Gilligan's Backpackers Hotel & Resort, located near Cairns Central Shopping Centre and Cairns Marlin Marina, offers an action-packed retreat with a nightclub, poolside bar and concerts. Unwind on the sun-kissed terrace or explore books in the hostel’s collection. Previous guests rave about this vibrant spot.
Reviews
8.08.0 out of 10
Very good
Popular amenities
Bar
24/7 front desk
Pool
Parking available
Air conditioning
Laundry facilities
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
$133 nightly
The total price is $146
$146 total
Jun 17 - Jun 18
Total includes taxes and fees
Room options
Available filters for rooms
Showing 23 of 23 rooms
View all photos for 4 Bed Mixed Dorm With En-Suite
4 Bed Mixed Dorm With En-Suite
Highlights
Balcony
Air conditioning
Flat-screen TV
Private bathroom
Shared/communal kitchen
Digital channels
Daily housekeeping
215 sq ft
Mountain view
Sleeps 1
4 Large Twin Beds
View all photos for 8 Bed En-suite Female
8 Bed En-suite Female
Highlights
Air conditioning
Flat-screen TV
Private bathroom
Shared/communal kitchen
Digital channels
Daily housekeeping
Sleeps 1
4 Large Twin Bunk Beds
View all photos for 4 Bed En-suite Deluxe Mixed
4 Bed En-suite Deluxe Mixed
Highlights
Air conditioning
Flat-screen TV
Private bathroom
Shared/communal kitchen
Digital channels
Daily housekeeping
Sleeps 1
4 Large Twin Beds
View all photos for 6 Bed Female Dorm With En-Suite
6 Bed Female Dorm With En-Suite
Highlights
Balcony
Air conditioning
Flat-screen TV
Private bathroom
Shared/communal kitchen
Digital channels
Daily housekeeping
215 sq ft
Mountain view
Sleeps 1
3 Large Twin Bunk Beds
View all photos for 6 Bed Mixed Dorm With En-Suite
6 Bed Mixed Dorm With En-Suite
Highlights
Balcony
Air conditioning
Flat-screen TV
Private bathroom
Shared/communal kitchen
Digital channels
Daily housekeeping
215 sq ft
City view
Sleeps 1
3 Large Twin Bunk Beds
View all photos for Hotel Deluxe Room
Hotel Deluxe Room
Highlights
Balcony
Air conditioning
Refrigerator
Flat-screen TV
Private bathroom
Shared/communal kitchen
Coffee/tea maker
Digital channels
215 sq ft
Mountain view
Sleeps 2
1 King Bed
View all photos for 4 Bed Female Dorm With En-Suite
4 Bed Female Dorm With En-Suite
Highlights
Balcony
Air conditioning
Flat-screen TV
Private bathroom
Shared/communal kitchen
Digital channels
Daily housekeeping
215 sq ft
Mountain view
Sleeps 1
4 Large Twin Beds
View all photos for Hotel Twin Room
Hotel Twin Room
Highlights
Air conditioning
Refrigerator
Flat-screen TV
Private bathroom
Shared/communal kitchen
Coffee/tea maker
Digital channels
Iron/ironing board
215 sq ft
City view
Sleeps 2
2 Twin Beds
View all photos for 10 Bed Mixed Dorm With En-Suite
10 Bed Mixed Dorm With En-Suite
Highlights
Air conditioning
Flat-screen TV
Private bathroom
Shared/communal kitchen
Digital channels
Daily housekeeping
377 sq ft
Sleeps 1
5 Large Twin Bunk Beds
View all photos for 8 bed Mixed Dorm With En-Suite
8 bed Mixed Dorm With En-Suite
Highlights
Air conditioning
Flat-screen TV
Private bathroom
Shared/communal kitchen
Digital channels
Daily housekeeping
Sleeps 1
4 Large Twin Bunk Beds
View all photos for Hotel King Room
Hotel King Room
Highlights
Air conditioning
Refrigerator
Flat-screen TV
Private bathroom
Shared/communal kitchen
Coffee/tea maker
Digital channels
Iron/ironing board
Mountain view
Sleeps 2
1 King Bed OR 2 Twin Beds
View all photos for Bed In 4 Beds Female Dormitory
Bed In 4 Beds Female Dormitory
Sleeps 1
1 Twin Bunk Bed
View all photos for King Room
King Room
Sleeps 2
1 King Bed
View all photos for Bed In 8 Beds Mixed Dormitory
Bed In 8 Beds Mixed Dormitory
Sleeps 1
1 Twin Bunk Bed
View all photos for Bed In 4 Beds Mixed Dormitory
Bed In 4 Beds Mixed Dormitory
Sleeps 1
1 Twin Bunk Bed
View all photos for Bed In 8 Beds Deluxe Mixed Dormitory
Bed In 8 Beds Deluxe Mixed Dormitory
Sleeps 1
1 Twin Bunk Bed
View all photos for Bed In 4 Beds Deluxe Mixed Dormitory
Bed In 4 Beds Deluxe Mixed Dormitory
Sleeps 1
1 Twin Bed
View all photos for Bed In 6 Beds Mixed Dormitory
Bed In 6 Beds Mixed Dormitory
Sleeps 1
1 Twin Bunk Bed
View all photos for Deluxe Room
Deluxe Room
Sleeps 2
1 King Bed OR 2 Twin Beds
View all photos for Bed In 6 Beds Female Dormitory
Bed In 6 Beds Female Dormitory
Sleeps 1
1 Twin Bunk Bed
View all photos for Twin Room
Twin Room
Sleeps 2
2 Twin Beds
View all photos for Bed In 10 Beds Dormitory
Bed In 10 Beds Dormitory
Sleeps 1
1 Twin Bunk Bed
View all photos for Bed In 8 Beds Female Dormitory
Cairns Central Shopping Centre - 3 min walk - 0.3 km
Cairns Esplanade - 6 min walk - 0.6 km
Reef Fleet Terminal - 8 min walk - 0.7 km
Esplanade Lagoon - 10 min walk - 0.8 km
Cairns Marlin Marina - 11 min walk - 1.0 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
Rusty's Markets - 2 min walk
Annee's CaPhe
Caffiend - 6 min walk
Gilligan's Travels
The Lillipad Cafe - 3 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.
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
DONE
Special check-in instructions
Front desk staff will greet guests on arrival at the property
DONE
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
DONE
Children
Children (18 years old and younger) not allowed
No cribs (infant beds)
DONE
Pets
Pets not allowed
Service animals welcome
WIFI
Internet
Free WiFi in public areas
Free WiFi in rooms
LOCAL_PARKING
Parking
Covered onsite self parking (AUD 12 per day)
DONE
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
Parking
Covered self parking costs AUD 12 per day
Policies
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 8 minutes' walk from Cairns Esplanade.
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Gilligan's Backpackers Hotel & Resort Reviews
Reviews
8.0
Very Good
All reviews shown are from real guest experiences. Only travelers who have booked a stay with us can submit a review. We verify reviews according to our guidelines and publish all reviews, positive or negative.More informationOpens in a new window
8.0/10
Cleanliness
7.8/10
Staff & service
7.6/10
Amenities
7.8/10
Property conditions & facilities
7.4/10
Eco-friendliness
Popular mentions
Room
Service staff
Bed
Kitchen
Nightclubs
Recreation
Backpackers
Toilet
Value
Location
Reviews
8/10 Very good
Jan 30, 2025
Nice place to stay
Kaidan
Kaidan, 1-night trip
10/10 Exceptional
Dec 14, 2024
Great place to stay, safe and all kinds of activities inside the property - two girls travelling alone.
craig
craig, 2-night trip
10/10 Exceptional
Jan 8, 2025
Nice
Dolor
Dolor, 2-night trip
8/10 Very good
Oct 14, 2024
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
Jacob
Jacob, 1-night trip
4/10 Fair
Nov 5, 2024
Facilities were good, but too noisy and could not sleep as the party is so loud and goes on until 3am
Verified traveler
2-night trip
10/10 Exceptional
Sep 5, 2024
Great!
Yvonne
Yvonne, 1-night trip
10/10 Exceptional
Sep 3, 2024
Great!
Yvonne
Yvonne, 1-night trip
8/10 Very good
Jan 19, 2023
Great beer prices great bar
Paul
Paul, 2-night trip
10/10 Exceptional
Sep 22, 2024
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.
Claudia
Claudia, 2-night trip
8/10 Very good
Sep 12, 2022
Great place to stay, especially during off peak season. Quiet room, great balcony view
Ahmadah
Ahmadah, 3-night trip
10/10 Exceptional
Oct 4, 2024
good
Atsushi
Atsushi, 1-night trip
10/10 Exceptional
Sep 12, 2023
The waterfall pool is brilliant
The bar and the girls are awesome
Andrew
Andrew, 1-night trip
6/10 Good
Oct 20, 2024
Music is too loud until 2am at night
Chun Fung
Chun Fung, 1-night trip
10/10 Exceptional
Sep 1, 2022
Very convenient location and nice room.
It's above the nightclub so wouldn't be suitable if you're a light sleeper.
Jennifer
Jennifer, 7-night trip
10/10 Exceptional
Aug 11, 2022
Very central to business centre
Rick
Rick, 1-night trip
10/10 Exceptional
Aug 4, 2022
Good location, clean and spacious.
Noise control will be helpful
June
June, 1-night trip
10/10 Exceptional
Mar 23, 2023
Very lively party spot! Always activities happening at night, food from the kitchen was excellent, facilities kept reasonably clean, happy hours were a bonus, staff were friendly & helpful. I'd recommend trying to check into your room early since the process was a bit slow around 2pm.
Carly
Carly, 2-night trip
10/10 Exceptional
Aug 22, 2022
Best place we've stayed at in Cairns and with most wonderful staffs. I had an unfortunate mishap of losing my passport at their club and Jose found it and brought it to me before my 6am flight the next morning. Thanks Jose and Gilligan's team for my best night at Cairns :)
Achmaa
Achmaa, 1-night trip
6/10 Good
Apr 7, 2024
limited facilities, power off in kitchen at 10, broken toilet
Eryn
Eryn, 7-night trip
4/10 Fair
Jun 16, 2024
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
David
David, 1-night trip
6/10 Good
Oct 2, 2023
If you have shared room, you will have a small locker to store your valuables, but you MUST have your own lock (thankfully I did).
Bruno
Bruno, 7-night trip
8/10 Very good
Jul 13, 2022
I stayed a week I a 4 bed all female dorm, plus ensuite. I was very surprised that it was not bunk beds as being the last person in I would have been up the top. The room was clean and cleaners came in day as a person left. Highly recommend Gilligans.
Denise
Denise, 7-night trip
10/10 Exceptional
Oct 30, 2022
Wonderful place and great price!
It’s amazing here. The staff are wonderful and the beds are new and the carpet in the rooms is new. The rooms are clean and new and have A/C. Now that said, it is still a hostel. Lots of young people here having fun. So if you want a conventional hotel it’s not for you - but they also don’t hold themselves out as a conventional hotel. However I have stayed in a lot of hostels and this is by far one of the nicer, newer, cleaner ones I have ever stayed in. Would absolutely return here and stay again.
Joshua
Joshua, 4-night trip
6/10 Good
Dec 19, 2023
Okay visit
The place is okay, it’s a party hostel after all. The noise from the club wasn’t heard from our room but the party bus was so loud it was as though they were parked at the end of the bed 😂. Staff were pretty unhelpful, we were travelling as a couple. It could be that they are used to dealing with idiots/drunks all day so by the time you get there they aren’t very welcoming.
Verified traveler
2-night trip
8/10 Very good
Sep 23, 2022
Was pretty decent
Booked a private room with en-suite bathroom. Was great to have privacy after a long flight to Cairns. Room was great and clean, with other amenities like a kettle and mugs, iron and board and a small security safe. Downsides were that the shower door didn't fully shut (so the bathroom floor flooded a bit), one of the overhead lights didn't work, and you couldn't control the air-con strength or temperature so it was a bit cold for my liking. But extra blankets were provided, so was all good!