Manly Backpackers

Australia , Sydney - NSW
MANLY, 24 - 28 Raglan St
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100 reviews shown

10/10

Exceptional

20 Nov 2025

Kaspar

Amazing service and easy check-in/check-out. Surprised I could find value this good in such a prime location.
Place could do with a good deep clean though, that’s hostels though

Leisure Self

8/10

Excellent

11 Apr 2025

Merv

GRRREAT location and experience

Business Self

6/10

Pleasant

12 Mar 2025

Verified traveler

Soggy bathroom

Typical hostel grime. Bathroom was just always wet, and wasn’t cleaned once over the two night stay. Staff was lovely and always helpful and friendly. The location is hard to beat.

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

10 Mar 2025

Emily

The staff were awesome!

Leisure Self

4/10

Poor

07 Mar 2025

Alex

Dirty, loud and not cheap

Really dirty, staring at the same dead flies all weekend let's you know they don't clean anything. Showers smelt pretty bad. Room was just generally gross on all surfaces. Windows don't shut properly so street is full volume and market gets set up early at the weekends right outside.
Location is great but a really poor quality hostel. I've stayed in a lot of backpackers places but this was one of the grossest, which is kinda crazy given the price.

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

27 Jan 2025

Jodi

Loved the location had everything I needed and staff very helpful

Leisure Self

2/10

Poor

26 Jan 2025

Josephine

Im going to report it to the dept of Health its disgusting. No need for filth like that, no ventilation, soap or hand towels. The showers havent been cleaned in years (or anything else) it stank

10/10

Exceptional

11 Dec 2024

Abi

Good budget place at Manly

I have stayed at Boardriders a lot over the past 4 years and it’s a really nice simple budget place at Manly

Self

6/10

Pleasant

01 Dec 2024

David

Basic - good value for the price and it's location

Leisure Partner

8/10

Excellent

14 Sep 2024

Daniel

Lady at check in was very friendly & helpful

Business_and_leisure Self

8/10

Excellent

29 Aug 2024

Merv

Good value for money

Business Self

4/10

Poor

05 Apr 2024

floriane

8/10

Excellent

29 Mar 2024

Carl

Loved the classic hostel feel and intense walkability and beach access. The facility needs some repairs, but if you're young and traveling and need an inexpensive place, perfect. It's loud, but no more so than any other hostel experience. I felt a bit too old to be there at 29, but then again I'm fairly low key and wasn't keen on the party life.

Leisure Self

8/10

Excellent

13 Jan 2024

Shelli

Convienient location within a good walking distance to the ferry and beaches. Plenty of local shops to choose from to eat as well as local supermarkets. The front reception area is a bit tight for space. The staff at the front desk were always friendly, cheerful, and helpful. The building corridors, and stairways feel quite dark. There seems to be a good large space upstairs available to socialize.

Leisure Partner

2/10

Poor

08 Dec 2023

Crystal

Was horrible

10/10

Exceptional

12 Nov 2023

Bob

Everything was just great thank you.

10/10

Exceptional

28 Oct 2023

Christopher

Great place to stay in Manly, Guest's need help.

The Elevator needs to be fixed, Otherwise a wonderful stay, the guests were wonderful. I think some would like the different embassy's to help them get home. I can't wait to stay again soon.

Self

8/10

Excellent

28 Sep 2023

Nathan

Decent budget accommodation right on the Manly strip. Private room was reasonably large and comfy. However, it's an old building with poor soundproofing, so a fair bit of noise through the night.

Leisure Partner

8/10

Excellent

18 Sep 2023

Austin

Great location, very friendly staff!

Leisure Self

6/10

Pleasant

04 Sep 2023

Brooke

Pros: Really good location and easy to use public transport around. Lots of good options for food. Very close to lots of cute beaches and walks.

Cons: If you're a light sleeper do not recommend as its right near a pub that's noisy AF on the weekends. Markets on Saturday/Sunday start early too so can't really sleep past 7am. Strong local only bad vibes from longtermers. Messy shared kitchen space during breakfast that no-one cleaned as they used it.

Leisure Self

10/10

Exceptional

24 Aug 2023

Merv

GRRREAT value for money

8/10

Excellent

06 Aug 2023

Nathan

Friendly helpful staff. Great location. Good value for money.

Leisure Partner

10/10

Exceptional

11 Feb 2023

Merv

Great people

Business Self

6/10

Pleasant

06 Dec 2022

Verified traveler

Great location, needs a deep clean

This is a great base in Manly, the Corso facing rooms have some noise at night and the street cleaning machines start about 5.30 but earplugs should see to that.
The kitchen and communal areas need a deep clean, the room was tired and dusty, but the bed was comfortable and the shower was good.
You get what you pay for and by the amount of long-term guests it appears there are work opportunities.
The free breakfast- cereal, toast, tea+coffee was welcome.

Partner

6/10

Pleasant

09 Nov 2022

Delan

Staff are friendly and happy which is nice.
Reasonable for what it is.
Definitely noisy though. Haha

Business Self

4/10

Poor

03 Nov 2022

Giuliana

Its very run down and needs up dating and thhe bath rooms were dirty and smelt.horrible

Leisure Self

6/10

Pleasant

16 Oct 2022

Miles

6/10

Pleasant

09 Oct 2022

Miles

Close to bars

Business Self

10/10

Exceptional

23 May 2022

Mano

great price, double with shower toilet a must

2/10

Poor

02 May 2022

Timothy

Management were extremely rude and unaccommodating. I’d suggest other guest houses nearby for better facilities and service.

Leisure Self

6/10

Pleasant

17 Apr 2022

Paula

Boardriders room was comfortable although would have liked some cups to make a cup of tea. Bathrooms very rundown one of the two showers not working. Staff were really nice.

Leisure Family

10/10

Exceptional

12 Apr 2022

Jack

Amazing atmosphere, very kind and helpful staff and the location is perfect especially for ocean lovers liker myself as well as having many food and clubbing options nearby. Would stay here again for sure!

Leisure Friends

10/10

Exceptional

01 Apr 2022

Ben

Staff were great. Location second-to-none

Business

10/10

Exceptional

25 Mar 2022

Nicole

Jose was such a helpful member of staff. I had a flat tyre on the highway on the way to the backpackers. I had to wait for roadside assistance for over an hour. Jose waited for me to arrive which was well after midnight. He helped me with directions and genuinely cared about my welfare. I slept well in my single room with my dou bed. It was a good stay. Thank you. Nicole

Business Self

10/10

Exceptional

11 Dec 2021

Timothy

Easy going hostel!

Private room was very accommodating. Came with towels and shampoos. Bathrooms were right across the hall and easy to access. Check in was easy to work with and let us check in very late. Awesome room overlooking The Corso. Would recommend to those on a budget and who dont mind the hostel style of sharing. Would gladly come back!

Partner

2/10

Poor

25 Nov 2021

Shane

I never got to stay in the property as I booked. Drove 50km to it just to be turned away due to poor management saying that there where no rooms available then was called to next day and asked why I hadn’t checked in yet, then in the next breath said they where full.. I would not recommend them at all

Business_and_leisure

6/10

Pleasant

09 Nov 2021

David

Leisure

6/10

Pleasant

03 May 2021

Verified traveler

Nice people, cleanish...

Leisure Partner

8/10

Excellent

05 Apr 2021

Verified traveler

Central location - cheap as chips for manly - great value for money - great sheets and bedding for backpackers - can be a bit noisy.

Leisure

10/10

Exceptional

09 Feb 2021

Steven

Best value in Manly

Great value and top location. Friendly vibe

Self

8/10

Excellent

14 Dec 2020

Verified traveler

As advertised, pretty chilled and friendly. I was in ensuite and found it clean and roomy

Leisure Self

8/10

Excellent

13 Dec 2020

Verified traveler

Great location good clean accommodation for the price

Leisure Friends

6/10

Pleasant

29 Nov 2020

Sylvia

It is what is says - backpacker accomodation and a budget motel. You can’t beat the location, but I was not expecting the “motel” room to be without aircon, a fridge for milk etc and to have such a tiny bathroom. The doors to the midget balcony had a good street view and gave some relief from the heat but the noise from the pubs and corso lasted all night until the street cleaners arrived early am. Motto - read descriptions thoroughly- if you are young and want a friendly, funky backpacker vibe and great location this is the place - if you are over 30, need sleep and more than just a bed for the night, this isn’t the place.

Business_and_leisure Partner

4/10

Poor

16 Feb 2020

Verified traveler

Stayed there for two nights my in my mum, what a big mistake! The area is nice but very noise at night so we couldn’t sleep well. The place smells bad and is not clean at all! For the price I could have paid for a better place to stay, way too expensive for what you get!

Leisure Family

4/10

Poor

26 Jan 2020

Verified traveler

Needs to be cleaned

More of a long term stay place for foreign workers than a backpackers hostel. Front desk was very nice, but room, shower, and kitchen were very dirty.

Self

8/10

Excellent

12 Jan 2020

Verified traveler

The place was good and clean. Beds were comfy, and room amenities were serviceable. Not too sure why you couldn't use the lift, though.

Leisure Self

8/10

Excellent

22 Oct 2019

Verified traveler

Great location, could see the beach from the room balcony of the double room facing the Corso.

Leisure Friends

8/10

Excellent

17 Sep 2019

Verified traveler

Great location with good sized rooms (twin) including tea and coffee facility. Bathrooms are very basic with not much space in the shower. Breakfast is included and the price good for the location

Leisure Family

8/10

Excellent

09 Mar 2019

Verified traveler

Great location friendly staff and good value. En-suite rooms best

Leisure Self

8/10

Excellent

07 Mar 2019

Verified traveler

I had an ensuite room which was clean and surprisingly quiet. Right in the heart of Manly. Heipful pleasant staff.

Friends_and_family Family

10/10

Exceptional

09 Jan 2019

Verified traveler

Nice place, good location, great staff. House cat is a nice touch.

4/10

Poor

27 Nov 2018

Verified traveler

The general building and room did not feel clean and the toilets/showers were horrendous

6/10

Pleasant

30 Oct 2018

Verified traveler

Good location and nice staff
Too loud in the rooms, walls are too thin so you hear the neighbours

6/10

Pleasant

18 Mar 2018

Verified traveler

Clean but basic. Definitely need the supplied earplugs

6/10

Pleasant

11 Nov 2017

Mattywyld

Manly Backpackers

Really good location, nice people.

6/10

Pleasant

02 Nov 2017

Peter

crash pad

Fine as an overnight crash pad
nothing worked in our room and the balcony door was stuck shut

10/10

Exceptional

30 Oct 2017

Verified traveler

Booked my brother in law to stay there whilst he visited us. He seemed to have a great time. It is good for younger travellers and students.

6/10

Pleasant

16 Oct 2017

Lenny

Overnight stay in the heart of Manly!

We had a pleasant stay at Boardrider Backpackers, the staff were friendly and also gave us ear plugs to be able to sleep as we all know hostels are noisy most nights! On check out, we did inform the manager that the room was not clean at all, the bathroom drain, room sills and under the bed were full of grime and hair... not very pleasant to see for the price we paid. All in all, the bed was comfortable and staff friendly, this backpackers just needs a really good, deep clean.

8/10

Excellent

26 Feb 2017

anna

great location

the location was brilliant

6/10

Pleasant

08 Feb 2017

Verified traveler

Great location, just by the beach, in a safe area.

Bob stared at me as soon as I opened the door. Stunned, we glared at each other, like weather-worn duelling gunslingers in the old West. Suddenly, he lurched backwards, scurrying along the wall skirting at the reception, straight under the door. Reception was closed, no one was around.

The night prior, I called ahead to make sure I was okay to check-in after 8:00 PM. The laid back lady said, \"Yeah, no worries, come whenever and call the number on the shutter\". I did, after a while the cool dude asked me to fill out the forms and pay said he didn't have a 'room card' for me... despite having trying to arrange it beforehand.

The room though was rather clean and well presented. A fan on the wall was fighting a battle with the warm heat, the window though, was losing a battle against the late Friday night revellers. Bob's cousin, Issy, would make a blatant run for the bin in the room, scurrying under the door to retreat as soon as I gave it my Godzilla laser burning eye.

The showers had seen better days, it was like a great bus load of people, who had not seen a shower in days, had been before me. The toilet... best left unspoken. Kylie, a younger sibling of Issy, glided through the corridor, like a supermodel owning the catwalk. Fast and dashing, like a celebrity evading the paparazzi.

What can I say, it's a backpacker/motel, so don't expect it to be super clean or free of bugs. I survived the night. On checkout, the dude's watch must have been 20mins slow.

4/10

Poor

07 Jan 2017

ash

No security or cleanliness whatsoever!

The girls bathroom on my floor had only 1 shower and 1 toilet stall working. And there was always sand in the corners of hallways. My room was never cleaned, there were things under the bed and on the shelf that did not belong to a single person in our room!
The kitchen fridges didn't have shelves so it was just bags piled on top of one another. This meant that sometimes the doors wouldn't close properly because there was so much stuff. There was just no order to things.
I could never close the door of my room fully because the key reader did not work. So the door was constantly propped open, leaving all of my stuff exposed and vulnerable. The door was propped open even when the room was empty!
I would try and go to reception and it would just randomly be closed.
Most guests are long term (multiple weeks to even months) so they all kind of have their clique and everyone else is an outsider. There is no social events or anything.

4/10

Poor

19 Dec 2016

syd

Bad scene

Staff where never around, the whole place was a mess the whole time. Very stuffy rooms / poor ventilation, bad beds. There seemed to be no effort put into making the place a comfortable place to stay. was meant to stay 3 nights but left early.

6/10

Pleasant

14 Nov 2016

tira

surrounded by backpackers

the room was budget. reasonable clean but there were some roaches spotted. i stayed in a private room with ensuite but from the looks of other room hygiene was an issue.

8/10

Excellent

01 Nov 2016

Isabel

Cheap, great location

Hostel is not the fanciest but doesnt matter as manly is beautiful and the location was perfect.

Partner

6/10

Pleasant

06 Oct 2016

Graeme

Position on a budget

Basic accommodation at a budget rate. Noisy rooms but free ear plugs provided!

Family

8/10

Excellent

20 Sep 2016

Verified traveler

Centre of Manly

Great location, great price, near the beach in the hub of Manly...parking close by. It's full of people having a blast if you want a peaceful time this is not the place. The building is old and tired but the facilities are cleaned daily.

4/10

Poor

12 May 2016

Andre

Not for the faint of heart

Night manager let me in promptly; gave me a card for the door, wifi instructions and some sheets; and assigned me an upper bunk. The street door and dormitory room doors are not locked. No blankets are available, although there is a sign saying they are. The bed wobbled. The floor was covered with laundry.

The men's toilet has four stalls - one o/s, one clogged up, two with no paper. Tiles cracked, hardware rusty, paint peeling, dirty, smelly.

Loud TV and conversation until about 3AM.

The free breakfast was not in evidence, but I gather it comprises cold cereal and you must provide your own bowl and cuttlery, or rent it.

Those staying here should bring their own sleeping bag, pillow, towel, soap, earplugs, toothpaste, toilet paper, bowl, and spoon.

8/10

Excellent

03 Apr 2016

Great location

the double room with ensuite was great value for money considering the location, the small balcony overlooking the corso with views of the beach, and the communal roof top bar.

2/10

Poor

31 Mar 2016

Verified traveler

Definitely budget

This is one of a number of of hostels we stayed in during our trip round Australia and I would have to say this was my least favourite. The staff were nice and helpful and Manly itself is great, but the facilities really were below standard even for a hostel. The whole place is hot and sweaty with an accompanying smell and the rooms lacked air conditioning making sleeping in this cocktail uncomfortable (there was a fan I should point out). The showers and toilets were dirty, unpleasant and in need of some renovation and the kitchen wasn't a place I'd choose to cook with a large number of the other guests choosing not to clean up after themselves. Would recommend staying in Sydney proper and visiting Manly for a day trip.

Partner

8/10

Excellent

24 Mar 2016

Tani

Very pleased.

Excellent location right near Manly Beach. Friendly staff and clean room. Basic amenities but very clean.

4/10

Poor

07 Mar 2016

Steve

Backpackers hotel

The main problem (not the hotel's fault, perhaps) is that expedia indicated that the hotel had parking on site. Since there was no parking there, leaving our car somewhere was a big problem.

But the hotel is extremely well located in Manly, within steps of the beach and the ferry to Sydney Harbour, as well as lots of shops and places to eat.

But most of the place felt very cramped with poor natural light in the rooms that I could see.

6/10

Pleasant

28 Feb 2016

Tan

Close to beach

I liked that it was close to the beach and the shops. A 10 minute walk from the wharf.

10/10

Exceptional

16 Feb 2016

Steven

Best value in Sydney?

First time here and loved it. Reception staff so friendly. I had a double room with a bathroom overlooking the Corso. Best value in Manly by a long shot.

6/10

Pleasant

10 Feb 2016

Tom

Reasonably Cheap Acomm in an expensive City

Well located. Clean and quiet comfortable. A bit noisey, but hey, it's a Backpackers place It would be unusual if it wasn't.

10/10

Exceptional

25 Nov 2015

Katie

Great location right near Manly Beach

Great hostel with clean facilities and a nice atmosphere, all within a minute's walk of Manly's shops, bars, restaurants and of course the beach. It's a backpackers so everyone is really friendly, which makes up for the fact that it's perhaps not the quietest place you could stay.

6/10

Pleasant

07 Oct 2015

Gary

Great location

Great stay, long weekend, location perfect. We will be back

Partner

6/10

Pleasant

21 Aug 2015

jean claude

Excellent location and good service

The location is excellent, in a backstreet of the Manly corso.
The youth hostel is okay, the staff is quite helpful.

Family

4/10

Poor

02 Aug 2015

Heather

Convenient but cold!

There were a number of positives about staying here (convenient location, friendly staff, price), but I ended up regretting my choice, mainly because it was too cold. The room was cold, the balcony door didn't seem to shut properly, there was no heating and only a thin cover on the bed (which was either dirty or stained). I slept with a couple of jumpers, a scarf and socks. Perhaps the staff would've provided an extra blanket but it was too late by the time I realised it was needed. The overall cleanliness was dubious - but the sheets were crisp and clean. It was also noisy, heaps of banging from above and general noise from Corso, but easy to block out with earplugs.

4/10

Poor

29 Jul 2015

Verified traveler

Boardrider

Dirty and hallways stunk. Poor service (no one present to let us in - had to ring twice) No one to check us out. Private room OK. Door to balcony wouldn't lock. Toilet leaked into bowl. Mould growing on table and ceiling.

Partner

6/10

Pleasant

26 Jul 2015

Dinh Minh

I was staying in Manly a few days for conference. Probably it was just me unlucky enough that, according to the reception, wifi did not work on my arrival day, in fact, until a couple of days later it was still being off, and I am tired enough to ask them again. Fortunately, the roommate who is American guy but was born and grew up in town was kind enough to share with me his wifi in the night when he went to bed everyday.

Regarding the service, I actually switched from double room to two single beds room to save some money, so I understood that they would not be able to prepare in time for me the new room. However, after I had hung around for more than an hour and came back, the bed was still the same (no cover, nothing, smell and dirty). I even went down to ask the reception and asked them to throw me any clean bed-set, then I would be willing to handle by myself.

Anyway, thanks to my roommate that I will had happy time on my business in Manly. And of course the hotel is worth trying, should not expect much 'coz as far as I know that Boardrider BackPacker is one of the cheapest place in town. You get what you pay for, fair enough.

8/10

Excellent

08 Mar 2015

Sabina

The place needs maintanance especially if it wants to call itself 4* hostel

6/10

Pleasant

04 Feb 2015

HENRY

IT IS WELL LOCATED AND JUST RIGHT IF YOU ARE YOUNG AND WANT TO MAKE YOUR DOLLAR GO FURTHER

Partner

6/10

Pleasant

20 Jan 2015

marco

Facilities: Shabby, Run-down, Bare minimum; Service: Respectful, Friendly, Courteous; Cleanliness: Filthy, Smelly, Grubby;

4/10

Poor

23 Dec 2014

Hakan

So called night manager was a smelly/sleepy/long face female. She smelled mariquana. No air con/ room light didnt turn on. Terrible service.

Partner

8/10

Excellent

22 Dec 2014

Chrystianna

Facilities: Good; Value: Bargain; Service: Basic; Cleanliness: Tidy, Clean, Neat;

Partner

8/10

Excellent

10 Dec 2014

mC diddie

Location on a budget

Friendly people, amazing location, comfortable room where we had everything we needed on our budget. Highly recommended!

Partner

8/10

Excellent

01 Dec 2014

Shannon

Facilities: Basic; Value: Reasonable; Service: Sufficient; Cleanliness: Neat;

Partner

6/10

Pleasant

25 Nov 2014

josh

Facilities: Typical; Value: Cheap; Service: Lacking; Cleanliness: Filthy, Smelly;

6/10

Pleasant

20 Nov 2014

Facilities: Tired; Value: Could be better; Service: Basic; Cleanliness: Hygienic ;

Family

6/10

Pleasant

11 Nov 2014

Kellie

They were very helpful and resolved the double booking by finding alternative accomodation

Family

8/10

Excellent

10 Nov 2014

Kimberly

Facilities: Basic; Service: Friendly;

6/10

Pleasant

30 Oct 2014

Lucy

Facilities: Tired; Service: Basic; Cleanliness: Lacking;
over priced for services provided

Partner

4/10

Poor

21 Oct 2014

Karen

Facilities: Run-down; Value: Rip-off; Service: Sloppy; Cleanliness: Filthy, Smelly, Grubby;
Facility is bad. A double bed is not 2 singles pushed together, the TV didn't work and the room etc Carpet was unkempt and filthy.

Partner

8/10

Excellent

15 Oct 2014

Philippa

Facilities: Tired; Value: Average price; Service: Friendly, Courteous; Cleanliness: Poor;

8/10

Excellent

02 Oct 2014

nigel

Facilities: Ordinary; Value: Cheap; Service: Polite; Cleanliness: Lacking;
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Family