Review: The Fullerton Hotel Sydney

What it’s like to spend the night inside Sydney’s gorgeous heritage-listed former General Post Office.

An impressive 151 years ago, Sydney’s General Post Office (GPO) had its grand opening at No.1 Martin Place. Crafted from Sydney sandstone, the heritage-listed building no longer has the main function of sending letters; instead, its Victorian Italian grandeur is carefully preserved by The Fullerton Hotel Sydney.

The back story

the Fullerton Hotel Sydney — Sleep inside a 151-year-old icon.

In 1874, Sydney’s General Post Office (GPO) opened as a link to communicating with the rest of the world, both by mail and telegraph. Designed by the Colonial Architect for NSW, James Barnett, the current building was constructed in two stages from 1866 to 1892.

The undertaking was an ambitious one, including many intricate sculptures – one featuring Queen Victoria – with an overall look that blended heritage and Victorian Italian Renaissance style, while still in keeping with the building’s international practicality.

After a refurbishment in the 90s, and being sold in 2017, it now houses The Fullerton Hotel Sydney, along with retail outlets and a (much smaller) Australia Post shop. Despite the changes, the hotel has worked hard to preserve the GOP’s historic grandeur.

First impressions

The room

the fullerton hotel modern tower room on level 28 — The modern tower offers great views over the CBD.

The hotels’ 416 guest rooms and suites are spread across both the GPO heritage building and the modern tower, offering a range of options from sweeping city views to heritage decor and original historic details, like marble fireplaces and the postmaster’s writing desk from the 1870s.

I was in the modern tower, with a view overlooking George Street. The room is spacious, yet cosy. Despite its modernity, neutral tones and a marble-look bathroom still maintain a classic feel. A full-sized desk, a comfortable leather lounge chair, spacious cupboard space, a Harman Kardon Bluetooth speaker, a Vittoria coffee machine and a generous-sized TV make the space more than just a bedroom.

The bed itself is soft and comfortable for a peaceful night’s sleep, but my favourite feature was definitely the large bath (with enough length for my six-foot self). The entire bathroom is separated by a large glass window with an automatic blind – wind up for bathing with a view (or to watch a movie on TV), wind down for privacy. Bath salts are offered as a bathroom amentity, which was a lovely touch. While the Balmain bathroom collection is offered in pump bottles for shampoo, conditioner and body wash. Behind separate glass doors, a toilet and rain shower also fit into this large space.

The facilities

Fitness Centre

Open 24 hours a day to guests and located on level six, the hotel’s fitness centre features top-of-the-range equipment including treadmills, free weights and strength training equipment.

Guests can book a personal training session with Acero trainers at the fitness centre by enquiring with the concierge or through the Acero One Community app.

GPO Heritage Tour

the Fullerton Hotel Sydney lobby — Be awed by the building’s history.

The Fullerton Hotel Sydney offers a complimentary GPO Heritage Tour. Follow a knowledgeable tour guide to discover the stories, tales and legends of the former Sydney General Post Office building.

From the iconic clock tower (completed in 1891) to the black-and-white tiled staircase at 1 Martin Place (once the main entrance to the GPO) to the 24 stone faces (mascarons) on the Martin Place side of the building. These latter features are part of the 1880s-era facade, and each represents different states, countries and continents.

The Fullerton Club Lounge

Stay on the hotel’s club floors for access to The Fullerton Club Lounge on level 28. It’s something of an oasis, open for a daily continental, light refreshments throughout the day and pre-dinner drinks and nibbles. All served with views of the city skyline.

There’s also a wide-screen television, a selection of daily newspapers, free WiFi and exclusive use of the hotel’s private boardroom.

The food and drink

The Place

A level above the lobby, in an atrium overlooking The Bar, onsite restaurant The Place offers dishes featuring the best of Australia’s fresh and homegrown seafood, vegetables and meats. These can be tried on their own or as one of their signature tasting platters for a little bit of everything.

Dine on Modern Australian cuisine – think fresh, local seafood and a Riverina steak sandwich – along with South-East Asian signature dishes, like chicken satay. My personal favourite was the Thai-style green curry. It was fairly mild as far as curries go, but absolutely not lacking in taste.

The Bar

Inside The Fullerton Hotel Sydney’s lobby, The Bar does more than sling a few delicious cocktails and tasty treats (although it certainly does that well). What it’s really known for is the Fullerton Signature Afternoon Tea .

Served daily from 12 to 4 pm, the afternoon tea is a nod to Victorian tea traditions and served in a high tea style. Think cucumber sandwiches, stuffed boiled eggs and Apple Charlotte, but all with an elevated twist. And, of course, all finished off with traditional scones served with cream and mixed berry jam.

Personally, I can never go passed a good scone. But my other favourite was hands-down the Bakewell Pudding (a super tasty egg-based pudding).

Above us, the GOP building’s iconic clock tower overlooked the space, separated from us by a glass atrium roof. Soft brown-leather chairs added to the classic decor.

The crowd was a mix of those who had dressed up for a special occasion and a few more casual diners. While we ate, a pianist sat down at the on-site grand piano behind our table and began playing the classics. It just added the old-world feel.

The location

the Fullerton Hotel Sydney Heritage Long Suite — Heritage rooms maintain their old-world style.

The location of The Fullerton Hotel Sydney couldn’t possibly be more central, right at the start of the CBD’s Martin Place, with easy access to Sydney’s top attractions.

Details

Address: Lobby Level/1 Martin Pl, Sydney NSW 2000

Website: fullertonhotels.com/fullerton-hotel-sydney

NSW’s beach towns take on a new kind of magic when the cooler months hit.

Autumn and winter cast a whole new light on the New South Wales coastline. The sun hangs lower, the shadows stretch longer and the air is crisp and fresh. The frenetic summer crowds are gone, and the rhythm slows to the pace of a leisurely winter bush walk through still, damp quiet. From wineries pouring winter reds to the annual whale migration up the ‘humpback highway’, here’s why winter on the New South Wales coast is better.

Winter on the NSW South Coast

Winter down south means misty dawns, sipping a flat white on the beach. The thrill of a whale spotting from the headlands and evenings spent slowly savouring Shoalhaven’s wines by the fire.

Start in Kiama, where waves crash into the famous Blowholes. This natural spectacle is achieved when underground pressure and swell unite, sending sea spray soaring above the basalt cliffs. This means, due to larger waves, you’re even more likely to see an explosive display in winter.

two people standing in front of kiama blowhole — See Kiama’s blowholes in full force. (Image: Destination NSW)

Inland, the Minnamurra Rainforest Walk in Budderoo National Park is all subtropical forest and trilling lyrebird song. Make sure to walk silently along the elevated boardwalks, past winter-swelled creeks and the tangled roots of fig trees. You might just hear one of the musically talented birds mimicking your footsteps.

Feeling adventurous? Book a session at Illawarra Fly Treetop Adventures for a wobbly walk through the canopy on Australia’s highest zipline.

Illawarra Fly Treetop Adventures on the new south wales south coast — Walk among the tallest trees. (Image: Destination NSW)

Next, it’s time to take the speed down a notch with a drive over to the historic village of Berry. It’s been a beloved stop for generations of Sydneysiders heading south, as has the obligatory stop at its famous doughnut van for crisped, cinnamon goodness. If you’re ready for something a little more chunky, stroll right past the boutiques (okay, go on, just one quick peek) to Milkwood Bakery . Their flaky pastries and all-day breakfasts are best enjoyed under cream-coloured fringed umbrellas.

Back in Kiama, you’ll also find modern Middle Eastern share plates at Miss Arda , and next-level burgers on The Hungry Monkey ‘s extensive menu: an ode to everything pattie-shaped.

End the day at The Sebel Kiama on the harbour. The apartment-style rooms come with full cooking facilities — a welcome addition for families looking to test out the local produce they picked up along the way. Including, but not limited to, vintages from nearby Crooked River Wines .

The Sebel Kiama exterior — Sleep by the harbour.

Winter on the Mid-North Coast

A trip up north is a gentle one at this time of year. You’ll still feel that sunshine warming your shoulders, but the lower temperatures make space for rainforest walks, vineyard lunches and long coastal hikes. All without that pesky humidity.

First stop? It has to be the town of Port Macquarie. Start by marking out a stretch of the nine-kilometre coastal walk you want to tackle (or do the whole thing), which winds from Town Beach to the lighthouse along rugged headlands and quiet beaches. Hot tip: binoculars. Don’t forget them if you want to partake in some close-up sightings of dolphin pods or whales migrating up the ‘humpback highway’.

Port Macquarie Coastal Walk, winter on the New South Wales coast — Wander the Port Macquarie Coastal Walk. (Image: Destination NSW)

Swap sea for canopy at the Sea Acres Rainforest Boardwalk , one of the last remaining pockets of coastal rainforest in the state. The accessible elevated trail passes under climbing ferns and tangled strangler figs, and is alive with scarlet robins, goannas and diamond pythons – if you’re lucky, you might see one slipping through the leaf litter.

Afterwards, lunch is sorted at Cassegrain Wines , where crisp whites and elegant reds are grown using a blend of French winemaking tradition and Australian innovation. After a tasting, saddle up for a horse ride through the estate.

port macquarie koala hospital — Meet Koala Hospital inhabitants at their temporary home. (Image: Destination NSW)

The beloved Koala Hospital is rebuilding, so meet its furry patients in their temporary bushland abode at Guulabaa – Place of Koala . Here, you can see rehabilitation up close and learn how one of Australia’s most iconic animals is being carefully rewilded and protected.

Back in town, Whalebone Wharf serves up fine dining with serious views to go with your oysters. Prefer something breezier? Bills Fishhouse + Bar does everything from blue swimmer crab toast to zucchini noodles drizzled in basil and wattleseed pesto. Down by the waterfront, Little Shack slings ceviche, mushroom burgers and fish tacos with casual aplomb.

At the end of it all, check in to Mercure Centro Port Macquarie , right in the heart of town. From here, everything’s walkable. Just park the car, pop your keys in your pocket, and stroll down to the beach.

bed at Mercure Centro Port Macquarie — Check in to Mercure Centro Port Macquarie.

Winter on the Central Coast

On the Central Coast, expect to explore oyster farms that sit on estuaries, beaches that stretch empty for miles, and the kind of surprise sightings of whale sprays that can stop a hiker in their tracks.

The best way to settle into this slower rhythm is with the Bouddi Coastal Walk , an 8.5km trail that dips through rainforest and eroding cliffs. It’s made for unhurried walkers and long-lens photographers.

Up the coast in Terrigal, it’s prime time to spot humpbacks on the move. Join a cruise or find your own perch — Crackneck Lookout and Norah Head Lighthouse are both local favourites.

a humpback whale breaching on the central coast — Spot migrating humpback whales. (Image: Destination NSW)

Travelling with kids? It would be sacrilege not to visit the Australian Reptile Park . Here, Elvis the saltwater crocodile reigns supreme, and the venomous snake talk somehow manages to be simultaneously terrifying and fascinating.

If that isn’t enough to wear them out, zip and climb your way through Treetops Adventure Central Coast , a ropes course in the canopy of Ourimbah State Forest. Afterwards, steady your nerves with a garden tasting at Firescreek Botanical Winery , where fruit- and flower-infused wines are served under the trees.

Switch earth for sea and hop on a boat tour with Broken Bay Pearl Farm . Once you’re out on the water, you’ll learn how pearls are cultivated and have a hands-on lesson in grading and shucking.

woman holding a pearl at Broken Bay Pearl Farm — Get a hands-on pearl lesson. (Image: Destination NSW)

As the day winds down, grab a seat at Yellowtail in Terrigal , which takes seasonal native produce and presents it with Asian flair. Prefer something simple? Award-winning Mount White restaurant Saddles is a quintessential Australian dining destination. Find an impressive breakfast and lunch menu, dedicated to country-style cooking and seasonal produce.

Stay the night at Pullman Magenta Shores , between the ocean and the lake. There are plenty of ways to relax, with a massage at the day spa, a poolside beanbag and a round or two at the golf course.

restaurant at Pullman Magenta Shores central coast — Eat well at Pullman Magenta Shores’ restaurant. (Image: Destination NSW)

Winter in Wollongong

Wollongong does contrast pretty well. One moment you’re walking beneath an enormous Buddha, the next you’re ordering soju a few blocks from the surf. It’s a town where skydivers land on beaches, trails lead to paddocks and winter days stretch long and clear beneath the Illawarra cliffs.

If you’re coming from the north, start by crossing over the Sea Cliff Bridge. Curving dramatically out like a jutting ‘C’ out above the water means you won’t be able to resist pulling over (safely, in designated lookouts) to gaze down at the waves crashing on the cliffs below.

Just inland is the serenity of the Nan Tien Temple , the largest Buddhist temple in the Southern Hemisphere. You can trace the prayer path, explore the temple gardens and sip delectable Kam Quat Tea in the quiet light at the Dew Drop Inn Tea House.

monk teaching tai chi at Nan Tien Temple — Learn about Buddhist practices. (Image: Destination NSW)

Next, dust off that cowboy hat. It’s time for the Darkes Forest Riding Ranch . Take a guided canter via trail rides among peppermint gums and paddocks. If you’re happier to look at animals than ride them, Symbio Wildlife Park has red pandas dozing in trees, kangaroos that hop up to you and lessons on conservation.

The brave among you shouldn’t miss Skydive Australia – Wollongong . A free fall over the coast via tandem jumps before tumbling down to the sand is a breath-stopping thrill. Prefer to keep your feet on the ground? Check out the program at Wollongong Art Gallery , which delivers contemporary and Aboriginal exhibitions in the centre of town.

monkey at Symbio Wildlife Park — Hang out with the locals at Symbio Wildlife Park.(Image: Destination NSW)

As evening settles in, nab a table at Baby Face Kitchen . It has an ever-changing set menu, with dishes like hand-picked mud crab with white asparagus and salty brown butter, to sheep’s milk and honey ice cream. For something more casual, Dagwood Bar + Kitchen brings the fun with Korean fried chicken, sake cocktails and weekly all-you-can-eat bao buns.

Check in to Novotel Wollongong Northbeach , right by the sand. With a beachfront pool and ocean views, it’s an ideal base for whatever pace you choose.

Winter on the New South Wales coast starts with a cosy place to stay. Start planning your adventure at all.com.

What it’s like to sleep in a 150-year-old Sydney icon