Sometimes you just need to get out of the house and take your laptop somewhere new. A change of scene and pace can be very invigorating: drink a barista-made coffee instead of instant, see some people who aren’t your supervisor, feel part of the hustle and bustle of non-academic life. Sydney doesn’t have too many cafes with fast, free Wi-Fi, but if you need to read or write, there are a few places that can host you.
CBD
South by Dukes
Looking for space and light in your change of scene? Sister café to Melbourne coffee roaster, Dukes, South by Dukes is part of the new Barangaroo complex on Sydney Harbour. Featuring seasonal food, artisan coffee and a funky and interesting wood-toned setting, this café has ambience and style.
Best for: those who can work in a bustling setting.
MCA café and sculpture terrace
What could be more inspiring than the harbour before you and a world-class gallery below? The MCA café has fast Wi-Fi, great food and stunning views.
Best for: those who are visually stimulated
East
Woollahra Library
This library is tucked away on New South Head Road in a peaceful, historic building surrounded by beautiful gardens. If you get there early, you can nab a window seat overlooking the harbour, and when you’re finished for the day you can go for a quick dip at local favourite Murray Rose (formerly Redleaf) Pool.
Best for: lovers of peace and quiet.
Café Hernandez
A Potts Point stalwart, Hernandez is where you need to go if you’re on a roll. The 24-hour café has Wi-Fi and glorious, thick hot chocolate that will keep you going as the revellers stumble past to the nightclubs of Kings Cross.
Best for: people watchers
Inner West
Gardener’s Lodge Café
Easily accessible from Sydney Uni, Notre Dame and UTS, this café has a sun drenched deck, looking out over the Victoria Park gardens. A lovely spot to spend an afternoon sipping coffee and editing your thesis chapter!
Best for: those looking for a café in walking distance of Sydney Uni, Notre Dame or UTS.
The Grounds of Alexandria
The Grounds is a kind of hipster theme park, with several food and coffee providers, a florist, boutique grocery store, a barand a few farmyard animals. Some of the food served comes from the garden that surrounds the seating. A great place to go to sit and read in the outdoor section or to tap away at your laptop without the distraction of the Internet.
Best for: transplanted country kidsor anyone looking for a different setting.
West Scrumptious Café
Situated by the Parramatta River, the undercover outdoor seating is perfectly positioned so you can benefit from the breeze off the water. Their extensive breakfast menu will set you up for the day.
Best for: big breakfast fans
South
Grind
For Shire dwellers, a trip into the city or Inner West for thesis-writing can be time-consuming and costly. However, Grind Espresso is a local café that serves top-quality coffee and has made a commitment to sustainability by investing in solar energy. Plus, it’s right near Cronulla Beach and has free Wi-Fi: what more could you want?
Best for: the environmentally friendly
North
Maisy’s
Another 24-hour delight, Maisy’s will be there for you when there’s nowhere else to go, serving a full menu available 24 hours a day and proudly offering free Wi-Fi to customers.
Best for: night owls
Tip: not all cafés offer power outlets, so make sure your batteries are full and you have a notepad, a pen and some readings in case you run out of charge!
Updated 13 May 2024