Concierge Reveals Sydney’s Summer Secrets

Sydney truly sparkles most of the year but as we head through Spring and Summer approaches the harbour city really comes into its own.  The city is home to an abundance of parks and reserves, wide open spaces, pristine beaches and stunning aquatic environments that are all just waiting to be explored and enjoyed.

But, if you are a visitor to the city and faced with limited time, how do you know what to do and see and what not to miss?  This is where a hotel's concierge can become your new best friend as many make it their mission to get to know the secrets of their city and its neighborhoods.

As chief concierge at Sydney's only luxury, five-star hotel outside the CBD, the InterContinental in Double Bay's James Nobleza and his team pride themselves on keeping up to date with what's happening in their town. 

With their help you won't waste a minute of your vacation.  Let them know what you like to do and they'll give you all the intel you need on where best you might enjoy your time.  

Here James shares some personal favourites for families and couples to enjoy in the area surrounding the hotel – itself a bayside retreat located in the Eastern Suburbs village of Double Bay.

1. Explore Sydney’s harbour by paddleboard

Take a short drive or 15-minute walk to Rose Bay, a serene spot with calm waters, making it popular for stand-up paddleboarding. Hire equipment by the bay and embark on a paddleboarding adventure with Rose Bay Aquatic Hire. Great for first timers or seasoned paddleboarders.

2. Seek out sweets on a chocolate tour

Perfect for sweet tooths, Chocolate Espresso runs six different walking tours in the CBD and Darlinghurst, taking in some of the sensational, high-quality chocolate shops and coffee spots in Sydney. Uncover luscious chocolate and gelato while discovering Sydney’s historical highlights.

3. Unpack a picnic on a secluded beach

Enjoy the harbour – take off from Rose Bay in a Sydney Seaplane, and soar over Sydney as your pilot takes you to a beautiful secluded beach, accessible only by seaplane or boat. Be dropped off with a sumptuous gourmet hamper including Australian wine, a rug and sun umbrella, in an amazing picture postcard location for a dining experience with a difference.

4. Take a dip in a harbour pool

One of Sydney’s hidden secrets, idyllic harbourside Redleaf Beach in Double Bay is a must-visit. Hang out on the pontoon or take a swim in Murray Rose Pool, fed by the harbour and offering swimmers a safe area to paddle and do laps.

5. Sample fresh local produce at the markets

Experience the Double Bay Organic Markets, held each Thursday 8.00am to 2.00pm at Guilfoyle Park in Double Bay. Enjoy a varied and exciting choice of fresh produce, from locally-farmed fruit and vegetables and freshly-squeezed juices, to locally-made hot pho and European cheeses.

6. Discover Watson’s Bay by ferry

Take a scenic ferry trip from Double Bay to the little alcove of Watson's Bay. Enjoy a spectacular brunch at Dunbar House followed by a walk in the nearby National Park. One route takes you past Camp Cove beach and meanders to the Hornby Lighthouse overlooking the ocean, taking around one hour.

7. Ride a horse in Centennial Parklands

Just moments from the hotel and city is the Centennial Parklands Equestrian Centre at sprawling Centennial Parklands, where visitors can learn to ride a horse. Hand-led short pony rides are also available for children on weekends, from 10.00am to 2.00pm.

8. Picnic on a harbour island

Enjoy a water taxi trip from Double Bay wharf out to Clark Island, one of Sydney’s few harbour islands. Pack a picnic for an alfresco dining experience with spectacular views of Point Piper, Double Bay and the Sydney Opera House and Sydney Harbour Bridge. There are plenty of grassy areas to pick for a picnic, as well as picnic tables.

Goddess Tip:

You too can experience the hotel with a special rate from AUD $390 per night, including breakfast for two in the hotel's Stockroom restaurant.  For more information or to book visit the website or email enquiries.doublebay@ihg.com

Alison Carmichael-Rulten

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