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Tropical North Waterfront Budget Hotels from RM269

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Check availability on Tropical North Waterfront Budget Hotels

Our top choices for Tropical North Waterfront cheap hotels

Terrace/patio
Little Drifter Cairns

Little Drifter Cairns

Little Drifter Cairns
2.0 star property
Cairns Central Business District
8.2 out of 10, Very good, (182)
"Absolutely lovely environment"
United States
James
The price is RM278
RM305 total
includes taxes & fees
23 Dec - 24 Dec
Little Drifter Cairns
Outdoor pool
YHA Cairns Central

YHA Cairns Central

YHA Cairns Central
2.0 star property
Cairns Central Business District
8.4 out of 10, Very good, (209)
"Had a great stay, thanks!"
Australia
Ryoichi
The price is RM245
RM269 total
includes taxes & fees
21 Dec - 22 Dec
YHA Cairns Central
Outdoor pool
Gilligan's Backpackers Hotel & Resort

Gilligan's Backpackers Hotel & Resort

Gilligan's Backpackers Hotel & Resort
2.0 star property
Cairns Central Business District
8.0 out of 10, Very good, (436)
"Great cheap place to stay"
United Kingdom
sarah
The price is RM556
RM612 total
includes taxes & fees
22 Dec - 23 Dec
Gilligan's Backpackers Hotel & Resort
Exterior
Caravella Backpackers

Caravella Backpackers

Caravella Backpackers
2.0 star property
Cairns Central Business District
8.4 out of 10, Very good, (147)
"So convenient, over the road from Muddies for play area and food, as well as walking. Cafe next door also excellent. Did not use shared kitchen but very well stocked with needs for future stays."
Australia
Rani
The price is RM284
RM313 total
includes taxes & fees
23 Dec - 24 Dec
Caravella Backpackers
Exterior
The Espy Hostel

The Espy Hostel

The Espy Hostel
2.0 star property
Cairns Central Business District
7.6 out of 10, Good, (84)
"Peaceful and easy with the added bonus of international aromas "
Australia
Timothy
The price is RM371
RM409 total
includes taxes & fees
15 Jan - 16 Jan 2026
The Espy Hostel
Outdoor pool
Nomads Esplanade

Nomads Esplanade

Nomads Esplanade
2.0 star property
Cairns Central Business District
5.0 out of 10, (17)
"When we got there we found out the hotel didnt exist anymore. After a bit of exploring we found where we were booked, and it was crummy to say the least"
Australia
Spaceus
Nomads Esplanade
Pool
Global Backpackers Cairns

Global Backpackers Cairns

Global Backpackers Cairns
2.0 star property
Cairns Central Business District
9.6 out of 10, Exceptional, (29)
"Great visit all good "
Australia
Anonymous traveller
Global Backpackers Cairns
Lobby
Waterfront Backpackers - Hostel

Waterfront Backpackers - Hostel

Waterfront Backpackers - Hostel
2.0 star property
Cairns Central Business District
5.4 out of 10, (42)
"Filthy. Bed had sand on it. Floors had weird stains. Air con locked out during peak heat times. Noisy. No lock on bathroom door leading directly from kitchen. "
Australia
D
Waterfront Backpackers - Hostel
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
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Top Tropical North Waterfront Hotel Reviews

Shangri-La The Marina, Cairns

Shangri-La The Marina, Cairns

10/10 Excellent
"This was a beautiful hotel. It was close to shopping, food and tour pick-ups. I would definitely recommend this hotel !"
SUSAN 3-night trip
Posted 1 day ago
Shangri-La The Marina, Cairns

Frequently asked questions

What is Tropical North Waterfront like for travellers on a budget?
Tropical North Waterfront offers cheap accommodation options and a variety of places to visit, making it a great choice for a budget-friendly getaway. You can find ways to save money while getting to know this destination, which is home to attractions such as Reef Hotel Casino, Cairns Night Markets and Esplanade Lagoon.
What's the best budget-friendly hotel in Tropical North Waterfront?
Based on our traveller reviews, Little Drifter Cairns is a top choice for a less expensive stay. Other options for your budget-friendly stay include YHA Cairns Central and Gilligan's Backpackers Hotel & Resort.
How many cheap hotels are there in Tropical North Waterfront?
Expedia has 8 hotels in Tropical North Waterfront that are ideal if you are watching your pennies.
When is the best time for a budget trip to Tropical North Waterfront?
Weather is probably a major factor when you plan your trip to Tropical North Waterfront, but bear in mind that cheaper options are usually available when the weather isn't as good. The hottest months are usually December and January, with an average temperature of 27°C, while the coldest months are August and July, with an average of 21°C. The rainiest months in Tropical North Waterfront are January, February, March and December, with each month seeing an average of 270 mm of rainfall.
What is there to see and do in Tropical North Waterfront?
You won't need to spend a fortune to find places to visit in Tropical North Waterfront. You can budget for the local attractions that interest you most, and then fill your itinerary with activities that cost little or nothing at all. Take in the local culture at Cairns Performing Arts Centre and The Cairns Museum, or enjoy the area's natural beauty at Esplanade Lagoon.
How can I get to Tropical North Waterfront and get around on a budget?
Looking at these ways to get around Tropical North Waterfront is a smart way to keep your trip affordable. The nearest airport is 3.5 mi (5.6 km) from the centre in Cairns, QLD (CNS-Cairns Intl.). Tropical North Waterfront may not have many public transport choices so a rental car could be a reasonable alternative to explore more of the area.