2 Star Hotel

Big Backpackers Hostel

212 Elizabeth Street, Surry Hills, Sydney, Australia View Map

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Big Backpackers Hostel

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About

Welcome to Big Backpackers Hostel – Your Home Away From Home in the Heart of Sydney! At Big Backpackers Hostel, we believe that travel is all about making connections, creating memories, and having fun. Whether you’re here to explore Sydney or working towards your next big adventure, our hostel is designed to offer a warm, friendly, and inclusive atmosphere where you can truly feel at home. Everyone is welcome here – we pride ourselves on being a safe and open space for all, and we celebrate diversity in every form! Events and Social Life Our Events Team is always planning something exciting! From BBQs and cook-together evenings to night outs around the city, we offer plenty of opportunities to meet new friends and bond with fellow travelers. Solo travelers especially love our vibrant community, where it’s easy to make lasting friendships while exploring Sydney. Our spacious lounge is the perfect spot for games nights, movie marathons, or just relaxing and chatting with new pals. Work Hard, Play Hard For those looking to balance work with travel, we offer a Productivity Lab – a quiet, focused space where you can get things done without distractions. Whether you’re working remotely or catching up on your studies, this space has everything you need to be productive while enjoying the hostel's welcoming vibe. Relax and Unwind When it’s time to take a break, head up to our rooftop terrace where you can chill with friends, enjoy a sunbath, or take views of the city. It’s the perfect place to relax after a busy day of exploring or to kick back on your own with a good book. Perfect Location Located just a 5-minute walk from Central Station, our hostel is perfectly positioned to explore all of Sydney’s top attractions. The world-famous Sydney Opera House is just a 30-minute walk away, and the busses to Bondi Beach – one of the most iconic beaches in the world – depart just a few yards from the hostel. Pitt Street, Sydney’s main shopping strip, is just around the corner, and Surry Hills, with its trendy restaurants on Crown Street, is a short walk away. On the other side, you’ll find Chinatown, where you can indulge in a variety of delicious Asian cuisines. We're also just yards away from Oxford Street, Sydney’s LGBTIQ+ center, making our hostel an ideal choice for travelers who want to explore Sydney’s vibrant and inclusive queer community. Comfort and Convenience Big Backpackers Hostel offers a variety of room options, including mixed, male-only, and female-only dorms. All rooms are air-conditioned and come with elevator access for your convenience. We also provide 24/7 access to a fully-equipped kitchen, a cozy lounge area, and laundry facilities. We’re also committed to sustainability, offering recycling and clothes donation services to support our local community. Sustainability @ Big Hostel At Big Hostel, sustainability is a core value. We have implemented comprehensive recycling practices throughout the hostel, making it easy for guests to dispose of waste responsibly. Our Library Book Exchange encourages guests to share books and reduce waste, while our ethical linen partners ensure that our bed linen are sourced from suppliers who adhere to fair trade and sustainable practices. By prioritizing these eco-friendly and ethical initiatives, we strive to minimize our environmental footprint and contribute to a better, more responsible future. Our knowledgeable staff knows all the best spots around Sydney and is happy to provide insider tips and advice to make your adventure even more unforgettable. If you're on a Working Holiday Visa and need tips on how to save money or land your first job, just approach one of our friendly staff members – we’re here to help! Come stay at Big Backpackers Hostel – where great friends, fun events, and cozy accommodations await you. We can’t wait to welcome you!

841 Reviews

7.6Good
Cleanliness
7.7
Staff
8.8
Location
9.1

What Guests Say

  • “Very kind receptionist and accommodating. Basic bedroom and clean”
  • “Location. Friendliness comfort”
Show 50 Verified Reviews

Top Amenities

  • Free Internet Access
  • Accessible Rooms / Facilities
  • Kitchen/Kitchenette
  • Non-Smoking Rooms
Show All Amenities

Room Options

Our Best Price. GUARANTEED.

Exclusively for Priceline members Details

  4-Person Backpackers Hostel Family Room with Private Bathroom 1/4

4-Person Backpackers Hostel Family Room with Private Bathroom

259 sqft • 2 Bunk, 1 Double

  • Accessible by lift
  • Air conditioning
  • Bath or Shower
  • Carpeting
Double Backpackers Hostel Room with Private Bathroom 1/4

Double Backpackers Hostel Room with Private Bathroom

151 sqft • 1 Double

  • Accessible by lift
  • Air conditioning
  • Bath or Shower
  • Carpeting
Bed in 2-Bed Male Only Dormitory Room with Private Bathroom (ages 18-40 years)1/3

Bed in 2-Bed Male Only Dormitory Room with Private Bathroom (ages 18-40 years)

140 sqft • 1 Single

  • Air conditioning
  • Bath or Shower
  • Blackout curtains
  • Carpeting
Bed in 4-Bed Mixed Dormitory Room (ages 18 - 40 years)1/4

Bed in 4-Bed Mixed Dormitory Room (ages 18 - 40 years)

173 sqft • 1 Bunk

  • Accessible by lift
  • Air conditioning
  • Bath or Shower
  • Carpeting
Twin Backpackers Hostel Room with Private Bathroom 1/4

Twin Backpackers Hostel Room with Private Bathroom

130 sqft • 1 Bunk

  • Accessible by lift
  • Air conditioning
  • Bath or Shower
  • Carpeting
 Single Backpackers Hostel Room with Private Bathroom 1/4

Single Backpackers Hostel Room with Private Bathroom

130 sqft • 1 Single

  • Accessible by lift
  • Air conditioning
  • Bath or Shower
  • Carpeting

Room Details and Photos

Room Amenities

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    What Guests Loved

    7.6
    Good

    Based on 841 reviews

    Location

    9.1

    Cleanliness

    7.7

    Staff

    8.8

    Overall Quality

    7.7

    Pros +

    • Poor
    • Very kind receptionist and accommodating. Basic bedroom and clean
    • Location. Friendliness comfort

    Cons -

    • the female only room 201 was very noisy during night i could not sleep :(
    • Kitchen area was not the cleanest
    • I didn't get hot water in my room
    Business Traveler (108)Solo Traveler (781)Traveling as Couple (254)Family with Young Children (101)Family with Teens (2)Senior Traveler (23)Group Traveler (136)Total (1,902)
    3NgocPosted on: 2-16-2026

    Poor

    the female only room 201 was very noisy during night i could not sleep :(

    9EmiliePosted on: 2-15-2026

    Very kind receptionist and accommodating. Basic bedroom and clean

    Kitchen area was not the cleanest

    10LillianPosted on: 2-5-2026

    Location. Friendliness comfort

    I didn't get hot water in my room

    2DzenetaPosted on: 2-2-2026

    The only advantage of this hostel is its location. Just three minutes on foot to Central. Everything else is disappointing.

    The cleanliness of the kitchen is absolutely terrible. Have you seen the tables where people eat? They are sticky and disgusting to touch. The microwave and stove look like they’ve never been cleaned. It’s hard to believe anyone ever cleans this place. Hygienic conditions are unacceptable – I definitely do not recommend it. Even dish towels for washing dishes are so awful in color that floor-cleaning cloths look better.

    10SitananPosted on: 1-24-2026

    The location, the price, the comfort.

    8KarenPosted on: 1-14-2026

    Clean rooms, beds, toilets and showers in both the female dorm and mixed dorm with the private bathroom.

    The price was a bit much considering its a shared room but this was due to the NYE period so can't complain.

    7DanielPosted on: 1-6-2026

    What I liked most was the social atmosphere of the stay—you get to meet a lot of people. The kitchen facilities are good; a bit disorganized, but they serve their purpose, and you have your own space to store your belongings. The lockers are one of the best features of the stay, large enough to fit a medium-sized suitcase. The property has a great location and an elevator, which is very convenient. There is security available at all times in case you need help or want to report something.

    What I didn’t like was the cleanliness of the bathrooms, especially the kitchen.

    5ChrisvaughnPosted on: 12-29-2025

    Location close to Central Station

    Lift was broken, had to carry up luggage in tiny stair case

    9YathishPosted on: 12-28-2025

    Close to central and kept nice and clean except the kitchen and entrance - but no complaints

    TV room is such a relief but it could have been open 24hours instead of closing late night hours

    10RonalynPosted on: 12-20-2025

    Clean and good AC

    Must have an extra elevator, coz' when i was there the elevator was under maintenance and is not convenient especially if you are stay in higher floors..

    9KPosted on: 12-14-2025

    when i.was checked out a receptionist whose name is Joice( hope correct sepllimg) asked me my stays from this hostel and say good bye so warmherted.

    i extended my stayed 2 times whenever new day started or when back to.home i press pin number to.open room door which was deactivated changed new pin number. especially, i normaly back to home night time out of reception time i was scared if i was not.able to open door.

    4GastonPosted on: 12-7-2025

    The staff was nice.

    The bed was dirty and the bathroom the same.

    4Gaston L.Posted on: 12-7-2025

    The staff was nice.

    The bed was dirty and the bathroom the same.

    5RobynPosted on: 12-6-2025

    Location

    Noise from aircon on roof Curtain needed attention. Some of the hooks were unhooked and just hanging.

    7LindaPosted on: 11-27-2025

    Location, bed was comfortable

    Noisy, fighting somewhere in hall. I will note it was Halloween night

    8NicolePosted on: 11-22-2025

    Great location, private rooms were quiet, nice communal area.

    A shelf in the bathroom would be handy, nowhere to put your stuff otherwise.

    7HamzaPosted on: 11-19-2025

    The location of Hostel from Central Station was very closed, staff is friendly. overall this Hostel is Okay and value to money.

    Bunker Beds are little bit shaky and common washroom at 1st floor has not properly vantilated.

    7Hamza S.Posted on: 11-19-2025

    The location of Hostel from Central Station was very closed, staff is friendly. overall this Hostel is Okay and value to money.

    Bunker Beds are little bit shaky and common washroom at 1st floor has not properly vantilated.

    4KristyPosted on: 11-9-2025

    Close to train station

    It smells funky and everywhere is dirty.

    5HannaPosted on: 11-7-2025

    Location was good and staff very friendly and helpful.

    Unfortunately, as the beds have metal frames, they were extremely noisy. Any time anyone moved, the whole bed was making loads of noise and also moving. There are no curtains for security or lights at the bed. The cleansiness could be improved too as there were cob webs and dust on the window, bits of rubbish under the bed and the kitchen was not kept clean by the guests, with surfaces covered with breadcumbs etc. Also, first hostel ever to give you sheets on arrival so that you make the bed yourself.

    Amenities & Policies

    Amenities

    Food & Drinks

    • Kitchen/Kitchenette
    • Shared kitchen

    Media & Technology

    • Free Internet Access

    Health & Safety

    • Health Services
    • Daily disinfection

    Accessibility

    • Handicapped Rooms/Facilities
    • Facilities for disabled guests available

    Kid Friendly

    • Family Friendly

    General

    • No Smoking Rooms/Facilities

    Guest policies

    Check-inAfter 2:00 PM
    Check-outBefore 10:00 AM
    InternetFree Wi-Fi is available.
    Children & Extra BedsChildren of all ages are welcome.
    PetsPets are not allowed.
    Room RatesAll rates displayed are for two guests unless otherwise noted.

    Important info

    Guests are required to show a photo ID and credit card upon check-in. Please note that all Special Requests are subject to availability and additional charges may apply. Please inform of your expected arrival time in advance. You can use the Special Requests box when booking, or contact the property directly using the contact details in your confirmation. Guests under the age of 18 can only check in with a parent or official guardian.

    Location

    Big Backpackers Hostel

    212 Elizabeth Street, Surry Hills, Sydney

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