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Big Backpackers Hostel

2.0 star property

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Photo gallery for Big Backpackers Hostel

Lobby
Fridge, microwave
Terrace/patio
Free WiFi, bed sheets
BBQ/picnic area

Reviews

8.0 out of 10
Very good

Popular amenities

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

Explore the area

Map
212 Elizabeth Street, Surry Hills, NSW, 2010
  • Capitol Theatre
    ‪4 min walk‬
  • World Square Shopping Centre
    ‪5 min walk‬
  • Hyde Park
    ‪6 min walk‬
  • Sydney, NSW (RSE-Rose Bay Seaplane Base)
    ‪18 min drive‬

Room options

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

Free WiFi, bed sheets

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

  • Sleeps 1
  • 1 Twin Bunk Bed

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

Free WiFi, bed sheets

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

  • 140 sq ft
  • Sleeps 1
  • 1 Twin Bunk Bed

View all photos for Single Ensuite Room

Single Ensuite Room | Free WiFi, bed sheets

Single Ensuite Room

  • 136 sq ft
  • Sleeps 1
  • 1 Twin Bed

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

Free WiFi, bed sheets

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

  • 301 sq ft
  • 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) | Free WiFi, bed sheets

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

  • 301 sq ft
  • Sleeps 1
  • 3 Twin Bunk Beds

View all photos for Bed in 2-Bed Shared Male Dormitory (Ages18-40yrs).

Free WiFi, bed sheets

Bed in 2-Bed Shared Male Dormitory (Ages18-40yrs).

  • 142 sq ft
  • Sleeps 1
  • 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) | Free WiFi, bed sheets

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

  • 301 sq ft
  • Sleeps 1
  • 1 Twin Bed

View all photos for Family Ensuite Room (4 Adults)

Family Ensuite Room (4 Adults) | Free WiFi, bed sheets

Family Ensuite Room (4 Adults)

  • 215 sq ft
  • Sleeps 4
  • 1 Double Bed and 1 Twin Bunk Bed

View all photos for Double Ensuite Room

Double Ensuite Room | Free WiFi, bed sheets

Double Ensuite Room

  • 172 sq ft
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Double Bed

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

4 Share Ensuite Dorm (Age 18-40) | Free WiFi, bed sheets

4 Share Ensuite Dorm (Age 18-40)

  • 156 sq ft
  • Sleeps 1
  • 2 Twin Bunk Beds

View all photos for Twin Ensuite Room

Twin Ensuite Room | Free WiFi, bed sheets

Twin Ensuite Room

  • 140 sq ft
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Twin Bunk Bed

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

Free WiFi, bed sheets

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

  • 279 sq ft
  • Sleeps 1
  • 1 Twin Bunk Bed

View all photos for Double Room (Shared Bathroom)

Double Room (Shared Bathroom) | Free WiFi, bed sheets

Double Room (Shared Bathroom)

  • 136 sq ft
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Double Bed

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

Free WiFi, bed sheets

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

  • Sleeps 1
  • 1 Twin Bunk Bed

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

Free WiFi, bed sheets

Family Hostel Room (4 Person) With Private Bathroom

  • Sleeps 4
  • 1 Double Bed and 1 Twin Bunk Bed

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

Free WiFi, bed sheets

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

  • Sleeps 1
  • 1 Twin Bunk Bed

View all photos for Double Hostel Room With Private Bathroom

Free WiFi, bed sheets

Double Hostel Room With Private Bathroom

  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Double Bed

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

Free WiFi, bed sheets

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

  • Sleeps 1
  • 1 Twin Bunk Bed

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

Free WiFi, bed sheets

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

  • 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)

Free WiFi, bed sheets

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

  • Sleeps 1
  • 1 Twin Bunk Bed

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

Free WiFi, bed sheets

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

  • Sleeps 1
  • 1 Twin Bunk Bed

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

Free WiFi, bed sheets

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

  • Sleeps 1
  • 1 Twin Bunk Bed

View all photos for Twin Hostel Room With Private Bathroom

Free WiFi, bed sheets

Twin Hostel Room With Private Bathroom

  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Double Bunk Bed

View all photos for Double Room Shared Bathroom

Free WiFi, bed sheets

Double Room Shared Bathroom

  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Double Bed

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

Free WiFi, bed sheets

Bed In Bed In 2-Bed Shared Male Dormitory Ages (18-40yrs Only) (Male Only)

  • Sleeps 1
  • 1 Twin Bunk Bed

View all photos for Single Hostel Room With Private Bathroom

Free WiFi, bed sheets

Single Hostel Room With Private Bathroom

  • Sleeps 1
  • 1 Twin Bed

Similar properties

Exterior

YHA Sydney Central

  • Pool
  • Free WiFi
  • Restaurant
  • Air conditioning
4.3 out of 5, Excellent, (747)
The price is $138
per night
$152 total
includes taxes & fees
Feb 19 - Feb 20
YHA Sydney Central

About this property

Big Backpackers Hostel

Hostel in Surry Hills
This hostel features coffee/tea in a common area, a microwave in a common area, and a refrigerator in a common area. WiFi in public areas is free. Additionally, laundry facilities, a computer station, and a library are onsite.
Big Backpackers Hostel offers 37 accommodations with air conditioning. Guests can surf the web using the complimentary wireless Internet access. Housekeeping is provided daily.
Big Backpackers Hostel features a library, a terrace, and barbecue grills. A computer station is located on site and wireless Internet access is complimentary. This Sydney hostel also offers a vending machine, multilingual staff, and tour/ticket assistance.

Big Backpackers Hostel has designated areas for smoking.

Languages

English, German, Spanish

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

  • 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

Outdoors

  • Barbecue grill
  • 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
  • Designated smoking areas

Room amenities

Bedroom

  • Bedsheets provided

More

  • Air conditioning
  • Heating

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 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

Big Backpackers Hostel Reviews

Reviews

8.0

Very Good

Rating 10 - Excellent. 116 out of 351 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 141 out of 351 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 67 out of 351 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 13 out of 351 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 14 out of 351 reviews

7.8/10

Cleanliness

8.4/10

Staff & service

7.8/10

Amenities

7.4/10

Property conditions & facilities

7.6/10

Eco-friendliness

Reviews

8/10 Good

Sharan

Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2024

10/10 Excellent

Ricardo

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

2/10 Terrible

Verified traveler

Disliked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Cockroaches
I always take negative reviews with a pinch of salt but definitely should’ve listened to the ones for this place. The first time I’ve ever checked out of a hostel early due to its condition. In dire need of refurbishment, beds are creaky, bathroom is dingy. Only one common room/kitchen which had a TV on all day so nowhere to get a bit of peace and quiet - I also had some remote work to do which was impossible here. Final straw was seeing a couple of cockroaches in the common room. I had a week booked but left after one night. Hotels.com tried to request a partial refund for the unused nights but the hostel manager refused it. Extremely unimpressed, wish I’d never booked it.
Stayed 7 nights in Sep 2024

6/10 Okay

HO WAI

Traveled with group
Liked: Staff & service
Disliked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2024

10/10 Excellent

Ricardo

Business traveler, Traveled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Perfect 👌
Stayed 1 night in Sep 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

4/10 Poor

Charles

Stayed 12 nights in Jun 2024

2/10 Terrible

James

Business traveler
Disliked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
I booked single room and was placed in a dorm room was disgusting everybody was loud and inconsiderate overall I stayed ten minutes returned my linen and key and left to find more suitable lodgings and the manager even said that technically I was too Old to be staying there but he would “allow “ it
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2024

4/10 Poor

Benjamin Bobby

Stayed 1 night in Jun 2024

8/10 Good

Lawrence

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2024

8/10 Good

Mark G, Forrest

Stayed 1 night in Apr 2024

8/10 Good

Mark G

I can’t open the window, it is suffocating. And the ventilation isn’t that good. Use room spray for better smell in the room whenever the guests are entering. Thanks.
Stayed 1 night in Apr 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

6/10 Okay

Matthew

Liked: Cleanliness
Stayed 1 night in Apr 2024

10/10 Excellent

Jacinta

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
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.

8/10 Good

Clara

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, room comfort
Stayed 6 nights in Mar 2024

8/10 Good

Hyun

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service
Stayed 1 night in Mar 2024

4/10 Poor

Verified traveler

Disliked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
I stayed in the 2bed dorm which is good if you’d want some privacy but the bed was uncomfortable and you could hear everything in the room next door and corridor. Didn’t use the kitchen but it looked crowded and dirty.
Stayed 2 nights in Jan 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

6/10 Okay

Krystle

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.
Stayed 1 night in Dec 2023

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

10/10 Excellent

Emily

Traveled with group
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Good stay
Great stay although the bed frames could do with an upgrade!
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2023

4/10 Poor

Verified traveler

Liked: Cleanliness
Disliked: Staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Receptionist can be
A male staff had great smiling friendly service but 2 female were not. Lack of information were given for as a guest. Kitchen close at 23:00. No hot water to make a drink. Hope no one injure in slippery shower access.
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2023

8/10 Good

Janice

Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2023

8/10 Good

Chris

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2023