If you desperately need a holiday but can’t stand the thought of lining up to go through airport security, get yourself a staycation. Here is a fool-proof guide to having a holiday at home…
STEP ONE: GO DIRECTLY TO BARANGAROO
Sydney’s new harbour foreshore precinct is the place to be. With world-class eateries, stylish boutiques and bars-a-plenty, Barangaroo is the ideal spot for a staycation. If you’re into eating, drinking and shopping, that is.
STEP TWO: EAT YOUR HEART OUT
The streets of Barangaroo are paved in gold-star restaurants. Take a passport-free trip to Turkey with a meal at Anason. Overlooking Barangaroo Wharf, the restaurant is a slice of Istanbul in Sydney. For the best meal of your life, order the white cod roe tarama, the cured salmon pastirma, the lamb fillet and smoked eggplant. Finish it off with a slice of their signature baklava, which is hand-made in Turkey and shipped over each week, for ultimate satisfaction.
If you prefer Thailand to Turkey, you’ll feel right at home at Muum Maam’s Barangaroo offering. Named after the Thai slang for ‘Little Glutton,’ the restaurant does the best Pad Thai this side of the equator. Pair with the Moreton Bay Betal Leaf entree and a Thai Iced Tea, and Barangaroo will start to feel a lot like Bangkok.
STEP THREE: CHEERS TO THE WEEKEND
Treat yourself to a cocktail (or two) at vermouth bar Banksii. If you’re not a vermouth convert already, the waiter describes it as the love child of wine and gin. For a refreshing nightcap, try the Regal Rogue Lively White with hints of bush lemons, finger limes and thyme. In a word: delicious. In two words: extremely drinkable.
Let the good times roll at Barangaroo’s rooftop bar Untied. Hidden on the fourth floor, the secret watering hole has all the elements for a quality night out. Great tunes + great people watching = a real vibe.
STEP FOUR: STAY SOMEWHERE LUSH
West Hotel Sydney is a chic oasis in the city’s concrete jungle. After a day of aforementioned eating, drinking and shopping, it’s the perfect place to rest your weary head – and feet. The Curio Collection by Hilton hotel has 182 luxe guestrooms, a jungle-inspired atrium for all-day sunshine and a 24-hour gym (to work off all the eating).
For extra pampering, head to the nearby blow bar Blown Lux for a head massage, shampoo and style.
STEP FIVE: BACK IT UP WITH BRUNCH
Finish your food safari on a high with a champagne brunch at Smoke Bar. Matt Moran’s rooftop bar boasts unsurpassed harbour views and a very tasty menu. With free-flowing Veuve Clicquot, the champagne brunch includes warm olives, chicken sliders, crispy chips with smokey celery salt and baby gem salad – with parmesan. By the end, you may need to roll yourself down the stairs to get home, but it’ll be worth it for the memories (and the Insta shots).
If you’re in need of a hangover cure, try Wild Sage instead for a fruit juice detox shot and a Mac & Cheese Croissant with ham off the bone and gruyere cheese. Works every time…
