International Convention Centre Sydney (ICC Sydney) is one of Australia’s most modern and high-capacity conference and events venues. Located in Darling Harbour, it hosts international conventions, exhibitions, corporate summits, concerts and large-scale public events throughout the year. With thousands of delegates often arriving within short time windows, entry procedures are structured, security-focused and very aware of bag size.
Why bag rules are important at ICC Sydney
ICC Sydney is designed for fast-moving crowds across multiple halls and levels, often with several events running at once. Security screening, accreditation checks and bag inspections are common, particularly for international conferences and ticketed exhibitions. Oversized bags can slow entry, restrict movement inside halls and may not be permitted beyond certain access points.
Many visitors arrive straight from Sydney Airport, Central Station or nearby hotels in the CBD. If you’re attending an event on an arrival or departure day, planning what to do with your luggage in advance will save significant stress.
Book your luggage storage with Stasher before heading to Darling Harbour if you’re travelling with more than a small day bag.
ICC Sydney bag and cloakroom policy
Bag policies at ICC Sydney can vary depending on the organiser and type of event, but visitors should generally expect:
- Small bags preferred: Handbags, laptop bags and small backpacks are usually allowed if they can be easily inspected.
- No large luggage: Suitcases, travel backpacks and oversized bags are not suitable for entry into exhibition halls or auditoriums.
- Limited cloakroom availability: Some events provide cloakrooms, but these are typically intended for coats and small personal items — not for storing luggage.
- Security screening: Bag checks are common, particularly at international conventions and high-profile events.
- Event-specific restrictions: Trade-only exhibitions or ticketed performances may enforce stricter size limits.
If your bag is deemed too large or impractical, you may be asked to store it elsewhere before being allowed to proceed.
Getting to ICC Sydney
ICC Sydney is exceptionally well connected. It sits a short walk from Town Hall Station, Central Station and multiple light rail stops, and is surrounded by hotels, restaurants and waterfront attractions. While this makes it easy to reach, it also means many attendees arrive on foot carrying whatever they’ve brought with them for the day.
Spending several hours walking exhibition floors or attending back-to-back sessions is far more comfortable if you’re carrying as little as possible.
What to bring for a comfortable visit
- A small backpack or laptop bag with essentials: badge, documents, phone, wallet and charger.
- Avoid rolling bags, large promotional totes or overfilled backpacks.
- If you expect to collect brochures or samples, plan space in advance rather than arriving with a full bag.
Visiting ICC Sydney while travelling
ICC Sydney is frequently visited by international delegates and domestic travellers attending conferences on tight schedules. It’s common to arrive straight from the airport or to attend an event on the same day as hotel checkout.
In these cases, arriving with a suitcase is impractical. With limited on-site storage and strict bag controls inside halls, larger items need to be dealt with before you reach Darling Harbour.
Book your luggage storage for ICC Sydney now if you’re carrying suitcases or larger travel bags.
Storing luggage before your event
A practical solution is to store luggage elsewhere in Sydney before heading to ICC Sydney. This allows you to attend meetings, exhibitions or performances with just a small personal bag and move freely between sessions, cafés and nearby attractions.
Book your luggage storage for ICC Sydney now to drop off bags securely and focus fully on your event.
Extra tips for delegates and visitors
- Arrive early on the first day of major conferences — queues are longest during morning registration.
- Check your event’s visitor or exhibitor guidelines for any additional bag restrictions.
- Wear comfortable shoes — ICC Sydney covers a large area and involves plenty of walking.
- Plan onward travel in advance if you’re leaving Sydney straight after the event.
International Convention Centre Sydney operates practical, security-focused bag policies designed for large-scale events and exhibitions. Large bags and suitcases are not suitable for entry, and cloakrooms — where available — are not intended for travel luggage. By planning ahead and storing bags before you arrive, you can enjoy a smooth, productive and stress-free visit to one of Australia’s leading convention centres.
