Sydney
Forty-three years later, the Biennale of Sydney (biennaleofsydney.com.au) celebrates its 20th edition this month. The biennale is distributed across seven individually themed venues that its literature calls “embassies of thought,” as well as a number of “in-between spaces.” Running March 18 through June 5, in collaboration with the Art Gallery of New South Wales, Artspace, and the Museum of Contemporary Art Australia, the event offers an excuse to lose yourself in a city that is home to the world’s largest natural harbor.SEE Established in 1816, the Royal Botanic Garden is the oldest scientific institution in Australia, covering 74 acres of green space around Sydney Harbour and into the city, and hosting both natural wonders and cultural events. From April 9 through May 1, the Lion Gate Lodge holds the “Botanica” art exhibition, including work by the country’s leading botanic and naturalscience artists. MRS MACQUARIES ROAD +61 2 9231 8111 rbgsyd.nsw.gov.auBoasting one of the largest contemporary Chinese art collections in the world, with 1,400 works by more than 500 artists, White Rabbit Gallery is housed within a former Rolls-Royce showroom in Chippendale. Judith Neilson founded the gallery in 2009 and mounts two exhibitions a year. The gallery also includes a teahouse that serves fine Taiwanese and Chinese teas, and handmade dumplings. 30 BALFOUR STREET, CHIPPENDALE +61 2 8399 2867 whiterabbitcollection.orgThe State Library of New South Wales, the first library on the continent, opened in 1826 and today contains much of the country’s heritage. Its collection includes the papers of explorer George Bass, the estate of author Jean Garling, and centuries-old documents detailing the expeditions of Portuguese navigator Pedro Fernandes de Queirós. The Mitchell Wing, completed in 1910, is an architectural wonder, with cedar joinery, stained glass, and an Art Nouveau interior. MACQUARIE STREET +61 2 9273 1414 sl.nsw.gov.auSTAY Though its name may hint of the past, Sydney’s_1888 Hotel is a contemporary cultural hub. Situated in the now-trendy suburb of Pyrmont, the 90-room property is constructed within the skeleton of a heritage-listed, former wool storage facility built in (you guessed it) 1888. 139 MURRAY STREET, PYRMONT +61 2 8586 1888 ovolohotels.comThe Darling, on the edge of Sydney Harbour, opened in 2011 with 171 spacious rooms spread over 16 levels of an inverted glass tower. Each room has floorto ceiling windows, many with knockout views of the Old Coat Hanger (a.k.a. the Harbour Bridge), and the Blue Mountains beyond. Amenities include an infinity pool, a 16 room luxury spa, and Sokyo, a contemporary Japanese restaurant and bar. For high rollers, the hotel is linked to the glitzy Star casino. 80 PYRMONT STREET, PYRMONT +61 2 9777 9000 thedarling.com.auSince opening in 2012, the QT Sydney hotel has become a go-to spot for visitors and locals alike, who flock to its bar and restaurant. A $75 million renovation combined two iconic buildings—the former Gowings department store and the historic State Theatre—into a 200-room art hotel. The façades have been restored, while inside there’s a mix of original features, art installations, and design inspired by the buildings’ histories. 49 MARKET STREET +61 2 8262 0000 qtsydney.com.auEAT Eat Art Truck is Sydney’s favorite food truck for good reason: head chef Stuart McGill draws on his previous fine dining experience to create progressive and affordable street food. Inspired by seasonal produce and barbecue flavors, the menu features such delights as pulled pork on a bun with mustard and cabbage, kingfish ceviche with chips, and almond milk jelly for dessert. The truck doubles as a mobile art gallery, with one side of its exterior dedicated to showcasing the work of Australian street artists. For weekly locations follow @EatArtTruck on Twitter. eatarttruck.comSydney’s most award-winning restaurant, Quay, is located in Sydney Harbour’s dress circle, with views of the Opera House and Harbour Bridge. Led by chef Peter Gilmore, Quay’s menu highlights one of Sydney’s key resources: excellent seafood. Beginning with a starter of smoked Australian Blackmore Wagyu beef, the journey continues with slowcooked abalone and culminates in steamed King George whiting with citrus anchovy butter. A dessert of Jersey cream, caramel, prune, and sugar crystals is a decadent finish to the meal. UPPER LEVEL, OVERSEAS PASSENGER TERMINAL, THE ROCKS +61 2 9251 5600 quay.com.auSydney’s funky Darlo Bar, in the fashionable suburb of Darlinghurst, attracts an eclectic crowd with its quirky yet casual atmosphere. The Astro Turf-covered floors, along with Chinese lanterns and palm trees, hint at the bar’s fun cocktail list. Like the sound of a Raging Bull? This punchy Darlo cocktail features Havana special rum, Tuaca, lime, Red Bull, and mint grown on Darlo’s rooftop. 306 LIVERPOOL STREET, DARLINGHURST +61 2 9331 3672 darlobar.com.au
