Sydney’s much-loved hospitality group will open a new venue in a stunning heritage site.
Cult-favourite The Grounds took Sydney by storm when it first opened its doors in Alexandria in 2012. The cafe, restaurant and market complex quickly became the go-to spot for relaxed hangs, adored for its beautifully plated food, lush greenery, rustic-industrial design and adorable farm animals. Now, the hospitality group is set to open its third Sydney outpost, nestled within lush gardens in one of the city’s most iconic locations. And it’s the most exciting news since Putricia bloomed in 2025.
The Grounds in The Domain will be set against lush gardens. (Image: Supplied)
The Grounds in The Domain will arguably be the hospitality group’s most idyllic setting yet. It will sit at the edge of the Botanic Gardens Sydney at the Domain Gateway, a historic precinct that was once home to a gatekeeper’s cottage and a horticultural workshop area. Chief Executive of Botanic Gardens of Sydney Simon Duffy AM shared his excitement for the development. “We are delighted to open this precinct to the public for the first time in its 190-year history to enhance our role in Sydney as a place to inspire enjoyment, learning and conservation of nature."
With works scheduled to begin in 2026, The Grounds in The Domain will combine hospitality with the natural, heritage setting of the Botanic Gardens. Visitors can enjoy seasonal, locally-sourced produce under umbrellas in an elegant space reminiscent of an English country garden. Think manicured lawns, flowerbeds and seasonal blooms framing greenhouses and romantic archways.
The precinct will be opened to the public for the first time in its 190-year history. (Image: Supplied)
Ramzey Choker, Founder and Director of The Grounds Group, highlighted how the project will enhance the Botanic Gardens’ visitor experience. “At The Grounds, we’re truly excited to bring a touch of our magic to the Domain Gateway precinct, opening a space that has been largely inaccessible for nearly two centuries. This is a rare opportunity to welcome the public back into one of Sydney’s most historically significant locations, creating a hospitality experience that both respects its heritage and adds new life to the surroundings."
The Royal Botanic Garden Sydney sits along the Sydney Harbour foreshore. (Image: Destination NSW)
Established in 1816, the Royal Botanic Garden Sydney is Australia’s oldest botanical garden, spread across 30 hectares along the Sydney Harbour foreshore. Visitors can make a day of exploring the distinct themed gardens from the Palace Rose Garden and Succulent Garden to the Palm Grove and Jacaranda Walk, while admiring the iconic views of Sydney Harbour, the Opera House and Harbour Bridge.
The addition of The Grounds in The Domain brings yet another reason to linger longer in these magical gardens. “Through this collaboration with Botanic Gardens of Sydney, we hope to craft a space where people can explore, learn and enjoy the precinct in ways that haven’t been possible before," shared Choker.
Stay tuned.
Rachael Thompson is Australian Traveller's Evergreen Editor and a self-proclaimed cheese and Chablis connoisseur. In her role, she creates and manages online content that remains relevant and valuable over time. With a background in publishing and e-commerce in both interior design and travel, Rachael is dedicated to curating engaging content that informs and inspires. She began her career at Belle magazine, then went on to become Senior Content Producer at Homes to Love focusing on Australian House & Garden and Belle, followed by Editor at Bed Threads. Her work has also appeared in Qantas Travel Insider. 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 are Uluṟu-Kata Tjuṯa National Park and Lord Howe Island.
Thredbo in summer is a nature lover’s dream of show-stopping alpine beauty, cool mountain air and magical moonlit adventure.
For many of us, Thredbo calls to mind shimmering slopes and snow-dusted gums, but come summer, this Alpine resort transforms into a playground of an entirely different kind. A cool mountain retreat despite the season, Thredbo summer hikes are astonishingly beautiful, criss-crossing over dramatic peaks, pristine glacial lakes and abundant flora and fauna.
From approachable tracks for novice walkers to more challenging hikes across the Main Range and even journeys under moonlight, Thredbo puts on an unforgettable show of natural splendour all summer. Lace up your walking boots and take the chairlift from Thredbo village to embark on a self-guided exploration or a tour of the Snowy Mountains’ most compelling landscapes.
These eight unforgettable hiking experiences are only available in summer and offer an alpine adventure like you’ve never experienced before.
1. Full Moon Hike to Mt Kosciuszko
Stand atop Mt Kosciuszko at full moon.
There’s something almost mystical about hiking by the light of a full moon. This guided experience begins with a 15-minute chairlift ride, where you’ll admire the Thredbo Valley below, bathed in the fading sun.
Once at the top, you’ll pass rivers, alpine lakes and spot nocturnal wildlife on your way to the Kosciuszko Lookout and Lake Cootapatamba. By the time you reach the summit, sunset is well underway as you watch day give way to night and the alpine landscape magically illuminated by the lunar glow. Enjoy a hot chocolate here before following the path back to Eagles Nest, brightened by the night sky.
The only thing that could level up the celestial beauty of a full moon hike would be a super full moon hike . Following the same route, you’ll meet the moon when it is largest and closest to Earth by ascending to the summit of Mount Kosciuszko at an elevation of 2228 metres. From such a height, it almost feels as though you could reach out and touch its glowing surface.
Given the rarity and splendour of the super full moon, limited spots fill up fast for this awe-inspiring hike, so be sure to book the 5 December in advance.
3. Lunar Eclipse Hike
See dazzling celestial displays.
What could be more extraordinary than witnessing a lunar eclipse from Australia’s highest peak? Whether you’re a keen astronomer or simply revel in nature’s beauty, this guided 13-kilometre hike will place you on top of Mount Kosciuszko just as Earth passes between the sun and moon, throwing shade over the lunar surface before transforming it with a deep-red hue.
It’s an epic place to witness one of our galaxy’s most spectacular and rare light shows. Apart from the dazzling celestial display, you’ll also enjoy walking through the moon-bathed landscape, an evening chairlift ride, and a hot chocolate at the summit.
Book now for 3 March.
4. New Moon Hike
Catch the changing skies of a new moon.
A stargazer’s delight, the darkness of a new moon gives the Milky Way full permission to dazzle with its shimmering display. Both astronomers and photographers will relish this opportunity to observe and capture the starry skyscape from the lofty height of Australia’s highest peak, Mount Kosciuszko. Departing Thredbo Village at dusk and leaving its twinkling lights far below, you’ll arrive at the summit in time to see the sun slip away and the stars appear.
Embark on a gentle entry into the Snowy Mountain scenery with an amble along the Thredbo River. This self-guided hike hugs the river and wanders along the valley floor, revealing snow gum forests, swimming holes and little waterfalls that make for revitalising cold plunges in the summer heat.
6. Merritts Nature Track
Stop at swimming holes along the way.
On warm summer days, venturing into the cooler air of Thredbo’s alpine tracks offers relief from the heat. Particularly if you set course for the four-kilometre Merritts Nature Track , where there are opportunities to take a refreshing dip in swimming holes along the way.
The two-to-three-hour self-guided hike meanders through towering ancient trees (dubbed the ‘Pixie Forest’ by locals), takes in stunning mountain vistas and is soundtracked by the melody of birdsong. Stop for a picnic and discover a hidden natural infinity pool, the location of which is given away by the roar of a cascading waterfall.
7. Mt Kosciuszko Summit Tour
Follow a guide along Mt Kosciuszko’s summit.
While you can easily steer yourself to Australia’s most iconic peak without a guide, following an expert guide to the summit of Mount Kosciuszko will colour your experience with a deeper knowledge of the landscape and its wild inhabitants. The 13-kilometre return trail puts the alpine scenery on display with 360-degree views from the highest spot in the country.
The walk begins at the top of the Kosciuszko Chairlift and takes around four to six hours to complete, but is gentle enough to be embarked upon by all ages.
8. Snowies Alpine Walk Experience
Join a two- or three-day experience along Snowies Alpine Walk.
If you’re looking to truly untether from daily life and embark on a real immersion in Thredbo’s stunning alpine scenery, pack your hiking boots for the newest multi-day walk in the mountains. The Snowies Alpine Walk can be tackled over two or three days and includes nightly accommodation in the iconic Thredbo Alpine Hotel, daily buffet breakfast, packed lunch and dinner vouchers, plus daily transfers to and from trail heads in a brand-new Defender.
The two-day experience covers 24 kilometres, while the three-day experience almost doubles that at 44 kilometres. Along the way, explore barely trod landscapes, vast high-country plains and uplifting mountain horizons.
