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The Sydney CBD stay that feels more like your dream apartment

A night in the city that feels less like a hotel stay and more like slipping into your own Sydney sanctuary. 

When my friend, her 10-year-old daughter and I checked into Adina Apartment Hotel Sydney Town Hall , it wasn’t for a big occasion, just a girls’ night in the city. But by the time we’d kicked off our shoes and flopped onto the living room sofa, it felt like we’d stumbled into the kind of sleek, light-filled apartment we’d all secretly like to live in.  

Equal parts practical and polished, Adina Town Hall doesn’t just offer you a bed for the night – it hands you the keys to your own little slice of Sydney. 

Where is Adina Apartment Hotel Sydney Town Hall?

Adina apartment hotel location
The apartment hotel’s convenient location is one of its major drawcards.

Tucked on Kent Street, just a few steps from Town Hall Station, Adina’s location couldn’t be more convenient. We were less than a 10-minute stroll from Pitt Street Mall and Darling Harbour, meaning we could shop, wander or grab dinner without even thinking about public transport. It’s about 2.5 kilometres from the heart of Circular Quay, but when the city skyline is sparkling outside your window, you’re right in the thick of it. 

Despite being in the middle of the CBD, there’s a surprising sense of calm once you’re inside. We’d slip out for late-night snacks, then return to the hush of our apartment like we’d crossed an invisible border between the bustle and our own private sanctuary. 

What is the style and character of Adina Apartment Hotel Sydney Town Hall?

Adina Town Hall
The design strikes a balance between city sophistication and home comfort.

Adina Town Hall has had a glow-up recently, and you can feel it from the moment you walk in. The design strikes a balance between city sophistication and home comfort – rich wood tones, soft lighting and olive-green accents give the apartments warmth and texture without losing that polished, modern edge. 

I’ve stayed in plenty of hotels where you feel compelled to sit upright on the bed because there’s nowhere else to perch, but this isn’t one of them. There’s room to breathe. A proper lounge for sprawling with snacks and Netflix, a balcony where we could sip wine while the lights of Bathurst Street flickered below, and a kitchen that actually makes you want to cook (or at least pour cereal in the morning). 

It’s hotel living without the hotel fuss – and that’s exactly why it works. 

What facilities does Adina Apartment Hotel Sydney Town Hall have?

Adina hotel indoor pool
Relax and unwind by the pool.

The appeal of Adina Town Hall lies in the way it quietly gives you everything you need, without making a big deal about it. There’s a heated indoor-outdoor pool that became our 10-year-old’s happy place, a compact but well-equipped gym and 24-hour reception that always seemed to have someone friendly on duty.

We could make coffee and breakfast in the apartment before heading out for the day, do a quick load of washing when we got back (because kids + pool = endless towels), and still feel like we were in the middle of Sydney’s action. It’s those small touches – the full kitchen, the washer and dryer, the easy access to cafes and convenience stores – that make a one-night stay feel like a mini homecoming. 

What are the rooms like at Adina Apartment Hotel Sydney Town Hall?

Adina Town Hall studio room bedroom
Our two-bedroom apartment was designed for actual living.

Our two-bedroom apartment was exactly what we’d hoped for: generous, bright and designed for actual living. The bedrooms had doors that gave us privacy once my friend’s daughter was asleep, and the separate lounge meant we could stay up chatting without whispering like we were in a hostel. 

The balcony was our sweet spot – we sat out there in the evening breeze with glasses of wine, watching the city move below. The space itself felt considered: thick curtains for proper sleep-ins, a full-sized fridge (a luxury in itself), a dishwasher, and a surprisingly chic dining setup. The bed was plush, the pillows were Goldilocks-level perfect, and even after one night we were plotting a return visit. 

What dining facilities does Adina Apartment Hotel Sydney Town Hall have?

San Marzano Adina hotel
San Marzano is the small onsite Italian Enoteca.

The beauty of Adina’s apartment-style setup is the freedom it gives you. We didn’t need to commit to restaurant reservations or room service – we had the option to whip up pasta or spread out takeaway from Chinatown, which is just around the corner. Late-night snacks were a mix of chocolate and fruit from the fridge, eaten in pyjamas with the balcony doors open to the hum of evening traffic below. 

Breakfast was relaxed at San Marzano, the small onsite Italian Enoteca serving coffee, breakfast, lunch and aperitivi downstairs.  

But honestly, with Sydney’s food scene right at your doorstep, you’re spoiled for choice. From Korean barbecue to cocktail bars, everything we craved was within walking distance. 

Does Adina Apartment Hotel Sydney Town Hall have access for guests with disabilities?

adina hotel lobby
It’s best to confirm specific accessibility needs when booking.

Accessibility has been thoughtfully considered at Adina Town Hall, though it’s best to confirm specific needs when booking. The hotel offers wheelchair-accessible rooms with step-free entry, roll-in showers and grab rails on request. Lifts connect all floors, the pool and gym are accessible, and accessible parking is available. The pathways throughout the property are wide and smooth, and the front desk staff are quick to offer assistance. 

While some features may vary depending on room configuration, it’s clear that Adina’s goal is to make every guest’s stay comfortable – whether you’re a wheelchair user, travelling with a mobility aid, or simply appreciate barrier-free spaces. 

Is Adina Apartment Hotel Sydney Town Hall family-friendly?

Adina Hotel living area
The layout is perfect for a grown-up sleepover.

Absolutely. Travelling with a child can be chaos, but this felt like a calm, grown-up sleepover that still had room for fun. The apartment-style layout was perfect: separate sleeping zones, a lounge room big enough for dance-offs, and a pool that kept the 10-year-old entertained. 

We made popcorn, watched a movie, and still had enough space to unwind once she was in bed. The staff didn’t blink when we asked for extra blankets, and the location – so close to family-friendly attractions like Darling Harbour – sealed the deal. It’s an easy, flexible choice for parents who want space and style in equal measure. 

The verdict

Adina Apartment Hotel Sydney Town Hall living room
Adina Sydney Town Hall was a staycation that felt like coming home.

Adina Apartment Hotel Sydney Town Hall isn’t just another CBD stay; it’s a city escape that feels lived-in in the best possible way. You get the independence of an apartment, the polish of a hotel and a location that makes the whole of Sydney feel within reach. For our little trio, it was the perfect mix of grown-up luxury and easy comfort – a staycation that felt like coming home, just with better lighting and a much nicer view.

Details

Best for: Families or groups of friends wanting the comforts of home with a city skyline backdrop. Perfect for those who love self-contained stays without sacrificing design or location.
Address: 511 Kent Street, Sydney NSW 2000
Cost: From around $400 per night for a one-bedroom apartment (rates vary by season and room type). 

Emily Murphy
Emily Murphy is Australian Traveller's Email & Social Editor, and in her time at the company she has been instrumental in shaping its social media and email presence, and crafting compelling narratives that inspire others to explore Australia's vast landscapes. Her previous role was a journalist at Prime Creative Media and before that she was freelancing in publishing, content creation and digital marketing. When she's not creating scroll-stopping travel content, Em is a devoted 'bun mum' and enjoys spending her spare time by the sea, reading, binge-watching a good TV show and exploring Sydney's vibrant dining scene. Next on her Aussie travel wish list? Tasmania and The Kimberley.
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Why the Central Coast is a foodie mecca

Underpinned by grassroots hospitality and award-winning organic produce, the Central Coast’s gastronomy scene is thriving, with the region quickly becoming one of the best destinations in NSW for epicures.

Revered for its rugged natural splendour and laid-back seaside charm, NSW’s Central Coast has soared in popularity in recent years, becoming a top choice for an affordable slice of weekend escapism for Sydneysiders. Just a short 45-minute drive north of Sydney, it’s the kind of place that, no matter how many times you visit, leaves you with the sense that there’s always more to uncover. But while the ocean pools, bushwalks and beaches have (rightly) taken the spotlight, it’s the Central Coast food offerings which have been quietly simmering in the background.

From fresh-as-it-gets seafood and juicy organic citrus you can pluck yourself, through to regenerative farming and reputable farm-to-fork dining, this coastal gem has become an idyllic foodie mecca. Here are some of the best ways to immerse yourself in grassroots hospitality and gastronomic glory on the NSW Central Coast.

vegetables in a basket at Bells Garden at Bells At Killcare
From picking your own, to farm-to-table, discover the best Central Coast food experiences. (Image: Remy Brand)

Central Coast oyster experiences

From humble grub to opulent delicacy, oysters have ascended into a league of their own. Epicureans are fascinated by them – willing to pay upwards of $35 per dozen (double at some of Sydney’s reputable fine dining restaurants) – and ‘shuck bars’ seem to be popping up at every milestone celebration.

But it’s rare to find places that really draw back the curtain on how they’re farmed and why everyone is mad for these molluscs. The Central Coast , however, is home to several of these venues. With its pristine waters, mild climate and nutrient-rich estuaries, it’s the perfect breeding ground for oysters.

Learn about oyster farming and, importantly, how to shuck them at Sydney Oyster Farm Tours . Nestled on the Hawkesbury River at Mooney Mooney, Sheridan Beaumont and her team offer a hands-on foodie experience where you can feast on dozens of oysters (white tablecloth and all) while wading through the calm waters. You can even bring your own bottle of bubbles to wash them down.

guests in the water for an experience at Sydney Oyster Farm - Central Coast food
Learn tricks of the trade at Sydney Oyster Farm Tours. (Image: Remy Brand)

Elevate your oyster knowledge even further by heading north over the Hawkesbury River Bridge to the Hawkesbury River Oyster Shed . Tour their scenic oyster leases and saltwater paddocks by boat to uncover the distinct characteristics of the Sydney rock oyster and creamy Pacific oyster. They’ve also partnered with Broken Bay Pearl Farm to offer a one-of-a-kind oyster and pearl farming guided tour, showcasing the Central Coast’s very own pearl oyster, the Broken Bay ‘Akoya’. But if you’re simply in the mood to devour a dozen delectable oysters while soaking in the tranquil river views, pull up a chair at the shed. It’s friendly in every sense of the word: pets, families and BYO welcome.

shucking oysters at Broken Bay Pearl Farm
Taste freshly shucked oysters at Broken Bay Pearl Farm. (Image: James Horan)

Central Coast farms to pick your own fruit

While the Central Coast is known for its breathtaking 40 beaches and 80-kilometre coastline, its lush hinterland is equally impressive – abundant with orchards and agriculturally rich farmland. And when it comes to the simple joy of picking your own fruit, the Central Coast is a ripe playground.

Family-owned Meliora Farm at Peats Ridge is an orchard that blends conventional, biodynamic and organic philosophies. Third-generation farmer Tim Kemp and his wife Elise are dedicated to honouring the family legacy by growing a rich variety of oranges, lemons, limes, mandarins and avocados. In late May, roam the sustainable and nutrient-dense property during ‘Pick Your Own’ weekends.

Eastcoast Beverages is another bountiful citrus orchard boasting over 60 hectares of fruit. From June you can learn about the cultivation of high-quality ingredients – like lemons, limes, grapefruit and oranges – by touring both the farm and factory before setting out and picking your own straight from the source. You can also sample an array of citrus-inspired sweet and savoury treats at their on-site cafe, Bambino’s .

If it’s just juicy oranges you’re after, Cedar Farm in Dooralong is a must-visit. Located about 30 minutes north of Peats Ridge, it features 15 flourishing orchards and over 3000 orange trees – with take-home bags during the season (from July) at low prices. Not bad for a fruity weekend haul.

woman picking oranges at Oranges at Dooralong
Pick your own citrus fruits on the Central Coast. (Image: James Vodicka)

Organic dining

What makes the Central Coast hinterland so special is the unwavering respect the communities have for their cherished backyard. Locally owned and operated farms are all striving for more sustainable practices and methods to both enhance biodiversity and reduce environmental impact, each with a heartwarming food philosophy.

The Food Farm in Wyong Creek believes good food is worth both the work and the wait. Devoted to regenerative farming, first-generation ‘farmily’ Tim Eyes and Hannah Greenshields are recognised for their grass-fed, grass-finished beef and pasture-raised, gold medal-winning chickens. With an open gate policy, The Food Farm encourages visitors to swing by and try some of their slow-grown produce at their small ‘honesty’ farm shop. With no staff, you can pick up a few quality cuts of meat and pasteurised eggs, leaving the owing amount in cash or via eftpos.

Keeping the spirit of generational organic farming alive is Fanelli Organics . Nestled in the Central Coast’s scenic and sleepy Mangrove Mountain, founders Eden and Louise Fanelli own over 45 hectares of plentiful farmland and orchards that produce a huge range of organic fruit and vegetables, like purple Dutch carrots, blood oranges, broccoli and Tuscan kale. A true home-grown operation, Fanelli Organics shares its fresh produce with local restaurants and community markets, including the beloved markets at Like Minds Cafe at Avoca Beach every Wednesday afternoon.

farmers holding fresh produce picked at Fanelli Organics
See where your food comes from at Fanelli Organics.

Paddock-to-plate dining

High-quality ingredients go hand in hand with premium dining, and the Central Coast is home to several paddock-to-plate restaurants that showcase its diverse and rich agriculture. Paired with warm, grassroots hospitality, there are culinary triumphs, new menus and revered chefs constantly popping up, putting the local dining scene firmly on the map.

Award-winning Mount White restaurant Saddles is a quintessential Australian dining destination, dedicated to country-style cooking and seasonal produce. Nestled in thick bushland with wraparound verandahs, floral gardens and an idyllic dam, the gourmet homestead and bakehouse is unlike any restaurant on the Central Coast. Here, head chef Reece Collins and his team serve up an impressive breakfast and lunch menu that oozes rustic charm. Pull up a comfy armchair on the expansive deck, listen to birdsong, and tuck into flavoursome dishes like the farmhouse Benedict with honey-cured ham, lemon myrtle hollandaise and Warrigal gremolata, or the hearty beef brisket pie with confit garlic potato purée and rainbow chard.

woman writing in notebook next to a table of food at Saddles, Central Coast food
Taste country-style cooking at Saddles. (Image: Destination NSW)

Delivering a slice of sophistication and luxury to the shores and bushland of Bouddi Peninsula is Bells at Killcare . One of the few boutique resorts on the Central Coast, it’s known for its premium service and five-star suites, as well as its bountiful kitchen gardens that boast an orchard, olive trees, avocado trees, free-range hens and a honey bee hive.

Cameron Cansdell has returned to Bells at Killcare as head chef, bringing his expertise to the casual yet refined menus that feature a raw bar with Oscietra caviar, freshly shucked Sydney rock oysters and Moreton Bay bugs, all served alongside optional matched wines. Sample some of Australia’s best regional wines and standout dishes, like roasted Wollemi duck with grilled leeks, rocket, grilled grapes and 10-year-aged balsamic, or the shareworthy salt-crusted snapper with herb salad and salsa, before roaming the picturesque gardens, wine in hand.

cocktail at Bells At Killcare
Sample incredible wine, cocktails and dishes at Bells At Killcare. (Image: Nikki To)

Plan your next visit to the delicious Central Coast.