What's New in Sydney and Surrounds

The iconic Sydney Fish Market is undergoing a A$750 million transformation of the current site and surrounding precinct. Set to open in late 2024, the facility on Blackwattle Bay in Pyrmont will be a purpose-built, operational fish market as well as a major culinary attraction. The design will feature a distinctive wave-shaped and scale-patterned roof that pays homage to the fishing industry, whilst simultaneously collecting rainwater for use. The amphitheatre staircases and the foreshore promenade wrap over the working wharf, allowing visitors an authentic glimpse into the Market’s operations. The world-class site will be activated through an ongoing calendar of events, engaging and educational activations, and vibrant tourism experiences.

Sydney’s first wave park URBNSURF Sydney is set to open in autumn 2024. Construction of the A$75 million project is in the final stages, with an array of wave lagoons, eateries and events spaces spread across the 3.6-hectare (8.9 acre) site at Sydney Olympic Park in Sydney’s west. A large-scale event space capable of accommodating up to 2,000 guests overlooks the lagoon, alongside a range of other spaces including a Surf Academy and private cabanas. URBNSURF Sydney will be home to a 150-seat restaurant, RAFI by Applejack Hospitality, which will dish up responsibly sourced seafood, vegetables, and grass-fed beef and lamb from the charcoal grill and offers an adjoining multi-purpose event space seating up to 60 guests.

Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG) has a new exclusive behind-the-scenes tour for cricket lovers. The SCG's VIP Curator's Tour allows groups of up to 10 guests to walk in the shoes of their favourite cricketer as they make the journey from the players’ dressing room onto the field of play and to the centre wicket. Hear from an SCG curator to find out what’s involved in preparing world-class pitches used and made famous by the likes of Sir Donald Bradman, Ellyse Perry and Steve Waugh. This 100-minute guided walking tour includes entry into the SCG Museum and a copy of the book '100 Tests: A Century of Test Match Cricket at the Sydney Cricket Ground’ by Philip Derriman for each guest.

Taronga Zoo has a new native wildlife experience. Nura Diya, which means ‘This Country’ in Sydney First Language, is a brand-new A$16 million precinct allowing visitors to gain a deeper understanding of the connection between First Nations Cultures and Country by experiencing Australia’s iconic wildlife - including koalas, dingoes, wallabies, and kangaroos – up close. Nura Diya is home to 23 unique Australian species, approximately 270 individual animals, and a special Night Walk experience - nguwing nura - featuring nocturnal animals like the greater bilby, yellow-bellied glider, Western quoll and spinifex hopping mouse.

Situated within the Royal Botanic Garden Sydney, The Calyx is offering a new experience for groups: Astronomy at the Calyx. Over a glass of wine, discover the secrets of the night sky with resident First Nations astronomer Jake Ferguson and distinguished Astrophysicist Dr Ángel Lopez -Sanchez. Guests view the night sky through powerful telescopes from the Northern Sydney Astronomical Society, then venue then venture outside to hear a First Nations perspective on the stars and the use of the night sky. This experience is available on set dates in March, April, June and October 2024, but also on request for private groups of up to 100 guests.

Midden by Mark Olive is a new culinary experience at Sydney Opera House, with celebrated First Nations Australian chef and Bundjalung man Mark Olive at the helm. The name is a nod to the area’s rich history of edible resources, with oyster shells discarded by the First Nations people forming ‘middens’ around Sydney Harbour. Drawing on his Indigenous Australian heritage, Olive has created a produce-focused menu championing native Australian ingredients, from wattle seed and bush honey to saltbush and succulents. The new restaurant will be operated by Doltone Hospitality Group and can be booked for seated private events of up to 100 guests.

Groups interested in craft beer can explore Sydney’s Inner West Ale Trail, a collection of 12 breweries across the suburbs of Marrickville, St Peters, Newtown, Camperdown, Rozelle and Petersham.  These 12 independently owned craft breweries are known for helping to build the reputation of Sydney’s Inner West as ‘The Craft Beer Capital of Australia’. The trail can be followed via the website which features an interactive map, or by way of a print paper maps and floor decals that mark the trail throughout the Inner West. Some breweries are within walking distance of each other, otherwise groups can opt to engage local experts Dave’s Brewery Tours, the official tour operator for the trail.

Scenic World in the World Heritage-listed Blue Mountains near Sydney has launched a new series of Indigenous-led experiences, allowing guests to see the ancient landscape through the eyes of David King, a Gundungurra custodian and his team of First Nations guides. Ranging from the Buunyal Tour for 12 guests to experiences for up to 25 guests, tours can be tailored to include a smoking ceremony, a Welcome to Country, guided walks through the rainforest and even a jaunt on the Scenic Railway, Cableway and Skyway accompanied by David or a First Nations guide. Scenic World can customise experiences and events for larger groups, including a guided twilight walk after Scenic World closes for the day, along with food and beverages.

Currently under construction and due to open in 2025, Powerhouse Parramatta is set to be the largest museum in New South Wales. Based in Western Sydney, this cultural precinct will offer 18,000 sqm of exhibition and public space, designed to demonstrate the continued impact of the applied arts and sciences on our world through technology, innovation, design and engineering. The museum is set to feature a range of event spaces including a 2,000 sqm rooftop garden, a tiered seating theatre for 700 guests, a 55-seat cinema and a 200-seat kitchen space for culinary demonstrations.

Luna Park’s Big Top has undergone a A$15 million transformation and is now a permanent, 3,000 sqm immersive experience venue. The venue now offers new world-first, Australian-made technology that combines visual and audio projections to create a captivating spectacle featuring hologram technology and motion-activated screens. ‘Dream Circus’ is a thrilling narrative-based show that can be booked exclusively for groups of approximately 300 guests, or alternatively, different ‘event states’ (for example jungle, seaside and underwater) can be employed as immersive backdrops for corporate, private and exclusive events of up to 1,200 guests standing or 600 banquet-style.

Housed in the historic Campbell’s Stores in The Rocks, event venue Watersedge is offering a new immersive dining experience. The Watersedge Immersive Dining Studio is a multi-sensory culinary experience harnessing sight, sound and taste. A collaboration between the venue and SixthSense Experiences, the concept combines high-quality projections, storytelling and premium dining to create an experiential dining experience that deepens connections with guests. Available until 30 April 2024, for minimum 60 guests seated and 80 cocktail-style.

Hot air balloon experience provider Balloon Aloft now offers wheelchair accessible balloon flights over the Hunter Valley wine region near Sydney. The accessible balloon is the first of its kind in New South Wales, allowing guests in wheelchairs to experience the joy of a hot air balloon flight; an activity previously inaccessible due to the need for passengers to climb into the balloon basket and stand for the duration of the flight. Access to the basket is via a specially designed door, from which guests can transfer to the seating using a grab handle. The basket, designed by Australian ballooning manufacturer, Kavanagh Balloons, also offers customised seating and harnesses for passengers with higher accessibility needs.

Harper Rooftop Bar is a new rooftop bar in the heart of Sydney’s city centre, perched above the luxurious 172-room Kimpton Margot hotel which opened in 2022. The urban rooftop oasis boasts vibrant interiors, a sky-high pool and a Mediterranean-inspired snack menu by renowned Australian chef Luke Mangan. Harper is available for exclusive use for groups of up to 180 guests or can be sectioned into a semi-private space for 60 – 120 guests. Smaller casual seating sections are also available for more intimate gatherings of 30 – 60 guests.  

NatureBoss is a sustainability-focussed event planning service for companies and conference delegates seeking environmentally conscious events across Australia. The expert team specialises in curating captivating offsite experiences and programs that enrich company culture and wellbeing, and plants 10 trees for every booking. Experiences range from kayaking and coastal trekking to hosted walks with First Nations guides, guided yoga and meditation, forest bathing and up-close experiences with native Australian wildlife.

A new indoor snow resort has been approved for western Sydney. The A$400 million Winter Sports World will be Australia’s first snow park, set to be built in the heart of Penrith and to feature a 300-metre indoor ski slope, a dedicated space for ice hockey, speed skating, alpine skiing, and ice climbing. The precinct will also boast a 170-room hotel, conference and event facilities and a restaurant with snow views. The project is well-timed, with the Western Sydney International Airport due to open in 2026.

A new whiskey distillery has opened its doors in the Hunter Valley, on the grounds of the luxurious Tower Lodge. Groups can enjoy a hosted whiskey tasting flight at Tower Whiskey Distillery, where they’ll taste the distillery’s first four initial single malt, single cask whiskeys and learn about the process of whiskey production and the story behind these first releases. This experience can be booked for a private group for up to eight guests, or larger groups of up to 24 guests can experience the whiskey flight with exclusive use of the distillery.

The York, Clarence and Kent (YCK) Laneways trail in Sydney’s CBD represents the lively precinct between Town Hall and Wynyard stations. The trail connects a group of independently owned hospitality, retail, corporate and entertainment businesses, and can be explored via a self-guided interactive walking trail map. From hidden small bars to buzzing restaurants, trendy barber shops and live music venues, this area is fast becoming the hospitality hub of Sydney’s inner city. In a nod to the zone’s industrial heritage, many of the venues are embracing restored original architecture in their laneway, carriageway and storehouse locations.

Located in Sydney’s vibrant Chinatown district in Haymarket, Royal Palace Seafood is a new restaurant that’s opened at the former Golden Century site. The iconic dining room has been resurrected and the menu features traditional Chinese dishes, with modern elevated service. Fresh live seafood is the star of the show, including signature dishes like lobster with ginger and shallot-braised noodles and pipis in XO sauce. Open until 3am Thursday-Saturday, it can also be booked exclusively for private functions of up to 180 guests outside these times and has two private dining rooms suitable for 10 or 20 guests.

WILD LIFE Sydney Zoo’s newly relaunched Australian Wildlife Tour takes up to 10 guests behind the scenes, offering the chance to get up close to iconic Australian animals. Guided by a knowledgeable keeper, this intimate experience now provides a new encounter with an endangered southern cassowary, as well as up-close encounters with kangaroos and platypus, exclusive access to off-limits areas, and photo opportunities with koalas and other Aussie animals.

Visit an operating oyster farm where you can take a boat tour of oyster leases on the Hawkesbury River 45 minutes north of Sydney, and taste fresh Broken Bay Oysters, Sydney Rock and Pacific Oysters. Sydney Oyster Tours provides an immersive culinary experience where guests put on waders to enjoy and shuck oysters at tables in the water.