Mad Monkey Backpackers Central

The spacious common areas are great for relaxing or meeting other travelers, and the location couldn’t be better. This is only my second hostel stay, but it’s exceeded all my expectations. The rooms are always clean and feel fresh, and the friendly, welcoming staff and guests make for a really nice atmosphere.

The kitchen is huge and has everything you need for cooking. My four-bed room was comfortable, and for the whole stay I only shared it with one other guy, from France. The beds were solid, and the air conditioning was a lifesaver in Cairns’ brutal heat. Mad Monkey Central has an event almost every day, and I especially enjoyed the music quiz and the Aussie BBQ. It’s easy to meet people, with a good mix of long-term and short-term nomads. The location is spot on, close to everything and around a 10-minute walk from the pubs and bars. Definitely recommend it if you’re in Cairns.

I’m staying here long term, and the beds are comfortable. The kitchen has everything you need, and the public areas are good too. We’ve had lots of fun playing games at night at the hostel. Housekeeping is good, the staff are amazing, and it’s only two streets from the Esplanade. Definitely a Cairns must.

I was really happy with my stay at Mad Monkey Central. My friends and I had a great time, and even though we didn’t get to socialize much because we were out on tours and other plans most days, it seemed like a really chill place. I felt comfortable and at ease, despite this being my first hostel. Our room was clean, the bedding was more comfortable than I expected, and the bathrooms were fairly clean. We were lucky to have a room on the first floor. Check-in was easy, and Jack was phenomenal: we arrived around 1am after a late flight, and he kindly got us towels so we could shower even though reception was closed. The Irish bartender was friendly and kind too.