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Hyatt Regency Sydney brings urban luxury to Darling Harbour

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

Rachael Thompson
Rachael Thompson is Australian Traveller's Evergreen Editor and a self-proclaimed cheese and Chablis connoisseur. In her role, she creates and manages online content that remains relevant and valuable over time. With a background in publishing and e-commerce in both interior design and travel, Rachael is dedicated to curating engaging content that informs and inspires. She began her career at Belle magazine, then went on to become Senior Content Producer at Homes to Love focusing on Australian House & Garden and Belle, followed by Editor at Bed Threads. Her work has also appeared in Qantas Travel Insider. When she's not writing, editing, or optimising content, Rachael enjoys exploring the city's newest restaurants, bars, and hotels. Next on her Aussie travel wish list are Uluṟu-Kata Tjuṯa National Park and Lord Howe Island.
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8 Thredbo hiking experiences you can only have in summer

Thredbo in summer is a nature lover’s dream of show-stopping alpine beauty, cool mountain air and magical moonlit adventure.

For many of us, Thredbo calls to mind shimmering slopes and snow-dusted gums, but come summer, this Alpine resort transforms into a playground of an entirely different kind. A cool mountain retreat despite the season, Thredbo summer hikes are astonishingly beautiful, criss-crossing over dramatic peaks, pristine glacial lakes and abundant flora and fauna.

From approachable tracks for novice walkers to more challenging hikes across the Main Range and even journeys under moonlight, Thredbo puts on an unforgettable show of natural splendour all summer. Lace up your walking boots and take the chairlift from Thredbo village to embark on a self-guided exploration or a tour of the Snowy Mountains’ most compelling landscapes.

These eight unforgettable hiking experiences are only available in summer and offer an alpine adventure like you’ve never experienced before.

1. Full Moon Hike to Mt Kosciuszko

Full Moon Hike to Mt Kosciuszko
Stand atop Mt Kosciuszko at full moon.

There’s something almost mystical about hiking by the light of a full moon. This guided experience begins with a 15-minute chairlift ride, where you’ll admire the Thredbo Valley below, bathed in the fading sun.

Once at the top, you’ll pass rivers, alpine lakes and spot nocturnal wildlife on your way to the Kosciuszko Lookout and Lake Cootapatamba. By the time you reach the summit, sunset is well underway as you watch day give way to night and the alpine landscape magically illuminated by the lunar glow. Enjoy a hot chocolate here before following the path back to Eagles Nest, brightened by the night sky.

This 13-kilometre hike will take place on 3 January, 2 February, and 2 April in 2026.

2. Super Full Moon Hike

Super Full Moon Hike in thredbo
Take in the might of a super full moon.

The only thing that could level up the celestial beauty of a full moon hike would be a super full moon hike . Following the same route, you’ll meet the moon when it is largest and closest to Earth by ascending to the summit of Mount Kosciuszko at an elevation of 2228 metres. From such a height, it almost feels as though you could reach out and touch its glowing surface.

Given the rarity and splendour of the super full moon, limited spots fill up fast for this awe-inspiring hike, so be sure to book the 5 December in advance.

3. Lunar Eclipse Hike

Thredbo Lunar Eclipse Hike
See dazzling celestial displays.

What could be more extraordinary than witnessing a lunar eclipse from Australia’s highest peak? Whether you’re a keen astronomer or simply revel in nature’s beauty, this guided 13-kilometre hike will place you on top of Mount Kosciuszko just as Earth passes between the sun and moon, throwing shade over the lunar surface before transforming it with a deep-red hue.

It’s an epic place to witness one of our galaxy’s most spectacular and rare light shows. Apart from the dazzling celestial display, you’ll also enjoy walking through the moon-bathed landscape, an evening chairlift ride, and a hot chocolate at the summit.

Book now for 3 March.

4. New Moon Hike

New Moon Hike Mt Kosciuszko
Catch the changing skies of a new moon.

A stargazer’s delight, the darkness of a new moon gives the Milky Way full permission to dazzle with its shimmering display. Both astronomers and photographers will relish this opportunity to observe and capture the starry skyscape from the lofty height of Australia’s highest peak, Mount Kosciuszko. Departing Thredbo Village at dusk and leaving its twinkling lights far below, you’ll arrive at the summit in time to see the sun slip away and the stars appear.

Catch this hike during the new moon lunar phase on 20 December, 19 January, 17 February, 19 March or 17 April.

5. Thredbo River Track

Thredbo River Track
Take yourself along the Thredbo River Track.

Embark on a gentle entry into the Snowy Mountain scenery with an amble along the Thredbo River. This self-guided hike hugs the river and wanders along the valley floor, revealing snow gum forests, swimming holes and little waterfalls that make for revitalising cold plunges in the summer heat.

6. Merritts Nature Track

Merritts Nature Track thredbo summer hikes
Stop at swimming holes along the way.

On warm summer days, venturing into the cooler air of Thredbo’s alpine tracks offers relief from the heat. Particularly if you set course for the four-kilometre Merritts Nature Track , where there are opportunities to take a refreshing dip in swimming holes along the way.

The two-to-three-hour self-guided hike meanders through towering ancient trees (dubbed the ‘Pixie Forest’ by locals), takes in stunning mountain vistas and is soundtracked by the melody of birdsong. Stop for a picnic and discover a hidden natural infinity pool, the location of which is given away by the roar of a cascading waterfall.

7. Mt Kosciuszko Summit Tour

Follow a guide along Mt Kosciuszko's summit.
Follow a guide along Mt Kosciuszko’s summit.

While you can easily steer yourself to Australia’s most iconic peak without a guide, following an expert guide to the summit of Mount Kosciuszko will colour your experience with a deeper knowledge of the landscape and its wild inhabitants. The 13-kilometre return trail puts the alpine scenery on display with 360-degree views from the highest spot in the country.

The walk begins at the top of the Kosciuszko Chairlift and takes around four to six hours to complete, but is gentle enough to be embarked upon by all ages.

8. Snowies Alpine Walk Experience

Snowies Alpine Walk Experience
Join a two- or three-day experience along Snowies Alpine Walk.

If you’re looking to truly untether from daily life and embark on a real immersion in Thredbo’s stunning alpine scenery, pack your hiking boots for the newest multi-day walk in the mountains. The Snowies Alpine Walk can be tackled over two or three days and includes nightly accommodation in the iconic Thredbo Alpine Hotel, daily buffet breakfast, packed lunch and dinner vouchers, plus daily transfers to and from trail heads in a brand-new Defender.

The two-day experience covers 24 kilometres, while the three-day experience almost doubles that at 44 kilometres. Along the way, explore barely trod landscapes, vast high-country plains and uplifting mountain horizons.

Discover the full offering of summer hikes in Thredbo at thredbo.com.au.