Sydney Central YHA Visitor Guide 2024: Everything you need to know
For the avid backpacker or budget traveller, the Youth Hostel Association has long provided an invaluable resource offering cheap accommodation, a place to hook up with other travellers, and a base from which to explore. The Sydney YHA not only lives up to the organisation's reputation, it exceeds it. Three times it has been voted the best hostel in Australia by the Australian Tourist Board.
One of the many advantages of this hostel is its position right in the center of the city. From here you are easily able to explore the restaurants and nightlife of The Rocks, do that epic climb up the Sydney Harbor Bridge, or take a kayak around the harbor itself. In short, it puts Sydney right at your fingertips. But that's not all. This hostel, set in a heritage-listed building, boasts a roof terrace with views of the opera house, a sauna and indoor swimming pool, and laundry and kitchen facilities.
There is much to do in this city, and to really enjoy your experience there, why not ditch your luggage at a secure locker service near Sydney Central YHA and dive into all that Sydney has to offer.
Sydney Central YHA bag policy
There is a range of accommodation options at this hostel. They range from shared dorms to individual rooms, and even family rooms. If you are in a dorm, or even if you are simply super cautious about where you leave your luggage, you might want to consider hiring a locker and just keeping essential items with you. That will leave you free to engage in your Sydney exploration unencumbered. Unfortunately, there are no free locker facilities at the hostel but there are locker rental facilities nearby.
Sydney Central YHA food policy
This will probably be the best youth hostel you will ever experience, but they have not forgotten their roots, where catering to travellers on a budget has always been key. There is are two fully fitted kitchens where you can prepare your own meals to eat in the hostel's spacious dining area.
Of course, if adventure is high on your agenda, you might prefer not to spend too much time slaving over a hot stove. There is a very acceptable cafe in the hostel which serves both drinks and meals. Just a few steps away, the city offers a wide range of eating options, and Chinatown is right around the corner if you fancy a little Asian cuisine.
Sydney Central YHA rules
The hostel is open twenty-four hours per day so you are not restricted by what time you get back from any late-night adventures.
- The hostel has one rule which they value above all others. Respect for others. This seems extremely reasonable. Doing anything that could disrupt peace or the enjoyment of other guests could get you removed.
- Smoking is forbidden in most of the hostel, but that doesn't mean that smokers have been forgotten. There are designated smoking areas.
- All fees will be refunded if you cancel more than seven days in advance. From seven days to twenty-four hours in advance, you will be charged a cancellation fee of five percent. Cancellations within twenty-four hours will result in a charge the equivalent to one night's rental for however many members there were on the reservation.
Sydney Central YHA transport
If you are flying in from another part of the country or from abroad, getting to the hostel couldn't be easier. Just jump the train to Central Station, take the Eddy Street exit and the hostel is a two-minute walk away.
For exploring locally, there is a light rail stop right across from the hostel itself. Much of the rest of town can be explored on foot.
Sydney Central lockers
Discovering a city can feel like more of a chore than a pleasure if you are having to lug your bags with you. You can easily avoid this inconvenience because there are several locker rental stations very near to the hostel. The best ones allow for online reservation, thus ensuring that a locker is available when you get there. For added security and a little extra peace of mind, shop around for a service that offers free insurance with each booking.
