This iconic Bondi venue is about to land at Sydney Airport

It’s leading a fresh wave of foodie openings at T3 that will make dining before take-off a destination in itself.

If you’ve ever sipped a spritz while gazing out over Bondi’s famous ocean pool, you’ll know there’s only one place that does coastal Italian with as much swagger as the surf below: Icebergs Dining Room and Bar . And now, the Sydney dining institution is packing its bags for an unlikely new home – Sydney Airport.

As part of a major redevelopment of the T3 Domestic terminal, Sydney Airport has unveiled a bold new food and drink line-up, featuring none other than Icebergs. For the millions of travellers who pass through the terminal each year, that means airport dining is about to get a serious glow-up.

A delicious seafood platter served at the Icebergs Dining Room and Bar, Bondi. — Enjoy Icebergs’ signature fare at Sydney Airport. (Image: Destination NSW)

Forget limp sandwiches and forgettable food court fare. Soon, you’ll be able to sit down to a plate of Icebergs’ signature spaghetti vongole, made with Goolwa pipis and Pilu bottarga, or start your morning with folded eggs on sourdough topped with pesto, finger lime and whipped ricotta. Families will love the kid-friendly options – think lasagne, burgers and pasta – proving this isn’t just a treat for the grown-ups.

Tres Tacos venue at T3 Domestic terminal, Sydney Airport — Tres Tacos from acclaimed chef Frank Camorra is also opening in T3.

And Icebergs’ opening is just the beginning. Joining the line-up is Tres Tacos, a brand-new Mexican concept from acclaimed chef Frank Camorra (the man behind Melbourne’s legendary MoVida ), bringing market-fresh tacos, burritos and margaritas to the terminal. RaRa Ramen , the cult Japanese noodle bar, will be ladling up steaming bowls of house-made broth and fresh noodles – the perfect pre-flight comfort food. Lotus Dumpling Bar will serve up contemporary Cantonese dumplings and share plates, while Slim’s Quality Burgers and Loulou will bring retro burgers and viennoiserie, respectively.

RaRa Ramen venue at T3 Domestic terminal, Sydney Airport — Devour a bowl of RaRa Ramen before your flight.

If you’re more about grab-and-go, you’re covered too: Stitch Coffee and Espresso@T3 will be pouring excellent brews, Top Juice will keep things fresh with juices and wraps, and Krispy Kreme is on hand for that last-minute sugar hit. To top it all off? Azúcar, a Latin-inspired dessert bar, will tempt travellers with churros and hot chocolate.

Sydney Airport says the transformation is about creating a world-class experience that reflects Sydney’s own diverse dining culture. According to Mark Zaouk, the airport’s Group Executive Commercial, the line-up was carefully curated to combine “homegrown favourites" with global names, giving passengers more than just a pit stop on their way to somewhere else.

Loulou venue at T3 Domestic terminal, Sydney Airport — Loulou will bring French pastries to the terminal.

The new venues will open progressively from late 2025, alongside a wider refresh of T3 that includes new shopfronts, greenery and improved wayfinding. Until then, travellers can still grab coffee and snacks from pop-up carts dotted throughout the terminal.

So next time you’re dashing to a domestic flight, don’t be surprised if you’re tempted to arrive early. With Icebergs, ramen, tacos and dumplings waiting at the gate, Sydney Airport is about to become one of the city’s hottest dining precincts – whether you’re travelling or not.

Newcastle’s vibrant creativity is evident everywhere, from a thriving live arts scene to an ever-growing offering for gourmands. Those with a hunger for new and exciting experiences should put Newcastle on their radar.

When it comes to consuming the culture of a city, digesting it (in the literal sense) is an appropriate place to start. But it’s not just a world-class wining and dining scene that’s on the menu (not to mention all the new restaurants in Newcastle ). Newcastle – just two hours north of Sydney – offers the perfect blend of arts, culture and culinary experiences that make it a prime destination for an extended escape. The city’s creative future looks even brighter with the reopening of the highly anticipated Newcastle Art Gallery on the horizon.

aerial of Nobbys beach in newcastle nsw — Newcastle offers the perfect coastal setting for the arts and delicious eats. (Image: City of Newcastle)

Given Newcastle’s compact size – many venues are within easy walking distance or a quick drive away – you can immerse yourself fully. From decadent patisseries to fine diners and casual coastal eats, here’s a fresh taste of Newcastle: where to eat, drink and soak up the coastal city’s good vibes.

1. Pastry cafes in Newcastle

pastries next to a pastry box from crumb cafe in newcastle — Lean into Newcastle’s pastry renaissance at Crumb. (Image: Jemma Donkin)

Pastry is having a moment, with a quietly booming scene led by CRUMB, the brand-new pastry cafe in Lambton led by legendary Gareth Williams (of Covered in Crumbs, EXP) and Ben Richardson (Autumn Rooms). Gareth describes his style of food as ‘creative chaos’. Enjoy that abstract artisanal approach over a savoury chorizo, bechamel, cheddar and poppy pastry, or a layered mortadella and pesto mayo croissant sandwich.

Meanwhile, Leibe European Pastries, Pekárna, Union St Pastry and Praise Joe also have their own flair and loyal followings. While Liebe European Pastries is famed for layered German pastries such as Franzbrötchen, Pekárna’s signatures (like cardamom pastries) are tethered to Czech traditions.

Head a few blocks west to Wickham, where Union St Pastry is the pinnacle for lovers of European-style viennoiseries, such as croissants and Danishes. A getaway to Newcastle also looks pretty fabulous with a mega brownie or chicken little toastie from Praise Joe .

2. Destination dining

Blanca resuarant in newcastle nsw — Step inside Mediterranean-inspired eatery, Blanca. (Image: Destination NSW)

Life looks pretty peachy from a table at the breezy Mediterranean-inspired eatery Blanca , which would not be out of place in Mykonos – when it swooped into the Honeysuckle Precinct a few years ago, it caused heads to swivel. Say yasou to mezedes of crudo di mare and sheftalia and grilled Abrolhos Islands’ octopus.

One may also fantasise about being back in Europe – specifically the 10th arrondissement in Paris – at Frenchie , the oh-so-French bistro that offers Euro-chic elegance with an inventive Australian flair. Indulge in the Date Night set menu, available every Thursday.

Peregrin is another stand-out. Listen to the sound of the ocean from the rooftop terrace, and order a Summertime Sour during aperitivo hour. Followed by the yellowfin tuna with pickled cucumber and market fish. And brand new on the scene is Papalote – a joint venture from the incredibly talented owners of Humbug and Flotilla serving up tasty Mexican classics.

3. Casual coastal cafes and kiosks

people swimming at Newcastle Ocean Baths — Follow Newcastle’s coastline for stunning views and tasty eats. (Image: David Diehm)

What better way to soak in Newcastle’s legendary coastline and stunning beaches than by visiting its casual coastal eateries while on the Bathers Way?

Enjoy hot chips and scallops on the sand at Swell Kiosk Bar Beach . Or a housemade sausage roll after a morning surf at Newcastle Beach, thanks to Southy Canteen , which is open from 6am.

Bring your furry travel companion to Sunnyboy Kiosk for a piccolo and puppuccino with views out to Dixon Park Beach. Try light eats, like acai bowls, or more substantial meals like nasi goreng at Blue Door in Merewether. Do a few lazy laps at Merewether Ocean Baths (the largest in the southern hemisphere) before tucking into swordfish skewers and salad at Merewether Surfhouse .

You can also watch the ocean compose a bit of magic from your perch at The Kiosk Newcastle Beach , where a matcha latte looks even better with the beach fresco.

Pause between eats to take in the iconic Newcastle Ocean Baths and Bogey Hole – perfect for a digestive swim or scenic picnic spot.

4. Hatted restaurants in Newcastle

couple eating at Flotilla newcastle — Flotilla serves up delicious meals. (Image: Destination NSW)

In recent years, Newcastle’s restaurant scene has evolved to include venues that have elevated the city’s reputation for culinary excellence. In addition to its cafes and kiosks, there’s now an exciting wave of hatted favourites putting Newcastle on the map.

Humbug is the epitome of Novocastrian dining; the mafaldine with brisket and beef cheek braised in Pedro Ximenez is emblematic of what the owners aim for here. Flotilla neatly knits the Newcastle wining and dining scene together, with young gun Josh Thurston showcasing the art of cooking proteins and produce over fire.

Bistro Penny is another sophisticated, hatted dining destination in Newcastle. Order the barbecued king prawns swimming in a saffron broth and the oxheart tomato salad.

5. Newcastle nightlife

Bartholomew's small bar in newcastle nsw — Stop by Bartholomew’s for a drink. (Image: Destination NSW)

As the sun dips in the west, so the city of Newcastle’s nightlife springs to life. Maru Hi-Fi is the next-gen small bar that’s redefining a night out in Newy – the sleek space serves great cocktails and embraces Newcastle’s alt attitude. Next door, Jams Karaoke & Bar is also bringing the vibes.

If a small bar in a grand old building is more your style, check out Roxanne , Bar Mellow and Bartholomew’s .

Start planning your Newcastle culinary coastal getaway this summer at visitnewcastle.com.au.

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It’s leading a fresh wave of foodie openings at T3 that will make dining before take-off a destination in itself.

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