It can be virtually empty on cold winter nights, but in the summer none of the other bars in Sydney even compare; especially when the Champagne flows and bikini-clad women cavort to some of the city’s top DJs. Make sure to look out for the infamous old man grooving around the pool area. You’ll know exactly who we’re talking about. The downsides? There’s bound to be a fair few obnoxious bankers hanging around, and the menu is far pricier than most Sydney bars, with a range of cocktails, spirits, local and imported beer, extensive global wine list, and rather surprisingly, pretty darn good pizza. The private cabanas that overlook the pool are usually reserved for members and the minted few, but can be reserved ahead of time by persuasive laymen. Laymen are unlikely, however, to be invited up to Ivy Penthouse on level six, a (mostly) exclusive member’s bar with a fur-draped, sunken circular lounge, poker room, balcony and hot tub with views over the Pool Club. If you’re attempting to access either, just be sure to dust off something half-decent to wear as the door policy tends to weed out undesirables (and the fashion-unconscious).