Thank you for choosing to stay with us as your destination of choice We are delighted to have you in residence to begin your amazing journey, and discover special moments through connection with our Capella Culturists From unearthing historical curiosity, experiencing the local neighbourhood, to exploring Sydney harbour, the team are ready to present the unexpected
We look forward to curating an array of unrivalled and memorable experiences for you at Capella Sydney Have a most wonderful stay
Best regards,
Marc von Arnim General Manager
Capella Sydney acknowledges the traditional custodians of the lands now known as New South Wales.
We pay our respects to Elders past and present, and to the continuing strength and resilience of First Nations people and cultures
Mural 2022 By Otis Hope Carey Otis Hope Carey, is a proud Gumbaynggirr and Bundjalung Man
Editor’s Note
Our passion for culture and history drives us to delve beneath the skin of the destination we call home We take pride in curating unique experiences punctuated with unforgettable moments that will delight and enrich for years to come
There's no better way to spend the cooler days of winter than exploring the Art Gallery of New South Wales Experience the prestigious Archibald Prize and discover the arresting exhibition Yolŋu power: The Art of Yirrkala The exhibition showcases the extraordinary artists of Yirrkala in north-east Arnhem Land from the 1940's to present
This month our Culturists are excited to share their passion for Australian Rules Football It's a night of sport like no other and one that will keep you on the edge of your seats!
Our Architecture walk examines the city and reflects on its transformative urban strategies alongside the defining architectural elements of George Street
We continue our Art Discovery Series, delve into Sydney's History and explore our storied neighbourhood with our expert guides
From design-led workshops for your Little Stars to creative collage, our Little Stars programming is sure to inspire and delight this July
Allow us to curate a lifetime of memories during your stay with us and discover why Capella Sydney embodies excellence in the craft of hospitality
Natalie Louw
Lead Curator
CAPELLA RITUALS
Daily Rituals are designed to create unique moments for guests Where exceptional moments unfold at every turn
We celebrate our site's vibrant past through cultural links, storytelling and incredible insight
CAPELLA RITUAL THE AFTERNOON SWILL
In 1916 laws in New South Wales required that public hotels (pubs as they are now known) close at 6pm, which was in part, a wartime austerity measure
As the working day ended, patrons, would descend on the public houses where they enjoyed lively banter and a refreshing beverage before the clock struck at 6pm, ushering in the austerity closing From this daily ritual the term the ‘six o ’clock swill’ was coined
The 'six o ’clock swill’ remained seared in the Australian cultural narrative until the law was abolished in 1955, however it became a permanent ritual of sorts, where today crowds of workers and locals from city to suburb can still be seen imbibing at their local bar of choice
We invite you to join us in The Living Room for convivial conversation, to linger awhile and enjoy the company of those around you before the evening ahead Replete with our signature cocktail
Exclusive to Guests In-House 16:30 until 17:30 each day The Living Room
CAPELLA MOMENTS
Our Capella Culturists have spent time scouring Sydney, leaving no leaf unturned in our mission to provide you with world-class experiences We seek, through knowledge, empathy and respect for Sydney's history and tradition, to create ‘Capella Moments’
Working alongside local experts, we have curated a selection of experiences designed to become lifelong memories.
Our experiences may be cancelled in the event of wet weather
For reservations please contact your Capella Culturists
THE HARBOUR SERIES EXPLORE LAVENDER BAY
Join our Culturist led tour to explore Wendy Whiteley’s extraordinary Secret Garden nestled in Lavender Bay
This is the extraordinary story of how a determined, passionate and deeply creative woman has slowly transformed a disused rail corridor into a harbourside sanctuary
For more than twenty years Wendy Whiteley has worked to create a public garden at the foot of her harbourside home Wendy and her renowned artist husband, the late Brett Whiteley, set up their family home in Lavender Bay in 1970 Brett Whiteley is one of Australia’s most eminent artists
From Circular Quay we travel to Lavender Bay aboard one of Sydney’s iconic ferries to Milsons Point It’s a brief walk from the wharf to Wendy’s Garden where you will have time to explore the tiered gardens with magnificent views across the Harbour and discover the pathways that reveal wonderful sculptures
Saturday 28 June at 10:00 - 12:00
Reservations are required by 18:00 the day prior
CAPELLA MOMENTS
ARCHITECTURE
WALK
Capella Sydney has teamed up with architect Eoghan Lewis, founder of the Sydney Architecture Walks and award-winning practice Eoghan Lewis Architects
A pedestrian artery for twenty thousand years; the ancient walking track from Circular Quay to the fresh water spring known as the Tank Stream is now Sydney’s meandering George Street spine
Tracing a route from Circular Quay to Sydney Town Hall, Eoghan will examine the city and reflect on the city's transformative urban strategies and focus on the defining urban and architectural elements of George Street including master works by Harry Seidler, Angelo Candalepas and Alexander Calder
It will expose you to new ways of thinking about and seeing Sydney
Friday 04 July at 10:00 until 12:00
Friday 18 July at 10:00 until 12:00
Reservations are required by 18:00 the day prior
CAPELLA MOMENTS VITALITY WALK
As the city awakens for the day join Culturist, Luke for an invigorating and brisk 3-5km walk
Enjoy the stillness of the morning light and watch the harbour come alive
Each Wednesday in July at 08:00
Reservations are required by 18:00 the day prior
Explore the stories of our site's unique heritage - its history, architecture and interiors
Discover the art works commissioned by Capella Sydney that reflect on this heritage
It’s a journey of discovery led by one of our Culturists
Each Thursday in July at 10:30 until 11:30
Reservations are required by 18:00 the day prior CAPELLA MOMENTS CULTURIST HOTEL TOUR
CAPELLA MOMENTS
ART GALLERY NSW - ARCHIBALD PRIZE 2025
For over a century, artists from Australia and New Zealand have captured the spirit of their times through portraiture, reflecting the personalities and issues that define their communities
Discover more about the Archibald Prize 2025 on a private tour led by one of the Gallery's expert guides View the finalists of the prize alongside the winner for 2025
Your private tour of the Archibald prize will also explore the Packing Room Prize Now in its 34 year, the Packing Room Prize is awarded to the best entry in the Archibald Prize as judged by the Art Gallery staff who receive, unpack and hang the entries
It’s a fixture on the Australian artistic calendar and one that we are delighted to invite you to experience
Saturday 05 July at 10:00 - 11:30
Reservations are required by 18:00 the day prior
CAPELLA MOMENTS
YOLŊU POWER: THE ART OF YIRRKALA
Yolŋu power: the art of Yirrkala showcases the extraordinary artists of Yirrkala and the power of their art from the 1940s to the present
The exhibition considers the significant moments in Yirrkala’s history when artists have consciously altered their practice, developed new styles or embraced new mediums In covering multiple generations, the exhibition highlights familial connections and cultural continuation It also contextualises the work of individual artists within the broader school of artists from Yirrkala and surrounding Miwatj Country, whose contribution to both Australian and, increasingly, international art, is profound
Join us for a private tour of the Yolŋu power: the art of Yirrkala exhibition at the Art Gallery of NSW The art of Yirrkala is inextricably intertwined with its cultural, political and social history
Explore Sydney’s beginnings as Journey Walk’s expert guide Max Burns McRuvie unpacks its colorful convict heritage in the historic Rocks precinct and the Quay
Capella Sydney and Journey Walks invite you to share a part in this remarkable story
It’s a History tour like no other
Saturday 12 July at 10:00 - 11:30
Reservations are required by 18:00 the day prior
CAPELLA MOMENTS ART DISCOVERY TOUR
Discover the art collection of Capella Sydney and the public sculpture in our neighbourhood.
Fiona McIntosh is an art advisor and tour leader with an extensive knowledge of the Australian visual arts scene and holds a deep understanding of contemporary art practices.
Drawing on her strong network of artists, curators and galleries, and knowledge of public collections, sculpture and major art events, Fiona develops and leads tours of the “best of art” on offer anytime in Sydney
Thursday 17 July from 10:30 - 12:00
Wednesday 23 July from 10:30 - 12:00
Reservations are required by 18:00 the day prior
CAPELLA MOMENTS A NIGHT AT THE FOOTY
Australian Rules Football affectionately called ‘Aussie Rules’ is a national past time
Join your Capella Culturists for a night at the footy, it's a night of sport like no other A game steeped in tradition, it's fast paced, high energy and a game filled with passion
Settle in for a night of rivalry between our home team the Sydney Swans v North Melbourne Your Culturists will teach you the rules of the game along the way
The Sydney Swans are a professional Australian Rules Football club based in Sydney with a home ground of the hallowed Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG)
Experience the tradition
Who will you be barracking for?
Saturday 19 July at 15:00 - 20:30
Reservations are required by 18:00 the day prior
CAPELLA MOMENTS OUR STORIED NEIGHBOURHOOD
Capella Sydney has teamed up with history and heritage specialist Mark Bowyer, founder of Old Compass Travel to curate a series of walking tours exclusively for our hotel guests
Capella Sydney is a heritage landmark in the heart of historic Sydney, surrounded by locations central to the dramatic evolution of the city Located a short stroll from Sydney’s world-renowned harbour, home to the Gadigal people of the Eora nation for thousands of years before colonisation We will examine architecture, monuments and gardens - all the while immersed in Sydney’s visual splendour
Join us for a fascinating walk of Sydney stories - many of them little-known, even by Sydney locals
Saturday 26 July at 10:30 until 12:30
Reservations are required by 18:00 the day prior
AURIGA SPA WELLNESS
Your path to rejuvenation starts at Auriga Spa
World-class wellness nestled among decades of architectural history
AURIGA SPA FLUIDFORM
In-house guests can also access exclusive Fluidform at Home workouts, ideal for guests looking to maintain their wellness regimen while travelling
At Capella Sydney, we ’ re dedicated to creating unforgettable memories for guests of all ages
From special in-room amenities, to hands-on workshops and seasonal activities, your Little Stars will be treated to one-of-a-kind experiences
Parents must be present for all Little Stars programs
LITTLE STARS DOODLING
Your Little Stars are sure to enjoy some colouring in with our reusable and sustainable colouring mats
Designed for hours of creative fun
Each Sunday 10:00 - 11:00
No Reservation required
LITTLE STARS COLLAGE WORKSHOP
Little Stars are invited to join us on a journey of creativity as they create their very own Echnida using foraged Australian native leaves, flowers and berries
It will be a colourful and fun workshop celebrating one of Australia's most iconic native animals
Collage is derived from the French verb coller, meaning "to glue" It refers to both the technique and the artwork in which materials are arranged and glued
Saturday 28 June at 10:00 until 11:00
Reservations are required by 18:00 the day prior
LITTLE STARS COLLAGE BY COLOUR
Choosing squares of coloured paper randomly, Little Stars will arrange the squares into a grid, using the element of chance to create their very own masterpiece
It's creative collage by chance!
Saturday 05 July at 10:00 until 11:00
Saturday 12 July at 10:00 until 11:00
Reservations are required by 18:00 the day prior
LITTLE STARS LET’S PLAY!
Board games are an engaging, educational and most importantly lots of fun
Join us for a game of Nature Memory!
The goal of the game is to win the most pairs of nature pictures To do this, Little Stars have to remember where the two identical cards are!
Little Stars will take home their travel sized game of Nature Memory
Saturday 19 July at 10:00 until 11:00
Reservations are required by 18:00 the day prior
CAPELLA MOMENTS WHALE OF A TIME
With the annual whale migration well underway let’s create a majestic and colourful collage of a humpback whale
Using recycled materials Little Stars will create a beautiful and colourful whale
Did you know that the term Collage is derived from the French verb coller, meaning "to glue" It refers to both the technique and the artwork in which materials are arranged and glued
Little Stars will have a whale of a time making and creating their collage
Saturday 26 July at 10:00 until 11:00
Reservations are required by 18:00 the day prior
CAPELLA CURATES
WORLD-CLASS
EXPERIENCES
We take pride in curating unique experiences punctuated with unforgettable moments that will delight and enrich for years to come
Curate your world-class experience with Capella Sydney's expert Culturists
CAPELLA CURATES SAIL AWAY
Step aboard the historic Southwinds, a timeless 1950's yacht steeped in elegance and adventure Sip champagne, savour fresh oysters, and soak up Sydney’s Iconic Harbour
CAPELLA CURATES THE STORY OF JØRN UTZON
Led by Sydney architect Eoghan Lewis, ‘The Story of Jørn Utzon’ provides a textured portrait of Danish architect and his greatest work, The Sydney Opera House
CAPELLA CURATES
WINE, DINE & CRIME
Join Max Burns-McRuvie as he exposes the dimly-lit underworld of Sydney’s 19th century Opium Dens and Gambling Haunts Explore the unique historic sites around The Rocks for a truly immersive experience like no other
