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.

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

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

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

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.

QT Sydney: a theatrical getaway for design-loving travellers