Cairns

Where to stay

The stretch of The Esplanade between Shields and Aplin streets holds the highest concentration of hostels and puts you steps from the free lagoon pool. If you want quieter surroundings and easier access to Translink buses for day trips, a few blocks inland around Lake Street works just as well.

Getting around

• Rusty's Markets runs Friday evening through Sunday on the corner of Grafton and Sheridan streets. A few dollars gets you enough tropical fruit to skip buying breakfast all weekend.
• The Esplanade lagoon is the only safe swim in central Cairns since jellyfish close the actual ocean for much of the year. Save the beach for Palm Cove, which is a straightforward ride on the Translink 110 bus.
• Book reef and rainforest trips through your hostel's activity desk rather than the walk-in tour shops on Lake Street. Prices are the same, but hostels often negotiate small rebates that cover the booking fee.

When to go

Hostels sit half-empty and noticeably cheaper from November through February when afternoon storms arrive daily, but July and August bring dry weather, school holidays, and enough international arrivals to fill dorm beds weeks out.