King Street, NewtownCredit: Destination NSW
Young people walking down King Street in Newtown
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Sydney has a vibrant energy, and is Australia’s most culturally diverse, sophisticated city boasting a rich tapestry of experiences. In the inner city precincts, the epicenter of Sydney’s arts and culture, you’ll find wonderful galleries, public artworks and fantastic annual events, showcasing that Sydney is a world class destination for cultural wonders. Here is your ultimate arts inspired summer weekend in Sydney:
FRIDAY
3:00pm: Check in to The Old Clare Hotel in Chippendale
Arrive at The Old Clare Hotel and check in to the Showroom Suite, complete with a vintage bar that was salvaged and restored from the former brewery building onsite. The beautifully appointed, design-forward room includes vintage furniture and lamps, a super king-sized bed and a modern, oversized bathroom.
4:00pm: Visit The White Rabbit Gallery
Stop in at The White Rabbit Gallery, which presents four floors of vibrant, original, thought-provoking Chinese contemporary art. Gaze upon works across many disciplines including painting, photography, sculpture, video art, drawing and installations.
5:00pm: Dine at Ito Restaurant in Surry Hills
For dinner head to Ito Restaurant in Surry Hills – a Japanese izakaya with Italian flair. Here dishes thoughtfully combine the two cultures across the menu. Dine on spaghetti with spanner crab and togarashi (Japanese chilli mix), duck ravioli with brown butter and ponzu (citrusy soy), mushroom don with pecorino and black pepper, and mochi sorbetto.
7:30pm: Catch a show at the Belvoir
After dinner meander over to Belvoir St Theatre, one of Australia’s most respected theatres, with Cate Blanchett and other stars previously gracing its stages. For decades, this much-loved venue has engaged prominent and promising playwrights, actors and directors for an evocative annual artistic program.
9:30pm: Sip a nightcap at Lil Sis at The Abercrombie
Before your head back to your hotel, round out the night with a tipple at Lil Sis at The Abercrombie in Chippendale. Inspired by the wine cellars of Parisian neighbourhoods, Lil Sis pours natural and biodynamic wines without fuss. There’s a simple food menu featuring charcuterie and provisions including jaffles, and you can also buy a bottle of wine at the onsite bottle shop and drink it there with a corkage fee.
The Old Clare Hotel, Chippendale Credit: Destination NSW
Couple enjoying a drink at The Old Clare Hotel, Chippendale.
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The Old Clare Hotel, Chippendale Credit: Destination NSW
Couple enjoying a drink at The Old Clare Hotel, Chippendale.
SATURDAY
8:30am: Enjoy breakfast at Two Chaps
Soak in the lively culture of the inner west, starting with breakfast in Marrickville. Located at an old warehouse, Two Chaps is a vegetarian cafe renowned for its sustainable approach to wholesome breakfasts with a Mediterranean twist, using seasonal and local produce.
10:00am: Join a wheel throwing class at Clay in Marrickville
Sign up to a 90-minute class for a taster of ceramics throwing at Clay. Learn how to take a ball of mud and spin it into something beautiful, as the throwing master guides in stoneware clay, firing and glazing.
1:00pm: Grab a lunch at Continental Deli
Curate your own cheese and charcuterie board at Continental Deli in Newtown with cheeses and deli meats from local producers and Europe. You can also opt to order from the a la carte menu which features more substantial Euro-style dishes, all paired with an extensive wine list.
3:00pm: Shop ‘til you drop in Newtown
Explore the unique boutiques, bookstores and vintage shops in Newtown, like U Turn, P&V Wine & Liquor, Better Read Than Dead, The Wilde Merchant, Aesop and Hunter Candles.
6:00pm: Find your inner Drag Queen at Priscillas in Erskineville
Priscillas at The Imperial Erskineville is a jewel in the inner west’s crown. Join the fun at Drag and Dine where a delicious vegetable-forward dinner is served alongside a fabulous drag show. You might even be called on stage for an impromptu performance.
The Imperial Erskineville Credit: Destination NSW
Patrons enjoying a Drag n' Dine night at The Imperial Erskineville in Sydney's inner west.
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The Imperial Erskineville Credit: Destination NSW
Patrons enjoying a Drag n' Dine night at The Imperial Erskineville in Sydney's inner west.
Better Read Than Dead Credit: James Horan; Destination NSW
Michelle Cameron is pictured at Better Read Than Dead Bookshop, King street, Newtown, SydneyPicture James Horan
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Better Read Than Dead Credit: James Horan; Destination NSW
Michelle Cameron is pictured at Better Read Than Dead Bookshop, King street, Newtown, SydneyPicture James Horan
SUNDAY
9:00am: Head to Henry Lees in Redfern for breakfast
A truly creative space, Henry Lees is located in the 16 Eveleigh Creative Precinct and just a 10-minute walk from The Old Clare. Tuck into dishes you’d find on a classic Sydney brunch menu, but with a Japanese twist.
11:00am: Visit the Art Gallery of NSW
Drop into the Art Gallery of NSW to spend time walking the halls of both the North and South campus. The North Building features Yiribana, the gallery’s renowned Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander art collection, as well as The Tank, a reclaimed underground fuel bunker built during World War II now home to a series of art projects.
1:00pm: Grab lunch at Graze MCA
Walk through The Domain and make your way to the Museum of Contemporary Art (MCA) to enjoy lunch on the patio at Graze MCA. Overlooking Circular Quay and the Sydney Opera House, enjoy a delicious meal with knockout views to match.
2:30pm: Check out the exhibits at the MCA
Post-lunch discover the Museum of Contemporary Art’s Sydney International Art Series exhibition featuring Tacita Dean – an exhibition exclusive to Sydney showing key works from Dean’s investigation into chance, memory, entropy, history and time.
5:30pm: End your arts and culture playcay with drinks and dinner at Le Foote
Wrap up your weekend with a fine and fancy meal at Le Foote. The heritage-listed venue brings a part-Parisian wine bar, part-Mediterranean dining experience to the city, with mouthful martinis and meat from the charcoal grill.
Art Gallery of New South Wales, Sydney Credit: Destination NSW
Appreciating artworks from all over the world, Art Gallery of NSW. For media use only in Australian markets to promote NSW.
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Art Gallery of New South Wales, Sydney Credit: Destination NSW
Appreciating artworks from all over the world, Art Gallery of NSW. For media use only in Australian markets to promote NSW.
More Inspirational Stories
Murray Rose Pool, Double BayCredit: Destination NSW
Harbour views from Murray Rose Pool, Double Bay in Sydney's eastern suburbs.
#feelnewsydney
Connect with the true essence of Sydney by mingling with the friendly locals and discovering the vibrant energy that defines the city. Beyond its stunning landmarks, Sydney invites you to experience its warmth and charm.
Showstopping At Royal Randwick
Dress to Impress at Royal Randwick Racecourse for a Saturday at the races during the Sydney Everest Carnival. Don’t miss the fresh new destination, the Peacock Lounge in the Winx Stand at Royal Randwick. For five exclusive days only, the Peacock Lounge will be the place to be to elevate your race day
Don't miss the fresh new destination, the Peacock Lounge in the Winx Stand at Royal Randwick. For five exclusive days only, the Peacock Lounge will be the place to be this Carnival to elevate your raceday.
Check out the open air Theatre Of The Horse to watch the racehorses' parade with their jockeys in vibrant racing silks before the competition .Then hit the rose garden for further festivities, this time it’s all about preening and social media.
For post-race shenanigans, join racegoers at one of Paddington’s watering holes including the rooftop at The Light Brigade, The Royal Hotel at Fiveways or The Paddington, which boasts some excellent dining options. Alternatively, saddle up for a pasta blowout at fashionable Paddington institution, 10 William Street.
Salute the Dawn at Bronte Beach
The 440 Run Club is a free Saturday morning running club that is open to everyone at any fitness level. Meet in the park in front of Bronte Beach in the dark, and join a crew of all ages and backgrounds to run, jog or even walk up and down a hill in a continuous loop. Sunrise over this beautiful beach never looked so good.
Afterwards go cafe hopping at the beachside strip and nabone of the outdoor tables for pinch yourself views. The Bogey Hole Cafe is a great place to start.
If you’re still full of beans, do the stunning Bondi to Coogee Coastal Walk Follow the scenic pathway back to Bondi or go further afield to another action-packed beach suburb, Coogee. This is also where you’ll find one of Sydney’s Insta-famous restaurants, Mimi’s.
The Championship Races, Royal Randwick Credit: Destination NSW
The Championship Races, Royal Randwick 2014..
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The Championship Races, Royal Randwick Credit: Destination NSW
The Championship Races, Royal Randwick 2014..
Bronte Beach, Sydney Credit: Destination NSW
Surfer heading out to catch a wave at Bronte Beach, Sydney.
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Bronte Beach, Sydney Credit: Destination NSW
Surfer heading out to catch a wave at Bronte Beach, Sydney.
Go Boho In Bondi
Sydney’s famous Bondi has plenty of trophy hang outs including Icebergs Dining Room and the Promenade ,but it also has a Boho beating heart. At North Bondi (which is where the locals swim), refill at heritage cafe, Speedos or drop into the laid back Bondi RSL filled with interesting characters and extraordinary views of the beach.
Explore the shopping thoroughfare of Gould Street with signature store, Tuchuzy and keep walking all the way to the Bondi Farmer’s Market
Other boho outposts include Gertrude & Alice bookstore and cafe on Hall Street, Up South on Bondi Road, Bondi Tony’s for Aussie Burgers in Glenayr Avenue, and Shop & Wine Bar in Curlewis Street Bondi.
Heritage, Art and Harbourside Delights
Sydney’s Parliament House, steeped in colonial history, is open to the public every Monday and Friday. The Legislative Assembly chamber (also known as the bear pit) is the place where laws are made with vigorous debate. Afterwards take a stroll across the Domain, spread out in front of you like a green carpet to the Art Gallery Of NSW. Head to the newly opened and architecturally amazing North Wing - Naala Badu - for lunch at MOD. Dining by Clayton Wells.
Then cool down and at the nearby spectacular, enclosed Andrew (Boy) Charlton Pool, set into the harbour where you can swim while taking in the yachts and ferries on the other side of the glass.
Finish your day with some soothing drinks at the Library of NSW rooftop bar or head across the road to the Intercontinental Hotel’s scenic Aster Bar for cocktails accompanied by stunning views right down the harbour.
Bondi Icebergs, Bondi Credit: Destination NSW
Aerial view of Bondi Icebergs and surrounds, Bondi
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Bondi Icebergs, Bondi Credit: Destination NSW
Aerial view of Bondi Icebergs and surrounds, Bondi
Art Gallery of New South Wales, Sydney Credit: Destination NSW
Friends enjoying a visit the the Art Gallery of New South Wales in Sydney.
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Art Gallery of New South Wales, Sydney Credit: Destination NSW
Friends enjoying a visit the the Art Gallery of New South Wales in Sydney.
Pining for Manly
Board the Manly Ferry for the 30-minute voyage to Manly - the beachside suburb, ringed with ancient Norfolk Pine trees where it always seems to be holiday time.
Check into the newly revamped Manly Pacific Hotel with its opulent appointments but fairly modest rates. You could also consider Pepper’s Manly Beach, which also just across the road from this prime surf spot. The Corso runs from the Harbour side to the beachside and offers interesting eateries including Butter Boy for their famous cookies baked on the spot. Next door is Norma’s Deli for excellent sandwiches, cakes, and traditional Greek spreads.
Go for a stroll to Shelly Beach where you may encounter some harmless Eastern Water Dragons sun baking on the rocks along the way and ready for their close up. Dip into the water at the beach or the ocean pool then head to The Boathouse where you order at the bar and find your own table. Dine on everything from pizza and salads to fish and chips to get a real taste of Manly.
Spa It Up In Double Bay
Double Bay is Sydney’s most luxe village. It boasts plenty of hair salons along with decadent day spas, excellent shopping and five-star restaurants and bars.Head to All Saint Clinic founded by one of Australia’s best aesthetic skin doctors for pure indulgence where the treatment menu includes the Fire & Ice facial.
Next visit the famous Joh Bailey Salon for a blow out or head to La Boutique in Transvaal Avenue, where owner Belinda Jeffries is the blonde whisperer.
Celebrate the newly refreshed you with a lunch at Margaret Double Bay, owned by prestigious Icon Awards winner, Neil Perry. Take an outdoor table to make your own contribution to Double Bay’s street life, then duck downstairs to the newly opened cocktail bar, Bobbie’s.
You could also have a drink on the deck at a popular locals’ hang out, the 18 Footers Bar Restaurant & Cafe, which is right next to the Double Bay Ferry Wharf. It’s the perfect spot to watch the sun setting over the harbour and then hop on a ferry back to Circular Quay.
Manly Pacific Credit: Manly Pacific
Coastal Suites at Manly Pacific Bedroom
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Manly Pacific Credit: Manly Pacific
Coastal Suites at Manly Pacific Bedroom
Murray Rose Pool, Double Bay Credit: Destination NSW
Couple enjoying a walk by Murray Rose Pool, Double Bay.
#feelnewsydney
Murray Rose Pool, Double Bay Credit: Destination NSW
Couple enjoying a walk by Murray Rose Pool, Double Bay.