Experience quintessential Sydney luxury at Pier One Sydney Harbour

Rachael Thompson Rachael Thompson
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Sitting pretty next to the Sydney Harbour Bridge, this iconic accommodation celebrates its maritime heritage and contemporary refinement.

Nestled right by the water and offering stylish rooms adorned in maritime motifs, staying at Pier One Sydney Harbour, Autograph Collection is akin to being aboard an ultra-luxe boat – without the motion sickness. From your room or suite, you can admire sailboats drifting by and fall asleep to the calming sound of water lapping against the wharf. In short, you couldn’t be more immersed in Sydney Harbour if you tried.

Here’s everything you need to know about this iconic Sydney hotel that offers quintessential Sydney luxury.

Location

the Sydney Harbour exterior
The iconic hotel sits next to the Sydney Harbour Bridge. (Image: Angie Silvy)

Pier One Sydney Harbour takes up some of the most enviable pieces of real estate in Sydney, right next to the Sydney Harbour Bridge. Located waterfront, on a heritage-listed wharf in Walsh Bay, it drinks up sparkling Sydney Harbour views.

Walsh Bay is Sydney’s Arts & Theatre district, renowned for its world-class theatres, restaurants, and bars – though you may find it hard to tear yourself away from the luxurious accommodation. Basing yourself here puts you within walking distance of many of Sydney’s most well-known spots such as The Rocks, Circular Quay, and Barangaroo.

Sydney Airport is a 20-minute drive away.

Style and character

the balcony suite with Harbour views at Pier One
Stay in the heart of Sydney at Pier One Sydney Harbour.

The design choices for Pier One Sydney Harbour are an extension of the harbour surrounds and the building’s maritime history. Originally a cargo wharf and ferry terminal built in 1912, it was converted into a hotel in 1998. The hotel was managed by several different companies before it was acquired by Marriott International in 2014.

Architecture firm Tonkin Zulaikha Greer was called upon for the most recent transformation of the luxury hotel in 2019. They sensitively elevated the space, retaining many of the building’s heritage features, including timber ceiling beams, ironwork, and the original flooring.

The interior palette reflects the harbour with blues and browns, accented by aged brass detailing that evokes classic ship architecture. Modern Australian furnishings and custom-designed boat-shaped light fixtures thoughtfully complement the heritage features and bring it into the 21st century. Though a five-star hotel, the design exudes a sense of warmth and familiarity.

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Facilities

PIER BAR at Pier One Sydney Harbour
There are two dining facilities at Pier One Sydney Harbour: PIER BAR and PIER DINING.

There is a gym onsite on the ground floor that comes with a range of Technogym exercise equipment. Running enthusiasts should also take advantage of the location, which is arguably one of the most beautiful running spots in the urban world. During summer, the hotel opens a pop-up harbourside swimming pool where you can go for a refreshing dip and then order drinks and summer bites at the bar. There are two dining facilities to enjoy, but more on that later. Valet parking is provided by the hotel’s concierge team.

The hotel is a sponsor of the Bangarra Dance Theatre – a company of professional Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander performers – who will be performing at the Sydney Opera House in June 2025 for their Illume show. If you’re looking for something incredible to do for a night out during your stay, this show will offer an unforgettable cultural experience that will immerse you in Australia’s rich Indigenous heritage.

Rooms

Pier One Hotel
Dog-friendly rooms are available so your pet pals can enjoy a comfortable stay alongside you.

Each of the 189 light-filled rooms and suites features unique characteristics, with many boasting spectacular waterfront views. Each room has black-out blinds, premium Who is Elijah amenities, Dyson hairdryers, robes and slippers, and exceedingly comfortable beds. Bathrooms in rooms (not suites) are on the smaller side. For special occasions, book into one of the suites that offer breathtaking Sydney Harbour Bridge views which can be admired from the large heritage-style balcony or freestanding tub – you’d be hard-pressed to find a more spectacular location for Vivid or New Year’s Eve.

In great news for pet owners, this is a dog-friendly hotel, with rooms available to accommodate your furry companion.

Food and drink

alfresco dining at Pier Bar
Enjoy casual bites at the alfresco bar.

Pier One Sydney Harbour has two dining facilities on the ground floor: PIER BAR AND PIER DINING.

For a more relaxed affair, PIER BAR is an idyllic spot for casual bites and inventive cocktails with an Australian twist – take, for example, the Piermite: a whiskey, myrtle vanilla, dark cacao, Archiemite, yellow Chartreuse, and orange bitters concoction with a hint of Vegemite. In summer, head down for Sunset Hour to enjoy $2 oysters and $12 classic cocktails while soaking up live DJ sessions.

food and drinks on the table at PIER DINING
Dine on the modern Australian, seafood-forward menu.

PIER DINING is the hotel’s modern Australian restaurant offering a more sophisticated dining experience. The seafood-forward menu features dishes such as whole Murray cod, baked eastern rock lobster, and David Blackmore Wagyu oyster blade. The freshly shucked Sydney Rock oysters (offered in multiple preparations) are not to be missed. This is to be paired with the 100 per cent Australian wine selection.

A buffet breakfast is also served at PIER DINING with made-to-order eggs, crispy bacon, sausages, roasted tomatoes, pancakes, and waffles, along with a selection of fresh pastries and fruit platters.

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Does Pier One Sydney Harbour have access for guests with disabilities?

There are wheelchair-accessible guest rooms at Pier One Hotel and most common areas of the hotel are also accessible by wheelchair.

Is Pier One Sydney Harbour family-friendly?

the Hickinson Suite at Pier One Sydney
Check into the Hickinson Suite with Sydney waterfront views.

Pier One Sydney Harbour’s proximity to attractions like The Rocks, Circular Quay, and Sydney Opera House, make it a great base for families to explore. Family-friendly and interconnecting rooms are available, along with family packages that include a $100 food and drink voucher, breakfast, and accommodation for two adults and two children.

Details

Best for: Couples, first-timers to Sydney, business travellers

Address: 11 Hickson Rd, Dawes Point

Cost: From $309 per night.

Rachael Thompson
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.
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This surprising regional town is making its mark on the culinary world

(Image: Visit Griffith)

    Carla Grossetti Carla Grossetti
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    With more than 60 nationalities calling it home and a century of Italian influence shaping its paddocks and plates, Griffith is a regional Australian town with serious culinary cred.

    It might feel surprising to learn that Griffith is one of Australia’s leading food destinations. In-the-know Italians have understood this for generations, drawn to the Riverina region’s fertile soils that reminded them of the terrain they’d left behind more than a century ago. These days, Griffith supplies much of the nation’s pantry: 95 per cent of Australia’s prunes come from the region, it’s the country’s largest citrus-growing area, and it’s a leading producer of almonds and walnuts. Even the pickles in every McDonald’s burger nationwide are produced in Griffith. This is not just a farming town; the Griffith food scene is leading the way.

    Here, culinary confidence is rooted in migration. Italian families began arriving from 1913, with a second wave settling after the Second World War. Today, Griffith has the highest proportion of Italian ancestry of any Local Government Area in Australia. Add to that more than 60 nationalities represented across the community and you have a town where food is driven not by trends, but by tradition. Griffith’s motto, ‘Taste our culture’, isn’t marketing spin; it’s the reality.

    Where the vines tell a story

    A hand pouring wine into a glass, with a table filled with food.
    Uncover the stories behind every glass. (Image: Destination NSW)

    The Riverina has long been dubbed the food bowl of Australia, but it’s also a wine region that remains largely under the radar. What sets Griffith apart is that every one of its wineries is family-owned, many spanning generations.

    Calabria Family Wines is one of the region’s standard-bearers. The Calabria story began in 1945 when Francesco Calabria planted his first vines; today, the family continues to shape the region’s identity while also stewarding the historic McWilliam’s Wines brand. McWilliam’s was the first winery to plant vines in the area, and its barrel-shaped cellar door – complete with a soaring stained-glass window – remains one of the most distinctive in regional NSW.

    Yarran Wines, run by the Brewer family, showcases estate-grown fruit across Mediterranean varietals that thrive in the warm climate. Expect bold reds and textured whites that reflect both heritage and innovation.

    Set inside the old ambulance station, Harvest HQ is owned and operated by the Riverina Winemakers Association and pours a rotating selection of local wines under one roof. It also features spirits from The Aisling Distillery, reinforcing the region’s collaborative approach to craft.

    At the table

    A flat lay of a steak.
    Dine where tradition meets a bold new generation. (Image: Visit Griffith)

    If the vineyards tell one story, the dining rooms tell another. Griffith’s restaurants are where tradition and next-gen confidence meet.

    Zecca Handmade Italian occupies the former Rural Bank building, an imposing Art Deco landmark from the late 1930s. ‘Zecca’ means money print, and the name is a nod to the Zecca di Venezia in Venice. Here, find the Riverina’s only producer of dried artisan pasta and traditional Italian recipes. Importantly, the growers and producers supplying the kitchen are listed on the menu as a transparent expression of the region’s farm-to-table ethos.

    Established in 1977 and still run by the Vico family, La Scala puts authentic Italian cuisine on centre stage. Expect handmade pasta, traditional wood-fired pizzas, slow-cooked sauces and dishes that follow recipes guarded like family heirlooms. For something more contemporary, Bull & Bell in Gem Hotel is a shrine to the Euro-style steakhouse that works closely with local farmers and artisans to showcase Riverina produce.

    And then there are the institutions. Bertoldo’s Pasticceria, now in its third generation, draws locals daily for cannoli, biscotti, crostoli and house-made gelato, alongside classic sausage rolls and potato pies. La Piccola Grosseria feels like stepping into an Italian alimentari, its shelves lined with continental goods that wouldn’t feel out of place in Puglia.

    Meanwhile, Limone celebrates local and seasonal produce across breakfast and lunch menus, enriched by the produce and stories of Piccolo Family Farm. Find pastries and sourdough baked daily, and pop into the onsite retail pantry for products from regional producers – including the Piccolo family’s own wine range, Caro Piccolo.

    From the source

    A plated Aquna Sustainable Murray Cod dish.
    Taste world-renowned Aquna Sustainable Murray Cod, straight from its source. (Image: Visit Griffith)

    Behind every menu is a producer. Aquna Sustainable Murray Cod is perhaps Griffith’s most high-profile export; the brand’s Murray cod and Aquna Gold Murray Cod Caviar have achieved global recognition. In October 2024, Aquna presented its products to King Charles III and Queen Camilla at the NSW Premier’s Community BBQ in Parramatta. Impressed by the producer’s sustainable farming practices, the King requested the cod be sent to Buckingham Palace – not bad for a fish farm in regional NSW.

    Mandolé Orchard champions almonds grown on a family-run farm, transforming them into almond milk and value-added products. At Morella Grove, olives are pressed into premium olive oil and pantry staples that speak to Griffith’s Mediterranean heart. These producers are not peripheral; they are central to the town’s culinary ecosystem. Learn about local sustainable farming practices during a farm tour.

    Mark your calendar

    A woman walking past a food mural, something you can spot during A Taste of Italy Griffith.
    Plan your visit around A Taste of Italy Griffith. (Image: Visit Griffith)

    For a town that helps stock Australia’s supermarkets, Griffith has remained curiously absent from the national dining conversation. That’s beginning to change. If you’ve been searching for a regional food destination with substance, heritage and a clear sense of identity, you’ll find it here in the Riverina, right under your nose.

    Time your visit to the Riverina region to coincide with A Taste of Italy Griffith, held every August. This week-long celebration of Italian heritage and culture offers a wide range of Italian-inspired events and experiences to enjoy. Expect long-table lunches, wine tasting experiences, cooking classes and a Makers in the Piazza market. The headline event is a ticketed long lunch – Festa delle Salsicce (Salami Festival) – where winners of the best salami are announced.

    Start planning your foodie getaway at visitgriffith.com.au.