Are you wanting to get fit and live in Sydney? 

Sydney is a city that lives and breathes fitness. From sunrise workouts by Bondi Beach to late-night training in the CBD, locals love staying active. If you’ve ever searched for the best gyms in Sydney or wondered which facility could be considered the best gym in Sydney, you’ll know there’s no shortage of impressive options.

There are tons of different gym options available to you in Sydney, so here’s a guide to Sydney’s best gyms depending on what you’re looking for.

Boutique & lifestyle gyms

Sydney’s boutique gyms have surged in popularity, , especially in neighbourhoods like Paddington, Surry Hills, Darlinghurst and Bondi Junction. You’ll find stylish studios offering HIIT, reformer pilates or small group training sessions. 

1. SOMA Collection (CBD / Darlinghurst fringe)

It’s a high-end wellness club. The facility includes dedicated studios (reformer Pilates, yoga/barre, HIIT) and a full recovery suite with saunas, cold plunge etc.

‘Fantastic experience: Gorgeous gym floor and facilities, Pilates studio is amazing and the staff are always so helpful!’ - Tabby S, Oct 2025 

2. The Bunker Gym (Coogee / Darlinghurst / North Bondi locations)

The Bunker is made for people who want structure, support and real results, without the overwhelming, crowded feel of big commercial gyms. Their smaller-group classes focus on strength, conditioning and functional movement, with coaches who actually pay attention to your form and progress. It’s community-driven, consistent and built for anyone who wants training that feels personal, not generic. 

‘Gym itself was great, spacious and well equipped … I love it here!’ - via ClassPass

3. 98 Gym (Riley St, Darlinghurst)

98 Gym is more specialised than other generic gyms as it emphasises performance, resilience and high-standard training programs. It’s the kind of place where consistency is encouraged, technique matters and the vibe pushes you to level up.

‘The best gym I’ve trained at. Friendly and knowledgeable coaches, and a great vibe in all of their classes.’ - Max D

Strength & conditioning spaces

For those who love lifting, Sydney has gyms kitted out with Olympic platforms, squat racks and conditioning zones. These are popular among athletes, powerlifters and anyone chasing progressive strength programs. If you’re looking for the best gym in Sydney to build muscle and power, this category delivers.

1. Athletes Authority (Artarmon, lower north shore)

This gym explicitly brands itself as a ‘Strength & Conditioning Gym’ in Sydney. They combine high-performance training for athletes and sports physiotherapy/rehab services. 

‘10/10 experience , coaches go above and beyond … I became faster and stronger since I came here.’ - Natasha M, Sept 2025 

2. City Gym (Darlinghurst, close to Surry Hills)

This gym highlights its ‘weights floor’ and emphasizes strength training: ‘Weights – Uncover the pinnacle of strength training excellence at City Gym’s cutting-edge weights floor’.

‘Hands down the best gym in Sydney. Fantastic staff, insane fit out and awesome facilities. It was a holiday for the mind as much as it was an intense physical workout…’ - James, 2025

3. City Strength HQ (Alexandria, inner south)

The focus is heavy lifting equipment + purpose-built strength facility, rather than a general-fitness chain gym.

‘Very good gym, went there for training whilst prepping for APA Mega Nats. Very solid gym with Eleiko combo racks, bars and calibrated plates. They also have calibrated dumbbells, and upstairs they have mostly (as far as I'm aware) Hammer strength machines for accessories’ - Harvey S, Sept 2025

Luxury gyms & health clubs

Luxury gyms are especially popular in Darling Harbour, Barangaroo, Bondi Junction, North Sydney and Mosman. Here, fitness blends with wellness, spa culture and premium amenities. Think high-end equipment, spa facilities, saunas, pools and recovery zones. These gyms cater to those who see training as part of a bigger lifestyle routine, not just a workout.

Expect higher membership costs here, typically anywhere from $40 – $80+ per week depending on the location and inclusions.

1. Elixr Health Clubs  (Bondi Junction, eastern suburbs)

Large, purpose-built facility with a 25 m indoor magnesium-mineral pool, steam rooms, high-end change-rooms with Dyson hair dryers.

‘Elixr is honestly the most welcoming gym I’ve ever been to! … The pool is heated, so it’s a pleasure to be able to swim there in winter.’ - Jessica Kristen Jan 2025 

2. Virgin Active (Bondi Westfield, eastern suburbs)

A 2,500 m² ‘luxury social wellness destination’ integrating gym, recovery, café, co-working lounge. It’s more than a gym. 

‘From the moment you walk in, you’ll feel like you’ve entered a wellness oasis. … Luxury at every turn.’ - Mentioned in Vogue 

3. One Playground (North Sydney, lower north shore)

A large-scale facility (~2,000 m² across four levels) combining strength training, recovery saunas, wellness lounge.

‘North Sydney needed this gym! There’s nothing like it around. I went on the first day and tried a few classes. All the facilities and rooms are immaculate - state of the art five stars! Well done One Playground!’ Maggie L - Oct 2025

24/7 convenience gyms

Sydney’s pace means flexibility is key. Many of the best gyms in Sydney are open 24/7, allowing early risers, shift workers and night owls to train at their own pace. These gyms often balance affordability with convenience, while still offering solid equipment and functional spaces.

1. ONYX Gym 24/7 (20 Bowden St, Alexandria NSW 2015)

The name says it all, they’re open every day for 24 hours. Large facility, modern equipment, good for flexible schedules.

‘If you’re serious about your training and you’re in the Alexandria area, the convo starts and ends with ONYX. … everything is well thought out and very comprehensive.’ - Tim, Oct 2024

2. Plus Fitness 24/7 (25 Market St, Sydney NSW 2000)

Central city location (Market Street) means very easy access, again open 24/7! 

‘The location is super convenient and the hours are flexible leaving me most days with no excuse not to come.’ - Keren C, Jan 2025

3. Gold’s Gym (North Sydney, lower north shore)

Offers 24/7 access for members. Strong strength and equipment focus, so good if you want flex hours + serious gear.

‘Fantastic experience: Got a day pass while visiting North Sydney and was really impressed. Super friendly staff, great equipment, and a clean, spacious gym.’ - Adrian L, Sept 2025

Outdoor-friendly gyms

Sydney’s unique fitness culture blends indoors and outdoors. Some gyms feature rooftop workout areas or seamless links to outdoor training zones, making the most of the city’s climate and scenery. Perfect if you like mixing gym structure with outdoor freedom.

1. Bondi Park outdoor gym (Bondi Beach, eastern suburbs)

A very notable outdoor gym on the beach, often dubbed Sydney’s ‘Muscle Beach equivalent’.

‘If Sydney had its own Muscle Beach, Bondi Park’s outdoor gym would be it.’ - Time Out, 8 Sept 2016

2. Observatory Hill outdoor gym (Millers Point, near CBD / Barangaroo)

Right in the CBD with sweeping harbour views (including the Sydney Harbour Bridge) and good for a quick open‐air workout near work or transit.

‘Great calisthenics outdoor gym… I’d recommend this gym to anyone who’s looking for a fun outdoor session. Pull up bar, and dip station, as well as push up stations all available!’ - Dee H (Google), 2025 

3. Sydney Park outdoor gym (St Peters / Alexandria, inner west fringe)

Large park setting (Sydney Park) with dedicated outdoor fitness stations, lots of space and a slightly more relaxed outdoor gym vibe.

‘One of the best outdoor gyms Sydney has to offer… enjoy the fresh air, space to move, and decent gear.’ - Guide in Man of Many, 13 July 2023

Add a personal trainer for even better training 

Finding the best gym in Sydney is a great start, but the real results come from having a plan. That’s where personal trainers make the difference. Suburbs like Surry Hills, Parramatta, Chatswood, Bondi and Newtown also have incredible personal trainers working in gyms, parks and studios.

• Customised programs aligned with your goals
• Accountability to keep you motivated
• Injury prevention & technique coaching
• Lifestyle guidance covering nutrition and recovery

Through Bark, you can connect with trusted personal trainers across Sydney, whether you prefer the beach at Coogee, a studio in Surry Hills or outdoor sessions in Sydney Park.

Final word

Sydney’s fitness scene is diverse and thriving; whether you prefer boutique studios, luxury gyms or convenient 24/7 spaces. The real key is finding the gym that matches your lifestyle and investing in a plan that works.

And when you’re ready to take it further, Bark makes it simple to connect with trusted personal trainers in Sydney who can help you transform your routine into results.