The 100 Things To Do in Australia Before You Die Panellists

The Panel

Nine expert voices, one gigantic country, 100 Things To Do . . . so if you’re looking for someone to praise (or, heaven forbid, blame), say hello to your panel of judges.

Tony Wheeler

When Bill Gates visited Australia, he insisted on meeting two people in particular: the Prime Minister and Tony Wheeler, co-founder of Lonely Planet Publications. When Tony produced his first guidebook in 1972, Across Asia on the Cheap, he was writing about his own experiences and had no idea that Lonely Planet would come to publish more than 650 authoritative guides worldwide. Lonely Planet Australia is by far the best-selling guidebook in Britain, so who better to ask about Australia’s top spots?

Catriona Rowntree

For the past ten years, Catriona Rowntree has filled one of the most sought-after TV spots in the land, as presenter for Nine’s spectacularly popular travel programme, Getaway. Having visited hundreds of unique holiday destinations worldwide and given thousands of people the inspiration to “get up and go," Catriona now shares her invaluable thoughts on the top places you should visit a little closer to home.

David Whitley

An English refugee, David has spent the past five years exploring the more bizarre corners of Australia on the grounds that he doesn’t much fancy going back to the constant drizzle of his homeland. As editor of backpacker mag British Balls, David has seen those bits of the country most Aussies have never heard of – many for very good reason – but his disturbingly extensive knowledge of obscure nooks and crannies makes him just the man to write our Detours and Diversions section each issue. And also to give us an important outsider’s perspective on the 100 Things To Do In Australia Before You Die.

Suzi Petkovski

Back in the mid-’90, AT’s consulting editor Suzi Petkovski was a naive tennis journo. Then she scored a guernsey to the World Tourism Games in Austria – the junket to end all junkets – and thought: “How long has this been going on?" Soon after, though, she joined Lonely Planet, which is to travel junkets what David Attenborough is to pole-dancing. Despite having received zero freebies ever since, she continues to potter and pay her way around Australia, finding even the Newell Highway endlessly fascinating. When not writing sport and travel, she grows (and goes) nuts in the Victorian High Country.

John Borthwick

Travel writer/photographer John Borthwick is the author of countless articles, most illustrated by his own photos, as well as several collections of travel stories. His first journeys of youthful folly were hitch-hiking trips around Australia. He overshot the pier one day and found himself hitch-hiking on ships and yachts around the world, a diversion that accounted for a fair chunk of the ’70s. Since then he’s turned a taste for travel into the vice of a livelihood. He loves both the extremes and the relative tranquility of Australia. He’s also amazed at the stamina of foreign tourists who see more of Australia in ten days than some Australians manage in ten years.

David Koch

Co-host of Seven’s Sunrise programme and one of the country’s most influential business and finance commentators, David Koch greets hundreds of thousands of viewers across the country early each morning, and yet manages to maintain a vigour and enthusiasm for pretty much any worthwhile project that comes across his radar. Opinionated, forthright and no-nonsense – yet with a keen and quirky sense of humour – David’s also a self-confessed sports nut, as well as a family man with a generous love of the Australian Outback, having travelled to many a bizarre location with family in tow.

Johanna Griggs

Athlete, commentator, presenter, mother . . . Johanna Griggs is best known as the face of Seven’s Olympic telecasts, and as the always energetic and ever reliable go-to gal for both Better Homes and Gardens and Sportsworld. When she’s not delivering deft onscreen backhands to Jim Courier during her Oz Open Tennis coverage, she’s secretly very, very into betting on nags at the Melbourne Cup Carnival. She’s taken a quick break from her ridiculously sports-heavy schedule here to weigh in on the best in travel experiences that her beloved country has to offer.

George Negus

One of the most trusted, well-respected and recognisable faces on the Australian media landscape, George Negus is currently presenting the SBS current affairs programme Dateline. He’s also experienced massive success as an author (The World From Islam and The World From Italy). George has lived both in the bush with his family and experienced seaboard Australian life, making him more than amply qualified to brief us on his favourite destinations.

Greg Barton

Greg is the author of no books, but is the former editor of Australian Traveller and has been zooming around Australia all his life, so for some reason feels that means he has something to contribute to this monumental project. While doing everything he can to help promote travel within Australia, he still can’t help feeling there are impressive things off happening overseas that he’s missing out on. This wasn’t helped by the fact that every time he tried to get Catriona, Johanna or Tony on the phone, they were (respectively) diving with seals in New Zealand, skiing in Turin and providing earthquake relief in Pakistan.

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

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.

the Fullerton Hotel Sydney Heritage Long Suite bathroom — 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

the Fullerton Hotel afternoon tea at 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

the Fullerton Hotel the place dining — 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

Couple enjoying ice-creams at First Fleet Park, The Rocks — 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

the Fullerton Hotel Sydney lobby — 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

aerial of circular quay sydney — 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

view of circular quay from Sydney's Royal Botanic Garden — 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

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).

Start planning a summer stay in Sydney worth remembering at fullertonhotels.com/fullerton-hotel-sydney.