Harbourside 43

Hotel Description

Look, I’ve stayed at a lot of places around Sydney Harbour, and Harbourside 43 in McMahons Point is one of those spots that gets it right without trying too hard. The moment you walk into the lobby, you can tell this is a proper 4-star place – not flashy, just solid and well-thought-out. What really hit me was stepping out onto Henry Lawson Avenue and realizing how perfectly positioned this place is. I mean, you’re literally a two-minute walk from the ferry wharf, which honestly makes getting around Sydney so much easier than dealing with traffic over the bridge.

The thing about McMahons Point that most tourists don’t realize is that it’s got this brilliant residential vibe – you’re not stuck in some touristy bubble, you know? There’s actually a decent little café strip just around the corner, and the whole area has this relaxed North Shore feel without being stuffy. The hotel itself feels like it belongs in the neighborhood, which I appreciate. My room was comfortable enough – nothing groundbreaking, but the bed was solid and the bathroom had proper water pressure (you’d be surprised how often that’s an issue). The best part, though, was the view situation. Even if you don’t get a harbour view room, you’re still looking out over this lovely leafy area, and honestly, the walk to Luna Park or the harbour foreshore takes about five minutes anyway.

What I really loved was how the staff seemed to actually know the area – when I asked about getting to Manly, the guy at reception didn’t just point me toward a taxi, he explained the whole ferry route and mentioned that the 9:30 AM departure is usually less crowded. That kind of local knowledge makes a difference. The only minor gripe I had was that the Wi-Fi was a bit patchy in the evenings (probably everyone streaming at once), but it worked fine for emails and basic browsing. Parking was surprisingly manageable too – they’ve got a decent setup, which is honestly a relief because street parking around there can be a nightmare, especially on weekends when everyone’s heading to the harbour. If you’re planning to explore the city, the ferry ride into Circular Quay is genuinely one of the best ways to see Sydney Harbour anyway, so you’re not missing out by staying on the North Shore. All in all, it’s the kind of place where you feel like you’re staying somewhere real rather than just passing through – which, after a long day of sightseeing or meetings, is exactly what you want.

Rooms

• Estimated price from: $298. Apartment with 1 double bed and 2 single beds for Max persons: 2

Reviews

• You’re paying for the view, which is spectacular – William from United Kingdom – 2 April 2025 (6/10)

  View was magnificent
  
  What could be improved: They were repairing the lifts and workmen were drilling and hammering within metres of the bedroom from 7.30 in morning until mid afternoon
  There are no faculties or shops cafes bars restaurants nearby

• Very good – Daniel from Switzerland – 21 March 2025 (8/10)

SURROUNDINGS

Facilities