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Sydney is one of the main hubs that backpackers gravitate towards. With famous sites like the Opera House, Sydney Harbour Bridge and Bondi Beach, it’s easy to see why. To avoid paying an arm and a leg, we highly recommend booking your Sydney accommodation well in advance, especially during peak season. Hostels are the ideal accommodation for backpackers. Not only are they often conveniently located, but they have many facilities to help you save money, like a kitchen and washing facilities.
Below, we have listed some of the best short-term Sydney accommodation options. A great way of seeing Sydney is checking out a few of these different hostels to see what suits you best. Hostels are easily the cheapest way of traveling in Sydney and the best way to meet other fellow travellers. To help you plan your trip, we’ve included details of what each hostel offers.
 
 

Best Sydney Accommodation Value For Money: Maze Backpackers

In the heart of Sydney’s Central Business District (CBD), Maze Backpackers is located just a 30 second walk away from a large shopping centre and supermarket. Offering comfortable rooms and free food three times a week, what more could a backpacker want?! A free airport transfer service is provided from Sydney Airport when you book three or more nights directly through this hostel. Once there, you can choose from a dorm or private room. The dorm rooms are super cheap and the private rooms are still reasonably priced for most travellers. This hostel is perfect for single travellers, couples, and for those travelling in groups. All rooms have shared bathrooms and access to a shared kitchen, TV lounge, and even a games room.
In reception you will find a notice board for items for sale, events taking place around the city, and even a section to help those searching find jobs. Three times a week this hostel offers their guests free meals including a BBQ night and a chicken and rice night. One morning a week they also provide a free pancake breakfast. With cheap beds, free food and job board, this hostel is a great value and perfect for backpackers!!
 
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Location: 417 Pitt St, Haymarket, Sydney, NSW 2000 — VIEW MAP
Contact: +61 2 9211 5115 | Website
Hours: 24-hour reception
Price Per Night: $32-$80
 
 

Best Hostel Location in Sydney: Sydney Harbour YHA

This hostel is definitely the best located hostel in Sydney, situated right on the harbour. As can be expected, the price of this hostel per night is reflective of the area and the views it offers. The rooftop overlooks the Sydney Harbour Bridge and Sydney Opera house, making the extra money spent 100% worth it.  Free WIFI, aircon in each room, and an ensuite bathroom are included, so no walking down the hall juggling your wash things! One of the most appealing facilities this hostel offers is the commission-free travel desk located in reception. You can be assured you’ll be getting the best prices for tours around Sydney.
Located less than a twenty minute walk from the Harbour bridge and surrounded by shops, cafes and bars, you’ll find plenty to do here. YHA also offer a free walking tour of the nearby beaches every Thursday. Finally, to top it off — another free pancake breakfast, happening every Wednesday! As one of Sydney’s largest hostels, you’re guaranteed to meet plenty of other backpackers whom you can share your travelling adventures with.
 
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Location: 110 Cumberland Street, Sydney, The Rocks, NSW 2000 — VIEW MAP
Contact: +61 02 8272 0900
Hours: 24-hour reception
Price Per Night: $64-$74
 
 

Best Sydney Accommodation During Peak Season: M Q Space Pop Up

As most of you know, the New Year sees accommodation prices rocket in Sydney. With thousands of both local and international tourists fighting for the best spots to see the fireworks, booking in advance has never been so important! For this time of year, we recommend staying in university accommodation. Whilst the students have vacated their rooms for the holidays, the rooms are let out to backpackers and travellers alike. Acting as a hostel/short-term accommodation, you are charged a very reasonable price.
Ranging from single rooms with a shared kitchen, to quadruple rooms with a private kitchen, they offer rooms for every type of traveller. All rooms are impeccably clean and fully equipped with cooking equipment, fresh towels, basic toiletries, free WIFI and aircon. Be sure to book in advance, as they book up quickly. This accommodation offers 24/7 security so you’ll definitely feel safe here. There is also an on-site car park for those who have their own vehicle. Local transport options are right at your doorstep and you are only a five minute walk from the nearest metro station and bus depot. This means no expensive taxis for your night out! Additionally, reception houses a vending machine for basic snacks and a hot drinks machine.
Location: 7 Saunders Close, North Ryde, 2113 Sydney, Australia — VIEW MAP
Contact: +61 2 7922 3818 | Website
Hours: Office open 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily
Price per night: New Year’s Eve $100 – $450
 
 

Best Party Hostel in Sydney: Wake Up! Sydney

As one of the only hostels in Sydney that has an onsite bar, Side Bar, a stay at this hostel is sure to leave you with a hangover and lots of new friends in tow. This hostel is slightly more expensive than other hostels but definitely worth the extra dollars! Located in the CBD, Wake Up! is surrounded by everything you need, and everything else is a short public transport ride away. A fifteen minute walk from Darling Harbour, get ready to take in the spectacular views Sydney has to offer. All rooms feature secure lockers, free WIFI, aircon and power sockets next to every bed. You can stay in private rooms (which feature a TV), mixed or single sex dorm rooms.
This Sydney accommodation offers free walking tours on certain days of the week and also hosts weekly activities. Some of these activities include exercise classes, organised bar crawls, city tours, and free or discounted food options every night. Free cheese and wine are offered on Wednesday’s Ladies Night. Wake Up! Hostel has all bases covered, also housing an onsite cafe and travel desk.
 
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Location: 509 Pitt Street, Sydney CBD, 2000 Sydney, Australia — VIEW MAP
Contact: +61 2 9288 7888 | Website
Hours: 24-hour reception
Price Per Night: $41-$159
 
 

Best Beach Accommodation in Sydney: Mad Monkey Coogee Beach

Located opposite Coogee Beach, this hostel offers some of the best views you’ll find in Sydney. Some of the rooms offer balconies to really make the most of the scenery. When you stay here, you’ll have access to a fully equipped kitchen and a lounge area where you can watch TV. This Sydney accommodation has everything you need for a comfortable stay. Free breakfast is provided daily along with tea and coffee, so make the most of it each morning!
Want to go snorkelling but don’t want to spend a fortune hiring equipment? Then this hostel is for you. All guests get free use of their snorkelling equipment and boogie boards. With an amazing bar and restaurant, FNKY MNKY hosting many events and parties (Backpacker Trivia Night every Wednesday and live music every Saturday night) you’ll have plenty of opportunities to make new friends and even travel companions during your stay.
 

Mad Monkey Coogee Beach
Mad Monkey Coogee Beach © Courtesy of Mad Monkey

 
Location: 186 Arden St, Coogee, Sydney, NSW 2034
Contact: +61 2 9315 7888 | Website
Hours: Sunday to Thursday from 7:30 a.m. to 9 p.m., Friday and Saturday from 7:30 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Price per night: from $34
 
Mad Monkey Coogee Beach
 
 

Most Accessible Sydney Accommodation: Ady’s Place Backpackers

Located in Kings Cross, this hostel is a short ten minute walk away from the CBD. It’s minutes away from the Kings Cross train station and a bus stop is strategically placed a minute from the front door. This hostel is by far one of the most accessible to backpackers. Travelling by car, bus, train or foot, you’re only minutes away from everything you need.
Ady’s Place offers guests free breakfast each morning. Free tea and coffee is available all day long and surprise surprise, another free pancake breakfast is available on Sundays! It is clear this hostel has the most important things covered! Make the most of the roof top terrace that offers breathtaking views of the city, especially on Fridays where there is a free rooftop BBQ! All rooms have private showers and security lockers as well as free WIFI. You can choose between private, mixed or single sex dorm rooms ensuring everyone is comfortable.
 
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Location: 103-105 Palmer Street, Woolloomooloo, Sydney, NSW, 2011 — VIEW MAP
Contact: +61 8937 0044 | Website
Hours: Office open 8am-10pm daily
Price Per Night: $23-$38
 
Note: All information provided in this article was correct on 9th March 2019. Accommodation prices were taken from booking.com
 
 

More Information About Sydney Accommodation for Backpackers:

Looking for more Sydney accommodation options for your upcoming trip? Check out the best areas to stay in, where to stay in Randwick, the best party hostels in Australia, and where to stay in Bondi. Or, take a look at these other articles we’ve rounded up from some of our favorite websites!

 
 

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