About

Please note: Our property will not allow check-ins from 29 December 2025 to 1 January 2026. Check-outs will also not be permitted from 31 December 2025 to 1 January 2026. We kindly ask guests to plan their stay accordingly.

The Original Backpackers has a beautiful building,a great location,friendly and knowledgeable staff and great facilities.The Original backpackers is located in the vibrant food and entertainment precinct of Kings Cross,only 200 metres from Kings Cross train station.We are only a 30 minute walk to the Opera House via The Royal Botanic gardens and Mrs Macquarie’s Point(Sydney’s best view!).

We have a big,modern well-equipped kitchen ,a sunny courtyard great for meeting and mingling and a great TV and chill out lounge,with Netflix on the big screen.Our coin operated laundry has big,modern washers and dryers.

For your entertainment: we have a games room with Playstation 4 and a 60' TV, Chess, Board games, & Cards.

We have sports equipment behind the reception counter with tennis racquets, footballs and basketballs. We will direct you to the nearest court or park.
We have fast and free unlimited wi fi ,with coverage through all the hostel so you can stay connected in your bed.

We have double and twin rooms,with and without private bathroom all with TVs,fridges,kettles and free tea and coffee.Dorms range from 4 bed to 10 beds, ,all with storage lockers,privacy sheets and fridges.

Free bike storage and e-battery charging station
If you have a car or van we have a special deal with the local car park- $25 for 24 hours parking. See us at the front desk to access this.
We provide free dinners (Monday, Thursday and saturday), This is a great way to mingle with other like minded backpackers.
This is in addition to our free breakfast 7 days a week and free tea and coffee all day every day. Check in is at 2 pm. We have a luggage storage room.

House Rules

Check In

14:00 - 24:00

Check Out

until 10:00

  • Taxes Included
View House Rules

Facilities

  • Free Breakfast
  • Free City Maps
  • Free WiFi
  • Free Internet Access
  • Free Security Lockers
  • Free Luggage Storage
  • Jobs Board
  • Luggage Storage
View all facilities

Reviews

8.1Fabulous(1580)
  • Value for Money
    8.1
  • Security
    8.3
  • Atmosphere
    7.8
  • Cleanliness
    7.4
  • Staff
    8.6
  • Location
    8.8
  • Facilities
    7.9
Summary of traveller reviews

The Original Backpackers Hostel in Sydney is praised for its incredibly friendly and helpful staff, creating a welcoming, family-like atmosphere. Guests enjoy the social vibe, making it easy to meet people, and appreciate the free breakfast and occasional free dinners. While some mention noise and occasional cleanliness issues, the overall sentiment is positive, especially for solo travellers and those seeking a social experience.

Was this helpful?
Stayed in May 2026
5.7
N
Núria
Female, 18-24, Spain
i am a 23 y/o travelling alone (stayed at many hostels before), and i had 3 nights but could just do 1. i felt very uncomfortable with the men there, since i got looks and some comments. everything was very dirty as well. the short-term stays were okay, but there were so many long-term (i guess) smoking weed all day at the door (which made the whole hostel smell), even at 3am i would wake up and the whole room would smell. the staff were nice and tried to handle my leaving as best as possible
Stayed in Apr 2026
10
A
Ash
Female, 25-30, England
Great hostel, lovely people & great staff too. Very laid back if you enjoy that vibe
Stayed in Apr 2026
3.1
T
Ty
Male, 18-24, USA
It was dirty and SO loud until late. It’s mostly long term stays. Run down, would never stay there again.
View all reviews

Location

162 Victoria Street, Kings Cross, Sydney, Australia
1.6km from city centre
speech

Hostelworld says

The Original Backpackers Hostel is in a leafy, green area of King's Cross, within walking distance of Sydney Harbour Bridge, the Opera House, Darling Harbour and more. This hostel is in a Victorian building which our guests tell us has "a vintage feel" and "heaps of character". We like this hostel's blend of friendly parties and quiet nights; as one Hostelworld reviewers said, it has "a buzzing atmosphere....but [is] still quiet enough at night for a good night's sleep". The highly praised, friendly staff host events nearly every night.