Welcome to Secret Garden!

FAQ

My question is not listed.

Not a problem, just send us an email, call us on +61 2 9699 3964 or visit the Contact Us page to fill out an email form.

How do I get to the hostel from the airport?

We recommend you take the train from the airport to the hostel. Follow the signs through the departure plaza of the airport to the Train Station. Purchase a train ticket to Central Train Station (cost is approximately $17 one way). Once you arrive at Central Station, make your way to the Chalmers Street Exit. Turn right and walk up Chalmers Street past Prince Alfred Park. After a few minutes you will reach Cleveland Street. Cross the road and you have reached the hostel! Visit our Find Us page for more information.

Is breakfast provided?

No, breakfast is not included, however, every Sunday we offer a special pancake breakfast between 9am -11am.

Should I bring my own linen?

No, we provide clean linen for you and will have your bed fully prepared for you when you arrive. Sleeping bags are prohibited due to Australian health regulations. We do not provide towels however they are available to hire from reception.

Can I park my car at Secret Garden Backpackers?

Unfortunately we do not provide car parking for guests. As we are located in a busy part of the city, long term car parking options are scarce. There are short term free parking spots located outside the hostel on a first come, first served basis.

I want to work while in Sydney, how do I apply for a Tax File Number (TFN)?

We recommend that you register for a tax-file number immediately after arriving in Australia so you can hit the ground running. You will need to provide a postal address so feel free to use ours: 243 Cleveland Street, Redfern, NSW Australia, 2016. All the information on applying for a TFN is provided <a href=”https://iar.ato.gov.au/iarweb/default.aspx?pid=4&amp;sid=1&amp;outcome=1″ target=”_blank”>here</a>.

I’m arriving late at night, how do I check in?

Checking in late is no problem. When you arrive at the hostel just call us on +61 2 9699 3964 and our friendly night manager will check you in to your room. Please note that we will hold on to your passport overnight and return it the following morning following payment.

I’m arriving at the hostel early, can I check in before 2 pm?

Our check in time is at 2 pm, however if you arrive early we will gladly store your luggage for free and allow you to use all of our facilities including showers, bathrooms, Wi-Fi, computers and all communal areas and kitchen. Out of respect to our sleeping guests, we typically do not allow access to the rooms before 12 o’clock unless the entire room is vacant. The time between check in and check out is used to clean all the rooms and prepare the beds for new guests.

It’s my first time staying in a hostel. What should I expect?

Staying in a backpacker hostel is great fun and an easy way to meet new friends. The rooms are all shared dorms equipped with bunk beds. All of our guests are similar-minded international travellers aged between 18 and 35, hoping to enjoy the beautiful city of Sydney without spending a fortune. We pride ourselves on creating a fun and friendly atmosphere at the hostel which is why many of our guests quickly meet new friends to travel Australia with.

What activities does the hostel organise to meet new people?

We have a dedicated entertainment manager who organises daily events to bring everyone in the hostel together. These include great nights out with free entry and drink, free BBQs, day trips to the beach, movie nights and heaps more! Make sure you check out the events board near reception to see what’s on.

How far is Secret Garden from the City Centre?

We are located just a 10 minute walk to the city centre. We are a 5 minute walk to Central train station which connects to all areas of Sydney including the Blue Mountains and the Central Coast. We are also just a 5 minute train journey to either Bondi or the city centre.