Skip to Main Content.
List your propertySupportTrips

Unlock instant savings with Member Prices

Sign in
Learn more
Feedback

Gilligan's Backpackers Hotel & Resort

2.0 star property
Hostel with a nightclub, a short walk to Cairns Esplanade

Choose dates to view prices

Photo gallery for Gilligan's Backpackers Hotel & Resort

Outdoor pool
Shared kitchen
Free WiFi, bed sheets, wheelchair access
Lobby sitting area
Terrace/patio
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

8.0 out of 10
Very good

Popular amenities

  • 24/7 front desk
  • Bar
  • Parking available
  • Air conditioning
  • Housekeeping
  • Kitchen
The current price is £89
includes taxes & fees
30 Sept - 1 Oct

Room options

Available filters for rooms
Showing 23 of 23 rooms

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

Free WiFi, bed sheets, wheelchair access

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
  • City view
  • Sleeps 1
  • 4 Large Single 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 Single 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

8.0 out of 10
Very good
(1 review)

Highlights

Air conditioning
Flat-screen TV
Private bathroom
Shared/communal kitchen
Digital channels
Daily housekeeping
  • Sleeps 1
  • 4 Large Single 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

10.0 out of 10
Exceptional
(1 review)

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 Single 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

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 Single Bunk Beds

View all photos for Hotel Deluxe Room

Hotel Deluxe Room | Free WiFi, bed sheets, wheelchair access

Hotel Deluxe Room

9.0 out of 10
Wonderful
(2 reviews)

Highlights

Balcony
Air conditioning
Fridge
Flat-screen TV
Private bathroom
Coffee/tea maker
Shared/communal kitchen
Digital channels
  • 215 sq ft
  • City 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

10.0 out of 10
Exceptional
(1 review)

Highlights

Balcony
Air conditioning
Flat-screen TV
Private bathroom
Shared/communal kitchen
Digital channels
Daily housekeeping
  • 215 sq ft
  • City view
  • Sleeps 1
  • 4 Large Single Beds

View all photos for Hotel Twin Room

Free WiFi, bed sheets, wheelchair access

Hotel Twin Room

Highlights

Air conditioning
Fridge
Flat-screen TV
Private bathroom
Coffee/tea maker
Shared/communal kitchen
Digital channels
Iron/ironing board
  • 215 sq ft
  • City view
  • Sleeps 2
  • 2 Single 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 Single 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 Single Bunk Beds

View all photos for Hotel King Room

Free WiFi, bed sheets, wheelchair access

Hotel King Room

10.0 out of 10
Exceptional
(2 reviews)

Highlights

Air conditioning
Fridge
Flat-screen TV
Private bathroom
Coffee/tea maker
Shared/communal kitchen
Digital channels
Iron/ironing board
  • City view
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed OR 2 Single Beds

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

Shower, hair dryer

Bed In 4 Beds Female Dormitory (Clubside)

  • Sleeps 1

View all photos for King Room

Free WiFi, bed sheets, wheelchair access

King Room

  • Sleeps 2

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

Free WiFi, bed sheets, wheelchair access

Bed In 8 Beds Mixed Dormitory (Clubside)

  • Sleeps 1

View all photos for Bed In 4 Beds Mixed Dormitory

Shower, hair dryer

Bed In 4 Beds Mixed Dormitory

  • Sleeps 1

View all photos for Bed In 8 Beds Deluxe Mixed Dormitory

Free WiFi, bed sheets, wheelchair access

Bed In 8 Beds Deluxe Mixed Dormitory

  • Sleeps 1

View all photos for Bed In 4 Beds Deluxe Mixed Dormitory

Free WiFi, bed sheets, wheelchair access

Bed In 4 Beds Deluxe Mixed Dormitory

  • Sleeps 1

View all photos for Bed In 6 Beds Mixed Dormitory

Free WiFi, bed sheets, wheelchair access

Bed In 6 Beds Mixed Dormitory

  • Sleeps 1

View all photos for Deluxe Room

Free WiFi, bed sheets, wheelchair access

Deluxe Room

  • Sleeps 2

View all photos for Bed In 6 Beds Female Dormitory

Free WiFi, bed sheets, wheelchair access

Bed In 6 Beds Female Dormitory

  • Sleeps 1

View all photos for Twin Room

Free WiFi, bed sheets, wheelchair access

Twin Room

  • Sleeps 2

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

Free WiFi, bed sheets, wheelchair access

Bed In 10 Beds Dormitory (Clubside)

  • Sleeps 1

View all photos for Bed In 8 Beds Female Dormitory

Free WiFi, bed sheets, wheelchair access

Bed In 8 Beds Female Dormitory

  • Sleeps 1
Mod logo
Sign in to view eligible discounts and perks. More rewards for more adventures!
Sign inSign up, it's free

About the area

Located in Cairns Central Business District, a neighbourhood in Cairns, Gilligan's Backpackers Hotel & Resort is near a train station and near the beach. Cairns Performing Arts Centre and The Cultural Place are cultural highlights, and some of the area's activities can be experienced at Reef Fleet Terminal and Cairns Zoom and Wildlife Dome. Reef Teach and ZOO To You HQ Wildlife Discovery Centre are also worth visiting. Discover the area's water adventures with scuba diving and snorkelling nearby, or enjoy the great outdoors with ecotours and hiking/biking trails.
Visit our Cairns travel guideOpens in a new window
View more Hostels in CairnsOpens in a new window
Map
57-89 Grafton Street, Cairns, QLD, 04870

What's nearby

  • Cairns Central Shopping Centre - 3 min walk - 0.2 miles
  • Cairns Esplanade - 6 min walk - 0.4 miles
  • Reef Fleet Terminal - 8 min walk - 0.5 miles
  • Esplanade Lagoon - 10 min walk - 0.5 miles
  • Cairns Marlin Marina - 11 min walk - 0.6 miles

Getting around

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

Restaurants

  • ‪Annee's Caphê - ‬5 min walk
  • ‪Blackbird Espresso - ‬5 min walk
  • ‪Fetta's Greek Taverna - ‬1 min walk
  • ‪Candy - ‬3 min walk
  • ‪Gilligan's Bar - ‬1 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 travellers 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), ATM/banking services and a TV in reception
  • Books, a billiards/pool table and luggage storage
  • Tour/ticket information, a front desk safe and multilingual staff
Room features
All 120 rooms boast comforts such as air conditioning, as well as amenities such as free WiFi.
Extra conveniences in all rooms include:
  • Bathrooms with showers
  • 45-inch flat-screen TVs with digital channels
  • Communal kitchens and daily housekeeping

Property amenities

Internet

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

Parking and transport

  • Covered 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.
  • Grab bar near toilet
  • Lift
  • 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

  • 45-inch 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 at the property

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.
Cots (infant beds) are not available

Payment types at the property

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

This property is managed by a professional host. The provision of housing is linked to their trade, business or profession.
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 and terraces, which may not be suitable for children; if you have any concerns, we recommend contacting the property prior to your arrival to confirm that they can accommodate you in a suitable room
If you cancel your booking, you'll be subject to the host's cancellation policy. In accordance with UK consumer law, property booking services are not subject to the right of withdrawal.

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 2 Sept 2025, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Gilligan's Backpackers Hotel & Resort on 30 Sept 2025 start from £89.07, including 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?

Checkout 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. Cairns Historical Society Museum and Reef Teach are also within 5 minutes. Cairns Station is 8 minutes by foot.

Have a question?

AI iconBeta

Get instant answers with AI powered search of property information and reviews.

Gilligan's Backpackers Hotel & Resort Reviews

Reviews

8.0

Very good

Rating 10 - Excellent. 133 out of 420 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 187 out of 420 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 56 out of 420 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 26 out of 420 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 18 out of 420 reviews

8.0/10

Cleanliness

7.8/10

Staff & service

7.8/10

Amenities

7.8/10

Property conditions & facilities

7.6/10

Eco-friendliness

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Donna

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Loved it, was the last 2 nights of our 4 weeks trip that we started in Melbourne, would definitely stay here again if I visit cairns again
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2025

8/10 Good

Lorna

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
My first time staying in a “hostel”, and
Stayed 8 nights in Jul 2025

6/10 Okay

Jayme

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Be warned that it’s very loud on weekend nights as the club is attached to the hostel
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2025

8/10 Good

saori

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
I enjoyed my stay.
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2025

6/10 Okay

Christopher

Dirty lots of construction
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2025

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

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

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

Dolor

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

8/10 Good

Paul

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

8/10 Good

Ahmadah

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Great place to stay, especially during off peak season. Quiet room, great balcony view
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2022

10/10 Excellent

Yvonne

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

10/10 Excellent

Yvonne

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

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

4/10 Poor

Verified traveller

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

10/10 Excellent

Claudia

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

Atsushi

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

10/10 Excellent

Jennifer

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Very convenient location and nice room. It's above the nightclub so wouldn't be suitable if you're a light sleeper.
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2022

10/10 Excellent

Rick

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities
Very central to business centre
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2022

10/10 Excellent

June

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service
Good location, clean and spacious. Noise control will be helpful
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2022

10/10 Excellent

Achmaa

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
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 :)
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2022

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

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

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

4/10 Poor

David

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