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 vibrant 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 Wednesday 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
Wednesday 25 September from 10:30 until 12:00
Wednesday 2 October from 10:30 until 12:00
Wednesday 9 October from 10:30 until 12:00
Wednesday 16 October from 10:30 until 12:00
Wednesday 23 October from 10:30 until 12:00
Wednesday 30 October from 10:30 until 12:00
Reservations are required 24h in advance
Little Stars Friendly
NEIGHBOURHOOD TALES
Join us for a fascinating walk of Sydney stories - many of them little-known, even by Sydney locals
Capella Sydney has teamed up with history and heritage specialist Mark Bowyer, founder of Old Compass Travel, to craft a series of two-hour walking tours, Neighbourhood Tales, offered exclusively to our hotel guests
Capella Sydney is a heritage landmark in the heart of historic Sydney, surrounded by locations central to the dramatic evolution of the city We are a short stroll from Sydney’s world-renowned harbour, home to the Gadigal people of the Eora nation for thousands of years before colonisation
We will examine architecture, monuments and gardens - all the while immersed in Sydney’s visual splendour. We will meet heroes and villains of Australian history Mark will share the city’s stories in an informal and engaging style with a dose of humour thrown in
Our walk includes Victorian and contemporary architecture and the tales behind city icons; the Botanical Gardens, Sydney Opera House and Sydney Harbour Bridge
Thursday 3 October at 10:30 until 12:30 Saturday 26 October at 10:30 until 12:30
Reservations are required 24h in advance
ILLI LANGI – ABORIGINAL DREAMING TOUR
Capella Sydney is proud t
d Dreamtime Southern X Aunty Margret Campbell grew ast Coast of New South Wales, and in Yuin Country on the South gret considers herself to be one of the lucky ones and treasures the rich legacy of her family s Cultural Dreamtime inheritance
Capella Sydney and Dreamtime Southern X are collaborating to offer an incredible experience, honouring the culture and history of the Indigenous Australian people of the Eora Country (Sydney).
Join us for two important dates experiencing Illi Langi – a storytelling experience about Aboriginal Heritage
Friday 27 September from 11:00 until 12:30 Friday 4 October from 11:00 until 12:30
Reservations are required 24h in advance.
Little Stars Friendly
WINE TASTING
Join us in The Living Room for a Wine tasting experience with the legendary Jane Tyrrell from Tyrrell’s Wines
Wednesday 16 October from 16:00 until 17:00
Reservations are required 24h in advance.
SYDNEY ARCHITECTURE WALK
Capella has teamed up with architect Eoghan Lewis, founder of the Sydney Architecture Walks and award-winning practice Eoghan Lewis Architects to craft a series of two-hour walking tours of Sydney offered exclusively to our hotel guests
Delivered in an informal and conversational manner, the tours are an exercise in story-telling that offer an interface between in-depth architectural knowledge and the wider design-conscious community The content of each tour is historically informed, the context contemporary Driven by particular themes and threads the city will be decoded whilst exposing you to new ways of thinking about and seeing Sydney You will discover inspiring projects whilst learning about the vibrant network of invisible forces – environmental, political, economic and cultural that give Sydney form and that have, by extension shaped many of the urban and architectural outcomes
We will focus on a series of master works by local and international architects including Pritzker laureates Renzo Piano, Jørn Utzon and Norman Foster, International firms 3XN, Christoph Ingenhoven, Make Architects and Adjaye Associates as well as local firms Studio Bright, Grimshaw Architects and Harry Seidler
Meet Eoghan at 9:50 am in The Living Room for a 10:00 am start.
Thursday 24 October at 10:30 until 12:30
Thursday 31 October at 10:30 until 12:30
Reservations are required 24h in advance
CHIPPENDALE NEIGHBOURHOOD TOUR
Let’s get you connected with some local culture, only minutes away to an exciting urban village Once an industrial grungy neighbourhood, where the colonial heritage old Kent Street Brewery was built in 1835, now transformed into an urban village, where the old meets the high tech 21st century Known for its art and culinary specialities, Chippendale is cutting edge Surrounded by two major universities - UTS & Sydney University - there is always a great intellect & youthful energy in the air. Hosted by our fabulous culture lover and curator, Michelle Chanique Founder of Curated Contemporary Michelle is a practising artist, who is involved in the art world as an exhibition maker, educator, creator of public programs, she understands culture Michelle will take you on a journey through Sydney, where you will experience the insider’s guide that only the few know about, she has her finger on the pulse
Friday 11 October from 10:00 until 13:00 Friday 25 October from 10:00 until 13:00
Reservations are required 24h in advance.
SYDNEY'S HISTORY
Once upon a time (not so long ago), a bizarre colonial experiment took place on the rocky shores of Sydney’s ancient Indigenous harbour. Thousands of miles from home, England’s banished thieves were locked in a prison with ocean walls; forced to find food and cut through stone
Defying the odds, their shanty camp survived and grew clutching to life on the banks of a freshwater stream Gardens were grown, goods were traded & rum soon ranked as both currency & cure
As centuries changed, The Rocks was carved into cottages and corridors Scallywags sailed into shore Larrikins lurked in the laneways & many clever convicts swapped their chains for riches
Journey Walks invites you to share a part in this remarkable story This tour will keep your ears pricked, your eyes open and your passion for the past brought to life
Saturday 28 September at 10:30 until 12:00
Saturday 12 October at 10:30 until 12:00
Saturday 19 October at 10:30 until 12:00
Reservations are required 24h in advance
ART DISCOVERY
Inside | Outside: Discover the art collection of Capella Sydney and the public sculpture in its neighbourhood
Fiona McIntosh is an art advisor and tour leader with an extensive knowledge of the Australian visual arts scene and deep understanding of contemporary art practices
Drawing on her strong network of artists, curators and galleries, and knowledge of public collections, sculpture and major art events, Fiona develops and leads tours of the “best of art” on offer anytime in Sydney
Fiona has worked with The Art Gallery of NSW and the Biennale of Sydney, among others, and, as a tour leader, with companies such as Renaissance Tours, Sydney Contemporary art fair and Local Eyes Australia She is the VIP Relations Manager (Australia) for ART SG, the leading international contemporary art fair in Singapore
Friday 18 October at 10:30 until 12:00
Saturday 19 October at 10:30 until 12:00
Reservations are required 24h in advance.
BOTANICAL GRAPE SPIRIT TASTING
Join Feels Botanical co-founder Blake Vanderfield-Kramer for an exclusive, immersive tasting experience in The Living Room, where you will be guided through a sensory journey of Australia’s first botanical Eau de vie grape spirits
Discover the handcrafted Feels Botanical range, each expression using Australian grapes as the base spirit and distilled with a unique combination of native and natural botanicals such as Rose, Davidson Plum, and Horny Goat Weed
Thoughtfully curated to evoke distinctive flavours, moods, and cocktails, the range offers a rich tapestry of experiences
With over 15 years of experience in crafting and managing global brands, Blake’s passion for nature, sustainable & craftsmanship shines through as he shares the story behind Feels Botanical, taking you beyond the bottle to explore the harmony of flavours that celebrate the Australian landscape @feelsbotanical
Thursday 31 October from 16:00 until 18:00
Reservations are required 24h in advance.
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
BRACELET MAKING
Join Evelin ng activity that will keep your child entertained Adults are encouraged to participate to this family friendly jewellery making activity
Evelina from CraftyMinds offers a unique and creative way to keep your Little Stars entertained Our hands-on approach to crafting allows children and adults to express their creativity and imagination while having fun
Little Stars will have the opportunity to take home a one-of-a-kind handmade present
We invite you to book a spot with our Culturist Team.
Sunday 6 October from 15:00 until 16:00
Saturday 12 October from 10:00 until 11:00
ARCHITECTURE WORKSHOP
Creative Challenge Think Like an Architect with Louise O'Brien
This workshop is inspired by great Australian Architecture and our amazing landscape
You will draw inspiration from biophilic design (connecting building occupants more closely to nature) and create a model inspired by Capella''s unique location in Sydney and our amazing local art collection
After discussing her design process and sources of inspiration, O’Brien will lead a series of scaffolded drawing activities, culminating in a larger design task that can be completed and shared during the session So expect to have fun with a warm up creative sketch exercise and a sustainable model making challenge
Louise will help you find your inner architect!
Sunday 6 October from 10:00 until 11:30
Saturday 12 October from 15:00 until 16:30
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
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
Hey Doodle x
*Reservations required DAY
MONDAY 23.09 17:00 – 18:00 Echoes of Eternity
TUESDAY 24.09 17:00 – 18:00 Echoes of Eternity
WEDNESDAY 25 09
08:00 – 09:30 10:30 – 12:00 17:00 – 18:00
Vitality Walk* Culturist Hotel Tour* Echoes of Eternity
Sydney Architecture Walk* Botanical Grape Spirit Tasting* Echoes of Eternity
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