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)
Couples in particular like the location – they rated it 9.2 for a two-person trip.
Distance in property description is calculated using © OpenStreetMap
Most popular amenities
- Outdoor swimming pool
- Free Wifi
- Free parking
- Family rooms
- Non-smoking rooms
- Laundry
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Amenities of Dreamtime Hostel
Most popular amenities
- Outdoor swimming pool
- Free Wifi
- Free parking
- Family rooms
- Non-smoking rooms
- Laundry
House rules
Child policies
Children not allowed.
Crib and extra bed policies
Cribs and extra beds aren't available at this property.



The fine print
Please note that all guests including children need to provide a valid passport at check-in.
Please inform Dreamtime Hostel 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.