Secret Garden Backpackers, Sydney

Hotel Description

You know what struck me first about Secret Garden Backpackers? It’s actually tucked away on Cleveland Street in a way that makes you feel like you’ve discovered something the tour groups haven’t found yet. I mean, you’re right in Surry Hills – honestly one of Sydney’s best neighborhoods if you ask me – but the hostel itself has this unexpectedly peaceful vibe that totally lives up to the “secret garden” name. The building’s got character, you can tell it’s been around, but they’ve done something clever with the common areas that makes everything feel fresh without being sterile. When I walked in, there was this mix of cooking smells from the kitchen and that slightly worn-in feeling of a place where people actually hang out instead of just crash between tourist stops.

The location is seriously perfect if you want to feel like you’re living in Sydney rather than just visiting it. You’re walking distance to Central Station – which, let’s be honest, is a game-changer when you’re lugging backpack gear around – but you’re also surrounded by all these incredible coffee shops and hole-in-the-wall restaurants that locals actually frequent. I’d stumble out in the morning and grab flat whites that put most expensive hotel coffee to shame, then wander through the neighborhood discovering street art and tiny bookshops. The hostel sits right in that sweet spot where you can walk to the city center when you want the touristy stuff, but you’re living in a real neighborhood with grocery stores and laundromats and people walking their dogs. Parking’s pretty much non-existent on Cleveland Street (fair warning if you’re driving), but honestly, you won’t need a car from here anyway.

What really sets this place apart – and this might sound weird – is how it manages to be social without being chaotic. The common areas actually encourage conversation, and the kitchen’s big enough that you’re not constantly bumping into each other trying to cook pasta. I stayed during what I’d guess was a busy period, and while you definitely knew other people were around, it never felt overwhelming or like you couldn’t find a quiet corner when you needed one. The staff seemed to know everyone’s names within a day or two, which creates this welcoming atmosphere that’s hard to fake. Sure, it’s not luxury – we’re talking hostel life here – but everything works properly, the Wi-Fi doesn’t cut out every five minutes, and the beds are actually comfortable enough that you’re not waking up feeling like you wrestled with the mattress all night. If you’re looking for that balance between meeting people and getting decent sleep, and you want to stay somewhere that feels authentically Sydney rather than generic backpacker central, this place gets it right.

Rooms

• Bed in 4-Bed Mixed Dormitory Room with Shared Bathroom with 1 bunk bed for 1 adult
• Bed in 6-Bed Mixed Dormitory Room with Shared Bathroom with 1 bunk bed for 1 adult
• Bed in 8-Bed Mixed Dormitory Room with Shared Bathroom with 1 bunk bed for 1 adult
• Bed in 10-Bed Mixed Dormitory Room with Shared Bathroom with 1 bunk bed for 1 adult
• Bed in 12-Bed Mixed Dormitory Room with Shared Bathroom with 1 bunk bed for 1 adult
• Standard Double or Twin Room with Shared Bathroom with 1 full bed for 2 adults
• Bed in 8-Bed Female Dormitory Room with Shared Bathroom with 1 bunk bed for 1 adult

Reviews

• Exceptional – Andrea from Italy (8/10)

  I really enjoyed the garden it's good vibes. Oscar the manager it's super helpful and very kind.

• I would say that this hostel is great value for money. It’s a hard task to find good clean and cheap hostel in Sydney an – Anastasia from Israel (8/10)

  Stuff at the hostel was very nice and helpful. The kitchen has everything you need for cooking, inner garden is really lovely. The room was clean. Wonderfully located near bus station and 10 minutes walk from big metro/train station, lovely park nearby. Also there is amazing cafe just across the street that was a nice addition to everything

• Thanks SG for a great stay! – Martin from Canada (8/10)

  Loved the vibe and mix of travellers at SG – staff were great – well organised, especially the hooks for everyone's food on the kitchen wall – I had 3 German travellers sharing a 4 bunk dorm with me – had a great laugh – easy as.

• Very Good – Fiorella from Argentina (8/10)

  It’s exactly as you see it in the pictures.

• It was good experience, 1 full length mirror in room helps as not everyone is tall enough to reach the height of the squ – Gurung from Australia (7/10)

  Big Lockers, personal door keys, check in was easy, felt safe and walk in distance for public transport

• Hell yeah brother – Michael from United States of America (8/10)

  Nice outdoor area and great events everyday!

• Would recommend good value get what you pay for – Abby from United Kingdom (8/10)

  the staff
  the two kitchens
  Location was great – bus stop right outside and lots of cute cafes around
  Sink in room

• Quick and comfy – Milton from Australia (8/10)

  Very friendly relaxed and cheap. Nice little courtyard

• Good – Kendrick from United States of America (7/10)

  Had a convenient location close to central station, free pancakes on Sunday were nice, and laundry facilities.

• Good – Tania from United Kingdom (7/10)

  Good location close to local transportation to get to the major areas like Bondi and the opera house. Good storage for space for food in fridges and nice tv room and outdoor area for socialising. Staff are friendly and welcoming.

SURROUNDINGS

Facilities