Sydney SeaplanesCredit: Sydney Seaplanes
A Sydney Seaplane flying over Sydney harbour
#ilovesydney
Freedom has arrived and Sydney is ready to play. It’s time to book into enjoy the city’s first-class hospitality, discover a hidden beach or new cultural wonder, meet up with mates at a rooftop bar or reignite your romance under the stars. Sydney is open again and here are 15 fun ways to celebrate freedom in the city.
1. Sail away, sail away
Sandy shores all to yourself don’t have to just be a dream – a cruise on the harbour can lead to some of the city’s most secluded bays and private seaside experiences. Reignite the loved-up feels on a My Sydney Boat tour, who can organise a romantic picnic on a beach only accessible by boat. Or reconnect with your mates and charter a private yacht with Lifestyle Charters Sydney, for on-board wine-tasting, end-of-year parties, live music and even clay-bird shooting.
2. Find a pool with a view
Sydney’s ocean pools are famous for their natural beauty, from the aquamarine lanes of Bondi’s Icebergs to the cliffside Mahon pool carved into the rocks at Maroubra, and many have the bonus of being sheltered from waves, family-friendly and free. Feeling fancy? A staycation at one of Sydney’s sky-high hotels gives you access to their rooftop pools – try the InterContinental Double Bay, The Old Clare, Sofitel Sydney Darling Harbour or Crown in Barangaroo.
3. Restaurant hop like a local
Ditch the dishes and rediscover Sydney’s first-class hospitality. Spend an evening grazing the vibrant dining scenes of Potts Point, Surry Hills or Darlinghurst with Maree from The Sydney Connection. Maree takes guests to some of the hottest restaurants in each precinct, from underground French restaurant Bon Vin to modern Israeli eatery Ezra, stopping at local small bars for a cocktail and history lesson along the way.
4. Paddle out to an uninhabited island
Take in Sydney’s golden glow before the city wakes up with a sunrise kayak to Clark Island with Rushcutters Bay Paddle Sports. Join the guided tour to arrive on this tiny island just in time to watch the sky turn pink and purple behind the Sydney Harbour Bridge and Sydney Opera House. Or rent your own craft and spend as long as you want exploring Sydney Harbour.
My Sydney Boat, Sydney Credit: My Sydney Boat
My Sydney Boat offers private luxury charters on Sydney Harbour.
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My Sydney Boat, Sydney Credit: My Sydney Boat
My Sydney Boat offers private luxury charters on Sydney Harbour.
Sofitel Sydney Darling Harbour Credit: Destination NSW
Couple enjoying Sofitel Sydney's rooftop pool with views across Darling Harbour.
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Sofitel Sydney Darling Harbour Credit: Destination NSW
Couple enjoying Sofitel Sydney's rooftop pool with views across Darling Harbour.
5. Catch up with friends over lunch somewhere new
Gather your gang and refresh your palates at one of Sydney’s newest restaurants. Award-winning seafood chef Josh Niland has opened his new eatery Charcoal Fish in Rose Bay. Head to Amah in Chatswood to try family-style Malaysian by two of Sydney’s best chefs, Hun Loong from Mr. Wong and Junda Khoo from Ho Jiak. Neil Perry’s new restaurant Margaret has opened in Double Bay or say cheers with friends over cocktails and Cuban snacks at La Palma in Bondi.
6. Learn a new skill from Sydney’s coolest mentors
Expand your horizons on your next catch-up with friends. At the Archie Rose Distillery in Rosebery, you can join a gin masterclass, and learn to blend a variety of botanicals to make your perfect spirit. If you prefer to get your hands dirty, head to Eveleigh Works to learn to forge your own chef’s knife or hammer. Or dance like nobody’s watching (except for the watchful eye of a pro dance teacher) at one of Sydney Dance Company’s ballet, hip hop or jazz classes.
7. Dine on fresh seafood right by the water
Swap views of the kitchen table to views of Sydney’s dazzling waterfronts. Sitting right on Rose Bay, Empire Lounge sources only the freshest local seafood, including Appellation oysters flown in directly by seaplane. Better yet, book your own Sydney Seaplanes flight and take to the skies for lunch, soaring above Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park to Cottage Point Inn for grilled octopus or barbecued prawns. For serene scenes of the Parramatta River, Angelo’s Cabarita infuses their seafood menu with an Italian twist.
Archie Rose Distilling Co., Rosebery Credit: Destination NSW
The cocktail masterclass experience at Archie Rose Distilling Co., Rosebery.
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Archie Rose Distilling Co., Rosebery Credit: Destination NSW
The cocktail masterclass experience at Archie Rose Distilling Co., Rosebery.
Queen Victoria Building, Sydney Credit: Destination NSW
Shoppers in Queen Victoria Building in Sydney's CBD.
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Queen Victoria Building, Sydney Credit: Destination NSW
Shoppers in Queen Victoria Building in Sydney's CBD.
8. Transform your lockdown wardrobe
It’s time to emerge from your activewear cocoon. Retire the activewear and immerse yourself in Sydney's fashion scene with an expert stylist on a shopping tour with Splendour Tailored Tours. In line with your style, you’ll be guided to some of the hottest Australian fashion labels as well as emerging designer boutiques, from the QVB to Paddington, and finish off the day with a chic lunch at one of the city’s coolest eateries.
9. Make a splash in Western Sydney
Turn the adrenaline levels up as you take on the rapids at Penrith Whitewater Stadium – the challenging course recreates the characteristics of a wild river with 14,000 litres per second of raging whitewater flowing over a series of obstacles. Get your first taste of flying with Jetpack Adventures – a jetpack blasts hundreds of litres of water to propel you 10 metres high. Or speed along the water and feel the thrills (and the spills!) on a wakeboarding or waterskiing experience at Cables Wake Park.
10. Bar hop on Sydney’s rooftops
|After-work drinks are back, no video calls allowed. Meet up for happy hour (and golden hour) at one of Sydney’s buzzing rooftop bars: The Glenmore has picture-perfect views of the Harbour and Sydney Opera House in the Rocks; see Barangaroo from up high on Crown’s 26th-floor terrace bar, Cirq, indulge in bottomless brunch at Untied; or pair your al fresco beers with Mary’s burgers on top of The Lansdowne Hotel in Chippendale.
Penrith Whitewater Stadium, Penrith Credit: Destination NSW
Friends enjoying a whitewater rafting experience at Penrith Whitewater Stadium, Penrith.
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Penrith Whitewater Stadium, Penrith Credit: Destination NSW
Friends enjoying a whitewater rafting experience at Penrith Whitewater Stadium, Penrith.
The Glenmore Hotel, The Rocks Credit: Destination NSW
Friends enjoying drinks in the afternoon at the Glenmore Hotel, The Rocks.
#lovensw #ilovesydney
The Glenmore Hotel, The Rocks Credit: Destination NSW
Friends enjoying drinks in the afternoon at the Glenmore Hotel, The Rocks.
11. Watch a movie under the stars
Cuddle up close to your other half and watch a movie by moonlight. Pack the car with snacks and head to Skyline Drive-in in Blacktown, Sydney’s only drive-in cinema. Or set up a picnic in Centennial Park and watch the latest films at the Moonlight Cinema. In North Sydney the Sunset Cinema has food trucks and a full bar serving cocktails with Manly gin. And for a movie with a view, Westpac OpenAir screens outdoor movies at Mrs Macquarie’s Point, with sparkling views of Sydney Harbour as the sun goes down.
12. Try a Middle Eastern feast
Follow a local along the flavour trails of Sydney’s diverse cultural diasporas. Let the expert foodies at Taste Tours guide you to the most delicious suburban secrets on a Taste of Persia Food Tour in Merrylands. You’ll sit down for bright and herby Afghan street food like spiced mantu dumplings, try a Syrian feast and stock up on Iranian pastries like baklava and Persian cookies for dessert.
13. Go behind the sails of the Sydney Opera House
You’ve seen it from the outside, and you may have even seen it from the inside. But unless you’re one of the many star performers who have graced its legendary stages, you probably haven’t seen it from backstage. The Sydney Opera House Beyond the Stage Tour invites you to explore this iconic theatre like a VIP. Find secret vantage points, learn fun facts and amazing history, and even sing on stage to hear the acoustics of this unique building.
Skyline Drive In Blacktown Credit: Destination NSW
Couple sitting in their car ready to watch a movie at the Skyline Drive In Blacktown.
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Skyline Drive In Blacktown Credit: Destination NSW
Couple sitting in their car ready to watch a movie at the Skyline Drive In Blacktown.
Snorkelling at Shelly Beach Credit: Destination NSW
Snorkelling at Shelly Beach with Damien McClellan from Ecotreasures.
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Snorkelling at Shelly Beach Credit: Destination NSW
Snorkelling at Shelly Beach with Damien McClellan from Ecotreasures.
14. Discover an underwater world in Manly
Beyond Manly’s famous surf and sandy beaches, Shelly Beach is a treasure trove of marine life. Swim up close to this underwater world with EcoTreasures. Join a guided snorkelling tour with one of their marine experts and feel the fins of a blue grouper brush past you or spot the neon stripes of a tiny nudibranch shimmering on the ocean floor as you explore this protected Cabbage Tree Marine Reserve.
15. Feel like a whole new person
Recharge your soul and your skin and let the magic hands at Sydney’s best spas work their wonders. Unwind with a massage at The Day Spa by Chuan at The Langham, get cleansed with a facial by Melanie Grant, steam out all your toxins with a Darling Spa treatment and a session at their Moroccan hammam, and reconnect with your inner calm in a meditation session at The Well.
The Day Spa by Chuan, at The Langham, Sydney Credit: The Langham
Set underground at The Langham, Sydney, The Day Spa by Chuan boasts a 20m heated pool.
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The Day Spa by Chuan, at The Langham, Sydney Credit: The Langham
Set underground at The Langham, Sydney, The Day Spa by Chuan boasts a 20m heated pool.
For more information on things to see and do in Sydney go to www.sydney.com.
Share your favourite holidays in Sydney and NSW on social media using @sydney #ilovesydney @visitnsw #lovensw.
To read about Six Energising Destinations in Regional NSW we’re planning to visit now, go here.
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Murray Rose Pool, Double BayCredit: Destination NSW
Harbour views from Murray Rose Pool, Double Bay in Sydney's eastern suburbs.
#feelnewsydney
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.