Here’s what you need to know to snag a bargain (and help a good cause).
Sydney Airport’s annual Lost Property Auction has made a triumphant return, offering a unique blend of bargain hunting and charitable giving. Over 2000 unclaimed items are up for grabs, with bidding starting at just $10. The auction not only provides an opportunity to snag some incredible deals but also supports a vital community initiative: funding swimming lessons for local children facing cost-of-living challenges.
The auction, conducted by Theodore Bruce Auctioneers, features an eclectic mix of items left behind by travellers. Among the treasures are over 250 laptops, 200 sets of headphones, 60 Kindles and 50 cameras.
Fashion enthusiasts can find 100 pairs of sunglasses, hundreds of pieces of clothing, handbags and wallets. For those seeking something unique, the auction includes a violin, an electric keyboard, a vacuum cleaner, a frypan, a CPAP machine and even an AFL Football signed by the 2020 Sydney Swans team.
Supporting a life-saving cause
The auction will fund free swimming lessons for children in the local community. (Image: Sydney Airport)
In partnership with Inner West Council, proceeds from this year’s auction will fund free swimming lessons for children in the local community, particularly those from families struggling with financial pressures. The airport has kickstarted the program with a $100,000 donation, aiming to raise an additional $200,000 through the auction.
“For every $25 raised, another child gets a free swimming lesson, equipping them with life-saving skills and confidence in the water, right here in the communities around the airport," said Sydney Airport’s general manager of corporate affairs, Josh Clements.
How to participate
Pick up forgotten tech in the auction. (Image: Sydney Airport)
Interested bidders can view the catalogues and place bids online via the Theodore Bruce Auctions website. The auction is divided into five themed categories, each closing on different dates:
Successful bidders can choose to have their items shipped from $25 or collect them in person from 118 Parramatta Road, Stanmore, NSW.
The Sydney Airport Lost Property Auction is more than just a chance to find a bargain; it’s an opportunity to contribute to a meaningful cause. Don’t miss this chance to uncover hidden gems and make a positive impact on the community. Visit the Theodore Bruce Auctions website to explore the catalogues and place your bids.
Emily Murphy is Australian Traveller's Email & Social Editor, and in her time at the company she has been instrumental in shaping its social media and email presence, and crafting compelling narratives that inspire others to explore Australia's vast landscapes. Her previous role was a journalist at Prime Creative Media and before that she was freelancing in publishing, content creation and digital marketing. When she's not creating scroll-stopping travel content, Em is a devoted 'bun mum' and enjoys spending her spare time by the sea, reading, binge-watching a good TV show and exploring Sydney's vibrant dining scene. Next on her Aussie travel wish list? Tasmania and The Kimberley.
A great night out doesn’t need a road trip, just the right bar. Swap the long drive for an evening at these standout Sydney venues.
If you’re thinking of a staycation or a long weekend (with foodie benefits), you can’t get much better than the bright lights and beautiful vistas of Sydney. From tucked-away bars to late-night hidden hangs, Australia’s (unofficial) favourite city is packed full of venues that make staying local feel like an adventure.
And with Vivid lighting up the sky this winter, there’s no better time to find the perfect cosy spot to enjoy the views or escape the crowds.
1. El Vista, Circular Quay
Enjoy tasty cocktails and gorgeous Sydney views. (Credit: Mario Francisco)
This welcoming bar by the Maybe Sammy team offers a fun buzz and jaw-dropping harbour views. Part of the Pullman Quay Grand Sydney Harbour, this lounge bar sits above Circular Quay with the harbour on one side and the Botanical Gardens on the other. You may start here for pre-dinner drinks, but you won’t want to leave before the early hours. If the 1960s Acapulco vibe isn’t enough, the views will be – the Sydney Harbour Bridge is so close it hardly fits in the window, while ferries glide by all night.
2. Bar Allora, CBD
Settle in for a taste of Italy.
Inspired by Milan in the 1980s, Bar Allora brings Italian style and culture to the CBD. Although it’s officially part of the Mantra 2 Bond Street hotel, it’s designed to look and feel like you’ve travelled to Italy for all-day dining. Think espresso in the morning, aperitivo in the afternoon and Negronis late into the night. Accompany your liquid diet with Italian-style small plates and pastas with a modern twist.
3. Percy, Pyrmont
Spanish-style tapas and wine is the name of the game. (Credit: Steven Woodburn)
Taking centre stage in the luxe foyer of the Woolstore 1888 Hotel in Pyrmont, Percy is a popular Spanish-style tapas and wine bar serving food that makes you want to linger. The restored 138-year-old wool store creates an atmospheric backdrop to your glass of merlot with exposed timber beams, brick and the echoes of Sydney’s past. With an air of Barcelona, expect low conversations, creative dining and the city moments away.
4. The Crudo Bar at Flaminia, CBD
Seafood lovers should head to The Crudo Bar. (Credit: Nikki To)
Grab a seat at the beautifully designed crudo bar, taking centre stage of Giovanni Pilu’s latest CBD restaurant, Flaminia. Enjoy a glass of chilled Vermentino from Sardinia or prosecco from the hills of Treviso, matched with freshly shucked oysters. Complement your seafood with a range of special dressings, influenced by iconic Italian port cities. It’s the perfect spot for a pre- or post- glass of wine before visiting the Sydney Opera House.
5. Mee So, Sydney Central
Enjoy Japanese-influenced food and drinks.
For something a little different, Mee So is a modern, neon-lit Japanese-influenced bar in the Ibis Sydney Central. Serving bold flavours and umami-heavy dishes alongside sake and yuzu-infused cocktails, this Tokyo-esque venue offers an escape from the busy streets outside. Order steaming ramen, a Japanese whisky and make a corner of Mee So yours for the night.
6. Bar Morris, Haymarket
Settle into old-world European glamour.
Housed in a 1929 heritage-listed building, Bar Morris brings old-world European glamour to the Hotel Morris Sydney, part of Accor’s Handwritten Collection. More of a destination than a pitstop, this bar leans into its Art Deco past with velvet features, intimate lighting and bold brass finishes. Here you can order smaller plates like burrata, cured meats, and seasonal seafood to match your martini.
7. Pumphouse, Darling Harbour
Enjoy a tipple inside a building from the 1880s.
When you first walk into Pumphouse, you’ll quickly notice the high ceilings, exposed brick and industrial style decor. Officially part of the busy Novotel Darling Square, this busy local hang doesn’t feel like it; it’s housed inside a former hydraulic pumping station from the 1880s – hence the name – and a local institution. Grab a seat if you can and order off the classic modern Australian menu, before trying one of the many craft beers on tap to wash it down.
8. Wentworth Bar, CBD
Drink where the celebrities once did.
Designed for big groups and late-night cocktails, this open-air terrace bar is part of the Sydney Sofitel Wentworth – one of Sydney’s most iconic hotels. Once the watering hole of royals and celebrities, this mid-century building has recently been refurbished to be sleek, modern and inviting. The stunning rooftop bar attracts Sydneysiders who love to watch the sunset with a table full of Vietnamese and French-inspired dishes.
9. Monica Rooftop Bar, Paddington
See the city skyline, drink in hand.
Sitting pretty on top of a restored 110-year-old theatre, Monica is a Hollywood-style rooftop bar with views across Paddington and the city skyline. Part of the 25hrs The Olympia hotel, this isn’t a quick drink kind of place, it’s a ‘let’s stay all night’ kind of venue. Weekend DJs will take you from sunset to late-night conversations, while you graze on ceviche, grilled meats or sharing plates.
