Gilligan's Hotel & Resort

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 pushed for answers. I felt completely dismissed. I had to ask them what could be done, because it was clear they weren’t going to offer any solutions on their own. For a place of this size, the lack of basic customer service was really surprising. The bar/club area was another low point. My experience with the bouncers left me feeling uncomfortable and honestly shocked. They came across as incredibly power-hungry — the kind of attitude where they seemed more focused on throwing their authority around than maintaining a fair or safe environment. My friend was escorted out twice without any explanation at all, yet at the same time I saw extremely intoxicated men being allowed in and staying inside, even though they were making young girls uncomfortable and could barely stand. It felt inconsistent, unsafe, and very poorly managed. The damp problem in the room also never improved. It was bad enough that I had to ask for new bed sheets every day, and even then everything felt wet again within hours. All of my clothes became damp and completely unwearable. It honestly ruined the stay. Overall, my time here was uncomfortable, poorly handled, and incredibly disappointing. Based on my experience, I strongly recommend choosing a different hostel. This stay was not worth the stress, and I wouldn’t come back.

Fabulous bar with great staff. The outdoor deck is expansive with smoking area with tables/seating that had easy access to bar/toilets. Great atmosphere with music to suit all tastes, excellent drink prices, while pool tables are available, these are located in the non-smoking area so, a little farther if you need a smoke break. Convenient city location and easy to order taxi service via front reception desk. Definitely on our favourite list 👌

I stayed at Gillian Hostel for nearly a month while backpacking, and it was such a great experience! The hostel has a really fun atmosphere with daily events that make it easy to meet new people and feel part of a community. The bar is also a nice spot to relax, grab a drink, and socialise after a day of exploring. Perfect place for long stays or short visits—highly recommend!

let me tell you. Inkeri was the best hostess i’ve ever experienced in my life. The hospitality and drive this woman has is unmatched. This exquisite woman was so knowledgeable about spirits and cocktails, it blew my mind. She makes the Gilligans experience worth it.. and to add that Troi, Rose, Max, Ethan and Tino are absolutely impeccable workers and i would risk my life for them. Thank you, Liv

I’m really disappointed with the way the security handled a situation during our visit at the bar. One of our friends briefly closed her eyes for a moment while lay down on a bench, and without any warning or even speaking to us, the security guard immediately gestured toward the exit and motioned for her to leave. He even snapped his fingers to rush her out, which felt extremely rude and unprofessional. There was no explanation, no courtesy, and no attempt to communicate—just an abrupt and disrespectful dismissal. If this is how they treat visitors, then be aware: do not close your eyes for even a minute, or you might be kicked out as well.

Definitely can NOT recommend. A lot of annoying and drunk people. People on the floors are just screaming in the night, and having the club inside the hostel guarantees sleepless nights... The toilets at the pool smell like alcohol and vomit. The kitchen is just dirty and chaotic all the time. Yes, the rooms are clean, but they have no individual lights at the beds, only big super bright main lights, that will definitely wake you up when someone comes back to the dorm after partying. Definitely the worst hostel I ever stayed in.

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Although we didn’t have a room booked this time, the venue itself looked incredibly welcoming and well-maintained from the outside — definitely the kind of place we'd love to stay in on our next trip! We did, however, stop in for a meal, and the food was absolutely amazing. The \$10 specials were an unbeatable deal — generous portions, full of flavour, and clearly made with care. Great value, great vibe, and friendly staff made it a standout stop. Can’t wait to come back and experience the full stay!

Hostel is shit. Stuff is unfriendly and doesn't help when you have issues. Security just picks random people and don't let them into the club. I don't recommend staying here. There are loads of better hostels in Cairns.

I was warned I was bumping into people while dancing even though I wasn't, there were however several guys that had tried to dance with my friend But she rejected them. Then they asked me to leave after my girlfriend didn't want to dance with some dude. I politely walked out and no one followed me out not even security. I asked for an explanation by someone who claimed to be the security manager and was not given one. I asked for his first name and he refused, all he has was #438. I asked what his opinion was and he didn't give me one and simply told me he was going to go with what his security went with even though he mentioned he was not there and couldn't tell me what actually happened. My friend simply rejected someone who payed of the staff and kicked me out. Review the videos if you do record and you'll see.

If you're looking for a hostel where there's literally a bar worthy of an AA meeting downstairs and everyone (literally everyone) is single and DTF, welcome to your promised land. The negatives are few if you're there for a weekend or a week, though I can see longer-term guests wanting to murder those of us who came in at all hours while they attempted to rest. I actually woke up one morning to a girl who looked like that girl from the Grudge staring at me from her bunkbed across the room, but for most of the trip she sat in the corner rocking back and forth so I guess she was meditating and not plotting my death. The bar downstairs was a blast. Young (20s-30s) people from all over the world coming together, making out, getting felt up, potentially swapping numbers and or room info, then getting more drinks. Great drinks, great people, horrible hangovers, and if you get sick later on, you'll be shamed by everyone in your room because the bathroom walls are tissue paper thin. Like I heard one girl throwing up which made me start to throw up, but in my defense I'd also finished an entire bag of goon that night so probably my bad. If you're looking for somewhere to make great friends, to stay for cheap, and to be in a great location in Cairns, you won't find anywhere better than Gilligans. If you're looking for somewhere longer term or quieter, don't even think about it.

Gilligan's has an absolutely insane nightlife. Spent two nights there during a recent trip to Australia and they were definitely the two craziest nights of my trip. Drink specials are great - $5 for a cocktail can't be beat - and the entertainment like Pirate Bingo keeps things interesting. There's a bar, outdoor area, and pool area, all of which are modern and clean, and Gilligan's really can't be beat if you're looking for good nightlife in Cairns!

For a hostel, this place is awesome!!! Huge amazing pool with lounge chairs. Huge bar inside and outside. Tons of activities and a social every night that gets you a free beer and meeting others staying there. The room was huge - I had a private queen. The bed was comfortable and the blackout shades worked very well. I couldn't hear any noise from the club below from the 4th floor. There is a kitchen and lounge on every floor and security so your safe. Really, in Cairns, this is the place to be for some fun and meeting others.

While in Cairns, as a backpacker, you've got to spend at least one night at Gilligan's. It's definitely an experience, since this is the hostel where you stay if you don't want to sleep. The location is prime, since you're within walking distance to other hostels, bars, clubs, shops, weekend markets, and the main attraction: the lagoon/public swimming pool/outdoor tanning spot! Cairns is a lovely small-ish city, get out and explore. The bar across from reception serves backpacker dinner everynight, free small portion with a drink purchase or upgrade to a mountain of food for only $3! There's always a vegetarian option and a meaty choice, too. It's not super great food, and the variety gets repeditive, but if you're on a budget, take advantage. Reception is open 24 hrs, and the travel desk is a great place to book your day trips to nearby attractions and activities such as Cape Tribulation, Port Douglas, Daintree Rainforest, bungee, skydive, snorkeling around the reef, Tablelands, Waterfall, croc adventures, and the list goes on! After hours, Gilligan's doesn't stop! The bar/club is open weekends until 5am, there are tonnes of activities and competitions to watch, keeping everyone entertained all evening. I paid $20 per night for a 10-person dorm directly above the club, so I would fall asleep (eventually) to nst nst nst vibrations from the bar below, but it didn't bother me. Don't stay in one of the rooms above the club if noise bothers you. In fact, don't stay at Gilligan's if all you want to do is go to sleep early, read your book in peace, or listen to your own music. It's definitely a party place, and you will meet roommates who will become your friends if you just keep an open mind and give 'er a shot! In the dorms, the beds are actually comfortable, and there is plenty of space to store your bags in the room. Most rooms as I understand are ensuite, which is convenient for sure! The showers are really well-maintained, and there are hooks for towels and clothes. Be advised that they don't actually allow alcohol purchased at outside stores to be brought into the hostel, just get creative on bringing in your own. Since they're a licensed establishment, the rule forces you to spend more at the bar instead, but that's expensive and we're backpackers soo, just make it work haha! The open air pool is great fun on warm days. In the evenings, watch on the giant screen outside overlooking the pool area, and dig some AFL and other sports games. On each floor, there are kitchens and TV areas. The kitchens were clean in my experience, but my food was stolen, on two ocassions. Just keep your nonperishables in your room and they'll be safe. Go for the experience, and stay up all night at Gilligan's!

Very nice party hostel. Attached bar has a great swimming pool area, TVs, and live/DJ music at night. Rooms are spacious and well air conditioned. Outdoor balconies for smokers, hanging out, and drying your clothes. Not enough power outlets, i.e. 2 outlets in room besides the bathroom sink outlets shared among 8 people is a bit rough. $2/day WiFi is comparatively cheap. Free dinner pretty much sucks (bad chili on rice for two of the nights I was there). The food you pay for is quite good (my roasted lamb chefs special for $10 was excellent). Common areas, i.e. TV and kitchen, are not air conditioned which can be rough in the summer. 10 minute walk to lagoon and grocery stores.

Crazy party area... I got the initial impression it was a great place to party and host safe backpacker at a decent price... The bar service at night was far from friendly and drinks are very expensive. I didn't have it happen to me but two separate people said that the towel they rented was taken by cleaning and they had to buy another one while they were still there... Overall, fun atmosphere but way overpriced for drinks at the bar and certain bouncers and a young female bartenders were extreme assholes while I staid there. I am assuming because no tips and the BS they deal with on occasion. However, if anyone give the smallest impression they are drunk, they are out which is exact opposite of what they promote... I would advise stay somewhere else and then just come to party if you feel the need..

Gilligan's cairns as I walked in the door I was greted by the Bar I ordered a drink unbeknownst to me I would fall over, right next to the ATM soooo fucking wet from the bar apparently overflowing from the main bar from the rain that had been falling all day. With my knee crazed I would leave WTF. I thought this was world renowned. Obviously not.

Pretty bloody awesome. This place is very conducive to good times. Friendly staff, and good drink specials but what really got me about Gilligan's is how clean it is! For such a massive hostel and club/bar, every morning it's so tidy. Yes, in places it smells a bit but c'mon it's a huge hostel in a tropical paradise. You've gotta expect a bit of back packer charm. Despite being in a room above the club, I found it pretty easy to sleep. The only time I was woken was at closing time as the drunken rabble returned to their rooms. It wasn't for long, I got over it. Teaches me right for not being part of the rabble myself. Gilligan's really is the place to go of a night in Cairns! Good, central location. Clean, cool rooms (even on the top bunk). Not the best if you intend on working in Cairns but definitely a whole lot of fun.

Amazing value for what you get! Slept in a 10 bed dorm and payed 18 dollar ish per night! Ideal for solo travellers as you will meet random people, so definitely recommended. If you are up for a party - go to Gilligans, as there is always action at the club, from Monday - Friday and you might not get much sleep with all the beats! It is also in the middle if the city - you'll find restaurants, supermarkets, shopping and bars all around in max 5 minutes walking distance.

If you are young and looking for a fun place to stay and party then your search is over. Gilligans have you covered A large nightclub downstairs with pools. Games and entertainment every night. Hundreds of people staying there from all over the world They have different levels of accomodation from backpackers to hotel rooms. You have to see to believe

If you're looking for more of an exciting end to your trip up the East Coast or if this is the beginning and you're looking to kick things off with a "BANG" this is the place. There seems to always be something going on at night at Gilligans. The atmosphere is great from the club on sight at night to the bar hop, this place is great. The rooms were pretty clean, the staff was fantastic, and the security was very good. I would highly suggest this place if it is going to be your last nights in OZ because the place never sleeps If you're​ looking for a quiet relaxed hostel, ​this is not the place.

Best hostel ever! Very nice staff, great accommodation and i made amazing friends that i will know for the rest of my life.

Gilligans is perfect if your looking for a super party hostel. Do not even think that you'll get any quiet before 3:00 AM, as the night club blasts extremely loud music until then. It also attracts that crowd, so if that's your thing, check this place out. If not, stay away.

Great backpackers hostel. Has everything a holiday goer would want. Great staff, clean facilities and very friendly ppl always keen for a beer and or a chat. Will continue to stay there anytime I'm in Cairns.

Great spot for a couple of knock offs, or knock ons if that's the way you roll, live bands most nights of the weeks. This is great as there is not enough of it in cairns

Best hostel I have ever seen. Clean rooms that actually lock and have lockers + nice balconies, a good bar (which turns into a pretty decent club at night), good (and free) food, nice pool, a gym, a big community kitchen on every level, and pretty damn cheap considering ($30 per night). Only a few blocks from the lagoon and the nightlife area, I highly recommend this place.