ELEVATE Sydney, 2022Credit: Destination NSW
ELEVATE Sydney, 2022
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With its world-class events, pulsing arts and culture scene, and the golden sunshine making every part of the city sparkle with possibility, Sydney is the ultimate summer playground. And now, ELEVATE Sydney is literally stopping traffic on the Cahill Expressway, transforming it into the world’s most spectacular stage from 3-7 January with live music and entertainment aplenty – all for free. Here, all the quintessentially Sydney ways to elevate your festival experience.
SEE & EXPERIENCE
Framed by the Harbour Bridge, Opera House and the glittering waters of Circular Quay, ELEVATE Sydney’s backdrop couldn’t be more iconic. Take your place in this living postcard as the Cahill lights up over five buzzing nights and four action-packed days.
Get set for big fun with your little ones as ELEVATE Family’s four mega mornings fill them with wonder from 10am-12.30pm, with a massive kids’ street party and playful surprises at every turn. Create new memories together as you zigzag between the festival’s larger than life characters and watch, dance and sing along with the likes of Bluey & Bingo, ERTH, Monski Mouse and The Gagliardies for feelgood moments galore.
Assemble your crew for stellar views, refreshing brews and a boogie or two as ELEVATE Social presents Australia’s best electronic artists from 2.30pm-5pm. As the afternoon sun turns the harbour into a sea of sequins, unwind with a cocktail, grab a bite and slip into summer’s soulful groove as Kinder, Running Touch (DJ), Kito and Harvey Sutherland create your pumping alfresco playlist.
Have you ever danced under the moonlight with bird's eye view of the world's most beautiful harbour? That’s what makes so quintessentially Sydney. From 8pm-11pm, party on another level as the likes of Amy Shark, Becca Hatch, The Veronicas, Betty Who, Client Liaison (DJ), Drax Project, Mallrat and Thelma Plum get front and centre. Nights so quintessentially Sydney.
PLAY
Supersize your ELEVATE Sydney experience by making the most of the city’s cultural events and energising natural spaces, all within easy reach of the festival’s stage.
Kickstart your most inspired year as the Sydney Festival unleashes its creative energy with 848 performances and events from 5-29 January. Discover the art and soul of Frida Kahlo; Carla Zampatti and Do Ho Suh, let Sydney Modern refresh your perspective, and more.
Fire up your imagination on a Sydney Architecture Walk, where you’ll step behind the skyline to explore the artistry at its heart. Take a guided stroll to discover the harbour’s natural beauty, or climb the Harbour Bridge for inspiring views across ELEVATE Sydney and beyond.
Unwind and refresh on the harbour itself. Gather your favourites together for a private cruise complete with your own pontoon; float back in time aboard a tallship; renew your view with an Aboriginal cultural cruise; spin out on a jet boat, or breathe it all in on a kayak tour.
Frida Kahlo: The Life of an Icon Credit: Sydney Festival
For the first time in Australia, a unique biographical exhibition allows you to better understand Frida Kahlo, the woman whose perseverance, rebellion and talent placed her eons ahead of her time.
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Frida Kahlo: The Life of an Icon Credit: Sydney Festival
For the first time in Australia, a unique biographical exhibition allows you to better understand Frida Kahlo, the woman whose perseverance, rebellion and talent placed her eons ahead of her time.
North Harbour, Sydney Credit: Destination NSW
Yacht sailing through North Harbour, Sydney.
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North Harbour, Sydney Credit: Destination NSW
Yacht sailing through North Harbour, Sydney.
DINE
Sydney serves up a moreish spread of epicurean experiences to lift your tastebuds – all just a spoon’s throw from the festival stage.
Raise the stakes with a premium steak at 6Head, luxuriously perched harbourside. Nearby at Quay, Peter Gilmore’s legendary degustations are among Australia’s most celebrated, while Oncore by Clare Smyth draws its culinary inspiration from the city itself.
Reenergise with a tipple or meal in the heart of the action. Grab a bite at MuMu, located in the always on-trend Ivy precinct; taste your way around Shell House, home to Menzies Bar, Sky Bar, The Clocktower Bar, and The Dining Room & Terrace; and, treat yourself to oysters and bubbles harbourside at Whalebridge.
Thirsty for a buzzing waterhole with elevated views? Breathe in the dreamy harbour vistas from the Glenmore Hotel rooftop, within earshot of ELEVATE Sydney; sip cocktails high in the sky at Blu Bar on 36, or revel in the glamour of Aster Bar, where expert mixologists create signature cocktails at your table.
STAY
Wind down from the ELEVATE Sydney buzz with a cosy stay mere moments from the Cahill.
When you need to beat a retreat but don’t want to call it a day, savour the festival’s spectacle from your sweet suite at Crown Sydney, the Intercontinental Sydney or Shangri-La Hotel Sydney, where the views are as memorable as the luxury surrounds.
Kick back on the water’s edge at Pier One Sydney Harbour, Park Hyatt Sydney or Four Seasons Sydney, all perfectly positioned on the picturesque waterfront.
Or, unwind afterwards with a gentle wander back to a nearby hideaway – the Establishment Hotel, Sofitel Darling Harbour and the Porter House Hotel are all just a short walk from the festival. Further afield, Oxford House and the Ace Hotel offer chic boutique stays on the colourful city fringe.
Aster Bar Credit: InterContinental Sydney
Aster Bar, InterContinental Sydney
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Aster Bar Credit: InterContinental Sydney
Aster Bar, InterContinental Sydney
Oxford House, Paddington Credit: Anson Smart
Taking its cues from the understated and stylish aesthetic of Palm Springs, Oxford House - Paddington’s first lifestyle hotel- recently opened its doors on the iconic inner-city strip of Oxford Street. Featuring all day street level dining, a first level poolside bar, OH! as the hotel is affectionately known, provides an urban oasis just a short stroll from the bustling street and nightlife.
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Oxford House, Paddington Credit: Anson Smart
Taking its cues from the understated and stylish aesthetic of Palm Springs, Oxford House - Paddington’s first lifestyle hotel- recently opened its doors on the iconic inner-city strip of Oxford Street. Featuring all day street level dining, a first level poolside bar, OH! as the hotel is affectionately known, provides an urban oasis just a short stroll from the bustling street and nightlife.
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Murray Rose Pool, Double BayCredit: Destination NSW
Harbour views from Murray Rose Pool, Double Bay in Sydney's eastern suburbs.
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Connect with the true essence of Sydney by mingling with the friendly locals and discovering the vibrant energy that defines the city. Beyond its stunning landmarks, Sydney invites you to experience its warmth and charm.
Showstopping At Royal Randwick
Dress to Impress at Royal Randwick Racecourse for a Saturday at the races during the Sydney Everest Carnival. Don’t miss the fresh new destination, the Peacock Lounge in the Winx Stand at Royal Randwick. For five exclusive days only, the Peacock Lounge will be the place to be to elevate your race day
Don't miss the fresh new destination, the Peacock Lounge in the Winx Stand at Royal Randwick. For five exclusive days only, the Peacock Lounge will be the place to be this Carnival to elevate your raceday.
Check out the open air Theatre Of The Horse to watch the racehorses' parade with their jockeys in vibrant racing silks before the competition .Then hit the rose garden for further festivities, this time it’s all about preening and social media.
For post-race shenanigans, join racegoers at one of Paddington’s watering holes including the rooftop at The Light Brigade, The Royal Hotel at Fiveways or The Paddington, which boasts some excellent dining options. Alternatively, saddle up for a pasta blowout at fashionable Paddington institution, 10 William Street.
Salute the Dawn at Bronte Beach
The 440 Run Club is a free Saturday morning running club that is open to everyone at any fitness level. Meet in the park in front of Bronte Beach in the dark, and join a crew of all ages and backgrounds to run, jog or even walk up and down a hill in a continuous loop. Sunrise over this beautiful beach never looked so good.
Afterwards go cafe hopping at the beachside strip and nabone of the outdoor tables for pinch yourself views. The Bogey Hole Cafe is a great place to start.
If you’re still full of beans, do the stunning Bondi to Coogee Coastal Walk Follow the scenic pathway back to Bondi or go further afield to another action-packed beach suburb, Coogee. This is also where you’ll find one of Sydney’s Insta-famous restaurants, Mimi’s.
The Championship Races, Royal Randwick Credit: Destination NSW
The Championship Races, Royal Randwick 2014..
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The Championship Races, Royal Randwick Credit: Destination NSW
The Championship Races, Royal Randwick 2014..
Bronte Beach, Sydney Credit: Destination NSW
Surfer heading out to catch a wave at Bronte Beach, Sydney.
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Bronte Beach, Sydney Credit: Destination NSW
Surfer heading out to catch a wave at Bronte Beach, Sydney.
Go Boho In Bondi
Sydney’s famous Bondi has plenty of trophy hang outs including Icebergs Dining Room and the Promenade ,but it also has a Boho beating heart. At North Bondi (which is where the locals swim), refill at heritage cafe, Speedos or drop into the laid back Bondi RSL filled with interesting characters and extraordinary views of the beach.
Explore the shopping thoroughfare of Gould Street with signature store, Tuchuzy and keep walking all the way to the Bondi Farmer’s Market
Other boho outposts include Gertrude & Alice bookstore and cafe on Hall Street, Up South on Bondi Road, Bondi Tony’s for Aussie Burgers in Glenayr Avenue, and Shop & Wine Bar in Curlewis Street Bondi.
Heritage, Art and Harbourside Delights
Sydney’s Parliament House, steeped in colonial history, is open to the public every Monday and Friday. The Legislative Assembly chamber (also known as the bear pit) is the place where laws are made with vigorous debate. Afterwards take a stroll across the Domain, spread out in front of you like a green carpet to the Art Gallery Of NSW. Head to the newly opened and architecturally amazing North Wing - Naala Badu - for lunch at MOD. Dining by Clayton Wells.
Then cool down and at the nearby spectacular, enclosed Andrew (Boy) Charlton Pool, set into the harbour where you can swim while taking in the yachts and ferries on the other side of the glass.
Finish your day with some soothing drinks at the Library of NSW rooftop bar or head across the road to the Intercontinental Hotel’s scenic Aster Bar for cocktails accompanied by stunning views right down the harbour.
Bondi Icebergs, Bondi Credit: Destination NSW
Aerial view of Bondi Icebergs and surrounds, Bondi
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Bondi Icebergs, Bondi Credit: Destination NSW
Aerial view of Bondi Icebergs and surrounds, Bondi
Art Gallery of New South Wales, Sydney Credit: Destination NSW
Friends enjoying a visit the the Art Gallery of New South Wales in Sydney.
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Art Gallery of New South Wales, Sydney Credit: Destination NSW
Friends enjoying a visit the the Art Gallery of New South Wales in Sydney.
Pining for Manly
Board the Manly Ferry for the 30-minute voyage to Manly - the beachside suburb, ringed with ancient Norfolk Pine trees where it always seems to be holiday time.
Check into the newly revamped Manly Pacific Hotel with its opulent appointments but fairly modest rates. You could also consider Pepper’s Manly Beach, which also just across the road from this prime surf spot. The Corso runs from the Harbour side to the beachside and offers interesting eateries including Butter Boy for their famous cookies baked on the spot. Next door is Norma’s Deli for excellent sandwiches, cakes, and traditional Greek spreads.
Go for a stroll to Shelly Beach where you may encounter some harmless Eastern Water Dragons sun baking on the rocks along the way and ready for their close up. Dip into the water at the beach or the ocean pool then head to The Boathouse where you order at the bar and find your own table. Dine on everything from pizza and salads to fish and chips to get a real taste of Manly.
Spa It Up In Double Bay
Double Bay is Sydney’s most luxe village. It boasts plenty of hair salons along with decadent day spas, excellent shopping and five-star restaurants and bars.Head to All Saint Clinic founded by one of Australia’s best aesthetic skin doctors for pure indulgence where the treatment menu includes the Fire & Ice facial.
Next visit the famous Joh Bailey Salon for a blow out or head to La Boutique in Transvaal Avenue, where owner Belinda Jeffries is the blonde whisperer.
Celebrate the newly refreshed you with a lunch at Margaret Double Bay, owned by prestigious Icon Awards winner, Neil Perry. Take an outdoor table to make your own contribution to Double Bay’s street life, then duck downstairs to the newly opened cocktail bar, Bobbie’s.
You could also have a drink on the deck at a popular locals’ hang out, the 18 Footers Bar Restaurant & Cafe, which is right next to the Double Bay Ferry Wharf. It’s the perfect spot to watch the sun setting over the harbour and then hop on a ferry back to Circular Quay.
Manly Pacific Credit: Manly Pacific
Coastal Suites at Manly Pacific Bedroom
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Manly Pacific Credit: Manly Pacific
Coastal Suites at Manly Pacific Bedroom
Murray Rose Pool, Double Bay Credit: Destination NSW
Couple enjoying a walk by Murray Rose Pool, Double Bay.
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Murray Rose Pool, Double Bay Credit: Destination NSW
Couple enjoying a walk by Murray Rose Pool, Double Bay.