Tones and I, ELEVATE Sydney 2022Credit: ELEVATE Sydney
Tones and I, ELEVATE Sydney 2022
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Sydneysiders – get set to be elevated this summer! For the first time ever, Sydney’s Cahill Expressway will be transformed into a spectacular stage for ELEVATE Sydney 2022.
If you’ll be in Sydney this summer from 1 to 6 January then be sure to absorb the array of festival entertainment and cultural celebrations, book a table at a restaurant, have a drink at a bar, listen to some live music and even stay overnight at a hotel. That’s what the ultimate summer Sydney staycation is all about!
See
- Revel in the spectacle of ELEVATE Sydney’s opening night on New Year’s Day (1 January 2022) with ELEVATE First - a First Nations Celebration, hosted by Rhoda Roberts AO and featuring Electric Fields, Baker Boy, and a moving Call to Country.
- In an Australian first, the sky above Sydney Cove will be transformed each night with ELEVATE Skyshow, featuring 500 choregraphed drones. The multisensory drone performance is set to an original soundscape and can be viewed not only from the Cahill Expressway, but also from many vantage points around Sydney Harbour.
- Feel the beat at Club ELEVATE as the Cahill Expressway is transformed each evening from a blank urban canvas into a party with nightclub tunes. ELEVATE Discotheque is a glam 70s nightclub, hosted by Courtney Act, and starring Marcia Hines and Leo Sayer, while ELEVATE Music brings together some of Australia’s rising stars across rap, hip-hop, R&B and pop. DJ sessions will also run from January 2 to 5.
- Watch the kids dance alongside their beloved television characters as they come to life at the ELEVATE Kids stage. Hosted by Justine Clarke, the star-studded program includes The Wiggles, Simon Wiggle and Friends, Erth and Junkyard Beats.
- Light up – literally! – amid the beauty, wonder and joy of the Canopy of Colour, a glittering tunnel which doubles as the ELEVATE Sydney entrance. The multi-sensory experience will capture the essence of Sydney – bright, bold and beautiful.
- Be inspired by your favourite Australian sporting heroes as reveal their trials and triumphs to comedian Joel Ozborn and journalist Stephanie Brantz on the ELEVATE Arena. Don’t miss Kerri Pottharst, Tom Trbojevic and Lauren Parker.
- Party with the award-winning talent of Tones and I, Tim Minchin and Courtney Act, among others, at the explosive final night performance at ELEVATE FINAL NIGHT on 6 January.
Baker Boy, ELEVATE Sydney 2022 Credit: ELEVATE Sydney
Baker Boy, ELEVATE Sydney 2022
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Baker Boy, ELEVATE Sydney 2022 Credit: ELEVATE Sydney
Baker Boy, ELEVATE Sydney 2022
Tim Minchin, ELEVATE Sydney 2022 Credit: ELEVATE Sydney
Tim Minchin, ELEVATE Sydney 2022
#feelnew #feelnsw #ilovesydney
Tim Minchin, ELEVATE Sydney 2022 Credit: ELEVATE Sydney
Tim Minchin, ELEVATE Sydney 2022
Dine
- Enjoy a tipple at Blu Bar on 36, Shangri-La Sydney’s ‘elevated’ bar, perched high above the stunning city on level 36, and soak in the sweeping views over the ELEVATE Sydney action.
- Admire the dreamy Sydney Harbour views from the Glenmore Hotel rooftop, within earshot of ELEVATE Sydney, or sample some of the 600-plus spirits during a tasting at Hickson House Distilling Co., which is also in The Rocks.
- Delight your senses at MuMu, a divine newcomer to Sydney’s dining scene located in the popular, and always on-trend Ivy precinct. Great place to enjoy a bite after a day or night at ELEVATE Sydney.
- Be wowed by the historically significant Shell House, home to Menzies Bar, Sky Bar, The Clocktower Bar, and The Dining Room & Terrace. It’s also just a hop, skip and jump from the excitement of ELEVATE Sydney.
The Rocks, Sydney Credit: Destination NSW
People enjoying dancing and live music in The Rocks, Sydney.
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The Rocks, Sydney Credit: Destination NSW
People enjoying dancing and live music in The Rocks, Sydney.
The Glenmore Hotel, The Rocks Credit: Destination NSW
Friends enjoying drinks in the afternoon at the Glenmore Hotel, The Rocks.
#ilovesydney #elevatesydney
The Glenmore Hotel, The Rocks Credit: Destination NSW
Friends enjoying drinks in the afternoon at the Glenmore Hotel, The Rocks.
Stay
- Wind down from the ELEVATE Sydney excitement with a cosy stay at Pier One Sydney Harbour, perfectly positioned on the glittering waterfront and close to the stages.
- Alternatively, settle into a suite at the city’s first six-star hotel, Crown Sydney in Barangaroo. Pop your robe on and put feet up at the hotel’s Crown Spa as you indulge in some well-deserved pampering after dancing the night away. Your room will also offer stunning views of ELEVATE Skyshow and its 500 choreographed drones.
- For a room with a view overlooking the Cahill Expressway and Circular Quay for the spectacular SkyShow, book a stay at Four Seasons Sydney, Shangri-La Hotel Sydney, Park Hyatt Sydney or Intercontinental Sydney.
- For something more boutique, the Harbour Rocks Hotel is just a short walk from the Cahill, as is Merivale’s slick Establishment Hotel.
Crown Sydney, Barangaroo Credit: Destination NSW
Friends returning to Crown Sydney after a day of shopping.
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Crown Sydney, Barangaroo Credit: Destination NSW
Friends returning to Crown Sydney after a day of shopping.
Art Gallery of New South Wales, Sydney Credit: Destination NSW
Friends enjoying a visit the the Art Gallery of New South Wales in Sydney.
#ilovesydney #elevatesydney
Art Gallery of New South Wales, Sydney Credit: Destination NSW
Friends enjoying a visit the the Art Gallery of New South Wales in Sydney.
Play
- Seize the day and feel the elevation in mind, body and spirit with a session of morning yoga at ELEVATE Wellness, running from January 2 to 5.
- ELEVATE First is a First Nations celebration which will officially open ELEVATE Sydney on 1 January. Connect with the world’s oldest living culture on a special Indigenous tour with the Aboriginal-owned and -operated Dreamtime Southern X. Or join a beautifully insightful Aboriginal Experience at the Royal Botanic Garden Sydney.
- Just underneath the Cahill Expressway is Circular Quay – the perfect place to access Sydney ferries and trains. Jump on the ferry from Circular Quay and spend an afternoon exploring the furry and native creatures at Taronga Zoo, or catch a train to Luna Park, and watch the smiles grow as wide as the Luna Park entrance. Alternatively, get your heart pumping with the adrenaline-fuelled activity of jet boating on Sydney Harbour with Oz Jet Boating or Thunder Jet Boat Sydney.
- Marvel at the bird’s-eye-view from another elevated position in Sydney - atop the Sydney Harbour Bridge. BridgeClimb Sydney has a range of tours to scale the famous ‘coathanger’, while Sydney HeliTour offers an unbeatable vantage point of the Cahill from a different perspective.
- Discover Sydney’s dynamic and impressive art scene with Culture Scouts, a walking tour company with a creative focus. After standing on a traffic free Cahill Expressway, explore more of Sydney’s streets and hidden laneways, taking in colourful street art and eclectic neighbourhood galleries, to find your own inspiration.
- Immerse yourself in permanent collections and visiting exhibitions at some of the city’s most extraordinary institutions. During ELEVATE Sydney, Matisse: Life & Spirit will be at the Art Gallery of New South Wales (runs until March 13), while Doug Aitken: New Era will be showing at the Museum of Contemporary Art (until February 6).
- Why not be wonderstruck by art of a different kind and join Sydney Architecture Walks on foot or bicycle to explore the city’s most remarkable, historic or storied (and often all three) facades.
Taronga Zoo Sydney, Mosman Credit: Destination NSW
Guests enjoying an animal encounter experience at Taronga Zoo Sydney, Mosman.
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Taronga Zoo Sydney, Mosman Credit: Destination NSW
Guests enjoying an animal encounter experience at Taronga Zoo Sydney, Mosman.
Luna Park Sydney, Milsons Point Credit: Destination NSW
Family taking a selfie outside Luna Park Sydney, Milsons Point.
#ilovesydney #elevatesydney
Luna Park Sydney, Milsons Point Credit: Destination NSW
Family taking a selfie outside Luna Park Sydney, Milsons Point.
The Cahill Expressway will be closed to traffic and pedestrians during ELEVATE Sydney, with public transport and alternate routes available for visitors and residents.
More than 30,000 tickets to the event will be available to sessions over the six-day program and at www.elevatesydney.com from Thursday 2 December 2021.
For more information about what’s on in Sydney and NSW, go to www.sydney.com and www.visitnsw.com. Get social at ELEVATE Sydney using @elevatesydney2022 #ilovesydney #elevatesydney
More Inspirational Stories
The Fall Guy Credit: Universal & UPI Media
The Fall Guy in Sydney with a spectacular Glebe Island Silo Stunt
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Action-comedy film The Fall Guy explodes onto Australian screens on 24 April, and along with Hollywood superstars Ryan Gosling and Emily Blunt, Sydney also plays a starring role. But the city isn’t just a backdrop to many of the action-packed scenes in the film, it also offers real-life action experiences to get your heart pumping. Here’s our guide to high-octane experiences in Sydney.
On-the-water adrenaline
Just like Ryan Gosling blasting around Sydney Harbour in a high-speed boat chase, you too can feel the wind in your hair, the sea spray on your face and your heart in your mouth on an Oz Jet Boating experience. These bright red, shark-faced jetboats fish-tail, spin and slide under the Sydney Harbour Bridge, past Dawes Point Park (where we meet Jean Claude the kelpie in the film) and the iconic Sydney Opera House, leaving you breathless and somewhat damp. Turn it down a notch with a two-, three- or five-day course from EastSail, with classes on the calm shores of Rushcutters Bay, or go five-star by hiring your very own superyacht from the fleet at Sydney Harbour Luxe Charters – Ghost II was featured in the film.
Get locked in an escape room
A bolted door, a countdown clock and a series of fiendish puzzles – outsmart the bad guys and challenge your friends in one of Sydney’s best escape rooms. Award-winning The Cipher Room, with locations in Newtown and St Peters, offers immersive, expertly designed rooms. Choose from a film noir-style hotel, a mysterious abandoned toy shop or a dystopian French bunker. Entermission Sydney has virtual-reality rooms, with themes like Alice in Wonderland, a pirate ship or space station. While not strictly an escape room, the one-of-a-kind Hijinx Hotel is a fun escape-like challenge set inside a quirky 15-room hotel.
Hickson Road Reserve, Dawes Point Credit: Destination NSW
Friends walking along Sydney Harbour in the morning.
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Hickson Road Reserve, Dawes Point Credit: Destination NSW
Friends walking along Sydney Harbour in the morning.
Oz Jet Boating, Sydney Harbour Credit: Destination NSW
Experience the incredible speed of the red shark boats as they blast across Sydney harbour at high speed with Oz Jet Boating.
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Oz Jet Boating, Sydney Harbour Credit: Destination NSW
Experience the incredible speed of the red shark boats as they blast across Sydney harbour at high speed with Oz Jet Boating.
Find your need for speed
It’s not an action movie without a car chase, and while you can’t speed through the CBD streets like Ryan Gosling and Jean Claude, you can still challenge your friends to race via go kart at Hyper Karting Moore Park. At the 410-metre indoor track, the electric cars offer plenty of exhilarating straights and corners, with a high-speed function to help you overtake your mates. True petrol heads should make a pitstop at Luddenham Raceway in southwest Sydney, where the go karts are fuelled and the 600m outdoor pro circuit offers 12 high-speed corners and even nighttime drives. Want to do the real thing? Trackschool has half-day passenger or driving experiences in a Porsche 911 Carrera also at the raceway.
Have an adventure up high
A high-stakes, sky-high chopper scene is an action flick essential; recreate the experience (minus the stress) on a flight with Sydney HeliTours. The 20- or 30-minute tours take in jaw-dropping views of harbour icons like the Sydney Opera House, Taronga Zoo, Bondi Beach and the Sydney Harbour Bridge. Or live out your Hollywood star dreams onboard the luxury Sydney Seaplanes. If free-falling from the sky like Ryan Gosling does jumping from a multi-story building is the heart race you crave, get the thrills without the spills at iFly Downunder: fully accessible, all-ages indoor skydiving that will make you feel like a superhero. Or take a day trip to the Blue Mountains for a ride on Scenic World’s 270m-high glass-cased Beyond Skyway for that soaring feeling while safely enclosed in a cable car.
Luddenham Raceway, Luddenham Credit: Destination NSW
Track Day at Luddenham Raceway Motorsport Park, Luddenham.
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Luddenham Raceway, Luddenham Credit: Destination NSW
Track Day at Luddenham Raceway Motorsport Park, Luddenham.
Sydney Seaplanes, Rose Bay Credit: Destination NSW
Couple ready to enjoy a Sydney Seaplanes flight from Rose Bay, Sydney.
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Sydney Seaplanes, Rose Bay Credit: Destination NSW
Couple ready to enjoy a Sydney Seaplanes flight from Rose Bay, Sydney.
Scale walls and cliffs
Action heroes need to be agile and spider-like; flex your skills scaling rock walls at one of Sydney’s top indoor rock-climbing centres. Climb Fit in St Leonards has beginner and high-tech climbs using augmented reality, while Ledge is a smaller centre in Camperdown perfect for beginners, and BlocHaus in Marrickville focuses solely on bouldering. If you prefer to climb surrounded by waterfalls and forests, make the extra leap to the Blue Mountains, and challenge yourself on an abseil or rock-climb under the expert guidance of the Blue Mountains Adventure Company.
Spots to refuel
After all that adventuring, you’re going to need a spot to refuel and cheers to a big day. Make it a meal with a view at Aster Bar on top of the InterContinental Sydney – with uninterrupted views of the harbour. The rooftop bar featured in the film is the Ivy – which is a local favourite for big nights out. Partake in Ryan Gosling and Emily Blunt’s love for spicy margaritas at Centro 86, a new underground tequila bar in the CBD, or taste award-winning cocktails at Dean and Nancy on 22. Finish up with a feast at one of the restaurants located around Jones Bay Wharf (you’ll spot this area in the film as Ryan Gosling hides on his boat from the bad guys) or snack in the late-night dining havens in Chinatown: try Japanese izakaya Nakano Darling, xiao long bao from Nanjing Dumpling or Mamak’s legendary roti.
Rest your head
Even heroes need their beauty sleep. Rest up like an A-lister at the Kimpton Margot, a recently opened CBD hotel with Art Deco touches, and featured in the movie (ask Kevin for the fruit plate). Compact yet comfortable, the Little National Hotel is located in the heart of the city near Wynyard (also a major filming locale for The Fall Guy). And for a boutique hotel suitable for everyone from film stars to stunt crew, stay in the Ace Hotel in Surry Hills, with unique in-room features like guitars, record players and locally made custom robes.
Sydney Adventure Tours, Katoomba Credit: Destination NSW
Sydney Adventure Tours offers private tours to the Blue Mountains. With an experienced tour guide, take a bushwalk through nature and experience the rainforests.
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Sydney Adventure Tours, Katoomba Credit: Destination NSW
Sydney Adventure Tours offers private tours to the Blue Mountains. With an experienced tour guide, take a bushwalk through nature and experience the rainforests.
Little National Hotel, Sydney Credit: Little National Hotel
The rooftop lounge at the Little National, in Wynyard in Sydney.
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Little National Hotel, Sydney Credit: Little National Hotel
The rooftop lounge at the Little National, in Wynyard in Sydney.