HOT SPOTS FOR 2019 - SYDNEY

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CENTRAL SYDNEY

The reinvention of Darling Harbour continues in 2019

Much of Darling Harbour has been hidden behind hoarding for the past couple of years as the popular spot undergoes a complete reinvention. In 2019, the walls will come down and reveal a vibrant new space packed with restaurants, bars and stylish hotels.

The final touches will be put on the new Darling Square neighbourhood, on the site of the old Entertainment Centre. The Steam Mill Lane dining precinct was the first to be completed and in 2019 it will be joined by Little Hay Street, a strip of al fresco cafes and shops that links Darling Harbour and Chinatown. Darling Harbour is also set to be the city's new hotel hub. The high rise Sofitel Darling Harbour led the way and will soon be joined by Vibe Darling Harbour in 2019 and the five-star W Sydney in the striking Ribbon Building in 2019 or 2020.

New and improved restaurants in The Rocks

The $32 million renovation of the historic Campbell's Stores buildings along The Rocks waterfront will be completed by early next year. It will be home to a number of restaurants from high-profile operators, including the team behind the new Pacific Club Bondi Beach, chef Nobuyuki Ura from Sushi-e and the Lotus Group. Additionally, Sydney icon Quay goes into 2019 with a new look and a new menu after a comprehensive three and a half month, $4 million refresh.

New hotel for Sydney's CBD

A 12-storey hotel will rise above Wynyard Station in late 2019. The luxurious-yet-affordable Little National Hotel will have 230 rooms, a gym, library, and rooftop bar and restaurant. The prime location puts the hotel just a few minutes undercover walk to Barangaroo.

THE WEST

Parramatta cements its position as Sydney's second CBD

The west's most stylish watering hole has recently opened its doors, on the 26th floor of Parramatta's new V by Crown development. Nick & Nora's is a 300-seat rooftop bar from The Speakeasy Group (behind Eau de Vie and Mjolner) and is styled like a New York penthouse. There are more than 50 champagnes on the menu, 300 spirits and cocktails made with liquid nitrogen.

Sports fans will find plenty to love in Western Sydney too. The new $300 million Western Sydney Stadium (which replaced Parramatta Stadium) will be completed in 2019. Its 30,000 seats sit at a 34 degree angle, making it the steepest stadium in the world, and there are lots of high tech amenities across the ground. The HSBC Sydney 7s tournament is also heading west for 2019 and will be held at Sydney Olympic Park in February.

THE NORTH

Upgrade to Manly Wharf

Passengers getting off the ferry in 2019 will walk into a completely redeveloped Manly Wharf complex. The $9 million facelift will see a second storey added and existing facilities upgraded. Saké and Fratelli Fresh will open new restaurants on the second floor, joining Merivale's Queen Chow which took over from Papi Chulo in late 2018. Over on the beach side, the three level Manly Greenhouse has an Italian restaurant on the ground floor, a grill on the middle level and an open-air rooftop cocktail bar.

INNER WEST

New hotel developments in Pyrmont

In Pyrmont, 2019 is all about old pubs made new. The 170-year-old The Terminus Hotel was reopened in 2018 after a 30 year closure and new features include a plush cocktail bar, sun drenched courtyard, Turkish-style menu and nine accommodation rooms. Down the road, the Quarryman's Hotel has opened a Palm Springs-inspired rooftop bar with a sunny verandah overlooking the city.

THE EAST

Four Points by Sheraton Sydney now open in Chippendale

The huge Central Park development in Chippendale now has its own hotel, the new Four Points by Sheraton Sydney with almost 300 rooms and suites, an al fresco bar, restaurant and event spaces. There are endless food options to choose from in Central Park or guests can wander down George Street to the new Saint George café/wine bar from renowned chef James Metcalfe.

New spots to stay in Surry Hills

If you're looking for Sydney's most interesting new hotels, then Surry Hills is where you'll want to hang your hat. Paramount House Hotel and Little Albion Guest House are some of Sydney's coolest places to stay, making guests feel like they really live in the city. Also in the Paramount House complex is Poly, the long awaited second outpost from the team behind Ester. Plans are underway to convert Tyne House in Surry Hills into a luxury 285-room hotel to open in 2020.

New offerings for the tastebuds in Bondi Beach

Bondi Beach is having its moment in the sun, with a string of new hotels, bars and restaurants opening their doors. Along the waterfront, the Pacific Club Bondi is a refined bistro with a focus on native ingredients and a head chef from the North Coast's famous Harvest Newrybar. It's an all-day venue, so you can start with an acai bowl in the morning and go all the way through to cocktails at night. Newly opened Ode has a similar philosophy, bringing together a café, restaurant and wine bar under the one roof on Bondi Road. Inside Bondi Beach Public Bar, Iceberg's head Maurice Terzini has opened Bonnies Food + Wine, a 'room within a room' that seats 50 people.

If you want to spend the night, a former boarding house has been transformed and reopened as The Baxley, a 30-room coastal retreat with lots of white wood, palm leaf prints and turquoise accents.

REGIONAL NSW – NEW FOR 2019

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CENTRAL & MID NORTH COAST: Bannisters Port Stephens, opened September 2018

Celebrity chef Rick Stein is moving north of Sydney, opening a second Bannisters property in the coastal town of Port Stephens. Nestled on the coast and fringed by national parks, Bannisters Port Stephens has 80 coastal-luxe rooms, four suites and a breathtaking penthouse. There's also an infinity pool overlooking the glittering bay and a new seafood restaurant from Stein.

www.bannisters.com.au/port-stephens

NORTH COAST: Byron Bay Bluesfest celebrates 30th anniversary in 2019

Byron Bay Bluesfest, one of Australia's original outdoor music festivals, is marking its 30th anniversary in 2019. Held over the Easter long weekend, the festival showcases blues and roots music from around the world with more than 200 performances over five days. The anniversary show is set to be the biggest yet, with artists like Jack Johnson, Ben Harper, Ray LaMontagne, Kasey Chambers and George Clinton to perform.
bluesfest.com.au

HUNTER VALLEY: New hotel openings entice travellers to Australia's oldest wine regions in 2019

The sprawling Crowne Plaza Hunter Valley resort is currently undergoing renovations and will introduce a new adults-only pool and cabana bar in time for summer. Spicers Retreats is opening a second Hunter Valley property, Spicers Guesthouse, in November. The group spent $20 million on a two-year renovation of the former Peppers Guest House in Pokolbin, creating a 49-room retreat with extensive wedding and event facilities. On a smaller scale, Blackwood is a Scandi-inspired cottage for two with a heated outdoor plunge pool, helipad and private yoga classes available on the jetty.
spicersretreats.com/retreats/spicers-guesthouse /
www.crowneplazahuntervalley.com.au / thewoods.com.au/blackwood

SOUTH COAST: Experience nature with upgrades to walking tracks along the NSW South Coast

Hikers should plan a trip to the South Coast in 2019 with the completion of a $3.9 million upgrade to the Great Southern Nature Walk in the Royal National Park. Work is also continuing on the Royal Coast Track, which is set to be finished in 2020. An upgrade to Wollongong's Blue Mile Path has been completed with the new path linking Belmore Basin and North Wollongong Beach.
uk.sydney.com/destinations/south-coast

BLUE MOUNTAINS: Fairmont Resort and Spa will mark its 30th anniversary in 2019

The Fairmont Resort and Spa will mark its 30th anniversary in 2019. To celebrate, the resort has opened one of the largest purpose-built day spas in Australia. The two-storey Ubika Day Spa & Wellness Retreat is designed with sandstone walkways and water features, and boasts 16 treatment rooms and four couple's rooms.
www.fairmontresort.com.au

RIVERINA: Leeton's Art Deco Festival returns in 2019

Leeton's Art Deco Festival is making a comeback in 2019 and will be held during the Winter school holidays from 12-14 July. Leeton is the unofficial art deco capital of Australia, with more than 20 buildings listed on the Art Deco Society of NSW's register. Plans are still being finalised but the festival will likely include guided walking tours, a soapbox derby and Prohibition dinners.
www.facebook.com/pg/LeetonArtDecoFestival

COUNTRY NSW: Dubbo welcomes Their Royal Highnesses the Duke and Duchess of Sussex

Their Royal Highnesses the Duke and Duchess of Sussex (otherwise known as Prince Harry and wife Meghan Markle) are visiting just three places in Australia – Sydney, Melbourne and Dubbo. This country town will be firmly on the map for 2019. While the Royal Schedule has yet to be announced, they might like to visit Taronga Western Plains Zoo, the historic Dubbo Gaol or the Red Earth Estate cellar door.
uk.sydney.com/destinations/country-nsw/dubbo-area

The craft beer movement is heading west with Dubbo's first ever brewery to open in March 2019. Devil's Elbow Brewery will be part of the Blueridge Business Park, just outside of town, there will be a focus on good coffee and warm hospitality. 

OUTBACK NSW: Broken Hill Outback Resort opens in 2019

The historic Mt Gipps Hotel, which began serving thirsty travellers in 1890, has been reborn as the Broken Hill Outback Resort and is due for completion in 2019. Just 10 minutes outside of Broken Hill, the complex will include 24 king spa cabins, 40 caravan and camping sites, swimming pool, playground, bistro, fine dining restaurant and bush walking trails.
www.brokenhilloutbackresort.com.au