YHA Australia has unveiled the results of a major renovation project spanning its three flagship properties to the tune of AU$$9.7 million.
YHA Sydney Central, YHA Sydney Harbour and YHA Brisbane City – the largest and most visited properties in the network – are the first to undergo a significant enhancement as part of YHA’s national development strategy.
A response to evolving travel trends and direct guest feedback through surveys over a four-year period, the renovation project centres around connectivity, privacy, modernisation and sustainability.
“The completion of these extensive renovations across our three flagship properties in Sydney and Brisbane marks a pivotal moment in the YHA Australia growth story,” said YHA Australia CEO, Paul McGrath.
“Our primary focus is to revitalise and modernise the guest experience whilst continuing our commitment to affordable accommodation.”
While facilitating social interaction amongst guests remains an important priority, YHA is also addressing growing demand for private rooms.
“As travel habits evolve, we’re witnessing a growing demand for flexible, community-oriented living spaces,” McGrath said.
“We know that travellers highly value the social interactions and experiences that enrich co-living accommodations but also understand that there is also a traveller who may need an option to retreat to a considerately designed private space.
“Travellers who prioritise new experiences and the opportunity to make friends, regardless of their age or budget, need not comprise when it comes to finding high-quality yet value driven accommodation.”
YHA collaborated with Sydney-based design firm WMK to create a prototype room and a selection of custom joinery, which was piloted at YHA Sydney Harbour over a 12-month period.
In line with YHA’s circular and sustainable practices, there was extensive consultation to partner with businesses that designed and manufactured in Australia.
YHA’s co-living rooms have been kitted out with high-quality bunks with in-built personal charging points, bedside lights and full-drawn curtains for extra privacy and mesh privacy screens alongside linens with higher thread counts.
Generously sized lockers with secure in-built charging facilities have also been fitted.
The modern shared bathrooms feature spacious showers, wide vanity sinks, and quality mirrors.
Upgrades to in-room amenities include 50-inch TV screens equipped with streaming services, Smeg tea and coffee facilities, GHD hairdryers, and Bluetooth wireless charging ports.
Common areas including reception areas and YHA Sydney Harbour’s iconic rooftop bar have been revitalised with YHA Brisbane introducing dedicated wellness spaces and activities including a quiet library reading room, yoga areas and a gym. YHA Sydney Central has introduced a refreshed cinema room with plush seating that converts to a multi-function space for large groups and schools.
Guest feedback will be continually sought and applied to future iterations as the rollout continues, including for the in-development flagship property at Railway Square, Tech Central, slated to open in 2026.
Elsewhere in the network, YHA recently completed a AU$200,000 revitalisation project at YHA Thredbo which saw a refurbishment of all private rooms and upgraded co-living furniture.
The organisation is also rolling out a network wide F&B strategy with new on-property bars and quality, value-driven dining options that showcase the best of local producers.
Last month, three YHA properties – YHA Sydney Harbour, YHA Port Elliot Beach House and YHA Adelaide – were granted Ecotourism Australia’s Sustainable Tourism Certification.