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Sydney’s hottest new stay? A first look at The EVE Hotel

Credit: The EVE Hotel Sydney

Nestled in Wunderlich Lane – where history meets contemporary design – The EVE Hotel Sydney is a stylish sanctuary at the centre of Sydney’s cultural crossroads.

A bold new addition to Sydney/Warrane’s boutique hotel scene, The EVE Hotel Sydney seamlessly blends history, design and luxury in the heart of Redfern. More than just a place to stay, The EVE is a launchpad for cultural discovery, embodying a spirit of anticipation and new beginnings.

Set on the site of the old Wunderlich Factory – once renowned for its ornamental pressed metal ceilings – the hotel pays homage to its past while embracing the future of urban hospitality.

I’ll never forget the sense of arrival I felt as I strolled into Wunderlich Lane for the first time; almost as if I was momentarily caught between Sydney’s past and present. The warm glow from the boutique storefronts, the echoes of the old factory’s history and the modern architectural lines all came together in one captivating tableau.

The EVE’s biophilic design, lush rooftop gardens and art-filled interiors make it an inviting retreat for those who appreciate refined aesthetics and seamless luxury.

The location

The EVE Hotel Sydney balcony
The EVE Hotel Sydney is in the heart of Wunderlich Lane.

Perched between Surry Hills and Redfern, The EVE Hotel Sydney is at the heart of one of the city’s most dynamic cultural crossroads. Wunderlich Lane, once part of Sydney’s earliest pleasure gardens and later home to the renowned Wunderlich Factory, has been reimagined as a vibrant lifestyle precinct. Home to boutique retail, wellness experiences and some of Sydney’s most exciting new restaurants and bars, The EVE is a destination within itself. With Central Station a short stroll away, guests have easy access to explore the city and beyond.

Style and character

The EVE Hotel design
The design celebrates Sydney’s urban landscape.

A collaboration between acclaimed architect Adam Haddow from SJB Architects, landscape designer Daniel Baffsky of 360 Degrees and interior design by SJB, Bates Smart and George Livissianis, The EVE Hotel exudes effortless sophistication.

Rather than looking internationally for inspiration, the design celebrates Sydney’s urban landscape, featuring soft neutral tones, Australian materials and sculptural lighting by Henry Wilson. Original artworks by Louise Olsen of Dinosaur Designs adorn the walls (and the Bar Julius ceiling), while the hotel’s signature pomegranate motif is subtly woven throughout, symbolising rich experiences and new beginnings. A striking rooftop pool, enveloped in lush greenery, offers an oasis of calm in the city’s heart.

Facilities

The EVE pool
The rooftop pool area is a serene escape. (Image: Georg Roske)

The EVE’s carefully curated amenities set it apart. The 20-metre rooftop pool, complete with plush cabanas, tropical planting and stunning city views, provides a serene escape from the urban rush. I head here straight after check-in with Sydney’s golden hour providing the perfect backdrop for me to unwind and disconnect from the bustling city below – perhaps the most refreshing midday break I’ve had in recent memory.

A dedicated fitness space is still in the works, but upon completion will ensure fitness enthusiasts can maintain their routines, while wellness offerings, such as spa treatments from The Parlour Room and meditation spaces, cater to relaxation seekers.

The in-room experience is further elevated with luxury amenities from Saardé, including Australian-made bath products and glassware. Guests can also enjoy boutique retail, including Saardé’s flagship store, where the hotel’s bespoke olive oil-based amenities and artisanal glassware are available to purchase.

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Rooms

rooms at The EVE
The rooms are thoughtfully designed in calming eucalyptus and red clay tones. (Image: Georg Roske)

Designed with both relaxation and sophistication in mind, the hotel’s 102 spacious guest rooms and suites are a masterclass in contemporary comfort. The seven room types vary from courtyard rooms to the sunset suites, offering something for all travellers.

Thoughtfully designed in calming eucalyptus and red clay tones, each space features premium bedding, curated furnishings and Juliet balconies or terraces, providing natural ventilation – a rarity to have that kind of fresh-air moment in a busy urban hotel.

Food and drink

Bar Julius
Bar Julius is the hotel’s European-inspired lobby bar.

The EVE Hotel places guests at the epicentre of one of Sydney’s most exciting dining precincts. Bar Julius, the hotel’s European-inspired lobby bar by Liquid & Larder, transitions seamlessly from breakfast espressos to post-dinner martinis, with a ‘no laptops after 5pm’ policy ensuring the space remains social and relaxed.

Upstairs, Lottie brings a fresh take on contemporary Mexican dining, helmed by head chef Alejandro Huerta (formerly of Noma Copenhagen and Pujol, Mexico). The rooftop mezcaleria and restaurant blends authentic Mexican flavours with premium Australian produce, offering a vibrant, 100 per cent gluten-free menu and an extensive agave-based drinks list.

Lottie bar at The EVE
Afternoon cocktails have never looked so good.

Within Wunderlich Lane, guests can also experience Olympus Dining, a Greek village-style eatery from The Apollo team, as well as Island Radio, a Southeast Asian-inspired restaurant with bold flavours and tropical futurism, and Baptist Street Rec. Club, a lively neighbourhood bar that channels the spirit of 1980s and ’90s Australiana with nostalgic cocktails and vibrant energy.

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Access for guests with disabilities?

The EVE guestroom
There is step-free access throughout the property.

The EVE Hotel offers accessible rooms and facilities designed for ease of movement, with step-free access throughout the property. The design team has incorporated thoughtful elements to ensure a comfortable and seamless stay for all guests.

Family-friendly?

The EVE sunset suite
While not the central focus, families are welcome.

While The EVE is designed with a refined, adult-focused aesthetic, families are welcome. Spacious room layouts and the hotel’s convenient location make it a viable option for those travelling with children, though dedicated family amenities are limited.

Details

The EVE Hotel Sydney
The EVE Hotel Sydney is a microcosm of Redfern’s creative energy.

In sum, The EVE Hotel Sydney is more than a stylish new stay in a vibrant neighbourhood; it’s a microcosm of Redfern’s creative energy and Sydney’s ever-evolving cultural landscape. From the biophilic design elements to the world-class dining, The EVE offers a thoughtful blend of modern luxury and nods to its historic Wunderlich heritage. It’s an experience that will linger long after you’ve closed your suitcase.

Best for: Design lovers, luxury seekers and culture enthusiasts.
Address: The EVE Hotel Sydney, Wunderlich Lane, 8 Baptist Street, Redfern, NSW
Cost: From $519 per night

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Emily Murphy
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.
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After dark: 6 experiences along the Murray lighting up the night

(Credit: Serena Munro)

    Gemma Kaczerepa Gemma Kaczerepa
    See the Murray region in an entirely different light by exploring its night-time experiences and attractions.

    By day, the mighty Murray River is a majestic and ever-changing sight, with river red gums and wetlands stretching along 2500 kilometres. But by night, its cities, towns, villages and landscapes totally transform.

    From Albury Wodonga to Mildura, and everywhere in between, you’ll be in for a multi-sensory and memorable treat encompassing mesmerising light shows, guided ghost tours and vibrant celebrations that capture the nocturnal magic of the river.

    This is no ordinary nighttime adventure; the region becomes an entirely different world when the sun sets. Discover six must-do activities along the Murray that can only be enjoyed after dark.

    1. Share in ghostly tales

    Port After Dark tour Murray at night
    Hold on to your nerve when learning local ghost stories. (Credit: Campaspe Shire Council)

    If you’re up for something a little more spine-tingling, Port After Dark in Echuca is your best bet. Rumour has it that the Port of Echuca Wharf and the buildings around it have long been home to lingering ghosts and mysterious events – like the vengeful woman said to haunt an old tramway bridge and spirits searching for stolen money through the town centre.

    You can hear all about them on this guided lantern tour, which takes place on Wednesday and Saturday nights after dark. The stories are atmospheric and intriguing – you may even spot a ghost or two yourself. If you’d like a more intimate experience, private tours are also available to groups of 15 or more.

    2. Wander art installations

    Bruce Munroe's Fibre Optic Symphoinic Orchestra Murray at night
    See Bruce Munro’s immersive art installation. (Credit: Serena Munro)

    Right near the Perry Sandhills, sits an experience that feels almost otherworldly. Artist Bruce Munro (of Uluru’s Field of Lights fame) has created a Fibre Optic Symphonic Orchestra, a network of 80 Hills Hoists illuminated with fibre optic light combined with the sounds of an orchestra. The clotheslines glow and pulse in time to the specially composed score, immersing you in a dreamscape of light and sound.

    For a different light experience, you’ll find stillness at Trail of Lights, also curated by Munro. Located just 30 minutes away on Lock Island in Mildura, thousands of lights stretch over the landscape, spotlighting both the river and a series of Munro’s sculptures. The trail is intended to be a peaceful and meditative setting for wandering and reflecting.

    3. Learn through lasers

    Heartbeat of the Murray at night
    Travel 30 million years into the Murray’s past at Heartbeat of the Murray. (Credit: Ewen Bell)

    Discover a fascinating history in this dual act of lights and projections on the banks of the Little Murray River. Legends of the Mallee is a multimedia show in Swan Hill combining lasers and lights, which tells the story of the region’s rich past. Learn about the Wamba Wamba and Wadi Wadi Peoples who first inhabited the area, as well as the figures and events that shaped the Mallee of today.

    The river steals the spotlight in the Heartbeat of the Murray, a multimedia spectacle inside the Pioneer Settlement encompassing lights, lasers, sound and special effects against the natural backdrop. Through a sequence of large-scale animated projections, you’ll go back 30 million years to explore the Murray River’s formation before travelling to the present to learn how it supports modern communities.

    4. Light up the lake

    Lake Mulwala Laser Light Show Murray at night
    Watch the lights and lasers of Lake Mulwala. (Credit: Mulwala Water Ski Club)

    Travelling with kids? Head to Yarrawonga Mulwala and nearby Lake Mulwala for the family-friendly Laser Light & Sound Show. Lights and lasers are projected over the lake and onto curtains of fog, creating a colourful and high-energy visual display. The show suits all ages and tastes, set to a mix of songs that everyone knows and loves.

    You can take in the spectacle from either the grassy banks of the lake or book a table at the Mulwala Water Ski Club’s Malibu Deck Cafe, serving pub-style food and refreshing drinks, including excellent classic cocktails. If you’re watching from the foreshore, the show is entirely free, making it a great budget-friendly option.

    5. Be captivated by local culture

    Bullanginya Dreaming Murray at night
    Soak in the culture of the Bangerang People. (Credit: Laser Vision)

    Set aside an evening to explore Bullanginya Dreaming in Cobram Barooga – you’ll want ample time to take in the stories and symbolism of this immersive laser light and sound trail. The 1.8-kilometre trail explores the storytelling and culture of the Bangerang People, who have long cared for the lands around Bullanginya Lagoon in Barooga. The trail features 12 activations – each telling a different story – and combines dramatic lights and lasers with water and fire.

    Intertwined with the visual displays are Bangerang narratives, giving you meaningful insight into the area’s Indigenous heritage. It’s designed to be explored over 90 or so minutes, encouraging you to move slowly and thoughtfully.

    6. Discover a winter glow

    winterglow festival
    See the streets of Albury Wodonga come to life after dark. (Credit: Visit Albury Wodonga)

    Albury Wodonga comes alive as the weather drops, with an annual celebration of the season on Saturday, 15 August. WinterGlow takes over the CBD and features a vibrant program of things to see, do, learn, eat and drink.

    Take part in hands-on workshops that let you try different art forms and crafts. Feast on street food and winter warmers from local eateries. Browse for artisan wares at the night markets. Watch musical acts on the main stage. Or get involved in different activations, including a silent disco and giant maze. Artificial snow will be falling to add to the festive atmosphere.

    Even wandering the streets and laneways and soaking up the late-night energy will leave you feeling enchanted.

    Start planning a day-to-night adventure along the Murray at visitthemurray.com.au.