Sydney Hostels

You can hit hostels in Sydney to check off the bucket-list draws of that world-famous harbour for less, from the shimmering Opera House to the arched Harbour Bridge to the bright lights of Luna Park. Alternatively, bag a bargain bed in a dorm out by the New South Wales beaches to feel the surfer vibes of bohemian towns like Bondi and Manly, where the waves roll in and board rental shops pepper the promenades. Or, you could delve into the historic blocks of The Rocks, to surround yourself with old colonial architecture and historic pubs. On top of great locations, hostels in Sydney also promise plenty of fun and adventure. They regularly come with their own list of entertainments – from walking tours to pub crawls – and promise to get like-minded travellers meeting and mingling in their common spaces.

The fun of hostels in Sydney

The backpacker scene in the New South Wales capital coalesces around the famous harbour, The Rocks district and the CBD. Those neighbourhoods are positively brimming with alluring hostels, each with their own nuances and style. Some of the most cutting-edge stays follow the modern pod format, with capsule double rooms for those who like a little extra privacy. Others are housed in historic buildings with Georgian, colonial or industrial-chic elements – perfect, if you're after somewhere immersive in the older quarters of the city. As you venture further from the Harbour Bridge to the coast and the wave-washed beaches, it's possible to find hostels in Sydney with low-key vibes and in-house surf teachers, all just a stone's throw from bays like Bondi, Coogee or Manly – expect to catch legendary swells, in those.

Hostels in Sydney have also garnered a reputation for being lively little spots to get to grips with that chilled Aussie lifestyle. In many of these stays, you can easily join nightly bouts of karaoke, happy-hour drinking sessions, live music shows, traditional barbecues – there's loads. Of course, basic amenities like free WiFi, laundry facilities and dedicated reception staff are the norm, throughout. And when it comes to the rooms? Think simple but stylish dormitories, breezy doubles with big windows, the occasional ensuite private and even beach-view bedrooms with balconies.

Get stuck into the city with hostels in Sydney

The Rocks is a buzzing and vibrant corner of this uber-cool city. It's the place to bed down if you're eager to join pub crawls, watch rugby showdowns in local sports bars and be immersed in the rich historical heritage of old Australia. The Sydney Harbour YHA is a three-star hostel right in the midst of all that. You don't even have to leave the building to catch a glimpse of the iconic Sydney Opera House – the views from the sun-splashed rooftop terrace take care of that. What's more, the endless shopping and pretty parks of Circular Quay are just around the corner. More of a beach bum? No problem. The fabled waves and shimmering sands of Bondi are just steps from the door of Noah's Bondi, so there's no need to catch a ferry for that hard-earned dip in the Pacific.