Above 319 at Vibe Hotel Darling Harbour (Sydney – pictured, above)
Whether it’s a breezy outdoor lunch event, cocktail function and nibbles at dusk, or an outdoor product launch, Above 319 is a vibrant rooftop destination in the heart of Sydney’s Darling Harbour. Go for the view but stay for the vibe as you share delectable platters paired with cocktails.
Perched on level 14 of Vibe Hotel Darling Harbour, this open-air urban bolthole is adorned with green walls and neon lights, and has a rooftop pool with views of Sydney’s skyline. The team behind the bar has pulled together an impressive function menu featuring summer favourites such as spritzes, martinis and punches.
vibehotels.com/book-accommodation/sydney/hotel-sydney-darling-harbour/above-319
Benny’s (Sydney)
Benny’s is a new waterfront restaurant in Cronulla, in Sydney’s south, that is led by hatted chef RJ Lines. Having opened in September 2024, the venue embraces its beachside locale, with views of the water and surrounding nature.
The team says there is something special about heading to the beach, and Benny’s matches this feeling with an authentic menu that’s all about fun, flavour and no frills.
Designed for beachgoers, the menu features crispy beer-battered fish and chips, and ice cream cones fit for a beachside bite on the grassy knoll outside the restaurant. Guests can also enjoy fresh dishes such as “Barra in a Bag” and cocktails curated by Australian Gin Champion Neilson Braid with locally grown botanicals.
The Lawns of Double Bay (Sydney)
Sydney’s eastern suburbs is home to a new functions and events venue, with The Lawns of Double Bay opening for business.
Located at Double Bay Bowling Club – which was established in 1954 – the multimillion-dollar, six-month restoration of the venue is now complete, and the site can accommodate private functions and business events in indoor and outdoor spaces overlooking its bowling greens.
It can accommodate up to 170 people seated, or 250 cocktail style, across 505 square metres internally, or 105 square metres externally.
The Lawns of Double Bay is a versatile offering capable of hosting presentations, meetings, Christmas parties, EOFY functions, awards ceremonies, and team-building exercises, including barefoot bowling.
The flexible function space can include a dance floor, partitioned spaces, media facilities and decorative lighting, and comes with an internal bar, commercial kitchen, audiovisual, lighting and sound equipment.
The venue also offers a turnkey event space complete with onsite event management services, as well as the option to design and style it to suit any event requirement.
Immersive Big Top at Luna Park (Sydney)
Sydney’s Immersive Big Top at Luna Park offers a blank canvas for your imagination to run wild and events creativity to flourish. Whatever the occasion – product launch, fashion show, awards night or cocktail party celebration – the venue is well suited for a show-stopping event.
A range of immersive event options have been developed to create the perfect atmosphere, or there is the option to design personalised content that can be integrated into the venue’s system, which includes visual mapping to utilise its 38 projectors, three LED screens and event audio system.
Buckle (Sydney)
Located in Artarmon, in Sydney’s north, Buckle has recently opened its doors in time for summer. With Depot Brewing coming soon to the same site, the bistro, brewery and distillery gives Harbour City locals a place to pause and play.
Seating 150 people with indoor and outdoor spaces, this dual venue features a cocktail bar and eatery that covers breakfast, lunch and dinner for menu classics such as corn fritters, Reuben sandwiches and rump steak.
With gin and vodka distilled onsite and craft beers to come, it is the perfect place for groups to visit and enjoy the summer atmosphere during sunny afternoons and balmy nights.
Museum of Contemporary Art Australia (Sydney)
Located on the edge of Circular Quay with spectacular views of Sydney Harbour, MCA Australia offers a range of versatile spaces perfect for corporate gatherings, gala dinners and private celebrations. Eight unique spaces are available for evening private venue hire, including the newly opened Canvas Restaurant, featuring panoramic views of Sydney Opera House and Sydney Harbour Bridge.
For large gatherings, the recently renovated Foundation Hall combines heritage architecture with contemporary design, which is ideal for conferences, cocktail receptions and awards nights. All spaces are equipped with the latest audiovisual technology from AV1, and after-hours exhibition access offers unique and memorable experiences.
The Boathouse North Wollongong (Wollongong)
The Boathouse Group brings its signature style to the NSW South Coast with The Boathouse North Wollongong having opened in October 2024. Set on the beach at North Wollongong Surf Life Saving Club, the venue offers a vibrant bistro and casual pub-style bar. With a menu crafted by the company’s head of culinary, Mark La Brooy, and head chef, Lachie Houghton, expect fresh, seasonal dishes that celebrate the Illawarra region’s land and sea – from snapper and oysters, to venison and prawn.
Guests can grab a drink on the terrace, enjoy a meal in the bar – think wagyu smash burgers kingfish tostadas, prawn rolls, buttermilk chicken sandwiches, woodfired pizzas, and fish and chips – or head to the 120-seat bistro, where hero dishes include pork belly skewers, kingfish crudo with buttermilk avocado mousse, and butterflied trout with fried capers.
