Hilton Sydney Is An Urban Oasis | Australian Traveller

Hilton is among the most iconic hotel names, and its Sydney outpost has asserted itself as a CBD landmark and culinary destination.

There are two ways to spend a city staycation. The first is to explore your surrounds like a tourist, once again finding delight in what has become mundane. The second is to do absolutely nothing, luxuriating within the radius of your hotel. With handsome rooms, city views, world-class dining, and top-notch facilities, the five-star Hilton Sydney allows for both options.

At 45 floors tall, this sky-high escape stands proudly in the city as an urban oasis to work and unwind, whether you’re a business or leisure traveller.

Where is Hilton Sydney?

view of hilton sydney from the queen victoria building — The city is on Hilton Sydney’s doorstep.

Hilton Sydney is a 20-minute drive from the airport. It’s located in the heart of Sydney on George Street and Pitt Street, making it a prime spot for discovering the city’s shops, major sites, and food destinations.

Opposite is the historic Queen Victoria Building (QVB), home to five levels of shopping and forming an impressive view from the hotel’s restaurant. The Sydney Harbour Bridge is a 20-minute walk away, and Town Hall station is a one-minute walk away for those wanting to explore beyond the CBD, Circular Quay, and Darling Harbour.

What is the style and character of Hilton Sydney?

woman walking into hilton sydney lobby — Walk into the expansive 20-metre-high foyer.

First built in 1974, the Hilton Sydney building received extensive remodelling by Johnson Pilton Walker architects, who transformed it into a stylish, light-filled structure. The elegant facade takes cues from the QVB and surrounding sandstone buildings. Upon entering, guests are greeted by a dramatic 20-metre-high foyer with a 17-metre-high metal installation by Australian artist Bronwyn Oliver. Understated luxury flows throughout the entire hotel.

What facilities does Hilton Sydney have?

Alysium Spa

Hilton Sydney ticks all the boxes when it comes to facilities. On-site, you’ll find a luxurious spa. Alysium Spa’s menu includes hot-stone treatments, body wraps, scrubs, facial treatments and aromatherapy massages. For those who have travelled far, the JetLag treatment is designed to rejuvenate you for your holiday. Relax in the sauna and spa before or after whichever treatment you choose.

Executive Lounge

Those staying in one of the Executive Rooms or suites have access to the exclusive Executive Lounge, where you can unwind. Enjoy evening cocktails and nibbles, pop in for breakfast or make the most of the large screen TV and other sports fans (the soccer World Cup was playing when we stayed, and friends were made).

Need tips, more detail or itinerary ideas tailored to you? Ask AT.

Fitness & more

Guests have access to Fitness First Pitt St. Platinum, where you’ll find a lap pool and state-of-the-art gym equipment.

Travelling for business? Make use of the conference centre.

What are the rooms like at Hilton Sydney?

Hilton Sydney Executive Suite — Admire the city views from the City View Suite.

There are 598 sleek rooms and suites at Hilton Sydney, which were refurbished in 2021. These range from intimate Hilton Guest Rooms to expansive Master Suites. Every accommodation features a neutral palette and modernist furnishings, king-size Hilton Serenity beds, a Nespresso coffee pod machine, smart TVs, and city views.

The Family Connecting Rooms combine two Guest Rooms and are convenient for those travelling with children or as a group. For those wanting a more luxe experience, the suites cannot be missed. If you’re of the staycation type that chooses to lounge, suites offer plenty to make it worth staying in. Find separate lounge areas to unwind, dining tables and plush robes. And best of all? Find the best spa bath we’ve ever seen in a Sydney hotel. Ours could easily fit four to five people, complete with a TV and a window to the city to while away the hours.

What is the dining like at Hilton Sydney?

Glass Brasserie

New York interior designer Tony Chi oversaw the fit-out of the hotel’s fine-dining restaurant, Glass Brasserie. The aptly named eatery boasts expansive ceilings, full-length windows (providing those aforementioned views of the QVB), floor-to-ceiling glass wine storage, and dark-panelled wooden furnishings, creating a refined yet welcoming aesthetic.

Breakfast, afternoon tea, and dinner are all served here. Buffet and à la carte options are available for breakfast, with generous continental and hot offerings.

Book a table for dinner to enjoy the modern Australian menu that showcases the best of the country’s produce from land and sea. Think starters and entrees like freshly shucked oysters, O’Connor Steak Tartare with white anchovy, chives and Focaccia, and Chicken Leek Truffle Terrine. Larger meals range from Roasted Pumpkin Risotto with Amaretti, Gorgonzola and Smoked Almonds to Corowa White Duroc Pork Cutlet with Apple Chutney.

Wine lovers are spoilt for choice, with the restaurant proudly offering an award-winning wine list of over 900 varietals and 3000 bottles, carefully selected by the restaurant’s sommeliers.

Can’t decide? Opt for the Glass Banquet for two ($129 per person) and sit back as plate after plate is brought out for you, paired with a wine for each course. They say it’s for two, but truly we could have split it amongst four. The menu isn’t overly vegetarian-friendly, but they were able to accommodate that when I asked.

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Zeta Bar

Zeta Outdoor Terrace — Enjoy cocktails on the roof.

The hotel’s rooftop cocktail lounge, Zeta Bar, is perfect for sunset tipples. This award-winning bar pairs a luxurious, European-style indoor lounge with an open-air terrace, so you have somewhere to sit no matter the weather. The menu includes classic cocktails and plenty with a modern twist, wines, beers and plenty more.

Marble Bar

After more of a party? Head down to the basement where the moody Marble Bar is hidden. Built in 1893, the opulent space features original Victorian-style décor and artwork. Sip on prohibition-inspired cocktails while a live DJ heats up the dance floor.

Does Hilton Sydney have access for guests with disabilities?

All rooms are accessed via a lift, and easy-access rooms are available.

Is Hilton Sydney family-friendly?

Given its proximity to major attractions and home-like facilities, Hilton Sydney is a great choice for families. Interconnecting rooms are available so you can stay in close proximity to one another.

Details

Best for: Travellers looking for a central locale

Address: 488 George St, Sydney

Phone: (02) 9266 2000

Cost: From $290 per night

The Artesian Spa Capital of Australia offers the perfect destination to escape the grind and reset.

The world moves more slowly in Moree, and that’s how it should be. Here, country charm and heritage buildings fill the town’s wide streets. While the surrounding farmland mixes with lush riverways to create a fascinating landscape.

But the biggest pull? Moree is known as the Artesian Spa Capital of Australia. It’s truly a place to slow down and disconnect, all an easy train ride from Sydney.

Soak in Moree’s artesian water

kids at Moree Artesian Aquatic Centre — Dive in to Moree’s artesian waters.

Moree is not your typical wellness retreat, replacing pretence with casual and easy. Blessed to be sitting above the Great Artesian Basin, it feeds the town (and surrounding villages) with hot, mineral-rich water. Loaded with minerals like calcium, magnesium, potassium and sulphur, this water is believed to help with skin health, joint function and tissue repair.

And the town’s crown jewel, Moree Artesian Aquatic Centre, has reopened after extensive upgrades. This state-of-the-art aquatic centre offers accessible facilities with multiple artesian baths of varying temperatures between 38 and 41°C.

Feel like exploring a little further? About an hour’s drive from Moree, the village of Boomi also offers public access to this same artesian water. Pop into Boomi Artesian Pool to make the most of a 25-metre cold pool, a wading pool and a hot artesian spa pool.

Just an hour west of Boomi, you’ll also find Mungindi Hot Artesian Pool, another relaxing place to rejuvenate for the afternoon in the mineral-rich water.

Moree’s best stays

woman swimming ta Moree Artesian Aquatic Centre — Stay right by Moree Artesian Aquatic Centre.

There are several motels within walking distance of the aquatic centre, so you linger longer in its therapeutic waters. A day pass not enough? Really soak in the benefits of Moree at three local stays with their own artesian baths.

Gwydir Thermal Pools Resort boasts five artesian pools for motel and caravan park guests, ranging in soothing temperatures from 34 to 39 degrees. And that includes a 25-metre lap pool.

The Phoenix, Artesian Spa Resort & Accommodation features outdoor artesian thermal pools and six indoor artesian spas, all 34 to 42°C, plus regular pools for guests staying in their accommodations.

While the Artesian Spa Motel matches 46 comfortable budget rooms set across five acres of landscaped grounds, with direct access (for guests) to its own natural artesian hot thermal pool.

Moree’s location at the crossroads of the Newell and Gwydir Highways makes it the ideal resting place for those road tripping through country NSW. With plenty of accommodation options, including farm stays, quaint bed and breakfasts and affordable motels.

Delving into nature around Moree

aerial of moree — Find plenty of natural beauty in and around Moree. (Credit: Destination NSW)

Beyond the baths, find calm in Moree’s nature. Soak up the impressive Gwydir River from the peaceful Tareelaroi Weir Recreation Area. Popular with locals, this scenic spot is perfect for fishing, kayaking and picnics. Delve into local history at the Terry Hie Hie Picnic Area – a significant Gamilaroi cultural site. The picnic area is still used today as a ceremonial gathering ground, with educational signage sharing the history of the Gamilaroi People and the mission which used to reside here in the early 20th Century. Follow the Yana-y Warruwi Walking Track to explore the area’s box pine forest.

Combine nature and culture at the Jellicoe Park Open Spaces Aboriginal Art Trail along the scenic Mehi River Walk. Find artworks from local Indigenous artists across a range of different mediums, like carved logs, engraved and painted sandstone and scar tree paintings.

A taste of Moree

meal at Moree Country Club — Sit down for a tasty meal after a game of golf. (Credit: Destination NSW)

Taste the best of local cafes as you wander past the Art Deco architecture of Moree’s tree-lined main streets. Join the locals each morning at Brooker Trading Co as they line up for their morning java. Stay for classic breakfast dishes like eggs benedict and Dutch pancakes, or arrive later in the day for a hearty lunch menu. Inside a gorgeous Art Deco building, 61 Balo is another tasty breakfast option, with pet-friendly service. The recently renovated Cafe Omega is another popular stop for fresh, hearty meals – the chicken burger is a particular crowd pleaser – all served with a smile.

Get inspired as you wander the CBD’s Mural Trail, stopping at some of Moree’s six art galleries along the way. Bank Art Museum is a must-see, housed in the town’s heritage bank building and home to a collection of First Nations art, plus a changing calendar of touring exhibitions.

Step inside the gorgeous Bank Art Museum Moree. (Credit: Destination NSW)

Get active with a round on the beautiful riverside course at Moree Golf Club (and refuel afterwards at the delicious onsite restaurant) or a game of bowls at Moree Services Club’s state-of-the-art facility. Visit on the last weekend of September to join (or watch) Run the Plains, Moree’s annual two-day running festival.

Known as ‘white gold’ country, Moree is Australia’s most productive agricultural region. Visit from April to September to join a cotton farm tour and get to know one of Moree’s major exports.

However long you choose to stay, there’s plenty to soak in around Moree.

Start planning the ultimate escape at visitmoreeplains.com.au.

Why Hilton Sydney is the perfect oasis for exploring the city

Hilton is among the most iconic hotel names, and its Sydney outpost has asserted itself as a CBD landmark and culinary destination.

Where is Hilton Sydney?

What is the style and character of Hilton Sydney?