Last updated: November 6, 2022
What are the best hostels in Sydney? We have shortlisted 8 top Sydney hostels that offer affordable backpacker accommodation with great facilities and easy access to public transport and tourist hotspots.
Sydney is one of the most popular backpacking cities in the world, and for good reason! With a perfect climate, lots of beaches, easy public transport, great cafes and restaurants, Sydney has indeed a lot to offer.
With so many backpackers and budget travellers visiting Sydney each year, it’s no surprise that there are lots of great hostels spread across the city. Some of them are quite cheap and affordable, while others are a bit more exclusive with excellent facilities.
We have tried and tested eight of the best hostels in Sydney that we think are not only great value for money but are also in good locations.
Top 8 Sydney Hostels:
| Hostel | Location | |
|---|---|---|
| Sydney Harbour YHA | The Rocks | Reviews |
| Wake Up! Sydney | Sydney Central | Reviews |
| Sydney Central YHA | Sydney Central | Reviews |
| The Pod Sydney | Sydney CBD | Reviews |
| Mad Monkey Bayswater | Kings Cross | Reviews |
| Wake Up! Bondi Beach | Bondi Beach | Reviews |
| Mad Monkey Coogee Beach | Coogee Beach | Reviews |
| Manly Bunkhouse | Manly Beach | Reviews |
Top 8 Sydney Hostels
Let’s have a closer look at those eight Sydney hostel options. They include the 5 best hostels in and close to the Sydney CBD and 3 hostels at the three most popular Sydney beaches!
Looking for other affordable accommodation options in Sydney? Check out our list of best budget hotels in the Sydney CBD. Or need a room with a view? Check out our guide to the best Sydney hotels with Harbour views.
1. Sydney Harbour YHA
Opened in 2019, the modern Sydney Harbour YHA in The Rocks exceeds all general expectations most people would have from a hostel.
Built above archaeological remnants of colonial Sydney, this award-winning hostel combines premium facilities with a true heritage experience.
Sydney Harbour YHA has shared, private and family rooms available, all with free linen, WiFi, and access to the fully equipped communal kitchen and rooftop terrace.
There is also the option to upgrade to a premium room with widescreen TV and partial city and Harbour views.
Facilities throughout the hostel include air-conditioning, an onsite ATM, barbecue, laundry, food store, fast WiFi, a TV room, and a tour desk.
| Sydney Harbour YHA | |
|---|---|
| Location: | 110 Cumberland St, The Rocks (map) |
| Dorms: | 4/6/8 |
| Private rooms: | Yes |
2. Wake Up! Sydney
Conveniently located close to Central Station in an eight-story heritage building, Wake Up! Sydney is a purpose-built hostel with more than 500 beds.
This multi-award-winning hostel complex is also home to a bar, restaurant, café and travel agency, with public transport right at your doorstep.
Wake Up! Sydney is a great option for those looking for cheap, clean and friendly accommodation in a super central location.
The facilities are great and include free WiFi, 24-hour check-in, a licensed bar and nightclub, a cafe, and private rooms and shared rooms.
| Wake Up! Sydney | |
|---|---|
| Location: | 509 Pitt St, Haymarket (map) |
| Dorms: | 4/6/8/10 |
| Private rooms: | Yes |
3. Sydney Central YHA
Our third hostel on this list of affordable backpackers accommodation in Sydney is the popular Sydney Central YHA located right next to Central Station.
This world-class and well-known hostel is housed in a recognisable heritage-listed building that is hard to miss.
Sydney Central YHA is one of Sydney’s busiest and most popular hostels, so book early to take advantage of the perfect location and great facilities of this backpackers hotspot.
Facilities include free WiFi, linen, a heated pool, a sauna, a communal kitchen, a cafe and restaurant, games and TV room, and you get to enjoy panoramic views of Sydney from the rooftop and outdoor area.
| Sydney Central YHA | |
|---|---|
| Location: | 11 Rawson Pl, Haymarket (map) |
| Dorms: | 4/5/6/8 |
| Private rooms: | Yes |
4. The Pod Sydney
Located close to World Square shopping mall in Sydney’s CBD, The Pod is a different kind of hostel. It’s a very affordable place to stay, with maximum privacy in dormitory rooms.
The hostel is named The Pod because of the enclosed pod-style beds in the dorms, each with its own lights and power sockets. It gives residents a sense of privacy, while still enjoying the social aspect of being in a hostel.
In addition to the well-designed rooms, The Pod Sydney also offers a cosy communal space with a large kitchen and dining room, a lobby lounge and a TV lounge.
The Pod is very much a functional hostel and doesn’t have the typical outdoor party area that you often find in hostels. But being so close to everything, that shouldn’t be much of a miss.
| The Pod Sydney | |
|---|---|
| Location: | 396 Pitt St, Sydney (map) |
| Dorms: | 4/6/8 |
| Private rooms: | Yes |
5. Mad Monkey Bayswater
Formerly known as Kings Cross Backpackers, Mad Monkey Bayswater is the best choice if you’re keen to stay in one of Sydney’s most popular party districts, Kings Cross.
Set in a typical Australian townhouse-style property, the family atmosphere at Mad Monkey Bayswater means new guests make new friends almost instantly.
One of the perks of staying overnight here is the rooftop area with BBQ facilities, a great spot to relax and to spend a few summer evenings chatting away while enjoying a cold beer.
This hostel is located just off the famous “Golden Mile” in Rushcutters Bay’s Kings Cross with easy access to clubs, restaurants & tourist hotspots. Kings Cross train station is around the corner as well, with a direct connection to Bondi Junction and the city.
| Mad Monkey Bayswater | |
|---|---|
| Location: | 79 Bayswater Rd, Rushcutters Bay (map) |
| Dorms: | 4/6/8/10/12 |
| Private rooms: | No |
6. Wake Up! Bondi Beach
Keen to stay close to the beach rather than in the city?
Located at Australia’s most popular beach, Wake Up! Bondi Beach (formerly known as Bondi Backpackers) offers affordable and comfortable hostel accommodation with the typical Sydney beach culture atmosphere.
Choose from a range of small dormitory rooms or private rooms, and enjoy excellent common areas such as a spacious rooftop, furnished with umbrellas and deck chairs.
If that’s not enough, Bondi Backpackers also offers complimentary activities such as yoga classes, personal training sessions and walking tours in the area.
| Wake Up! Bondi Beach | |
|---|---|
| Location: | 110 Campbell Parade, Bondi Beach (map) |
| Dorms: | 3/4/6 |
| Private rooms: | Yes |
7. Mad Monkey Coogee Beach
If Bondi is a bit too busy for you, Coogee Beach is an excellent alternative. Coogee is just as awesome as Bondi, it’s just a bit smaller and quieter than its big brother further north.
One of the best hostels in Coogee is Mad Monkey, located opposite the beach and close to the main strip of cafes and restaurants. It’s also the starting point of the Coogee to Bondi coastal walk, a must-do when you’re in Sydney.
Mad Monkey has a wide range of spacious dorms of different sizes available, in addition to private rooms.
Travelling to the city is very easy too, with regular buses going to the CBD departing from the bus stop across the road.
| Mad Monkey Coogee Beach | |
|---|---|
| Location: | 186 Arden St, Coogee (map) |
| Dorms: | 4/6/8/10/12 |
| Private rooms: | Yes |
8. Manly Bunkhouse
Located north of the Sydney Harbour Bridge, Manly is Sydney’s second most popular beach, with a pleasant family-friendly atmosphere that appeals to many.
Manly Bunkhouse is a super relaxed hostel to stay at, with a typical Australian backpacking atmosphere. It’s a bit away from the hustle and bustle of the city, and close enough to a great beach that is suitable for swimming as well as for surfing.
Travelling to the city isn’t too hard from Manly, with regular ferry services operating between the Manly ferry wharf and Circular Quay.
Manly Bunkhouse offers basic hostel rooms and facilities, with a laidback vibe that many backpackers will appreciate. Common areas include a sunny backyard, lounge room, and a large kitchen.
| Manly Bunkhouse | |
|---|---|
| Location: | 35 Pine St, Manly (map) |
| Dorms: | 4/6 |
| Private rooms: | Yes |
Final Thoughts
With tons of hostels to choose from in Sydney and its surroundings, it’s not always easy to make the right choice. The above eight hostels all have a good reputation and offer the right facilities, some a bit more expensive than others.
In the Sydney CBD area, our favourite hostel would be the Sydney Harbour YHA. Even though it’s perhaps a bit pricier than other options, this hostel is top-notch and is located in a perfect spot, close to ferries, trains, and all the tourist highlights.
If you’d like to be closer to the beach, Wake Up! Bondi Beach is an excellent choice. If you prefer Coogee Beach further south, Mad Monkey is also a great place to stay. Coogee is a little quieter than Bondi, but still with lots of fun things to do and with easy access to public transport.
Looking for inspiration for things to do in Sydney? Check out this shortlist:
