Latest news with #Rydges
The Age
13-06-2025
- Business
- The Age
Property veteran buys $66.5m freezer warehouse; Thredbo owner to sell $300m block; Pearl Bondi gets approval
EVT, run by long-standing chairman and major shareholder, the rich lister Alan Rydge, is selling the property to focus on its hotel division which includes brands such as QT and Rydges, and Thredbo ski resort. The latest annual report has the property portfolio worth about $2.3 billion. Loading It comes with a stage 2 development approval for a 43-level, 28,283-square-metre mixed-use tower including residential, hotel, cinema, and retail space. The high-rise levels of the tower will include 98 luxury apartments, totalling 12,671 square metres. In addition, an 11,068-square-metre five-star lifestyle hotel will occupy the low to mid-rise section of the tower, featuring 285 premium rooms with bar, restaurant and conference facilities. The retail part of the development will include tenancies with street frontage along George Street of 405 sq m, and 333 sq m along Albion Lane. The existing Event Cinemas complex currently operates sixteen screens across the 525 and 505 George Street properties. The full complex will remain operational until 525 George's redevelopment starts, after which fewer screens will operate. CBRE's Michael Simpson, Ben Wicks and Tom Gibson are managing the sale. New airport The hotel sector is anticipating a jump in demand following the completion of the construction of the Western Sydney's International (Nancy-Bird Walton) Airport terminal in Badgerys Creek. Accommodation Australia chief executive James Goodwin said it was encouraging to see the momentum building for the new airport. 'We know each and every international flight will go a long way to help fill more hotel rooms and create more secure jobs in the accommodation sector, not only in Sydney, but right across the country – and that's good news for the entire sector,' Goodwin said. The new airport is on track to open for domestic, international and air cargo services in late 2026. Bondi build Central Elements has expanded its presence in the eastern suburbs with approval being gained for a $150 million development of luxury apartments. Located at 20-22 Sandridge Street and 21 Wilga Street, the Pearl Bondi complex will overlook the beach. It was designed by architects MHNDU and the interiors by Madeleine Blanchfield. Building is expected to start later this year on the amalgamated 2050-square-metre site. There will be seven three-bedroom residences – two houses and five house-size apartments on the oceanfront. Parramatta lease Space within the recently refurbished Parramatta Town Hall is up for lease. Completed in 1883, the Victorian Free Classical architectural style building was built to serve as the town hall and municipal chamber for the Borough of Parramatta. The space within 7 Parramatta Square, known as the Jubilee Hall, has an internal footprint of 122 sq m, with outdoor licensed seating of 57 sq m fronting the adjacent laneway and neighbouring the recently opened Ippudo Ramen restaurant. Colliers' Janelle Coorey and Liz Chuck have the listing.
Sydney Morning Herald
13-06-2025
- Business
- Sydney Morning Herald
Property veteran buys $66.5m freezer warehouse; Thredbo owner to sell $300m block; Pearl Bondi gets approval
EVT, run by long-standing chairman and major shareholder, the rich lister Alan Rydge, is selling the property to focus on its hotel division which includes brands such as QT and Rydges, and Thredbo ski resort. The latest annual report has the property portfolio worth about $2.3 billion. Loading It comes with a stage 2 development approval for a 43-level, 28,283-square-metre mixed-use tower including residential, hotel, cinema, and retail space. The high-rise levels of the tower will include 98 luxury apartments, totalling 12,671 square metres. In addition, an 11,068-square-metre five-star lifestyle hotel will occupy the low to mid-rise section of the tower, featuring 285 premium rooms with bar, restaurant and conference facilities. The retail part of the development will include tenancies with street frontage along George Street of 405 sq m, and 333 sq m along Albion Lane. The existing Event Cinemas complex currently operates sixteen screens across the 525 and 505 George Street properties. The full complex will remain operational until 525 George's redevelopment starts, after which fewer screens will operate. CBRE's Michael Simpson, Ben Wicks and Tom Gibson are managing the sale. New airport The hotel sector is anticipating a jump in demand following the completion of the construction of the Western Sydney's International (Nancy-Bird Walton) Airport terminal in Badgerys Creek. Accommodation Australia chief executive James Goodwin said it was encouraging to see the momentum building for the new airport. 'We know each and every international flight will go a long way to help fill more hotel rooms and create more secure jobs in the accommodation sector, not only in Sydney, but right across the country – and that's good news for the entire sector,' Goodwin said. The new airport is on track to open for domestic, international and air cargo services in late 2026. Bondi build Central Elements has expanded its presence in the eastern suburbs with approval being gained for a $150 million development of luxury apartments. Located at 20-22 Sandridge Street and 21 Wilga Street, the Pearl Bondi complex will overlook the beach. It was designed by architects MHNDU and the interiors by Madeleine Blanchfield. Building is expected to start later this year on the amalgamated 2050-square-metre site. There will be seven three-bedroom residences – two houses and five house-size apartments on the oceanfront. Parramatta lease Space within the recently refurbished Parramatta Town Hall is up for lease. Completed in 1883, the Victorian Free Classical architectural style building was built to serve as the town hall and municipal chamber for the Borough of Parramatta. The space within 7 Parramatta Square, known as the Jubilee Hall, has an internal footprint of 122 sq m, with outdoor licensed seating of 57 sq m fronting the adjacent laneway and neighbouring the recently opened Ippudo Ramen restaurant. Colliers' Janelle Coorey and Liz Chuck have the listing.
News.com.au
12-05-2025
- News.com.au
Incredible sight from hotel balcony
It's a magical morning when you are gazing out from your hotel balcony and spot dolphins playing in the water below. I caught their antics while staying at the newly refurbished Rydges in Port Macquarie. My family quickly raced down to watch these beautiful creatures frolic in the river for over half an hour before we spent three days exploring the coastal town. We spent two nights at the revamped hotel where its rooms now boast airy and bright spaces, comfortable beds, a lounge to relax on, a dining table and chairs for planning, a massive bathroom and a much-needed large balcony to watch the sunrise (and dolphins). It's in a central location too which gives you easy access to the town's stunning beaches, lighthouse and, surprisingly, wineries. Our first night we decided to eat at the hotel's restaurant called Zebu. It was buzzing with live music in the bar area and requests for any cocktail you could imagine. Given its popularity, the restaurant was packed but it was worth the wait for our meals. We feasted on burrata, gnocchi with prawns, scotch fillet steak and charred broccolini - the portion sizes were generous too which is always a bonus. Our room also came with buffet breakfast included which was incredible to set us up for the day. It included fruits, cereals, pastries breads, hot foods and made to order poached eggs. The highlight for kids was the pancake machine, which rolled them out with a press of the button. Port Macquarie is known for its beautiful beaches and lighthouse. We spent a lovely morning checking out the epic views and playing on Lighthouse beach as nippers practised their surf lifesaving skills nearby. However, one of the things that surprised me most was that Port Macquarie has a booming winery scene just 20 minutes out of the town centre. The kids can explore the vineyards and parents can get a true taste of the region. We stopped in at Cassegrain Wines, which have an impressive amount of huge barrels to greet you before you enter the tasting room. The winery has a large selection wines on offer to taste and it was interesting learning about the history of the vineyard. It's $10 for a tasting but you get that money taken off with any wine purchase. The standout though for me was Long Point Vineyard & Art Gallery. They have a smaller section of wines but an interesting port collection. It's on a sprawling property where you can take a picnic and indulge in a delicious cheese board for just $25 and the kids can play on the sculptures dotted through. Shout out too to the excellent customer service – the lady was an absolute delight and the kids were thrilled they were allowed to play with her dog. I would also recommend checking out Billabong Koala & Wildlife Park. While it wasn't cheap for entry it was a fun morning watching the animals and marvel and taking in huge sculptures dotted throughout the park. Back in town, there are a bunch of restaurants and cafes within walking distance of Port Macquarie Rydges. Literally a minutes walk away from the hotel was Pancake Place – a delightfully indulgent lunch spot for children, while the restaurant Pizza Obsession offered an easy takeaway dinner in the hotel room. We also spent a night at the more exclusive Sails Port Macquarie by Rydges. The room's direct access to the pool was a real highlight and the kids had great fun splashing between the various swimming options, including a heated sauna. There was also a friendly lizard that frequented our balcony and the kids excitement was sweet – while we quickly discovered that spotting lizards dotted around the hotel grounds was an excellent game. You could order cocktails and food directly from the pool area via a QR code. We had a pina colada and mojito and some chips and arancini balls. Unfortunately, service was a tad slow and they forget our chips and we had to chase them up. I personally love a big bathroom and the one's at Sails were a tad small. There also appeared to be an issue with the hot water but thankfully it was fixed in no time. During our stay at Sails, we dined at its Boathouse Bar and Restaurant, which offers front row seats to boats docked in the marina and some green space to go lizard spotting. I was impressed they included cucumber sticks with the kid's fish and chips, while the warm sourdough was divine. We enjoyed the lamb shoulder to share with salsa verde, pickled spanish onion, mixed greens, chats and jus – which literally melted in your mouth. For dessert, I had the chocolate crème brulee with raspberry sorbet. We finished off our stay with a beautiful sunrise to start the day and a splash around the pool before the drive home. As a family we preferred the refurbished Rydges rooms in the town centre for our stay. The only thing that would have made it better would be to import the Sails pool set up with the direct access to swimming through the room's ground floor balcony.
NZ Herald
28-04-2025
- NZ Herald
From Cairns to Tokyo: Explore all around the world with these hot travel deals
Snorkel at the Great Barrier Reef We can't guarantee you'll find Nemo, Marlin or Dory on this trip but you might find their cousins as you snorkel the Great Barrier Reef. Spend five nights at the Rydges Esplanade Resort Cairns in a family-friendly apartment just five minutes from Cairns Esplanade foreshore. Take a Green Island Discovery tour where you will snorkel and explore the Great Barrier Reef on a full-day adventure at Green Island. Also included is a family admission to Cairns Aquarium. Book with Flight Centre to save up to $700 per family. From $429 pp, this deal is on sale until May 31 for travel between October 24 to November 21, 2025, and January 28 to February 21, 2026. Flights and transfers are additional. Price based on two adults and two children. Book this deal at or call 0800 427 555. Relax in Bali Experience Bali's vibrant coast and laid-back beach culture in an unforgettable journey. Flying return via Air New Zealand with return private airport transfers, stay seven nights in Seminyak at the five-star Double Six Luxury Hotel in a deluxe suite with plunge pool. Savour culinary delights at world-class restaurants onsite with daily breakfast, lunch or dinner, plus one three-course meal at Plantation Grill and one hour free flow on selected drinks from 7-8pm. Also included is an Instagram Trail East Bali Tour, where you can tick off East Bali's Instagramable hotspots on one full-day trip. From $3735 pp, get this package for sale until May 14. Travel between October 7 to 14, and October 21 to November 29, 2025. Flights departing from Auckland. Subject to availability. Get this deal at or call 0800 951 655. Explore Sydney and Bangkok Ready to tick off your travel bucket list in one go? This 23-night fly, stay and exploration cruise from Sydney to Bangkok is calling your name. Set sail on February 17, 2026 aboard the Regatta, with international flights and a two-night Bangkok stay included. Enjoy all-inclusive dining, a bonus beverage and speciality dining package, Wi-Fi, prepaid gratuities and more. Dive into culture at every stop with a US$50 onshore Explorations credit per port. With luxury touches and incredible value, this once-in-a-lifetime trip is available from just $6990 pp ex Auckland. Book by May 31, 2025 to secure your spot at a lower price. Visit or call 0800 110 179 to secure your cabin. Additional charges may apply from Christchurch. Change up your holiday season Ditch the tinsel and swap traditional celebrations for unforgettable adventures with Wendy Wu Tours' 2025–26 Christmas Collection Sale. You can spend Christmas Eve sailing through Halong Bay, sipping champagne by the Taj Mahal, or watching snow fall in a Kyoto temple garden. These fully inclusive tours blend festive cheer with cultural discovery, featuring exclusive Christmas dinners, spiritual traditions, local performances and breathtaking scenery. Designed for solo travellers, couples or groups of friends, each tour includes expert local guides and a small group of like-minded adventurers, giving you all the magic of the season without the usual stress. Choose from destinations like Japan, India, Vietnam, Sri Lanka, South Africa and more, including a brand-new experience in northeast India. With savings of up to $400 pp available on all 2025 and 2026 Christmas departures. Spots are limited and each tour departs only once a year. Book before May 16, 2025 at or call 0800 936 3998.
