Updated in November 2009
Sydney Harbour YHA rocks The Rocks
By Emma Gregg, author of The Rough Guide to East Coast Australia
A brand new backpackers’ hostel in the heart of Australia’s most exciting city is offering Sydney Opera House views for a song.
Is
it close to the action?
You can’t get much closer: it’s just a five minute walk
from Circular Quay. Several of the rooms have Opera House
views, but even if you don’t manage to bag one of those,
you’ll be blown away by the communal rooftop terrace with
its sparkling harbour panorama.
Will
I like the atmosphere?
Sydney’s YHA team have pulled out the stops to make their
newest hostel a great place to hang out. According to
manager Ross Lardner, its communal areas have been
carefully designed “to encourage guests to mingle and share
stories from their travels.”
So far, guests have been full of praise. One commented:
“Facilities like no other backpackers I’ve stayed at.
Absolutely loved it!” Another added: “This is surely the
best YHA in the world.”
What’s
on offer?
Budget
accommodation in twin, double and family rooms, plus
four-to-six-bed shared rooms, all with en-suite bathrooms
and individual lockable cupboards with power points, so you
can safely stash your gear and recharge your gadgets.
Shared guest facilities include a self-catering kitchen,
dining area and lounge, laundry rooms, internet cafe,
coffee bar, cycle storage, tour booking desk and
convenience store.
And
the price tag?
With
rates starting at A$42 per person for a bed in a six-person
room and A$159 per room for a double or twin, YHA Sydney
Harbour is among the best accommodation bargains in The
Rocks, one of Sydney’s most popular districts.
Do
I have to be a YHA member?
No,
but members benefit from discounted rates (from A$37.50 per
night for a bed in a six-person shared room).
Online
bookings for Sydney Harbour YHA and other YHA Australia
hostels: www.yha.com.au
Further information about
Sydney Harbour YHA: www.sydneyharbouryha.com.au
Please
respect the copyright of the text and photos on this
website.
©
Emma Gregg.
All rights reserved.