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Gilligan's Backpackers Hotel & Resort

2.0 star property
Hostel near Cairns Esplanade in Cairns

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Photo gallery for Gilligan's Backpackers Hotel & Resort

Outdoor pool
Terrace/patio
Hotel Deluxe Room
Terrace/patio
Lobby sitting area

Reviews

8.0 out of 10
Very good

Popular amenities

  • Pool
  • Free WiFi
  • Restaurant
  • Air conditioning
  • Parking available
  • Business services

Explore the area

View in a map
57-89 Grafton Street, Cairns, QLD, 04870
  • Place, Cairns Central Shopping Centre
    ‪5 min walk‬
  • Place, Reef Hotel Casino
    ‪5 min walk‬
  • Place, Cairns Esplanade
    ‪6 min walk‬
  • Airport, Cairns, QLD (CNS-Cairns Intl.)
    ‪9 min drive‬

Room options

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

Free WiFi, bed sheets, wheelchair access

Bed In 10 Beds Dormitory (Clubside)

  • Sleeps 1
  • Free WiFi

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
  • Free WiFi

View all photos for Bed In 6 Beds Mixed Dormitory

Free WiFi, bed sheets, wheelchair access

Bed In 6 Beds Mixed Dormitory

  • Sleeps 1
  • Free WiFi

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

Free WiFi, bed sheets, wheelchair access

6 Bed Mixed Dorm With En-Suite

10.0 out of 10
Exceptional
(1 review)
  • City view
  • 20 sq m
  • Sleeps 1
  • 3 Large Twin Bunk Beds
  • Free WiFi

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)
  • Mountain view
  • 20 sq m
  • Sleeps 1
  • 3 Large Twin Bunk Beds
  • Free WiFi

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

Free WiFi, bed sheets, wheelchair access

4 Bed Mixed Dorm With En-Suite

10.0 out of 10
Exceptional
(1 review)
  • Mountain view
  • 20 sq m
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 1
  • 4 Large Twin Beds
  • Free WiFi

View all photos for Hotel King Room

Free WiFi, bed sheets, wheelchair access

Hotel King Room

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

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

10 Bed Mixed Dorm With En-Suite

10 Bed Mixed Dorm With En-Suite

  • 35 sq m
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 1
  • 5 Large Twin Bunk Beds
  • Free WiFi

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

Free WiFi, bed sheets, wheelchair access

4 Bed Female Dorm With En-Suite

9.0 out of 10
Wonderful
(2 reviews)
  • Mountain view
  • 20 sq m
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 1
  • 4 Large Twin Beds
  • Free WiFi

View all photos for Hotel Twin Room

Free WiFi, bed sheets, wheelchair access

Hotel Twin Room

  • City view
  • 20 sq m
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 2
  • 2 Twin Beds
  • Free WiFi

View all photos for Hotel Deluxe Room

Hotel Deluxe Room

Hotel Deluxe Room

9.0 out of 10
Wonderful
(2 reviews)
  • Mountain view
  • 20 sq m
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed
  • Free WiFi

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

Free WiFi, bed sheets, wheelchair access

8 bed Mixed Dorm With En-Suite

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

View all photos for 8 Bed En-suite Female

Free WiFi, bed sheets, wheelchair access

8 Bed En-suite Female

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

View all photos for 4 Bed En-suite Deluxe Mixed

4 Bed En-suite Deluxe Mixed

4 Bed En-suite Deluxe Mixed

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

About the area

Cairns

Oceanside stay.Within a 10-minute walk of this Cairns Central Business District hostel, you'll find Cairns Esplanade and Reef Fleet Terminal. Reef Teach and The Cultural Place are also within half a mile (1 km).
View more Hostels in CairnsOpens in a new window

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 - 6 min walk - 0.6 km
  • Esplanade Lagoon - 8 min walk - 0.7 km

Getting around

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

Restaurants

  • ‪Caffiend - ‬5 min walk
  • ‪Candy - ‬3 min walk
  • ‪BOBZIP - ‬4 min walk
  • ‪Blackbird Espresso - ‬5 min walk
  • ‪Rusty's Juice Bar - ‬5 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.

Similar properties

Outdoor pool
YHA Cairns Central
Cairns Central Business District
  • Pool
  • Free WiFi
  • Air conditioning
  • Breakfast available
4.2 out of 5, Very good, 223 reviews
The price is CA $95
CA $104 total
includes taxes & fees
Jun 6 - Jun 7
YHA Cairns Central

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
Information provided by the property may be translated using automated translation tools

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 Jun 2, 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Gilligan's Backpackers Hotel & Resort on Jun 3, 2026 start from CA $191, 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 0.3 mi away from Tropical North Waterfront.

Gilligan's Backpackers Hotel & Resort Reviews

Reviews

8.0

Very good

Rating 10 - Excellent. 146 out of 441 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 190 out of 441 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 59 out of 441 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 27 out of 441 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 19 out of 441 reviews

8.0/10

Cleanliness

7.8/10

Staff & service

8.0/10

Amenities

7.8/10

Property conditions & facilities

Reviews

Verified

10/10 Excellent

Sharni

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities
Receptionist were lovely and this is such a good vibe rooms are clean location is perfect
Stayed 6 nights in Oct 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

sarah

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Great cheap place to stay
Stayed 7 nights in Sep 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Zacheria Manson

Liked: Amenities
It was a great stay. I have stayed there twice now and will be back
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Saiful

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
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.
Stayed 4 nights in Oct 2025
Verified

6/10 Okay

Sue

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Basic hotel/hostel clean and comfortable, staff friendly and knowledgeable.
Stayed 4 nights in Aug 2025
Verified

8/10 Good

Kaidan

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

8/10 Good

saori

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

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
Verified

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
Verified

8/10 Good

Kevin

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Quick to help you out with your checking in, and also quick to help you with some changes you have to make eventually.
Stayed 1 night in Sep 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Yuki

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
I had a great time at the bar and the information on activities was excellent.
Stayed 1 night in Apr 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Kim

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
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. 🍹🍻🏝
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Tamara

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
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
Stayed 6 nights in Sep 2025
Verified

8/10 Good

Paul

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

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
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Jason

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

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
Verified

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
Verified

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
Verified

8/10 Good

Ben

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
Verified

8/10 Good

Verified traveller

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
Verified

8/10 Good

Andrew

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
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.
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Rene

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
.
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2025
Verified

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
Verified

8/10 Good

Melisa

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
It is a hostel to live the backpacker experience, there are parties during the week.
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2024