The Cutaway

A spectacular cultural and event space beneath Barangaroo Reserve.

The Cutaway is one of Sydney’s most distinctive cultural spaces — carved into sandstone beneath the natural landscape of Barangaroo Reserve. With its dramatic scale, waterfront location and deep connection to Country, it’s a place where events, culture and design come together in a uniquely Sydney experience.

Whether you’re attending a major exhibition, a live performance or a community event, The Cutaway offers a setting unlike anywhere else in the city — where raw natural materials meet contemporary design and technology.
 

A cultural destination beneath the surface

Hidden below the green expanse of Barangaroo Reserve, The Cutaway is defined by its striking architecture — from the towering sandstone wall to skylights that open the space to the sky above. Inside, expansive event halls, gallery spaces and pre-function areas can be configured for everything from intimate gatherings to large-scale public events. This is a place designed to transform — hosting festivals, exhibitions, performances and experiences that evolve with each visit.
 

A flexible venue for events and experiences

With approximately 5,000m² of event-ready space and capacity for up to 2,000 people, The Cutaway is built for versatility.

Spaces include:

• A large-format event hall
• Exhibition-ready gallery areas
• Pre-function and arrival spaces
• Back-of-house production facilities

From large public events to curated cultural experiences, the venue adapts to suit each occasion.

The Cutaway is a NSW Government project delivered in partnership with Placemaking NSW, ICC Sydney and Darling Harbour Live. ICC Sydney welcomes bookings for The Cutaway from August 2026.

Find out more about hosting events at The Cutaway. 

 

Design inspired by nature and culture

The Cutaway’s design brings together architecture, art, and Country. Curved, cave-like interiors reference traditional rock shelters, while sculptural timber “trees” rise through the space, creating a sense of being beneath a forest canopy.

Key features include:

• A 14-metre sandstone wall at the heart of the main event space
• Skylights spanning 76 metres that draw in natural light
• Sculptural timber installations inspired by native landscapes

The result is a venue that feels both monumental and intimate — grounded in place, yet designed for the future.

Read all about how the transformation of The Cutaway came together.

 

Getting to The Cutaway

Located beneath the eastern end of Barangaroo Reserve, The Cutaway is easily accessible from the CBD and surrounding precincts:

• Barangaroo Metro Station located nearby
• Walking connections through Barangaroo Reserve and Wulugul Walk
• Close to ferry, bus and train links

It’s a seamless part of Barangaroo — where culture, nature and city life meet on the harbour’s edge.