Taronga Zoo, SydneyCredit: Destination NSW
Stunning harbour views as viewed from Taronga Zoo in Mosman.
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On February 27, 1977, there was something in the air that night when iconic music sensations ABBA landed at Sydney airport greeted by 2,000 screaming fans. Agnetha, Björn, Benny and Anni-Frid had journeyed down under for a tour and Bandstand special, The Best Of ABBA. The popstars have actually visited the Harbour City twice — in 1976 they came to release their single Fernando.
So, to celebrate the launch of ABBA’s new album Voyage, why not start planning a trip to Sydney and follow ABBA’s footsteps exploring the city.
Stay where ABBA stayed
The Swedish band rejuvenated and held a press conference at the magnificent modernist Sydney Hilton, which opened in 1975 — the second five-star hotel to open in Australia.
Then: The Hilton had a façade that resembled a concrete box and an interior dominated by beige and brown. Guests could sit in the underground speakeasy, Marble Bar, and sip Agnetha’s favourite tipple, whisky, or stock up on local fashion at nearby House of Merivale.
Now: Known now as the Hilton Hotel Sydney, the luxe property soars above Pitt Street, all glass and light. Perch at the opulent Glass Brasserie for Luke Mangan’s fine fare, slip into Marble Bar (yes, it’s still trending) for live music and cocktails, then rest your dancing feet in your Corner Suite with skyline views, plush linen and modernist pops of colour.
Play where ABBA played
ABBA played a sold-out concert at the former Sydney Showground at Moore Park to 20,000 frenzied fans. “The Australian tour was the most incredible of all the things I experienced with ABBA. There was fever, there was hysteria, there were ovations,” said Agnetha Fältskog in her book As I Am.
Then: The Sydney Showground was home to an international speedway – Saturday nights were spent watching sprint cars race around the egg-shaped track. The Royal Easter Show was also a big event here before it moved to Homebush in 1998.
Now: The Entertainment Quarter at Moore Park is a now a playground for young and old, with a farmers market, cinema and adrenaline adventures. Stock up on organic goodies at the Cambridge Market, dine on pizza and pasta at Fratelli Fresh or go Hyper Karting on level five of the carpark.
Cruise the Hawkesbury on a piece of pop history
In 1976, ABBA explored the tranquil inlets of Cowan Creek in the Hawkesbury River region on the MV Kangaroo – a classic 36-foot Halvorsen boat, which you can still hire today.
Then: ABBA lounged on day beds on the rear deck, stopped for a beach picnic and jumped in a rowboat to explore the pristine surrounds of the Hawkesbury. You can watch their MV Kangaroo antics in their music video, Tropical Loveland.
Now: MV Kangaroo is like stepping back in time with an intricately crafted wooden interior, galley kitchen and nautical stripes. Have a steer of the original galver, soak up the sunshine on the rear deck and cook fresh-caught fish on the barbecue.
Houseboat, Hawkesbury River Credit: Destination NSW
Houseboat on the Hawkesbury River near Wisemans Ferry at sunset.
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Houseboat, Hawkesbury River Credit: Destination NSW
Houseboat on the Hawkesbury River near Wisemans Ferry at sunset.
Taronga Zoo, Sydney Credit: Destination NSW
Curious giraffes peering over their enclosure at Taronga Zoo, Sydney.
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Taronga Zoo, Sydney Credit: Destination NSW
Curious giraffes peering over their enclosure at Taronga Zoo, Sydney.
Cruise Sydney Harbour to Taronga Zoo
On their first visit in 1976, ABBA cruised the glittering harbour pausing at Taronga Zoo where Frida and Agnetha cuddled a four-month-old red kangaroo.
Then: By the late sixties, Taronga Zoological Park Trust had built the large exhibits we know today for big cats and apes and removed the monkey circus and elephant rides to make way for Platypus House and the walk-through Rainforest Aviary.
Now: Catch a ferry from Circular Quay to Taronga Zoo and spend the day marvelling at giraffes, Sumatran tigers and elephants, all with a stunning backdrop of Sydney Harbour. Then stay overnight in a luxurious eco resort right inside the zoo at Wildlife Retreat.
Visit a Koala Sanctuary
Like most international tourists, ABBA were keen to see koalas up close, so they visited the Koala Sanctuary at Bobbin Head in Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park.
Then: Nestled in beautiful bushland dotted with waratahs, the sanctuary was established in the 1950s and there were enclosures for about 20 koalas.
Now: While ABBA’s koala corner closed long ago, visit Koala Park Sanctuary in West Pennant Hills and see kangaroos, dingoes, wombats and emus. There’s also a farmyard petting zoo and acres of rainforest and bushland.
Stay in ABBA’s secret sanctuary
According to those in the know, ABBA stayed with Reg Grundy, the late entertainment industry mogul, in his waterfront home in the leafy enclave of Narrabeen.
Then: The singing superstars bunkered down here for some relief from the fan hysteria that followed them everywhere on the 1970s tour.
Now: Escape to ABBA’s beachside bolthole Narrabeen and spend the day surfing, sunning and sipping by the sea. Grab breakfast from Oceans, margaritas from Mexicano, pizza from Moonlight Social House, and Mid-Century treasures from Eclectic Find.
To follow in ABBA’s footsteps and plan a trip to Sydney, go to www.sydney.com.
Share your favourite holidays in Sydney and NSW on social media using @sydney #ilovesydney @visitnsw #lovensw.
Please stay up to date on the latest NSW Government health advice regarding COVID-19 and travel within NSW, here.
North Narrabeen Beach, North Narrabeen Credit: Destination NSW
Surfer's arriving early to catch a wave at North Narrabeen Beach, North Narrabeen.
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North Narrabeen Beach, North Narrabeen Credit: Destination NSW
Surfer's arriving early to catch a wave at North Narrabeen Beach, North Narrabeen.
More Inspirational Stories
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.