This branch of the popular Mad Monkey chain has prime position on the Esplanade, with bars, restaurants and the lagoon a mere stagger away. That's assuming you make it out of the hostel itself, a tough call given it has its own bar, themed nightly events, free hot breakfasts and a gaming room. Dorms are sparkling if unexciting.

Free bike hire and airport pickups.

There are other Mad Monkey hostels in Cairns; see website for locations.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby Cairns attractions

1. Reef Eye

0.05 MILES

Soak up stunning views of the Coral Sea and Cairns city aboard this 35m-high Ferris wheel. The fully enclosed gondolas rotate 360 degrees (passengers…

2. Cairns Esplanade, Boardwalk & Lagoon

0.12 MILES

Sunseekers and fun-lovers flock to Cairns Esplanade's spectacular swimming lagoon on the city’s reclaimed foreshore. The artificial, sandy-edged, 4800-sq…

3. Cairns Art Gallery

0.16 MILES

The permanent collection of this acclaimed gallery has an emphasis on local and Indigenous work. It also hosts prominent visiting exhibitions and…

4. Cairns Aquarium

0.18 MILES

Cairns' multi-million-dollar aquarium is well worth a visit for its vast and gorgeously presented range of marine life, the Great Barrier Reef in…

5. Samurai Gallery

0.21 MILES

This unusual gallery and museum displays genuine armour, swords and arts from the Japanese samurai. Owner John Grasso has been collecting swords and…

6. KickArts Contemporary Arts

0.21 MILES

These galleries showcase cutting-edge local and regional artworks, plus touring exhibitions. KickArts has moved to the School of the Arts while the Centre…

7. Cairns Museum

0.23 MILES

This contemporary museum features four well-curated galleries covering the history of Cairns and Far North Queensland in pictures, exhibits and local…

8. Reef Teach

0.25 MILES

Take your knowledge to new depths at this fun, informative centre, where marine experts explain how to identify specific species of fish and coral, and…