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Gilligan's Backpackers Hotel & Resort

2.0 star property
Hostel with nightclub, walk to Cairns Esplanade

Choose dates to view prices

your current months are June, 2024 and July, 2024.
June 2024
July 2024

Photo gallery for Gilligan's Backpackers Hotel & Resort

Outdoor pool
Front of property
Free WiFi, bed sheets, wheelchair access
Shared kitchen
Free WiFi, bed sheets, wheelchair access
Reviews
8.0

Very good

Popular amenities

  • PoolPoolPool
  • Parking availableParking availableParking available
  • RestaurantRestaurantRestaurant
  • BarBarBar
  • Free WiFiFree WiFiFree WiFi
  • Air conditioningAir conditioningAir conditioning
The price is $98
$110 total
includes taxes & fees
May 27 - May 28

Explore the area

Map
57-89 Grafton Street, Cairns, QLD, 04870
  • Popular LocationCairns Central Shopping Centre6 min walk
  • Popular LocationCairns Esplanade8 min walk
  • Popular LocationCairns Marlin Marina12 min walk
  • AirportCairns, QLD (CNS-Cairns Intl.)11 min drive
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Room options

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

Free WiFi, bed sheets, wheelchair access

4 Bed Mixed Dorm With En-Suite

10/10 Exceptional

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

Free WiFi, bed sheets, wheelchair access

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 | Free WiFi, bed sheets, wheelchair access

4 Bed En-suite Deluxe Mixed

Highlights

Air conditioning
Mini-fridge
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

Free WiFi, bed sheets, wheelchair access

6 Bed Female Dorm With En-Suite

10/10 Exceptional

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

Free WiFi, bed sheets, wheelchair access

6 Bed Mixed Dorm With En-Suite

10/10 Exceptional

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 | Free WiFi, bed sheets, wheelchair access

Hotel Deluxe Room

7.3/10 Good

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

Free WiFi, bed sheets, wheelchair access

4 Bed Female Dorm With En-Suite

10/10 Exceptional

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

Free WiFi, bed sheets, wheelchair access

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 | Free WiFi, bed sheets, wheelchair access

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

Free WiFi, bed sheets, wheelchair access

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

Free WiFi, bed sheets, wheelchair access

Hotel King Room

8.3/10 Very Good

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

Similar properties

Garden
YHA Cairns Central
Pool
Free WiFi
Air conditioning
Breakfast available
8.2 out of 10, Very Good, (154)
The price is $60
$66 total
includes taxes & fees
May 27 - May 28
YHA Cairns Central

About the neighborhood

Cairns

Gilligan's Backpackers Hotel & Resort is located in Cairns Central Business District, a neighborhood in Cairns, and is near a train station and near the beach. Reef Fleet Terminal and Cairns Marlin Marina are worth checking out if an activity is on the agenda, while those in the mood for shopping can visit Cairns Central Shopping Centre. Reef Teach and Cairns Zoom and Wildlife Dome are also worth visiting. Discover the area's water adventures with scuba diving and snorkeling nearby, or enjoy the great outdoors with hiking/biking trails and skydiving.
Visit our Cairns travel guideOpens in a new window
View more Hostels in CairnsOpens in a new window

What's nearby

  • Cairns Central Shopping Centre - 6 min walk
  • Cairns Night Markets - 6 min walk
  • Reef Hotel Casino - 8 min walk
  • Cairns Esplanade - 8 min walk
  • Cairns Marlin Marina - 12 min walk

Getting around

  • Cairns Station - 8 min walk
  • Cairns Intl. Airport (CNS) - 12 min drive

Restaurants

  • Rusty's Markets - 1 min walk
  • Annee's CaPhe
  • Blackbird Espresso by Coffee NQ - 5 min walk
  • The Lillipad Cafe - 3 min walk
  • Silk Caffe - 3 min walk

About this property

Gilligan's Backpackers Hotel & Resort

Hostel near Cairns Esplanade
Close to Cairns Central Shopping Centre and Reef Fleet Terminal, Gilligan's Backpackers Hotel & Resort provides a nightclub, a poolside bar, and concerts and live shows. Adventurous travelers may like the basketball and volleyball at this hostel. In addition to a terrace and a garden, guests can connect to free in-room WiFi.
You'll also enjoy perks such as:
  • An outdoor pool
  • Self parking (surcharge), a TV in the lobby, and multilingual staff
  • Books, luggage storage, and a computer station
  • A 24-hour front desk, a vending machine, and tour/ticket assistance
  • Guest reviews speak well of the location
Room features
All 120 rooms have comforts such as air conditioning, as well as amenities like free WiFi. Guests reviews speak well of the clean rooms at the property.
Other conveniences in all rooms include:
  • Bathrooms with showers
  • Flat-screen TVs with digital channels
  • Communal kitchens and daily housekeeping

Languages

Catalan, Dutch, English, Filipino, French, German, Irish, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Spanish

Property amenities

Internet

  • Available in all rooms: Free WiFi
  • Available in some public areas: Free WiFi

Parking and transportation

  • Covered self parking on site (AUD 12 per day)

Food and drink

  • 2 bars/lounges
  • A poolside bar
  • A restaurant

Things to do

  • Basketball
  • Billiards/pool table
  • Books
  • Concerts/live shows
  • Evening entertainment
  • Nightclub
  • Outdoor pool
  • TV in common areas
  • Volleyball

Conveniences

  • 24-hour front desk
  • ATM
  • Laundry facilities
  • Lockers
  • Luggage storage
  • Safe at front desk
  • Vending machine

Guest services

  • Housekeeping (daily)
  • Multilingual staff
  • Tour and ticket assistance

Business services

  • Computer station

Outdoors

  • Garden
  • Terrace

Accessibility

  • If you have requests for specific accessibility needs, please contact the property using the information on the reservation confirmation received after booking.
  • Elevator
  • Grab bar near toilet
  • Wheelchair accessibility
  • Wheelchair accessible (may have limitations)

More

  • 4 floors
  • Designated smoking areas

Room amenities

Bedroom

  • Bedsheets provided

Bathroom

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

Entertainment

  • Flat-screen TV with digital channels

Food and drink

  • Shared kitchen access

More

  • Air conditioning

Policies

Check-in

Check-in start time: 2 PM; Check-in end time: midnight
Late check-in subject to availability
Minimum check-in age: 18

Check-out

Check-out before 10 AM

Special check-in instructions

Front desk staff will greet guests on arrival

Access methods

Staffed front desk

Pets

Pets not allowed (service animals are welcome, and are exempt from fees)

Children and extra beds

Children 18 and younger are not allowed at this property; All guests older than 18 are welcome
Rollaway/extra beds are not available
Cribs (infant beds) are not available

Property payment types

Important information

Optional extras

  • Covered self parking fee: AUD 12 per day
  • Credit card charges are subject to a surcharge

The above list may not be comprehensive. Fees and deposits may not include tax and are subject to change.

You need to know

Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card, or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
This property accepts credit cards; cash is not accepted
Cashless transactions are available
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher, a security system, and a first aid kit

We should mention

Children 18 years old and younger are not permitted at this property

Property is 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 have a pool?

Yes, this property has an outdoor pool.

How much does it cost to stay at Gilligan's Backpackers Hotel & Resort?

As of May 25, 2024, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Gilligan's Backpackers Hotel & Resort on May 27, 2024 start from $98.49, excluding taxes and fees. This price is based on the lowest nightly price found in the last 24 hours for stays in the next 30 days. Prices are subject to change. Choose your dates for more accurate prices.

Is Gilligan's Backpackers Hotel & Resort pet-friendly?

No, only service animals are welcome at the property.

How much is parking at Gilligan's Backpackers Hotel & Resort?

Self parking is available for AUD 12 per day.

What time is check-in at Gilligan's Backpackers Hotel & Resort?

Check-in start time: 2 PM; Check-in end time: midnight. Late check-in is available during limited hours.

What time is check-out at Gilligan's Backpackers Hotel & Resort?

Check-out is at 10 AM.

Where is Gilligan's Backpackers Hotel & Resort located?

Located in Cairns Central Business District, this hostel is within a 10-minute walk of The Cairns Museum, Cairns Esplanade, and Cairns Central Shopping Centre. Reef Fleet Terminal and Cairns Marlin Marina are also within 15 minutes. Cairns Station is 8 minutes by foot.

Reviews

8.0

Very Good

Rating 10 - Excellent. 114 out of 380 reviews" "
Rating 8 - Good. 176 out of 380 reviews" "
Rating 6 - Okay. 49 out of 380 reviews" "
Rating 4 - Poor. 24 out of 380 reviews" "
Rating 2 - Terrible. 17 out of 380 reviews" "

7.8/10

Cleanliness

7.8/10

Staff & service

7.6/10

Amenities

7.8/10

Property conditions & facilities

7.2/10

Eco-friendliness

Reviews

8/10 Good

Tyler

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
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.
Stayed 4 nights in Apr 2024

6/10 Okay

Eryn

Liked: Staff & service
Disliked: Amenities, property conditions & facilities
limited facilities, power off in kitchen at 10, broken toilet
Stayed 7 nights in Mar 2024

10/10 Excellent

Molly

Liked: Cleanliness

10/10 Excellent

Lucy

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 4 nights in Jan 2024

8/10 Good

gary

Traveled with group
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Great budget option with activities on site
Stayed 4 nights in Jan 2024

6/10 Okay

Verified traveler

Liked: Cleanliness
Disliked: Staff & service
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.
Stayed 2 nights in Dec 2023

8/10 Good

Utkarsh

Stayed 4 nights in Nov 2023

10/10 Excellent

Kurtis

Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2023

6/10 Okay

Bruno

Traveled with group
Liked: Staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Disliked: Cleanliness
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).
Stayed 7 nights in Sep 2023

10/10 Excellent

Andrew

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
The waterfall pool is brilliant The bar and the girls are awesome
Stayed 1 night in Sep 2023

6/10 Okay

Verified traveler

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
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.
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2023

8/10 Good

Greta

Stayed 1 night in Aug 2023

10/10 Excellent

Amber

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
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.
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2023

8/10 Good

Pamela

Traveled with group
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2023

2/10 Terrible

Narayan, Princeton

Stayed 4 nights in May 2023

4/10 Poor

Verified traveler

Disliked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Party hostel for teenagers
It's a party hostel... Get onboard with it! But apart from that the private rooms are way overpriced for what they offer and you will be constantly treated like an 18 year old, regardless of age. Very annoying. Go somewhere else and head to Gilligan's for the party...you will be better off.
Stayed 3 nights in Apr 2023

10/10 Excellent

Carly

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
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.
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2023

10/10 Excellent

Natasha

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Wow
WOW! First impressions count and they really hit the nail on the head at gilligans, not only is it way bigger than i expected but it also comes with some incredible on site facilities! Met by friendly and professional staff at check in which made me feel very settled. Once i got to my room not only is it the biggest hostel room ive ever stayed in but also the best layed out, looked fresh and tidy and everything was clean! I was staying in a 4 bed female dorm, all single beds so no having to go up and down bunk beds cause lets face it theyre fun as kids but not great as adults. The room came with a good sized balcony with seating, a good sized wardrobe, enough room to store a big suitcase under the bed aswell as room around the bed, mini lockers and separate shower, sink and toilet so no having to wait to go to the toilet if someone is in the shower! Great A/C that keeps the room nice and cool! All the beds come with a light and 2 plugs as well as 2 usb sockets incase you forget your adapter. Ontop of all this each level has its own common area with comfortable seating and very spacious and then its own kitchen, also spacious and you actually have room to cook stuff unlike other hostels i have stayed in where you are having to share the same space. Just need to fix a few of the lights on the level as it made it a tad dark. Finally as i was only staying here for 5 days i spoke to the very friendly on site travel team who got me some great deals on my activities. On the whole i
Stayed 4 nights in Mar 2023

8/10 Good

Jenna

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Very lively spot! If you’re a backpacker in Cairns you have to stay here, it’s part of the experience! Everything is also super well run, easy check in, getting to the rooms, feels safe and clean! Personally stayed in a room for 4 people and it was nice that it wasn’t bunk beds, also the beds were very comfortable and larger then most other beds at hostels! I would definitely recommend staying here as it’s so convenient! Just be aware there’s lots going on and it will probably be a bit loud at night so we at plugs will help!
Stayed 1 night in Feb 2023

8/10 Good

Paul

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities
Great beer prices great bar
Stayed 2 nights in Jan 2023

8/10 Good

Natalie

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
They allow anyone in the pool area it’s not just for the people staying at the hostel. The homeless people are aggressive and demanding

10/10 Excellent

Lucas

8/10 Good

Ben

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 3 nights in Dec 2022

10/10 Excellent

Joshua

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
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.
Stayed 4 nights in Oct 2022

8/10 Good

Verified traveler

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
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!
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2022