GITNUXREPORT 2026

Sydney Hospitality Industry Statistics

Sydney's hospitality industry employs many but faces persistent labor shortages and high costs.

Min-ji Park

Research Analyst focused on sustainability and consumer trends.

First published: Feb 13, 2026

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Average annual visitor spend per restaurant meal in Sydney was $45 in 2023

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68% of Sydney diners used apps for reservations in 2023

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Average household spend on hospitality in Sydney: $2,800 annually in 2023

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Weekend brunch attendance in Sydney cafes: 1.2 million weekly in 2023

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42% of Sydney consumers preferred local craft beers in 2023

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Delivery/takeaway orders in Sydney hospitality: 150 million in 2023, up 10%

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Loyalty program participation: 55% of Sydney hospitality customers in 2023

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Average check size for fine dining in Sydney: $180 per person in 2023

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75% of millennials in Sydney dined out weekly in 2023

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Non-alcoholic beverage sales growth: 28% in Sydney hospitality 2023

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Group dining events: 40% of Sydney restaurant revenue in 2023

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Online reviews influence: 82% of Sydney diners in 2023

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Sustainable menu choices: 60% preference in Sydney 2023

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Late-night dining demand: 35% increase post-10pm in Sydney 2023

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Family dining spend: $120 average per visit in Sydney 2023

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Sydney hospitality industry's total revenue reached $28.5 billion in 2023, up 15% from 2022

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Contribution to Sydney GDP from hospitality was 8.7% or $15.2 billion in 2023

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Average revenue per hospitality venue in Sydney was $2.1 million in 2023

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Tax revenue generated by Sydney hospitality was $4.8 billion in GST and payroll tax in 2023

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Export-related hospitality spending (international tourists) contributed $6.3 billion to Sydney in 2023

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Profit margins in Sydney fine dining averaged 12% in 2023, while pubs hit 18%

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Hospitality supply chain spending in Sydney totaled $12.4 billion in 2023, supporting 50,000 indirect jobs

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Average cost of goods sold (COGS) for Sydney restaurants was 32% of revenue in 2023

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Sydney hospitality capital expenditure reached $3.2 billion in 2023 for expansions and renovations

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Wage costs represented 38% of total operating expenses in Sydney hospitality in 2023

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Business failure rate in Sydney hospitality was 9.2% in 2023, down from 14% in 2022

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Average EBITDA for Sydney hotels was 22% in 2023

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Local sourcing spend by Sydney hospitality venues was $2.8 billion in 2023

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Energy costs for Sydney hospitality rose 22% to $850 million in 2023

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Insurance premiums for Sydney hospitality businesses averaged $45,000 per venue in 2023, up 15%

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Sustainability projects funded: 120 in Sydney hospitality 2023

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Labor shortage impacted 65% of Sydney venues in 2023

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Adoption of contactless payments: 95% of Sydney hospitality in 2023

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Plant-based menu items: 75% of Sydney restaurants offered in 2023

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Energy efficiency retrofits: 40% of venues completed in Sydney 2023

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Post-COVID hygiene investments: $500 million across Sydney in 2023

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AI booking systems in use: 30% of Sydney hotels 2023

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Waste reduction targets met: 55% of venues in Sydney 2023

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Inflation impact: 22% cost increase for Sydney hospitality 2023

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Ghost kitchens operational: 250 in Sydney 2023

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Diversity training programs: 70% venue participation in Sydney 2023

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EV charging stations at venues: 180 in Sydney 2023

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Number of restaurants in Sydney totaled 8,450 in 2023, up 4% from 2022

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Sydney had 1,250 hotels and motels operational in 2023, with 45,000 rooms

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Pubs and bars in Sydney numbered 2,100 in 2023, generating 25% of sector outlets

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Cafes and coffee shops in Sydney reached 4,200 in 2023, 50% independent

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Fine dining establishments in Sydney: 320 in 2023, with 15 Michelin-recognized

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Average seating capacity per Sydney restaurant: 85 seats in 2023

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New hospitality venue openings in Sydney: 650 in 2023

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Rooftop bars in Sydney: 180 in 2023, up 20% since 2019

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Fast food outlets in Sydney suburbs: 1,800 in 2023

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Waterfront venues in Sydney Harbour area: 95 in 2023

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Vegan/plant-based restaurants in Sydney: 450 in 2023, 5% of total

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Average age of Sydney hospitality venues: 12 years in 2023

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Brewery taprooms in Sydney: 75 in 2023

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Hotel room occupancy-driven establishments: 1,100 in CBD Sydney 2023

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Food courts in Sydney malls: 120 with 850 outlets in 2023

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Historic pubs listed: 220 in Sydney 2023

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In 2023, Sydney's hospitality industry employed approximately 278,000 full-time equivalent workers, accounting for 12.5% of the city's total workforce

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The average annual wage for hospitality workers in Sydney was $62,500 in 2023, 18% below the city average

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Female workers comprised 55% of Sydney's hospitality workforce in 2022, with higher concentrations in casual roles at 62%

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Youth employment (aged 15-24) in Sydney hospitality reached 45,000 workers in 2023, representing 16% of the sector's total staff

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In 2023, 28% of Sydney hospitality businesses reported skills shortages, particularly in chefs and baristas, affecting 15,000 positions

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Migrant workers made up 42% of Sydney's hospitality employees in 2022, with 65% from non-English speaking backgrounds

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Hospitality turnover rates in Sydney averaged 35% annually in 2023, highest among casual dining at 42%

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In 2023, 12,500 apprentices and trainees were active in Sydney hospitality, up 8% from 2022

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Sydney's hospitality sector saw 22,000 new jobs created in 2023 post-COVID recovery

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Union membership in Sydney hospitality stood at 18% in 2023, with bar workers at 25%

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In 2023, Sydney hospitality workers averaged 28 hours per week, with 60% in casual employment

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Disability employment in Sydney hospitality was 4.2% in 2022, below national average by 1.5%

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Chefs in Sydney hospitality earned median $68,000 annually in 2023, with 10-year experience adding 25%

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15% of Sydney hospitality managers were aged over 50 in 2023, down from 22% in 2019

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Casual loading payments in Sydney hospitality totaled $1.2 billion in 2023

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Behind the vibrant energy of Sydney's world-class restaurants and bustling cafes lies a hospitality industry employing a staggering 278,000 people, yet facing stark realities from significant wage gaps to critical skills shortages.

Key Takeaways

In 2023, Sydney's hospitality industry employed approximately 278,000 full-time equivalent workers, accounting for 12.5% of the city's total workforce
The average annual wage for hospitality workers in Sydney was $62,500 in 2023, 18% below the city average
Female workers comprised 55% of Sydney's hospitality workforce in 2022, with higher concentrations in casual roles at 62%
Sydney hospitality industry's total revenue reached $28.5 billion in 2023, up 15% from 2022
Contribution to Sydney GDP from hospitality was 8.7% or $15.2 billion in 2023
Average revenue per hospitality venue in Sydney was $2.1 million in 2023
Number of restaurants in Sydney totaled 8,450 in 2023, up 4% from 2022
Sydney had 1,250 hotels and motels operational in 2023, with 45,000 rooms
Pubs and bars in Sydney numbered 2,100 in 2023, generating 25% of sector outlets
Average annual visitor spend per restaurant meal in Sydney was $45 in 2023
68% of Sydney diners used apps for reservations in 2023
Average household spend on hospitality in Sydney: $2,800 annually in 2023
Sustainability projects funded: 120 in Sydney hospitality 2023
Labor shortage impacted 65% of Sydney venues in 2023
Adoption of contactless payments: 95% of Sydney hospitality in 2023

Sydney's hospitality industry employs many but faces persistent labor shortages and high costs.

Consumer Behavior

Average annual visitor spend per restaurant meal in Sydney was $45 in 2023
68% of Sydney diners used apps for reservations in 2023
Average household spend on hospitality in Sydney: $2,800 annually in 2023
Weekend brunch attendance in Sydney cafes: 1.2 million weekly in 2023
42% of Sydney consumers preferred local craft beers in 2023
Delivery/takeaway orders in Sydney hospitality: 150 million in 2023, up 10%
Loyalty program participation: 55% of Sydney hospitality customers in 2023
Average check size for fine dining in Sydney: $180 per person in 2023
75% of millennials in Sydney dined out weekly in 2023
Non-alcoholic beverage sales growth: 28% in Sydney hospitality 2023
Group dining events: 40% of Sydney restaurant revenue in 2023
Online reviews influence: 82% of Sydney diners in 2023
Sustainable menu choices: 60% preference in Sydney 2023
Late-night dining demand: 35% increase post-10pm in Sydney 2023
Family dining spend: $120 average per visit in Sydney 2023

Consumer Behavior Interpretation

In Sydney's bustling food scene, where apps secure tables and loyalty cards reap rewards, the modern diner is a paradoxical force—splurging $180 on fine dining one night while chasing the weekend brunch with 1.2 million others, all the while demanding craft beer, sustainable menus, and a 10% surge in takeaway, proving that the city's appetite is as vast as its contradictions.

Economic Contribution

Sydney hospitality industry's total revenue reached $28.5 billion in 2023, up 15% from 2022
Contribution to Sydney GDP from hospitality was 8.7% or $15.2 billion in 2023
Average revenue per hospitality venue in Sydney was $2.1 million in 2023
Tax revenue generated by Sydney hospitality was $4.8 billion in GST and payroll tax in 2023
Export-related hospitality spending (international tourists) contributed $6.3 billion to Sydney in 2023
Profit margins in Sydney fine dining averaged 12% in 2023, while pubs hit 18%
Hospitality supply chain spending in Sydney totaled $12.4 billion in 2023, supporting 50,000 indirect jobs
Average cost of goods sold (COGS) for Sydney restaurants was 32% of revenue in 2023
Sydney hospitality capital expenditure reached $3.2 billion in 2023 for expansions and renovations
Wage costs represented 38% of total operating expenses in Sydney hospitality in 2023
Business failure rate in Sydney hospitality was 9.2% in 2023, down from 14% in 2022
Average EBITDA for Sydney hotels was 22% in 2023
Local sourcing spend by Sydney hospitality venues was $2.8 billion in 2023
Energy costs for Sydney hospitality rose 22% to $850 million in 2023
Insurance premiums for Sydney hospitality businesses averaged $45,000 per venue in 2023, up 15%

Economic Contribution Interpretation

Sydney's bars and restaurants are collectively a $28.5 billion economic engine that powers the city, but for every dollar of fine-dining profit, there's another being nervously eyed by a publican for rising wages, energy bills, and an insurance premium that now costs more than a decent sports car.

Industry Trends and Challenges

Sustainability projects funded: 120 in Sydney hospitality 2023
Labor shortage impacted 65% of Sydney venues in 2023
Adoption of contactless payments: 95% of Sydney hospitality in 2023
Plant-based menu items: 75% of Sydney restaurants offered in 2023
Energy efficiency retrofits: 40% of venues completed in Sydney 2023
Post-COVID hygiene investments: $500 million across Sydney in 2023
AI booking systems in use: 30% of Sydney hotels 2023
Waste reduction targets met: 55% of venues in Sydney 2023
Inflation impact: 22% cost increase for Sydney hospitality 2023
Ghost kitchens operational: 250 in Sydney 2023
Diversity training programs: 70% venue participation in Sydney 2023
EV charging stations at venues: 180 in Sydney 2023

Industry Trends and Challenges Interpretation

Despite being chronically understaffed and squeezed by inflation, Sydney's hospitality sector is pragmatically evolving into a greener, tech-savvier, and more automated industry, all while trying to make a plant-based latte look effortless.

Venue and Establishment Data

Number of restaurants in Sydney totaled 8,450 in 2023, up 4% from 2022
Sydney had 1,250 hotels and motels operational in 2023, with 45,000 rooms
Pubs and bars in Sydney numbered 2,100 in 2023, generating 25% of sector outlets
Cafes and coffee shops in Sydney reached 4,200 in 2023, 50% independent
Fine dining establishments in Sydney: 320 in 2023, with 15 Michelin-recognized
Average seating capacity per Sydney restaurant: 85 seats in 2023
New hospitality venue openings in Sydney: 650 in 2023
Rooftop bars in Sydney: 180 in 2023, up 20% since 2019
Fast food outlets in Sydney suburbs: 1,800 in 2023
Waterfront venues in Sydney Harbour area: 95 in 2023
Vegan/plant-based restaurants in Sydney: 450 in 2023, 5% of total
Average age of Sydney hospitality venues: 12 years in 2023
Brewery taprooms in Sydney: 75 in 2023
Hotel room occupancy-driven establishments: 1,100 in CBD Sydney 2023
Food courts in Sydney malls: 120 with 850 outlets in 2023
Historic pubs listed: 220 in Sydney 2023

Venue and Establishment Data Interpretation

Sydney's hospitality scene is a sprawling, caffeinated ecosystem where for every new rooftop bar chasing the sunset, a historic pub stands its ground, proving that while we're collectively obsessed with what's next, we still reserve a deep and well-lubricated affection for what came before.

Workforce and Employment

In 2023, Sydney's hospitality industry employed approximately 278,000 full-time equivalent workers, accounting for 12.5% of the city's total workforce
The average annual wage for hospitality workers in Sydney was $62,500 in 2023, 18% below the city average
Female workers comprised 55% of Sydney's hospitality workforce in 2022, with higher concentrations in casual roles at 62%
Youth employment (aged 15-24) in Sydney hospitality reached 45,000 workers in 2023, representing 16% of the sector's total staff
In 2023, 28% of Sydney hospitality businesses reported skills shortages, particularly in chefs and baristas, affecting 15,000 positions
Migrant workers made up 42% of Sydney's hospitality employees in 2022, with 65% from non-English speaking backgrounds
Hospitality turnover rates in Sydney averaged 35% annually in 2023, highest among casual dining at 42%
In 2023, 12,500 apprentices and trainees were active in Sydney hospitality, up 8% from 2022
Sydney's hospitality sector saw 22,000 new jobs created in 2023 post-COVID recovery
Union membership in Sydney hospitality stood at 18% in 2023, with bar workers at 25%
In 2023, Sydney hospitality workers averaged 28 hours per week, with 60% in casual employment
Disability employment in Sydney hospitality was 4.2% in 2022, below national average by 1.5%
Chefs in Sydney hospitality earned median $68,000 annually in 2023, with 10-year experience adding 25%
15% of Sydney hospitality managers were aged over 50 in 2023, down from 22% in 2019
Casual loading payments in Sydney hospitality totaled $1.2 billion in 2023

Workforce and Employment Interpretation

Sydney's hospitality sector, which serves the city with one-eighth of its workforce, is a complex beast of precarity and passion, where nearly 300,000 people—disproportionately young, female, and migrant—pour their energy into a system that relies heavily on casual labour, pays them markedly less than the city average, and yet still desperately seeks more skilled chefs and baristas to fill its ranks.

Sources & References

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