Sydney Harbour YHA

Top choice in Circular Quay & The Rocks


Any qualms about the unhostel-like prices will be shelved the moment you head up to the ample rooftop space of this sprawling, modern hostel and see the superb views of Circular Quay. Very well run, the hostel has spacious en-suite four- and six-berth dorms and a selection of decent-value-for-Sydney private rooms. There are also numerous sustainability initiatives in place.

It's located on top of an archaeological site; you can check out the remnants of the convict-era houses downstairs. Loads of activities and tour bookings give you lots of options for your stay.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby Circular Quay & The Rocks attractions

1. The Big Dig

0.03 MILES

Before the outbreak of bubonic plague in the early 20th century and the subsequent slum clearances, this section of the Rocks was a warren of houses…

2. Susannah Place Museum

0.03 MILES

Dating from 1844, this diminutive terrace of four houses and a shop is a fascinating time capsule of life in the Rocks. A personable guide takes you…

3. Argyle Cut

0.07 MILES

Convict labourers excavated this canyon-like section of road clear through the sandstone ridge that gave the Rocks its name. The work began in 1843 with…

4. Suez Canal

0.09 MILES

One of few remaining such lanes, the Suez Canal tapers downhill until less than a metre wide (hence the name, also a pun on the word 'sewers')…

5. Museum of Contemporary Art

0.12 MILES

The MCA is a showcase for Australian and international contemporary art, with a rotating permanent collection and temporary exhibitions. Aboriginal art…

6. Observatory Hill

0.12 MILES

Lording it over the Rocks, but strangely tucked away, Observatory Hill is great for a picnic. Studded with huge Moreton Bay fig trees, the grassy hilltop…

7. Garrison Church

0.12 MILES

Also known as Holy Trinity (1843), this pretty sandstone Anglican church at the western end of the Argyle Cut was the colony’s first military church…

8. Rocks Discovery Museum

0.13 MILES

Divided into four displays – Warrane (pre-1788), Colony (1788–1820), Port (1820–1900) and Transformations (1900 to the present) – this small, excellent…