Reviews of Big Backpackers Hostel This rating is a reflection of how the property compares to the industry standard when it comes to price, facilities and services available. It's based on a self-evaluation by the property. Use this rating to help choose your stay!
212 Elizabeth Street, Surry Hills, Sydney Central Business District, 2010 Sydney, Australia
#225 of 339 hotels in Sydney
Guests' ChoiceReview Score
Based on 1279 hostel reviews
7.7Score breakdown
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Cleanliness
7.7
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Comfort
7.7
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Location
9.1
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Facilities
7.7
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Staff
8.8
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Value for money
7.9
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Free Wifi
8.4
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Reviewed: April 7, 2025
Trims
Bangladesh9 Reviews8.0“very comfortable stay with them”- • Leisure trip
- • Solo traveler
- • Bed in 2-Bed Male Only Dormitory Room with Private Bathroom (ages 18-40 years)
- • Stayed 3 nights
na
Location so near from CBD , Room clean & all okay..
Stayed in April 2025
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Reviewed: April 6, 2025
Jacqueline
France10 Reviews4 helpful votes8.0“A very pleasant stay”- • Leisure trip
- • Solo traveler
- • Single Room with Private Bathroom
- • Stayed 1 night
The staff was amazing. I injured my back on the morning of check out and they were very helpful in taking my luggage to the car to go to the airport. Very grateful. All staff were friendly and helpful. The place is well run, has great facilities (the roof top terrace is great) and was very clean. An extra blanket would have been great, but I am 65 so probably doesn't impact younger travellers :) It's well soundproofed.
Stayed in April 2025
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Reviewed: April 4, 2025
Ericas
Australia176 Reviews28 helpful votes8.0“Cheap accommodation near Central Station”- • Leisure trip
- • Couple
- • Double Room with Private Bathroom
- • Stayed 1 night
They could have provided a hand towel as well as bath towels. There was no TV but there was a TV in the common room.
The price was great. As we were arriving late and leaving early, we just needed a bed. It was fairly close to Central station, room was large, the bed was comfortable and it was clean. They had tea, coffee and milk powder in the kitchen
Stayed in April 2025
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Reviewed: April 3, 2025
Nicktwiggy
Australia2 Reviews7.0“A good base to explore the centre of Sydney from!”- • Leisure trip
- • Solo traveler
- • Single Room with Private Bathroom
- • Stayed 6 nights
- • Submitted from a mobile device
The single bed room was small (I can't complain much here) and the only furniture in the room was a bed and clothes rack with shelves. I understand the operators only want the room to be used by a single person, but the room would be more comfortable if one chair was provided.
Centrally located backpackers that is looked after by its staff. The shared kitchen and dining area were spacious downstairs and were clean. At night time my accommodation floor was quiet and I was able to get a good night's sleep. I stayed in a single bed room with an ensuite which was basic but sufficient for my needs
Stayed in February 2025
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Reviewed: April 2, 2025
Daniel
Germany2 Reviews8.0“I had a great stay in the big backpackers hostel and would go there anytime!”- • Leisure trip
- • Solo traveler
- • Bed in 8-Bed Mixed Dormitory Room with Shared Bathroom (ages 18-40 years only)
- • Stayed 1 night
- • Submitted from a mobile device
The rooms were a little bit smelly and you could open the windows only a few centimetres! Still it was not too bad and still comfortable to sleep!
The staff was amazing and very friendly! They helped me a lot when I extended my stay and gave me a great offer! The location of the hostel is just great and there are a lot of pubs, hotels and restaurants around! Besides that you walk only 5-10min to the central station!
Stayed in March 2025
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Reviewed: March 30, 2025
Ruby
Australia2 Reviews7.0Good- • Leisure trip
- • Family with young children
- • Twin Room with Private Bathroom
- • Stayed 1 night
- • Submitted from a mobile device
mess on the ground floor
The location is accessible, walking distance to shopping centers, many restaurants.
Stayed in March 2025
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Reviewed: March 25, 2025
Anna
United Kingdom17 Reviews8.0“Comfortable but needs more showers”- • Leisure trip
- • Solo traveler
- • Bed in 8-Bed Mixed Dormitory Room with Shared Bathroom (ages 18-40 years only)
- • Stayed 1 night
- • Submitted from a mobile device
There was only 3 showers for the entire floor. This was not enough and meant that there was often a wait for the showers and toilets.
Comfortable beds and good location. Very close to Sydney central station. Kitchen was pretty clean and had decent facilities
Stayed in February 2025
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Reviewed: March 19, 2025
Alan
Norway132 Reviews10 helpful votes9.0“Excellent location in the heart of Sydney CBD with great access to cafes and restaurants”- • Leisure trip
- • Couple
- • Double Room with Private Bathroom
- • Stayed 4 nights
- • Submitted from a mobile device
Nothing- some other guests taking phone calls and on speaker phone on the corridor outside our bedroom at 2am was a minor annoyance but it was only a one off.
Excellent location within easy walking distance of the central station (train) with a huge amount of cafes, bars and restaurants nearby and only about 15 minutes away from the harbour (public transport; 35 minutes walk) Comfortable room and bed with a good bathroom and shower. Elevator access to all floors. Rooftop bar (during reception hours) Good laundry facilities and a large shared kitchen. Lots of daily activities (walking tours, pub crawls and other social activities) for those who want to participate and make friends. We extended our stay due to our travel plans changing because of the weather. Staff were very friendly and helpful. Would definitely stay here again if I’m ever back in Sydney.
Stayed in March 2025
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Reviewed: March 15, 2025
Chengtube
Australia1 review9.0Wonderful- • Leisure trip
- • Solo traveler
- • Bed in 8-Bed Mixed Dormitory Room with Shared Bathroom (ages 18-40 years only)
- • Stayed 1 night
- • Submitted from a mobile device
The common area was hot.
Kitchen open 24 hours and they have lift to go to the rooms.
Stayed in March 2025
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Reviewed: March 10, 2025
Matthew
Australia4 Reviews7.0Good- • Leisure trip
- • Family with young children
- • Twin Room with Private Bathroom
- • Stayed 1 night
- • Submitted from a mobile device
A little disorganised
Great location
Stayed in March 2025
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Reviewed: February 15, 2025
John
Australia27 Reviews2 helpful votes9.0“Great vibe to this place. Happy energy.”- • Leisure trip
- • Solo traveler
- • Double Room with Private Bathroom
- • Stayed 8 nights
- • Submitted from a mobile device
Stove in kitchen needed cleaning
Good location, friendly staff.
Stayed in February 2025
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Reviewed: February 13, 2025
Khanittha
Australia18 Reviews9.0“-”- • Leisure trip
- • Couple
- • Double Room with Private Bathroom
- • Stayed 1 night
- • Submitted from a mobile device
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Everything it good
Stayed in February 2025
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Reviewed: February 10, 2025
Thuy
Australia16 Reviews7.0“good value for the price”- • Leisure trip
- • Solo traveler
- • Bed in 8-Bed Female Dormitory Room with Shared Bathroom (ages 18-40 years only)
- • Stayed 2 nights
- • Submitted from a mobile device
the ceiling that faced my bed is not clean
the location is very convenient, just 10 min walk to Central stn
Stayed in February 2025
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Reviewed: February 7, 2025
Kevin
United States28 Reviews2 helpful votes9.0Wonderful- • Leisure trip
- • Solo traveler
- • Double Room with Private Bathroom
- • Stayed 4 nights
- • Submitted from a mobile device
N/a
Central location
Stayed in February 2025
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Reviewed: February 2, 2025
Ewan
Australia3 Reviews1 helpful vote8.0Very Good- • Leisure trip
- • Solo traveler
- • Bed in 4-Bed Mixed Dormitory Room (ages 18 - 40 years)
- • Stayed 3 nights
- • Submitted from a mobile device
I like lobby and rooftop ,everyone can meet new friends at there,and everyone backpackers is so kind and friendly ,and u can get a lot of information at Notice Board
Stayed in January 2025
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Reviewed: January 23, 2025
Pablo
United Kingdom6 Reviews7.0“Great place to stay in Sydney!”- • Leisure trip
- • Solo traveler
- • Bed in 2-Bed Male Only Dormitory Room with Private Bathroom (ages 18-40 years)
- • Stayed 9 nights
- • Submitted from a mobile device
Kitchen was a little dirty
Great location, friendly staff
Stayed in January 2025
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Reviewed: January 17, 2025
Serena
Italy39 Reviews7 helpful votes8.0“Place to stay!”- • Leisure trip
- • Solo traveler
- • Double Room with Private Bathroom
- • Stayed 4 nights
- • Submitted from a mobile device
It’s my opinion but I don’t understand the deposit since it’s just a room and not an apartment. Plus, they could take some money from your card after your stay so you can’t control if the damage was really made by you or someone else since you are already gone. Nothing happens to me but I still don’t like it. I suggest you to take pictures and videos before and after your stay.
I had a nice time here. Receptionists always kind and helpful. They even organised a dinner buffet for Christmas. I had a double room with bathroom and it was perfect for my needs. No cockroaches. Window can be opened (but not view because of a wall but personally it didn’t annoyed me since there’re other buildings very close and I wanted to have some privacy)
Stayed in December 2024
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Reviewed: January 15, 2025
Khan
Fiji4 Reviews9.0“Book in”- • Leisure trip
- • Solo traveler
- • Bed in 8-Bed Mixed Dormitory Room with Shared Bathroom (ages 18-40 years only)
- • Stayed 2 nights
- • Submitted from a mobile device
The location was such a value for money and staff are super helpful
Stayed in December 2024
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Reviewed: January 11, 2025
May
Australia4 Reviews7.0“Nothing Special”- • Leisure trip
- • Family with young children
- • 4-Person Family Room with Private Bathroom
- • Stayed 1 night
- • Submitted from a mobile device
It was quite pricey ($400) for the family room for that night (28th Dec).
Close to the centrals station
Stayed in December 2024
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Reviewed: January 10, 2025
Tatyana
Netherlands9 Reviews2 helpful votes7.0“Adequate”- • Leisure trip
- • Solo traveler
- • Bed in 8-Bed Mixed Dormitory Room with Shared Bathroom (ages 18-40 years only)
- • Stayed 8 nights
- • Submitted from a mobile device
The curtains didn't close all the way and there was no way to cover from the light. Many people staying for long periods of time, so they're hogging a lot of the space
The location is close to the station and plenty of shops in walking distance. The communal kitchen was also very facilitating in both space and utensils.
Stayed in December 2024
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Reviewed: January 5, 2025
Tina
Australia1 review8.0“The stay was great . We only went to the room to sleep . The beds were clean and comfortable stuff were lovely and the b”- • Leisure trip
- • Family with young children
- • 4-Person Family Room with Private Bathroom
- • Stayed 2 nights
- • Submitted from a mobile device
The property was clean ,didn’t hear much noise from anyone really . The stuff were really helpful and friendly.
Stayed in January 2025
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Reviewed: January 5, 2025
Marina
Netherlands13 Reviews7.0“Nice stay”- • Leisure trip
- • Solo traveler
- • Bed in 8-Bed Mixed Dormitory Room with Shared Bathroom (ages 18-40 years only)
- • Stayed 7 nights
- • Submitted from a mobile device
The kitchen in really small (but enough place in the fridge). No socket near the beds.They don't change the blanket after someone's checkout, which I think is disgusting.
It's a good place to meet other solo travelers, the hostel organizes social activities. There are big lockers in the room. The place is really clean, there are some good cleaners.
Stayed in January 2025
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Reviewed: January 2, 2025
Meiju
Finland48 Reviews3 helpful votes7.0Good- • Leisure trip
- • Solo traveler
- • Bed in 4-Bed Mixed Dormitory Room (ages 18 - 40 years)
- • Stayed 1 night
Gas stoves in kitchen, no soap in the dorm toilet, creaky bed, exorbitant rates for NYE (understandable, but the place wasn't really worth 150 dollars for a night)
Good location, friendly staff with option for late check-in. I forgot my driver's license and was able to retrieve it at 1 am after the NYE fireworks, thank you so much!
Stayed in December 2024
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Reviewed: January 2, 2025
Monika
Germany34 Reviews5 helpful votes7.0“Good stay”- • Leisure trip
- • Solo traveler
- • Bed in 8-Bed Female Dormitory Room with Shared Bathroom (ages 18-40 years only)
- • Stayed 1 night
- • Submitted from a mobile device
Aircon in the room was too loud and too low in the room and you can’t change it since its locked. It was freezing even with an extra blanket.
Good location, friendly staff, good but small kitchen and dining area. It was my second time here.
Stayed in December 2024
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