Let's meet the Sydney Central YHA!

Exclusive interview with one of Sydney's most popular hostels

Sydney Central YHA is a one of the city's most popular hostels winning three times (and Hall of Fame) at the Australian Tourism Awards. In our exclusive interview with Cindy Jones, Business Development Manager at Sydney YHA, we get the lowdown on how they roll Down Under.

1. What's the best thing about your hostel?

We usually big up our facilities here - pool, sauna, rooftop city views and BBQ area. We even have an inhouse cinema - two free movies a day with popcorn! The best thing about YHA is our guests. We like to welcome people to Australia and help them find their feet.

2. Do you organise any activities for your guests?

We have daily activities that are usually free to join. These usually involve inhouse events like BBQs or walking tours and local events. Guests just need to sign up at reception.

3. Do you get any special requests from your guests?

Oh we get all sorts of requests! Usually people trying to hook up with travellers who failed to get their number before they left! It's a tricky one for us, as we have to protect our customers privacy, but we usually pass the message on and love does the rest. On Valentines Day we had a request from a boyfriend who had roses delivered to the hostel. He asked us to decorate the room with them prior to their arrival. That was pretty cute.

4. What are your staff like?

We have young, cosmopolitan staffers that represent modern Australia. Most of them are locals as we think it's important for guests to meet people who know their home city. Languages are important in the hostel business and Sydney Central always has one staff member with Chinese language skills.

5. What type of guests arrive in Sydney Central? Young backpackers or do you have maturer visitors?

YHA welcomes everyone to Sydney, but the vast majority of our guests are either international or Australians aged 18-35. Sydney Central does have some private family rooms and some groups stay over during the winter months.

6. Do backpacker travellers still exist? Or have they been replaced by flashpackers and other kinds of travelers?

No – backpackers rule! The flashpackers have always been there, but to be honest the name is just a marketing term. More affluent guests usually want the social hostel experience alongside backpackers. Just they have more money and prefer to stay in a private room instead of a dorm. Overall more than 500,000 backpackers come to Australia each year.

7. Do you have any tips you can give HostelsClub about cheap restaurants, markets and cafes in Sydney?

Sydney Central is only one block away from Sydney’s Chinatown and we definitely recommend Paddy’s Market for fresh veggies and fruit. Also if your budget is stretched then get your main meal at the smaller Chinese cafes. You can get a huge plate of fresh food for $5-10 and this will feed you for the day. Lunchtimes are much cheaper than the evening. Second tip is buy up picnic style food and take it down to the Botanic Gardens on the harbour.

8. What is the best time to visit Sydney?

Any time is good in Sydney! Summer is the busiest because of our New Year celebrations at Sydney Harbour. But I actually like the quieter months, the city never gets cold and the days are incredibly bright and clear. May is a great time to visit because of the Vivid Festival – the world’s biggest light and sound festival. It's based around the Opera House and Harbour Bridge and competely free.

9. Can you tell us the most bizarre episode that's happened in your hostel?

Photo attached – from a sweet but inebriated guest! We love guests to have had a great time in Sydney but it can have side effects!

10. Why do you think a traveller should stay in a hostel instead of a hotel?

We usually say there is an ‘s’ in hostel for a reason and it stands for social. Hostels are all about the communal atmosphere. YHA tries to have the best kitchens and lounge rooms because that’s where people make new friends. Of course, hostels save you money and if you are travelling alone then its much cheaper to pay for a bed than a room.