You simply can't beat our location – we're directly on the vibrant Cairns Esplanade, with the stunning Cairns Lagoon just across the street! Pop down for a refreshing dip or spend the afternoon sunbathing anytime you fancy. We're also just a stone's throw away from the bustling Night Markets, perfect for grabbing a bite or a unique souvenir. Welcome to Mad Monkey Waterfront, where unbeatable location meets a true "home away from home" vibe in the heart of Cairns! As a proud part of the Mad Monkey Backpackers Group, our smaller, intimate property makes it incredibly easy to meet people, build lasting friendships, and truly become part of our extended Mad Monkey Family as you explore the gateway to the Great Barrier Reef. Our cozy common room is the heart of our social scene, perfect for unwinding after a day out: challenge new friends to board games, join a Nintendo Switch tournament, or settle in for a film night on Netflix. Our fully equipped modern kitchen is always ready for you to cook up a meal, truly making you feel at home. Here's what you'll enjoy with every stay: - Ultrafast WiFi - Fully Equipped Kitchen - Fully Air-Conditioned Rooms with Ensuites - Spacious Rooms with Power Point & Bed Light at Each Bed - Free Events & Nightly Entertainment (including pub crawls to top backpacker bars!) You'll enjoy a comfortable stay in our spacious and clean rooms, all featuring air-conditioning to keep you cool in the tropical climate. Choose from Mixed Dorms Ensuite, Female Dorms Ensuite, or Private Double Rooms. All our dorms come with a private private bathroom, high-quality mattresses, pillows, and linen. Plus, every bunk bed is equipped with a personal USB port and power socket to keep your devices charged. Private rooms include personal towels; dorm guests can easily hire one from reception if needed. Stay connected with ultra-fast Free Wi-Fi throughout the property, ensuring you won't miss a beat. Important Info for Your Stay: - Reception is open 8 am - 8 pm. If you plan to check in after 8pm, please inform us in advance, as our night manager will assist you. - Check-out is before 10 am / Check-in is after 2 pm. - We are a strictly 18+ property. While all adults are welcome, dorm rooms are recommended for guests aged 18 to 35. - A valid physical passport is required for check-in. Photocopies will not be accepted. - Your card will be charged 1 day prior to your arrival. Please ensure there are sufficient funds to avoid cancelation. - Group Bookings: Bookings of 4 or more guests are subject to different terms and conditions, and we cannot guarantee placing all members of a group booking in the same room. - No E-Bike batteries are allowed on the premises. We look forward to welcoming you to the Mad Monkey Family so you can experience Cairns in style!

Couples in particular like the location – they rated it 8.7 for a two-person trip.

Distance in property description is calculated using © OpenStreetMap

Property highlights

  • Located in the top-rated area in Cairns, this property has an excellent location score of 9.5!

  • Want a great night's sleep? This property was highly rated for its very comfy beds.

Private parking available


Availability

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Guest reviews

Categories:

Staff
Facilities
Cleanliness
Comfort
Value for money
Location
Free Wifi

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See what guests loved the most:

Vitalii
Japan Japan
I have arrived super early. I was able to leave my bags in the luggage room until check-in time. I paid with a credit card. Also, they have a nice cafe right near the entrance. As for me, I had everything I needed. Note: Walking from the...
Maxime
Netherlands Netherlands
Very cool hostel in front of the Esplanade, very central with many shops and restarant/bars around. The stuff is super chill, common area and kitchen are clean and well furnished with all you need to cook, a big tv and many boardgames. The rooms...
Amber
Australia Australia
The location is perfect and the hostel was well taken care of.
Shikha
United States United States
Good location, very clean, helpful staff, convenient en suite bathrooms, one of the only hostel kitchens I've stayed in where I didn't need to reclean the dishes before using them
Ulli
United States United States
The location at the waterfront is excellent, the staff is nice, the room keys are great, the kitchen is big with everything you need. 2 electric outlets on each bed, laundry room,
Emmanuel
United States United States
I enjoyed my stay at Mad Monkey, really friendly staff and a great location.
Julia
United States United States
Great location, friendly staff, clean rooms and common areas.
Cassandra
Canada Canada
The location can’t be beat and the rooms were so clean!
Yu-hsuan
Australia Australia
The room was clean, and the kitchen was also clean and comfortable, and the location is really convenient, just besides the night market and esplanade! The staffs are friendly and willing to help :)) Such a good place to stay!
Grace
Australia Australia
Pretty quiet place for a backpackers and I loved how central the location is.

Area info

Amenities of Mad Monkey Waterfront

Great facilities! Review score, 8.1

Most popular amenities

  • Free Wifi
  • Private Parking
  • Non-smoking rooms
  • Laundry

House rules

Mad Monkey Waterfront takes special requests – add in the next step!
Check-in
From 2:00 PM to 8:00 PM
Guests are required to show a photo ID and credit card at check-in.
You need to let the property know what time you'll be arriving in advance.
Check-out
From 7:00 AM to 10:00 AM
Cancellation/ prepayment
Cancellation and prepayment policies vary according to accommodation type. Enter your stay dates and check the conditions of your selected option.
Children & Beds

Child policies

Children not allowed.

Crib and extra bed policies

Cribs and extra beds aren't available at this property.

Age restriction
The minimum age for check-in is 18
Pets
Pets are not allowed.
Accepted payment methods
VisaMastercardCash

The fine print

Must-know information for guests at this property

Please note that all guests need to show a valid physical passport upon arrival.

The property cannot accept guests under the age of 18 years.

All guests must sign the property's Terms of Stay.

Guests are required to show a photo identification and credit card upon check-in. Please note that all Special Requests are subject to availability and additional charges may apply.

Please note that there is a 1% charge when you pay with a credit card.

Guests are required to show a photo ID and credit card upon check-in. Please note that all Special Requests are subject to availability and additional charges may apply.

Please inform Mad Monkey Waterfront of your expected arrival time in advance. You can use the Special Requests box when booking, or contact the property directly using the contact details in your confirmation.

It's not possible to stay at this property for coronavirus (COVID-19) quarantine purposes.

FAQs about Mad Monkey Waterfront