WhereTraveler Sydney Guestbook June 2019

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SYDNEY ®

& The Hunter Valley

A collection of pearl and diamond jewellery from Martin & Stein.

Shop 22, The Grand Walk, Queen Victoria Building, 445 George Street, Sydney Telephone (02) 9267 6628 Facsimile (02) 9267 4757

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We unconditionally guarantee all our stock and ship world wide tax free.

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WELCOME TO SYDNEY

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WHERE GUESTBOOK SYDNEY

PHOTO: HAMILTON LUND/DESTINATION NSW.

LETTER FROM THE LORD MAYOR OF SYDNEY

Our harbour city is Australia’s face to the world, and the world’s portal to Australia. It’s an exciting, eclectic, hospitable and beautiful place that Sydneysiders are proud to call home and that almost three million visitors a year delight in discovering.

Beautiful parks, clean and lively streets and a rich and diverse culture make Sydney an ever-shifting kaleidoscope of experiences. People from nearly 200 different nationalities live in Sydney, building a tolerant city which is called “a city of villages”. Our strategy for the city’s future—Sustainable Sydney 2030—will ensure Sydney is green, global and connected.

Our urban villages, generous open spaces, first-class restaurants and night-life are set in the glorious framework of Sydney Harbour, and all roads eventually lead back to the city’s favourite stage for spectacle and urban ritual.

On New Year’s Eve, more than one and a half million people enjoy our spectacular fireworks on the Harbour, while Sydney’s Chinese New Year Festival has become the largest celebration of its kind outside Asia. But Sydney is also a place for quiet contemplation in our wonderful parks, a visit to outstanding theatre, concerts or exhibitions, enjoying a drink or a meal in one of our laneways or taking advantage of our world-class shopping.

I wish you a memorable and rewarding stay in our great city.

CLOVER MOORE Lord Mayor of Sydney

WHERE GUESTBOOK SYDNEY

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CONTENTS

32

102

124

SYDNEY ESSENCE 24 HANDPICKED WINES

102 BEST OF THE WEST

Enjoy a regional cellar door experience in the heart of Sydney’s CBD.

32 TASTE OF THE TOWN Eat your way around the city’s unique food precincts.

The hidden gems of sunny Newcastle are well worth the road trip north.

BY CHRISTINE KNIGHT

BY JESSICA FEENSTRA

108 INTO THE BLUE Escape to the Blue Mountains.

BY SIÂN EDWARDS

94 SPIRITS OF SYDNEY From gin halls to whisky dens, Sydney offers an array of specialised spirit bars.

BY OLIVIA STORRIE

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W H E R E G UES TBO O K S YD NEY

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124 ALL NEW HORIZONS

Discover Parramatta, a vibrant modern city and Sydney’s geographical heart.

THE HUNTER VALLEY Sample the magnificent food and wine of Pokolbin; Broke Road’s award-winning wineries and restaurants; and the sheer exhilaration of a high altitude flight over the valley.

130 PARTING SHOT Bronte Bliss.

B E A U T Y

R I C H

A N D

R A R E

Shop G17, Queen Victoria Building, Sydney 02 9267 7974 contact@mondial.com.au www.mondial.com.au Follow us: AUSTR ALIA’S L AR GEST SELECTION OF AR GYLE PINK & NATUR AL COLOURED DIA MONDS

CONTENTS

12

40

68

SYDNEY ESSENTIALS 12

FIRST LOOK Must-see attractions: From the iconic Sydney Opera House to bustling Bondi Beach.

50 THE STRAND ARCADE

26 SPECIAL EVENTS

Discover a treasure trove of truly historic proportions.

40 STYLE OF THE CITY From designer labels to objets d’art, shoppers in Sydney are spoilt for choice.

W H E R E G U E S TBO O K S YD NEY

66

The spectacular beauty of Argyle Diamonds.

BY HELEN HAYES AND ROSHAN SUKHLA

An exciting array of events await in the year ahead.

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47 THE BRILLIANT LIGHT OF AUSTRALIA

56 A ROYAL ENGAGEMENT The rich history of the Queen Victoria Building revealed.

62 FIRE FROM THE OUTBACK Opals are one of the world’s most precious gemstones.

THE NATIONAL OPAL COLLECTION A fascinating insight into Australia’s national gemstone.

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THE ROCKS A beautifully preserved narrative of Sydney’s history.

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GLORIOUS GALLERIES Original artworks from a range of styles are readily available.

M A N LY B E A C H | 90, The Corso | 02.9976.2127 S Y D N E Y | The Ivy Building, 330 D George Street | 02.9233.2343 B I R K E N H E A D P O I N T O U T L E T C E N T R E | 19 Roseby Street | 02.9181.1633

Where to Eat, Shop and Play is Just a Touch Away

SYDNEY & THE HUNTER VALLEY PUBLISHED BY WHERE AUSTRALIA PTY LTD (ABN 44 167 255 254)

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Sydney Harbour Bridge. Michael Amadeus/Unsplash

COPYRIGHT: All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system or transmitted by any means; electro static, magnetic tape, mechanical, photocopying, recording or in any other manner without the permission in writing from the publisher.

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W H E R E GU E S TBO O K S YD NEY

first look WHERE ELSE IN THE WORLD CAN YOU FIND A KANGAROO, FEED A GIRAFFE, VISIT A WORLD-CLASS OPERA HOUSE, GO SAILING AND BUSHWALK, WITHIN COOEE OF THE CBD? ONLY IN SYDNEY. BY HELEN HAYES AND ROSHAN SUKHLA.

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W WH HE ER RE E GU GUESTBO ESTBOO OK K SYD SYDNEY NEY

Bondi Beach This golden strip of sand is a major attraction in Sydney and not just for sun worshippers and surfers. Bondi does have the X factor and has something to please everybody. The strip has trendy cafÊs on the beachfront, busy boutiques and cuttingedge restaurants, where diners can sit and take in the views and do some people watching. The best view is to be had at iconic waterfront restaurant Icebergs—worth every cent. The Bondi to Bronte walk is a must do, and Sculpture by the Sea in spring is stunning, with original artworks set amidst the natural splendour of the coastline. sculpturebythesea.com

PHOTO: ALEX KING/UNSPLASH.

G UESTB OOK SY DN EY WHERE GUEST

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F IR ST LOO K

Art Gallery of New South Wales Located in the leafy Domain, the Art Gallery of NSW is beautiful inside and out. It opened in 1871 and houses a magnificent collection of international and Australian art. Modern and contemporary works are on show in light-filled spaces, while the Grand Courts boast a collection of colonial and 19th-century Australian works and European old masters. There are also galleries celebrating the arts of Asia and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders. Plan to have a drink or lunch at Chiswick at the Gallery, which offers lovely views over the Harbour. Admission to the gallery is free.

Art Gallery Road, The Domain, Sydney. artgallery.nsw.gov.au

Sydney Harbour Bridge The star of our New Year’s Eve fireworks and probably the most photographed man-made structure in Australia, the Sydney Harbour Bridge opened in 1932 as the world’s tallest steel arch bridge. More than 200,000 cars travel over the bridge every day. Climb up the 200 stairs in the South East Pylon to the lookout and check out the museum inside. Take a leisurely stroll across the bridge at your own pace. Enter via the stairs on Cumberland Street in The Rocks and walk all the way to Kirribilli on the other side.

PHOTO: HAMILTON LUND/DESTINATION NSW.

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W H E R E GU E STBO O K SYD NEY

F I RST LOOK

Sydney Opera House The World Heritage-listed, world-famous building is not just there to look pretty, it is highly sought after for concerts, theatre productions and for dinner or a cocktail with a knock-yoursocks-off view. The architectural marvel, designed by Jørn Utzon and opened by the Queen in 1973, has tiles that took three years to produce, as Utzon wanted them to be glossy, but not too mirror-like. You can even ‘buy’ a tile through the ‘Own Our House’ project. Sign up for a tour—there are several to choose from that show off the interiors and exteriors of this magnificent structure. sydneyoperahouse.com

PHOTO: TYLER DUSTON/UNSPLASH.

WHERE GUEST B OOK SY DN EY

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F IR ST LOO K

Centennial Parklands Centennial Parklands is a beautiful recreation area in the middle of Sydney’s iconic Eastern Suburbs. Home to a diverse range of flora and fauna, Centennial Parklands is a playground for both adults and children alike. Hire a bicycle and wind your way around the bike paths, do some bird watching, go rollerblading or hop on a horse and have the unique experience of riding around the park. With a variety of special events on throughout the year from movie screenings to food festivals to children’s activities, there’s always something on at Centennial Parklands.

Oxford Street, Paddington. centennialparklands.com.au

PHOTO: JASON LOUCAS.

Cockatoo Island Cockatoo Island is a UNESCO World Heritage-listed island located in the middle of Sydney Harbour. Explore the island through its numerous walking paths and tunnels, and learn more about the convict history of this former ship building dockyard. Take the audio tour (purchased from the Visitor Centre) to hear all about the varied lives of the former inhabitants of the island. You can even stay overnight in the campground, or if you are after a little more luxury, try glamping.

Cockatoo Island is also home to various events throughout the year including exhibitions, concerts and festivals.

Cockatoo Island, Sydney Harbour. 8969 2100. cockatooisland.gov.au

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W H E R E GU E STBO O K SYD NEY

PHOTO: PMG. PHOTO: CAPTION.

F I RST LOOK

Paddington The inner-city suburb of Paddington is well known for its trendy fashion boutiques. Wander the streets and you’ll find contemporary Australian fashion labels, or head to Paddington Markets on a Saturday and discover wares from up-and-coming designers, alongside finely made handcrafted goods. Stop by the Paddington Reservoir Gardens, a secret hidden treasure of the city. Housed below street level, you can stroll through the gardens, which are reminiscent of the Hanging Gardens of Babylon, and enjoy a sense of peace from the bustling city streets above.

Oxford Street and surrounds, Paddington.

PHOTO: PADDINGTON RESERVOIR GARDENS. ANNA KUCERA/DESTINATION NSW. PHOTO: CAPTION.

WHERE G UEST B OOK SY DN EY

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F I R ST LOO K

Sydney Olympic Park An easy train or ferry ride from Sydney’s CBD will get you to Sydney Olympic Park. Built for the Sydney 2000 Olympics, Sydney Olympic Park is now known as one of Sydney’s major sporting and entertainment precincts, with world-class venues including ANZ Stadium, Qudos Bank Arena and Sydney Showground. There are lots of family-friendly activities to enjoy, such as archery, netball and swimming, as well as plenty of green spaces to explore like Bicentennial Park, Cathy Freeman Park and Blaxland Riverside Park, renowned for its incredible play space for kids.

Australia Avenue, Sydney Olympic Park. 9714 7888. sydneyolympicpark.com.au

Manly The saying goes that Manly is ‘seven miles from Sydney and 1000 miles from care’, and it is so true. The trip on the Manly Ferry is spectacular and once in Manly, there is so much to do. Take a surf lesson, go for a dip, hire a bike and ride along the beachfront or stroll around to beautiful Shelly Beach and go for a snorkel. Afterwards, sit back and relax at one of the many restaurants and bars. hellomanly.com.au

PHOTO: ETHAN ROHLOFF/DESTINATION NSW.

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W H E R E G U ESTBO O K SYD NEY

F I RST LOOK

Darling Harbour Darling Harbour is the playground of the CBD, with a host of things to do, places to dine and spots to just sit and relax. Sit on the boardwalk around Cockle Bay with an ice cream or a coffee, reflect in the beautiful Chinese Garden, try your hand at a flight simulator, visit Madame Tussauds Sydney, check out the Powerhouse Museum, go sailing with Sydney by Sail, explore the Australian National Maritime Museum, go underwater at SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium or go animal at WILD LIFE Sydney Zoo. After dark, catch a show at The Star. darlingharbour.com

INTERNATIONAL CONVENTION CENTRE SYDNEY. PHOTO: JAMES HORAN/DESTINATION NSW.

WHERE GUEST B OOK SY DN EY

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F I R ST LOO K

Barangaroo Reserve This beautiful harbourside park offers stunning views of the Sydney Harbour Bridge, ANZAC Bridge and surrounds. The land was a former container wharf, and was spectacularly transformed into a public park in 2015. The six-hectare headland has been planted with over 75,000 trees and shrubs.

Stroll around the foreshore on the Wulugul Walk, lie back on the Stargazer Lawn or bask in the vast multipurpose space of The Cutaway. Bring a picnic and watch the sun set over the harbour, or take a guided tour and learn more about the area’s rich Aboriginal history and cultural significance. Enter via Argyle Place or Towns Place, Walsh Bay. barangaroo.com

Australian Museum Australia’s oldest museum turned 190 years old in 2017.

Follow in the engraved footsteps of an Indigenous child from 20,000 years ago via the Museum Walk. The magnificent zig-zag glass Crystal Hall entrance on William Street is a carbon-neutral, energy efficient masterpiece, while the permanent Wild Planet gallery features more than 400 animals from all around the world. The Australian Museum houses both the most diverse bird and fish collection and the most comprehensive crystal and mineral collection in Australia as well as the largest DNA lab in the Southern Hemisphere.

1 William Street, Sydney. australianmuseum.net.au

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W H E R E GU E STBO O K SYD NE Y

PHOTO: © ABRAM POWELL.

F I RST LOOK

Bare Island Fort Beautiful historic Bare Island Fort is located near La Perouse.

You’ll find it in Kamay Botany Bay National Park. The fort was built in the early 1880s to protect Sydney’s southern harbour entrance. It was in operation until 1908, after which time it became Australia’s first war veterans’ home. It is also a place of Aboriginal significance with over 30 Aboriginal sites in the park, including rock art and engravings. You may recognise Bare Island as the location from the Hollywood film, “Mission: Impossible 2”. Take a guided tour (runs every Sunday) to learn more about this fascinating place. nationalparks.nsw.gov.au/things-to-do/guided-tours/ bare-island-fort-guided-tour

ABORIGINAL CULTURAL DANCE AND MUSIC PERFORMANCE AT BLAK MARKETS, BARE ISLAND, LA PEROUSE. PHOTO: DANIEL BOUD/DESTINATION NSW.

WHERE GUEST B OOK SY DN EY

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F I R ST LOO K

Walsh Bay Walsh Bay, located between the historic Rocks area and très cool Barangaroo, is the city’s premier arts district. It is home to the world-renowned Sydney Theatre Company, as well as dance pioneers Sydney Dance Company and Bangarra Dance Theatre.

As you wander around the wharfs, be sure to keep your eyes peeled to the ground to spot plaques commemorating Sydney’s theatre legends, as part of the Sydney Theatre Walk. Catch a performance at the grand Roslyn Packer Theatre, then dine out— choose from the likes of Fratelli Fresh, Lotus Dumpling Bar, Ventuno Pizzeria Birreria Enoteca and Walsh Bay Kitchen.

Locations around Walsh Bay. walshbaysydney.com

PHOTO: DESTINATION NSW.

The Goods Line The Goods Line is Sydney’s answer to New York’s High Line.

Running from Railway Square near Central Station, through to Darling Harbour along an old freight railway corridor, the pathway is an urban retreat. Walk past the University of Technology Sydney’s architectural masterpiece, the Frank Gehry-designed Dr Chau Chak Wing Building, known to locals as the “paper bag” building. Along the way take a seat at one of the bright communal picnic tables, or have a game of table tennis. Continue down to the Museum of Applied Arts and Sciences’ Powerhouse Museum, where design and technology are at the forefront. maas.museum/powerhouse-museum

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W H E R E GU E STBO O K SYD NEY

PHOTO: PHOTO: TOBIAS TOBIAS ROWLES/DESTINATION ROWLES/DESTINATION NSW. NSW.

F I RST LOOK

Royal Botanic Garden Sydney The roots of Sydney are well and truly intertwined with this tranquil green space in the shadows of the CBD. Established in 1816, the Royal Botanic Garden Sydney, along with the neighbouring Domain, has 67,100 plants from around the world.

Stroll around the magnificent Garden, have lunch in the restaurant, take in the views of the harbour and visit the National Herbarium, which has over a million plant species preserved, including some that date back to 1770—collected by Joseph Banks on board the Endeavour. There are guided walks daily.

Mrs Macquaries Road, Sydney. rbgsyd.nsw.gov.au

PHOTO: HAMILTON LUND/DESTINATION NSW.

WHERE GUEST B OOK SY DN EY

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LEFT: HANDPICKED CELLAR DOOR, CHIPPENDALE. ABOVE: PETER DILLON, CHIEF WINEMAKER.

HANDPICKED WINES YOU’RE INVITED TO TRAVEL THE WORLD, ONE WINE AT A TIME.

E

worried about needing a designated driver?

WINE TASTINGS WITH A TWIST AT HANDPICKED’S URBAN CELLAR DOOR

Handpicked Wines has overcome this hurdle,

The Handpicked Cellar Door represents everything important to Handpicked—

ver wanted to head to a wine region, but

bringing their regional cellar door experience

curation, luxury, travel and non-intimidating wine education. The HCD is

to the heart of Sydney CBD. This, coupled with the

more than just a bottle shop or a wine lounge—offering wine tastings with

fact their vineyards are spread across multiple regions

knowledgeable sommeliers, tank samples of unfinished wines from their

in Australia, is why they decided to open their first urban

wineries and events for everyone from wine novices to experts.

cellar door in the city in 2016.

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Local cheese specialists Occello have curated a beautiful cheese and

Handpicked has always been one to walk its own path,

charcuterie menu to enjoy while sampling everything from wine on tap for $8 a

and travel is their great passion. While most wineries are

glass to flights of limited and rare wines from the best of Handpicked’s vineyards.

making wines in one region, Handpicked is making wines

Once you’ve had the opportunity to taste and select your favourite drop,

from around Australia and beyond, all overseen by chief

HCD can deliver any purchases to your hotel. They also offer a delivery service

winemaker Peter Dillon and his team. While their flag-

to China, so there’s no need to worry about checking in any extra luggage.

ship winery is in Mornington Peninsula, Handpicked also

Drop in to the Handpicked Cellar Door for a tasting, a glass of wine

owns vineyards throughout Australia’s best regions such

and a unique Sydney experience, 7 days a week. They look forward to seeing

as Tasmania, Yarra Valley and Barossa Valley.

you there!

W H E R E GU ES TBO O K S YD NE Y

SPECIAL EVENTS EACH MONTH AN ARRAY OF GREAT EVENTS AWAIT VISITORS TO SYDNEY.

NAIDOC WEEK. PHOTO: SHARON HICKEY.

2018 JULY

CAPTION. SYDNEY INTERNATIONAL BOAT SHOW.

AUTUMN RACING CARNIVAL. PHOTO: AUSTRALIAN TURF CLUB.

City2Surf. 12 August. Sydney’s biggest sporting occasion is the City2Surf race and fun run, one of the most loved and largest community events in

NAIDOC Week. 8–15 July. Join in Sydney’s annual celebration of

the world. The 14km race from the city centre to Bondi Beach attracts

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture during NAIDOC Week.

thousands of participants from all walks of life and all ages. city2surf.com.au

Free events throughout the city include music and dance performances,

Bledisloe Cup. 18 August. The Australian Wallabies take on the New

arts and crafts, food stalls and kids activities. sydneynaidoc.com.au

Zealand All Blacks in the Bledisloe Cup 2018. The first match of the

AUGUST

three test series is at ANZ Stadium on 18 August. rugby.com.au

Sydney International Boat Show. 2–6 August. Whether you’re new to

SEPTEMBER

boating or a professional skipper, this show offers everything you

Spring Racing Carnival. September–November. Some of the biggest

need to get started and enhance your time spent on the water. You will

names in Australian horse racing are heading to the harbour city for

find a wide array of first-class entertainment as well as educational

the Sydney Spring Carnival, which features a range of cup and race

displays, informative guest speakers, and everything in between.

days run throughout spring at Royal Randwick and Rosehill Gardens.

sydneyboatshow.com.au

australianturfclub.com.au

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WHERE GUESTBOOK SYDNEY

S P E C I AL E V E NTS

ZHOU TENXIAO, “WAVEWALL”, FROM SCULPTURE

BY THE SEA 2016, BONDI. PHOTO: CLYDE YEE. GOOD FOOD MONTH.

LIGHTS OF CHRISTMAS, ST MARY’S CATHEDRAL.

Sydney Fringe Festival. 1–30 September. Sydney Fringe Festival, the

NOVEMBER

largest independent arts festival in NSW, unearths what’s beneath the

Sydney International Art Series. November–February. Each summer,

surface of this harbour city. Celebrating the cultural heart of Sydney,

Sydney’s two preeminent art museums, the Art Gallery of NSW and

you’ll find quirky theatre, circus, music, comedy, visual art, film, cabaret,

Museum of Contemporary Art Australia, join forces to present two

musical theatre and dance performances citywide throughout September.

inspired collections exclusive to Sydney. mca.com.au; artgallery.nsw.gov.au

sydneyfringe.com

British Film Festival. 23 October–14 November. The British Film Festival

OCTOBER Good Food Month. Throughout October. This annual month-long feast

features an array of cinematic delights that delve into British culture and tradition. britishfilmfestival.com.au

is comprised of more than 600 food and wine events across Sydney and

DECEMBER

NSW. The popular Night Noodle Markets in Hyde Park are a favourite

Sydney Christmas. 1–25 December. A Sydney Christmas is like no

after-work feast for Sydneysiders. goodfoodmonth.com

other in the world—hot, relaxed, social, traditional with a twist.

Sculpture by the Sea. 18 October–4 November. One of Sydney’s

There’s an interactive Christmas Tree at Martin Place, festive light

most loved events, the spectacular Bondi to Tamarama coastal walk

projections on Sydney Town Hall and St Mary’s Cathedral, Christmas

is transformed into a two-kilometre long temporary sculpture park.

concerts, the Boulevarde of Light at Pitt Street Mall plus much more!

sculpturebythesea.com

sydneychristmas.com.au

WHERE GUESTBOOK SYDNEY

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S P E C I A L E VE N TS

Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race. 26 December. The Rolex Sydney

Australia Day. 26 January. Australians gather for parties and get-

Hobart has become an icon of Australia’s summer sporting calendar.

togethers to celebrate our national day. Sydneysiders will congregate

Each Boxing Day, thousands head to the harbour to catch the start of

by the water at Darling Harbour or in the heart of historic Sydney

this famous race. rolexsydneyhobart.com

at The Rocks. At Darling Harbour there’s a free one-day party

Sydney New Year’s Eve. 31 December. What better way to celebrate the

around Cockle Bay including an incredible line-up of world music,

arrival of 2019, than by catching the famous Sydney Harbour fireworks?

children’s entertainment and the official Australia Day Fireworks

Over 1.6 million people are drawn to the foreshore to watch the colourful

Spectacular. Party at The Rocks in the laneways and dance on the green

extravaganza each year. sydneynewyearseve.com

as a huge line-up of local musicians perform across numerous stages. australiaday.com.au

2019 JANUARY

Cinema Under the Stars. January–March. An array of outdoor venues screen major box office releases and cult classics against the backdrop

Sydney Festival. Throughout January. Bringing together the world’s

of iconic local destinations. From the splendour of Sydney Harbour

hottest acts in music, dance and theatre for three weeks of non-stop

to the natural beauty of Centennial Park, witness a multitude of stars

entertainment, the festival is staged at a variety of venues across the city.

both on and off screen. stgeorgeopenair.com.au; moonlight.com.au;

sydneyfestival.org.au

sydneyolympicpark.com.au

MOONLIGHT CINEMA. PHOTO: KEN BUTTI.

SYDNEY TO HOBART. PHOTO: KURT ARRIGO. SYDNEY NEW YEAR’S EVE. PHOTO: DESTINATION NSW.

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S P E C I AL E V E NTS

FEBRUARY

MARCH

Chinese New Year. February. This colourful Sydney-wide festival features

Mardi Gras Parade. 2 March. The culmination of the three-week annual

traditional Chinese food, performers, markets, dragonboat races and

Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras festival ends with the glam and

contemporary exhibitions. Attracting more than one million people,

glitter of the Mardi Gras Parade along Oxford Street.

this is the largest celebration of the Lunar New Year outside Asia.

mardigras.org.au

sydneychinesenewyear.com

Sydney Autumn Racing Carnival. Throughout March and April.

Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras. February–March. Music

The Sydney Carnival plays host to the world’s richest two-year-old race,

and movement are the essence of this annual gay pride festival.

the Longines Golden Slipper at Rosehill Gardens. A range of food, fashion

The three-week festival features an array of fabulous events including

and entertainment is also on offer to support this celebrated racing season.

world-class theatre, musical performances and art exhibitions.

australianturfclub.com.au

mardigras.org.au

Art Month Sydney. Throughout March. Art Month brings Sydney’s most

Tropfest. Mid-February. The world’s largest short film festival, Tropfest,

exciting art precincts to life with 300 exhibitions and events featuring

began right here in Sydney. Pack a picnic, kick back and relax as you

numerous artists, galleries, performers and more! With venues all

catch some of Australia’s best short film talent in Parramatta Park.

around town there is always something on.

tropfest.org.au

artmonthsydney.com.au

MARDI GRAS FAIR DAY. PHOTO: JEFFREY FENG.

SYDNEY CHINESE NEW YEAR. PHOTO: CITY OF SYDNEY.

TROPFEST. PHOTO: © ENZO AMATO.

WHERE GUESTBOOK SYDNEY

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S PE C I A L E VE N TS

SYDNEY WRITERS’ FESTIVAL. SYDNEY ROYAL EASTER SHOW. PHOTO: ETHAN ROHLOFF.

SAMANTHA EVERTON, “INDOCHINE”, FROM HEAD ON PHOTO FESTIVAL 2018.

APRIL

MAY

Sydney Royal Easter Show. 12–23 April. One of Australia’s largest events,

Head On Photo Festival. Throughout May. Australia’s largest and

showcasing Australian culture and celebrating rural traditions in the heart

the world’s second largest photo festival, Head On features over

of Sydney’s spectacular Olympic Park precinct. eastershow.com.au

100 exhibitions. Celebrating a wide range of photography across

Sydney Comedy Festival. End of April-Mid May. The city’s biggest

all genres, the Festival hosts numerous events, exhibitions, talks and

annual comedy event features an array of international stars, as well

workshops by both Australian and international artists. headon.com.au

as some of our best local talent. Enjoy the world’s funniest comedians

Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Australia. Mid-May. This fashion

on a variety of stages throughout the city, including the Enmore

phenomenon showcases top local designers to international buyers

Theatre, Sydney Opera House and the Comedy Store.

and media who flock to Sydney’s shores to inspect the domestic

sydneycomedyfest.com.au

market and purchase with global audience and seasonal calendars

Sydney Writers’ Festival. 29 April–5 May. The festival brings together

in mind. Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week is staged in the chic urban

authors of the very best contemporary fiction and cutting edge non-fiction,

surrounds of Carriageworks, a contemporary multi-arts centre

including some of the world’s most prominent scientists and journalists.

located in the inner-city suburb of Eveleigh.

swf.org.au

mbfashionweek.com/australia

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S P E C I AL E V E NTS

The Archibald, Wynne and Sulman Prizes 2019. 11 May–8 September.

JUNE

Australia’s favourite art award, the Archibald Prize is presented to

Sydney Film Festival (SFF). 5–16 June. Established as one of the world’s

the best portrait painting and is a veritable who’s who of Australian

longest-running celebrations of cinema, this acclaimed festival screens

culture—from politicians and celebrities to sporting heroes and artists.

features, documentaries, short films and animation from around the world.

The Wynne Prize is awarded to the best landscape painting of

This movie buff’s delight also showcases some of the city’s most elegant

Australian scenery, or figure sculpture, while the Sulman Prize is

theatres and cinemas such as the State Theatre, Dendy Opera Quays and

given to the best subject painting, genre painting or mural project

the Hayden Orpheum Picture Palace, Cremorne. sff.org.au

in oil, acrylic, watercolour or mixed media. artgallery.nsw.gov.au

Bondi Winter Magic. June–July. Enjoy this iconic destination in full

Vivid Sydney. 24 May–15 June. Vivid Sydney is a unique, annual

sparkling winter mode. There’s music, art and fashion on the streets and

celebration of light, music and ideas, including the unique ‘painting’

even ice-skating on the beach. Watch the warm winter sun sparkle across

of the Sydney Opera House sails with coloured lights. There are light

the water, and skate across the ice, for a truly magical Bondi experience.

installations, projections and performances throughout Circular Quay,

bondiwintermagic.org.au

The Rocks, Barangaroo, Darling Harbour, Walsh Bay and across the city. vividsydney.com

Events are current at time of printing, but are subject to change without notice.

BONDI WINTER MAGIC.

VIVID SYDNEY 2018: “METAMATHEMAGICAL” BY JONATHAN ZAWADA, COURTESY OF SYDNEY OPERA HOUSE. ACTOR BEN MENDELSOHN AT THE SYDNEY FILM FESTIVAL. PHOTO: © ROCKET K WEIJERS UREN.

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SPICE ALLEY, CHIPPENDALE. PHOTO: DESTINATION NSW.

Taste of the

TOWN Eat your way around Sydney by dining at the city’s favourite food precincts.

SPICE ALLEY Spice Alley is Sydney’s not-so-secret hidden dining laneway offering some truly authentic Asian cuisine. You’ll find Spice Alley in Chippendale’s Kensington Street offering several hawker-style eateries under a ceiling of lanterns. Try Singaporean dishes at Alex Lee Kitchen, Vietnamese at Viet, Thai Street Food at Bang Luck, Malaysian at Old Jim Kee, Cantonese at Hong Kong Diner and Japanese at Kyo-To. 18–20 Kensington Street, Chippendale. 9281 0822. spicealley.com.au

BANG LUCK THAI STREET FOOD, KENSINGTON STREET. PHOTO: DANIEL BOUD/ DESTINATION NSW.

BARANGAROO The Barangaroo South dining precinct is home to world-class restaurants and casual dining favourites. Barangaroo House, an architectural marvel, is a three-level venue by well-known Australian chef Matt Moran. The House Bar is on the ground floor and is the perfect spot to sit and sip on a seasonal cocktail as you people-watch. Bea Restaurant on the middle level offers a fresh modern Australian menu, while on the top floor you’ll find Smoke rooftop bar.

Chow down on chicken at the famed Belles Hot Chicken, with heat levels ranging from Southern to Really F**kin Hot, there’s a spice level here for everyone. Ume Burger is a must-try for burger fanatics with their Japanese-inspired menu including the Menchi burger (pork katsu) and the Fish Katsu burger.

The famed Lotus chain has a restaurant here too serving delicious contemporary Chinese—you can’t go past the dumplings. For casual Vietnamese head to Pho Mo, while Zushi offers tasty Japanese dishes.

Banskii serves up a modern Mediterranean menu alongside a wide range of vermouth infused with Australian botanicals. Modern French awaits at Été, or take your tastebuds to the next level at Cirrus Dining.

The Meat & Wine Co offers African-inspired cuisine, then head upstairs to NOLA for drinks with a view or try the dedicated dessert bar at 12 Micron. Plus there’s also Anason, a Turkish mezebar; love.fish, a very popular seafood restaurant; and Spiced by Billu’s, offering contemporary Indian cuisine.

Grab some gourmet produce from Bel&Brio, while Devon Café is a favourite for breakfast and lunch. Try a fresh juice from Joe and the Juice, then finish your meal with an ice cream cone from Rivareno Gelato.

Barangaroo Avenue, Barangaroo. barangaroo.com

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WHERE GUESTBOOK SYDNEY

THE MEAT & WINE CO.

THE HOUSE BAR.

PHOTO: © THE MOMENT IT CLICKS PTY LTD.

UME BURGER. PHOTO: ROSHAN SUKHLA.

PHOTO: © THE MOMENT IT CLICKS PTY LTD.

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GATEWAY SYDNEY This dining precinct at Circular Quay offers a bustling hub of eateries to explore. Open seven days a week, Gateway Sydney is home to more than 25 eateries that focus just as much on the theatre of creating a dish as they do on serving the best quality produce. Whether you’re after breakfast, lunch, dinner or even just a coffee and afternoon treat, head to Gateway Sydney to try out favourites like Roll’d, Din Tai Fung, Four Frogs Creperie, Burger Project, Jimmy’s Recipe, Hurricane’s Grill, Chat Thai, Mad Mex, Gelato Messina or Zumbo.

Alfred Street, Circular Quay. 9256 6900. gatewaysydney.com.au

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ZUMBO.

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TRAMSHEDS Filled with top-notch restaurants and food providores, Tramsheds is the perfect pit stop for the hungry diner with many options to choose from. The Tramsheds site is the former home of the Rozelle Tramway Depot, which was originally built in 1904. Inside the building you’ll find a mix of restaurants that all focus on food, sustainability and FLOUR EGGS WATER.

community. Taste your way around offerings including Belles Hot Chicken, Flour Eggs Water, Osaka Trading Co, Bodega 1904, Gelato Messina, Butcher and the Farmer, Bekya, and Fish and Co. Tramsheds is within easy reach of the city centre, hop on the Light Rail from Central and get off at the Jubilee Park stop, from there it’s just a minute walk across Maxwell Road to the entrance.

1 Dalgal Way, Forest Lodge. 8398 5695. tramshedssydney.com.au

BUTCHER AND THE FARMER.

BODEGA 1904.

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WHERE GUESTBOOK SYDNEY

ERMENEGILDO ZEGNA.

Style of the City

FROM DESIGNER LABELS

TO OBJETS D’ART, SHOP IN SYDNEY AND YOU’LL

BE SPOILT FOR CHOICE.

BUT WHERE TO BEGIN?

LOUIS VUITTON.

L

ike all big international cities, Sydney offers shoppers a wide range of world-famous labels to choose from, some of which are comparatively very good value. The city also has plenty of interesting, quirky and fascinating shops that can be found nowhere else—as long as you know where to go. Fortunately, most of them are clustered around

the city, or are within easy reach by public transport. So here is Where Guestbook Sydney’s guide to some of the best shopping in the country.

SYDNEY’S DEPARTMENT STORES Australia’s two major department stores are David Jones and Myer which, although rivals, always seem to be found near one another. Both offer a wide range of local and international fashion, cosmetics and accessories, but of the two, David Jones is probably the more upmarket, while Myer appeals more to the younger crowd. David Jones’ Food Hall is always worth a visit, as you can perch and have a coffee, or small meal, while you admire the beautiful produce and exotic gourmet food surrounding you. For more information visit myer.com.au and davidjones.com.au

DAVID LOUISJONES. VUITTON.

THE ROCKS The Rocks is the perfect place to visit if you’re looking for all things Australian, including opals and Aboriginal art. It’s also a real pleasure to idly wander the cobblestoned streets and discover some of the quirky little shops. Also check out The Rocks Markets, held at the corner of George and Playfair Streets every weekend, where you’ll find high-quality handcrafted arts, crafts and collectables.

For further details visit therocks.com

CITY CENTRE French designer Pierre Cardin once called the Queen Victoria Building “the most beautiful shopping centre in the world”. Built in 1898 to replace the original Sydney Markets, it had a checkered career for nearly a century, but this superb example of late-Victorian Byzantine architecture became a shopping centre in 1984. Today, it’s where you’ll find a wealth of shops, from fashion to chocolates and jewellery.

Visitors to Australia should head to Aboriginal Art Galleries on Level Two, who offer a superb range of Indigenous artworks, craft artefacts and didgeridoos. Stop

by Mondial Pink Diamond Atelier for a breathtaking range of diamond jewellery.

And after you’ve spent the morning exploring everything, sit down and enjoy a coffee at one of the many cafés, including the Old Vienna Coffee House, located on Level One. Assámm, on Lower Ground North, is popular for its fresh, hearty Thai food at very reasonable prices. Visit qvb.com.au The Strand Arcade is another of Sydney’s late-Victorian glories, dating from 1892.

The structure was originally conceived as a homage to London’s fashionable promenades, and today is well known for the many famous Australian designers who are collected under its roof.

Here you’ll find internationally renowned labels like Alex Perry, Manning Cartell, Lover, LIFEwithBIRD and Leona Edmiston.

If it’s jewellery you seek, then a visit to Mondial by Nadia Neuman is a must. This boutique jewellery store has received domestic and international awards, and offers an extensive range of remarkable pieces. On your way out of The Strand Arcade, stop at Haigh’s Chocolates, an Australian institution, and one of the few chocolatiers in the world to make their chocolate from raw cocoa beans. Visit strandarcade.com.au for further information.

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If you walk through The Strand Arcade from the George Street entrance, you’ll find Pitt Street Mall on the other side. The Pitt Street Mall precinct underwent a huge revamp in 2012 with the $1.2 billion Westfield Sydney redevelopment project. Over 170 fashion and food specialty stores are now open. Westfield Sydney boasts vibrant world-class shopping, lifestyle and dining options that enhances Sydney’s reputation as a global shopping destination. The Urban Precinct located on Level One provides an avant-garde setting for denim, surf, sport and streetwear brands including Adidas, Nike and New Balance. Level Two on Pitt Street Mall provides the main thoroughfare into Westfield Sydney and is home to iconic Australian and international brands including Secrets Shhh, Sportsgirl, TAG Heuer, Cue, Swatch, Swarovski, Honey Birdette and Nespresso. Fashionistas will love Zara and Sephora.

The luxury precincts on Levels Three and Four are home to international and Australian fashion brands, including Gucci, Hugo Boss, Salvatore Ferragamo, Givenchy, Zimmerman, sass & bide, Carla Zampatti, Wolford and Stuart Weitzman. Visit westfield.com.au/sydney

NESPRESSO.

BALLY, PITT STREET MALL.

MIU MIU, WESTFIELD SYDNEY.

ANTIQUE PRINT ROOM.

J.FARREN-PRICE.

Another Pitt Street Mall favourite is MidCity. Featuring the Japanese

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ULTIMO

clothing giant UNIQLO and a host of great stores including pyjama king

Located only five minutes’ walk from Central Station, Ultimo is home to

Peter Alexander, Culture Kings, MIMCO and Jurlique. Fashion giants

a number of speciality boutiques. Antique Print Room is one such store.

H&M and Forever 21 are also on Pitt Street Mall.

Established in 1979, this gallery is the largest specialist dealer of rare

For fine watches and stunning jewellery a visit to J.Farren-Price on

antique maps and prints in Australia, hosting a huge and ever-changing

Castlereagh Street is a must. Celebrating 75 years in business, this family

inventory of original antique prints, maps, photographs and paintings.

company was first established in the Spring of 1942 and has developed

Collectors and enthusiasts alike will find hundreds of wonderful views

Australia’s most extensive range of famous Swiss watches and beautifully

of Sydney, Australian bush life, cities, towns, botanicals, and birds. They

handcrafted jewellery. Home to internationally renowned watch brands

also stock general natural history, sporting and architecture prints, as

including Patek Philippe, Rolex, Chopard, Hublot, Longines and more,

well as maps of the world, the Pacific, New Zealand, East Indies,

they are passionate about exclusive quality watches both modern and

Asia, Africa, the Americas and much more. Each and every print carries

classic. The speciality of J.Farren-Price is in ensuring that you procure

the Australian Antique Dealers Association guarantee of authenticity so

precisely what you desire, whatever the occasion.

you can feel confident in your purchase.

WHERE GUESTBOOK SYDNEY

T H E G LO B A L L I F E ST Y L E

WELCOME TO THE WORLD OF

TOMMY BAHAMA

I

t’s a place without deadlines or demands, where you have the space to reconnect with simple pleasures. It’s where you can breathe freely, live spontaneously and

relax in style. Tommy Bahama calls this LIVING THE ISLAND LIFE—and they have everything you need to do just that. Find their relaxed, sophisticated apparel at 166 retail stores in Australia, Japan, the U.S. and Canada. Enjoy island-inspired cuisine and cocktails at their 17 restaurant, bar and store locations around the world. Need a daily dose of paradise? Visit tommybahama.com and get away instantly without leaving home. Long Live The Island Life!

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Shop G17, Queen Victoria Building, Sydney 02 9267 7974 contact@mondial.com.au www.mondial.com.au Follow us: AUSTR ALIA’S L AR GEST SELECTION OF AR GYLE PINK & NATUR AL COLOURED DIA MONDS

A

ustralia, famed for its rare and unique beauties of nature, happens to be the source of almost all the natural pink diamonds in the world. This is something very special indeed, because pink diamonds are incredibly rare, valuable and in demand all over the world. For every 100,000 carats of diamonds mined, less than one carat is pink!

Rio Tinto’s Argyle Diamond Mine has been one of the world’s leading producers of diamonds since 1986, when its operation in the remote Kimberley region of Western Australia went into full production.

In 1998, when it produced some 40 million carats of diamonds and through to the early 2000s, Argyle was responsible for a quarter or more of the world’s total diamond production. It is also responsible for more than 90 percent of the world’s pinks—even though these pinks represent less than 0.01 percent of its output. Now, after more than 35 years of operation and having made the transition from a vast open-cut mine to an underground “block caving” enterprise, its deposits are fast depleting and Rio currently says that Argyle is due to cease production sometime between 2020/21. That is why they have been referred to as the “ultimate limited edition”.

Pink diamonds belong to a class known as “natural coloured diamonds”. These diamonds are all far rarer in nature than traditional white (or colourless) diamonds and are prized globally for their beauty and expressive range of colour, as well as value.

Natural coloured diamonds can be found in yellow, pink, blue, green, violet, red and brown (often referred to as “champagne” and “cognac”) just to name a few.

Natural coloured diamonds have shown an incredible increase in value and popularity this century, elevating them to the status of an “asset class” of their own, with prices for pink and blue diamonds from the Argyle mine being amongst the best performers. This is one of the many reasons that people choose to purchase these unique Australian diamonds. The continued escalation of both price and demand is seen as very attractive. This is something which many believe will only be strengthened as the close of the mine approaches in the next two to three years.

Argyle pink diamonds showcase a wonderful range of colours, from a delicate soft, or blush pink to vivid purplish pink, and occasionally deep cerise, crimson and even red. According to jewellery expert and historian Vivienne Becker, “Argyle pink diamonds

Mondial ‘Charisse’ This exceptional 0.89ct radiant cut of 1PP and Fancy Deep Purplish Pink colour is from the Argyle Pink Diamonds Signature Tender.

Mondial ‘Charisse’ has been exhibited at Kensington Palace and is currently surrounded by 3.67ct of oval white diamonds and delicately framed with Argyle Pink Diamonds. Charisse is truly one in a million and a beautiful heirloom for generations to come.

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stand out from all other coloured diamonds, I think it’s the balance of light and colour, which I always say are the two most powerful emotional triggers in any gem. In the Argyle pink diamond, they meet in a very particular way, it’s the intensity of colours, the range of colours—that combination is not found in any other coloured diamonds in the world.

When the Argyle mine first came on stream in the 1980s, it really revolutionised the whole jewellery industry. Argyle pink diamonds are completely unique—it’s the most beautiful range of colours that I believe has totally changed the course of jewellery history”.

Just once a year, Argyle pink diamonds issues a special release of outstanding pink diamonds which are sold through private tender by invitation only, in a number of viewing locations around the world. This collection of 50 to 60 exceptional diamonds is known as the “Argyle Pink Diamonds Signature Tender” and 2018 will be the 34th edition. Each tender is an occasion of enormous anticipation for the diamantaires of the world, an opportunity to acquire one or more of the world’s rarest diamonds.

To distribute these rare and much sought-after Argyle diamonds, Rio Tinto established a tight and very streamlined distribution network, with a mere handful of authorised partners at the wholesale level and only 34 select ateliers worldwide, who are the official stockists and representatives of the Argyle brand. As Rio Tinto says, these ateliers are “counted as the most trusted jewellers in the industry, relied on for their unerring quality, integrity, and spectacular creativity that traverses the classic to contemporary. Most importantly, they share a passion for perfection. These houses epitomise superlative craftsmanship, from every vantage point. And their craftsmen hold the secret of pink diamonds in their eye line”.

When looking to purchase Argyle diamonds, or any natural coloured diamonds, it is strongly recommended to buy from one of these select ateliers, as they will have the experience, range and knowledge which is vital to help and guide you to the most suitable diamond for your needs.

In Sydney, Mondial Pink Diamond Atelier have been very successful in developing a greater awareness of not only pink, but also blue, champagne and cognac diamonds among both the trade and consumers. You will find the largest selection of Argyle and other natural coloured diamonds in their store in the historic Queen Victoria Building in George Street.

To own a rare Argyle pink or blue diamond is to own a unique piece of Australia, a family heirloom that will be treasured through future generations.

Thank you to Mondial Pink Diamond Atelier for the images.

The featured pieces are available for purchase at their flagship store in Sydney’s historic Queen Victoria Building. www.mondial.com.au

A U S T R A L I A ’ S L A R G E S T S E L E C T I O N O F A R G Y L E A N D N A T U R A L C O L O U R E D D I A M O N D S Shop G17, Queen Victoria Building, Sydney 02 9267 7974 contact@mondial.com.au www.mondial.com.au Follow us:

P I N K

The

Strand

Arcade

Experience an elegant emporium where classical lines showcase trendsetting tastes.

T

he Strand Arcade has long made a significant impact on Sydney, enamouring the smart set with the right accent of style and dazzling shopping. But there is more to

this Australian beauty than coveted fashion, sparkling jewellers and smart gift stores.

Cast your eye upon this beautiful arcade itself, and you will discover a treasure-trove

of historic proportions. It is hard to ignore the sheer scale of its architectural production, which is cleverly mixed with natural light from the rooftop atrium. A Sydney landmark that spans three centuries, the Strand Arcade remains an enduring reflection of Sydney’s great industrial age, with its careful articulation of well-appointed boutiques—each refurbished in celebration of its classical lines.

Parisian-styled shopfront windows and wooden staircases that connect to the upstairs galleries

give strong clues to its Victorian heritage. But it is the wrought-iron balconies that drape around all three shopping levels that attest to the Strand Aracde’s original craftsmanship. Every contour of the arcade resonates a sense of bygone elegance. And making the ‘Grand Tour’ of the Strand Arcade is still a singular sensation. With its retail philosophy, the Strand Arcade manages to juxtapose timeless establishments like Strand Hatters, Strandbags, and The Nut Shop, with contemporary stores such as Crumpler and Dinosaur Designs.

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WHERE GUESTBOOK SYDNEY

ABOVE: MONDIAL BY NADIA NEUMAN. RIGHT: ALEX PERRY.

Australian cutting-edge glamour is showcased in the designs of Alex Perry, Jac+Jack, Scanlan Theodore, Leona Edmiston, Dion Lee, Lover, LIFEwithBIRD and Manning Cartell—to name just a few.

A flourish of accessories and twinkling diamonds that swirl in platinum, treasured opals and South Sea pearls also give support to the arcade’s fashion fantasy.

Mondial by Nadia Neuman is a popular destination for visitors to the Strand Arcade. Offering an array of coloured diamonds, pendants, rings, pearls and one-of-a-kind pieces, this boutique jewellery store showcases the latest coloured diamond jewellery by award-winning jewellery designers, including Nadia Neuman. You can choose from the gorgeous pieces in the ready-to-wear collection, or ask Nadia to commission a special, unique piece just for you.

If you are looking for watches drop by Vintage Watch Co. Vintage Watch Co is for the buyer, seller and collector who wants all things watches, in two convenient locations. Established for over twenty years, Vintage Watch Co is located in Sydney’s prestigious Strand Arcade with a second location in the historic Brisbane Arcade.

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WHERE GUESTBOOK SYDNEY

VINTAGE WATCH CO.

Although specialising in the most collectable of vintage watches including Rolex, Omega, IWC, Patek Philippe and Cartier, they also carry new brands by Longines, Tissot, Rado, Grand Seiko and MeisterSinger.

Whether you’re looking for an heirloom, wanting to trade-in or simply seeking to spoil yourself, visit Vintage Watch Co. They have a team of professionally trained watchmakers who can cater to all your repair, service and restoration needs.

The Strand Arcade also offers a cachet of gastronomic delights along with other unique boutiques and beauty salons—even for men. With its Parisian lines and sharp Sydney attitude, the Strand Arcade is the ideal place to strike out on a retail adventure, albeit with the finest selection of Australian cutting-edge design. For more information visit strandarcade.com.au or phone 9265 6800.

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WHERE GUESTBOOK SYDNEY

BUY AND SELL, NEW AND VINTAGE WATCHES

Shop 28, The Strand Arcade 412–414 George Street, Sydney NSW 2000 T: 02 9221 3373 E:sydney@vintagewatchco.com.au Shop 12–13, Ground Level, Brisbane Arcade 160 Queen Street, Brisbane QLD 4000 T: 07 3210 6722 E: brisbane@vintagewatchco.com.au

vintagewatchco.com.au

A ROYAL ENGAGEMENT The Queen Victoria Building is an iconic shopping destination, beloved by visitors from across the globe.

T

he Queen Victoria Building, otherwise known as the QVB, has always been blessed with a larger-than-life personality. Even when construction first began in 1893 the building was destined to become the nucleus of Sydney fashion, art and culture. Bedecked with stained-glass windows, massive copper-clad

domes, cornices and pillars, as well as an elegantly appointed interior of colonnades and PHOTO: ADNIC.

balconies that drape around each level, the late-Victorian building metamorphosed into a fabulous fusion of architectural splendour and illustrious theatre.

The Queen Victoria Markets Building first opened to great fanfare in 1898 amid gilded

invitations, fashion finery and an ambitious inaugural ball. Designed by Scottish architect, George McRae, who envisioned a collaboration of grandiose beauty and space, the landmark building was transformed into a cultivated shopping mecca, housing a host of milliners, tailors, bootmakers and tea salons. Despite the Queen Victoria Building’s auspicious start the era of Parisian-styled emporiums came to a close by the onset of World War 1.

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WHERE WHERE GUESTBOOK GUESTBOOK SYDNEY SYDNEY

PHOTO: CONNIE PUNTORIERO/SHUTTERSTOCK.

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The shopping experience extends to guided tours through the building and an elegant concierge service, which offers a personalised styling service.....

In an attempt to attract more profitable tenants to the building the Sydney City Council adopted a utilitarian approach of peeling away the Queen Victoria Building’s crown jewels.

Elegant tessellated floors soon gave way to slabs of concrete and the sun-filtered shops of the gallery level were boxed in by partitions and walls. When the ‘reconstruction’ was completed, the once-ornate interior had been stripped of its refined extravagance.

Attempts to resurrect the building back to its architectural splendour only came when Queen Victoria Markets Building fell under the guardianship of the National Trust. In 1983, the Malaysian company Ipoh Garden Berhad signed a 99-year lease, injecting over $86 million to restore the beleaguered building back to its regal finery. Three years later, the new Queen Victoria Building unveiled its elegant colonnades and fashionable wares to Sydneysiders, achieving the perfect balance between classical refinement and exuberance.

The shopping experience extends to guided tours through the building and an elegant concierge service, which offers a personalised styling service as well as general information on the building.

The QVB is home to the largest selection of jewellers in Sydney. The variety of diamonds, opals, and pearls, is unmatched elsewhere in the city.

For fine antique jewellery, objets d’art and decorative art of the finest quality head to Martin & Stein. Their showroom on the ground floor showcases an incredible range of antique jewellery including rings, necklaces, brooches and clocks made from emeralds, gold, platinum, pearls, ivory, diamonds and other precious gems.

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PEN-ULTIMATE.

Pen-Ultimate on Level Two is home to an astonishing array of luxury writing instruments and fine gifts. You’ll find pens, gifts, and accessories from leading brands including Montblanc, Dalvey, Cartier, Caran d’Ache, MONDIAL PINK DIAMOND ATELIER.

S.T. Dupont, Faber-Castell and Montegrappa, as well as penmanship and calligraphy materials.

Also on Level Two is a selection of stylish gift shops that include The

Located on the ground floor, Mondial Pink Diamond Atelier has the largest selection of pink diamonds under one roof in Australia. Pink

Dr Seuss and Peter Nathan Toy Soldiers.

diamonds are one of the most coveted gemstones in the world and

A visit to the QVB just wouldn’t be complete without experiencing

Mondial Pink Diamond Atelier sell these precious diamonds as loose stones

The Tea Room. This opulent space, formerly the ballroom, is located on

or set in magnificently crafted handmade jewellery.

Level Three (Market Street end) and is home to fabulous high teas and

Aboriginal Art Galleries has operated in the field of Aboriginal art and artefacts for over 20 years. Their gallery on Level Two offers some of the finest Aboriginal art, didgeridoos and artefacts in Australia. They specialise

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Metropolitan Museum of Art Store, Florentine Australia, The Art of

scrumptious lunches. The Palace Tea Room on Level One is also a great place to relax and indulge after a hard day of shopping.

Guided tours of the QVB are available and are a great way to learn

in great gift ideas, with everything from scarves to books, glassware to

about the history of Sydney’s favourite building. The tours operate three

ceramics, sculptures to paintings of all sizes, didgeridoos and more. All the

times a week and leave from the Concierge Desk on the Ground Floor.

works at Aboriginal Art Galleries are genuine Aboriginal-made products

For further information on the tours and bookings, as well as additional

and to make it easy for you, they offer fully insured shipping all around

QVB services and events, visit qvb.com.au or call the concierge desk on

the world.

9264 9209.

WHERE GUESTBOOK SYDNEY

Discover a gem with a power of light and a depth of colour to capture the heart.

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WHERE GUESTBOOK SYDNEY

PHOTO: SHARPNESS71/ISTOCK.

FIRE

FROM THE OUTBACK

OPAL EARRINGS FROM GIULIANS FINE JEWELLERY.

C

alled ‘The Rainbow Stone’ by Australia’s Aboriginal people, opal is without

doubt one of nature’s most remarkable gifts. It is now recognised as one of the five precious gemstones in the world, along with diamonds, emeralds, rubies and sapphires, and is an excellent investment.

While small amounts of opals may be found in other countries such as Ethiopia, Mexico and

the USA, Australia produces more than 90 per cent of the world’s supply. The romance of the opal is in the gem’s incredible ability to expose an infinite number of colours, forever moving with the light. Mined in the outback of Australia across three states, it is as much the call of the outback that lures the opal miner and keeps them going. Scorched landscapes and blazing red sunsets, the night stars from horizon to horizon, this is a hauntingly beautiful country that penetrates one’s soul.

The elusive opal was formed millions of years ago when liquid silica filtered down into the faults and fissures of sedimentary rock. When the water content evaporated, tiny spheres of

BOULDER OPAL PENDANT ENHANCER WITH DIAMONDS, SET IN 18KT WHITE GOLD. DESIGNED BY FIONA ALTMANN, ALTMANN + CHERNY.

silica remained and over time were solidified.

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Lightning Ridge in New South Wales is the home of the famous black opal which derives its name from the colour of the nobbies or pieces of rough opal in which the gems are usually found.

The third area is Coober Pedy and Mintabie in South Australia.

Coober Pedy is an Aboriginal name, meaning ‘white man in a hole’, which describes exactly what miners still do today—live underground to escape the fierce heat of summer. This is where the white or milk opals are mined.

The value of an opal depends on the amount and brilliance of the JEWELLERY FROM OPAL MINDED.

colour, preferably being evenly distributed across the face of the polished gem. The greater the spectrum of colours from red to violet, the better, with crimson, reds and orange being rarer than the greens and blues.

Milkiness, cloudiness or greyness detracts from the value.

Ideally, the greater the number of colours, the more prized the gem, and if these are arranged in a block pattern, more value is added. The extremes are pin-sized dots of colour (pinfire) to one large sheet of colour (broadflash) covering the whole stone. The elusive ‘harlequin’ is the ultimate in this form but is very rare.

Shapes of the finished opal vary according to the characteristics of each stone. Boulder opal is usually cut in baroque or free form, whereas seam

The intensity and combination of colour occur with such variety that each gem has an individual character. In 1964 the CSIRO (Australia’s

If you are buying an unset opal, it is important to consider the way it

national research laboratories) unlocked the riddle of why opals have

will eventually be worn. For example, some opals will offer a better play

such colours.

of colour when worn vertically, as in a brooch or pendant, whereas others

Opal is composed of minute particles of silica in closely packed

are best flat, as in a ring setting.

spherical aggregates. It is the varying arrangement of these particles (and,

There is a great deal to consider when investing in your opal, but

of course, cavities) that causes the reflected light to be split into the full

expert advice is available for your complete pleasure and pride in an

range of colours of the spectrum.

ever-inspiring piece of jewellery. Above all, buy the opal colour that

There are three main production areas in Australia for mining opals.

There’s the bright and beautiful Queensland boulder opal which is mined around the Quilpie area in Western Queensland.

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opal is at its best presented in cabochon (domed) form.

WHERE GUESTBOOK SYDNEY

appeals to you. Enjoy your purchase, knowing it’s geologically millions of years old, but will give you pleasure every day of the year.

Opals—truly nature’s own fireworks!

THE NATIONAL

OPAL COLLECTION No gemstone captures the imagination of the visitor to Australia quite like the opal, with its lustrous fiery colours. Acknowledged as the country’s national stone, the opal is part of the Australian ethos and recognised as uniquely Australian in character. All of which makes The National Opal Collection showrooms in Sydney and Melbourne amongst Australia’s most fascinating tourist attractions. Here you will discover the incredible link between the opal and the dinosaur.

Part museum, part sales showroom, The National Opal Collection not only has a huge array of opals and jewellery for sale, but also shows how opals came to be formed over millions of years and how they are mined today.

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As you enter The National Opal Collection you are surrounded

The National Opal Collection is located at:

by dioramas of Australia’s outback and then taken through the opal

60 Pitt Street, Sydney, Australia

story, unfolding through time from the dinosaur age to modern day

Tel: (02) 9247 6344

opal production. Exhibits show how, on rare occasions, the bones of

Website: www.nationalopal.com

prehistoric creatures can become opalised. Special exhibits include

Email: enquiries@nationalopal.com

‘Nessie’ a priceless, beautifully preserved opalised pliosaur.

Adjoining the museum is the spectacular showroom displaying Australia’s largest range of exquisite opals and opal jewellery. Prices range from just $10 gift items to collectors’ pieces worth more than $100,000. Tax free concessions are available for overseas travellers and entrance to The National Opal Collection is free. This is a must for overseas visitors and open seven days a week.

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The

Rocks

THE ROCKS SATURDAY MARKETS. PHOTO: ALANA DIMOU/PROPERTY NSW.

HISTORICAL SIGNIFICANCE COMBINES WITH CONTEMPORARY CULTURE TO PROVIDE A VIBRANT RETAIL AND DINING ENVIRONMENT.

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PHOTO: PROPERTY NSW.

THE ROCKS SATURDAY MARKETS. PHOTO: ALANA DIMOU.

he Rocks is where modern Sydney began. Traditionally the home of the Indigenous Cadigal people, it is the place where the first European settlers stepped ashore on 26 January 1788. Today, The Rocks offers a beautifully preserved narrative of Australia’s history with a delightful contemporary flavour. Chic restaurants, stylish bars, interactive museums, artisan markets and free events sit easily within the early colonial architecture, while The Rocks’ parks and laneways offer the city’s best vistas of magnificent Sydney Harbour.

GETTING STARTED Your first stop in The Rocks should be Sydney Visitor Centre located in The Rocks PHOTO: PROPERTY NSW.

Centre (corner of Argyle and Playfair Streets). The visitor centre offers hundreds of free brochures, maps and expert local advice from friendly, helpful staff. There’s plenty of information on tour packages, promotions and events in and around Sydney and further into regional New South Wales; plus a free booking service and travel essentials.

While you’re there, make sure you take the chance to browse The Rocks Centre, home to retailers, eateries and coffee shops as well as The Rocks Square, a perfect place to relax and enjoy the area’s convivial atmosphere.

BYGONE DAYS History is everywhere in The Rocks. Undoubtedly the best way to explore is on foot, giving you time to soak up The Rocks’ unique atmosphere and take in many of its heritage features and historical displays. Hit the streets and you could come face-toface with a ‘larrikin’ in narrow Suez Canal or walk on 19th-century woodblock paving.

To learn more join The Rocks Walking Tours for a hands-on history of Sydney in an hour-and- a-half, or delve into the secrets of some of Australia’s oldest pubs on a Sydney Pub Tour. After dark, history gets spooky on The Rocks Ghost Tours where tales of sinister goings on and ghostly apparitions abound.

THE MURAL, A RECREATED VIEW OF BROWN BEAR LANE, C. 1901 (LATER LITTLE ESSEX STREET), IN GEORGE STREET, THE ROCKS.

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FINE FOOD AND CASUAL DINING The history of dining at The Rocks goes back a long way. The excavation of a campfire on the site of the current Shangri-La Hotel, Sydney revealed that, more than 500 years ago, a group of Aborigines prepared a meal of bream, rock oysters and other shellfish there. Today the eating options have expanded—you can still get fresh seafood, of course, but now you can also choose from Japanese, Chinese, German, Thai, Italian, Modern Australian and plenty of pub, bistro and café fare perfect for breakfast, a casual lunch or coffee and cake any time of day.

For fine dining, you’re spoilt for choice with chef Peter Gilmore’s modern delights at Quay, contemporary Japanese cuisine at Saké Restaurant and Bar or Modern Australian at Pony Dining The Rocks.

There are plenty of other places to indulge your palate in The Rocks, such as Fish at The Rocks, The Rocks Teppanyaki and Wild Ginger Dining + Bar.

SAKÉ RESTAURANT & BAR.

PONY DINING THE ROCKS.

THE GLENMORE HOTEL IN THE ROCKS. PHOTO: ADNIC.

HISTORIC AND HEARTY PUBS After a walk through The Rocks’ cobblestone laneways or a raid of the shops, you’ll want to quench your thirst with a traditional Aussie beer in one of the area’s many heritage pubs.

The Rocks pubs offer some of Australia’s best beer, food and views. Best of all they’re also in walking distance of each other. The pizzas at The Australian Heritage Hotel are world-famous and so is the view from the rooftop beer garden at The Glenmore up the road. You can get Sydney’s best Guinness at the heritage-listed Mercantile Hotel, home-cooked food at The Observer Hotel, German delicacies from Munich Brauhaus and you can even dance all night at The Orient Hotel. The Fortune of War lays claim to the title of Sydney’s oldest pub while the restored Edwardian-style Harts Pub is like a home away from home.

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VIVID SYDNEY LIGHTS UP THE ROCKS. PHOTO: JAMES HORAN/DESTINATION NSW.

ENTERTAINMENT AND ACTIVITIES The Rocks has a fantastic range of entertainment with something for just about everyone, including the opportunity to ascend the Sydney Harbour Bridge and an annual program of free public events that attract thousands of people every year. One of the most popular is Vivid Sydney, which transforms landmark buildings in The Rocks with spectacular lighting effects.

Many of the heritage pubs are home to some of Sydney’s most talented bands and musicians. You should also check out some of the on-harbour activities which include everything from romantic cruises to the thrills of jetboating.

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UNIQUE SHOPPING

Why not indulge in a unique gift for yourself while exploring The

Spend a day discovering treasures in dozens of quaint speciality stores,

Rocks. Australian Alpaca Barn sells a wide variety of alpaca fibre

galleries and boutiques in The Rocks, where antiques and vintage

products, specialising in quality garments made from alpaca fibre

wares can be found alongside contemporary products and authentic

grown in Australia, including jackets, rugs, socks and much more,

Australian materials including lambswool and native timbers.

you will be spoilt for choice.

You’ll find well-known labels, jewellery, duty-free fashion and

Drop by Giulians Fine Jewellery at the Four Seasons Hotel, a

beauty merchandise, and galleries and boutiques with everything

European-style jewellery salon and discover exceptional jewels hand-

from handmade puppets to Indigenous art.

crafted from Australian opals, South Sea pearls and pink, champagne,

The Rocks Markets, held every Friday, Saturday and Sunday is a

cognac and white diamonds. A family business, Giulians’ highly

Sydney shopping icon. The al fresco markets feature delicious food,

trained, multilingual staff will welcome you to an atmosphere that

gourmet treats and fresh flowers every Friday, plus a huge array of

remains relaxed and unhurried, with the intimacy, tradition and

designer products, Australian goods and unique gifts every weekend.

gracious manner of a bygone era.

AUSTRALIA DAY MUSICAL FESTIVAL AT THE ROCKS. PHOTO: © SIMON DANCE/ PROPERTY NSW.

THE ROCKS MARKETS.

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Located on historic Playfair Street, DUX Collection is an Australian family-owned company that came into being after the owners Arlene and Dr Neville Nolly started making all natural, non-toxic products to provide relief for their daughter who was ill with a rare blood disorder. While the products were never intended to heal her, they assisted in managing her illness. They now make their products for the public who can enjoy it as much as their family and friends. They also offer classes dedicated to teaching people how to make candles and body products.

DUX Collection’s beautifully designed hand-cut glassware and signature wooden boxes are a celebration of excellent craftmanship. Their reputation is founded on old fashion chandler methods in the making of candles, soaps and body products, with a strong emphasis on natural premium quality ingredients. This is enhanced by the addition of essential oils which they believe can pass through cell membranes and function at a cellular level, uplifting the body and soul.

At DUX, the highest value is placed on the preservation and rejuvenation of beautiful healthy skin by using formulations comprising of essential oils, powerful plant-based ingredients high in antioxidants that nourish and replenish the skin without harmful chemicals. No animal testing is performed.

DUX also focuses its energy on creating unique fragrances which are used in products such as handpoured botanical wax candles, hand-crafted reed diffusers, 100% pure essential oil blends, bespoke essential oil room/pillow sprays and their latest endeavour; limited edition pure essential oil perfume. Many of their products are already used in boutique hotels, medical offices and spas throughout the world to create a relaxing ambience.

A visit to the DUX Collection store in The Rocks, Sydney will provide you with a unique experience and encapsulate their motto: “Life is About Embracing Small Joys”.

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B Australian made products espoke

to uplift your Body & Soul

BOTANICAL CANDLES BATH & BODY NATURAL FRAGRANCES GIFT PACKS

DUX Collection Shop 23, Playfair Street, The Rocks, Sydney NSW 2000 Open 7 days, 10am-5pm duxcollection.com E: arlene@duxcollection.com T: +61 2 9252 0209

STUNNING JEWELLERY FROM MANCUSO FINE JEWELLERY.

A visit to the picturesque terrace on Playfair Street in the heart of The Rocks housing Mancuso Fine Jewellery is always a delight. Specialising in bespoke engagement rings, Mancuso also showcase an exquisite array of earrings, pendants and rings.

A pillar of originality in the Sydney jewellery scene, Mancuso provide customisation of all jewellery pieces including the exclusive opportunity to sit down with their expert jewellers and create a custom piece sure to be handed down for generations. This experience provides clients with the ability to be involved in the creative process from the initial hand drawn sketch to the final fitting and alterations.

Mancuso pieces are not only designed with originality and flair but utilise only the finest gems from South Sea pearls to the unrivalled pink diamonds of the Western Australia Argyle Diamond Mine.

The Mancuso showroom is the perfect place to be inspired to create your very own piece with delicate vintage inspired rings on display to modern and iconic wearable art inspired by the Sydney Opera House itself.

Mancuso is open daily ensuring all visitors have the opportunity to peruse their unique creations.

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Specialists in bespoke handmade pieces, crafted perfectly to last for generations to come.

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2 5 P L AY FA I R S T R E E T, T H E R O C K S C O N TA C T @ M A N C U S O D I A M O N D S . C O M . A U

+61 2 9251 1888

M A N C U S O D I A M O N DS .CO M . AU

THE ROCKS DISCOVERY MUSEUM.

GALLERIES AND MUSEUMS The Rocks is home to a number of excellent museums including The Rocks Discovery Museum and the Museum of Contemporary Art Australia—both of which are free.

At The Rocks Discovery Museum, tucked away down Kendall Lane, interactive displays tell the fascinating stories of The Rocks from pre-European settlement to the present day.

The prestigious Museum of Contemporary Art Australia (MCA) is Australia’s only museum dedicated to contemporary art from around Australia as well as the rest of the world. The MCA underwent a $AUD 53 million redevelopment in 2012 and boasts stunning new galleries. Free guided tours are conducted daily by museum volunteers.

At Susannah Place, three terrace houses and a shop, built in 1844, are a glorious trip down memory lane.

The well-stocked bygone corner shop is a real treat for young and old.

The Rocks is brimming with galleries containing art from Aboriginal to modern, sculpture and photography, as well as glass, metal, ceramics and textiles. Many have works for sale.

It’s well worth taking a walk up to the S.H. Ervin Gallery on Observatory Hill where you can take in some spectacular views along with the art. The exhibitions predominantly feature Australian historical themes. While you’re there, take the opportunity to visit the world-class Sydney Observatory—located on the site of one of Sydney’s first forts—where you can enjoy an evening of stargazing.

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SUSANNAH PLACE.

A Gallery that is imaginative, unexpected and inspirational.

“Imagination is a vanishing glimpse of memory, a photograph captures it”

Gallery B3 Harbour Rocks Hotel, Nurses Walk The Rocks Sydney NSW 2000 AUSTRALIA T: + 61 2

9251 8202

M: imagineme@celebrity.com.au W: www.celebrity.com.au © Celebrity Studios Pty Ltd since 1994 All artworks sold here are limited editions, & can be purchased framed or unframed, packaged & freighted to our clients’ wishes.

Welcome to Avi Ohana’s

Established in 2004, Seductive Art Gallery celebrates the warmth and beauty of the human form in photograph. With his inspirational and artistic vision, professional photographer Avi Ohana produces beautiful and timeless works of art.

Boasting an eclectic clientele from local residents to international collectors of art photography, Seductive Art Gallery is located in the classically beautiful The Rocks

in Sydney. Our innovative gallery displays sculptured nudes in both black & white and colour, as well as architectural photography.

Avi Ohana also utilizes the art gallery as a concept store for clients wishing to create their own unique photograph, enabling them to see the style and quality of his work firsthand.

LEFT AND ABOVE: PAINTINGS BY AWARD-WINNING ARTIST VIVIEN TANNER (PICTURED BELOW LEFT). HER ARTWORK IS AVAILABLE FOR SALE AT ARGYLE GALLERY.

Argyle Gallery specialises in Australian art and fine craft.

Established in 2000, their range includes paintings, glassware, woodwork, bronze sculptures and Aboriginal art. All works are sourced directly from the artists and Aboriginal communities.

Argyle Gallery, located in an original convict-built terrace at 21 Playfair Street, offers friendly service, worldwide shipping and local delivery.

Vivien Tanner is an award-winning contemporary artist currently on show at Argyle Gallery. Using bold colour, line and tone set against passages of sensitive washes she creates works that capture the light and atmosphere, the very essence of the landscape she immerses herself in.

Her works vibrate with life and energy yet retain certain tranquility, hers are works that bring serenity to the viewer as she lures them into her glorious expansive vistas.

“Light fascinates me. Light is what draws me to a scene! Where I am is of secondary importance but the long shadows of dusk or the misty haze of dawn are magical times and capturing these transient elusive moments are what drives me. I don’t paint pretty pictures but I want to invite the viewer into the landscape to feel the sense of wonder and awe at the beauty around us.”

Visit the Argyle Gallery located on Playfair Street to see Vivien Tanner’s stunning works.

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Argyle Gallery specialises in All Australian Art and Fine Craft

Our range includes: paintings, glassware, bronze sculptures, woodwork and Aboriginal art directly from the artists or Aboriginal communities.

We deliver locally and offer worldwide shipping at competitive rates.

Argyle Gallery is situated in an original convict built terrace at 21 Playfair Street, The Rocks, Sydney NSW 2000.

BUSINESS HOURS: Open 7 days a week from 10am to 5.30pm T: +612 9247 4427 E: argylegallery@bigpond.com www.argylegallery.com.au

Located in The Rocks for over 20 years, Gannon House Gallery have one of the largest collections of Aboriginal art in Sydney. The collection at this impressive gallery includes both Indigenous and other contemporary Australian art and craft. View an extensive array of artwork from the central and western desert including investment paintings and many bark paintings, sculpture and artefacts from Arnhem Land. Also on display is their contemporary Australian collection containing beautiful glass, ceramic, woodwork and bronze pieces as well as drawings and paintings.

For photography lovers, Seductive Art Gallery is a must. Established in 2004, the gallery celebrates the warmth and beauty of the human form, which, combined with photographer Avi Ohana’s inspirational artistic vision, produces timeless artworks. Avi Ohana, originally from Israel, has developed his own unique, expressive style behind the camera. His gallery displays sculptured nudes and architectural photography, and boasts an eclectic clientele— from enthused local residents to international collectors of art photography.

LEFT: THE SEDUCTIVE ART GALLERY. BELOW: GANNON HOUSE GALLERY.

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AUSTRALIAN CONTEMPORARY

ABORIGINAL ART Greg Hyde

Located in the historic Rocks district, Gannon House Gallery showcases the best of Australian contemporary art and craft including work

by Aboriginal artists from the Central and Western Deserts and Arnhem Land.

Walangkura Napanangka

Willy Tjungurrayi

Elodie Barker

Visit Gannon House Gallery at 45 Argyle Street, The Rocks, Sydney, NSW, 2000 +61 2 9251 4474 10am-6pm every day or www.gannonhousegallery.com

Noel Hart

PHOTO: DESTINATION NSW.

GETTING THERE It’s easy to get to The Rocks! Located at the northern end of Sydney’s CBD, The Rocks extends from Sydney Harbour in the north and east, to Kent Street in the west, and Grosvenor Street in the south.

A comfortable walk from major landmarks including the Sydney Harbour Bridge, Sydney Opera House, Walsh Bay and Barangaroo, The Rocks is easily accessible via public transport. Two major train stations are within walking distance—Circular Quay and Wynyard.

For those catching buses throughout the city, you can hop off at Bridge Street and head north to The Rocks.

You can access The Rocks via the ferry network also. If you’re travelling from Manly in the north, THE ROCKS MARKETS. PHOTO: PROPERTY NSW.

from Watsons Bay in the east, or from Parramatta in the west, jump on a ferry and enjoy a leisurely cruise on the harbour. The ferry disembarks at Circular Quay, right on the doorstep of The Rocks.

For information on what’s happening in The Rocks and beyond, head into the Sydney Visitor Centre, situated on the corner of Argyle and Playfair Streets, The Rocks or visit therocks.com

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The

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ATTY Gallery

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Argyle Gallery

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Australian Alpaca Barn

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Celebrity Vogue Photography

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Clocktower Square

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DUX Collection

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Four Seasons Hotel/

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Giulians Fine Jewellery 8

Gannon House Gallery

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Mancuso Fine Jewellery

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Museum of Contemporary Art

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Old Sydney Holiday Inn

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Park Hyatt Hotel

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Quay West Apartments

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Sydney Harbour Marriott

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Sydney Visitor Centre

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The Rocks Centre

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THE ATTY GALLERY is positioned right in the centre of Sydney’s cultural hub, The Rocks,

and is home to a menagerie of colourful digital animals up for adoption.

Graham Atwell (ATTY) is the creative genius behind the ATTY Gallery and the creator of the colourful animals housed there. A former central London police officer, ATTY started creating art as a tribute to his courageous adopted pet cat Harvey and as a creative release from his day job but continues to be driven by appreciation from the general public.

The gallery is housed in one of the original worker’s cottages and is as quirky as the animals it houses. Whitewashed walls accentuate the glorious colours of ATTY’s animals whilst the three-storey terrace maintains a homely feel, appropriate for the much-loved animals.

His artworks are inspired by the animal kingdom, from the African plains to our own native Australian creatures and feature unique and intricate colourful designs that take between 150 to 695 hours to complete.

Matilda the koala and Thomas the giraffe are just two of the animals on display at the gallery looking for new homes. You don’t just buy an ATTY animal, you adopt them, so if you fancy one you are taking home a much loved, irreplaceable piece!

With new animals appearing throughout the year, a visit to ATTY Gallery is always exciting.

Limited Edition Prints We ship worldwide 27 Playfair Street, The Rocks, Sydney 2000 OPENING HOURS

10.30am–5pm Monday to Friday 10am–6pm Saturday & Sunday Private viewings available ATTY Gallery T: +61 428 305 863 Email: graham@atty.com.au www.atty.com.au @attydesign

C

ollectors of original art and those who simply appreciate beautiful pieces have come to the right place when they visit Sydney. This city is home to a whole range of superlative art

galleries, displaying pieces from an extensive variety of genres including Aboriginal and tribal art, contemporary paintings, sculptures and even classic masterpieces.

Sourcing unique, contemporary artwork to complement today’s modern decor and architecture is always a challenging undertaking.

For over twenty years, world-class photographer Avi Ohana has captured the natural beauty and grace of the human body to produce artwork of unparalleled artistic quality.

Established in The Rocks since 2004, Celebrity Vogue’s Seductive Art Gallery showcases Ohana’s unique artwork to the discerning public. From classic black and white to avant-garde human landscapes, his photographic masterpieces provide eclectic artwork to blend into or create conversation pieces for any interior.

GLORIOUS GALLERIES LEFT: SEYA (11”X16”) BY AVI OHANA, CELEBRITY VOGUE STUDIOS.

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ON DISPLAY IN SEDUCTIVE ART GALLERY BY AVI OHANA. CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT: “PORTRAIT OF LOVE” (31”X45”), “GIRL WITH A FEATHER” (31”X45”), “G E V E R” (31”X45”), “BRIDGE & LAMP” (8”X12”),

At the Celebrity Vogue studio, Ohana invites clients to experience the art firsthand, guiding them through the creative process from start to finish. The exclusive, comfortable and private haven is home to an expert team of professionals providing their styling, hair and make up touches.

For the first time, Seductive Art™ – Gallery by Avi Ohana is also offering a collection of costumes to choose from as part of Avi’s “Fantasy Series”. Dress up choosing from various period fashions and props, to add an element of flirty make-believe to your shoot.

Whatever style of shoot you wish for, Ohana and his team will assist the client (couples or individuals) with posing and placement in order to best complement their shape and form. Ohana then experiments with and finds the best lighting to capture the client’s unique beauty and unscripted moments of stripped emotion.

By focusing closely on his clients’ requirements, Ohana has remained at the forefront of Sydney’s artistic photographic industry since 1994. He will do all he can for that perfect click.

Visit the gallery at Gallery B3, Nurses Walk, The Rocks. Book your experience. Be the art.

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ABORIGINAL ART GALLERIES’ IMPRESSIVE GALLERIES AT THE QUEEN VICTORIA BUILDING (ABOVE) AND OPERA QUAYS (RIGHT).

Aboriginal Art Galleries has operated in the field of Aboriginal art and artefacts for over 20 years.

These remarkable galleries are in partnership with Aboriginal communities and are dedicated to supporting both established artists, as well as the young and upcoming artists who are making a big impact on the international art scene. The galleries offer some of the finest Aboriginal art, didgeridoos, artefacts and glassware in Australia. Just a short walk from the Sydney Opera House, the stunning Opera Quays gallery focuses on quality mid-sized artworks, while still offering a fine selection of artefacts and crafts.

Their Queen Victoria Building gallery specialises in great gift ideas, with everything from scarves to books, glassware to ceramics, sculptures to paintings of all sizes, didgeridoos and more. All the works at Aboriginal Art Galleries are genuine Aboriginal-made products and to make it easy for you, they offer fully insured shipping all around the world.

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Tarisse King Big Water 2016, acrylic on linen, 90 x150cm

Colin Jones Songlines of the Ocean 2015, acrylic on canvas, 47 x 84cm

Sarrita King Ancestors 2016, acrylic on linen, 76 x 105cm

KurunWarun Dry Riverbed 2015, acrylic on linen, 90 x 116cm

Sacha Pula Long Bush Medicine Leaves 2014, acrylic on canvas, 90 x 116cm

Take home a unique piece of cultural Australia Aboriginal Art Galleries has two conveniently located galleries in some of the most iconic Sydney locations.

We proudly offer a variety of beautiful and authentic Aboriginal artworks, craft artefacts and didgeridoos.

From the collectible to the affordable. Aboriginal Art Galleries offers a great opportunity to view and take home a unique piece of the heart and soul of Aboriginal Australia. You can be assured that Aboriginal Art Galleries only sells original and authentic Aboriginal artworks at competitive prices.

A certificate of authenticity is available for all artworks.

Opera Quays: Shop 13, 2 East Circular Quay.

Queen Victoria Building: Shop 47-51, Level 2.

Phone: 1300 385 862

www.aboriginalartgalleries.com.au

The Argyle Gallery at The Rocks presents a beautiful collection of all Australian and Aboriginal art and fine crafts. All art works are sourced directly from the artists, and Aboriginal communities. If you’re after a unique Australian souvenir, the Argyle Gallery also stocks a great selection of Australian made gifts, a perfect way of remembering your time in Sydney.

Also at The Rocks is Gannon House Gallery, home to contemporary Indigenous and Australian art and craft. The collection includes many well known artists and fine examples of central and western desert indigenous art and artefacts including work by Ronnie Tjampitjinpa, Gloria and Kathleen Petyarre, Dorothy Napangardi, Ningurra Napurrula, Walangkura Napanangka and Willy Tjungarrayi among many others. The gallery also houses a large collection of paintings by local artists, Australian hand blown glass, Australian fine woodcraft, metal and ceramic sculpture.

For visitors seeking artwork of a historical nature, a visit to the Antique Print Room in Ultimo is a must. This impressive store boasts an amazing inventory of original antique prints, maps, photographs and paintings. This amazing

ABOVE LEFT: DECORATIVE BOWLS. ABOVE RIGHT: ARTWORK BY WALANGKURA NAPANANGKA. BOTH IMAGES COURTESY GANNON HOUSE GALLERY.

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“C1643 BLAEU ASIA”, COURTESY ANTIQUE PRINT ROOM.

ANTIQUE PRINT ROOM.

collection includes hundreds of wonderful views of Sydney, Australian bush life, cities, towns, botanicals and birds. The choice of antique maps is remarkable, with maps of the world, the Pacific region, Asia, East Indies, New Zealand, Africa, the Americas and much more.

Located in Sydney’s CBD, Wentworth Galleries have been connecting buyers with Australia’s best visual artists for more than 20 years. They have two prestigious CBD galleries, located at the Sofitel Wentworth (61 Phillip Street), and 1 Martin Place. Wentworth Galleries offer advice when choosing art, and even allow you to take it out for trial in Sydney and hang it, if requested. Be sure to visit wentworthgalleries.com.au and if you see a painting that you like, you can order it online with safety. They will pack, insure and ship to anywhere in the world,

“C1643 BLAEU WORLD”, COURTESY ANTIQUE PRINT ROOM.

with great care.

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Spirits of Sydney

PHOTO: © ALANA DIMOU.

From minimalist gin halls to underground whisky dens, Sydney has never had such an array of specialised bars on offer. By Olivia Storrie.

THE DOSS HOUSE Located in Sydney’s historic The Rocks district, The Doss House reflects a perfect amount of timeworn charm. Impeccably presented cocktails are paired with a selection of fine meats and cheese not to mention over 150 different types of whisky. Divine sandstone walls and antique wooden beams create a cosy atmosphere but The Doss House also boasts choice with the opportunity to sip your whisky on their exclusive terrace.

77–79 George Street, The Rocks. Tue–Thu 3pm–2am, Fri–Sat 12pm–2am, Sun 12pm– 12am. 0457 880 180. thedosshouse.com.au 94

WHERE GUESTBOOK SYDNEY

ARCHIE ROSE DISTILLERY & BAR Tucked just outside of the Sydney CBD lies Archie Rose which boasts an industrial style bar and a unique handmade whisky distillery, the first in Sydney in over a century. Alongside handmade and limited release gin and whisky is a carefully curated selection of beer and wine, ensuring there is something for everyone. If you are a touch more organised why not book yourself into a distillery tour to catch a glimpse of the handmade copper stills or even the renowned ‘blend your own gin’ class after which you will leave with your own signature 200ml gin blend for the road.

85 Dunning Avenue, Rosebery. Sun–Mon 12pm–10pm, Tue–Sat 12pm–11.30pm. 8458 2300. archierose.com.au

PHOTO: NIKKI TO.

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BAXTER INN Baxter Inn, a sophisticated whisky bar located in Sydney’s CBD, is a small, hidden, underground whisky bar with one of Sydney’s finest collections.

Baxter Inn offers over 800 different types of whisky, many visible on arrival on the towering whisky wall. Experienced and informative staff are on hand to aid novices and experts alike in their selection.

All are welcome at this cosy and old school bar.

Basement, 152-156 Clarence Street, Sydney.

Mon–Sat 4pm–1am. thebaxterinn.com

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THE SMOKING PANDA The Smoking Panda is a hip bar positioned alongside Sydney’s Hyde Park that serves delicious cocktails alongside retro Chinese bites. Hosting the largest collection of bitters in Australia alongside arguably the best ‘Old Fashioned’ you will ever have, The Smoking Panda is not to be missed. Neon pink lights give off a fun vibe inspired by trés cool Los Angeles. Rumour is the soft-shell crab slider is not to be missed.

5–7 Park Street, Sydney. Tue–Wed 4pm–late, Thu–Fri 12pm–late, Sat 4pm–late. 9264 4618. thesmokingpanda.com.au

PHOTO: BEN EDWARDS/CHARACTER PR.

CAPTION.

THE BARBER SHOP The Barber Shop is a cocktail bar, located in the heart of the city on York Street, designed specifically for ladies and gentleman seeking a sophisticated sojourn. As indicated by its name, The Barber Shop is not just a gin supplying cocktail bar but also a sophisticated and traditional barbershop offering a range of services for the modern gentleman. The bar upholds a relaxed vibe with classic and creative cocktails in abundance as well as a carefully curated selection of rare gin.

89 York Street, Sydney. Mon–Wed and Sat 4pm–midnight, Thu–Fri 3pm–midnight. thisisthebarbershop.com

PHOTO: ERTHE BY ANLIETTE.

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GRAIN BAR At Grain Bar, located in the exclusive Four Seasons Hotel Sydney, drinking is considered a craft. The bar offers innovative cocktails as well as vigilantly selected whiskies and craft spirits. On top of their fine beverage selection, Grain Bar guarantees a mouthwatering bar menu with a primary focus of enhancing your drinking experience.

199 George Street, Sydney. Daily 2pm–late. 9520 3118. grainbar.com.au PHOTO: NIKKI TO.

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GIN LANE Gin Lane, situated in the cultural hub of Kensington Street, is an intimate yet glamorous bar with a focus on providing delicious cocktails that are not only a delight to drink but are a visual and conceptual masterpiece. The extra special flourishes set Gin Lane apart, whilst a focus on quality ensures your chosen cocktail, whether a seasonal concoction or old school classic, will be an experience to remember.

16 Kensington Street, Chippendale. Mon 4pm–10.30pm, Tue– Wed 4pm–11pm, Thu–Sat 2pm–late. ginlanesydney.com.au PHOTO: © WESLEY NEL.

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POOR TOMS GIN HALL The artistic suburb of Marrickville is the setting for Poor Toms Gin Hall. With a distillery purely dedicated to making gin, gin lovers will delight in the eccentric and bold flavours whipped up with dreamy precision. The Gin Hall itself possesses a minimalist vibe with whitewashed walls and fresh greenery. With an emphasis on gin, Poor Toms Gin Hall is an authentic gin lover’s experience.

6 Chalder Avenue, Marrickville. Fri 3pm–10pm, Sat– Sun 12pm–10pm. 9557 2282. poortomsgin.com.au

PHOTO: DOMINIC LORRIMER.

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PARRAMATTA PARK. PHOTO: © GRACE SUI PHOTOGRAPHY.

west

Best of the Discover Parramatta, a vibrant modern city and Sydney’s geographical heart.

BY CHRISTINE KNIGHT

W

here in Sydney can you step back into its indigenous past, explore a UNESCO World Heritage site and then dive into Australia’s vibrant, multicultural present? The answer is Parramatta, the oldest inland European city in Australia.

Located 25 kilometres west of the Sydney CBD on the banks of the Parramatta River,

Parramatta was founded by the British in 1788, the same year as Sydney. While the region was colonised by Governor Phillip and settlers from the First Fleet, its history goes back even further.

The Burramattagal people, a clan of the Darug, lived on the banks of the Parramatta River over 60,000 years ago. The indigenous tribe caught fish and eels in the river and made bark canoes from the trees. It was the Darug people who called the area Baramada or Burramatta, meaning “head of waters”, “place where the eels dwell” or “eel waters”. Eels and other sea creatures can still be found in the headwater of the river, where it meets Port Jackson.

From world-class shopping and divine dining, to exploring its spacious parklands, there’s plenty to see and do in Parramatta.

PHOTO: CHRISTINE KNIGHT.

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ELIZABETH FARM, DRAWING ROOMS (ABOVE) AND ENTRANCE HALL (RIGHT).

PHOTO: JAMES HORAN FOR SYDNEY LIVING MUSEUMS.

STEP BACK IN TIME Parramatta has plenty of historic sites worth visiting. Old Government House, the country home of Australia’s first 10 governors, and Domain in Parramatta Park are UNESCO World Heritagelisted Australian Convict Sites. Built by convicts in 1799, Old Government House is Australia’s oldest surviving public building and a National Trust House. The house is also home to Lachlans, a restaurant acclaimed for excellent dining and high tea.

Nearby Elizabeth Farm, built in 1793 for military family John and Elizabeth Macarthur, is one of Australia’s oldest homes. The Macarthurs are well-known as pioneers of Australia’s wool industry, and their former home has been preserved as a museum. A visit to Elizabeth Farm isn’t complete without a delicious Devonshire tea from the Tearoom.

Another site of historical significance in the area is Experiment Farm Cottage, the site of the first land grant and where, in 1791, former convict James Ruse successfully grew the first wheat crop and proved that settlers could feed and shelter their families self-sufficiently. The cottage itself was built in 1835 and Experiment Farm Cottage now offers an authentic look at life in the 1800s.

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Nearby Elizabeth Farm, built in 1793 for military family John and Elizabeth Macarthur, is one of Australia’s oldest homes.

ABOVE: ELIZABETH FARM. PHOTO: DOUG RILEY FOR SYDNEY LIVING MUSEUMS.

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HIGH TEA AT THE GATEHOUSE TEA ROOMS.

STROLL THROUGH PARRAMATTA PARK Parramatta Park features 85 hectares of grasslands, gardens, river, playgrounds and historic sites. For 160 years locals have enjoyed the park, as a meeting place for family gatherings, picnics and playing sport.

Parramatta Park is steeped in history. As well as being renowned for Old Government House, it’s also home to the Dairy and Rangers Cottages, one of the nation’s oldest colonial sites. The Dairy Cottage was built between 1796 and 1905 and is one of the earliest intact cottages remaining in Australia.

To fully experience the park, follow a free, self-guided tour. The Colonial Rose Hill tour explores the park in the time of Governor Phillip, during the pre-colonial and colonial period. The tour includes Rose Hill, the second English settlement site in Australia. Take in the park’s historic sites and monuments on the Parramatta Park Monuments and Sites tour, which features places of interest such as the Park Gatehouses, The Crescent, The Observatory Transit Stones, The Bath House and the Boer War Memorial.

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THE ELIZABETH STREET FOOTBRIDGE OVER THE PARRAMATTA RIVER. PHOTO: JAMES HORAN/DESTINATION NSW.

The park’s Aboriginal history can be discovered on the Burramatta Aboriginal Landscape Trail.

On this tour, visitors can find the plants and raw materials used by local tribes for food and medicine in areas that have been rehabilitated for this purpose.

The Gatehouse Tea Rooms inside the park are an excellent place to enjoy a traditional high tea, while kids will love the two playgrounds, particularly the Domain Creek Playground with its nature-based elements and modern play equipment.

CATCH A SHOW The Riverside Theatres is the place to see professional theatre and dance from leading performing arts companies including the Sydney Theatre Company, Griffin Theatre Company, Belvoir St Theatre, Packemin Productions and Riverside Productions, as well as comedy, live music and cinema.

GO SHOPPING Parramatta has an excellent Westfield Shopping Centre with major chain stores such as Myer, David Jones, UNIQLO, Nike, Dymocks, Pandora, Zara, Tommy Hilfiger, EB Games and a massive Event Cinemas complex.

PARRAMATTA PARK. PHOTO: © GRACE SUI PHOTOGRAPHY.

EAT STREETS Visit Parramatta’s two dining areas, Church Street and Argyle Street, to experience Sydney’s multicultural food scene at its best. These two vibrant streets feature al fresco dining from all over the world. Try Turkish food at Sahara Restaurant, Arabic and Mediterranean food down the road at Armani, and sit down to a yum cha banquet at Parramatta Phoenix.

For dessert, you absolutely must try a scoop of flavoursome gelato at Gelato Messina.

GETTING THERE Catch the ferry to Parramatta from Circular Quay. The trip along the Parramatta River takes about 85 minutes, where you’ll travel under the Sydney Harbour Bridge and past Sydney Olympic Park to Parramatta Wharf.

You can also jump on a direct train at Central Station, which will take about 25 minutes.

Drop into the Parramatta Heritage and Visitor Information Centre at 346A Church Street to pick up maps and get tips on what to see nearby. discoverparramatta.com

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INTO THE BLUE STUNNING NATURAL WONDERS AWAIT IN THE BLUE MOUNTAINS. BY SIÂN EDWARDS.

N

o matter what time of year, Sydneysiders head to the Blue Mountains for a relaxing retreat from the bustle of city life.

Filled to the brim with old worldly charms of yesteryear and stunning natural wonders, these iconic misty mountains are

one of the most popular destinations to visit and make the perfect daytrip or weekend getaway. Under two hours drive or a train trip west of Sydney, the Blue Mountains are easy to get to. It’s figuring

out what you want to do that is the hard part!

ANTIQUE ROADSHOW If you’re driving, you will wind your way past small mountain villages filled with cute cafés, second-hand book stores, and antique stores that dot the highway. These treasure troves are filled with historic knick knacks to take home. Make a detour in Faulconbridge to the Norman Lindsay Gallery and soak up the art and sculptures of one of our country’s most famous artists who lived in the area before you continue up the mountains. Remember it can get colder the higher you go, so pack warm!

THE SCENIC SKYWAY AT SCENIC WORLD, KATOOMBA. PHOTO: DESTINATION NSW.

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PHOTO: MIKE WILSON/UNSPLASH.

Five minutes away is the historic Everglades House and Gardens owned by the National Trust. Wander the manicured gardens and explore the sandstone terrace built in the 1930’s. Grab a coffee or meal at the well-themed Leura Garage or try a sweet treat at Josophan’s, known for their fine chocolates and hands-on workshops.

HIGH TEA IN HIGH PLACES The Blue Mountains is also the perfect place to enjoy a pot of warm tea and scones. Take a breather and enjoy a traditional high tea and silver THE THREE SISTERS IN THE BLUE MOUNTAINS.

service at Leura’s Bygone Beautys or the historic 19th century Carrington Hotel in Katoomba.

For a really special treat you cannot miss visiting The Hydro Majestic

BUSHWALKS AND BYGONE BEAUTIES

in Medlow Bath for a sumptuous high tea or gourmet meal while taking in

Hikers will enjoy a stop at Wentworth Falls where you can look over the

history tour with the hotel concierge is also a must).

the breathtaking panoramic views across the Megalong Valley (a guided

valley with a nice hot cuppa at The Conservation Hut. Stretch your legs

For the ultimate weekend away, stay in the luxurious Parklands

on a walk through the World Heritage-listed Blue Mountains National

Country Garden and Lodges set on 28 acres of manicured grounds

Park and take in the panoramic views from Lyrebird Lookout.

in Blackheath. Indulge at their day spa before heading to local hatted

Once you arrive, get your bearings aboard the Hop On Hop Off Trolley Tours between Katoomba and nearby Leura. There’s even a daily

restaurant at Darleys in Katoomba for a final fine dining experience before jumping on a train or driving back to Sydney.

bus to the famous Jenolan Caves.

Adventure seekers can get their adrenalin fix at Scenic World with an all-day pass. Choose your adventure as you ride down the world’s steepest railway before walking through the 2.4km of ancient rainforest

FACT FILE ■

thecarrington.com.au

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hydromajestic.com.au

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scenicworld.com.au

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normanlindsay.com.au

Arguably the most recognised feature of the Blue Mountains, these

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parklands.com.au

rock formations have stood the test of time and Aboriginal legend tells

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getinnow.com.au

a tale of three sisters turned into stone. If you’ve got the legs, take the

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bluemountainsattractions.com.au

on the Scenic Walkway. Give those tired legs a rest by returning via the glass-boxed Scenic Cableway. Grab a bite to eat at café EATS270 then ride the 270m high glass-floored Scenic Skyway across to your next destination: The Three Sisters at Echo Point.

HIGH TEA AT THE CARRINGTON. PHOTO: ANSON SMART/ DESTINATION NSW.

Giant Stairway (900 stairs) down below the rainforest canopy and breathe in the fresh mountain air.

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The Hunter

VALLEY

TASTE THE HIGH LIFE ON A SOJOURN IN WONDERFUL WINE COUNTRY.

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PHOTO: BON APPETIT/ALAMY.

T

he Hunter Valley, a couple of hours’ drive north of Sydney and one of the most visited wine regions in the world, began life as a brutal penal colony. It was discovered only because one Lieutenant Shortland from the early colony at Sydney was hunting for escaped convicts.

As he sailed around the coastline of New South Wales, he saw an outflow of water that he

recognised as a river, and went to investigate. What he’d found, in what is now the Lower Hunter Valley, was a place rich in cedar trees and coal. These were the very things the fledgling colony needed.

Four years later, Governor King sent the worst convicts from Sydney to collect coal and fell timber.

One of the major projects undertaken by the convicts was the Great North Road, built between 1826 and 1836, to connect Sydney and the Hunter. The road can still be driven today and it winds through some of the most picturesque areas of the region.

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OAKS CYPRESS LAKES RESORT.

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BROKENWOOD WINES. PHOTO: CHRIS CHEN/DESTINATION NSW.

But the Hunter was much too fertile to remain a penal settlement, and settlers soon arrived to take advantage of the area. By the early 1820s rows of vines had appeared, grown from the ones transported to Australia in damp moss. The fledgling wine trade got a further kick when a young Scotsman called James Busby, who’d studied viticulture in France, showed up in 1824. Over the years Busby went back and forth to Europe, collecting cuttings and taking Australian wine with him on his travels as an experiment, to see how well it lasted.

By the 1850s, the Hunter Valley was a thriving wine area; however, many disasters were to strike, including the Federation of Australia in 1901, when customs barriers between the states were removed and wine from South Australia flooded into New South Wales. It wasn’t really until the 1960s, when the generation that included Len Evans AO OBE, a giant in the Australian wine pantheon, Karl Stockhausen and surgeon vigneron Max Lake, who started a boutique winery called Lake’s Folly, got things going again. Len Evans deserves a special mention. This famous wine writer, critic and raconteur not only established MARGAN RESTAURANT. PHOTO: DESTINATION NSW.

a wine scene and a wine show system in Australia, but he helped convince the world that Australian wine was worth drinking. Evans died in 2006 but he has left a major mark on the Hunter Valley, particularly at Rothbury Estate and Tower Estate, known today for its handcrafted semillon and shiraz.

Today, the Hunter Valley is famous not just for its wines, but also for an entire lifestyle that’s sprung up around it, including resorts, fine-dining restaurants, craft and gourmet food shops, golf courses, adventure activities, horseriding and day spas.

As for the wine itself, many grape varieties thrive here, from classics like cabernet sauvignon to lesserknown varieties such as the white grape verdelho, which at its best can taste like a refreshing fruit salad.

But there are two particular grape varieties that do outstandingly well in the Hunter; semillon and shiraz.

The latter is not the big fruity shiraz that many associate with Australian wine. Instead it’s an elegant, savoury style with a lower alcohol level than is commonly found in many Australian red wines, making it a perfect accompaniment to food. Semillon, a French white grape that hails from Bordeaux, is a crisp refreshing drink in its youth but, unlike most white wines, it can age and develop for decades.

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HUNTER VALLEY GARDENS. PHOTO: DESTINATION NSW.

The region is divided into the Upper and Lower Hunter Valley, but most wineries can be found in the Lower Hunter, around Pokolbin. So, where to get started, and how to decide which of the 140-plus cellar doors to visit? Your best bet is to call in at the Hunter Valley Visitor Centre at 455 Wine Country Drive, Pokolbin (phone 02 4993 6700 or visit huntervalleyvisitorcentre.com.au), where you can pick up an informative brochure and a detailed map.

Nearly all wineries in the Hunter Valley have a cellar door and tasting room open to the public and very few of them charge for tastings. They expect you to come and try their wines and you are under no obligation to buy—if you show a keen interest, the person at the counter is quite likely to open something a bit special for you to taste. Do note, however, that it is considered bad taste to consume a lot of their time and wine if you have no intention to buy.

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KANGAROOS AT CYPRUS LAKES GOLF COURSE, POKOLBIN. PHOTO: DESTINATION NSW.

POKOLBIN, HUNTER VALLEY. PHOTO: ANSON SMART/DESTINATION NSW.

POKOLBIN ATTRACTIONS ABOUND IN THE HEART OF HUNTER VALLEY WINE COUNTRY.

A

s the geographical heart of Hunter Valley Wine Country, it will come as no surprise that Pokolbin—a locality that encompasses the area west of Wine Country Drive and north of Debeyers Road—offers some superb wineries,

restaurants, hotels, attractions, activities and even hair-raising adventures! This area is also home to the local airport and the excellent Hunter Valley Visitor Centre.

Nestled in the heart of Pokolbin, Pepper Tree Wines has been creating fine wines of purity, elegance and distinction since 1991.

PTW continues to receive international and national recognition for its wines and most recently celebrated this success (for the third year running) from the 2017 Limestone Coast Wine Show where they amassed a total of four gold and seven silver medals— an outstanding achievement for a boutique winery. The Cellar Door offers a unique and relaxed atmosphere for wine tasting and encourages visitors to discover wines from four of Australia’s premium wine growing regions.

Their premium vineyard resources are the result from their owner Dr. John Davis, and his decade long research into each region and its viticultural potential. Head Winemaker, Gwyn Olsen, and a ‘Len Evans Tutorial Scholar’, looks forward to the challenges and opportunities to craft diverse, high quality wines with a strong sense of place for Pepper Tree Wines from the regions of the Hunter Valley,

THE VINTAGE GOLF CLUB. THE VINTAGE GOLF CLUB.

Orange, Wrattonbully and Coonawarra.

PEPPER TREE WINES.

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P ePPer T ree Wines

James Halliday Rated Winery At Pepper Tree, we pride ourselves on growing grapes in some of Australia’s best winemaking regions. The climates and soils of our four estates create unique flavours in the wines they produce. This, coupled with the passion and science our people bring to the process, mean we’ve become one of Australia’s most highly awarded boutique wine makers.

PEPPER TREE WINES: 86 Halls Road, Pokolbin NSW 2320. P: 02 4909 7100 F: 02 4998 7746.

OPENING HOURS: CELLAR DOOR, Monday – Friday 9am to 5pm, Saturday, Sunday & Public Holidays 9.30am to 5pm.

www.peppertreewines.com.au @peppertreewines

CYPRESS LAKES GOLF & COUNTRY CLUB BY OAKS.

The Hunter Valley boasts several impressive golf courses, including the spectacular 18-hole Greg Norman-designed course at The Vintage Golf Club. Measuring 6310 metres with a par of 71 and ranked among the Australia’s best, this is the only Greg Normandesigned public access golf course in New South Wales. The Vintage also offers a complete range of accommodation.

For those with a sweet tooth, a visit to Hunter Valley icon The Hunter Valley Chocolate Company is a must. Family owned and operated for the past 17 years, the boutique chocolate and fudge factory offers a unique range of chocolate and chocolate products, together with over 30 flavours of fudge.

You will also find a tempting range of locally produced gourmet products, a coffee lounge with both indoor and outdoor seating, and much more. Come and visit The HUNTER VALLEY CHOCOLATE COMPANY.

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Hunter Valley Chocolate Company and “Taste the Difference”.

The Hunter Valley is home to a unique array of shopping. Discover the luxury, the softness and the lightness of alpaca at the Australian Alpaca Barn at Hunter Valley Gardens and Pepper Creek Village in Pokolbin. They sell a wide variety of Australian Alpaca fashion, homewares and accessories including alpaca coats, jumpers, shawls, scarves, gloves, beanies, socks, throw rugs, quilts, bedding, pillows, blankets, knitting yarn, alpaca teddies, alpaca silver jewellery and more. The Australian Alpaca Barn specialises in quality products made from alpaca fibre grown in Australia.

Located in the heart of the Hunter Valley, Hunter Distillery is the only locally owned and operated distillery. Their award-winning spirits are made from organic raw ingredients, these include; gin, vodka, liqueurs and schnapps. Using traditional methods, combined with the latest technologies, Hunter Distillery produce top shelf spirits.

The Distillery door is open daily, from 10am–5pm.

HUNTER DISTILLERY.

OPEN FOR TASTINGS AND SALES 7 days, 10am-5pm, 1686 Broke Road, Pokolbin Hunter Valley PH (02) 4998 6737 l info@hunterdistillery.com.au www.hunterdistillery.com.au

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BROKE ROAD A

Fine wine, superb restaurants and glorious gardens await in the heart of the Hunter. s the main thoroughfare through Pokolbin and therefore, the heart of the Hunter Valley, Broke Road and its side roads are home to dozens of wineries, guesthouses, restaurants, cafés, cheese shops, galleries and many other attractions. There are so many notable wineries here that you could explore the area for a week. And, if you’re in the Hunter in May and June, take advantage of the Hunter Valley Wine & Food Festival,

a chance to sample a showcase of world-renowned wine, produce and quality restaurants from the Broke Road area and, indeed, throughout the valley.

Sample the Broke Road experience—and enjoy some fine wines—of the Tempus Two cellar door at the corner of McDonalds Road. Tempus Two’s roots are planted in one of Australia’s oldest wine regions, and one of Australia’s best-known wine families. The McGuigan family holds a dynasty of celebrated vintners and the Tempus Two cellar door reflects their determination to blend the essence of tradition with the magic of innovation.

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HUNTER VALLEY GARDENS.

The award-winning cellar door with its soaring canopies and groundbreaking design is truly breathtaking.

Tempus Two is more than just a cellar door, however, as it is also home to a boutique cheese shop, a Japanese restaurant specialising in teppanyaki, and an exclusive bar. Sprawling grounds and an atmospheric barrel room even make Tempus Two a popular choice for weddings and events.

Just across the road is the Hunter Valley Gardens complex, located at the junction of McDonalds and Broke roads. Featuring 10 colourful feature gardens spread over 60 acres, the complex also includes a winery and a ‘village’ with accommodation, a pub, numerous boutique specialty shops, aqua golf, picnic facilities and a kids’ playground and, of course, restaurants and cafés.

It’s well worth taking a slight detour to the village of Broke to visit Margan Family Winegrowers, one of the best boutique wineries in the state. Andrew Margan cut his teeth as a wine-maker at Tyrrell’s, before striking out and creating his own winery.

Lisa Margan (chef by trade, nutritionist by profession) leads the Margan Restaurant team who serve seasonally inspired menus featuring produce from their substantial kitchen garden and orchard.

PITTWATER. PHOTO: ANDREW GREGORY/DESTINATION NSW. TEMPUS TWO CELLAR DOOR.

MARGAN WINES. PHOTO: MURRAY VANDERVEER/DESTINATION NSW.

TEMPUS TWO.

MARGAN FAMILY WINEGROWERS Premium Hunter Valley wine producer Margan has been making outstanding wines in the picturesque wine region of Broke in the Hunter Valley for the last twenty years. Over this time they have amassed a growing collection of accolades for their wines, restaurant and stunning tasting room. Their recent successes at the 2015 NSW & Hunter Tourism Awards saw them enter Hall of Fame for Best Winery and were awarded winner of the Excellence in Food Tourism award. Margan were also awarded One Chef Hat in the 2018 Sydney Morning Herald Good Food Guide.

Owner, winemaker and vigneron Andrew Margan states “We recognise the absolute importance of providing our customers with a unique experience in wine and food. We are proudly ‘Estate grown – Estate made’ with grapes for our wine grown on the 100 hectares of distinguished Margan vineyards. We make wines with clear varietal and regional definition, wines that retain their Hunter heritage but also have their own contemporary personality.”

Wife Lisa, a chef by trade runs Margan Restaurant which features a modern European menu, seasonally inspired and designed to showcase local produce including fruit and vegetables grown on the one acre Kitchen Garden. The menu also features estate-grown olives, honey, free-range chickens and eggs and Suffolk lambs.

Margan is also the first Hunter Valley winery to be certified under the Entwine accreditation system for its environmental stewardship and sustainability initiatives. Margan Wines & Restaurant, 1238 Milbrodale Road, Broke, Hunter Valley NSW 2330. Tel: 02 6579 1317. www.margan.com.au

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JETRIDE—ONCE IN A LIFETIME Once in your a Lifetime It’s not Jetride often you get a–chance to make wildest dreams come true or tick the ultimate bucket It’snot notbecome often you a chance your wildest dreams come true, butis available list. Why a Jetget Fighter Pilot to formake the day.

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Australia one countries of only three in the world allows ayou Australia is only one ofisthree in thecountries world that allows you that to become Top Gun jet become a fighter theL39 day, as a crew member in an L39 Albatros pilot fortothe day. The modernpilot and for sleek Albatros is fast and manoeuvrable with 3700 pounds fighter jet.you As Australia’s leadingAustralia adventure jet fighter, aircraftjetisfighter capable of thrust driving skywards. Jetride is the leading this adventure company in speeds excess of 900 km/h; itTop is also packed advanced technology andexperience. of and Australia hasinthousands of satisfied Gun riderswith to back up their prestigious backupissafety systems, allowing the pilot and you to carry your mission Their aircraft capable of speeds in excess of 900 km/h—that’s twoout football fields per second, air-conditioned cockpit pressurisation for speed. high-altitude flying. allowinginthe pilot and you comfort to carry and out your mission in stealth and Your flight experience is Flights for depart fromand Cessnock Airport, and for Jetride Australia can Flights arrange air-conditioned comfort cockpit pressurisation high-altitude flying. depart from your transfers byHunter helicopter or and limousine.

And as far the flight you Cessnock Airport in the Valley Jetride Australia canasarrange withgoes, the concierge your anything ‘mild’ for goes, the ride lifetime transferscan by request limousine to theirfrom jet base.

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All New

Horizons

Only two hours north of Sydney, the hidden gems of sunny Newcastle are well worth the road trip.

By Jessica Feenstra

T

ake the time during your stay in Sydney to venture north and experience the magnificent views and relaxed ambience of the port city of Newcastle.

Conveniently located in the heart of the Hunter Region,

Newcastle is Australia’s seventh largest city, and the second most populated city in New South Wales, second only to its bustling sister city, Sydney. However, rewind to 10 years ago and you wouldn’t think this would be the case, with more than 150 empty shopfronts lining the city centre creating a ghost town.

Today, cafés and restaurants spill out onto art covered streets alive with locals and visitors sharing arguably some of the best coffee blends, healthy brunch bowls or drinks into the night.

Marketgoers stroll through laneways with bags full of local homemade purchases, while surfers beeline barefoot to and from the expansive beaches.

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ANZAC MEMORIAL WALK.

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CLOCKWISE FROM ABOVE: MEREWETHER BEACH; MEREWETHER SURFHOUSE; EAST END HUB.

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This revitalisation began in 2008 with a non-profit initiative called Renew Newcastle, founded by Novocastrian Marcus Westbury. A mere three years later Newcastle could be found on Lonely Planet’s list of the top 10 cities to visit in the world. Add to this a golden sandy coastline dotted with stunning beaches—Merewether Beach in Newcastle has taken out the title of ‘best city beach’ over Bondi Beach in 2018—and stunning walks to take it all in, and it’s not hard to see why Newcastle is climbing the ladder in popularity.

EAT AND DRINK The dining scene of Newcastle has boomed in the past few years, you can find everything from quick and easy takeaway for a day on the beach, to fine dining options overlooking one! Head to one of Newcastle’s main hubs, the ever-quaint Darby Street, to the many options on offer. Three Monkeys Café (131 Darby Street, Cooks Hill.

4926 3779) will spoil your tastebuds with one of the longest and delicious smoothie menus in the area.

The Choccynanannut is a particular favourite; with chocolate, peanut butter and banana, pair one with one of their generous and hearty breakfasts.

To the east of the city sits East End Hub (3/3 King Street, Newcastle. 4929 1588) boasting alfresco dining and an impressive variety of gluten free options already on the menu. For lunch try the duck breast with hand-rolled gnocchi, spinach, beetroot, goats cheese and pine nuts.

To soak up the coastal views Newcastle is famous for, Merewether Surfhouse (5 Henderson Parade, Newcastle. 4918 0000) has you covered. Perched right on Merewether Beach, floor-to-ceiling windows give way to panoramic views right down the strip. Cocktails, drinks and an à la carte menu can be found upstairs, while downstairs the pizza kiosk is perfect for more casual catch ups over coffee or wood-fire pizza.

If you’re after a drink at the end of a long day, order a cocktail at 5 Sawyers (115 Darby Street, Newcastle.

4927 0070). Sit back and relax while taking in the eclectic art that decorates the interior and pays perfect homage to the history of Newcastle.

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SEE AND DO Unlike Sydney, checking out the sites and scenery that Newcastle has to offer needn’t be a war for parking through the battle of traffic. You won’t have to push through crowds and wait your turn to take a selfie.

There are plenty of options if you want to head in for a dip.

The Bogey Hole is a swimming hole in the city with an interesting story. Cut into the rock face by convicts in 1819, this heritage-

MEREWETHER OCEAN BATHS.

listed pool is perfect for those wanting to keep the sand out of their pants. But be aware of the tides, at high tide the waves come crashing over the side into the pool, making for both a fun and sometimes dangerous swim. The crystal clear waters at Merewether Ocean Baths are popular with locals, or for a swim slightly outside the city, Redhead Beach is a must, nestled up against a beautiful red cliff face to one side and with an expansive dog beach on the other.

To get your history fix and take in a spectacular view at the same time, the headland known as Fort Scratchley is the place to visit.

Built in 1882, Fort Scratchley is most popularly known for its role as a coastal defence installation against possible Russian attack, thanks to its strategic position overlooking the harbour. This positioning also gives the site one of the most unique and breathtaking views over the city.

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FORT SCRATCHLEY.

Held on the first Saturday of the month is the Olive Tree Market, the leading contemporary handmade art and design market in Newcastle, wowing visitors with its festival atmosphere and high-quality work on offer. The Hunt and Gather Market, held on the third Saturday of the month, is another mustvisit. More than just a market, you will find locals here socialising, indulging in great food, and lazing around on blankets under the trees listening to live music. If you are in town over these dates the markets should be on your list.

To get your blood flowing and tick some exercise off the list, one way to check out all of the above is Bathers Way, Newcastle’s scenic 5-kilometre walk that stretches all the way from the lighthouse at Nobbys Headland to the leafy wilderness of Glenrock Reserve. This walk includes the recently constructed ANZAC Memorial Walk, built to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the ANZAC landing at Gallipoli in 1915, acting as a magnificent memorial, with spectacular sprawling views over the city and the coastline.

GETTING THERE: Newcastle is a two-hour drive from Sydney (avis.com.au, budget.com.au) or a 2.5hr train journey from Sydney’s Central Station.

ANZAC MEMORIAL WALK.

All photos by Hayley Feenstra.

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PARTING SHOT

Bronte Bliss BRONTE BEACH, SYDNEY. PHOTO: WILL O/UNSPLASH.

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