QT Sydney: a theatrical getaway for design-loving travellers

Rachael ThompsonBy Rachael Thompson
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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.
Rachael Thompson
Rachael Thompson is Australian Traveller's Evergreen Editor and a self-proclaimed cheese and Chablis connoisseur. In her role, she creates and manages online content that remains relevant and valuable over time. With a background in publishing and e-commerce in both interior design and travel, Rachael is dedicated to curating engaging content that informs and inspires. She began her career at Belle magazine, then went on to become Senior Content Producer at Homes to Love focusing on Australian House & Garden and Belle, followed by Editor at Bed Threads. Her work has also appeared in Qantas Travel Insider. When she's not writing, editing, or optimising content, Rachael enjoys exploring the city's newest restaurants, bars, and hotels. Next on her Aussie travel wish list are Uluṟu-Kata Tjuṯa National Park and Lord Howe Island.
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Your first look at Australia’s brand-new luxury camp

    Kate BettesBy Kate Bettes
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    The heavens take centre stage at this Outback NSW glamping lodge.

    Crane your neck. Look up. If it’s nighttime in a major Australian city, you might see a faint dusting of stars. Now imagine yourself out in the bush. Here, those stars aren’t just scattered dots – instead, they’re smudged across the sky in endless, glittering streaks. Welcome to Wilderluxe Lake Keepit , a new glamping lodge in one of the most picturesque corners of outback NSW.

    Between its eight stargazing tents, Gilay Guest Lounge, and shared tales of the Dreamtime night sky, this retreat is designed to exist in harmony with the breathtaking lake and surrounding landscape. Intrigued? Here’s everything you need to know.

    Bathed in warm light, a couple watches the sun dip beyond the horizon.
    Watch the sky melt into magic at Wilderluxe.

    Getting to Wilderluxe Lake Keepit

    Wilderluxe Lake Keepit is in the NSW Northern Tablelands, bordered by the Great Dividing Range. The lake itself is hard to miss: this mammoth body of water is two-thirds the size of Sydney Harbour.

    Just 40 minutes from Tamworth and close to Gunnedah, it’s on the inland route between Sydney and Byron Bay. Drive or take one of the daily flights to Tamworth’s airport.

    Aerial view of Wilderluxe.
    Let vast waters and towering ranges set the scene for your escape.

    Wilderluxe Lake Keepit rooms

    Don’t settle for a paltry room when you can sleep directly under the cosmos. Wilderluxe offers eight domed ‘Star Tents’ , all named after Aboriginal sky stories – like Djirri Djirri, the sacred messenger bird, Baiame, the Sky Father and great creator, and Dhinawan, the Emu in the Sky constellation.

    On a clear night, use your tent’s retractable roof for gazing above or wander to the outdoor bathtub on your private deck to soak under the night sky. No need to go anywhere. You can stay put come evening with a kitchenette inside and a gas barbecue on the deck.

    A couple gazes up at a sky ablaze with stars at Wilderluxe.
    Sleep beneath the stars.

    Style and character

    When it comes to aesthetics, Wilderluxe Lake Keepit stays on trend. The encampment blends with its surroundings, building up layers of minimalist visuals that mirror the ever-changing curves of the water.

    Earthy tones, natural materials and timber finishes also anchor the retreat in its bushland surrounds. It’s enough to deepen the sense of calm you’ll experience as you drive off-grid, and this is only heightened as you spot kangaroos grazing at dawn or hear the chatter of native birds by the lake.

    The dreamy sunset at Wilderluxe.
    Go off-grid in style at Wilderluxe Lake Keepit.

    Wilderluxe Lake Keepit dining

    ‘Dinner and a show’ hits differently with the property’s Big Sky dinner experience . Hosted in the Gilay Lounge, enjoy complimentary drinks and a grazing table with the host, followed by a screening of Big Sky Dreaming, a film produced exclusively for Wilderluxe guests in which Kamilaroi storyteller Uncle Len Waters narrates tales of the Dreaming above.

    Once your imagination has been fed, it’s time to take a seat fireside for a glass of Australian port and a serving of s’mores.

    Keen to explore the wider area? Staff can provide barbecue and picnic hampers, stuffed with regional meats, cheeses and organic local fare.

    Wilderluxe Lake Keepit facilities

    While you could very well spend all your time in your tent, sometimes it’s time to hit pause on the celestial show. Instead, make your way up to the Gilay Guest Lounge, where you can relax on the deck overlooking the lake or the outdoor fire pits. It’s a great way to unwind and clink glasses with other stargazers.

    The Gilay Lounge with the view of the lake.
    Unwind by the fire and raise a glass at Gilay Lounge.

    Wilderluxe Lake Keepit experiences

    No need to turn nocturnal; when the sun rises, there are still plenty of ways to touch the sky.

    Lake Keepit hosted the 2020 Women’s World Gliding Championships, and it’s one of the best places in Australia to stretch your wings. The local Soaring Club operates year-round, meaning you can book a gliding experience any day of the year – or opt for a scenic flight to take in the vast beauty from above.

    Prefer to keep your feet on solid ground? There are plenty of walking and cycling trails in and around the area. Luckily, bikes are part of the Wilderluxe package. All you have to do is ask a staff member for their favourite route, throw a picnic onto the back and cycle off into the great beyond.

    Alternatively, nab a stand-up paddleboard (SUP) or kayak and head out onto the lake. Or, if you’re feeling lucky, borrow a fishing rod and try your chances.

    A person kayaking through serene waters.
    Paddle into peace.

    The details

    A two-night minimum twin-share accommodation package includes Big Sky dinner and drinks experience, plus daily continental breakfast. As well as access to leisure equipment including mountain bikes, kayaks, SUPs and fishing gear.

    The interiors of the glamping tent.
    Let nature restore you, while luxury takes care of the rest.

    Start planning your outback glamping adventure at wilderluxe.com.au.