A Night At Crown Towers Sydney - Australian Traveller

Crown Towers Sydney stands as a sky-scraping jewel on the waterfront of the Harbour City, steadfastly reflecting her beauty from every angle. Here, we share what to expect from a stay at the luxury hotel.

As the tallest hotel in Sydney (standing proud at 275 metres) and sporting a distinctive and sleek, reflective design, Crown Towers Sydney not only stands out visually as the defining landmark of the Barangaroo precinct, but as we discovered, the views, service and dining options to be found inside its walls also sets it apart from the rest of Sydney’s accommodation offerings.

The back story

Since opening in late December 2020 after four years of construction, this $2.2 billion hotel has lived up to its six-star hotel rating. While this rating doesn’t officially exist, we’ve discovered that it’s the only way to really describe the above-and-beyond experience to be had here.

From the eye-catching reflective exterior (thanks to over 8000 floor-to-ceiling glass panels) on the harbour’s edge to the curved geometric hotel design by award-winning British architecture firm Wilkinson Eyre to the 349 spacious, bespoke rooms designed by renowned New York-based firm Meyer Davis – the decor exudes elegance. And that’s before we even mention the water views, which include both Darling Harbour and Circular Quay (sometimes even from the same room).

The hotel has a range of deals on offer , and those who join Crown Direct unlock even further deals, like the Sneaky Sunday deal with an exclusive Sunday night rate of $550, including buffet breakfast for two.

British architecture firm Wilkinson Eyre is responsible for the design of Crown Towers Sydney — The award-winning British architecture firm Wilkinson Eyre is responsible for the design of the hotel. (Image: Katie Carlin)

First impressions

From the moment I drive up to the large glass doors of Crown Sydney, I’m shown warm and attentive service by the valet. That continues as I check in, and much later when I continue to get lost on my way to Crown Spa and afterwards, to dinner (the fault of my terrible sense of direction, it’s actually very well signposted).

They’re also very happy to help point you in the direction of the best restaurants for your tastes (an almost essential service, as choosing from the 11 restaurants here is a difficult decision) or local highlights in the Barangaroo area.

The six-storey Crown Towers Sydney chandelier — The six-storey chandelier features 396 pole-length crystals that light up of an evening with mesmerising results. (Image: Katie Carlin)

The room

I am rarely floored by a hotel room, but walking into the Premier Harbour Bridge Suite absolutely achieved it. Floor-to-ceiling glass windows boast the true highlight of this corner room: a view of Darling Harbour from the loungeroom, and the Harbour Bridge from the bedroom.

Speaking of which, both are luxuriously spacious. The living room is technically also a dining room, with a well-stocked mini bar and kitchen essentials (coffee machine, kettle, sink, cups and plates). A few paces away, long white sofas and dark blue armchairs that could comfortably sit a whole family plus a few of their friends, face each other in front of a giant TV screen.

Crown Towers Sydney Premier Harbour Bridge Suite Living Room — Luxuriate on the lounges to watch TV or the view.

A door separates the bedroom, complete with a king bed, plenty of space, and an absolute dream bathroom complete with double sink, large bathtub, spacious shower and a toilet with many gadgets including a self-opening lid and warmed seat. The Dyson hair dryer is also a highlight. There’s another half bathroom in the entry hall as well.

I especially appreciate the light setting that allows you to pick full brightness, mood lighting or off with the touch of a button. Blackout blinds ensure the many walls of windows don’t interfere with your REM sleep, and all blinds are operated with the press of a button.

Crown Towers Sydney Premier Suite Bathroom — Spend all day in your bathtub.

The facilities

The pool

The heated multi-level infinity pool on the fifth floor of the Crown Towers with its harbour views and anchored in-pool day beds (in addition to the ones that line the outskirts of the pool under white sail sun umbrellas) is as bougie as they come. Poolside attendants are on hand to take our food and beverage order – all from the comfort of one’s floating day bed of course.

Private cabanas line the back wall overlooking the pool, they’re available to book in five-hour blocks for $250 to $450 (depending on the time of week) and guarantee you’ll be reserved twin day beds in addition to the cabana’s lounge, fridge stocked with complimentary non-alcoholic drinks, a platter, television and an exclusive cabana-only dine-in menu. There is also a large heated jet spa for use.

Crown Towers Sydney pool — The infinity pool at Crown Towers Sydney boasts breathtaking views of the harbour.

The spa

We included Crown Spa Sydney on our ‘best in Sydney’ list for good reason. This is the type of luxurious spa you could easily spend the full day in, from warming up in the sauna to indulging in massage performed by absolutely expert hands to sipping tea in the recovery room before relaxing your muscles further the Aqua Retreat. Even walking into the marble-covered lobby is an experience. It earned its place in the prestigious Forbes five-star hotel club.

The dreamy, light-filled space was designed by Blainey North. A soft colour palette soothes visitors from the moment they walk in, while pops of gold and brighter colours keep the Aqua Retreat area a pretty and inviting place to be.

Crown Spa Sydney lobby — Even the Crown Spa lobby is beautiful to behold.

I personally opted for a much-needed relaxing massage. After heading into the women-only changerooms on the hotel’s sixth floor, I jump into my robe and leave my belongings in a secured locker.

When I’m ready, I leave via another door to enter the massage area. I’m shown right through to my room – it’s a maze in here, and I’m glad I have help navigating the soft-hued hallways and many white leather doors leading to various treatment rooms – where my extremely friendly masseuse asked questions to make sure I get a personalised experience.

She leaves so I can de-robe and jump onto the table – which I realise with delight is actually long enough to fit my 6-foot-tall body (an unusual occurrence, trust me). After the massage, the masseuse showed me back into the recovery room and brought me tea and a small chocolate to enjoy for as long as I wished. I’ll be honest though, the famed Aqua Retreat was calling my name. The retreat features a 37-degree Vitality Pool alongside lilac-tiled heated day beds and an Infrared Sauna made of cedar wood.

Crown Spa Sydney Female Aqua Retreat — Relax your muscles further in the Aqua Retreat.

Tennis court and gym

Never has there been a more picturesque place to workout than the hotel’s fitness studio; its harbour-facing views are enough to turn exercise avoiders into gym junkies faster than you can say, “it’s time to checkout". The gym is fitted with TechnoGym’s exclusive Artis equipment and guests can book a private training program or opt for a game of tennis on the open-air court. The striking cobalt blue surface of the court is decorated with bright pink iconography by Indigenous artist Reko Rennie. Find both on the sixth floor next to the spa.

The striking open-air tennis court on level six of Crown Towers Sydney. (Image: Katie Carlin)

The food and drink

The real crown on this stay (pardon the pun), is the bar and restaurant lineup. Italian fine dining at a’Mare (AKA the best Italian you’ll ever eat outside of Italy); famed contemporary Japanese fusion at Nobu; an intimate sushi affair at Yoshii’s Omakase; authentic Cantonese fine dining at Silks; the best of Australian produce cooked with wood, charcoal and steam at Woodcut; a culinary journey around the world at the buffet-style Epicurean restaurant, a traditional Chinese teahouse experience with a twist at the Teahouse; waterfront views, live music and a tantalising cocktail list at TWR (The Waiting Room) in the hotel’s lobby; and the highly anticipated 26th-floor terrace bar, Cirq.

Inside the lavish hotel lobby bar at Crown Towers, TWR. (Image: James D Morgan)

I start at a traditional Chinese teahouse mixed with luxe lounge bar, Teahouse , to try out their creative cocktail selection, seated in one of their whimsical ‘birdcages’ with a striking bird-filled wall-paper that contrasts rather brilliantly with the vibrant red carpet. As a sucker for anything matcha, my standout was Teahouse favourite, the Jade sour: gin, jasmine tea, orgeat, lemon, egg white and matcha powder. It’s a fun and subtle twist on exactly what you expect from a sour, just a minimal hint of matcha.

Teahouse Jade sour cocktail — Teahouse’s Jade sour cocktail is a must-try. (Image: Kassia Byrnes)

Next, I head to Woodcut for dinner. Luckily I bring a plus one, as the menu is famous around Sydney for its delectable meat cuts and fresh seafood. My plus one (a seafood fanatic) could not stop raving about his half-Southern rock lobster with kombu butter main. As a vegetarian, however, I discovered a whole vegetarian menu, but the best thing anyone will eat here is the Woodcut Truffle Toastie with whipped gruyere (in my humble and completely satisfied opinion). The sommelier is also a delight, and I ask him to help me choose a wine from the extensive list for each course – something that he nails every time.

There is nothing like completely including your tastebuds before waddling the short distance back to your room and flopping into a large, soft bed.

Woodcut restaurant decor — Enjoy the best of Australian produce in moody surroundings at Woodcut.

I thought it couldn’t get better than my dinner experience until I walked into the buffet breakfast the following morning. My version of heaven is a good buffet breakfast and this one takes the cake. With food stations covering everything from freshly made crepes to classic hot breakfast foods to Asian-inspired options. Wash it all down with the best range of fruit juices I’ve ever seen at a hotel buffet, all served in an adorable class bottle. I won’t admit to how many times I refilled my plate, but I will recommend arriving on an empty stomach.

Those deals I mentioned can also include dining vouchers – like the mid-week escape Crown Towers hotel deal at $800, inclusive of a $350 dining credit.

Woodcut restaurant Truffle Toastie — Be sure to order the Woodcut Truffle Toastie.

The location

The hotel’s opening ushers in the next stage of transformation for the Barangaroo precinct, which has evolved from a former 22-hectare disused shipping container site into a hub of dining, shopping, entertainment and cultural offerings.

Details

Address: 1 Barangaroo Ave, Barangaroo NSW 2000

Website: Crown Towers Sydney

Staying there:

There are 349 total guest rooms, including various high-rise villas and two premium villas. The top villa will sit across two levels and will be the tallest habitable space in any hotel in Sydney. The Premier Harbour Bridge Suite is one of over 10 room and six villa types currently available to book at Crown Towers Sydney, including the Deluxe King Room, Harbour Bridge King Room, Opera King Room and Executive Harbour Bridge Room.

Dining there:

There are currently 11 bar and dining options open for business, and you don’t need to be a guest to dine here.

This article was originally written by Katie Carlin, with updates by Kassia Byrnes.

Underpinned by grassroots hospitality and award-winning organic produce, the Central Coast’s gastronomy scene is thriving, with the region quickly becoming one of the best destinations in NSW for epicures.

Revered for its rugged natural splendour and laid-back seaside charm, NSW’s Central Coast has soared in popularity in recent years, becoming a top choice for an affordable slice of weekend escapism for Sydneysiders. Just a short 45-minute drive north of Sydney, it’s the kind of place that, no matter how many times you visit, leaves you with the sense that there’s always more to uncover. But while the ocean pools, bushwalks and beaches have (rightly) taken the spotlight, it’s the Central Coast food offerings which have been quietly simmering in the background.

From fresh-as-it-gets seafood and juicy organic citrus you can pluck yourself, through to regenerative farming and reputable farm-to-fork dining, this coastal gem has become an idyllic foodie mecca. Here are some of the best ways to immerse yourself in grassroots hospitality and gastronomic glory on the NSW Central Coast.

vegetables in a basket at Bells Garden at Bells At Killcare — From picking your own, to farm-to-table, discover the best Central Coast food experiences. (Image: Remy Brand)

Central Coast oyster experiences

From humble grub to opulent delicacy, oysters have ascended into a league of their own. Epicureans are fascinated by them – willing to pay upwards of $35 per dozen (double at some of Sydney’s reputable fine dining restaurants) – and ‘shuck bars’ seem to be popping up at every milestone celebration.

But it’s rare to find places that really draw back the curtain on how they’re farmed and why everyone is mad for these molluscs. The Central Coast , however, is home to several of these venues. With its pristine waters, mild climate and nutrient-rich estuaries, it’s the perfect breeding ground for oysters.

Learn about oyster farming and, importantly, how to shuck them at Sydney Oyster Farm Tours . Nestled on the Hawkesbury River at Mooney Mooney, Sheridan Beaumont and her team offer a hands-on foodie experience where you can feast on dozens of oysters (white tablecloth and all) while wading through the calm waters. You can even bring your own bottle of bubbles to wash them down.

guests in the water for an experience at Sydney Oyster Farm - Central Coast food — Learn tricks of the trade at Sydney Oyster Farm Tours. (Image: Remy Brand)

Elevate your oyster knowledge even further by heading north over the Hawkesbury River Bridge to the Hawkesbury River Oyster Shed . Tour their scenic oyster leases and saltwater paddocks by boat to uncover the distinct characteristics of the Sydney rock oyster and creamy Pacific oyster. They’ve also partnered with Broken Bay Pearl Farm to offer a one-of-a-kind oyster and pearl farming guided tour, showcasing the Central Coast’s very own pearl oyster, the Broken Bay ‘Akoya’. But if you’re simply in the mood to devour a dozen delectable oysters while soaking in the tranquil river views, pull up a chair at the shed. It’s friendly in every sense of the word: pets, families and BYO welcome.

shucking oysters at Broken Bay Pearl Farm — Taste freshly shucked oysters at Broken Bay Pearl Farm. (Image: James Horan)

Central Coast farms to pick your own fruit

While the Central Coast is known for its breathtaking 40 beaches and 80-kilometre coastline, its lush hinterland is equally impressive – abundant with orchards and agriculturally rich farmland. And when it comes to the simple joy of picking your own fruit, the Central Coast is a ripe playground.

Family-owned Meliora Farm at Peats Ridge is an orchard that blends conventional, biodynamic and organic philosophies. Third-generation farmer Tim Kemp and his wife Elise are dedicated to honouring the family legacy by growing a rich variety of oranges, lemons, limes, mandarins and avocados. In late May, roam the sustainable and nutrient-dense property during ‘Pick Your Own’ weekends.

Eastcoast Beverages is another bountiful citrus orchard boasting over 60 hectares of fruit. From June you can learn about the cultivation of high-quality ingredients – like lemons, limes, grapefruit and oranges – by touring both the farm and factory before setting out and picking your own straight from the source. You can also sample an array of citrus-inspired sweet and savoury treats at their on-site cafe, Bambino’s .

If it’s just juicy oranges you’re after, Cedar Farm in Dooralong is a must-visit. Located about 30 minutes north of Peats Ridge, it features 15 flourishing orchards and over 3000 orange trees – with take-home bags during the season (from July) at low prices. Not bad for a fruity weekend haul.

woman picking oranges at Oranges at Dooralong — Pick your own citrus fruits on the Central Coast. (Image: James Vodicka)

Organic dining

What makes the Central Coast hinterland so special is the unwavering respect the communities have for their cherished backyard. Locally owned and operated farms are all striving for more sustainable practices and methods to both enhance biodiversity and reduce environmental impact, each with a heartwarming food philosophy.

The Food Farm in Wyong Creek believes good food is worth both the work and the wait. Devoted to regenerative farming, first-generation ‘farmily’ Tim Eyes and Hannah Greenshields are recognised for their grass-fed, grass-finished beef and pasture-raised, gold medal-winning chickens. With an open gate policy, The Food Farm encourages visitors to swing by and try some of their slow-grown produce at their small ‘honesty’ farm shop. With no staff, you can pick up a few quality cuts of meat and pasteurised eggs, leaving the owing amount in cash or via eftpos.

Keeping the spirit of generational organic farming alive is Fanelli Organics . Nestled in the Central Coast’s scenic and sleepy Mangrove Mountain, founders Eden and Louise Fanelli own over 45 hectares of plentiful farmland and orchards that produce a huge range of organic fruit and vegetables, like purple Dutch carrots, blood oranges, broccoli and Tuscan kale. A true home-grown operation, Fanelli Organics shares its fresh produce with local restaurants and community markets, including the beloved markets at Like Minds Cafe at Avoca Beach every Wednesday afternoon.

farmers holding fresh produce picked at Fanelli Organics — See where your food comes from at Fanelli Organics.

Paddock-to-plate dining

High-quality ingredients go hand in hand with premium dining, and the Central Coast is home to several paddock-to-plate restaurants that showcase its diverse and rich agriculture. Paired with warm, grassroots hospitality, there are culinary triumphs, new menus and revered chefs constantly popping up, putting the local dining scene firmly on the map.

Award-winning Mount White restaurant Saddles is a quintessential Australian dining destination, dedicated to country-style cooking and seasonal produce. Nestled in thick bushland with wraparound verandahs, floral gardens and an idyllic dam, the gourmet homestead and bakehouse is unlike any restaurant on the Central Coast. Here, head chef Reece Collins and his team serve up an impressive breakfast and lunch menu that oozes rustic charm. Pull up a comfy armchair on the expansive deck, listen to birdsong, and tuck into flavoursome dishes like the farmhouse Benedict with honey-cured ham, lemon myrtle hollandaise and Warrigal gremolata, or the hearty beef brisket pie with confit garlic potato purée and rainbow chard.

woman writing in notebook next to a table of food at Saddles, Central Coast food — Taste country-style cooking at Saddles. (Image: Destination NSW)

Delivering a slice of sophistication and luxury to the shores and bushland of Bouddi Peninsula is Bells at Killcare . One of the few boutique resorts on the Central Coast, it’s known for its premium service and five-star suites, as well as its bountiful kitchen gardens that boast an orchard, olive trees, avocado trees, free-range hens and a honey bee hive.

Cameron Cansdell has returned to Bells at Killcare as head chef, bringing his expertise to the casual yet refined menus that feature a raw bar with Oscietra caviar, freshly shucked Sydney rock oysters and Moreton Bay bugs, all served alongside optional matched wines. Sample some of Australia’s best regional wines and standout dishes, like roasted Wollemi duck with grilled leeks, rocket, grilled grapes and 10-year-aged balsamic, or the shareworthy salt-crusted snapper with herb salad and salsa, before roaming the picturesque gardens, wine in hand.

cocktail at Bells At Killcare — Sample incredible wine, cocktails and dishes at Bells At Killcare. (Image: Nikki To)

Plan your next visit to the delicious Central Coast.

A night at the luxe Crown Towers Sydney