Gilligan's Backpackers Hotel & Resort

Property class: 2
Hostel with 2 bars/lounges, near Cairns Esplanade

Choose dates to view prices

Gilligan's Backpackers Hotel & Resort features a nightclub and puts you within a 10-minute walk of Cairns Esplanade and Cairns Central Shopping Centre. After splashing around at the outdoor pool, you can grab a bite to eat at the restaurant or unwind with a drink at one of the 2 bars/lounges. A poolside bar, a terrace, and a garden are other highlights.

Reviews

8.0 out of 10
Very good

Popular amenities

  • Parking available
  • Free WiFi
  • Air conditioning
  • Bar

Main amenities (12)

  • Daily housekeeping
  • Near the beach
  • Restaurant and 2 bars/lounges
  • Outdoor pool
  • Nightclub
  • Self parking
  • Pool bar
  • Terrace
  • 24-hour front desk
  • Air conditioning
  • Garden
  • Computer station

Feel at home (6)

  • Private bathroom
  • Garden
  • Terrace
  • Daily housekeeping
  • Laundry facilities
  • Elevator
$130 nightly
The total price is $144
Oct 19 - Oct 20
Total with taxes and fees

Room options

Available filters for rooms
Showing 14 of 14 rooms

View all photos for Bed In 10 Beds Dormitory (Clubside)

WiFi (free), bed sheets

Bed In 10 Beds Dormitory (Clubside)

  • Sleeps 1
  • 1 Twin Bunk Bed

View all photos for Bed In 8 Beds Mixed Dormitory (Clubside)

WiFi (free), bed sheets

Bed In 8 Beds Mixed Dormitory (Clubside)

  • Sleeps 1
  • 1 Twin Bunk Bed

View all photos for Bed In 6 Beds Mixed Dormitory

WiFi (free), bed sheets

Bed In 6 Beds Mixed Dormitory

  • Sleeps 1
  • 1 Twin Bunk Bed

View all photos for 6 Bed Mixed Dorm With En-Suite

A room with bunk beds, a carpeted floor, and a view through an open door.

6 Bed Mixed Dorm With En-Suite

10.0 out of 10
Exceptional
(1 review)
  • City view
  • 215 sq ft
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 1
  • 3 Large Twin Bunk Beds

View all photos for 6 Bed Female Dorm With En-Suite

A dormitory room with bunk beds, a balcony with a view, and a small table.

6 Bed Female Dorm With En-Suite

10.0 out of 10
Exceptional
(1 review)
  • Mountain view
  • 215 sq ft
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 1
  • 3 Large Twin Bunk Beds

View all photos for 4 Bed Mixed Dorm With En-Suite

A hotel room with three single beds, a balcony with a view, and a sliding door to the outside.

4 Bed Mixed Dorm With En-Suite

10.0 out of 10
Exceptional
(1 review)
  • Mountain view
  • 215 sq ft
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 1
  • 4 Large Twin Beds

View all photos for Hotel King Room

A modern hotel room with a large bed, two bedside tables with lamps, a small chair, and a decorative wall piece.

Hotel King Room

10.0 out of 10
Exceptional
(2 reviews)
  • Mountain view
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed OR 2 Twin Beds

View all photos for 10 Bed Mixed Dorm With En-Suite

A corridor with bunk beds, wooden flooring, and a white tiled wall.

10 Bed Mixed Dorm With En-Suite

  • 377 sq ft
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 1
  • 5 Large Twin Bunk Beds

View all photos for 4 Bed Female Dorm With En-Suite

A hotel room with three single beds, a balcony with a view, and a sliding door to the outside.

4 Bed Female Dorm With En-Suite

8.8 out of 10
Excellent
(3 reviews)
  • Mountain view
  • 215 sq ft
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 1
  • 4 Large Twin Beds

View all photos for Hotel Twin Room

A hotel room with two beds, a desk, a chair, a lamp, and a large window with a city view.

Hotel Twin Room

  • City view
  • 215 sq ft
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 2
  • 2 Twin Beds

View all photos for Hotel Deluxe Room

A modern hotel room with a large bed, a small table, a chair, and a balcony with a view of the city.

Hotel Deluxe Room

9.4 out of 10
Exceptional
(3 reviews)
  • Mountain view
  • 215 sq ft
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed

View all photos for 8 bed Mixed Dorm With En-Suite

A modern, clean room with bunk beds, a wooden floor, and a view of the cityscape through large windows.

8 bed Mixed Dorm With En-Suite

  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 1
  • 4 Large Twin Bunk Beds

View all photos for 8 Bed En-suite Female

A modern, clean room with bunk beds, a wooden floor, and a view of the cityscape through large windows.

8 Bed En-suite Female

  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 1
  • 4 Large Twin Bunk Beds

View all photos for 4 Bed En-suite Deluxe Mixed

A hotel room with two single beds, a large window with a view of mountains, and a balcony with a railing.

4 Bed En-suite Deluxe Mixed

8.0 out of 10
Very good
(1 review)
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 1
  • 4 Large Twin Beds

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About the neighborhood

Map
57-89 Grafton Street, Cairns, QLD, 04870

What's nearby

  • Cairns Central Shopping Centre - 5 min walk - 0.4 km
  • Cairns Night Markets - 5 min walk - 0.4 km
  • Reef Hotel Casino - 5 min walk - 0.5 km
  • Cairns Esplanade Lagoon - 6 min walk - 0.6 km
  • Cairns Convention Centre - 8 min walk - 0.7 km

Getting around

  • Cairns Intl. Airport (CNS) - 12 min drive
  • Cairns Station - 8 min walk
  • Freshwater Station - 15 min drive
  • Redlynch Station - 17 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Candy - ‬3 min walk
  • ‪Rusty's Juice Bar - ‬5 min walk
  • ‪The Crown Hotel - ‬5 min walk
  • ‪Miroku -Japan's best bites - ‬5 min walk
  • ‪Caffiend - ‬5 min walk

About this property

Gilligan's Backpackers Hotel & Resort

  • Gilligan's Backpackers Hotel & Resort features a nightclub and puts you within a 10-minute walk of Cairns Esplanade and Cairns Central Shopping Centre. After splashing around at the outdoor pool, you can grab a bite to eat at the restaurant or unwind with a drink at one of the 2 bars/lounges. A poolside bar, a terrace, and a garden are other highlights.

At a glance

Hotel size

    • 120 rooms
    • Arranged over 4 floors

Arriving/Leaving

    • Check-in start time: 2 PM; Check-in end time: midnight
    • Late check-in subject to availability
    • Minimum check-in age: 18
    • Check-out time is 10 AM

Special check-in instructions

    • Front desk staff will greet guests on arrival at the property
    • Information provided by the property may be translated using automated translation tools

Required at check-in

    • Credit card, debit card, or cash deposit required for incidental charges
    • Government-issued photo ID may be required
    • Minimum check-in age is 18

Children

    • Children (18 years old and younger) not allowed
    • No cribs (infant beds)

Pets

    • Pets not allowed
    • Service animals welcome

Internet

    • Free WiFi in public areas
    • Free WiFi in rooms

Parking

    • Covered onsite self parking (AUD 12 per day)

Other information

    • Designated smoking areas

Property amenities

Food and drink

  • 2 bars/lounges
  • Restaurant
  • Poolside bar

What to do

  • Basketball
  • Volleyball
  • Concerts/live shows
  • Evening entertainment
  • Pool table
  • Beach nearby
  • Bicycle rentals nearby
  • Ecotours nearby
  • Golf lessons nearby
  • Hiking/biking trails nearby
  • Rafting nearby
  • Scuba diving nearby
  • Scooter/moped rentals nearby
  • Skydiving nearby

Working away

  • Computer station

Services

  • 24-hour front desk
  • Tour/ticket assistance
  • Laundry facilities
  • Luggage storage
  • Multilingual staff

Facilities

  • ATM/banking
  • Safe-deposit box at front desk
  • Garden
  • Terrace
  • Television in common areas
  • An outdoor pool
  • Nightclub
  • Lockers available

Accessibility

  • Elevator
  • Wheelchair accessible
  • Grab bar near toilet

Room amenities

Be entertained

  • 45-inch flat-screen TV
  • Digital TV channels

Home comfort

  • Air conditioning

Sleep well

  • Bed sheets provided

Freshen up

  • Private bathroom
  • Shower only
  • Hair dryer (on request)

Stay connected

  • Free WiFi

Food and drink

  • Shared kitchen access

More

  • Daily housekeeping

Fees & policies

Optional extras

  • Credit card charges are subject to an extra charge

Pets

  • Service animals exempt from fees

Parking

  • Covered self parking costs AUD 12 per day

Policies

Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy.
This property has outdoor spaces, such as balconies, patios, terraces which may not be suitable for children. If you have concerns, we recommend contacting the property prior to your arrival to confirm they can accommodate you in a suitable room.
Guests can rest easy knowing there's a fire extinguisher, a smoke detector, a security system, and a first aid kit on site.
This property accepts credit cards. Cash is not accepted.
Credit cards accepted: Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Union Pay
Cashless transactions are available.

Also known as

Gilligan's Backpackers
Gilligan's Backpackers Cairns
Gilligan's Backpackers Hotel & Resort
Gilligan's Backpackers Hotel & Resort Cairns
Gilligans Backpackers Hotel And Resort
Gilligans Backpackers Hotel Cairns
Gilligan's Backpackers Hotel Resort Cairns
Gilligan's Backpackers Hotel Resort
Gilligan's Backpackers Hotel & Resort Cairns

Frequently asked questions

Does Gilligan's Backpackers Hotel & Resort offer free cancellation for a full refund?

Yes, Gilligan's Backpackers Hotel & Resort does have fully refundable room rates available to book on our site. If you’ve booked a fully refundable room rate, this can be cancelled up to a few days before check-in depending on the property's cancellation policy. Just make sure to check this property's cancellation policy for the exact terms and conditions.

Is there a pool at Gilligan's Backpackers Hotel & Resort?

Yes, there's an outdoor pool.

Are pets allowed at Gilligan's Backpackers Hotel & Resort?

Sorry, pets aren't allowed, but service animals are welcome.

Is parking offered on site at Gilligan's Backpackers Hotel & Resort?

Yes. Self parking costs AUD 12 per day.

What are the check-in and check-out times at Gilligan's Backpackers Hotel & Resort?

Check-in start time: 2 PM; Check-in end time: midnight. Check-out time is 10 AM.

Is there an onsite casino at Gilligan's Backpackers Hotel & Resort?

No, this hostel doesn't have a casino, but Reef Hotel Casino (8-min walk) and Cazalys Cairns (5-min drive) are both nearby.

What is there to do at Gilligan's Backpackers Hotel & Resort and nearby?

Have fun with activities like cycling, boat tours, and hiking, and practice your swing at the nearby golf course. Additional recreation onsite includes basketball and volleyball. Enjoy a swim in the outdoor pool or use the hostel's other amenities, which include 2 bars and a nightclub. Gilligan's Backpackers Hotel & Resort also has a garden.

Are there restaurants at or near Gilligan's Backpackers Hotel & Resort?

Yes, there's an onsite restaurant.

What's the area around Gilligan's Backpackers Hotel & Resort like?

Gilligan's Backpackers Hotel & Resort is in Cairns Central Business District, a short 8-minute walk from Cairns Station and 10 minutes' walk from Cairns Esplanade.

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Reviews

Gilligan's Backpackers Hotel & Resort Reviews

8.0

Very Good

8.0

Cleanliness

8.6

Location

7.8

Staff & service

7.8

Property conditions & facilities

Guest review summary

What guests liked

  • The onsite restaurant offers great value with daily $10 meal specials. (3 reviews)
  • The pool was a great feature, described as good and well-equipped with plenty of outdoor furniture. (3 reviews)
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From real guest reviews summarized by AI.
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Popular mentions

Room
Service staff
Bed
Nightclubs
Recreation
Kitchen
Backpackers
Value
Location
Toilet

Reviews

Verified review

8/10 Very good

Decent place to stay for the price. Good location.
Verified review

8/10 Very good

I booked a king room and the room was excellent. Really spacious and the balcony was an added bonus. If you can. ask for a room away from the kitchen and tv room as it was quite noisy until late.
Verified review

10/10 Exceptional

Had a great stay at Gilligan's Hotel & Resort! It's a fun, social hostel atmosphere with the option of private rooms, which was the perfect combination for us. Our room was spacious, clean, and surprisingly quiet, making it easy to relax after a busy day exploring. The housekeeping service did a great job keeping everything tidy throughout our stay. One of the best parts was the variety of activities offered each day, making it easy to meet people and stay entertained. The onsite restaurant is also a great value, especially with the daily $10 meal specials. Having the two-story nightclub attached adds to the fun atmosphere and creates a lively social scene without even having to leave the property. Great vibes all around, and I'd definitely stay here again!
Verified review

10/10 Exceptional

Receptionist were lovely and this is such a good vibe rooms are clean location is perfect
Verified review

10/10 Exceptional

It is my wonderful experience to stay in this hostel. Very lively filled with tourists from all over the world! One of the best one I have stayed so far.
Verified review

10/10 Exceptional

Great place to stay, safe and all kinds of activities inside the property - two girls travelling alone.
Verified review

4/10 Fair

VERY LOUD! The cleaners DO NOT CLEAN and they aren't very friendly at all. The front desk is ok... but they definitely do the bare minimum. The amenities are fun but they have music playing so loud starting in the middle of the afternoon you can't even have a conversation by the pool. Definitely not worth the price
Verified review

10/10 Exceptional

I had a great time at the bar and the information on activities was excellent.
Verified review

10/10 Exceptional

Awesome room mates, friendly helpful staff and absolutely amazing rates, music and bar staff. Met sooooo many lovely locals that were only too willing to help with anything I needed to know. 🍹🍻🏝
Verified review

8/10 Very good

A lot of shopping and dining places are really close to Gilligan's which were helpful. Plus sufficient room for transport to park right outside the motel
Verified review

10/10 Exceptional

Clean room, staff were friendly, central to cairns, pool isn’t the cleanest but good place to lounge. It gets rowdy at night so bring earplugs if your not in the hustle and bussel
Verified review

10/10 Exceptional

The waterfall pool is brilliant The bar and the girls are awesome
Verified review

8/10 Very good

cairns week

Great hotel in central Sydney and close to everything
Verified review

10/10 Exceptional

Great place. Exceeded our expectations. With a hostile I wasn't expecting such a large and very clean room. And the place has everything. Excellent thank you.
Verified review

8/10 Very good

Perfect stay for a few nights to be able to visit cairns. Pool was lush, right next to the bar which does turn into a club. Can be very loud even in the "quiet rooms".
Verified review

8/10 Very good

Surprisingly very large private rooms (bigger and better than many 4 star hotels in Cairns) Bathrooms cleaner and better kept than many hotels in Cairns- grounds staff are champions. Elevator could do with some attention otherwise excellent. Its not quiet after 9pm BUT thats the point of staying at a backpackers always something going on. Very great place.
Verified review

10/10 Exceptional

Perfect for the traveller who wants it all within your fingertips. It is a 10min walk to the fleet terminal. If you are a light sleeper, do not book this place because there is a nightclub beneath the hotel that is active. Perfect for the party goer and it is central in town.
Verified review

10/10 Exceptional

An excellent economical stay

Stayed in a 4th floor room with an excellent ensuite - toilet and basin separate to shower room. 4 single beds, can chose single gender or mixed. Computers in reception/lounge area. New-ish 4 storey building, a self catering kitchen on each floor and well equipped. The bigger dormitories are on the lower floors, so busier kitchens and lounge areas. Good outdoor pool with lots of outdoor furniture. The accomodation is basically over the Gilligan’s nightclub which has something on every night. Rooms are not totally sound proofed but it was ok for me. Really convenient position, walk to most places. Also a few minutes walk to the bus stop. $1 all day bus travel for anyone. A great stay for young or older people.
Verified review

8/10 Very good

My room was a 4 person room which was decent overall. The pillows were small and not sufficient. The rooms a/c barely worked and the room had a damp / wet smell and feel the whole time. This is the perfect location in town if you want a party as they have stuff going on every night. The location is perfect for anything you would wanna do in town and the price was right for sure.
Verified review

4/10 Fair

The accommodation mux of people. Welcoming reception staff. Had no hot water in room 402 shower or hand basin. Fire alarm was set off unable to get through exited door on ground floor and the floor area at bottom of stair well smelt like a sewer
Verified review

6/10 Good

Hostel is large, loud and out of date.

This hostel has potential both on the accommodation side and the nightclub side. The events they put on in the nightclub are about 15 years out of date, wet t shirt contest, jelly wrestling competition, pole dancing competition, it reminded me of Christina Agueleria vs Britney Spears, and predictably the nightclub was full of almost exclusively men, it's not the sort of events that attract any women at all. The hostel had good kitchen areas, and a TV area on every floor, it would be good if the hostel/nightclub put on some more relaxed social events, because the hostel didn't end up being very social, people were a bit overwhelmed by the sexual nature of all of the social activities. Some more neutral activities like drunk bingo or pub quiz, earlier in the evening would have helped the hostel to be more social. Every room had a balcony and an ensuite bathroom which was nice, but in the room there was no control for the air conditioning which was always far too cold, and so the sliding doors onto the balconies was left open to warm up the room, and that meant the air conditioning was often broken. There are no lockers in the rooms either which is not ideal for a party hostel. Bed linen was provided and the beds were comfortable. But they didn't have privacy curtains, or a personal light, which again is the norm nowadays. They did have a plug next to every bed though. Room cleaning starts before check out at 9am. This hostel has potential but it is just out of date.
Verified review

10/10 Exceptional

Enjoyed a 1 night stay at Gilligans in the Deluxe Room. It was spacious, quite and had a balcony and own bathroom. Fridge with kettle and tea etc. Room service available and you can make use of the communial kitchen and lounge area and pool. Great bar downstairs, which you couldn't hear from upstairs. Overall was a really nice place to stay and I would definitely stay again.
Verified review

8/10 Very good

Staff is very helpful. Full kitchen is good for travelers who want their own meals
Verified review

8/10 Very good

3F is all right, it would not affected by the noise of the club.
Verified review

8/10 Very good

The 6-bed mixed rooms will not have curtains. If you are looking for more privacy, 4 bedrooms might be a better choice.