Sparkling Water & Striking Sites
Tourists and local Sydneysiders alike enjoy this multicultural New South Wales city for its stretch of stunning beaches, the Sydney Harbour (and Harbour Bridge), and, of course, the Sydney Opera House. If you’re a fan of performing arts, be sure to visit this historic landmark to view some of the world’s best in dance, theatre and music. For folks who are fans of the outdoors, Sydney offers plenty of open spaces, like the Royal Botanic Gardens.
SYD Sydney Kingsford Smith International is not a bad airport, though connecting from International to Domestic is a bit inelegant and time consuming. Plans are underway for an entirely new airport to service Sydney, WSI Western Sydney Airport with a planned reopening of early 2027.
Flying Private: There are several FBO options available.
Central City
SIZE: 192 rooms
STYLE: Contemporary Luxury
Newly opened in 2023. Capella brings it’s high style to Sydney.
The region’s indigenous roots run deep at Capella Sydney. The newly opened 192-room hotel boasts menus celebrating age-old cooking techniques, wellness treatments inspired by native traditions, and onsite Capella Culturalists – a mix of local guides and in-the-know concierges. Take advantage of complimentary events like historian-led storytelling sessions and guided market tours. And don’t miss the local artwork woven throughout the property. More than 1,500 pieces were commissioned to depict Australia’s ancient past.
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Central City
SIZE: 155 rooms
STYLE: Contemporary
Most likely the best address for viewing of New Year’s Eve fireworks.
The waterfront Park Hyatt Sydney offers a spectacular location on one of the world’s most beautiful harbors. Its 155 guest rooms have a soft, residential feel, with neutral tones, mood lighting, and floor-to-ceiling windows that take full advantage of the views over the Sydney Opera House and Sydney Harbour Bridge. The spa transports you straight to dream time with luxurious treatments and steam rooms, as well as native spa products from the Blue Mountains. Relax in a cabana by the rooftop pool, then nosh on light fare in The Living Room before exploring Sydney Harbour.
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Darling Harbour
SIZE: 590 rooms
STYLE: Contemporary
Sofitel Sydney Darling Harbour brings a French élan to Sydney’s laid-back waterfront. Window seats in the 590 seriously luxe digs take full advantage of the panorama; upgrade to Club level for access to the 35th-floor lounge. Soak in the down-under sunshine up at the outdoor infinity-edge pool; oversize daybeds give its bar a chic, beach-club-like vibe. You’ll find more than 30 vintage bubbles at the Champagne Bar; Classic French flavors are plated with flair at Atelier restaurant. Catch a performance at the adjacent International Convention Centre or stroll into the buzzy suburb of Surry Hills.
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Barangaroo
SIZE: 349 rooms
STYLE: Contemporary
Be advised this hotel also has a Casino.
Crown Towers Sydney is opulent in every way. Rising more than 900 feet above the harbor, this gleaming glass-paneled hotel boasts a Michelin-starred line-up of dining venues, 349 luxuriously appointed rooms and suites with expansive floor-to-ceiling windows, a showstopping multi-level infinity pool, and a world-class spa with indulgent treatments like caviar facials and psammotherapy rituals. Not to mention iconic harbor views and an idyllic location in the up-and-coming Barangaroo Precinct.
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The Rocks, Circular Quay
SIZE: 531 rooms
STYLE: Contemporary
A multimillion-dollar renovation of all rooms and suites was completed just before the two-year border closure in 2020.
Set in the historic The Rocks district overlooking Sydney Harbour, Four Seasons Hotel Sydney delivers an unforgettable five-star experience. Stay in a newly remodeled Four Seasons Full Harbour King Club Room for stunning views of the iconic Opera House and unmistakable Harbour Bridge. Enhance your stay with Lounge 32 access where you can relax, dine, and enjoy exclusive privileges in a private, residential-style haven. Swim in Sydney’s largest heated outdoor hotel pool, then be pampered in the award-winning Endota Spa. Enjoy a cocktail at Grain bar and discover fine local wine and seasonal Australian dining at Mode Kitchen & Bar.
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Sydney Opera House
Executive Chef: Peter Gilmore
Sat in the Sydney Opera House, this multi-level restaurant offers everything from a casual ‘cured and cultured’ bar, serving snacks such as red claw crayfish with cream, to a formal dining room boasting waterfront views. An iconic setting calls for an iconic chef, and Peter Gilmore steps up to the pass with aplomb. Less boundary-pushing than Gilmore’s other restaurant, Quay, his menus showcase the flavour, diversity and quality of seasonal Australian produce in deconstructed versions of comfort classics. Think John Dory smothered in umami butter and a whimsical take on a lamington. The wine cellar is equally celebratory.
PART OF THE WORLDS 50 BEST DISCOVERY LIST
across the harbour from Bennelong
Executive Chef: Peter Gilmore
Although it featured on the World’s 50 Best list multiple times, legend Peter Gilmore recently reinvented Quay. His gamble has paid off. The 2018 reopening saw a contemporary fit-out including independently controlled lighting on every table and six- and ten-course tasting menus built from scratch. Expect multi-sensory dishes like deconstructed oyster in a ceramic shell, as well as specially grown produce such as red-speckled peas served with miso and anchovy. Throw in views of Sydney Opera House and a sophisticated wine list and you’ll see why Quay remains at the forefront of Sydney’s fine-dining scene.
PART OF THE WORLDS 50 BEST DISCOVERY LIST
My Virtuoso Sydney Information Page
Here is a good place to start for some additional information on quality Hotels, Water Adventures and Activities.
WIKIPEDIA: Sydney Page
A great resource for all the basic information you need for Sydney.
Australia General Information Page
The Great Barrier Reef Information Page
or leave a comment below
page updated: April 2023
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