Visit Sydney

See Sydney like The Great Gatsby

This winter’s big Hollywood blockbuster might be set in 1920s New York, but Baz Luhrmann’s The Great Gatsby has no shortage of ties to Sydney. Shot right in the heart of the harbour city, it has made Sydney the must-visit movie destination of the year.

Now before you get carried away with the hedonistic spirit of the roaring 20s, don’t forget that you’ll need a good travel insurance policy, even for short city breaks like a Gatsby weekender. The premium will look like an investment worthy of the Great Jay Gatsby himself if you lose your diamond tiara or your limited edition cigarette holder. Check out Virgin Travel Insurance to see if our domestic traveller policies suit your needs.

Once you’ve got that bit covered, you can start planning your trip. Here’s our quick guide…

See where the magic happened
It might surprise you to learn that Gatsby’s house – the setting for many of the film’s most lavish parties – is actually the International College of Management in Manly. This stunning heritage building, located on Darley Road, is set among the historic grounds of St Patrick’s Estate – a former seminary dating back to the late 19th century.

Elsewhere, the disused Rozelle Power Station stood in as the Valley of the Ashes, while Centennial Park provided the lush backdrop for many of the film’s outdoor garden scenes.

Live like the stars in Sydney
The star-studded cast of The Great Gatsby made themselves right at home in Sydney during filming, and with a bit of planning, you can too.

The elusive Leonardo DiCaprio – who plays Jay Gatsby – is rumoured to have made Astral Towers at The Star in Pyrmont his base during his time in Sydney, although other reports suggested he also set up residence in a Vaucluse mansion.

Meanwhile, Tobey Maguire and Carey Mulligan, who play Nick Carraway and Daisy Buchanan, respectively, were spotted jogging and meeting the locals on Bondi Beach.

Party like its 1922
While Sydney is a modern city, there are plenty of hotspots that still evoke the charm of the Roaring Twenties. To get into the Great Gatsby spirit, make your way down to Palmer & Co. This speakeasy-style bar was described by Time Out as a detail-oriented paradise for those who want to indulge in Prohibition-era drinks, complete with waitresses in full flapper regalia and bartenders decked out in the height of 1920s style. Best of all, it’s open until 5am, so you can party the night away, Gatsby style!!

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