Sydney's famous seedy red light district and backpackers mecca renowned for its wild nightlife. Many backpackers start their Australian adventure here. There is a lot of cheap accommodation available. Tacky and seedy Darlinghurst Road is the main street which changes its name to Macleay Street towards its end. The youth hostels are predominantly on the much more pleasant tree-lined Victoria Street. Catch the train to Kings Cross from the city centre or walk  there through Hyde Park and along William Street. It is only 1.5 km east of the city centre. 

There is no doubt, Kings Cross is the place to stay in Sydney. Leafy Victoria Street and Orwell Street are lined with youth hostels and backpacker tour agents. Some of the Kings Cross nightclubs and bars cater mostly for backpackers. Kings Cross is a twenty minute walk two kilomtres east of the city or one station away on the train. The Kings Cross backpackers scene spills over into the adjacent quieter suburb of Potts Point. 
 

Jolly Swagman (pictured) have plenty of organised social activities. 27 Orwell Street, Kings Cross. Phone 02 9358 6400. In house cafe and communal kitchen . All rooms have fridge, fan and TV. e-mail contact is stay@jollyswagman.com.au Check their website for latest prices. http://www.jollyswagman.com.au

 

Original Backpackers (pictured) has a friendly atmosphere and is in pleasant Victorian era buildings on a quiet tree lined street. Some dorm rooms have a balcony overlooking the street. Located just 200 metres from Kings Cross railway station. 160-162 Victoria Street. Phone 02 9356 3232, fax 02 9368 1435. Dorm twin and double. Kitchen and dining area, with courtyard ideal for chatting and socialising. Airport, bus and train station pickup. http://www.originalbackpackers.com.au

 
Eva's Backpackers is clean and friendly. 6-8 Orwell Street. Phone 02 9358 2185. Dorm $20, double $48. Always book ahead. 

Pink House has a social atmosphere and pleasant patio. 6-8 Barncleuth Square, Kings Cross. Phone 02 9358 1689 or 9326 9775. 

Funkhouse is a busy fun place. 23 Darlinghurst Road (corner of Llankley Place), Kings Cross. Phone 02 9358 6455 or freecall 1800 247 600. Bed in 3 or 4 bed dorm $23, twin or double $58. Fridge and TV in twin/double rooms. Large common area and rooftop garden. Barbeque, fully euipped kitchen and laundry. Free pick up. Check their website for latest prices. http://www.funkhouse.com.au 
 

Kanga House (pictured) recently renovated its bathrooms, toilets, communal kitchen and common room, carpet and paint plus a courtyard out the back. 141 Victoria Street, Potts Point. Phone 02 9357 7897. http://www.kangahouse.com.au

Backpackers Headquarters Hostel 79-81 Bayswater Road, Kings Cross. Phone 02 9331 6180. Fully equipped kitchen, laundry, TV lounge, dining rooms, rooftop sundeck with barbeque. http://www.backpackershqhostel.com.au 

Travellers Rest is clean with friendly helpful staff. 156 Victoria Street. Phone 02 9358 4606. Rooms have TV and fridge. 

Potts Point House 154 Victoria Street. Phone 02 9368 0733. 

Backpackers Connection is quiet and clean. 2 Roslyn Street. Phone 93584844. Every room has its own bathroom and TV. 

Plane Tree Lodge 172 Victoria Street. Phone 02 9356 4551. All rooms have TV and fridge. 

Eastend Lodge 21 kellet Street, Kings Cross. Phone 02 9380 2590. 

Great Aussie Backpackers 174 Victoria Street, Kings Cross. Phone 02 9356 4551 or freecall 1800 006 613. 

Lido Bakpak Apartments 2 Roslyn Street, Kings Cross. Phone 02 9358 4844. 

Sydney Central Backpackers 16 Orwell Street, Kings Cross. Phone 02 9358 6600. 

Springfield Lodge 9 Springfield Avenue, Kings Cross. Phone 02 9358 3222. 

The Globe Backpackers 40 Darlinghurst Road, Kings Cross. Phone 02 9326 9675. 

The Palms Backpackers 23 Hughes Street, Kings Cross. Phone 02 9357 1199. 

The Wattle Hotel 64 Darlinghurst Road, Kings Cross. Phone 02 9358 1256. 

V Backpackers 144 Victoria Street, Kings Cross. Phone 02 9357 4733 or freecall 1800 667 255. http://www.vbackpackers.com 

Highfield Private Hotel 166 Victoria Street, Potts Point. Phone 02 9326 9539. 

Rucksack Rest is quiet. 9 McDonald Street, Potts Point. Phone 02 9358 2348.. 

Challis Lodge 21-23 Challis Avenue, Potts Point. Phone 02 9358 5422. 

Macleay Lodge 71 Macleay Street, Potts Point. Phone 02 9368 0660. 

Backpackers Hostels - City Centre 

YHA Sydney Central in a large historic building and has pool, sauna café and travel centre. Corner Pitt Street and Rawson Place opposite Central Station. Dorm $28 to $33. Twin room $82. Double or twin room with ensuite $94. They charge an extra $3.50 per night if you are not a YHA member. Phone 02 9281 9111. http://www.yha.org.au 

YHA Sydney Railway Square has all acommodation in railway carriages. 8-10 Lee Street (corner Upper Carriage Lane). Entry via the Henry Dean Plaza. Dorm $27 to $33. Double $78. Double with ensuite $88. They charge an extra $3.50 per night if you are not a YHA member. Rooftop spa and sundeck. Phone 02 9281 9666. http://www.yha.org.au 

Nomads Downtown City Backpackers has lots of activities. 611 George Street (Corner of Goulburn Street) just south of the cinema district. Phone 02 9211 8801 or 1800 737 378. 

Nomads City Central Backpackers 752 George Street, Sydney. Phone 1800 737 378. 

Y on the PArk Hotel from the YMCA and YWCA accepts guys and girls. 5-11 Wentworth Avenue (corner of Liverpool Street opposite Hyde Park), Sydney. Phone 02 9264 2451. 

Planet Backpacker 198 Elizabeth Street, Sydney. Phone 1800 774545 or 02 9211 4200. Fax 02 9211 7530. Price unknown. New kitchen and bathrooms, full bar, restaurant, café, internet, TV room, internet. 

Base Backpackers 477 Kent Street, Sydney. Phone 02 9267 7718 or freecall 1800 424 444. http://www.basebackpackers.com 

Central Private Hotel 358 Elizabeth Street, Sydney. Phone 02 9212 1068. 

Footprints Westend 412 Pitt Street, Sydney. Phone 02 9211 4588 or 02 9282 9164. http://www.footprintswestend.com.au 

Hyde Park Backpackers 90 Wentworth Avenue, Sydney. Phone 02 9282 9266. 

Maze Backpackers 417 Pitt Street (corner Goulburn Street), Sydney. Phone 02 9211 5115 or 02 9281 0202 or freecall 1800 813 552. http://www.mazebackpackers.com 

Sydney Backpackers 7 Wilmot Street, Sydney. Phone 02 9267 7772 or freecall 1800 887 766. 

Sydney Central Private Hotel 75 Wentworth Avenue, Sydney. Phone 02 9212 1005. 

Wake Up Sydney Central 509 Pitt Street, Sydney. Phone 02 9288 7888. http://www.wakeup.com.au 

See also Big Hostel listed under Surry Hills below. 

Backpackers Hostels - Woolloomloo 

Woolloomooloo is mostly residential a suburb one kilometre east of the city, just across Hyde Park from the city and very close to Kings Cross. 

Forbes Terrace is clean, quiet and has a courtyard. 153 Forbes Street, Woolloomooloo. Phone 02 9358 4327. 

Harbour City Hotel 50 Sir John Young Crescent, Woolloomooloo. Phone 02 9380 2922. http://www.harbourcityhotel.com 

Australian Backpackers 132 Bourke Street, woolloomooloo. Phone 02 9331 0822. 

Backpackers Hostels - Glebe 
 
Glebe is 3 likometres west of the city centre and is serviced by a light rail from Central Station (which is not really that central) that runs through the newly developed Darling Harbour entertainment precinct on the way. 

Glebe Point YHA 262-264 Glebe Point Road, Glebe. Dorm $24 to $28, double or twin $68. They charge an extra $3.50 per night if you are not a YHA member. Phone 02 9692 8418. http://www.yha.org.au 

Glebe Village Backapckers 254-258 Glebe Point Road, Glebe. Phone 02 9660 8133 or 02 9660 8878 or freecall 1800 801 983. http://www.bakpakgroup.com 

The Haven Inn 196 Glebe Point Road, Glebe. Phone 02 9660 6655. 

Backpackers Hostels - Darlinghurst 

Darlinghurst is a lively inner city suburb 2 kilometres south-east of the city centre.  The suburb can be grungy and a bit seedy in places. 

Boomerang Backpackers 141 William Street, Darlinghurst. Phone 02 8354 0488. 

Sydney Star Accommodation 273 Darlinghurst Road, Darlinghurst. 

The Wattle Hotel 108 Oxford Street, Darlinghurst. Phone 02 9332 4118. 

Backpackers Hostels - Paddington 

Paddington is a suburb 3 kilometres south-east of the city centre. The main street, Oxford Street, is lined with glitzy clothes shops and the side streets are full of terraces occupied mostly young professional. It is a good area. 

Sullivans Hotel Sydney 21 Oxford Street, Paddington. Phone 02 9361 0211. 

Captain Cook Hotel 162 Flinders Street, Paddington. Phone 02 9331 8289. 

Backpackers Hostels - Surry Hills and Redfern 

Surry Hills is 2 kilometres south of the city centre and situated behind Central Station, which is the main long distance railway station. Redfern is the adjacent suburb a little further from the city centre. Redfern has a notorous reputation as being Australia's worst suburb and is well known for race riots between police and indigenous aborigines. To give you an idea, the pedestrain crossing outside Redfern railway station was removed so car drivers did not have to slow down at night and risk being mugged and car-jacked.  Walking in bad parts of the area is not recomended. 

Big Hostel is on the edge of Surry Hills and is virtually in the city. 212 Elizabeth Street, Surry Hills. Phone 02 9281 6030 freecall 1800 212 244. 
 
Noahs City Central is not much further away from the city at 238 Elizabeth Street, Surry Hills. Phone 02 9211 91111. 

Kangaroo Bakpak 665 South Dowling Street (near the corner of Cleveland Street), Surry Hills. Phone 02 9310 4116. 

Sinclairs of Surry Hills Budget Accommodation 510 Cleveland Street, Surry Hills. Phone 02 8399 0211. 

Gracelands Budget Accommodation 461 Cleveland Street, Redfern. Phone 02 9699 1399. 

Noah Lodge 179 Cleveland Street (corner Regent Street), Redfern. Phone 02 8303 1303. 

Backpackers Hostels - Kirribilli 

Kirribilli is a small suburb full of aprtments on the north shore just over the Sydney Harbour Bridge and has stunning views back to the city on the other side of the bridge. It is still a two kilometre walk over the bridge to the city centre. Taking a train to Milsons Point railway station would be a quicker, though less exhilarating way to get to Kirribilli. 

Glenferrie Lodge 12 Carabella Street, Kirribilli. Phone 02 9955 1685 or freecall 1800 121 011. 

Backpackers Hostels - Newtown 

Newtown is an altenative grungy suburb 4 kiometres south-west of Sydney behind Sydney University. The main street, King Street, has many ethnic food outlets. 

Grunge suburb in the inner southwest. King Street is the main street. It is lined with cheap cafes, Indian restaurants and alternative clothes shops. Buses from the city include 422, 423, 426 and 428. All run along King Street. 

Billabong Gardens is quiet relaxed and has a pool and spa. 5 Egan Street (off King Street). Phone 02 9550 3236. 4 to 6 bed dorms have own bathroom. Barbeque area, indoor and outdoor dining areas, large TV lounge. Clean kitchen, laundry, security car parking. http://www.billabonggardens.com.au  

Abbey on King Backpackers 379 King Street, Newtown. Phone 02 9519 2099 or freecall 1800 219 999. 

Backpackers Hostels - Balmain 

Balmain is a good residential suburb 6 kilometres west of the city centre. 

BB's Balmain Backpackers 673 Darling Street (corner Victoria Road), Balmain. Phone 02 9555 6436 http://www.backpackersydney.com 

Balmain Lodge 415 Darling Street, Balmain. Phone 02 9810 3700. 

Backpackers Hostels - Dulwich Hill 

Dulwich Hill is a suburb 7 kilometres south-west of the city centre. 

Dulwich Hill YHA is in an old terrace house. 407 Marrickville Road, Dulwich Hill. Dorm $18 to $26, single room $30 to $36, double or twin room $52 to $64. They charge an extra $3.50 per night if you are not a YHA member. Reception hours are 7 am to 10 pm.Phone 02 9550 0054 or freecall 1800 671 795. http://www.yha.org.au 

Backpackers Hostels - Bondi 

The most famous and crowded Sydney surf beach with carnival atmosphere, icecream parlours, restaurants and cafes. Getting there by catching a number 380 or 382 bus from the city. Alternatively catch a train to Bondi Junction and change there to the 380 or 382 bus for the remainder of the journey. 

If planning to stay in Sydney for a few months cheap flats are readily available in Bondi, 7 kilometres east of the city centre. Stay at Bondi to meet people with the same intention and split the cost of renting. Renting a place with ocean views is a lot more expensive. 

Bondi Beachouse YHA Corner of Fletcher and Dellview Streets, Bondi Beach. Dorm $20 to $27, single room $60, double or twin room $70, double or twin room with ensuite $80. They charge an $3.50 extraif you are not a YHA member. Phone 02 9365 2088. http://www.yha.org.au 

Indy's Beachside Backpackers is sociable. 35A Hall Street, Bondi. Phone 02 9365 4900 or 02 9365 4900 or 02 9365 4982. $19. Kitchen. http://www.indysbackpackers.com.au 

Bondi Beach Guest House. 11 Consett Avenue, Bondi Beach. Phone 02 9300 9310. $20. 

Biltmore on Bondi 110 Campbell Parade, Bondi Beach. Phone 02 9130 4660 or freecall 1800 304 660. 

Bondi Sands 252 Campbell Parade, Bondi Beach. Phone 02 9365 3703. 

Sinclairs of Bondi Budget Accommodation is located quite some distance from Bondi Beach, about 1.5 kilometres. 11 Bennett Street, Bondi. Phone 02 8399 2518. 

Noah's Bondi Beach 2 Campbell Parade. Phone 02 9365 7100 or freecall 1800 226 662. Dorm $24 to$25, twin or double room $55. 

Backpackers Hostels - Coogee 

Coogee beach is 8 kilometres east of Sydney city centre. Coogee Beach is a pleasant suburb a little further south from Bondi. A few hostels and hotels are located at Coogee. The beach here is calmer as it is somewhat protected by reefs. Catch bus 372 from Central Station or bus 373 from Circular Quay. Alternatively catch a train to Bondi Junction and change to bus 314 or 315. 

Indy's 302 Arden Street. Phone 02 9315 7644. Includes breakfast. 

Surfside Backpackers Coogee 186 Arden Street (corner Alfreda Street opposite the beach), Coogee. Phone 02 9315 7888 or 02 9315 7892. Modern and spacious doubles and dorms. Clean, friendly. Breakfast and barbeque. Free storage and mail holding. Full security. http://www.surfsidebackpackers.com.au 

Coogee Beach Backpackers is clean and uphill from the beach with good ocean views from the patio. 94-96 Beach Street, Coogee. Phone 02 9665 7735. spacious dorms. Also has double and twin rooms. Kitchen. 

Coogee Bunkhouse 15 Waltham Street. Phone 02 9665 9254. 

Wizard of Oz Backpackers 172 Coogee Bay Road, Coogee. Phone 02 9315 7876. http://www.wizardofoz.com.au 

Aegean Coogee Backpackers 40 Coogee Bay Raod, Coogee Beach. Phone 02 9314 5324. http://www.aegeancoogee.com.au 

Backpackers Hostels - Clovelly Beach 

Colvelly beach is between Bondi Beach and Coogee Beach. 

Clarks at Clovelly Budget Accommodation 272 Clovelly Road, Clovelly. Phone 02 9665 1824 or freecall 1800 551 415. 

Backpackers Hostels - Manly 

Manly is a quieter pleasant beachside suburb on the north shore 15 kilometres north-east of the city centre but still only a half hour ferry to Sydney's Circular Quay. 

A lively place on the north shore near the north head to Sydney Harbour. This suburb set on a narrow peninsula has a great ocean surf beach, a calm bay beach and a main street of icecream shops and cafes linking the two. It attracts many tourists but is still pleasant and not overdeveloped.. Walking to the North Head provides panoramic views of the entrance to Sydney Harbour. 

Manly Backpackers 24-28 Raglan Street, Manly. Phone 02 9977 3411 or freecall 1800 662 500. Free body boards. Kitchen, common room, TV room and laundry. http://www.manlybackpackers.com.au 

Manly Astra Backpackers 68-70 Pittwater Road. Phone 02 9977 2092.  http://www.manlyastra.com 

Manly Bunkhouse 35 Pine Street/46 Malvern Avenue. Phone 02 9976 0472. Each room has its own kitchen and bathroom. Laundry, rooftop sundeck. Free pick up. Clean and friendly. http://www.bunkhouse.com.au 

Wharf Backpackers 48 East Esplanade opposite the ferry terminal. Phone 02 9977 2800. 

Boardrider Backpacker Rear of 63 The Corso, Manly. Phone 02 9977 6077 or freecall 1800 838 893. http://www.boardrider.com.au 

Backpackers Hostels - Collaroy 

Collaroy is a beachside suburb further north and further from the city than Manly. 

Sydney Beachouse YHA 4 Collaroy Street, Collaroy Beach. Dorm $20 to $26, double or twin room $64, double room with ensuite $84. They charge an extra $3.50 per night if you are not a YHA member. Phone 02 9981 1177 

Backpackers Hostels - Cronulla 
 

Cronulla is a far southern Sydney beachside suburb 26 kilometres from the city centre and bordering the Royal National Park. Surfing and sunbathing are popular. Scuba diving is also available. Cronulla has a village atmosphere with all the conveniences of the city. The main shopping area has many outdoor cafes, restaurants and nightlife including pubs, bars and nightclubs.

Picture: Cronulla Mall

To get to Cronulla take an Illawarra line train from Sydney city to Cronulla station, which is the last station. The train leaves the Sydney's city centre train stations every 15 minutes during peak times and 30 minutes off peak. The travel time is approximately 40 minutes from Sydney city. There is a direct service from Kings Cross, Town Hall and Central stations. From Sydney airport take the train to Wolli Creek station and change to the Illawarra line there. 
 

Cronulla Beach YHA 40-42 Kingsway, Cronulla. Phone 02 9527 7772, Fax 02 9527 0533. Dorm $22 to $27, double or twin room $64 to $70. They charge an extra $3.50 per night if you are not a YHA member. Prices subject to seasonal change. Clean and comfortable new rooms. Fans and lockers in all rooms. Clean bright brand new bathrooms, internet facilities, pool table, fully equiped new kitchen, television and video room, in-house scuba diving shop and cheap tours of the nearby Royal National Park.http://www.cronullabeachyha.com  It is a 3 minute walk from Cronulla train station to Cronulla Beach YHA. Exit Cronulla Station, turn left and walk along Cronulla Street. Turn left into Kingsway and the hostel is another 200 metres along the road on the left.

Picture: Cronulla Beach YHA

Major Youth Hostel Chains 

Blue Mountains A major attraction. See separate page. 

Hunter Valley Wineries north of the city inland from Newcastle. 

Royal National Park (30km south of Sydney) 

Spectacular coastal drive past sheer cliffs, secluded coves and through lush rainforest. Entry is $8 per car. Accomodation available at YHA Garie Beach which is basic and secluded. It has no electricity or phone. $8. Book and pick up keys from YHA Travel Centre in Sydney (phone 02 9261 1111) 

Ku-Ring-Gai Chase National Park (25km north of Sydney) 

Sandstone cliffs, bushland and great views of Broken Bay. Entry is $8 per car. Accommodation available at YHA Pittwater which has a pretty setting and lots of wildlife. Phone 02 9999 2196. Dorm $19, twin $22 per person. 
 

Blue Mountains two hours drive west of Sydney 

Hunter Valley Wineries north of the city inland from Newcastle 

Canberra the nations purpose built capital city with extravegant modern governmental buildings in five hours drive south-west of Sydney.. 

Snowy Mountains winter ski fields are three hours further south beyond Canberra. 

Travel north to Queensland 
Along the coastal Pacific Highway passing through Newcastle, Myall Lakes, Forster, Port Macquarie, Nambucca Heads, Coffs Harbour, Byron Bay, and the Gold Coast surfing and party mecca to Brisbane the Queensland state capital, then further north to the Great Barrier Reef and Cairns. 

Travel south to Melbourne 

Travel west to Adelaide 
Via Dubbo, Broken Hill in the desert and the dry Flinders Ranges; or 
Via Canberra and Mildura on the Murray River.