Set on the world’s largest natural harbour, Sydney is Australia’s iconic face to the world. It’s home to the World Heritage-listed Sydney Opera House and Sydney Harbour Bridge, and tops most people’s list of dream destinations. The city consistently ranks high on global measures of liveability, sustainability, and health, safety and security.
Sydney also has many layers. The city where commerce meets creativity and beauty and brains collide, it’s as multidimensional as it is multicultural. Along with excellent infrastructure and a desirable destination, New South Wales is the base for 65% of the regional headquarters of multinational companies based in Australia.
KEY INDUSTRY SECTORS
ACCESS
Sydney is the gateway to Australia with the country’s largest airport managing approximately 50% of all international arrivals. Thirty-six airlines fly to Sydney from over 44 international destinations, more than 620 times per week. Transfers to and from other cities around Australia are all accessed through Sydney airport.
LOCAL TRANSPORT / GETTING AROUND
Sydney is serviced by a comprehensive public transport network, from buses, trains, light rail, ferries, taxis and water taxis, making it easy for visitors to get around. Walking is another great way to enjoy the harbour city, with many of the city precincts within an easy stroll from each other. Sydney Airport is unique in its proximity to the city centre and is just eight kms (five miles) from the city centre via public transport.
CLIMATE
Sydney enjoys a Mediterranean climate. Sydney monthly averages:
| J | F | M | A | M | J | J | A | S | O | N | D | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Max °C | 28 | 26 | 25 | 23 | 20 | 17 | 17 | 18 | 20 | 22 | 24 | 26 |
| Min °C | 19 | 19 | 17 | 14 | 11 | 8 | 7 | 8 | 10 | 13 | 15 | 17 |
ACCOMMODATION
Sydney has approximately 33,842 hotel rooms and serviced apartments to suit various budgets, with approximately half located in the city centre and within walking distance or a short taxi ride to major venues and tourist attractions.
VENUE CAPACITY
Sydney Olympic Park is an all-encompassing business precinct with 10 venues, including 22,000sqm exhibition space and over 100 different function spaces.
The iconic racecourse at Royal Randwick has undergone a spectacular $150 million redevelopment with a new five-level grandstand features a vast selection of function spaces, including a 1,000-seat ballroom. An adjacent outdoor amphitheatre complex, set in a landscaped concourse can accommodate 4,500 people for concerts and live shows under the stars.
Dockside Pavilion Darling Harbour is a custom-designed event venue that sits proudly on an anchored floating pontoon in the heart of the harbour city. Accommodating up to 2,000 guests, the venue boasts impressive water and city views, Dockside Group’s famous hospitality, world-class event expertise and delicious cuisine options. With an event space of 1,470sqm, Dockside Pavilion is equipped to host exhibitions, conferences, business events, gala events, festivals and public events, providing event organisers with an exciting new pillar-less option.
Putting the sparkle back into the former Star City, the opening of The Star has seen the $860 million transformation live up to all expectations, raising the bar for luxury in Sydney with new premium dining, shopping, entertainment and accommodation options combining to create the perfect five-star experience. The Star’s dedicated events space, The Event Centre, boasts 2,200sqm and the capacity to cater for up to 3,000 people.
Opening in December 2016, International Convention Centre Sydney (ICC Sydney) will be Asia Pacific’s premier business events precinct. The showcase venue presents Australia’s largest and first fully-integrated convention, exhibition and entertainment centre, underpinning Sydney’s place as one of the world’s most desirable meeting and event destinations.
Already Australia’s largest hotel, with 683 guest rooms, Four Points by Sheraton Darling Harbour is close to completing a $160 million redevelopment that will complement the revitalisation of Darling Harbour as a dynamic convention precinct. Commenced in early 2014, the hotel expansion will include a third tower featuring an additional 230 rooms, over 4,800sqm of pillar-less convention, exhibition and function space, and boutique office space overlooking Darling Harbour. Once complete in 2016, the hotel will boast a 900-room capacity in the heart of the city. Additionally, the hotel offers recently refurbished rooms with modern furnishings and 20 stylish function venues, including a ballroom, Heritage meeting rooms and other breakout rooms, and a rooftop bar for a combined 2,000sqm of dedicated function space.
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COVID-19 updates for the meetings industry
To assist meeting planners, delegates and partners keep abreast of the ever-changing domestic and global environment - and the support provided by government - BESydney has consolidated the most up to date information for easy access.
COVIDSafe plans and resources have been developed by the industry to ensure health and safety measures are in place to give confidence that business events can be held safely in Australia.