The Best Hostels in Sydney

Hostelworld Blog | Posted on January 7, 2016 |

How to find the best hostels in Sydney for your trip:

Sydney’s culture is truly diverse and backpackers from all around the world fall in love with different corners of Sydney for a multitude of reasons. Whether you’re chasing the Aussie easy-going and relaxed lifestyle or faced-paced city life, Sydney has something for all types of backpackers. Lovers of the ocean will be in aquatic heaven when they first lay eyes on the world-famous, Bondi Beach. Known for its popular TV series ‘Bondi Rescue’, this part of Sydney in particular is loved by backpackers.
Sydney has numerous endearing features that attract travellers from around the world. The ‘Instagram famous’ Bondi Icebergs pool, which I’m sure you’ve seen numerous times while scrolling through your feed, the Sydney Opera House and Taronga Zoo, where you can see some of the best harbour views, to name a few.
When travelling to the land down under, costs do add up and before you know it you’ve spent a bit (a lot) more than your travel budget (oops). But, never fear, we’ve created a list of our best Sydney hostels, that allow you to spend less money on accommodation and more on activities during your travels – now that sounds like a ripper deal.

Jump straight to:

Best hostels in Sydney for solo travellers
Best hostels in Sydney for couples
Best party hostels in Sydney
Best hostels in Sydney city centre
Best of the rest hostels in Sydney

Best hostels in Sydney for solo travellers

Thinking of a quick solo trip? Or perhaps you’re planning a long adventure around Australia? When travelling solo, staying in a hostel is the perfect way to a) save money on accommodation and (most importantly) b) meet like-minded travellers along the way. Creating new memories with the people you meet along the way, may just be one of, if not the best thing about travel.

Wake Up! Sydney Central

One thing I always look out for when going solo is the proximity of the hostel to the city centre or main transportation link. Obviously, this is greatly dependant on what my plans are for the country, but generally when I go to a new city being close (preferably walking distance) from the city centre or transport links is a huge tick in my book. Wake Up! Sydney Central is just a short 7-minute walk from Central Station (score!). This easy-going hostel also offers both mixed-sex and female-only dorms. A perfect choice for those looking to party the nights away with activities lined up for every day of the week, including beer pong tournaments, live music, pub crawls and free pizza (yep, you read that right, free pizza!). Not to mention, Wake Up! Sydney Central is the winner of multiple industry awards such as ‘Most Popular Hostel in Sydney’ for 3 years in a row. The location, standard, events and credits that this hostel has under its belt, make it a real contender when it comes to choosing a hostel for your solo adventure.
Hostel highlights:

Free Wi-Fi
24-hour reception
Nightclub
Jobs board
ATM

🏠 Address: 509 Pitt Street
🏘 Neighbourhood: Haymarket
🚍 Nearest Station: Central train station
Find out more about Wake Up! Sydney Central

Summer House Backpackers Sydney

Finding a hostel within your budget is also an important factor. Summer House Backpackers Sydney not only has this covered but is also just a short walk away from Westfield Tower, Darling Harbour and Kings Cross Train Station. Kings Cross is known for its crazy nightlife where you’ll be spoilt for choice with fun-filled pubs and clubs where you can party until your heart’s content before walking (stumbling) back to your dorm. While it’s located in the wild district of Kings Cross, the hostel itself is situated on a quiet street a few minutes from the bustling nightlife, which allows travellers to get some peaceful shut-eye after a night out. Beach lovers, this hostel is a short 2 stops away from the famous Bondi Beach too… talk about a win-win! It’s important to note that this hostel is for international guests only between the ages of 18 and 35.
Hostel highlights:

Free Wi-Fi
Free breakfast
Outdoor terrace
24-hour security
Shuttle bus

🏠 Address: 153 Forbes Street
🏘 Neighbourhood: Woolloomooloo
🚍 Nearest Station: Kings Cross train station
Find out more about Summer House Backpackers Sydney

Backpackers HQ

A beautifully renovated hostel located in the heart of Kings Cross, Backpackers HQ is a great option for those travelling solo. Close to the vibrant cafes, bars and nightclubs of Kings Cross, travellers are within walking distance to most activities. Plus, the hostel boasts stunning city views, reportedly super-speedy unlimited Wi-Fi (to keep your ‘gram up to date) and both private and dorm room options. No matter what your preferred travel style is, Backpackers HQ could be the perfect hostel for you. Did I mention you also get free breakfast? (yum!). It’s important to note that this hostel is for international guests only between the ages of 18 and 35.
Hostel highlights:

Free Wi-Fi
Free breakfast
Tours desk
Book exchange

🏠 Address: 174 Victoria St
🚍 Nearest Station: Kings Cross train station
Find out more about Backpackers HQ

Best hostels in Sydney for couples

Choosing to stay in a hostel when travelling with your partner or a friend is a great way to socialise with other travellers, plus, you can choose to stay in a private room. Staying in a private room with an ensuite, within a hostel is the perfect combination of privacy and socialisation.

Bondi Backpackers

Location, location, location! Bondi Backpackers certainly doesn’t disappoint in this category. Elegantly sitting opposite one of the most famous beaches in the world, Bondi Beach, this hostel is a surfer’s dream. Beach lovers are in awe of the stunning rooftop views – a perfect spot for sunset drinks after a day spent in the Aussie sun (just sayin’). Staying in Bondi Backpackers allows for easy access to Bondi Beach, but also has numerous cute, hipster cafes and bars right around the corner from your bed (talk about convenient). Bondi Backpackers also offers great private rooms to allow for that extra bit of privacy. Staying here has other benefits that allow you to live like a local, such as rooftop yoga classes, personal training sessions and free surfboard hire. Last but not least, every Friday night you’ll find rooftop BBQ’s. If you’re looking for a sociable, friendly and fun hostel, all whilst enjoying the Aussie waves, then Bondi Backpackers might be the perfect choice for you. It’s important to note this hostel is for 18+ only.
Hostel highlights:

Free Wi-Fi
Outdoor terrace
Airport transfers
Jobs board
Late check-out

🏠 Address: 110 Campbell Parade
🏘 Neighbourhood: Bondi Beach
🚍 Nearest Station: Bondi Beach, Campbell Pde Stand C bus stop
Find out more about Bondi Backpackers

Sydney Harbour YHA

Imagine staying in a hostel with a view of not only the Sydney Opera House but also the Sydney Harbour Bridge. Didn’t think it was possible? Let me introduce you to Sydney Harbour YHA. This hostel is located right in the heart of Sydney and (as you can see) boasts stunning panoramic views of some of the city’s most famous landmarks. While most views of these landmarks come with a big price tag attached, this hostel is in a league of its own with its budget-friendly accommodation. This is a great option for couples as their private rooms are modern and a great place to wind down after a long day of exploring. Plus, sharing a couple of drinks with your partner/ travel buddy on the rooftop with special views, is also sweet too!
Hostel highlights:

Free Wi-Fi
Outdoor terrace
Jobs board
Games – including foosball and a pool table
Security lockers

🏠 Address: 110 Cumberland Street
🏘 Neighbourhood: The Rocks
🚍 Nearest Station: Circular Quay
Find out more about Sydney Harbour YHA

Best party hostels in Sydney

One of the best parts about choosing to stay in hostels during your travels are the different activities you can find through the hostels, such as pub crawls and quiz nights. Hostel events are a great way of making new mates and getting to know the best city nightlife.

Base Sydney!

In the words of the hostel ‘every traveller needs a base!’, and what better than a base that’s located right in the heart of Sydney, close to pubs, clubs and restaurants. Base Sydney! offers both private and dorm rooms, so whether you like your privacy after a big night or enjoy sharing a dorm, they have you covered. This modern-chic hostel has lockers, air-con (trust me, it’ll be your best friend during summer nights) and has young, friendly staff who are happy to advise you on the best places to go. The hostel also hosts a range of different events during the week, such as their Wednesday night themed parties. Not to mention, The Scary Canary bar which is located right next to Base Sydney and has a drink special every night (yep. Every. Night.)
Hostel highlights:

24- hour reception
ATM
Restaurant and Bar
Shuttle bus
Nightclub

🏠 Address: 447 Kent Street
🏘 Nearest Station: Town Hall train station
🚍 Find out more about Base Sydney!

Mad Monkey Coogee Beach

Mad Monkey Hostels have a solid reputation in Asia as the great party hostels, and they’ve now opened their doors in Australia. Located on Coogee Beach, their party and social atmosphere are what travellers from around the world love them for. Plus, being greeted every morning by stunning beach views, is one hell of a hangover cure. The hostel offers a combination of dorm types from mix-gender to female-only, as well as private rooms, some even boasting balconies with sea views. Bondi Beach is just a short stroll away and if you’re a sports lover, you’ll find a nearby tennis centre, golf club and cricket oval. The hostel itself has a restaurant and bar, which are also great places for meeting new mates.
Hostel highlights:

Free Wi-Fi
Free breakfast
Outdoor terrace
Jobs board
Restaurant and bar

🏠 Address: 186 Arden Street
🏘 Neighbourhood: Coogee Beach
🚍 Nearest Station: Arden Street Bus stop
Find out more about Mad Monkey Coogee Beach

Best hostels in Sydney city centre

Sydney Central YHA

A great way to make new friends and meet travellers from around the world is by hanging out in the hostel’s common room or games room. Not only is this located right near Central Station, but it also has a rooftop pool… and c’mon who can resist a summer pool party? Plus, the city views from the rooftop are an added bonus. If the location and rooftop (plus inflatable animals) haven’t sold you already, perhaps the activities programme this hostel hosts including pizza nights, walking tours and Aussie BBQs, to mention a few, will!
Hostel highlights:

Free Wi-Fi
Free breakfast
Outdoor Terrace
Jobs Board
Games and common room
nightclub

🏠 Address: 11 Rawson Place
🏘 Nearest Station: Central station
🚍 Find out more about Sydney Central YHA

Best of the rest hostels in Sydney

Feast your eyes on a couple of extra hostels that we thought needed to be featured due to their uniqueness.

The Pod Sydney

For those looking for a bit more privacy than the typical dorm, without having to pay the price of a private room, pod style hostels could be your perfect balance. The Pod Sydney is a mix between industrial and modern inspired architecture, where each bed converts into a private pod -with the help of a curtain. Conveniently only a 10-minute walk from the city centre, it allows travellers to be within walking distance from some of the city’s best attractions, as well as close to public transport. Past travellers rave about the security, cleanliness and extras – such as free shampoo.
Hostel highlights:

Free Wi-Fi
Security lockers
Late check-out
Shuttle bus
Tours desk

🏠 Address: Level 6, 396 Pitt Street
🏘 Nearest Station: Museum Station, Downing Centre, Stand B
🚍 Find out more about The Pod Sydney

Railway Square YHA

If you’re looking for something a bit different during your stay in Sydney, then staying in Australia’s only hostel located inside a railway station might just be the perfect hostel you’ve been searching for! This unique and centrally located hostel in Sydney has great transportation links (it’s literally inside Central Station), as well as a list of places that can be explored via foot. Built on the former Platform Zero, enjoy your stay inside the modernised railway carriages. The hostel itself boasts many other great features including; a spa pool (heck yes!), both an indoor and outdoor common area (so much room for activities) and great hostel events to get you out and meeting like-minded travellers.
Hostel highlights:

Free Wi-Fi
Air conditioning
24 Hour reception
Airport transfers
Jobs board

🏠 Address: 8-19 Lee Street
🏘 Nearest Station: Central Station
🚍 Find out more about Railway Square YHA

Asylum Sydney Backpackers hostel

I don’t know about you, but when I travel I miss my good boys back home (a lot!). Imagine being able to stay in a hostel AND get your dose of furry cuddles all under one roof from the hostel dog? Sounds like a great deal to me. Located in Kings Cross, you’ll be close to a range of nightlife and restaurants. Plus, there are either single-sex or mixed dorms. Oh and, free breakfast. Yep, you read that right, get complimentary breakfast during your stay. This hostel sounds like a dream for dog loving travellers.
Hostel highlights:

Free Wi-Fi
Free breakfast
Jobs board
Outdoor terrace
Shuttle bus

🏠 Address: 201-203 Brougham Street
🏘 Neighbourhood: Kings Cross
🚍 Nearest Station: Kings Cross Train Station
Find out more about Asylum Sydney Backpackers Hostel
We hope this guide helps you to discover the perfect hostels for your trip to Sydney. Let us know in the comments if you’ve stayed in one of our recommended hostels, or if you’d like to share a hostel that you think other backpackers shouldn’t miss. Enjoy Australia, mate!