What makes it 70% Couple-Friendly: Adult-only venue gives couples private king rooms, poolside bar and cabanas; stroll to Esplanade and Night Markets for dates; on-site nightclub stays loud late, so confirm noise tolerance first.
Cairns Station: 860m (10 min walk)
Regional rail connections including services to Kuranda Scenic Railway.
Cairns Airport: 6.6 km (14 min drive)
Direct flights to major Australian cities and domestic hubs.
Cairns Museum: 190m (3 min walk)
Local history and cultural exhibits in a heritage building.
Tip: Visit early to explore without crowds.
Cairns Night Markets: 410m (5 min walk)
Evening market with local crafts, souvenirs and street food.
Tip: Try the tropical fruit stalls for fresh snacks.
Cairns Esplanade Lagoon: 580m (7 min walk)
Free saltwater swimming lagoon on the waterfront boardwalk.
Tip: Bring your towel and swim at sunrise to avoid peak heat.
Wi-Fi in public areas:
Complimentary high-speed Wi-Fi in all lobby and poolside areas.
Outdoor swimming pool:
Lagoon-style pool with waterfall feature and sun loungers.
Gym:
Open-access fitness room with cardio and weights equipment.
Luggage storage:
Free secure storage at the 24-hour front desk.
Public parking:
On-site parking available for an additional charge.
Laundry service (on-site):
Self-service and wash-and-fold options at extra cost.
Fax/copying service:
Business center printing, copying and faxing for a fee.
Elevator access to all floors; public areas feature step-free access.

Joyce Checketts
Great location! There's a gym and a powder room!!! There's a bar and a nightclub on site and there's something on every night so there's lots to do!! The rooms and shower are big and modern. We also had a balcony and storage space - but no curtains :( Highly recommend Gilligan's if you're solo travelling or backpacking!!
Sarah Oliny
Ended up to the club by chance on my birthday. Had a great time!! Huge venue with different rooms, so different types of music!! The staff was super friendly and efficient. One beautiful woman even remember what I had ordered after placing just one order! Impressive!!! Loved the vibe. Good crowd, good time! There is even a pool if you go daytime. Great find, worth the visit for sure!! Next time I'...
Allen Weld
Went here because I saw a crazy show on the airplane ride to Australia. The venue is very very large and has a smoking area indoors. No special cocktails or anything. Pretty okay, reasonably priced. Nice staff!
Ben Leppard
The Bartender at Our Hostel I just wanted to give a shoutout to Suski, the amazing bartender at our hostel. She’s genuinely one of the friendliest and most welcoming people I’ve met on my travels. Every night she brought great energy to the bar — always smiling, always up for a chat, and always remembering everyone’s drink orders like magic. What really stood out is how effortlessly she creates ...
Cavin McCormack
I had a really disappointing experience during my stay at Gilligan’s in Cairns, and I honestly wouldn’t recommend anyone stay here based on what I went through. From the moment I reported the damp issue in my room, the reception staff made the situation even more frustrating. When I explained what was happening, they didn’t look me in the eye, didn’t apologise, and didn’t offer any help until I p...
Address: 89 Grafton St, Cairns City QLD 4870, Australia
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Take a taxi or rideshare from Cairns Airport (6.6 km, approx. 14 min drive) to Gilligan’s Backpackers Hotel & Resort.
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