The 16 Best Coffee Shops to Work From in Sydney

This blog post is all about the best coffee shops to work from in Sydney, Australia with WiFi, plug sockets and of course, great coffee.

I’ve been a digital nomad for 10 years now, which is pretty crazy to say.

Since I was a student in Liverpool in 2016, working on my blog in coffee shops all around the city to blogging in cafes around New York City in 2020 when I lived there for a year, to travelling Asia for 12 months and finding nomad cafes in Thailand and Vietnam, I’ve learnt a few things about what makes a coffee shop a good coffee shop to work from.

I have struggled to find good coffee shops to work from in Sydney. Believe me, as a full-time digital nomad now, I’ve been searching hard for places I can go to that have WiFi and that don’t close early.

It’s nice to get out of the house (for my sanity) and I don’t love working from the library all the time, especially during the school exams period.

This blog is a result of my search over the past year, and I’ll keep updating this blog post while I live in Sydney and miraculously discover a new coffee shop that actually has WiFi.

RELATED Sydney blog posts to read:

Table of Contents

The Surprising Digital Nomad Culture in Sydney, Australia

When I arrived in Sydney, Australia in 2025, I was fresh from my 12 months travelling Australia and in particular, three weeks working nomadically in Bali, Indonesia.

The cafe culture in Bali is incredible. Every coffee shop you go to has WiFi, is open early until late, has plug sockets and lots of people also working from their laptops.

Due to the close proximity of Bali and Australia, and the number of Australians that visit Bali on holiday so regularly, I had this image in my head that Sydney would be very like Bali in terms of coffee shops to work from.

I couldn’t have been more wrong.

If you’ve read my list of the best coffee shops to work from in New York City, you’ll see that there are 21 coffee shops on there. All of which I’ve tried myself and enjoyed.

This list of the best coffee shops to work from in Sydney, Australia is noticeably shorter with only 16 places, and three of those are libraries.

Shockingly (to me), you’ll be very hard pressed to find a coffee shop in Sydney that has WiFi or plug sockets, or that is open past 2pm.

I’ve hunted as best I can and have found the best coffee shops to work from in Sydney that I go to time and time again with WiFi.

I’ve also included some coffee shops that don’t have WiFi, but these are where I go to write blog posts and edit YouTube videos, when I don’t need WiFi, but enjoy the ambiance and coffee.

The Best Coffee Shops to Work From in Sydney with WiFi

Coffee shops to work from in Sydney with WiFi are very hard to come by.

Like I said above, I’ve been trying to find them for over a year now and still only have five options on my list that actually have WiFi.

Two of the coffee shops below have been very recent finds within the past month or so as I keep returning to my trusty faithfuls at the top of this list as I’m mostly unlucky when trying new spots.

If you’re reading this and know some additional coffee shops to work from around Sydney with WiFi, please let me know in the comments of this blog post, or over on Instagram. I’m pretty desperate!

These are the best coffee shops to work from in Sydney with WiFi that I’ve found and enjoy:

1. Three Williams Cafe, Redfern

Address: 613A Elizabeth Street, Redfern NSW 2016

I can’t remember how I stumbled upon Three Williams Cafe in Redfern as it’s an area I very rarely find myself, but I’m so glad that I did.

With free WiFi, plug sockets at almost every table and lots of free tables each time I’ve been, this place is a true hidden gem.

The coffee’s also great, as is the food and pastry selection.

If you’re in the Redfern/Surry Hills area, Three Williams Cafe is honestly one of the best coffee shops to work from in Sydney as it’s got everything you would need.

If I lived in this area, I’d be working from Three Williams Cafe every day of the week – it’s perfect.

2. O3 Space, Newtown

Address: 32-38 King Street, Newtown NSW 2042

A newly opened study cafe that has opened in Sydney, and the first of its kind, I was so eager to try this out for myself and see what it’s like.

O3 Space have three locations in Melbourne, and due to its success, have opened their first in Sydney, in Newtown.

While Newtown is probably my favourite suburb in all of Sydney, it’s unfortunately not that quick for me to get to, so here’s hoping they open another location closer to the CBD soon.

To access O3 Space, you need to download their app so you can redeem 3 free hours of working, and have the option to pay for a subscription if you wish to spend longer.

With a coffee shop onsite, dim lighting, plenty of tables and even more upstairs space for group spaces, they’re hoping to be open 24/7, which is incredible considering most coffee shops close at lunch time.

If you find yourself in Newtown and need to get some work done for a few hours, O3 Space is going to be your best option, for sure.

RELATED Newtown blog posts to read:

3. North Sydney Olympic Pool, Milsons Point

Address: 4 Alfred Street South, Milsons Point NSW 2061

This one might be better suited to anyone living in Milsons Point, Kirribilli or the North Sydney area, but the newly re-opened North Sydney Olympic Pool has free WiFi.

Since I live in the area, I have a membership and can sit in the grandstand at the outdoor tables with the best view in all of Sydney and work on my blog, all with free WiFi.

Look at the photo below and tell me I don’t have the best digital nomad office you’ve ever seen?!

Like I said, you’ll need a gym membership or a day pass ($11) that also gives you access to the pools and spa areas (worth it), and you can work inside from the cafe area, or work outside like I do with the most incredible view.

There are no plug sockets, but for a few hours of free WiFi, this is without a doubt one of the best coffee shops to work from in Sydney with WiFi and a view.

4. Glory Days, Bondi Beach

Address: Bondi Pavilion, Queen Elizabeth Drive, Bondi Beach NSW 2026

Sitting directly on Bondi Beach, and serving one of my favourite brunches in the Eastern Suburbs, Glory Days on Bondi is a great coffee shop to work from in Sydney as you can literally be on Bondi Beach in about ten steps.

On a hot summer’s day, Glory Days is the perfect spot to work from, people-watching the locals and tourists visit probably the most famous beach in the world, all while you click and clack on your laptop.

Plus, post-work, you can head in for a swim or enjoy the final hours of the day on the sand.

WiFi-wise, Glory Days is located in Bondi Pavilion, a council-owned building, so free Waverley WiFi is available, although it wasn’t too great the last time I visited.

Technically there is WiFi, but be prepared to hot spot.

5. Will & Co., Bondi Beach

Address: The Pacific, 180-186 Campbell Parade, Bondi Beach NSW 2026

Another coffee shop in Bondi that claims to have free WiFi, I again, didn’t have a great experience when I was there and had to hot spot.

The nice thing about Will & Co. in Bondi is that literally everyone in this coffee shop is on a laptop, so it’s heavily digital-nomad friendly.

I arrived here around 12pm and couldn’t believe it when they let me know at 12.30pm that they’d be closing in 30 minutes.

Yes, coffee shops open early in Sydney, and especially in Bondi, but closing at 1pm just seems crazy to me.

If you’re looking for coffee shops to work from in Sydney, either get to Will & Co. early in the morning, or try somewhere else on this list.

The Best Hotel Lobbies to Work from in Sydney with WiFi

One of the best hacks when looking for coffee shops to work from in Sydney, is to opt for hotel lobbies.

Some of my favourite places to work around the world have been in hotel lobbies, ordering a coffee or Diet Coke from their bar.

Places like The Marlton Hotel in New York City, and The Ned in London, are some of my favourite hotel lobbies to work from around the world.

So when I was trying and very much failing to find actual cafes to work from in Sydney, I pivoted and tried to find some good hotel lobbies to work from instead, as they’re often likely to offer free WiFi and have ample plug sockets.

So far, the below hotel lobbies have become some of my favourite places to work from in Sydney.

6. The Kimpton Margot Hotel, Town Hall

Address: 339 Pitt Street, Sydney NSW 2000

The Kimpton Margot Hotel is more of a recent find of mine, but since moving to North Sydney and being a quick train ride away from Town Hall station, it’s become a go-to for me.

With a gorgeous, wide open lobby area with plenty of comfortable tables and The Pantry serving amazing coffee, it’s perfect.

Not to mention of course, free WiFi. The only downside is the lack of plug sockets, as I’m yet to find any.

However, to get out of my apartment and work for a few hours in a gorgeous setting, the Kimpton Margot is definitely my favourite hotel lobby to work from in Sydney.

7. Lyf Hotel, Bondi Junction

Address: 11 Hollywood Avenue, Bondi Junction NSW 2022

Lyf Hotel was my go-to hotel lobby to work from when I lived just up the street, in Bondi Junction.

With free WiFi, great Will & Co coffee, lots of plug sockets and always lots of tables available, I loved working from Lyf.

Lyf Hotel in Bondi Junction is definitely not as luxurious as The Kimpton Margot, but it’s got a great atmosphere with travellers always coming and going and a new, modern feel as the hotel is newly opened in 2025.

If you’re in the Eastern Suburbs, Bonnibel at Lyf Hotel is a great coffee shop to work from in Sydney.

RELATED blog post to read: The Blue Hotel Bondi Review: An Iconic Sydney Staycation

8. Vista’Mare at Crown Hotel, Barangaroo

Address: 1 Barangaroo Avenue, Barangaroo NSW 2000

It doesn’t really get more luxurious in Sydney than the Crown Hotel, now does it? I recently stayed at the Crown Sydney for my birthday this year and it was a gorgeous experience.

When we first moved to Sydney, my boyfriend worked in the Barangaroo area and I would find myself at the Crown now and then to work on my laptop while I waited for him to finish work.

The cafe/restaurant on the ground floor used to be known as The Icebergs cafe, but has recently changed to Vista’Mare, an Italian restaurant.

However, as it’s still within the Crown Hotel, you can access the free hotel WiFi and grab a coffee here for a few hours, as I’ve done on a number of occasions.

I haven’t found any plug sockets yet (I don’t think it would fit with the aesthetic of the Crown Hotel), but for a few hours of free WiFi, it’s a great hotel lobby to work from.

Vista'Mare Crown Sydney Work with Laptop

The Best Coffee Shops to Work from in Sydney without WiFi

There are so many cafes in Sydney, but most of them close just after lunchtime and more often than not, don’t have free WiFi available.

I know, I know, it’s not the coffee shop’s obligation to provide free WiFi to customers, but after being so accustomed to this being on offer in so many cities around the world, I really expected Sydney to be the same.

There have been a few occasions that I’ve entered cafes with the hopes of working for a few hours to be met with the ‘no we don’t have WiFi’ response.

However, that doesn’t mean the coffee shop is a bad place to work from. I’ve included a few of my favourite coffee shops to work from in Sydney that don’t have WiFi, but maybe they have plug sockets or just a great working atmosphere.

If you’re a video editor (or YouTuber), a writer, studying, or carrying out work that doesn’t require any WiFi, then these spots might be suited to you.

9. Bay Ten Espresso, Lavender Bay

Address: 10 Middlemiss Street, Lavender Bay NSW 2060

As I’ve mentioned throughout this blog post, I recently moved to North Sydney, so a few of the coffee shops on this list will reflect this as I’ve been trying out more places in my local area.

Bay Ten Espresso is next to (and kind of attached to) a large co-working space, so doesn’t offer free WiFi, but actually has a number of plug sockets by the two-seater tables and is in an industrial setting underneath the end of the Sydney Harbour Bridge.

With lots of natural light, huge ceilings, great coffee and a really pleasant atmosphere, Bay Ten Espresso has become one of my favourite coffee shops to work from even though there is no WiFi.

One thing to note is that they don’t open on weekends, due to being attached to the co-working space that is only open during weekdays.

10. Ampersand Cafe & Bookstore, Paddington

Address: 78 Oxford Street, Paddington NSW 2021

One of my favourite bookstores in all of Sydney, Ampersand Cafe & Bookstore in Paddington is a hidden gem among the best coffee shops to work from in Sydney.

Firstly there’s a cafe on the ground floor with indoor and outdoor seating, and secondly, there are many levels upstairs where you can find rooms of books and tables to sit and work from, plus a basement level too.

It’s charming, cosy, and serves great coffee. If you’re looking for a coffee shop to work from and want to be surrounded by books, Ampersand is the spot.

RELATED blog post to read: The 17 Best Sydney Bookstores to Visit For Book Lovers

11. Haven Coffee, Barangaroo

Address: 88 Barangaroo Avenue, Barangaroo NSW 2000

Another Barangaroo option if the Crown Hotel doesn’t take your fancy, is Haven Coffee.

They have lots of seating outdoors, but I prefer to grab a seat inside to hide from the sun and the sometimes ferocious winds around Barangaroo.

Haven can be really busy at peak times, so I’d recommend going after the morning rush and after lunch time, so you’ll be more likely to get a table.

The staff are always really friendly and I love the coffee here (especially their mugs) and I find it a really great coffee shop to work from when you need to concentrate but don’t mind some background noise.

No WiFi here, but I do love the setting.

12. Billi’s Cafe, McMahon’s Point

Address: 133-135 Blues Point Road, McMahons Point NSW 2060

Another coffee shop on my list in Northern Sydney, Billi’s Cafe is in the Lavender Bay area of McMahon’s Point, probably the most village-like area in all of Sydney. Yes, even more-so than Kirribilli.

It doesn’t have WiFi, but it does have a room at the back that has a wall full of ceiling to floor bookshelves, mismatched furniture and dim lighting. Aka, the perfect quiet space to get some work done for a few hours and a great cup of coffee on the side.

I might be biased since I live close to Lavender Bay, but it’s truly a gorgeous part of Sydney to visit with the incredible view from McMahon’s Point ferry stop, the cute Lavender Bay streets and the views of Sydney Harbour that the streets around it offer.

13. Leaf Cafe, Bondi Junction

Address: 3 Gray Street, Bondi Junction NSW 2022

Leaf Cafe in Bondi Junction is quite a hotspot for working remotely, even with no WiFi and no plug sockets.

It’s one of the biggest cafes in the area, with plenty of seating space, a great food menu and one of my favourite mochas in the Eastern Suburbs. Although, it’s a Belgian chocolate mocha, so it wouldn’t be great for my waistline if I worked from here every day.

Leaf Cafe is also open until 8pm during the weekdays, which means you won’t be kicked out as soon as the clock turns 12pm.

For a few hours of writing or studying, Leaf Cafe in Bondi Junction is a great coffee shop to work from in Sydney.

The Best Libraries to Work from in Sydney

Thankfully, Sydney really isn’t short of great libraries to work from. They’re free spaces with WiFi, plug sockets and often with a coffee shop on site.

Plus, most Sydney libraries have late opening times, meaning you won’t be kicked out at 2pm and can get a lot of work done in one sitting without having to spend a lot of money to stay there all day.

These are my favourite libraries around Sydney to work from when I need to lock in and a coffee shop won’t cut it.

14. State Library of NSW, Sydney CBD

Address: Mitchell Library, 1 Shakespeare Place, Sydney NSW 2000

The Mitchell Library Reading Room at the State Library of New South Wales is probably one of the most beautiful library rooms I’ve visited in the world.

Dare I say, I might actually like it better than the La Trobe Reading Room in Melbourne’s State Library Victoria. You can judge that one for yourself in my Melbourne travel vlog over on YouTube, and compare it with the photo of Sydney’s Mitchell Library Reading Room below.

With gorgeous oak tables, carpet flooring, incredibly tall ceilings and books lining every surrounding wall, there really is nowhere more grand in the city.

You’ll be able to access free WiFi and use plug sockets at almost every single table, but the only drawback to working in this room is that they don’t allow any food and drinks inside other than water.

For someone like me that only works well when she has a cup of coffee sat next to her laptop, I haven’t made much use of the Mitchell Library Reading Room unfortunately.

But if you’re looking for somewhere quiet and really grand to work and focus, the Mitchell Library Reading Room at the State Library of NSW is a great place to work from.

15. Marrickville Library, Marrickville

Address: 313 Marrickville Road, Marrickville NSW 2204

Another one of my favourite suburbs in Sydney, Marrickville is probably one of the best areas for foodies (like me) and I’ve tried quite a few different food spots in Marrickville, and keep coming back for more.

While like Newtown, it’s a little far away from me in North Sydney, they do have a stunning local library that I would be working from every single day if I lived in the area.

With a coffee shop inside, beautiful greenery, lots of light and open spaces, it really is a dream to work from with free WiFi and plenty of plug sockets and tables.

Aside from the food, Marrickville Library is another reason I’d up and move to Marrickville if I ever got sick of North Sydney.

16. Waverley Library, Bondi Junction

Address: 32-48 Denison Street, Bondi Junction NSW 2022

Before moving to North Sydney, Waverley Library in Bondi Junction was basically my office Monday-Friday, 9-5.

Only a ten minute walk from my flat, I had my routine of grabbing my favourite coffee from Gusto, then walking down the street to the library just before it opened at 9.30am each weekday.

You’ll find so much room upstairs to work with plenty of tables, so many plug sockets, a quiet area to focus and meeting rooms and small pods to take calls.

The free WiFi never failed me and I would spend all day there getting work done and focusing.

My only wish is that they had a coffee shop on site like other libraries on this list, but if they did I probably would have had to start paying rent for all the time I was spending there.

FAQs About Coffee Shops to Work from in Sydney

Is Sydney a good city for working remotely from cafes?

Definitely! Sydney has a huge coffee culture, and there are cafes across the city catering to freelancers, students, remote workers and digital nomads. The trick is knowing which coffee shops are genuinely comfortable for working rather than simply choosing somewhere that looks pretty. That’s exactly what I’d recommend using this guide for!

What are the best cafes in Sydney for digital nomads?

For digital nomads, the best coffee shops to work from in Sydney are those with reliable Wi-Fi, comfortable seating, accessible power outlets and an atmosphere that makes it easy to spend a few hours working. Sydney’s CBD, Surry Hills and Inner West are particularly good areas to explore. There are also newer dedicated study-style spaces emerging in the city, including O3 Space in Newtown, which has been designed specifically around working and studying rather than traditional cafe use.

What are the best coffee shops to study in Sydney?

Some of the best cafes to study in Sydney include spacious cafes around the CBD, Surry Hills, Newtown and Alexandria. When choosing somewhere to study, I’d prioritise comfortable seating, a relatively quiet atmosphere, Wi-Fi and access to power rather than simply choosing somewhere because it looks good on Instagram.

Can I spend all day working from a coffee shop in Sydney?

You can spend several hours working from some Sydney cafes, but don’t assume that every cafe welcomes all-day laptop sessions. It’s good etiquette to buy something regularly, avoid taking up a large table during busy periods and be mindful of other customers.

My Recommendation for the Best Coffee Shops to Work from in Sydney

So there you have my 16 best coffee shops to work from in Sydney that I’ve discovered so far.

If you’re reading this and you know of any spots in Sydney that I should add to my list and try out (with WiFi of course), please let me know in the comments.

As you can see from my short list, I’m very much on the hunt for new places to add to my rotation.

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By Orlagh Shanks

Orlagh Shanks is the Editor of Orlagh Claire, an award-winning travel and lifestyle blog.
After working in the PR & Influencer Marketing industry, Orlagh quit her job to travel Asia for 12 months and moved to Sydney, Australia where she is now a full-time travel blogger and content creator sharing travel tips and recommendations for all 30 of the countries she’s visited so far.

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The Surprising Digital Nomad Culture in Sydney, Australia