Our pick for the best hostel in Sydney is Wake Up! Sydney Central, right opposite Central Station. It is big, social, clean and on the train line from the airport, which makes it the easiest first base for a working holiday. Below it are 9 more good Sydney hostels, in no particular order, from the CBD to Bondi, Coogee and Manly.
Last checked: 7 November 2026
Our pick: Wake Up! Sydney Central
Where: 509 Pitt Street, Haymarket, opposite Central Station.
Wake Up! is the hostel we put our own travellers in, and here is why:
- Location. Central Station is across the road, with direct trains to the airport, Bondi buses, and trains out to the Blue Mountains. Chinatown, Darling Harbour and Surry Hills are all walkable.
- Facilities. A gym, sauna and cold plunge, a cafe, a bar and nightclub, and a travel desk all in the one building.
- Easy to meet people. There is something on most nights, from group walks to social nights, so you will not be on your own for long.
- Proven. It was voted Best Hostel in Australia at Hostelworld’s 2025 Hoscars.
Good to know: it is adults only, check-in is from 2pm and check-out is 10am. It is a big hostel, so if you want quiet, ask for a smaller dorm.
Stay at Wake Up! with a group
Hello Sydney is our 4 day, 3 night welcome package. You get airport pickup, 3 nights at Wake Up! Sydney Central, a guided city tour, and help getting your bank, TFN, phone and CV sorted, with a group of other working holiday makers.
9 more good hostels in Sydney
These are all good choices for backpackers and working holiday makers. They are not ranked, just listed by area.
YHA Sydney Harbour
Area: The Rocks. Good for: views and a quieter stay.
The only budget stay in the historic Rocks, with a rooftop that looks straight at the Opera House and Harbour Bridge. Calmer than the party hostels and a short walk to Circular Quay.
YHA Sydney Central
Area: Central Station. Good for: reliable and good value.
A big heritage building right by Central Station, so it shares the same easy transport as our pick. Good kitchen, a rooftop pool and the usual YHA standards.
Nomads Sydney
Area: CBD, near Darling Harbour. Good for: being in the middle of town.
A large city hostel a few minutes from Darling Harbour and Town Hall. Handy if you are job hunting in the CBD.
Summer House Sydney City
Area: CBD. Good for: a smaller, friendly hostel.
A more relaxed hostel in the city centre, with dorms and private rooms and an easy walk to most of the sights.
Mad Monkey Kings Cross
Area: Kings Cross. Good for: nightlife.
One of several Mad Monkey hostels in and around Kings Cross. Expect daily events, a strong social vibe and late nights.
Wake Up! Bondi Beach
Area: Bondi. Good for: beach life.
Same team as our pick, right on Campbell Parade opposite Bondi Beach. Great if you want to surf and swim, with buses into the city.
Bondi Beach Backpackers
Area: Bondi. Good for: a simple beach base.
A long running Bondi hostel a short walk from the sand. More laid back than the big city hostels.
Mad Monkey Coogee Beach
Area: Coogee. Good for: ocean views.
The first Mad Monkey in Australia, in the beach suburb of Coogee, south of Bondi. A good mix of social and beach time.
Boardrider Backpacker
Area: Manly. Good for: surfers.
A beachfront hostel in Manly with surf school deals. The ferry to Circular Quay takes you past the Opera House, so your commute doubles as a sightseeing cruise.
Which part of Sydney should I stay in?
| Area | Best for | Getting to work |
|---|---|---|
| Central and Haymarket | First week, job hunting, transport | Trains and buses to everywhere |
| CBD and The Rocks | Sights, CBD jobs | Walk or train |
| Kings Cross and Potts Point | Nightlife, cheaper beds | Train, 5 minutes to the city |
| Bondi and Coogee | Beach life, cafe jobs | Bus, 30 to 45 minutes to the city |
| Manly | Surfing, a quieter feel | Ferry to Circular Quay |
Dorm beds in Sydney usually cost about $40 to $70 a night, more in summer and around New Year’s Eve. Ask about weekly rates once you have a job. For more on costs, see our living costs guide.
Staying longer in Sydney
Most working holiday makers spend a week or two in a hostel, then move into a share house once they have work. Your hostel is a great place to hear about rooms and jobs. While you look, browse TAW jobs, read about hiring in Sydney, and get a TAW Mailbox so your bank card and letters have a fixed address while you move around.
Heading south next? See the best hostels in Melbourne. Packing still to do? Use our working holiday packing list.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best hostel in Sydney?
Our pick is Wake Up! Sydney Central. It is opposite Central Station, very social, has a gym, sauna, cafe and bar, and was voted Best Hostel in Australia at Hostelworld’s 2025 Hoscars.
What is the best area to stay in Sydney for backpackers?
Around Central Station for your first week, because trains and buses go everywhere from there. Bondi or Coogee if you want the beach, and Kings Cross if you want nightlife.
How much is a hostel in Sydney?
A dorm bed is usually around $40 to $70 a night. Prices go up in summer and at New Year’s Eve, and many hostels offer weekly rates.
How do I get from Sydney Airport to Central Station?
The airport train runs from both terminals to Central in about 15 minutes. If you book Hello Sydney, airport pickup is included.
Can I work while staying in a Sydney hostel?
Yes. Lots of working holiday makers stay in a hostel for their first weeks while they find a job and a share house. Some hostels also offer work for accommodation.
Are Sydney hostels safe?
The hostels on this page are well run and have lockers and key card entry. Bring a padlock, keep your passport locked away, and read recent reviews before you book.
Should I book my Sydney hostel before I arrive?
Yes, book at least your first few nights, especially from December to February. It is one less thing to sort out after a long flight.
Sources: Destination NSW: Wake Up! Sydney Central, Hostelworld: hostels in Sydney.
