The days are long, the silly season drinks are flowing and the sun is strong. Summer is here and with it comes Sydney at its very best.
The city seems to shine just that little bit brighter during summer – the weekend arrives and if we’re not at the beach, then we’re not far from one. Here’s our guide to this summer season’s new hotspots.
What could be more quintessentially Sydney than watching water polo at Icebergs? Water Polo by the Sea kicks off on January 2nd and 3rd – expect lots of bikinis, bling, oh and some water polo.
The best view in the house? The new Icebergs Dining Room and Bar Terrace Café. The Terrace Café is more North Bondi than Icebergs, with organic produce and cold pressed juices on the menu but the beach view is still the same. And by same we mean jaw-dropping.
Once you’ve had your health kick, leave room for dessert. Gelato Messina’s latest outpost is just down the road on Hall St. All the regular favourites and extra special flavours like Oreogasm; peanut gelato and crushed Oreo cookies. Don’t be in a hurry – the line can stretch down the street but it’s worth the wait.
Keeping local, it’s worth checking out North Bondi Fish, the latest hotspot from Matt Moran and Peter Sullivan, which has filled the very big shoes of North Bondi Italian. Expect summer salads, seafood bites, and seafood straight from the charcoal grill. And one of the best spots in town for a Sunday session.
There’s nothing better than marking the start of summer with a brand new pair of swimmers. During your last lunch break of the year head down to the Cool Hunter’s Summer Lover’s Store at Martin Place to pick up some curated pieces – think beach towels and beach bats and yes, you will look fab in a lion print one piece.
If you’re more concerned with quenching your thirst than heading to the beach, do both and stop by the Aperol Spritz Summer Sessions at Beach Club, Watsons Bay Boutique Hotel. Every Sunday there’ll be a DJ spinning and $10 Aperol Spritz cocktails on the menu. A winning combination.
Leave your hot pants at home, halt the fist pumping and bring your appetite when the free-entry calendar newbie, Endless Summer Festival takes over Cronulla’s magical Gunnamatta Park for three days in December.
