Guidebook for Carlingford
Drinks & Nightlife
With some of the best harbour views in Sydney, this hotel is the ultimate destination for those in pursuit of sunshine. Regardless of where you sit—be it the outdoor Beach Club or on the elevated balcony—you’ll love easing into your week here. The best bit? You can dip your toes in the ocean and stroll along the beach between drinks.
Over Sydney’s warmer months, the Aperol Spritz Sunday Sessions hosted here are epic, with everyone’s favourite summer drink selling for just $10. It’s the perfect complement to a tasty antipasti platter.
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Watsons Bay Boutique Hotel
1 Military RdWith some of the best harbour views in Sydney, this hotel is the ultimate destination for those in pursuit of sunshine. Regardless of where you sit—be it the outdoor Beach Club or on the elevated balcony—you’ll love easing into your week here. The best bit? You can dip your toes in the ocean and stroll along the beach between drinks.
Over Sydney’s warmer months, the Aperol Spritz Sunday Sessions hosted here are epic, with everyone’s favourite summer drink selling for just $10. It’s the perfect complement to a tasty antipasti platter.
With a postcard-perfect location in northern Pittwater, the Newport’s setting unites lush gardens with stellar ocean views. One of my favourite things about the venue is the diversity of the cuisine, but I’m also a fan of the yuzu slushie and live music, running from noon on Sundays. There are also activities for kids, making it great for families.
The Newport encourages patrons to drink responsibly, and they offer a courtesy shuttle bus to nearby suburbs—including Manly, Avalon, and Dee Why—so you can leave the car behind and enjoy a full day out.
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The Newport
2 Kalinya StWith a postcard-perfect location in northern Pittwater, the Newport’s setting unites lush gardens with stellar ocean views. One of my favourite things about the venue is the diversity of the cuisine, but I’m also a fan of the yuzu slushie and live music, running from noon on Sundays. There are also activities for kids, making it great for families.
The Newport encourages patrons to drink responsibly, and they offer a courtesy shuttle bus to nearby suburbs—including Manly, Avalon, and Dee Why—so you can leave the car behind and enjoy a full day out.
In the shadow of the Opera House, with expansive views of the water and Harbour Bridge, the Opera Bar’s location is hard to beat. On Sundays, I recommend lunch accompanied by live music. Then you can linger over cocktails well into the afternoon, because there’s nothing better than the sun setting over this beautiful spot.
It can be difficult and expensive to find parking in the city, so I always catch public transport to Opera Bar. Circular Quay train station is a five-minute walk away, and there are plenty of bus stops in the area as well. If you must drive, use the Domain Car Park and stroll for 10 minutes to the water.
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Opera Bar
Macquarie StreetIn the shadow of the Opera House, with expansive views of the water and Harbour Bridge, the Opera Bar’s location is hard to beat. On Sundays, I recommend lunch accompanied by live music. Then you can linger over cocktails well into the afternoon, because there’s nothing better than the sun setting over this beautiful spot.
It can be difficult and expensive to find parking in the city, so I always catch public transport to Opera Bar. Circular Quay train station is a five-minute walk away, and there are plenty of bus stops in the area as well. If you must drive, use the Domain Car Park and stroll for 10 minutes to the water.
This pub in the seaside suburb of Clovelly has been serving thirsty locals for more than five decades. My favourite place is the beer garden—a beautiful magnolia tree sits at the centre of this green space, surrounded by plants and plenty of tables. Begin your Sunday in Bondi, stroll along the cliffs to this institution, and settle in for a few good drinks.
In addition to the relaxed community atmosphere, I love The Clovelly for its cocktails. My top picks are the Frose All Day, which unites rose, elderflower, strawberry, and lemon, and the Budgie Smuggler, a blend of vodka, pomegranate, lime, mint, and refreshing ginger beer.
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Clovelly Hotel
381 Clovelly RdThis pub in the seaside suburb of Clovelly has been serving thirsty locals for more than five decades. My favourite place is the beer garden—a beautiful magnolia tree sits at the centre of this green space, surrounded by plants and plenty of tables. Begin your Sunday in Bondi, stroll along the cliffs to this institution, and settle in for a few good drinks.
In addition to the relaxed community atmosphere, I love The Clovelly for its cocktails. My top picks are the Frose All Day, which unites rose, elderflower, strawberry, and lemon, and the Budgie Smuggler, a blend of vodka, pomegranate, lime, mint, and refreshing ginger beer.
It may not have water views, but this Newtown bar is popular for its quirky staff, to-die-for pizzas, and music that is always on point. Every Sunday they have an event called Sunday Collective, where musicians are invited on stage to showcase their talent. As a bonus, there are $2 tacos and cider specials from 3 pm.
Their cocktails are a real highlight. I always go for the Apricot Bour-Jam Sour, which is like nothing I’ve ever tasted before: a mingle of apricot, lemon, and bourbon that bites and pats in equal measure. Another signature is the Hendrick’s gin-fuelled Secret Garden Party, made with seasonal fruits.
Secret Garden Bar
134 Enmore RdIt may not have water views, but this Newtown bar is popular for its quirky staff, to-die-for pizzas, and music that is always on point. Every Sunday they have an event called Sunday Collective, where musicians are invited on stage to showcase their talent. As a bonus, there are $2 tacos and cider specials from 3 pm.
Their cocktails are a real highlight. I always go for the Apricot Bour-Jam Sour, which is like nothing I’ve ever tasted before: a mingle of apricot, lemon, and bourbon that bites and pats in equal measure. Another signature is the Hendrick’s gin-fuelled Secret Garden Party, made with seasonal fruits.
The Light Brigade, in particular the leafy rooftop, is one of my favourite places to spend a Sunday—not in the least because of the glorious outlook toward the Harbour Bridge. From this lofty spot you can enjoy wood-fired pizzas and cocktails that take inspiration from the location: Try the Harbour View, which is a fruity concoction of rum, apricot brandy, and citrus.
Their beautiful rooftop space is hugely popular for good reason, and I’ve been turned away many times before because the space is at capacity. On Sundays, arrive well before 3 pm to avoid having your name added to a waiting list.
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The Light Brigade
Jersey RoadThe Light Brigade, in particular the leafy rooftop, is one of my favourite places to spend a Sunday—not in the least because of the glorious outlook toward the Harbour Bridge. From this lofty spot you can enjoy wood-fired pizzas and cocktails that take inspiration from the location: Try the Harbour View, which is a fruity concoction of rum, apricot brandy, and citrus.
Their beautiful rooftop space is hugely popular for good reason, and I’ve been turned away many times before because the space is at capacity. On Sundays, arrive well before 3 pm to avoid having your name added to a waiting list.
Set right on Coogee Beach with spectacular views out to sea, Coogee Pavilion enjoys cool breezes at all times of the day. The vibe here on Sundays is very laid-back, with live music and entertainment for children in the family area downstairs. I recommend ordering lunch on the ground floor, then moving to the rooftop in the afternoon for cocktails in the sun.
My favourite beverage is the Pornstar: a zingy union of passion fruit, vodka, sparkling wine, and lime. I always ask for a bartender named George—his cocktail-making skills are pitch perfect. This is the ultimate way to end a week: drink in hand, sunset over the beach, cool music, and beautiful people.
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Coogee Pavilion
169 Dolphin StSet right on Coogee Beach with spectacular views out to sea, Coogee Pavilion enjoys cool breezes at all times of the day. The vibe here on Sundays is very laid-back, with live music and entertainment for children in the family area downstairs. I recommend ordering lunch on the ground floor, then moving to the rooftop in the afternoon for cocktails in the sun.
My favourite beverage is the Pornstar: a zingy union of passion fruit, vodka, sparkling wine, and lime. I always ask for a bartender named George—his cocktail-making skills are pitch perfect. This is the ultimate way to end a week: drink in hand, sunset over the beach, cool music, and beautiful people.
If you’re down south in Cronulla, the RSL is the ultimate place to spend a lazy Sunday. There are numerous bars and restaurants to choose from, depending on your mood. There’s live music, the cocktails are creative—try the Jartini espresso martini in a jar—and the beach views are stunning. Know that outdoor tables go fast when the sun is shining.
Make sure you check the RSL’s website for dress regulations before you go: Something as simple as wearing the wrong shoes could mean the end of your afternoon. It’s also worth signing up to become a member of the RSL, as you’ll receive discounted drink prices.
24 Gerrale St
24 Gerrale StreetIf you’re down south in Cronulla, the RSL is the ultimate place to spend a lazy Sunday. There are numerous bars and restaurants to choose from, depending on your mood. There’s live music, the cocktails are creative—try the Jartini espresso martini in a jar—and the beach views are stunning. Know that outdoor tables go fast when the sun is shining.
Make sure you check the RSL’s website for dress regulations before you go: Something as simple as wearing the wrong shoes could mean the end of your afternoon. It’s also worth signing up to become a member of the RSL, as you’ll receive discounted drink prices.
Patrons of this waterside bar are always friendly and ready to have a good time, especially when the sun is shining. The relaxed atmosphere makes it a popular place to while away a Sunday, so arrive early—they open at 11 am—to guarantee a table. I like to sit outside, either on the patio or the wharf itself, whenever the weather permits.
As a vegan, I’m happy to report that they deliver on the food front. The menu changes, but the staff are always happy to accommodate dietary requirements. If you love meat, order the traditional roast on offer every Sunday, served with all the trimmings, of course.
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Manly Wharf Hotel
East EsplanadePatrons of this waterside bar are always friendly and ready to have a good time, especially when the sun is shining. The relaxed atmosphere makes it a popular place to while away a Sunday, so arrive early—they open at 11 am—to guarantee a table. I like to sit outside, either on the patio or the wharf itself, whenever the weather permits.
As a vegan, I’m happy to report that they deliver on the food front. The menu changes, but the staff are always happy to accommodate dietary requirements. If you love meat, order the traditional roast on offer every Sunday, served with all the trimmings, of course.
Food Scene
Nothing quite beats sitting with a glass of rosé overlooking Bondi Beach, watching the world go by. And you can do just that at North Bondi Fish—a bright, airy, and ambient restaurant with an excellent menu. Sundays here get busy, but it never feels overcrowded, and the floor-to-ceiling windows create the illusion that you have your toes on the sand.
I love visiting for lunch on Sundays, as it’s slightly less busy than dinner. Needless to say, the menu is dominated by seafood, but there are delicious vegan salads as well. From your table, you can watch Bondi changing colour as the sun sets in the afternoon.
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North Bondi Fish
120 Ramsgate AveNothing quite beats sitting with a glass of rosé overlooking Bondi Beach, watching the world go by. And you can do just that at North Bondi Fish—a bright, airy, and ambient restaurant with an excellent menu. Sundays here get busy, but it never feels overcrowded, and the floor-to-ceiling windows create the illusion that you have your toes on the sand.
I love visiting for lunch on Sundays, as it’s slightly less busy than dinner. Needless to say, the menu is dominated by seafood, but there are delicious vegan salads as well. From your table, you can watch Bondi changing colour as the sun sets in the afternoon.