Hostel Gilligan's Backpacker Hotel & Resort Cairns

57-89 Grafton Street, 4870 Cairns, Australia – Excellent location – show map

Excellent location – rated 9.3/10! (score from 1376 reviews)

Real guests • Real stays • Real opinions

8.2
Very Good
1,376 reviews

everything you could want in a hostel styled experience. fantastic location lots of fun at hand. happy people everywhere.

Leif United States of America

well… of course it’s am amazing place! clean, huge, and friendly staff. i move out only because I’m looking for something a bit quieter 😅 but definitely ok for young guys who want to enjoy and have fun there

Fabiana Australia

Overall great value. Bed sheets and blanket clean. Informative and polite staff. Very good location. Environment, facilities and feeling of the whole accomodation are perfect.

Andrew Hong Kong

Great location and bar area. Room was a little basic for what you paid however clean and had everything you needed. Also a great pool area!. Would definitely stay again

Steven Australia

Loved the fact that it is a total party hostel. It truly is more like a hotel, everything about this place is amazing.

Ricardo United States of America

Comfortable bed, good price, prime location. Hostel offers great dinner options for a very affordable price and dishes change daily. Tons of free drinks for ladies if you're up to party. Kitchen was big and on every floor.

Jenifer Canada

Good location. Massive place, had the impression it's well run.

Marco Portugal

The place is GREAT if you like to PARTY. Do not expect a place to relax or without noise. This is a party hostel therefor full of young people super friendly and the hostel offers plenty of night event and great nightlife.

Alakei Italy

Amazing staff, really great activities every night

Ido Australia

The security was good, the shower was clean, as far as backpackers accommodation goes it was great.

Fiona Australia
8.2
Very Good
1,376 reviews
  • What guests loved the most:
  • “everything you could want in a hostel styled experience. fantastic location lots of fun at hand. happy people everywhere.”
    Leif Leif United States of America United States of America
  • “well… of course it’s am amazing place! clean, huge, and friendly staff.”
    Fabiana Fabiana Australia Australia
  • “Overall great value. Bed sheets and blanket clean. Informative and polite staff. Very good location. Environment, facilities and feeling of the whole accomodation are perfect.”
    Andrew Andrew Hong Kong Hong Kong
  • “Great location and bar area. Room was a little basic for what you paid however clean and had everything you needed. Also a great pool area!. Would definitely stay again”
    Steven Steven Australia Australia
  • “Loved the fact that it is a total party hostel. It truly is more like a hotel, everything about this place is amazing.”
    Ricardo Ricardo United States of America United States of America
  • “Comfortable bed, good price, prime location. Hostel offers great dinner options for a very affordable price and dishes change daily. Tons of free drinks for ladies if you're up to party.”
    Jenifer Jenifer Canada Canada
  • “Good location. Massive place, had the impression it's well run.”
    Marco Marco Portugal Portugal
  • “The place is GREAT if you like to PARTY. Do not expect a place to relax or without noise.”
    Alakei Alakei Italy Italy
  • “Amazing staff, really great activities every night”
    Ido Ido Australia Australia
  • “The security was good, the shower was clean, as far as backpackers accommodation goes it was great.”
    Fiona Fiona Australia Australia

Categories:

  • Staff8.5
  • Facilities8.4
  • Cleanliness8.2
  • Comfort8.1
  • Value for money8.6
  • Location9.3
  • Free WiFi8.0

Located in the heart of Cairns, Gilligan’s Backpackers has a lagoon-style swimming pool, outdoor bar and large LED-screen TVs showing sporting events. Guests enjoy free bed linen

Gilligan’s Backpackers offers a blend of traditional backpacker dormitory accommodations and hotel rooms. All rooms are air-conditioned and offer an private bathroom. Free WiFi is also offered.

Each of the 4 floors at Gilligan's Cairns has its own modern kitchen and lounge area where you can chill out and relax, read a book, watch TV or make some new friends on those lazy days.

Gilligan's is located right next door to the famous Rusty's Market and is surrounded by boutique shops, cafés and clubs. Reef Terminal, the Esplanade and Kuranda Railway Station are in walking distance.

This is our guests' favorite part of Cairns, according to independent reviews.

Couples in particular like the location – they rated it 9.3 for a two-person trip.

Gilligan's Backpacker Hotel & Resort Cairns has been welcoming Booking.com guests since Jan 25, 2010

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Most popular amenities

1 swimming pool
Free WiFi
Parking
Non-smoking rooms
24-hour front desk

ATM: Need cash? This property has an ATM on site.

Property Highlights

Located in the top-rated area in Cairns, this property has an excellent location score of 9.3!

Saved to 2862 lists

Availability

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Lock in a great price for your upcoming stay

Get instant confirmation with FREE cancellation on most rooms!

Guests must meet one or more requirements to stay in this property: Proof of full Covid-19 vaccination, a recent valid negative coronavirus PCR test, or recent proof of coronavirus recovery.

4 reasons to choose Gilligan's Backpacker Hotel & Resort Cairns

  • Prices you can't beat!
  • Booking is safe
  • Manage your bookings online
  • The staff speaks English

Guest reviews

8.2
Very Good · 1,376 reviews
Read all reviews
Categories:
  • Staff8.5
  • Facilities8.4
  • Cleanliness8.2
  • Comfort8.1
  • Value for money8.6
  • Location9.3
  • Free WiFi8.0

Select topics to read reviews:

See what guests loved the most:

  • Leif United States of America

    “everything you could want in a hostel styled experience. fantastic location lots of fun at hand. happy people everywhere.”

  • Fabiana Australia

    “well… of course it’s am amazing place! clean, huge, and friendly staff. i move out only because I’m looking for something a bit quieter 😅 but definitely ok for young guys who want to enjoy and have fun there”

  • Andrew Hong Kong

    “Overall great value. Bed sheets and blanket clean. Informative and polite staff. Very good location. Environment, facilities and feeling of the whole accomodation are perfect.”

  • Steven Australia

    “Great location and bar area. Room was a little basic for what you paid however clean and had everything you needed. Also a great pool area!. Would definitely stay again”

  • Ricardo United States of America

    “Loved the fact that it is a total party hostel. It truly is more like a hotel, everything about this place is amazing.”

  • Jenifer Canada

    “Comfortable bed, good price, prime location. Hostel offers great dinner options for a very affordable price and dishes change daily. Tons of free drinks for ladies if you're up to party. Kitchen was big and on every floor.”

  • Marco Portugal

    “Good location. Massive place, had the impression it's well run.”

  • Alakei Italy

    “The place is GREAT if you like to PARTY. Do not expect a place to relax or without noise. This is a party hostel therefor full of young people super friendly and the hostel offers plenty of night event and great nightlife.”

  • Ido Australia

    “Amazing staff, really great activities every night”

  • Fiona Australia

    “The security was good, the shower was clean, as far as backpackers accommodation goes it was great.”

Property questions and answers
Browse questions from guests for anything extra you want to know about the property

The property usually replies within a few days

  • Do you offer luggage storage?
    Yes we can provide free luggage storage for guests.
    Answered on February 5, 2020
  • Can you pickup from airport arrival 11pm?
    Gilligan's does no longer have a shuttle bus service. Main means of transport from the airport is Taxi or an Uber. We do have 24 hour reception so we are able to check in any time.
    Asked about: Single Bed in 10-Bed Mixed Dormitory Room with Private Bathroom • Answered on December 2, 2020
  • Hello, if I book four beds in a four bed dormitory, will these 4 beds be in the same room for sure? Kind regards
    Hi there, if you have made a booking for multiple people we always do our best to keep you all in the same room. However, this is subject to availability.
    Answered on March 1, 2020
  • Hi, is there ironing option in your accomandation? Thanks!
    Yes there is an iron available in the guest laundry.
    Answered on July 24, 2021
  • Hi, I would like to book for the 3rd until the 6th of April this Easter weekend. Is there a private room with a double bed available ? Hayley
    thank you for choosing us
    Answered on April 15, 2021

  • Still looking?

    Thanks! You'll receive an email as soon as the property answers your question.

Thanks! You'll receive an email as soon as the property answers your question.

Area Info *
Guests loved walking around the neighborhood!
Excellent location – show map
What's nearby
  • Rusty's Markets
    0.1 miles
  • Cairns Family Court
    0.1 miles
  • The Cairns Museum
    0.1 miles
  • Martin College
    0.2 miles
  • Cairns Magistrates Court
    0.2 miles
  • Cairns Regional Gallery
    0.2 miles
  • Cairns Central Shopping Centre
    0.2 miles
  • Cairns City Library
    0.2 miles
  • Reef and Rainforest Research Centre
    0.3 miles
  • Cairns Night Markets
    0.3 miles
Restaurants & cafes
  • Restaurant Fat Seagulls
    0 miles
  • Cafe/Bar Cruze Coffee
    0 miles
Top attractions
  • Cairns Rainforest Dome
    0.3 miles
  • Cairns Station
    0.3 miles
  • The Cairns Civic Theater
    0.4 miles
  • The Center of Contemporary Arts
    0.4 miles
  • Cairns Base Hospital
    0.9 miles
  • Cairns Flecker Botanic Gardens
    2.4 miles
  • Skyway Rainforest Cableway
    7.5 miles
  • Tjapukai Aboriginal Cultural Park
    7.7 miles
Natural Beauty
  • River Barron
    0.6 miles
  • Ocean/Sea Cairns Esplanade
    0.1 miles
Beaches in the Neighborhood
  • Holloways Beach
    6 miles
Closest Airports
  • Cairns Airport
    3.5 miles
How to get to Gilligan's Backpacker Hotel & Resort Cairns from Cairns Airport
    Taxi
    Parking available
* All distances are measured in straight lines. Actual travel distances may vary.
Missing some information? Yes / No
Great! Thanks for your response.
Thanks! You'll receive an email as soon as the property answers your question.
Amenities of Gilligan's Backpacker Hotel & Resort Cairns

Most popular amenities

1 swimming pool
Free WiFi
Parking
Non-smoking rooms
24-hour front desk
Outdoors
  • Outdoor furniture
  • Garden
Kitchen
  • Shared kitchen
Activities
  • Live sports events (broadcast)
  • Entertainment staff
  • Cycling
  • Pool table Additional charge
Internet
WiFi is available in the hotel rooms and is free of charge.
Parking
Public parking is available at a location nearby (reservation is not possible) and costs AUD 8 per day.
  • Accessible parking
  • Secure parking
Front Desk Services
  • ATM on site
  • Baggage storage
  • 24-hour front desk
Cleaning Services
  • Daily housekeeping
  • Laundry Additional charge
Business Facilities
  • Fax/Photocopying Additional charge
Safety & security
  • Fire extinguishers
  • CCTV outside property
  • CCTV in common areas
  • Smoke alarms
  • Key access
  • Safe
General
  • Adults only
  • Shared lounge/TV area
  • Vending machine (snacks)
  • Vending machine (drinks)
  • Designated smoking area
  • Air conditioning
  • Car rental
  • Elevator
  • Facilities for disabled guests
  • Non-smoking rooms
Accessibility
  • Toilet with grab rails
  • Wheelchair accessible
Outdoor swimming pool
Free! All pools are free of charge
  • Open all year
  • Opening times
  • Adults only
Spa
  • Beach chairs/Loungers
  • Fitness center
Languages Spoken
  • English
Missing some information? Yes / No
Great! Thanks for your response.
Thanks! You'll receive an email as soon as the property answers your question.

House rules Gilligan's Backpacker Hotel & Resort Cairns takes special requests – add in the next step!

Check-in

From 2:00 PM

Guests are required to show a photo ID and credit card at check-in

Check-out

Until 10:00 AM

Cancellation/
prepayment

Cancellation and prepayment policies vary according to accommodations type. Please enter the dates of your stay and check what conditions apply to your preferred room.

Refundable damage deposit

A damage deposit of AUD 20 is required on arrival. That's about 14.30USD. This will be collected by credit card. You should be reimbursed within 14 days of check-out. Your deposit will be refunded in full by credit card, subject to an inspection of the property.

Children & Beds

Child policies

Children not allowed.

Crib and extra bed policies

There's no capacity for cribs at this property.

This property doesn't offer extra beds.

Age restriction

The minimum age for check-in is 18

Pets

Pets are not allowed.

Groups

When booking for more than 8 people, different policies and additional supplements may apply.

Mastercard Visa Eftpos Diners Club American Express Gilligan's Backpacker Hotel & Resort Cairns accepts these cards and reserves the right to temporarily hold an amount prior to arrival.

The fine print

Please note that children under 18 years of age cannot be accommodated at this property.

Please note that the property does not accept cash as a method of payment at the reception desk, all payments must be made with a credit card.

Please note that there is a 1% charge when you pay with a Visa, Mastercard or China UnionPay credit card.

Please note that there is a 1.8% charge when you pay with an American Express credit card.

Please note that there is a 20 cent surcharge for all eftpos transactions.

Due to the coronavirus (COVID-19), make sure you're booking this property in accordance with the destination's local government guidelines, including (but not limited to) the purpose of travel and maximum group size.

In accordance with government guidelines to minimize transmission of the coronavirus (COVID-19), this property currently isn't accepting guests from certain countries on dates where such guidelines exist.

In accordance with government guidelines to minimize transmission of the coronavirus (COVID-19), this property may request additional documentation from guests to validate identity, travel itinerary, and other relevant info on dates where such guidelines exist.

In response to the coronavirus (COVID-19), additional safety and sanitation measures are in effect at this property.

As a result of the coronavirus (COVID-19), this property has temporarily suspended its shuttle services.

Due to the coronavirus (COVID-19), this property is taking steps to protect the safety of guests and staff. Certain services and amenities may be reduced or unavailable as a result.

Due to coronavirus (COVID-19), this property adheres to strict physical distancing measures.

It's not possible to stay at this property for coronavirus (COVID-19) quarantine purposes.

Guests are required to show a photo ID and credit card upon check-in. Please note that all Special Requests are subject to availability and additional charges may apply.

Please inform Gilligan's Backpacker Hotel & Resort Cairns of your expected arrival time in advance. You can use the Special Requests box when booking, or contact the property directly using the contact details in your confirmation.

Guests must meet one or more requirements to stay in this property: Proof of full Covid-19 vaccination, a recent valid negative coronavirus PCR test, or recent proof of coronavirus recovery.

A damage deposit of AUD 20 is required on arrival. That's about 14.30USD. This will be collected by credit card. You should be reimbursed within 14 days of check-out. Your deposit will be refunded in full by credit card, subject to an inspection of the property.

FAQs about Gilligan's Backpacker Hotel & Resort Cairns

  • Gilligan's Backpacker Hotel & Resort Cairns is 1,800 feet from the center of Cairns.

  • Check-in at Gilligan's Backpacker Hotel & Resort Cairns is from 2:00 PM, and check-out is until 10:00 AM.

  • The prices at Gilligan's Backpacker Hotel & Resort Cairns may vary depending on your stay (e.g. dates, hotel's policy etc.). To see prices, enter your dates.

  • From the nearest airport, you can get to Gilligan's Backpacker Hotel & Resort Cairns by:

    • Taxi 20min

  • The following parking options are available to guests staying at Gilligan's Backpacker Hotel & Resort Cairns (subject to availability):

    • Parking
    • Secure parking
    • Accessible parking

  • Yes, this hotel has a pool. See details about the pool and other facilities on this page.

  • Gilligan's Backpacker Hotel & Resort Cairns offers the following activities/services (charges may apply):

    • Fitness center
    • Cycling
    • Pool table
    • Entertainment staff
    • Live sports events (broadcast)