Sydney (SYD) Stopover Tips

[AFF Editor]

This thread is a place to share tips and recommendations for stopovers at Sydney Airport (SYD) in Australia. You can discuss things like:

• How to get from the airport to the city
• Things to do (both near the airport and in the city)
• Where to stay/hotel recommendations (both near the airport and in the city)
• Your favourite SYD airport lounges
• Airport facilities such as luggage storage and showers
• Any other destination-specific tips or "hidden gems" you've discovered that could be useful for someone stopping over

Do you have a great tip that other travellers might find useful when stopping over in Sydney? Add your suggestions to this thread, and your advice could make it into an AFF Stopover Guide article!

Update: Read the AFF guide here - The Ultimate Sydney Stopover Guide

 

[Worrellson]

Last weekend I spent a night at the Meriton Suites, Sydney Airport. There are two Meritons in the area and this was the one in Coward St. It was beyond expectations, especially as I'd got a special for $126. Best things:
* 1 bed apartment with generously-sized living/dining and a balcony
* obviously very new
* fully equipped kitchen with coffee machine

Parking under the hotel was an extra $18 for the night. You just need to get your card validated by reception then you can come and go. The parks were a decent size and easy to get in and out of - not always something I've experienced in Sydney underground carparks.

Instead of hotel room service they had a Deliveroo menu - I guess a few places are taking this option rather than have their own kitchen. I don't think there was a restaurant on the premises.

There's a swimming pool and gym in the complex but unfortunately I didn't have time to try them out.

 

[philelltt]

We've used the same Meriton in Coward St. The bus 400 goes from both domestic and international terminals and stops in front of the apartments. If you book directly on their website you can change booking if there is a sale.

 

[Melburnian1]

Using an Opal card and catching the ferry across to Old Cremorne or other similar stops for a walk along the Harbour is relaxing and allows one to enjoy the flora and much birdlife.

No mass tourism along there.

 

[Ekka]

The first rule of Sydney is not to stay there.

The second rule is to avoid it like the plague.

 

[Melburnian1]

The first rule of Sydney is not to stay there.

The second rule is to avoid it like the plague.

Each to their own, but I find Rydges Sydney Central to be a good base: close to (as the name implies) Sydney's Central railway station, from where it's a three station trip to Circular Quay for ferries in Sydney Harbour, or a (decent) walk across to Darling Harbour: teh latter good for that target of 10000 steps a day.

 

[Daver6]

Which would you select and why. Base room at the Four Seasons or Shangri La assuming the room rate is the same. Will book via Amex Fine Hotels and Resorts and comes with a $100USD food and beverage credit. Stay will be one night, arriving from PER before departing late the next afternoon.

 

[luxury-lizard]

Which would you select and why. Base room at the Four Seasons or Shangri La assuming the room rate is the same. Will book via Amex Fine Hotels and Resorts and comes with a $100USD food and beverage credit. Stay will be one night, arriving from PER before departing late the next afternoon.

I would pick the Four Seasons - not quite the mega hotel as the Shangri-la - both have great locations - 4 Seasons has the Grain Bar and Mode dining - both excellent IMO - Shangri-La dining options are more 'mass tourism' but the roff top bar is a must do no matter where you stay. But all of these very small considerations don't matter if you have "gold" status with either - then pick that one.

 

[Daver6]

I would pick the Four Seasons - not quite the mega hotel as the Shangri-la - both have great locations - 4 Seasons has the Grain Bar and Mode dining - both excellent IMO - Shangri-La dining options are more 'mass tourism' but the roff top bar is a must do no matter where you stay. But all of these very small considerations don't matter if you have "gold" status with either - then pick that one.

I do have gold with Shangri-la via Amex Charge card. However, Amex Fine Hotels and Resorts is meant to get you an upgrade, late checkout and and free breaky, so not sure if that's going to make much difference. Maybe a double upgrade if lucky I suppose.