What it's like to stay at Pier One Sydney Harbour

Sitting pretty next to the Sydney Harbour Bridge, this iconic accommodation celebrates its maritime heritage and contemporary refinement.

Nestled right by the water and offering stylish rooms adorned in maritime motifs, staying at Pier One Sydney Harbour, Autograph Collection is akin to being aboard an ultra-luxe boat – without the motion sickness. From your room or suite, you can admire sailboats drifting by and fall asleep to the calming sound of water lapping against the wharf. In short, you couldn’t be more immersed in Sydney Harbour if you tried.

Here’s everything you need to know about this iconic Sydney hotel that offers quintessential Sydney luxury.

Location

the Sydney Harbour exterior — The iconic hotel sits next to the Sydney Harbour Bridge. (Image: Angie Silvy)

Pier One Sydney Harbour takes up some of the most enviable pieces of real estate in Sydney, right next to the Sydney Harbour Bridge. Located waterfront, on a heritage-listed wharf in Walsh Bay, it drinks up sparkling Sydney Harbour views.

Walsh Bay is Sydney’s Arts & Theatre district, renowned for its world-class theatres, restaurants, and bars – though you may find it hard to tear yourself away from the luxurious accommodation. Basing yourself here puts you within walking distance of many of Sydney’s most well-known spots such as The Rocks, Circular Quay, and Barangaroo.

Sydney Airport is a 20-minute drive away.

Style and character

the balcony suite with Harbour views at Pier One — Stay in the heart of Sydney at Pier One Sydney Harbour.

The design choices for Pier One Sydney Harbour are an extension of the harbour surrounds and the building’s maritime history. Originally a cargo wharf and ferry terminal built in 1912, it was converted into a hotel in 1998. The hotel was managed by several different companies before it was acquired by Marriott International in 2014.

Architecture firm Tonkin Zulaikha Greer was called upon for the most recent transformation of the luxury hotel in 2019. They sensitively elevated the space, retaining many of the building’s heritage features, including timber ceiling beams, ironwork, and the original flooring.

The interior palette reflects the harbour with blues and browns, accented by aged brass detailing that evokes classic ship architecture. Modern Australian furnishings and custom-designed boat-shaped light fixtures thoughtfully complement the heritage features and bring it into the 21st century. Though a five-star hotel, the design exudes a sense of warmth and familiarity.

Facilities

PIER BAR at Pier One Sydney Harbour — There are two dining facilities at Pier One Sydney Harbour: PIER BAR and PIER DINING.

There is a gym onsite on the ground floor that comes with a range of Technogym exercise equipment. Running enthusiasts should also take advantage of the location, which is arguably one of the most beautiful running spots in the urban world. During summer, the hotel opens a pop-up harbourside swimming pool where you can go for a refreshing dip and then order drinks and summer bites at the bar. There are two dining facilities to enjoy, but more on that later. Valet parking is provided by the hotel’s concierge team.

The hotel is a sponsor of the Bangarra Dance Theatre – a company of professional Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander performers – who will be performing at the Sydney Opera House in June 2025 for their Illume show. If you’re looking for something incredible to do for a night out during your stay, this show will offer an unforgettable cultural experience that will immerse you in Australia’s rich Indigenous heritage.

Rooms

Pier One Hotel — Dog-friendly rooms are available so your pet pals can enjoy a comfortable stay alongside you.

Each of the 189 light-filled rooms and suites features unique characteristics, with many boasting spectacular waterfront views. Each room has black-out blinds, premium Who is Elijah amenities, Dyson hairdryers, robes and slippers, and exceedingly comfortable beds. Bathrooms in rooms (not suites) are on the smaller side. For special occasions, book into one of the suites that offer breathtaking Sydney Harbour Bridge views which can be admired from the large heritage-style balcony or freestanding tub – you’d be hard-pressed to find a more spectacular location for Vivid or New Year’s Eve.

In great news for pet owners, this is a dog-friendly hotel, with rooms available to accommodate your furry companion.

Food and drink

alfresco dining at Pier Bar — Enjoy casual bites at the alfresco bar.

Pier One Sydney Harbour has two dining facilities on the ground floor: PIER BAR AND PIER DINING.

For a more relaxed affair, PIER BAR is an idyllic spot for casual bites and inventive cocktails with an Australian twist – take, for example, the Piermite: a whiskey, myrtle vanilla, dark cacao, Archiemite, yellow Chartreuse, and orange bitters concoction with a hint of Vegemite. In summer, head down for Sunset Hour to enjoy $2 oysters and $12 classic cocktails while soaking up live DJ sessions.

food and drinks on the table at PIER DINING — Dine on the modern Australian, seafood-forward menu.

PIER DINING is the hotel’s modern Australian restaurant offering a more sophisticated dining experience. The seafood-forward menu features dishes such as whole Murray cod, baked eastern rock lobster, and David Blackmore Wagyu oyster blade. The freshly shucked Sydney Rock oysters (offered in multiple preparations) are not to be missed. This is to be paired with the 100 per cent Australian wine selection.

A buffet breakfast is also served at PIER DINING with made-to-order eggs, crispy bacon, sausages, roasted tomatoes, pancakes, and waffles, along with a selection of fresh pastries and fruit platters.

Does Pier One Sydney Harbour have access for guests with disabilities?

There are wheelchair-accessible guest rooms at Pier One Hotel and most common areas of the hotel are also accessible by wheelchair.

Is Pier One Sydney Harbour family-friendly?

the Hickinson Suite at Pier One Sydney — Check into the Hickinson Suite with Sydney waterfront views.

Pier One Sydney Harbour’s proximity to attractions like The Rocks, Circular Quay, and Sydney Opera House, make it a great base for families to explore. Family-friendly and interconnecting rooms are available, along with family packages that include a $100 food and drink voucher, breakfast, and accommodation for two adults and two children.

Details

Best for: Couples, first-timers to Sydney, business travellers

Address: 11 Hickson Rd, Dawes Point

Cost: From $309 per night.

Sunshine, sea breezes and sand-speckled locals: the Sutherland Shire is perfect for an idyllic Sydney summer.

The Sutherland Shire is one of Sydney’s most dynamic regions. Home to an eclectic mix of top-notch eateries and drinking holes, a flourishing arts scene, and striking land and seascapes, it’s a haven for foodies, culture seekers and outdoor enthusiasts alike.

It’s also an ever-evolving destination with a constant wave of new places to eat and drink, and under-the-radar pockets to explore – many of which are dog-friendly.

If you’re venturing to this gorgeous part of the world this summer, here’s your guide to what’s new and worth discovering.

Savour the summer dining scene

Fred’s After Hours on the sutherland shire — Pop into Fred’s After Hours.

The Shire’s buzzing dining scene is one of its biggest drawcards, and many of the region’s culinary highlights can be found in the sun-soaked beachside hub of Cronulla. A bunch of newcomers have recently set up shop, making the area ripe for culinary adventure.

Homer Rogue Taverna is exactly as its name suggests: a cheeky take on classic Greek food. Expect meze and mains bursting with bold flavours and a wine list packed with standout Greek drops.

Freds Providore – a Cronulla favourite for casual cafe fare and excellent coffee – is now open late from Thursday to Sunday. Come sundown, it morphs into Fred’s After Hours, serving a refined European-inspired menu, wines, cocktails and a laid-back yet polished vibe.

Bobbys is a slick destination right on Cronulla Beach, where you can grab a plate of freshly-caught seafood and a summery cocktail while cooling off in the sea breeze.

And if you’re after a bit of everything, the sprawling and multifaceted Parc Pavilion is a melting pot of dining experiences. It blends a cafe, bistro, bar, Italian restaurant and a host of regular events, all tied together in a cool coastal setting.

Got a Saturday morning to spare? The Shire Farmers Market in Sutherland is a must-do ritual, letting you (and your four-legged friend) browse fresh produce, flowers and gourmet treats against a backdrop of live music and local chatter.

Dive into ocean pools

ocean pool on the sutherland shire — The ocean pools beckon.

Given its prime coastal positioning, the Shire teems with crystal-clear ocean pools and enclosed bathing spots. Silver Beach Tidal Baths offers a netted
swimming experience in Botany Bay. Tucked beside a small sandy beach, the tidal baths at Gunnamatta Park are calm and shallow – making them an ideal setting for less confident swimmers.

Just a hop and a skip away is Shelly Park Ocean Pool, a magical rock pool carved in the ocean. It’s well-suited to young kids and offers sweeping views towards the open sea.

Experience local arts and culture

Hazelhurst Arts Centre in Gymea is elegantly positioned within a lush garden landscape, serving as the Sutherland Shire’s premier destination for arts and culture. This summer, experience the Art on Paper Award 2025 – a celebration of innovation and creativity through the versatile medium of paper.

Set within the leafy surrounds of Hazelhurst Arts Centre, Hazel Kitchen & Bar has curated the ultimate picnic experience. Think abundant cheese platters, artisan charcuterie boards, fresh OJ and a thoughtfully chosen wine list, all available to take away and enjoy in the art-filled gardens just beyond the restaurant. Best of all, four-legged friends are welcome to join the fun.

Next, venture south to the artsy village of Bundeena for the monthly Bundeena and Maianbar Art Trail . This self-guided journey through local artists’ studios offers a glimpse into their work and creative spaces.

Relish the dog-friendly atmosphere

a dog on Greenhills Dog Beach sutherland shire — Let the dog off-leash at Greenhills Dog Beach.

The Sutherland Shire is a bona fide playground for pups and their humans. Find a string of dog-friendly beaches popular with locals, visitors and pups alike. Silver Beach in Kurnell is a peaceful pocket, allowing dogs off-leash without restriction. While Horderns Beach in Bundeena and Greenhills Beach in Cronulla are equally serene and provide off-leash access (be sure to check times and seasonal restrictions before you go).

If you’re planning to make a weekend of it, book yourself and your pooch into Quest Cronulla . With stylish and spacious pet-friendly accommodation, thoughtful amenities, and a prime location just steps from Cronulla Esplanade and a variety of dog-friendly cafes, it’s the perfect spot to rest after a full day of exploring.

Get into nature

Sunrise at Curracurrong Falls and Eagle Rock in the Royal National Park, Sydney. — Find natural beauty in Royal National Park. (Image: Destination NSW)

You’re spoiled for choice when it comes to outdoor escapes: imagine rugged bushwalks, breezy beachside tracks, meandering cycling trails and lookouts galore. The best part? Many of them are perfectly suited to dogs.

Take your canine to Cronulla Esplanade – the Shire’s version of the famed Bondi to Coogee Walk. This eight-kilometre route takes you past the region’s most picturesque beaches, offering panoramic vistas and an electric energy. It heaves with locals every morning and weekend, getting their steps in with a coffee in one hand and a dog leash in the other.

If you’re travelling without furry friends, stop by the Royal National Park. You’ll be engulfed in ancient bushland, craggy cliffs, towering rock formations, diverse wildlife and twisting tracks. The Jibbon Loop Track is a highlight, with spectacular views over the sea. Alternatively, the Karloo Track forms a loop that winds through untamed bush, freshwater pools and waterfalls. Re-lace your walking shoes or grab a bike to follow The Bundeena Drive to Marley Walk past freshwater pools and creeks, on to scenic beach views of Little Marley Beach.

Hit up the beautiful beaches

aerial of cronulla beach and esplanade — Enjoy postcard-perfect beaches. (Image: Destination NSW)

The stretch along Cronulla bursts with postcard-perfect beaches, each offering a different flavour. With rolling waves, regular patrol and a steady stream of beachgoers, Cronulla Beach and North Cronulla Beach are buzzy and built for all kinds of swimmers. Elouera Beach is a quieter option, attracting early-morning surfers hoping to catch the perfect wave.

If you prefer a side of dramatic scenery, visit Wanda or Greenhills – in addition to ocean panoramas, both are backed by towering golden dunes and wild scrub. Looking for something more subdued? Shelly Beach Ocean Pool is a relaxed – yet no less captivating – retreat.

Start planning your Sutherland Shire summer at visitsutherlandshire.com.au.

Experience quintessential Sydney luxury at Pier One Sydney Harbour