Best Study Spots in Sydney

There are some days when sitting at home or in your usual library cubicle, drinking the same campus coffee and soaking in the same view, can be too frustrating. There’s great power in a change of scenery when you’re studying, and fortunately there are no shortage of study spots in Sydney that are sure to give you a fresh perspective and kick-start that motivation. Listed are some of the best spots in Sydney to spend an afternoon finishing off that 5000-word paper.  

From North Sydney to Bondi to the CBD, there are heaps of places you can study in Sydney and get a coffee and/or food, but here are some of our favorites. And yes, they all have free Wi-Fi.

State Library of New South Wales   

When you eventually get tired of your university library, the State Library of New South Wales is a great place to head. It offers a ton of different study spaces, a café, and even an exhibition gallery you can check out during a study break.

The building is equipped with fast wi-fi, free computer use, printing and photocopying services, plus study rooms for group work. Sign up for a free library card to get access to all of the resources on offer.

City of Sydney Libraries

The City of Sydney has nine libraries around town to choose from, so you can choose a location that’s convenient for you. Free library cards and Wi-Fi access are available at each one.

The Roots Café  

If you’re based in North Sydney, The Roots is a local favorite that serves up a delicious cup of joe, and a divine banana bread served with homemade espresso butter which makes it one of our favorite study spots in Sydney. With both indoor and outdoor seating and floor-to-ceiling windows, it’s so easy to lose track of time in this trendy café.

Bondi Organic Café

Take the bus over to Bondi and enjoy the ocean breeze, acai bowls, and coastal views while you kick back with a textbook at the Bondi Organic Café. While here, enjoy a nutritious super-charged smoothie and one of the many organic, vegetarian items on their menu.

The Hill Eatery

Unlike other places on our list of best study spots in Sydney, this one has a killer beachside view. The Hill Eatery provides a relaxed café experience with both breakfast and lunch options. If you can avoid daydreaming about the ocean, it’s an ideal spot for an afternoon of work.

MCA Café

Located at the Museum of Contemporary Art, the MCA Café boasts a legendary rooftop terrace showcasing the iconic views of the Opera House and the Sydney Harbor Bridge with a lunch menu that won’t disappoint.

There is truly no better place to enjoy the sunshine, and you can also explore the museum’s art collection during a study break. All exhibits are free of charge.

Orto Trading Co

Conveniently located around the corner from Central Station, Orto Trading Co in Surry Hills is equipped with long wooden tables and an endless amount of natural light, especially on a sunny day. Sit back and get some work done with a latte, smoothie, or even an espresso martini (that’s mostly coffee, right?)

Three Williams

Located in the inner-city suburb of Redfern, Three Williams boasts a rustic warehouse feel thanks to its exposed brickwork and ample table space. Their menu is seasonally driven, so you know that whatever you order will contain the freshest of ingredients. Did I mention there’s an all-day breakfast menu?

The Royal Botanical Gardens

Sometimes all you need is some fresh air to clear your head in order to be in the right headspace to get some work done. Luckily, Sydney has over 400 parks and open spaces to choose from.

If you’re not dependent on Wi-Fi then the great outdoors offers an atmosphere perfect for getting out the textbooks. The Royal Botanical Garden is in a spectacular location next to the Sydney Opera House, providing a tranquil oasis for those wanting to unplug for the day.

Hyde Park

Close by, Hyde Park is the final place on our list of best study spots in Sydney and it’s likely be less packed with tourists than the Botanical Gardens. Who needs Wi-Fi when the sound of nature surrounds you? Grab a picnic blanket or take a seat on a park bench and dive into a textbook.

If you really need to plug in to get some emails sent, there are tons of free Wi-Fi zones and public hotspots around the city in public outdoor spaces such as Hyde Park.