Cruises from Sydney: Cruise Lines, Terminals, Prices & Best Routes

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Cruises From Sydney

Getting ready to book a cruise from Sydney? You've picked the best departure port in the country, and one of the best in the world. Sailing out past the Opera House and under the Harbour Bridge is a highlight before the holiday has even started. In this guide, learn everything you need to know about cruises from Sydney, from the major cruise lines to popular destinations to where to stay before you depart.

Which Cruise Lines Sail from Sydney?

Sydney is a major cruise port, so pretty much every major cruise line you'd want to sail with operates cruises from here. This is one of the world's largest natural harbours, after all. Here are some cruise lines to have on your radar: 

  • Carnival Cruise Line: Carnival Cruise Line operates their vessels Carnival Adventure and Carnival Splendor, with year-round departures from Sydney. If you're familiar with cruise lines and are wondering where P&O Australia went, it was folded into the Carnival brand in March of 2025. 
  • Royal Caribbean: Big-ship cruising to the South Pacific and New Zealand, typically over the peak season from October to April. Royal Caribbean is also opening Lelepa, its private island destination in Vanuatu, in 2027.
  • Princess Cruises: One of the biggest cruise lines operating from Sydney, offering dozens of itineraries that cover everywhere from the South Pacific and New Zealand to far-away destinations such as Southeast Asia and Hawaii.. 
  • Cunard: The famous Queens call into Sydney each summer on their world voyages, and you can book one-way sectors departing Sydney, anything from a few weeks to Singapore or Hong Kong up to the full run home to Southampton. If you want white-glove ocean liner tradition sailing out past the Opera House, this is it. 
  • Celebrity Cruises: Premium ships like Celebrity Edge running New Zealand and South Pacific itineraries over the Australian summer.
  • Luxury and boutique lines: Viking, Holland America, Oceania, Silversea, Regent, Seabourn and Norwegian all call at or turn around in Sydney, mostly on longer or seasonal voyages. 
Which Cruise Lines Sail from Sydney?

Carnival Splendor at dock in Circular Quay. Image from Unsplash.

Sydney Cruise Terminals: Circular Quay and White Bay

Sydney has two cruise terminals, one at Circular Quay, and the other at White Bay, a 15-minute drive away. If you need to get your bearings first, make sure to check out our detailed article on Sydney Maps.

Circular Quay Cruise Terminal (Overseas Passenger Terminal)

Most Sydney cruises leave from the Overseas Passenger Terminal (OPT) at Circular Quay, right on the harbour in The Rocks. Trains, ferries and buses all meet here, so you can step off public transport and almost straight up the gangway. If you've got a spare morning either side of your sailing, a whale watching cruise or simply a ferry ride from Circular Quay is another good way to get out on the water before or after your cruise.

Getting there:

  • Circular Quay Station is what to aim for on the train (the airport train terminates here) or the ferries if you’re coming via the harbour. From the station, head north along George Street in the direction of the Harbour Bridge (it’s hard to miss!). It’s about a 5- to 10-minute walk from the station. For more info on how to use Sydney's public transport, check out our guide to Sydney's Metro.  
  • There's no onsite parking at the OPT on cruise days, so I’d recommend using public transport wherever possible. Otherwise, you’ll need to use a nearby secure parking garage or on street parking, but if you’re departing on a longer cruise, I’d be worried about the cost. 
  • Drop offs are limited to just two minutes outside the terminal. 

The bonus of sailing from the OPT is the send-off. You’re right beneath the Harbour Bridge and you’ll pull out past the Opera House, two of the most famous sights in Australia. Surely this is one of the best cruise departure points in the world. 

Getting away:

Once you’re returning from your cruise, note that you'll have to head up to Level 3 of the OPT to catch a taxi home. Pick-ups are in the same area as drop-offs.

Sydney Cruise Terminals: Circular Quay and White Bay

Image by Dicklyon, via Wikimedia Commons.

White Bay Cruise Terminal

The White Bay cruise terminal sits at James Craig Road in Rozelle, in Sydney's Inner West, and it handles the ships small enough to fit under the Harbour Bridge. That in of itself is a good selling point, as sailing under the Harbour Bridge is a bucket-list item for many Sydney visitors. 

It's a modern, well-run terminal, but it's in an industrial port area with no train station nearby, so you’ll have to arrive by car or a taxi. 

  • On Cruise days, to reduce the impact of traffic, vehicle access is available from The Crescent and James Craig Road; see the map below. 
  • The terminal is about a 10-minute ride from the CBD, and 30 to 45 minutes from the airport (taxis operate a $60 fixed fare into Sydney). 

It's a cool little terminal once you're inside (it won a World Architecture Festival award, of all things), but give yourself extra time on the way there. There are check-in desks, a cafe, toilets, and seating, but no shops or restaurants around it.

Map of White Bay Cruise Terminal Access

Access to White Bay Cruise Terminal via James Craig Road. Image from the Port Authority of NSW.

✈️ Book cheap flights to Sydney for your cruise! 🏨 Check out the best hotel deals near Sydney's cruise terminals!

Popular Cruises from Sydney

The South Pacific might be the headline destination, but the rest of the Sydney departure board covers a lot of ocean:

New Zealand

From 6 nights up to 4 weeks and more, cruise itineraries to New Zealand take in everything from the country's cities to Fiordland's larger-than-life scenery.

Queensland coast

Moreton Island and beyond, taking in some of Queensland’s most famous spots like Airlie Beach and the Great Barrier Reef.

Tasmania and southern Australia

Looking for something a bit cooler? Cruises down to Tasmania revolve around the island’s wilderness, wine, and foodie scene. 

World cruises and repositioning voyages

Australia is at pretty much the bottom of the world, and the harbour acts as a turnaround port for long global sailings. You can score a one-way leg to Asia, Hawaii or beyond. 

Other Popular Cruises from Sydney

Hawaii is calling, with longer cruises from Sydney making a stop at the archipelago.

Short Cruises from Sydney

Sometimes you just don’t have enough time for a long trip, but luckily there are plenty of short cruises from Sydney on offer. It’ll give you a taste of what cruises are like, but you won’t have to use up a huge amount of annual leave.

Generally, a short cruise is thought of anywhere from 2 to 5 night sailings. Some are a "cruise to nowhere" style break where the ship is the destination, others are themed sailings built around music, comedy or food, and then there are the more classic ones exploring the Aussie coastline—including seasonal Sydney whale watching cruises that offer incredible ocean encounters without even needing an overnight stay. A popular longer run is to Moreton Island off the coast of Brisbane and back.

Carnival runs the most of them, with Royal Caribbean and Princess adding short getaways between their longer itineraries. Prices start surprisingly low; 3-night getaways regularly appear from around AUD 440 to 480 per person twin share for an interior cabin, which is pretty good bang for your buck.

For anyone who hasn’t cruised before, this is where I’d recommend starting. A long weekend at sea—or even a quick whale-watching trip through Sydney Heads—will tell you very quickly whether ship life is your thing, and if it is, the South Pacific is waiting.

Reviews of Sydney Whale Watching Cruise
4.4/5
88 reviews
5/5
I was quite satisfied. I thought I wouldn't see anything again, but there were so many whales behind me! I didn't have high expectations for the food, but it was surprisingly edible; the chicken was good.
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5/5
Today, my friends and I went on a whale watching excursion. Everything was very well organized: a great crew, a comfortable ride, and a wonderful atmosphere. We saw huge, beautiful whales jumping out of the water right next to the boat. It was an incredible sight and a very powerful experience, difficult to describe in words. The excursion left only positive impressions, I highly recommend it!
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5/5
It's definitely worth a visit!
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5/5
Thanks to you, I was able to have a fun and happy time on the cruise ship, just like a party on the Han River, and I would love to sign up again next time haha.
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5/5
Despite rough weather conditions during the day, the staff were incredibly accommodating and provided excellent options to reschedule. The whale watching experience itself was unforgettable—even though the encounter was brief, it was a true lifetime experience. The captain was very knowledgeable and shared great insights throughout the trip. A quick tip for future travelers: if you are prone to motion sickness, be sure to take preventative medication before boarding.
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Short Cruises from Sydney

Brisbane is a popular short cruise destination from Sydney.

📱 Stay connected in the South Pacific ports with a fast and discounted eSIM!

South Pacific Cruises from Sydney

South Pacific cruises from Sydney are the signature route, and they're the reason so many Australians get hooked on cruising. Warm weather, stunning beaches, and island scenery? What’s not to love, sign me up. 

The island-hopping experience might visit places like New Caledoniam (Noumea, Lifou, the Isle of Pines) and Vanuatu (Port Vila and Mystery Island), with longer sailings reaching Fiji. The easy-going nature makes it a good choice for families; my trips to the South Pacific as a kid are still some of the best memories I have growing up. 

Carnival, Royal Caribbean and Princess all run South Pacific itineraries from Sydney regularly, so departures are frequent across the season. 

South Pacific Cruises from Sydney

🎁 Cruises are only half the fun, so pair your holiday at sea with some discounted Sydney experiences for the days either side!

Sydney Opera House
Sydney Opera House
4.7/5
1824 reviews
Wonderful view during sunshine morning and glow night
Taronga Zoo Sydney
Taronga Zoo Sydney
4.7/5
1022 reviews
Huge place! It took us nearly 5 hours to explore everything. I highly recommend watching the seal show first, then heading over to the gorilla enclosure to see the gorillas. After you’re done, take the ferry across Sydney Harbour and visit the Sydney Opera House. It’s the perfect way to end the day.
Sydney Whale Watching Cruise
Sydney Whale Watching Cruise
4.4/5
88 reviews
I was quite satisfied. I thought I wouldn't see anything again, but there were so many whales behind me! I didn't have high expectations for the food, but it was surprisingly edible; the chicken was good.
Blue Mountains National Park
Blue Mountains National Park
4.6/5
227 reviews
It's worth a visit! The whole park is quite interesting and beautiful!
SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium
SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium
4.6/5
382 reviews
Price is reasonable, easy to redeem, nice experience, staff are nice

Cruises from Sydney: Prices

Prices for cruises from Sydney will differ depending on how long you sail, when you sail, and the class of cabin you book. 

School holidays and the December to January peak cost the most, and interior cabins on shoulder-season sailings cost the least. The figures below are indicative starting fares per person, twin share, from aggregator listings in July 2026.

Cruise type

Typical length

Indicative from-price (interior, pp twin)

Short getaway

3 to 4 nights

AUD 440 to 550

South Pacific (New Caledonia and Vanuatu)

7 to 10 nights

AUD 975 to 1,500

New Zealand

10 to 12 nights

AUD 1,450 to 2,200

South Pacific and Fiji

12+ nights

AUD 2,400+

Make sure that if you’re planning a cruise over Aussie school holidays, book early. Cruises at this time really do sell out.

Cruises from Sydney: Prices

🏨 Whichever line you sail with, arriving the day before departure is the smart play, so lock in a pre-cruise stay near your terminal and start the holiday early.

Where to Stay Before Your Cruise from Sydney

If you're flying into Sydney for your cruise, I’d recommend building in a day of buffer just in case of a delayed or cancelled flight. Travelling up from Melbourne? Here's how the transport options compare.

The best place to stay the night before a cruise in Sydney is in Circular Quay or The Rocks. That puts you within walking distance of the OPT the next morning, or a short taxi ride away from the White Bay Cruise Terminal.

The Best Hotels Near Circular Quay

5 star

8.8/10Very Good289 Reviews
Sydney|0.94km from downtown
We stayed at Meriton Suites Kent Street and really enjoyed the location and apartment-style setup. We chose it mainly because it included a kitchenette, washing machine, and more of a home-style layout rather than just a standard hotel room, which made our three-night stay much more comfortable. The location was excellent, close to Chinatown, making it easy to explore local restaurants, markets, and the seafood market, while still being within walking distance of Sydney’s main attractions and landmarks. The hotel itself was functional and suited us well. We actually liked not having daily cleaning service, as it gave us more privacy and made the stay feel more relaxed and independent. Overall, it was a comfortable and convenient place to stay, and we would definitely stay there again.
FromAU$ 173
9.1/10Great803 Reviews
Sydney Central Business District Sydney|0.08km from downtown
This hotel is perfectly located right in the heart of Sydney, making it incredibly convenient to get around. You're just steps away from light rail, train, and bus stops. Plus, there are supermarkets, pharmacies, restaurants, and brand-name stores nearby, so dining and shopping are a breeze. The hotel has a charming, retro vibe with a prominent clock tower. During breakfast, you can even look up and see the clock tower through the glass ceiling – a lovely touch! What I loved most was how spacious and bright the room was. Although it's simple, the design is very thoughtful and practical. The bathroom had hooks for bathrobes and a rod for hanging face towels (something most hotels lack!), a bathtub, and a full-wall mirror above the vanity. The wet and dry areas were separate, which is great. Outside the bathroom is a walk-in closet with a row of wardrobes, all with full-length mirrored doors. The hotel also provides ironing facilities, complimentary toiletries, slippers, and bottled water. All this comes at a really reasonable price, offering excellent value for money. The breakfast was decent too. There was a slight hiccup though: for two mornings in a row, there was drilling noise that woke my daughter up. After I brought it to the hotel's attention, they immediately moved us to the 30th floor. Overall, the service was very attentive. I'd definitely stay here again next time I'm in Sydney.
FromAU$ 249
8.9/10Very Good738 Reviews
Darling Harbour Sydney|0.97km from downtown
1. The hotel is ideally located right by Darling Harbour, making it convenient for exploring and shopping. The rooms offer expansive views of the city and the harbour. 2. The overall decor is simple yet elegant, and the guest rooms are adequately spacious. The environment is clean and tidy, ensuring a stable and comfortable stay. The amenities provided are complete and sufficient. 3. The hotel boasts excellent facilities, including a swimming pool and fitness area, perfect for relaxation. The overall atmosphere is quiet and peaceful. 4. The front desk staff are approachable, and the check-in and check-out processes are smooth. Any requests or communications are handled promptly. The service is generally satisfactory. 5. The breakfast offers a wide variety of choices, catering to popular tastes and diverse dining preferences. Overall, the stay was consistently pleasant and comfortable.
FromAU$ 247
9.3/10Great230 Reviews
Sydney Central Business District Sydney|0.29km from downtown
The hotel's location is excellent, very close to the pier, tram, and subway, about a 7-8 minute walk, which also helps avoid noisy environments. The service staff are quite good, and you can get drinking water yourself in the hotel lobby. However, the bathroom sink is a disaster; when you wash your hands or face, water instantly splashes all over the counter. The shower drain is extremely slow; halfway through washing your hair, your feet are already submerged. You have to ask for toothbrushes; they're not provided automatically. Furthermore, the quality of the shampoo, conditioner, and toothpaste is very poor, leaving hair dry and brittle after washing. This aspect is incomparable to the amenities provided in domestic 5-star hotels. I recommend bringing your own or buying better products.
FromAU$ 260
8.7/10Very Good462 Reviews
Darling Harbour Sydney|0.42km from downtown
The fireworks at Darling Harbour were absolutely stunning, and our room faced Darling Harbour directly. The kids basically lived on the balcony, doing homework, watching fireworks, and eating – they called it the best hotel of the trip. Personally, I found the room a bit small; once we opened our two 28-inch suitcases, there was no space left. Also, the lighting was a bit dim and lacked brightness. Breakfast was quite Western-style, good quality but with limited variety. The kids were quite sad when they realized there was no ice cream, no chocolate fountain, no dessert bar, and no self-service juice (compared to the Crown in Melbourne and Langham where we stayed). But as parents, we were thrilled! Less sugar intake, and the fruits and yogurt were excellent quality. The eggs used for omelets and Eggs Benedict were organic. The downside is that it's a bit far from the subway station, and the walk back to the hotel area at night felt a little dark. My biggest complaint is that in the morning, the kids left a cup on the breakfast table, and when we checked out, they wouldn't even look for it, claiming the breakfast bar staff had gone off duty. My daughter was very upset about her Tiger thermos and even cried.
FromAU$ 263

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Family friendly

9.2/10Great501 Reviews
Sydney Central Business District Sydney|0.18km from downtown
Stayed here during my trip to Sydney and had a great experience. The location is excellent, right in the heart of the CBD with easy access to public transport, restaurants, shopping areas, and major attractions. It made exploring Sydney very convenient. The room was clean, comfortable, and well maintained throughout my stay. The bed was comfortable and the housekeeping team did a great job. The staff were friendly, professional, and always willing to help whenever needed. One of the biggest highlights of The Grace Hotel is its central location. I was able to easily visit places such as the Sydney Opera House, Circular Quay, Darling Harbour, and other attractions without much hassle. Overall, this is a great hotel for both business and leisure travellers. Excellent service, clean rooms, and a fantastic location. I would definitely stay here again on my next visit to Sydney.
FromAU$ 228
9/10Great142 Reviews
Sydney Central Business District Sydney|0.34km from downtown
The hotel's location is quite convenient, right next to the MRT station. The service is also very good, and it's quiet. The hygiene is decent too. The only downside is that the shower head has very weak water pressure, which makes showering a bit of a struggle. Otherwise, everything else is good.
FromAU$ 258
9.1/10Great709 Reviews
Sydney Central Business District Sydney|0.52km from downtown
The hotel's location is truly excellent. Hyde Park is right across the street from the main entrance, and Westfield shopping center is just out the back. Museums, art galleries, and the Opera House are all within walking distance – the location is simply impeccable. However, the service experience was quite poor. Housekeeping was slow to restock amenities like body lotion. After my bathrobe was taken for laundry in the evening, I called the front desk at 7:55 PM, but it wasn't delivered until 9:20 PM. It only arrived after I called to follow up again. Even more unpleasant was the front desk service. One Chinese staff member was laughing and chatting with foreign guests. When it was my turn, I asked if I could speak in Chinese, and he hesitated for a couple of seconds before responding with a very serious expression. Throughout my inquiries about extending my stay and valet parking, he maintained a poker face and showed no service attitude whatsoever. It was a very bad experience.
FromAU$ 289
9/10Great353 Reviews
Darling Harbour Sydney|0.75km from downtown
This hotel's location isn't as good as the Meriton serviced apartment I stayed in before. Although it's close to Darling Harbour, the surrounding area isn't as lively anymore. The room was ready by 2 PM. We left our luggage at the hotel, and when we returned, it had been delivered to our room. The service was excellent, and everyone from the front desk to the bell staff on the first floor was very nice. The building isn't very large. Our room faced the freeway, but it wasn't noisy; the soundproofing was excellent. The room decor is quite minimalist, and the room itself is quite spacious – not at all cramped for two people. It had two queen-sized beds, and the bedding, sheets, and comforters were all very comfortable and clean. There was a coffee machine and a small refrigerator, and the room lighting was quite bright. The bathroom was also a good size and had a bathtub with good water pressure. However, the sink drained slowly, and the shower water sprayed out in all directions, making showering a bit difficult. I eventually just gave up on washing my hair. We got a discount on breakfast when we checked in; it was A$30 per person. The breakfast selection wasn't huge, but it was perfectly adequate, and we enjoyed it, especially the variety of gluten-free bread and cakes, which I was particularly happy about. Despite these points, all the staff in the lobby were particularly friendly and enthusiastic, especially the concierge team. They were humorous and entertaining, making conversations with them very pleasant. My expectations for Parkroyal were quite high, but I was a little disappointed. Overall, I'd say it's a bit below a four-star rating.
FromAU$ 237
8.8/10Very Good255 Reviews
Sydney|0.96km from downtown
Facilities: The air conditioning only has an on/off setting, no fan speed adjustment. If you turn on the AC, you have to put up with a very loud noise, and even when it's off, you can still hear the exhaust fan. Service: When checking in, the front desk staff took my credit card. The POS machine was right there on the desk, so if they needed to verify my card was a Visa, I could have easily shown it to them myself. Instead, they took my card out of my sight, which was very unsettling. Even though they later let me check in early before the official check-in time, it had already soured my mood. The location is very convenient, and the decor is quite new.
FromAU$ 163

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Hot spring

8.6/10Very Good234 Reviews
Sydney Central Business District Sydney|0.55km from downtown
The hotel location is very convenient, right next to the train station and light rail. There's also a lounge where you can relax and enjoy free hot drinks. On Saturday nights, if there's an event at the bar next door, the soundproofing isn't great, but it always ends promptly at 12 AM.
FromAU$ 126
8.9/10Very Good106 Reviews
Darling Harbour Sydney|0.58km from downtown
The room amenities, cleanliness, and location were all great. The only downside was the lack of a screen window, which let in quite a few moths and really put a damper on my mood. The apartment allows you to make your own breakfast, and it's conveniently located not far from a supermarket.
FromAU$ 171
9/10Great230 Reviews
Sydney Central Business District Sydney|0.45km from downtown
The hotel's location is fantastic, just a few minutes' walk to the Sydney Opera House and the Royal Botanic Garden. It's also super convenient for catching a ferry from the wharf. The hotel's parking is actually at a Wilson Parking lot. We were told that booking overnight parking in advance through the Wilson app would be much cheaper; we didn't pre-book and it cost us 67 AUD for one night. If you're driving, you can navigate directly to Wilson Parking - Sofitel Wentworth, Sydney CBD, NSW Car Park. The car park entrance is on Blight Street, just behind the hotel's main entrance. When you arrive, you leave your keys with the Wilson staff and they'll park the car for you. You pay when you pick up the car, and they'll bring it back out to you.
FromAU$ 234
8.4/10Very Good436 Reviews
Darling Harbour Sydney|0.63km from downtown
The location is fantastic, with many attractions within walking distance. It's especially convenient to Darling Harbour, just a 5-minute stroll away, perfect for an evening walk or dinner. We were a group of four and booked a suite with two bedrooms – one with a king bed and the other with two single beds – and we all slept very comfortably. We were also pleasantly surprised by the additional amenities like a small kitchen and a washing machine. The only downside is that the hotel is a bit old, so some of the facilities are a bit dated. Our room, for instance, had a portable floor-standing air conditioner.
FromAU$ 119
9.2/10Great85 Reviews
Sydney|0.93km from downtown
Absolutely superb hotel. The location is obviously perfect, being just a couple of minutes from Circular Quay train station and on top of the wharf for ferries to everywhere as well as just across the road from the Royal Botanic Garden and a short stroll from the Sydney Opera House. The staff were welcoming and helpful from the moment we arrived to the ned of our stay and rightly recommended the breakfast where everything was cokked to order (no sad breakfast buffet here). Our suite had everything we needed: fully equpped kitchen, dining table, sitting area, bedroom plus a balcony with a fabulous view of the quay and the Sydney Harbour Bridge. We will definitely be back.
FromAU$ 452

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Gym

9/10Great821 Reviews
Sydney Central Business District Sydney|0.31km from downtown
We are family of 4 staying for 3 nights. The location is superb & so much convenience. Can easily get light rail tram & all shopping and amenities just surround the hotel. Buffet may not the best but reasonable for the price. Customer service is friendly and approachable at anytime. The only downside is one of the lift is under servicing and only left 2 lift to service all room to 25th floor. Every morning we have to wait at least 15 mins to get in the lift. That’s quite inconvenience and wasting time especially if after breakfast you need to go back room & head out again. Overall still good experience and definitely will be back again.
FromAU$ 209
8.4/10Very Good88 Reviews
Sydney|0.89km from downtown
Great location and helpful staff. The pool is beautiful but you have to be very lucky to get a cabana - the seating is limited. The room was comfortable but the sink dripped onto the cabinetry and the shower tiles were not very clean. Nice to have a cafe downstairs.
FromAU$ 176
9.3/10Great42 Reviews
Sydney Central Business District Sydney|0.38km from downtown
This hotel boasts a stylish design with excellent facilities. The bathroom design is particularly ingenious. Its location on Market Street is very convenient; it's only about a 5-minute walk to the nearest train station, and there are multiple bus lines nearby, offering great connectivity. The only minor drawback is that the hotel entrance isn't very prominent, so it's easy to walk right past it without noticing. Also, breakfast isn't served buffet-style.
FromAU$ 241
8.9/10Very Good301 Reviews
Sydney Central Business District Sydney|0.27km from downtown
The hotel's location is pretty good, making it convenient to get around. The lobby is exquisitely decorated and offers self-service drinking water. The front desk staff are enthusiastic and welcoming. The room space is a bit small, and there's a construction site nearby. Although the windows are soundproofed, it still affected my sleep in the mornings. For an Atour hotel in China, paying over 1000 RMB per night, I personally don't think it offers great value for money. After staying for two nights, I moved to the Four Seasons nearby on Sunday. For just over 900 RMB, it was superior in every aspect.
FromAU$ 195
8.3/10Very Good98 Reviews
Sydney Central Business District Sydney|0.83km from downtown
Exceptional stay from start to finish I had a fantastic stay at the Fraser suites and couldn’t fault a thing. From the moment I arrived, the staff were warm, professional, and genuinely welcoming — the kind of service that makes you feel looked after without being overbearing. The room was spacious, beautifully designed, and immaculately clean, with an incredibly comfortable bed and thoughtful touches throughout. Everything felt calm, luxurious, and well-maintained. The facilities were equally impressive, especially the pool and fitness areas, which were spotless and relaxing. The location is also a huge plus — convenient for getting around while still feeling like a peaceful retreat from the city. Breakfast was excellent, with a great variety and high-quality options. Overall, the hotel delivers true five-star comfort with outstanding service. I’d absolutely stay here again and highly recommend it to anyone looking for a refined, relaxing, and seamless hotel experience.
FromAU$ 236

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Swimming pool

8.5/10Very Good190 Reviews
Surry Hills|0.5km from downtown
First, the negatives. About half an hour after we checked in, a male staff member swiped his card and opened our room door. He said he was delivering hangers, but we hadn't requested any, so perhaps they were meant for another room and delivered by mistake. It was quite a shock regardless. I didn't report it to the staff during my stay, but afterwards, I made sure to double-lock the door every time I entered the room (before, I only locked it at night). Now, for the positives. The location is excellent, very close to Central Station with many bus and light rail options nearby, making getting around super convenient. I stayed on the eighth floor, and while I could still hear traffic noise at night, which was a bit loud, the room's soundproofing was otherwise good, as I couldn't hear any noise from next door. The room was also very spacious, with a fridge and a safe. Overall, I recommend it.
FromAU$ 162
9.4/10Amazing121 Reviews
Windsor|1.05km from downtown
Really nice hotel with great facilities. The drinks and food at the barracks bar were well priced and delicious (I recommend the salted caramel espresso martini). Rooms were large, clean and the bed was extremely comfy.
FromAU$ 176
8.5/10Very Good107 Reviews
Sydney Eastern Suburbs Double Bay|0.24km from downtown
On the plus side: we upgraded ourselves to a village suite and the size was spacious. Breakfast was fabulous and something to look forward to, although 7am start is a bit late for us.. Most of the staff were lovely and well trained. Room was cosy and quiet at night. Fresh towels and clean bathroom. Easy and convenient location outside of CBD. This is the only big hotel in the area and there are some great restaurants nearby - Carmela, Margaret, Bill’s etc. usefully close to Chemist Warehouse for essentials you’ve forgotten. On the negative: It should be classed as 4* - quite cheaply constructed and maintained. Not what you might consider to be luxury. Rooms are dark,  with poorly thought out lighting; the carpet rarely vacuumed (if at all) during our five night stay. Hand held shower head spray nozzles were blocked, bathtub drain was also blocked. Sinks not very clean. Windows in room and dining room very dirty. Big construction site adjacent so we moved rooms to get away from the noise and view of the cranes. Overpriced hotel offering when you consider we could have booked the Capella in CBD at nearly the same rate as our suite, but nice to be away from the city.
FromAU$ 232
9.2/10Great129 Reviews
Castle Hill|2.96km from downtown
Facilities: Below average Cleanliness: Clean Environment: Excellent Service: Average This hotel isn't big or new, but it has fantastic character and a beautiful rustic charm. I stayed for 8 days in autumn and had a great time. They don't provide bottled water, you can drink tap water or the complimentary milk.
FromAU$ 146
6.6/1015 Reviews
Sydney Central Business District Darlinghurst|0.75km from downtown
The apartment is a bit old and the cleanliness was just okay. Since our expectations were pretty low, we weren't surprised that no staff came to clean from check-in to check-out, so we had to clean it ourselves daily. The staff's service attitude was also quite mediocre. However, the location is incredibly convenient for getting anywhere; it's very close to the train station, museums, art galleries, and major shopping malls.

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Breakfast

8.6/10Very Good119 Reviews
Sydney Central Business District Sydney|0.67km from downtown
Hotel located in a good and convenience place, near with supermarket BIG W and train station. Staff are nice. My room picture being falling down, I told the staff and promptly follow up. Room size OK not too small but not big. The shower area feel bit small and difficult turn. Overall it a good experience in this hotel.
FromAU$ 135
9.1/10Great42 Reviews
Sydney Central Business District Haymarket|0.34km from downtown
The best hostel for solo travellers. I was a bit hesitant at first given that the only available room was the mixed dorm. However, the room is clean, quiet, enough space for luggages. I think the best thing I noticed is the cleanliness and the travellers who were checking in because they are all well-mannered. It was a bummer that it was fully booked on my last day on Sydney. I transferred to a different hostel across the street and just massive comparison. Can bring big luggage here, there is a lift!!!
FromAU$ 65
5.7/1016 Reviews
Sydney Central Business District Sydney|0.25km from downtown
The location is in the middle of the CBD and it is convenient to go to the sights. The room is a bit old and the WIFI signal is weak. The elevator has to manually open and close the door. The elevator has to open the door once and the floor of the first floor is not aligned. It is necessary to bend over and step on the way, which is terrible! Be careful of safety incidents. There is a waitress who doesn't care.
6.8/1032 Reviews
Sydney Central Business District Sydney|0.2km from downtown
Clean and tidy, the location is the best. But there are stairs, and there is no waiter to help, which is a bit difficult!
FromAU$ 169
8.1/10Very Good69 Reviews
Darling Harbour Sydney|0.32km from downtown
The location is very good, it is very close to the pier, opera house, Chinatown, you can walk, buy ingredients in the supermarket to cook your own meals, live on the top floor, the scenery is invincible, the best apartment in the whole trip
FromAU$ 170

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James Taylor

James Taylor

Trip.com Writer

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Hi, I'm James, an Australian travel writer based in Europe. Years of trips across Asia, Europe, the US and back home in Australia have taught me that good travel comes down to having the right information beforehand: knowing the details of transfers and public transport, which queue to skip, what's worth it and what's not. I'm bringing all that knowledge and research to my travel guides for Trip.com so you can spend less time working it out and more time enjoying your trip.

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Cruises from Sydney