Golden Century at Crown SydneyCredit: Crown Sydney
Along with signature dishes and live seafood from the tanks, Golden Century will also bring back their famed yum cha offering when they return in 2025 at Crown Sydney.
#feelnewsydney
The Unpack ’25 report by Expedia, Wotif and Stayz has revealed 63 per cent of travellers are interested in booking an Australian hotel with a notable dining experience in 2025.
Hotels are responding with new restaurant openings featuring well-known chefs and seasonal menus that rival standalone fine dining establishments.
Unpack '25's research found 32 per cent of Australians say that a changing seasonal menu would make them more likely to book a hotel, while 30 per cent say restaurant tables reserved exclusively for guests would also make them more likely to book.
A slew of new restaurants are opening at Sydney hotels over summer.
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.
Ace Hotel Sydney's Kiln restaurant opened this week, featuring a menu by Beau Clugston. Born and raised in Sawtell, Kiln marks the chef's debut in Australia after spending the past two decades cooking abroad in London and Copenhagen, at restaurants including Gordon Ramsay’s Claridges and Maze and René Redzepi's noma.
In 2018, Mr Clugston opened his seafood restaurant ILUKA in the heart of Copenhagen, which landed a spot on World's 50 Best Discovery List and was awarded both Restaurant of the Year and Dish of the Year in Denmark's Weekendavisen in 2022.
Kiln’s wood-fired grill emits a scent reminiscent of the Australian bush. Leeks arrive to the table smouldering in paperbark, which is unwrapped and then eaten with cheese, finger lime and lovage; prawns are skewered by eucalyptus leaves and served with a native green paste and strawberry gum; while pork neck is slow cooked in seaweed and grilled over the fire, then served with a kelp, mussel and karkalla sauce.
A new Basque-inspired bar and restaurant has opened at Accor's Hotel Woolstore 1888 in Pyrmont. Percy features a pinxtos menu created by executive chef Eli Lozada (formerly Rockpool Dining Group) and chef Rosy Scatigna, (ex-Lume in Milan and Shell House Sydney).
The Eve Hotel, Surry Hills, Sydney Credit: The Eve Hotel, Sydney
Rooftop garden with pool at The Eve Hotel, Sydney
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The Eve Hotel, Surry Hills, Sydney Credit: The Eve Hotel, Sydney
Rooftop garden with pool at The Eve Hotel, Sydney
The Eve Hotel in Surry Hills has welcomed a new rooftop restaurant called Lottie by Liquid & Larder, the team behind Bistecca and The Gidley.
The contemporary Mexican restaurant and mezcaleria is located next to the hotel's rooftop pool, with a menu that focuses on the authentic flavours of Mexico created with fresh Australian produce.
Golden Century at Crown Sydney will open during Lunar New Year, ahead of its grand opening in early February. The restaurant will reprise the menu from its original location in Sussex Street. Along with signature dishes and live seafood from the tanks, it will also bring back its famed yum cha offering.
Golden Century at Crown Sydney Credit: Crown Sydney
Along with signature dishes and live seafood from the tanks, Golden Century will also bring back their famed yum cha offering when they return in 2025 at Crown Sydney.
#feelnewsydney
Golden Century at Crown Sydney Credit: Crown Sydney
Along with signature dishes and live seafood from the tanks, Golden Century will also bring back their famed yum cha offering when they return in 2025 at Crown Sydney.
Alessandro Pavoni from Ormeggio at the Spit has opened Cibaria Manly at the Manly Pacific Hotel. The restaurant features a braceria (grill), forneria (bakery), spaghetteria (pasta bar), gelateria (gelato) counter and pizzeria.
The Cibaria offering goes from café-style morning eats through to aperitivo and casual dinners, alongside a private dining room and rooftop terrace for events. Ormeggio’s head chef Gianmarco Pardini is leading the kitchen.
More News
Zenith Beach, Port StephensCredit: Destination NSW
Couple enjoying a walk along Zenith Beach, Port Stephens.
#feelnsw #newsouthwales
The New South Wales town of Port Stephens has been crowned Wotif’s 2025 Aussie Town of the Year, taking the top spot with its pristine beaches, iconic sand dunes, marine life, exceptional dining and scenic national parks.
The announcement cements New South Wales' reputation as a stunning getaway and for unforgettable visitor experiences, with Kingscliff and Yamba also securing spots in the top ten.
Now it’s in eighth year, the Wotif Aussie Town of the Year Awards recognise the destinations that have captured the hearts of Australian travellers. The rankings are based on Wotif data index that looks at accommodation affordability, quality, and traveller satisfaction.*
Stockton Sand Dunes, Port Stephens Credit: Destination NSW
Couple enjoying a sandboarding experience at Stockton Sand Dunes located in the Worimi Conservation Lands.
#feelnsw #newsouthwales
Stockton Sand Dunes, Port Stephens Credit: Destination NSW
Couple enjoying a sandboarding experience at Stockton Sand Dunes located in the Worimi Conservation Lands.
Destination NSW Acting CEO, Karen Jones, welcomed the announcement, highlighting the state’s diverse and world-class visitor offerings.
Destination NSW Acting CEO Karen Jones said: “Port Stephens being named Wotif’s 2025 Aussie Town of the Year is a testament to its breathtaking natural beauty, exceptional visitor experiences and renowned hospitality. This recognition reinforces NSW’s reputation as a premier travel destination, with Port Stephens’ pristine beaches, iconic sand dunes and marine adventures continuing to captivate Australian travellers.
“With three NSW towns—Port Stephens, Kingscliff, and Yamba—securing spots in Wotif’s top 10, more than any other state, it highlights the unrivalled diversity of experiences across regional NSW. From Kingscliff’s boutique coastal charm to Yamba’s laidback surf culture, our state offers a unique blend of experiences that resonate with visitors year after year.
“Today’s travellers are seeking meaningful experiences that create lasting memories, and NSW delivers in spades. Whether it’s world-class food and wine, immersive arts and culture, nature-based adventures, or wellness retreats, NSW’s diverse offering continues to set it apart as a must-visit destination for every type of traveller,” Ms Jones said.
Yoga Room, Yamba Credit: Destination NSW
People enjoying a Yoga Room class in Wooli Park, Yamba.
#feelnsw #newsouthwales
Yoga Room, Yamba Credit: Destination NSW
People enjoying a Yoga Room class in Wooli Park, Yamba.
#1 Wotif’s 2025 Aussie Town of the Year: Port Stephens
Just two and a half hours north of Sydney, Port Stephens offers something for everyone – whether you’re a nature lover, adventure seeker, or looking to unwind by the sea. Visitors can:
- Explore the towering Stockton Sand Dunes, the largest moving coastal sand dunes in the Southern Hemisphere
- Enjoy a leisurely dolphin-watching cruise on the pristine waters, home to one of the largest resident populations of bottlenose dolphins in Australia.
- Indulge in fresh, world-class seafood and waterfront dining
- Unwind in luxury beachside accommodation like The Anchorage Port Stephens, Bannisters Port Stephens, Hotel Nelson and more, where guests can relax by the sea with the best of both nature and comfort
- Hike to the Tomaree Coastal Walk for breathtaking panoramic views
Tomaree Coastal Walk Credit: TomareeCoastalWalk_ZenithBeach_Credit RBrand DPE
Tomaree Coastal Walk - Zenith Beach
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Tomaree Coastal Walk Credit: TomareeCoastalWalk_ZenithBeach_Credit RBrand DPE
Tomaree Coastal Walk - Zenith Beach
#8 Aussie Town of the Year: Kingscliff
Kingscliff, just 30 minutes north of Byron Bay, is a stunning coastal town that blends relaxed beach vibes with sophisticated dining and natural beauty. Visitors can:
- Savour locally sourced, fresh seafood and seasonal produce at renowned dining spots along the waterfront, including Fins, one of the North Coast’s longest standing seafood restaurants
- Take a walk through the surrounding Cudgen Nature Reserve, a lush area perfect for exploring diverse wildlife and pristine coastal landscapes
- Enjoy the peaceful surroundings of Cudgen Creek, where visitors can kayak, paddleboard, or take a leisurely stroll along the scenic waterways
Cudgen Creek Mouth Aerial Kingscliff Credit: Ryan Fowler; Destination Tweed
Aerial over Cudgen Creek break walls, Kingscliff in the Northern Rivers region of NSW.
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Cudgen Creek Mouth Aerial Kingscliff Credit: Ryan Fowler; Destination Tweed
Aerial over Cudgen Creek break walls, Kingscliff in the Northern Rivers region of NSW.
#9 Aussie Town of the Year: Yamba
Located at the mouth of the Clarence River on the North Coast, Yamba offers the perfect blend of relaxed coastal living, outdoor adventures and local culinary delights. Visitors can:
- Explore Yamba’s pristine beaches, from the world-famous Main Beach to the quieter Turners Beach, perfect for a peaceful swim
- Enjoy surfing at Angourie, one of Australia’s best surf spots, or try your hand at paddleboarding along the calm, crystal-clear waters of the river
- Have a drink and a bite to eat at the famed Pacific Hotel, where you can overlook the ocean and soak up the laidback vibe of the town
With these three NSW destinations making the coveted list, there has never been a better time to plan your next NSW getaway that will leave you feeling new. For more information and to plan your NSW holiday, go to visitnsw.com.
Find out more about the Wotif Aussie Town of the Year awards visit wotif.com.
— ENDS—
ABOUT DESTINATION NSW
Destination NSW is the champion and voice for the visitor economy within the NSW Government. Spearheading a whole-of-government approach to visitor economy growth, Destination NSW influences and shapes the visitor economy through strategic research, policy and thought leadership, stakeholder engagement and consultation, commercial partnerships and investment in visitor experiences, business support, marketing and events. Destination NSW is also the major investor in Business Events Sydney (BESydney) for the purpose of securing more international and domestic conventions, incentive travel reward programs, corporate events and exhibitions.
*About the 2025 Wotif Aussie Town of the Year Award index:
· Trending traveller interest: Based on accommodation searches on Wotif.com in 2024, compared to 2023
· Affordability: Based on the average daily rate for accommodation demand on Wotif from January to November 2024
· Accommodation: Based on accommodation quality and quantity on Wotif in 2024
· Reviews: Based on the average traveller review rating on Wotif for each destination in 2024