Vacation packages
Stays
Cars
Flights
Support
AARP Member Savings
My Trips
AARP.org
Join
Renew

Big Backpackers Hostel

2.0 star property
Hostel in Sydney, 6-minute walk to Hyde Park

Choose dates to view prices

Photo gallery for Big Backpackers Hostel

Exterior
Fridge, microwave, stovetop, toaster
Double Room (Shared Bathroom) | Blackout drapes, free WiFi, bed sheets
Interior
Lobby
Big Backpackers Hostel is the perfect base for exploring Capitol Theatre and World Square Shopping Centre. Unwind in the garden, browse books in the library, or enjoy a barbecue on the terrace with outdoor furniture – you'll feel right at home with amenities like laundry facilities, luggage storage and an outdoor entertainment area.

Reviews

8.0 out of 10
Very good

Popular amenities

  • Housekeeping
  • Air conditioning
  • Kitchen
  • Laundry
  • Free WiFi
  • Business services

Room options

Available filters for rooms
Showing 22 of 22 rooms

View all photos for Bed In Bed In 6-Bed Mixed Dormitory Room With Shared Bathroom (Age 18-40yrs Only) (Mixed Gender)

Blackout drapes, free WiFi, bed sheets

Bed In Bed In 6-Bed Mixed Dormitory Room With Shared Bathroom (Age 18-40yrs Only) (Mixed Gender)

  • Sleeps 1

View all photos for Bed In Bed In 8-Bed Female Dormitory Room With Shared Bathroom (Age 18-40yrs Only) (Female Only)

Blackout drapes, free WiFi, bed sheets

Bed In Bed In 8-Bed Female Dormitory Room With Shared Bathroom (Age 18-40yrs Only) (Female Only)

  • Sleeps 1

View all photos for Bed In Bed In 8-Bed Mixed Dormitory Room With Shared Bathroom (Age 18-40yrs Only). (Mixed Gender)

Blackout drapes, free WiFi, bed sheets

Bed In Bed In 8-Bed Mixed Dormitory Room With Shared Bathroom (Age 18-40yrs Only). (Mixed Gender)

  • Sleeps 1

View all photos for Single Ensuite Room

Single Ensuite Room | Blackout drapes, free WiFi, bed sheets

Single Ensuite Room

9.4 out of 10
Exceptional
(3 reviews)

Highlights

Air conditioning
Heating
Refrigerator
Blackout drapes/curtains
Private bathroom
Microwave
Kitchen island
Freezer
  • 13 sq m
  • Sleeps 1
  • 1 Twin Bed

View all photos for Twin Ensuite Room

Twin Ensuite Room | Blackout drapes, free WiFi, bed sheets

Twin Ensuite Room

9.0 out of 10
Wonderful
(2 reviews)

Highlights

Air conditioning
Heating
Refrigerator
Blackout drapes/curtains
Private bathroom
Microwave
Kitchen island
Freezer
  • 13 sq m
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Twin Bunk Bed

View all photos for Double Ensuite Room

Double Ensuite Room | Blackout drapes, free WiFi, bed sheets

Double Ensuite Room

8.0 out of 10
Very good
(1 review)

Highlights

Air conditioning
Heating
Refrigerator
Blackout drapes/curtains
Private bathroom
Microwave
Kitchen island
Freezer
  • 16 sq m
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Double Bed

View all photos for Family Ensuite Room (4 Adults)

Family Ensuite Room (4 Adults) | Blackout drapes, free WiFi, bed sheets

Family Ensuite Room (4 Adults)

Highlights

Air conditioning
Heating
Refrigerator
Blackout drapes/curtains
Private bathroom
Microwave
Kitchen island
Freezer
  • 20 sq m
  • Sleeps 4
  • 1 Double Bed and 1 Twin Bunk Bed

View all photos for 8 Share Dorm - Mixed, Shared Bathroom (Age 18-40)

8 Share Dorm - Mixed, Shared Bathroom (Age 18-40) | Blackout drapes, free WiFi, bed sheets

8 Share Dorm - Mixed, Shared Bathroom (Age 18-40)

Highlights

Air conditioning
Heating
Refrigerator
Blackout drapes/curtains
Microwave
Kitchen island
Freezer
Stovetop
  • 28 sq m
  • Sleeps 1
  • 1 Twin Bed

View all photos for 8 Share Dorm - Female Only, Shared Bathroom (Age 18-40)

Blackout drapes, free WiFi, bed sheets

8 Share Dorm - Female Only, Shared Bathroom (Age 18-40)

Highlights

Air conditioning
Heating
Refrigerator
Blackout drapes/curtains
Microwave
Kitchen island
Freezer
Stovetop
  • 26 sq m
  • Sleeps 1
  • 1 Twin Bunk Bed

View all photos for 4 Share Ensuite Dorm (Age 18-40)

4 Share Ensuite Dorm (Age 18-40) | Blackout drapes, free WiFi, bed sheets

4 Share Ensuite Dorm (Age 18-40)

8.0 out of 10
Very good
(1 review)

Highlights

Air conditioning
Heating
Refrigerator
Blackout drapes/curtains
Microwave
Kitchen island
Freezer
Stovetop
  • 15 sq m
  • Sleeps 1
  • 2 Twin Bunk Beds

View all photos for Single Backpackers Hostel Room With Private Bathroom

Blackout drapes, free WiFi, bed sheets

Single Backpackers Hostel Room With Private Bathroom

  • Sleeps 1

View all photos for Double Backpackers Hostel Room With Private Bathroom

Blackout drapes, free WiFi, bed sheets

Double Backpackers Hostel Room With Private Bathroom

  • Sleeps 2

View all photos for Twin Backpackers Hostel Room With Private Bathroom

Blackout drapes, free WiFi, bed sheets

Twin Backpackers Hostel Room With Private Bathroom

  • Sleeps 2

View all photos for Family BackpackersHostel Room(4 Person)With Private Bathroom

Blackout drapes, free WiFi, bed sheets

Family BackpackersHostel Room(4 Person)With Private Bathroom

  • Sleeps 4

View all photos for Bed in 6 Bed Female Dormitory with Shared Bathroom (Age 18-40)

Blackout drapes, free WiFi, bed sheets

Bed in 6 Bed Female Dormitory with Shared Bathroom (Age 18-40)

Highlights

Air conditioning
Heating
Refrigerator
Blackout drapes/curtains
Microwave
Kitchen island
Freezer
Stovetop
  • 28 sq m
  • Sleeps 1
  • 3 Twin Bunk Beds

View all photos for Bed in 6 Bed Mixed Dormitory with Shared Bathroom (Age 18-40)

Bed in 6 Bed Mixed Dormitory with Shared Bathroom (Age 18-40) | Blackout drapes, free WiFi, bed sheets

Bed in 6 Bed Mixed Dormitory with Shared Bathroom (Age 18-40)

Highlights

Air conditioning
Heating
Refrigerator
Blackout drapes/curtains
Microwave
Kitchen island
Freezer
Stovetop
  • 28 sq m
  • Sleeps 1
  • 3 Twin Bunk Beds

View all photos for Bed in 2-Bed Female Only Dormitory with Ensuite (Age 18-40yrs only)

Blackout drapes, free WiFi, bed sheets

Bed in 2-Bed Female Only Dormitory with Ensuite (Age 18-40yrs only)

Highlights

Air conditioning
Heating
Refrigerator
Blackout drapes/curtains
Private bathroom
Microwave
Kitchen island
Freezer
  • Sleeps 1
  • 1 Twin Bunk Bed

View all photos for Bed in 2-Bed Shared Male Dorm with Ensuite (Ages 18-40yrs)

Blackout drapes, free WiFi, bed sheets

Bed in 2-Bed Shared Male Dorm with Ensuite (Ages 18-40yrs)

Highlights

Air conditioning
Heating
Refrigerator
Blackout drapes/curtains
Private bathroom
Microwave
Kitchen island
Freezer
  • 13 sq m
  • Sleeps 1
  • 1 Twin Bunk Bed

View all photos for Bed In Bed In 6-Bed Female Dormitory Room With Shared Bathroom (Age 18-40yrs Only) (Female Only)

Blackout drapes, free WiFi, bed sheets

Bed In Bed In 6-Bed Female Dormitory Room With Shared Bathroom (Age 18-40yrs Only) (Female Only)

  • Sleeps 1

View all photos for Bed In Bed In 2-Bed Shared Female Dormitory With Ensuite (Age 18-40yrs Only) (Female Only)

Blackout drapes, free WiFi, bed sheets

Bed In Bed In 2-Bed Shared Female Dormitory With Ensuite (Age 18-40yrs Only) (Female Only)

  • Sleeps 1

View all photos for Bed In Bed In 2-Bed Shared Male Dormitory With Private Bathroom (Ages 18-40yrs Only). (Male Only)

Blackout drapes, free WiFi, bed sheets

Bed In Bed In 2-Bed Shared Male Dormitory With Private Bathroom (Ages 18-40yrs Only). (Male Only)

  • Sleeps 1

View all photos for Bed In Bed In 4-Bed Mixed Dormitory Room With Ensuite Bathroom (Age 18-40yrs Only) (Mixed Gender)

Blackout drapes, free WiFi, bed sheets

Bed In Bed In 4-Bed Mixed Dormitory Room With Ensuite Bathroom (Age 18-40yrs Only) (Mixed Gender)

  • Sleeps 1

You may also like

Ad
Club Suite, 1 King Bed, Harbor View (Prestige, Club Millésime) | City view

Sofitel Sydney Darling Harbour

Sydney Central Business District
  • Pool
  • Spa
  • Free WiFi
  • Restaurant
9.0 out of 10, Wonderful, 1,001 reviews
Sofitel Sydney Darling Harbour

About the neighborhood

Map
212 Elizabeth Street, Surry Hills, NSW, 2010

What's nearby

  • Capitol Theatre - 3 min walk - 0.2 miles
  • Hyde Park - 5 min walk - 0.3 miles
  • Circular Quay - 3 min drive - 1.7 miles
  • Sydney Opera House - 4 min drive - 2.0 miles
  • Sydney Harbour Bridge - 4 min drive - 2.2 miles

Getting around

  • Capitol Square Light Rail Station - 4 min walk
  • Sydney Central Station - 5 min walk
  • Sydney Airport (SYD) - 23 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Single O - ‬2 min walk
  • ‪Yok Yor Thai Food Factory - ‬2 min walk
  • ‪Spice I Am - ‬1 min walk
  • ‪Storehouse - ‬2 min walk
  • ‪Saigon Summer Streetfood - ‬1 min walk

About this property

Big Backpackers Hostel

Hostel near Hyde Park
Located close to Royal Botanic Gardens and Circular Quay, Big Backpackers Hostel provides a terrace, a garden, and a library. Stay connected with free in-room WiFi, and guests can find other amenities such as laundry facilities and an outdoor entertainment area.
You'll also find perks like:
  • Books, multilingual staff, and an elevator
  • A foosball table, coffee/tea in the lobby, and outdoor furniture
  • A front-desk safe, a living plant wall, and coworking spaces
Room features
All guestrooms at Big Backpackers Hostel feature thoughtful touches such as air conditioning, as well as amenities like free WiFi and kitchen islands.
Other conveniences in all rooms include:
  • Showers and toilet paper
  • Communal kitchens, refrigerators, and microwaves

Similar properties

Shared fridge, microwave

Wake Up! Sydney - Hostel

  • Free WiFi
  • Restaurant
  • Air conditioning
  • Breakfast available
8.8 out of 10, Excellent, 394 reviews
Wake Up! Sydney - Hostel

Property amenities

Internet

  • Available in all rooms: Free WiFi
  • Available in some public areas: Free WiFi

Parking and transportation

  • No onsite parking available

Food and drink

  • Coffee and tea in common areas

Things to do

  • Bicycle tours
  • Books
  • Foosball table
  • Games
  • Library
  • TV in common areas

Family friendly

  • In-room microwave
  • In-room refrigerator
  • Laundry facilities

Conveniences

  • Laundry facilities
  • Limited-hour front desk
  • Lockers
  • Luggage storage
  • Safe at front desk
  • Shared microwave
  • Shared refrigerator
  • Vending machine

Guest services

  • Housekeeping (daily)
  • Multilingual staff
  • Tour and ticket assistance

Business services

  • Computer station
  • Coworking space

Outdoors

  • Barbecue grill
  • Garden
  • Outdoor entertainment area
  • Outdoor furniture
  • Terrace

Accessibility

  • If you have requests for specific accessibility needs, please contact the property using the information on the reservation confirmation received after booking.
  • Elevator (39 inch wide door)
  • Smooth flooring in public areas
  • Thin carpet in room
  • Wheelchair-accessible path to elevator

More

  • 4 floors
  • Built in 2002
  • Communal living room
  • Comprehensive recycling policy
  • Designated smoking areas
  • Double-glazed windows
  • Living plant wall
  • Rooftop garden

Room amenities

Bedroom

  • Bedsheets provided
  • Blackout drapes

Bathroom

  • Shower
  • Toilet paper

Food and drink

  • Cookware, dishware, and utensils
  • Freezer
  • Kitchen island
  • Microwave
  • Mixer
  • Refrigerator
  • Shared kitchen access
  • Stovetop
  • Toaster

More

  • Air conditioning
  • Heating
  • Water-efficient toilets

Policies

Check-in

Check-in start time: 2:00 PM; Check-in end time: 10:00 PM
Late check-in subject to availability

Check-out

Check-out before 10:00 AM
A late check-out fee will be charged

Special check-in instructions

The front desk is open daily from 9:00 AM - 10:00 PM
Guests must contact the property in advance for check-in instructions; front desk staffed during limited hours
To make arrangements for check-in please contact the property at least 24 hours before arrival using the information on the booking confirmation
If you are planning to arrive after 10:00 PM please contact the property in advance using the information on the booking confirmation
This property only accepts guests between the ages of 18 and 40 in dormitory room types.

Access methods

Front desk (limited hours)

Pets

Pets not allowed

Children and extra beds

Children are welcome
Rollaway/extra beds are not available
Cribs (infant beds) are not available

Property payment types

Important information

Optional extras

  • A late check-out fee will be charged

The above list may not be comprehensive. Fees and deposits may not include tax and are subject to change.

You need to know

Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card, or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
The name on the credit card used at check-in to pay for incidentals must be the primary name on the guestroom reservation
This property accepts credit cards, debit cards, and cash
This property reserves the right to pre-authorize the guest's credit card prior to arrival.
Cashless transactions are available
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher, a smoke detector, a security system, and a first aid kit
Please note that cultural norms and guest policies may differ by country and by property; the policies listed are provided by the property
Property Registration Number 99099650914

We should mention

This property welcomes guests of all sexual orientations and gender identities (LGBTQ+ friendly)

Property is also known as

Big Hostel Surry Hills
Big Surry Hills
Big Hostel
Big Backpackers Hostel Surry Hills
Big Backpackers Hostel Hostel/Backpacker accommodation

Frequently asked questions

Is Big Backpackers Hostel pet-friendly?

No, pets are not allowed at this property.

How much is parking at Big Backpackers Hostel?

Big Backpackers Hostel doesn't offer parking.

What time is check-in at Big Backpackers Hostel?

Check-in start time: 2:00 PM; Check-in end time: 10:00 PM. Late check-in is available during limited hours.

What time is check-out at Big Backpackers Hostel?

Check-out is at 10:00 AM. Late check-out is available for a fee.

Where is Big Backpackers Hostel located?

Located in Surry Hills, this hostel is within 1 mi (2 km) of Hyde Park and Royal Botanic Gardens. Circular Quay and Sydney Opera House are also within 2 mi (3 km). Capitol Square Light Rail Station is only a 4-minute walk and Museum Station is 5 minutes.

Have a question?

AI iconBeta

Get instant answers with AI powered search of property information and reviews.

Big Backpackers Hostel Reviews

Reviews

8.0

Very Good

Rating 10 - Excellent. 127 out of 379 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 149 out of 379 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 74 out of 379 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 14 out of 379 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 15 out of 379 reviews

7.8/10

Cleanliness

8.4/10

Staff & service

7.6/10

Amenities

7.4/10

Property conditions & facilities

7.6/10

Eco-friendliness

Reviews

8/10 Good

Duchess Wade

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Internet was really fast. And staff was easily reachable even after reception hours
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2025

10/10 Excellent

Ricardo

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Location was great!
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2024

10/10 Excellent

Nathan P

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Orderly & quiet location, centrally located. Staff were great & helpful
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2024

8/10 Good

YU

Liked: Staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
The staff was very kind.
Stayed 5 nights in Jul 2024

8/10 Good

Sannimaria

Liked: Cleanliness, room comfort
Good experience, great staff, good atmosphere. Property is a bit old.
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2023

8/10 Good

Liesbeth

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service

Good for the price

Booked a private room in the hostel. Was among the cheapest rates in the city. Good location. Cleanliness okay. Comfort okay. Nice staff.
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2024

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveler

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Nice
Stayed 1 night in Apr 2024

10/10 Excellent

Aiden

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
The staff were very friendly and helpful, and made sure that they were always available. Luggage storage is available at the front desk which was very useful, even after checkout. The shared kitchen is fully stocked and the common area is well maintained. Rooms are basic but practical, beds are a good size and linens are provided. Overall great place to stay for short or long periods
Stayed 3 nights in Nov 2023

6/10 Okay

Yuki

Liked: Staff & service
I stayed in an 8 person room, but the smell of the men was so bad that I changed to a 6 person room the next day. It's close to the station and they have a movie and popcorn event every day. The staff are kind.
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2024

10/10 Excellent

Margaret

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Very comfortable. Age range higher than usual for backpackers, so not rowdy. Lots of books, board games, guitars(!) available for self entertainment. I am 81 year old female, and will certainly go back.
Stayed 1 night in Apr 2024

2/10 Terrible

Verified traveler

Disliked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Never again

Stayed here a few years ago and it was great but now I would avoid it. Cockroaches in the kitchen and rooms, dirty sheets, you can hear the people talking in the corridors and rooms next door clear as day. A male member off staff knocked on the door and entered without waiting for an answer while I was getting changed. No atmosphere at all. When I arrived the first day at 1:30pm I didn’t get a hello, just check in is at 2pm, not the friendliest welcome.
Stayed 3 nights in Jan 2024

4/10 Poor

Amirul

Disliked: Amenities
The staff at check in was great, friendly and explained everything well. But I guess I didn’t do my due diligence to check what kind of hostel this is because it smells like weed at any time we enter the building. Also if you’re an old person and/or wearing hijab, people will stare at you if you walk through the main area so we just use the back entrance every time. We stayed at the family room with bathroom inside so it is okay but theres no soap i the shower. It did have hand soap dispenser so we used that. Overall if you know what you’re getting into, the price and location is great but i don’t think this is a place for a family.
Stayed 5 nights in Oct 2025

10/10 Excellent

Sandra

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Staff was great. Location was great, near train, bus, restaurants and park. Lots of bike rentals in the area too.
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2025

10/10 Excellent

Dietrich

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Das Personal war freundlich und hilfsbereit. Die Lage ist Zentrumsnähe. Die Sehenswürdigkeiten und der Zentralbahnhof ist fußläufig zu erreichen.
Stayed 7 nights in Sep 2025

6/10 Okay

Patrick

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service
Great location, comfortable beds. Didnt like the fact you couldnt open a window in the dorm room.
Stayed 5 nights in Jul 2025

6/10 Okay

Owal

Liked: Staff & service
Staff lovely at check-in and checkout, very helpful and informative. Facilities adequate for the stay, clean.
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2025

8/10 Good

Juergen

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Great I do it again.
Stayed 20 nights in Jul 2025

6/10 Okay

Reem

Disliked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Good for very short stays
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

Josyane

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Very nice place to stay

The staff is very nice and helpful. They work hard to keep the place clean. However, some guests were not very respectful in the shared areas (dirty dishes on the counter for hours, very loud music, toilet paper everywhere in the shared bathrooms). The bed was very confortable and I was glad to have access to a big locker. The hostel is perfectly situated to easily go everywhere on foot or by bus/tram/train. I would highly recommend this place to solo travellers.
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

Amielia

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
The staff were wonderful, it’s in a great location, and it was probably the comfiest bed I’ve had in a hostel. Would definitely stay again!
Stayed 1 night in May 2025

8/10 Good

Stephen

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Good location
Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2025

8/10 Good

Niloy

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Very convenient and budget-worthy.
Stayed 5 nights in Apr 2025

6/10 Okay

Eunsim

Disliked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

소음때문에 힘들엇어요

너무 소음이 많아서 잠을 잘수가 없엇어요. 건물 자체의 하자같고 새벽에 이상한 소음 때문에 잠에 계속 깨고 잠에 들수없었어요.
Stayed 3 nights in Mar 2025

8/10 Good

Alejandro

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
The location is GREAT! You have a lot of things nearby including Central Station (easy to take a train from the airport and move around Sydney)
Stayed 21 nights in Jan 2025

10/10 Excellent

yenting

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Great service and friendly to late check in people
Stayed 1 night in Dec 2024

  • † More information about the $50 gift card with flight package benefit may be found at: https://www.expedia-aarp.com/lp/b/vacationpackages50prepaid

  • English Copyright 1995 – 2025. All rights reserved. Use of this Web site constitutes acceptance of the Expedia User Agreement and Privacy Policy. Expedia pays a royalty fee to AARP for the use of AARP’s intellectual property. These fees are used for the general purpose of AARP. All goods or services and discounts offered via the AARP® Travel Center powered by Expedia ®, are provided by third-party suppliers. AARP and its affiliates do not endorse and are not responsible for the goods or services and discounts made available on this site. Offers are subject to change and may have restrictions. Please contact the AARP® Travel Center powered by Expedia® directly for full details. AARP and its affiliates are not insurers.