Gilligan's Backpackers Hotel & Resort in Cairns

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 a relaxed, social atmosphere. Whether you’re a solo traveller or with a group, she makes you feel at home straight away. Her cocktails are top-tier, her recommendations are spot-on, and she somehow manages to keep the whole place running smoothly even when it’s busy.

If you’re staying at the hostel, make sure to spend an evening at the bar — Suski will definitely make your stay even better.

Highly recommend 🍺

I visited Gilligan’s and had a great experience!
The reception team, Ji and Alba, basically “forced” me to write this review 😂 — but I’m more than happy to do it!

Super friendly staff, welcoming atmosphere, and excellent service. You can really tell they care and work with a smile.

Thanks Ji and Alba… review done! 😄

We really enjoyed our stay at Gilligan’s! They have different activities everyday in the bar downstairs. Most of the staff is really nice and especially Lina who supported us at beerpong was amazing!! Can definitely recommend the hostel, we would always come back.

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!!

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'll be in town, I'll come again and probably will book a room at the hotel.

What a rave, This place is jam packed with activities and its location is top. If you are seeking an accomodation that's in the midst of all the happenings, this is the place to be!
However, I would not consider this "5 Star" so much as I expected more in terms of the aesthetics and amenities provided in the room comparable to that of a true 5 star hotel.

Also check out their foam parties! Top notch.

Great hostel, crowd is diverse, lots of young people. Great price for a 4-bed female dorm room. However, music was loud till 3am so this is not the place to stay if you want a quiet night to sleep lol. Overall, great place with great staff.

I gotta say this nightclub exceeded my expectations. Great sound system and vibe. Very diverse crowd, informal, some people wearing costumes, everyone just dancing and having a good time. I don't remember the last time I laughed so hard. It is an attraction on its own, worth checking it out.