Cairns: Gilligan's (Hotel)

Location map and nearby properties

Author tip

Right next door are Rusty's Markets. Persevere beyond the kitschy jewellery and sarongs into the inner sanctum, where you'll find fresh and flamboyant produce, organic foods and inventive, multicultural take-away. Tuck into a vegie samosa and amble through homeopathic medicines, hand-made soaps and tropical wines. You know you're onto a good thing when locals dominate the crowd.

Curious fact

Not only does it resemble an enormous Big Brother house, but booted contestants from the actual show have turned up to cast bewildered waves.

How to get there

• Gilligan’s Backpackers Hotel and Resort Cairns is the ultimate experience in backpacker’s hotel accommodation and leisure in the heart of the Cairns CBD. From there it is only a short walk to the Esplanade, Lagoon, Reef Boat Terminal and Marina as well as nightclubs, restaurants and shopping malls.
• From the central location there is easy access to airport, train, interstate coach, local transport and tour buses.
• The purpose built backpackers resort offers 24-hour reception and check-in to a total of 120 large air-conditioned rooms, all with ensuites and secure card access. Guests can choose 8-bed, 6-bed, 4-bed dorms or private hotel rooms. Within the complex you will find a café and pizzeria, BBQ area, dining hall, guest laundry with ironing facilities, communal kitchens, internet lounges, pool bar and spa area, cocktail bar, gaming area and free car parking.