This guide shares 9 of the best backpacker hostels in Sydney, affordable accommodation with good facilities and easy access to transport and tourist highlights.
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, and great cafes and restaurants, Sydney has 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 are basic and affordable, while others are more exclusive with excellent facilities.
We have tried, tested, and reviewed nine of the best hostels in Sydney that we think are not only great value for money but are also in good locations.
Top 9 Sydney Hostels:
| Hostel | Location | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | YHA Sydney Harbour | The Rocks | Reviews |
| 2 | Wake Up! Sydney | Sydney Central | Reviews |
| 3 | YHA Sydney Central | Sydney Central | Reviews |
| 4 | Big Hostel Sydney | Sydney Central | Reviews |
| 5 | Nomads Sydney | Sydney CBD | Reviews |
| 6 | The Pod Sydney | Sydney CBD | Reviews |
| 7 | Mad Monkey Bayswater | Kings Cross | Reviews |
| 8 | Wake Up! Bondi Beach | Bondi Beach | Reviews |
| 9 | Mad Monkey Coogee Beach | Coogee Beach | Reviews |
Top 9 Sydney Hostels
Let’s take a closer look at those nine Sydney hostel options. The list includes the seven best hostels in (or close to) the Sydney CBD and two hostels at Sydney’s most popular 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. YHA Sydney Harbour
Opened in 2019, the modern YHA Sydney Harbour 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.
YHA Sydney Harbour 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 a widescreen TV and partial city and Harbour views.
Facilities throughout the hostel include air-conditioning, an onsite ATM, a barbecue, laundry, a food store, fast WiFi, a TV room, and a tour desk.
| YHA Sydney Harbour | |
|---|---|
| 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 an excellent option for those looking for affordable, clean, and friendly accommodation in a super central location.
The excellent facilities 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. YHA Sydney Central
Our third hostel on this list of affordable backpackers accommodation in Sydney is the popular YHA Sydney Central, 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.
YHA Sydney Central is one of Sydney’s busiest and most popular hostels, so book early to take advantage of the perfect location and excellent facilities of this backpackers hotspot.
Facilities include free WiFi, linen, a heated pool, a sauna, a communal kitchen, a cafe and restaurant, and a games and TV room. The best part? The panoramic city views from the rooftop and outdoor area!
| YHA Sydney Central | |
|---|---|
| Location: | 11 Rawson Pl, Haymarket (map) |
| Dorms: | 4/5/6/8 |
| Private rooms: | Yes |
4. Big Hostel Sydney
Big Hostel Sydney, also called Big Backpackers, is a laid-back hostel located a short 5-minute walk from Central Station.
This hostel offers excellent value for money, with a wide range of rooms available to suit different types of travellers. Choose between 4, 6 and 8-bed dormitories, single rooms, double rooms, twin rooms and family rooms for those needing some more privacy.
Besides the friendly and cosy vibe at Big Hostel, you will also find that the rooms and community facilities are generally clean, safe, and well-presented.
What we like most about Big Hostel Sydney is its location. Central Station is only a stone’s throw away, Surry Hills’ nightlife is next door, and all of Sydney’s tourist attractions are within walking distance.
| Big Hostel Sydney | |
|---|---|
| Location: | 212 Elizabeth St, Surry Hills (map) |
| Dorms: | 3/4/6 |
| Private rooms: | Yes |
5. Nomads Sydney
Nomads Sydney is part of a well-known and established international chain of hostels, so if you’ve stayed at a Nomads before, you kind of know what to expect.
This hostel is located on Kent Street in the heart of the Sydney CBD, minutes away from Town Hall station, Darling Harbour, Barangaroo, and Chinatown.
Nomads Sydney offers 24-hour reception, a bar, a communal kitchen, free luggage storage, and a TV room. What’s particularly great about Nomads Sydney is that they are very social. They organise events and activities daily, which is perfect if you’re looking to meet new people.
And if you’re up for a drink and a good time, you don’t have to go far. The Scary Canary is a popular dance and nightclub managed by Nomads Sydney, so your evenings are sorted.
| Nomads Sydney | |
|---|---|
| Location: | 477 Kent St, Sydney (map) |
| Dorms: | 4/6/8/10 |
| Private rooms: | Yes |
6. 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 but doesn’t have the typical outdoor party areas that you often find in hostels. But being so close to everything, that shouldn’t be much of a drawback.
| The Pod Sydney | |
|---|---|
| Location: | 396 Pitt St, Sydney (map) |
| Dorms: | 4/6/8 |
| Private rooms: | Yes |
7. Mad Monkey Bayswater
Formerly known as Kings Cross Backpackers, Mad Monkey Bayswater is the best choice if you want 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 spend a few summer evenings chatting 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, 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 |
8. Wake Up! Bondi Beach
Are you 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 |
9. 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 |
Conclusion
With tons of hostels to choose from in Sydney and its surroundings, it’s not always easy to make the right choice. The above nine 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 YHA Sydney Harbour. Even though it’s 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. Bondi is Sydney’s most famous beach and is easily accessible by public transport from Bondi Junction and the city. Wake Up is one of Bondi’s most popular hostels and offers excellent value for money.
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Last updated: June 12, 2024
