For the Love of Travel
For the Love of Travel

Pampered play in Sydney

The Emerald City is never afraid to strut her sass and sparkle. Get amongst some of the finest city offerings this winter and pamper yourself, writes Mike Yardley.

Casting my eyes across the gleaming blue waters of Circular Quay as the sun spangled the Emerald City’s emblematic landmarks, Sydney was overtly strutting her sass and her stature, as one of the world’s most beautiful harbour cities. Gazing across all her storied nooks, from Kirribilli Point to Mrs Macquarie’s Chair, it was my first time back on her fair waters, since the C-word first ensnarled the world. But even though this was my 30th visit to the city, and possibly my 30th harbour cruise, the radiant wraparound splendour of Sydney Harbour still struck me as a spell-binding panoramic spectacle. It’s a setting and experience that never fails to lift the spirits, no matter how many times you’ve previously lapped it up.

Mumm Harbour Bar Cruise credit Captain Cook Cruises

Feeling in a celebratory mood, I was on-board one of the newer harbour cruise offerings, Captain Cook’s Mumm Champagne Harbour Bar cruise. Departing from Darling Harbour and from Circular Quay up to nine times a day, this is quite the swanky step-up from the Captain Cook Coffee Cruise that was such a sightseeing staple for decades in Sydney. Boarding the beautiful Sydney 2000 super-cruiser, on a sparkling sunny winter’s day, the 90 minute cruise is a sensory celebration, with premium reserve lounge seating on the sublime Ocean Deck and full-access to the open deck for 360 degree panoramas across the waterfront delights. 

Mike on the Mumm Harbour Bar Cruise credit mike yardley

Treat yourself to some indulgence, with a bottle of G. H. Mumm Grand Cordon Champagne and a generously sized tiered seafood platter to share, tumbling with prawns, oysters, calamari and smoked salmon blinis. The on-board commentary serves up a spree of intriguing insights about the harbour environs, anecdotal shavings of history and unrivalled perspectives of the glitzy harbourside suburbs cascading down to the water’s edge. It’s such a winning way to serenade your triumphant return to Sydney. www.captaincook.com.au

Bridge climb views credit Bridge Climb

Sticking with the triumphal theme, the world’s greatest coathanger, Sydney Harbour Bridge, has been in milestone-mode of late, celebrating its 90th anniversary this year. Since 1998, more than four million people have scaled the summit of this world-famous bridge, cementing its stature as one the city’s top-billing tourist experiences, the Bridge Climb. It’s the most climbed bridge in the world. The VIP wall inside the attraction’s reception, lustily displays some of its most famous guests, from Prince Harry, Oprah and David Beckham to Will Smith and Justin Timberlake.

BridgeClimb Sydney experience credit Bridge Climb

I first conquered this climb 20 years ago, after a long-night on the town and feeling decidedly queasy. Older and wiser this time round, my sister and I joined a group of fellow climbers for an early-morning ascent to the flag-flapping summit. Our infectiously entertaining Climb Leader, Mika, was also feeling nostalgic because after 2000 climbs, he was guiding our group on his last outing. The fun facts and anecdotal nuggets flowed freely as we made our ascent to the summit of the world’s largest steel arch. It takes 1,332 steps to reach the summit, which on average will burn off 504 calories. How virtuous!

Mike and his sister on the climb. credit Bridge Climb

It might sound like a lot of steps, but the walk is really quite the doddle, leisurely-paced, with ample stops to soak up the vistas and pose for photos. Taking eight years to construct, the bridge comprises over 550,000 individual pieces of steel and weighs 52,000 tonnes. 79% of the steel was imported from England. The bridge is held together by almost six million hand-driven rivets. 16 workers died during the bridge’s construction, out of a 1400-strong workforce. But given the appallingly lax safety standards of the time, it’s a minor miracle that only two workers died from falling off the bridge.

Up to the flags. credit Bridge Climb

Only two men have survived falling from the Harbour Bridge. The first, Vincent Kelly, an Irishman, fell while working on the construction of the road level. He supposedly cheated death by dropping his toolbelt in the water to break the surface tension. Mika also surprised us by pointing out that the four gorgeous sandstone pylons bookending the bridge, which many think supports the whole structure, are purely decorative. You’ll also learn about you’ll also learn about Billy Blue, who operated the first ferry service across the harbour. Being a convict, he didn’t suffer fools lightly, so those who tried to avoid paying were unceremoniously thrown overboard. Blue’s Point, just by Lavender Bay, is named after him.

Summit achieved credit Bridge Climb

Not to be confused, you’ll also see Blinky Bill close-up, the faithful red beacon, winking at you between the two flags. We also discussed the imminent installation of the Aboriginal Flag, joining the state and national flags at the bridge summit. Installing the twenty metre high pole for the new flag carries an eye-wincing price tag of $25M! After much backlash, the NSW government has since decided to simply replace the State flag with the Aboriginal one. But it’s the views, those high, wide and unobstructed views across the harbour and serrated skyline that really are the crowning highlight of the Bridge Climb experience. Do it early morning and watch the rising sun spark up Sydney, 134 metres above the water.

Skyline from the climb credit Bridge Climb

Undeniably an engineering masterpiece and central to Sydney’s cultural history, what really struck me as I gazed down at the lanes of vehicular traffic, trains, cyclists and walkers zipping by, was how incredibly future-proofed this bridge build was 90 years ago. Boldly built with a spaciously wide girth and able to cater to so many traffic modes, the bridge remains a masterclass in adaptable, future-focused design. It definitely deserves a climb.  https://www.bridgeclimb.com/

Cabana Bar exterior credit Cabana

Great eats in Sydney? The culinary scene is constantly re-setting the table and refreshing the bar, so I was eager to check out some of the city’s hottest new haunts. Riding the wave of Martin Place’s recent $170 million refresh, a slew of inviting new bars and diners are making a splash in the heart of the CBD, including Sydney’s largest outdoor terrace watering hole, Cabana Bar.

Island Bar at Cabana credit mike yardley

This sexy slice of tropicana nestled amid the tall towers instantly seduces. Cabana channels frisky holiday beach-club vibes with pretty pastel pinks, marble and gold accents, festoon lighting and lush vertical gardens throughout. The expansive wraparound terrace space spans over 100 metres, a fast new favourite for after-work drinks, and the entire complex has five designer spaces to explore. I headed there for dinner and was seated in the plush Aruba Booths.

Fun at Cabana Bar credit Cabana

Executive chef Brad Sloane is cranking out pub classics which lean heavily into the ocean, with oysters, shrimps and squid being the hot-sellers. I definitely recommend the Tacos menu. The beer-battered Barramundi Tacos with cabbage chipotle mayo and lime are delish!  Cocktail lovers, you’re in heaven. I plumped for one of their Signatures, Tilley Wills, which is a mix of gin, elderflower liqueur, passionfruit and lime.

Tilley Wills and Tacos credit mike yardley

Thirsty? Dive into the “fishbowl” cocktails, 600 millilitre balloon glasses that are “designed for the long-term vacationer.” The cocktail list reads like a menu of poolside holiday classics, with Daiquiris, Pina Coladas, Mojitos – and even a Millionaire’s Margarita, selling for the princely sum of $140. Cabana’s convivial, playful atmos guarantees a great start to your night.

AALIA restaurant design credit AALIA

Just below Cabana, make a dinner reservation at AALIA and embark on a divine food odyssey into the Middle East. Inspired by architect Harry Siedler’s curves of Martin Place’s MLC building, AALIA’s plush interiors and curvaceous warm woods push the boundaries just as much as Egyptian chef Paul Farag’s inspired menu. Steam-softened spotted gum soars to the ceiling like the finely ribbed gills of mushrooms, while seating is in taupe leather booths. Bread aficionados will love AALIA’s ballooned Khorasan pita bread, made in-house and served piping hot, ready to be torn and dipped to your heart’s desire. Beautifully burnished brown balls of this Persian bread line the counter of the open kitchen until sold out.

AALIA dishes credit AALIA

I loved the masgouf, an Iraqi char-grilled Murray Cod. It’s barbequed low and slow with a traditional masgouf glaze of garlic, turmeric, and tamarind, before being brushed with the juice of apples and pineapples to give it a sweet and sour flavour. The almond crusted John Dory with tarator and maresh chilli, is a winner too. But it was the lamb that stole the show. Slow-roasted lamb neck shawarma, all soft and smoky, under great hunks of crispness, laid out on folds of flopsy, pull-apart flatbread baked on a saj. It’s dynamic dining with plenty of Middle Eastern theatre.

Radisson Blu Plaza Sydney credit Radisson

Push the boat out on the indulgence quotient and surrender to one of Sydney’s most celebrated High Teas. Radisson Blu Plaza’s Signature High Tea is a sure-fire hit for happy bellies in the winter months. The in-house chefs pride themselves on innovation and incorporating surprise elements, into their menus. Entering through the impressive sandstone façade and marble entrance off Pitt St, this triangular landmark Beaux Arts building, was built in 1856 for publishers John Fairfax. It’s full of historic charm and contemporary comfort.

Signature High Tea at Radisson Blu Plaza credit Radisson

Seated by the gorgeous high heritage windows, streaming with natural light, the atmosphere was elegant, with its subtle lighting, plush lounges and bone-white linen. The plush velvet green upholstered armchairs are perfect for sinking into for a lazy afternoon. Starting off with a glass of prosecco, while we sorted out our tea preferences, a beautifully presented three-tiered china stand soon graced our table, a tower of goodness, laden with sweet and savoury treats, along with the obligatory scone, clotted cream and jam.

Mike at the Radisson Blu Plaza credit mike yardley

Highlights included the cucumber and cream cheese sandwiches, chicken curry puffs, mini espresso cheesecake tarts and sago pearl pudding with cantaloupe and lemon crystal jelly. The Radisson is also proud to be one of the first hotels in Sydney to offer a special vegan high tea! Get amongst it. https://www.radissonhotels.com/en-us/hotels/radisson-blu-sydney/restaurant-bar/high-tea

Mary Poppins the Musical credit Daniel Boud

Theatre time? The heart-warming magic has returned to Sydney with Disney and Cameron Mackintosh’s supercalifragilistic new production of Mary Poppins now on stage at Sydney Lyric Theatre. An absolute classic that has been entertaining families for decades, hear all the favourite old songs as well as the recent additions, including Practically Perfect and Anything Can Happen. If ever there was a show that transports you into a sense of childlike wonder, this is it. Endearing performances, visually spectacular sets and technical trickery and stunts that one-up themselves at every turn, this is a well-oiled machine with a sprinkle of Disney fairydust.

Mary Popiins the Musical credit Daniel Boud

From high-flying acrobatics to truly mystifying special effects, it pulls out all the stops. Some of the illusions, like the magically appearing umbrella, will floor you. Whether or not you’ve caught previous productions of this musical, Mary’s latest outing will ensure you’re in for a fresh experience. There’s a whole lot more tricks packed into that deceptive carpet bag. And Stefanie Jones’ performance of Mary Poppins is indeed practically perfect. The musical is on stage until late August. Book now. https://marypoppinsmusical.com.au/

Hyatt Regency overlooking Darling Harbour credit Hyatt

Where to stay? Hyatt Regency Sydney is the city’s largest premium hotel, boasting 888 guestrooms and a salivating feast of dining experiences. Perfectly poised on Sussex St, with a gun-barrel view across Darling Harbour, with easy access to the majestic Pyrmont Bridge, lap up a luxurious stay with a harbour view worth waking up for.

Zephyr rooftop bar at Hyatt Regency credit Hyatt

Indulge and unwind in the hotel’s bars and restaurants including, Zephyr sky bar which boasts sigh-inducing panoramic views of Darling Harbour from the rooftop, a high tea or seafood table at Sailmaker restaurant, the immersive cocktail bar Jackalberry, and Dundee Arms – one of Sydney’s oldest surviving pubs for a cheeky beer, which is incorporated into the hotels’ precinct.

Harbour Suite at Hyatt Regency credit Hyatt

If you like your breakfast served buffet-style, Hyatt Regency lays on a particularly lavish spread. The hotel has also refreshed its High Tea with an inventive G&Tea experience, with delightful sweet and savoury delicacies infused with Australian native flavours, botanical gin and tonics and artisan teas. Guestrooms celebrate the vistas with generously-sized windows, while the design palette channels a distinct maritime theme, anchored by a navy blue and cream palette in the guestrooms.

Sublime ensuite bathrooms at Hyatt Regency credit Hyatt

Contemporary décor, supremely comfortable bedding and deluxe amenities make every stay extra special, including bathrooms with walk-in showers, and rooms brimming with business-focused amenities and comfortable workstations, if you’re in-house on a work trip. Despite the size of the hotel, it purrs with efficiency and warmth, the highly attentive and outgoing staff ensure this is a truly a pampered hotel retreat. Spoil yourself. www.hyatt.com

Hyatt Regency overlooking Pyrmont Bridge credit visit sydney

Fly to Sydney with Qantas, who operate an extensive network of Tasman services from Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch and Queenstown. Enjoy an all-inclusive in-flight service with excellent entertainment offerings and tasty meal boxes in Economy, with complimentary alcoholic beverages. In Business, enjoy a generous meal with a great choice of mains, warmed bakery and something sweet to finish.

The world’s greatest coast-hanger at night. Credit visit sydney

Qantas Neil Perry Sommeliers proudly present a discerning selection of wines from across Australasia along with a range of spirits and non-alcoholic options. Qantas also provides a generous 30kg checked baggage allowance when flying Economy, or 40kg in Business. Qantas flights to Sydney start from $342, one-way. Book direct at www.qantas.com