A new year brings new opportunities, and Sydney and NSW have an exciting line-up of travel experiences in store for 2024. Relax and recharge in luxurious hotels, indulge in a fancy feast at just-opened dining hotspots and explore new perspectives at immersive cultural tours and shows. 

HOTELS

Paddington pad 

Accor's sleek 25hours brand is set to open on Sydney's iconic Oxford Street at the end of 2024. Taking over the heritage-listed former West Olympia Theatre, renowned Sydney architects Tonkin Zulaikha Greer have designed the Paddington space to house 109 rooms, dining venues, wellness centre and a buzzy rooftop bar. 

High in the Hills

A new boutique hotel comes to Surry Hills this year as TFE Hotels launches The Eve in September. The property will feature event spaces, retail, new dining venues and a luxe rooftop pool featuring incredible views of the city.  

Surf's up

Inspired by 1970s surf culture, Sea Sea is a new boutique hotel in Crescent Head on the Mid-North Coast set to open in autumn. With 25 artfully designed rooms, a swimming pool, regular art exhibitions and its own clothing label, this stunning seaside accommodation is sure to gain a cult following this year.  

Byron's new star

A new icon will arrive in Byron Bay this year as luxury apartment-hotel The Bonobo opens on the town's main street. Designed by the architects behind Brisbane's beloved The Calile Hotel, the stylish property will feature 41 two-, three- and four-bedroom hotel apartments, as well as a rooftop pool and a range of dining venues. 

Tropical hideaway 

For a more discreet Byron stay, boutique property Basq House arrives in autumn tucked away in the main hub of the town. Aiming to be an oasis of calm, the 32-room property is designed to be a relaxing space, with natural furnishings, plant- and light-filled spaces and delicious dining options.

Country comfort 

Maitland is getting its first new hotel in more than a decade as Punthill Maitland opens its doors in April. It's the first regional property from the Veriu Group, and will see 76 apartment-style rooms – think kitchenettes and in-room laundries – alongside conference facilities, gymnasium and cafe.  

RESTAURANTS AND BARS 

Luck on the menu 

Merivale's newest outpost promises Totti's with an Asian twist as Good Luck Restaurant and Lounge arrives on Sydney's Bridge Street with Tokyo as its inspiration. Executive chef Mike Eggert is the brainchild behind the venue, which will feature a main dining space, two wine rooms, private dining rooms and a bar. 

Late-night drinking den 

From the team behind Le Foote, Restaurant Hubert and Alberto's Lounge, Caterpillar Club brings a unique late-night dining experience the Sydney CBD. Think leather booths, oysters, cheeseburgers 'til 4am and live music. 

EXPERIENCES 

Magic in the Big Top 

Luna Park has an immersive new experience to entrance visitors at its freshly renovated Big Top: Dream Circus. This world-first attraction sees the 3,000sqm space transformed with projections, holograms, spatial audio and motion-sensor LED technology. Sessions at the Dream Circus run daily for 90 minutes and will absorb guests into a world of unbelievable circus tricks, 3D animal encounters and magic. 

Country culture in the Mountains 

Scenic World has launched a new Aboriginal experience: the Buunyal Tour. Suitable for the whole family, the interactive guided experience shares traditional Indigenous stories and the natural wonders of the Blue Mountains' Gundungurra Country through the eyes of the oldest living culture on earth. The experience also includes the Scenic Railway, Cableway, Skyway and rainforest boardwalk. 

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