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

THE MOST POPULAR SAYING THIS CHRISTMAS – “I’M ON A BOAT”

With the Christmas season fast approaching its time to start thinking about planning your office Christmas Party. Unwrap something new and fun this year and hire a catamaran to cruise around Sydney Harbour. Beside’s for meeting the Captain himself, here’s some top reasons why the phrase “I’m on a boat” will become the most popular saying in your office this Christmas!

Exclusive Venue – No more sharing restaurant space or a function centre with another party. This celebration is for your group only to celebrate all your hard work throughout the year and the holiday period. Don’t let anyone tell you otherwise! 

Amazing Atmosphere – Being in a new environment away from anywhere that has previously been associated with work meetings of functions brings about a different attitude. Make your Christmas Party an occasion to truly be enjoyed by all. Your colleagues will feel like they can let loose a little and will have waves of fun. 

Santa Claus
Cruise and dance along with Santa Clause this Christmas.  Image – http://salmachowdhury.com/?tag=christmas

 

Customised Experience – Whether you are keen for a day or night cruise, a party cruise or a more relaxed cruise that includes a dip in the water, the experience is up to you. Your experienced Captain can certainly make some suggestions, but you can customise your boating experience to suit your specific group.

Unique – How many people do you know who hire a catamaran exclusively for their Christmas Party? Everyone will love it and the views are breathtaking!

Opera House
The views on Sydney Harbour are breathtaking. Image – Sea Sydney Harbour

 

BYO – No bar tabs and no specific catering services must be used! Do you need me to repeat that? No bar tabs and no specific catering services must be used! While Sea Sydney Harbour does have some catering and entertainment options that you can select from, it is purely to make your planning easier. BYO for all food and drinks is allowed!

On trend – There is nothing cooler this Summer than being on a boat and screaming “I’m on a boat” with your friends and work colleagues. #nothingmoretosay

I’m on a Boat! Image – http://rathausartprojects.com/blog/2009/12/04

 

Move over “Merry Christmas” because this year its “I’m on a boat”. The Summer holiday period is set to be a good one! Trust me, you don’t want to miss this!

Share your pictures capturing the fun on Sydney Harbour on Instagram.

#seasydneyharbour #onaboat #sydney #sydneyharbour #christmas #allthingsnautical

SHARE THE LOVE BY SHARING THE FOOD: EASY FINGER FOOD FOR ON A BOAT

When it comes to entertaining on a boat you may think your food options are limited, however let me assure you that your choices are many.

Sharing your food is another way to share the love – I mean they often say a way to a man’s heart (or Captain’s heart) is through his stomach – so why not opt for platters and finger food to satisfy hunger and love in one go?

We’ve trialed some simple savoury recipes and tested them for preparation time and hunger satisfaction. See what Captain Frank’s favourite finger food option was and why not make use of this recipe next time your planning a celebration!?!

 

MINI QUICHE LORRAINE

Great finger food that can be served hot or cold. Create your own flavour by mixing up the toppings you use – ideas include ham and cheese (as below), spinach and feta or sun-dried tomato and olive.

Mini Quiches 1
Great finger food that can be served hot or cold. Image http://www.stuckonyou.com.au

Makes: 32         Prep: 15 mins          Cooking Time: 20 mins

  • 4 eggs
  • ½ cup milk
  • 1 onion, diced
  • 4 slices ham, diced
  • 1 ½ cups cheese, grated
  • 4 sheets short crust pastry
  • 2 tsps. dried parsley
  • Salt
  • Pepper
  1. Preheat oven to 200 degrees Celsius
  2. Cut each pastry sheet into 8 rounds using a scone cutter.
  3. Lightly spray the patty tin. Place pastry in patty tin.
  4. Place cheese, chopped onion and ham in the pastry shell.
  5. Beat egg and milk. Add salt, pepper and parsley.
  6. Pour mixture over the pastry shells and topping.
  7. Sprinkle with extra cheese
  8. Place tray in oven and cook for 15-20 minutes or until the filling is set.

#seasydneyharbour #onaboat #sydney #sydneyharbour #fingerfood #recipe #allthingsnautical