The dining scene in Sydney has always been fantastically diverse, and that’s especially evident this month with new restaurants serving everything from high-end, pan-Asian cuisine to Ukrainian dishes with heart. Plus, walk with dinosaurs in the Blue Mountains and sleep in a refreshed hotel a stone’s throw from Manly Beach.
FOOD AND DRINK
Fix up, look sharp
Beloved Darlinghurst local and craft beer pioneer Taphouse Sydney reopened in September after a refresh by Applejack Hospitality (Rafi, Forrester’s). The interiors have been updated with respect to the pub’s history (original ceilings and timber flooring) downstairs; plus there’s new summery white picnic tables and linen umbrellas on the rooftop offering an immediate holiday vibe. Hard-to-find brews are still on offer, alongside a menu of pub-friendly Cantonese dishes including egg noodles with crispy pork belly.
Pearl of the Quay
The Lotus Dining Group, known for its casual but modern Chinese restaurants, is branching out for its next venue. Pearl, located in Quay Quarter, will offer refined Cantonese cuisine, centred on dim sum, barbecue and seafood. Get a seat on the balcony with awe-inspiring views of the Sydney Harbour Bridge and dig into a cocktail menu packed with refreshing twists.
Bentley heads East
The Bentley Group is known for its refined, high-end restaurants, tome-like wine lists and distinctive takes on European cuisine. The newest venue, King Clarence, shifts focus to explore influences from China, Japan and Korea. Opening in mid-October, find a custom-built barbecue and grill and live seafood tanks as well as an extensive wine list focusing on lesser-known varieties. Located in the CBD in an industrial chic space, expect to see a move lively, rambunctious side to the hospitality group.
Boba time
Bubble tea fans will be thrilled to know Sydney has its first outpost of Milksha, the cult Taiwanese brand with more than 200 stores around the world. Located in Haymarket, fans can try the signature honey pearls, premium tea lattes and coffee options using St Ali beans.
A French touche
Acclaimed chef Guillaume Brahimi is behind the refresh of The Waiting Room's (TWR) menu, the open-air hotel bar in The Crown Sydney. It’s a display of classic French dishes such as niçoise salad, steak frites and chocolate profiteroles, plus hotel classics like a decadent club sandwich, all using some of Brahimi’s favourite NSW producers.
A Lebanese feast
When the craving for a homecooked meal hits, Feast in the Middle East in Granville will provide. A family-run restaurant, it specialises in both classic Lebanese dishes as well as harder-to-find home style dishes like loubia with meat (green bean stew) and bamia (okra stew).
Chicken Kyiv on Broadway
Get a plate of Ukrainian food, with a side of social action at Kyiv Social, the latest venue from Plate it Forward, a socially minded hospitality organisation dedicated to addressing the needs of vulnerable communities. Try green borscht soup made with sorrel, chicken Kyiv and all kinds of dumplings made by Ukrainians displaced by the war.
Paris in Potts Point
There’s now a smorgasbord of choice when it comes to French restaurants doing things differently. Caravin is the latest wine bar to open in Potts Point, by the owners who brought us Bar Suze. Don’t come expecting steak frites – think steamed fish with braised prawns and Thai basil, and smoked beetroot with wasabi in an intimate setting.
Barangaroo, Sydney Credit: Destination NSW
Sun rising over Barangaroo and Pyrmont Bay, Sydney.
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Barangaroo, Sydney Credit: Destination NSW
Sun rising over Barangaroo and Pyrmont Bay, Sydney.
ACCOMMODATION
Sleep by the beach
Ocean views, chic, minimalist rooms and modern amenities make Peppers Manly Beach an attractive new option for Sydney stays. Previously known at The Sebel Sydney Manly Beach, most guests' rooms and serviced apartments have been updated – of note is the Fairy Bower suite, located on the 7th floor, which has a wraparound balcony with glorious views, two bedrooms and an open plan living space.
EXPERIENCES
A taste of Vietnam
The Sydney Opera House is offering a luxurious pre-show dining experience for Opera Australia's epic love story Miss Saigon. Chef Luke Nguyen will prepare a three-course feast at Overture, starting with a glass of sparkling cuvée, with dishes such as five-spice beef short ribs with broccolini, lemon myrtle and Saigon chimichurri, and the decadent coffee cake, lychee pudding, coconut tapioca, fruit and soy sauce ice cream to be enjoyed along with uninterrupted harbour views.
Laneway action
Parramatta Lanes will turn the streets of this Western Sydney hub into a maze of free fun on 11-14 October. More than 120 musical acts across seven stages will play everything from First Nations hip hop to jazz and local up-and-coming acts; food stalls will offer okonomiyaki, biryani and dumplings (plus much more), and larger-than-life artworks will light up the night.
The Lost World
Travel back in time at Dinosaur Valley at Scenic World: catch the world's steepest train into Jamison Valley in the Blue Mountains, where the kids can discover with delight a herd of roaring dinosaurs (double the amount of last summer’s experience) via elevated rainforest boardwalks. The Dinosaur Ranger team will talk you through all things fossils and then catch a ride back up on the aerial cable for magnificent views.
A bush cook up
Take a deep dive into Aboriginal food and culture with a new experience by Splendid Tailored Tours. The Indigenous Cooking Class and Picnic, run by mother and daughter duo Kirra and Janelle, is a private class held in Lane Cove National Park – expect stories, food, laughter and spirit.
Quarantine Beach, Manly Credit: Destination NSW
Aerial overlooking Quarantine Beach and Quarantine Station Wharf, Manly.
#feelnewsydney
Quarantine Beach, Manly Credit: Destination NSW
Aerial overlooking Quarantine Beach and Quarantine Station Wharf, Manly.
Dinosaur Valley Credit: Scenic World
Scenic World - Dinosaur Valley
#feelnewsydney
Dinosaur Valley Credit: Scenic World
Scenic World - Dinosaur Valley
More News
Vivid Sydney 2024Credit: 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
Vivid Sydney 2024 Credit: Destination NSW
#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 2024 Credit: Destination NSW
Patrons enjoying a night out at Machine Hall during Vivid 2024
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
Vivid Sydney 2024 Credit: Destination NSW
Shifting Perspectives at Walsh Bay Arts Precinct for Vivid Ideas during Vivid Sydney 2024
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
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.
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
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.
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