SRG Hospitality opens at Sydney’s Australian National Maritime Museum,one of Australia’s most visited cultural destinations
20 April 2026, Sydney
SRG Hospitality has announced a new chapter in its partnership with the Australian National Maritime Museum, bringing SRG’s hospitality expertise across dining,
catering and events to the Darling Harbour precinct. The partnership includes the opening of HarbourWatch, a new café and premium events venue, as well as SRG’s engagement to
manage the museum’s full portfolio of event spaces through SRG Events.
The appointment marks a significant deepening of the two organisations’ ongoing partnership and a step-change in the hospitality experience available to the museum’s more than one million
annual visitors.
The opening also comes as SRG undergoes a generational transition. Founded in 2000 by Bill Drakopoulos, the group, which operates more than 30 venues across Sydney, is now being led
by his four children, Anastasia, Nicola, Daniel and Perry, who serve as directors.
Through SRG Events at the Australian National Maritime Museum, SRG now manages all 10 event spaces across the precinct, offering a portfolio that spans intimate private dining through
to large-scale functions for up to 2,500 guests.
Daniel Drakopoulos, managing director, SRG Hospitality said: “Our partnership with the Australian National Maritime Museum has been incredibly rewarding, and this next chapter
marks a significant step forward for both organisations. Following our recent renovations, we’re proud to elevate the hospitality offering within this much-loved cultural precinct and continue
creating memorable dining experiences for both domestic and international visitors.
“The Museum has been an outstanding partner to work alongside, collaborative, forward-thinking and deeply committed to delivering a world-class experience. We’re excited to
build on what we’ve achieved together so far, further enhancing the precinct with outstanding food and beverage experiences that complement the museum’s cultural significance and
setting. It is the latest addition in a portfolio of landmark waterfront venues that has defined Sydney dining for more than two decades.”
Museum Director and CEO Ms Daryl Karp AM said, “For an institution where visitors spend upwards of four hours onsite, one of the most important contributors to a memorable customer experience is undoubtedly the food options available. SRG Hospitality has consistently proven themselves to be the ideal partner, helping us foster a welcoming atmosphere with their exceptional catering services. Their attention to detail and commitment to quality have elevated our guests’ experience at every turn.
‘We now celebrate them extending the same commitment to our event sales and operations ensuring all our event clients enjoy warm and memorable experiences.”
Designed by SRG Hospitality creative director Perry Drakopoulos, HarbourWatch seats 170 across an indoor dining room and an outdoor terrace, with the two spaces connected by a
seamless indoor-outdoor transition that keeps the harbour in view throughout. The design scales from a weekday lunch to a 650-person cocktail event space without losing its character.
Perry Drakopoulos said: “The interior palette features soft stone, warm timber and aged brass creating an environment that feels airy and refined without ever feeling cold. It is defined by its
materiality, including American oak wainscoting, high-gloss Venetian plaster walls that shift with the harbour light, Gascogne limestone flooring that runs from inside to the external terrace, and
hand-cut vanilla tiles at the back bar that bring a sense of craft and warmth to the space.”
The kitchens across the precinct are led by head chef Rumesh Niroshan, who brings more than three years of experience within the SRG group to the role. Having progressed from senior sous
chef, Niroshan will oversee day-to-day operations, develop the team, and ensure the consistency and quality the group is known for. He is supported by SRG’s head of culinary Alessandro Intini.
The HarbourWatch menu reflects a strong commitment to sustainability, featuring premium seafood certified to Aquaculture Stewardship Council (ASC) and Marine Stewardship Council
(MSC) standards, making HarbourWatch the first museum venue in Australia to hold ASC and MSC Chain of Custody certification.
The venues sit within the museum’s Darling Harbour precinct, one of Sydney’s most-visited destinations, and is easily accessible by public transport, ferry, and on foot.
HarbourWatch serves coffee and light dining to museum visitors and the public, seven days a week, with no museum ticket required to visit, and is open from 9am to 4pm (5pm during school
holidays).
ABOUT SRG HOSPITALITY
SRG Hospitality (formerly Sydney Restaurant Group) is one of the city’s most respected hospitality portfolios. Each venue is distinct, capturing the essence of contemporary Sydney dining – from
award-winning fine dining to relaxed cafe culture – all set against some of the city’s most iconic waterfront backdrops. A family run Australia company overseen and operated by siblings Anastasia, Nicola, Daniel and Perry Drakopoulos – who serve as directors. Founded in 2000 by their father Bill Drakopoulos, SRG Hospitality has grown from its original flagship Aqua Dining to an impressive collection of iconic waterfront and neighbourhood restaurants, cafes, kiosks, event spaces and hotels. Together the
family remains united in their vision: to deliver welcoming, memorable dining experiences that combine outstanding food, genuine service, and spectacular locations.
ABOUT THE AUSTRALIAN NATIONAL MARITIME MUSEUM
The Australian National Maritime Museum is Australia’s museum of the sea. A place to explore our relationship to the oceans, rivers and lakes around us and to dive deeper into the rich maritime heritage that binds us all.As an island nation, we have always been fascinated by the waters that surround us. The ocean, and its ever-shifting tides, have been central to our stories throughout time, shaping the Australian identity. By sharing these stories, we want to spark curiosity and conversations about how the sea shaped our world and continues to transform us today. Our purpose is to excite people about their connection to the sea, so they value it more. We are one of nine National Collecting Institutions and the country’s national centre for maritime collections, exhibitions, research and archaeology.
