Cairns Central YHA

Nice location, basically close to everything that you need as a tourist. Bed was comfortable and A/C was strong enough for humid summer. Providing a towel and sunblock for free is a nice bonus. Pool in the hostel was great for sunbathing and swimming. Staff are friendly and solid. Common areas were generally clean and the kitchen has spacious fridges so your grocery bags wouldn’t be jammed among a bunch of other stuff.

The door of my room made bizarre sound whenever we open/close it so bothered the sleep. Think it needs to be greased. And both the website and staff never mentioned that alcohol consumption is not allowed in the hostel. I didn’t have any idea and when I brought the wine bottle, the staff brought it out from me and didn’t give it back. Wish someone would’ve mentioned before so could prevent potential hassles.

The cleanest and friendliest hostel I’ve stayed in on the east coast. It really sets a high standard. Great atmosphere. Fun social nights like movies by the pool or a BBQ. There are lots of staff around who work hard to keep the hostel clean. The kitchen is excellent; well stocked with stuff to clean, good storage system, plenty of space. Excellent secure parking. The location was perfect, a little bit further away from the action of the Esplanade but only a short walk away. Wifi was always reliable and fast.

The mattress I slept on was extremely uncomfortable, you could feel every spring.

Kitchen was cleaned thoroughly every day, two large shared bathrooms(female) with 4 toilets/showers each floor, never had to wait for either. Staff was incredible and friendly and ran social nights often and got people involved. Right across the street from Cairns Central Shopping centre which has EVERYTHING you could possibly need. Wooly's Coles, Kmart Target etc. Walking distance to the Esplanade, Night Markets and Rusty's fresh produce markets which is open Fri/Sat/Sun, would highly recommend getting the best tropical fruit from there. Rooms were spacious and clean, Pool was also nice.

Mattresses weren't the most comfortable, and not consistent. In one room I had a decent thicker one and the other room had a very thin mattress where you could feel the springs. I know it is an old building and they do have enough plugs for each guest, but updating at some point to have each bunk have their own individual plug and light would make it much better. That being said, these issues didn't deter me from rebooking here several times. Also very small detail, but the bathrooms could use more than one soap dispenser, it was always awkward to have to reach over people to get to the only soap dispenser.

Location was good as I had to catch an early train to Townsville. It was also only a walk away from the esplanade and restaurants

More hanging space in room.

Cairns YHA is located close to the shopping mall with a 24 hour accessed kitchen area. This was fantastic for me being an early riser, so could get to my food, cook and make a hot drink anytime I wanted to. The dorm (4 person) was very large with good air conditioning provided. Lockers within the dorm room adequate for keeping safe the essential items. Excellent shower and toilet facilities on both floors. Seating area to eat both inside and out. Quiet working room also provided. Access after hours by electronic means only. Pool was nice. Location of the hostel was close to the greyhound bus stop at Cairns. Bus routes to North Cairns close by as well. The staff were fantastic and very helpful. Taxi was booked for lift to airport when i left and reasonably priced at $28. The hostel arranges tours as well. An a la carte breakfast is offered although I did not have. Small outdoor smoking area is also provided. Highly recommend this for the over 35 age group.

Perhaps the bunk beds could have been longer, I am 192cm but it was ok for short stay there.

The location is perfect to be beside Cairns Railway Station and its mall with many shops, restaurants and services. It is not too far from the pier and Esplanade, either. The staff are nice guys with helpful attitudes. The hostel court and its rooms are pretty clean and tidy.

The room is small with almost merely a bed. Only public bathrooms with showers are available. Breakfast is not cheap but relatively simple. Checking time is 2 PM, but check out time is 10 AM.

I got an upgrade to a private room with private bathroom for some nights, that was cool. Sam the manager is very nice and is always paying attention to the guest's comfort. The pool is ok, they make Sunday Movie Nights by the pool and the vibe is amazing. Also it isn't a noisy hostel, so if you're looking to have some rest this is the place.

No power outlets near the beds. The cleaning could be done a bit more often, rooms got too dirty. I've been in 5 different rooms in this hostel and the 4 female room was annoyingly small, I couldn't even fit my suitcase in there so I had to leave it in the storage room for like 10 days. Also there are no lifts so take into account you're gonna have to take your luggage upstairs by yourself (most rooms are in the first or second floor).

What can I say, this place has the loveliest and most helpful staff ever :). Stayed here twice, and was pleasantly surprised when I was greeted by my name when I walked in to check in again. I had some problems with the initial dorm I was staying in, and when asked if it was possible to move to another dorm, this was done without any problems (and the staff kept checking in throughout to make sure everything was OK). Other than that: great location near the bus station, lovely courtyard, nice kitchen area and comfortable rooms

In one of the dorms next to the women's bathroom you could hear all the (fairly loud) noises from water going through the pipes whenever someone took a shower, which is a bit disruptive at night

The staff were fantastic, always very cheerful and helpful whenever I arrived at the reception desk. The pool was surprisingly clean, especially compared to other hostel's I've stayed at in the area. The toilets and showers were also usually clean.

The kitchen and toilets are in dire need of a good ventilation system. I as well as many others who were staying there at the time complained about the heat and humidity levels within both areas. The kitchen - although well stocked with plates, bowls and cutlery, was severely lacking in usable pans with handles still attached to them! The bedrooms also need a serious reconfiguration. I stayed in a 6-bed room, with only four lockers and all of the plugs were stationed on one side of the room, next to one another.

I arrived very early and was able to get access to my room hours ahead of check in which I appreciated so much! As a solo female traveller I also enjoyed having female only shared bathroom facilities. The pool was also lovely and I found that while people socialized in the evenings around the common area it wrapped up at a very reason able hour and there were no disruptions on my sleep.

I could have used more towels in my room - I was only given one which was not replenished daily so I had to keep asking for new towels but every time I did ask everyone was very friendly and accommodating.