SYDNEY BARS – OUR TOP PICKS

With Sydney lockout laws set to change in early 2020, the city is set for a party vibe return and there is some fun to be had both on and off the water.

Our team has picked their favourite bars in Sydney to have a drink or two. Why not check out one of these venues before or after your harbour cruise? You never know, ask nicely and your friendly Sea Sydney Harbour crew might join you at the after-party!

OUR TOP BAR PICKS

Manly Wharf Hotel, Manly – What better way to soak up the sunshine and enjoy views of Sydney Harbour, than at the iconic Manly Wharf Hotel. This venue has something for everyone – three different bars as well as a large sports bar for the sport fans out there, and an extensive food and drinks menu. Opening from 11:30am each day, and closing around midnight, there’s plenty of time for fun, before or after a harbour cruise!

Opera Bar, Sydney – If you want to extend your uninterrupted views of the Harbour Bridge and Opera House – go no further, Opera Bar will deliver! Open from 10am (its wine o’clock somewhere), Opera Bar is an all-rounder should you need a venue for breakfast with incredible views, somewhere to begin a night out in Sydney, or somewhere to continue your laughs with friends. You will find good food and a buzzing atmosphere at Opera Bar.


The Glenmore Hotel, The Rocks – Did someone say ROOFTOP?!? Boasting 180-degree views of Sydney Harbour, this rooftop is one of the best in Sydney. Thanks to a retractable roof, this desirable section of The Glenmore can be enjoyed rain, hail or shine. In the event that the rooftop is at maximum capacity upon your visit, the venue has three levels to choose from, with the second level playing host to a beautiful cocktail lounge and three formal dining areas, and the ground level offering a public bar for casual drinks and food. Our team love the vibe of this rooftop bar!


Gallon, Pyrmont – A hidden little gem – from the street Gallon looks like your average bar or cafe, but inside you will find two trendy courtyard areas and two separate bar areas to enjoy. With a mix of tasty food and beverage selections, it’s a favourite for locals and also one to keep up your sleeve for your next night out. Just a short stroll from two local Pyrmont wharf locations makes it an ideal venue to continue drinks with friends after your time on the water.


Cricketers Arms Hotel, Balmain – Located just outside the city, and an 8-minute stroll from Balmain Wharf, this pub makes a great beginning or end to your day. On the street level is the venue’s traditional pub, or head downstairs to a beautiful Italian Restaurant. Alternatively, you also have Balmain Burger Co. conveniently located within The Cricketers Arms. A diverse offering all in the one location, and uncrowded wharves for boarding and disembarking your Sea Sydney Harbour vessel!


YOU’VE HEARD OURS… LET’S HEAR YOURS…

Do you have a favourite or local bar that you would love to share with Captain Frank and the team? We would love to hear about them in the comments or share your party pictures capturing your Sydney fun on Instagram.

#seasydneyharbour #onaboat #sydney #sydneybars #partyvenues #afterpartyideas #partyideas #toppicks #allthingsnautical

TRENDY NAUTICAL VENUES IN SYDNEY

The Summer holiday season is upon us Sydney siders, so there is no better time to be out and about exploring the beautiful city that we live in. The city is full of amazing key landmarks that are bustling with tourists who are visiting Australia and soaking up some Australian sun, but we’ve discovered some trendy nautical places that are a little lower key and that will allow you to spend your day or night having fun in a relaxed environment. This said, if you do want the full nautical experience you could always hire a catamaran and host an exclusive party on Sydney Harbour 😛

Here are Captain Frank’s and the team’s top picks of trendy nautical themed places in Sydney (not necessarily in order):

Nautica – Talk about making us feel like we are relaxing on a Greek Island! The styling of this café/bar is absolutely amazing! Open for breakfast, lunch and dinner this place is ideal for a relaxed beverage or morning coffee, and they do also serve food for all meals of the day. Located in Watson’s Bay just behind Robertson Park, Watsons Bay Beach promenade is just a short stroll away if you do fancy a swim or wish to jump on a ferry to move to your next location for the day.

Perfect location for a morning coffee. Image - http://www.nauticacafebarresto.com.au/
The perfect location to start the day with a morning coffee. Image – http://www.nauticacafebarresto.com.au

 

Watsons Bay Boutique Hotel – While at Watson’s Bay, a perfectly relaxed atmosphere can be found at Watsons Bay Boutique Hotel, where there is an amazing beer garden with spectacular views. Whether you are looking for a place to have a meal, a drink or even a coffee or freshly squeezed juice, if you are in Watsons Bay you simply cannot go past this trendy venue. Looking for a place to stay overnight too? I’ve heard the rooms are fabulous, so why not spoil yourself, your friend or partner and book a room for the night. One of my favourite things about this place – the anchor signage on the bathroom doors that spell out MR and MRS!! Truly nautical and on trend… Love it!!

Recently refurbished, the Watsons Bay Boutique Hotel is stunning. Image - http://watsonsbayhotel.com.au/
Recently refurbished, the Watsons Bay Boutique Hotel is stunning. Image – http://watsonsbayhotel.com.au

 

The Ivanhoe Hotel – The other side of town is home to a much-loved local pub set in the heart of Manly on Sydney’s Northern Beaches. The magnificent façade has a Hamptons-inspired coastal beach vibe, while cleverly maintaining the welcoming and relaxed atmosphere of Manly and a local pub. With the beach within walking distance, it is the perfect location to relax on a hot Summer’s day. Multi-level, with indoor and outdoor spaces, you are guaranteed to find a spot to relax and have a refreshing drink, and you won’t even feel like you left the beach. Both the food and drinks are amazing and the pub is open long hours so you can pop in at any time of the day.

Life rings hanging along the wall of the Ivanhoe Hotel. Image – Sea Sydney Harbour
Life rings hanging along the wall of the Ivanhoe Hotel. Image – Sea Sydney Harbour

 

The Island Bar – Located on Cockatoo Island and open only in the Summer months, the blue, yellow and white décor of this bar definitely fits in with the nautical theme. The bar is constructed from recycled shipping containers, giving it a funky industrial look and keeping with the history of Cockatoo Island as a shipbuilding yard and Commonwealth naval base. With deck chairs available for relaxing in the sun, this is a perfect choice for some daytime drinks and a bite to eat. While on the island why not take a brief tour and uncover some of the history of Sydney Harbour, or if you are up for the experience you can even camp overnight on the island. Alternatively if you hire #thekirralee for an exclusive charter, you can request the skipper stop over at the island while you and your guests can head to the bar.

Cockatoo-Island-Bar-1
The bright yellow deck chairs set out in the sunshine. Image – http://www.theislandbar.com.au

 

Hello Sailor – After a trip from the East, to the North and to the middle of Sydney Harbour, we come back to a central location in the CBD – Darlinghurst. Hello Sailor is a great themed bar for the night time drinking session as it is open from 6pm-3am. It is a small bar that attracts a young crowd and trying the cocktails at this bar is a must! The atmosphere is fun and trendy and the nautical theme is far from subtle, with life rings, boat wheels, rope and oars spread across the venue – exactly what one would expect from a place called ‘Hello Sailor’ I guess. If you did wish to host a function at this venue, it would be best to call and make a booking as the bar does get very busy on some nights.

The busy atmosphere at Hello Sailor. Image – http://concreteplayground.com
The busy atmosphere at Hello Sailor. Image – http://concreteplayground.com

 

#seasydneyharbour #onaboat #sydney #sydneyharbour #nauticalfun #allthingsnautical