Everything you need to know about the Hilton in Australia, from the staff at Australian Traveller Magazine.
There are 7 Hilton hotels located in Australia. There is a Hilton in most major capital cities, and Hiltons in Cairns and Surfers Paradise. Cairns and Surfers Paradise are leisure destinations, so these Hiltons have more of a resort feel than the other CBD Hiltons.
When booking accommodation in Sydney, you may notice that Hilton hotels are not star rated. In 2006 Hilton Australia and AAA Tourism (The owners of the star rating system) had a dispute. The dispute was never resolved and Hilton withdrew from the star rating system in Australia. Rest assured, Hiltons are great properties, and you can expect at least the equivalent if a 4.5* experience at any of their hotels.
Hilton Sydney:
Sydney’s Hilton-hotel-based Marble Bar, built in 1893, is seeking bands that reflect its musical heritage for its 120th birthday festivities.
Hilton Sydney was completely refurbished in 2007 (It was a drab 1970’s style building in the centre of the Sydney CBD), and now houses some of Sydney’s more popular bars; Zeta Bar and the stunning, iconic Marble Bar, as well as one of Sydney’s latest, and most fashionable restaurants (Glass Brasserie, By Luke Mangan).
The building sits right on George Street, the interior is well done, and the location is fantastic as it’s centred in the shopping precinct of the Sydney CBD.
Hilton Surfers Paradise:
Hilton Surfers Paradise
The Hilton Surfers Paradise is a mixed use development with both residential and hotel accommodation spread across two towers on the beach at the Surfers Paradise. The hotel proper has not opened yet, but we will be sure to check it out once it’s opened and give you a report.
Need tips, more detail or itinerary ideas tailored to you? Ask AT.
AI Prompt
Hilton Adelaide:
Hilton, Adelaide.
Though it could be said the Hilton Adelaide could do with a refurbishment, it’s a comfortable place to stay with a stunning outdoor deck where guests can have a coffee or a cocktail. This is situated right next to the beautiful pool, so you can’t miss it.
Hilton Brisbane:
Hilton Brisbane is arguably one of the best 5 star properties in Brisbane. The beautiful interior and atrium you instantly know you are staying somewhere luxe. It is a must stay when having a girls shopping weekend in Brisvegas as it has instant access to Queen St mall. Currently under refurbishment scheduled to finish at the end of Oct 2011. Proving that the cool kid on the block wants to stay your number one place to stay when visiting.
Hilton Cairns:
The Hilton Hotel, Cairns
Fortunately for the Great Barrier Reef port there are many hotels and resorts for all comforts and style. Hilton Cairns should be one of those you consider when booking your trip. If you like a great location, that is!
Want to see more stories from Australian Traveller in your Google search results?
Discover the magic of a Sydney staycation in summer at The Fullerton Hotel Sydney.
Sydney City is magical in summer. Warm summer evenings beg to be spent sipping cool cocktails at one of many al fresco and rooftop bars. Ferries and buses are ready to transport travellers to the best nearby beaches for salty days on the sand. National parks and rainforests are waiting to be explored. And the city’s events calendar is packed, from live music to cultural attractions. All elements that call for a Sydney staycation.
Discover where to eat, stay and play for the perfect local getaway.
Where to stay
The Fullerton Hotel Sydney
Sleep inside a 151-year-old icon.
Amid the bustle of the perfect Sydney staycation, one needs a place to escape to and recharge. Enter, The Fullerton Hotel Sydney. The hotel is an icon in its own right – nestled inside the 151-year-old building that was originally Sydney’s General Post Office, its heritage-listed sandstone walls and Victorian renaissance grandeur have been carefully preserved – providing a rare chance to sleep within Sydney’s history.
Despite its fascinating history, the hotel isn’t short on modern, luxurious comforts. Rooms and suites are available in both the modern high-rise with gorgeous views over the clock tower and lively city below, or inside the historical post office building itself.
Heritage rooms maintain their old-world style.
Either way, guests can enjoy sophisticated touches, including a deluxe bed and pillow menu, Harman Kardon Bluetooth speakers, a digital concierge, a Vittoria coffee machine and amenities from the Balmain bathroom collection.
The team at this five-star hotel provides excellence and a quality experience for all their guests, while amenities like a gym help with a well-rounded stay. For a peaceful moment with sweeping city views, enter The Fullerton Club Lounge on level 28. This private haven for dining and relaxation is available to any guests staying on the hotel’s club floors and suites.
Add to this a central location in the CBD’s Martin Place, with easy access to Sydney’s top attractions, and convenience meets style.
Where to drink & dine
1. The Bar
Indulge in the Fullerton Signature Afternoon Tea.
Inside The Fullerton Hotel Sydney’s lobby, The Bar does more than sling a few delicious cocktails (although it certainly does that well). Its brown leather chairs and glass ceiling create the perfect, almost al fresco, setting for the Fullerton Signature Afternoon Tea.
Served daily from 12 to 4 pm, the afternoon tea is a nod to the cherished social occasion it once was during the Victorian Renaissance era. People like to dress up for this afternoon tea, and if you’re lucky, a pianist often sits down at the on-site grand piano, just adding to the elegance.
The afternoon tea is served high tea style, offering reimagined British flavours of the Victorian Renaissance era with a unique blend of Australia’s culinary heritage. A sweet layer offers delights like a Malted Milk Envelope (a milk mousse layered between two biscuits), Bakewell Pudding (a super tasty egg-based pudding), and Apple Charlotte.
On the savoury layer, expect finger sandwiches with fillings like cucumber, egg and smoked salmon. While classic pinwheels and stuffed eggs almost make the menu. And, of course, all finished off with traditional scones served with cream and mixed berry jam.
Can’t fit in a whole afternoon tea? Be sure to at least order a slice of the 32-layered chocolate cake, a decadent mix of dark chocolate crémeux, fresh whipped cream, and Valrhona Azélia chocolate sauce.
2. The Place
Dine in the stunning GPO atrium.
On level one of The Fullerton Hotel Sydney lives The Place – the hotel’s restaurant, in an atrium overlooking the former GPO. Here, dine on Modern Australian cuisine – think fresh, local seafood and a Riverina steak sandwich – along with a touch of Singaporean signature dishes, like Thai-style green curry or chicken satay. All in the shadow of the GPO clock tower, enjoying the GPO atrium’s natural light.
3. Local gelato
Enjoy ice cream in the sunshine. (Image: Destination NSW)
What is summer without ice cream and/or gelato? Luckily, there are plenty of options just a short walk from The Fullerton Hotel Sydney, whether you’re craving a midday pick-me-up or an after-sun treat.
What to do/see
1. GPO Heritage Tour
Be awed by the building’s history.
Want to know more about the building you’re staying in? The Fullerton Hotel Sydney offers a complimentary 90-minute GPO Heritage Tour. Follow a knowledgeable tour guide to discover the stories, tales and legends of the former Sydney General Post Office building.
From the iconic clock tower (completed in 1891) to the black-and-white tiled staircase at 1 Martin Place, which was once the main entrance to the GPO and today serves as a prominent feature of the building to the 24 stone faces (mascarons) on the Martin Place side of the building. Part of the 1880s-era facade (designed by architect James Barnet), each represents different states, countries and continents.
2. Circular Quay
Catch a ferry from Circular Quay. (Image: Destination NSW)
An easy walk or light rail ride away from The Fullerton Hotel Sydney, lies the bustling Circular Quay. Here, you can sit for a drink and nibbles at the Opera Bar, or head into the iconic house itself for a show. It’s also a major ferry port, becoming your gateway to Sydney’s beaches, Luna Park and even Sydney Zoo.
3. Royal Botanic Gardens
Wander through Sydney’s Royal Botanic Garden. (Image: Destination NSW)
Just beyond Circular Quay, discover Sydney’s Royal Botanic Garden. Wander through this 30-hectare, heritage-listed, botanical garden – exploring its differing sections, from Australian native botanicals to garden beds of vibrant flowers to towering groves of international trees.
It’s also the perfect place for a picnic, so pick up supplies before you come and enjoy a spot on the grassy meadow looking out into the harbour.
4. Theatre Royal
Take in a show at Theatre Royal. (Image: Daniel Boud)
Just a one-minute walk from The Fullerton Hotel Sydney, take in a show at Theatre Royal. Built in 1976, the theatre has been offering a broad range of entertainment since the 1990s. Expect a show roster that ranges from the classics (like Cats) to the modern) like Pretty Woman: The Musical).
