First look: Sydney opens its doors

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The highly anticipated W Sydney opened its doors on 12 October, becoming the third W hotel on Australian soil.

As soon as you step foot inside W Sydney, greeted with a waratah-inspired ‘W’ sign, it’s clear you’re about to be taken on a design-led journey. With ‘the larrikin’ inspiring the interiors designed by London-based Bowler James Brindley, the luxury hotel is bold and unabashed.

W Sydney has unveiled 29/30, a top-floor hotspot focused on the finer things in life. But the real star of the show? Sparkling views over Darling Harbour, with the hotel’s iconic infinity pool glistening in the foreground.

Such is the W Hotels’ way, of breaking the norms of traditional luxury wherever the iconic W sign lands.

Two waratahs with W sign at W Sydney behind
Be greeted with a waratah-inspired ‘W’ sign. (Image: Emily Murphy)

The Living Room, a reimagining of the traditional lobby, is dominated by vivid blues and copper and invites you to stay a while, cocktail in hand in the nest-like seating that references the Australian Bowerbird, a larrikin of the bird world.

The Living Room Bar at W Sydney
Vivid blues and copper dominate The Living Room.

The 588 guestrooms, including 162 suites, draw inspiration from the hotel’s harbourside location and nearby beaches, with a nautical white and navy-blue palette. Walk-in wardrobes feature a burst of graphic, inflorescent red and pink waratah flowers.

Spectacular King Room at W Sydney
There are 588 guestrooms at W Sydney.

W Sydney has already secured itself as a destination hotel this summer, offering views over Darling Harbour that have never been seen before. A highlight being the WET Deck on level 29 boasting a 30-metre infinity pool and accompanying bar 29/30 that evokes an underwater world with coral-inspired lighting. During the evening, the pool area transforms into an extension of the bar – the perfect spot to enjoy cocktails and tapas.

The 30 metre infinity pool WET Deck at W Sydney
The WET Deck is the place to be this summer. (Image: Emily Murphy)

BTWN is the main restaurant, fronted by head chef Chris Dodd who has created a menu that features at least 80 per cent NSW produce, and at night it brings 2AM: dessertbar by Janice Wong to life. And while BTWN got its name literally from being ‘between’ two expressways, 2AM: dessertbar isn’t actually open until 2am, closing at 10pm each night.

29/30 Bar at W Sydney
29/30 Bar evokes an underwater world with coral-inspired lighting. (Image: Emily Murphy)

“W Sydney reimagines luxury for a new era, creating a vibrant new scene for Sydneysiders and visitors to the city," says W Sydney general manager Craig Seaward.

“It’s a complete departure from the city’s traditional hotels and this unique W spirit is something you feel at every touchpoint, from our eclectic venues to the cool blue rooms and high-energy programming. I can’t think of a better location for our new W hotel than Sydney’s amazing harbour. We can’t wait to welcome guests again and again."

Part of Marriott Bonvoy’s global portfolio, W Sydney is now the third W hotel in Australia, after W Brisbane (opened 2018) and W Melbourne (opened 2021).

Embrace your originality this summer and book a stay at W Sydney.

W Sydney External Facade
W Sydney is now the third W hotel in Australia.

Need tips, more detail or itinerary ideas tailored to you? Ask AT.

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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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7 Lake Macquarie secrets the locals don’t want you to know

Credit: Beau Pilgrim

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

Laidback 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

Museum of Art and Culture, YAPANG
Discover the Museum of Art and Culture, YAPANG.

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.