Travelling in Australia on a budget means making use of the expansive network of YHA hostels. But it’s not just about saving money; travellers also choose to stay with YHA because of their sense of community and, increasingly, their sustainable eco-tourism credentials.

We take a look behind the scenes at two of YHA’s most contrasting sites; the purpose-built sustainable building in The Rocks, where travellers can stay in the heart of Sydney Harbour for a fraction of the cost of the 5-star mega hotels that surround it, and a remote location in Pittwater (just an hour north of Sydney) that is only accessible by boat and where sustainable living is a necessary fact of daily life.