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Dreamtime Travellers Rest

189 Bunda St Parramatta Park, Cairns, Queensland 4870 Australia
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Traveller (142)
Room & Suite (29)
Dining (12)

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Prices are provided by our partners for one room, with variable occupancy rules as provided by the property, and reflect nightly room rates, including all taxes and fees known to our partners. Please see our partners for more details.

About

#3 of 34 hostels in Cairns
Location
Cleanliness
Service
Value
Dreamtime Travellers Rest stands as a unique and enchanting destination for the discerning traveler. With a fusion of cultural heritage, sustainable practices, and warm hospitality, our establishment offers an experience like no other. Eco-Conscious: We take our commitment to the environment seriously. Our eco-friendly initiatives include solar power, composting, and waste reduction programs. Wander through lush gardens adorned with native flora, knowing that every step you take is on a path towards responsible and sustainable tourism. Comfort and Relaxation: Our accommodation options cater to a variety of preferences, from cozy shared spaces for the budget-conscious traveler to private rooms for those seeking extra comfort. Each room is basic in design, but offer serenity and tranquility, providing the perfect retreat after a day of exploration. Genuine Hospitality: The heart of Dreamtime Travellers Rest lies in our dedicated staff. With a warm welcome and a willingness to go the extra mile, they ensure your stay is seamless and unforgettable. From personalised recommendations to assistance with your every need, our team is here to make you feel at home. Prime Location: Our strategic location places you within easy reach of the Great Barrier Reef. Whether you seek adventure, cultural immersion, or a tranquil escape, Dreamtime is your gateway to the best experiences our region has to offer. Discover a place where heritage and hospitality unite to create a truly memorable stay. At Dreamtime Travellers Rest, we invite you to become part of our story, where every guest is not just a traveler but a cherished member of our global family. Come, embark on a journey of discovery, eco-consciousness, and heartfelt connections. Your dreamtime adventure begins here.
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Property amenities
Free parking
Public wifi
Outdoor pool
Board games / puzzles
Baggage storage
Non-smoking hotel
Express check-in / check-out
Private check-in / check-out
Street parking
Fence around pool
Shared bathroom
Shared kitchen
First aid kit
Umbrella
Clothes dryer
Self-serve laundry
Washing machine
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Room features
Air conditioning
Kitchenette
Microwave
Stovetop
Electric kettle
Kitchenware
Room types
Non-smoking rooms
Good to know
HOTEL CLASS
3.0 of 5 stars
HOTEL STYLE
Residential Neighbourhood
Budget
Languages Spoken
English
896Reviews0Q+A100Room tips

Reviews
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Melanie S wrote a review Sept 2023
Brisbane, Australia2 contributions
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 strip, 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!
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Date of stay: September 2023
Value
Location
Service
Trip type: Travelled solo
Room Tip: Bring your own towel/s, check in is after 12pm, check out before 10am.
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This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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Tina L wrote a review Sept 2023
21 contributions1 helpful vote
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.
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Date of stay: August 2023
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Trip type: Travelled with family
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LDM wrote a review Sept 2023
Marco Island, Florida3 contributions1 helpful vote
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!
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Date of stay: September 2023
Value
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Trip type: Travelled solo
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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Charlotte H wrote a review Mar 2023
8 contributions5 helpful votes
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
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Date of stay: March 2023Trip type: Travelled as a couple
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Tyler M wrote a review Oct 2022
3 contributions4 helpful votes
+1
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.
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Date of stay: June 2022
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Bodo H wrote a review Sept 2022
Hasselt, Belgium1 contribution
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.
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Date of stay: September 2022Trip type: Travelled solo
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Jake wrote a review Sept 2022
2 contributions
Would recommend this Hostel to those visiting Cairns, the room was very satisfactory with comfortable beds and lighting which allowed us good nights sleep. Noise from other guests was never an issue and the pool was a nice addition in the hot sun. Everyone was friendly especially Tim. The Hostel is also in a good location and has lots of brochures about some of the great tours you NEED to do whilst in Cairns.
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Date of stay: September 2022Trip type: Travelled with friends
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Pauline C wrote a review Jun 2022
Melbourne, Australia1 contribution
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
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Date of stay: June 2022
Rooms
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Trip type: Travelled on business
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bellissimoalec wrote a review Apr 2022
4 contributions2 helpful votes
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.
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Date of stay: March 2022Trip type: Travelled as a couple
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Martine wrote a review Mar 2022
6 contributions
I was booked to stay at Dreamtime Traveller’s Rest for seven nights, however, chose to vacate after only four nights due to an unpleasant experience I had there. Initially I was very happy with the room I was provided and the property surroundings, with its beautiful trees, quiet location and good facilities. That changed on the fourth night, however, when an ant infestation occurred in my room and I was bitten throughout the night by ants that had invaded my bed, luggage and laptop. My laptop bag was teeming with ants and they had even invaded inside the bar fridge provided in the room. I did not have any food in my room apart from a bag of chips (that were clipped shut and did not have ants in them) that had been opened only a couple of hours before this incident. I discussed the experience with the owner Paul the following morning and he attempted to remedy the issue by applying ant powder in the room and changing the bedding. I was unable to accept the offer of insect spray application due to breathing issues. The application of ant powder and change of bedding was very unlikely to counteract the ant infestation in my luggage and laptop nor prevent me from another night of bites, and I felt it was inevitable the ants would re-infest the bed and space given the room perimeters were surrounded by them. In discussing the issue with Paul I did not receive an apology, just an indication that ants are an issue there and they do what they can to control them. In Paul not owning the experience I had at his hostel as the service provider, I felt it was implied that I was the cause of the infestation. Paul himself indicated that he had ants around his computer in the hotel reception area, and other reviews suggest ants are an issue at the property, so I found it odd he would not draw a link between my experience and the evidence presented to him in his own experience and that of previous guests. I accept Paul did somewhat try to help, though unsatisfactorily, and I want to preface this by saying that I have spent a lot of time in the NT and QLD tropics and am well versed in ants and other critters - I was not expecting an entirely ant-free property. I did, however, expect not to be bitten by them whilst sleeping and not have them invade inside the bar fridge, my luggage and laptop. At that point I felt I had no choice for my own personal wellbeing than to move on to other accommodation. Paul refunded me for a portion of my remaining booking, however, despite only being 1.5 hours after checkout time and having dealt with the cursed ants all morning, I was not refunded for the cost of the coming night, nor compensated for the experience of the previous night. I then moved onto another hostel. Unfortunately, the ants that had invaded my laptop and luggage at Dreamtime came with me to the new hostel and I spent the bulk of the next two days dealing with ants crawling around the new room (dozens were coming out of my laptop). To say it was unpleasant and stressful would be putting it mildly. I reached out to Paul after I checked out however I was told “unfortunately some things are completely out of my control” and my last email went unanswered. To make matters worse, I have now returned home to find that I am having significant issues with the functionality of my laptop’s keyboard, which I’ve read can be common as ants affect the inner mechanisms of a computer. I've never had any issues with my laptop prior to this, and my laptop is only one year old. I am annoyed and frustrated with my experience at Dreamtime, and will likely facing costly laptop keyboard repair. Lastly, for any prospective travellers, please note that Dreamtime runs only intermittent, unpredictable reception hours. I had no issues checking in, but not long after doing so I was locked out of my room with my keys and phone left inside the room (my error). Paul had told me he was always carried his phone on him, however, I spent the next almost 1.5 hours locked out of my room asking other hostel guests to phone him and leave voicemails asking for his assistance. Of course, I acknowledge my error in locking myself out of my room, however I expected a more responsive owner in these instances, and less of a wait to get back into my room.
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Date of stay: March 2022
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PRICE RANGE
£48 - £51 (Based on Average Rates for a Standard Room)
FORMERLY KNOWN AS
Dreamtime Backpackers
LOCATION
AustraliaQueenslandCairns RegionCairns
NUMBER OF ROOMS
21
Prices are provided by our partners for one room, with variable occupancy rules as provided by the property, and reflect nightly room rates, including all taxes and fees known to our partners. Please see our partners for more details.
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DREAMTIME TRAVELLERS REST - Updated 2024 Prices (Cairns, Australia)

Frequently Asked Questions about Dreamtime Travellers Rest
Which popular attractions are close to Dreamtime Travellers Rest?
Nearby attractions include Cairns Central Shopping Centre (0.2 miles), Grand Hotel Cairns (0.2 miles), and Cruze Coffee (0.10 miles).
What are some of the property amenities at Dreamtime Travellers Rest?
Some of the more popular amenities offered include free parking, an outdoor pool, and self serve laundry.
Which room amenities are available at Dreamtime Travellers Rest?
Top room amenities include a kitchenette, air conditioning, and a stovetop.
Is parking available at Dreamtime Travellers Rest?
Yes, free parking and street parking are available to guests.
What are some restaurants close to Dreamtime Travellers Rest?
Conveniently located restaurants include Pete & Paulz Breaky Bar, Jimmys Burger & Co., and Calaveras Street.
Are there opportunities to exercise at Dreamtime Travellers Rest?
Yes, guests have access to an outdoor pool during their stay.
Is Dreamtime Travellers Rest located near the city centre?
Yes, it is 0.5 miles away from the centre of Cairns.
Are any cleaning services offered at Dreamtime Travellers Rest?
Yes, self serve laundry and a clothes dryer are offered to guests.