Little Drifter Cairns

Hostel/Backpacker accommodation, 2-star7 Shields St, Unit 1, Cairns, Queensland, 4870, Cairns, AustraliaShow on map

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8.2 · Very good77 reviews

Check-in from 2:00 PMCheck-out by 11:00 AM.
Very good locationGuests rate the location 8.4 out of 10, at 7 Shields St, Unit 1, Cairns, Queensland, 4870.

Discover the perfect blend of comfort and convenience at Little Drifter Cairns, where every detail is designed to enhance your stay.

Serene Outdoor Spaces Take in stunning views from our terrace, creating a picturesque backdrop for your afternoons. Enjoy the fresh air while socializing or unwinding after a day of adventure.

Thoughtful Amenities Stay connected with complimentary wireless internet access offered throughout the property. Our concierge services are available to help you plan unforgettable experiences in beautiful Cairns.

Comfortable Accommodations Relax in one of our 54 air-conditioned guestrooms, equipped with all the essentials including shower amenities and hair dryers. Common areas boast televisions and convenient laundry facilities to make you feel right at home.

What this place offers

Television in common areas
Front desk (limited hours)
Skydiving nearby
Ecotours nearby
Tours/ticket assistance
Shared microwave
Shared refrigerator
Free WiFi
Terrace
Luggage storage

Rooms

8.2

Very good

Rated 8.2 out of 10 by 77 guests who stayed here.

Cleanliness7.4
Service8.6
Location8.4
Rooms7.9
Amenities8.4
Value8.4
Food & drink8.4

Guests mention

Private room for twoLovely environment

Geoffrey
August 2025
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.
James
August 2025
Absolutely lovely environment
sophie
January 2025
This hostel was very dirty when we arrived, even though the bathrooms had apparently been cleaned just 1/2 hours before. The rooms felt very much like a prison, literally a bed, hard floor and no windows. I will give…
Monique
December 2024
Property was in a good location but the kitchen was very full and hard to find any space.
Angela
November 2024
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.
Robert L
October 2024
A very good backpacker type of place
In a central location, very close to both attractions and amenities (restaurants, bars, shops, bottle (liquor) store.) All star ratings are relative, i.e., based on this being a backpacker dormitory type of place.…

Reviews are written by guests who booked through our supplier and stayed, shown as written and in their own language. Category scores are the supplier’s reading of recent reviews, updated January 2026.

Where you’ll be

7 Shields St, Unit 1, Cairns, Queensland, 4870, Cairns, Australia

Guests rate the location 8.4 out of 10 — very good.

Things to know

Cancellation

Each room shows its own terms before you pay.

Most rates can be cancelled free until a date shown on the room.

Non-refundable rates are marked as such.

House rules

Check-in from 2:00 PM until anytime

Check-out by 11:00 AM

No children

No pets

Pets. Pets not allowed

Children and extra beds. No rollaway/extra beds available

Check-in & Check-out. Contactless check-out is available

Guest type. Essential workers only - NO

Accessibility. No elevators

General. Professional property host/manager

Check-in & Check-out. Contactless check-in is available

Children and extra beds. No cribs (infant beds) available

Payment & property

Paid when you book, not at the desk.

Rates include the taxes and fees we can read.

The property may take a card at check-in for incidentals.

Contactless check-in and contactless check-out are available. A deposit may be required at the property.

What we’d check for you here

That the step-free room is actually free on your dates, and whether it is a roll-in shower or a bath, which the listing never says.
Whether the rate moves for your dates, and what it includes.
What the property actually charges at the desk on top of the rate.

Questions about Little Drifter Cairns

What time is check-in and check-out at Little Drifter Cairns?

Check-in is from 2:00 PM. Check-out is by 11:00 AM. If you're arriving late, tell us and we'll ask the property to hold the room.

Does Little Drifter Cairns allow pets?

No — the property states that pets are not allowed.

Does Little Drifter Cairns have Wi-Fi?

Yes — internet access is listed among the property's facilities.

Does Little Drifter Cairns have wheelchair accessible rooms?

The property lists step-free or accessible facilities. That flag is the one least able to settle the question: a hotel can carry it and still have a step at the entrance, or a bath rather than a roll-in shower, and it does not say whether the accessible room is free on your dates. Tell us what you need and we'll ask the property directly rather than reading you the flag.

How do I book Little Drifter Cairns?

Put your dates in above and book online, or call (888) 789-8585 and we'll do it for you — including things a booking form can't handle, like a block of rooms, a monthly rate or an invoice for your employer.

Where is Little Drifter Cairns?

7 Shields St, Unit 1, Cairns, Queensland, 4870, Cairns.

Other places we book in Cairns

Nothing to do with the booking above. The same market, priced the same way, for if this one is not it.

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