Thank you for choosing to stay with us as your destination of choice. We are delighted to have you in residence to begin your amazing journey, and discover special moments through connection with our Capella Culturists From unearthing historical curiosity, experiencing the local neighbourhood, to exploring Sydney harbour, the team are ready to present the unexpected
We look forward to curating an array of unrivalled and memorable experiences for you at Capella Sydney. Have a most wonderful stay.
Best regards,
Marc von Arnim General Manager
CAPELLA RITUALS
Daily Rituals are designed to craft unique moments for guests every day; allowing our Culturists the ability to share stories with guests, and celebrate our site's vibrant past through immersive storytelling, cultural links, tales and incredible insight
Echoes of Eternity is an ode to the history of Sydney and its many colourful characters.
ECHOES OF ETERNITY
You are invited to our evening ritual from 17:00 until 18:00 in The Living Room
CAPELLA MOMENTS
Capella Sydney acknowledges the traditional custodians of the lands now known as New South Wales
We pay our respects to Elders past and present, and to the continuing strength and resilience of First Nations people and cultures.
Our Capella Culturists have spent time scouring Sydney, leaving no leaf unturned in our mission to provide you with world-class experiences
We seek, through knowledge, empathy and respect for Sydney's history and tradition, to create ‘Capella Moments’
Working alongside local experts, we have curated a selection of experiences designed to become lifelong memories for all our valued guests
Our experiences may be cancelled in the event of wet weather and are subject of availability on the number of participants.
Please contact your Capella Culturist for more information and for reservations. 24hour advanced reservation are required
VITALITY WALK
Enjoy a brisk walk through the eyes of one of our Culturist team members through the vibrant streets of Sydney's central business district
Take a moment to admire the city's beauty and the stunning view of the Sydney Opera House and the glistening waters of the harbour during this invigorating experience
Meet our Culturist, Luke, at The Living Room every Tuesday and Thursday from 8:00 am for a 3-5km walk
Reservations are essential at 18:00 the day prior.
Enjoy your vitality walk through remarkable sites of Sydney
CULTURIST HOTEL TOUR
Explore the stories of our site’s unique heritage and architecture
Discover the art works commissioned by Capella Sydney that reflect on the heritage of the Education Building designed by architect George McRae in 1912 and The Department of Agriculture built in 1930
It is a journey of discovery led by one of our Culturists
Farmers’ markets were not only important for economic success, but also social interaction as it was often the only means for rural and urban community members to meet on Saturday mornings Our experience starts in The Living Room at 08:00 and will conclude at 10:00
Today, farmers' markets are ingrained into Australia's cultural identity and are an interactive and immersive way for tourists to glimpse into the Sydney local produce market
Reservations are essential and required prior to Friday at 17:00
Saturday 25 January from 08:00 until 10:00
Saturday 15 February from 08:00 until 10:00
Saturday 22 February from 08:00 until 10:00
Little Stars Friendly
LUNAR NEW YEAR
Join us as we welcome in the Lunar New Year
In 2025, we celebrate the Year of the Snake which symbolises transformation, renewal and spirtual growth Festivities see out the old and welcome in happiness, health, luck and prosperity for the coming year
EYE DOTTING CEREMONY & LION DANCE
Our celebrations commence with a traditional Eye Dotting ceremony and Lion Dance. The Dotting of the Eye is an ancient ritual that is carried out to “awaken” the lions before they can perform and welcome in the new year
The Lion Dance* will be performed at Farrer Place, The Lobby and The Living Room of Capella Sydney
Tuesday 28 January from 11:00
Duration is approximately 30-45 minutes. Meet at Farrer Place This event is open to the public
*Please note that the Eye Dotting Ceremony & Lion Dance will include high auditory levels.
TEA CEREMONY & CALLIGRAPHY
Relish in traditional rituals synonymous with the Lunar New Year
We are privileged to be welcoming Tea Master and Calligraphy Master, Raymond Leung, to our Living Room to share his expertise with our in-house guests.
Immerse yourself in the fragrant aromas of a Chinese Tea Ceremony and marvel at Raymond’s expressively eloquent calligraphy strokes as he scribes tailored traditional blessings.
Tuesday 28 January from 14:00 until 15:00
Saturday 1 February from 14:00 until 15:00
Reservations are required 24h in advance
NEIGHBOURHOOD TALES LUNAR NEW YEAR EDITION
Capella Sydney has teamed up with history and heritage specialist Mark Bowyer, founder of Old Compass Travel to craft a series of 2-hour walking tours, Neighbourhood Tales, offered exclusively to our hotel guests
During the Lunar New Year festivities join us on a fascinating walk to Sydney’s first Chinatown which was located in the historic Rocks area The first Chinese shops and residences were located on lower George Street
Men arriving to try their luck on the goldfields in the 1850s headed to this area to buy supplies for the journey. Some stores remained for decades, including King Nam Jang importers and ship providores King Nam Jang was still trading a century after it opened in the 1860s
The Chinese community has been contributing to Sydney’s cultural and economic life for almost two centuries Join us for a walk in the city’s oldest colonial neighbourhood, thinking about that legacy and the wider evolution of the city
Thursday 30 January at 09:00 until 11:00
Reservations are required 24h in advance.
TAI CHI MASTERCLASS
We are delighted to welcome Grand Master Gary Khor to Auriga Spa for a Masterclass in Tai Chi
Tai Chi is a form of moving meditation that has been practised for thousands of years It is based on continuous flowing movements and performed in slow motion to enhance co-ordination, balance and focus on deep diaphragmatic breathing.
Through practice of the art, one seeks to harmonise internal energy by promoting a balance between mind and body
Friday 31 January at 10:00 until 11:00
Location: Auriga Spa - Level 6
Reservations are required 24h in advance.
SYDNEY'S HISTORY LUNAR NEW YEAR EDITION
Join Capella’s local historian on an exclusive guided tour celebrating the history and influence of Sydney’s early Chinese community in The Rocks.
Visit a hidden pocket of Sydney’s oldest quarter once known as Little Canton and regarded as this city’s first Chinese preccint where merchants, gambling houses and The Orient Hotel buzzed with activity and trade in the 19th century
Explore the forgotten lives of influential Chinese figures such as Mei Quong Tart, who ran extremely successful Tea Rooms all across Sydney and became an early ambassador for the Chinese - Australian relations
And delve into the darker side of The Rocks where hidden Opium Dens, a corrupt police force and poverty stricken slums led to enormous social and political changes in the Chinese community at the start of the 20th century
This tour has been designed to celebrate the Lunar New Year and will involve historic imagery of this important event from Sydney’s past
Saturday 1 February from 10:00 until 11:30
NAALA BADU TOUR & CAO FEI EXHIBITION
Join Fiona McIntosh as she leads a tour of the Naala Badu Wing of the Art Gallery of New South Wales (AGNSW) and the extraordinary Cao Fei Exhibition: My City is Yours
Fiona is an art advisor and consultant, commentator and tour leader with an extensive knowledge of contemporary art practices She is the VIP Relations Manager (Australia) for ART SG 2025, the leading international contemporary art fair in Singapore
In the largest exhibition of her work ever seen in Australia, Cao Fei brings the energy of the contemporary metropolis into the Art Gallery of New South Wales with a retrospective that includes two new commissions Cao was recently voted one of the most influential artists in the world
At Capella Sydney, we understand that happy holidays can have a long-lasting positive effect on kids' well-being
Capella Culturists have curated education, tradition, and most importantly, elements of fun
We treat your children like ours and naturally, we want them to shine bright like Little Stars *
*Parents must be present in The Living Room as a condition of experience for all Little Stars events
Please contact your Capella Culturist for more information and reservation.
At the heart of the Capella service philosophy, is our innate desire to inspire and delight our Guests. We place our Guests at the heart of everything we do, and naturally, aim to create a truly personal and unique experience just for you
We have collated a complimentary activity programme for our guests that celebrates heritage, the arts, gastronomy and wellness
As a condition of reservations, parents must be present in The Living Room for all Little Stars events Reservations are also required for all Little Stars Experiences
Please contact your Capella Culturist for more information and reservations
COLOUR YOUR OWN POSTCARD
Your Little Stars will be able to send home their own postcard
DOODLING
Your Little Stars are sure to enjoy colouring these Australian icons, including our stunning sandstone building and the many wonders that surround us
GAMES
Board games and puzzles your family will want to play for hours A La Carte option and available during school holidays
BABY LION DANCING
Lion Dancing uses storytelling to introduce concepts of strength, wisdom and bravery
Join us for an immersive and rich cultural experience inspired by the traditions of the lunar new year
We invite our Little Stars to join us for this wonderfully colourful and interactive performance to celebrate the Year of the Snake
Meet your Culturist team in The Living Room and together we will we find the baby lion dancing group!
Tuesday 28 January from 14:00 until 15:00
Little Stars Friendly
SNAKE COLLAGE
Let’s ake!
Together we will create a slithery snake collage using patterned paper dots
Join us in The Living Room for some creative collage
Wednesday 29 January from 10:00 until 11:00
Registrations are required 24h in advance
Little Stars Friendly
PAPER FORTUNE COOKIES
A delightful craf ear of the Snake
Little Stars may like to personalize messages for their Fortune Cookies or choose from a selection we will have on hand
It is a bright and colourful activity for all ages
Thursday 30 January from 10:00 until 11:00
Registrations are required 24h in advance
Little Stars Friendly
CREATIVE WORKSHOP WITH ANNEY BOUNPRASETH
We are delighted to welcome An very special creative workshop
Anney Bounpraseuth is an Australian-born artist of Laotian heritage, a passionate artist and art educator whose workshops are designed to be fun, creative and educational.
To celebrate the Year Of the Snake Anney will guide Little Stars to create a moveable snake that is wearable on the arm featuring watercolour eyes with curly eyelashes, metallic scales, and a party whistle tongue
Let’s make some noise this Lunar New Year!
Saturday 1 February from 10:00 until 11:00
Registrations are required 24h in advance
COOKIE DECORATING WITH LOVE
Join us for the sweetest te heart shaped cookies
Each Little Star will make a set of four cookies Maybe you would like to gift them to someone you love or maybe you will eat them!
Bring along your creativity and have some fun cookie decorating!
Saturday 15 February from 10:00 until 11:00
Registrations are required 24h in advance
Little Stars Friendly
Enjoy Capella Little Star moments with a range of activities with our Little Star partners and Culturist team
We offer educational activities, puzzles, board games and other surprises
GAMES
We have some of the most iconic board games and puzzles your family will want to play for hours
A La Carte option, please ask our Culturist Team
DOODLING
Your Little Stars are sure to enjoy colouring these Australian icons, including our stunning sandstone building and the many wonders that surround us
Bring home a bespoke coloring mat, crafted with love for the earth and designed to accompany you on your journey for a lifetime!
We invite you to see the schedule below to book a spot with our Culturist Team
Tea Ceremony & Calligraphy* Baby Lion Dancing* Echoes of Eternity
Vitality Walk*
Snake Collage* Echoes of Eternity
Neighbourhood Tales - Lunar New Year Edition* Paper Fortune Cookie Making* Echoes of Eternity
Tai Chi Masterclass*
Sydney Architecture Walk* Echoes of Eternity
Creative Workshop with Anney Bounpraseth*
Sydney’s History - Lunar New Year Edition* Tea Ceremony & Calligraphy* Echoes of Eternity
10:00 – 11:00 17:00 – 18:00
Little Stars – Doodling Echoes of Eternity
*Reservations required
MONDAY 03.02 17:00 – 18:00 Echoes of Eternity
TUESDAY 04.02
WEDNESDAY 05 02
08:00 – 09:00 17:00 – 18:00
Vitality Walk* Echoes of Eternity
10:00 – 12:30 10:30 – 12:00 17:00 – 18:00
Naala Badu Tour & Cao Fei Exhibition* Culturist Hotel Tour* Echoes of Eternity
THURSDAY 06.02 08:00 – 09:00 17:00 – 18:00
Vitality Walk* Echoes of Eternity
FRIDAY 07.02 17:00 – 18:00 Echoes of Eternity
SATURDAY 08.02 17:00 – 18:00 Echoes of Eternity
SUNDAY 09.02
10:00 – 11:00 17:00 – 18:00
Little Stars – Doodling Echoes of Eternity
MONDAY 10.02 17:00 – 18:00 Echoes of Eternity
TUESDAY 11.02
08:00 – 09:00 17:00 – 18:00
Vitality Walk* Echoes of Eternity
WEDNESDAY 12.02 10:30 – 12:00 17:00 – 18:00
Culturist Hotel Tour* Echoes of Eternity
THURSDAY 13.02
08:00 – 09:00 17:00 – 18:00
Vitality Walk* Echoes of Eternity
FRIDAY 14.02 17:00 – 18:00 Echoes of Eternity
SATURDAY 15.02
SUNDAY 16.02
08:00 – 10:00 10:00 – 11:00 17:00 – 18:00
Saturday Market Experience* Cookie Decorating with Love* Echoes of Eternity
10:00 – 11:00 17:00 – 18:00
Little Stars – Doodling Echoes of Eternity
*Reservations required
MONDAY 17.02 17:00 – 18:00 Echoes of Eternity
TUESDAY 18.02
WEDNESDAY 19.02
THURSDAY 20.02
FRIDAY 21.02
SATURDAY 22.02
SUNDAY 23.02
08:00 – 09:00 17:00 – 18:00
Vitality Walk* Echoes of Eternity
10:30 – 12:00 17:00 – 18:00
Culturist Hotel Tour* Echoes of Eternity
08:00 – 09:00 17:00 – 18:00
Vitality Walk* Echoes of Eternity
09:00 – 11:00 17:00 – 18:00
Neighbourhood Tales* Echoes of Eternity
08:00 – 10:00 10:00 – 11:00 17:00 – 18:00
Saturday Market Experience* Little Star-chitects* Echoes of Eternity
10:00 – 11:00 17:00 – 18:00
Little Stars – Doodling Echoes of Eternity
MONDAY 24.02 17:00 – 18:00 Echoes of Eternity
TUESDAY 25.02
08:00 – 09:00 17:00 – 18:00
Vitality Walk* Echoes of Eternity
WEDNESDAY 26.02 10:30 – 12:00 17:00 – 18:00
THURSDAY 27.02
08:00 – 09:00 17:00 – 18:00
FRIDAY 28.02
09:00 – 11:00 17:00 – 18:00
Culturist Hotel Tour* Echoes of Eternity
Vitality Walk* Echoes of Eternity
Neighbourhood Tales* Echoes of Eternity *Reservations required
CAPELLA CURATES
Our Capella Culturists have spent time scouring Sydney, leaving no leaf unturned in our mission to provide you with world-class experiences
We seek, through knowledge, empathy and respect for Sydney's history and tradition, to create ‘Capella Moments’ Working alongside local experts, we have curated a selection of experiences designed to become lifelong memories for all our valued guests
Please contact your Capella Culturist for more information and for reservations. (48-hour advanced reservation required)
THE STORY OF JØRN UTZON
Capella Tour 3: An introdu Sydney Opera House tour
Capella has teamed up with architect rchitecture Walks and award-winning practice Eoghan Lewis Architects to y offered exclusively to hotel guests
The tours are an exercise in story-telling that offer an interface between in depth architectural knowledge and the wider design-conscious community
The tour will begin with a city introduction around the city model at Customs House that describes Sydney in terms of the forces that have shaped it over time; ecological, political, economic and cultural and which have, by extension, shaped many of the architecture and design outcomes.
Making our way around Circular Quay to Sydney Opera House, the tour will discuss the sources of Jørn Utzon’s deepest inspiration, his working methods and influences as we chart the development of the young architects ideas from his competition winning scheme in 1957 to their materialisation in the platform, concrete shells and ceramic skin of Sydney Opera House
Utzon's epic accomplishment is rivalled only by his tragic tale Booted out mid-construction, Utzon considered the six years he spent developing the interiors of the House - none of which were realised - the most productive of his career Using discarded drawings, models and prototypes, Utzon's design of the acoustic interiors, glass walls and furniture - much of it ready for construction before he left - will be discussed and you can judge for yourself how much Sydney lost when he was forced to leave the construction site.
The tour will finish with the recent Opera House refurbishment, a decade-long collaboration between Jørn, his architect son Jan and Sydney architect Richard Johnson
Meet in The Living Room at 9:50 am for a 10:00 am start Reservations are required 24h in advance
Duration: 3 hours
Pricing: Priced on request
WINE, DINE & CRIME
Journey Walks is part n incredibly immersive storytelling experience; v ons, and linking food and beverages with some o g alian true-crime history
Combine the best of the history of The Rocks, in an historic site, focusing in the Opium tradeillegal gambling houses, street gangs, bordellos & the corrupt Police Force, and learn about the original Chinese community of the area at the end of the 19th Century
Capella Sydney Wine, Dine & Crime's highlights: Unique dining and storytelling experience
Set inside heritage and historic sites
Awaken the secrets the historic Rocks precinct through imaginative storytelling
Enjoy an exciting meal in an exciting The Rocks
Duration: 3 to 4 hours
Location: Historic Rocks
Pricing: $1200 for 2 guests. For 3 or more, please enquire about pricing.
SAIL AWAY
Discover and journey throu ated as a once in a lifetime
Board the elegant Southwinds vessel from the floating wharf, where you'll be treated to fine champagne and local oysters while cruising the picturesque Sydney Harbour As you sail, the chef and ingredients will be transported by tender to the scenic Shark Island, where a stunning setup awaits your arrival
Southwinds, has an impressive English design pedigree and past Designed by Robert Clark in 1948, her original plans are now in the Museum in Greenwich and her specifications registered with Lloyds Constructed with beautiful Huon Pine and launched in 1950, she would have been one of the fastest and largest yachts in Sydney Harbour at that time She has competed in the Sydney to Hobart yacht race and had many notable owners
Other sights to see: City sights, waterfront suburbs, Sydney Harbour National Park, Middle Harbour, Castle Rock, Store Beach, National Parks, Flatrock Beach, Sugarloaf Bay, Magazine Track Waterfall
