Sydney traffic: Commuters urged to stay off roads due to big events weekend

Millions of Aussies have been warned off the road this weekend as a series of back-to-back events threaten traffic chaos.

Sydney is in for a bumper weekend. Picture: Cameron Spencer/Getty Images

Sydneysiders have been warned to stay off the roads this weekend as a series of back-to-back events threaten to bring traffic chaos to the city.

Sydney’s event schedule is jam-packed this weekend, beginning with Paul McCartney’s concerts on Friday and Saturday night at Allianz Stadium.

Oktoberfest will also seize Sydney’s CBD on Saturday, while Sculpture by the Sea in Bondi and Spring Racing at Randwick Racecourse are also in the weekend’s events line-up.

Large crowds are expected at all five events, with Transport NSW urging revellers to use public transport and stay off the roads.

Oktoberfest 2023 will take place on Saturday. Picture: Supplied.

Some 70,000 people are expected to attend McCartney’s concerts across the two nights, on top of the 50,000-strong capacity at Oktoberfest and 500,000 people who visit Sculpture by the Sea across its 18 days each year.

McCartney ticketholders were urged to “plan ahead, leave the car at home and catch public transport as on-site parking in Moore Park is very limited and heavy traffic is expected”.

Tickets to the concerts include travel on public transport to and from Moore Park, with frequent light rail services from the city and southeast.

“If you must drive, you’ll need to arrive early to secure a parking space as parking is limited and will fill quickly. Allow plenty of extra travel time and carpool with your group as traffic will be heavy, particularly on Friday night during the busy evening peak,” Transport NSW said.

Paul McCartney will hold concerts on Friday and Saturday night. Picture: David Crosling

On Saturday, McCartney’s concert will coincide with Spring Champion Stakes Day at Randwick Racecourse, where some 10,000 racegoers can be expected.

“Light rail services will be busy and traffic will be heavy following the races as attendees leave Royal Randwick at the same time concertgoers begin arriving at Allianz Stadium for the Paul McCartney concert. Be patient and allow extra travel time,” Transport NSW said.

“If you’re driving, there’s plenty of parking on-site at the racecourse or consider using rideshare and taxis instead. Traffic will be heavy so allow extra travel time.”

Race day tickets include travel on public transport.

500,000 people visit Sculpture by the Sea each year. Picture: Izhar KHAN / AFP

Oktoberfest will take place at the Domain and Transport NSW said “the best way to get to the event is by public transport.”

“Trains, buses and light rail services run to Town Hall, QVB, St James and Martin Place which are all within close walking distance of the Domain,” Transport NSW said.

“If you are planning on driving or catching rideshare and taxis, allow extra travel time as traffic will be heavier than usual in the area.

“Large crowds and very limited parking” are expected at Sculpture by the Sea. The event is accessible via the Bondi Junction bus depot and train station.

“Significant traffic delays are expected on roads approaching Bondi and Tamarama throughout the event, particularly on weekends, so allow plenty of extra travel time if you must drive,” Transport NSW said.