Sydney’s hottest new dining destination just opened – and it’s huge

Emily MurphyBy Emily Murphy
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The Rocks has just been reborn as Sydney’s newest food and drink playground, thanks to the launch of The Collective.

A bold new hospitality precinct has arrived in Sydney – and it’s making The Rocks feel like the city’s freshest neighbourhood again. Taking over the iconic site that once housed The Argyle, The Collective , launched by Hunter St. Hospitality, is a sprawling 1800-square-metre precinct that reimagines historic sandstone buildings as some of the most exciting new places to eat and drink in the city.

At its heart? Five venues, three of them brand new. The Collective brings together the refined drama of The Dining Room , the leafy charm of The Garden and the intimate energy of Tailor Room , alongside fan-favourite institutions Saké and The Cut Bar & Grill .

Tailor Room The Collective precinct in the Rocks Sydney
Tailor Room serves a fabric-themed cocktail menu. (Image: Steven Woodburn)

“We saw a chance to do something special – breathing new life into heritage spaces that deserve to be experienced, not just admired," says Hunter St Hospitality CEO Frank Tucker.

“There’s a lot to uncover once you step inside, and we hope it becomes a hidden gem for anyone looking to see a different side of the city."

A precinct with personality

The Dining Room The Collective precinct in the Rocks Sydney
The Dining Room is quietly jaw-dropping. (Image: Steven Woodburn)

Each venue in The Collective has its own distinct flair, but they’re united by smart design, serious culinary credentials and the kind of seamless storytelling that makes precinct-hopping a real experience.

The Dining Room is quietly jaw-dropping – a sandstone-and-leather transformation of an 1881 wool and textile store with a wine room that has a 500-bottle capacity and a menu that swings from baby abalone schnitzel to 1.5-kilogram wagyu MB9+ tomahawk steaks. Upstairs, a separate bar (open to all) pulses with low-key energy and native-ingredient cocktails in a space that used to be a nightclub – a subtle wink to the site’s former life as The Argyle, though now it leans more sultry lounge than late-night chaos.

The Garden, just next door, trades moody drama for alfresco charm – an open-air courtyard framed by olive trees, 150-year-old xanthorrhoeas and 19th-century walls. You’ll find everything from crab omelettes and Bloody Marys to king prawn rolls and cocktails under the stars.

And then there’s Tailor Room – a sleek 24-square-metre cocktail bar that’s already a contender for Sydney’s best date night spot. Inspired by the building’s textile past, it serves a fabric-themed cocktail menu with drinks like Silk, Denim and Corduroy, alongside salty house-made crisps and deep green velvet booths.

Why it matters

The Garden The Collective precinct in the Rocks Sydney
The Garden trades moody drama for alfresco charm. (Image: Steven Woodburn)

The launch of The Collective reflects a broader shift in Sydney’s hospitality scene – precincts are having a moment, and this one just raised the bar. Not only does it celebrate the historical charm of The Rocks, but it also gives locals and visitors a reason to return, linger and explore beyond the usual haunts.

From breakfast to last drinks, it’s a choose-your-own adventure where nothing feels cookie-cutter. It’s also a showcase of culinary talent, with chefs behind Rockpool, Quay and Spice Temple shaping the menus, and cocktail pros from award-winning bars across the globe shaking things up behind the scenes.

Whether you start the night with a negroni at Tailor Room, settle in for steak and wine at The Dining Room, or end up under the fairy lights in The Garden, The Collective is built for Sydney’s evolving appetite.

Address: The Collective, 12–18 Argyle Street, The Rocks

Emily Murphy
Emily Murphy is Australian Traveller's Email & Social Editor, and in her time at the company she has been instrumental in shaping its social media and email presence, and crafting compelling narratives that inspire others to explore Australia's vast landscapes. Her previous role was a journalist at Prime Creative Media and before that she was freelancing in publishing, content creation and digital marketing. When she's not creating scroll-stopping travel content, Em is a devoted 'bun mum' and enjoys spending her spare time by the sea, reading, binge-watching a good TV show and exploring Sydney's vibrant dining scene. Next on her Aussie travel wish list? Tasmania and The Kimberley.
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Your guide to what’s new and exciting this summer on the Central Coast

    Kassia ByrnesBy Kassia Byrnes
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    From serene natural beauty to vibrant nightlife, with plenty of arts and culture in between, the NSW Central Coast has been enjoying a serious glow up.

    Just one hour from Sydney, the Central Coast has long been the perfect seaside getaway. And with its ECO Destination certification with a focus on sustainability, it’s a trip travellers can feel good about, too. Recently, new and exciting openings have turned the Central Coast into a place where incredible natural beauty is still on the table, but so is a vibrant and sophisticated arts, dining and nightlife scene.

    Find out what’s new to discover on the Central Coast.

    1. Gosford’s glow up

    room at voco gosford
    Book into voco and experience the best of Gosford.

    Long-time Central Coast lovers will hardly recognise Gosford these days. While always boasting gorgeous water views, a range of revamps and new openings have turned it into a busy hub of arts and culture, with an increasingly diverse and vibrant nightlife.

    Landmark lifestyle hotel voco Gosford is the perfect home base for a Central Coast getaway. At this IHG hotel overlooking sparkling Brisbane Water, guests can spend sunny days soaking in the rooftop pool (or just sipping a cocktail beside it). When it comes to meals, you can enjoy multiple venues serving up everything from modern Australian fare to fine-dining Japanese.

    Venture out to lay eyes on the Central Coast’s first permanent Moving Image Gallery (MIG) . Opened this year inside the Gosford Regional Gallery , the immersive space is a showcase of screen-based and digital art. While at the gallery, wander around the Edogawa Commemorative Garden, a traditional Japanese strolling garden complete with teahouse, koi pond and an ornamental bridge.

    Meanwhile, the revamped Gosford Regional Library has even more than books to discover. Now, it’s one of the best in the southern hemisphere – find exhibitions, historical archives and community initiatives for all ages at this perfect family-friendly escape.

    2. Newcomers to the dining scene

    table full of food at Amarilla restaurant terrigal
    Treat yourself to sundowners and snacks at Amarilla.

    The Central Coast has long been the perfect destination for gourmands, with everything from casual eats to fine dining elevating the local offerings. And three new destinations have been added to the map.

    Amarilla at The Haven in Terrigal is the perfect seaside venue for sundowners, with blissed-out beats providing the soundtrack. Book in for golden hour and choose bites from a Spanish tapas menu made for sharing. Do as the locals do and wash it all down with sangria – the Sunday Sangria Sessions have become a local institution.

    Also in Terrigal, Little Miss has brought a premium Mediterranean menu to the waterfront. Try the wagyu tartare with Greek caviar or butter-poached lobster and tomato bisque, paired with inventive cocktails and a handpicked selection of Lebanese wines.

    Over in Ettalong, Bar Toto is perfect for pre- or post-dinner drinks. This award-winning cocktail bar is known for its creative concoctions, along with craft beer, wine and antipasti platters to snack on. The interior sets the mood, with dim lighting and wooden furnishings.

    3. New Central Coast experiences

    winemaker at Firescreek Botanical Winery
    Book an experience at Firescreek Botanical Winery.

    It’s entirely possible (and recommended) to spend a Central Coast getaway relaxing on one of its many peaceful and pristine beaches. But for those who crave more, there’s a long list of options to keep you busy.

    Pop into the iconic Australian Reptile Park to see the new Weigel Venom Centre, a state-of-the-art facility that’s home to over 200 of the country’s most venomous snakes.

    Get out on the water with Sail Central Coast , which offers 20 years of expertise in yacht charters. Book the Sunset Sail & Dine yacht charter for a private afternoon cruising the waterways of Bouddi National Park and Brisbane Water, stopping at Anchor on Hardys for a two-course meal with a cocktail.

    For something completely different, Firescreek Botanical Winery is now offering an Aboriginal Storytelling and Wine Tasting Experience. Learn about local cultures, stories and traditions from an Aboriginal Elder, then enjoy a botanical-inspired wine tasting led by a local winemaking expert.

    4. Central Coast accommodation

    view from a cottage at Noonaweena
    Sleep in the hinterland at Noonaweena.

    There’s simply too much to experience on the Central Coast to only stay for one day. Turn your trip into a relaxing getaway by the beach.

    Allawah , a retreat on the banks of the Hawkesbury River, is accessible only by boat. This secluded two-bedroom cottage is the perfect place to unwind, allowing you to spend lazy days fishing, kayaking, paddling or unwinding with a book on your own private jetty.

    In the Kulnura hinterland, Noonaweena features a range of accommodation styles, from a luxe glamping bell tent to cottages and a treetop suite. It’s a leader in green travel, with 10 years of certification from Eco Tourism Australia. Relax in the onsite wellness centre or get active on various courts and in the gym facilities.

    To stay by the ocean at Toowoon Bay, book into Kim’s Beachside Resort . This adults-only property offers a luxury escape nestled within a sub-tropical rainforest. Along with 36 private timber bungalows, indulge in massages or reiki treatments at the dedicated spa, or stop by the cocktail bar and à la carte restaurant.

    5. Shopping on the Central Coast

    Umina’s Centred Ceramics central coast
    Try your hand at Umina’s Centred Ceramics’ pottery courses.

    For those after unique trinkets, handmade treasures and beautiful homewares, the Central Coast is a haven.

    Markets on the Central Coast have a special flavour. Wander the Umina Beach Markets at twilight, where you’ll find small businesses from the local areas, and the Norah Head Ocean View Markets , where you can soak up good food, live music and artisan finds by the beach after sunset. ‘Tis the season for the Christmas twilight edition of the Avoca Beachside Markets, celebrating the season with pop-up bars, tasty treats and plenty of unique gift options from local artists and producers.

    Galleria Ettalong has also added to the Central Coast’s recent makers and creators renaissance, wrapping cinemas, a dining precinct and over 40 boutique shops into one area.

    Sign up for a pottery course at Umina’s Centred Ceramics , or peruse the shop for a range of one-of-a-kind pottery made on the premises for a special souvenir.

    For more eclectic arts and homewares, pop into Blue Bird Collective Co . This marketplace supports over 35 small, local and handmade businesses, artists and creatives. Take the time to check out fashion, jewellery and homewares that won’t be found anywhere else.

    Start planning your coastal getaway at lovecentralcoast.com .