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Luggage Sydney - Finding a Sydney Luggage Store

If you’re looking for luggage on sale in Sydney, you’ve come to the right place. Love Luggage has two prime locations in Sydney, along with our online store – where you can browse the best range of luggage in Sydney. 

Our distribution warehouse is located near the heart of Sydney, with a fast, efficient shipping service taking our items to the farthest corners of Australia. With free shipping on all orders over $49, you’re guaranteed to find a great deal on travel bags, suitcases, accessories, and trunks – many of which are stocked at clearance prices.

Have a look through our huge range and see for yourself. Don’t hesitate to ask us anything that comes to mind – we’re more than happy to chat, share tips, and help in any way we can.

A Sydney luggage store that does more

After 5 years of sourcing and distributing quality luggage behind the scenes, Sydney became the permanent home of Love Luggage.

Opening our first brick-and-mortar store in Newtown back in 2018, we made it possible for everyone to come in, have a chat, and get their travel baggage sorted. Then COVID hit in 2020, and we took the opportunity to re-create the Love Luggage experience on the digital front, bringing our products to even more holiday-makers across Australia!

During our time wholesaling luggage we visited almost every luggage store, big and small across Australia. What surprised us most was that most stores stocked the same things, and not a great amount of time was taken in finding out the real differences in the vast ranges of luggage  brands and styles available.

We have taken our knowledge of how luggage is manufactured and the key parts that are used and then we stock a large selection of different price points and styles. If you are looking for help or info on luggage, please let us know.

Shop with professionals who know their stuff

Here at Love Luggage, we work hard to bring you great travel essentials at low prices. Partnering with leading brands in the industry, we carefully hand-pick the best items from their collections to distribute all across Australia.

With over 14 years of combined experience across the wholesale and retail sectors, our team has plenty of in-depth knowledge about the travel baggage industry. As a result, we’re well attuned to your needs. Leveraging our well-established networks in the industry, we secure the lowest prices on all of our  luggage items – and then get them to you as quickly and efficiently as possible.

Our strategically located warehouses are just 10 minutes from the Sydney CBD, with metropolitan deliveries taking between 1-4 business days to reach your door. A tracking code is provided on all orders, so you can see exactly where your bags are at, helping you to get organised.

Don’t just take our word for it.  Shop our huge range of luggage on sale in Sydney and enjoy low prices, fast delivery, and great customer service across Sydney, Melbourne, and Australia at large.

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• TRAVEL ACCESSORIES

Be prepared on your next holiday with travel accessories that will make travelling abroad that much more stress-free. At Sydney Luggage, we're here to help remove the stress of packing with our checklist of your travel essentials.

We really do have it all. Think travel adaptors for different regions, bag tags so you’ll instantly spot your luggage at baggage claim, and combination locks to keep your gear safe. You can even find hygienic seat covers, mini toiletry cabin bottles, money belts, soft ear plugs and sleep masks. From neck pillows to RFID credit cards, we tick all the boxes when it comes to comfort, convenience and security. Browse our travel gear and accessories online today.

Shop at Sydney Luggage for premium travel gear

When you’re looking for the best prices and the highest quality travel accessories, Sydney Luggage has it all. Since 1952, we have gone from strength to strength in providing travellers across Australia with everything they need for a short stay holiday or long term trip. Find everything from 

In addition to our wide range of products on offer, we also offer FREE delivery* to major cities, such as metro Melbourne, Perth, Adelaide, Brisbane and beyond. Check here to see if you’re eligible for free shipping.

Extensive range of travel accessories

Sydney Luggage offers a vast array of travel accessories, each designed to enhance the convenience and efficiency of your travel experiences. Prepare for your next adventure with the following:

• Power Adaptor: Essential for international travel, these adaptors ensure your devices stay charged no matter where you are in the world. We have adaptors for the US, UK, Japan and other popular destinations.
• Headphone Adaptor: Perfect for aeroplanes, this adaptor allows you to connect your personal headphones to in-flight entertainment systems.
• Inflatable Neck Pillow: A must-have for long journeys, it provides neck support and enhances comfort during flights or road trips. These travel pillows help you stay rested in between travels.
• In-Luggage Packing Cubes: These packing cubes help organise your luggage, making packing and unpacking both efficient and effortless.
• Battery-Free Luggage Scales: A handy tool to avoid overweight luggage fees, these scales are simple to use and do not require batteries.
• Luggage Tags: Not only do they help identify your luggage, but they also add a personal touch to your travel gear. Locate your suitcases and backpacks with a stylish tag from a sea of luggage.
• Combination Lock: An essential for securing your belongings, these locks provide peace of mind with a personalised security code. It's a must-have, especially if you carry something valuable like gadgets and money.

Buy travel accessories and stay prepared

No one desires interruptions during their travels, yet sometimes the inevitable occurs. To mitigate unforeseen challenges, it's wise to buy helpful travel accessories in advance. These accessories not only offer comfort but also ensure safety, making your journey smoother and trouble-free. 

Taking the extra step to pack useful travel accessories can make a significant difference. From essential luggage tags to international power adaptors, Sydney Luggage is a reliable travel accessories store, ensuring you're well-equipped for any trip. Visit our store before you head out for your next adventure.

High-quality luggage accessories made for regular travellers

Many travellers often feel discouraged from buying travel accessories due to the prevalence of flimsy items in the market, leading to a perception that these items are a waste of money. However, investing in high-quality, durable travel accessories can change this narrative. 

At Sydney Luggage, we offer a range of sturdy and helpful travel accessories that withstand repeated use. It's essential not only to invest in travel tickets and luggage but also in reliable travel accessories, from neck pillows to travel packs, that can endure the rigours of your adventures. Discover more heavy-duty travel essentials at Sydney Luggage.

Your go-to travel accessories store

Sydney Luggage is the best place to find travel accessories in Australia. Besides offering quality items, we keep a diverse range of travel gear. Our products are adaptable to different types of travel, ensuring versatility and practicality. You can go anywhere — our luggage accessories will offer comfort, security, and convenience.

With constantly updated stocks, we ensure you'll have access to the latest and most efficient travel solutions. Additionally, we have deals that make your purchases with us worth every cent. Visit our travel accessories store today and enhance your travel experience.

For all your travel gear in Australia

Please contact our friendly team for more information about our range, which includes hard luggage, soft luggage, carry on bags, wheeled backpacks, travel backpacks and RFID blocking bags in Australia. If you’re a local, you can visit us at our Sydney store, where our customer service team will be happy to advise you on the essentials.

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A Self Guided Stroll Around Sydney

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A self guided stroll around Sydney  is something you should do the first day you arrive – and by around , we mean around the city’s perimeter. The city of Sydney may look large with its lofty towers and mini Manhattan-like skyline, but Sydney’s city centre or CBD is surprisingly compact.

It’s Sydney’s metropolitan area that is massive, 4,000 square kilometres in size, making it one of the biggest cities in the world in terms of area, equal to that of London and nearly double New York City, sprawling in all directions to the mountains, plains, rivers, and sea.

Drive the 90 minutes from the city centre or CBD (that’s Central Business District, as we Australians like to call our downtowns) to the Blue Mountains and you’ll feel its immensity – especially when stuck in bumper-to-bumper traffic on Parramatta Road. You’re better off taking the train.

Yet the city centre, on the other hand, is compact enough for a self guided stroll around Sydney. The CBD is a manageable size. You can easily walk the diameter of the CBD as its widest point from Macquarie Street to Lime Street, a paltry 1.1kms, in 15 minutes, and do its length from Circular Quay to Central Station, just 2.7kms, in 35 minutes.

From Kings Cross, you can wander down to Darling Harbour, a similar distance, in the same amount of time. If you’re staying in Darlinghurst or The Cross, skip the underground and enjoy the fresh air.

Smooth wide footpaths, traffic lights most intersections, plenty of pedestrian-only zones in the forms of thoroughfares, parks, gardens, and plazas, and even-tempered locals (unlike, say, New York City; if you walk slower than Sydneysiders, they don’t get cranky) all make Sydney a very pleasant place to stroll.

Yet despite its small size and straightforward grid plan, Sydney is a city that visitors seem to easily get lost in, even with maps in their hands – I can’t tell you how many tourists I used to help each day in all the years I worked in the CBD. Sydney is also a city that visitors often seem at a loss as to how to negotiate and navigate, how to get their bearings, and where to start to explore, and I’m not sure why.

So this is what we recommend you do, before anything else: grab a map or use your iPhone and set aside a day simply to do a self guided stroll around Sydney.

If you start in the morning, take your time, make some detours along the way, and stop for lunch, you should finish in the late afternoon.

Our Self Guided Stroll Around Sydney

• From busy Circular Quay , where the ferries depart for various parts of Sydney Harbour, head toward Sydney Opera House , passing locals soaking up the sun at the cafés and bars, such as The Opera Bar, beneath the stunning edifice. Join them for a coffee to kickstart your stroll.
• Enter the Royal Botanic Gardens and walk along the waterfront path skirting Farm Cove, all the way to Mrs Macquarie’s Chair, around the peninsula, then hike up the hill by the harbourside Andrew (Boy) Charlton pool . Stop to admire the graceful old grey Woolloomooloo Finger Wharf , home to BLUE hotel and Otto Ristorante, one of Sydney’s best spots for lunch in the sun. Make a note to return.
• Push on up the hill and cross the bridge over the Cahill Expressway where you’ll see the imposing, sandstone Art Gallery of NSW . The permanent exhibition is free and the art museum is home to an impressive collection of Australian art, so pop in for a look.
• Cross the road and walk across the grassy Domain  up to Shakespeare Place to the equally grand State Library of NSW . Pop in here for a peak too.
• Take a left and turn the corner and you’re on historic Macquarie Street , lined with handsome heritage buildings (on your left) that are some of Sydney’s oldest, including grand old Parliament House (where I once worked; dating to 1816, it was first part of the Rum Hospital ), the majestic Sydney Hospital (dating to 1811), the elegant Sydney Mint (finished in 1816), and the stately Hyde Park Barracks , designed by convict architect, Francis Greenaway , Australia’s first notable architect who built many of Sydney’s most significant buildings.
• Cross the road and wander through lovely, leafy Hyde Park , Australia’s oldest public park, dating to 1878. Dip into St Mary’s Cathedral on the north side if church architecture interests you, otherwise, wander around the Archibald Fountain , and walk along the promenade shaded by enormous fig trees that is often used as a public outdoor gallery for art works, photography and installations. Cross Park Street, which splits the park in two, and continue to the poplar-lined pond, the Pool of Remembrance/Lake of Reflections, in front of the ANZAC War Memorial .
• Continue down Elizabeth Street , which borders the old garment district of Surry Hills on your left, to Belmont Park, in front of Central Station , and turn right into Hay Street and walk for a few blocks until you reach Paddy’s Market and Chinatown , perhaps the most animated and authentic Chinatown outside of Asia. If you’re hungry by now and you’re on budget lunch here (see this post for ideas), otherwise, turn right into Harbour Street in the direction of Darling Harbour.
• From here it’s a very pleasant stroll through Darling Harbour ’s parks and gardens, along fountain promenades. First you’ll pass the Chinese Garden of Friendship , then the lawns of Tumbalong Park, where a lot of festivals and concerts are held. Once at the waterfront of Cockle Bay , which gets lively on weekends, stick to the left or western-side of the water, for the best views of the city skyline.
• Stroll by the white post-modern Harbourside complex (do not stop and eat here), past the Australian National Maritime Museum , in the direction of the reinvigorated neighbourhood of Pyrmont and The Star , a swish entertainment complex with casino, hotels (The Darling), apartments, theatres, shops, bars, and restaurants.
• If energized, you could cross the road and walk down the end of the wharf to Ballarat Park and continue to explore the revitalized wharf district of Pyrmont, or, if feeling a little lazy after lunch, backtrack to Darling Harbour and cross Pyrmont Bridge over Cockle Bay and hike up one block to Kent Street.
• Turn left onto Kent Street and walk all the way along this street until you reach one of the CBDs most charming and oldest areas, The Rocks , which starts soon after High Street when you come to a row of quaint old workers’ cottages.
• Once you see the lovely old sandstone Lord Nelson’s Brewery , call in for a cold beer, before continuing down the hill to Hickson Road . Make a note where you are: we strongly recommend returning to this neck of the ’hood and exploring more. If you turn right at the pub onto Argyle Street, you’ll see Sydney Observatory , from where you have lovely views of the Bridge.
• Hickson Road is essentially Sydney’s theatre district with the superb Sydney Theatre Company , Sydney Dance Company , Bangarra Dance Theatre , and the Australian Theatre for Young People all located here in renovated old wharf complexes, as well as a marina, shops, cafés, and restaurants.
• Continue your amble until the end of the point – there are stunning views to the West from a small wharf, which are wonderful at sunset – then stroll under the Sydney Harbour Bridge to Dawes Point Reserve for spectacular views of the Sydney Opera House.
• Stroll around the waterfront, in front of the recently reopened Park Hyatt Sydney and Sydney Cruise Ship Terminal for more stupendous views, passing the Museum of Contemporary Art (worth a look, and it also boasts a restaurant/bar) and First Fleet Park, until you reach your starting point, Circular Quay.

By now you’re probably exhausted after your self-guided stroll around Sydney, your feet are killing you, and you’re cursing us. Don’t worry, in true Aussie-style, everything will be fixed with a drink.

Stagger around to the Opera Bar , which you passed this morning, order a glass of wine, and watch the sunset. Weather not on your side? Head across to The Rocks for an icy beer at an old pub.

Get out that map again and mark up all the places that intrigued you. You can revisit them in coming days…

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A local's guide to Sydney's CBD

Where to find the best restaurants, cafes, bars, shops, events and things to do in the heart of the city.

Very few views are as instantly recognisable. Soaring over the waters of the city’s big blue heart, the mighty arches of the Harbour Bridge look down on the to-and-fro of ferry traffic from Circular Quay, while the unmistakable sails of the Opera House sit proudly at the tip of Bennelong Point. These gleaming icons of Australiana are as familiar to people the world over as they are to born-and-bred Sydneysiders, so it’s little wonder that an estimated 17 million international and interstate visitors a year once flocked to the Central Business District's most storied corner to get up close and personal with these architectural megastars.

And yet for all its epic landmarks and postcard-ready views, the CBD’s status as a tourist trap has, in the past, put off locals from embracing the city as a go-to for a great day out or a night on the tiles.

Now, thanks to improved public transport links, a boom in top-flight hospitality and retail venues, and the repeal of the senseless lockout laws, those old biases have shifted. With its palaces of culture and art, its bustling bar and restaurant scene, its glorious parks and waterfronts and its sprawling malls and department stores, locals now recognise Central Sydney as a one-stop-shop for the very best this city has to offer.

What’s the CBD known for?

It goes without saying that the aforementioned harbourfront landmarks are the city's most famous destinations, but this area has an ancient and complex history that far pre-dates these wonders of the industrial age. For tens of thousands of years, the area near Sydney Cove, known as Warrane, has been the home of the Gadigal people of Eora nation. With the arrival of European settlers with the  First Fleet in 1788, this is also the place where modern Australia was birthed.  Today, the CBD is Sydney’s principal business, commerce and retail hub, with thousands of white-collar workers and eager shoppers making the trip here every day. It's also the culture capital of the city, boasting the vast majority of Sydney’s top museums, galleries, theatres and concert venues.

How do I get to the CBD

It’s no exaggeration to say all roads lead here. If you’re coming via PT, you can catch the L2 and L3 light rail routes, trains (either passing through to North Sydney or Bondi Junction, or on the City Circle line), or numerous suburban bus services. If you’re coming from the North Shore, the ferry is your best bet, and if you’re based in Parramatta, you can even catch the river ferry, which will drop you off at either Barangaroo or Circular Quay in under an hour.

What’s nearby?

The CBD is surrounded by some of Sydney’s buzziest suburbs including Kings Cross, Surry Hills, Darlinghurst and Paddington, while the revitalised Darling Harbour and Barangaroo precincts, with their many eateries, shops and public spaces, sit conveniently on the city’s fringes. A pleasant stroll through the Royal Botanic Gardens will lead you out to the bougie and beautiful harbourside neighbourhoods of Potts Point and Rushcutters Bay. But in terms of sheer convenience, the easy access to both ferry services from Circular Quay and rail routes from Sydney Central connects the CBD to virtually every corner of the city and beyond.

Map of the Sydney CBD

If you only do one thing

Sure, you’ve seen the Opera House. You’ve probably whiled away an arvo or two at the Opera Bar, admired its one-of-a-kind design while passing on a ferry, and maybe even snapped the odd selfie on the forecourt. But have you actually been inside this most famous of Australian buildings? If the answer to this is a sheepish ‘No’, it’s high time you booked a ticket to one of the hundreds of performances that take place in the Opera House’s five performance spaces each year, or went on one of its excellent backstage tours. Experience Sydney’s most iconic landmark as it was intended: as a world-class arts venue.

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The best things to do in the CBD

Picking the right place to eat in the CBD very much depends on what you’re hungry for – and how big your wallet is. 

There are plenty of affordable feasts offering incredible bang for your buck, be you in the mood for rich, delicious pasta from Fabbrica   (161 King St) ; crispy, delicately spiced pitas from Jimmy’s Falafel ; thick, slurp-worthy noodles from Xi’an Biang Biang (39/1 Dixon St) ; or a juicy burger from the lads at  Mary’s CQ (7 Macquarie Pl) . (Check out our pick of Sydney’s best cheap eats for more inspo.)

If you’re happy to fork out a little more, the mid-range budget options are just too numerous to comprehensively list. But you’d do well to consider The Continental Deli   (167 Phillip St) , where a gilda and signature Martini is a must before your meal; Mr Wong (3 Bridge Lane), where the Peking duck is near-impossibly succulent; Hubert   (15 Bligh St) , a bistro so consummately French you could be dining in the shadow of the Eiffel Tower; and the Gidley   (161 King St) , a decadent ode to a bygone age when steaks the size of toddlers, Waldorf salads and prawn cocktails were all the rage. 

Should you want to really splash some cash, the city’s finest eateries, helmed by roll call of celebrity chefs, will happily help you empty your wallet. Matt Moran’s legendary Aria (1 Macquarie St) is a shrine to world-class cuisine with astonishing views that are almost as delicious, while the world-wide renown Peter Gilmore is a perfect fit for his restaurant  Bennelong (Bennelong Point) , housed within one of the ivory scallops of Sydney’s most famous building. And of course, there’s Brent Savage and Nick Hildebrand’s  Cirrus (10/23 Barangaroo Ave) , an elegant seafood restaurant that’s the jewel in the crown of recently revived Barangaroo precinct. (Check out our pick of the best CBD restaurants for more must-book tables.)

But should you find yourself famished in the wee small hours, you can always rely on some late night eating.

It’s more than a little ironic that despite the strangle-hold of the lockout laws, the CBD has managed to cultivate arguably the strongest bar game in the city in recent years. Forget the average after-work watering hole; here you’ll find mixologists elevating the craftsmanship of the cocktail to astonishing new heights.

Take for example PS40   (40 King St) , the brainchild of Michael Chim and Thor Bergquist. Its cocktail menu is themed, with each drink evoking a narrative, so before your beverage even touches your lips, your mind is already awash with a story. Then there’s Maybe Sammy   (115 Harrington St) , which was recognised as having the best hospitality in the world by the global 50 Best Bars Awards 2020. Here you'll find a fusion of 1950’s Vegas glamour and a Willy Wonka-esque whimsy that delivers cocktails with a theatrical flourish. Similarly, Double Deuce Lounge   (6 Bridge St) , with its irreverently retro ‘70s porn aesthetic, and Employees Only   (9A Barrack St) , with its tarot readings and live performances, use a little bit of theatre to ensure their punters have an unforgettable time.

Cantina OK   (Council Pl) proves that looks can be deceiving. Housed in a single parking space down an unremarkable laneway, this teeny tiny tequila bar can easily lay claim to having the best damn Margarita in the city. 

If you like your beverage to come with a view, the Sydney Tower’s  Bar 83 (Lv 83, 100 Market St) –  the highest cocktail bar in the city – boasts a panorama of Sydney that stretches all the way to the Blue Mountains. And there could hardly be a more quintessentially Sydney vista than that found at the Opera Bar   (Bennelong Point) , where you can crack a cold one in sight of the Harbour Bridge and Opera House.

Check out our list of the best bars in the CBD for even more recommendations.

Things to do

If you consider yourself a card-carrying culture vulture, the CBD has more art, theatre, and museum exhibits than you can shake a very big stick at.

The Art Gallery of New South Wales  and the Museum of Contemporary Art are two of the most highly regarded visual art institutions in the country, while the Walsh Bay precinct is home to Sydney Dance Company and Sydney Theatre Company , which both grace the stages of the Roslyn Packer Theatre and Sydney Opera House throughout the year. 

If it’s knowledge you seek, you can put a spring in your synapses at the Australian Museum , the city’s home of natural history, the Museum of Sydney , where you can explore the earliest years of Australia, or one of city's notable historical sites such as the Hyde Park Barracks  or  Sydney Observatory .

Darling Harbour is home to both the Wild Life Sydney Zoo , which is dedicated to native fauna and the Sea Life Sydney Aquarium , where you can meet all manner of creatures from the deep. 

One of Sydney’s simplest pleasures is taking a meander through the Royal Botanical Gardens , Barangaroo Reserve  or Hyde Park , which all offer a tranquil refuge from the frenetic pace of the city. However, if you’re in the mood for an excursion with a little more adrenaline, the BridgeClimb is a must. After you’ve scaled the steel arches of Sydney’s mighty coathanger, your efforts are rewarded with 360-degree views of the city that’ll take your breath away.

Luxury brands, flagship stores, arcade boutiques and sprawling shopping precincts can be found in abundance in the CBD.

Built in the 1890s and restored to its former glory in the 1980s, the Queen Victoria Building offers three levels of fine fashions, chic jewellery and fancy gifts, as well as cafes and restaurants, including the opulent QVB Tea Room with its Baccarat crystal chandelier.

Brands like Apple, Mecca, Sephora and Tiffany’s all have their largest Aussie premises in the city, and you’ll also find more than 250 high-street shops along Pitt Street Mall and the Westfield Centre . Myer and David Jones department stores can be found within a block of each other, with the Dymocks Building and the stunning Strand Arcade nearby, where you can purchase bespoke, handcrafted and speciality goods by local artisans.

Yet more luxury and international brands can be found on Castlereagh Street and around Martin Place, but if your budget is a little more modest, head to Market City or neighbouring Paddy’s Markets , where you’ll find a maze of stalls selling afforable souvenirs and budget fashions.

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Sydney throughout the year

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Sydney city guide: Best things to do and where to stay in Australia’s magnificent harbour city

S prawling around one of the planet’s biggest and most beautiful natural harbours, Sydney is perhaps the ultimate city destination in Australia . With its swoonworthy physical attributes, laidback charm and trio of icons – namely the opera house, Sydney Harbour Bridge and sweeping Bondi Beach – the New South Wales capital almost effortlessly wows.

Though the city stretches westwards way beyond Parramatta (Sydney’s geographic heart) to the base of the Blue Mountains, nearly all of its visitor appeal lies in the city centre, central suburbs and beaches . Founded in 1788, Australia’s first British settlement has evolved into a true world city that’s liveliest when Mardi Gras fills the streets with sequins, parades and parties.

If you’re heading down under, our Sydney guide provides a heads-up on what to do, where to eat and drink, and the best spots to stay in the Harbour City.

Access all arias

You can’t miss Sydney Opera House . Designed by Danish architect Jorn Utzon and opened in 1973, this concrete-and-ceramic-tile masterpiece celebrated its 50th anniversary with a major renovation of its performance spaces. Ideally, immerse yourself in an opera, concert, recital or play; otherwise take a tour (from £22pp) to discover those rooftop sails and the building’s history.

Read more on Australia travel :

• Mornington Peninsula: How travellers are seeking out Australia’s hot springs
• The best deals for a luxury Australia holiday in 2024
• Why you should book a holiday to Ningaloo, Australia’s ‘other reef’

Bridge the gap

Sydney’s second major landmark, the Harbour Bridge, unites the CBD (central business district) with the North Shore suburbs. For those with a head for heights (and the best part of £150 to spare), Bridge Climb is the classic experience. Alternatively, take the train to North Sydney and walk back over the bridge for free, with the opera house and city skyline before you.

Sydneysider culture goes big on the beach. Bondi is the icon, for its fine sand, surfer scene, and Icebergs saltwater pool, or hop on the ferry to Manly and its similarly sandy, pine-tree-lined promenade. Not a fan of waves? Stay within the harbour: the North Shore’s Fairlight Beach or more hidden-away Castle Rock Beach are fantastic.

Go walkabout

All around the harbour, fragments of foreshore and bushland constitute Sydney Harbour National Park . Weaving much of it together is the 80km Bondi to Manly Walk , via woodland, beaches, parks and urban promenades. En route, enjoy Aboriginal rock carvings, wildlife encounters (kookaburras, bush turkeys, water dragons) and cooling dips. Ferry and bus connections break it into manageable chunks.

Art and culture

The Art Gallery of New South Wales is lauded for its sculptures, exhibitions and collections, including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander artworks. Qtopia , meanwhile, is a must for LGBT+ travellers and allies. As befits a city known for its massive Mardi Gras celebrations, this museum tells the story of community trailblazers whose actions helped decriminalise homosexuality in New South Wales in 1984.

Where to stay

Base yourself central to everything at Paramount House Hotel. Located where the CBD crashes into Surry Hills, this former movie company headquarters has been transformed into a 29-room boutique hotel, with rooms (nearly all of which have outdoor spaces) that are cosy, colourful, and come with the feeling of staying at a cool friend’s apartment. Room-only doubles from £175.

Find a similar price point just round the corner at Ace Hotel Sydney, where the concrete-meets-carpet aesthetic and a slightly retro vibe make the guest rooms at once supremely comfortable and delightfully homely. Top-floor restaurant Kiln is a community favourite, while the street-level diner and coffee shop keep things buzzing throughout the day. There’s also a bijou but excellent gym.

For a fun, yesteryear resort vibe, Oxford House in nearby Paddington wins for its laidback style, cheerful service, and poolside restaurant that doubles as a popular brunch spot for locals. The 55 light-filled rooms benefit from colourful artworks, warm tones and quality amenities, and doubles start from £145.

For more in the way of budget stays, Space Q Capsule Hotel delivers conveniently located, quirky, cool and cost-effective digs within a five-minute walk of Central station.

Where to eat

Asian flavours abound in Sydney. Ever-popular Chin Chin in Surry Hills is the go-to for beef rendang, crispy duck pancakes and prawn summer rolls, all bursting with freshness (mains from £12-20). Similarly upbeat is Uncle Mings : a quirky dumpling den serving small bites and cocktails on a CBD laneway. For something simpler, Japanese temaki are a commonplace, cheap (around £2 each) and healthy on-the-go snack; Hero Sushi is a good place to find them. Also refreshingly affordable is Spice Alley : a Chippendale backstreet whose hawker-style outlets span Singaporean, Thai, Malaysian, Cantonese and Japanese favourites, from satay skewers to special fried rice.

This being a coastal city, there’s no shortage of waterfront restaurants. The Boathouse on Manly’s Shelly Beach wins for its indoor/outdoor ambience, great design, and High Tide Happy Hour (alternatively, try the Balmoral Beach branch). At Bondi Pavilion, meanwhile, a much-needed renovation to mark its centenary has given this seafront landmark a buzzing brunch spot in Glory Days , with poke bowls, avo-on-toast breakfasts, and great coffee as the standouts.

Casually upmarket Café Sydney is perfect for special occasions. Situated atop Circular Quay’s historic Customs House, this classic spot enjoys foreground-filling Harbour Bridge views and a menu celebrating Aussie produce from barramundi to Sydney rock oysters, supported by thoughtful cocktail and wine lists.

Where to drink

Get a hint of its history at The Treasury , where coffee and cocktails are sipped in what was the courtyard of an 1851 building. Now enclosed to form a light-filled atrium, it’s a chic space with monochrome floor tiles, velvet booths, and an Art-Deco-style bar that complements the grand brick-and-sandstone architecture.

Elsewhere in the CBD, enjoy elevated views from Dean and Nancy on 22 , where inventively quirky cocktails (brought to life with candy floss or smoke-filled bubbles) come with a side of highrise scenery. Try the gin-based Alien on Holiday or colourful Watermelon Sugar High, all priced at around £14.

Rather more hidden away are the bijou bars on the YCK Laneways , a lively precinct around York, Clarence and Kent Streets. Highlights include Sammy Junior , which segues from daytime coffees to evening cocktails, or speakeasy-style Stitch Bar , which you’ll find behind a faux frontage.

Where to shop

Of the CBD’s major shopping malls, QVB stands out for its beautifully restored Victorian architecture (all tiled floors, balustrades and glass domes) packed with mostly international brands. Over in Chippendale, Central Park is a much more modern affair good for youth-oriented fashion and footwear from the likes of Glue Store and Hype DC, plus Pigeonhole and its range of gifts and clothing with a sustainable slant.

Also worth checking out are the boutiques in Paddington along Oxford Street, or continue down it all the way to Bondi Beach, which has evolved from its “daggier” backpacker days into something much more credible. Gould Street and Hall Street are the go-to spots here; check out Tuchuzy for its Aussie and international fashions.

Architectural icon

Sydney Tower (formerly Centrepoint) is the city’s tallest structure, whose golden turret (with observation deck ) sits atop a slender shaft.

What currency do they use?

Australian dollar.

What language do they speak?

Should i tip.

It isn’t expected, but 10 per cent is appreciated.

What’s the time difference?

Average flight time.

Around 22 hours from London , depending on layover duration. Emirates offers convenient connections from London , Manchester, Glasgow, Newcastle and Birmingham, via Dubai .

Public transport

AirportLink trains whisk travellers into the city in 15 minutes to connect with buses, trams and ferries. Top up an Opal (like London’s Oyster card) for seamless travel, or simply touch on and off with your credit card.

For that classic shot of the opera house with a Harbour Bridge backdrop, head to Mrs Macquarie’s Point in the Botanic Gardens . Otherwise, take the ferry to Cremorne Point to see towering skyscrapers crowning the opera house.

Insider tip?

If jetlag has you up pre-dawn, go watch the sun rising over the opera house from Hickson Road Reserve.

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We understand how exciting travel can be and how important it is that you are well prepared and properly immunised prior to starting your holiday.

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Shopping Guide

The Top 8 Places to Shop in Sydney

Sydney is a global shopping destination known for its sophisticated fashion and swimwear boutiques. While most international brands have storefronts in the Central Business District (CBD), the inner city and beachside neighborhoods provide a more local perspective on style.

Successful designer labels like Romance Was Born , P.E Nation , Bec and Bridge , Zimmermann , Ellery , Camilla and Marc , and Dion Lee were all founded in Sydney, and its residents take their beach-chic style seriously. Here's our list of where to shop if you intend to do the same.

Pitt Street Mall

Courtesy of Destination NSW

In the heart of the city, Pitt Street Mall is a pedestrian shopping strip surrounded by large department stores and other shopping centers including Westfield Sydney , the MidCity Centre , the Strand Arcade , and Stockland Piccadilly . You'll find everything from international fast fashion retailers like Topshop and H&M to local designers, homewares, and other essentials here.

Pitt Street is a great option if you're planning on doing some general shopping, although it can be busy on weekends and public holidays. Parking is expensive, so we recommend using a ride-hailing service or taking the train to Town Hall or St James station.

Queen Victoria Building

 Courtesy of Destination NSW

A block west on George Street, the Queen Victoria Building affords shoppers a much more relaxed atmosphere. The QVB, completed in 1898, is a temple to high-quality craftsmanship, with stained glass windows, tiled floors, and an original staircase in the Romanesque style. In fact, the building was designed to be elaborate to employ as many of Sydney's skilled tradespeople as possible during an economic downturn.

Today, the QVB is home to dozens of stores, cafés, and restaurants, including Country Road , Gorman , and Saba —but it is worth a visit as much for the architecture as the shopping.

David Jones

via Kgbo ( CC BY-SA 4.0 )

David Jones is Australia's premier department store, beloved for its wide range of professional attire, party dresses, cosmetics, and lingerie. The store was founded in 1838 and is the world's oldest continuously operating department store still trading under its original name.

Known as DJs, there are eleven outposts dotted across the city. The flagship, in the CBD, covers two city blocks and is always packed with locals and visitors. David Jones also offers premium services like bra fitting, styling, makeovers, gift wrapping, and bridal consultations.

Sydney's most historic neighborhood, the Rocks, was established by arriving convicts in the late 1700s. Right on the harbor, these cobblestone streets house Sydney's oldest pubs, along with some of the city's best fine dining restaurants.

The biggest draw is the Rocks Markets every Friday, Saturday and Sunday, with local produce, art, and souvenirs. Local stores, including Hunting Hue , Joe Bananas , and Atty Gallery mean the area is also bustling throughout the week. You can get here by walking from Circular Quay or Wynyard train station.

Oxford Street

Courtesy of Destination NSW

Sydney's fashionistas shop in Paddington, scouring the boutiques on Oxford Street for the latest trends. At the Intersection , you'll find stores stocking all of Australia's top designers. Scanlan Theodore was the first to open its doors in 2004, and the precinct has only grown since then.

Head to Parlour X for luxury labels, or William Street for stylish finds tucked away inside the Victorian and Edwardian terrace houses. On Saturdays, the Paddington Markets showcase local makers. Paddington is just east of the CBD and is easily reached by bus. Visit in late October or November to catch the jacarandas blooming.

  Courtesy of Destination NSW

Further east, Bondi is the epicenter of all things light and linen. At Bondi Junction, the huge Westfield shopping center is a popular destination for upmarket fashion and homewares, while down at the beach you'll find the swimsuit of your dreams.

Gould Street has become an indie designer hub one block back from the sand. Stop by Tuchuzy for clothes and accessories, Bondi Wash for skincare, Lucy Folk for jewelry, and Sunburn for the perfect bikini. Take the train to Bondi Junction, then the bus to the beach.

Military Road

 Courtesy of Destination NSW

Mosman is the Northern Beaches' most sophisticated address, thanks to its harbor views and leafy streets. Unsurprisingly, Military Road, the neighborhood's main thoroughfare, is lined with restaurants, cafés, homewares, and fashion outlets.

Fox and Dove stocks the ideal mix of emerging designers and old favorites, and the Upside has got you covered when it comes to activewear. Then visit Lily and Mitchell for on-trend Australian jewelry. The bus to Military Road only takes around 20 minutes from the city center in good traffic.

King Street

For a more budget-friendly and experimental fashion scene, Newtown's King Street is the place to be. Flick through racks of high-quality yet affordable vintage at SWOP or Uturn . Or, try your hand at op shopping (thrifting) at Vinnies or the Red Cross Shop alongside students from the nearby University of Sydney.

Also on King Street, Monsterthreads has plenty of quirky gifts and clothing, whereas Milk and Thistle is quintessential Sydney style. You can catch the train to Newtown Station in around ten minutes.

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Getting around Sydney

An efficient network of transport options connects the attractions and suburbs of Sydney and regional NSW, including buses, trains, ferries and light rail.  

Sydney public transport 

Transport for NSW provides a variety of ways to get around the city, as well as information for motorists. Use the trip planner at  transportnsw.info  to plan your travel. 

Opal card info  

The Opal card is an easy, convenient way of paying for your travel on public transport in Sydney. It can be used on all public transport, including trains, ferries, buses and light rail. There are daily and weekly caps on the Opal network, meaning you can travel as much as you like within the Opal network and you never pay more than the capped fare. The Sydney Airport station access fee isn’t included in the travel caps.  

Opal cards can be obtained from train stations and the domestic and international airport, as well as many  retailers across the city. For more information, visit  opal.com.au.  

You can also pay with contactless-enabled American Express, Mastercard or Visa credit or debit cards or a linked device, by tapping on and tapping off at Opal readers. Contactless payments are available on all public transport in the Opal network and you will receive the same travel benefits of an Adult Opal card. 

Ferries on Sydney Harbour

Sydney buses 

Buses form a key part of Sydney’s public transport system, connecting all areas of the city, including those without rail or water transport. There are also NightRide services replacing most train routes between midnight and 4:30am. 

Key bus routes include: 

• 333 – Connecting Circular Quay to Bondi 
• B1 – Wynyard to Mona Vale 
• 373 – Connecting Museum to Coogee 
• 380 - Watsons Bay to Bondi Junction 

Family enjoying a guided tour of Sydney with Big Red Bus Tours, Sydney

Sydney rail  

Sydney's main terminus for local and regional trains and buses is Central Station at Railway Square, close to Chinatown. Trains operate North to the CBD and across the harbour to North Sydney and beyond, as well as east to Bondi Junction and South past and including Sydney Airport. Sydney train maps and train timetables can be found at  Transport NSW .    

Sydney light rail 

The L1 Inner West Light Rail network operates in both directions between Central Station and Dulwich Hill in Sydney’s West. The CBD and South East Light Rail includes the L2 Randwick Line connecting Circular Quay to Randwick and the L3 Kingsford Line between Circular Quay and Junior Kingsford.  Visit Transport NSW for more information and for a Sydney Light Rail map.      

Tramlines running down George Street, Sydney CBD 

Sydney ferries 

Ferries provide a fast and convenient way to cross the harbour, as well as offering a fantastic vantage point of the city. From Circular Quay you can take the Manly Fast Ferry or F1 to Manly, the F2 to Taronga Zoo and the F4 to Watsons Bay and Rose Bay. 

Captain Cook also operates ferries between various locations including between Watsons Bay and Manly, Circular Quay and Clifton Gardens and from Circular Quay to Shark Island.  

View at sunrise of Goat Island , Sydney Harbour

River ferries

The river ferry travels up the Parramatta River from Circular Quay to Parramatta, with stops along the way including Cockatoo Island, Cabarita and Sydney Olympic Park. The full journey takes about 90 minutes depending on stops. 

Friendship Ferry cruising under Sydney Harbour Bridge , Sydney Harbour

A bicycle is a great way to get around Sydney. Cyclists use kerbside bike lanes and are permitted on most of Sydney's multi-lane roads.  Find Sydney cycle maps, routes and more information . 

Bonza Bike Tours , Royal Botanic Garden

Driving in Sydney 

Australians drive on the left-hand side of the road. If you’re travelling from overseas, you are able to drive in Australia with your foreign driver's licence for three months, as long as that licence is in English. If your licence is not in English, you will need to attain an International Drivers Permit (IDP) to use in Australia. 

Seat belts are compulsory in Australia, with the driver responsible for ensuring all passengers are wearing them. Using hand-held mobile phones is prohibited. The blood alcohol limit is 0.05% throughout Australia and is enforced with random breath tests. Pay attention to speed limits – speed cameras are used across Sydney and NSW. 

Shops and cafes lined up along Oxford Street, Paddington

Parking in Sydney 

Parking can be limited and expensive in the CBD and close to popular beaches. Many of Sydney’s streets are restricted to permit holders, with time limits applied to non-permit holders or with metered parking. Fees range from $2.50 to $8 per hour depending on the location and time of day. 

The cheapest way to park in the city centre is to pre-book online.  Secure  and  Wilson  parking offer cheaper advance rates and  parkopedia.com  is also a useful resource when looking for parking. If parking on the street, ensure you park in line with traffic. 

Jacaranda trees in full bloom along McDougall Street, Kirribilli

Toll roads 

Sydney has a number of toll roads and tunnels, including the Harbour Bridge, Harbour Tunnel, Cross City Tunnel and Eastern Distributor. This is charged via an electronic system. If you have a rental car, it will most likely have an e-tag installed and you will be billed at a later date. If you don’t have an e-tag, you can obtain one from the following websites: 

roam.com.au  

linkt.com.au  

myetoll.com.au  

If you pass through a toll road without a tag, ensure you call the number advertised to pay the toll, otherwise, you may incur a fine. 

The Cahill Expressway, Sydney CBD

Car rentals in Sydney 

You’ll find a range of car rental options in Sydney, including car, 4WD, campervan and classic car  hire .     

Electric vehicle charging points 

Electric vehicle charging points can be found across Sydney and NSW. Make sure you check their locations before setting out on your journey. You can find a full list on the  Electric Vehicle Council website . 

Electric car charger at Mountain Ridge Wines, Coolangatta 

Taxis & private transport 

Taxis and water taxis are a convenient way to get around Sydney. Rideshare services also operate in Sydney and include Uber, Ola and Didi. 

• Legion Cabs : 13 14 51 
• Premier Cabs : 13 10 17 
• Silver Service Cabs : 13 31 00 
• St George Cabs : 13 21 66 
• 13CABS : 13 22 27 
• Wheelchair Accessible Taxis (WATS)  
• Fantasea Yellow Water Taxis : 1800 326 822 
• Water Taxis Combined : 02 9555 8888 
• V.I.P Water Taxis : 0418 847 777   
• Majestic Water Taxi : 0439 625 377 

Family enjoying the views aboard a Majestic Water Taxi, Sydney Harbour

Travelling beyond Sydney  

Sydney airport .

Sydney Airport  is located about 9 kilometres south of Sydney's city centre in the suburb of Mascot. 

The three passenger terminals at Sydney Airport are: 

• T1: International Terminal is used for international flights. 
• T2: Domestic Terminal is used by domestic and regional airlines including  Jetstar ,  Rex ,  Virgin Australia  and  FlyPelican . 
• T3: Domestic Terminal is used for  Qantas  and QantasLink domestic flights. 

Transport services such as buses, taxis, car hire, rail and shuttle bus services are conveniently located at Sydney Airport. 

Qantas plane taking off from the airport, Sydney Airport 

Sydney cruise terminals 

There are two  cruise ship terminals  in Sydney Harbour. The main  Overseas Passenger Terminal  is on Circular Quay’s western side in the historic Rocks and opposite the Sydney Opera House. The  White Bay Cruise Terminal  is near Anzac Bridge and is best accessed from James Craig Road in Rozelle. 

The Sea Princess cruise, Sydney Harbour

Intercity & Country NSW trains 

Trains depart Central Station for many NSW destinations, including the South Coast, Blue Mountains, Southern Highlands, Central Coast, North Coast, Country NSW and Outback NSW. Travelling long distances is easy and affordable on  regional train and coach services .   

Regional bus services 

Private bus companies run daily services along the coast and to regional NSW, as well as to other states from Sydney CBD and Central Station.  

• Firefly Express : 1300 730 740 within Australia 
• Greyhound : +61 13 14 99 
• Murrays : +61 13 22 51 
• Priors Scenic Express : 1800 816 234 within Australia 

Accessible transport

All ferries, trains and new buses in NSW are wheelchair accessible, providing easy access for prams and other mobility devices. You can ask for assistance boarding or leaving transport. Visit Transport for NSW’s  accessible travel  web page for more information.

Opal Card FAQs

How does the opal card work.

Opal cards are essentially smartcard tickets used to pay for travel on public transport in Sydney. To use the Opal card, you must first load value onto it. Then at the start of your journey, you tap on at a designated Opal card reader. When you arrive at your destination, you tap off, in the same way that you tapped on, and the designated Opal card reader will display your fare. The fare is calculated according to the distance you have travelled and it is automatically deducted from the value on your Opal card account (or charged to your contactless payment card). Opal cards are reusable and must be reloaded once your account reaches low figures to continue using public transport in the Opal system network.   

How much is an Opal card?

There is no charge for an Opal card. However, when obtaining an Adult Opal card, the minimum value of $20 must be loaded onto the card. This amount is then used to pay future fares on the Opal network. The minimum value for a Child/Youth Opal card is $10 and this amount can also be used in the same way as an Adult Opal Card, to pay for future fares on the Opal network.

Where can I buy an Opal card?

Opal cards can be purchased over the counter from Opal retailers, this includes convenience stores, grocery stores, newsagents and pharmacies. Look for the Opal symbol at shops in your area to locate an Opal card retailer. 

How do I top up my Opal card?

There are many ways to top up your Opal card. The most convenient way is by logging into your account or through the Opal Travel app, registering your Opal card to your account, adding a debit or credit card and setting up an automatic top up. When your Opal card balance reaches a certain minimum value, it will automatically add a set amount by charging your card. If you prefer to do manual top ups, this can also be done through the Opal Travel app or by logging onto your account. Additionally, you can top up your Opal card over the counter at Opal retailers or the Opal top up machines available at selected stations, stops and wharves. 

Can I use my credit card instead of my Opal card?

Yes, you can use your credit card to tap on and off the Opal network system as an alternative to travelling with an Adult Opal card. American Express, Mastercard and Visa debit cards with the contactless payment symbol are also other accepted forms of contactless payments. Using any of these payment methods, you will be charged the same Adult Opal fare as you would be charged using your Opal card.  

If you have more than one payment method on your mobile device, ensure you use the same card to tap on and off the Opal system to avoid being charged the maximum default fare. 

Can you use your phone as an Opal card?

Opal cards do not come in a digital form, but you can use your iPhone (or other smart device) to tap on and off the Opal system network and pay for the fare from your digital wallets using contactless payments. Select the card you want to charge the fare to in your digital wallet and tap onto the designated Opal card reader. The Opal reader will show a “tap success” message to signify that payment has been accepted. At the end of your journey, hold the same device you tapped on with over the Opal reader until you see the confirmation that payment has been accepted.   

Is there a discount for children using Opal cards?

Yes, there are Child/Youth Opal cards that are available for children aged 4-15 years of age. Child/Youth Opal cards can also be used by full time NSW and ACT students, aged 16 and older, with a current NSW secondary student concession card. Child/Youth Opal cards can be purchased from Opal retailers or can be applied for online. The Child/Youth Opal cards provides children with discounted fares on the Opal system network. Children under the age of three travel for free on the Opal network. Contactless fares are charged at the equivalent of an Adult Opal ticket, even if used by a child or youth.  

What happens if I forget to tap on or tap off with my Opal card?

If you forget to tap on at the beginning of your journey, but tap off at the end of your trip, you will be charged the default fare for an incomplete trip. Similarly, if you tap on, but do not tap off at the end of your journey, you will also be charged the default fare amount.  

The amount of a default fare varies depending on the transportation taken: 

The default bus fare is $4.71.

The default fare on the ferry is $7.51.

The default fare using the light rail is $3.66.

The default fare for trains is $8.69.

Can two people use the same Opal card?

Only one Opal card can be used on one trip at a time. You must not tap on twice with the same Opal card to pay for another person’s trip. Technically, you can share an Opal card as long as you are not riding on the same trip. Two individual cards are needed if you plan to travel at the same time. 

What happens if I lose my Opal card?

If your registered Opal card has been lost, stolen or damaged, you can transfer the balance to another Opal card that is also registered to you. However, if you do not obtain a new Opal card and register it to your account, you will only be able to block the original lost, stolen or damaged Opal card.  

Once you have your new Opal card, you can request the balance from the lost, stolen or damaged Opal card to be transferred to your new card. Call 13 67 25 to request the balance from the original card to be transferred to your new card.

Does Opal offer any discounts?

Yes, there are a number of benefits when you travel in the Opal network with an Opal card or credit or debit card.  

Daily travel caps - travel all day in the Opal network and never pay more than $16.80 a day for Adult, $8.40 a day for Child/Youth and Concession and $2.50 a day for Gold Senior/Pensioner. 

Weekly travel caps - travel all week in the Opal network and never pay more than $50 a week for Adult, $25 a week for Child/Youth and Concession and $17.50 a week for Gold Senior/Pensioner 

Weekend travel cap - travel all day on Saturday, Sunday and public holidays and never pay more than $8.40 a day for Adult, $4.20 a day for Child/Youth or Concession and $2.50 a day for Gold Senior/Pensioner 

Weekly Travel Rewards - if you have paid for eight journeys in one week (Monday to Sunday), your fares will be half price for the rest of the week. 

30% discount with off-peak metro/train/bus/light rail fares - when you travel outside of peak times with your Opal card. 

Opal Transfer Discount - when travelling with more than one mode of transport on the same journey (train, ferry, bus or light rail), a $2 discount (adults) is applied to each transfer, within 60 minutes from the last tap off. 

Travel apps & information 

Live traffic nsw app .

Receive up to the minute news of road incidents and conditions that may affect your journey in Sydney and the NSW regions. 

Download  the Live Traffic NSW App from the App Store 

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TripView displays Sydney train, bus, ferry and light rail timetables, showing your next services. By TripView Pty Ltd. 

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Next Station 

Next Station provides trip planning and timetables, real-time vehicle position and service alerts in multiple languages covering Sydney’s public transport network, NSW TrainLink and NSW regional buses. 

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11 ways to eat, drink play, shop in Sydney like a local

The Sydney CBD is a tourists’ playground but the locals enjoy the city just as much and here’s where we hang.

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The Sydney CBD is a tourists’ playground but the locals enjoy the city just as much and here’s where we hang.

Eat: The Gidley and Restaurant Hubert

          View this post on Instagram                       A post shared by The Gidley (@thegidley)

Both of these dimly-lit, uber romantic restaurants are subterranean but that’s where the similarity ends. We’ll leave the views to the visitors every now and then for this kind of vibe. Hubert is all about Gallic savoir faire with live jazz, heavenly charcuterie and one of the best duck a l'Orange in town. The Gidley (pictured) wouldn’t be out of place in New York with top-shelf martinis, perfectly prepped steaks, velvet peridot banquettes and a policy where they take away your mobile so you actually have to talk to each other.

Drink: Old Mate’s Place and Papa Gedes

          View this post on Instagram                       A post shared by Old Mate's Place (@oldmatesplace)

Start your evening at Old Mate’s Place at 199 Clarence Street. We include the address because it seems like a regular ol’ office block in the Sydney CBD. But head up to the fourth floor and you’ll enter a narrow doorway which in turns leads into a warmly lit timbered space with high ceilings and a rooftop bar (pictured). We may not have the laneways of Melbourne but Clarence Street is laced with courtyards and the voodoo-themed libation destination that is Papa Gedes is as snug as it sexy. Try the Queen Of Cups with cerise gin, dry vermouth, French Earl Grey and creme de violette. 

Drink in the views: Henry Deane and The Theatre Bar At The End Of The Bar

          View this post on Instagram                       A post shared by Hotel Palisade (@hotelpalisade)

Occupying levels four and five of the historic Hotel Palisade, this bougie bar (pictured) is where we take visiting family and friends for sunset harbour views and small plates that are almost as enticing. From on high to perched just above the water, this enclave at wharf 4 and 5 is technically part of the Sydney Theatre Company but you don’t have to take in a show to do the same with the views.

Museums: Powerhouse Ultimo and Museum Of Sydney.

          View this post on Instagram                       A post shared by Powerhouse Museum (@powerhousemuseum)

From high fashion (Carla Zampatti retrospective), Indian fabrics (pictured) and suspended Catalina flying boats to Nirvana’s Australian breakout tour complete with pub carpet (Unpopular), the Powerhouse Ultimo is one of the few Australian museums that genuinely lives up to the ‘something for everyone’ billing.  Meanwhile, the Justice & Police Museum sits a block back from Circular Quay and offers a deliciously dark insight into the seamier side of the city.

Coffee: Workshop and Will & Co on George

          View this post on Instagram                       A post shared by Will & Co Coffee (@willandcocoffee)

Look for the cluster of office workers opposite the northern end of the QVB on George Street. They are at Workshop for the CBD’s most consistently on point espresso. A click or so down the road towards the harbour is another hole in the wall beloved by caffeine addicts. At Will & Co , it’s all pared-back grooviness where the star is what’s in the cup.

Market: Millers Point Monday’s Farmers’ Market

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If you’re in town on a Monday and the weather is good, stop by this beautifully curated market for bread, cheese, wine and cured meats then head up the hill for a picnic near the Observatory. 

Spa: The Langham Sydney

          View this post on Instagram                       A post shared by The Langham, Sydney (@langhamsydney)

Inside this sleek and sophisticated hotel is one of the most magical indoor pools in town. Beneath what seems like a shimmering night sky, the tranquil turquoise waters beckon visitors to the Chuan spa - itself one of those in-the-know havens.

Art: Art After Hours and MCA Late

          View this post on Instagram                       A post shared by Museum of Contemporary Art Australia (@mca_australia)

Every Wednesday evening, the sandstone pile that is the Art of Gallery of NSW lets its hair down with free guided tours, live music and film screenings. The new modern art building opens on December 3, 2022 and it’s a dead cert that they’ll have some radness happening here too when the sun sets. The MCA’s e vening offering takes place on Fridays with free performances, workshops and seminars. You’ll have to pay for cocktails overlooking the harbour on the terrace but the panorama is worth it. Pictured above is the Staircase III installation from the Do Ho Suh exhibition which runs until February 28, 2023.

Shop: The Dymocks Building

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Located beside the famed Dymocks bookstore on George Street in the Sydney CBD, this shopping destination was completed in 1932. It’s particularly good for jewellery but since there’s 120 specialty stores ensconced here you can also flip through vinyl at the city’s best jazz store (Birdland), get a new 'do', play the Ice Break escape room, have a custom suit created, pick up some new body ink or score a fancy new fishing rod.

Swim: Boy Charlton Pool

          View this post on Instagram                       A post shared by Andrew (Boy) Charlton Sydney (@andrewboycharltonsydney)

Affectionately known as the ABC, this harbourside pool with views to Woolloomooloo is one of the iconic Sydney CBD spots to take a dip. Open between the beginning of September and end of April, there is a 50 metre heated pool and a small 20 metre one for the kids to splash about in.

Walk: Barangaroo Reserve

          View this post on Instagram                       A post shared by Barangaroo (@barangaroosydney)

What was once an industrial shipping site is now the city’s newest harbour foreshore park . At six hectares, it offers a series of tiers, Aboriginal cultural tours, the Wellama re-imagining of Welcome To Country at the Cutaway and is closed to vehicles. 

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David divides his time between travelling and stand up comedy. His favourite destinations encompass both and he has performed in London, New York and Las Vegas. Sometimes even on stage. He chafes in polyester, can handle no more than two martinis and his safe word is degustation.

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All 45 Metro trains tested in new tunnels under the Sydney CBD

Published: 14 March 2024

Released by: Minister for Transport

Metro services through the Sydney CBD are in sight, following a major testing milestone ahead of services starting on the Sydney Metro City & Southwest line later this year.

All 45 metro trains in the current fleet have now completed at least one return journey between Tallawong and Sydenham at operational speed.

Preparations are now underway for the next major phase of testing – trial running, which is expected to begin in the coming months.

Trial running is the last stage of testing before the launch of the new metro line, where network operator Metro Trains Sydney will run a series of timetable running and operational tests.

Each train stopped at every station during the 51-kilometre journey to confirm train and platform screen doors performed as designed. Passenger help points and information displays on the trains were also put through their paces.

The performance of each train is being monitored closely to ensure passengers can look forward to the new turn-up-and-go metro timetable of a train every four minutes during peak periods.

Extensive integration testing is continuing between the Metro North West Line and the new City section to ensure the trains, signalling and station systems are working together and functioning seamlessly along the length of the line.

Since the rigorous testing and commissioning program started in April 2023, more than 8,700 hours of a total of 11,000 hours of required testing has been completed.

When world-class metro services extend beyond Chatswood and into the city this year, passengers will benefit from direct, fast and reliable public transport services with record travel times in the peak, including from:

• Martin Place to Crows Nest in 7 minutes
• Sydenham to Macquarie University in about 30 minutes
• Central to Chatswood in 15 minutes
• North Sydney’s Victoria Cross in North Sydney under the harbour to Barangaroo in 3 minutes

The extension of Metro services from Sydenham to Bankstown will be the next stage of Sydney Metro’s transformation.

The T3 Bankstown Line will be closed for the 12-month conversion in order to deliver turn-up-and-go metro services every four minutes by late 2025. A comprehensive temporary transport plan, including alternative bus and rail services, will be released in the coming months.

The closure of the T3 Bankstown Line will not occur until the new City section of the line is providing a reliable service for commuters from Sydenham into the CBD.

Transport Minister Jo Haylen said:

“World-class metro services into the heart of Sydney’s CBD are within reach as testing ramps up.

“Commuters from Tallawong in the North West to Sydenham in the inner west can look forward to easy and reliable turn-up-and-go metro services every four minutes in the peak.

“From the middle of this year, our city will be served by six brand new metro stations, giving commuters more travel options than ever before.

“As we hit a critical stage of integrating the existing Metro North West line with the extension under the CBD, I want to thank the community for their patience. There’s no doubt weekend testing is inconvenient and challenging, but the long term benefits of this line will be a real game changer.”