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

Emily Murphy 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.

Once a Sydney nightclub, now a refined dining destination. The Collective in The Rocks blends heritage charm with great food, cocktails and courtyard vibes.

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.

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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

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Emily Murphy
Emily Murphy is Australian Traveller's Email & Social Editor, and in her 4+ years 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? South Australia and The Kimberley.
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8 reasons Moree should be on your next road trip itinerary

    Lucy Cousins Lucy Cousins
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    Discover what makes this country town the perfect place to slow down, switch off and recharge.

    At first glance, the country town of Moree may look like just another charming highway town, with heritage buildings, a leafy town centre and classic pubs the locals love. However, this regional New South Wales town is Australia’s Artesian Spa Capital, a wellness hub with a rich Indigenous cultural history and a growing reputation as a destination for slow travel.

    Moree is ideally located at the crossroads of the Gwydir and Newell highways (and is also easily reached by train and air), making it a refreshing destination, or stop, on any road trip. And these eight experiences show why.

    1. Taste Moree on a Plate

    Westpac Helicopter Rescue Service team with their Seafood Paella at the 2019 Moree on a Plate Festival
    Taste the best of regional produce and culinary talent. (Credit: Destination NSW)

    Time your trip for Mother’s Day weekend in May, and you’ll find yourself in the middle of the popular annual food and wine festival, Moree on a Plate, celebrating regional produce and culinary talent from the region’s fertile plains.

    Browse the stalls and sample olives, pecans, citrus fruits, honey, boutique wines and handmade condiments. You can also enjoy live cooking demonstrations by celebrity chefs, a local barbecue competition, plein-air art, live music and a dedicated children’s activity area.

    2. Experience artesian waters

    woman at the Moree Artesian Aquatic Centre
    Chill out in Moree’s famous artesian waters.

    Moree’s famous artesian waters have attracted visitors for over 130 years. First discovered by accident in 1895, this mineral-rich, naturally heated water is drawn from deep within the Great Artesian Basin. Soak and slow down in the recently renovated pools at the Moree Artesian Aquatic Centre, where you can choose between the active pool with massaging water jets or the passive pool for a more relaxing experience.

    For a longer soak, stay at one of the many motels within walking distance of the aquatic centre. Or book a stay with its own artesian pools.

    Gwydir Thermal Pools Motel & Caravan Park has five on-site thermal pools and a broad range of accommodation, while the Phoenix Resort offers both indoor spas and outdoor thermal pools as well as recently upgraded self-contained apartments and motel rooms. Meanwhile, the Artesian Spa Motel is set on five acres of landscaped gardens and features swimming and thermal pools, including an indoor artesian spa and an on-site restaurant.

    3. Enjoy an arty experience

    Bank Art Museum Moree
    Step inside the gorgeous Bank Art Museum Moree. (Credit: Destination NSW)

    To connect with Moree’s artistic side, head to Bank Art Museum Moree (BAMM), an independent contemporary art gallery housed in a beautifully preserved, Federation-era bank dating back to 1910. Inside, a nationally significant collection celebrates the art and culture of the Gamilaroi/Kamilaroi people and other First Nations artists alongside regional Australian art, while changing exhibitions offer something new.

    Follow the Moree Art Mural Trail through the CBD, and you’ll pass large-scale murals and small galleries reflecting stories of the town’s people, history and culture. While you’re exploring this open-air gallery, look out for the eclectic mix of Art Deco and early 20th-century architecture, including the Moree Courthouse and the striking Capitol Theatre facade.

    4. Discover cotton country

    Aerial overlooking cotton farming in progress on the Newport Cotton Farm, Moree
    Learn more about Moree’s cotton industry. (Credit: Destination NSW)

    Surrounded by the black-soil plains of the Gwydir Valley, Moree is at the centre of one of Australia’s major cotton-growing areas. Visit between March and May, and you’ll see fields covered in the distinctive fluffy white cotton bolls being harvested by huge machinery.

    Trace the cotton from paddock to fabric on the Cotton Farm and Gin tour, running from April to September. You’ll visit a cotton farm and a working cotton gin up close, where you’ll see the cotton fibres separated from the seeds. Tours run weekly and include transfers.

    5. Explore the Moree Plains

    care driving around moree
    Head out of town to explore the plains.

    Outside of the city centre, Moree is surrounded by charming rural villages dotted around the plains. The quiet village of Boomi, around 90 kilometres north-west of Moree, offers historic early 20th-century architecture, its own artesian thermal waters at the Boomi Artesian Baths and vast outback skies.

    Further west, the pioneer border town of Mungindi straddles the Barwon River between New South Wales and Queensland. Follow the 2.5-kilometre sculpture trail to take in the outdoor public art, and you’ll cross the state border twice.

    6. Relax by the water

    bird at Gwydir Wetlands in moree
    Spot the locals at Gwydir Wetlands.

    Just a short drive away, the peaceful Tareelaroi Weir Recreation Area makes the most of the meandering Gwydir River. Set up camp along the riverside and enjoy picnicking, fishing and swimming.

    A little further afield, the Gwydir Wetlands are home to 75 recorded waterbird species, including brolgas, magpie geese, egrets, spoonbills, ibis and black-necked storks, also known as jabirus. Watchers can settle into the hide at Waterbird Lagoon, or follow a short walking trail through the wetlands, keeping an eye out for rare species.

    7. Immerse in local Indigenous culture

    Terry Hie Hie Aboriginal Area
    Learn about the history of the Gamilaroi People.

    Moree lies on the traditional lands of the Gamilaroi People, whose connection to the land stretches back thousands of years. Today, visitors can learn about this history at Terry Hie Hie Aboriginal Area, which includes the 3.5 kilometre Yana-y Warruwi Walking Track.

    Back in town, the Open Space Aboriginal Art Trail allows you to enjoy the Mehi River with a free, self-guided public art trail of work from local Indigenous artists and their personal connection to Country. Finish with a visit to the remarkable Dhiiyaan Aboriginal Centre, where more than 110,000 family genealogies are recorded. Browse artefacts, art and over 15,000 photographs. There are also changing exhibitions of historical photographs and local art.

    8. Local cafe culture

    Barista making a coffee order at 61 Balo Cafe, Moree
    Get amongst’s Moree’s vibrant cafe scene. (Credit: Destination NSW)

    From relaxed country cafes to stylish modern eateries, Moree’s CBD has a surprisingly vibrant foodie scene. There are plenty of spots to choose from for a freshly brewed coffee, long lunch or tasty dinner, featuring menus showcasing local produce and loads of country charm.

    If you’d rather dine in the great outdoors, grab a takeaway coffee or a picnic and head to leafy Jellicoe Park, a riverside oasis just a short walk from the centre of town. Pick a spot under the trees, enjoy the park’s art installations and keep watch for waterbirds along the river.

    Start planning your Moree retreat at visitmoreeplains.com.au.