Sydney, Australia is perhaps one of the most famous vacation destinations in the world. It has numerous attractions for visitors to see and experience, including the Sydney Opera House, Sydney Harbour Bridge, The Rocks, and Circular Quay, Royal Botanic Gardens, Taronga Zoo, and Vivid Festival, to name a few. The city is also a backpacker’s paradise as there are many natural attractions to visit in the surrounding areas as well as great budget accommodations like backpacker hostels. Read on to find out the best backpacker hostels in Sydney for your needs and budget. Here is a look at 13 of the best backpacker hostels in Sydney that you can choose from on your trip to the beautiful city:
We handpicked these listings carefully, considering (wherever possible) Superhost status, recent guest reviews, location, accommodation type, prices, availability of dates, decor, and amenities. The image galleries get refreshed with the latest updates regularly. They were last updated on October 30, 2025.
1. Base Sydney (from USD 33)
If you are looking for a backpacker hostel in Sydney that is conveniently located close to the major tourist attractions, then Base Sydney is the perfect choice for you. Located in Sydney’s city center and business district, it is ideal for travelers who are interested in food, shopping, and entertainment. The hostel offers facilities such as Wifi, airport shuttle service, a restaurant, and bar, as well as facilities for the disabled. Base Sydney’s awesome facilities and prime location make it one of the promising backpackers’ hostel in Sydney, Australia on a budget.
Nomads Sydney
Address: 477 Kent Street
413 meters (0.3 ft) from Darling Harbour
2. Sydney Central YHA (from USD 61)
Various dining options nearby, with a cafe on-site and many restaurants and bars in the vicinity, offering a range of meal choices.
Reasonable pricing for a central location in Sydney, offering great value for money compared to regular hotels.
Prime location within walking distance to Central Station, Chinatown, Darling Harbour, and with easy access to public transportation.
Convenient amenities including a cafe on-site, kitchen facilities, and a pool, but some areas may need renovation and better ventilation.
This is another top backpacker hostel that is located in the heart of Sydney. Many travelers like Sydney Central YHA because of its location as well as the excellent facilities it provides – many of which other hostels do not offer. It is clean and comfortable, giving you a superb budget place to stay during your vacation. Other highlights include free Wi-Fi, rooftop and indoor swimming pool access, and a bar for those who wish to maximize their stay indoors.
YHA Sydney Central This is a Proud Certified property where you can be extra sure of a welcoming stay.
Address: 11-23 Rawson Place
852 meters (0.6 ft) from Darling Harbour
3. Wake Up! Sydney Central (from USD 47)
Cafe with free coffee, nearby restaurants, and easy access to food options.
Great value for money, especially for shared rooms and social activities.
Conveniently located near Central Station, Chinatown, and public transport.
Modern, spacious, and well-equipped facilities including a large kitchen and social events.
Located in the heart of the city, Wake Up! Sydney Central is a great backpacker hostel in Sydney with facilities to meet all your needs. It is close to some of the best restaurants, shopping malls and stores in the city, so you do not have to travel far to enjoy Sydney’s entertainment scene. It is clean and well maintained, plus organizes fun activities every day and night. Guests are subject to exceptional service, a great restaurant menu, bar access, facilities for disabled guests, airport shuttle, and of course free Wi-Fi for those who wish to stay connected. For a well-kept hostel with friendly and helpful staff members, Wake Up! Sydney Central is one of the top choices available for you.
Wake Up! Sydney Central
Address: 509 Pitt Street
910 meters (0.6 ft) from Darling Harbour
4. Cambridge Lodge (from USD 37)
Bread provided, well-equipped kitchen, close to pubs and restaurants
Budget-friendly, great value for money, free parking available
Convenient, close to train station, multicultural suburban area, easy access to entertainment venues
Clean rooms, well-tended facility, homely building, outdoor dining area
Are you looking for a backpacker hostel in Sydney that offers modern amenities and comfort? Then you should definitely stay at Cambridge Lodge. It is located close to the train station and has a friendly staff that provides superb service. The rooms are clean and comfortable, and so are the bathrooms. The rooms also have ample storage space for all your personal items. Cambridge Lodge is an excellent choice if you are a backpacker looking for simple yet comfy accommodations in Sydney. Cambridge Lodge is some of the cleanest backpacker accommodations in Sydney, with well-maintained rooms, and bathrooms, free Wi-Fi access, terrace access, laundry access and tools, and engaging and spacious family rooms.
Cambridge Lodge
Address: 109 Cambridge St
3.87 km (2.5 mi) from Darling Harbour
5. Sydney Central Inn (from USD 33)
When it comes to backpacker hostels, Sydney Central Inn is regarded as one of the best in the city. The beautiful vintage building is located in Sydney CBD so you are conveniently close to all the major tourist attractions as well as restaurants and shopping in the city. The hostel offers double rooms, triple rooms and quadruple rooms with shared bathrooms as well as a mixed dormitory room. Whether you are a solo traveler or with your family or a group, Sydney Central Inn is definitely an accommodation option you should consider Sydney Central Inn has a prime location, free Wi-Fi access, free airport shuttle, a variety of room/dormitory options for several types of travelers, and of course helpful staff to get guests what they need and even make their way around the city.
Sydney Central Inn
Address: 428 Pitt St
752 meters (0.5 ft) from Darling Harbour
6. Maze Backpackers – Sydney (from USD 33)
Comfortable and well maintained, Maze Backpackers is a hostel that offers many facilities to ensure that your stay in Sydney is an enjoyable one. It is one of the top picks when it comes to backpacker hostels in the city. The hostel is located in Sydney CBD, which is great for any traveler. The friendly staff makes sure that your needs are met and are always happy to help. You can play pool and enjoy other activities when you stay at Maze Backpackers. Guests will have access to the Wi-Fi, the bar, airport shuttle, the pool room, and fun activities among fellow travelers in some of the best Sydney backpackers’ accommodations in the central area.
Maze Backpackers - Sydney This is a Proud Certified property where you can be extra sure of a welcoming stay.
Address: 417 Pitt Street
744 meters (0.5 ft) from Darling Harbour
7. on George Backpackers
This is an impressive backpacker hostel in Sydney that is located in the heart of the city. The rooms are clean and comfortable, so you can relax and feel right at home. 790 on George Backpackers is a hostel that is perfect for travelers who have basic needs and a low budget. With helpful staff members and good facilities, this is one of the best hostels to choose from when you are in Sydney. It has free Wifi, facilities for the disabled, neat and clean rooms, laundry facilities, airport shuttle service. It’s also close to famous museums, other attractions like the Capitol Theatre, just less than a kilometer away, as well as the AussieYou Tours for those who are keen on joining outdoor adventure tours while in Sydney. Other activities to consider when in Sydney can also be found in popular Viator tours.
8. Kings Cross Backpackers (from USD 33)
If you are interested in visiting Sydney’s beaches, harbors and city walk, then Kings Cross Backpackers is the ideal hostel for you. Located in Rushcutter’s Bay, it offers easy access to these attractions. With clean and comfortable rooms and bathrooms, the hostel also has a nice common area and terrace/rooftop where you can relax and socialize. There is also a game room to pass a little time in between exploring what Sydney has to offer as well as a common kitchen that has everything you need if you want to cook your own meals. Kings Cross Backpackers is a superb property that has close proximity to beaches, a rooftop area to meet new travelers, and an engaging game room for guests’ leisure needs.
Mad Monkey Bayswater This is a Proud Certified property where you can be extra sure of a welcoming stay.
Address: 79 Bayswater Road, Kings Cross
2.26 km (1.5 mi) from Darling Harbour
9. Mad Monkey Backpackers on Broadway (from USD 29)
Regular free events with food, well-equipped kitchen, and close to diverse dining options.
Reasonable pricing for Sydney, with free breakfast and gym access.
Conveniently located near public transport, shopping centers, and Victoria Park.
Clean rooms, comfortable beds, well-maintained showers, and a cozy common area.
Just walking distance from the busy area where the University of Technology Sydney lies, the Mad Monkey Backpackers on Broadway is a great hostel for travelers who wish to explore the city on a budget while meeting new people on your journey. This cozy and chic hostel is close to Central Station, and Hyde Park for those who wish to explore more of Sydney. Guests will have access to basic amenities like a cozy single bed with freshly laundered and soft linens, wifi access, laundry facilities, private lockers, and access to a clean and functional communal bathroom.
Mad Monkey Broadway
Address: 20 City Road
1.3 km (0.9 mi) from Darling Harbour
10. Sydney Backpackers (from USD 32)
Free pancakes and waffles on Sundays, but cleanliness issues in the kitchen and dining areas.
Reasonably affordable for the city center, but deposit system can be inconvenient.
Perfect central location with easy access to public transport, restaurants, and shopping.
Convenient location with rooftop, TV room, and kitchen facilities, but bathrooms and showers are often dirty.
See the best of what Sydney has to offer without breaking the bank and staying at a trendy hostel situated in the heart of Sydney. Stay at Sydney Backpackers for a few days and enjoy the superb amenities that include laundry facilities, clean and functional bathrooms with shower essentials, as well as the shared open kitchen where guests can make use of all its cookware and electric appliances. There is a rooftop terrace, a communal dining room and a lounge where guests can do some work and also meet fellow travelers during their stay. The property is close to the best of the city’s dining and shopping establishments, as well as the popular outdoor attractions and tours.
Summer House Sydney City This is a Proud Certified property where you can be extra sure of a welcoming stay.
Address: 7 Wilmot St
597 meters (0.4 ft) from Darling Harbour
Book the best backpacker hostel for your next Sydney vacation
There is no dearth of backpacker hostels in Sydney, but the ones listed above beat the rest. Not only do they offer cozy accommodation, but also are affordable and at close proximity to the most popular attractions!
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