Whether you’re just visiting or you’re picking up a business visa to start doing business in Australia, you might find yourself organizing a trip to Sydney, the Emerald City, and, to many, the unofficial capital of the country. As a beautiful and vibrant business hub, it is an excellent place for a business trip, whether to meet with particular partners, arrange a retreat with your coworkers, or attend the many industry events in the city. Here, we’re going to look at how you can make the most of your time and have the ultimate business trip in Sydney.
Best Ways To Get Into The City
Arriving in the city itself is straightforward, with Sydney Kingsford Smith Airport being the main domestic and international gateway. If you’re looking to get from the airport straight to the central business district, the Airport Link train is fast and convenient, taking about 13 minutes. However, there are also rideshare services as well as direct car hire available from the airport. Many hotels also offer their own shuttle services, which can be a much more feasible option if you’re traveling with a group. If your business trip sees you going outside the city, then renting a car is the best choice. That said, if you’re sticking to the city, navigating traffic and finding parking can be a challenge, so a shuttle or train is typically the best pick.
Where Should You Stay?
As a major tourist hub as well as a major city for business, Sydney offers accommodation to cater to all kinds of needs and preferences. If you’re there strictly for business, then the Central Business District (or CBD) has a range of top-quality hotels such as the Langham, the Four Seasons, and the Shangri-La. The CBD offers good access to not just offices but restaurants and public transport to help you easily see other parts of the city as well. Otherwise, the hotels on Darling Harbour provide a great mix of business and leisure experiences, while the hotels on The Rocks provide more scenic views and easier access to many of the famous landmarks that the city has to offer. It’s not difficult to find good accommodation options in the city, so long as you make time to book them.
Be Sure To Book In Advance
One easy mistake to make when arriving in Sydney is trying to book accommodation close to when you land or, even worse when you have already arrived. Sydney is always busy, even outside of the peak seasons such as summer (which is December to February in the southern hemisphere) but it gets even more crowded during that time and during special events. Secure your stay at least a few weeks before you arrive. If you’re aiming to secure accommodation during one of the big business conferences in the city, make it months in advance. Other business visitors start planning well before arriving, after all.
Best Places For A Business Lunch/Dinner
If you’re planning to arrange some meetings during your stay in the city, then you should take advantage of the excellent dining scene that Sydney has to offer. There are a host of options, like fine dining and excellent views of the Opera House offered by Aria at Circular Quay. If you’re looking to stay in the CBD, then there are plenty of restaurants there, such as the Rockpool Bar & Grill, offering convenient dining with the sophistication expected of a venue for a business meeting. If you’re looking for something a little more ground yet stylish, then you might want to opt for the Grounds of Alexandria, which offers an excellent ambiance to go with the food.
Getting Around The City
It’s a great idea to take the time to explore Sydney in between business meetings. Depending on where you are, the city is highly walkable and well worth taking the time to explore. If you do plan to do so, then be sure to partner up with luggage storage in Sydney, especially if you have arrived before check-in, or have some time to wander after checking out from your accommodation, but before going to the airport for your flight. Public transport options such as trains, buses, and ferries are also highly convenient and well-maintained in the city, with the light rail being a particular highlight. Taxis and rideshare apps are also common, but renting a car is often not recommended as finding parking and navigating traffic as a newcomer might be difficult for new arrivals.
Get To Know Australia’s Business Culture & Etiquette
If you want to make a good impression when you arrive, then you should be sure to familiarize yourself with the local business etiquette. It may not be anything too unfamiliar to you, but punctuality is highly valued. Business attire tends to lean towards a more casual look, in part due to the heat of the area. What’s more, locals tend to prioritize their work-life balance, so scheduling meetings too late in the meeting is typically not advised. When arriving at a meeting, it’s typically appreciated to spend a little time on small talk before getting into business discussions.
Finding Co-Working Spaces
If you intend to get some work done while you’re in the city, and you want a quiet workspace to do just that, then there are a host of great co-working spaces in Sydney. Many of them are in the CBD, offering a mix of different kinds of options, such as more private offices, meeting rooms, and communal workspaces if you’re bringing the team with you. If you do intend to use a co-working space, it’s a good idea to book it ahead of time, as they can be in quite high demand.
With the tips above, you should be able to enjoy a highly productive business trip to Sydney. By planning in advance and ensuring that you have time to really explore the city, you can master the balance of work commitments with leisure activities that allow you to see what the city truly has to offer.