Aster Bar Credit: InterContinental Sydney
Aster Bar, InterContinental Sydney
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Dazzle your date when you take them to one of these hot new Sydney bars and restaurants. Or rekindle the romance with your partner on a memorable evening out, sipping cocktails on a newly opened hotel rooftop or sharing plates in a buzzy wine bar.
Embrace the skyline
Feel like you’re on top of the world — or at least on top of Sydney — at reservations-only Aster Bar, on the rooftop of the recently refurbished InterContinental Sydney in the city centre. Drink in the uninterrupted views of the Sydney Harbour Bridge, Sydney Opera House and Royal Botanic Garden from 32 floors above the ground. Sip a signature cocktail such as the evocatively named Higher Ground, with tequila, a bitter aperitivo, tonic water and three spiced salts, and nibble on oysters with yuzu and soy dressing or cherry-blossom macaron duck pâté.
Go find Alice
Float down an atmospheric stairwell and pass through rich velvet drapes to discover Alice, a sophisticated cocktail bar in the sandstone basement of a heritage-listed former bond store in the historic Rocks precinct. Sink into a plush velvet-lined banquette and admire the sleek decor before perusing a cocktail menu featuring twists on classic concoctions. Or celebrate a milestone with your loved one with a grand cuvée from the impressive champagne list. Indulge in the bar’s caviar service, or share plates such as scallop crudo with a gin, olive oil and burnt-orange dressing.
Pump up the volume
Share a passion for old-school forms of music with your partner? Bond over the curated LP playlists at Rekodo as you soak up the views of Darling Harbour from this Japanese restaurant and vinyl bar. You’ll find Rekodo on level one of the visually striking Barangaroo House at Barangaroo (look for what appears to be three giant bowls stacked on top of each other). Geek out over the top-shelf audio system as a DJ spins records, with popular musicians curating their favourite vinyl tracks on a monthly rotation. Sip from sake flights, choose a sake-inspired cocktail such as a gimlet made with ginger sake and rose and jasmine gin, or pick one of the 50-plus whiskies on offer.
Feel the heat
Experience a wave of umami flavours as you share a series of memorable small plates at Kiln, on the 18th floor of Ace Hotel Sydney in Surry Hills, on the fringe of the city centre. And feel the buzz of the glass-walled communal dining room as tempting wood-fired creations by chef Mitch Orr, formerly of beloved Italian-inspired Sydney restaurants Acme and CicciaBella, are brought out from the open kitchen. Or soak up the warmth of a Sydney summer night on Kiln’s spacious terraces, which feature retractable ceilings.
Rekodo Restaurant and Vinyl Bar - Barangaroo House Credit: Steven Woodburn
Menu items at Rekodo Restaurant and Vinyl Bar - Barangaroo House
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Rekodo Restaurant and Vinyl Bar - Barangaroo House Credit: Steven Woodburn
Menu items at Rekodo Restaurant and Vinyl Bar - Barangaroo House
Kiln, Ace Hotel Sydney Credit: Anson Smart
Kiln, the new restaurant from Chef Mitch Orr is a rooftop dining destination crowning the recently opened, Ace Hotel Sydney.
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Kiln, Ace Hotel Sydney Credit: Anson Smart
Kiln, the new restaurant from Chef Mitch Orr is a rooftop dining destination crowning the recently opened, Ace Hotel Sydney.
Bask in the flavours
Embark on a culinary adventure complete with moody lighting and an inner-city buzz at Gildas wine bar, a few minutes’ walk away from the Ace Hotel in Surry Hills. Put yourself in the hands of chef Lennox Hastie, whose Firedoor restaurant is mere steps away down the side street, and settle in for an evening of incredible Spanish and Australian produce expertly prepared in bite-sized Basque-style snacks, or pintxos. Wow your taste buds with grilled squid with ajo negro (black garlic) and fennel, ‘retired dairy cow tartare’ or the namesake Gilda pintxo of guindilla pepper, olive and anchovy as you sip a sherry or a glass of Spanish wine.
Discover new negronis
Savour the difference a good vermouth makes when you order a negroni at Bar Conte, on Riley Street a block downhill from busy Crown Street in Surry Hills. A café by day and a negroni aperitivo bar by night, Bar Conte was named for the cocktail’s inventor, Conte Camillo Negroni. Take your time choosing between variations of the classic Milano-Torino recipe, spice it up with a Mexican version using mescal, or try a chocolate negroni. Then sip your drink as together you take in the dark green marble bar, chic parquet floors and exposed beams overhead of the cosy space.
Experience electric vibes
Feed on the energy of your fellow guests and the flow of traffic far below as you gaze out to the neon-lit inner-city skyline at the Strand Hotel’s rooftop bar. Soak up the bohemian vibe of this Darlinghurst hotel with its prime position on William Street, around halfway between Hyde Park and the famous Coca-Cola sign at Kings Cross. Nibble on charcuterie or splash out on a dozen rock oysters with ponzu sauce as you sip on a Strand margarita (with coconut-infused tequila) or a thyme and basil daiquiri.
Step back in time
Seize the moment and treat your partner to a spontaneous date night at Bar Louise on Enmore Road, Enmore, a short walk from the heart of Newtown in Sydney’s Inner West. (You can book ahead, but this tapas wine bar also welcomes walk-ins.) Take in Bar Louise Salón de Tapas’s distinctive facade, a pink and mauve shopfront dating back to the 1950s, before settling into your seat and browsing a tapas menu that features plenty of seafood such as kingfish crudo and anchovies from the Cantabrian Sea off Spain, as well as jamón and Iberian-style craft sausages. Sip one of the many aperitifs on the wine list or go with the retro flow with a sherry — there are plenty to choose from.
Gildas, Surry Hills Credit: Nikki To
Lennox Hastie's 60-seat Surry Hills wine bar, Gildas.
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Gildas, Surry Hills Credit: Nikki To
Lennox Hastie's 60-seat Surry Hills wine bar, Gildas.
Dishes at The Strand Hotel, Darlinghurst Credit: Trent van der Jagt
The Strand Hotel on William Street, Darlinghurst has completed the final phase of its multi-level restoration of the 99-year-old pub with the new 17-bedroom The Strand Hotel and Rooftop Bar now open - joining the French-inspired Strand Bistro.
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Dishes at The Strand Hotel, Darlinghurst Credit: Trent van der Jagt
The Strand Hotel on William Street, Darlinghurst has completed the final phase of its multi-level restoration of the 99-year-old pub with the new 17-bedroom The Strand Hotel and Rooftop Bar now open - joining the French-inspired Strand Bistro.
More Inspirational Stories
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.