Spring is in the air in Sydney, and with the new season comes plenty of new places to feel the buzz: from on-trend boutique stays to inspiring eateries and exhilarating experiences on both the water and on land. 

NEW ACCOMMODATION 

Sydney history reborn 
The renaissance of the Sydney CBD continues with the opening of The Porter House Hotel in mid-September. Taking over a striking heritage building on Castlereagh Street, the luxe accommodation offers five storeys of drinking and dining, with European-style deli and bar Henry’s Bread and Wine on the ground floor, sophisticated brasserie Dixson & Sons on level one, and the exotic Spice Trader bar on the top floor.  

Million-dollar views 
There’s a new place to soak up Sydney’s skyline – from up high at the newly refurbished InterContinental Sydney. After a $110 million makeover, the luxury refresh has transformed each of the hotel’s 509 guest rooms as well as a stellar rooftop bar open to the public. Located 32 storeys above Sydney’s CBD, Aster Bar offers dazzling views of the harbour and immersive experiences, with cocktails finished at the table. 

Luxury in the Rocks 
For invigorating harbour views and luxurious touches, The Sebel Quay West Suites Sydney offers a rejuvenating place to stay with a fresh new look. Overlooking Circular Quay and The Rocks, stylish hotel has unveiled a multi-million-dollar refurbishment, with new designer soft furnishings in its guestrooms, a slick new lobby and a refresh of the hotel's 1920s Parisian-style Quartier Bar & Bistro. 

Apartment-style harbour living 
Designer digs have been unveiled at the Pullman Quay Grand Sydney Harbour, with newly renovated one- and two-bedroom luxury apartment hotel suites. Dreamed up by acclaimed interior design studio Mel Porter Design, the spacious new accommodation offers awe-inspiring views of the Royal Botanic Garden and Sydney Harbour. 

Caribbean cool 
Whale Beach now offers a taste of the tropics, with the opening of an indulgent multi-level beach house Kokomo by Contemporary Hotels. Just an hour from Sydney near Palm Beach, this palatial four-bedroom abode uses flourishes of the Caribbean in its styling: think wooden ceilings, outdoor sun deck, rattan furniture, plus decadent features like heated tiles and a premium fireplace. 

New Paddington pad 
Serene dreams are the name of the game at sweet new boutique hotel Oxford House in the leafy neighbourhood of Paddington. With earthy tones, curated amenities and on-trend design features, this is the perfect stay for style-lovers in Sydney. A tropical outdoor pool offers weekly live DJ sessions alongside it’s cool OH! Bar. 

NEW FOOD & DRINK   

Tune into Japanese flavours 
Blurring the line between food, drinks and good music, the newest addition to Barangaroo House is Rekōdo, a Japanese-style eatery that’s also a vinyl bar – a nod to the listening rooms popular around Japan. Opening September 16, dishes include whole snapper karaage, and banoffee and miso chawanmushi; diners can also opt to order omakase-style. 

Willo out West 
Drawing on a flair for all things Mediterranean, Willo Restaurant and Bar in Parramatta offers an atmospheric new place to dine in the west. Along with a seasonal-focused menu, the gorgeous dining room also serves specialty cocktails and premium wine and spirits, with live music outside in the ‘Urban room’. 

Celebrate cocktails 
Expect creativity in the glass as the World Class Cocktail Festival pours into Sydney from September 9-18. Award-winning bartenders from more than 50 countries will head into some of the city’s hottest venues, including Quay, Bennelong and Shell House, for one-of-a-kind events, food and drink pop-ups and unmissable cocktail experiences. 

Get ready to Rumble 
Offering guests a spice-laden journey around Southeast Asia, Rumble is the newest eatery to land in The Star. Led by head chef Benjamin Tan, who draws on his Malaysian heritage, the menu offers a contemporary take on traditional favourites, like deconstructed prawn laksa, black Angus beef short ribs rendang, plus a cocktail list that cleverly infuses spices, herbs, teas and flowers from across the Asian continent.   

Dining with a difference 
Feel-good food takes on a new meaning at Kabul Social, a recently opened community diner in the MetCentre in Sydney’s CBD. For every meal ordered off the delicious Afghan menu (think chicken kabuli burgers or lamb chapli kebabs), Kabul Social will donate two meals to those in need – one in Sydney and one in Afghanistan. 

Taste of South America 
It's fiesta time at Hyde Hacienda – the harbourside bar and lounge has just launched a vibrant new food and cocktail menu inspired by the cultures and cuisines in South America and surrounds. Australian ingredients remain the hero: from Tasmanian salmon ceviche to Byron Bay Berkshire pork skewers and potato croquettes served with Yarra Valley caviar. 

More big sandwiches for Sydney 
The deli-style sandwich trend shows no signs of slowing down, with sandwich and doughnut outlet This Way Canteen opening in front of the Museum of Sydney. Luxe sandwiches (think duck, and mushroom ragout with kimchi slaw, bean sprouts and cheese), bagels and salads will be on offer plus seasonal doughnuts with flavours such as crème brulee or peanut butter and jelly.  

NEW EXPERIENCES  

A hike and a bite  
New tour company Soulful Hikes is all about the post-walk reward. Guides will take guests on a hike of their choosing in Sydney, followed by a three-hour grazing picnic, beautifully arranged with a table, cushions, and all amenities. Optional extras include a yoga class or outdoor painting session to add to the experience, as well as kid-friendly or women-only hikes.  

A new perspective of the harbour’s heritage  
Sydney Harbour Kayaks, in collaboration with the Australian National Maritime Museum (ANMM), is offering a new tour exploring the heritage vessels situated in the harbour. Departing from ANMM, guests will be transported back in time as they are mesmerised by the amazing stories of HMAS Vampire, Australia, Onslow and Krait.  

A first act to remember 
The Sydney Opera House is celebrating its 50th anniversary with an indulgent experience for theatre lovers. Called Amadeus: Primo Atto (Italian for first act), the evening starts with an enchanting private tour of the Opera House’s spaces, before a three-course dinner with matching wines, finishing with the best seats to watch the explosive Amadeus in the newly transformed Concert Hall.