The Gantry Credit: Dave Wheeler
The Gantry restaurant offers contemporary dining in a newly renovated Dining Room, with a covered outdoor Terrace and al fresco dining on the pier.
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Make merry and ring in the festive season with impressive new restaurants and bars and immersive new tours in Sydney. From seafood and Italian sweets to a tour that takes you on a bar crawl to the city’s best hidden drinking dens, here’s where to say cheers in Sydney and NSW this summer.
NEW FOOD & DRINK
Markets in the Quay
CBD workers can now access fresh produce, new lunch options and seasonal flowers at the recently launched Quay Quarter Lanes Markets. Held at Customs House Square and snaking into the surrounding laneways, it will offer stalls from local retailers Zini Gelato, Adora Chocolates, Bubble Nini Teas as well as bread, coffee, organic meats, fresh seafood and more from quality producers. Held on the second Wednesday of the month, the next edition is on December 14 and is held from 8am-2pm.
Margaret’s new neighbour
Everybody needs good neighbours, and Neil Perry has opened a delicious one adjacent to his award-winning Margaret restaurant, fittingly called Next Door. The new wine bar is open for lunch and dinner, and features a relaxed menu of antipasto, sandwiches, Perry’s famous cheeseburger, plus native-inspired cocktails and a wine list borrowed from Margaret.
Coastal Italian by the wharf
A taste of the Mediterranean will dock at Pyrmont, as Sala, a new seafood-inspired Italian eatery opens in the 100-year-old waterfront space Jones Bay Wharf. From the founders of Flying Fish, the new restaurant will be headed up by executive chef Danny Russo and feature a crudo bar and a modern coastal Italian menu.
Gantry makes a comeback
One of Sydney’s best waterfront lunch views has returned: The Gantry has reopened after a renovation. Led by new head chef Rhys Connell, the fine dining restaurant within the Pier One hotel will have a more relaxed approach to match its warm and earthy new space, with dishes featuring local premium ingredients such as wagyu, abalone and lobster.
Sweet Italian
Former Rockpool pastry chef Riccardo Falcone and Orazio D’Elia from Bondi’s Da Orazio have come together to create Mia Dolci Italiani, a pasticceria in a converted Alexandria warehouse opening 12 December. Part Italian cake shop, part chocolate shop, and part café, the playful menu will feature both classics (ricotta cannoli) and works of art (lemon custard and mousse cake).
Meet Pinky-Ji
Renowned restauranteur and chef Jessi Singh has extended the family with the unapologetic, unauthentic and unmissable Pinky-Ji. Paying homage to Jessi’s Punjabi roots, former Chin Chin head chef Johan Jay and Jessi have created a crowd-pleasing menu including the signature Balls Of Happiness to delectable Crab Curry Croqueta, plus a special wok fired menu.
The Gantry Credit: Dave Wheeler
The Gantry restaurant offers contemporary dining in a newly renovated Dining Room, with a covered outdoor Terrace and al fresco dining on the pier.
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The Gantry Credit: Dave Wheeler
The Gantry restaurant offers contemporary dining in a newly renovated Dining Room, with a covered outdoor Terrace and al fresco dining on the pier.
Interiors of Pinky-Ji Credit: Maeda Masaki
Renowned restauranteur and chef Jessi Singh has opened a new venue on York Street Sydney, Pinky-Ji.
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Interiors of Pinky-Ji Credit: Maeda Masaki
Renowned restauranteur and chef Jessi Singh has opened a new venue on York Street Sydney, Pinky-Ji.
NEW EXPERIENCES
Slow down
Touring company Trip Slow offers something different even for those well versed in Sydney’s many stunning walking tracks: guiding walkers on mindful and informative journeys that layer the city’s waterfront and beaches with history and context. With walks ranging from easy to medium and from three to five hours, Trip Slow encourages a connection to nature for a truly grounding experience.
A secret Sydney bar crawl
Sydney’s bar scene has gone from strength to strength with an explosion of openings in the past few years. Local Sauce Tours has launched a new twice-weekly tour, the Drink & Discover Secret Bar Crawl, exploring some of the city’s most vibrant neighbourhoods, The Rocks and the YCK precinct. Guests are taken to three to four bars, with a welcome drink and share food included.
Discover Sydney by water
There’s no better way to explore Sydney than via its glittering blue harbour, and Sydney Princess Cruises has launched a delicious new tour to do just that. The two-hour lunch cruise departs seven days a week and fascinating commentary and an expansive seafood buffet.
The famous big red bus returns
The famous red double-decker bus has been taking tourists on sightseeing tours through the Blue Mountains since 1974 – and after disruptions due to bushfires and Covid-19, it’s back from December 17. The Blue Mountains Explorer Bus is a hop-on, hop-off service that runs seven days a week stopping at major tourist attractions and key towns.
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.