The city of Sydney, on the lands of the Gadigal people, is the most populated in Australia and stands out as a premier business hub in the Asia-Pacific region.
With iconic landmarks like the Sydney Opera House and Darling Harbour, alongside a vibrant food and wine culture, Sydney promises travellers an enriching and immersive experience.
In this Business Travel Guide to Sydney, we’ll explore the top destinations and essential tips to enhance your next trip to the dynamic capital of New South Wales.
What makes Sydney a great place to conduct business?
Sydney is a vibrant, multicultural city that warmly welcomes international business travellers and ensures they feel at home in a new environment.
Thanks to its efficient public transportation system, navigating the city is a breeze, allowing visitors to effortlessly explore its iconic sights!
What is the best way to get from the airport to the city?
Sydney Airport (SYD) is conveniently located just 9 km from the city centre (CBD). The city boasts an extensive public transport network, including buses, trains, metro rail, light rail, and ferries. The Airport Link train provides a quick and efficient connection from both the Domestic and International terminals to various CBD stations, taking about 20 minutes. Additional train, bus, ferry, and light rail services extend into Sydney’s vibrant suburbs.
For easy travel on Sydney’s public transport, you’ll need either an Opal card or a contactless credit card, debit card, or mobile device. Remember to tap on and off with the same payment method for a smooth experience if using a credit or debit card. The Opal card also offers access to transport beyond the city, reaching beautiful destinations like the Blue Mountains, Central Coast, Hunter Valley, Illawarra, and Southern Highlands.
Several car rental providers are conveniently located at the airport if you want to explore regional areas.
Which is the best area of Sydney to stay in when travelling for business, and why?
Sydney caters to every business traveller’s preferences and budget, featuring a wide array of major global hotel brands alongside charming independent hotels that add character to your stay. For the quintessential Sydney experience, nothing beats staying in the iconic Sydney Harbour or Circular Quay areas, the historic Rocks, Barangaroo Precinct, or Darling Harbour. These prime locations offer breathtaking views and convenient access to the city’s attractions and world-class hospitality right at your doorstep.
Where are some recommended places to stay?
Travellers can choose from an impressive array of centrally located accommodations that cater to diverse tastes, ranging from the charm of heritage-listed wharves to sleek modern skyscrapers boasting sweeping views. Those seeking a stay steeped in history will appreciate The Old Clare Hotel, Harbour Rocks Hotel, or the Porter House Hotel MGallery. For those wanting to be at the centre of the action, QT Sydney and W Sydney offer a boutique experience, while Park Royal Darling Harbour and A by Adina on Hunter provide modern luxury and comfort.
What are the best places to conduct a working lunch/dinner in the city?
Sydney is home to an array of outstanding dining options set in iconic locations, such as Quay Restuarant, Bennelong, Aria, and a’Mare, each offering a unique culinary experience. Venture beyond the city centre to discover culinary gems like Icebergs Dining Room, Bar Lettera in North Sydney or Catalina in the Eastern Suburbs. For a quick lunch break, travellers can hop on the new metro to explore the vibrant eateries in the Victoria Cross Precinct, making it easy to savour delicious meals without missing a beat.
What are the top tips for getting the best value from a business trip to Sydney?
Choose a hotel within walking distance of your office, contact, or client. Booking your travel and accommodation as early as possible is advised to secure the best rates and availability. Sydney is rich with iconic attractions, including the Opera House, Sydney Harbour Bridge, and Bondi Beach. Be sure to research and plan your itinerary ahead of time to make the most of your business trip while fitting in some sightseeing!
Enjoy an evening meal or drinks at one of the many waterfront bars and restaurants along Sydney Harbour or aboard a cruise boat that offers stunning views of the Opera House and Harbour Bridge. Additionally, immerse yourself in the vibrant Aboriginal culture showcased through cultural tours, exhibitions, and events throughout the year.
What hidden gems are recommended for visiting business travellers?
Who knows the hidden gems of Sydney better than the locals? We tapped into the insights of our Sydney team members to uncover their top recommendations.
Karen McGillivray, CTM’s General Manager NSW & ACT, shared, “Make sure to visit Fix Wine Bar and Restaurant for their Happy Hour! The service and food are excellent. If you’re looking for a great lunch spot, check out Meat & Wine Co on Castlereagh Street. They offer an express menu with one or two courses, perfect for delicious food on the go and great value. You’ll often spot the CTM team enjoying a meal here!”
What are common mistakes business travellers make when visiting Sydney?
One of the most common mistakes travellers make is not booking accommodation far enough in advance. As the international gateway to Australia and a top destination for domestic and international travellers, Sydney attracts many visitors year-round. In March 2024, Sydney ranked first among all Australian capital cities for total domestic visitors. To secure the best rates and availability, it’s highly recommended that you book as early as possible.
Additionally, if you plan to spend extended periods outdoors, wear sun-protective clothing and apply sunscreen, as the UV index can reach extreme levels of 11+ in summer and often exceeds 3 in winter.
What is the best and worst time of year to travel to Sydney, and why?
There’s truly no wrong time to visit this incredible city. Sydney enjoys a relatively temperate climate year-round; however, many international visitors, especially those from the Northern Hemisphere, may be surprised by the cooler winter temperatures from June to August. Average winter temperatures range from 8.8 to 17°C (47.8 to 62.6°F)—still mild compared to many places, but be sure to pack some warmer clothing! If you plan to combine your business trip with leisure and want to experience Australia’s sun and surf, the warmer summer months from November to February are ideal.
Additionally, travellers should be aware of major events throughout the year, as these can impact prices and accessibility in the city. One event to note is Vivid Sydney, which typically takes place in May and June and attracts over 2 million visitors. It’s the largest festival of its kind in the Southern Hemisphere, and if you’re in Sydney during this time, it’s worth experiencing.
All opinions and recommendations are CTM’s own. CTM encourages all travellers to conduct their own thorough, independent research into their travel destination(s) prior to making any travel decisions and take out adequate travel insurance prior to travel.
