Drifter Sydney – The Ultimate Backpacker Hostels for Exploring the City

Whether you’re a solo backpacker, a digital nomad, or a group of adventurers eager to experience the thrills and sights of Sydney, Little Drifter Hostels promise a welcoming, fun, and comfortable stay. From sunny Bondi Beach to the vibrant streets of Surry Hills, our Sydney hostels and accommodation ensures every backpacker and group have their travel needs met. Dive into Sydney’s exciting mix of sun, surf, culture, and nightlife with Little Drifter Hostels.

Surf's up at our Bondi hostel! Just a stone’s throw from the iconic beach, you can catch the waves right outside your door.

Hip and happening, our Sydney Surry Hills hostel is your gateway to Sydney’s coolest neighbourhood.

A Diverse Hostel Experience in Sydney’s Top Neighbourhoods

Sydney’s charm lies in its unique neighbourhoods, each offering a different slice of city life. Little Drifter Hostels, located in some of Sydney’s most beloved areas, provide a gateway to these distinct experiences.

Each hostel provides a unique lens through which to explore and appreciate the many facets of Sydney, ensuring your stay is as fun and comfortable as possible. Just click the links to learn more about our hostels in Bondi Beach and Surry Hills.

Key Facilities at our Sydney Hostel

Facilities Designed for the Modern Sydney Backpacker

Little Drifter in Sydney is perfectly tailored for backpackers and travellers, offering essential facilities like free high-speed Wi-Fi, communal kitchens, cosy lounges, and vibrant outdoor spaces ideal for socialising and relaxation. Travellers will appreciate convenient extras like on-site laundry, vending machines, digitised services, dedicated co-working areas, and engaging curated events. With recreational games and spaces designed specifically for community-building, Drifter ensures a comfortable, connected, and memorable hostel experience during your Sydney adventures.

FACILITIES

  • FREE WIFI
  • COMMUNAL LAUNDRY
  • DIGITISED SERVICES
  • COMMUNAL KITCHEN
  • CURATED EVENTS
  • LOUNGE
  • CO-WORKING SPACE
  • GAMES AND RECREATION
  • OUTDOOR SPACES

Backpacking in Sydney? Here’s Why Drifter’s the Place to Be

Private & Shared Accommodation Types

Whether you’re a backpacker seeking budget-friendly shared accommodation to connect with fellow explorers travelling through Sydney, a digital nomad needing a quiet and comfortable private suite to recharge, or travelling with friends who prefer something in between, Drifter has you covered. With modern, comfortable spaces ranging from communal dorm rooms with private lockers, to private suites featuring queen beds and ensuite bathrooms, it’s the ideal home base for your Sydney holiday, no matter your travel style.

Meet likeminded backpackers through Sydney events

What better way to enjoy your trip than to share it with the people that you meet along the way. Never miss out on the fun, with a variety of engaging and social activities designed for you to meet likeminded backpackers and travellers throughout Sydney to share your best moments with. From getting in touch with your creative side, to exploring the local culture, giving back to the environment, and just having fun, check out all of our events at Drifter Sydney!

Whether you’re a solo explorer, digital nomad, or part of a group, Little Drifter’s blend of style, comfort, and community makes it a standout choice for backpackers and travellers eager to experience the real Sydney.

Key Things To Do Around Our Sydney Hostels

Visit Top Attractions in the Area

​Whether you’re at any one of our three locations throughout Sydney, you’re perfectly positioned to experience and enjoy Syney’s most iconic landmarks. Wander through the enchanting Royal Botanic Gardens, where harbour views meet vibrant greenery. Take on the Harbour Bridge—whether you walk it or climb it, the panoramic views of the city are unforgettable. Animal lovers can hop on a ferry to Taronga Zoo, where native wildlife and nature meet skyline backdrops. And for a dose of culture, the Australian Museum is just a short ride away, packed with stories of nature, history, and everything in between. With Drifter as your base, Sydney’s best is always within reach.

Prime Beaches in the Neighbourhood

The city’s beaches are undoubtedly a highlight, with the world-famous Bondi Beach leading the charge. This iconic destination is not just about golden sands and surf; it’s a lifestyle, a place where the city’s electric energy meets the tranquillity of the ocean. Other beaches near Little Drifter Bondi within a 3.5km radius are Tamarama Beach, Bronte Beach, Rose Bay Beach, and Clovelly Beach, all of which provide their own unique vibes and atmospheres. You can also catch the waves and fun at Surry Hills, with Coogee Beach, Lady Martins Beach, Gordons Bay Beach, and Athol Beach within 8km from Little Drifter Surry Hills.

While staying at our Sydney hostels, you’re never far from these coastal delights, with easy access from various points in the city, including convenient locations like Little Drifter Bondi Beach.

Experience Sydney By Night

As night falls, Sydney transforms into a buzzing metropolis with a nightlife that caters to every taste. From the beachy bars of Bondi and trendy pubs of Surry Hills, the night is always young in Sydney. While Little Drifter Hostels in Sydney provide a cosy retreat to return to at the end of the night, they serve as perfect starting points for diving into these lively nocturnal adventures.

Dive Deep into Sydney’s Cultural Scene

Sydney is a melting pot of cultures, offering a rich array of experiences from the city’s vibrant urban landscape to its renowned nightlife, pristine beaches, and cultural experiences; it truly is an explorer’s paradise. Soaking up the rich coastal scene along Bondi Beach and experiencing the trendy and artistic corners of Surry Hills, the city is a canvas of creative expression. The variety of experiences, from street art tours to local market visits, offers a genuine taste of local life and the opportunity to immerse yourself in the city’s unique neighbourhoods.

FAQ for our Sydney Hostel Accommodation

What’s the best way to get to Little Drifter in Sydney?

Little Drifter Surry Hills: Take the train from the airport heading towards the City Circle via Museum and get off at Central Station (11 minutes, 3 stops). From there, enjoy a pleasant walk through Prince Alfred Park along Chalmers Street to reach us! (12 minutes, around 750 metres) Little Drifter Bondi Beach: Catch the airport train from the headed to the City Circle via Museum and get off at Museum Station, Elizabeth St (11 minutes) From Museum Station, take the bus headed to North Bondi and ride down to Campbell Parade opposite South Bondi Beach (32 minutes), before walking along Campbell Parade and down into Lamrock Avenue where you’ll find us! (5 minutes, 650 metres)

What are the check-in and check-out times?

Check-in is from 3pm and check-out is at 10am local times unless specifically mentioned in your booking. Reception is open 24/7, so if you’d like to request an early or late check-in or check-out, you can make a special request.

Is there a place to store our luggages for the day?

We have a secure luggage room available for guests that need a place to hold their luggage during the day.

Do the shared dorms have lockers?

Yes, our shared dorms have personal lockers with ample space to store your individual belongings.

Are bed linens included?

Bed linens and pillows with pillowcases are provided for all shared dorms and private rooms.

What documents do I need to bring when checking in??

You must provide a valid and current government issued photographic identification upon checking in and your booking has to be under the same name of the person checking in. In addition, you must also provide a valid debit or card that matches the name in the photographic identification. Please refer to our Terms page to find out more. https://thedrifter.com/terms/

I’m a solo traveller, how can I meet new people?

There are many ways to meet new people during your travels with us! You’ll get to meet heaps of travellers and backpackers alike that also choose us for their stays, and we also have a variety of curated events like yoga, cook-ups, art events, and more to help you build your network!

How do I pay for my booking?

When booking at Little Drifter Sydney, you’ll need a valid credit or debit card (cash isn’t accepted), and a 2% surcharge applies to card payments. You’ll also need to show a government-issued photo ID matching the name on your card at check-in. For group accommodation bookings of 8 or more, different payment policies may apply. https://thedrifter.com/group-accommodation/