vibe
Adventure base
Overview
Cairns is the adventure capital of tropical North Queensland and the northern terminus of the classic east coast backpacker trail. Wedged between the Great Barrier Reef and the Daintree Rainforest — the only place on earth where two UNESCO World Heritage sites meet — Cairns is where backpackers come to dive, snorkel, bungee jump, and explore the tropics. The city itself is compact and hostel-heavy, with a free lagoon pool, night markets, and a buzzing backpacker strip.
Editor's Pick
Cairns stands out for: Premier gateway to the Great Barrier Reef — day trips and liveaboard dive expeditions depart daily; Where reef meets rainforest: two UNESCO World Heritage areas within a short drive; Adventure activity hub: diving, snorkelling, skydiving, bungee jumping, white-water rafting, and jungle surfing.
Things to Do
View all 11 activitiesBungee jump or jungle swing at AJ Hackett Cairns
Bungee jump or jungle swing at AJ Hackett Cairns (from $179 AUD)
Day trip to the Daintree Rainforest and Cape-Tribulation for the oldest tropical rainforest on earth
Day trip to the Daintree Rainforest and Cape-Tribulation for the oldest tropical rainforest on earth
Top Hostels
View all 6 hostels
Budget Breakdown
| Category | Daily (AUD) | Daily (USD) |
|---|---|---|
| Hostel dorm | A$24 | $23 |
| Food | A$15 | $15 |
| Transport | A$2 | $2 |
| Activities | A$6 | $6 |
| Total | ~A$63 | ~$60 |
Hostels
6 hostels with reviews and vibe scores
Things to Do
11 activities and experiences
Getting Here
Transport routes, prices, and tips
Frequently Asked Questions
- How much does it cost to backpack in Cairns?
- Budget around A$63 AUD (~US$60) per day in Cairns, covering a hostel dorm, meals, local transport, and a few activities.
- When is the best time to visit Cairns?
- The best months for backpackers to visit Cairns are Apr, May, Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep, Oct, Nov, when the weather is most favourable and conditions are ideal for sightseeing and outdoor activities.
- What are the best hostels in Cairns?
- Top-rated hostels in Cairns include Travellers Oasis, Cairns Central YHA, Global Backpackers Cairns. Prices for a dorm bed typically start from A$19 per night.
- What are the top things to do in Cairns?
- Must-do activities in Cairns include Bungee jump or jungle swing at AJ Hackett Cairns, Day trip to the Daintree Rainforest and Cape-Tribulation for the oldest tropical rainforest on earth, Explore the Atherton Tablelands for waterfalls, crater lakes, and platypus spotting. There are 11 activities and experiences listed for backpackers.
