Dreamtime Travellers Rest

Cutest little backpackers and so glad I found it! My flight arrived super early in the morning but Tim let me crash on the outside day bed until I could check in! Check in is normally 12pm but they had the room ready for me sooner than this which was really nice of them! I had originally only planned to stay one night as I wanted to experience a few different places around Cairns, but after my first night there being so comfortable, homely and quiet I decided to extend and booked for another two nights instead of the party hostel I had obliviously booked in for! The hostel itself is located in a little street/laneway behind Cairns Cental shops so a bit out of the way of the main *****, however I was able to walk to the Esplanade within 10-15 minutes and go by plenty of shops and cafes on the way. Due to the location, it's super quiet and also very private as you need a code to get into the property which I liked as I felt safe there as well as my bags which I left in a secure spot when I went on an overnight tour. The only 'downside' is that the room I was in got quite warm, but this was only during the day and is to be expected when in Cairns! There is an air conditioner, but you need to pay to use it (cheap, but I didn't as the fan and open window was enough)! I can see why they do this though as the entire hostel promotes an eco-friendly vibe and tries to reduce their plastic consumption and electricity use where ever possible. Definitely recommend if you are looking for a respectful, quiet, comfortable and homely stay whilst you are in Cairns!

Really peaceful place, with lovely plants in the relaxing backyard, you literally forget that you are so close to the road and the big shopping center. The location is great – walking distance from the city center (Esplanade). I highly recommend it.

Amazing family run hostel. This was my first time staying in a hostel and I felt very welcomed, had a comfortable room, and access to great amenities with the opportunity to socialize with other travelers!

I liked that the hostel was located far enough from the city centre, but by no means too far. The hostel has a nice homely vibe with plenty of facilities, the place is kept very tidy, and you can see the effort that is put into maintaining a high standard by Paul the owner, and staff. Check-in and out was effortless and pleasant, the bed was comfy, ceiling fan and air-conditioning available, there are individual toilets and showers nearby to each set of rooms, including multiple kitchens. You have a BBQ with outdoor seating next to the pool surrounded by tropical plants and trees, the people the hostel attracts are of a friendly sociable nature. You don't need much more than that at a hostel. I'm glad I followed my intuition and stayed here. I made a video on youtub, just search 'Tyler Martin Visiting Cairns' to see some of the hostel, and ideas of places you can visit while in cairns some nice waterfalls, plus of course the main reason for my stop in Cairns - Australia's only bungee jump.

We have travelled from Melbourne to Cairns stopping at almost every place on the way up and this is by far our favourite hostel. It’s the only one where we have extended our stay (from 3 nights to 5 weeks!!!) The owners/managers are class, so approachable and are willing to help you out. The private room we had felt so homely, and was pleasant to come back to after a day at work. 2 kitchens means that you’re likely to always be able to cook, same with the multiple bathrooms. It has an outdoorsy/eco feel, and is so so lovely and quiet on a night (compared to some of the other hostels in cairns that are like a circus). The only drawback is having to pay for the air con, but the rooms are quite cheap compared to some other hostels so I guess that kind of makes up for it but long term you do end up racking up costs on air con. Cannot recommend this place enough, it’s honestly the only hostel we have genuinely liked in 5 whole months of travelling here. Charlotte & Alex x

Stayed at Dreamtime during my stay in Cairns. I can recommend this place to anyone who loves a laid back atmosphere and looking for a home away from home. The staff was extremely helpful and friendly, rooms and amenities very tidy and clean. The hostel is located just a short distance from the centre but away from the big crowds. I will definitely return to this place when I’m in Cairns.

My room was fine . Given Im in a motorised wheelchair , I was really happy to have assistance from other holiday makers on a couple of occasions ,when needed, without even having to ask. Thank you to Paul. great facility. Close to everything

The hostel was good! My problem is with the cleaner that works there. My partner went to the kitchen at 11am to fill up some water, The cleaner was in the process of cleaning the kitchen. He then decided to glare at her to make her feel unwelcome, Whilst staring at her he then dumps a bucket of water on the floor in her direction. Next confrontation I was making breakfast in the morning and putting away my dishes after cleaning them. There was a small bin in the drying rack that was already there not thinking much of it I put my dishes into the drying rack. He saw this and proceeded to grab it out and slam it on the other side of the kitchen and question me about why I didn't put it away Then he lectured me about how you need to clean up after your self and not make a mess. after these incidents every time we went to the kitchen he would come out of his room (which was right beside the kitchen) and walk around you with a passive aggressive/intimidating strut. Which made us feel unwelcome and uncomfortable to even go to the kitchen And there was a lot of ants This is all quite unfortunate as the hostel is very nice as is the location. The rooms where nice and spacious. The pool was extremely refreshing in the hot cairns heat. I feel bad to write this as the owner was really great to us and was very helpful to us.