Solaré: a floating restaurant, beach club & bar on a superyacht

Coastal Italian fare, a martini trolley and plush daybeds await.

Undoubtedly, one of the best ways to enjoy summer in Sydney is on a boat on the harbour. Now, a new restaurant, cocktail bar and beach club aboard a superyacht is set to take things up a notch, promising to bring Mediterranean vibes aplenty to the sparkling city. In a world-first, Solaré offers three levels of distinct hospitality venues, each designed for sun-soaked days filled with long lunches and relaxed drinks.

Meet Solaré – a floating restaurant, cocktail bar and beach club cruising Sydney Harbour with coastal Italian plates, a roaming martini trolley and plush daybeds made for long, lazy afternoons.

The venues will showcase Australian produce through a coastal Italian lens from Executive Chef Pablo Tordesillas (ex Totti’s Bondi and Ortiga) and Head Chef Nick Mathieson (ex Bistecca, Otto and Compa) and refined tipples to keep the good times rolling.

A yacht on Sydney Harbour on a sunny day with the Opera House in the background — Solaré is a world-first: a restaurant, cocktail bar, and beach club onboard a superyacht. (Image: Supplied)

Each level takes cues from Europe’s iconic beach clubs, channelling retro Mediterranean glamour with a palette of sunshine yellow, burnt orange, burgundy, olive green and teal. Hardwood teak and luxurious green marble are further elevated by retro-style commissioned artworks by Daimon Downey, Jeremy Kay and Tiarna Herczeg.

A green bar trolley with a retro artwork behind it. — Order elevated martinis from the glamorous Martini Trolley. (Image: Jonny Valiant)

On level one, the Dining Room offers a sophisticated sitting space for long lunches while admiring the harbour views. The menu features polished plates such as reginette with Moreton Bay bug, crustacean butter and chilli; a potato scallop topped with caviar; and lemon myrtle and amaro pound cake finished with pistachio and ricotta. Solaré’s signature Martini Trolley will also wheel its way around to keep the drinks flowing.

Italian-inspired bites and drinks — Savour coastal Italian fare. (Image: Jonny Valiant)

For a more relaxed affair, head upstairs to The Terrace Bar to indulge in small bites such as zucchini flower with ricotta and goat’s cheese; spaghettini with spanner crab, tomato, chilli and garlic; and Amalfi lemon and mascarpone sorbetto. These are to be paired with punchy cocktails, including the Veluto Frozen Daiquiri with Amaro Montenegro, Red Mill Coconut Rum, mango, banana and lime or the Mirror Margarita with Don Julio Blanco, salted lemon, tangerine and lime leaf.

Head upstairs again to the Sun Deck, fitted with beach umbrellas, where you can enjoy the same menu while relaxing on day beds or in VIP booths, all with panoramic views of Sydney’s skyline.

The sun deck of a yacht with orange daybeds and yellow beach umbrellas. — Enjoy sun-drenched days from the Sun Deck. (Image: Jonny Valiant)

“Solaré is about reimagining what’s possible on Sydney Harbour," said Founder Scott Robertson. “We’ve created a world-first, a restaurant, cocktail bar, and beach club onboard a 150-foot superyacht designed entirely around leisure. It is a completely new way to experience the city. We wanted to capture the carefree spirit of the Mediterranean, long lunches, relaxing on a daybed, cocktails in the sunshine, and the simple pleasure of slowing down as you drift between decks."

A martini and a glass of bubbles with caviar, crips and crème fraiche — Indulge in the Caviar Martini with Belvedere Vodka and dry vermouth, with potato crisps, crème fraiche and caviar. (Image: Jonny Valiant)

Ready to celebrate summer in style? Solaré will set sail around Sydney Harbour twice daily, Thursday to Sunday, starting October 30th.

An untapped side to this popular holiday spot is hiding in plain sight.

Laid-back Lake Macquarie draws in holidaygoers and day trippers with its casual coastal allure and raw beauty. But even though it’s just 90 minutes from Sydney, most visitors have only scratched the surface of what this region has to offer.

Foodie hotspots, quaint towns, tranquil waterways and compelling art are all waiting to be discovered. You just need to know where to find them.

1. Most visitors don’t make it to the western side

Explore beyond the western side. (Credit: Beau Pilgrim)

While there’s no harm in walking the well-worn path in this idyllic pocket of the world, the area west of Lake Macquarie is defined by stretches of ancient rainforests and quaint towns with a more local feel. Toronto is the largest town on this side and features a golf course and sailing clubs, while peninsula-based Wangi Wangi is fantastic for bushwalking and swimming.

2. There’s a booming arts scene

Lake Macquarie is a must-visit destination for creatives. Discover the Museum of Art and Culture, YAPANG; this modern gallery is set on a five-hectare sculpture park and showcases a free rotating program of exhibitions and events, with a strong focus on contemporary Aboriginal art. In Wangi Wangi, explore the Wangi Owl Trail, which includes Dobell House, the preserved home of prolific artist Sir William Dobell. And enjoy live music every Saturday evening at the recently renovated Toronto Hotel.

3. It’s a nature lover’s paradise

three people swimming in lake macquarie — In and out of the water, find a natural paradise. (Credit: Beau Pilgrim)

Lake Macquarie is a playground for nature lovers. It’s home to Australia’s largest saltwater lake, a 110-square-kilometre haven for swimming, fishing, boating and sunset views. Another oasis is the Lake Macquarie State Conservation Area, a 761-hectare protected reserve with wildflowers, Second World War heritage sites and spectacular views to Pulbah Island. The upgraded Toronto baths, complete with jetty decking and netting, make for a sheltered spot for a refreshing dip, while the Awaba Mountain Bike Park gives adrenaline junkies their fix.

4. The dining scene is unbeatable

8 at Trinity lake macquarie — Treat yourself to 8 at Trinity.

Gourmands are well looked after in Lake Macquarie. At Emerson’s on the Lake in Toronto, the modern Australian fine dining menu spoils seafood lovers with the freshest ocean produce and stunning lake views. Sitting on Trinity Point’s waterfront, 8 at Trinity is another standout offering, serving Mediterranean fare in an open-air setting. For a more relaxed affair, the microbrewery trail lets craft beer enthusiasts sip on inventive brews from The Yard, Lake Mac Brewing and Bread & Brewery.

5. There are hidden coves and waterways

kayakers on lake macquarie local secrets — Get out onto the lake. (Credit: Beau Pilgrim)

There’s no better way to experience Lake Macquarie than directly on its waters, and in doing so you’ll discover a world of hidden coves and secluded waterways. Jump in a kayak for a tour with the friendly team at School of Yak and paddle to Cockle Creek, Awaba Bay, Green Point and Fennel Bay, discovering underwater life along the way. Or go all in and stay the night on one of Lake Macquarie Houseboats’ spacious vessels or hire a BBQ pontoon boat for the day from Lake Macquarie Boat Hire to enjoy a feast in the sunshine while admiring the marine life and picturesque waterscape.

6. It’s a birdwatcher’s paradise

ll blue wren sitting on a tree branch — Keep an eye out for local birdlife. (Credit: Walter Coppola)

Twitchers are in for a real treat as hundreds of fascinating bird species such as Australian pelicans, black swans, white-bellied sea-eagles and superb fairy-wrens call this area home. Take a self-guided tour around top spots including Bird Cage Point and Lake Macquarie State Conservation Area (near Morisset) or be guided in a clear-bottom kayak through the waterways with Lake Macquarie Kayak Adventures, observing feathered friends as you go.

7. The lake has islands

sail lake macquarie — Charter a boat to see Lake Macquarie’s islands.

Hop on a private boat, kayak or charter around the lake to discover the plethora of small islands peppered around Lake Macquarie. The largest is Pulbah Island, a 69-hectare nature reserve home to goannas and sugar gliders with secluded beaches. Sandy islands such as Spectacle Island and Pelican Island have a tropical lagoon-like look to them as they sit in the tidal path of Swansea Channel, which filters the sand and creates a pristine environment. Stop by for a dip and a picnic.

Start living like the locals at visitlakemac.com.au.

A floating restaurant, cocktail bar and beach club will bring Mediterranean vibes to Sydney Harbour this summer

Coastal Italian fare, a martini trolley and plush daybeds await.

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