Gilligan'S Hotel & Resort Cairns, Cairns ∞ Discover spa retreats, reviews & deals for 2025

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About Resort

57-89 Grafton Street, Cairns, Australia

Gilligan's Hotel & Resort Cairns is a vibrant 4-star accommodation known for its lively atmosphere, large resort pool, multiple bars, and nightclubs. This central location offers access to a variety of amenities catering to both leisure and adventure enthusiasts.

Rooms & Amenities

Rooms at Gilligan's Hotel & Resort Cairns include a variety of stylish ensuite accommodations, from dorm-style options to private hotel rooms. Facilities feature air conditioning, mini-fridges, and complimentary Wi-Fi in all rooms, ensuring comfort for every traveler.

Dining & Nearby Options

Dining options include the onsite Gilligan's Kitchen serving a variety of pub-style meals and snacks. Nearby restaurants include Fetta's Greek Taverna (0.1 km), Bobby's B1 Restaurant (0.2 km), and Rusty’s Markets (0.5 km), providing additional dining variety.

Leisure & Adventures

Leisure activities at Gilligan's Hotel & Resort include the renowned large resort pool complete with volleyball nets and waterfall, plus a fitness center for active guests. The hotel also hosts the popular Wet Club pool party and is connected to local adventure tours like the Great Barrier Reef excursions.

Services & Local Area

Gilligan's Hotel & Resort Cairns provides full-service travel assistance at its travel desk, allowing guests to arrange various tours and activities. The hotel is situated just 10 minutes' walk from Cairns Central and nearby transport options include multiple bus stops within a short walk.

“Situated just a short walk from Rusty’s Market and the Reef Terminal, the location couldn't be more perfect for a Cairns adventure!”view full review

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“An exceptional spot for vibrant social experiences!” view full review

Top location:Highly rated by recent guests(9.2)

Check-in/Check-out

from 14:00-23:59

until 10 am

Amenities

Public parking is possible at a location nearby at AUD 12 per day.

Wireless internet is available in the hostel rooms for free.

Other information

There are no extra beds provided in a room. There are no cots provided in a room.

Pets are not allowed.

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

Year renovated:2010

Number of floors:4

Number of rooms:112

Former name

gilligans backpacker hotel and resort

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Select your room type

The hotel offers a variety of rooms including double rooms, family rooms, and suites with breakfast, free cancelations, and special deals

Single Bed Standard 8 Bed Mixed Ensuite Dormitory Clubside

Max:

1 person

220 sq. feet

Bed options:

1 Bunk bed

Shower

Balcony

room details

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Single Bed 6-Bed Mixed Dormitory Room Private Bathroom

Max:

1 person

220 sq. feet

Bed options:

1 Bunk bed

Shower

Balcony

room details

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Single Bed 4 Bed Deluxe Ensuite Mixed Dormitory

Max:

1 person

220 sq. feet

Bed options:

1 Single bed

Shower

Balcony

room details

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Price and Room Availability Calendar

Check availability and prices for your dates now!

Getting around

Explore a range of transportation options for your spa getaway

City Centre

Cairns2000 ft

Airports

Cairns (CNS) 4.4 mi

Train

Cairns Central Station1400 ft

Bus

Bus stop400 ft

What our guests says about facilities

The hotel offers amenities for your comfortable stay and unforgettable experiences

Fantastic Pool Area!

The pool area at Gilligan's is truly amazing! It's big and surrounded by plenty of lounges, making it the perfect place to unwind after a day of exploring. I loved chilling with friends and enjoying the vibrant atmosphere. The space is so well designed, with lots of areas to relax and meet new people!

Ben123. Australia, 2024-03-05Read full review on

Great Food Options

I was pleasantly surprised by the quality of food at the bar! They have great specials running, and the prices are very reasonable. I tried a few different dishes during my stay, and each one was delicious. Plus, the bustling vibe makes it a fun place to grab a bite!

Albert007. UK, 2024-04-20Read full review on

Lively Entertainment Nights

The entertainment at Gilligan's is great! I attended multiple events during my stay, including themed nights and competitions which were a blast. It’s a fantastic way to meet fellow travelers and enjoy some fun activities. The atmosphere is electric, especially on the weekends!

Dominic89. USA, 2024-05-30Read full review on

Comfortable Beds!

I stayed in a dorm room that was surprisingly comfortable. The beds were clean and provided enough space for me to unwind after a long day. I also appreciated the individual power outlets and lighting, which made it easy to recharge my devices without disrupting others. Highly recommend!

Norman_Traveler. Canada, 2024-06-15Read full review on

What’s included

General

Non-smoking rooms
Paid parking
Safe deposit box
24-hour reception
No pets allowed
Rooms/ Facilities for disabled
Wheelchair access
Security
Adults only
Luggage storage
Lift
ATM/Cash machine
Vending machines
Smoke detectors
Fire extinguishers
Key card access
Key access

Sports & Fitness

Fitness centre
Cycling
Billiard tables

Guest Parking

Shared kitchen
Electric kettle

Services

Room service
Housekeeping
Car hire
Laundry
Tours/Ticket assistance
Happy hour

Dining

Restaurant
Bar/ Lounge area

Business

Fax/Photocopying

Facilities for people with disabilities

Toilet for disabled

Spa & Leisure

Outdoor swimming pool
Sun loungers
Live entertainment
Night club
Garden area
Leisure/ TV room

Room features

Free Wi-Fi in rooms
Air conditioning
Sitting area
Patio
Garden furniture
Tea and coffee facilities
Ironing facilities

Self-catering

Shared kitchen
Electric kettle

Media

Flat-screen TV

Room decor

Carpeted floor

Location

57-89 Grafton Street, Cairns, Australia

Map view

57-89 Grafton Street, Cairns, Australia

City landmarks

Green Island

2100 ft

Zoo

Cairns ZOOM and Wildlife Dome

2300 ft

Aquarium

Cairns Aquarium

2700 ft

Park

Muddy's Playground

4600 ft

Park

Munro Martin Parklands

2500 ft

Public Building

Cairns Regional Council

3400 ft

Church

St Monica's Cathedral

3400 ft

1 Spence St

Cairns Marlin Marina

2300 ft

Great Barrier Reef

Michaelmas Cay

2600 ft

120 Mulgrave Rd

Cairns Showgrounds

5300 ft

Nearby

71/73-75 Esplanade

Cairns Night Markets

1900 ft

Market

Rusty's Markets

1100 ft

Museum

The Cairns Museum

900 ft

Gallery

Cairns Regional Gallery

1500 ft

Library

Cairns City Library

2000 ft

52-54 The Esplanade

Cairns Cenotaph

1600 ft

The Esplanade

1876 Landing Party

1600 ft

Gallery

Samurai Gallery Australia

900 ft

1/47 Shields St

Bones and Jones

500 ft

Gallery

KickArts Contemporary Arts

800 ft

Shop 4

Underart Gallery

900 ft

Gallery

Doongal Aboriginal Art Gallery Cairns

1500 ft

Gallery

Michael Seebeck Gallery

1700 ft

58 Lake St Suite 3-4

Foot and Body Massage

800 ft

Wooroonooran Bartle Frere

Josephine Falls

1200 ft

Shopping Area

Orchid Plaza

800 ft

Shopping Area

T Galleria by DFS

1200 ft

Park

Anzac Park

2200 ft

Shopping Area

Oceana Walk Arcade

300 ft

Main Street Arcade

Reef Teach

500 ft

Restaurants

Meldrum's Pies in Paradise

200 ft

94 Grafton St

Blackbird Laneway

800 ft

67 Grafton St Oceana Walk Shop 13

Cruze Coffee

400 ft

105 Grafton St

Waffle On Cairns

800 ft

64 Shields St

Jenny's Chinese Kitchen

900 ft

82 Grafton St

Gyorgyi's Delights

1100 ft

74B Sheridan St

Reviews and Ratings <br />

Feedback from previous guests about their experience.

74%

loved the resort and would return for another relaxing stay

7.4/10

Very good

Rooms

7.4

Location

9.2

Service

7.4

Dining

6.5

Reese

United Kingdom, February 2025

8.4/10

I had a pleasant stay at this resort spa, which is perfectly situated near the esplanade and shopping areas. The rooms are spacious and clean, and I felt very comfortable throughout my visit. The atmosphere at the pool is fantastic for relaxed lounging. However, the dining options were somewhat basic, and the cleanliness of shared areas left something to be desired at times.

Rooms

9.0

The rooms were spacious, clean, and comfortable, providing privacy and a nice view.

Service

10.0

The bar staff were fantastic, especially Kayla, who went out of her way to ensure we had a great experience.

Location

10.0

The resort is in an awesome spot, very central and close to the main attractions and nightlife.

Dining

6.0

Dining was fairly basic and not as impressive as I expected given the place's reputation.

Facilities

7.0

The pool area was well-maintained and a great spot to unwind, but the kitchen could use better cleanliness.

Grace

United Kingdom, January 2025

5.8/10

I had a mix of experiences at this hotel. While the location is quite central and convenient for exploring the town, my stay was overshadowed by several issues. The pool was closed unexpectedly for construction, which was a letdown, and the noise from nearby bars made it hard to sleep. Despite these downsides, the communal kitchen and living areas were decent, which was a plus.

Rooms

5.0

My room was cramped for eight people and lacked sufficient power sockets. The noise from outside was a constant nuisance, and the balcony door didn't shut properly.

Service

5.0

The reception staff had a bit of an indifferent attitude when I raised my concerns about the pool closure. They could definitely improve customer service.

Location

9.0

The location was great, right in the heart of town, making it easy to access shops and restaurants.

Dining

6.0

The kitchen facilities were fairly clean and decent for cooking, but I feel they could do more to ensure guests respect the space.

Facilities

5.0

The closed pool was a significant downside, while the communal areas were good for relaxing. However, the bathrooms needed better cleaning.

Nicholas

United Kingdom, January 2025

8.6/10

I had an amazing stay at this backpackers' resort where everything you need is right at your fingertips! The rooms were spacious and comfortable with great amenities. The lively atmosphere was a plus, although the bar can get a bit noisy for light sleepers. The only downside was dealing with a few cockroaches in the room, which took away from the experience a bit. Overall, it’s a fantastic spot for anyone looking to enjoy a fun and social environment!

Rooms

8.0

The rooms were fantastic, really spacious, and came with a private balcony. However, they were a little chilly at times since we couldn't control the temperature ourselves.

Service

10.0

The service was excellent! The bar staff were incredible, especially Kayla, who went above and beyond to make sure I had a great time. They were always friendly and ready to help.

Location

9.0

The location is brilliant—right on Grafton Street with easy access to cafes and restaurants. Plus, it has a great bar area and pool for relaxing after a day of exploring.

Dining

7.0

The dining options were decent for the price, with an all-you-can-eat buffet that was good value. It wasn’t gourmet, but it was enough to fill you up!

Facilities

9.0

Facilities were all you could want from a hostel. The communal areas were clean and well-maintained, plus there’s a nice pool area to relax in.

Harry

United Kingdom, December 2024

9.0/10

I had an amazing stay at Gilligan's, which is located right in the heart of Cairns, making it super easy to explore the city. The rooms were spacious and comfortable, complete with ensuites, which felt more like a hotel than a hostel. The nightlife here is vibrant, and while it can get a bit loud, the energy is infectious and perfect for party-goers. However, if you're looking for a quiet retreat, this may not be the best fit for you.

Rooms

10.0

The rooms were impressively spacious with ensuites and balconies, providing a modern and comfortable space.

Service

9.0

Service was top-notch, with staff available 24/7 to help out whenever needed.

Location

10.0

The location on Grafton Street is fantastic, surrounded by cafes and restaurants, making it a convenient base for day tours.

Dining

7.0

While the dining options were decent, I felt they could improve on variety and freshness, especially at breakfast.

Facilities

9.0

The facilities, including a massive pool and bars, add a fun vibe to the experience—definitely a highlight!

Liam

United Kingdom, December 2024

5.8/10

I had a decent stay at Gilligan's, with a central location and decent communal kitchens. However, the experience was marred by the pool being closed during my stay and a few issues in the room. There were also not enough power sockets for the number of guests, and noise from the bar was a big downside. Overall, I wouldn’t recommend it for those looking for a peaceful stay.

Rooms

5.0

The room had a couple of major issues, such as only two sockets for eight people and a balcony door that didn’t shut properly, letting in noise from the bar.

Service

5.0

The staff's service was not satisfactory, as I was simply told about the closed pool without any compensation or options offered.

Location

8.0

The location is great for accessing the town, but it’s not ideal for relaxation due to the bar noise.

Dining

Facilities

6.0

The kitchens were relatively clean and provided good living space, but the closed pool was a significant letdown.