Harbourfront Oasis with Pool, Steps to VIVID and Iconic Sydney Views

Hotel Description

Look, I’ve stayed at a lot of places around Sydney Harbour, and honestly? This spot on Little Edward Street caught me completely off guard. You know those moments when you walk into a place and think “okay, this is actually better than the photos” – that’s what happened here. The name’s a bit of a mouthful (Harbourfront Oasis with Pool, Steps to VIVID and Iconic Sydney Views), but they’re not overselling it.

The thing about this location is that most tourists have no idea Little Edward Street exists, which is exactly why it works so well. You’re literally a two-minute walk from McMahons Point wharf – I mean, I timed it – and during VIVID season, you can just stroll down to the water without dealing with the absolute chaos at Circular Quay. The ferry ride across to the city takes maybe eight minutes, and honestly, it never gets old watching the Opera House and Harbour Bridge grow bigger as you approach. What really sold me though was the pool area. It’s not huge, but it’s got this elevated position where you can float around while looking out at the harbour. I spent way too much time there during my stay, especially in the late afternoon when the light hits the water just right.

The building itself feels more like a well-appointed apartment than a typical hotel – which makes sense since it’s in one of those newer residential developments that have popped up around McMahons Point. Check-in was smooth (there’s actually decent parking if you’re driving, though I’d honestly just use the ferries), and the room I had was genuinely spacious with floor-to-ceiling windows facing the water. The kitchen setup was pretty comprehensive too, which I appreciated since there’s a decent IGA just around the corner on Blues Point Road.

I have to mention the noise levels – or lack thereof, really. Even though you’re so close to the city, this little pocket of McMahons Point stays surprisingly quiet. The only sounds you’ll hear are the occasional ferry horn and maybe some laughter from the pool area. During VIVID (which runs May to June, by the way), you’d expect it to be mental with crowds, but this side of the harbour somehow stays relatively peaceful. The light installations are right there across the water, so you get the full show without the shoulder-to-shoulder experience you’d have at Circular Quay or The Rocks.

What I really appreciated was how the staff actually knew the area – like, they told me about the walking path that goes around Blues Point Reserve (perfect for morning coffee runs), and mentioned that Luna Park is just a pleasant fifteen-minute walk if you’re traveling with kids. There’s also this little strip of cafes and restaurants along Blues Point Road that most visitors never discover because they’re too busy queuing for overpriced tourist spots in the city.

The whole experience felt like I was staying at a friend’s place who happened to have incredible taste and an even better view. It’s not trying to be the flashiest hotel in Sydney – it’s just really, really good at what it does. If you want to experience Sydney Harbour without the tourist circus but still be close enough to everything that matters, this is honestly one of the better choices you’ll find.

Rooms

• Estimated price from: $1,140. Four-Bedroom House with 1 extra-large double bed, 2 × 1 large double bed and 2 single beds for Max persons: 8

SURROUNDINGS

Facilities