Broadway Sydney is a shopping centre located at the corner of Parramatta Road and Bay Street, at the gateway to Sydney's city centre. Set in a historic building from 1923, it combines heritage architecture, an extensive retail offering and accessibility from the city's main student and university districts.

Why visit Broadway Sydney

This shopping centre appeals to both transit travellers and those extending a stay in Sydney. Three main reasons warrant a detour:

• A dense retail offering bringing together over 140 stores under one roof, from supermarkets to electronics retailers.
• A convenient location, a short distance from Central Station and several major tourist sites such as Chinatown and the University of Sydney.
• A preserved architectural setting, heir to the Grace Bros department store that marked the city's commercial history in the 20th century.

The place is particularly suited for practical shopping (fresh produce, equipment, clothing) or sheltering from a rainy day by combining dining and cinema.

History of Broadway Sydney

The site occupies one of the former Grace Bros buildings, opened in 1923 and long associated with Sydney's major retail. After the store's closure, the site was restored in 1997 by Walker Corporation to accommodate student housing and a shopping centre, which opened in 1998.

Acquired by Mirvac in 2006, the complex was enlarged in 2007 and modernised between 2015 and 2016, with a redesigned food court and the arrival of new retailers. This dual dimension—heritage and contemporary—explains the building's distinctive silhouette, where the original façade and modern extensions coexist.

What to see and do

The offering is organised around several themed zones spread across the centre's different levels.

Fashion and lifestyle

JD Sport and Target stores sit alongside various clothing boutiques at different price points. The range covers everyday needs in clothing, accessories and sporting goods.

Electronics and equipment

The Apple Store, JB Hi-Fi and Harvey Norman bring together the essential technology offering: computers, smartphones, audio, home appliances. Handy for replacing an adapter or making a significant purchase while travelling.

Groceries and fresh produce

Three food retailers share the space: Coles, ALDI and Harris Farm Markets. The presence of the latter, specialising in Australian fresh fruits, vegetables and produce, allows you to put together a quality picnic before a stroll in nearby parks.

Entertainment and dining

The Hoyts complex features several cinema screens showing international films and Australian productions. The food court brings together a varied offering, from quick-service chains to Asian cuisines, in a format suited to a break between visits.

Practical information

The centre is open throughout the week, with wider hours mid-week and at weekends. Food retailer hours often differ from shop hours. Allow 1 to 2 hours for a focused visit, longer if you combine shopping, dining and a film.

Entry is free. Card payments are accepted everywhere, and several cash machines are available throughout the centre. Toilets, wifi hotspots and rest areas are distributed across the main levels.

How to get there

Broadway Sydney is located at the corner of Parramatta Road and Bay Street, approximately 15 minutes' walk from Central Station. Several access options are available:

• Bus: numerous routes serve Parramatta Road and City Road, with stops opposite the centre. The Opal prepaid card is required for payments.
• Tram: Glebe and Central stations are around 15 minutes' walk away.
• Car: a covered car park with over 1,600 spaces is accessible from Bay Street, Francis Street and Grose Street.
• Bicycle: bike racks are available in the north car park, at ground level.

What to see nearby

Broadway Sydney's position makes it a convenient base for exploring several neighbourhoods on foot:

• The University of Sydney and its historic sandstone campus, about ten minutes' walk away, deserve a detour for their Neo-Gothic architecture.
• Central Park, a urban development recognisable by its suspended vegetation, sits directly beside the shopping centre.
• Chinatown and the Haymarket district, 15 minutes' walk away, extend the experience with an immersion into Sydney's Asian nightlife and culinary scene.
• Visitors interested in culture can reach the Australian Museum, about 20 minutes' walk away via Hyde Park.

Planning the next leg of your journey

Sydney often serves as the entry point for a broader circuit across the country. To extend your experience into Australian nature, explore our selection of trips to Australie and discover other facets of the territory, from the Cradle Mountain national park in Tasmania to the tropical landscapes of the Atherton Tablelands in Queensland.