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Step into our collection of Travel Guides and Local Stories, where Hotel Woolstore 1888 comes to life through thoughtful recommendations and personal moments.
Find insider tips on exploring Pyrmont and beyond, discover local favourites from our team, and meet the personalities who bring warmth and character to every guest experience.
Some cities are made for walking, and Sydney is one of them. The harbour breeze, the morning light, the rhythm of footsteps carrying you from one story to the next. From the moment you step outside Hotel Woolstore 1888 Sydney, the neighbourhood begins to reveal itself with heritage streets, leafy laneways and water views at every turn.
Positioned between Darling Harbour and Pirrama Bay, the hotel is perfectly placed for some of the city’s most scenic and accessible walks. Whether you prefer quiet paths before coffee, sunlit harbour edges through the afternoon, or skyline reflections after dark, Sydney rewards those who wander well.
Start your day at Pirrama Park, a short five-minute walk from the hotel. This harbourside space is part of the Pyrmont Foreshore Walk, which stretches around 6 kilometres and takes about two hours at an easy pace. You can shorten it to a relaxed loop past Jones Bay Wharf for views of the Sydney Harbour Bridge and the city skyline.
The walk is mostly flat and paved, making it ideal for a gentle start to the day. Bring a hat, sunglasses and a bottle of water, especially in warmer months. When you return, let breakfast at Percy ease you into the morning. A plate of seasonal fruit and sourdough with coffee is all you need before heading out again.
As the sun climbs, cross Pyrmont Bridge and follow the harbour’s edge toward Darling Harbour. The entire loop from the hotel to Barangaroo Reserve covers roughly 5 kilometres one way and takes about an hour depending on your pace. Along the way, the Chinese Garden of Friendship and Tumbalong Park offer shaded stops for a rest.
Continue to Barangaroo Reserve, a waterfront park built on natural sandstone with winding paths and grassy terraces overlooking the harbour. It’s the perfect setting for a mid-afternoon stroll and one of Sydney’s most photogenic public spaces.
As the day fades, make your way toward Barangaroo Promenade and follow the curve of the harbour toward Millers Point. The 3 kilometre stretch takes about 40 minutes at a relaxed pace and offers incredible twilight views of the Sydney Harbour Bridge and Sydney Opera House.
Prefer to stay close to the hotel? A gentle evening loop through Pirrama Park delivers the same sense of calm, with softly lit paths and the shimmer of the skyline reflected on the water.
And if you’re lucky enough to be here on a Saturday night between October and February, you’ll catch Darling Harbour’s famous fireworks lighting up the sky from 9pm. These free displays turn the harbour into a canvas of colour – the perfect backdrop for an evening stroll or a nightcap by the water.
Back at Hotel Woolstore 1888, the timber beams and warm glow welcome you home.
Whether it’s the hush of an early morning walk, the hum of the harbour at midday or the sparkle of Sydney after dark, every step through Pyrmont has something to say.
Wear comfortable shoes, carry water and take the long way back. All you have to do is wander well.
Image credit: Destination NSW
There’s something special about landing in Sydney with a theatre ticket in hand. The city feels alive with possibility. The lights seem brighter, the conversations a little louder, and the weekend ahead full of promise.
If you’re headed to the iconic Sydney Lyric Theatre, there’s no better place to anchor your stay than Hotel Woolstore 1888 Sydney, full of heritage charm, modern character, and just a 7-minute stroll to curtain call.
Set within a beautifully restored 19th-century woolstore in Pyrmont, our boutique hotel places you in the perfect pocket for a show-stopping weekend. Whether you’re in town for Hamilton, Moulin Rouge!, Come From Away, or something entirely new, you’re perfectly placed to make a night of it, with the comfort of knowing your bed is just a short stroll away.
And the magic doesn’t stop once the curtain falls. Because a weekend in Sydney deserves to be more than just a night at the theatre.
Flying in? Hotel Woolstore 1888 is around 20 minutes from Sydney Airport, making it easy to settle in without fuss. Step inside and you’re immediately immersed in the character of our building’s 19th-century roots — original timber beams, exposed brickwork, and a sense of warmth that feels far from ordinary.
Choose from thoughtfully designed spaces that blend heritage character with modern comfort. Our Romney King Room offers everything you need for a relaxing stay, while the Corriedale Loft adds a playful split-level design with a plush king bed upstairs and a cosy lounge below. Inspired by a bright-fleeced breed, this room lets you stretch out and slow down, complete with walk-in rain shower, stocked minibar, and a touch of architectural drama.
Want a little more room to breathe? The High Country Suite offers space to unwind with floor-to-ceiling windows, a private terrace, and plenty of natural light to start your day just right. Wherever you choose to rest your head, you’ll be sleeping in Sydney’s most storied side of town, a short stroll to Sydney Lyric Theatre, and perfectly placed for everything Pyrmont has to offer.
As the anticipation builds, there’s no need to rush dinner. Begin your evening at Percy, our vibrant, Spanish-inspired bar and kitchen. Warm sandstone walls, natural wines, and a menu made for sharing set the tone for a pre-show experience that’s equal parts charming and relaxed. Percy celebrates the lively spirit of Barcelona’s pintxos bars with signature dishes like the rare breed Black Berkshire pork rib chop, salt-brined for 48 hours and served with a rich black garlic aioli, or the saffron soccarat, a crispy, golden take on the prized bottom layer of paella, topped with sweet pipperade and a trio of Spanish sauces.
If you’re in the mood to explore beyond the hotel, Pyrmont’s dining scene won’t disappoint. Just a few minutes’ walk from your room, you’ll find SALA serving refined waterfront Italian, Umami Dojo with bold Japanese flavours, and Flying Fish showcasing the best from Australian and New Zealand waters. Each spot is just steps from the Lyric Theatre entrance, making dinner plans feel effortlessly seamless.
After the curtain call, why rush off? The evening’s just getting started. Head to The Rooftop at Quarryman’s for laidback cocktails under the stars, perched above one of Sydney’s best craft beer pubs. Or take a slow walk and wrap up your night with a scoop of Messina by the water.
Let the morning unfold at your own pace. Percy reopens with breakfast that’s anything but routine. Try the Sheepherder’s Breakfast, a generous plate of fried egg, Merguez sausage, Lyonnaise potato, goat’s curd and basil oil, our hearty homage to early 20th-century workers with a distinctly modern twist. Paired with a perfectly made coffee, it’s the kind of breakfast that reminds you this isn’t just any hotel stay.
No need to rush. Whether you’re heading back to the airport, jumping on a train, or easing into a Sunday drive home, our team is here to help make your departure smooth. Need help booking a taxi, storing your bags, or finding the best route? Just ask, we’ve got you.
Because a great weekend isn’t just about the show, the dinner, or the destination. It’s about how it all fits together, from the first hello to the final farewell. And we’re here for all of it at Hotel Woolstore 1888 Sydney.
Image credit: Destination NSW
Walk into Hotel Woolstore 1888 Sydney, and you’ll likely spot Roya I’Anson before you even check in. She’s the kind of General Manager who greets guests by name, shares a laugh at the front desk, and never walks past a coffee machine without offering to make one.
“I’ve always loved the feeling of being part of people’s stories,” she says. “That’s what hospitality is to me — making someone’s day a little brighter.”
Roya’s warmth is matched by an easy energy that fills the hotel. Her leadership style is hands-on and full of heart — less about titles, more about people. She’s known for jumping in wherever she’s needed, whether that’s helping with luggage, greeting returning guests, or sharing local recommendations that only a Pyrmont insider would know.
“You can see the awe in our guests’ faces the moment they arrive — it’s a moment that never loses its magic,” she says.
When asked what she loves most about Hotel Woolstore 1888, Roya doesn’t hesitate. “It’s the character,” she says. “The mix of history and modern design — it feels like the building has its own story to tell.”
Her favourite spot is the entrance to the Homestead Suite, which once served as the original access point to the woolstore, marking the beginning of the building’s remarkable journey. “It’s a reminder of where it all started,” she adds, “a piece of history that still welcomes every guest today.”
Outside the hotel, Roya finds inspiration in the local rhythm of Pyrmont — where heritage meets the harbour and everything feels a little more personal. For lunch, she loves wandering down to the Sydney Fish Market, just a short walk from the hotel. “It’s such a classic Sydney experience,” she says. “There’s nothing better than sitting by the water with fresh seafood and that harbour breeze — it’s simple, relaxed, and exactly what this part of Sydney is about.”
Outside the hotel, Roya finds inspiration in the local rhythm of Pyrmont — where heritage meets the harbour and everything feels a little more personal.
“Whenever the opportunity arises, I enjoy taking a brief walk to Pyrmont Bridge to admire the scenic beauty of Darling Harbour,” she says. “It’s a simple way to reset and take in how special this part of Sydney really is.”
When she’s not on the floor with her team, you might find her catching the sunset or exploring the laneways nearby. Her approach to hospitality mirrors the city she loves — open, easygoing, and quietly full of charm.
“One of the moments that brings me joy during a guest’s stay is spending time at the Front Desk or in Percy, listening to guests share their experiences with each other and our team,” she says. “Their kind words about the service and the beauty of the hotel are truly heartwarming.”
Warm, genuine and proudly hands-on, Roya embodies the Handwritten Collection spirit — thoughtful details, human connection, and a sense of place you can feel.
Because here at Hotel Woolstore 1888, every great story begins with someone who truly cares.
Sydney doesn’t lose its spark when the clouds roll in — it simply changes tempo. The pace slows, the light softens, and the city’s best indoor treasures take centre stage. From art galleries and long lunches to spas and hidden bars, there’s no shortage of things to do when it rains in Sydney. Here are eight rainy day activities near Hotel Woolstore 1888 that turn a grey day into something quietly beautiful.
Let the rain set the rhythm as you explore Sydney’s world of art. Start with the Museum of Contemporary Art Australia (12 minutes by car), perched on the harbour at Tallawoladah. Its ever-evolving collection celebrates living artists, with over a third of works by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander creators. Daily free tours offer new ways to see what’s on display.
A short 10 minute drive away, the Art Gallery of New South Wales pairs grand galleries with modern energy. Lose track of time among Australian and international works, then settle into the café with a warm drink as the city glistens outside.
When it rains, swap the outdoors for a little friendly competition. Strike Darling Harbour (6 minutes by car) offers bowling, karaoke, and escape rooms — perfect for rainy-day laughter. Or, take it up a level at Mission Escape in the Sydney CBD (7 minutes by car) — Sydney’s first mechanical escape room, where storytelling meets clever puzzles and teamwork takes centre stage.
Follow the hum of the city to Westfield Sydney (9 minutes by car). With more than 280 stores and dining options, it’s a stylish retreat from the weather. Explore Australian designers, international fashion, and hidden cafés, all connected by glass walkways that let you keep your umbrella folded.
Rain or shine, Sydney’s most beloved residents are waiting. At SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium and WILD LIFE Sydney Zoo (6 minutes by car), see penguins, koalas, and turtles up close without ever stepping outdoors. Both are next to Madame Tussauds Sydney, making them the perfect trio for a full day of indoor exploration.
Just 14 minutes from the hotel, Archie Rose Distilling Co. in Rosebery invites guests to discover the craft of Australian distilling. Learn how to blend botanicals, distil your own gin, and taste your creation in their award-winning bar. It’s a warm and spirited way to spend a rainy afternoon — no umbrella required.
Rainy days call for long lunches, shared plates, and good wine. Around Pyrmont and Darling Harbour, you’ll find plenty of reasons to stay inside and linger a little longer. Start with tapas and a glass of Spanish red at Percy, where the atmosphere hums softly with conversation. For something a little heartier, Quarrymans Hotel offers craft beers and cosy pub classics that feel made for drizzly afternoons.
If you’re after a touch of fine dining, LuMi Dining turns lunch into an experience — Italian technique meets Japanese precision, all with harbour views that still shine on grey days.
When night falls, follow the glow of lanterns toward Chinatown. Just a short walk away, it’s alive with sizzling woks, noodle steam, and the promise of late-night bites. From handmade dumplings to warm bowls of ramen, this is Sydney’s comfort food at its best — a feast for every kind of rainy-day appetite.
For the ultimate cinematic experience, IMAX Sydney offers one of the largest screens in the world — and it’s just a short walk from the hotel. Watch blockbusters and documentaries in unparalleled detail, or upgrade to couples’ seating or a private box for a truly special evening.
If the rain invites you to slow down, embrace it with a wellness escape just minutes away.
Sofitel SPA Darling Harbour (5-minute walk or 3-minute drive) offers a holistic experience inspired by nature’s rhythm — think sandstone tones, marble finishes, and treatments designed to restore balance and calm. For couples, it’s an intimate retreat from the city’s buzz.
Or visit The Darling Spa (3-minute walk or 7-minute walk) for a world-class wellness experience. With 11 treatment rooms, couples suites, a steam room and Jacuzzi, it’s one of Sydney’s most indulgent places to unwind. Perfect for when you want the rain outside and relaxation within.
Every drizzle brings a softer rhythm to Sydney — a reason to linger longer, to discover something new indoors, and to end the day where warmth and character meet. Whether you’re searching for rainy day activities in Sydney or simply want to make the most of your stay, Hotel Woolstore 1888 is the perfect base to explore, unwind, and watch the city come to life — rain and all.
Image credit: Destination NSW, Sofitel Sydney Darling Harbour, The Darling Spa, Strike Bowling, IMEX Sydney
The best weekends are the ones that feel like a pause from the rest of the world. A change of scene. A slower pace. A chance to look up, look around and look at each other again.
At Hotel Woolstore 1888, romance is woven into the walls of our restored 19th century woolstore. Think warm textures, deep comfort, and spaces that shine in the soft evening light. Our Pyrmont neighbourhood invites you out for harbour breezes and tucked away corners that feel made for two.
Here is how to turn your stay into a story.
The moment you arrive, the world feels quieter. Drop your bags, step into your room and let time stretch a little.
Choose a space that suits your style:
Each one invites slow mornings and even slower evenings, the kind where you linger over coffee and let the day unfold at your pace. If you feel like finding the space that suits your story best, take a look at all our rooms, lofts and suites and see where your weekend might lead you.
From golden hour to moonlit skies, Pyrmont and Darling Harbour are designed for wandering.
Stroll through Pirrama Park where the harbour curves around thoughtful gardens and the Anzac Bridge stands tall behind you. Continue along the foreshore as warm lights ripple across the water or turn toward Barangaroo Reserve for views that never fail to impress.
If you are planning your weekend well, Saturday night fireworks can add a little magic to the sky. During the warmer months they usually begin around 9pm, shifting slightly earlier to 8.30pm in winter. Find a comfortable spot along Darling Harbour’s foreshore and enjoy the show, hand in hand, with the harbour lights dancing around you.
For a romantic pause earlier in the day, the Chinese Garden of Friendship is a peaceful world of trickling ponds, stone pathways and quiet corners for two.
Start the night at Percy, our Spanish inspired bar and kitchen inside the hotel. Settle in with shared plates and a glass or two, then wander out when you’re ready.
If you feel like exploring, Pyrmont has plenty of places made for a date night:
After dinner, follow the harbour lights home. The walk is gentle, the skyline sparkles and there is a quiet joy in returning to a room that’s just for the two of you.
Begin the day with Percy’s barista coffee and a relaxed breakfast served daily from 7am, then stretch your legs on the Pyrmont foreshore or wander across Pyrmont Bridge toward Darling Harbour. Pick up a keepsake from the neighbourhood shops or enjoy one last look at the water before heading back to check out. If you feel like exploring more of the area before you go, our Travel Guide: Wander Well, The Best Walks Near Pyrmont has a few beautiful nearby walks to help you soak up those final Sydney moments.
We are always happy to assist with bag storage, taxis or directions, so you can make the most of every minute together.
At Hotel Woolstore 1888 Sydney, romance is woven into the building itself. This former 19th century woolstore holds its character close, with warm timber beams and heritage brickwork adding a sense of soul to every stay. It is the kind of place where stories have always lived.
Plan a weekend for two and fall for Sydney all over again.
Image credit: Destination NSW
In the soft afternoon light at Percy, surrounded by laughter, clinking glasses and the gentle hum of conversation, Michael and Peter said “I do.” Their wedding wasn’t about grand gestures, but about love that felt real, easy, and shared with the people who mattered most.
Held inside the character-filled walls of Hotel Woolstore 1888 Sydney, the day was intimate, joyful and distinctly them. What began as a plan for a simple reception soon became something unforgettable — a celebration where old friends became new ones, and every detail reflected warmth and thoughtfulness.
“We loved the character, atmosphere and food,” says Michael. “We wanted the day to feel authentic and relaxed, and the Woolstore team just got it.”
And it showed — from the heartfelt ceremony to the last dance, the day unfolded with an effortless charm that felt uniquely theirs.
The ceremony took place in Percy, the restaurant cleared for the occasion. Rows of chairs faced the arched street-side window, sunlight spilling in as the wedding party descended the glass lifts through the light-filled atrium. It was a moment of quiet theatre that set the tone for the rest of the afternoon.
After the vows, guests made their way across the road to Novotel Sydney Darling Harbour for cocktails while the team at Percy transformed the space for dinner. By evening, the restaurant glowed with candlelight and anticipation.
Shared platters — from raw tuna with ajo blanco to red snapper with curry leaves and Reverine striploin with red wine jus — sparked conversation and connection.
“Shared platters are ideal for breaking the ice,” says Michael. “We wanted people to mingle and make new friends.”
The room was filled with the hum of conversation, the clinking of glasses and the unmistakable warmth of people who felt at home.
Later, the music took over — from 80s favourites to Canadian anthems, a nod to Peter’s roots — before a friend surprised everyone with a show-stopping rendition of Sweet Transvestite. The evening slipped from dinner to dancing with ease, laughter echoing across Percy’s sandstone walls.
By the end of the night, it felt less like an event and more like a story written together — one filled with warmth, music and the kind of connection that lingers.
It was a wedding full of love, personality and character — much like the hotel itself.
Image credit: Shane Van Laar
If you only have a day or 2 in Sydney, every moment matters — and every street, shoreline, and skyline has a story to tell. From world-famous icons to tucked-away local gems, this is a city that invites you to explore at your own pace. Whether you chase the sun, follow the flavours, or seek the stories behind its heritage buildings, Sydney offers a little adventure for every kind of traveller.
Start your journey where Sydney truly shines — at Circular Quay, just a short ferry ride from Pyrmont Bay Wharf, a five-minute stroll from the hotel. Watch the sails of the Sydney Opera House catch the light as ferries weave across the harbour, and take in the curve of the Harbour Bridge from the water. If you prefer to be on top of the world, BridgeClimb Sydney gives you a 360-degree view of the city — a breathtaking reward for those who love heights.
Afterward, settle in at Opera Bar, tucked beneath the Opera House itself. Order a dozen oysters and a glass of Australian white as the skyline glows gold at sunset.
Follow the cobblestoned laneways of The Rocks, where Sydney’s story began. Once home to convicts and tradesmen, it’s now a thriving precinct of boutique shops, galleries and weekend markets. Wander past heritage pubs, pop into the Museum of Contemporary Art Australia, and pause by the harbour for a moment that blends history and horizon in one frame.
No trip to Sydney is complete without salt in the air. Head to Bondi Beach, just 20 minutes by car from the hotel, to see one of the world’s most famous stretches of sand. Walk the coastal path, watch surfers carve through the waves, or stop for lunch at Icebergs Dining Room and Bar — where ocean views meet Italian flavours and easy charm.
For another iconic view of Sydney’s coastline, take the ferry to Manly. It’s a quintessential Sydney experience — the kind where the skyline fades behind you, the harbour breeze picks up, and suddenly you’re stepping into a neighbourhood of beach bars, relaxed cafés and sunset walks by the water.
Sydney’s artistic side runs deep. Within a short drive of your historic home at Hotel Woolstore 1888, you’ll find both the Art Gallery of New South Wales and the MCA, where the works of modern masters and First Nations artists sit side by side.
For something immersive, spend an evening at Sydney Lyric Theatre, home to international musicals and world-class performances — all just a short stroll from the hotel.
If retail therapy is part of your city ritual, make your way to the Queen Victoria Building, just 18 minutes from the hotel. Its domed ceilings, stained glass windows and sweeping staircases make shopping feel more like time travel. Browse Australian designers, luxury labels, and artisan boutiques before continuing to Pitt Street Mall and Westfield Sydney, where hundreds of flagship stores await.
Begin your morning at Percy, the hotel’s Spanish-inspired restaurant. The Sheepherder’s Breakfast — fried egg, merguez sausage, Lyonnaise potato, goats curd and basil oil — is a nod to the building’s wool-store heritage and the kind of breakfast worth lingering over.
When evening falls, Sydney becomes a feast. Within a short walk, you’ll find LuMi Dining for inventive Italian-Japanese tasting menus, Sala for waterfront seafood, and Quay or Café Sydney for fine dining framed by harbour views.
If you’re in the mood for something more casual, explore Chinatown, just beyond Darling Harbour, where sizzling woks and neon lights create a sensory adventure all their own.
If you want to see it all, climb aboard the Big Bus Sydney, the city’s hop-on, hop-off sightseeing service. With 34 stops — from Bondi Beach to Barangaroo — it’s the easiest way to discover Sydney’s best landmarks without missing a moment.
Hotel Woolstore 1888 guests enjoy an exclusive 10% off tickets — discover tour options here.
Sydney’s nights are just as vibrant as its days. On Saturdays, Darling Harbour Fireworks light up the sky just a short walk from the hotel. Or slip into one of the nearby cocktail bars for something quieter — an old fashioned at Jade Rabbit, or stay close with a glass of red at Percy, where the sandstone arches of the Woolstore make every nightcap feel like part of the story.
At Hotel Woolstore 1888 Sydney, history and modernity meet in perfect balance. The building, once a 19th-century wool store, has been lovingly restored into a boutique hotel where every beam and brick tells its own tale.
No matter how you spend your short stay in Sydney — exploring, eating, wandering or simply resting — this is a place where your story begins.
Image credit: Destination NSW
