A whimsical lift hidden inside one of Sydney’s top hotels has captured the attention of hundreds – and not for the reason you might think. 

Tucked away in the Treasury Bar and Lounge at InterContinental Sydney lies the Southern Hemisphere’s oldest working lift.

And behind its glorious emerald green exterior lies a brand new two-person cocktail bar – a genius addition that has firmly established the hotel as one of the city’s most esteemed stay-cay hot spots. 

Flooded with natural light and steeped in history, The Treasury Bar alone is already one of Sydney’s best kept secrets, with the location marking where Australia’s first vine plantation was laid.

It was built in 1851 as Sydney’s first purpose-built government office and the very same lift remains, having been preserved since the hotel’s 1985 transformation.

So what do you do with such a special space? You turn it into an unforgettable ‘moving’ cocktail bar on Friday and Saturday evenings between 4pm and 6pm. 

Duos who book the experience can do so on the hotel’s website for $69 per person. 

Their exclusive journey begins in the atrium on level one, where they’ll be greeted by the charismatic bartender who will prepare micro cocktails as they ascend and descend through the hotel’s historic floors. 

Tucked away in the Treasury Bar and Lounge at InterContinental Sydney lies the Southern Hemisphere's oldest working lift

Tucked away in the Treasury Bar and Lounge at InterContinental Sydney lies the Southern Hemisphere’s oldest working lift

Behind its glorious emerald green exterior lies a brand new two-person cocktail bar It's a genius addition that has firmly established the hotel as one of the city's most esteemed stay-cay hot spots

And behind its glorious emerald green exterior lies a brand new two-person cocktail bar – a genius addition that has firmly established the hotel as one of the city’s most esteemed stay-cay hot spots

The drinks on offer are one-of-a-kind, with a Georgian Gimlet, Vault Martini, Atrium Negroni and 1851 Old Fashioned all expertly crafted by each pair’s personal mixologist. 

These are matched with a selection of small snacks – olives and nuts – as guests enjoy a brief history of the building and an invitation to roam the floors and take in the majestic surroundings.  

The 30-minute experience concludes back at the Treasury Bar, where a second cocktail from a curated menu is served tableside, paired with two tasty small plates.

These range from beetle leaves with caramelised pork and crisp vegetable herbs to and beef skewers with tonnato sauce, fried baby capers and herbs. 

Once the experience ends it’s only fitting to ascend to the hotel’s famous rooftop bar, Aster, where guests can take in breathtaking views while enjoying an array of inspired cocktails and flavourful treats. 

Stand-out cocktails include the Golden Hour ($30) with gin, turmeric, Italicus, Cocchi Americano, citrus and chilli and the Earth ($30) which is made with tequila, matcha and jalapeno and served with a lush ‘matcha cloud’ that ‘rains’ into your glass.

The bar menu has something for everyone, with crowd favourites including the Sydney rock oysters and finger lime mignonette, the prawn katsu sando and the Aster cheeseburger with gruyere, pickles and truffle aioli. 

And no stay-cay is complete without a cosy room to retreat to, with our pick being the East Harbour Room (from $498) which boasts glorious views over the Botanic Gardens, Woolloomooloo and the ocean beyond. 

The drinks on offer are one-of-a-kind, with a Georgian Gimlet, Vault Martini, Atrium Negroni and 1851 Old Fashioned all expertly crafted by each pair's personal mixologist

The drinks on offer are one-of-a-kind, with a Georgian Gimlet, Vault Martini, Atrium Negroni and 1851 Old Fashioned all expertly crafted by each pair’s personal mixologist

Once the experience ends it's only fitting to ascend to the hotel's famous rooftop bar, Aster (pictured), where guests can take in breathtaking views while enjoying an array of inspired cocktails and flavourful treats

Once the experience ends it’s only fitting to ascend to the hotel’s famous rooftop bar, Aster (pictured), where guests can take in breathtaking views while enjoying an array of inspired cocktails and flavourful treats

The enormous windows frame the city’s beauty while guests enjoy deluxe amenities and lighting fast service from staff, making it the perfect spot for a dimly-lit (light) dinner following a jam-packed evening. 

Other features of the white and blue hued space include an enormous plush king bed, a flat screen smart TV, Byredo amenities, a cosy work station and a gourmet mini bar. 

In-Room dining options are also plentiful, with an extensive steak selection, squid ink linguini, a beef burger, local seafood and a lamb shoulder all must-tries for guests. 

And no stay-cay is complete without a cosy room to retreat to, with our pick being the East Harbour Room (from $498) which boasts glorious views over the Botanic Gardens, Woolloomooloo and the ocean beyond

And no stay-cay is complete without a cosy room to retreat to, with our pick being the East Harbour Room (from $498) which boasts glorious views over the Botanic Gardens, Woolloomooloo and the ocean beyond

Following a night of exceptional shut-eye guests can then wake with a dip in the roof-top pool before a cruisy breakfast at the Conservatory Restaurant on level one

Following a night of exceptional shut-eye guests can then wake with a dip in the roof-top pool before a cruisy breakfast at the Conservatory Restaurant on level one

Following a night of exceptional shut-eye guests can then wake with a dip in the roof-top pool before a cruisy breakfast at the Conservatory Restaurant on level one. 

Here guests will enjoy a seriously generous hot and cold buffet and à la carte display, with freshly made omelettes, towering shelves stacked with pastries and crisp fresh fruits and yoghurts. 

And to think all that begins with a trip to a little green lift in a foyer. The perfect local getaway, with a very unique twist. 

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