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A Guide To Backpacking in Sydney on The East Coast Australia
- Deb Carr
- Jan 30
- 6 min read
Sydney is famous for the Opera House and the Sydney Harbour Bridge, as well as some of its famous beaches. Situated on the East Coast Australia, Sydney may be one of the most expensive cities in the world, but there is no denying that it is also one of the most beautiful with its gorgeous harbour and iconic landmarks.
Here is our guide to backpacking in Sydney that doesn't have to cost you a fortune and you can also check out our Sydney Travel Guide for more information.
This multicultural city provides for great entertainment, partying and food!
A Guide To Backpacking in Sydney
Sydney Daily Backpacker Budget
Sydney isn’t a cheap backpacker destination, but it is manageable with a bit of planning. Dorm beds in hostels generally start around $30 per night, public transport is affordable with an Opal card, and food costs can be kept low by sticking to takeaway, food courts, or cooking in hostel kitchens. Alcohol is where costs climb quickly, so many budget travellers opt for bottle shops or happy-hour deals. Overall, Sydney rewards backpackers who mix free experiences — beaches, coastal walks and neighbourhood exploring — with smart daily spending.
A realistic backpacker budget for Sydney is around $70–120 per day, depending on accommodation choices, meals and nights out.
Australian Visas
First things first: most backpackers who want to work and travel in Australia will apply for a Working Holiday visa (subclass 417 or 462). This visa lets you stay in Australia for up to 12 months and work to help fund your trip, and it’s open to travellers from eligible countries in their late teens and twenties. The application fee is around AUD 670, though this can change over time and you may also need to budget for things like health checks or police certificates depending on your nationality.
Applications are made online through the Australian Government’s Home Affairs website, and approval can take anywhere from a few days to several weeks depending on your passport and checks required.
Backpacker Jobs in Australia
Once you have your visa sorted you can register for labour hire companies, or other part time/casual work. Many backpackers work in the summer months picking fruit. You may also need to have a certificate to work i.e. traffic controller and this will also add a cost to your holiday. If you are keen to work you should have no trouble finding backpacker jobs in Australia.
You will be taxed in Australia so check out the rules on the Australian Taxation Website.
Australia Travel Advice for Backpackers (2026)
Australia is a relaxed and welcoming country, but it’s still important to travel smart. Here are some practical tips for backpackers visiting or working in Australia:
Check your visa conditions carefully, especially if you plan to leave Australia and re-enter. Some visas have travel restrictions or expiry dates that can catch people out.
Do your research before you arrive. Read recent traveller reviews, blogs, and official Australian Government websites for up-to-date advice.
Take out comprehensive travel insurance. If you’re not a permanent resident, you are not covered by Medicare, and medical costs can be very expensive.
Buy a local SIM card or eSIM for maps, transport apps, emergency access and accommodation bookings.
Leave a copy of your passport and travel details with a trusted contact or store them securely online.
Be prepared for extreme heat, particularly in summer. Temperatures can be intense if you’re not used to hot climates.
Swim only between the flags at beaches and be aware of rips and strong currents — they are one of the biggest dangers for visitors.
When travelling alone in taxis or rideshares, sit in the back seat and trust your instincts.
On late-night city trains, stay near the guard’s compartment or in carriages with other passengers.
Pickpocketing is uncommon, but don’t leave valuables unattended or make yourself an easy target in busy tourist areas.
Backpacker Accommodation
Sydney is famous for its backpacker hostels and there is a host of great places to choose from. It's good to be respectful of the locals if you are staying in a populated area such as Potts Point and keep the noise down late at night. Other options are to find work that also provides accommodation. You could also try camping and hire a campervan but it's not as cheap as you may except. Some holiday parks are reasonable to stay in.
The most favourite places for backpacking in Sydney are:
Kings Cross
Sydney Central YHA is a budget accommodation in Kings Cross. Included is free breakfast, city maps, internet, wifi and linen included.
Bondi Beach
If it's the famous Bondi Beach that you are craving then Bondi Beach is definitely the place to stay.
Manly Beach
Take the ferry across to Manly and you may never want to come back! Manly is truly a great place to stay in Sydney, it's out of the CBD and close to bushwalks and the other Northern beaches.
Popular Things to do in Sydney
Surfing
Many backpackers in Sydney are experienced surfers and head on down to Manly or Bondi to surf with the locals. If you have never surfed and wish to learn then checkout the surfing lessons at the iconic Bondi Beach with an expert instructor. You can learn the basics in a group session or have one on one.
The Rocks
Sydney's historical convict precinct, The rocks is situated near Sydney Harbour Bridge. In 1788 the British began colonising Sydney in this area by the harbour. With picturesque views, cobblestone laneways, workman's cottages, historical buildings made of sandstone The Rocks offers plenty to fascinate visitors to Sydney. For a great night out some of Sydney's oldest pubs are situated in The Rocks. For a cheap meal check out the Friday Foodie Markets at the Rocks.
Sydney Museums and Culture
For entertainment on a budget you will probably find something interesting at the Museums and the Art Gallery of NSW. Both are free to enter except for exhibitions which are sometimes charged for. There's also the Museum of Contemporary Art that's worth a trip.
Watch the Stars From the Sydney Observatory
Situated in the The Rocks parklands the Sydney Observatory offers great views of the city. Admission to the observatory is free during the day but you will need to book for the tours starting from $10 pp. Check out the website if you are an astronomy lover to see what is on offer.
Pylon Lookout
Pylon Lookout is one of Sydney’s best vantage points. The 200 stairs up to the lookout will give you a spectacular view of the harbour, including the bridge and opera house. You will also discover history of this famous Sydney landmark too. Entry $15 per adult. It's definitely worth a visit for those instagram photos you might want to take.
For more things to do in Sydney navigate through this website as these suggestions are just a few on offer, there are far too many too name in one article.
Getting Around Sydney
Sydney's public transport consists of rail, bus, taxi, ferry, fast ferry, uber, hop on hop off bus and light rail. You will need an opal card for getting around Sydney. You can purchase these at some convenience stores, newsagents and railway stations. Opal cards can be topped up at some train stations, newsagents or online. Many people take the ferry across the Sydney Harbour as day trips.
Easting in Sydney on a Backpackers Budget
There may be times when eating out isn't in the budget but you can still eat well with the local supermarkets such as Coles and Woolworths and some of the Metro Woolworths have great salads, prepared meals and delicatessen.
Also check out some of the foodie markets as mentioned above such as The Rocks, Kings Cross Markets and Carriageworks Farmers Market or head down to Chinatown for cheap eats.
Sydney Tap water is safe to drink and free!
More Information for Backpackers
Australia's Internet isn't the fastest and it can be expensive which is another gripe of many locals. The good news is that you can pretty much get free WiFi at places such as shopping centres, McDonalds, cafes and the airport.
Sydney is pretty lame when it comes to shopping hours. In the CBD shops open at 10.00 am until 7pm at the latest, and everywhere else they close at around 5 or 6pm expect for Thursday late night shopping where most shops close at 9.00pm.
Tipping in Australia
Tipping in Australia is really up to the individual and it's not usually expected. However, if you have had exceptional service you might like to offer a tip. Restaurants are the usual places to tip provided you are happy with the service and food. It is not expected in hotels for concierge, bag service, or housekeeping, nor for cafes, hairdressers and taxis like some other countries.
Travelling North of Sydney
If you are looking for other places to visit beyond Sydney check out travel reviews on the Mid North Coast and North Coast on Deb Carr's other website: North Coast NSW Leisure and Life.