A first look at The EVE Hotel Sydney: Is it our hottest new stay?

Nestled in Wunderlich Lane – where history meets contemporary design – The EVE Hotel Sydney is a stylish sanctuary at the centre of Sydney’s cultural crossroads.

A bold new addition to Sydney/Warrane’s boutique hotel scene, The EVE Hotel Sydney seamlessly blends history, design and luxury in the heart of Redfern. More than just a place to stay, The EVE is a launchpad for cultural discovery, embodying a spirit of anticipation and new beginnings.

Set on the site of the old Wunderlich Factory – once renowned for its ornamental pressed metal ceilings – the hotel pays homage to its past while embracing the future of urban hospitality.

I’ll never forget the sense of arrival I felt as I strolled into Wunderlich Lane for the first time; almost as if I was momentarily caught between Sydney’s past and present. The warm glow from the boutique storefronts, the echoes of the old factory’s history and the modern architectural lines all came together in one captivating tableau.

The EVE’s biophilic design, lush rooftop gardens and art-filled interiors make it an inviting retreat for those who appreciate refined aesthetics and seamless luxury.

The location

The EVE Hotel Sydney courtyard balcony — The EVE Hotel Sydney is in the heart of Wunderlich Lane.

Perched between Surry Hills and Redfern, The EVE Hotel Sydney is at the heart of one of the city’s most dynamic cultural crossroads. Wunderlich Lane, once part of Sydney’s earliest pleasure gardens and later home to the renowned Wunderlich Factory, has been reimagined as a vibrant lifestyle precinct. Home to boutique retail, wellness experiences and some of Sydney’s most exciting new restaurants and bars, The EVE is a destination within itself. With Central Station a short stroll away, guests have easy access to explore the city and beyond.

Style and character

The lobby of The EVE Hotel Sydney — The design celebrates Sydney’s urban landscape.

A collaboration between acclaimed architect Adam Haddow from SJB Architects, landscape designer Daniel Baffsky of 360 Degrees and interior design by SJB, Bates Smart and George Livissianis, The EVE Hotel exudes effortless sophistication.

Rather than looking internationally for inspiration, the design celebrates Sydney’s urban landscape, featuring soft neutral tones, Australian materials and sculptural lighting by Henry Wilson. Original artworks by Louise Olsen of Dinosaur Designs adorn the walls (and the Bar Julius ceiling), while the hotel’s signature pomegranate motif is subtly woven throughout, symbolising rich experiences and new beginnings. A striking rooftop pool, enveloped in lush greenery, offers an oasis of calm in the city’s heart.

Facilities

Rooftop pool at The EVE Hotel Sydney — The rooftop pool area is a serene escape.

The EVE’s carefully curated amenities set it apart. The 20-metre rooftop pool, complete with plush cabanas, tropical planting and stunning city views, provides a serene escape from the urban rush. I head here straight after check-in with Sydney’s golden hour providing the perfect backdrop for me to unwind and disconnect from the bustling city below – perhaps the most refreshing midday break I’ve had in recent memory.

A dedicated fitness space is still in the works, but upon completion will ensure fitness enthusiasts can maintain their routines, while wellness offerings, such as spa treatments from The Parlour Room and meditation spaces, cater to relaxation seekers.

The in-room experience is further elevated with luxury amenities from Saardé, including Australian-made bath products and glassware. Guests can also enjoy boutique retail, including Saardé’s flagship store, where the hotel’s bespoke olive oil-based amenities and artisanal glassware are available to purchase.

Rooms

Guest room at The EVE Hotel Sydney — The rooms are thoughtfully designed in calming eucalyptus and red clay tones. (Image: Georg Roske)

Designed with both relaxation and sophistication in mind, the hotel’s 102 spacious guest rooms and suites are a masterclass in contemporary comfort. The seven room types vary from courtyard rooms to the sunset suites, offering something for all travellers.

Thoughtfully designed in calming eucalyptus and red clay tones, each space features premium bedding, curated furnishings and Juliet balconies or terraces, providing natural ventilation – a rarity to have that kind of fresh-air moment in a busy urban hotel.

Food and drink

Bar Julius in The EVE Hotel Sydney — Bar Julius is the hotel’s European-inspired lobby bar.

The EVE Hotel places guests at the epicentre of one of Sydney’s most exciting dining precincts. Bar Julius , the hotel’s European-inspired lobby bar by Liquid & Larder, transitions seamlessly from breakfast espressos to post-dinner martinis, with a ‘no laptops after 5pm’ policy ensuring the space remains social and relaxed.

Upstairs, Lottie brings a fresh take on contemporary Mexican dining, helmed by head chef Alejandro Huerta (formerly of Noma Copenhagen and Pujol, Mexico). The rooftop mezcaleria and restaurant blends authentic Mexican flavours with premium Australian produce, offering a vibrant, 100 per cent gluten-free menu and an extensive agave-based drinks list.

Lottie rooftop bar — Afternoon cocktails have never looked so good.

Within Wunderlich Lane, guests can also experience Olympus Dining , a Greek village-style eatery from The Apollo team, as well as Island Radio , a Southeast Asian-inspired restaurant with bold flavours and tropical futurism, and Baptist Street Rec. Club , a lively neighbourhood bar that channels the spirit of 1980s and ’90s Australiana with nostalgic cocktails and vibrant energy.

Access for guests with disabilities?

Sunset Suite at The EVE Hotel Sydney — There is step-free access throughout the property.

The EVE Hotel offers accessible rooms and facilities designed for ease of movement, with step-free access throughout the property. The design team has incorporated thoughtful elements to ensure a comfortable and seamless stay for all guests.

Family-friendly?

Bathroom in the Sunset Suite at The EVE Hotel Sydney — While not the central focus, families are welcome.

While The EVE is designed with a refined, adult-focused aesthetic, families are welcome. Spacious room layouts and the hotel’s convenient location make it a viable option for those travelling with children, though dedicated family amenities are limited.

Details

Balconies at The EVE Hotel Sydney — The EVE Hotel Sydney is a microcosm of Redfern’s creative energy.

In sum, The EVE Hotel Sydney is more than a stylish new stay in a vibrant neighbourhood; it’s a microcosm of Redfern’s creative energy and Sydney’s ever-evolving cultural landscape. From the biophilic design elements to the world-class dining, The EVE offers a thoughtful blend of modern luxury and nods to its historic Wunderlich heritage. It’s an experience that will linger long after you’ve closed your suitcase.

Best for: Design lovers, luxury seekers and culture enthusiasts.
Address: The EVE Hotel Sydney, Wunderlich Lane, 8 Baptist Street, Redfern, NSW
Cost: From $519 per night

Make this dazzling stretch of beaches and natural wonders your home base for a grand adventure

Whether you’re setting out solo, bringing a mate, or packing in the whole family, no road trip along Australia’s East Coast is complete without at least a few days spent exploring the Coffs Coast. A stunning stretch of NSW coastline nestled between ancient high-elevation rainforests and magnificent, undiscovered beaches, Coffs offers amazing biodiversity, stunning natural beauty, and heaps of local charm, without the crowds. Pull up in Coffs Harbour , your perfect home base for these unforgettable day-trips.

1. Southern Beaches

The Coffs region boasts 30 of Australia’s most beautiful, unspoiled beaches, directly abutting a dramatic tableau of mountains and rainforests. Drive South of Coffs Harbour to find up-and-coming surf destinations where it’s still possible to catch an empty wave. First up is the picturesque Sawtell village . Wander the famous fig-tree-lined main street packed with laid-back places to eat and drink. Enjoy panoramic views and seasonal whale sightings at Bonville Headland on the Southern end of the beach.

Nearby Bongil Bongil National Park boasts seven kilometres of empty beach, along with hiking and cycling trails through beachfront rainforests – keep an eye out for koalas living in the trees. Boambee Beach and Boambee Creek Reserve are great for families, with shallow waters perfect for kayaking and SUPing, plus an off-leash dog beach.

family eating lunch in sawtell — Experience small-town charm in Sawtell.

2. Orara Valley Tourist Trail

The Orara Valley Tourist Trail has it all: hinterland bushwalks, birdwatching, horse riding, pristine swimming holes and rolling green pastures dotted with dairy farms and historic villages. And it’s only 15 minutes west of Coffs Harbour.

Sample produce at a roadside stall, stop into Coramba Hotel for a quintessential country pub lunch, or try the Idle in Cafe in Nana Glen for coffee and scones. Then spend the afternoon kayaking the Orara River or mountain biking on Mt Coramba. If you’re feeling adventurous, follow the 4WD touring route along the Orara Escarpment in Bindarri National Park , a rugged landscape with dazzling views that winds through untouched eucalypt rainforests and waterfalls.

A family sitting by the Orara Valley Tourist Trail. — Explore the green heart of Coffs.

3. Dorrigo National Park

Enjoy a classic day trip from Coffs to forest bathe in some of the oldest subtropical rainforests in the world at Dorrigo National Park, part of the World Heritage-listed Gondwana Rainforests. These million-year-old ecosystems promise rare bird sightings, towering strangler figs, and epic walking tracks and picnic spots. Try the 6.6 km Wonga Walk to experience dreamy Crystal Shower Falls (where you can walk behind the falls) and the Skywalk Lookout, which offers spectacular views of the valley and coast. Then stop in Dorrigo town for a homey lunch. It’s worth noting that a section of the road between Ulong and Dorrigo – which dates to the 1880s – is unsealed, adding to the area’s end-of-the-earth allure but making travel difficult in adverse weather conditions. Alternatively, head to Dorrigo via the delightful township of Bellingen .

Three people standing at the SkyWalk lookout. — Wander the Skywalk.

4. Northern Beaches

For another tranquil expanse of sun, sand and surf breaks, head north to Woolgoolga (Tourism Australia’s Best Mainland Beach for 2025. Taste the coffee and local-produce breakfast at one of several cafes, then spot whales during their migration season along the Woolgoolga Whale Trail to the headland. Emerald Beach offers clear blue waters and another headland walk, perfect for taking in views of South Solitary Island, a dramatically rocky-cliffed island with a historic lighthouse. Red Rock, some 40km north of Coffs and named for its striking coastal rock formations, boasts a gorgeous estuary reserve that’s perfect for languorous days spent picnicking, swimming, fishing, and connecting with the relaxed local pace.

Freshly caught seafood by the beach, with sparkling ocean views. — Enjoy fresh seafood overlooking Woolgoolga Beach.

5. Jetty precinct

You could easily spend a whole day exploring the Jetty precinct – from its foreshores to the marina to Muttonbird Island. Start with fresh fish and chips from local institution Coffs Harbour Fisherman’s Co-op , before browsing the popular Harbourside Markets held every Sunday on the foreshores.

Take a scenic walk along the breakwall to Muttonbird Island , a cultural and ecological treasure with panoramic views and rich Gumbaynggirr heritage. The Giidany Miirlarl Education Space shares the island’s ancient stories, or join a guided moonlight tour to see the seasonal return of the muttonbirds.

Back at the Jetty Strip, find a buzzing mix of cafes, bars and restaurants with cuisines from around the world, open from morning until late. Don’t miss The Jetty Pavilion , a favourite for its unique menu blending modern Australian cuisine with vibrant world flavours.

walk to muttonbird island from coffs harbour — Walk the path where land meets sea and sky.

6. Grafton

Head inland from mid-October to early November to catch Grafton’s jacaranda season, when the town’s streets and parks are covered in purple. Even better, time your trip between 24 October and 2 November to attend the famous Jacaranda Festival, with special food items, performances and more. At any time of year, follow the self-guided Grafton Heritage Trail to discover the town’s historic buildings, landmarks and stories. Or get the blood pumping with a trip along the longest mapped white-water trail in Australia – the Clarence Canoe and Kayak Trail. Book a tour with Exodus Adventures .

woman walking through jacaranda trees in grafton — Time your Grafton trip to see the jacarandas in full bloom. (Image: @myclarencevalley)

7. Nambucca

Just south of Coffs Harbour sits Nambucca, the ideal town for a relaxed, coastal day trip. Hire a canoe, kayak or boat to explore over 80 kilometres of waterways stretching from the hinterland to the ocean. For those who prefer to stay on dry land (or double up their adventure for the day), stretch your legs along the V-Wall – a scenic coastal walk along the Nambucca River – dotted with boulders painted by the community, sharing messages, art and local stories. Stop along the way to buy Sydney rock oysters direct from local farmers, or try your own hand at fishing. Before heading back to Coffs, refuel on fresh seafood and wood-fired pizzas at Matilda’s in Nambucca .

a boat zooming through Nambucca Heads — Explore Nambucca’s waterways. (Image: Seen Australia)

Visit coffscoast.com and download the Coffs Coast Explorer App for more daytrips and trails.

Sydney’s hottest new stay? A first look at The EVE Hotel