Latest news with #DarlingHarbour
News.com.au
05-07-2025
- Entertainment
- News.com.au
Sydney will get its ‘EntCent' back with huge naming rights shake-up for a popular city venue
It's back to the future for Sydney gig-goers, celebrity talkfest fans and indoor sports enthusiasts who will soon be able to say they're going to the 'EntCent'. The ICC Sydney Theatre, which replaced the demolished Sydney Entertainment Centre in 2016, is reclaiming the name of one of the city's historic institutions. The arena in the Darling Harbour entertainment precinct has been hugely popular with promoters and fans since its opening nine years ago, hosting concerts by superstars including Cher, Elton John, Bob Dylan and Kylie Minogue and celebrity chats with former US President Barack Obama, Jane Fonda and Drew Barrymore. It has also hosted sports tournaments from indoor tennis to professional bull riding contests. But it has suffered from a bit of an identity crisis since its opening, cycling through different names. And it's less of a theatre in the traditional sense, with an arena-sized capacity for 9000 people. Now its operators at ASM Global are courting brands for a new naming rights partnership, worth millions of dollars, as they relaunch the venue as the Entertainment Centre. Patrons will likely adopt the shorthand of 'EntCent', which was the fond nickname for the old venue in Haymarket. ASM Global group director of arena operations Meg Walker said the wild diversity of events hosted at the venue inspired the change. 'I was up there two months ago for the Les Mis arena spectacular and this weekend, we had the professional bull riding in there, and that's why it deserves top be known as an entertainment centre,' Ms Walker said. 'Comedy is so big in there right now, podcasts are big, we've had tennis, netball, basketball in there, whatever you can imagine as a promoter, you can do it in there.' Stadium and arena naming rights partnerships between brands and venue operators can be worth tens of millions of dollars. Venues NSW did a six-year, $36 million deal with insurance giant Allianz in 2022 to name the redeveloped Sydney Football Stadium as the Allianz Stadium. Disney struck an eight-year deal with the Victorian government in 2018 to name the Marvel Stadium in Docklands. And the Queensland Government has left the door open to potential corporate sponsorship of its Brisbane Stadium being built for the 2032 Olympics. The brand to win the bid for the Entertainment Centre rights would have about 25 million pairs of eyeballs on its name each year, thanks to the foot traffic in the booming restaurant and tourism precinct around Darling Harbour and Chinatown. The venue hosts more than 120 events a year and has sold 497,000 tickets in the last 12 months for shows by Nick Cave, James Blunt and Missy Higgins. Guy Sebastian has been one of the biggest box office hits there with 25,000 tickets sold for his T.R.U.T.H. tour in 2022. Elton John graced the new venue in 2019 during his epic Farewell Yellow Brick Road tour, after playing the closing gig at the old 'EntCent' on December 19, 2015. 'A world-class city like Sydney deserves a great CBD entertainment venue and the ICC not only has such a wonderful music, indoor sports and major event venue in its Entertainment Centre, but it has also created a rare and powerful naming rights opportunity for a brand (to) access an annual reach of 25 million potential customers,' ASM chairman and CEO Harvey Lister said. 'Since opening in 2016 the venue has experienced phenomenal growth that now mirrors the success of the original and iconic Sydney Entertainment Centre, which it replaced – so it's a 'Back to the Future' moment for Sydney.'
News.com.au
05-07-2025
- News.com.au
Sydney Hyatt Regency: Sailmaker seafood restaurant unlike any other
A unique seafood restaurant tucked away in a popular Sydney hotel is all the talk on social media – and I was keen to see what all the fuss was about. Nestled in the heart of Darling Harbour, is the Hyatt Regency Sydney – and inside you will find Seaferer Diner's Sailmaker Restaurant. It's what many have described as the 'ultimate' seafood experience, and for someone who is obsessed with this cuisine, I had high hopes. During my staycation, I booked in for dinner and opted for their $95 menu. At first I wondered if I should have just gone for their al la carte menu as I was a bit sceptical three courses wasn't going to fill me up – but little did I know there was a lot more to it. For my entree, I went in for the ever so tasty yellowtail kingfish with charred corn and grapefruit gel. There are six entrees to choose from including Skull Island Prawns and Abrolhos Island Scallops. There are also six options for the main, including Merimbula Swordfish and Rocky Point Grouper. I opted for the Aquina Murray cod with potato gratin and fish jus. Firstly, the portion sizes were unexpectedly generous and very filling. You could also taste the freshness and quality ingredients in each dish, which I appreciated. Now, if you're dining with a partner or friend, it ultimately means you can share all your dishes. So really, between entree and main, you're getting four dishes. As for dessert, it doesn't just stop at one dish. Each person can choose two desserts. The options are wheeled straight to your table on a silver trolley, which is pretty cool. This is perhaps the best part of the whole experience, and one I didn't realise until half way through my main meal. There's a Mediterranean Tapas Table, where you can get whatever you like, as many times as you like – meaning there's little to no chance of going hungry. I was wondering why so many people were gravitating towards the centre table. I asked the waitress what was going on and she said, 'Oh that's our tapas table, feel free to fill your plates'. I mean, clearly I wasn't paying attention the first time she walked us through the menu because this is typically something I wouldn't forget. They weren't lying when they said the 'food is thoughtfully sourced'. Looking around the restaurant I noticed the greens used in the salads weren't just fresh, they were grown right inside the hotel. Installed on-site by Green Space, the chefs have their own mini-farm, harvesting crisp, vibrant greens each day. There are also little signs scattered around that explain where the food is sourced to help promote local Aussie seafood farmers. @urbanfarmertv Mini farm in the city? Yes, please!🌱 I recently got to try Sailmaker Restaurant at the Hyatt Regency Sydney and it was such a thoughtful and amazing experience💚 Every dish was fresh, but what truly left a lasting impression on me was Hyatt Regency Sydney commitment to 'Food. Thoughtfully Sourced. Carefully Served.' Knowing that every ingredient—from seafood to dairy—is locally sourced adds a whole new level of connection to the meal🙌 And here's what I loved most: the greens in my salad weren't just fresh; they were grown right inside the hotel! Installed on-site by Green Space , the chefs have their own mini-farm, harvesting crisp, vibrant greens each day. Imagine eating produce that's at its absolute peak, harvested just steps from your table. It's such a beautiful reminder of how our food choices can care for the planet and for us.🌍 Here's why I'm so inspired by this: - We get to enjoy greens that are as fresh as it gets, packed with nutrients. -Less plastic and fewer miles traveled mean a smaller footprint. -It's a gentle nudge to think about where our food comes from. -Adds natural beauty to the space and a sense of calm. -Hydroponic systems save water—a precious resource. Wouldn't it be amazing if more places—and even homes—had their own mini-farms? 🌱 I'd love to hear your insights! Want to experience sustainable dining firsthand? Visit #SustainablySydney #FarmToTable #sustainability #microgreens #microgreensfarming #garden #indoorgarden #hydroponics #plants #sdg #sustainablehotel #sustainablecities #plants #food #healthyfood #salad ♬ original sound - Urban Farmer TV 👩🏻🌾 Head chef Sven Ullrich said it is all part of the experience at the restaurant which prides itself on serving up sustainable Australian seafood. 'We wanted to create a unique experience and make it affordable, especially after the last few years with interest rates going up and cost of living pressures,' Chef Sven told me. He said they wanted to add more value to customers' experiences, which is why they designed the unique menu, tapas table and created the dessert cart. He also takes a lot of pride in the restaurant's sustainable approach, sourcing locally whenever possible and supporting farmers like Grima Farm Fresh Produce – renowned for their perfectly imperfect produce. @ivyseveryday Finally got to try this after seeing it on @SYDNEY FOOD BOY 's page AGES ago. Available Thursday - Sunday for dinner at Hyatt Regency Sydney ☺️ _____ #sydneyrestaurants #hyattregency #sailmaker #seafarerdinner #sydneyrecommendations #dinner #dinnerinsydney ♬ Talk of the Town - The Love Rights Chef Sven said partnerships with Greenspace for onsite micro farms, edible gardens and Hilltop Free Range Eggs ensure that sustainability is at the forefront of every dish. 'Every menu item will have sustainably farmed or wild caught to give customers an option and it also sparks a conversation and talking point,' Chef Sven said. 'We are at the crossroad right now. Back in the day, it never came to mind to actually question where the fish is from. It was a very natural given way that somebody caught them and they came from the ocean. 'It was never really asked 'where they're from'. And now we are at the crossroads … where they're taking so much fish out of the ocean. 'So, we acknowledge that we have to really work on limiting how much fish we are taking out the ocean. We don't want to prohibit people from eating fish, so, what can we do? And there are now farmers who are sustainably really taking care of the environment, taking care of the fish.' He explained what makes seafood sustainable is avoiding overfishing and ensuring fish are harvested at a rate that allows populations to replenish as our oceans are becoming fished out. He also added it involves minimising harmful impacts and promoting responsible management. 'It's about what the fish get fed, their feeding processes, the hatching, how populated they are and so on,' Chef Sven said. His restaurant is really leading the charge in ethically and sustainably sourced seafood. What else to do at Hyatt Regency After you've treated (and educated yourself) at Sailmaker, head to Jackalberry Bar. It's an award-winning cocktail bar on the ground floor. The food and drinks menu will take you on a journey from the vibrant streets of London to the sun-kissed beaches of Mexico, to the vibrant cityscape of Osaka and every destination in between. Zephyr Sky Bar is on the top floor and it is, in my humble opinion, the best way to top off your night. The open rooftop bar overlooks the Harbour and is complimented with great music and a buzzing atmosphere. The rooms The hotel is located in the heart of the city, with plenty to do and see and all within walking distance. It was the last night of Vivid so the Harbour was extra lively. After a lovely hours-long walk around to check out the installations, I headed back to my room and just chilled there until it was time for dinner. I had a pretty impressive view of the Harbour and the Vivid lights showcase. The rooms are also super spacious, modern and sleek. The massive bed was also super comfy and exactly what I needed to top off my staycation.
Daily Mail
24-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
Supermodel Tyra Banks shows off her unique style in harem pants as she samples ice cream flavours at her new Sydney store
Tyra Banks has been spotted trying out some of the ice cream flavours on offer at her newly-opened Sydney store SMiZE & DREAM. The former Next Top Model host, who opened the Darling Harbour establishment last week, was all smiles as she popped into the flagship store on Monday. The 51-year-old, who has been living in Australia for nearly two years, stepped out in a bizarre all-black ensemble for the outing. The supermodel kept comfy in an off-the-shoulder black sweater which she paired with loose-fitting harem trousers. On her feet, the 51-year-old wore a pair of matching black sneakers as she made her way around the Sydney waterfront. From A-list scandals and red carpet mishaps to exclusive pictures and viral moments, subscribe to the DailyMail's new showbiz newsletter to stay in the loop. Tyra styled her hair straight, with her raven bob cutting just above her shoulders. She paired the look with a bold pink lip and matching rosy cheeks, along with a pair of gold-rimmed, clear-lens glasses. She slung a maroon suede bag over her shoulder as she and her friends sat down for the ice cream date. The business mogul was then seen thoughtfully sampling an ice cream flavour while sitting in a booth. Another showed her laughing hysterically while chatting to a SMiZE & DREAM staff member. Tyra officially unveiled her dream project in Australia – launching her first-ever SMiZE & DREAM ice cream store in the heart of Sydney on Thursday. In an exclusive interview with Daily Mail Australia, the American supermodel-turned-entrepreneur revealed she fell head over heels for the Harbour City after visiting regularly for over a year while producing ice cream for a cruise line account. 'I was coming for about a year and a half and just fell in love with it,' she said. 'And I said, should we make this move? And here we are.' Tyra said Sydney's relaxed charm and community energy helped seal the decision to base her global business Down Under, with one spot standing out above all others. 'I love Darling Harbour because of this park. Tumbalong Park is magical,' she said, adding that even before her shop opened, she and her family would spend their weekends there. 'I have friends that live an hour and a half away and on the weekends they drive here just to go to the water and put their feet in with the kids.' 'There's a playground for older kids, one for younger kids, Darling Square nearby, the harbour – it just felt natural.' Tyra's passion for the brand is personal, down to the flavours themselves. When asked about her favourite scoop, she didn't hesitate. 'My favourite flavour is called Tyra's Favourite – very creative, isn't it?' she laughed. The flavour features salted sweet cream with butter-roasted pecans and a thick, savoury caramel butter swirl. 'It's not your traditional ice cream taste – it has this surprising, rich sensation in the mouth,' she said. Beyond ice cream, the SMiZE & DREAM founder wants the business to stand for something bigger – encouraging others, especially women, to reinvent themselves no matter their age. 'It's never too late,' she said, when asked what advice she had for women starting over. 'But we have to know our stuff. Unfortunately, women – we have to be better. We have to be smarter. We have to know more. 'Just go deep, study hard, walk into that room head held high. You're going to hear no's – but one day you're going to get that yes. And you just have to be ready for it.'
Daily Mail
22-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
Tyra Banks reveals the incredible amount of ice cream she eats in a day - after sharing how much weight she's gained since modelling heyday
Tyra Banks has revealed that she loves frozen desserts so much that she visits three ice cream stores in a single day. The supermodel, who now lives in Australia, said one of her favourite things to do on a Saturday in Sydney is take the ferry across the harbour to Manly and go on an ice cream binge. 'We go full-on ice cream mode. We don't stop at one - we hit Messina, Anita, and Royal Copenhagen. Yep. Three. In a row' she tells the Daily Telegraph of her favourie local frosty treat vendors. 'Call it excessive - we call it Saturday' the 51-year-old continued. 'We're an ice cream family. And when you love frozen cream, there's no such thing as too much.' Tyra is such a big fan of the sweet and cold stuff that she has opened her very own ice cream store. Her SMiZE & DREAM parlour opened last week in the heart of Sydney's Darling Harbour. It comes after Tyra revealed how much weight she has gained since her heyday walking the runway in Victoria's Secret Fashion Shows. Tyra returned to the catwalk for the American underwear brand last year. While appearing on The Drew Barrymore Show last year, the supermodel turned mogul discussed feeling true joy as she returned to her role as a Victoria's Secret Angel for the evening. After Drew said Banks looked like she felt 'good about' herself and was truly 'living in the moment and really present' during her runway walk, Banks said that description perfectly captured what it was like to dust off her wing after so many years. Unlike in past years when the mother-of-one said she 'would walk' for herself, the Life-Size actress said, this time, she 'felt like everybody was inside of' her as she took the stage. '50-year-old women, insecure women - I just felt like there was more, and I look at the playback and I'm like, boom, boom, boom. I was stomping because I felt like I was a vessel more so than it's just all about me. It was different,' Banks raved. The America's Next Top Model creator also reflected on how her body has changed over the years. 'Also what was different is my boobies were like 10 times bigger because I was about 40-50 pounds (18-22 kg) heavier on this runway than when I retired,' she told viewers. 'So I was like, "Don't fall out, don't fall out."' While serving as a VS Angel, Banks walked nine shows, before announcing her retirement from modelling in 2005. Banks walked in her first fashion show for the lingerie brand in 1996. Her final Victoria's Secret runway appearance took place in 2005, before she embarked on a career in television. In 2009, she opened up about no longer believing in diets. 'I have been on diets in the past. They are a bunch of bologna,' she said on The Tyra Show at the time. 'It's not about being skinny. It's about being in the best shape you can be.'
Daily Mail
19-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
EXCLUSIVE Supermodel Tyra Banks reveals why she moved to Australia as she launches upmarket ice cream store in Sydney
Tyra Banks has officially unveiled her dream project in Australia – launching her first-ever SMiZE & DREAM ice cream store in the heart of Sydney 's Darling Harbour. In an exclusive interview with Daily Mail Australia, the American supermodel-turned-entrepreneur revealed she fell head over heels for the Harbour City after visiting regularly for over a year while producing ice cream for a cruise line account. 'I was coming for about a year and a half and just fell in love with it,' she said. 'And I said, should we make this move? And here we are.' The 51-year-old said Sydney's relaxed charm and community energy helped seal the decision to base her global business Down Under, with one spot standing out above all others. 'I love Darling Harbour because of this park. Tumbalong Park is magical,' she said, adding that even before her shop opened, she and her family would spend their weekends there. 'I have friends that live an hour and a half away and on the weekends they drive here just to go to the water and put their feet in with the kids.' 'There's a playground for older kids, one for younger kids, Darling Square nearby, the harbour – it just felt natural.' Tyra's passion for the brand is personal, down to the flavours themselves. When asked about her favourite scoop, she didn't hesitate. 'My favourite flavour is called Tyra's Favourite – very creative, isn't it?' she laughed. The flavour features salted sweet cream with butter-roasted pecans and a thick, savoury caramel butter swirl. 'It's not your traditional ice cream taste – it has this surprising, rich sensation in the mouth,' she said. She also teased a potential first celebrity collaboration, revealing a well-known Aussie star is already in talks. 'I have a very good friend – she's coming today – and we've been talking about doing a collab,' she revealed. 'She's very known here, so I'm touched that she wants to do something. I think she'll be the first, hopefully.' Beyond ice cream, the SMiZE & DREAM founder wants the business to stand for something bigger – encouraging others, especially women, to reinvent themselves no matter their age. 'It's never too late,' she said, when asked what advice she had for women starting over. 'But we have to know our stuff. Unfortunately, women – we have to be better. We have to be smarter. We have to know more.' Her message was firm and inspiring: 'Just go deep, study hard, walk into that room head held high. You're going to hear 'no's – but one day you're going to get that 'yes'. And you just have to be ready for it.' Previously speaking to Daily Mail Australia, the former America's Next Top Model host revealed that she has embraced the Aussie lifestyle fully – and says even her mother can't believe they live here now. 'Australia's not real to Americans,' she said. 'I know you guys, this is where you're from, but this is like fantasy land.' She's swapped designer boutiques for shopping sprees at Kmart and lazy weekends in the park. Previously speaking to Daily Mail Australia, the former America's Next Top Model host revealed that she has embraced the Aussie lifestyle fully – and says even her mother can't believe they live here now 'I went the other day and bought stuff for our kitchen,' she laughed. 'Kmart here is fancy! Where's the cheque? This is ridiculous—I just keep talking about it!' Tyra hasn't ruled out returning to television – and this time, it could be in Australia. 'I think I'm going to go back to do some TV,' she teased. 'I might even do stuff here – morning shows, hosting, something. When I do, it's going to feel like home.' She admitted that after years in front of the camera, it's being a businesswoman that's truly tested her. 'I used to think, 'Oh, I'm so stressed with all these TV shows,' she said. 'But that is nothing compared to being an entrepreneur. When I go back to TV, it'll actually feel relaxing!'
