About

Kick back and enjoy a refreshing drink at our outdoor bar, serving up budget-friendly sips including locally brewed Coral Sea beer – perfect for those chilled pre-drinks to easily meet other travellers before heading out. Take a dip in our swimming pool or soak up the sun in the cabanas after a day exploring Cairns' natural wonders.

Welcome to Mad Monkey Central, your perfect base in Cairns for unforgettable adventures and genuine connections! We offer a fantastic blend of relaxed vibes and social opportunities, ensuring you get a great night's rest while being steps away from all the action. Come join our thriving Mad Monkey Family! Our hostel is designed for ultimate comfort and social connection. Challenge new friends to a game on the pool table, or unwind in our TV room with Netflix & Playstation.

You'll love our comfortable and clean rooms, all boasting air-conditioning to keep you cool. Our high-quality mattresses with comfy pillows and linen (included!) guarantee a great night's sleep. We offer all types of accommodation, from mixed and female dorms to private double or twin rooms. Private double rooms even come with personal towels, or you can hire one from reception. Stay connected with super-fast WiFi throughout the property. Our friendly staff are always on hand to help you make the most of your stay!

Here's what you'll enjoy with every stay:
- Ultrafast WiFi
- Legendary On-Site Bar with Super Cheap Drinks & Locally Brewed Coral Sea Beer
- Massive Social Spaces & Great Outdoor Pool Oasis
- Fully Equipped Kitchen
- Fully Air-Conditioned Rooms with Ensuites
- Spacious Rooms with Power Point at Each Bed
- Free Events & Nightly Entertainment (including pub crawls to top backpacker bars!)

Our prime central location puts you right in the heart of the action, while still ensuring you get a great night's rest. We're just a stone's throw from the iconic Cairns Esplanade, perfect for scenic strolls, free fitness classes, or a refreshing dip in the famous Cairns Lagoon. From our doorstep, you have easy access to the city's best shops, vibrant restaurants, and lively bars. Plus, all the major tour departures for the Great Barrier Reef, the ancient Daintree Rainforest, and stunning waterfalls are just a short walk away, making it incredibly easy to kickstart your tropical adventures!

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!

House Rules

Check In

14:00 - 20:00

Check Out

until 10:00

  • Taxes Included
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Facilities

  • Free City Maps
  • Free WiFi
  • Bicycle Parking
  • Adaptors
  • Jobs Board
  • Luggage Storage
  • Tours/Travel Desk
  • Parking
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Reviews

8.1Fabulous(1612)
  • Value for Money
    7.8
  • Security
    8.5
  • Atmosphere
    7.1
  • Cleanliness
    7.4
  • Staff
    8.9
  • Location
    9.3
  • Facilities
    7.4
Summary of traveller reviews

Mad Monkey Central in Cairns is praised for its incredibly friendly and helpful staff, vibrant atmosphere, and excellent central location. Guests often highlight the cleanliness of the facilities and the social vibe, making it a great spot for backpackers. Some recent feedback mentions that bathrooms could be cleaner and that the property can be noisy due to its lively atmosphere.

Stayed in Sept 2026
8.9
K
kessa
Female, 25-30, England
loved all the staff members, they all were very helpful and happy about helping.
Stayed in Sept 2026
7.1
W
William
Male, 25-30, England
The Staff were amazing and so friendly, it was also really convenient to have a travel agent in the reception area, as they supported with ideas for the rest of our East Coast tour. Unfortunately, it felt incredibly isolating as a lot of the tenants are long-term tenants and seem to already have their friend groups established. It feels that the long-term tenants looked down on the short stay backpackers. The facilities were great and it was clear how to use them. The location was also perfect.
Stayed in Sept 2026
4.3
J
Jacob
Male, 18-24, England
Spend your money somewhere else. Male bathroom had only 1 toilet for whole floor, the showers didn't work properly and were tiny. Whole place feels filthy and unclean. The room was cluttered, untidy and beds were uncomfortable. Only good thing would have been the social area.
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Location

100 Sheridan Street, Cairns City, Cairns, Australia
0.4km from city centre