About
Welcome to Dreamtime—an award-winning budget hostel with a big heart. If you're looking for a clean, friendly and relaxed place to stay while exploring Cairns, you've found it. We're not a party hostel. You can actually get a good night's sleep before chasing waterfalls, snorkeling the Great Barrier Reef or heading into the rainforest. Dreamtime is full of character. We keep things simple, affordable and welcoming. We don't have hotel-style rooms or fancy facilities—but we do have comfy beds, clean spaces, a lush tropical garden, a great vibe and a small dedicated team who genuinely care about making your stay in Cairns memorable. We've traveled the world ourselves, so we know what makes a great hostel. We're always happy to share local tips, recommend our favorite hidden gems, and help you save money with discounts on tours booked through us. We're also passionate about looking after this beautiful corner of the world. We compost, recycle, reduce single-use plastics and do our best to tread lightly, because paradise deserves a little love. Dreamtime has been welcoming travelers since 1993, and many guests return again and again. (One even loved us enough to get a Dreamtime tattoo—we're still blushing.) Our hostel is best suited to independent travelers looking for great value, a relaxed atmosphere and friendly people. If you're after hotel luxury, we aren't your perfect match. But if you want a budget hostel with beaten up pots & pans, we'd love to welcome you. Standard Policies: We are a small, independent hostel, our reception is open from 9.00am - 5.00pm. A valid passport is required for all guests. Late check-in's are ok. If you plan to arrive after 5pm, please email us before you arrive with a screenshot of your passport, and we will provide instructions on how to self-check-in. Email: [email protected] Phone: (07) 4000 0467 (between 9am - 5pm) We have a storage cupboard for luggage. If you need to hang around while you wait for your flight, you are welcome to use our facilities. Also - there is an awesome cafe right next door to us. The coffee is amazing. We operate with a maximum 14-day stay policy in any 30 day period. Any bookings made to accumulate more than 14 days will be canceled. No shows will be charged the first night's accommodations. We have a pretty laid-back atmosphere at Dreamtime. However, to maintain our chilled atmosphere we do not allow: Children under 16 years of age. If you are aged 65 or above, you may be more comfortable in a hotel/motel with private facilities (this is based directly on feedback from everyone over 65 who we've welcomed)
497 Reviews
- Cleanliness
- 9.0
- Staff
- 9.6
- Location
- 9.0
What Guests Say
- “Dreamtime was very prompt and attentive. The rooms were clean and most nights they offer some type of meal, like a BBQ or pizza for a…”
- “Great facilities (pool, sitting area, few kitchens…), everything super clean, free parking outside and friendly and helpful staff!”
Top Amenities
- Swimming Pool
- Free Internet Access
- Free Parking
- Kitchen/Kitchenette
- Non-Smoking Rooms
Room Options
Our Best Price. GUARANTEED.
Exclusively for Priceline members Details
1/4Standard Double Room with Shared Bathroom
- Air conditioning
- Bath or Shower
- Clothes rack
- Fan
1/4Bed in 4-Bed Female Dormitory Room
- Air conditioning
- Bath or Shower
- Fan
- Hardwood or parquet floors
1/4Bed in 6-Bed Female Dormitory Room
- Air conditioning
- Bath or Shower
- Fan
- Hardwood or parquet floors
1/4Comfort Triple Room with Shared Bathroom
- Air conditioning
- Bath or Shower
- Fan
- Hardwood or parquet floors
1/1Standard Room
1/4Twin Room with Private Bathroom
- Air conditioning
- Bath or Shower
- Fan
- Hardwood or parquet floors
1/4Twin Room with Shared Bathroom
- Air conditioning
- Bath or Shower
- Fan
- Hardwood or parquet floors
1/4Deluxe Double Room with Shared Bathroom
- Air conditioning
- Bath or Shower
- Fan
- Hardwood or parquet floors
1/4Budget Single Room with Shared Bathroom
- Air conditioning
- Bath or Shower
- Fan
- Hardwood or parquet floors
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What Guests Loved
Based on 497 reviews
Pros +
- Dreamtime was very prompt and attentive. The rooms were clean and most nights they offer some type of meal, like a BBQ or pizza for a good price. We didn't book any trips through them but they were able to do this and had tons of information. Great place!
- Great facilities (pool, sitting area, few kitchens…), everything super clean, free parking outside and friendly and helpful staff!
- The owners are kind, helpful and approachable, and the property is secure and well kept. As a female traveller on my own, I liked that I felt really safe as well as comfortable.
Cons -
- The wifi only works in certain areas and is restricted to a certain amount of data per guest but we didn't use it all anyway.
- The showers.
- The hostel has several significant drawbacks. First, the WiFi has no signal in the rooms, and even mobile data coverage is poor, forcing guests to use the common area for internet access. Unfortunately, the common area lacks air conditioning, creating an uncomfortable trade-off between being online and staying cool. Second, the in-room air conditioning, which costs $1 for 6 hours, is extremely loud. Combined with refrigerator noise, it creates a disruptive environment that makes sleeping difficult. Third, strict and somewhat hostile warnings are posted everywhere about remembering your key, stating there will be "coaches for you," that staff "need beauty sleep too" and can't open the door, and that a $50 fee applies for after-hours entry. Fourth, the bathroom light automatically turns off after just a few minutes, essentially forcing guests to shower in the dark daily. Finally, while kitchen use is officially prohibited after 10 PM, this rule is not enforced, leading to noisy late-night activity that disturbs other guests.
Dreamtime was very prompt and attentive. The rooms were clean and most nights they offer some type of meal, like a BBQ or pizza for a good price. We didn't book any trips through them but they were able to do this and had tons of information. Great place!
The wifi only works in certain areas and is restricted to a certain amount of data per guest but we didn't use it all anyway.
Great facilities (pool, sitting area, few kitchens…), everything super clean, free parking outside and friendly and helpful staff!
The owners are kind, helpful and approachable, and the property is secure and well kept. As a female traveller on my own, I liked that I felt really safe as well as comfortable.
I enjoyed a quiet, clean, atmospheric evening in this grand old queenlander. Late check in no problem. Security good. Will stay again. There is plenty of nearby street parking. Short walk to restaurants and shopping. 10 minutes to airport.
The hostel was very quiet and peaceful, which I particularly appreciated. Overall, everything was tidy and clean. The rooms were very nice.
Lovely and quiet accommodation. Everyone was respectful and friendly. Definitely recommend for a peaceful stay!
The showers.
This hostel offers excellent convenience due to its proximity to the CBD and a Coles supermarket directly across the street, making shopping for essentials very easy. It features two well-equipped kitchens stocked with a variety of cooking utensils. The atmosphere is generally quiet and cozy, as it's not overly crowded and there isn't much social activity in the common areas. The common area itself is comfortable and provides nice perks like a complimentary 1L bottle of sunscreen and various games (e.g., puzzles, paint-by-number kits) for guest use.
The hostel has several significant drawbacks. First, the WiFi has no signal in the rooms, and even mobile data coverage is poor, forcing guests to use the common area for internet access. Unfortunately, the common area lacks air conditioning, creating an uncomfortable trade-off between being online and staying cool. Second, the in-room air conditioning, which costs $1 for 6 hours, is extremely loud. Combined with refrigerator noise, it creates a disruptive environment that makes sleeping difficult. Third, strict and somewhat hostile warnings are posted everywhere about remembering your key, stating there will be "coaches for you," that staff "need beauty sleep too" and can't open the door, and that a $50 fee applies for after-hours entry. Fourth, the bathroom light automatically turns off after just a few minutes, essentially forcing guests to shower in the dark daily. Finally, while kitchen use is officially prohibited after 10 PM, this rule is not enforced, leading to noisy late-night activity that disturbs other guests.
loved the nice and quiet location & settingwell equipped & clean kitchenamazing, very helpful and friendly hostshostel was definitely created with a lot of love and care to give travellers a restful stay :) The additional fans in the room were a plus.
my sheets were a bit smelly and the AC is a bit oldschool (loud and coin dependent while being very effective though). I get the sustainability concept, however I do think for the climate in Cairns it may be good to give the windows (isolating curtains) and AC an update for comfort
It was a very cozy vibe and the staff were extremely helpful and kind.
The walls were very thin making it difficult to sleep when people were using the kitchen, bathroom etc.
Always good vibes at the travellers group of hostels. This one is quieter that the one I stayed at around the corner which I liked. Really nice clean room and facilities. Staff are lovely. Great location.
Be nice to have a little lamp beside the beds for guests wanting to read a little later or returning late. But not a big deal.
The staff, the location and the hostel itself are really nice.
Maybe the bed could be better, but that's OK.
Comfortable bed. Staff was helpful and rooms were very clean. 5 min to the bus/train station. Wonderful backyard filled beautiful plants. Laundry wash available for a smaller sum( Cards acceptable)
A little far away cafés and shops in the center. But there is a mall 5 min away if one needs to shop groceries.
Great hostel, everything really nice and clean, sweet little pool and a nice hangout area in the back yard. The manager was really nice and helpful. We also booked our tours with him and he gave us great advices on it. Big kitchen with everything you need.Great location in the center of Cairns, very walkable.
Comfortable, well set up, so very clean!The staff are helpful and amazing and it was very easy to communicate with them
A bit of a walk from the centre
Great location - conveniently located few minutes walk to mall and greyhound bus stop. Nice decor, quiet and relaxed atmosphere. There are multiple kitchens and bathrooms. The owner is very kind and helpful in helping us arrange excursions. Highly recommend staying here. It is also eco friendly.
Nothing!
Really enjoyed my stay. Felt more like a family than a hostel. The facilities were nice, staff were exceptional - they really go out of their way to make you feel welcome and comfortable. Tim organised a kayaking trip which was fantastic. I felt like I became part of the family while I was there.
Nothing - I didn’t want to leave.
Great location with access to shops and town. Cute place with a good vibe and great service. Pool nice and clean and a perfect break from the weather.
No fan in the lounge room and air con in bedroom is restricted to 6 hours. Great for the environment, but not much fun on a stinking hot night if you want more than 6 hrs sleep.
Very relaxed vibe and lovely staff!
The shared room could have been a bit cosier and 2 pillows each would be nice.
Super location, friendly staff and cute vibe.
Noise can be heard well in the rooms.
The yard was gorgeous and the staff were lovely. I especially liked the friendly canine greeter.
Amenities & Policies
Amenities
Swimming & Soaking
- Swimming Pool
- Outdoor pool
Food & Drinks
- Kitchen/Kitchenette
- Shared kitchen
Media & Technology
- Free Internet Access
Transportation
- Free Parking
Health & Safety
- Health Services
- Daily disinfection
- Professional cleaning services
Kid Friendly
- Family Friendly
General
- No Smoking Rooms/Facilities
Guest policies
| Check-in | After 12:00 PM |
|---|---|
| Check-out | Before 10:00 AM |
| Internet | Free Wi-Fi is available. |
| Parking | Free parking is available. |
| Children & Extra Beds | Children are not allowed. |
| Pets | Pets are not allowed. |
| Room Rates | All rates displayed are for two guests unless otherwise noted. |
Important info
Please note that all guests, including children, need to provide a valid passport at check-in. Bed linen and towels are not included in the rate for Bed in 6-Bed Female Dormitory Room and Bed in 4-Bed Female Dormitory Rooms. Guests can rent them at the property for an additional charge of AUD 3 from reception between 9:00 and 17:00, and from 9:00 to 14:00 on weekends.Please inform of your expected arrival time in advance. You can use the Special Requests box when booking, or contact the property directly using the contact details in your confirmation. Guests under the age of 18 can only check in with a parent or official guardian.
Location
4 Terminus Street, Cairns
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