Visiting Sydney
Experience the Sydney Film Festival from 3–14 June and immerse yourself in world-class cinema while exploring Sydney’s vibrant cityscape. Here are our 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
Special hotel discount offer exclusive to SFF attendees.
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
PARKROYAL DARLING HARBOUR
WHERE TO DRINK & DINE
Special offers available for SFF ticket holders.
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. Explore the offers below!
Midden, Sydney Opera House
WHERE TO WATCH FILMS
12 venues around Sydney.
Sydney Film Festival is proud to return to a range of world-class venues in 2026.
STATE THEATRE
49 Market St, Sydney NSW 2000
Sydney Film Festival’s most synonymous venues, home to the biggest film premieres, big nights out and screens all Official Competition and Special Presentation films.
Sydney Opera HOuse PLayHOUSE
Bennelong Point, Sydney NSW 2000
See some of the best films from around the world at one the world’s most iconic cultural venues.
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.
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. Transforming Sydney for 23 days and nights, in 2026 for its 16th year, Vivid Sydney will fuse art, innovation and technology in collaboration with some of the most boundary-pushing artists, musicians, thinkers and culinary experts of our time.
Other things to enjoy include wandering through the Art Gallery of NSW (where you can also catch an SFF film!) 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!
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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