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.
World Square Shopping Centre - 3 min walk - 0.3 km
Hyde Park - 5 min walk - 0.5 km
Sydney Town Hall - 10 min walk - 0.9 km
International Convention Centre Sydney - 12 min walk - 1.1 km
Getting around
Sydney Airport (SYD) - 23 min drive
Western Sydney Intl. Airport (WSI) - 59 min drive
Sydney Central Station - 5 min walk
Exhibition Centre Station - 15 min walk
Sydney Redfern Station - 22 min walk
Capitol Square Light Rail Station - 4 min walk
Museum Station - 5 min walk
Central Light Rail Station - 6 min walk
Restaurants
Single O - 2 min walk
Kiln - 2 min walk
Yok Yor Thai Food Factory - 2 min walk
Paramount Coffee Project - 3 min walk
Storehouse - 2 min walk
About this property
Big Backpackers Hostel
When you stay at Big Backpackers Hostel, you'll be within a 15-minute walk of Hyde Park and International Convention Centre Sydney. Also, Circular Quay and Royal Botanic Gardens are just a 5-minute drive away. The property is just a short walk to public transportation: Capitol Square Light Rail Station is 4 minutes and Museum Station is 5 minutes.
At a glance
DONE
Hotel size
37 rooms
Arranged over 4 floors
DONE
Arriving/Leaving
Check-in start time: 2:00 PM; Check-in end time: 9:00 PM
Late check-in subject to availability
Check-out time is 10:00 AM
DONE
Special check-in instructions
The front desk is open daily from 9:00 AM - 9:00 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 9:00 PM please contact the property in advance using the information on the booking confirmation
Information provided by the property may be translated using automated translation tools
This property only accepts guests between the ages of 18 and 40 in dormitory room types.
DONE
Required at check-in
Credit card, debit card, or cash deposit required for incidental charges
Government-issued photo ID may be required
DONE
Children
No cribs (infant beds)
DONE
Pets
Pets not allowed
WIFI
Internet
Free WiFi in public areas
Free WiFi in rooms
LOCAL_PARKING
Parking
No onsite parking
DONE
Other information
Designated smoking areas
Property amenities
Food and drink
Coffee/tea in a common area
Shared microwave
Shared refrigerator
What to do
Foosball
Bicycle tour information
Discount at nearby fitness center
Working away
Computer station
Coworking spaces
Services
Front desk (limited hours)
Tour/ticket assistance
Laundry facilities
Luggage storage
Multilingual staff
Facilities
Built in 2002
Safe-deposit box at front desk
Rooftop garden
Library
Television in common areas
Communal living room
Double-glazed windows
Waste recycling policy
Lockers available
Accessibility
Elevator
Elevator door width (inches): 39
Wheelchair-accessible path to elevator
Smooth flooring in public areas
Thin carpet in room
Room amenities
Home comfort
Air conditioning and heating
Sleep well
Blackout drapes/curtains
Bed sheets provided
Freshen up
Shower only
Toilet paper
Stay connected
Free WiFi
Food and drink
Refrigerator
Freezer
Microwave
Shared kitchen access
Stovetop
Toaster
Cookware, dishes, and utensils
Kitchen island
Mixer
More
Daily housekeeping
Water-efficient toilets only
Fees & policies
Optional extras
Late check-out can be arranged for an extra charge
Policies
Guests can rest easy knowing there's a fire extinguisher, a smoke detector, a security system, and a first aid kit on site.
This property welcomes guests of all sexual orientations and gender identities (LGBTQ+ friendly).
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.
Credit cards accepted: Visa, Mastercard, American Express, JCB International, Union Pay
Cashless transactions are available.
This property reserves the right to pre-authorize the guest's credit card prior to arrival.
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
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
Are pets allowed at Big Backpackers Hostel?
Sorry, pets aren't allowed.
Is parking offered on site at Big Backpackers Hostel?
Sorry, there's no onsite parking at Big Backpackers Hostel.
What are the check-in and check-out times at Big Backpackers Hostel?
Check-in start time: 2:00 PM; Check-in end time: 9:00 PM. Check-out time is 10:00 AM. Late check-out is available for a charge.
Is there an onsite casino at Big Backpackers Hostel?
No, this hostel doesn't have a casino, but Star Casino (4-min drive) is nearby.
What is there to do at Big Backpackers Hostel and nearby?
Recommended spots to visit include Hyde Park (6-min walk) and Royal Botanic Gardens (1.2 mi), along with Circular Quay (1.5 mi) and Sydney Opera House (1.8 mi).
What's the area around Big Backpackers Hostel like?
Big Backpackers Hostel is a short 4-minute walk from Capitol Square Light Rail Station and 6 minutes' walk from Hyde Park.
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Reviews
Big Backpackers Hostel Reviews
8.0
Very Good
All reviews shown are from real guest experiences. Only travelers who have booked a stay with us can submit a review. We verify reviews according to our guidelines and publish all reviews, positive or negative.More informationOpens in a new window
7.8
Cleanliness
8.2
Location
8.6
Staff & service
7.4
Property conditions & facilities
Popular mentions
Room
Service staff
Kitchen
Ambience
Location
Public transport
Bed
Backpackers
Reviews
Verified
10/10 Exceptional
Feb 28, 2026
Good location
Rattanasin
Rattanasin, 1-night trip
Verified
10/10 Exceptional
Dec 15, 2025
The room was clean and staff were amazing
Chrystal
Chrystal, 3-night trip
Verified
8/10 Very good
Nov 30, 2025
Hostel location was convinient.
Ethan
Ethan, 1-night trip
Verified
10/10 Exceptional
Dec 15, 2025
The room was clean and spacious. Exactly what I needed on my budget. Staff were very helpfully when I needed them, definitely a must try accommodation for those on a budge. Can't wait to stay there again on my next visit
Naba
Naba, 5-night trip
Verified
10/10 Exceptional
Oct 18, 2025
Staff was great. Location was great, near train, bus, restaurants and park. Lots of bike rentals in the area too.
Sandra
Sandra, 1-night trip
Verified
10/10 Exceptional
Aug 27, 2025
Had a very good time staying here. Highly recommended
Abbas
Abbas, 1-night trip
Verified
10/10 Exceptional
May 10, 2025
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!
Amielia
Amielia, 1-night trip
Verified
6/10 Good
Feb 28, 2026
Room was average- 2 bed female dorm. The staff was nice. I didn’t like the bathroom situation because it was always clogged and the outside would get wet. The bed was comfortable but I hated that they didn’t change the blankets after each guest. The location is perfect for exploring Sydney, I walked almost everywhere. Pretty kool restaurants in the area.
Avanel
Avanel, 5-night trip
Verified
10/10 Exceptional
Oct 17, 2024
Location was great!
Ricardo
Ricardo, 1-night trip
Verified
8/10 Very good
Oct 27, 2025
Internet was really fast. And staff was easily reachable even after reception hours
Duchess Wade
Duchess Wade, 1-night trip
Verified
8/10 Very good
Dec 8, 2024
Great location and stored our bags.
Katrina
Katrina, 1-night trip
Verified
10/10 Exceptional
Dec 30, 2024
Great service and friendly to late check in people
yenting
yenting, 1-night trip
Verified
8/10 Very good
Feb 16, 2025
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)
Alejandro
Alejandro, 21-night trip
Verified
10/10 Exceptional
Sep 8, 2024
Orderly & quiet location, centrally located. Staff were great & helpful
Nathan P
Nathan P, 2-night trip
Verified
10/10 Exceptional
Apr 2, 2024
Great backpackers in a great location. Everything in easy walking distance, or easy public transport options. We stayed in a double room, which was comfortable and clean. The common areas were also appreciated.
Jacinta
Verified
10/10 Exceptional
Jun 11, 2025
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.
Josyane
Josyane, 3-night trip
Verified
8/10 Very good
Oct 19, 2024
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.
Liesbeth
Liesbeth, 1-night trip
Verified
6/10 Good
Jul 27, 2024
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.
Yuki
Yuki, 1-night trip
Verified
4/10 Fair
Oct 31, 2025
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.
Amirul
Amirul, 5-night trip
Verified
10/10 Exceptional
Apr 23, 2024
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.
Margaret
Margaret, 1-night trip
Verified
6/10 Good
Dec 24, 2023
I know I checked in after hours but still there should be a live person onsite to attend to customers. I called the after hours number and nobody was available immediately. Luckily a kind guy reached out to one of of the employees who was actually off duty to help me. The gentleman who checked me in was not supposed to be on duty but was kind enough to attend to my needs.
The room I stayed in had plenty of items left behind by previous guests. It appears as if the rooms are not cleaned and maintained regularly. The bathrooms are okay.
The hostel was convenient and okay for the one night. The rooms need to be cleaned regularly.