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Gilligan's Backpackers Hotel & Resort

2.0 star property
Hostel near Cairns Esplanade in Cairns

Choose dates to view prices

Photo gallery for Gilligan's Backpackers Hotel & Resort

Outdoor pool
Shared kitchen facilities
Terrace/patio
Lobby sitting area
1 bedroom, free WiFi, bed sheets, wheelchair access

Reviews

8.0 out of 10
Very good

Popular amenities

  • Bar
  • 24/7 front desk
  • Kitchen
  • Pool
  • Parking available
  • Housekeeping

Explore the area

Map
57-89 Grafton Street, Cairns, QLD, 04870
  • Cairns Central Shopping Centre
    ‪3 min walk‬
  • Cairns Esplanade
    ‪6 min walk‬
  • Reef Fleet Terminal
    ‪8 min walk‬
  • Cairns, QLD (CNS-Cairns Intl.)
    ‪9 min drive‬

Room options

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

1 bedroom, free WiFi, bed sheets, wheelchair access

4 Bed Mixed Dorm With En-Suite

  • 215 sq ft
  • Mountain view
  • Sleeps 1
  • 4 Large Twin Beds

View all photos for 8 Bed En-suite Female

1 bedroom, free WiFi, bed sheets, wheelchair access

8 Bed En-suite Female

  • Sleeps 1
  • 4 Large Twin Bunk Beds

View all photos for 4 Bed En-suite Deluxe Mixed

4 Bed En-suite Deluxe Mixed | 1 bedroom, free WiFi, bed sheets, wheelchair access

4 Bed En-suite Deluxe Mixed

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

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

1 bedroom, free WiFi, bed sheets, wheelchair access

6 Bed Female Dorm With En-Suite

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

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

1 bedroom, free WiFi, bed sheets, wheelchair access

6 Bed Mixed Dorm With En-Suite

  • 215 sq ft
  • City view
  • Sleeps 1
  • 3 Large Twin Bunk Beds

View all photos for Hotel Deluxe Room

Hotel Deluxe Room | 1 bedroom, free WiFi, bed sheets, wheelchair access

Hotel Deluxe Room

9.0 out of 10
Wonderful
(2 reviews)
  • 215 sq ft
  • Mountain view
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed

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

1 bedroom, free WiFi, bed sheets, wheelchair access

4 Bed Female Dorm With En-Suite

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

View all photos for Hotel Twin Room

1 bedroom, free WiFi, bed sheets, wheelchair access

Hotel Twin Room

  • 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 | 1 bedroom, free WiFi, bed sheets, wheelchair access

10 Bed Mixed Dorm With En-Suite

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

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

1 bedroom, free WiFi, bed sheets, wheelchair access

8 bed Mixed Dorm With En-Suite

  • Sleeps 1
  • 4 Large Twin Bunk Beds

View all photos for Hotel King Room

1 bedroom, free WiFi, bed sheets, wheelchair access

Hotel King Room

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

View all photos for Bed In 4 Beds Female Dormitory (Clubside)

1 bedroom, free WiFi, bed sheets, wheelchair access

Bed In 4 Beds Female Dormitory (Clubside)

  • Sleeps 1
  • 1 Twin Bunk Bed

View all photos for King Room

1 bedroom, free WiFi, bed sheets, wheelchair access

King Room

  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed

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

1 bedroom, free WiFi, bed sheets, wheelchair access

Bed In 8 Beds Mixed Dormitory (Clubside)

  • Sleeps 1
  • 1 Twin Bunk Bed

View all photos for Bed In 4 Beds Mixed Dormitory

1 bedroom, free WiFi, bed sheets, wheelchair access

Bed In 4 Beds Mixed Dormitory

  • Sleeps 1
  • 1 Twin Bunk Bed

View all photos for Bed In 8 Beds Deluxe Mixed Dormitory

1 bedroom, free WiFi, bed sheets, wheelchair access

Bed In 8 Beds Deluxe Mixed Dormitory

  • Sleeps 1
  • 1 Twin Bunk Bed

View all photos for Bed In 4 Beds Deluxe Mixed Dormitory

1 bedroom, free WiFi, bed sheets, wheelchair access

Bed In 4 Beds Deluxe Mixed Dormitory

  • Sleeps 1
  • 1 Twin Bed

View all photos for Bed In 6 Beds Mixed Dormitory

1 bedroom, free WiFi, bed sheets, wheelchair access

Bed In 6 Beds Mixed Dormitory

  • Sleeps 1
  • 1 Twin Bunk Bed

View all photos for Deluxe Room

1 bedroom, free WiFi, bed sheets, wheelchair access

Deluxe Room

  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed OR 2 Twin Beds

View all photos for Bed In 6 Beds Female Dormitory

1 bedroom, free WiFi, bed sheets, wheelchair access

Bed In 6 Beds Female Dormitory

  • Sleeps 1
  • 1 Twin Bunk Bed

View all photos for Twin Room

1 bedroom, free WiFi, bed sheets, wheelchair access

Twin Room

  • Sleeps 2
  • 2 Twin Beds

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

1 bedroom, free WiFi, bed sheets, wheelchair access

Bed In 10 Beds Dormitory (Clubside)

  • Sleeps 1
  • 1 Twin Bunk Bed

View all photos for Bed In 8 Beds Female Dormitory

1 bedroom, free WiFi, bed sheets, wheelchair access

Bed In 8 Beds Female Dormitory

  • Sleeps 1
  • 1 Twin Bunk Bed

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About the neighborhood

Cairns

Oceanside stay.Within a 10-minute walk of this Cairns Central Business District hostel, you'll find Cairns Esplanade and Cairns Central Shopping Centre. The Cairns Museum and Cairns Historical Society Museum are also within half a mile (1 km).
View more Hostels in CairnsOpens in a new window

What's nearby

  • Cairns Central Shopping Centre - 3 min walk - 0.2 miles
  • Cairns Esplanade - 6 min walk - 0.4 miles
  • Cairns Convention Centre - 8 min walk - 0.5 miles
  • Reef Fleet Terminal - 8 min walk - 0.5 miles
  • Esplanade Lagoon - 10 min walk - 0.5 miles

Getting around

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

Hostel near Cairns Esplanade in Cairns
There's a restaurant on site. You can enjoy a drink at one of the bars, which include 2 bars/lounges and a poolside bar. A computer station is on site and WiFi is free in public spaces. An outdoor pool, a nightclub, and a terrace are also featured at Gilligan's Backpackers Hotel & Resort. For a fee, parking is available.

Smoking is allowed in designated areas at this Cairns hostel.

  • 120 guestrooms or units
  • 4 levels
  • 2 bars or lounges
  • Nightclub
  • Self-service laundry
  • Front desk (24 hours)
  • Staff is multilingual
  • Storage area for luggage
  • Front-desk safe
  • Tour and ticket information
  • Pool or billiards table
  • Terrace
  • Garden
  • Computer for guest use
  • Television in lobby
  • ATM
  • Elevator
  • Smoking in designated areas
  • Lockers available
  • Bar by the pool
  • Dining venue
Gilligan's Backpackers Hotel & Resort offers 120 air-conditioned accommodations with shared/communal kitchens. 45-inch flat-screen televisions come with digital channels.

Bathrooms include showers. Guests can surf the web using the complimentary wireless Internet access. Housekeeping is offered daily and hair dryers can be requested.

Languages

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

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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

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)

Room amenities

Entertainment

  • 45-inch flat-screen TV with digital channels

Bedroom

  • Bedsheets provided

Bathroom

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

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 at the property

Access methods

Staffed front desk

Pets

  • No pets allowed, but service animals are welcome

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

The fees and deposits listed below will be charged at the time of service, check-in, or check-out.

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

This may not be a comprehensive list. Fees and deposits are subject to change and might not include tax.

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 smoke detector, a security system, and a first aid kit
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
Charges for extra guests may apply and vary according to property policy.
A cash deposit, credit card, or debit card for incidental charges and government-issued photo identification may be required upon check-in.
Special requests are subject to availability at the time of check-in. Special requests can't be guaranteed and may incur additional charges.
    This property is managed by a professional host. The provision of housing is linked to their trade, business, or profession. 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. This property accepts Visa, Mastercard, American Express, and Union Pay. Cash is not accepted. For guests' safety, the property includes a fire extinguisher, a smoke detector, a security system, and a first aid kit in each accommodation. Cashless payment methods are available for all transactions.

We should mention

  • Children 18 years old and younger aren't allowed 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

How close is Gilligan's Backpackers Hotel & Resort to the airport?

Gilligan's Backpackers Hotel & Resort is 4.1 mi (12-min drive) away from the Cairns Intl. Airport (CNS) airport, the closest popular airport to the property.

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

As of Jul 9, 2025, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Gilligan's Backpackers Hotel & Resort on Jul 21, 2025 start from $130.49, 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.

Does Gilligan's Backpackers Hotel & Resort have an airport shuttle?

Airport shuttle services are not available at Gilligan's Backpackers Hotel & Resort.

How close is Gilligan's Backpackers Hotel & Resort to the beach?

This hostel is 14.3 mi (31-min drive) from Palm Cove Beach and 7.7 mi (20-min drive) from Holloways Beach. Don't forget your sunscreen!

Does Gilligan's Backpackers Hotel & Resort offer free breakfast?

Gilligan's Backpackers Hotel & Resort does not offer free breakfast.

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

No, there is no casino at this hostel, but Reef Hotel Casino (8-min walk) and Cazalys Cairns (5-min drive) are nearby.

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

Check-in start time: 2 PM; Check-in end time: midnight.

Is there free parking at Gilligan's Backpackers Hotel & Resort?

Free parking is not available at this hostel. Self parking is available for AUD 12 per day.

Does Gilligan's Backpackers Hotel & Resort have a pool?

Gilligan's Backpackers Hotel & Resort features an outdoor pool.

Does Gilligan's Backpackers Hotel & Resort have a restaurant?

Yes, there is a restaurant on site.

Does Gilligan's Backpackers Hotel & Resort have a spa?

There are no spa services available at this hostel.

How close is Gilligan's Backpackers Hotel & Resort to downtown Cairns?

Gilligan's Backpackers Hotel & Resort is 0.1 mi away from Cairns.

Gilligan's Backpackers Hotel & Resort Reviews

Reviews

8.0

Very Good

Rating 10 - Excellent. 130 out of 411 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 185 out of 411 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 52 out of 411 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 26 out of 411 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 18 out of 411 reviews

8.0/10

Cleanliness

7.8/10

Staff & service

7.8/10

Amenities

7.8/10

Property conditions & facilities

7.4/10

Eco-friendliness

Reviews

8/10 Good

Verified traveler

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
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".
Stayed 1 night in Apr 2025

10/10 Excellent

Brodie

Stayed 1 night in Dec 2024

8/10 Good

Kaidan

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Nice place to stay
Stayed 1 night in Jan 2025

10/10 Excellent

Dolor

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Nice
Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2024

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveler

Traveled with group, Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 2 nights in Dec 2024

8/10 Good

Ben

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

cairns week

Great hotel in central Sydney and close to everything
Stayed 6 nights in Dec 2024

10/10 Excellent

craig

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Great place to stay, safe and all kinds of activities inside the property - two girls travelling alone.
Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2024

10/10 Excellent

Immy

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

4/10 Poor

Verified traveler

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Facilities were good, but too noisy and could not sleep as the party is so loud and goes on until 3am
Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2024

6/10 Okay

Chun Fung

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Music is too loud until 2am at night
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2024

8/10 Good

Jacob

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
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
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2024

10/10 Excellent

Claudia, wheelersburg

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
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.
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2024

10/10 Excellent

Yvonne

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Great!
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2024

10/10 Excellent

Jessica

Stayed 4 nights in Aug 2024

10/10 Excellent

Yvonne

Liked: Property conditions & facilities
Great!
Stayed 1 night in Sep 2024

10/10 Excellent

Joel

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2024

6/10 Okay

Owen

Disliked: Property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2024

4/10 Poor

David

Traveled with partner
Liked: Staff & service, amenities
Disliked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities
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
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2024

4/10 Poor

Rob

Disliked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Convenient location for drinks but its in awful condition. We had 2 private rooms. My pillow smelt like someone pissed on it, the room stank of mould, the wifi doesn't work on the top floor and the air conditioning was stuck on a very low temperature. You'll get a nice hotel for the same price elsewhere.
Stayed 1 night in May 2024

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