The Must-Read Guide To Sydney Beaches

Discover an idyllic sun-soaked paradise with our guide to the best Sydney beaches.

While the ever-glistening Sydney Harbour hogs the spotlight, a myriad of spotless beaches shimmer throughout the city. Home to some of Sydney’s best snorkelling destinations, stellar swimming pools and baths, whale watching vantage points, breathtaking walking trails and secret swimming spots, our favourite Sydney beaches offer endless entertainment and unspoilt natural marvels.

Jump ahead to the beaches by Sydney region:

South Sydney beaches
North Sydney beaches
Eastern Sydney beaches

South Sydney beaches

Thinner crowds (most days), magical underwater ecosystems and the Royal National Park’s prettiest sandy stretches can all be found at the finest South Sydney beaches.

Cronulla Beach

Cronulla is the ultimate beachside hot spot come summer. (Image: Destination NSW)

The jewel in South Sydney’s coastal crown, Cronulla Beach is its busiest offering. Rock pools, killer surf conditions, a well-trodden esplanade and great eateries and bars create a laidback vibe and unmistakable beach culture.

Make like a local and jump on a board to ride its famed waves and don’t stress if you’re a novice — there are some great surf schools to be sniffed out including Cronulla Surfing Academy.

Garie Beach

Garie Beach in the Royal National Park is a bit of a hidden gem.

You’ll be in awe of Garie Beach’s staggering beauty from the moment you lay eyes on it. Located at the southern end of the Royal National Park, this local’s secret is surrounded by dramatic cliffs and a whole lot of nothing, providing dream conditions for swimming, fishing, birdwatching and just general nature appreciation. There are picnic tables and toilets to help you settle in for the day.

Horderns Beach

Make a day of it at Horderns Beach, with plenty of shops and eateries nearby.

The main beach in Bundeena, Horderns Beach, is an easy drop-by if you’re visiting the suburb’s cafes, eateries and shops. It’s a long strip, measuring about 800 metres in length, and it runs all the way to the much smaller Bundeena Beach located beside the ferry wharf and other commercial amenities.

Jibbon Beach

The crescent-shaped Jibbon Beach is nestled within the Royal National Park. (Image: Destination NSW)

Head to the eastern end of Bundeena to discover Jibbon Beach, another coastal gem within the Royal National Park. Better known as the gateway to a bunch of beautiful coastal walking trails, Jibbon is an unpatrolled crescent-shaped beach that only stretches to around 800 metres in length. You’ll spy Aboriginal rock engravings along many of the walks including the popular Jibbon Loop Track, an easy, two-hour trail.

Deeban Spit

Powder white sand and incredible views make Deeban Spit a classic location for newlywed photo shoots. Located within the Royal National Park and stretching over 2.4 kilometres, it’s a very special unpatrolled spot that offers soothing swims, good snorkelling and handy amenities including toilets and a cafe.

Wattamolla Beach

You’ll find crowds of people cooling off on Wattamolla Beach. (Image: Dee Kramer Photography)

A gift that keeps giving, Wattamolla Beach is a natural wonderland filled with still waters begging for little ones to splash about in, a picnic area, a beautiful waterfall, walking tracks, fishing and clear snorkelling conditions.

Trouble is, it’s no secret so plan your visit nice and early in the day, particularly on weekends, to avoid heavy crowds.

Scarborough Beach

Just minutes away from the famous Scarborough Hotel on NSW’s south coast, where great pub grub set against superb coastal vistas abound, Scarborough Beach is a pretty patch of sand worth exploring.

Bring a spread if you didn’t fill up at the pub as it’s a great spot for picnics and if you’re a surfer, you’ll also want to bring your board.

Little Marley Beach

Unless you’re a very strong swimmer you should stick to the sane at Little Marley.

You’ll need to be a strong swimmer to tackle Little Marley Beach in the Royal National Park as it’s home to a permanent rip. Having said that, its smallish waves provide an awesome opportunity for fishing and surfing if you’re confident in the ocean. As a result of the conditions, it’s one of southern Sydney’s more secluded beaches.

North Sydney beaches

Encompassing the city’s north shore and spectacular northern beaches, North Sydney beaches are relaxed, picturesque pockets spanning secret bays to world-famous tourist magnets.

Greenwich Baths

Enjoy a dip in the harbour at Greenwich Baths. (Image: Destination NSW)

An ideal location for children, Greenwich Baths is one of the city’s best secret swimming spots — but crowds are starting to clue in. Head to the end of Albert Street once you find a park (allow plenty of time as spaces are limited) and pay a small fee to access harbour views and calm waters. There’s also a kiosk at the entrance, deep frying all your favourite nostalgic hits.

Balmoral Beach

Find a serene spot under the shade of palm trees on Balmoral Beach. (Image: Andrew Gregory; Destination NSW)

Mosman’s ocean-fronting hot spot is one of the north shore’s most popular beaches so incorporate plenty of time to find a car park — which you’ll most definitely need as the walk down from Mosman’s main stretch of shops and Military Road is incredibly steep.

Once you’ve landed, you’ve got an island, a jetty, a long stretch of sheltered sand and even more sand up the northern end to unwind upon plus there’s some outstanding cafes to indulge in.

Chowder Bay

views of Sydney Harbour over Clifton Gardens

Find Chowder Bay at the idyllic Clifton Gardens. (Image: Destination NSW)

Another Mosman charmer is Chowder Bay, significantly quieter than Balmoral but no less stunning.

Located right on Sydney Harbour, the Sydney beach provides brilliant snorkelling and diving and there’s even a netted section at the adjoining Clifton Gardens so it’s child-friendly too. Scenic coastal walks, nearby restaurants and a playground should also be discovered.

Manly Beach

As iconic as Bondi, Manly Beach in Sydney’s north is filled with tourists every day of the week. With many arriving via ferry from Manly Wharf, located on the other side of the crowded Corso, finding a car park isn’t too much of a headache especially if you weave your way through the little streets stemming around the action.

Excellent surfing and people-watching, plus a range of water sports, bars, eateries and boutiques make for all-day entertainment.

Queenscliff Beach

sunrise over Queenscliff and Manly on Sydney's northern beaches

The sun sets majestically over Queenscliff and Manly. (Image: Destination NSW)

The northern headland of Manly Beach, Queenscliff Beach, is filled with big thunderous waves that attract experienced surfers all year round.

There’s also a 50-metre rock pool at the northern end right next to the cliffs so there’s no shortage of spectacular activity. Cafes and eateries are located within walking distance.

Little Manly Beach

an aerial view of ferries on Manly Wharf

Little Manly Beach is dotted with yachts and ferries. (Image: Destination NSW)

Located right next to Manly Wharf, Little Manly Beach is worth a visit to spy incoming and outgoing ferry operations and the thick crowds they transport hourly.

It’s also a nice spot for little ones to dip their toes in as the water is always calm and dotted with plenty of exciting yachts to stickybeak. Most conveniently, you’re footsteps away from a smorgasbord of dining options and plenty of great bars.

Shelly Beach

Crowds flock to Shelly Beach when the weather heats up. (Image: Destination NSW)

A beautiful cove located opposite Little Manly Beach, Shelly Beach is just a walk over from Manly Wharf and attracts snorkellers and divers for its stunning marine life.

Weekends hook families from all over the city and the car park is quite small so arrive early to beat crowds. When you do settle in, stay to experience delicious spoils at The Boathouse including good coffee or cocktails if it’s that time of the day.

Freshwater Beach

Conquer the surf breaks at Freshwater Beach. (Image: Destination NSW)

Just a hop up and around the corner from Manly Beach, Freshwater Beach in the northern beaches is a swimming favourite. Beautiful cascading waves crash right along the sandy stretch making it a hit with surfers too.

Even better, there’s an ocean pool perfect for lap swimming once you’re done chasing waves, plus multiple eateries within a short stroll from the action.

Curl Curl Beach

an aerial view of North Curl Curl Rockpool in Sydney

The North Curl Curl Rockpool sits on the edge of a rocky promontory. (Image: Destination NSW)

Renowned as one of the city’s best surfing beaches, Curl Curl is located another hop up north from Freshy and stretches out about 1.2 kilometres.

Monster waves that average 1.6 metres attract talented surfers from across the globe, as does the lagoon found at the northern end of the beach that is ideal for families carting bubs.

Dee Why Beach

Dee Why Beach is popular for its gigantic swells. (Image: Destination NSW)

Another popular surf beach, Dee Why Beach in Sydney’s northern beaches is home to several big-ticket Aussie surfing events and a string of community events.

Clocking in at 1.2 kilometres in length, the beach boasts swells of up to four metres but beginner surfers are also lured for its gentler waves. Cafes and a children’s playground are also on hand.

Bilgola Beach

people heading into Bilgol Beach to surf

Hit the waves at Bilgola Beach. (Image: Destination NSW)

At just 500 metres in length, sleepy little Bilgola Beach between Avalon and Newport offers invigorating swimming conditions and stellar surfing at its northern end.

You’ll find rips where the dramatic rocks are located, so be careful when you’re adventuring out there. Otherwise, there’s not much else to explore so bring a good book and plenty of sunscreen for a secluded swim-and-rest rotation.

Avalon Beach

Keep your eyes peeled for dolphins passing off Avalon Beach. (Image: Destination NSW)

Another superb surfing beach within Sydney’s northern beaches, Avalon Beach is often cluttered with long boarders chasing down the perfect wave.

It’s also popular due to its picnic and barbecue grounds, in addition to the children’s playground just a few steps away. Beachy boutiques and plenty of eateries are also within walking distance.

Newport Beach

Head to the northern beaches to visit Newport Beach. (Image: Destination NSW)

Famed for its saltwater lap pool, perched high upon a platform at Newport Beach, this Sydney hot spot lures swimmers, surfers, bodyboarders, windsurfers and fishing folk to its crystal-clear waters.

A mecca of dramatic rocks, known as The Peak, creates two popular surf breaks so head there if you’re looking to be inspired by jaw-dropping skills.

Mona Vale Beach

Mona Vale beach offers the perfect day out on the sand with plenty of cafes and shops nearby. (Image: Destination NSW)

With its own rockpool and surf lifesaving club down at the northern end, Mona Vale Beach is a much-loved Sydney beach that offers plenty to do.

Ideal swimming conditions along its one-kilometre stretch draw decent crowds whenever the sun’s out, but it’s never overly packed, adding to its appeal.

Collaroy Beach

Take a leisurely walk along Collaroy Beach. (Image: Destination NSW)

Protected from the elements in part, Collaroy Beach is loved for its accessibility and low-risk swimming conditions, attracting many families every weekend.

Wheelchair access is also provided right down to the water, plus there’s a saltwater ocean pool for easy frolicking. Outstanding marine life can be found beneath the water’s surface, including sea slugs, so bring your snorkel and flippers with you.

Palm Beach

The lookout gives you unparalleled views. (Image: Destination NSW)

Perched upon the global map for its starring role in Home & Away, Palm Beach is worth a visit for so much more than its glitzy reputation.

The narrow stretch is flanked by three bodies of water: Pittwater, the Pacific Ocean and Broken Bay. As a result, there’s great swimming for everyone, plus plenty of opportunity to surf, sail and fish. Tackle the walk to the Barrenjoey Lighthouse for exceptional views across the entire region.

Whale Beach

It’s only 600 metres in length but Whale Beach is beautiful at every corner. Flanked by two 40-metre-high headlands, the Sydney beach demands safe swimming as unruly waves create theatrical vistas, but simply stretching out across the golden sand on a towel is soothing. A 25-metre rock pool at the southern end provides safe swimming.

Eastern Sydney beaches

It’s where Sydney’s rich and famous reside so it makes sense that the Eastern Sydney beaches are filled with glamorous people-watching, epic snorkelling, a constant stream of sunbakers and picture-perfect vistas.

Bondi Beach

The action never stops at Bondi Beach, our most iconic coastal locale and a stunning spot to cool down when the sun’s out.

From the southern end where the Bondi Icebergs pool captivates – one of Australia’s most Instagram-friendly sights – right up to the northern end where pleasant, shallow waters provide ideal swimming conditions, Bondi impresses international and domestic visitors alike.

Coogee Beach

Calm waters and soft sand lure tourists to Coogee Beach all year round. Located one jump up from Bondi Beach, Coogee is sprinkled with white sand as well as coastal walks and ocean baths and loads of bars and eateries. Sure, it’s a busy spot but the beach itself isn’t as hectic as Bondi.

Bronte Beach

Two gorgeous rock pools dress Bronte Beach, a popular spot for coastal trekkers who trail the Bondi to Bronte walk to marvel at its ocean views. Bronte itself isn’t the most ideal beach to swim at, hence the rock pools, but if you’re there for the atmosphere, park a picnic rug down on the grassy patch behind the beach, grab your caffeine fix from any one of the excellent cafes, and soak up the sunshine in style.

Clovelly Beach

Plunge into the saltwater ocean pool. (Image: Andrew Gregory; Destination NSW)

An intimate beach attracting busy crowds, Clovelly is home to some of the city’s best snorkelling as giant cuttlefish, gropers, sponges, prawns and rock lobsters lurk beneath the water.

Above the surface, it’s a sun lover’s paradise as concrete platforms provide plenty of space to unleash your inner sloth. There’s also a saltwater pool at the southern end of the beach.

Tamarama Beach

Walk along Tamarama Beach and feel the warmth of the sand beneath your feet. (Image: Destination NSW)

Lovingly referred to as Glamorama, Tamarama Beach attracts beautiful crowds thanks to its tiny yet beautiful entry into the ocean.

Stretching to just 80 metres of shoreline, the Sydney beach offers playful swims but more so ample beach sports including volleyball and a great kiosk dishing up snacks and larger meals throughout the day.

Maroubra Beach

Maroubra Beach is famed for its top-notch views and surf. (Image: Destination NSW)

One of Australia’s best-loved surfing destinations, Maroubra Beach, a National Surfing Reserve, is dotted with board riders hunting down its famed breaks.

Natural bushland, soft white sand, picnic areas, generous parklands and walking trails offer non-board entertainment plus you’re just a stroll away from plenty of dining options.

Malabar Beach

A quiet Sydney beach, much to the delight of locals, Malabar Beach is a relaxed swimming spot with calm conditions. Attracting families with children desperate to splash about, the little slice of paradise is home to a rock pool on one end and a boat ramp on the other, plus there’s a children’s playground, showers and toilets nearby.

Little Bay Beach

Tranquil swimming conditions due to its protection from ocean swells ensure Little Bay Beach isn’t as hidden as it once was. The Eastern Sydney beach is filled with soft golden sand and families with small children who take advantage of its calm waters and thinner crowds. The only hitch? To reach paradise, you have to climb down a steep staircase.

Camp Cove Beach

a couple relaxing at Green Point Reserve overlooking Camp Cove, Watsons Bay

Camp Cove Beach is an idyllic spot for swimming. (Image: Destination NSW)

Located on the harbour side of South Head, Camp Cove Beach is dotted with sensational views, plus ideal swimming for youngsters.

For these reasons alone, it’s a popular spot so factor time in to find a car spot. Once you hit the sand, snorkellers and swimmers abound, and you’ll even spot kayaks and divers.

Gordons Bay

Plonked between Clovelly Beach and Coogee, Gordons Bay is a snorkelling haven, attracting the eastern suburbs set via foot as cars are restricted around its surrounding streets.

Escape overcrowded beaches and head to Gordons Bay instead. (Image: Destination NSW)

Expect to see sun lovers spread-eagled across every rock and footpath in sight, switching from towel to snorkel to swim modes as a vibrant underwater ecosystem beckons.

Gordons Bay is a snorkelling haven. (Image: Destination NSW)

Parsley Bay

Families flock to Parsley Bay, an Eastern Sydney beach with calm waters and enclosed swimming. To cater even further, a kids’ playground and picnic facilities are on-site.

A panoramic bridge is suspended over Parsley Bay. (Image: Destination NSW)

Keen to explore? There’s a small bushwalk circuit that passes a waterfall and only takes 15 or so minutes to complete.

a couple walking on a bridge over Parsley Bay, Vaucluse

Take a light stroll along the Parsley Bay Bridge. (Image: Destination NSW)

Murray Rose Pool

Hiding a little below New South Head Road, Murray Rose Pool provides netted swimming and glistening harbour views.

Admire beautiful Jacaranda trees surrounding the Murray Rose pool during springtime. (Image: Destination NSW)

You’ll have to walk down a steep set of stairs to reach the beach, past a well-stocked kiosk, but you’ll be rewarded once you reach the grassy patches just up from the sand. Spy million-dollar yachts bobbing about as you dip in and out of safe waters with ease.

a couple walking along Murray Rose Pool, Double Bay

Head to the tranquil harbourside Murray Rose Pool. (Image: Destination NSW)

Lady Martins Beach

Point Piper’s most adorable little beach is no longer all that secret as Lady Martins Beach attracts thicker crowds every sunshine season. Located in Felix Bay, the Sydney beach is always calm as white sand invites easy dips between lazy sun lounging sessions. Dogs are also welcome, though they must stay on their leash.

Milk Beach

Prefer total isolation? There’s nothing quiet about the Eastern Suburbs but if you’re looking for quieter, Milk Beach might be your best bet.

Take in Sydney Harbour views from Milk Beach. (Image: Tourism Australia)

Surrounded by Strickland House, a heritage-listed estate in Hermit Bay, this Sydney beach is the ideal spot to laze a sunny day away. Calm waters invite carefree swimming and fishing while the Hermitage Foreshore might encourage a light stroll if you can be bothered.

friends enjoying a walk along Milk Beach on the Hermitage Foreshore Track, Vaucluse in Sydney

Enjoy a scenic stroll along the Hermitage Foreshore Track. (Image: Destination NSW)

Welcome to the first instalment of Hotel Addict, a monthly column where I check into Australia’s best hotels, exploring not just the rooms, but the stories, service and settings that make each stay unforgettable and worth adding to your wishlist.

Hotel stays have quietly become my thing. Long before I became a travel journalist, I was booking staycations just for a change of scenery. Some had charm, some had character, some had neither. Once, I even stayed in a hotel directly opposite my own apartment – partly for the novelty, partly because I wanted to see my life from a different angle.

For me, hotels represent a kind of mystery – I find myself wanting to know what these buildings contain. Many of them are designed with intention: lighting, materials, scent and sounds that often reflect the city they sit in. Time seems to gently pause in these spaces, which have increasingly become the destination itself for modern travellers.

It only felt fitting for the first hotel in this series to be in my home city and at the hotel that’s been at the top of my list: Capella Sydney.

A sandstone heritage building and palm trees

Capella sits within an Edwardian Baroque‑style sandstone building.

An email with a hotel program from the “Culturist Team” lets me know this will be a luxurious stay. There’s a guided walk around the Botanic Gardens, a weaving workshop and a Sydney contemporary art tour – the kind of addition that signals a hotel that’s tuned into the finer details, and one that’s not surprising given that Capella’s ethos centres on delivering personalised, immersive experiences.

Capella opened in 2023 within a transformed Edwardian Baroque‑style sandstone building in Sydney’s CBD that was originally designed by renowned Scottish-Australian architect George McRae. I often walk past this building and once attended an event inside – I distinctly remember being surprised by how beautiful it was. Bar Studio, Make Architects, and stylist Simone Haag were engaged to sensitively adapt the building for contemporary luxury while honouring its past, in collaboration with Heritage NSW and the City of Sydney.

When I arrive, I’m greeted by three different staff members along the way to reception. There’s a lovely subtle scent, which I later learn combines notes of bergamot, green tea leaves, peony, freesia, vetiver and cedarwood. This hotel strikes such a beautiful balance between grandness and intimacy, with large floral bouquets, contemporary artworks, impressively high ceilings that give it an international feel and quieter nooks to unwind in. Each space is unique, but they’re all unified by a warm, textural and layered design.

Sydney has been deserving of a hotel of this calibre for quite some time, with many of the accommodations in the city looking and feeling dated.

A modern hotel reception with high ceilings

The design strikes the perfect balance between grandness and intimacy.

I have a treatment booked at the hotel’s Auriga Spa prior to check-in. The space is ultra-luxe, moodily lit and intimate, featuring timber joinery, green walls and a sleek design that’s so perfect it almost transports me to Japan. I opt for the Replenish Beauty and LED Facial – a strategic choice with a TV segment on the horizon, and a hopeful bid to look extra fresh for the camera.

The treatment begins with me sitting in the softest robe of my life, wearing slippers and sipping chamomile tea. I’m then whisked away to my private treatment room, which has its own bathroom, a large skylight and a small Japanese-style garden. The treatment is extremely relaxing and moves through cleansing, exfoliating, massaging (arm, head, neck and face) and LED Light Therapy. There’s so much attention to detail – even at the end, the facialist puts my slippers back on me, while I’m still lying down.

Spa treatment room with a massage bed, featuring timber walls and a serene Japanese-style garden visible through a window.

A treatment at Auriga Spa might be the best way I’ve ever started a hotel stay. (Image: Rachael Thompson)

While this treatment certainly hasn’t had a Benjamin Button effect, my sister seems to think I’m glowing, so I walk away happy, or at the very least, zen.

Auriga Spa has a sauna, steam room, ice fountain and a beautiful indoor heated swimming pool. There’s also “experiential showers” – new to me, but essentially it combines water flowing from different places, changing temperatures, mood lighting, gentle sounds, and a subtle lemongrass scent.

You could easily spend the better part of a day at the spa and pool, even if you’re not a guest.

The indoor heated swimming pool with glass ceiling at Capella Sydney.

Guests outside the hotel can use the spa and swimming pool. (Image: Rachael Thompson)

I’m escorted to my room, drunk on relaxation, but I make sure to take note of how noisy the hallways are – answer: dead quiet. My room is 50 square metres, which is huge by hotel standards, but particularly for one in the CBD. It feels like a high-end apartment with floorboards, a freestanding bath and a seating/dining area. My eyes are immediately drawn to the line-up of macarons waiting for me on the dining table.

I’m thrilled to see the mini bar armoire includes a small wine fridge stocked with Minuty Prestige Côtes de Provence, Cloudy Bay Sauvignon Blanc, Handpicked Wines Pinot Noir, and Moët Grand Vintage. Not that I plan on using it (I simply could not justify the prices) – but it’s a nice extra that makes the room feel that much more luxurious. The drinks lineup reads like a who’s-who of local favourites – Young Henrys, Maybe Sammy cocktails, Four Pillars gin and Archie Rose gin. Snacks include Tyrell’s chips, Pringles, Natural Confectionery lollies, and a Carman’s oat bar.

Some small touches I appreciate that some hotels don’t offer: the option to choose your housekeeping time, an iron that actually works well, a Bluetooth speaker, the beloved wine fridge, aluminium water bottles and a bathroom without a glass door or screen that awkwardly exposes you. The one downside is that some of these rooms don’t offer much in the way of a view.

A modern hotel room with a monochrome paletter.

I stayed in a Premier Room which was elegant and relaxing. (Image: Rachael Thompson)

4:30pm is Swill Hour – a daily tradition that nods to the historical “six o’clock swill” in Australia. This one-hour event takes place in the Living Room and invites guests to gather and enjoy each other’s company with a signature cocktail in hand. This afternoon’s tipple is a Eucalyptus Gimlet, a clever, herbaceous little cocktail, by the multi-award-winning Maybe Sammy Team, served on coasters depicting drawings of the historic building. The canapé of the day is a tomato and stracciatella tart. I noticed several staff members chatting with guests like old friends, asking how their adventures earlier in the day went – clearly remembering previous conversations from earlier visits.

Dinner is booked for 6:30pm in Aperture – arguably the most beautiful area of the accommodation. It’s decorated with Australian flora and features a kinetic sculpture hanging from the roof that opens like flowers, with softly changing lights. Tyler, who is serving us, clearly admires the Capella brand, speaking enthusiastically about the other international properties he’s been to and sharing how he sometimes brings his five-year-old daughter here to use the pool.

Interior of Aperture at Capella Sydney, featuring lush greenery and a striking ceiling-mounted sculpture.

The scale of Aperture gives it an international feel.

I kick things off with a basil melon margarita – a winning recommendation – before tucking into the best prawn toast I’ve ever had. For mains it’s crispy Ōra King salmon and spaghetti with mud crab.

When I arrive back at my room, there’s a vegan leather journal on my bed with a note that says: “The ritual of journaling allows us to pause, reflect and focus.” This is part of the turndown service, and my slippers are neatly lined up next to my bed. Will I journal? No. Do I think it’s a nice touch? Yes.

Brasserie 1930 at Capella Sydney, where Art Deco elegance meets contemporary Australian cuisine.

Brasserie 1930 boasts Art Deco elegance.

The next morning, I make the predictable choice of smashed avo for breakfast at the on-site restaurant, Brasserie 1930. There’s also a buffet brimming with all the usual suspects.

Afterwards, I head to the pool to relax for a few hours before the 11am checkout. Despite my earlier resolve not to journal, I find myself reflecting nonetheless – an irony not lost on me – on my 21st hotel stay in Sydney. I write this with growing assurance that great hotels don’t just provide a place to stay; they create memorable moments, thanks in large part to fantastic staff. Kudos to the hiring manager.

Next stop: The Tasman, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Hobart!