Vivid Sydney, Sydney Harbour, New South Wales © Destination NSW
A Halal-friendly guide to Sydney and beyond
Diverse in culture, landscapes and cuisine, Halal-friendly experiences are seemingly endless in the welcoming city of Sydney.
By Amy Fraser
Muslim-friendly things to do in Sydney
Start your city getaway on a guided Sydney Harbour cruise from Circular Quay. Here, you’ll soak in breathtaking views of the sparkling harbour and its icons (like the Harbour Bridge and Sydney Opera House) and historic coves and islands.
Back at Circular Quay, marvel at the mammoth white sails of the Opera House before exploring the Royal Botanic Garden’s display of native and exotic plants. Grab a Halal bite at a nearby favourite, Neptune Palace or The Pharaoh BBQ.
A visit to Australia isn’t complete without catching a glimpse of our adorably furry wildlife. Take a public ferry to Taronga Zoo, one of the world’s most picturesque zoos, where you can spot kangaroos and have your photo taken next to a koala.
If the beach calls, venture to the beloved Bondi Beach to experience Sydney’s ocean culture. Wander along the 6km (3.7mi) Bondi to Coogee coastal trail, join the surfers or swim in the clear blue waters. Coogee Beach is home to McIver’s Baths, an ocean pool reserved for women only.
From the dazzling Vivid Sydney light festival to world-class firework displays and the spectacular Lunar New Year Festival, Sydney knows how to put on a show. There’s always an event to attend, so be sure to check what’s on.
After you’ve explored Sydney, discover ancient rainforests, pretty towns and dramatic waterfalls at the World Heritage-listed Blue Mountains. Located only 90 minutes from the city, you can spend a weekend or join a guided day tour.
Halal-friendly restaurants in Sydney
Sydney is a multi-cultural city, with a diverse range of top-quality restaurants serving authentic Halal-friendly fare, seafood and vegetarian dishes. From sit-down dining experiences to laid-back cafés and cheap and cheerful takeaways, you’re never far away from a Halal-certified restaurant.
Mosques in Sydney
There are plenty of places to pray across Sydney, including mosques and prayer rooms. You’ll find a prayer room at Sydney’s International Airport to accommodate religious needs while travelling.
If you’re staying in the centre of Sydney, mosques close by include the small Redfern Mosque, which holds prayers in Turkish and English, and King Faisal Surry Hills Mosque, which uses Arabic and English languages. Zetland Masjid and North Sydney-McMahons Point Musalla offer Friday prayers in English.
The largest mosque in Sydney, and Australia, is the Lakemba Mosque. Located 15km (9.3mi) from the city, it’s widely attended by the local Muslim community and uses Arabic and English.
Shopping in Sydney
Shopping is a must for many visitors to Sydney. Pitt Street Mall, located in the heart of the city, is the busiest and most cosmopolitan shopping precinct, boasting over 600 speciality stores. Connecting Pitt Street and George Street is the Heritage-listed, Victorian-style Strand Arcade, where you’ll find sought-after hole-in-the-wall cafés and designer boutiques.
Nearby is the historic Queen Victoria Building, one of Australia’s most impressive retail experiences with over 180 of Sydney’s finest fashion boutiques, jewellery shops and homewares.
A prayer room is available at Sydney’s modern Birkenhead Point, the city’s largest brand outlet district. Located next to the harbour in Drummoyne, just 6km (3.7mi) from the city centre, you can shop over 120 premium outlet brands.
Sydney also loves its markets. Make time for The Rocks Markets next to Circular Quay for an array of artisan crafts, clothing and gourmet foods. Weekend markets in inner-city neighbourhoods like Paddington and Balmain serve up an eclectic mix of goods and Halal fare in the form of Turkish Gozleme stalls.
