Hotel Profile: QT Sydney | Australian Traveller

In signature QT style, the Sydney outpost offers a level of unexpected.

Quirky and opulent, QT hotels have been a favourite among design and travel connoisseurs since the opening of their first outpost on the Gold Coast in 2011. Renowned for their signature eclectic style, playful energy, and refined amenities these boutique hotels whisk you away to another world with their charm.

If you’re travelling to Sydney or simply need a staycation, QT Sydney offers a whimsical and unique stay for locals and visitors alike. Here’s everything to know before you book your stay.

Location

QT Sydney is a 20-minute drive from Sydney Airport. Located on Market Street in the CBD, it’s a prime position to base yourself to explore the city’s must-visit sites including Hyde Park, Circular Quay, the Opera House and Darling Harbour. Queen Victoria Building, which sits directly above Town Hall Station, is a two-minute walk away.

the exterior of QT Sydney — QT Sydney is nestled in the historic Gowings Department Store and heritage-listed Sydney State Theatre.

Style and character

QT Sydney is set within the historic Gowings Department Store—a landmark of Sydney’s retail history—and the heritage-listed Sydney State Theatre, both of which date back to the 1920s. The fun begins before you enter the accommodation with the hotel’s cheeky Directors of Chaos—dressed in Romance Was Born host outfits—welcoming you outside.

the lobby of QT Sydney — QT Sydney blends Gothic, Art Deco, and Italianate architecture with modern edge.

Inside is the work of Interior design firms Nic Graham and Associates (G+A) and Indyk Architects who were called upon to restore and transform the interiors. The original old-world charm that blends Gothic, Art Deco, and Italianate architecture, has been carefully preserved and thoughtfully offset with quirky, modern elements.

The funky foyer showcases lashings of colour, an LED wall of digital art, and plush upholstered seating. The guestrooms feature original details mixed with playful decor like bowler hat-shaped lights, leather headboards, and glass cabinets that glow red and orange and are filled with various-shaped glassware.

Facilities

Those looking to get their wellness fix can find stillness at the onsite spa, SpaQ, one of Sydney’s most popular day spas. The indulgent menu spans illuminating body peals, energising body wraps, facial therapy, and massages (including pregnancy). The Hamman-inspired steam room is the perfect pre-treatment experience.

the QT Sydney spa — Get pampered at spaQ.

The most luxurious treatment is the heavenly six-hour ‘Metamorphosis’ which will indulge you in a Hammam steam, energising body wrap, massage, lunch, and femme fatale facial. There’s also a hipster barber next door for those looking to get the cleanest of cuts.

There’s a small gym onsite and guests are given complimentary access to Fitness First Platinum .

QT Sydney doesn’t have onsite parking but they do offer valet parking. Self-parking can be found at Wilson Parking on nearby Pitt Street.

the treatment room at QT Sydney Spa — spaQ will transport you to a total state of zen.

Rooms

Rooms are accessible via a lift which tailors the music it plays to the number of guests travelling in it.

For a hotel positioned in the heart of the city, the 200 guestrooms and suites are quiet and provide an oasis from the outside bustle. These spacious accommodations with original timber floorboards and high ceilings range from comfortable King Rooms to grand suites and are scented with Chanel No.5. All come with plush QT Deam Beds to ensure a sound night’s rest.

the living room interior of QT Sydney State Suite — The State Suite is the most luxurious accommodation offering.

There are no spectacular views from these richly layered rooms, but the bold artworks from artists such as Grant Stevens and Patsy Payne, curios, and eclectic furnishings make up for it by providing a visually captivating experience.

a look inside the QT Corner Suite, Sydney — The spacious QT Corner Suite comes with eclectic furnishings.

All rooms feature large stone bathrooms with King rooms offering rain showers and all other room tiers offering luxurious freestanding or Japanese baths. Within are premium Kevin Murphy amenities and Dyson Supersonics which bring a spa-like experience to your stay.

a dimly lit bathroom at QT Sydney — QT Sydney features large stone bathrooms.

A minibar can say a lot about a hotel’s standards, and we’re pleased to share that the QT has nailed its offering. It’s well stocked and offers a range of tasty treats like organic beetroot chips and gingerbread ninjas, premium spirits such as Belvedere Vodka, Chivas Regal Scotch and Patron XO Café, and an intimacy kit.

the bedroom at QT Sydney Executive King — The stylish QT Sydney Executive King.

If you’re travelling with your pup, guests can also book a pet-friendly room that boasts a pet-friendly mini bar packed with treats and in-room dogs’ dinner menus designed by QT Head of Treats Nic Wood.

the bedroom at QT Junior Suite, Sydney — Enjoy a sound night’s rest on one of the plush QT Dream Beds.

Food and drink

There are two dining venues to enjoy onsite; Gowings Bar and Grill and Parlour.

Gowings Bar & Grill is inspired by New York’s Little Italy and steakhouse scene. Helmed by chef Sean Connolly, the menu is, unexpectedly, meat-heavy with high-quality cuts like Brooklyn Valley eye fillet, New York striploin, and Riverine ribeye up for grabs.

the interior details of Gowings Bar & Grill at QT Sydney — Step into the elegant Gowings Bar & Grill at QT Sydney.

There are plenty of seafood and vegetarian options on the menu as well such as swordfish belly crudo with peperoncino and oregano, and raviolo with roasted eggplant and smoked scamorza. You can also sit in the bar area for a pre or post-dinner creative cocktail like the ‘I’ve Been Missin’ with pink gin, rose, and strawberry shrub.

a table-top view of French cuisine at Parlour in QT Sydney — Dine on quintessential French fare at Parlour.

Parisian-inspired all-day dining venue Parlour sits on Market Street level. Indulge in classic French fare while sitting in a chic space that will transport you to a sultry bistro in Paris. Join for the daily Afternoon Aperitif from 4-6pm and you’ll be treated to $1 escargot, $2 freshly shucked oysters, and $10 mini classic martinis.

squeezing lemon into a dish at Gowings Bar & Grill, QT Sydney — The menu is inspired by New York’s Little Italy and steakhouse scene.

Accessibility?

QT Sydney is wheelchair accessible.

Family-friendly?

QT Sydney isn’t your stereotypical family hotel and its design-led nature is geared towards a more trendy and adult-oriented experience. However, the rooms are large and the location is ideal for exploring the city.

Details

Address: 49 Market St, Sydney

Best for: Business travellers and couples

Price: From $295

Check out our Sydney accommodation guide.

Aussies might think they know what Port Stephens is all about – but it’s time to take another look.

You might’ve driven through this NSW coast town. Maybe even stopped for fish and chips or a quick dip. But spend a long weekend in the new Port Stephens , and you’ll seriously regret not doing it sooner. We’re talking treks across beaches, reef dives and up-close time with rescued koalas.

All in all? It only takes a day before you see Port Stephens in a whole new light, and not much longer until it’s locked in as your favourite family destination.

1. Stockton Sand Dunes

Port Stephens incredible Stockton Sand Dunes are the largest moving sand mass in the Southern Hemisphere. They shift like an endless magic trick across the Worimi Conservation Lands , a 4200-hectare coastal co-managed by the Traditional Owners.

Tear over them in a 4WD. Rev through valleys soft as melting ice cream on a quad. Carve down 30-metre slopes on a sandboard. However you choose to cross them, you’re guaranteed a seriously wild ride.

Four rugged 4WDs kick up trails of golden dust as they charge across the sweeping desert landscape. — Chase thrills across shifting sands. (Image: Destination NSW)

2. Scale Tomaree Head Summit Walk

A short climb through bushland opens up to the coastal drama of Tomaree Head . Spot Zenith, Wreck and Box Beaches. See the Fingal Island lighthouse and offshore rookeries where Australia’s rarest seabird, the Gould’s petrel, nests.

History buffs can’t miss the WWII gun emplacements. And if you’re hiking between May and November, bring binoculars. Travelling whales might just be breaching below.

Friends enjoying a scenic walk along the Tomaree Head Summit Walk in Tomaree National Park, Port Stephens. — Climb Tomaree Head for jaw-dropping coastal views. (Image: Destination NSW)

3. Watch out for whales

You’ve seen the spouts of migrating humpbacks and southern right whales from shore. Set sail from Nelson Bay to see them up close. Cruise straight into the action, with tail-slaps, barrel rolls and all.

And they’ve got competition from the local show-offs. Port Stephens bottlenose dolphins leap and play. Some tours even spot pudgy fur seals, spending lazy days soaking up the sun on Cabbage Tree Island.

A whale’s tail on the sea’s surface. — Watch for ocean tails. (Image: Destination NSW)

4. Port Stephens Koala Sanctuary

Pop into the Port Stephens Koala Sanctuary to learn about the rescued koalas who climb, nap, snack and heal in this natural patch of bushland. Wander the immersive Sanctuary Story Walk to discover more about their habits, then head to the SKYwalk – a treetop platform constructed for spotting these eucalyptus-loving locals. Peek into the hospital’s viewing window, where sick or injured koalas may be resting in their recovery enclosures.

Not enough time around these adorable marsupials? Stay overnight in silk-lined glamping tents.

Koala sleeping in a tree at Port Stephens Koala Sanctuary, One Mile — See koalas in their natural habitat. (Image: Destination NSW)

5. Diving Port Stephens

Port Stephens has some of NSW’s best dive spots. At Fly Point, float through sponge gardens and coral castles thick with nudibranchs (AKA sea slugs). Halifax Park has blue gropers and crimson-banded wrasse, while Shoal Bay’s seagrass meadows hide pipefish, cuttlefish and octopus.

Accessible only by boat, Broughton Island is home to a vast array of marine (and bird) life. Snorkel with blue devilfish and stingrays at sites like The Looking Glass and North Rock. More experienced divers can head out with one of the many PADI-certified operators.

At nearby Cabbage Tree Island, expect to see shaggy-faced wobbegongs cruising along.

A couple suited up and ready to dive into adventure. — Suit up and dive into Port Stephens’ vibrant marine life. (Image: Destination NSW)

6. Irukandji Shark and Ray Encounters

Not quite ready to dive in? Irukandji Shark and Ray Encounters is the perfect way to spot local marine life without getting too deep. But there’s no obnoxious glass tank tapping here. Instead, this interactive aquarium allows guests to wade into natural-style lagoons that mimic the real thing.

Gently pat Port Jackson and bamboo sharks, hand-feed rays, and feel their sandpapery skin with your fingertips. It is all under expert guidance. If you want to go deeper, pop on a wetsuit and swim alongside tawny nurse sharks, white-tipped reef sharks and zebra sharks in the lagoon.

Family enjoying an animal feeding experience at Irukandji Shark and Ray Encounters, Anna Bay. — Meet the ocean’s friendliest faces at Irukandji. (Image: Destination NSW)

7. Fish the estuaries

Fishing fanatics will fall for Port Stephens hook, line and sinker. Here, one of the largest estuary systems in the whole state sees tidal rivers and mangrove ecosystems. Waterfronts are thick with oysters, and residential fish that might include anything from bream, whiting and flathead, to blue swimmer crabs, kingfish and longtail tuna.

If you prefer to choose your own adventure and fish offshore, you can hire a boat from one of the marinas and set your own course.

three men fishing on a boat in port stephens — Join a tour or chart your own fishing trip. (Image: Destination NSW)

8. Taste new Port Stephens flavours

With plenty of activity to fill your days, refuelling on delectable cuisine becomes equally important. And Port Stephens answers the call.

Pop into Holbert’s Oyster Farm for fresh-farmed Port Stephens rock oysters and Pacific oysters, Australian king and tiger prawns, as well as a variety of tasty sauces to try them with.

Take a group to Atmos for an authentic Greek experience over large shared dishes and Greek-inspired cocktails. Or feast on sea-to-plate, modern Australian dishes at the pet-friendly Restaurant 2317.

A plate of fresh oysters. — Slurp your way through the region’s best oysters. (Image: Destination NSW)

Start planning your Port Stephens getaway at portstephens.org.au .

QT Sydney: a theatrical getaway for design-loving travellers