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From30US$ /night
Check-in
27Feb2026Select date
Check-out
28Feb2026Select date
Rooms and Guests2 Guests, 1 Room
Key details

About the Hotel

1/7 Shields Street, Cairns, Australia, 4870
-
Near the Cairns Night Markets
Great
8.2
7.6
/10
2.6
4.3
/5

Location

Freedom Hostel is located just a short distance from the beaches of Rainbow Beach, with direct access to activities like horseback riding and kayaking. It is conveniently situated near Fraser Island, the largest sand island in the world, allowing easy exploration of its natural beauty. The hostel is reachable by car or public transport, making it accessible for all travelers.

Accommodation

Freedom Hostel offers a variety of room options to suit different needs, including ensuite rooms and female-only dorms. Guests can unwind in a setting that prioritizes convenience and community, making it a home away from home. Shared kitchens are available for guests to prepare their meals, adding to the communal living experience.

Amenities

The hostel provides a range of amenities, including two onsite pools for leisure and relaxation. Daily activities, like pancake breakfasts, foster social interaction and community engagement. Guests can also enjoy free bodyboard hire and laundry facilities, further enhancing their stay.

Dining

Dining options at Freedom Hostel include weekly themed nights such as Burger Blissday and Pizza Thursdays, allowing guests to enjoy meals together. The hostel encourages interaction through communal meals and fun culinary experiences. Guests are also welcome to use the shared kitchens for self-catering.

Activities

The hostel organizes free events every night, allowing guests to mingle and experience local culture. Activities include community dinners and various games, encouraging a vibrant social atmosphere. This focus on shared experiences sets Freedom Hostel apart from traditional accommodations.

Highlights

Location: Direct access to Fraser Island activities

Accommodation: Ensuite rooms and female-only dorms

Amenities: Two onsite pools for leisure

Dining: Themed nights like Burger Blissday

Must-do experiences

  • Snorkel at the Great Barrier Reef with Aroona Eco Adventures.
  • Savor a 'bush tucker' meal at Ochre Restaurant for local flavors.
  • Visit the Tjapukai Aboriginal Cultural Park for rich heritage.
  • Wander through Rusty's Markets for fresh produce and artisan goods.
  • Catch stunning views from the Cairns Skyrail Rainforest Cableway.
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Select your room type

Little Drifter Cairns Hostel offers a variety of rooms including double rooms, family rooms, and suites with breakfast, free cancelations, and special deals
Bed 4 Bed Dorm
2 persons
195 sq. feet 
1 Bunk bed
Shower
Air conditioning
Bed 6 Bed Female Dorm
2 persons
195 sq. feet 
1 Bunk bed
Shower
Air conditioning
Bed 8 Bed Female Dorm
2 persons
250 sq. feet 
1 Bunk bed
Shower
Air conditioning
Bed 6 Bed Dorm
2 persons
220 sq. feet 
1 Bunk bed
Shower
Air conditioning
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Facilities

Little Drifter Cairns Hostel offers amenities for your comfortable stay and unforgettable experiences
Facilities: Great
8.9/10Review score

General

  • No smoking on site
  • Free Wi-Fi
  • Express check-in/ -out
  • No pets allowed
  • Security
  • Luggage storage
  • Locker room
  • Vending machines
  • Smoke detectors
  • Fire extinguishers

Guest Parking

  • Shared kitchen

Services

  • Laundry
  • Tours/Ticket assistance

Children

  • Board games

Spa & Leisure

  • Leisure/ TV room

Room features

  • Air conditioning
  • Terrace
  • Garden furniture

Self-catering

  • Shared kitchen

Room decor

  • Curtains
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Little Drifter Cairns Hostel Location

1/7 Shields Street, Cairns, Australia, 4870
Map view
1/7 Shields Street, Cairns, Australia, 4870
Nearby
Green Island
Green Island
1300 ft
Gallery
Cairns Regional Gallery
1900 ft
Zoo
Cairns ZOOM and Wildlife Dome
1500 ft
52-54 The Esplanade
Cairns Cenotaph
800 ft
The Esplanade
1876 Landing Party
1100 ft
Gallery
Samurai Gallery Australia
300 ft
Gallery
Doongal Aboriginal Art Gallery Cairns
600 ft
Shop 4
Underart Gallery
500 ft
Gallery
KickArts Contemporary Arts
600 ft
Gallery
Michael Seebeck Gallery
900 ft
1/47 Shields St
Bones and Jones
1200 ft
58 Lake St Suite 3-4
Foot and Body Massage
400 ft
1 Spence St
Cairns Marlin Marina
1600 ft
Great Barrier Reef
Michaelmas Cay
1700 ft
Shopping Area
T Galleria by DFS
600 ft
Shopping Area
Orchid Plaza
400 ft
Zoo
ZOO To You HQ Wildlife Discovery Centre
2100 ft
Park
Anzac Park
1500 ft
Main Street Arcade
Reef Teach
600 ft
Green Arrow Walk
2300 ft
Restaurants
Corea Corea
400 ft
Shop 32 79 Abbott St Orchid Plaza
Galaxy Gelato
300 ft
8d Shields St
Ganbaranba
900 ft
Shop 7 14 Spence St Boland Center
Bang and Grind
900 ft
Shop 8 14 Spence St
Sushi Express Cairns
300 ft
79 Abbott St Shop 28
Thai Foodies House
300 ft
7/58 Lake St Orchid Plaza
Petit Japan
1100 ft
Orchid Plaza 58 Lake ST Down stairs of ORCHID PLAZA..
Orient Express Sushi Train
300 ft
79 Abbott St Shop 28 Orchid Plaza
Sushi Express
400 ft
58 Lake St
Onigiri Cafe Omu
1200 ft
Shop 33
Explore Cairns
Explore Cairns
Top Attractions
Activities
Dining
Entertainment
Cairns ZOOM and Wildlife Dome
Cairns ZOOM and Wildlife Dome
6 minutes' walk
Wildlife interactions and high ropes courses create an adventure hub. Great for families and thrill-seekers alike.
Cairns Night Markets
Cairns Night Markets
9 minutes' walk
A vibrant marketplace featuring local crafts and delicious food stalls. Perfect for evening shopping and eating.
Cairns Regional Gallery
Cairns Regional Gallery
7 minutes' walk
Arts and culture come alive with exhibitions showcasing local artists. A must-visit for art enthusiasts.
Josephine Falls
Josephine Falls
12 minutes' walk
Beautiful waterfalls and swimming holes provide a refreshing retreat in nature, ideal for relaxation and scenic views.
Cairns Esplanade
8 minutes' walk
Stunning walking paths, a lagoon, and public BBQs make it ideal for relaxation and family gatherings. Free and picturesque.
Bicycle Rentals
10 minutes' walk
Explore Cairns by bike. Rentals are available nearby, making it easy to cycle along the scenic Esplanade.
Snorkeling at Green Island
5 minutes' walk
Join guided snorkeling tours to discover vibrant marine life at Green Island. Book in advance during peak seasons.
Corea Corea
Corea Corea
2 minutes' walk
Korean BBQ and traditional dishes served in a vibrant atmosphere. Great for groups and casual dining.
Bang and Grind
Bang and Grind
3 minutes' walk
A trendy café with specialty coffee, light bites, and a relaxed vibe, perfect for solo travelers or casual meet-ups.
Ganbaranba
Ganbaranba
4 minutes' walk
Japanese ramen shop famed for its flavorful broths and homemade noodles. Vegetarian options available.
Cairns Arts Theatre
18 minutes' walk
A hub for performances, hosting everything from plays to musicals. Family-friendly shows create a vibrant community atmosphere.
The Jack
1.5 km drive
Live music and local bands create a lively nightlife scene. Check their schedule for weekly music events.
Getting around
City Centre
Cairns9 min  ·  2300 ft
Airports
Cairns International Airport (CNS)10 min  ·  4.0 mi
Train
Cairns Central Station9 min  ·  2300 ft
Bus
Bus stop2 min  ·  400 ft
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Property information and rules
Check-in
from 14:00-23:00
Check-out
from 07:00-10:00
Guest Parking
No parking available.
Internet
Wireless internet is available in for free.
Children & extra beds
There are no extra beds provided in a room.  There are no cots provided in a room. 
Pets
Pets are not allowed.
Languages
English, Spanish, Dutch, Portuguese
Number of rooms:
97
Former name
the village cairns

Reviews and Ratings

Feedback about Little Drifter Cairns Hostel from previous guests about their experience.
Review score
Based on 451 verified reviews
7.6/10
Very good
75%
Recommend
Breakfast
10.0/10
Cleanliness
8.8/10
Comfort
8.8/10
Facilities
8.9/10
Free Wi-Fi
9.5/10
Location
9.7/10
Paid Wi-Fi
4.1/10
Staff
8.8/10
Value for money
8.5/10
Guest reviews
based on 264 reviews
8.2/10
No reviews yet on our siteUnfortunately, our guests have not yet left any reviews for this hotel, but you can read reviews from Booking.com.
Open reviews
FAQs
About Little Drifter Cairns
What is the closest airport to Little Drifter Cairns?
The hotel is located 7 km from Cairns Airport.
What are the check-in and check-out times at Little Drifter Cairns?
Check-in is at 14:00 and check-out is by 10:00.
What amenities are available in the rooms at Little Drifter Cairns?
Rooms feature air conditioning and access to a shared bathroom.
Is free Wi-Fi available at Little Drifter Cairns?
Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the property.
What dining options are nearby Little Drifter Cairns?
Nearby restaurants include Corea Corea (0.5 km), Galaxy Gelato (0.5 km), and The Cotton Club (0.5 km).
Which attractions are close to Little Drifter Cairns?
Nearby attractions include Cairns Convention Centre (less than 1 km), Cairns Flecker Botanic Gardens (5 km), and Cairns City Library (300 m).
What facilities does Little Drifter Cairns offer for guests?
The hotel offers a shared kitchen, a lounge area, and express check-in and check-out.
Can guests access laundry services at Little Drifter Cairns?
Laundry facilities are available for guests at the hotel.
Is there parking available at Little Drifter Cairns?
Free parking is available behind the hotel.
Are there common areas for guests at Little Drifter Cairns?
The hotel features a shared lounge and a terrace for guests to unwind.
Which languages are spoken by the staff at Little Drifter Cairns?
Staff at the hotel are proficient in English.

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