Hyatt Regency Sydney Blends Relaxation And Urban Sophistication

This city gem offers 5-star luxury without the hefty price tag.

It might be Australia’s biggest hotel by room number, but the Hyatt Regency Sydney offers much more than just size. Standing as a beacon for modern luxury and elegance, this sleek accommodation affords guests CBD convenience, iconic Darling Harbour views, one of the city’s best rooftop bars, and luxurious amenities.

Whether you’re heading to Sydney for business or pleasure, it’s an ideal choice for those seeking an unforgettable stay in one of the world’s most dynamic cities and iconic precincts.

A suite with Darling Harbour views at Hyatt Regency Sydney. — The Regency Studio Suite’s curved design maximises the view.

Location

Sitting adjacent to Darling Harbour, Hyatt Regency Sydney is in one of the most enviable spots in Sydney. Staying here will place you within walking distance of Town Hall Station, SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium, the ICC. The vibrant waterfront precinct is not only a favourite among tourists but also a lively spot for locals, offering a rich blend of experiences from restaurants to entertainment venues. It’s a 15-minute drive from Sydney Airport.

The exterior of the Hyatt Regency Sydney — The hotel sits adjacent to Darling Harbour.

Style and character

Cox Architecture was responsible for the redevelopment of the Hyatt Regency Sydney in 2016. The redesign features a curved glass structure that effectively maximises the Darling Harbour views.

Renowned interior design firm Bates Smart is behind the style within. The design is modern with sophisticated nautical influences that nod to the location including a thoughtful palette of of blues, browns, and greys, mirrors reminiscent of ship portholes, and a rooftop bar that has the feel of a luxe yacht.

Point of View Design PTY LTD (POV) was onboarded to handle the lighting design which saw them strategically place spotlighting, discrete downlights, and the use of “warm-dim" LED technology to enhance guest experience.

Overall, the design is modern yet welcoming and a sensitive reflection of Darling Harbour.

The neutral-toned and modern foyer of Hyatt Regency Sydney. — The interiors are sleek, championing light timber and a colour palette that reflects the harbour.

Facilities

The facilities at the Hyatt Regency are designed to promote guest comfort, health, and wellness. On-site you’ll find a 24-hour fitness centre with cardio and strength training equipment including Peloton bikes.

Those who have come off a long-haul flight or are in need of R&R can head to Nabea Spa on level one. The spa menu offers a range of treatments aimed to relieve stress, enhance skin health, and provide a deeply soothing experience tailored to individual needs. For the ultimate indulgence, book the Sensorial Escape by Sothys treatment – a 110-minute body exfoliation, personalised relaxing aroma massage and warm nourishing body wrap – before a relaxing session in the new infrared sauna.

Guests staying in a Regency Club room or suite have access to the Regency Club Lounge. Unlike many hotel lounges, which err on the side of stuffy, this airy, modern space is a relaxing spot for informal meetings or catching up on work. From 5:30pm to 7:30pm guests can tuck into a selection of canapés and complimentary beverages.

For business travellers, there are 4,000 square metres of state-of-the-art meeting spaces for events.

The gym overlooking Darling Harbour at the Hyatt Regency Sydney. — Take in the Darling Harbour views while you exercise.

Rooms

There are a mammoth 878 guestrooms comprising 27 suites ranging from the comfortable King Rooms to the 1,614 square feet Sydney Terrace Suite. Each room was renovated in 2020 and features a modern design, spacious bathrooms, workstations, and many boast stunning Darling Harbour views.

A blue-toned room at Hyatt Regency Sydney. — The Regency Kind Bed Harbour View Balcony room.

For a more elevated experience, the suites feature expansive living spaces with floor-to-ceiling windows that frame panoramic harbour views. A standout is the roomy Harbour View Studio Suite with its beautiful curved design and freestanding bath.

A freestanding bath in a suite at Hyatt Regency Sydney. — The luxurious bathroom in the Regency Studio Suite.

Food and drink

There are five different venues to enjoy food and drinks: Zephyr Sky Bar, Sailmaker Restaurant, Jackalberry Bar & Restaurant, Lobby Lounge and Dundee Arms.

Zephyr is a major drawcard to the hotel and is considered one of the best rooftop bars in the city. This sophisticated space overlooks the harbour and its sleek, curved design makes one feel as if they’re on a luxe yacht while sipping delicious Moët & Chandon tipples like the basil and limoncello champagne spritz.

Zephyr at the Hyatt Regency Sydney — Zephyr is one of the best rooftop bars in Sydney.

Sailmaker is the hotel’s main dining facility, drawing inspiration from the historic Corn Exchange, a Sydney landmark that long connected people through food and trade. Guests can start the day with an impressive buffet breakfast, while evenings bring a versatile menu shaped by local produce and sustainable practices. All of this is paired with a wine list that celebrates standout drops from New South Wales.

Sailmaker Restaurant at Hyatt Regency Sydney. — Sailmaker Restaurant makes a conscious effort to ensure dishes are thoughtfully sourced and carefully served.

The Lobby Lounge is also on the ground floor and is a lovely spot for a post-dinner tipple or to enjoy their Gin High Tea, which includes scones, savoury delights, and two G&Ts.

Back on street level, is cocktail bar Jackalberry. Work your way through a list of beverages that take you on a journey around the world with flavours from different continents.

The exterior of the Dundee Arms pub. — The Dundee Arms offers a cosy atmosphere and classic pub fare.

For a more relaxed affair, the Dundee Arms connects to the hotel and is one of Sydney’s oldest pubs. Originally built in the 1840s, it used to serve sailors and dockworkers from nearby ships. Pull up a chair in the cosy three-story Victorian Regency-style building and order a cold beer and classic pub meals like chicken schnitzel with parmesan crumb and Stone & Wood Pacific Ale battered fish and chips.

Does the Hyatt Regency Sydney have access for guests with disabilities?

There are 14 accessible rooms equipped to accommodate various accessibility needs. Accessibility is also prioritised in public spaces.

Is the Hyatt Regency Sydney family-friendly?

A family checking into the Hyatt Regency Sydney — Hyatt Regency Sydney welcomes families.

The Hyatt Regency Sydney is first and foremost a business-oriented hotel, but its prime location and spacious rooms make it ideal for families. Interconnecting rooms are available on request.

Details

Best for: Business travellers

Address: 161 Sussex St, Sydney

Cost: From $299 per night.

Need more inspiration? Discover the best Sydney accommodation

Make this dazzling stretch of beaches and natural wonders your home base for a grand adventure

Whether you’re setting out solo, bringing a mate, or packing in the whole family, no road trip along Australia’s East Coast is complete without at least a few days spent exploring the Coffs Coast. A stunning stretch of NSW coastline nestled between ancient high-elevation rainforests and magnificent, undiscovered beaches, Coffs offers amazing biodiversity, stunning natural beauty, and heaps of local charm, without the crowds. Pull up in Coffs Harbour , your perfect home base for these unforgettable day-trips.

1. Southern Beaches

The Coffs region boasts 30 of Australia’s most beautiful, unspoiled beaches, directly abutting a dramatic tableau of mountains and rainforests. Drive South of Coffs Harbour to find up-and-coming surf destinations where it’s still possible to catch an empty wave. First up is the picturesque Sawtell village . Wander the famous fig-tree-lined main street packed with laid-back places to eat and drink. Enjoy panoramic views and seasonal whale sightings at Bonville Headland on the Southern end of the beach.

Nearby Bongil Bongil National Park boasts seven kilometres of empty beach, along with hiking and cycling trails through beachfront rainforests – keep an eye out for koalas living in the trees. Boambee Beach and Boambee Creek Reserve are great for families, with shallow waters perfect for kayaking and SUPing, plus an off-leash dog beach.

family eating lunch in sawtell — Experience small-town charm in Sawtell.

2. Orara Valley Tourist Trail

The Orara Valley Tourist Trail has it all: hinterland bushwalks, birdwatching, horse riding, pristine swimming holes and rolling green pastures dotted with dairy farms and historic villages. And it’s only 15 minutes west of Coffs Harbour.

Sample produce at a roadside stall, stop into Coramba Hotel for a quintessential country pub lunch, or try the Idle in Cafe in Nana Glen for coffee and scones. Then spend the afternoon kayaking the Orara River or mountain biking on Mt Coramba. If you’re feeling adventurous, follow the 4WD touring route along the Orara Escarpment in Bindarri National Park , a rugged landscape with dazzling views that winds through untouched eucalypt rainforests and waterfalls.

A family sitting by the Orara Valley Tourist Trail. — Explore the green heart of Coffs.

3. Dorrigo National Park

Enjoy a classic day trip from Coffs to forest bathe in some of the oldest subtropical rainforests in the world at Dorrigo National Park, part of the World Heritage-listed Gondwana Rainforests. These million-year-old ecosystems promise rare bird sightings, towering strangler figs, and epic walking tracks and picnic spots. Try the 6.6 km Wonga Walk to experience dreamy Crystal Shower Falls (where you can walk behind the falls) and the Skywalk Lookout, which offers spectacular views of the valley and coast. Then stop in Dorrigo town for a homey lunch. It’s worth noting that a section of the road between Ulong and Dorrigo – which dates to the 1880s – is unsealed, adding to the area’s end-of-the-earth allure but making travel difficult in adverse weather conditions. Alternatively, head to Dorrigo via the delightful township of Bellingen .

Three people standing at the SkyWalk lookout. — Wander the Skywalk.

4. Northern Beaches

For another tranquil expanse of sun, sand and surf breaks, head north to Woolgoolga (Tourism Australia’s Best Mainland Beach for 2025. Taste the coffee and local-produce breakfast at one of several cafes, then spot whales during their migration season along the Woolgoolga Whale Trail to the headland. Emerald Beach offers clear blue waters and another headland walk, perfect for taking in views of South Solitary Island, a dramatically rocky-cliffed island with a historic lighthouse. Red Rock, some 40km north of Coffs and named for its striking coastal rock formations, boasts a gorgeous estuary reserve that’s perfect for languorous days spent picnicking, swimming, fishing, and connecting with the relaxed local pace.

Freshly caught seafood by the beach, with sparkling ocean views. — Enjoy fresh seafood overlooking Woolgoolga Beach.

5. Jetty precinct

You could easily spend a whole day exploring the Jetty precinct – from its foreshores to the marina to Muttonbird Island. Start with fresh fish and chips from local institution Coffs Harbour Fisherman’s Co-op , before browsing the popular Harbourside Markets held every Sunday on the foreshores.

Take a scenic walk along the breakwall to Muttonbird Island , a cultural and ecological treasure with panoramic views and rich Gumbaynggirr heritage. The Giidany Miirlarl Education Space shares the island’s ancient stories, or join a guided moonlight tour to see the seasonal return of the muttonbirds.

Back at the Jetty Strip, find a buzzing mix of cafes, bars and restaurants with cuisines from around the world, open from morning until late. Don’t miss The Jetty Pavilion , a favourite for its unique menu blending modern Australian cuisine with vibrant world flavours.

walk to muttonbird island from coffs harbour — Walk the path where land meets sea and sky.

6. Grafton

Head inland from mid-October to early November to catch Grafton’s jacaranda season, when the town’s streets and parks are covered in purple. Even better, time your trip between 24 October and 2 November to attend the famous Jacaranda Festival, with special food items, performances and more. At any time of year, follow the self-guided Grafton Heritage Trail to discover the town’s historic buildings, landmarks and stories. Or get the blood pumping with a trip along the longest mapped white-water trail in Australia – the Clarence Canoe and Kayak Trail. Book a tour with Exodus Adventures .

woman walking through jacaranda trees in grafton — Time your Grafton trip to see the jacarandas in full bloom. (Image: @myclarencevalley)

7. Nambucca

Just south of Coffs Harbour sits Nambucca, the ideal town for a relaxed, coastal day trip. Hire a canoe, kayak or boat to explore over 80 kilometres of waterways stretching from the hinterland to the ocean. For those who prefer to stay on dry land (or double up their adventure for the day), stretch your legs along the V-Wall – a scenic coastal walk along the Nambucca River – dotted with boulders painted by the community, sharing messages, art and local stories. Stop along the way to buy Sydney rock oysters direct from local farmers, or try your own hand at fishing. Before heading back to Coffs, refuel on fresh seafood and wood-fired pizzas at Matilda’s in Nambucca .

a boat zooming through Nambucca Heads — Explore Nambucca’s waterways. (Image: Seen Australia)

Visit coffscoast.com and download the Coffs Coast Explorer App for more daytrips and trails.

Hyatt Regency Sydney brings urban luxury to Darling Harbour