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.
Need tips, more detail or itinerary ideas tailored to you? Ask AT.
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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.
The Artesian Spa Capital of Australia offers the perfect destination to escape the grind and reset.
The world moves more slowly in Moree, and that’s how it should be. Here, country charm and heritage buildings fill the town’s wide streets. While the surrounding farmland mixes with lush riverways to create a fascinating landscape.
But the biggest pull? Moree is known as the Artesian Spa Capital of Australia. It’s truly a place to slow down and disconnect, all an easy train ride from Sydney.
Soak in Moree’s artesian water
Dive in to Moree’s artesian waters.
Moree is not your typical wellness retreat, replacing pretence with casual and easy. Blessed to be sitting above the Great Artesian Basin, it feeds the town (and surrounding villages) with hot, mineral-rich water. Loaded with minerals like calcium, magnesium, potassium and sulphur, this water is believed to help with skin health, joint function and tissue repair.
And the town’s crown jewel, Moree Artesian Aquatic Centre, has reopened after extensive upgrades. This state-of-the-art aquatic centre offers accessible facilities with multiple artesian baths of varying temperatures between 38 and 41°C.
Feel like exploring a little further? About an hour’s drive from Moree, the village of Boomi also offers public access to this same artesian water. Pop into Boomi Artesian Pool to make the most of a 25-metre cold pool, a wading pool and a hot artesian spa pool.
Just an hour west of Boomi, you’ll also find Mungindi Hot Artesian Pool, another relaxing place to rejuvenate for the afternoon in the mineral-rich water.
Moree’s best stays
Stay right by Moree Artesian Aquatic Centre.
There are several motels within walking distance of the aquatic centre, so you linger longer in its therapeutic waters. A day pass not enough? Really soak in the benefits of Moree at three local stays with their own artesian baths.
Gwydir Thermal Pools Resort boasts five artesian pools for motel and caravan park guests, ranging in soothing temperatures from 34 to 39 degrees. And that includes a 25-metre lap pool.
The Phoenix, Artesian Spa Resort & Accommodation features outdoor artesian thermal pools and six indoor artesian spas, all 34 to 42°C, plus regular pools for guests staying in their accommodations.
While the Artesian Spa Motel matches 46 comfortable budget rooms set across five acres of landscaped grounds, with direct access (for guests) to its own natural artesian hot thermal pool.
Moree’s location at the crossroads of the Newell and Gwydir Highways makes it the ideal resting place for those road tripping through country NSW. With plenty of accommodation options, including farm stays, quaint bed and breakfasts and affordable motels.
Delving into nature around Moree
Find plenty of natural beauty in and around Moree. (Credit: Destination NSW)
Beyond the baths, find calm in Moree’s nature. Soak up the impressive Gwydir River from the peaceful Tareelaroi Weir Recreation Area. Popular with locals, this scenic spot is perfect for fishing, kayaking and picnics. Delve into local history at the Terry Hie Hie Picnic Area – a significant Gamilaroi cultural site. The picnic area is still used today as a ceremonial gathering ground, with educational signage sharing the history of the Gamilaroi People and the mission which used to reside here in the early 20th Century. Follow the Yana-y Warruwi Walking Track to explore the area’s box pine forest.
Combine nature and culture at the Jellicoe Park Open Spaces Aboriginal Art Trail along the scenic Mehi River Walk. Find artworks from local Indigenous artists across a range of different mediums, like carved logs, engraved and painted sandstone and scar tree paintings.
A taste of Moree
Sit down for a tasty meal after a game of golf. (Credit: Destination NSW)
Taste the best of local cafes as you wander past the Art Deco architecture of Moree’s tree-lined main streets. Join the locals each morning at Brooker Trading Co as they line up for their morning java. Stay for classic breakfast dishes like eggs benedict and Dutch pancakes, or arrive later in the day for a hearty lunch menu. Inside a gorgeous Art Deco building, 61 Balo is another tasty breakfast option, with pet-friendly service. The recently renovated Cafe Omega is another popular stop for fresh, hearty meals – the chicken burger is a particular crowd pleaser – all served with a smile.
Get inspired as you wander the CBD’s Mural Trail, stopping at some of Moree’s six art galleries along the way. Bank Art Museum is a must-see, housed in the town’s heritage bank building and home to a collection of First Nations art, plus a changing calendar of touring exhibitions.
Step inside the gorgeous Bank Art Museum Moree. (Credit: Destination NSW)
Get active with a round on the beautiful riverside course at Moree Golf Club (and refuel afterwards at the delicious onsite restaurant) or a game of bowls at Moree Services Club’s state-of-the-art facility. Visit on the last weekend of September to join (or watch) Run the Plains, Moree’s annual two-day running festival.
Known as ‘white gold’ country, Moree is Australia’s most productive agricultural region. Visit from April to September to join a cotton farm tour and get to know one of Moree’s major exports.
However long you choose to stay, there’s plenty to soak in around Moree.
