Sofitel Sydney Darling Harbour Spa Credit: Sofitel Sydney Darling Harbour
Sofitel Sydney Darling Harbour Spa
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This month, Sydney plates up Italian favourites from Surry Hills to Penshurst and Pyrmont, divas do disco and drag at brunch, a hot croissanterie opens in Balmain, and live music finds two new homes in the inner west.
FOOD AND DRINK
Cosy Italian
Surry Hills restaurant Fauna plates up refined Italian classics with native Australian accents. Head chef Ace Espiritu gently leans on his Filipino heritage and time at Iceberg’s Dining Room and Bar to create innovative dishes served in the elegant, soft-hued dining room.
Dishing up disco
Slip into your most fabulous sequins and frock up on the first Saturday of each month for Out at Margot’s at the Kimpton Margot Sydney. Following its success during World Pride, the five-course set menu disco brunch is back at Luke’s Kitchen. Enjoy chef Luke Mangan’s menu, entertainment and bottomless glasses of sparkling rose for just $95.
French accent
Surry Hills is glowing up French style with the arrival of a new brasserie from the team behind Potts Point’s Franca. Settling in with caviar and burgundy-coloured banquettes at the former Toko site on Crown Street, Armorica Grande Brasserie will be serving contemporary interpretations of the classics alongside bubbles and cocktails.
Freshly baked
Former software engineer Ben Lai quit his day job when his Covid-era, Instagram-based pastry business outgrew his home oven. That same business is now a bricks and mortar bakery, Home Croissanterie, in Balmain, a small and stylish bakery cafe serving both classic and creative treats.
Mexican fave
The vibrant flavours of Mexico add spice to Rosebery’s The Cannery with the new, family-owned Elf & Taco. Folding tortillas with smoky carne asada and other delicious fillings, this fresh, traditional and sustainably minded kiosk is the place to hit for a genuine taco or quesadilla and the lesser-known vampiro (grilled, crunchy taco topped with molten cheese) and mulita (two tortillas sandwiching meat and cheese).
New dough
Firing up delicious, stone-baked, sourdough pizza, Bsp’eria is set to become a south Sydney neighbourhood classic. The small Penshurst shopfront mostly fills takeaway orders, but you can perch on a milk crate or stool to devour your Neapolitan-style pizza hot from the oven.
A place to dine
Pop into Sydney Place, Circular Quay’s exciting dining precinct, to dine out on Sydney cult-favourites Malay Chinese Takeaway, Lode Pies, and Kosta’s Takeaway. With more restaurants opening soon, there’ll be plenty of good fare to be enjoyed at the harbour end of town.
Appellation Rock Oysters at Fauna Restaurant & Bar, Surry Hills Credit: Fauna Restaurant & Bar, Surry Hills
Appellation Rock Oysters at Fauna Restaurant & Bar, Surry Hills
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Appellation Rock Oysters at Fauna Restaurant & Bar, Surry Hills Credit: Fauna Restaurant & Bar, Surry Hills
Appellation Rock Oysters at Fauna Restaurant & Bar, Surry Hills
Sofitel Sydney Darling Harbour Spa Credit: Sofitel Sydney Darling Harbour
Sofitel Sydney Darling Harbour Spa
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Sofitel Sydney Darling Harbour Spa Credit: Sofitel Sydney Darling Harbour
Sofitel Sydney Darling Harbour Spa
ACCOMMODATION
Self-care at Sofitel
Stays at luxury hotel Sofitel Sydney Darling Harbour can now be enhanced with a restorative appointment at the brand-new Sofitel Spa. Featuring exclusive products from Biologique Recherche, book in for a luxurious massage or rejuvenating facial, or dedicate the day with the five-hour wellness journey, a curated experience of care, rest, nutrition and movement.
EXPERIENCE
Star spotting
Head to the heart of the Royal Botanic Gardens for an illuminating night of stargazing at Astronomy at The Calyx. Over select dates between April and October, sip wine to a backdrop of exotic cacti within the Love Your Nature exhibition and gaze skywards through powerful telescopes to learn about the cosmic bodies beyond our own.
A true pleasure
Join in the new era of Newtown’s late-night revelry this July with the opening of Odd Culture’s Pleasure Club. The 120-seat underground bar and live music venue will be the first in 150 years to secure a 4am licence, continuing your good times into the early hours.
Music to many
Dance, head bang, strut and vogue at Camperdown’s beloved Lady Hampshire on Parramatta Road, which has been brought back to life as a live music venue. Find yourself in front of the stage for a robust line-up of diverse gigs from Wednesdays through to Sundays. On other days, pop by for a pizza and a tinnie.
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
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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.
#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
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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.
#feelnewsydney
Bondi Beach, Sydney Credit: Destination NSW
The scenic Bondi coastline in Sydney's Eastern Suburbs.