Big Backpackers Hostel

I gave this hostel almost perfect. Such an affordable comfortable dorm hostel. They’re really considerate about each customer’s convenient, by making such the rules as a reminder in the toilet. If you don’t mind staying in a shared room with strangers, woken up by the open doors at night and changing roommate in some period of time, i believe you can enjoy your time staying in this hostel. But need to prepare that they have outdated elevator that you need to push the buttons several times to make it work, bring your own toiletries, towel, or even your padlock for your locker. Other than that the place is so nice, and the staff some are so friendly. I really enjoyed my time staying there. Highly recommended to staying back..

I’ve stayed at this hip hostel several times, and it’s always a great experience! The location is perfect — right next to the CBD, and within walking distance to Central Station and bus depots. Plus, there are shops everywhere nearby, which is super convenient. The hostel hosts fun events like Christmas parties, Halloween, Mardi Gras, and movie nights, so there’s always something to do. Even if you just want to chill, it feels like a home away from home. The staff are amazing — friendly and helpful. Also, the new bathrooms are stunning! Best of all, it’s very affordable for what you get. And don’t miss the rooftop view — absolutely breathtaking. Highly recommend for anyone traveling on a budget!

Great location, disappointing room conditions. The hostel is in a great central spot near the Harbour and Sydney Opera House, with easy access to public transport. I initially booked a single ensuite but the AC didn't work and windows couldn't be opened, making it very uncomfortable. I upgraded to a double ensuite where the AC worked better, but the room was still warm and humid, as still the windows were unable to be opened. Both bathrooms were in poor condition, with visible mold, grime, and water damage. Elevators are very slow and there's only one. Noise levels were fine on my floor. Overall, it's an okay stay, but a deep clean and better maintenance are badly needed.

Dirty, outdated, unprofessional, and zero respect for privacy or basic customer rights. Avoid this hostel. Worst experience I’ve ever had with a business. And I’ve stayed in over 30 hostels. 1/5 stars because I can't give 0. Horrible personal (especially the 40yrs old bold guy) I booked two months in advance, in person at reception, and left a deposit for a private room for two. We agreed on the price. Did upfront payment. When I came back to check in, they suddenly tried to charge me more. Fine — I was tired and just wanted to sleep. Paid in full for two weeks to secure that private room. Before I went upstairs, the boldie reassured me that the room would've be private, even though my girlfriend was arriving two days later (her flight got cancelled). The second night, I came back at 11pm after an extremely stressful workday and found another person sleeping in my room — on my girlfriend’s bed. My belongings were everywhere: cash, laptop, private documents — all left unattended because I believed I had a private room that I had paid for upfront. The guy was an Irish guest, genuinely kind, and he felt terrible. He told me he had been overbooked and even asked to be moved because it was obvious from all my stuff that this room was private. The receptionist (a bald guy, around 40, I don’t remember his name) basically told him not to worry and to just sleep there anyway. No one called me, no message, no consent — they simply decided my “private” room was available to solve their mistake. Could you imagine my reaction, after a looong day at work? At midnight, with work the next morning, I packed my bags and had to find another hostel. Then came the refund nightmare. The place reeked of weed and people looked completely out of it — even a random kid (clearly high) jumped into the conversation telling me my math “didn’t add up” while the receptionist refused to refund me properly. I had to threaten to call the police to get any refund at all. They didn’t refund the full amount as agreed, split it into four separate payments, and a final $20 never arrived. I also had to go back two more times in the following days just to chase my money. Dirty, outdated, unprofessional, and zero respect for privacy or basic customer rights. Avoid this hostel at all costs.

A colleague recommended this hostel for our trip to Sydney. I booked for three nights after viewing their webpage and the beautiful (deceiving) photos, however, upon arrival, and seeing the state of the kitchen and the room, as well as the awful smells walking up the several flights of steps due to the elevator being out of order, we wanted to leave immediately. Unfortunately, after phoning, all other hostels and hotels were fully booked due to the long weekend and we had no other choice but to stay here.

Incredible hosts, the Big Hostel team truly makes you feel as a part of the family. From the reception where you might be received by the lovely receptionists Yuli, Mau, Patrick and Joris, to the event planer Ryan (also a shout-out to the cleaners and fixers). Truly, these are some incredible people who will make you feel at home. Besides that, it's cheap in comparison to other hostels and it is very central, just like 5 minutes away from Central Station and practically in the CBD area of Sydney. I'll definitely come back, if not for Sydney, then for the people in the hostel.

First time in a hostel, recommended 100%, location is perfect, rooms are good, shared spaces comfortable and chill, staff is very kind and professional and always happy to help. Ryan is super great and took good care of the events and created a good group of friends for all of us, I’m an introvert so it’s hard for me to make friends but here in this hostel in particular and with him it was all super natural and easy, always felt included and had a good time! Choose this place ❤️

I had an amazing stay at the hostel! The atmosphere is super friendly and social, and the location is perfect. Big thanks to Ryan the events planner — always smiling, helpful, and making sure everyone has a great time! I highly recommend this place to all backpackers staying in Sydney.