Mad Monkey Village

I had a great stay at Mad Monkey Village in Cairns. The whole vibe of the place strikes a nice balance between social and chill. The common areas are well thought out and spacious — the kitchen is big and open, which makes it easy to cook and chat with other travelers. There’s plenty of seating around the communal spaces too, so you never feel cramped even when the hostel is full. One of my favorite features was the TV room. It’s air-conditioned (a must in Cairns), super cozy, and feels like a little movie theater inside the hostel. The couches are actually comfortable, not the usual hostel furniture, and they’ve got a smart TV with Netflix and other streaming options. The reception staff were friendly and helpful throughout my stay. They gave solid advice on things to do around Cairns and made check-in super easy. I also appreciated the little extras like free breakfast and morning coffee — small details that make a big difference when you’re traveling on a budget. In short, Mad Monkey Village is one of those hostels that makes you want to extend your stay. Between the relaxed social atmosphere, clean facilities, and great shared spaces like the TV room and pool, it’s perfect for solo travelers or anyone who wants a mix of fun and downtime.

Awesome hostel for solo backpackers! Just a short walk to the CBD, which was super convenient. The staff and facilities were great — big shout out to the manager and reception team for being so friendly and helpful with local activity tips. The vibes were great, and it’s a perfect spot to meet people and enjoy the area. Highly recommend!

I stayed at Mad Monkey Village for a few months and really liked it. The staff is super friendly and helpful, and the vibe is fun and social. It’s easy to meet people here. Rooms are clean, the kitchen has everything you need and the pool is perfect for Cairns hot days. The location is quiet but still close to everything. They also organise events and activities, which makes the experience even better!

Absolutely love this hostel! The staff is super friendly and helpful. The pool area is amazing and looks so tropical. It's a great place to relax and unwind. It has a spacious outdoor communal area which makes the place really social. It has a mix of long term and short term travellers which makes it both homely and dynamic. So, it's great to meet people. Plus, it's super affordable 😊 100% recommend!

I absolutely loved my time at Mad Monkey Village! The vibe was super fun and relaxed — perfect for solo travelers or anyone looking to meet new people. The staff were incredibly friendly and helpful from the moment I checked in. The rooms and shared areas were clean and comfortable, and the pool was a great spot to chill out during the day. The location was great too, close enough to walk to the Esplanade and lots of shops and restaurants. Honestly, it felt more like a community than just a hostel. I’d 100% stay here again and recommend it to anyone visiting Cairns!

This hostel has the perfect vibe for solo travelers or anyone looking to meet new people. The common area is super social and always buzzing with activity—whether it’s people hanging by the pool, chatting over dinner, or organizing nights out. It’s really easy to make friends here, and the atmosphere feels welcoming and relaxed. The location is also great—just a 10-minute walk to the city center and the Esplanade. The rooms are clean, the staff is friendly and helpful, and the pool is a great bonus for cooling off during the day. I had such a good time here and would 100% come back. Highly recommend if you’re looking for a fun, social place to stay!

One of the cleanest hostels I’ve ever stayed in! The rooms, bathrooms, and even the bed sheets were spotless—no stains, no weird smells, just fresh and clean. The mattress and pillow were super comfy, making it easy to get a good night’s sleep. Loved that the rooms had air conditioning, which was a lifesaver. The kitchen is well-organized, with plenty of space to cook and store food, thanks to a great fridge system. The pool was a great bonus, and the location was perfect! Definitely a place I’d recommend.

Rooms very clean, overall a great place to stay just a little bit of a walk into the city centre. If you don't want to walk suggest booking Central or the other one as there are a few to choose from. The staff seem great and the hostel has very chill vibes.