There are not many accommodation options in Sydney that are well located in the city and can accommodate both the dorm-loving backpacker and those looking for a bit more privacy. Sydney Harbour YHA is one of few that does, and does it well.
The hostel is very new, modern, clean, and well-run. It is perfectly places to explore the city and there is plenty of nightlife (and day life) just around the corner. I spent a single night at the hostel during the opening night of Vivid Sydney Festival of Light. The only problem was I only had one night!
The View
If you’ve heard anything about Sydney Harbour YHA it will most likely be that it boasts an incredible view of the city and the harbour. This is 100% true, and being in the Rocks naighbourhood means that there are no pesky buildings getting in the way of your view. This was what initially drew me to it, but as I found out, this is just beginning.
The history
Located in the historic Rocks neighbourhood of Sydney, the Sydney Harbour YHA oozes with heritage and you are reminded of this at every turn. The entire complex is built over the top of the remnants of 30 colonial buildings from as early as 1795 (that’s old for Australia!).
And when I say on top of, ground level actually showcases the ruins like a museum. This means your first experience with the hostel is to question “What is the story of all these rocks?” Once your curiosity is piqued, you head up the stairs to reception on level 1.
Over the years the site has had many residents but eventually the houses were paved over in the 1950’s and the remains weren’t rediscovered until archaeological excavations began in 1994. If local history is your thing you can also check out the The Big Dig Archaeology Centre to learn even more.
The Arrival
I arrived in Sydney on the opening night of Vivid Sydney lights festival so I went for a walk around Circular Quay to see some of the buildings lit up. The problem was, finding the YHA is much easier coming from Wynyard than Circular Quay Station simply due to the way the streets are laid out.
If you are familiar with Sydney at all you will know that it might be the most poorly planned city in the world. I did find it without too much trouble, but thankfully Mr Google was able to assist on the way.
The room
Even though I was going to Sydney on my own, I booked a double room so I could have a bit more privacy. The room was simple, very clean and more than adequate, while the bathroom was well-sized with a very large shower (there’s nothing worse than feeling trapped, bumping your elbows in a shower that’s too small). There was even a few soaps and towels on the bed like any good hotel would have.
This might actually be the best value double room in the city.
The room also includes tea and coffee facilities, a table and chairs, hangers, television to relax with, very good air conditioning and a magnificent view to wake up to (out of frame to the right, opposite the bed).
The facilities
When on vacation, you don’t want to spend all your time in the room, however nice it might be. Sydney Harbour YHA has 2 common areas: one in the main foyer where there is free wifi; and on the 3rd floor, near the deck, there is a TV room. You can borrow DVD’s from reception for a deposit if you need a brief escape from the hustle and bustle.
Linen is included, security is great thanks to security key cards for rooms and a locker for each bed. Plus they have luggage storage if you have a late flight for a small charge.
The Activities
The YHA also run a number of weekly food-, alcohol-, and touring-activities for guests. These include DIY pancake breakfasts, BBQs and beer pong on the roof, a historic pub crawl, and a guided tour of the Bondi to Bronte coastal walk.
For the record, having done this walk myself, it’s definitely worth doing during your stay, and knowing how complex it can be just to get out to Bondi, it’s might be worth going with someone for the transport help alone!
The Staff
After I’d settled in I was in need of sustenance in the form of a burger. Having not been to Sydney for maybe 6 months and knowing that the burger trend in Sydney is ever-evolving I asked reception if they had any recommendations within walking distance. The girl on reception didn’t, but she was very quick to ask Mr Google for me. Her and the other staff were more than friendly, good for a chat, and came across as people you could hang out with when their shift finished.
Although I didn’t go with her and Google’s recommendation (it looked a bit too restauranty, not burger-jointy enough for me), I did in fact find a spot with some top notch burgers. It was called Ribs Burgers and was just a short walk down Playfair Street (past the Munich Brauhaus).
The Location
When visiting Sydney, (or any major city for that matter), I think it’s important to stay as close to the city as possible. This gives you a good feel for (and proximity to) the nightlife, it’s easier (and cheaper) to get around and it’s easier to go back through the day if you need to.
Being in the Rocks is ideal because the hostel is just a few minutes’ walk from either Circular Quay Station or Wynyard Station, which can connect you to anywhere. The Harbour bridge walk, Opera House and Botanical Gardens are all just a short walk away. The Rocks and Walsh Bay (nearby) is also a great to explore: there are enough cool restaurants, cafes and bars to keep you busy for weeks.
Click here read more of my recommendations on how to spend 4 days in Sydney.
The Price
A bed in a mixed dorm will start at AUD$38/night and private rooms start at AUD$139. As far as accommodation in one of the most expensive cities in the world goes, this would have to be one of the best.
The Directions
To get there, get off the train from Wynyard Station. Walk along George and turn left up Essex Street. Turn right at the top onto Cumberland Street and the hostel is a few hundred metres on the right. If you walk past the Shangri-La you’re going in the right direction.
Disclosure: I was hoested by Sydney Harbour YHA but all opinions expressed within are my own.
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I just stumbled on to this post and haven’t read much about the hostels in Sydney. I’m curious, is this the standard of hostels in Sydney?
Hi mumun. This is definitely at the upper end of the spectrum in terms of hostels in Sydney but it is still very good value. And like most cities, there are also definite cheaper options that are far less nice. Depends what you’re after really, the cheapest possible or pay a bit more for something better and better value.
Hi, May I know do the hostel have hair dryer? I will be staying in this hostel on 17 to 20 June, now I am packing my luggage ^^
Hi Michelle, from memory I don’t recall seeing a hair dryer in my private room. The dorms almost certainly won’t. You can check the website (linked above) or contact them to confirm. They’re very friendly.
Don’t forget to read up on Sydney before you go, I’ve written quite a lot on it on the blog.
I love hostels that have private rooms. It gives budget travelers another option. This place looks really cool and unique too. The view is a bonus!!
I stayed in Sydney Harbour YHA during my visit to Sydney as well. I still remember how much I enjoyed the hostel as well as its great location. And the sunset terrace was great as well! And the double bed looked so comfy. I stayed in a dorm.
I love combining the social side of a hostel with the privacy of a private room – not a lot of people realise that privates in hostels are often way cheaper than in hotels! Looks like a fab hostel :)
This is an elaborate post and I liked it. Rather I am tempted to visit Sydney and of course ‘Sydney Harbour Yha’ looks like a cool place.
Yeah totally. It is a little more expensive than other hostels but is by far the best on I’ve stayed at in Sydney.
I really liked how big your double bed looked. Seems like a really nice place to spend the night in Sydney. I’m also a big fan of activities. The historic pub crawl, and a guided tour of the Bondi to Bronte coastal walk sounds like so much fun.