With snack stations, cosy comforts and a pyjama dress code, Pier One Sydney’s intimate harbourside cinema is a PJ-party dream come true. We test it out.
I’ve reached the point in my twenties where cushy nights at home hold infinite more appeal than a late-night bar crawl. Especially when the temperature drops. Whether that makes me cool or boring remains up for debate. Either way, Sydney’s cutest new pop-up will no doubt send homebodies’ hearts aflutter, promising the perfect way to get out while staying in.
An Autograph Collection hotel, Pier One Sydney Harbour has launched a new winter experience for groups and couples that transforms its Sunset Balcony Suite into guests’ very own private cinema. Overlooking Walsh Bay and the Sydney Harbour Bridge, the intimate movie screening comes complete with cosy comforts and sweet treats – bringing all the luxuries of a night on the couch to a spectacular harbourside setting.
This package forms part of Marriott Bonvoy’s new Winter After Dark campaign, a series of distinctive experiences that encourage guests to embrace longer winter nights.
The group experience is the perfect way to brighten up your winter.
I arrive at the suite’s spacious terrace and am left jaw-to-the-floor impressed. The sheltered outdoor space is set up with plush couches, fluffy blankets and fairy lights, creating an ideal setting for birthdays, special occasions or – in our case – a novel group hangout. I’ve brought five friends; we can barely contain our childlike delight.
From the double-height terrace, we can see Luna Park shimmering across the water and feel close enough to touch the Sydney Harbour Bridge, where the last bridge climbers of the day are making their descent down the iconic arc.
Before we get stuck into our movie, we head downstairs to Pier Bar for cocktails by the water: a gin pineapple spritz, amaretto sour and Pier St. Negroni do the trick. The rosy tones of sunset ripple over the water and across the sky, setting a dreamy tone for our evening.
Go back for seconds (or thirds) at the snack trolley.
The suite's terrace is set up with warm blankets and cushions.
Enjoy your movie of choice with a side of popcorn.
Back in our suite, we snuggle into our blankets. The movie projector has all the streaming services available (though you will need your own login), giving guests the flexibility to choose their own film or TV series. We go for a childhood classic: Bridge to Terabithia.
Once we’ve settled in, a knock at the door signals the delivery we’ve been eagerly awaiting: our very own snack trolley complete with individual popcorn boxes and a build-your-own-Yo-Chi station. A range of frozen yoghurt flavours and toppings (brownies, Nutella, pistachio paste, fruit – you name it) keep us all happily scooping and sprinkling. But what’s a snack without a bevvy to accompany?
We’re spoilt for choice with a bottle of sparkling, rose, pinot grigio and pinot noir, along with tap beers of choice (Stone & Wood, naturally) delivered by friendly hotel staff.
The Pier One Harbourside Cinema includes a curated menu.
About an hour later, a curated and nostalgic Cinema Specials dinner menu is delivered directly to our suite. Think loaded fries, mustardy hot dogs (or beetroot burgers for vegetarians) and Caesar salad. But there are also dishes that elevate the experience (and remind you that you are indeed not just at home in front of an empty fridge). We graze on tuna tartare, baked brie and a charcuterie board embellished with swirls of cold cuts and cheese wedges.
The Pier One Harbourside Cinema package is designed for groups of up to eight and includes an overnight stay for two in the suite’s king bed, while the rest of the party are welcome to stay for the film screening, or until 11pm.
The Sunset Balcony Suite invites lie-ins. (Credit: Eleanor Edström)
It’s at this point my partner and I wave goodbye to our friends and realise there is still more to enjoy. The Sunset Balcony Suite itself is a sanctuary of navy tones, brass accents and nautical touches nodding to the hotel’s unique maritime history. A freestanding bathtub calls for a bubble bath and a gourmet mini-bar seals the deal.
Watch the sun rise from the terrace. (Credit: Eleanor Edström)
In the morning, we wake to a brilliant misty sunrise, watching as old-school ferries roll beneath the Harbour Bridge. Would I live this night again and again? In an instant.
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The details
Price: $150 for two people, plus $50pp for any extra guests (up to eight total guests), in addition to the Sunset Suite room rate
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Eleanor Edström is Australian Traveller’s Associate Editor. Previously a staff writer at Signature Luxury Travel & Style and Vacations & Travel magazines, she's a curious wordsmith with a penchant for conservation, adventure, the arts and design. She discovered her knack for storytelling much earlier, however – penning mermaid sagas in glitter ink at age seven. Proof that her spelling has since improved, she holds an honours degree in English and philosophy, and a French diploma from the University of Sydney. Off duty, you’ll find her pirouetting between Pilates and ballet classes, or testing her friends’ patience with increasingly obscure vocabulary.
From serene natural beauty to vibrant nightlife, with plenty of arts and culture in between, the NSW Central Coast has been enjoying a serious glow up.
Just one hour from Sydney, the Central Coast has long been the perfect seaside getaway. And with its ECO Destination certification with a focus on sustainability, it’s a trip travellers can feel good about, too. Recently, new and exciting openings have turned the Central Coast into a place where incredible natural beauty is still on the table, but so is a vibrant and sophisticated arts, dining and nightlife scene.
Find out what’s new to discover on the Central Coast.
1. Gosford’s glow up
Book into voco and experience the best of Gosford.
Long-time Central Coast lovers will hardly recognise Gosford these days. While always boasting gorgeous water views, a range of revamps and new openings have turned it into a busy hub of arts and culture, with an increasingly diverse and vibrant nightlife.
Landmark lifestyle hotel voco Gosford is the perfect home base for a Central Coast getaway. At this IHG hotel overlooking sparkling Brisbane Water, guests can spend sunny days soaking in the rooftop pool (or just sipping a cocktail beside it). When it comes to meals, you can enjoy multiple venues serving up everything from modern Australian fare to fine-dining Japanese.
Venture out to lay eyes on the Central Coast’s first permanent Moving Image Gallery (MIG). Opened this year inside the Gosford Regional Gallery, the immersive space is a showcase of screen-based and digital art. While at the gallery, wander around the Edogawa Commemorative Garden, a traditional Japanese strolling garden complete with teahouse, koi pond and an ornamental bridge.
Meanwhile, the revamped Gosford Regional Library has even more than books to discover. Now, it’s one of the best in the southern hemisphere – find exhibitions, historical archives and community initiatives for all ages at this perfect family-friendly escape.
2. Newcomers to the dining scene
Treat yourself to sundowners and snacks at Amarilla.
The Central Coast has long been the perfect destination for gourmands, with everything from casual eats to fine dining elevating the local offerings. And three new destinations have been added to the map.
Amarilla at The Haven in Terrigal is the perfect seaside venue for sundowners, with blissed-out beats providing the soundtrack. Book in for golden hour and choose bites from a Spanish tapas menu made for sharing. Do as the locals do and wash it all down with sangria – the Sunday Sangria Sessions have become a local institution.
Also in Terrigal, Little Miss has brought a premium Mediterranean menu to the waterfront. Try the wagyu tartare with Greek caviar or butter-poached lobster and tomato bisque, paired with inventive cocktails and a handpicked selection of Lebanese wines.
Over in Ettalong, Bar Toto is perfect for pre- or post-dinner drinks. This award-winning cocktail bar is known for its creative concoctions, along with craft beer, wine and antipasti platters to snack on. The interior sets the mood, with dim lighting and wooden furnishings.
3. New Central Coast experiences
Book an experience at Firescreek Botanical Winery.
It’s entirely possible (and recommended) to spend a Central Coast getaway relaxing on one of its many peaceful and pristine beaches. But for those who crave more, there’s a long list of options to keep you busy.
Pop into the iconic Australian Reptile Park to see the new Weigel Venom Centre, a state-of-the-art facility that’s home to over 200 of the country’s most venomous snakes.
Get out on the water with Sail Central Coast, which offers 20 years of expertise in yacht charters. Book the Sunset Sail & Dine yacht charter for a private afternoon cruising the waterways of Bouddi National Park and Brisbane Water, stopping at Anchor on Hardys for a two-course meal with a cocktail.
For something completely different, Firescreek Botanical Winery is now offering an Aboriginal Storytelling and Wine Tasting Experience. Learn about local cultures, stories and traditions from an Aboriginal Elder, then enjoy a botanical-inspired wine tasting led by a local winemaking expert.
4. Central Coast accommodation
Sleep in the hinterland at Noonaweena.
There’s simply too much to experience on the Central Coast to only stay for one day. Turn your trip into a relaxing getaway by the beach.
Allawah, a retreat on the banks of the Hawkesbury River, is accessible only by boat. This secluded two-bedroom cottage is the perfect place to unwind, allowing you to spend lazy days fishing, kayaking, paddling or unwinding with a book on your own private jetty.
In the Kulnura hinterland, Noonaweena features a range of accommodation styles, from a luxe glamping bell tent to cottages and a treetop suite. It’s a leader in green travel, with 10 years of certification from Eco Tourism Australia. Relax in the onsite wellness centre or get active on various courts and in the gym facilities.
To stay by the ocean at Toowoon Bay, book into Kim’s Beachside Resort. This adults-only property offers a luxury escape nestled within a sub-tropical rainforest. Along with 36 private timber bungalows, indulge in massages or reiki treatments at the dedicated spa, or stop by the cocktail bar and à la carte restaurant.
5. Shopping on the Central Coast
Try your hand at Umina’s Centred Ceramics’ pottery courses.
For those after unique trinkets, handmade treasures and beautiful homewares, the Central Coast is a haven.
Markets on the Central Coast have a special flavour. Wander the Umina Beach Markets at twilight, where you’ll find small businesses from the local areas, and the Norah Head Ocean View Markets, where you can soak up good food, live music and artisan finds by the beach after sunset. ‘Tis the season for the Christmas twilight edition of the Avoca Beachside Markets, celebrating the season with pop-up bars, tasty treats and plenty of unique gift options from local artists and producers.
Galleria Ettalong has also added to the Central Coast’s recent makers and creators renaissance, wrapping cinemas, a dining precinct and over 40 boutique shops into one area.
Sign up for a pottery course at Umina’s Centred Ceramics, or peruse the shop for a range of one-of-a-kind pottery made on the premises for a special souvenir.
For more eclectic arts and homewares, pop into Blue Bird Collective Co. This marketplace supports over 35 small, local and handmade businesses, artists and creatives. Take the time to check out fashion, jewellery and homewares that won’t be found anywhere else.
