PLAY

Discover Sydney as you’ve never seen it before, with iconic city landmarks taken over as spaces for art and play this summer at Sydney Festival. The mushroom shaped Commercial Travellers Association building designed by Harry Seidler hosts a slew of bands in its 70s bar and an overnight sonic experience in its hotel rooms. The Cutaway at Barangaroo hosts a 7-room immersive, biographical journey through the life of cult artist Frida Kahlo.

A pop-up bar on Harbour St in the CBD hosts world-famous close-up magicians. Sydney Town Hall has 26 tonnes of sand dumped inside to create an indoor beach for a modern English language opera.

The Brutalist Sydney Masonic Centre hosts a night-time rave and Milk Beach hosts a sunrise sonic ritual. And of course, the iconic Sydney Opera House and Roslyn Packer Theatre stage epic shows from artists including flamenco queen Sara Baras and master of the surreal James Thierrée.

Explore the full program here. 

STAY

If you need to stay in Sydney for a little less, your best option is one of the Mantra hotels (Sydney Central, 438 Sussex St, Haymarket NSW 2000, (02) 9284 4500; Cnr George St and Bond St Sydney, (02) 9250 9555). Offering proximity to the action in the heart of the city and four-star accommodation, it’s a smart accommodation option.

If money is no object on your visit, then splash out on a stay at the luxurious Kimpton Margot Sydney (339 Pitt St, Sydney, (02) 8027 8000) or Park Hyatt (7 Hickson Rd, The Rocks, (02) 9256 1234), both five-star hotels. The Kimpton Margot is an exquisite art deco building that hosts Sydney Festival show In Chamber, and the Park Hyatt’s rooms overlook Circular Quay and the Opera House.

EAT

While you’re in town you can’t leave without sampling some iconic dining experiences highlighted in our Festival Feasts. The view doesn’t get any better than Cafe Sydney, overlooking the Opera House and the Harbour Bridge from the top of Customs House with fresh seafood a la carte.

You would be remiss not to visit one of the World’s 50 Best Bars (2021) and one of the World’s 50 Best Sustainable Bars of the Year 2021, Re in South Eveleigh, with its $55 Festival set menu. Nearby is craft beer mecca BrewDog South Eveleigh, with a $55 share menu.

For delicious contemporary Chinese that won’t break the bank, you can’t go past Chef’s Gallery Town Hall, where the $30 Festival Feasts menu is a choice between the famous hand pulled noodles or signature fried rice, a house made mocktail or cocktail and a scoop of Asian inspired ice cream flavours. And for a drink and a snack before or after Carriageworks, the lovable Misfits at the Redfern on George St, has two glasses of wine and a charcuterie board for $30.

GETTING AROUND

The best way to get to Sydney Festival events is by public transport. Visit transportnsw.info or call 131500 for public transport information for Sydney's bus, ferry and train networks. There's no better way to explore Sydney Harbour than by ferry so make sure you use one of the regular services or take a water taxi. Visit sydney.com/love-sydney to start planning your Sydney stay.

By car

For the nearest parking stations please via Wilson Parking. Book online and save 10%* using the promo code “SYDFEST23” at locations near our venues. This promo codes will be live for the duration of the Sydney Festival which runs from 5 Jan to 29 Jan 2023 and applies to the following locations:

- RPA Medical Centre

- Citipark Sydney - 431 Kent St

- Darling Park - right side of Sussex st

- Harbourside Car Park

- 25 Martin Place - Entry via 108 King St

- Angel Place - 123 Pitt st

- 175 Liverpool St - entry Nithsdale St

- Sydney Opera House

- St Andrews House Town Hall Square

- Baranagroo Point (Entry via Hickson Rd)

- The Domain

- Queen Victoria Building

- Citigroup Centre – 271 Pitt Street

- Barangaroo Reserve - 5 Towns Pl

*Please note this code does not include Early Bird, Flexi, Hourly, Overnight, cruise etc.