Parlar. Sydney Credit: Parlar
This fine-diner in Potts Point aims to share the cuisine of Catalonia in Spain’s north-east, through the use of Australian ingredients prepared with techniques from the Iberian Peninsula.
#feelnewsydney
Winter in Sydney is anything but humdrum with delicious new restaurants and bars to indulge in, luxurious places to stay and memorable experiences to make the most of the city. Here’s our round up for this month’s edition of What’s New in Sydney.
NEW FOOD AND DRINK
Dim sum in Summer Hill
Cantonese favourite Lotus has opened up a new sister venue in Summer Hill, the group's first foray in Sydney’s inner west. Lotus Dumpling Bar serves many of the group’s beloved menu items, including Peking duck pancakes and juicy pork xiao long bao, as well as a variety of vegan and vegetarian offerings.
Tequila-spiked Mexican dining
Recently reopened Bar Patrón brings the fiesta vibes of Mexico to Circular Quay, with a Mexican menu inspired by Executive Chef Manuel Diaz’s Oaxacan background and a Patrón tequila-infused menu. The rich and juicy signature grilled lobster is drizzled with a creamy sauce made with Patrón Silver and Oaxacan cheese.
Catalonian cuisine
Slick new Spanish restaurant Parlar brings the flavours of Catalonian cuisine to Potts Point. Inside an opulent fit-out complete with marble floors, leather furniture and velvet cushioning, the menu stars decadent (and photogenic) tapas snacks and mouth-watering mains.
Drink in the Basque
The next dining space from acclaimed Firedoor chef Lennox Hastie is an ode to the light and bright wines of Spain’s Basque Country. Gildas, located right around the corner in Surry Hills, will also serve dishes cooked on the flame, with local produce at the forefront of the menu.
Parlar. Sydney Credit: Parlar
This fine-diner in Potts Point aims to share the cuisine of Catalonia in Spain’s north-east, through the use of Australian ingredients prepared with techniques from the Iberian Peninsula.
#feelnewsydney
Parlar. Sydney Credit: Parlar
This fine-diner in Potts Point aims to share the cuisine of Catalonia in Spain’s north-east, through the use of Australian ingredients prepared with techniques from the Iberian Peninsula.
Zumbo comes to the QT
Known as Australia’s Willy Wonka of desserts, Adriano Zumbo has created a high tea like no other at CBD hotel QT Sydney. The menu will feature deluxe savoury creations (like champagne lobster rolls) as well as his signature Zumbarons and decadent passionfruit tart.
Turkish goes vego
Inspired by the vegetable-driven meze bars of the Aegean Turkish coast, celebrated Sydney Turkish chef Somer Sivrioğlu (Efendy and Anason) has opened a plant-predominant venue in the CBD, Maydanoz. From charred cauliflower to haloumi honey kebabs and cavolo nero leek pie, the meat-free menu still brings satisfaction.
25 years of Club 77
Iconic Darlinghurst nightclub Club 77 has been revamped into a late-night dive bar. Celebrating 25 years, the dance hub has seen a New York-style renovation and complete food and cocktail menu overhaul. Live DJs will spin every night until 4am, and a special late-night happy hour serves cheap drinks from 2:30-3:30am.
Middle Eastern takeaway
From the owners of Bondi’s Lox in a Box, Fed Kitchen is a new takeaway eatery serving their famed bagels as well as a variety of hot sandwiches, cakes and salads. Fed Kitchen also serves dishes from their catering menu and the shopfront offers take-home dinners, including lasagne, soups, deli goods and more.
Maydanoz, Sydney
Located on Carrington St in Sydney’s CBD, Maydanoz (meaning 'parsley') is a 100-seat Aegean Turkish coast inspiredbar and restaurant paying homage to the region’s casual vegetable-driven meze bars.
#feelnewsydney
Maydanoz, Sydney
Located on Carrington St in Sydney’s CBD, Maydanoz (meaning 'parsley') is a 100-seat Aegean Turkish coast inspiredbar and restaurant paying homage to the region’s casual vegetable-driven meze bars.
NEW ACCOMMODATION
Sydney’s first ace
The eagerly awaited Ace Hotel has officially opened its doors in Surry Hills, with ultra-cool finishings and references to local history and culture. A glass-walled rooftop restaurant, Kiln, will be headed by chef Mitch Orr with a drinks list curated by Mike Bennie.
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 has officially opened, featuring 88 smart rooms — each with a pillow menu, blackout windows and bespoke murals by Archibald Prize finalist Jessica Le Clerc.
Ace Hotel, Sydney Credit: Ace Hoteld
The first southern hemisphere hotel from the Ace Hotel Group has now opened in Surry Hills, Sydney
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Ace Hotel, Sydney Credit: Ace Hoteld
The first southern hemisphere hotel from the Ace Hotel Group has now opened in Surry Hills, Sydney
NEW EXPERIENCES
Moonlight kayak
As part of Vivid Sydney, Sydney Harbour Kayaks has partnered with the Maritime Museum to offer guided nighttime sea-kayaking tours for the duration of the festival. The journey begins in Darling Harbour and takes in light artworks Across The Sea and Sydney Infinity.
See the lights
The best vantage point to see the lights of Vivid Sydney’s skyline in all its glory is from the harbour and Lifestyle Charters is offering two-hour private cruises for groups of 15 and 20 on their Enigma and Felix boats. A beverage and grazing board package can also be added on.
National Indigenous Art Fair Sydney
This annual harbourside art market showcases more than 50 First Nations art, craft, native food and design stalls, where visitors can buy direct from the makers. The two-day event will also feature an Indigenous smoking ceremony, First Nations dance and singing performances, choirs, children’s activities, bush food cooking demonstrations and a massive communal weaving project.
Bouddi National Park, BouddiCredit: Destination Central Coast
Scenic coastal views from Bouddi National Park, Bouddi.
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What better way to keep the adventure going after your Vivid Sydney visit by exploring our natural wonders just outside of the city? A treasure trove of experiences await: hike into the mountains, taste wine from the barrel and walk among the treetops. And best of all, these trips are all within 2.5 hours’ drive of Sydney – perfect if you’re looking to extend a holiday for just a few days.
Blue Mountains | 1.5 HOURS’ DRIVE
Named for the beautiful haze that hangs over the sleepy villages, ancient rock formations and bushland, the magnificent Blue Mountains is one of Sydney’s favourite weekenders for good reason.
There’s nothing quite like a hike in the fresh mountain air at golden hour, though taking in the expansive valleys atop a lookout or cable car comes close. Whether you adventure and abseil all day or focus on fine-dining and uncovering some stunning op-shop finds, soak off the day at luxury accommodation.
Things to do
- Take a sunset selfie at Three Sisters
- Ride the Skyway into the clouds at Scenic World
- Soak into true serenity at the Japanese Bath House
- Explore Jenolan Caves’ limestone labyrinth
- Embrace the wilderness at Turon Gates Mountain Eco-Retreat
- Learn about Indigenous culture on a walkabout tour
Central Coast | 1 HOURS’ DRIVE
A stone's throw from Sydney, a million miles from a care in the world… that wraps up the Central Coast region in a nutshell. There’s an enviably relaxed beach lifestyle here – with kilometres of sand and Pacific Ocean to explore – but national parks abound, too, and calm waterways ideal for throwing in a line, or conquering with a kayak. The coast with the most? You bet.
Things to do
- Take in the eight kilometre Bouddi Coastal Walk
- Zip-line through the Ourimbah State Forest at Treetops Adventure
- Embrace First Nations knowledge and culture with a Girri Girra walking tour
- Have breakfast with alpacas
- Whale watch and explore coastal rainforest at Wyrrabalong National Park
- Catch a flick at the colourful Avoca Beach Theatre
- Stay at the idyllic The Boathouse Hotel Patonga
The Hunter Valley | 2.5 HOURS’ DRIVE
The Hunter Valley is renowned for its Sémillon and shiraz varietals, acclaimed wineries and restaurants, luxury resorts, world-class spas and championship golf courses.
Wander through the wine-tasting hotspot of Pokolbin, explore the majestic Hunter Valley gardens, picnic amongst the vines on fresh local produce and don’t miss spying the lush Hunter from above in a hot-air balloon.
Things to do
- Try out top-drops from the historic Tyrrell’s, explore organic wines at Tamburlaine or biodynamic options at Krinklewood
- Visit a Provencal pocket at Bistro Molines
- Take a hot-air balloon ride at sunrise with Beyond Ballooning
- Stay in luxury at the Crowne Plaza
- Ride through bushland and vineyards with Hunter Valley Horses
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
Beyond Ballooning, Hunter Valley Credit: Destination NSW
Couple arriving for a sunrise hot air balloon ride with Beyond Ballooning in the Hunter Valley.
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Beyond Ballooning, Hunter Valley Credit: Destination NSW
Couple arriving for a sunrise hot air balloon ride with Beyond Ballooning in the Hunter Valley.
Kiama, Jamberoo & More | 2 HOURS’ DRIVE
Feel the sea spray hit your skin at the blowhole at Kiama, only 30 minutes south of Wollongong. Away from the famous rock formations, epic waves and grassy seaside slopes, Kiama is a place of nature hikes, fancy seafood feasts on waterside decks and unique adventures. Take yourself on a wild and wonderful trail winding through windswept headlands and extraordinary beaches.
Things to do
- Get your Tarzan on and try the after-dark zipline at Illawarra Fly
- Swoosh down a waterslide at Jamberoo Action Park
- Enjoy breakfast with a beach view at Penny Whistlers
- Have a surf lesson with Surf Camp Australia
- Hike through Minnamurra Rainforest
- Stay in luxury at The Pause, Gerringong
Newcastle | 2 HOURS’ DRIVE
Newcastle is an unbeatable mix of golden beaches, luscious food and buzzing culture that makes you feel high on life. Have a dip at Merewether, dine overlooking the surf break and delve into the edgy boutiques and bars. This coastal hub is also in a sweet spot with the Hunter Valley less than an hour west.
Things to do
- Hop between cafes, museums and more at the waterfront Honeysuckle precinct
- Stay at the boutique QT Newcastle
- Take a long stroll along Bathers Way
- Visit Newcastle Art Gallery
- Dine on fresh seafood at Merewether Surf House
Stand Up Paddle Boarding Shellharbour, Minnamurra River Credit: Destination NSW
Friends kayaking on the Minnamurra River on the NSW South Coast
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Stand Up Paddle Boarding Shellharbour, Minnamurra River Credit: Destination NSW
Friends kayaking on the Minnamurra River on the NSW South Coast
Jana Restaurant & Bar, QT Newcastle Credit: QT Hotels & Resorts
A selection of dishes from Jana Restaurant & Bar, QT Newcastle
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Jana Restaurant & Bar, QT Newcastle Credit: QT Hotels & Resorts
A selection of dishes from Jana Restaurant & Bar, QT Newcastle
Southern Highlands | 1.5’ HOURS DRIVE
Located midway between Sydney and Canberra, the NSW Southern Highlands provides a welcome relief to the hustle of city life – a meld of classic and contemporary country culture. Innovative winemakers immersed in traditional methods. Morning truffle hunts evolving into modern dégustations. Pack your gum boots and head off to stay in an ivy-draped country manor or an architecturally designed farmhouse.
Things to do
- Get back to nature with a forest bathing session at Osborn House
- See cutting-edge art in a restored dairy turned art gallery, Ngununggula
- Browse literary treasures at Berkelouw Book Barn
- Antique the afternoon away at Dirty Janes Bowral
- Enjoy sustainable wines at Tractorless Vineyard Cellar Door
- Visit picture-postcard village Robertson (the setting for Australia’s hit film Babe)
- Spend a night at the charming Old Bank Boutique Hotel
Wollongong | 1.5 HOURS’ DRIVE
Adorned by rainforest-covered escarpment and the stunning golden beaches of the South Coast, NSW’s third-largest city is a fun, vibrant and delicious urban centre that offers diverse appeal.
Just getting to Wollongong from Sydney is a tourist attraction. Instead of taking the M1 Princes Highway, take the Grand Pacific Drive, a spectacular touring route through the Royal National Park to Stanwell Park and south over the Sea Cliff Bridge.
Things to do
- Spot fairywrens, herons and more at Puckey’s Estate Nature Reserve
- Dine at the award-winning Babyface Kitchen
- Spend an afternoon at Wollongong Art Gallery
- Explore the Southern Hemisphere’s largest Buddhist Temple, Nan Tien
- Take a guided tour of the historic Blue Mile
- Catch live tunes and good vibes at La La La’s
Looking to go further afield?
If you have time on your hands, NSW has plenty more wonders to explore. Head to the Snowy Mountains for some time on the ski slopes; venture west towards the edge of the Great Dividing Range for world-heritage wilderness and Mudgee’s wine region, or escape it all on the Sapphire Coast.
Plan your Vivid Sydney trip now: vividsydney.com
Sea Cliff Bridge, Clifton Credit: Destination NSW
Sun rising over the Sea Cliff Bridge, Clifton.
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Sea Cliff Bridge, Clifton Credit: Destination NSW
Sun rising over the Sea Cliff Bridge, Clifton.
Horse Riding, Jindabyne, Snowy Mountains Credit: Destination NSW
Horse riding in Jindabyne, Snowy Mountains. For media use only in Australian markets to promote NSW.
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Horse Riding, Jindabyne, Snowy Mountains Credit: Destination NSW
Horse riding in Jindabyne, Snowy Mountains. For media use only in Australian markets to promote NSW.