Friday, 20 December 2024

19 of Sydney’s Most Spectacular Waterside Stays: Wake Up to Ocean Breezes, River Views, and Harbour Glories

Park Hyatt Sydney
Sydney’s waterfront is home to some of the world’s most stunning views, and there’s no better way to experience it than by staying in one of the city’s incredible waterside accommodations. Whether you’re looking for a luxurious five-star hotel, a cosy riverside cottage, or a family-friendly holiday park, Sydney offers a range of properties that put the best of its beaches, harbours, and rivers right at your doorstep. Here’s our pick of 19 of the most spectacular stays, each offering a unique waterside experience.


Luxury Stays

1. Park Hyatt Sydney
Situated beneath the Sydney Harbour Bridge and across from the Sydney Opera House, Park Hyatt Sydney offers an iconic location and a level of luxury that’s hard to beat. With rooms overlooking the water, a rooftop pool, and world-class dining, this hotel is the epitome of opulence. The Sydney Suite is the ultimate indulgence, with panoramic harbour views.

2. QT Bondi
Bringing quirky style to Bondi, QT Bondi features chic rooms decorated with beach motifs and local artworks. Just a short walk from the famous Bondi Beach, guests can grab a complimentary surfboard and join the locals in the surf or relax at the hotel’s beach-inspired bar.

3. Manly Pacific
After a $30 million renovation, Manly Pacific (formerly Novotel Manly Pacific) is the epitome of beachside luxury. Choose from ocean-facing villas or indulge in the Infinity Residence, complete with a personal Beach Butler to ensure your stay is seamless.

4. W Sydney
Located in the iconic Ribbon building, W Sydney offers a design-forward experience with floor-to-ceiling windows providing jaw-dropping views of Darling Harbour. Head to the rooftop infinity pool or the 29/30 Rooftop Bar for an even higher perspective of the glittering city below.

Jonah's, Whale Beach
5. Jonah’s
Set on a cliff overlooking Whale Beach, Jonah’s boasts 11 rooms with panoramic views of the ocean. The property is a favourite among celebrities and offers a world-class restaurant, a picture-perfect pool, and the chance to spot dolphins in the surf.


Boutique and Unique Stays

6. Hotel Ravesis
Hotel Ravesis brings Miami-style glamour to Bondi Beach, with mid-century décor and chic furnishings. Known for its rooftop bar and breathtaking views of the beach, this is the perfect spot for those looking for a unique stay with a lively atmosphere.

7. Lilypad Palm Beach
For an entirely unique experience, Lilypad is a floating villa on Pittwater, surrounded by yachts and natural beauty. Ideal for a romantic retreat, this cosy villa features outdoor lounges, a private boat, and an infrared sauna, all while floating on the water.

8. Coogee Bay Boutique Hotel
Located above the famous Coogee Bay Hotel, this boutique hotel offers fantastic views of Coogee Beach and Wedding Cake Island. With a relaxed coastal vibe, it's the perfect mix of comfort and convenience, with the beach right at your door.

9. Calabash Bay Lodge
Accessible only by boat or seaplane, Calabash Bay Lodge on the Hawkesbury River is the ultimate getaway for those seeking complete seclusion. This stunning lodge is surrounded by national parks and offers luxurious living, including a private chef and spectacular bush and water views.

The Little Black Shack,
Credit: Indiana Kwong
10. The Little Black Shack
This charming eco retreat is a true escape. Situated in Mackerel Beach on the western shore of Pittwater, The Little Black Shack is a hand-built 1930s fisherman’s shack that offers a peaceful weekend getaway, complete with an outdoor hammock and gourmet kitchen.


Historic Gems

11. Pier One Sydney Harbour
Set on a historic wharf at Walsh Bay, Pier One Sydney Harbour offers the rare experience of staying on the water. The hotel boasts rooms with stunning harbour views, and the Water View Balcony Suites come with spacious decks that overlook the harbour and the Sydney Harbour Bridge.

12. Q Station
Once a quarantine station for migrants, Q Station at Manly’s North Head now operates as a fascinating heritage hotel. Guests can stay in the original buildings and explore the station’s rich history, or take a spooky ghost tour to uncover the site’s secrets.

13. Steele Point Cottage
Perched on the edge of Sydney Harbour, Steele Point Cottage has been standing since the 1880s. This heritage property, once a gunner’s barracks, offers a peaceful retreat with access to Nielsen Park and the surrounding foreshore, making it ideal for nature lovers and history enthusiasts.

Simpson Cottage, Bundeena
Credit: The Curious Collection
14. Simpson Cottage
Located in Bundeena, Simpson Cottage was built in 1863 by the first European settler in the area. Surrounded by lush gardens and with a private beach, this charming retreat offers a tranquil escape with historic charm and spectacular water views.


Budget and Family-Friendly Stays

15. Novotel Sydney Brighton Beach
Located just 20 minutes south of the city, Novotel Sydney Brighton Beach is an ideal base for families. Positioned right on the calm shores of Botany Bay, the hotel offers rooms with private balconies and sweeping views, plus a range of family-friendly amenities.

16. YHA Pittwater Eco
If you’re looking for an eco-conscious retreat, YHA Pittwater Eco is located in the Ku-ring-gai National Park, accessible only by ferry. Guests can stay in private, family, or shared rooms, explore the national park on kayaks, or join one of the beach clean-up efforts.

17. Rydges Cronulla Beachside
With stunning views over Cronulla Beach, Rydges Cronulla Beachside is a family-friendly choice with large, breezy rooms and plenty of nearby activities. Enjoy a swim in the pool, rent a bike to explore the area, or grab a bite at the laid-back restaurant.

18. Ingenia Holidays Nepean River
Located along the scenic Nepean River, Ingenia Holidays offers a great family-friendly getaway with cabins that accommodate up to 12 people. With plenty of outdoor activities like fishing, kayaking, and swimming, this is a perfect base for nature lovers.

Del Rio Resort, Webbs Creek
19. Del Rio Riverside Resort
Set on the edge of the Hawkesbury River, Del Rio Riverside Resort offers plenty of opportunities for boating, waterskiing, and fishing. The resort features a range of accommodations, from campsites to villas, and family-friendly facilities such as a swimming pool, playground, and kids’ clubs.

Wake Up to Water Views

Whether you’re seeking a luxury escape, a unique historical experience, or a budget-friendly family getaway, Sydney’s vast array of waterside accommodation ensures there’s a stay to suit every traveller. From chic Bondi hotels to tranquil river retreats, these spectacular stays let you wake up to the best views Sydney has to offer—whether it’s the sound of waves, the serenity of a river, or the sparkle of the Harbour at dawn.

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