Visiting Sydney
Experience the Sydney Film Festival from 4–15 June and immerse yourself in world-class cinema while exploring Sydney’s vibrant cityscape.
Join us for exclusive premieres and enjoy special dinner and drinks offers at some of Sydney’s best restaurants—available exclusively to SFF ticketholders.
Explore this page for recommendations on where to stay, where to dine, what to see, and helpful tips on getting around Sydney, including public transport and CBD parking options.
WHERE TO STAY
Extend your stay in Sydney and complement your SFF movie marathon with the very best the city has to offer. Most Sydney Film Festival venues, including the iconic State Theatre, are conveniently located in the Sydney CBD, just steps from hotels, bars, and restaurants.
PARKROYAL Darling Harbour is just a short walk or tram ride from Festival venues. A favourite with festival guests and filmmakers, this luxury stay fills quickly—book early to stay close to the action (and maybe a star or two!)
WHERE TO DRINK & DINE
ABODE Bistro & Bar. PARKROYAL, Darling Harbour
Sydney Film Festival has teamed up with some of Sydney’s best restaurants to offer exclusive food and drink deals for SFF ticketholders. Book in advance and mention ‘Sydney Film Festival Restaurant Partners’ or show your SFF ticket to enjoy exclusive offers before or after your screening. Offers to be announced soon!
BAR TILDA
A cosy, character-rich wine bar in Sydney offering a curated selection of natural wines and shareable snacks in a stylish, intimate space. More info
CAFÉ SYDNEY
Iconic rooftop dining with sweeping views of Sydney Harbour, serving contemporary Australian cuisine with flair. More info
HAY ST MARKET
A vibrant and casual food court experience located in Sydney’s Haymarket, offering diverse eats from local vendors. More info
GLASS BRASSERIE
Located inside Hilton Sydney, this sophisticated venue blends fine dining with design, offering modern Australian cuisine curated by chef Luke Mangan. More info
ABODE Bistro & bar
Situated in PARKROYAL Darling Harbour, ABODE offers a relaxed bistro vibe with a fresh, seasonal menu and a chic cocktail lounge. More info
RITZ BALCONY BAR
Perched above the Ritz Cinema in Randwick, this stylish hidden gem is perfect for a post-film drink under the stars. More info
OTTO by fink
Modern Italian dining on the Finger Wharf in Woolloomooloo, blending waterfront glamour with culinary charm. More info
MIDDEN
Located at the Opera House, this venue highlights Indigenous Australian ingredients and techniques under the vision of chef Nornie Bero. More info
LOTUS DINING
Modern Chinese cuisine served across Sydney, including their flagship at The Galeries, where tradition meets elegance. More info
GILDAS
A Basque-inspired wine bar from chef Lennox Hastie (of Firedoor), known for pinxtos, Spanish wines, and a sultry, intimate atmosphere. More info
BAR WOOLLOOMOOLOO
Located inside Ovolo Woolloomooloo, this eclectic bar mixes cocktails, creativity, and harbourside cool. More info
Bouillon L’Entrecôte
A Parisian-style bistro known for its classic steak-frites, elegant ambience, and timeless charm in Circular Quay. More info
THE INTERNATIONAL
A dynamic, multi-level venue combining three distinct bars in one stylish Elizabeth Street location—ideal for every kind of night out. More info
WHERE TO WATCH FILMS
Sydney Film Festival is proud to return to a range of world-class venues in 2025. Explore the screening venues below, along with curated recommendations for things to see, do, and eat nearby to make the most of your Festival experience.
STATE THEATRE
49 Market St, Sydney NSW 2000
Enjoy exclusive screenings and premieres at the stunning, heritage-listed State Theatre, home to the world’s second-largest crystal chandelier. After the show, browse the shops at Pitt Street Mall, the Queen Victoria Building or unwind with a picnic on the grass in Hyde Park.
SFFTV AT MARTIN PLACE
Between Pitt St and Castlereagh St, Sydney NSW 2000
Enjoy SFFTV at Martin Place next door to City Recital Hall – a bustling pedestrian walkway through the middle of the CBD and shopping district. Stop by on your lunch break to see what’s playing on the big screen, or at night as park of the spectacular Vivid light walk.
ART GALLERY OF NSW, DOMAIN THEATRE
Art Gallery Rd, The Domain NSW 2000, Sydney NSW 2000
Visit the Art Gallery of NSW (AGNSW) this June for screenings and explore exhibitions including the Archibald, Wynne, and Sulman Prizes 2025 (10 May – 17 August). Afterward, wander through the Sydney Modern building, a striking addition to Sydney’s cultural landscape, located right next to the main gallery.
STATE LIBRARY OF NSW
Library Auditorium, Lower Ground Floor, Macquarie St Building, Sydney NSW 2000
The Sydney Film Festival (SFF) will host screenings at the State Library of New South Wales, in the newly established underground auditorium beneath the Mitchell Library Reading Room. In addition to SFF screenings attendees can enjoy the library’s exhibitions, including a tribute to Peter Kingston, and The Country Cries for Truth, showcasing works by Bundjalung artist Dr. Bronwyn Bancroft AM.
THE HUB at TOWN HALL
283 George St, Sydney NSW 2000 – entry via Druitt St through the Lower Town Hall entrance
Drop by The Hub at Lower Town Hall—the heart of the Festival for talks, events, parties, and of course, trivia! Or just drop in any time for a refreshments at our pop-up bar alongside fellow film fans.
EVENT CINEMAS GEORGE ST
505-525 George St, Sydney NSW 2000
Event Cinemas George St is just a short walk from Sydney Town Hall, nestled in the heart of Sydney’s Chinatown and moments from World Square. Catch a screening, then explore the vibrant streets of Chinatown and indulge in some of Sydney’s best eats.
PALACE CENTRAL CINEMAS
Level 3, Central Park Mall, 28 Broadway, Chippendale NSW 2008
Hop on a tram to Palace Central, perched atop the iconic Central Park building. Dive into gaming at Fortress, the largest venue of its kind in the Southern Hemisphere. Afterward, satisfy your cravings at Spice Alley, where you’ll find mouth-watering Malaysian, Thai, and Indian street food.
CITY RECITAL HALL
2 Angel Place, Sydney NSW 2000
Immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere of City Recital Hall and enjoy the offerings of Vivid Sydney 2025. Afterwards, explore the delightful alleyway restaurants nestled around Angel Place for a memorable dining experience.
DENDY CINEMAS NEWTOWN
261-263 King St, Newtown NSW 2042
Situated in the heart of one of Sydney’s liveliest precincts, Dendy Newtown is a must-visit for those looking to explore the city on foot. Catch a film, then stroll down King Street and onto Enmore Road, where you’ll find a vibrant mix of shops, restaurants, and bars including Unexpected Guests Gin Bar and Cellar Door and The Grifter Brewing Co.
PALACE NORTON ST
99 Norton St, Leichhardt NSW 2040
Leichhardt, the heart of Sydney’s Italian community, is home to Palace Norton Street, surrounded by charming cafés and trattorias. After your screening, indulge in a classic Italian experience with a bowl of pasta and a gelato at some of Sydney’s most beloved institutions.
THE RITZ
45 St Pauls St, Randwick NSW 2031
The Art Deco jewel of Sydney, The Ritz Cinema, is a stunning venue perfect for a romantic date night or a family-friendly outing. Sip a drink at the balcony bar, overlooking the bustling street, and soak in the excitement as crowds gather to catch a glimpse of the stars on the red carpet.
HAYDEN ORPHEUM PICTURE PALACE
380 Military Rd, Cremorne NSW 2090
The heritage-listed Hayden Orpheum Picture Palace is one of Sydney’s most iconic and long-standing cinemas, complete with a fully functioning 1925 Wurlitzer organ. After your screening, take a short trip to Balmoral Beach, stroll along the scenic promenade, and breathe in the fresh Sydney sea air.
THINGS TO DO AND SEE
Discover the best things to do in Sydney this June during the Sydney Film Festival!
In between catching some of the most exciting new films and discovering the city’s vibrant restaurant and bar scene, don’t miss VIVID Sydney, Australia’s largest festival of light and music. For 23 unforgettable nights, Sydney is transformed with spectacular light installations, interactive artworks, live music, and talks that bring the city to life after dark.
What’s more, SFF has partnered with Vivid Sydney this year to present two unmissable and immersive cinema experiences:
- An Evening With Warren Ellis: Following the NSW Premiere of the powerful documentary debut from Justin Kurzel (Snowtown), join musician Warren Ellis of Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds as he reflects on his music career and conservation efforts as documented in the film – complete with a rare live musical performance from Ellis.
- Planet City: Visionary director and BAFTA-nominated producer Liam Young brings his speculative sci-fi world to life through an immersive, cinematic installation like no other, including live music from Forest Swords.
Don’t miss out—book your tickets now!
Other things to enjoy include wandering through the Art Gallery of NSW and the Museum of Contemporary Art to experience world-class exhibitions. Take a scenic harbour walk, hop on a classic Sydney ferry ride at sunset, enjoy a cocktail with waterfront views, or browse the city’s designer boutiques and local markets for a truly unforgettable Sydney experience.
Bookmark sydney.com and the City of Sydney’s What’s On page to stay up to date with the latest events
PLAN YOUR TRIP - GETTING AROUND SYDNEY
PUBLIC TRANSPORT
Make the most of Sydney’s convenient public transport services, with easy access to all Festival venues. For timetables and routes, visit transportnsw.info or call 131 500. You can also use the SFF App for directions.
For bike parking locations, check cityofsydney.nsw.gov.au/cycling.
We look forward to seeing you at the cinema!
PARKING
Book and save with Wilson Parking – get up to 15% off night and weekend parking when you use promo code SFF2025. Visit Wilson Parking to book.
Available to book from 10 May for 4–15 June 2025.
Park close to SFF venues with Wilson Parking’s discounted rates. Choose from these seven convenient locations:
- St. Andrew’s House Car Park (near Town Hall, Event Cinemas George St)
- Citipark Car Park (near IMAX Sydney, Darling Harbour)
- The Domain Car Park (near Art Gallery of NSW, State Library of NSW)
- 70 Riley St Car Park (near Palace Central Cinemas)
- Novotel Car Park (general CBD parking)
- Citigroup Centre Car Park (near State Theatre, City Recital Hall, Martin Place)
- 25 Martin Place Car Park (near State Theatre, City Recital Hall)
*Terms and conditions apply, rates are subject to change at any time without notice.
In addition, State Theatre attendees can make use of the QVB Car Park for a special rate. Code will be available closer to the Festival dates.
Sydney Film festival acknowledges Australia’s First Nations People as the Traditional Owners and Custodians of the land, and pay respect to the Gadigal people of the Eora Nation, upon whose Country SFF is based.
We honour the storytelling and culture of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities across Australia.
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