Secret Garden Backpackers, Sydney Hostel Exterior photoSecret Garden Backpackers, Sydney Hostel Exterior photoSecret Garden Backpackers, Sydney Hostel Food photo

SECRET GARDEN BACKPACKERS, SYDNEY, Sydney

Book here — the same hotel, at a lower price
up to 10% cheaper
than Booking.com
Check rooms and rates
From$17 /night
Check-in
31Aug
Check-out
01Aug
Rooms and Guests2 Guests, 1 Room

About the Hotel

243-247 Cleveland Street, Sydney, 2016-
Close to Central Park

Key Highlights

Less than 10 minutes' walk from Central Station and bus stop right outside

Daily free social events (BBQ, pasta night, Sunday pancakes, walking tours, movie nights)

No air conditioning in rooms but fans are provided

Shared bathrooms only - no private bathroom options

Age policy: 18-35 years only

Hotel Details

Location

Within a 10-minute walk of Central Station, Surry Hills dining and Darling Harbour.
Located in Redfern, the hostel is a 7-10 minute walk from Central Station, giving direct rail access across Sydney and to the airport (Kingsford Smith Airport is 6 km away). A bus stop is right outside. Surry Hills' shops, restaurants and bars are within a 10-minute walk, and Darling Harbour is 25 minutes on foot. Prince Alfred Park is adjacent for swimming and relaxation.

Accommodation

Dormitory accommodation with shared bathrooms, lockers and no private bathrooms.
Rooms range from 12 to 30 m². All accommodation is dormitory-style with shared bathrooms; private rooms have a single-over-double bunk bed and a sink. There are no private bathroom options. Bed linen is provided; towels are available for hire. Rooms have lockers (large enough for luggage), ceiling fans but no air conditioning, and carpeted floors. Windows in some rooms offer limited ventilation and rooms can be warm in summer.

Dining

No restaurant on site; two shared kitchens and free social meals weekly.
There is no restaurant or cafe at the hostel. The property provides two self-catering kitchens equipped with stoves (some stoves may be non-functional), microwaves, fridge space, and all necessary cooking equipment. Free weekly meals include Sunday pancakes (limited to about 20 servings), Friday BBQ, and pasta night. A vending machine offers drinks. Breakfast availability depends on room selection; no detailed breakfast menu is provided.

Wellness and Leisure

Garden with BBQ, TV lounge, game room, and daily free activities.
The property features a garden with outdoor furniture and BBQ facilities, a TV lounge, a games room, and a sun terrace. Daily free activities include evening entertainment, walking tours, movie nights, and board games. Free social events (BBQ, pasta night, pancake breakfast) are scheduled weekly. Prince Alfred Park, adjacent, has a swimming pool and green space.

Facilities and Services

Free Wi-Fi, luggage storage, lockers, laundry, and shared kitchens.
Wi-Fi is free in all rooms and common areas. Luggage storage is free on check-in and again on check-out day (until reception closes at 20:00). Lockers are provided in dormitories. Laundry machines are available at $5 per wash and $5 per dry. Hairdryers are available. The property has a shared kitchen, designated smoking area (garden until 22:00), and is non-smoking indoors. No lift; rooms are on upper floors accessible by stairs. No pets allowed.
Highly rated by guestsof Secret Garden Backpackers, Sydney
Inviting spaceComfy bedGood locationFriendly staffCommunal atmosphere
  • Dining

    Friday Feast

    “The Friday night BBQ was a highlight. Plenty of delicious food was available. A great, enjoyable experience.”

    Jack from Australia
    Review on
  • Media & Entertainment

    Social Hub

    “The TV room is very social, a great space for everyone to meet and connect with like-minded travellers.”

    Hans from Netherlands
    Review on
  • Room Features

    Dorm Perks

    “My dorm bed included two power sockets. Fans kept the 12-bed mixed dorm relatively cool.”

    Rajesh from India
    Review on
  • Bathroom

    Refreshing Showers

    “Despite being shared, the shower's water pressure was excellent. No need to keep pressing the button.”

    Naomi from Canada
    Review on

Critical Operational Notes

  • Check-in: 14:00-00:00; check-out: 10:00; early or late requests are not guaranteed.
  • Reception hours: weekdays 08:00-20:00, weekends 09:00-19:00; arrivals outside these hours must call to be let in.
  • No on-site parking; limited free street parking nearby or paid Secure Parking on Goulburn Street (10-minute walk).
  • Pets are not allowed.
  • Bikes are not allowed inside the hostel.
  • E-bike batteries cannot be charged on site.
  • Smoking and vaping only in the garden until 22:00.
  • Luggage storage is free on check-in and check-out days until reception closes.
  • Towels available for hire ($2 rental + $5 deposit).

Most popular facilities

at Secret Garden Backpackers, Sydney
Wi-Fi
Kitchen facilities
Laundry
TV
Facilities for kids
Luggage storage

Top Strategic Tips

  • 01

    Arrive after 14:00 check-in and before 20:00 weekdays or 19:00 weekends to avoid being locked out; reception closes early and late arrivals require calling a staff member.

  • 02

    Use the train from Kingsford Smith Airport to Central Station (7-minute walk) instead of a taxi; airport shuttle is not available.

  • 03

    Choose a private room if you prefer more space and a sink in the room; shared dormitories are compact and can be warm due to no air conditioning.

  • 04

    Plan to use luggage storage on check-in and check-out days (free until 20:00) if you have a late flight.

Choose your room type

Secret Garden Backpackers, Sydney — double rooms, family rooms, and suites. Breakfast options and free cancellation available on selected rates
  • Standard Double or Twin Room
    2 persons
    12 sq. feet
    1 Double bed
    Shower
  • Bed 4-Bed Mixed Dormitory Room
    2 persons
    15 sq. feet
    1 Bunk bed
    Shower
  • Bed 6-Bed Mixed Dormitory Room
    2 persons
    18 sq. feet
    1 Bunk bed
    Shower
Show all rooms

Hotel Price Calendar

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August 2026 - August 2027
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Check-in/ Check-out

Facilities

What's included at Secret Garden Backpackers, Sydney — facilities and services available during your stay
Facilities: Very good
7.6/10Review score

General

  • Non-smoking rooms
  • Wi-Fi
  • No pets allowed
  • Luggage storage
  • Locker room
  • Vending machines
  • Smoke detectors

Guest Parking

  • Shared kitchen

Services

  • Laundry
  • Tours/Ticket assistance

Business

  • Fax/Photocopying

Children

  • Board games
  • Game room

Spa & Leisure

  • Entertainment
  • Sun terrace
  • Garden area
  • BBQ facilities
  • Leisure/ TV room

Room features

  • Terrace
  • Garden furniture

Self-catering

  • Shared kitchen

Room decor

  • Carpeted floor
Show more

Secret Garden Backpackers, Sydney Location

243-247 Cleveland Street, Sydney, 2016
Explore Sydney
Explore Sydney
  • Top Attractions
  • Activities
  • Dining
  • Entertainment
SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium
25 minutes' walk
Aquarium featuring marine life from Australia's waters. Daily talks and feeding shows enhance the experience.
Darling Harbour
25 minutes' walk
Vibrant waterfront precinct with cafes, shops, and leisure activities, ideal for families and couples alike.
Powerhouse Museum
19 minutes' walk
Museum focusing on science, technology, and design, featuring interactive exhibits and historical collections.
Royal Botanic Gardens
35 minutes' walk
Beautiful gardens showcasing diverse flora, with stunning views of the Sydney Opera House and Harbour.
Biking at Centennial Park
15 minutes' drive
Wide paths for cycling or jogging, bike rentals available. Great for outdoor enthusiasts looking to enjoy nature.
Yoga Classes
10 minutes' walk
Relaxing yoga sessions at nearby studios. Perfect for those seeking mindfulness and rejuvenation during their stay.
Scenic Harbour Cruise
25 minutes' walk
Thrilling boat tours around Sydney Harbour, offering breathtaking views of the skyline and iconic landmarks.
Mai Viet
3 minutes' walk
Authentic Vietnamese dishes in a casual atmosphere. Known for pho and fresh spring rolls. Vegetarian options available.
Emad's
4 minutes' walk
Middle Eastern restaurant serving mezze and grilled meats. Welcoming vibe with vegetarian and gluten-free dishes available.
Breadfern Bakery
4 minutes' walk
Artisan bakery featuring freshly baked bread and pastries. Known for its cozy atmosphere and quality ingredients.
Belvoir Street Theatre
5 minutes' walk
Intimate venue showcasing innovative performances. Notable for its diverse programming and engaging productions.
Palace Cinema
20 minutes' walk
Local cinema featuring independent films and blockbusters. Enjoy a laid-back atmosphere perfect for movie lovers.
Getting around
  • City Centre
    Sydney 23 min  ·  1.2 mi
  • Airports
    Kingsford Smith (SYD) 10 min  ·  4.0 mi
    Wollongong (WOL) 146 min  ·  60.5 mi
Book early and pay less
See available rates for your dates
Check Rates
Property information and rules
Check-in
from 14:00-23:59
Check-out
from 08:00-10:00
Guest Parking
No parking available.
Internet
Wireless internet is available in the entire hotel for free.
Children & extra beds
There are no cots provided in a room. 
Pets
Pets are not allowed.
Languages
English, German, Spanish, Italian
Number of rooms:
135

Guest Reviews and Ratings

What guests said after staying at Secret Garden Backpackers, Sydney
Review score
Based on 519 verified reviews
7.6 /10
Very good
73 %
Recommend
Cleanliness
7.6/10
Comfort
7.5/10
Facilities
7.6/10
Free WiFi
8.4/10
Location
8.8/10
Staff
8.9/10
Value for money
8.1/10
Pros
Convenient location
Friendly staff
Nice common areas
Cons
Small rooms
Guest reviews
based on 1036 reviews
7.6/10
No reviews yet on our siteUnfortunately, our guests have not yet left any reviews for this hotel, but you can read reviews from Booking.com.
Open reviews
FAQs
About Secret Garden Backpackers, Sydney
What is the distance from Secret Garden Backpackers, Sydney to the nearest airport?
The nearest airport is Kingsford Smith Airport, located 6 km from the property.
What are the check-in and check-out times at Secret Garden Backpackers, Sydney?
Check-in is at 14:00 and check-out is by 10:00.
What recreational activities are available at Secret Garden Backpackers, Sydney?
Guests can enjoy musical bingo in the garden, karaoke in Scruffy Murphys, and movie nights.
What amenities are available in the shared accommodation at Secret Garden Backpackers, Sydney?
Guests can access Wi-Fi, laundry facilities, a leisure/TV room, a game room, and luggage storage.
How close is Secret Garden Backpackers, Sydney to major attractions?
The property is less than a 10-minute walk from Sydney's Central Train Station and a 25-minute walk to Darling Harbour.
Which nearby restaurants can guests visit while staying at Secret Garden Backpackers, Sydney?
Nearby restaurants include Nada's Lebanese Restaurant, Abduls, Ventotto, Mjolner, Mai Viet, and Fat Angel Bar and Dine, all within 0.5 km.
What room features are provided at Secret Garden Backpackers, Sydney?
Shared dormitories consist of bunk beds, while some rooms are equipped with a television.

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