Australia’s East Coast gem and the most populated city in all of Oceania issssss Sydney! Sydney is more than its famed Opera House and is one of the coolest backpacking cities on the planet.
But Australia can be expensive, and saving money while backpacking Sydney can be a challenge. Hotels and Airbnb’s may be completely out of your budget, but I’ve got your back!
Written by travellers, for travellers, this guide to the top hostels in Sydney will help you save money. But just as importantly, it will help you find a hostel that suits your travel style – and quickly!
I’ve put hostels into different categories, so you can easily identify the one that best suits your style…
Looking for a Bondi backpackers? Somewhere with ensuite bathrooms close to Central Station? Or how about the best spot for solo travellers within walking distance of the Sydney Harbour Bridge? I’ve got you covered!
So whether you are going to Sydney to party up, or wind down, my list of the 5 best hostels in Sydney has everything you need. So relax, you can book your hostel quickly, and explore this awesome international city – stress-free.
Almost time to hit the beach, my friends…
Image: Nic Hilditch-Short
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Quick Answer: The Best Hostels in Sydney
- Best Overall Hostel in Sydney – Wake Up! Sydney Central
- Best Hostel in Sydney for Solo Travelers – Wake Up! Bondi Beach
- Best Cheap Hostel in Sydney – Nomads Sydney
- Best Party Hostel in Sydney – Summer House Backpackers
- Best Hostel for Digital Nomads in Sydney – Secret Garden Backpackers
The 5 Best Hostels in Sydney
There are nearly a hundred youth hostels in Sydney. Searching through all the backpacker hostels in Sydney is a daunting task indeed!
No matter your needs, have a look at my list— I’ve split it into different hostel types to make backpacking Sydney a little bit easier.
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1. Wake Up! Sydney Central – Best Overall Hostel in Sydney
- Dorm (mixed): From $32
- Private Room: From $82
- Address: 509 Pitt Street, Sydney CBD, 2000 Sydney, Australia
Wake up! Sydney Central Hostel is my pick for the best hostel in the city. If you want a second opinion, just check the reviews. With plenty of great amenities, such as a massive common room and workspaces for digital nomads, you’ll be having the time of your life here.
The convenient location is, just as the name says, right by Central Train Station, meaning that you’ll get around without any problems. Loads of the attractions are pretty much right in front of your doorstep. Or at least easy to access, with the hostel being right in the heart of the Sydney Central Business District.
Not only do you get a great location near the railway station, but loads of value as well. Even better, the hostel hosts student nights with free pizza – if that doesn’t convince you, I don’t what will…
Why you’ll love this hostel:
- Free pizza nights
- Free wifi
- Incredibly good reviews
The hostel offers you a bit of everything: super crazy party nights, laptop working space and great communal areas to socialise. As well as a fully equipped kitchen and an on-site cafe, it’s a perfect all-rounder hostel!
If you’re struggling to decide what to do in Sydney, head to the travel desk and ask the staff for their recommendations. They know their city best and will give you some awesome insider tips.
Many of the hostels included in this list including Wake Up! hostels are chains. These chains, although they lack uniqueness, are always a safe bet. Their reliability and consistency actually make them a considerable portion of the best hostels all over Australia.
2. Wake Up! Bondi Beach – Best Hostel in Sydney for Solo Travelers
- Dorm (mixed): From $34
- Private Room: From $79
- Address: 110 Campbell Parade, Bondi, 2026 Sydney, Australia
This hostel is EPIC- my personal favourite in all of Sydney. With a 9.2 rating on Hostelworld at the time of writing this article, do I need to say much more?
A fab backpacker hostel within steps of Sydney’s iconic Bondi Beach, sun, sea, sand, and surf are right at your fingertips. Wake up! Bondi Beach is the best hostel for solo travellers in Sydney, with heaps of cool activities where you can meet others and comfy common areas for socialising and relaxing.
Join in with rooftop yoga classes on the terrace, coastal walking tours, wine and cheese nights, and more. Every Friday is BBQ time, with a lively cook-up on the roof terrace. There are mixed and female-only dorms and all guests have a large security locker.
Other plus points include self-catering and laundry facilities, free Wi-Fi, free surfboards, and a jobs board.
Why you’ll love this hostel:
- Stunning Views
- Rooftop Terrace
- Free wifi
Wake up! Bondi Beach has recently been refurbished, so every amenity will be brand new. If you want to feel like a real chef, head to the kitchen and prepare a tasty meal – it’s a super modern and professional kitchen.
Choose from four to six-bed dorm rooms (some of them have sea views) or private twin and double rooms. Each bed in the different types of rooms comes with a futuristic reading light and USB plug sockets.
Note that Wake Up! Bondi Beach has an over-18 rule! When it’s time to head to the beach or explore Sydney, the staff will be happy to help you decide what you should check out during the day. According to previous guests, you’ll be welcomed with open arms and a friendly smile as well – this Bondi backpackers hostel is perfect for solo travellers!
3. Nomads Sydney – Best Cheap Hostel in Sydney
- Dorm (mixed): From $26
- Private Room: From $83
- Address: 477 Kent Street, NSW 2000 Australia, Sydney, Australia
What’s the one thing that makes the difference between a good hostel, and an amazing one? That’s right, an awesome location (and you’ve got it here on Kent Street)! You can have all the luxury you want if it takes you hours to get anywhere, it’s not worth it.
Luckily, this incredibly cheap hostel has one of the most convenient locations you could wish for in Sydney. Bang in the heart of the Sydney Central Business District, you won’t just be close to amazing public transport, bars, restaurants and the best shops. It’s within walking distance of Central Station, so it’s one of the best-located hostels in Sydney, Kent street is a viiiiibe.
The nightly price here is one of the most affordable in the city, (incredibly cheap!) so it’s the perfect option for budget travellers.
You’re guaranteed to have fun too: the hostel’s themed party nights on Wednesdays bring together plenty of travellers and give you a taste of what Sydney’s epic nightlife has to offer. If you don’t want to leave the hostel, no problem, there’s an on-site bar, cafe and a fully equipped kitchen. It’s a pretty big hostel so you’ll never get bored or lonely.
Why you’ll love this hostel:
- Free airport pick up if you book 3 nights
- Airconditioned rooms
- Women-only floor
Formally known as Base Hostel, Nomads Sydney isn’t just my pick amongst the best cheap hostels in Sydney. It’s also the perfect choice for female travellers who want to stay safe during their trip. Choose from plenty of female-only dorm rooms and make use of the women-only floor. It comes with free shampoo and conditioner, and free champagne from Scary Canary, the on-site bar!
… Does it get any better than that ladies?
The hostel offers incredible value for a very reasonable price, private rooms with ensuite bathrooms are a bit more expensive. But, if you’re travelling with a buddy and split the costs, it’ll turn out just as affordable as a dorm.
If you’ve got a long day of exploring Sydney ahead of you, make sure you stop by the tasty continental breakfast in the morning. Then head to the reception desk to pick up some insider tips from the staff on what to see in Sydney…
Will it be Darling Harbour? The famous Opera House? Surely Sydney Harbour! The world’s your oyster on Kent Street.
We’ve tested countless backpacks over the years, but there’s one that has always been the best and remains the best buy for adventurers: the broke backpacker-approved Osprey Aether and Ariel series.
Want more deetz on why these packs are so damn perfect? Then read our comprehensive review for the inside scoop!
View on Osprey View on REI4. Summer House Backpackers – Best Party Hostel in Sydney
- Dorm (mixed): From $20
- Address: 153 Forbes Street, Woolloomooloo, 2011 Sydney, Australia
A clean, comfortable, and cheap hostel in Sydney. Summer House Backpackers Sydney is made all the better by housekeeping services, round-the-clock security, airport transfers, and top-notch services and facilities.
Practical stuff includes a kitchen, jobs board, luggage storage, and laundry facilities. The spacious sunny courtyard, tour desk, book exchange, free wifi, lounge, and PlayStation take care of fun and leisure.
Thanks to the epic location near Kings Cross, Summer House Backpackers is an ideal hostel for party enthusiasts who still want to enjoy a quiet night. The nightlife district is just around the corner, but don’t worry, the hostel is tucked away in a quiet street.
Why you’ll love this hostel:
- Daily Organised Events & Nights Out
- Super kind staff
- Unlimited High-speed Free WiFi
Whether you’re here for partying or to relax, Summer House really gives you everything a traveller might need. Super comfy beds in dorm and private rooms, a great social area to hang out in, and some of the kindest staff you’ve ever met.
The hostel offers spacious lockers, but don’t forget to bring your own padlock. Also, note that the hostel won’t accommodate travellers younger than 18. This is a shame for the younger backpackers but will also ensure a grown-up and responsible crowd.
5. Secret Garden Backpackers – Best Hostel for Digital Nomads in Sydney
- Dorm (mixed): From $21
- Private Room: From $53
- Address: 243-247 Cleveland Street, 2016 Sydney, Australia
For digital nomads who like to work outdoors in the fresh air, you should check out Secret Garden Backpackers. Secret Garden, as its name suggests, has a nice sun-trapped garden area complete with faux grass and picnic tables.
Once the to-do list is cleared, you can hang out in the comfy TV room, or join in with the free nightly hostel fam activities. The Secret Garden crew will let you know what’s on when you arrive! Opposite Prince Alfred Park, Secret Garden Backpackers is in a great central location.
Why you’ll love this hostel:
- Calm vibe
- Free wifi
- Convenient location
Secret Garden Backpackers might not be the most social hostel in Sydney, but that’s not what you’re after is it? It’s the perfect spot for someone who needs to sit down during the day and get some work done.
Take your laptop outside in the spacious garden and enjoy a bit of fresh air. Once you’re done with work, you can head out and explore all of Sydney’s famous attractions or simply chill in the movie room.
The dorm rooms are pretty basic, but the beds are very comfortable and they have a reading light and power socket each. You’ll also get lockers in each room – they’ll fit even the biggest backpack. It’s a pretty big hostel, but that does make it good for solo travellers too.
Note that to stay in this hostel you must be between 18 and 35 years old and hold a foreign passport (Not Australian).
Stash your cash safely with this money belt. It will keep your valuables safely concealed, no matter where you go.
It looks exactly like a normal belt except for a SECRET interior pocket perfectly designed to hide a wad of cash, a passport photocopy or anything else you may wish to hide. Never get caught with your pants down again! (Unless you want to…)
Hide Yo’ Money!More Epic Sydney Hostels
Haven’t found the right hostel for you yet? Don’t worry, there are plenty more options waiting for you. To make the search a bit easier, I’ve listed more epic hostels in Sydney below.
6. Sydney Harbour YHA
- Dorm (mixed): From $34
- Private Room: From $113
- Address: 110 Cumberland Street, Sydney CBD, 2000 Sydney, Australia
It’s all about the awesome, convenient location and top-class facilities at the brilliant Sydney Harbour YHA. Situated in the Rocks area and offering killer views across Sydney Harbour, it has heaps of handy facilities and comfy beds.
Want to cook dinner in the large kitchen but have forgotten something vital? No worries—there’s an onsite grocery store! Can’t be bothered cooking? Grab a bite in the café.
Chill on the roof terrace with an epic view of the Sydney Harbour Bridge, play pool or foosball or join in with diverse activities. You can keep life in order with the laundry facilities and jobs board and veg in front of the TV.
Honestly, it’s pretty hard to get budget accommodation this close to the Sydney Harbour Bridge and the famous Opera House. So if you’re after an unbeatable location, then Sydney Harbour YHA is the one!
The Hostelworld reviews for this place are VERY impressive. Trust other backpackers on this one and you won’t be let down – I promise.
7. The Village Bondi Beach
- Dorm (mixed): From $28
- Address: 19 Lamrock Avenue, Bondi Beach, Bondi, 2026 Sydney, Australia
Soak up the Australian beach lifestyle with The Village Bondi Beach, located only 100 meters away from the ocean! Not only is staying here very convenient for water and sun lovers, but it’s situated close to a busy promenade full of cafes, restaurants, and shops.
The Village Bondi Beach, which has been newly renovated, offers aircon throughout the property, chill common areas, and a self-serve kitchen. It’s one of the best Bondi backpacker hostels if you want to stay close to the beach.
Want to see the famous Opera House and take a walk across the Sydney Harbour Bridge or sail across the Sydney Harbour? Well, Bondi Junction Station is a short bus ride away.
8. Sydney Central YHA
- Dorm (mixed): From $28
- Private Room: From $95
- Address: 11-23 Rawson Place, Sydney CBD, 2000 Sydney, Australia
The award-winning Sydney Central YHA offers fun for all. While great for everyone, it’s my pick for the best hostel for couples in Sydney, though it’s great for solo travellers too!
There are comfy double rooms with ensuite bathrooms in addition to mixed and single-gender dorms. There’s the swimming pool, movie room, café-bar, lounge, sauna, and games room offer heaps of choices at Sydney Central YHA to suit any mood.
There’s even a quieter room to read, relax, or work at the Sydney Central YHA. The huge kitchens with multiple workspaces and equipment (yes, plural—there are two!) will make you feel like you’ve stepped onto the set of Masterchef.
To top it all off, the Sydney Central YHA organises a diverse program of fun events. The train station is just around the corner so jump on the metro and see the famous Opera House and Sydney Harbour Bridge.
9. Mad Monkey Backpackers Kings Cross
- Dorm (mixed): From $20
- Address: 34-36A Darlinghurst Road Kings Cross, Potts Point, 2011 Sydney, Australia
The life and soul of Sydney’s hostel scene, Mad Monkey Kings Cross knows how to make life fun. It’s another great party hostel in Sydney and the youthful members of staff go out of their way to show you the best nightspots. You’re in the heart of the pumping Kings Cross area there are terrific events all throughout the week, including free dinners, bar hopping, and tours.
Wake up to a free hot breakfast (pancakes included) at Mad Monkey Backpackers Kings Cross before you head out and explore Sydney. Come back and chill in the lounge, whip up a storm in the kitchen, and hang with other cool nomads. All before you come back and fall asleep in comfy beds in spacious dorms.
With its super social atmosphere, it’s also one of the best Sydney hostels for solo travellers.
Note that to stay in this hostel you must be between 18 and 35 years old.
10. Mad Monkey Backpackers on Broadway
- Dorm (mixed): From $20
- Private Room: From $53
- Address: 20 City Road, Chippendale, 2008 Sydney, Australia
Luxury doesn’t always have to be incredibly expensive – and this hostel proves it! A rather posh Sydney backpackers hostel close to Central Train Station, Mad Monkey Backpackers on Broadway has a youthful vibe and good facilities.
When it comes to nosh, breakfast is free, there’s a kitchen you can use, and there are tons of restaurants and bars nearby. One of the best hostels in Sydney, there are regular free events and lively nights out.
You’ll also find lockers, free Wi-Fi, and a tour desk for complete convenience. With its Central Train Station location, it’s also ideal for exploring places like the Sydney Harbour Bridge and beyond.
11. The Village Glebe
- Dorm (mixed): From $25
- Private Room: From $79
- Address: 256 Glebe Point Road, Glebe, 2037 Sydney, Australia
Massive outdoor terraces and a large common area provide lots of atmospheric space to spend chilling with other travellers. Connecting with other backpackers and gaining new friends is a breeze when staying at The Village Glebe.
Located in the trendy and natural area of Glebe, The Village Hostel puts you smack in the middle of vintage stores and trendy cafes. If you want to venture into the Central Business District to do some sightseeing, you can easily. Jump to the train station and check out the famous opera house or the Sydney Harbour Bridge or just mince about Sydney Harbour.
A large communal kitchen, pool table, and TV lounge make for a relaxing afternoon. Perfect if you’ve had a big day of sightseeing at the famous Opera House or Darling Harbour.
12. The Pod Sydney
- Dorm (mixed): From $34
- Address: Level 6, 396 Pitt Street, Sydney CBD, 2000 Sydney, Australia
The Pod Sydney is for travellers who like the low costs and sociability of a hostel but with privacy. The pod-style beds are enclosed on three sides and have a curtain for maximum privacy come bedtime (plus, the toilets and showers are single-sex). Each pod has its own light, power socket, and clothes hook, and all guests have a locker.
Featuring sleek industrial-style designs, the cool hostel has a large kitchen and a lobby lounge with a TV. Toiletries, Wi-Fi, and luggage storage (on the day of check-in and check-out only) are free, and there are coin-operated washing machines. The onsite restaurant bar at this Sydney backpackers hostel is a huge bonus too.
Location-wise, you’re within walking distance of public transport so you’ll be walking around Sydney and sailing into Darling Harbour in no time!
13. Cambridge Lodge Budget Hostel
- Dorm (mixed): From $34
- Private Room: From $66
- Address: 109 Cambridge St , 2048 Sydney, Australia
Cambridge Lodge Budget Hostel is located near youthful Newtown, close to some of Sydney’s trendiest cafes and bars. The bright city lights are within easy reach too from this top hostel in Sydney. If you’ve hired a car for your tour Down Under, free street parking is available outside.
Looking for work? Check the jobs board, and be sure to make full use of the facilities before heading off for any interviews! Secure and clean with dorms for two, four, and six, there are also private rooms for solo travellers and couples.
14. Manly Bunkhouse
- Dorm (mixed): From $32
- Private Room: From $81
- Address: 35 Pine Street, Manly, 2095 Sydney, Australia
Steps from the beach, and within easy reach of the city’s highlights, Manly Bunkhouse is a top hostel in Sydney for laid-back travellers. There’s a sunny garden and courtyard where you can relax or grill up some meats on the BBQ, and a cosy TV lounge with foosball.
There’s also a quieter reading room, ideal for digital nomads or people trying to get some work done. As well as a large shared kitchen, all rooms have a basic kitchenette. Rooms also have their own bathrooms—bye-bye long queues!
15. Big Hostel
- Dorm (mixed): From $20
- Private Room: From $57
- Address: 212 Elizabeth Street, Surry Hills, Sydney CBD, 2010 Sydney, Australia
Big by name and big by nature, Big Hostel is a brilliant base for any backpacker in Sydney. Airport transfers on offer make getting here and back to the airport a piece of cake. No need to search high and low for the best Sydney hostel near the airport.
There’s a huge choice of rooms and dorms in different sizes, and females can opt for a ladies-only dorm if they prefer. There’s a spacious lounge with a TV, and a large roof terrace with space for sunbathing and cooking up a BBQ feast. You’ll also find a kitchen, restaurant, tour desk, and book exchange, as well as free Wi-Fi, bike parking, and friendly members of staff.
16. Coogee Beachside Budget Accommodation
- Dorm (mixed): From $20
- Private Room: From $51
- Address: 178 Coogee Bay Road, Coogee, 2034 Sydney, Australia
Live the beach life on stunning Coogee Beach, but be close to the vibrant city with a stay at Coogee Beachside Budget Accommodation. It’s close to the bus stop, making getting into the heart of Sydney and places like the Sydney Opera House a breeze.
A recommended hostel in Sydney for people who love to take it easy. The hostel has a well-equipped kitchen, a homey lounge with a TV, and a sunny garden with BBQs. Age restrictions apply; only guests between 18 and 35 can stay in the dorms.
17. The Village Broadway
Not a place for those seeking a quiet and peaceful stay, one of the major draws of The Village Broadway is that it is situated above a very lively bar. Music rocks the joint until the wee small hours as the drinks keep flowing and the banter gets louder. There’s often live music and the bar even has a small dance floor if you want to bust out your best moves.
All common areas are spacious, from the kitchen to the lounge and roof terrace. Breakfast and Wi-Fi are free too at this top hostel in Sydney.
Getting Insured BEFORE Visiting Sydney
Everybody needs good hostel insurance, make sure you get yours before a roo is off with your backpack and you’re up shit creek. Crikey dick mate!
ALWAYS sort out your backpacker insurance before your trip. There’s plenty to choose from in that department, but a good place to start is Safety Wing.
They offer month-to-month payments, no lock-in contracts, and require absolutely no itineraries: that’s the exact kind of insurance long-term travellers and digital nomads need.
SafetyWing is cheap, easy, and admin-free: just sign up lickety-split so you can get back to it!
Click the button below to learn more about SafetyWing’s setup or read our insider review for the full tasty scoop.
FAQs About Hostels in Sydney
Here are some questions backpackers ask about hostels in Sydney.
What to Pack for your Sydney Hostel
Pants, socks, underwear, soap?! Take it from me, packing for a hostel stay is not always quite as straightforward as it seems. Working out what to bring and what to leave at home is an art I have perfected over many years.
Ear Plugs
Snoring dorm-mates can ruin your nights rest and seriously damage the hostel experience. This is why I always travel with a pack of decent ear plugs.
Hanging Laundry Bag
Trust us, this is an absolute game changer. Super compact, a hanging mesh laundry bag stops your dirty clothes from stinking, you don’t know how much you need one of these… so just get it, thank us later.
Sea To Summit Micro Towel
Hostel towels are scummy and take forever to dry. Microfibre towels dry quickly, are compact, lightweight, and can be used as a blanket or yoga mat if need be.
Monopoly Deal
Forget about Poker! Monopoly Deal is the single best travel card game that we have ever played. Works with 2-5 players and guarantees happy days.
Grayl Geopress Water Bottle
Always travel with a water bottle! They save you money and reduce your plastic footprint on our planet. The Grayl Geopress acts as a purifier AND temperature regulator. Boom!
Check out my definitive Hostel Packing list for even more top hostel packing tips!
How much does a hostel cost in Sydney?
The average price range of hostels in Sydney for a dorm room is around $15-22 USD/night, while a private room costs $47-56 USD/night.
What are the best hostels in Sydney for couples?
Sydney Central YHA is an awesome hostel for couples in Sydney. It’s an award-winning hostel with various amenities, a great way to meet fellow travellers.
What are the best hostels in Sydney near the airport?
Cambridge Lodge Budget Hostel is 5.8km from Sydney International Airport. It’s close to the train station and some of Sydney’s trendiest cafes and bars.
Final Thoughts on Sydney’s Hostels
By now I hope my epic guide to the best hostels in Sydney has helped you choose the perfect hostel for your adventure!
If you’re planning on travelling further, you can be (almost always) sure that you’ll find a great place to stay wherever you are. There are so many amazing hostels across Sydney, each of them offering a comfy bed, a welcoming vibe, and a chance to meet like-minded travellers. You’ll be well looked after when it comes to youth hostels in Aus!
If you’re still on the fence, Wake Up! Sydney Central is my top hostel for a reason. It’s in an epic location in the Central Business District which means most of what you’ll want to see is within walking distance.
If you are looking for somewhere a bit cheaper, Nomads Sydney is cheap AF and in Glebe, also in the Central Business District. This is also an epic location as it’s on Kent Street, right between Darling Harbour and Sydney Harbour.
Wherever you stay in Sydney, I’m sure you’ll have a rad time, whether you’re boxing roo’s or throwing a shrimp on the barbie… You gon’ get it here.
If you think I’ve missed anything or have any further thoughts, hit me up in the comments!
Photo: Alexandria Zboyovski
- Check out our extensive guide to backpacking in Australia for a wealth of info!
- Not sure what to do once you arrive? We’ve got all the best places to visit in Sydney covered.
- Skip the dorm and find a super cool Airbnb in Sydney if you’re feeling fancy!
- Check out the best places to stay in Sydney before you arrive.
- Prepare for your trip with our backpacking packing list.
- Get ready for your next destination with our ultimate East Coast Australia backpacking guide.
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