The 9 Best Hostels in Sydney
Hostels in Sydney are expensive.
Since I started visiting the city, I’ve seen hostel prices skyrocket as just the cost of living in Australia has gone up. Even when you factor in the favorable exchange rate, it’s expensive to get a bed here, especially at some of the larger, more upscale hostels.
However, with a little planning, you can make sure you’re getting the most bang for your buck.
The cheapest hostels in Sydney are found in the King’s Cross area, which is where I usually prefer to stay. (But make sure you avoid the Jolly Swagman! It’s a horrible place to stay!)
To help you plan your trip, here is my list of the best hostels in Sydney. It lists all my favorites and where I think travelers will get the most value.
If you don’t want to read the longer list below, the following hostels are the best in each category:
Want the specifics of each hostel? Here’s my comprehensive list of the best hostels in Sydney:
Price Legend (per night)
- $ = Under 45 AUD
- $$ = 45-65 AUD
- $$$ = Over 65 AUD
1. Mad Monkey East Side
Formerly Hump Backpackers, I like this hostel because it’s social. The staff hosts plenty of activities (like beer pong, BBQs, and pancake breakfasts) that make meeting people a breeze here. There’s free breakfast, all-day coffee and tea, and different activities every night. I like that the beds are comfy and soft, that the showers are kept clean (always a big plus), and that the room lockers are huge. Mad Monkey East Side is in the Kings Cross area, surrounded by restaurants, shops, and bars so there’s a bunch of things to do in the area. It’s one of the cheapest hostels on this list, perfect for budget travelers.
Mad Monkey East Side at a glance:
- $
- Great place to meet people
- Organizes lots of activities (BBQs, beer pong)
- Lots of free perks (free breakfast, free coffee/tea all day)
Beds from 35 AUD.
2. Mad Monkey Bayswater
This is another fun hostel with a very lively social scene, making it a great choice for solo travelers. There’s a party every night, a movie room, yoga classes, and a rooftop BBQ. Take the spiral staircase to the basement, and you’ll find a fully-equipped chill out zone with pool tables and even a PlayStation gaming area. Honestly, there’s so much to do at this hostel you might find it difficult to leave — but just beyond the front door are some of Sydney’s best bars, clubs, and restaurants. If you want to party, stay here. Just note that you have to be 18 to 35 to stay here.
Mad Monkey Bayswater at a glance:
- $$
- Party vibe makes it easy to meet people
- Organizes lots of activities (movie nights, BBQs, yoga classes)
- Lots of great bars and clubs nearby
Beds from 65 AUD.
3. Sydney Harbor YHA
This is the only hostel in the city’s historic harborside area (The Rocks), with unreal rooftop panoramic views over the city and the famous Opera House. Sydney Harbor Bridge, Sydney Harbor, and Luna Park are also within walking distance. The rooms are incredibly spacious, and each bed comes with its own reading light. There’s also a large kitchen, several communal areas (including the excellent rooftop terrace), and even a grocery store on-site. It’s a good choiec for anyone who wants to stay in a cool area away from the rambunctious Kings Cross area.
Sydney Harbor YHA at a glance:
- $$$
- Rooftop terrace makes it easy to meet people
- Grocery store on-site
- Close to the Opera House and Harbour Bridge
Beds from 71 AUD, private rooms from 294 AUD.
4. Big Hostel
A budget “boutique” spot in Surry Hills, Big Hostel is a great choice if you want to be centrally located. I love that it has a roof terrace, offering beautiful views over the city. There’s also a sundeck with a beautiful garden, perfect for lounging (and BBQing) after a day of exploring. The large kitchen has lots of space for your groceries, and there’s 24/7 free coffee and tea (a perk I always appreciate). The rooms are huge and the pillows are super cozy, though the metal frames creak a bit so bring earplugs if you’re a light sleeper. The beds have lockers though, so you can keep your gear safe and secure. Just keep in mind that the dorms here are only available for those 18-40 years old (older travelers require a private room).
Big Hostel at a glance:
- $$
- Rooftop terrace offers amazing views of the city
- Fully equipped kitchen (with free coffee/tea)
- Great place to meet people
Beds from 59 AUD, private rooms from 207 AUD.
5. Mad Monkey on Broadway
Soft beds, clean showers with great water pressure, and free breakfasts make Mad Monkey Backpackers awesome. I also like the yoga classes and access to a local gym that comes included in your stay (a huge perk if you ask me). The staff organizes activities and nights out (including a traditional Australian BBQ) so it’s also a great place to meet people. The only downside is that the common areas and kitchen are small, so it’s nearly impossible to cook while others are around. But if you don’t plan on cooking much, that’s not a huge issue. Moreover, the central location, friendly staff, and awesome amenities make this one of my favorite places to stay. Just be aware that only guests ages 18–35 are allowed in dorm rooms (18–39 for private rooms).
Mad Monkey on Broadway at a glance:
- $$
- Free access to the nearby gym
- Organizes lots of activities (BBQs, yoga, trivia nights)
- Age limit
Beds from 54 AUD, private rooms from 115 AUD.
6. Wake Up! Sydney Central
Wake Up! is like a hotel, but for backpackers. With its eight floors, hyper-trendy and clean look, and small common areas, you might think it would be hard to meet people here. But while the large size does make it sort of hard to meet people outside the common areas or your room, the big bar/nightclub downstairs gives ample opportunity to meet all the people you see coming and going. It’s super fun and lively. I really liked my time here, and I especially enjoyed the high water pressure in the showers and un-creaky beds. The hostel is located just next to the Central Station so it’s easy to get to and from the airport, making a good choice for anyone who is just here for a couple days.
Wake Up! Sydney at a glance:
- $$
- Bar on-site makes it easy to meet people
- Convenient location near the central station
- Discounts for booking direct
Beds from 61 AUD, private rooms from 194 AUD.
7. Wake Up! Bondi Beach
If you love the beach, you can’t beat this place — it is just seconds from the sand! There’s an awesome rooftop space overlooking Bondi Beach, and the hostel offers free surfboards. There are also free yoga classes, walking tours, and other fitness activities. They also host BBQ parties and pizza nights! The rooms are comfy and the showers just fine. Stay here if you plan to spend most of your time at the beach, because you really can’t beat this location!
Wake Up! Bondi at a glance:
- $$$
- Amazing location on the beach
- Tons of free perks (yoga, surfboards, free tours, free pancake Sundays)
- Awesome rooftop lounge with great views
Beds from 85 AUD, private rooms from 229 AUD.
8. 790 on George
This hostel is just steps away from the central train station as well as Chinatown (perfect for those late night, tasty cheap eats). There’s also a tram stop right out front for traveling around the city. The hostel itself has everything you need, from a fully stocked kitchen and free breakfast, to two common rooms (a games room and a TV room) and social events. Another nice perk is that checkout isn’t until 11am, so you can sleep in a bit even on your last morning here. Plus, they have plenty of day trips planned (for an extra cost), such as whale watching, Blue Mountain day trips, etc. While the hostel has a bit of a no frills feel, you get a lot of value here.
790 on George at a glance:
- $
- Stocked communal kitchen
- Organized social events and two common rooms
- Free breakfast
Beds from 43 AUD, private rooms from 130 AUD.
9. Summer House Backpackers Kings Cross
Summer House Backpackers is part of an Australian hostel group offering accommodations around the country. Their Sydney location is a laid-back hostel located near the city’s beautiful Hyde Park. The hostel has a massive communal kitchen and a lot of social events like free sangria nights, free Friday BBQs, and movie nights (with free popcorn). There’s a comfy indoor common area as well as an outdoor courtyard.
Summer House Backpackers at a glance:
- $$
- Huge communal kitchen
- Lots of social events like free BBQs & free sangria parties
- Many common spaces (including an outdoor courtyard)
Beds from 56 AUD.
There are a lot of amazing hostels in Sydney, but to me, the places above are the best hostels in the city. They offer all the things that I think are important when picking a great hostel. If you stay in any of these hostels while in Sydney, you won’t go wrong!
Book Your Trip to Sydney: Logistical Tips and Tricks
Book Your Flight
Use Skyscanner to find a cheap flight. They are my favorite search engine because they search websites and airlines around the globe so you always know no stone is left unturned.
Book Your Accommodation
You can book your hostel with Hostelworld as they have the biggest inventory and best deals. If you want to stay somewhere other than a hostel, use Booking.com as they consistently return the cheapest rates for guesthouses and cheap hotels.
Here’s a list of the best neighborhoods in Sydney too so you can pick the right area for your visit.
Don’t Forget Travel Insurance
Travel insurance will protect you against illness, injury, theft, and cancellations. It’s comprehensive protection in case anything goes wrong. I never go on a trip without it as I’ve had to use it many times in the past. My favorite companies that offer the best service and value are:
- Safety Wing (best for everyone)
- Insure My Trip (for those over 70)
- Medjet (for additional evacuation coverage)
Looking for the Best Companies to Save Money With?
Check out my resource page for the best companies to use when you travel. I list all the ones I use to save money when I’m on the road. They will save you money when you travel too.
Want More Information on Sydney?
Be sure to visit our robust destination guide on Sydney for even more planning tips!
