about us

G’DAY THERE

There’s two things you should know about us. First, we think travel is a non-negotiable. And second, we’re obsessed with making sure your experience Down Under is unforgettable. Our social hostels give you the space to connect, re-discover, and explore. All while having Australia’s most loved hostel beds to sleep on at the end of each day.

COMMUNITY FOCUSED

DAILY SOCIAL & WELLBEING ACTIVITIES

We’re big on social activities helping you meet and mingle with likeminded travellers at all of our hostels.

AWARD-WINNING HOSTELS

BEST HOSTELS IN AUSTRALIA

We’re proud as punch to have been recognised as TripAdvisor Travellers’ Choice & presented Hostelworld ‘Best Hostels’ Awards

FAMILY-RUN & OWNED

BE PART OF THE FAMILY

Wake Up! may have grown over the years but our focus is still on creating that welcoming ‘home away from home’ feeling for all of our guests.

OUR HOSTELS

Australia’s East Coast? We’re here for it. Our hostels in Sydney, Bondi Beach and Byron Bay let you enjoy the best parts of travelling, by providing an accommodation experience that is so much more than just a bed to sleep on. While each property has its own unique vibe that lends itself to its surroundings, they all remain steadfast in their focus on quality, convenience and creating an awesome social atmosphere.

SYDNEY CENTRAL

Sydney Central is our biggest of all the Wake Up properties. It’s your go-to for meeting new people, solo travelling, day-tripping, party nights, and having an ace location in the middle of… Sydney’s best and most beautiful suburbs. The perfect accommodation for when you first arrive into Australia.

BONDI BEACH

Bondi Beach is one for the beach bums and fitness lovers! Directly opposite Australia’s most famous beach, you’ll quickly fall in love with the hostel’s rooftop that offers panoramic views and… pinch-me-is-this-real vibes. Yoga classes, beach walks and social nights are all part of your stay!

BYRON BAY

Byron Bay is the kind of accommodation that makes you question if you’re staying at a hostel or resort. You’ll find it hard to leave the epic swimming pool and bar area. But if you do,… then yoga classes, free surfboard rentals, social nights and beach swims are all waiting for you.

how we started

Although the very first Wake Up opened in 2002, our story actually starts many years earlier. 1985 in fact! Our founders Margaret and Warren (’Wozza’) lived in Coogee Beach, working as a primary school teacher and local motor mechanic. They made the decision to convert the front room of their house into a share room of four people, charging $5.50 per night. It turned out, there was a lot of demand! So before long, they found themselves letting out their entire house and became one of Sydney’s first hostels, ‘Coogee Beach Backpackers’…

Over the next 16 years Margaret and Wozza opened another 3 backpacker properties in the Coogee area, all while living in the hostels with their two kids. Making every single guest feel part of their family was intrinsic to the way they operated. In 2002, they opened Wake Up Sydney. The size of this hostel was unlike anything ever done in Australia before now. Once again, they moved with their kids to live in the property, so they could make sure the hostel still kept its family feel, despite its size…

Since then, the family have grown the Wake Up brand to include Bondi Beach and Byron Bay. Remaining constant however, is the vision to provide that same welcoming service and family-feel that has made it so respected since the early days in 1985.

OUR TEAM

There’s no doubt about it, our team is the best! We’re lucky enough to work with a bunch of travel-obsessed, adventure-loving, kind-hearted legends. Our Housekeeping team keep your room and the facilities sparkling. Every Wake Up has an Activities crew who’ll help you make the most of our social events, no matter if you’re a solo traveller or with friends. The team on Reception are your friendly and familiar face on arrival, at checkout, and for all the moments in between. We can’t wait to meet you!

Pearse

Make sure to join our: Coogee to Bondi Walk for the scenes, Wine & Cheese Night for party vibes.

Piet

My favourite thing to do in Byron is surfing. As soon as I can, I’m out on the waves.

Alex

My favourite food here has to be BBQ Shapes, Tim Tams at a close second!

Alyesha

My favourite Aussie food: Chicken salt on anything. Trust me!

Nora

In Sydney, I recommend: doing sunrise kayaking, and Wake Up!’s Coogee to Bondi Walk.

Sam

In Bondi, I love to: Watch the sunset from North Bondi’s grassy knoll.

work with us

Keen to join the crew? We’re always on the lookout for awesome people to join our crew. Get in touch to introduce yourself, submit your CV and find out more current upcoming opportunities.

GET IN TOUCH

CONTACT US

WE LOVE HEARING FROM YOU

Drop us a message, and our team will be in touch!