Skip to main content

frequently asked questions

HAVE A QUESTION ABOUT YOUR STAY?

Below, we’re answering your most commonly asked questions. Whether it’s about making or changing a reservation, what facilities to expect, travel questions, and everything in between, we’ve aimed to answer them all below. If you’re still left wondering, no sweat! Get in touch, and our team will help you out.

RESERVATION & BOOKING ENQUIRIES

I have a question about booking

Your best bet here is to contact our reservations team directly here. They’ll be the best ones to help with this and will be able to get back to you shortly.

Can I pay in cash on arrival?

Sure thing, just make sure it’s in AUS dollars.

Can I secure my booking with a credit/debit card, but pay with a different type of payment on the day of check-in?

Yep. We require you to input your card details when making a booking to secure your reservation. However when you arrive, you are welcome to pay with an alternative card or AUD cash.

Do you offer long-term rates?

Yes we do, during off-peak season. If you’re planning to stay for a longer period, please get in touch and our reservations team will help you out with our long-term rates.

What are your cancellation & booking policies?

When you book direct via wakeup.com.au, you can take advantage of our most flexible booking and cancellation policies. These include:

Bookings

  • No deposit, no booking fee
  • No upfront payment: we will require your card details to secure your booking, however you will pay full fee on arrival.

Cancellations

  • Free 48 hour cancellations: we get it, things don’t always go to plan. Cancel 48+ hours prior to your arrival date, and you won’t be charged (see exception below). If you notify us within 48 hours of your arrival date, or in the case of a no-show, you will not be entitled to a refund.
  • Certain periods of the year are non-refundable. These periods include Christmas and New Year.
Do I need to make a booking online, or can I just walk-in on the day?

You can do both! Just note, we get very busy during the summer period and key dates throughout the year, so we cannot always guarantee a bed will be available if you choose to walk in.

How do I change, amend or cancel my booking?

Get in touch with us and our reservations team will help you out.

QUESTIONS ABOUT YOUR STAY

What’s the best way to get to the hostel from the airport?

Sydney

By Train: This is a 15 minute direct trip, directly from Sydney Airport to Central Station. The cost is around $20, and it will take 15 minutes. This is your best bet!

By Taxi or Rideshare: A 30-60 minute trip, pending traffic. Expect to pay around $45-$60.

Bondi Beach

By Train/Bus: At the airport, catch the train direct to Museum Station (12 minutes). Change and catch 333 Bus to Bondi Beach (35 minutes), which will drop you right outside Wake Up.

By Taxi or Rideshare: A 30-45 minute trip, pending traffic. Expect to pay around $45-$60.

Byron Bay

By Train/Bus: Shuttle buses operate regularly from Ballina, Coolangatta (Gold Coast) and Brisbane. We suggest booking this in advance, and you can expect to pay between AU $35-$70. Journey times vary from approx. 40 minutes (Ballina), two hours (Gold Coast), four hours (Brisbane). Depending on the shuttle company, they may drop you directly to Wake Up, or to the Byron Bay Bus Interchange. Our free shuttle bus operates between Byron Bay Bus Interchange and Wake Up.

By Taxi or Rideshare: Uber operates from Ballina airport. Expect to pay around AU $70.

By Car: Once you arrive in Byron Bay, look out for the big Wake Up sign and turn left on the corner of Ewingsdale Road and Kendall St (opposite Ampol fuel station). Follow until you make it to 25 Childe St.

What time is check-in and check-out?

Check-in is from 2pm, and check-out is at 10am. We have bag storage available if you want to leave your luggage with us before check-in or after check-out, so you can continue to explore. Please note, bag storage is available for the day of check-in and check-out only, we aren’t able to hold these overnight.

Do I need to show ID when I check-in?

Yes, we require a valid photo ID (e.g. drivers license or passport) when you check-in.

Is there free WIFI available?

Of course! All of our properties have free and fast WIFI throughout all rooms and common areas.

Do you offer accessible facilities?

Wake Up Sydney is fully accessibility-friendly. We have wheelchair access to all levels, as well as accessible bathrooms and facilities.

Unfortunately at this time, Wake Up Bondi Beach and Byron Bay are not yet fully accessible.

Are their hair dryers available?

Yes, hair dryers are available to rent from Reception, free of charge.

Do I need to bring my own bedding?

Don’t you worry ’bout a thing. We have everything covered so that you have a perfect stay with us, including pillows, pillowcases, sheets and covers.

Do you offer towel hire?

Yes we do! You’re able to hire towels from our Reception teams. For those in a Private Room, towels are included in your stay.

Sydney: $10 deposit, you’11 receive the $10 back when you return the towel.

Bondi Beach: $15 deposit, you’ll receive $10 back when you return the towel.

Byron Bay: Deposit required, you’ll receive the deposit back in full when you return the towel.

Which activities are free at the hostel?

So many of our daily activities are free for guests! Check out our Activities page for Sydney, Bondi Beach and Byron Bay, and look out for those marked with “Free”.

Do all shared rooms have lockers?

Yes! Across all of our properties, all shared rooms have lockers. Please BYO padlock.

Can I park at/near the hostel?

Sydney: We don’t have parking available at the hostel. There are paid secure car parks nearby.

Bondi Beach: There are a few residential roads to park on nearby, but no direct parking outside of the hostel.

Byron Bay: We have free parking on site, subject to availability. There’s also day parking around the property free of charge.

GENERAL ENQUIRIES

Do you have any job opportunities?

We regularly have job opportunities available across our properties. We generally require a long-term commitment, and our positions available can vary across reception, housekeeping, promotion and maintenance. Apply here and the team will be in touch if there are any opportunities.

Can you help me plan any travel/tours bookings?

We love this part – and yes we can! We have a dedicated Travel Team who can help you with booking transport, tours and travel across Australia, New Zealand and Fiji. It won’t cost you anything, and better yet – as a Wake Up guest, you’ll receive exclusive offers and discounts. Get in touch with our Travel Team here to start the conversation.

What is the best way to get from Sydney to Byron Bay?

The best and often cheapest way is by plane to Ballina airport. However, there are also bus tours, and the option to self-drive if you’re hiring a car. For help with transport and tours, get in touch with our Travel Team.

AWARD-WINNING HOSTELS

We’re proud as punch to have won Hostelworld’s ‘Best Hostels’ awards. Learn about each of our properties and what sets us apart. 

MEET THE WAKE UP PROPERTIES

From Sydney to Bondi to Byron Bay, see what makes each Wake Up Hostel unique.

WAKE UP! SYDNEY

Voted Australia’s Best Hostel
Solo travellers, start here! The vibe is high at Wake Up Sydney, with group activities, guided walking tours, and plenty of themed nights and parties. Sydney is the first and biggest of all our Wake Up Hostels. It has an ace location in the centre of Sydney, its own cafe, restaurant and nightclub, and a super social energy. The ideal hostel for when you first arrive into Australia.

WAKE UP! BONDI BEACH

The ultimate Aussie beach lifestyle
Calling all lovers of the sun, sea and surf! Wake Up Bondi Beach lets you live the classic Aussie beach lifestyle. You’ll love its location (directly opposite the beach), charming character building, and open-air rooftop. Combine all that with weekly wellness activities like yoga and personal training, beach walks, and social nights, and you’ll see why there’s no place like Bondi Beach!

WAKE UP! BYRON BAY

Welcome to paradise
You ready to level up your hostel game? Wake Up Byron Bay serves up resort vibes on a backpacking budget. A perfect paradise for both solo travellers and groups, it’s the kind of place where you can both join in and have space to yourself. Social and wellness activities run on the daily, our swimming pool and bar area are epic, the beach is just across the road. One of Byron’s best hidden gems.

    WHY BOOK DIRECT

    BEST PRICE GUARANTEE

    From best prices to our local customer
    care teams, you benefit when you book direct.

    GET SOCIAL

    STAY CONNECTED

    Find us on TikTok & Instagram
    @wakeuphostels

    CONTACT US

    STILL HAVE QUESTIONS?

    Fill out our contact form and one of our
    friendly team members will be in touch to help.