Review: The Fullerton Hotel Sydney

What it’s like to spend the night inside Sydney’s gorgeous heritage-listed former General Post Office.

An impressive 151 years ago, Sydney’s General Post Office (GPO) had its grand opening at No.1 Martin Place. Crafted from Sydney sandstone, the heritage-listed building no longer has the main function of sending letters; instead, its Victorian Italian grandeur is carefully preserved by The Fullerton Hotel Sydney.

The back story

the Fullerton Hotel Sydney — Sleep inside a 151-year-old icon.

In 1874, Sydney’s General Post Office (GPO) opened as a link to communicating with the rest of the world, both by mail and telegraph. Designed by the Colonial Architect for NSW, James Barnett, the current building was constructed in two stages from 1866 to 1892.

The undertaking was an ambitious one, including many intricate sculptures – one featuring Queen Victoria – with an overall look that blended heritage and Victorian Italian Renaissance style, while still in keeping with the building’s international practicality.

After a refurbishment in the 90s, and being sold in 2017, it now houses The Fullerton Hotel Sydney, along with retail outlets and a (much smaller) Australia Post shop. Despite the changes, the hotel has worked hard to preserve the GOP’s historic grandeur.

First impressions

The room

the fullerton hotel modern tower room on level 28 — The modern tower offers great views over the CBD.

The hotels’ 416 guest rooms and suites are spread across both the GPO heritage building and the modern tower, offering a range of options from sweeping city views to heritage decor and original historic details, like marble fireplaces and the postmaster’s writing desk from the 1870s.

I was in the modern tower, with a view overlooking George Street. The room is spacious, yet cosy. Despite its modernity, neutral tones and a marble-look bathroom still maintain a classic feel. A full-sized desk, a comfortable leather lounge chair, spacious cupboard space, a Harman Kardon Bluetooth speaker, a Vittoria coffee machine and a generous-sized TV make the space more than just a bedroom.

The bed itself is soft and comfortable for a peaceful night’s sleep, but my favourite feature was definitely the large bath (with enough length for my six-foot self). The entire bathroom is separated by a large glass window with an automatic blind – wind up for bathing with a view (or to watch a movie on TV), wind down for privacy. Bath salts are offered as a bathroom amentity, which was a lovely touch. While the Balmain bathroom collection is offered in pump bottles for shampoo, conditioner and body wash. Behind separate glass doors, a toilet and rain shower also fit into this large space.

The facilities

Fitness Centre

Open 24 hours a day to guests and located on level six, the hotel’s fitness centre features top-of-the-range equipment including treadmills, free weights and strength training equipment.

Guests can book a personal training session with Acero trainers at the fitness centre by enquiring with the concierge or through the Acero One Community app.

GPO Heritage Tour

the Fullerton Hotel Sydney lobby — Be awed by the building’s history.

The Fullerton Hotel Sydney offers a complimentary GPO Heritage Tour. Follow a knowledgeable tour guide to discover the stories, tales and legends of the former Sydney General Post Office building.

From the iconic clock tower (completed in 1891) to the black-and-white tiled staircase at 1 Martin Place (once the main entrance to the GPO) to the 24 stone faces (mascarons) on the Martin Place side of the building. These latter features are part of the 1880s-era facade, and each represents different states, countries and continents.

The Fullerton Club Lounge

Stay on the hotel’s club floors for access to The Fullerton Club Lounge on level 28. It’s something of an oasis, open for a daily continental, light refreshments throughout the day and pre-dinner drinks and nibbles. All served with views of the city skyline.

There’s also a wide-screen television, a selection of daily newspapers, free WiFi and exclusive use of the hotel’s private boardroom.

The food and drink

The Place

A level above the lobby, in an atrium overlooking The Bar, onsite restaurant The Place offers dishes featuring the best of Australia’s fresh and homegrown seafood, vegetables and meats. These can be tried on their own or as one of their signature tasting platters for a little bit of everything.

Dine on Modern Australian cuisine – think fresh, local seafood and a Riverina steak sandwich – along with South-East Asian signature dishes, like chicken satay. My personal favourite was the Thai-style green curry. It was fairly mild as far as curries go, but absolutely not lacking in taste.

The Bar

Inside The Fullerton Hotel Sydney’s lobby, The Bar does more than sling a few delicious cocktails and tasty treats (although it certainly does that well). What it’s really known for is the Fullerton Signature Afternoon Tea .

Served daily from 12 to 4 pm, the afternoon tea is a nod to Victorian tea traditions and served in a high tea style. Think cucumber sandwiches, stuffed boiled eggs and Apple Charlotte, but all with an elevated twist. And, of course, all finished off with traditional scones served with cream and mixed berry jam.

Personally, I can never go passed a good scone. But my other favourite was hands-down the Bakewell Pudding (a super tasty egg-based pudding).

Above us, the GOP building’s iconic clock tower overlooked the space, separated from us by a glass atrium roof. Soft brown-leather chairs added to the classic decor.

The crowd was a mix of those who had dressed up for a special occasion and a few more casual diners. While we ate, a pianist sat down at the on-site grand piano behind our table and began playing the classics. It just added the old-world feel.

The location

the Fullerton Hotel Sydney Heritage Long Suite — Heritage rooms maintain their old-world style.

The location of The Fullerton Hotel Sydney couldn’t possibly be more central, right at the start of the CBD’s Martin Place, with easy access to Sydney’s top attractions.

Details

Address: Lobby Level/1 Martin Pl, Sydney NSW 2000

Website: fullertonhotels.com/fullerton-hotel-sydney

The heavens take centre stage at this Outback NSW glamping lodge.

Crane your neck. Look up. If it’s nighttime in a major Australian city, you might see a faint dusting of stars. Now imagine yourself out in the bush. Here, those stars aren’t just scattered dots – instead, they’re smudged across the sky in endless, glittering streaks. Welcome to Wilderluxe Lake Keepit , a new glamping lodge in one of the most picturesque corners of outback NSW.

Between its eight stargazing tents, Gilay Guest Lounge, and shared tales of the Dreamtime night sky, this retreat is designed to exist in harmony with the breathtaking lake and surrounding landscape. Intrigued? Here’s everything you need to know.

Bathed in warm light, a couple watches the sun dip beyond the horizon. — Watch the sky melt into magic at Wilderluxe.

Getting to Wilderluxe Lake Keepit

Wilderluxe Lake Keepit is in the NSW Northern Tablelands, bordered by the Great Dividing Range. The lake itself is hard to miss: this mammoth body of water is two-thirds the size of Sydney Harbour.

Just 40 minutes from Tamworth and close to Gunnedah, it’s on the inland route between Sydney and Byron Bay. Drive or take one of the daily flights to Tamworth’s airport.

Aerial view of Wilderluxe. — Let vast waters and towering ranges set the scene for your escape.

Wilderluxe Lake Keepit rooms

Don’t settle for a paltry room when you can sleep directly under the cosmos. Wilderluxe offers eight domed ‘Star Tents’ , all named after Aboriginal sky stories – like Djirri Djirri, the sacred messenger bird, Baiame, the Sky Father and great creator, and Dhinawan, the Emu in the Sky constellation.

On a clear night, use your tent’s retractable roof for gazing above or wander to the outdoor bathtub on your private deck to soak under the night sky. No need to go anywhere. You can stay put come evening with a kitchenette inside and a gas barbecue on the deck.

A couple gazes up at a sky ablaze with stars at Wilderluxe. — Sleep beneath the stars.

Style and character

When it comes to aesthetics, Wilderluxe Lake Keepit stays on trend. The encampment blends with its surroundings, building up layers of minimalist visuals that mirror the ever-changing curves of the water.

Earthy tones, natural materials and timber finishes also anchor the retreat in its bushland surrounds. It’s enough to deepen the sense of calm you’ll experience as you drive off-grid, and this is only heightened as you spot kangaroos grazing at dawn or hear the chatter of native birds by the lake.

The dreamy sunset at Wilderluxe. — Go off-grid in style at Wilderluxe Lake Keepit.

Wilderluxe Lake Keepit dining

‘Dinner and a show’ hits differently with the property’s Big Sky dinner experience . Hosted in the Gilay Lounge, enjoy complimentary drinks and a grazing table with the host, followed by a screening of Big Sky Dreaming, a film produced exclusively for Wilderluxe guests in which Kamilaroi storyteller Uncle Len Waters narrates tales of the Dreaming above.

Once your imagination has been fed, it’s time to take a seat fireside for a glass of Australian port and a serving of s’mores.

Keen to explore the wider area? Staff can provide barbecue and picnic hampers, stuffed with regional meats, cheeses and organic local fare.

Wilderluxe Lake Keepit facilities

While you could very well spend all your time in your tent, sometimes it’s time to hit pause on the celestial show. Instead, make your way up to the Gilay Guest Lounge, where you can relax on the deck overlooking the lake or the outdoor fire pits. It’s a great way to unwind and clink glasses with other stargazers.

The Gilay Lounge with the view of the lake. — Unwind by the fire and raise a glass at Gilay Lounge.

Wilderluxe Lake Keepit experiences

No need to turn nocturnal; when the sun rises, there are still plenty of ways to touch the sky.

Lake Keepit hosted the 2020 Women’s World Gliding Championships, and it’s one of the best places in Australia to stretch your wings. The local Soaring Club operates year-round, meaning you can book a gliding experience any day of the year – or opt for a scenic flight to take in the vast beauty from above.

Prefer to keep your feet on solid ground? There are plenty of walking and cycling trails in and around the area. Luckily, bikes are part of the Wilderluxe package. All you have to do is ask a staff member for their favourite route, throw a picnic onto the back and cycle off into the great beyond.

Alternatively, nab a stand-up paddleboard (SUP) or kayak and head out onto the lake. Or, if you’re feeling lucky, borrow a fishing rod and try your chances.

A person kayaking through serene waters. — Paddle into peace.

The details

A two-night minimum twin-share accommodation package includes Big Sky dinner and drinks experience, plus daily continental breakfast. As well as access to leisure equipment including mountain bikes, kayaks, SUPs and fishing gear.

The interiors of the glamping tent. — Let nature restore you, while luxury takes care of the rest.

Start planning your outback glamping adventure at wilderluxe.com.au.

What it’s like to sleep in a 150-year-old Sydney icon