Manly Pacific Credit: Manly Pacific
The Infinity Residence - Living & Dining Room, Manly Pacific
#feelnewsydney
Feel like a whole new you as Sydney starts the year with a bang. A stately, heritage listed building is welcoming a new fine diner, find a late-night disco lounge and rooftop in an old favourite, and a game-changing harbour dining precinct, and more.
NEW FOOD & DRINK
Pride party house reborn
Iconic Oxford Street club ARQ has reopened after refurbishment just in time for Sydney WorldPride (Feb 17 to March 5), to add another place to party during the festival. The LGBTQIA+ friendly club has hit the ground running with a feast of entertainment to fire up its dance floor, The Arena, and its performance space, The Vortex.
A new bird in town
Redbird is Redfern’s new modern take on Chinese cooking with quality local ingredients by famed hospitality duo Hamish Ingham and Rebecca Lines. Study the menu over one of their inventive cocktails, such as the jasmine margarita or umeshu julep, and choose from imaginative offerings including kangaroo tartare with crisp wonton skins and the redbird itself, which is a rotating poultry option braised in master stock.
The Abercrombie returns
Once the darling of Broadway’s inner-city, late-night party set, the Abercrombie is back with a vengeance and a hip new layout. On the ground floor find a club space, beer garden and a pub with a 24-hour licence. On level two it’s Casa Rosa, a late-night disco lounge and rooftop terrace inspired by the Palazzo Chupi ‘pink house’ in New York. And housed inside Abercrombie’s adjoining terraces is the Parisian-style wine bar and shop, Lil Sis.
Casa Rosa, The Abercrombie Credit: Steven Woodburn
Cocktails from Casa Rosa - the cocktail bar and terrazza rooftop in The Abercrombie, Chippendale.
#feelnewsydney
Casa Rosa, The Abercrombie Credit: Steven Woodburn
Cocktails from Casa Rosa - the cocktail bar and terrazza rooftop in The Abercrombie, Chippendale.
Lil Sis Credit: Steven Woodburn
Interiors of Lil Sis - the late-night wine bar and shop at The Abercrombie, Chippendale.
#feelnewsydney
Lil Sis Credit: Steven Woodburn
Interiors of Lil Sis - the late-night wine bar and shop at The Abercrombie, Chippendale.
Sparkling harbour dining
A short stroll from Circular Quay, the highly anticipated precinct Sydney Place brings together 20 of Australia’s most recognised and awarded chefs, restaurateurs, and lifestyle retailers in its new, intimate laneways. From March, you’ll find some of Sydney’s finest pastries a Lode Pies by chef Federico Zanellato (Lumi Dining); sophisticated rotisserie chicken shop Sunday by chef Morgan McGlone (ex-Belles Hot Chicken); Besuto, a Japanese-inspired whiskey bar and diner by Joel Best; plus Dopa; Kosta’s sandwich bar; Sushi Yuzen; Kingswood Coffee; and Yasaka Ramen.
City fine diner
Brasserie 1930 is the signature fine dining establishment in the new Capella Sydney hotel which opens to guests from March. Set in the stately, heritage-listed Department of Education building in Bridge Street near Circular Quay, the elegance of Brasserie 1930 matches the building’s architectural grandeur. Capella has teamed up with Brent Savage and Nick Hildebrandt of the Bentley Group (Bentley Restaurant + Bar, Monopole, Yellow, Cirrus) to create a menu that blends the best in Australian produce with old school cooking techniques such as curing, smoking, fermenting, preserving and pickling.
New beach brews
Channelling the seltzer scene of Southern California, Rancho Seltzo is a pop-up collaboration between Bondi Brewing Co. and House Made Hospitality. The bright and stylish venue is fitted out with banquette seating, white walls, cacti and colourful murals by local artist, Jakey Pedro, that will transport you stright into holiday mode, and serves drinks that match the visuals (think mango, watermelon and rosewater or a seltzer spider with coconut ice-cream).
NEW ACCOMMODATION
Fresh face in Manly
Elevate your next coastal staycation at the recently refurbished Manly Pacific – Mgallery. Following a two-year, $30 million transformation, the boutique beachside sanctuary is now open. Featuring a refreshed façade, new lobby bar, rooftop pool and bar, a sundeck with infrared sauna, it’s the perfect coastal getaway to check in to check out.
Italian vibes in the city
Following a three-year restoration, the beautiful renovated Hotel Morris Sydney is scheduled to reopen in late January. Now part of the Accor group, the hotel has retained its Italian palazzo-style façade but has been fully rejuvenated internally, emerging as a boutique hotel of 84 guest rooms with a moodily lit ground-floor bar and bistro that keeps faith in the Italian theme. With the Capitol Theatre just around the corner, the Morris is an ideal pre- and/or post-show pit-stop or overnight stay.
Rancho Seltzo, Bondi Credit: Steven Woodburn
Dishes at Rancho Seltzo, Bondi
#feelnewsydney
Rancho Seltzo, Bondi Credit: Steven Woodburn
Dishes at Rancho Seltzo, Bondi
Manly Pacific Credit: Manly Pacific
Manly Pacific Hotel Lobby
#feelnewsydney
Manly Pacific Credit: Manly Pacific
Manly Pacific Hotel Lobby
More News
Dorothy Smith & Yes Theory, Sydney Credit: Bluesfest
102-year-old visits Sydney and officially completes her seven-continent lifelong dream
#feelnewsydney
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
#feelnewsydney
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
#feelnewsydney
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.
#feelnewsydney
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
null
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.
#feelnewsydney
Bondi Beach, Sydney Credit: Destination NSW
The scenic Bondi coastline in Sydney's Eastern Suburbs.