Medusa Hotel is a colourful accommodation in Darlinghurst that celebrates bold design and family hospitality.
Sydney has no shortage of fabulous accommodations. Big hotel chains dominate the city, but dig a little deeper, and you’ll discover some more charming, intimate stays. Medusa Hotel, just east of Sydney’s CBD, is one such gem, and it stands out for its bold design and family-run hospitality.
When I arrive at Medusa Hotel, I’m greeted by its bold pink heritage facade. The boutique hotel is housed within a restored 1800s terrace, reimagined in August 2025 by Sydney-based design firm Kahlo Collective. It feels quintessentially Sydney – only more fun – with Olivia Dean’s music playing gently outside.
The pink townhouse sits in the inner-city suburb of Darlinghurst.
Bold design meets contemporary charm.
A cosy nook with velvet curtains.
Inside, I find richly layered interiors that blend heritage charm with playful modern design – a tapestry of colours, textures and statement furnishings. I’m delighted to find that 15 different wallpapers have been used to elevate the property. Staff are friendly and whisk me away down a brightly-lit hallway with a vintage-style carpet in pinks, pale blue and yellow. There are just 18 rooms, all of them are unique and invite guests to “choose a room to match their mood."
The hotel features 15 different wallpapers.
I was lucky enough to experience two different room types: The Daydream and The Grand Velvet. On the first night, I stay in The Daydream, a small but beautifully appointed space swathed in pale pink. It’s decorated with four-leaf clover–shaped sconces and carpeting that echoes the hotel’s logo, while sleek, modern joinery adds a contemporary touch. A sculptural chandelier composed of scalloped glass shells brings a final note of glamour.
The bathroom is comparatively generous. There’s a luxe bath, burgundy marble basin, glossy green subway tiles, fluted glass, pink and beige chequered tiles and an adorably quirky side table with an ostrich base. Even though housed in a terrace home, there was thankfully plenty of natural light which flooded the room and a view overlooking the courtyard.
The spacious and character-filled Grand Velvet suite.
Bathrooms are as richly decorate as the rooms.
On the second night, I move into one of the more opulent The Grand Velvet suites. It’s romantic, washed in varying shades of pink and green, with a materials palette of velvet and marble, elevated by gold accents. A dramatic ceiling height, large stone fireplace and an antler horn chandelier add to the grandness, while a separate seating area, which can be closed off with velvet curtains, creates a comfortable nook to write this article.
All of the hotel’s bathrooms are stocked with Aesop handwash, shampoo and conditioner and Dyson hairdryers, and all rooms are equipped with kitchenettes (microwave, bar fridge, sink, tea/coffee facilities and utensils for light dining).
The Courtyard Cove rooms channel minimal, Mediterranean vibes.
I peeked inside one of the Courtyard Cove rooms and these take on a more relaxed, Mediterranean style, swathed in neutral tones.
There’s no restaurant on-site, but the hotel’s positioning in Darlinghurst means it really doesn’t need one. Some of my favourite bars and restaurants are within walking distance, including The Waratah, Love Tilly Devine, Caravin and Joe’s Table.
Medusa Hotel feels like the antidote to large, business-centric stays. It was refreshing to stay somewhere completely unlike any other accommodation I’ve experienced in Sydney, staying true to its dedicated hashtag: #AnythingButOrdinary.
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Rachael Thompson is Australian Traveller's Evergreen Editor and Hotel Addict. She's responsible for the foundational content on AustralianTraveller.com, helping to manage and grow the brand’s destination guides. With a background in design and travel media, Rachael is dedicated to curating content that is as much informational as it is beautiful. She began her career at Belle magazine, before taking up editorial roles at Homes to Love and Bed Threads. When she's not writing, editing or optimising content, Rachael enjoys exploring the city's newest restaurants, bars and hotels. Next on her Aussie travel wish list is Lord Howe Island.
Newcastle’s vibrant creativity is evident everywhere, from a thriving live arts scene to an ever-growing offering for gourmands. Those with a hunger for new and exciting experiences should put Newcastle on their radar.
When it comes to consuming the culture of a city, digesting it (in the literal sense) is an appropriate place to start. But it’s not just a world-class wining and dining scene that’s on the menu (not to mention all the new restaurants in Newcastle). Newcastle – just two hours north of Sydney – offers the perfect blend of arts, culture and culinary experiences that make it a prime destination for an extended escape. The city’s creative future looks even brighter with the reopening of the highly anticipated Newcastle Art Gallery on the horizon.
Newcastle offers the perfect coastal setting for the arts and delicious eats. (Image: City of Newcastle)
Given Newcastle’s compact size – many venues are within easy walking distance or a quick drive away – you can immerse yourself fully. From decadent patisseries to fine diners and casual coastal eats, here’s a fresh taste of Newcastle: where to eat, drink and soak up the coastal city’s good vibes.
1. Pastry cafes in Newcastle
Lean into Newcastle’s pastry renaissance at Crumb. (Image: Jemma Donkin)
Pastry is having a moment, with a quietly booming scene led by CRUMB, the brand-new pastry cafe in Lambton led by legendary Gareth Williams (of Covered in Crumbs, EXP) and Ben Richardson (Autumn Rooms). Gareth describes his style of food as ‘creative chaos’. Enjoy that abstract artisanal approach over a savoury chorizo, bechamel, cheddar and poppy pastry, or a layered mortadella and pesto mayo croissant sandwich.
Meanwhile, Leibe European Pastries, Pekárna, Union St Pastry and Praise Joe also have their own flair and loyal followings. While Liebe European Pastries is famed for layered German pastries such as Franzbrötchen, Pekárna’s signatures (like cardamom pastries) are tethered to Czech traditions.
Head a few blocks west to Wickham, where Union St Pastry is the pinnacle for lovers of European-style viennoiseries, such as croissants and Danishes. A getaway to Newcastle also looks pretty fabulous with a mega brownie or chicken little toastie from Praise Joe.
Life looks pretty peachy from a table at the breezy Mediterranean-inspired eatery Blanca, which would not be out of place in Mykonos – when it swooped into the Honeysuckle Precinct a few years ago, it caused heads to swivel. Say yasou to mezedes of crudo di mare and sheftalia and grilled Abrolhos Islands’ octopus.
One may also fantasise about being back in Europe – specifically the 10th arrondissement in Paris – at Frenchie, the oh-so-French bistro that offers Euro-chic elegance with an inventive Australian flair. Indulge in the Date Night set menu, available every Thursday.
Peregrin is another stand-out. Listen to the sound of the ocean from the rooftop terrace, and order a Summertime Sour during aperitivo hour. Followed by the yellowfin tuna with pickled cucumber and market fish. And brand new on the scene is Papalote – a joint venture from the incredibly talented owners of Humbug and Flotilla serving up tasty Mexican classics.
3. Casual coastal cafes and kiosks
Follow Newcastle’s coastline for stunning views and tasty eats. (Image: David Diehm)
What better way to soak in Newcastle’s legendary coastline and stunning beaches than by visiting its casual coastal eateries while on the Bathers Way?
Enjoy hot chips and scallops on the sand at Swell Kiosk Bar Beach. Or a housemade sausage roll after a morning surf at Newcastle Beach, thanks to Southy Canteen, which is open from 6am.
Bring your furry travel companion to Sunnyboy Kiosk for a piccolo and puppuccino with views out to Dixon Park Beach. Try light eats, like acai bowls, or more substantial meals like nasi goreng at Blue Door in Merewether. Do a few lazy laps at Merewether Ocean Baths (the largest in the southern hemisphere) before tucking into swordfish skewers and salad at Merewether Surfhouse.
You can also watch the ocean compose a bit of magic from your perch at The Kiosk Newcastle Beach, where a matcha latte looks even better with the beach fresco.
Pause between eats to take in the iconic Newcastle Ocean Baths and Bogey Hole – perfect for a digestive swim or scenic picnic spot.
4. Hatted restaurants in Newcastle
Flotilla serves up delicious meals. (Image: Destination NSW)
In recent years, Newcastle’s restaurant scene has evolved to include venues that have elevated the city’s reputation for culinary excellence. In addition to its cafes and kiosks, there’s now an exciting wave of hatted favourites putting Newcastle on the map.
Humbug is the epitome of Novocastrian dining; the mafaldine with brisket and beef cheek braised in Pedro Ximenez is emblematic of what the owners aim for here. Flotilla neatly knits the Newcastle wining and dining scene together, with young gun Josh Thurston showcasing the art of cooking proteins and produce over fire.
Bistro Penny is another sophisticated, hatted dining destination in Newcastle. Order the barbecued king prawns swimming in a saffron broth and the oxheart tomato salad.
5. Newcastle nightlife
Stop by Bartholomew’s for a drink. (Image: Destination NSW)
As the sun dips in the west, so the city of Newcastle’s nightlife springs to life. Maru Hi-Fi is the next-gen small bar that’s redefining a night out in Newy – the sleek space serves great cocktails and embraces Newcastle’s alt attitude. Next door, Jams Karaoke & Bar is also bringing the vibes.
