The highly anticipated W Sydney opened its doors on 12 October, becoming the third W hotel on Australian soil.
As soon as you step foot inside W Sydney, greeted with a waratah-inspired ‘W’ sign, it’s clear you’re about to be taken on a design-led journey. With ‘the larrikin’ inspiring the interiors designed by London-based Bowler James Brindley, the luxury hotel is bold and unabashed.
W Sydney has unveiled 29/30, a top-floor hotspot focused on the finer things in life. But the real star of the show? Sparkling views over Darling Harbour, with the hotel’s iconic infinity pool glistening in the foreground.
Such is the W Hotels’ way, of breaking the norms of traditional luxury wherever the iconic W sign lands.
Be greeted with a waratah-inspired ‘W’ sign. (Image: Emily Murphy)
The Living Room, a reimagining of the traditional lobby, is dominated by vivid blues and copper and invites you to stay a while, cocktail in hand in the nest-like seating that references the Australian Bowerbird, a larrikin of the bird world.
Vivid blues and copper dominate The Living Room.
The 588 guestrooms, including 162 suites, draw inspiration from the hotel’s harbourside location and nearby beaches, with a nautical white and navy-blue palette. Walk-in wardrobes feature a burst of graphic, inflorescent red and pink waratah flowers.
There are 588 guestrooms at W Sydney.
W Sydney has already secured itself as a destination hotel this summer, offering views over Darling Harbour that have never been seen before. A highlight being the WET Deck on level 29 boasting a 30-metre infinity pool and accompanying bar 29/30 that evokes an underwater world with coral-inspired lighting. During the evening, the pool area transforms into an extension of the bar – the perfect spot to enjoy cocktails and tapas.
The WET Deck is the place to be this summer. (Image: Emily Murphy)
BTWN is the main restaurant, fronted by head chef Chris Dodd who has created a menu that features at least 80 per cent NSW produce, and at night it brings 2AM: dessertbar by Janice Wong to life. And while BTWN got its name literally from being ‘between’ two expressways, 2AM: dessertbar isn’t actually open until 2am, closing at 10pm each night.
29/30 Bar evokes an underwater world with coral-inspired lighting. (Image: Emily Murphy)
“W Sydney reimagines luxury for a new era, creating a vibrant new scene for Sydneysiders and visitors to the city," says W Sydney general manager Craig Seaward.
“It’s a complete departure from the city’s traditional hotels and this unique W spirit is something you feel at every touchpoint, from our eclectic venues to the cool blue rooms and high-energy programming. I can’t think of a better location for our new W hotel than Sydney’s amazing harbour. We can’t wait to welcome guests again and again."
Part of Marriott Bonvoy’s global portfolio, W Sydney is now the third W hotel in Australia, after W Brisbane (opened 2018) and W Melbourne (opened 2021).
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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.
Make this dazzling stretch of beaches and natural wonders your home base for a grand adventure
Whether you’re setting out solo, bringing a mate, or packing in the whole family, no road trip along Australia’s East Coast is complete without at least a few days spent exploring the Coffs Coast. A stunning stretch of NSW coastline nestled between ancient high-elevation rainforests and magnificent, undiscovered beaches, Coffs offers amazing biodiversity, stunning natural beauty, and heaps of local charm, without the crowds. Pull up in Coffs Harbour , your perfect home base for these unforgettable day-trips.
1. Southern Beaches
The Coffs region boasts 30 of Australia’s most beautiful, unspoiled beaches, directly abutting a dramatic tableau of mountains and rainforests. Drive South of Coffs Harbour to find up-and-coming surf destinations where it’s still possible to catch an empty wave. First up is the picturesque Sawtellvillage . Wander the famous fig-tree-lined main street packed with laid-back places to eat and drink. Enjoy panoramic views and seasonal whale sightings at Bonville Headland on the Southern end of the beach.
Nearby Bongil Bongil National Park boasts seven kilometres of empty beach, along with hiking and cycling trails through beachfront rainforests – keep an eye out for koalas living in the trees. Boambee Beach and Boambee Creek Reserve are great for families, with shallow waters perfect for kayaking and SUPing, plus an off-leash dog beach.
Experience small-town charm in Sawtell.
2. Orara Valley Tourist Trail
The Orara Valley Tourist Trail has it all: hinterland bushwalks, birdwatching, horse riding, pristine swimming holes and rolling green pastures dotted with dairy farms and historic villages. And it’s only 15 minutes west of Coffs Harbour.
Sample produce at a roadside stall, stop into Coramba Hotel for a quintessential country pub lunch, or try the Idle in Cafe in Nana Glen for coffee and scones. Then spend the afternoon kayaking the Orara River or mountain biking on Mt Coramba. If you’re feeling adventurous, follow the 4WD touring route along the Orara Escarpment in Bindarri National Park , a rugged landscape with dazzling views that winds through untouched eucalypt rainforests and waterfalls.
Explore the green heart of Coffs.
3. Dorrigo National Park
Enjoy a classic day trip from Coffs to forest bathe in some of the oldest subtropical rainforests in the world at Dorrigo National Park, part of the World Heritage-listed Gondwana Rainforests. These million-year-old ecosystems promise rare bird sightings, towering strangler figs, and epic walking tracks and picnic spots. Try the 6.6 km Wonga Walk to experience dreamy Crystal Shower Falls (where you can walk behind the falls) and the Skywalk Lookout, which offers spectacular views of the valley and coast. Then stop in Dorrigo town for a homey lunch. It’s worth noting that a section of the road between Ulong and Dorrigo – which dates to the 1880s – is unsealed, adding to the area’s end-of-the-earth allure but making travel difficult in adverse weather conditions. Alternatively, head to Dorrigo via the delightful township of Bellingen .
Wander the Skywalk.
4. Northern Beaches
For another tranquil expanse of sun, sand and surf breaks, head north to Woolgoolga (Tourism Australia’s Best Mainland Beach for 2025. Taste the coffee and local-produce breakfast at one of several cafes, then spot whales during their migration season along the Woolgoolga Whale Trail to the headland. Emerald Beach offers clear blue waters and another headland walk, perfect for taking in views of South Solitary Island, a dramatically rocky-cliffed island with a historic lighthouse. Red Rock, some 40km north of Coffs and named for its striking coastal rock formations, boasts a gorgeous estuary reserve that’s perfect for languorous days spent picnicking, swimming, fishing, and connecting with the relaxed local pace.
Enjoy fresh seafood overlooking Woolgoolga Beach.
5. Jetty precinct
You could easily spend a whole day exploring the Jetty precinct – from its foreshores to the marina to Muttonbird Island. Start with fresh fish and chips from local institution Coffs Harbour Fisherman’s Co-op , before browsing the popular Harbourside Markets held every Sunday on the foreshores.
Take a scenic walk along the breakwall to Muttonbird Island , a cultural and ecological treasure with panoramic views and rich Gumbaynggirr heritage. The Giidany Miirlarl Education Space shares the island’s ancient stories, or join a guided moonlight tour to see the seasonal return of the muttonbirds.
Back at the Jetty Strip, find a buzzing mix of cafes, bars and restaurants with cuisines from around the world, open from morning until late. Don’t miss The Jetty Pavilion , a favourite for its unique menu blending modern Australian cuisine with vibrant world flavours.
Walk the path where land meets sea and sky.
6. Grafton
Head inland from mid-October to early November to catch Grafton’s jacaranda season, when the town’s streets and parks are covered in purple. Even better, time your trip between 24 October and 2 November to attend the famous Jacaranda Festival, with special food items, performances and more. At any time of year, follow the self-guided Grafton Heritage Trail to discover the town’s historic buildings, landmarks and stories. Or get the blood pumping with a trip along the longest mapped white-water trail in Australia – the Clarence Canoe and Kayak Trail. Book a tour with Exodus Adventures .
Time your Grafton trip to see the jacarandas in full bloom. (Image: @myclarencevalley)
7. Nambucca
Just south of Coffs Harbour sits Nambucca, the ideal town for a relaxed, coastal day trip. Hire a canoe, kayak or boat to explore over 80 kilometres of waterways stretching from the hinterland to the ocean. For those who prefer to stay on dry land (or double up their adventure for the day), stretch your legs along the V-Wall – a scenic coastal walk along the Nambucca River – dotted with boulders painted by the community, sharing messages, art and local stories. Stop along the way to buy Sydney rock oysters direct from local farmers, or try your own hand at fishing. Before heading back to Coffs, refuel on fresh seafood and wood-fired pizzas at Matilda’s in Nambucca .
Explore Nambucca’s waterways. (Image: Seen Australia)
