Mad Monkey Downtown is a social backpacker hostel accommodation at 23 Darlinghurst Rd, Potts Point, Sydney NSW 2011, Australia. Known for its skyline rooftop - chilled by day, alive by night - and one of the two homes of the big Mad Monkey weekend parties. Part of the Mad Monkey Backpackers Group, with properties across Sydney, Melbourne, and four locations in Cairns. Mad Monkey Downtown runs on a simple rhythm. Daytime: the rooftop is skyline views, sun, and slow plans. When the sun goes down the same rooftop switches on - pre-drinks, music, and the energy that makes Downtown one of the ultimate places to host the big weekend Mad Monkey parties, co-hosted with Eastside just across the street. Three spaces, three moods The rooftop is the showpiece - chilled by day, alive by night. The courtyard below plays a slower role - hammocks, quieter corners, and space for the one-on-one conversations that turn hostel strangers into friends. Connecting it all is the big open-plan dining and TV space, where the whole hostel comes together over dinner, games, and tomorrow's plans. No matter how you choose to spend your days, Downtown has a space to match. Sleep is sorted, dorms are comfortable 4-bed setups - with fewer beds per room than most Kings Cross hostels with a privacy divider and individual power point at every bunk. Private rooms available. Fresh linen always included, clean shared bathrooms, and a free barista coffee at Happy Travels every morning. You're directly in the heart of Kings Cross, surrounded by Sydney's most vibrant nightlife, cafes, and eateries. Kings Cross station is a 2-minute walk away, making the CBD, Opera House and Harbour Bridge moments away, with direct transit links to Sydney's iconic beaches. The events calendar runs seven nights a week, with discounted tickets for pub crawls through Sydney's legendary nightlife. Sydney is the classic starting point for the East Coast Australia route and with four Mad Monkey properties in Cairns, the family is waiting at the other end. Everything included - Skyline rooftop - chilled by day, alive by night - Courtyard with hammocks - built for proper conversations - Free barista coffee daily (Happy Travels) - Organised social events, 7 nights a week - Free WiFi - Privacy dividers & power points in all dorm bunks - Large security lockers (BYO padlock) - Complimentary tea & coffee - Massive open-plan TV/dining space Before you arrive Reception is open 8am-8pm. Checking in later? Give us a call beforehand and our night manager will look after you. Check-in from 2pm, check-out by 10am. Free luggage storage is available before check-in and after check-out. We're a strictly 18+ international youth hostel - dorm rooms are recommended for guests aged 18-35. A valid physical passport is required at check-in (photocopies not accepted). Your card is charged one day before arrival - please ensure sufficient funds to avoid cancellation. Group bookings of 4+ guests are subject to separate terms and we can't guarantee the same room for the whole group. No e-bike batteries on the premises. Mad Monkey Downtown is part of the Mad Monkey Backpackers Group - properties across Sydney, Melbourne, and four locations in Cairns. On weekends, guests from across the Mad Monkey family come together and Downtown is one of the two places the big joint parties happen. Frequently asked questions What is Mad Monkey Downtown known for? The skyline rooftop - a sun-trap by day that comes alive at night - and being one of the two homes of the big Mad Monkey weekend parties, alongside the East Side. Is Mad Monkey Downtown good for solo travellers? Yes - between the rooftop, the hammock courtyard, and the open-plan dining space, the property is designed so meeting people happens naturally, backed by organised events seven nights a week. What size are the dorms at Mad Monkey Downtown? Comfortable 4-bed dorms - with fewer beds per room than most Kings Cross hostels - with privacy dividers and individual power points at every bunk. Private rooms are also available. Does Mad Monkey Downtown have a rooftop? Yes - the skyline rooftop is the property's signature: relaxed and sunny during the day, switching to pre-drinks and music in the evening, and hosting the big joint Mad Monkey parties on weekends. Is there free breakfast at Mad Monkey Downtown? No set breakfast, but every guest gets a free barista coffee every morning at Happy Travels - a proper coffee, included in your stay. How far is Mad Monkey Downtown from the train station? Kings Cross station is a 2-minute walk, with the CBD, Opera House, Harbour Bridge, and Sydney's Does Mad Monkey Downtown have female-only dorms? Yes - the 4-bed dorms come in mixed and female-only options, all with privacy dividers at every bunk. Is Mad Monkey Downtown a cheap hostel in Sydney? Yes - Downtown offers budget backpacker accommodation in Kings Cross, with 4-bed dorms and private rooms at backpacker-friendly prices, plus free barista coffee and events included in every stay. Does Mad Monkey Downtown offer weekly rates for long stays? Yes - weekly rates for longer stays are available when you book direct on our website. Long-stay guests are a big part of the family, especially working holidaymakers settling into the city. Can I bring an e-bike or e-scooter battery into Mad Monkey Downtown? No - lithium-ion batteries from e-bikes, e-scooters and similar devices are not permitted anywhere on the premises, including dorms, private rooms, common areas and luggage storage. We also can't charge or store them for you. This is a strict fire-safety policy with no exceptions, in line with NSW and Victorian guidance on lithium-ion battery fires in accommodation. If you're travelling with an e-bike or e-scooter, please arrange separate off-site storage before you arrive - our reception team is happy to point you to nearby options.
Fitness center
Internet
Lockers
Non-smoking rooms
Refillable water stations
Smoke alarms
Staff Private Twin Room
Private accommodation with Twin Bed (1 bunk)
Private Triple Room
Private accommodation with Double Bed & Single bunk bed on top.
Private Queen Room
Private accommodation with Queen Bed.
4 Bed Mixed Dorm
Dormitory style and range in size from 2 beds upwards.
4 Bed Female Deluxe Dorm
Female Dormitory style and range in size from 2 beds upwards.
Staff 6 Bed Mixed Dorm
Mixed Dormitory style and range in size from 3 beds upwards.
Staff Triple Room
Staff Room
Staff 4 Bed Mixed Dorm
Mixed room