Dream Circus, Luna Park Credit: Dream Circus, Luna Park
Dream Circus, Luna Park
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A new year brings new opportunities, and Sydney and NSW have an exciting line-up of travel experiences in store for 2024. Relax and recharge in luxurious hotels, indulge in a fancy feast at just-opened dining hotspots and explore new perspectives at immersive cultural tours and shows.
HOTELS
Paddington pad
Accor’s sleek 25hours brand is set to open on Sydney’s iconic Oxford Street at the end of 2024. Taking over the heritage-listed former West Olympia Theatre, renowned Sydney architects Tonkin Zulaikha Greer have designed the Paddington space to house 109 rooms, dining venues, wellness centre and a buzzy rooftop bar.
High in the Hills
A new boutique hotel comes to the crossroads of Surry Hills and Redfern this year as TFE Hotels launches The Eve Hotel Sydney in September. The property will feature event spaces, retail, new dining venues and a luxe rooftop pool featuring lovely inner city views.
Surf’s up
Inspired by 1970s surf culture, Sea Sea is a new boutique hotel in Crescent Head on the Mid-North Coast set to open in autumn. With 25 artfully designed rooms, a swimming pool, regular art exhibitions and its own clothing label, this stunning seaside accommodation is sure to gain a cult following this year.
Byron’s new star
A new icon will arrive in Byron Bay this year as luxury apartment-hotel The Bonobo opens on the town’s main street. Designed by the architects behind Brisbane’s beloved The Calile Hotel, the stylish property will feature 41 two-, three- and four-bedroom hotel apartments, as well as a rooftop pool and a range of dining venues.
Tropical hideaway
For a more discreet Byron stay, boutique property Basq House arrives in autumn tucked away in the main hub of the town. Aiming to be an oasis of calm, the 32-room property is designed to be a relaxing space, with natural furnishings, plant- and light-filled spaces and delicious dining options.
25hours Hotel, Paddington Credit: Central Element
25hours Hotel, Paddington
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25hours Hotel, Paddington Credit: Central Element
25hours Hotel, Paddington
Country comfort
Maitland is getting its first new hotel in more than a decade as Punthill Maitland opens its doors in April. It’s the first regional property from the Veriu Group, and will see 76 apartment-style rooms – think kitchenettes and in-room laundries – alongside conference facilities, gymnasium and cafe.
RESTAURANTS AND BARS
Luck on the menu
Merivale’s newest outpost promises Totti’s with an Asian twist as Good Luck Restaurant and Lounge arrives on Sydney’s Bridge Street with Tokyo as its inspiration. Executive chef Mike Eggert is the brainchild behind the venue, which will feature a main dining space, two wine rooms, private dining rooms and a bar.
Late-night drinking den
From the team behind Le Foote, Restaurant Hubert and Alberto’s Lounge, Caterpillar Club brings a unique late-night dining experience the Sydney CBD. Think leather booths, oysters, cheeseburgers ‘til 4am and live music.
EXPERIENCES
Magic in the Big Top
Luna Park has an immersive new experience to entrance visitors at its freshly renovated Big Top: Dream Circus. This world-first attraction sees the 3,000sqm space transformed with projections, holograms, spatial audio and motion-sensor LED technology. Sessions at the Dream Circus run daily for 90 minutes and will absorb guests into a world of unbelievable circus tricks, 3D animal encounters and magic.
Country culture in the Mountains
Scenic World has launched a new Aboriginal experience: the Buunyal Tour. Suitable for the whole family, the interactive guided experience shares traditional Indigenous stories and the natural wonders of the Blue Mountains’ Gundungurra Country through the eyes of the oldest living culture on earth. The experience also includes the Scenic Railway, Cableway, Skyway and rainforest boardwalk.
Luna Park Sydney, Milsons Point Credit: Destination NSW
Family walking into Luna Park Sydney, Milsons Point
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Luna Park Sydney, Milsons Point Credit: Destination NSW
Family walking into Luna Park Sydney, Milsons Point
Scenic World, Katoomba Credit: Destination NSW
Cablecar at Scenic World, Katoomba
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Scenic World, Katoomba Credit: Destination NSW
Cablecar at Scenic World, Katoomba
More News
Dorothy Smith & Yes Theory, Sydney Credit: Bluesfest
102-year-old visits Sydney and officially completes her seven-continent lifelong dream
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Destination NSW has teamed up with the popular YouTube channel Yes Theory, with its impressive 9.2 million subscribers, and Qantas, to fulfil 102-year-old San Franciso local, Dorothy Smith’s lifelong dream of visiting Sydney, Australia, completing her remarkable journey to every continent in the world.
Yes Theory producers Ammar Kandil and Staffan Taylor first met Dorothy in October 2024 when they moved into The Redwoods Retirement Village for 48 hours. Moved by Dorothy’s heartfelt regret of not yet reaching her final frontier, Australia, Ammar and Staffan felt compelled to help her complete this remarkable journey.
Reflecting on her motivation to travel and time in Sydney, Dorothy shared, "Travel is important to me because it’s a big world, and each country is different and has something different to offer; I want to see them all and I don’t want to miss anything!
“I loved visiting Sydney; it’s a beautiful city. The people are charming, the food is good, the scenery is just wonderful, and even the weather is nice! We saw the little koala bears, of course the Sydney Opera House, we went to the Botanic Gardens, and the Museum of Contemporary Art, good restaurants, and the lovely Bondi Beach where we got our feet a little wet and the water was really cold! And the people – they are all so nice, and so friendly!”
Sydney Harbour aerial at dawn Credit: Ethan Rohloff; Destination NSW
Sydney Harbour aerial at dawn featuring Royal Botanic Gardens and Mrs Macquarie's Chair, Sydney CBD and Opera House
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Sydney Harbour aerial at dawn Credit: Ethan Rohloff; Destination NSW
Sydney Harbour aerial at dawn featuring Royal Botanic Gardens and Mrs Macquarie's Chair, Sydney CBD and Opera House
Dorothy Smith & Yes Theory, Sydney Credit: Bluesfest
102-year-old visits Sydney and officially completes her seven-continent lifelong dream
#feelnewsydney
Dorothy Smith & Yes Theory, Sydney Credit: Bluesfest
102-year-old visits Sydney and officially completes her seven-continent lifelong dream
A living link to history, Dorothy is more than twice the age of the Sydney Opera House. In 1922, the year she was born, the NSW Government passed the Sydney Harbour Bridge Act, laying the foundation for the construction of the iconic bridge. Today, the Sydney Harbour Bridge stands as a powerful symbol of Australia’s resilience and connection to the world—a fitting backdrop for Dorothy’s own journey of exploration and discovery.
With Qantas’s support, Dorothy embarked on her adventure to Sydney in comfort, and received an exclusive invite to the cock-pit to meet the pilot, before she was warmly welcomed at Sydney Airport with personalised displays and a crowd of Yes Theory fans eager to celebrate her arrival. Her stay at the luxurious Shangri-La Sydney became a “home away from home,” offering Dorothy the chance to wake up to the breathtaking view of the Sydney Opera House—a landmark she had always dreamed of seeing firsthand.
Ammar Kandil, co-founder of Yes Theory, was driven to support her adventure saying, “Dorothy’s story is a powerful reminder that life is meant to be lived to the fullest, and we’re incredibly happy to help her achieve this lifelong dream to visit Sydney and tick of Australia as her seventh and final continent.
“Our mantra is ‘seek discomfort’ and embrace adventure, and Dorothy’s journey truly embodies the spirit of our channel. Her incredible story is set to inspire millions around the world to pursue their own adventures, no matter the obstacles.”
The Rocks, Sydney Credit: Destination NSW
Family exploring The Rocks in Sydney
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The Rocks, Sydney Credit: Destination NSW
Family exploring The Rocks in Sydney
Sydney Luxury Cruise, Sydney Credit: Destination NSW
Sydney Luxury Cruises operates on Sydney Harbour exploring the harbour beaches, waterfront mansions and icons.
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Sydney Luxury Cruise, Sydney Credit: Destination NSW
Sydney Luxury Cruises operates on Sydney Harbour exploring the harbour beaches, waterfront mansions and icons.
Dorothy’s time in Sydney has been nothing short of iconic, filled with experiences that capture the heart of NSW. Her itinerary included:
- An afternoon cruising on Sydney Harbour, marvelling at the iconic Sydney Harbour Bridge and Sydney Opera House
- An up-close encounter with Australian wildlife at WILD LIFE Sydney Zoo in Darling Harbour, where Dorothy met koalas, and even a kangaroo named Dorothy.
- A tour of the Sydney Opera House adding yet another milestone to her journey.
- A visit to the iconic Bondi Beach, where Dorothy enjoyed splashing her feet in the waves and seeing one of the world’s most famous beaches.
And Dorothy’s secret to a long, healthy life? “You have to exercise, you have to eat lots of fruit and vegetables and stay hydrated. And also, FUN! You have to have fun so you’ll stay healthy, and you can also enjoy 102 years! And if there’s anything else you want to try, go ahead and try it!”
To follow Dorothy’s journey and see Sydney through her remarkable perspective, check out Yes Theory’s latest video at youtube.com/@YesTheory.
For inspiration for your own Sydney adventure, visit sydney.com
Australian Wildlife Tour Credit: WILD LIFE Sydney Zoo
Australian Wildlife Tour at WILD LIFE Sydney Zoo
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Australian Wildlife Tour Credit: WILD LIFE Sydney Zoo
Australian Wildlife Tour at WILD LIFE Sydney Zoo
Bondi Beach, Sydney Credit: Destination NSW
The scenic Bondi coastline in Sydney's Eastern Suburbs.
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Bondi Beach, Sydney Credit: Destination NSW
The scenic Bondi coastline in Sydney's Eastern Suburbs.