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
- Cleanliness
- 7.7
- Staff
- 8.8
- Location
- 9.1
What Guests Say
- “Very kind receptionist and accommodating. Basic bedroom and clean”
- “Location. Friendliness comfort”
Top Amenities
- Free Internet Access
- Accessible Rooms / Facilities
- Kitchen/Kitchenette
- Non-Smoking Rooms
Room Options
Our Best Price. GUARANTEED.
Exclusively for Priceline members Details
1/44-Person Backpackers Hostel Family Room with Private Bathroom
- Accessible by lift
- Air conditioning
- Bath or Shower
- Carpeting
1/4Double Backpackers Hostel Room with Private Bathroom
- Accessible by lift
- Air conditioning
- Bath or Shower
- Carpeting
1/3Bed in 2-Bed Male Only Dormitory Room with Private Bathroom (ages 18-40 years)
- Air conditioning
- Bath or Shower
- Blackout curtains
- Carpeting
1/4Bed in 4-Bed Mixed Dormitory Room (ages 18 - 40 years)
- Accessible by lift
- Air conditioning
- Bath or Shower
- Carpeting
1/4Twin Backpackers Hostel Room with Private Bathroom
- Accessible by lift
- Air conditioning
- Bath or Shower
- Carpeting
1/4Single Backpackers Hostel Room with Private Bathroom
- Accessible by lift
- Air conditioning
- Bath or Shower
- Carpeting
1/4Bed in 6-Bed Mixed Dormitory Room (ages 18-40 years only)
- Accessible by lift
- Air conditioning
- Bath or Shower
- Carpeting
1/4Bed in 8-Bed Female Dormitory Room with Shared Bathroom (ages 18-40 years only)
- Accessible by lift
- Air conditioning
- Bath or Shower
- Carpeting
1/4Bed in 8-Bed Mixed Dormitory Room with Shared Bathroom (ages 18-40 years only)
- Accessible by lift
- Air conditioning
- Bath or Shower
- Carpeting
1/4Bed in 2-Bed Female Only Dormitory Room with Private Bathroom (ages 18-40 years)
- Accessible by lift
- Air conditioning
- Bath or Shower
- Carpeting
1/4Bed in 6-Bed Female Dormitory Room (ages 18-40 years only)
- Accessible by lift
- Air conditioning
- Bath or Shower
- Carpeting
1/1Bed In 2 Bed Female Dormitory with Ensuite, 18-40 Years Old Only
- Air conditioning
- Bath or Shower
- Blackout curtains
- Carpeting
1/41 Person in 8-Bed Dormitory with Shared Bathroom - Female Only, 18-40 Years Old Only
- Air conditioning
- Bath or Shower
- Blackout curtains
- Board games/puzzles
1/2Twin Ensuite
- Air conditioning
- Bath or Shower
- Blackout curtains
- Board games/puzzles
1/2Family Room for 4 People
- Air conditioning
- Bath or Shower
- Blackout curtains
- Carpeting
1/3Double Room with Private Bathroom
- Air conditioning
- Bath or Shower
- Blackout curtains
- Board games/puzzles
1/41 Person in 4-Bed Mixed Dormitory Ensuite, 18-40 Years Only
- Air conditioning
- Bath or Shower
- Blackout curtains
- Carpeting
1/21 Person in 6-Bed Dormitory with Shared Bathroom - Female Only, 18-40 Years Old Only
- Air conditioning
- Bath or Shower
- Blackout curtains
- Board games/puzzles
1/4Single ensuite
- Air conditioning
- Bath or Shower
- Blackout curtains
- Board games/puzzles
1/41 Person in 8-Bed Dormitory with Shared Bathroom - Mixed, 18-40 Years Old Only
- Air conditioning
- Bath or Shower
- Blackout curtains
- Board games/puzzles
1/41 Person in 6-Bed Dormitory with Shared Bathroom - Mixed, 18-40 Years Old Only
- Air conditioning
- Bath or Shower
- Blackout curtains
- Board games/puzzles
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What Guests Loved
Based on 841 reviews
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
Poor
the female only room 201 was very noisy during night i could not sleep :(
Very kind receptionist and accommodating. Basic bedroom and clean
Kitchen area was not the cleanest
Location. Friendliness comfort
I didn't get hot water in my room
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.
The location, the price, the comfort.
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.
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.
Location close to Central Station
Lift was broken, had to carry up luggage in tiny stair case
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
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..
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.
The staff was nice.
The bed was dirty and the bathroom the same.
The staff was nice.
The bed was dirty and the bathroom the same.
Location
Noise from aircon on roof Curtain needed attention. Some of the hooks were unhooked and just hanging.
Location, bed was comfortable
Noisy, fighting somewhere in hall. I will note it was Halloween night
Great location, private rooms were quiet, nice communal area.
A shelf in the bathroom would be handy, nowhere to put your stuff otherwise.
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.
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.
Close to train station
It smells funky and everywhere is dirty.
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-in | After 2:00 PM |
|---|---|
| Check-out | Before 10:00 AM |
| Internet | Free Wi-Fi is available. |
| Children & Extra Beds | Children of all ages are welcome. |
| Pets | Pets are not allowed. |
| Room Rates | All 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
212 Elizabeth Street, Surry Hills, Sydney
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