No images? Click here
Sydney Harbour. Credit: Eugene Tan, Aquabumps
UNCOVERED NOVEMBER 2020: LOVE SYDNEY
There is so much to love about Sydney, and with sunny skies and warmer spring weather, now is the ideal time to book a city 'playcation' and explore your own backyard. Take the climb of your life on the iconic Sydney Harbour Bridge, enjoy spectacular alfresco dining, explore cool inner-city neighbourhoods and spend the weekend in a luxe waterside hotel.
The best of Sydney is ready and waiting!
Watermans Cove at Barangaroo
WHAT'S NEW IN SYDNEY
Love Sydney like you mean it by booking the ultimate Sydney staycation — the two-day Climb, Dine & Stay package combines experiences from BridgeClimb, Ovolo Woolloomooloo and Otto Ristorante for a weekend to remember. Scale the Sydney Harbour Bridge as a VIP, then celebrate in style with a three-course alfresco Italian dinner at Otto on the picturesque Finger Wharf. You’ll sleep soundly overnight in Ovolo Woolloomooloo’s spacious Superoo Room, with complimentary mini bar, breakfast and late checkout.
There’s more room to soak up the sunshine at Barangaroo — a new amphitheatre-style boardwalk has been unveiled that adds 11,000 square metres of harbourside public space to the precinct. Known as Watermans Cove, the crescent-shaped foreshore and pier extends the stretch of the Wulugul Walk by 350 metres, leading to Barangaroo’s glitzy food and drink promenade that includes high-calibre venues such as Lotus, Cirrus, Banksii and rooftop brunch spot Untied.
Step back in time on a magical maritime experience with the Sydney Harbour Tall Ships new overnight adventure. Set sail and ride the breeze along the coastline from Campbell’s Cove to Broken Bay and back again over two days. Learn the ropes of tall ship sailing, climb the crow’s nest for stunning water views and dine on board in the deck house.
Crowne Plaza Sydney Darling Harbour
Luxury hotel Crowne Plaza Sydney Darling Harbour has opened in the city with 152 contemporary rooms designed with zones for sleep, work and play. The hotel has thoughtful inclusions for both business and leisure travellers and a sustainable philosophy with paperless check-ins and bamboo key cards. Guests can take a dip in the rooftop infinity pool, train in the fitness centre and dine in Two 88 Bar and Kitchen.
Of all the gin joints in the world, Sydney’s newest distils the colourful history of Kings Cross right into the bottle. Inspired by the glamourous (and somewhat salacious) 1930s-era of the neighbourhood, Kings Cross Distillery is a gin distillery and cocktail bar located in a sleek, refurbished former gambling den and nightclub. Order a cocktail made from their own Australian Classic Dry and Garden Island Navy-Strength gins while you snack on upscale bar food like caviar, smoked burrata and charcuterie plates.
Handmade pasta at Fabbrica
Fresh pasta doesn’t get much faster than the ready-to-buy handmade offerings from Sydney’s new Fabbrica pasta shop on King Street in the city. Sister venue to the CBD’s cosy pasta restaurant Ragazzi, Fabbrica offers a range of pasta — from rigatoni to trottole — sold by the gram, plus limited daily portions of freshly made sandwiches, lasagne, focaccia and more.
Hoodoo Gurus will be playing at Max Watt’s in Moore Park this month
GREAT SOUTHERN NIGHTS IN SYDNEY
Sydney’s live music scene is making its comeback with Great Southern Nights launching this month. Tickets are on sale now to more than 50 gigs across the city at venues including Sydney Opera House, the Enmore, Metro and State Theatres as well as a number of more intimate venues. “It’s places like The Lansdowne, Camelot Lounge and Mary’s Underground that you get to see emerging bands and have an intimacy and urgency that is hard to beat,” says Sydney-based artist Josh Pyke, who will be playing gigs across NSW for the festival.
Moonlight Cinema Sydney in Centennial Park
MOVIES UNDER MOONLIGHT
Sydneysiders can plan a summer of movie nights under the stars as Moonlight Cinema returns to Centennial Park this month for its 25th year. Pack a picnic, BYO bubbly or order from the onsite food trucks. For a more luxurious option, snuggle up as the sun sets in the Gold Grass section with comfy bean beds, waited service and complimentary ice-cream at the Connoisseur Lounge.
Maybe Sammy wins big at the 2020 World’s 50 Best Bars Awards
MAYBE SAMMY WINS THE ART OF HOSPITALITY
Cocktail bar Maybe Sammy has been named as the winner of the prestigious Michter's Art of Hospitality Award as part of The World's 50 Best Bars 2020. The international prize is chosen by the academy’s expert panel and awarded to the bar with the single best hospitality experience from January 2019 to March 2020. The group, who also run Surry Hills pizzeria Maybe Frank, show no signs of slowing down, hinting at plans for a top-floor hotel bar in the near future.
Tim Ross
TIM ROSS' LOVE LETTER TO SYDNEY
The first time media identity and culture commentator Tim Ross visited Sydney, the harbour city really got under his skin, so much so that he’s now lived here for more than 20 years. This passionate Sydneysider, design lover and superb at-home chef has recently collaborated with Destination NSW on a series of seven videos showcasing his love of Sydney and NSW. There are four Sydney-themed videos in the series, along with one each on the Blue Mountains, Mollymook and Capertee Valley. The clips capture the essence of Sydney through Tim’s keen eye, as he takes
us on a journey of food, culture, architecture and design. “Sydney, you’re a cheeky, sparkly bugger and I love you at full speed,” says Ross.
Sydney got under your skin on your first visit: tell me about that initial trip?
When I was a kid, we drove up (from Melbourne) to see Cats. Along with seeing an actor rub up against my blushing brother, we stayed in Manly and I vividly remember the trip into the city and being totally in awe of the harbour, and of course the Sydney Opera House.
Why did you make Sydney your adopted hometown?
In my early 20s I came up from Melbourne on a university trip and fell for the place big time. A few years later I got the opportunity to come up and work at Triple J and I couldn’t wait to get on the plane.
If Sydney was a person, what would he/she be like?
Some days Paul Newman, other days Robert Redford and on the weekends 100 per cent Steve McQueen.
What places or experiences make your days in Sydney so magical?
A walk through the Royal Botanic Garden, obviously a ferry ride, wandering through Potts Point, a run anywhere where there’s water, a schooner in Newtown, a walk through the park at Barangaroo, and pick a beach and jump in.
You're showing Sydney to a friend for the first time — what's your itinerary?
I take all visitors to the MCA, then around to Sydney Opera House, through the Royal Botanic Garden and up to the Art Gallery of NSW. A Sunday trip to Rose Seidler House, a trip to Palm Beach and then lunch at Bert’s at Newport.
A local favourite you can’t live without?
I love the enduring pleasure of catching up with someone at Bills in Surry Hills.
Best place for dinner, morning coffee and/or drinks?
Porteno, Icebergs Dining Room & Bar, Sean’s Panaroma, coffee from Boronia Kitchen and drinks at Bennelong.
Favourite spot for a swim in Sydney?
I love Palm Beach with my boys.
Where do you go to for fresh produce when you’re cooking up a storm?
I love the Sydney Fish Markets. It’s the best value and I have my little ritual of getting in and out quickly.
You love mid-century design — what's one of the coolest interiors in Sydney?
The Paramount Building is fabulous and continues to offer so much on so many levels.
To view the video series featuring Tim Ross, contact the DNSW PR Team at media@dnsw.com.au
PLAN YOUR NEXT SYDNEY PLAYCAY NOW
Break free from the everyday and explore a different part of the city on a Sydney Playcay. Enjoy everything from boutique hotel stays and spa treatments, to wildlife adventures, five-star dining and more. Here are six Playcation itineraries across greater Sydney to get you started:
Parramatta
Parramatta is Sydney's second CBD and the historic heart of Western Sydney. This 48-hour guide has guests checking into SKYE Suites Parramatta; drinking and dining at Uncle Kurt’s, The Coffee Emporium and Chatkazz; as well as visiting historic Elizabeth Farm.
Penrith
Packed with adventure, surrounded by nature and filled with innovative places to dine, Penrith is a destination full of unexpected treasures. On your Penrith Playcay, expect a contemporary stay at Mercure Penrith; dinner at intimate laneway bar Allan Grammar and a thrilling soar at indoor skydiving zone, iFly Downunder.
South West Sydney
From Liverpool to Fairfield, Cabramatta to Canley Heights, the South West offers a diverse trip away without leaving Sydney. This unexpected itinerary has a stay in William Inglis Hotel; brunch at The Woods Pantry and visits to Sydney Zoo and Casula Powerhouse Arts Centre.
Cronulla
In Cronulla in Sydney’s south, you’ll feel like you’re a million miles away on a beach holiday. This laid-back suburb is renowned for its waterside eateries, relaxed atmosphere and vibrant bars and restaurants. Check into Rydges Cronulla, enjoy sunset drinks at Next Door Café, have dinner at Gira Osteria and tackle the Walk the Walls Cronulla Street Art Trail.
Manly
With a perfect mix of lively restaurants, cool bars and beautiful, sprawling beaches, Manly offers chill coastal vibes combined with the cosmopolitan buzz of the city centre. Stay at The Sebel Sydney Manly Beach, enjoy happy hour at Manly Greenhouse Rooftop, have a late-night drink at The Cumberland and get active with Joe’s Mountain Bike Tours.
Bondi
Bondi Beach is one of the most famous beaches in the world for so many reasons: bright blue ocean, a beach village atmosphere and unique eateries overlooking the coastline. Immerse yourself in coastal luxe at QT Bondi, sip cocktails at Hotel Ravesis, dine at local Italian favourite Totti’s and hit the waves with Lets Go Surfing.
Go to Sydney.com to view more Sydney Playcay itineraries and click here for a selection of images and video.
BEST OF THE INNER WEST
Sydney’s vibrant Inner West is a place where communities of creatives flourish, diverse cultures come together, modern eateries draw in discerning gourmands and cosmopolitan small bars serve up some of the best times in the city. Global media group Time Out recently listed the suburb of Marrickville as the 10th coolest neighbourhood in the world in their annual Index Survey. With plenty of ‘cool’ on offer, start in Marrickville and explore Sydney’s Inner West, one sip and bite at a time.
Marrickville
Time Out’s editors say that it’s Marrickville’s melting-pot community that gives this suburb its X-factor, and you only have to look at the queues snaking out of the suburb’s most popular Vietnamese and Greek eateries to believe it. Jump in line for a banh mi at Marrickville Pork Roll, slurp beef noodle soup at Pho PHD, and pick up spanakopita and sweets at Athena’s Cake Shop. For a drink with your dinner, try the new Peruvian-inspired Pepito’s bar, natural wine and cheese plates at Where’s Nick, and the boutique Batch Brewery and Poor Toms gin distillery.
Enmore
Just beyond Newtown, Enmore Road comes alive at night as Sydneysiders stop by for dinner from across the world. Colombo Social offers Sri Lankan food with a social mission; Little Lagos next door is Sydney’s portal to Nigerian food; Stanbuli serves Turkish fine dining; Cairo Takeaway serves up Egyptian street food including falafels and kofta plates; and Hakiki scoops out traditional Turkish ice-cream and baklava. Enmore draws music lovers from near and far, too, with the Enmore Theatre scheduling a range of popular international and local
artists, and Cottonmouth Records offering vinyl by day and craft beer by night.
Petersham
Known as Sydney’s ‘Little Portugal’, Petersham is famed for its Portuguese heritage, particularly the edible kind. Try flaky Portuguese custard tarts hot out of the oven at Sweet Belem or Honeymoon Patisserie, succulent charcoal chicken at Silvas, feijoada (bean stew) at long-time
institution Gloria’s Restaurant, artisanal chocolates at One More Chocolate, and pick up classic deli sandwiches, chorizo and other Portuguese staples at Charlie’s Deli. But it’s not just a Portuguese love affair — find designer brunch at Tiny Giant or The Pig & Pastry; and Malaysian stir-fries, curries and flame-grilled chicken at Sharon Kwan’s Kitchen.
Dulwich Hill
No longer just a locals’ secret, Dulwich Hill has emerged as one of Sydney’s more recent gourmet hubs as new cafes bring more of the brunching crowd. The latest is The Fold, a Sri Lankan-inspired café that does eggs benedict on hoppers and sambal with coconut flatbread. Pastry lovers queue for the canelés, croissants and sourdough loaves at Baked By Keiran; for sticky cinnamon buns and focaccia sandwiches at Small Talk; and Greek pastries and Mediterranean brunch at Alevri. Long-popular brunch spot The General Eatery & Supplies host dinners Thursdays and Fridays, which infuse their produce-driven ethos into a night-time feast.
The Boathouse, Palm Beach
Eight Summer Alfresco Dining Spots in Sydney
As the weather warms up, Sydney offers up a plethora of outdoor dining spaces to enjoy an alfresco meal. As part of the NSW Government’s new alfresco dining plan, The Rocks will be one of the first precincts expanding to offer more COVID-safe seating in its historic nooks, paths and laneways. This will be followed by venues on car-free George Street, which will bring new dining spaces out in the fresh air. Here are eight alfresco areas in the great outdoors to put on your summer dining list now:
The Rocks
The Glenmore Hotel has picture-perfect views of the Harbour and Sydney Opera House. Atop this historic and popular watering hole, you’ll find an expansive open dining area with fairy lights and postcard-worthy panoramas. Just up the street, The Australian Heritage Hotel is a classic after-work meeting place with plenty of outdoor seating. Experience a taste of the past, a warm welcome and delicious pub grub on the menu.
Coogee Pavilion, Coogee
For spectacular sunset drinks with the cool crowd, head to the rooftop of Coogee Pavilion for socialising in the sun. The rooftop space is an expansive summerhouse-style bar with lots of cane chairs, bric-a-brac, greenery and a panoramic view of the beach across to Wylie's Baths. The heritage building is a former aquarium and swimming baths circa 1887 and features a ground-floor bar, cocktail bar Will’s and fine-dining restaurant Mimi’s.
The Nielsen, Vaucluse
One of the prettiest places for brunch in Sydney is The Nielsen Kiosk overlooking Shark Beach. It’s places like this that make Sydney so unique: a harbour beach, fringed by bushland, so close to the city. The wooden pavilion dates to 1914 and houses a quaint kiosk with outdoor tables taking in those views, along with an Italian eatery serving a seasonal menu of local produce.
Barangaroo
With more than 30 restaurants, Barangaroo is one of Sydney’s most lively dining precincts. The jewel in the crown is Barangaroo House — a three-level award-winning architectural gem clad in charcoaled timber with sophisticated rooftop bar, Smoke, overlooking the harbour. Along Wulugul Walk there’s a strip of waterfront restaurants with a range of dining options to choose from. Experience a taste of Turkey at Anason, try Muum Maam for delicious Thai or Ume Burger
for a quirky Japanese burger mash-up.
The Boathouse, Palm Beach
Perched on Pittwater in Sydney’s Palm Beach is The Boathouse with seaside views and a nautical vibe. It’s a beautiful spot for coffee, brunch or one of their cold seafood platters to share with Sydney Rock oysters and tiger prawns. Arrive early to secure a table — they are open from 7am to 3pm for breakfast and lunch.
The Empire Lounge, Rose Bay
This glamourous waterside bar and dining spot in Rose Bay is also the departure lounge for Sydney Seaplanes. At Empire Lounge, sip a Bellini and dine on fresh seafood looking out over the water or combine your Empire Lounge experience with a scenic flight around Sydney or up to Jonah’s Whale Beach for lunch.
The Gantry, Walsh Bay
Nestled among the historic Walsh Bay arts precinct, The Gantry is a creative fine-dining experience in Pier One Sydney Harbour hotel with relaxing views of the Harbour and the wharves. You can sip a botanical cocktail at their Bar One on the pier and then enjoy freshly foraged ingredients from their innovative, award-winning menu.
Glass Island
This must-do floating bar experience on Sydney Harbour has all the luxury of a chic bar setting with on-the-water views. Cruise under the Sydney Harbour Bridge as you sit back and relax with an inventive cocktail and colourful grazing board. Glass Island is a fully seated cruising experience with three entertainment levels, tables and VIP booths available. Guests are collected from King Street Wharf in Darling Harbour with most cruises departing at 1pm and returning by 4.30pm.
Arthur Streeton's Land of the Golden Fleece 1926 oil on canvas. Photo: Jenni Carter, AGNSW
UPCOMING EVENTS
Lindy Lee: Moon in a Dew Drop | Museum of Contemporary Art Australia
2 Oct 2020 - 26 April 2021
Australian Chinese artist Lindy Lee melds two cultures together in this mesmerising exhibition of more than 70 works including large-scale sculptures and wax paintings. Lee uses unique processes like burning paper and allowing rain to transform surfaces.
The Rugby Championship | ANZ Stadium & Bankwest Stadium
31 October 2020 - 12 December 2020
Get ready to cheer from the sidelines at the 2020 Rugby Championships, where the best of the best will battle it out at games held in NSW and beyond. The tournament will see Australia, New Zealand and Argentina descend on Sydney, Parramatta, Newcastle and Brisbane from 31 October to 12 December.
Great Southern Nights | Across Sydney
Across November 2020
Great Southern Nights will present over 50 COVID-safe gigs across Sydney during November. It sees some of the biggest names in Aussie music back on stage including Amy Shark, Sarah Blasko, Jimmy Barnes, Jessica Mauboy plus many, many more. Tickets are on sale now, don't miss your chance to see your favourite artists back in action at your favourite Sydney venues.
State of Origin Game II | ANZ Stadium
11 November 2020
Support New South Wales as they defend their title as reigning champs in the 2020 State of Origin. Head to ANZ Stadium on 11 November to watch game two and witness the 40th year of Australia’s greatest sporting rivalry.
Streeton | Art Gallery of NSW
7 Nov 2020 - 14 Feb 2021
The most significant exhibition of Australian artist Arthur Streeton ever held will be on display from 7 November at the Art Gallery of NSW. The exhibition will feature more than 150 works from public and private collections.
PIPPIN | Sydney Lyric Theatre
From 24 November 2020
The Tony® Award-winning musical will premiere at the Sydney Lyric theatre at The Star this November. Full of extraordinary acrobatics, wondrous magical feats and soaring songs, this is a high-flying, death-defying musical not to be missed.
ARIA Awards | The Star
25 November 2020
A one-of-a-kind ARIA Awards will come to Sydney on 25 November. While there will be no physical audience, the 2020 ARIA Awards ceremony will be held at The Star Event Centre in Sydney and broadcast around Australia on the Nine Network, with performances showcased around the world on YouTube. This year’s nominees include Jessica Mauboy, Sampa the Great, Lime Cordiale, DMAs, Tame Impala and more.
Tyrannosaurs – Meet the Family | Australian Museum
From 28 November
Get ready to travel back 66 million years as the most feared dinosaur, Tyrannosaurus rex, comes crashing out from Cretaceous period and into the new blockbuster exhibition space at the Australian Museum. View a colossal collection of tyrannosaur skeletons, skulls, fossil eggs and more.
AACTA Awards | The Star
30 November 2020
Celebrate the best of local television and film at the Australian Academy Cinema Television Arts (AACTA) awards held at The Star Sydney on November 30, with this year’s event also recognising 10 years since the inaugural AACTA Awards. Highlights from the 2020 AACTA Awards will be broadcast nationally on Channel Seven on 2 December.
Disney Frozen – The Broadway Musical | Sydney Capitol Theatre
From 1 December 2020
Disney’s spectacular new musical will open at Sydney’s Capitol Theatre on 1 December. With incredible songs, stunning costumes and an inspiring story of sisterhood that will melt your heart, you’ve never seen Frozen like this.
ATP Cup | Ken Rosewall Arena, Sydney Olympic Park
30 December 2020 - 10 January 2021
Tennis fans will flock to Sydney Olympic Park this summer to watch the ATP Cup. Twenty-four countries will compete over 12 days, culminating in the winner-takes-all Final Eight matches held here in Sydney to see who wins the cup and AUD$22 million in prize money.
Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras | Sydney
6 March 2021
One of the oldest continuously operating LGBTQI+ organisations in Australia will return to Sydney in 2021. The annual Mardi Gras Parade is a bustling extravaganza that brings the city to a standstill and shines a positive global spotlight on LGBTQI+ lives, culture, communities and creativity.
HAMILTON | Sydney Lyric Theatre
From 17 March 2021
The record-breaking musical masterpiece is heading to Sydney’s Lyric Theatre from March 2021. Hamilton is the story of the American founding father told through hip-hop, jazz and R&B, in a revolutionary moment in theatre. Book tickets now.
Come From Away | Sydney Capitol Theatre
June 2021
The award-winning musical Come From Away tells the remarkable true story of thousands of stranded passengers and the small town in Newfoundland, Canada, that welcomed them all. Cultures clashed and nerves ran high, but uneasiness turned into trust, music soared into the night, and gratitude grew into enduring friendships.
Vivid Sydney | Sydney
6–28 August 2021
Vivid Sydney, the southern hemisphere’s largest celebration of light, music and ideas, will return in August 2021. Expressions of interest for the Vivid Light program are now open, with artists and creatives invited to take part. The world-renowned Vivid Sydney Light Walk features dozens of light installations and large-scale projections to create a magical, interactive gallery around Sydney Harbour.
VISUAL STORYTELLING GALLERY
Sydney in Pictures: A Curious Traveller’s Guide to Our Harbour City
From ocean pools to pastry shops, live theatre and horse riding in Centennial Parklands, we take you on a colourful visual journey through Sydney.
