Since this is the digital age and we live in a time where staying connected is almost as important to many as eating and breathing, I decided to compile a list of Wi-Fi hotspots in Sydney's CBD that are completely free of charge. Free wireless connectivity is still on the rise in many Australian cities and after a recent trip to the USA I found myself disappointed somewhat with the number of places offering free public Wi-Fi access by comparison. However the good news is if you know where to go in the first place staying connected becomes a whole lot easier.
Metro apartments Darling Harbour has FREE WiFi in all public areas and in ALL apartments. This has just been upgraded and all Apartments now get Free Fast Wifi at Full Strength.
If you're a visitor to Sydney and need to stay in touch, or if you're just like me and love to be glued to your device 24/7 no matter the location, below is a list of places offering free connectivity in and around Sydney's central business district.
Wi-Fi in City Libraries
The city of Sydney offers free wireless internet in more than 12 of its libraries around the city. All of these libraries offer public computers so you don't even need to bring along your own device to connect, although bringing your own laptop or in my case, iPad gives you the flexibility to perch in the most comfortable location (read: beanbags and squishy sofas)
Three libraries in the centre of town offering free Wi-Fi include:
1) Customs House Library. 31 Alfred Street, Circular Quay Right near Circular Quay this is a good first place to connect when arriving downtown by train or ferry. Free wireless found on ground floor and Level 2
2) Town Hall Library Level 1, Town Hall House 456 Kent Street
Not as impressive or large as Customs House library but an option to put your feet up and log on in the heart of Sydney's CBD.
3) Haymarket Library, 744 George Street
Wi-Fi in Cafe's and Restaurants
Some of the places that are best for browsing can often be comfortable coffee shops and cosy cafe's. Here are just a few of the places downtown where you can eat, drink and surf simultaneously. While many cafe's require log in access codes, others do not and appropriate Wi-Fi etiquette suggests that you should at least purchase something, and maybe something else later depending how long you want to log on.
Urban Spoon is a great resource to search cafe and restaurant listings offering free wireless internet to their customers in the greater Sydney area. Here are a locations downtown offering food, drink and internet to their customers.
1) Starbucks Coffee Numerous city locations including Circular Quay, York Street, (near Wynyard Station) & Darling Harbour (Cockle Bay prrecinct)
From personal experience free internet access at Starbucks can generally be counted upon for reliability and speed with comfy chairs and tables to match. Others may have to same idea though with wi-fi at Starbucks quite popular so finding a less busy store or visiting at a off peak time (evening, or early morning) is advisable to snare yourself the best seat in the house.
2) Felix Bistro & Bar 2 Ash Street A charming hassle free bistro located underneath famed nightclub Ivy, this little spot is a urban oasis in the concrete jungle and a good spot to stop for a bite and log on.
3) Doppio Espresso 248 Pitt Street
Boasting a mention in the Sydney Morning Herald's good cafe guide, Doppio is right near the Pitt Street Mall shopping hub and a good place to call in and log on.
4) McDonalds Restaurants All city locations offer free wireless
Word of warning: McDonalds free wireless can be slightly dodgy and at times drop out with tediously slow connection experienced. Because of this I'd suggest this is not the place to compose important emails or any serious online business. However if you're just after a bit of quick facebooking or online banking McDonalds is hard to beat with convenient locations almost everywhere in Sydney CBD.
Staying Connected While Traveling in Sydney
In my opinion being online is the best way to kill time while waiting for transport or even while on transport.
1) Free Wi-Fi on Sydney Ferries
Sydney has adopted free wireless initiatives on the Ferry network much to the pleasure of commuters. 96 percent of the fleet now has Wi-Fi access 45 mins/30MB free for commuters twice a day. For more information click here
Whether or not free Wi-Fi is introduced on the rail network like in Brisbane remains to be seen - but lets hope so.
2) Free Wi-Fi at Sydney Airport
For tourists and business travelers leaving or arriving in Sydney free wireless is offered at both domestic and international services. allowing passengers to log on before they jet off.
As previously mentioned free Wi-Fi while modest in Sydney is on the rise, you just need to know where to connect. If there are any other locations in and around the Sydney CBD please let us know with a comment. Happy surfing!
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