About this property
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 en-suite 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 cancellation. - 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 particularly like the location — they rated it 9.1 for a two-person trip.
Distance in property description is calculated using © OpenStreetMap
Most popular facilities
- Free WiFi
- Private parking
- Non-smoking rooms
- Laundry
Guest reviews
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Guests who stayed here loved
- Lia
Germany
“This is hands down my favorite hostel in Cairns. From the moment I arrived, the staff were genuinely friendly and made me feel welcome. It’s the kind of place where it’s easy to feel comfortable right away. The location is ideal, everything you...” - Magic
Taiwan
“en suite room is convenient and room has large space. No physical keycard, near beach” - Leonardo
Australia
“The rooms are clean and the best thing is the hostel staff” - Sofia
Australia
“We had a great time! The hostel is lovely, full of good vibes and really well located. Leo is awesome, always there if you need anything. Thanks for the good vibes!” - Montagnini
Australia
“The rooms were a good size and the bathroom was very clean. They even changed the bed linen after two days, including for guests who were only staying one more night, which I really appreciated. I loved the evening activities – on Sunday they had...” - Castillo
Uruguay
“I really enjoyed my stay at this hostel — it had a welcoming atmosphere and a great social vibe. The staff were friendly and always ready to help. It felt like a perfect place to relax and meet new people!” - Keelin
Ireland
“Brilliant location, everything is right outside the door. Isn't loud like other hostels but less activities. If you want somewhere cheap in the heart of everything than this place is definitely the place to go to.” - Rosa
Italy
“Mad Monkey Waterfront was one of the best parts of my time in Cairns. I ended up staying way longer than planned because the atmosphere was just too good. The people I met there felt like family, and the staff always made everyone feel welcome and...” - Mohamed
Australia
“I liked the friendly and helpfull staff members and so far I enjoyed the facility given by the hostel , I would definitely recommend to everyone coming to cairns. And I liked the location which is in the centre of the city facing the espalanade” - Marlene
Austria
“I enjoyed that the hostel is not too big, so very easy to socialize and get to know new people. The free Bbq on sunday is great! Also the common areas are nice and the kitchen is bright and has everything you need.”
Property surroundings
House rules
Child policies
Children are not allowed.
Cot and extra bed policies
Cots and extra beds are not available at this property.


The fine print
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 identification 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 in advance of your expected arrival time. You can use the Special Requests box when booking, or contact the property directly with the contact details provided in your confirmation.
It is not possible to stay at this property for Coronavirus (COVID-19) quarantine purposes.