Mad Monkey Backpackers Waterfront

The location is everything: right on the Esplanade, next to the night market, bars and grocery stores. There’s a great balance between social time and privacy, with a downstairs common area so people hanging out won’t disturb you while you sleep. Housekeeping cleans the rooms and kitchen daily. The people and staff are so friendly, and I’ve met loads of wonderful people here. Of the three other Cairns hostels I’ve tried, Mad Monkey Waterfront is by far the best. It’s ideal for a working holiday because it’s close to places to apply for jobs, or for a few nights just because of the location. I’m planning to stay longer. Live, Laugh, Love MMWF 😌🙏😤

The washrooms and toilets in the rooms are laid out in a way that makes getting ready in the morning easy and comfortable. I slept really well, and the rooms and shared areas were clean. The location is great, right by the main parts of the city, and the staff are super friendly.

It works fine as a base if you’ll be out most of the time, but the hostel itself is very quiet and has a strange vibe. I’m grateful the staff helped me after hours when I needed to get back into my room. The rest of the time, though, they didn’t seem keen to help. Finding the entrance is a bit confusing since the door is right by the happy travels booking desk. They offer social events, but people don’t really go unless they live there. It’s okay for one or two nights, but I wouldn’t recommend a longer stay.

The kitchen and dining area have a cozy feel, and there are loads of cooking utensils, so it seems like a great choice for a longer stay in Cairns. The hostel is in a very good spot on Esplanade Street. Rooms were clean, staff were helpful, and the atmosphere was social without being too much.