Explore Darling Harbour and experience its festivals and activities
All year round, Darling Harbour hosts a full calendar of festivals and activities that appeals to backpackers, locals, young and old. Watch Dragon Boat Racing in the morning, attend a food festival in the afternoon, experience a fireworks display in the evening. These are some of the activities that you can regularly expect to see at this famous Sydney destination. So you don’t miss out on events, remember to search online or ask at your Sydney hostel reception to get the latest news on what’s on.
If you are up for further adventures, Darling Harbour is also home to a wide variety of tourist attractions. Visit Sea Life Sydney Aquarium and get up close to sharks, stingrays, penguins and tropical fish. Have your photo taken next to life size waxworks of your favourite celebrity at the Madame Tussauds Sydney. Walk through the majestic habitat enclosure of Wild Life Sydney Zoo and see the kangaroos, koalas and butterflies.
YHA members and guests can get discounted access to these attractions with the Sydney Attraction Pass.
Visit the bustling and vibrant Chinatown, just a short walk from the hostel
Only a stone’s throw away from Sydney Central YHA hostel, Chinatown is a melting pot of eateries. Delight your senses and taste buds with its bustling Yum Cha restaurants, noodle bars and specialty shops that are all squeezed into the vibrant Chinatown CBD.
If you have a sweet tooth, join the queue for the cream puffs at the window outside Emperor’s Garden on the Dixon St pedestrian mall. You won’t be disappointed!
Every Friday night, Chinatown comes alive with lanterns, red lights and a great range of street food. The famous Friday Night Markets opens between 4:00pm to 11:00pm and usually comprises of 50 stalls as well as live entertainment.
Bondi to Coogee scenic ocean view walk
One of Australia’s best-known icons, Bondi Beach, is home to clean golden sands, sparkling clear water and the famous Sydney Surf Life Savers.
Get amongst the sun-baked blue sky splendour of Sydney on a warm day and do the Bondi to Coogee scenic ocean view walk. Tourists from all over the world and local Sydney-siders alike come every day to soak up the sun and enjoy the beach and surf. This is a must on anyone’s Sydney bucket list.
Sydney Central YHA has a free tour which departs from hostel reception 11:00am every Wednesday for the Bondi Coastal walk. Remember to join in the action, this is a great way to meet other backpackers and create some unforgettable Aussie memories.
Explore Sydney’s nearby destinations
Explore all the treasures that Sydney has on its doorstep. Surrounded by waterways, world heritage-listed wilderness, top food, wine and produce regions, Sydney is flushed with nearby destinations that appeal to backpackers, locals, young and old.
Escape to the Blue Mountains and explore the unique world heritage area that is famous for its dramatic mountain scenery, bushwalking and adventure activities. Stay at the award-winning Blue Mountains - Katoomba YHA hostel and enjoy the comfort of the log fire, cosy warm rooms, located in the heart of Katoomba. Tours leaving from Sydney are also available. Visit Blue Mountains Overnight Escape and 1 Day Blue Mountains Explore the Wilderness for special deals available to YHA members and guests.
The Hunter Valley is one of the most famous food and produce regions in Australia. With over 140 vineyards, the Hunter Valley is a foodie and wine-lovers paradise. Stay at the purpose built Hunter Valley YHA hostel which is located right in the heart of wine country and only a short walk to the local pub with meals and nightlife. You can also join a tour leaving from your Sydney hostel. See Hunter Valley Overnight Experience and Hunter Valley Day Trip for special deals available to YHA members and guests.
Port Stephens is known for its wonderful beaches and beautiful sheltered bays. Enjoy surfing, coastal walks, local cafes and restaurants. If you're an experienced surfer, don't miss One Mile Beach, Box Beach and Birubi Beach. Stay at Port Stephens YHA hostel and experience the unique bungalows nestled amongst the rainforest garden. Spot a koala from your balcony and chill by the hostel swimming pool.
Enjoy the culture and ambience of Surry Hills Markets
On the first Saturday of every month Surry Hills comes alive with all things stylish, alternative and bohemian. Surry Hills Markets has a great variety of unique market stores from local designer labels, to vintage fashion, antiques, books and hand-made beauty products. It’s a great place to discover souvenirs for friends and family back home that aren’t your typical keyrings, magnets and t-shirts.
While enjoying your walk around the markets, experience the local atmosphere and live music that helps bring the neighbourhood alive. The markets are open between 7:00am to 4:00pm and are located in Shannon Reserve, Surry Hills, which is just a short walk from the hostel.
Discover Sydney’s small bar scene
The Sydney small bar scene has exploded in the last few years with an amazing range of bars hidden in unsuspecting places - underground in a basement, tucked away in an alleyway or perched on the rooftop of a high rise building. Visiting some of Sydney’s best small bars is like going on a treasure hunt. Choose your favourite tipple – there are specialty wine, beer, rum, whiskey and tequila bars to discover. Sydney’s small bars are famous for their diversity and unique themed interiors. There is everything from 1930’s American prohibition style bars, Comic Book theme bars to speciality Mexican Tequila tasting bars.
Some of Sydney’s best and most loved small bars are located in the Surry Hills area, which is only a short walk from the Sydney Central YHA hostel. Each week meet fellow backpackers in the reception area and join them for a night out on town and see what Sydney has to offer.