Our Hotel Concierges journey us to their favourite local walking tracks
We get it: once you walk through any of our property doors, there’s little reason to leave. You can travel the world via the cuisines of our world-class restaurants, get the Broadway experience at our resident entertainment hubs, test your hand at a blackjack table, and luxuriously indulge in spa treatments. The Star Sydney, Gold Coast and Treasury Brisbane is a city unto its itself, but the beauty of being a city within a city is that you’re connected to the best that the locality has to offer.
And in nature-bound cities, this means equal parts cosmopolitan fantasy and postcard-perfect scenery. Just in time for the warmer weather, we spoke to our hotel concierge teams about their favourite walks and nature spots near our properties – and we share some of our own favourites.
Brisbane City Botanic Gardens, Treasury Brisbane
“It’s a mix of old and new, vibrant and relaxing” says a short 13-minute walk from Treasury Brisbane lives the city’s most lush botanic garden bound by the Brisbane River.
At your own pace, follow the self-guided walking map and take yourself on a natural journey during the day, surrounded by vibrant foliage that turns and blooms throughout each passing season. Or find whimsical sights that light up the night and possibly even that Insta-worthy moment to couple with your trip away from home.
Cascade Gardens, The Star Gold Coast
Picture this: a lush and ancient wildlife sanctuary tucked away in the middle of a big city, where you can see abundant birdlife and local flora before walking just 15 minutes back to The Star. This is what Cascade Gardens, a short walk from The Star Gold Coast, promises. This picturesque setting, located off the Gold Coast Highway on the riverbank, contains rainforest walks, undercover barbecue facilities, and remnants of Aboriginal art and culture. There is even a war memorial from the Kokoda Trail displayed along the Kokoda Memorial Walk.
“The wildlife here is amazing,” says Marcus Collins, Concierge at The Star Gold Coast. “There are two types of flying foxes, kookaburras, cormorants, lorikeets and Australian pied oystercatchers, as well as many other species.
“With so much to see here, you don’t even realise you’re in the middle of the Gold Coast.”
Sydney Ferries, The Star Sydney
In a blessedly waterbound city such as Sydney, why commit to one coastal landmark when you can see them all in a day? The Sydney ferry network connects harbourside localities to the city centre – with its hub being Darling Harbour, a negligible stroll from The Star in Pyrmont. Once you reach the ferry terminals, you can pick and choose between famous Sydney beaches such as Manly, Watsons Bay and even out to Parramatta River. On the trip out, you’ll sail past spectacular local landmarks, such as The Royal Botanic Garden Sydney, Fort Denison and Shark Island.
If you don’t want to pick a location to cruise to, you can make like Janet Catalano, Front Office Supervisor at The Darling, and spend the day seeing them all from the comfort of the ferry. “I love catching the ferry,” she says. “I find spending time on the ferries really relaxing as you are out on the ocean and of course, you are able to see Sydney’s iconic sights and attractions!”
Pirrama Park, The Star Sydney
Sure, we might be biased. But we think it is hard to argue against the fact of Sydney being one of the world’s most beautiful cities. Much of this natural glamour comes from our shimmering harbour, dotted with sandstone-speckled walks, expansive parklands, and world-renowned architectural wonders.
A mere stroll from The Star Sydney, Pirrama Park occupies a sizeable chunk of foreshore, with enviable views over Sydney’s sparkling water wonderland. There are a number of trails that wind their way through the parklands, alternating between vistas of blue water and green plant-life, but it is equally acceptable to sit down, open up a picnic basket, and appreciate the views from a comfortable seated position on the grass.
