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.

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.

QT Sydney: a theatrical getaway for design-loving travellers