Chinatown, Sydney, Australia

Visit duration: 1 hr 30 min Editorial visit time estimate

Reviewed by Elena Voss · Roavina Travel Editor

About Chinatown

Chinatown is an urban enclave in the southern part of the Sydney central business district, covering most of the Haymarket suburb between Central station and Darling Harbour, and it is Australia's largest Chinatown. Chinese migration to Sydney began as early as 1828; the first Chinatown was in The Rocks, and by the 1920s it had moved to Campbell Street near the Capitol Theatre before consolidating in its current location. It remains a social and cultural centre for the Chinese Australian community in Sydney.

Checked 2026-11-09 · Source

What's inside

The traditional core of Chinatown is Dixon Street, a pedestrian mall lined with Chinese restaurants and with a paifang, a traditional Chinese gateway, at each end. Other streets and lanes in the area include Sussex Street, George Street, Factory Street, Goulburn Street, Little Hay Street, Kimber Lane and Thomas Street. At the corner of George Street and Hay Street stands Golden Water Mouth, a sculpture made from a dead tree trunk by artist Lin Li in 1999. On Hay Street, the Market City complex holds food courts, restaurants, shops and the Haymarket Paddy's Markets, a Wednesday-to-Sunday produce and flea market.

Checked 2026-11-09 · Source

Season and crowds

Since 2019, Dixon Street and other intersecting streets in Chinatown have been completely vehicle-free every Friday from 4pm to host the Friday night markets. Stalls selling Asian street food, desserts and confectionery line the streets and alleyways, and the markets can become extremely busy. The Haymarket Paddy's Markets inside the Market City complex trade from Wednesday to Sunday. Chinatown is also a focus of Chinese New Year celebrations, including a parade.

Checked 2026-11-09 · Source

Common questions

Where is Sydney's Chinatown?

In the southern part of the Sydney CBD, covering most of Haymarket between Central station and Darling Harbour.

When are the Chinatown Friday night markets?

Every Friday from 4pm, when Dixon Street and intersecting streets are closed to vehicles.

When is Paddy's Markets open?

The Haymarket Paddy's Markets in Market City trade from Wednesday to Sunday.

Where it is

Open directions in Google Maps

Nearby

Within 10 min on foot

1 hour
4 min walk
Chinese Garden of Friendship
- Must see
- Nature site
1 hour
4 min walk
Capitol Theatre
- Must see · Heritage site
- Art and culture venue
45 min
10 min walk
Queen Victoria Building
- Must see · Heritage site
- Market