Sydney’s hospitality scene gets a slew of sophisticated new bars and restaurants, while new regional retreats across NSW bring contemporary luxe, and an artisanal food festival celebrates local producers. 

NEW STAYS

Harbourside Haven 
A 1930s Art Deco building has been given a new life as a glamourous boutique hotel — Aiden Darling Harbour. The eight-storey Pyrmont hotel is slated to open in December and will feature 88 smart rooms — each with a pillow menu, customisable lighting, meditation and white noise channels plus more. 

Farm luxe 
Working Bathurst sheep farm Wilga Station has opened their luxurious Shearers Hall, a former shearing hub transformed into a family-friendly five-bedroom country retreat. For more romantic stays, The Farmer’s Hut is an adults-only two-person cabin with fireplace, designer bathroom and sprawling valley views. 

Mountain magic 
Two new private cabins have opened their doors to holidaymakers in the Blue Mountains – Logan Brae Retreats' Woodland Cabin and Hilltop Cabin are tucked away in secluded locations on Mount Kanimbla. The romantic cabins feature wood fires, stone baths and sweeping views of the escarpment, while the family-friendly Homestead is slated to open in 2022. 

Culinary cool on the Central Coast  
With Hamptons vibes and classic coastal inspiration, newly renovated The Beachcomber Hotel and Resort, known affectionately as ‘The Beachie’, in Toukley now also offers a variety of all-day eats and drinks. The Central Coast property has also revived its iconic Pelican Restaurant, a semi fine diner serving the freshest local seafood. 

Back to nature 
A new luxury glamping experience has zipped open its tent flaps in Mudgee, Evamor Valley. Set upon 32 hectares of farmland and nestles on the Cudgegong River, the immersive eco tents feature a plush king bed, private kitchenette, en suite, air-conditioning, barbecue and more.  

Surf’s up in Yamba
Modern luxe has rolled onto Yamba’s shores with the arrival of The Surf, Yamba’s first boutique hotel. The 12 architecturally designed rooms feature terazzo floors, timber furnishings, Leif organic products and ocean-view balconies, with the hotel also offering a sparkling rooftop plunge pool. 

NEW FOOD, DRINK AND ENTERTAINMENT  

Shell House is here 
A new era of hospitality has landed at Sydney’s historic Menzies Hotel, with new dining star Shell House set to open its new restaurant and sky bar. Ground-floor Menzies Bar & Bistro, a deluxe vintage-style bar with a menu by Shell House’s executive chef Joel Bickford (ex-Aria), is already open in the multi-level heritage building. 

Fall in love with Lola’s 
A celebration of the Mediterranean has arrived in Bondi: Lola’s serves up a South European-inspired menu with flavours from Italy, Spain and Greece. Owners Marco Ambrosino (Fratelli Paradiso, 10 William St) and Manny Spinola (Tea Room QVB), aim to show a sophisticated side to Bondi, with moody interiors and an elegant, intimate bar space. 

Omakase at the Rocks 
Bay Nine Omakase opens this year, the newest addition to the waterfront Campbells Cove precinct in The Rocks. Head chef Tomohiro Marshall Oguro will serve elegant Japanese-inspired plates at its 10-seat omakase counter, as well as a set menu to an intimate 30-seat restaurant area. 

The Redfern reopens 
After a stylish renovation, Redfern Street’s 100-year-old neighbourhood pub has reopened as The Redfern, with a welcoming new public bar on ground level and eclectic cocktail and live music lounge, Misfits, upstairs.   

Sydney’s newest gin joint 
Opened by the same team behind The Doss House, Frank Mac’s is the newest cocktail bar in The Rocks, serving more than 100 kinds of gin behind their five-metre bar. The vintage-style speakeasy is housed within a two-storey 1840s sandstone and includes a courtyard and private room.  

Booze in Bondi 
Bondi’s first gin distillery has launched in the heart of the beachside suburb – Bondi Liquor Co. distils three styles of gins on site, original dry gin, citrus gin and pink gin. The venue is also open to the public, with a stylish bar and al fresco area offering tastings, cocktails, burgers and bar snacks.  

Alexandria’s new beer garden 
Merivale have launched their latest eatery, Backyard at The Alex, an outdoor space in the former Alexandria Hotel. A series of Sydney’s best food trucks will serve up the food, while DJs and live music will provide entertainment in the family- and dog-friendly space. 

Gosford’s new go-to 
Just in time for summer days by the water, Drifter’s Wharf opens in Gosford in December. Run by the same team behind Terrigal’s Mumbo Jumbo’s and Avoca’s Shady Palms, this restaurant, bar and live music venue offers stunning views of Brisbane Waters. 

NEW EXPERIENCES  

Feast the Tweed 
A full weekend featuring local Northern Rivers food and beverage producers will be celebrated at the fifth Tweed Artisan Food Weekend from 18 to 21 November. There’ll be pop-up picnics, long-table brunches, river cruises and chances to meet the makers and learn about native foods from traditional owners. 

UPCOMING EVENTS   

Come From Away | Capitol Theatre, Sydney
Now until 9 January, 2022
On stage at Sydney’s Capitol Theatre, The Tony® and Olivier award-winning musical Come From Away tells the remarkable true story of thousands of stranded passengers and the small town in Canada that welcomed them all.  

Hamilton | Sydney Lyric Theatre
Now until 27 February, 2022
Cultural phenomenon Hamilton is back on its Sydney stage, blending Broadway theatre with hip hop, jazz and R&B to tell a story of American history. Its Australian cast brings an unmissable performance and a revolutionary moment in theatre. 

Jagged Little Pill | Theatre Royal Sydney
2-19 December
Tony® award-nominated Broadway rock musical, Jagged Little Pill, takes the stage at Theatre Royal Sydney in December. Relive Alanis Morissette’s epic 1995 album, including beloved hits such as You Oughta Know and Ironic with music artist Natalie Bassingthwaighte leading the Australian cast.    

Australia Sail Grand Prix | Sydney Presented by KPMG | Sydney Harbour
17-18 December
The seventh event of SailGP season 2 will return to Sydney Harbour, with heart-stopping racing and a range of free and ticketed experiences on and off the water.   

Girl From the North Country | Theatre Royal Sydney
From 5 January, 2022
On stage at Theatre Royal Sydney as part of Sydney Festival, this joyful musical reimagines the songs of Bob Dylan through a story of American life set in 1930s Minnesota. Tickets are on sale now.   

Tamworth Country Music Festival | Tamworth
14-23 January, 2022
The 50th anniversary of Australia’s biggest country music festival will be an unmissable event, with the line-up including John Williamson, Beccy Cole, Kasey Chambers, Troy Cassar-Daley – all part of more than 2800 scheduled events.   

True Grit | Lower Portland
5 March, 2022
With 30 obstacles to navigate over 10 kilometres, this military-inspired race runs through grasslands, temperate rainforest, dense swamps, granite escarpments and towering sandstone cliffs on farmland on the Hawkesbury River.