Stories from our past.

Pier One is Sydney's most historic hotel located just a stone's throw away from The Rocks precinct, Sydney's most historic district colonised in 1788. The area is now a must-see precinct for visitors to the city, offering markets, tours and culinary experiences to explore and enjoy. 

A prestigious feature of Sydney Harbour's Dawes Point area was its rich maritime history. In 1882, military barracks were erected for soldiers guarding the Dawes Point Battery.

The significance of Sydney Harbour grew further in 1912 when Pier One was officially constructed as a cargo wharf and passenger terminal. Prior to the construction of the famous Sydney Harbour Bridge, passengers would board ferries at Pier One to travel across the harbour to North Sydney. The Pier One wharf was at the forefront of many advancements throughout the early 20th century, with urban projects developed around the Pier.

The Gantry acknowledges the traditional custodians of the land of which we live and work on. We pay our respects to the Elders past and present, and to emerging leaders, for they hold the memories, the traditions, the culture and hopes of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples across the nation.

Prior to European settlement, the area now known as Dawes Point - the suburb in which Walsh Bay is located - was referred to by the local Gadigal people as ‘Tar-ra‘ and ‘Tullagalla‘. With its proximity to the then-teeming waters of the harbour, Dawes Point and Walsh Bay were favourite fishing and cooking spots for Aboriginal communities. 

Decades on, Pier One was architecturally designed with the idea of opening itself to every strata of Sydney. By virtue of its location, featuring some of the best seafood was a given. From the world class ‘Harbour Watch' restaurant to the casual atmosphere of the pier-side Oyster Bar and Crab Cookers, one was treated to an array of fresh fish, from prawns, oysters, crabs and even a Neptune. 

In 2015, The Gantry restaurant opened and cemented Pier One's relationship to harbour side dining, and continues today to showcase our unique connection to the harbour and NSW's stunning seasonal produce. 

As time went by, the address grew in stature as the sight-to-see for those setting foot into Sydney for the first time. However, in 1982, $5 million was sanctioned to be spent on revitalizing the old passenger terminal, to transform it into something that Australia had waited 200 years for - a recreational amusement hub. 

Developed by Vern Howlett and Paul Pelly, Pier One was architecturally designed with the idea of opening itself to every strata of Sydney. By virtue of its location, featuring some of the best seafood was a given. From the world class Harbour Watch restaurant to the casual atmosphere of the pier-side Oyster Bar and Crab Cookers, one was treated to an array of fresh fish, from prawns, oysters, crabs and even a Neptune. While feasting to a variety of food options or enjoying one of the most breathtaking views in the city, the north end of the first floor had a range of specialty shops that redrew the concept of window shopping. 

Some of Australia's finest craftsmen from jewelers spending hours cutting an opal, to leatherware, silverware, pottery and copper were on sale at the site. Merging entertaining with food and a thrilling showcase of retail therapy, Pier One was the place to be. In addition to a power packed day out, Pier One also offered a wide spread selection of cruises, giving tourists a taste of Sydney through the harbour.

The wharf was eventually transformed into a beautiful hotel in 1998 to accommodate many domestic and international visitors to Sydney. The hotel saw several hotel management companies through it's doors before Marriott International took over in 2014. The inception of Pier One Sydney Harbour, Autograph Collection began with a beautiful lobby & restaurant renovation by Bates Smart. The Gantry Restaurant was officially launched in March of 2015.