What’s new in Sydney – August 2022

News 2 years ago | By Destination NSW

Negroni Series, Apollonia Credit: Steven Woodburn

A selection of negronis from Apollonia's Negroni Series, courtesy of a stack of celebrated international bartenders from The World’s 50 Best Bars.

#feelnewsydney

12 Aug 2022 What’s new in Sydney – August 2022 This month, be transported to the neon-lit streets of Japan or a cosy bar in Istanbul; eat your way around The Rocks; connect with a local surf crew or take a seat in the city’s most famous performance space. <h3>NEW EXPERIENCES</h3> An icon reborn Sydney’s most iconic performance space, the <a href="https://www.sydneyoperahouse.com/">Sydney Opera House</a>’s Concert Hall, is ready to enthral music lovers once again, reopening after a two-year renovation. The $150 million overhaul includes state of the art technology and staging systems, which will immerse audiences in a captivating cascade of sound. The refurbishment is part of the Sydney Opera House’s $275 million Decade of Renewal project, due to be completed in time for its 50th anniversary in 2023. <h3>NEW FOOD AND DRINK</h3> Turkish delight The neighbourhood kebab shop has been given a sleek upgrade at <a href="https://www.tombik.com.au/">Tombik</a>, a new 45-seat eatery in Barangaroo from Turkish-Australian celebrity chef Somer Sivrioğlu and the teams behind Anason and Efendy. Diners will be transported to central Istanbul, with a street-food inspired menu of meats grilled over coals, puffy woodfired tombik bread and cocktails with a Turkish twist. Get to know negronis Arguably the ‘it’ cocktail of the last few years, the negroni will be celebrated in an exclusive showcase at moody underground bar <a href="https://apollonia.sydney/negroni-series/">Apollonia</a>. The negroni is the signature drink of this Sicilian-inspired venue – named after the wife of Michael Corleone in The Godfather – and now some of the world’s best bartenders will be contributing their own versions as part of the Negroni Series. Try the Beetnik from Jeff Bell of New York bar PDT, which features tequila and fresh beetroot juice. Moonlit nights at Tsukiyo <a href="https://www.instagram.com/tsukiyo_street_food/">Tsukiyo</a> brings a little slice of Japan to Darling Square, serving up street food under neon lights down Little Hay Street. The menu focuses on just two dishes: the savoury takoyaki, fried balls of batter with various toppings; and taiyaki, sweet fish-shaped waffles filled with red bean or custard. With a name that means ‘moonlit night’, Tsukiyo should make diners feel as if they are wandering down the busy back streets of Osaka. Go foraging in The Rocks Take a journey through the flavours and fortunes of Sydney’s oldest neighbourhood in August with <a href="https://www.therocks.com/whats-on/campaigns/forage-the-rocks">Forage The Rocks</a>. The month-long event includes masterclasses, a pop-up cinema, meal deals, happy hours, live music and more. There are also special events for dogs (like free puppycinos and doggy yoga) and $10 food vouchers to claim as part of The Wednesday Social. Jinja brings spice to Macquarie Park Up the ante on the classic san choy bao at <a href="https://www.jinja.com.au/">Jinja</a>, a glamorous new Cantonese restaurant in Macquarie Park. Here, pork is replaced with decadent lobster in the signature dish from executive chef Sebastian Tan (ex-Silks at Crown Sydney). Other indulgent choices include king crab fried rice, truffled spring rolls and wagyu-stuffed charcoal buns. Wash them down with a huge range of teas, wine or baijiu, a Chinese spirit rarely found in Australia. Named for its owner, entrepreneur Jinghua – known as Jinja – the opulence continues with the design, all gold-accented black walls and velvet booths. Lifesaving meets lifestyle Post surf refuels on Sydney’s Northern Beaches are soon to be found at the revamped <a href="https://monavaleslsc.org.au/">Mona Vale Surf Life Saving Club</a> as the $10 million revamp nears completion, creating a new hub for the local community and visitors to connect over a meal or a drink. The modern design features three elevated glass pavilions that capture sweeping views of the coast. Inside, the Cook Terrace bar is the perfect place to watch the sun go down and get surf tips from the club members. More delicious eating options are incoming: the Basin Dining Room and Bright Side Cafe will open soon. RAFI brings style to North Sydney This spring, head to North Sydney for cocktails in the sun, fresh seafood and time spent with friends. <a href="https://rafisydney.com.au/">RAFI</a>, an ambitious 300-seat venue from Applejack Hospitality (behind The Butler, The Botanist, SoCal and more) is designed by Luchetti Krell, with multiple areas to choose from like the outdoor tree-lined terrace, spacious dining room, chef’s kitchen, al fresco greenhouse and private dining spaces. Locale favourite A tiny suburb with serious gourmet credentials, Bronte has added another cafe to its offering with the opening of <a href="https://www.localebronte.com.au/">Locale</a>. Taking over the former site of Pilgrims, Locale is bright and beachy, with a compact menu of breakfast classics, burgers, salads and pasta. The coffee comes courtesy of Pablo & Rusty, and there’s a short wine list for when lunches turn long. Grab a seat by the window to watch the surfers. S'wich it up The humble sandwich gets a very stylish Bondi makeover at <a href="https://eatswich.com.au/">S’wich</a>. Following a hugely successful pop up in 2019, childhood friends Jay Fink and Jordan Abram have opened a permanent outpost just a few blocks from Bondi Beach. The schnitzel sandwich is the star of the menu, alongside a handful of other sandwiches, salads and snacks. There’s also a natural wine list and pre-mix cocktails, plus a turntables and vinyls to keep the good times rolling.
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Hashtags #feelnewsydney

This month, be transported to the neon-lit streets of Japan or a cosy bar in Istanbul; eat your way around The Rocks; connect with a local surf crew or take a seat in the city’s most famous performance space.

NEW EXPERIENCES

An icon reborn
Sydney’s most iconic performance space, the Sydney Opera House’s Concert Hall, is ready to enthral music lovers once again, reopening after a two-year renovation. The $150 million overhaul includes state of the art technology and staging systems, which will immerse audiences in a captivating cascade of sound. The refurbishment is part of the Sydney Opera House’s $275 million Decade of Renewal project, due to be completed in time for its 50th anniversary in 2023.

NEW FOOD AND DRINK

Turkish delight
The neighbourhood kebab shop has been given a sleek upgrade at Tombik, a new 45-seat eatery in Barangaroo from Turkish-Australian celebrity chef Somer Sivrioğlu and the teams behind Anason and Efendy. Diners will be transported to central Istanbul, with a street-food inspired menu of meats grilled over coals, puffy woodfired tombik bread and cocktails with a Turkish twist.

Get to know negronis
Arguably the ‘it’ cocktail of the last few years, the negroni will be celebrated in an exclusive showcase at moody underground bar Apollonia. The negroni is the signature drink of this Sicilian-inspired venue – named after the wife of Michael Corleone in The Godfather – and now some of the world’s best bartenders will be contributing their own versions as part of the Negroni Series. Try the Beetnik from Jeff Bell of New York bar PDT, which features tequila and fresh beetroot juice.

Moonlit nights at Tsukiyo
Tsukiyo brings a little slice of Japan to Darling Square, serving up street food under neon lights down Little Hay Street. The menu focuses on just two dishes: the savoury takoyaki, fried balls of batter with various toppings; and taiyaki, sweet fish-shaped waffles filled with red bean or custard. With a name that means ‘moonlit night’, Tsukiyo should make diners feel as if they are wandering down the busy back streets of Osaka.

Go foraging in The Rocks
Take a journey through the flavours and fortunes of Sydney’s oldest neighbourhood in August with Forage The Rocks. The month-long event includes masterclasses, a pop-up cinema, meal deals, happy hours, live music and more. There are also special events for dogs (like free puppycinos and doggy yoga) and $10 food vouchers to claim as part of The Wednesday Social.

Jinja brings spice to Macquarie Park
Up the ante on the classic san choy bao at Jinja, a glamorous new Cantonese restaurant in Macquarie Park. Here, pork is replaced with decadent lobster in the signature dish from executive chef Sebastian Tan (ex-Silks at Crown Sydney). Other indulgent choices include king crab fried rice, truffled spring rolls and wagyu-stuffed charcoal buns. Wash them down with a huge range of teas, wine or baijiu, a Chinese spirit rarely found in Australia. Named for its owner, entrepreneur Jinghua – known as Jinja – the opulence continues with the design, all gold-accented black walls and velvet booths.

JINJA Credit: Steven Woodburn

Ceremonial Tea Dispensary at JINJA, a contemporary Cantonese restaurant on Level 1 of The Governor Hotel, Macquarie Park.

#feelnewsydney

Negroni Series, Apollonia Credit: Steven Woodburn

Negroni Series, Apollonia

#feelnewsydney

Lifesaving meets lifestyle
Post surf refuels on Sydney’s Northern Beaches are soon to be found at the revamped Mona Vale Surf Life Saving Club as the $10 million revamp nears completion, creating a new hub for the local community and visitors to connect over a meal or a drink. The modern design features three elevated glass pavilions that capture sweeping views of the coast. Inside, the Cook Terrace bar is the perfect place to watch the sun go down and get surf tips from the club members. More delicious eating options are incoming: the Basin Dining Room and Bright Side Cafe will open soon.

RAFI brings style to North Sydney
This spring, head to North Sydney for cocktails in the sun, fresh seafood and time spent with friends. RAFI, an ambitious 300-seat venue from Applejack Hospitality (behind The Butler, The Botanist, SoCal and more) is designed by Luchetti Krell, with multiple areas to choose from like the outdoor tree-lined terrace, spacious dining room, chef’s kitchen, al fresco greenhouse and private dining spaces.

Locale favourite
A tiny suburb with serious gourmet credentials, Bronte has added another cafe to its offering with the opening of Locale. Taking over the former site of Pilgrims, Locale is bright and beachy, with a compact menu of breakfast classics, burgers, salads and pasta. The coffee comes courtesy of Pablo & Rusty, and there’s a short wine list for when lunches turn long. Grab a seat by the window to watch the surfers.

S'wich it up
The humble sandwich gets a very stylish Bondi makeover at S’wich. Following a hugely successful pop up in 2019, childhood friends Jay Fink and Jordan Abram have opened a permanent outpost just a few blocks from Bondi Beach. The schnitzel sandwich is the star of the menu, alongside a handful of other sandwiches, salads and snacks. There’s also a natural wine list and pre-mix cocktails, plus a turntables and vinyls to keep the good times rolling.

Vivid Sydney 2024 Credit: Destination NSW

The 'Nest' installation at the Stargazer Lawn, Barangaroo during Vivid 2024. Artist: Leila Jeffreys & Melvin J. Montalban. An expansive circular structure welcomes you to bear witness to the ritualistic mating dance of the Brolga, one of only two species of crane native to Australia. Projected onto a transparent surface, the huge bird apparitions appear to float in the air and are visible from both out and inside the Nest.

#feelnewsydney #vividsydney

Calling All Dreamers: Vivid Sydney Wants You 3 months ago Vivid Sydney, the Southern Hemisphere’s largest multi-artform festival, is calling on the best creative minds to submit ideas for next year’s event. Vivid Sydney 2025 will take place from Friday 23 May to Saturday 14 June 2025, with a program centred around the theme of Vivid Sydney, Dream. Artists, musicians, thought leaders and food creatives are encouraged to submit Expressions of Interest (EOI) for the opportunity to be part of Australia’s largest event and showcase their work to a mass audience across the festival pillars of Light, Music, Ideas and Food.  Destination NSW CEO Steve Cox said: “Since 2009, Vivid Sydney has grown to become Sydney’s vibrant cultural showpiece, driving significant visitation to Sydney and regional NSW and positioning our state as the arts and creative industries capital of the Asia Pacific. “Vivid Sydney is more than a light show, it is Sydney’s living legacy that captures imaginations and shares with visitors and locals alike the very best talent from our creative, entertainment and hospitality industries. “I encourage the brightest talents to join Destination NSW in creating an event that elevates the Harbour City as the Asia Pacific’s leader in world-class cultural experiences.” Vivid Sydney Festival Director Gill Minervini said: “Vivid Sydney 2025 is pushing the creative boundaries across our theme of “Dream” to deliver another unforgettable global celebration. “Dreaming is something we all do. It’s as old as time and as universal as life itself. Dreams don’t discriminate – they are borderless, ageless and endless. They can be personal or public. When shared, our dreams can become a movement. They can inspire, motivate, spark excitement and connection. “The whole world dreams, it is something we have in common, something that unites us. Our human story is embedded in dreams, they help explain our existence and our past. “We want the very best in homegrown talent to be part of our vibrant Vivid Sydney event program, with a unique opportunity to foster community connection, spark imagination and showcase the multitude of ways creativity can enrich our lives. “Each year Vivid Sydney aims to deliver unparalleled artistic brilliance and we look forward to welcoming the inspirations within our community that will help shape Vivid Sydney 2025 into a show-stopping cultural phenomenon.”  The Vivid Sydney EOI outlines opportunities for artists, designers, creative industry professionals, equipment suppliers, architects, engineers, promoters, restaurants, event companies, chefs, producers and educational institutions to present their ideas, designs, concepts and interest for inclusion in the annual event.   Light and Cross Art Form EOIs will close on Monday 2 September 2024 with Ideas, Music and Food closing on Friday 27 September 2024.  This year’s Vivid Sydney attracted 2.42 million attendees, making it the third largest on record. Highlights included a record-breaking opening night and the busiest single night in the festival’s history on Sunday 9 June.   While Vivid Sydney 2024 attracted millions of people from across Australia and the globe, it also had a profound impact on the creative minds who helped bring the event to life, including Sydney’s retail, hospitality and accommodation sectors. Leila Jeffreys the artist behind popular Vivid Light 2024 installation Nest said: “Thank you to Festival Director Gill Minervini and all at Vivid Sydney for giving me and my artistic collaborator Melvin J. Montalban the opportunity to create art on a scale that we could not have achieved on our own.  “I visited Nest many times throughout the festival and was always moved to see people from all walks of life and ages stand together to witness the courtship dance of the Brolga, a moment where we all felt the link between the natural world and the human journey.” Tekno Train creator and composer Paul Mac said: “When I set out to create Tekno Train I wanted to make an experience that fused my love of techno and trains with lights and to share this joy with as many people as possible. The positive reactions I have received from people on the train, as well as the drivers, guards, and random folks on social media has absolutely blown me away. “Vivid Sydney 2024 has been an unexpected career highlight, and I am forever grateful to everyone who helped bring this together.” Club Broadway MC & Music Producer DJ Dan Murphy said: “Bringing our Club Broadway show to a Vivid Sydney audience has been an absolute joy. We loved making our show accessible to a whole new audience who love the world of musical theatre.  “Vivid Sydney is such an amazing and important festival for our city, and we were thrilled to be on the program. From old to young, we had them all on the dancefloor for Club Broadway at Tumbalong Park.  The night was absolutely magical and a great way to celebrate our community.” Service and Creative Skills Australia (the Jobs and Skills Council for Arts, Personal Services, Retail, Tourism and Hospitality) CEO Natalie Turmine said: “Vivid Sydney showcases brilliantly our talented and vibrant creative arts, tourism and hospitality workforce, demonstrating the wealth of exciting career opportunities available in this sector. “Thank you to all the creative artists, technicians, performers, hospitality staff and event organisers for delivering another successful Vivid Sydney.” Plate it Forward CEO and restaurateur Shaun Christie-David said: “Vivid Sydney shows the diversity of Sydney, shining a positive light on our city, culture and produce. As a social enterprise hospitality group, it was a privilege to partner with Vivid Sydney to bring the 2024 festival theme humanity to life through food. Food is all about sharing, love, respect and community. “There is so much pride, joy and power that can be found in food, it is a platform to celebrate culture, make meaningful connections and create jobs. Through working with Vivid Food and selling more than 1000 tacos, more than 1500 meals will be donated to community kitchens for people in need.” Tourism & Transport Forum CEO Margy Osmond said: “Between the lights, the music, the ideas, the food and the incredible vibe…Vivid Sydney has once again delivered a spectacular event for visitors and locals of all ages, with the big winners being local tourism and hospitality operators.” “The bright lights of Vivid Sydney have showcased first-class hospitality, creativity and our beloved Sydney CBD and Harbour icons to audiences across the globe, demonstrating the value and huge potential of this event and the need to continue investing in world class events.” Accommodation Australia’s Michael Johnson said: “Once again, the juggernaut that is Vivid Sydney illuminated the city, shining a light on the beauty and culture of the city. “Over the course of the event, hotels in the CBD enjoyed 75 per cent occupancy with bookings reaching as high as 90 per cent on weekends. There is no denying major events such as Vivid Sydney, that have the capacity to draw a high level of overnight visitation in the middle of winter, create an incredible boost for the city’s visitor economy.” Vivid Sydney is owned, managed and produced by Destination NSW, the NSW Government’s tourism and major events agency.   For more information and to submit an Expression of Interest for Vivid Sydney 2025, go to <a href="http://www.vividsydney.com/">www.vividsydney.com</a>
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Hashtags #feelnewsydney #vividsydney

Vivid Sydney, the Southern Hemisphere’s largest multi-artform festival, is calling on the best creative minds to submit ideas for next year’s event.

Vivid Sydney 2025 will take place from Friday 23 May to Saturday 14 June 2025, with a program centred around the theme of Vivid Sydney, Dream.

Artists, musicians, thought leaders and food creatives are encouraged to submit Expressions of Interest (EOI) for the opportunity to be part of Australia’s largest event and showcase their work to a mass audience across the festival pillars of Light, Music, Ideas and Food. 

Destination NSW CEO Steve Cox said: “Since 2009, Vivid Sydney has grown to become Sydney’s vibrant cultural showpiece, driving significant visitation to Sydney and regional NSW and positioning our state as the arts and creative industries capital of the Asia Pacific.

“Vivid Sydney is more than a light show, it is Sydney’s living legacy that captures imaginations and shares with visitors and locals alike the very best talent from our creative, entertainment and hospitality industries.

“I encourage the brightest talents to join Destination NSW in creating an event that elevates the Harbour City as the Asia Pacific’s leader in world-class cultural experiences.”

Vivid Sydney 2024 Credit: Destination NSW

Patrons enjoying a night out at Machine Hall during Vivid 2024

#feelnewsydney #vividsydney

Vivid Sydney Festival Director Gill Minervini said: “Vivid Sydney 2025 is pushing the creative boundaries across our theme of “Dream” to deliver another unforgettable global celebration.

“Dreaming is something we all do. It’s as old as time and as universal as life itself. Dreams don’t discriminate – they are borderless, ageless and endless. They can be personal or public. When shared, our dreams can become a movement. They can inspire, motivate, spark excitement and connection.

“The whole world dreams, it is something we have in common, something that unites us. Our human story is embedded in dreams, they help explain our existence and our past.

“We want the very best in homegrown talent to be part of our vibrant Vivid Sydney event program, with a unique opportunity to foster community connection, spark imagination and showcase the multitude of ways creativity can enrich our lives.

“Each year Vivid Sydney aims to deliver unparalleled artistic brilliance and we look forward to welcoming the inspirations within our community that will help shape Vivid Sydney 2025 into a show-stopping cultural phenomenon.” 

The Vivid Sydney EOI outlines opportunities for artists, designers, creative industry professionals, equipment suppliers, architects, engineers, promoters, restaurants, event companies, chefs, producers and educational institutions to present their ideas, designs, concepts and interest for inclusion in the annual event.  

Light and Cross Art Form EOIs will close on Monday 2 September 2024 with Ideas, Music and Food closing on Friday 27 September 2024. 

This year’s Vivid Sydney attracted 2.42 million attendees, making it the third largest on record. Highlights included a record-breaking opening night and the busiest single night in the festival’s history on Sunday 9 June.  

While Vivid Sydney 2024 attracted millions of people from across Australia and the globe, it also had a profound impact on the creative minds who helped bring the event to life, including Sydney’s retail, hospitality and accommodation sectors.

Vivid Sydney 2024 Credit: Destination NSW

Shifting Perspectives at Walsh Bay Arts Precinct for Vivid Ideas during Vivid Sydney 2024

#feelnewsydney #vividsydney

Leila Jeffreys the artist behind popular Vivid Light 2024 installation Nest said: “Thank you to Festival Director Gill Minervini and all at Vivid Sydney for giving me and my artistic collaborator Melvin J. Montalban the opportunity to create art on a scale that we could not have achieved on our own. 

“I visited Nest many times throughout the festival and was always moved to see people from all walks of life and ages stand together to witness the courtship dance of the Brolga, a moment where we all felt the link between the natural world and the human journey.”

Tekno Train creator and composer Paul Mac said: “When I set out to create Tekno Train I wanted to make an experience that fused my love of techno and trains with lights and to share this joy with as many people as possible. The positive reactions I have received from people on the train, as well as the drivers, guards, and random folks on social media has absolutely blown me away.

“Vivid Sydney 2024 has been an unexpected career highlight, and I am forever grateful to everyone who helped bring this together.”

Club Broadway MC & Music Producer DJ Dan Murphy said: “Bringing our Club Broadway show to a Vivid Sydney audience has been an absolute joy. We loved making our show accessible to a whole new audience who love the world of musical theatre. 

“Vivid Sydney is such an amazing and important festival for our city, and we were thrilled to be on the program. From old to young, we had them all on the dancefloor for Club Broadway at Tumbalong Park.  The night was absolutely magical and a great way to celebrate our community.”

Vivid Sydney 2024 Credit: Destination NSW

Sex Work; A Social History Walking Tour at Elizabeth Bay for Vivid Ideas during Vivid Sydney 2024. This fascinating walking tour is an invitation to see the area and profession in a new light. Led by writer, performer and Kings Cross local Vashti Hughes and the Inner City Legal Centre's Managing Solicitor Katie Green, you will be immersed in the sights, history and contemporary challenges of sex work in Australia's most famous redlight district.

#feelnewsydney #vividsydney

Service and Creative Skills Australia (the Jobs and Skills Council for Arts, Personal Services, Retail, Tourism and Hospitality) CEO Natalie Turmine said: “Vivid Sydney showcases brilliantly our talented and vibrant creative arts, tourism and hospitality workforce, demonstrating the wealth of exciting career opportunities available in this sector.

“Thank you to all the creative artists, technicians, performers, hospitality staff and event organisers for delivering another successful Vivid Sydney.”

Plate it Forward CEO and restaurateur Shaun Christie-David said: “Vivid Sydney shows the diversity of Sydney, shining a positive light on our city, culture and produce. As a social enterprise hospitality group, it was a privilege to partner with Vivid Sydney to bring the 2024 festival theme humanity to life through food. Food is all about sharing, love, respect and community.

“There is so much pride, joy and power that can be found in food, it is a platform to celebrate culture, make meaningful connections and create jobs. Through working with Vivid Food and selling more than 1000 tacos, more than 1500 meals will be donated to community kitchens for people in need.”

Tourism & Transport Forum CEO Margy Osmond said: “Between the lights, the music, the ideas, the food and the incredible vibe…Vivid Sydney has once again delivered a spectacular event for visitors and locals of all ages, with the big winners being local tourism and hospitality operators.”

“The bright lights of Vivid Sydney have showcased first-class hospitality, creativity and our beloved Sydney CBD and Harbour icons to audiences across the globe, demonstrating the value and huge potential of this event and the need to continue investing in world class events.”

Vivid Sydney 2024 Credit: Destination NSW

Couple enjoying the Fire Kitchen at The Goods Line during Vivid 2024. It's back and blazing brighter than ever. Vivid Fire Kitchen returns, igniting its new home at The Goods Line with flame-seared street food from around the globe. Come and enjoy the universal language of BBQ, the best NSW produce and the diversity of Sydney's food scene as we gather round the fire once again.

#feelnewsydney #vividsydney

Accommodation Australia’s Michael Johnson said: “Once again, the juggernaut that is Vivid Sydney illuminated the city, shining a light on the beauty and culture of the city.

“Over the course of the event, hotels in the CBD enjoyed 75 per cent occupancy with bookings reaching as high as 90 per cent on weekends. There is no denying major events such as Vivid Sydney, that have the capacity to draw a high level of overnight visitation in the middle of winter, create an incredible boost for the city’s visitor economy.”

Vivid Sydney is owned, managed and produced by Destination NSW, the NSW Government’s tourism and major events agency.  

For more information and to submit an Expression of Interest for Vivid Sydney 2025, go to www.vividsydney.com

What’s new in Sydney – August 2022