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.

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.

Experience quintessential Sydney luxury at Pier One Sydney Harbour