Stylish new hostel opens in Cairns CBD, adding 256 beds for budget travellers

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Mouldy bathrooms and sweaty bedrooms could be a distant memory for Far North backpackers after the launch of a stylish new hostel in Cairns CBD.

After four months of renovations, The Village Cairns has been transformed into Little Drifter, a sleek property with 256 beds in Shields Street.

Drifter CEO Luke Moran said people’s tastes had changed and nowadays visitors wanted a bit of luxury, even on a budget.

Drifter CEO Luke Moran, Brodie Roache and Josh Hunt at the official opening of Cairns’ newest hostel, Little Drifter.

“It’s affordable travel but people want quality products,” he said.

“Our philosophy is we buy assets, we spend money on them, we try and elevate the offering in each of them.

“We’ve spent a lot of money on basics like good beds which we feel are really important. As well as the communal feel ... it’s all about the experience. It’s about being here in Cairns.”

After nearly $3 million in renovations, Little Drifter has opened in Shields Street, Cairns.

The nearly $3 million renovations include immaculate bathrooms, private and shared rooms, a revamped in-house kitchen and plenty of communal areas.

The investment will join more than 20 backpackers across the city and mark the latest in Drifter’s network that has properties across Sydney’s Bondi Beach, Melbourne’s CBD and one soon to be launched in Byron Bay.

Cairns’ newest hostel has opened in the CBD, adding an extra 256 new beds to the region’s accommodation offerings.

Mr Moran said after achieving almost full occupancy in its first month, Drifter had big plans for Cairns.

“We’re investing heavily in this space (budget accommodation) so there’s a lot happening,” he said.

“This is stage one but we own the whole precinct here. So, we own the retail space here in this building as well so we’re currently reviewing what we do to keep enhancing it.

“We think there’s an opportunity to continue to build this property out.”

Originally published as Stylish new hostel opens in Cairns CBD, adding 256 beds for budget travellers