The Star Sydney Casino

Post

Subscribe

Then, Now, and a Bittersweet Birthday Bash

Some places in Sydney carry more than just glitz and glamour - they carry memories. For me, The Star Casino is one of those places. Once home to the bustling, iconic Cherry Bar, I remember it as a glittering destination full of life, energy, and unforgettable nights. So when it came time to celebrate my son’s 18th birthday earlier this year, The Star felt like a full-circle moment — a fitting place for a milestone, with a theme all about money, growth, and lessons in finance.



We kicked things off in style at Harvest Buffet. With a reputation for indulgence, we expected premium dining, but the price did give me pause - nearly $300 for the two of us. Yes, there was divine seafood, and the extra Chinese New Year touches were beautiful, but for a buffet, it leaned more toward luxury than value. Still, for a once-in-a-lifetime celebration, it fit the theme: *the enjoyment of money… and the importance of knowing what it’s worth.*

Next, we went to get our membership cards—a process I wish I’d known about in advance. The line was long and a little confusing, and without a card, you can’t really participate in anything. Just a heads-up for other first-timers!

With cards in hand, we made our way to Cherry Bar, where my heart dropped a little. What used to be the vibrant Cherry Bar of my mid-20s - packed with energy, music, and a nightclub upstairs - is now a stunning but empty shell. The vibe was gone, replaced by a beautiful venue that felt more like a ghost lounge. The silver lining? A super-friendly bartender gave us the full rundown of the bar’s glory days and shared stories of what used to be. That chat felt more meaningful than the slot machines ever could.

We ended the evening with a modest spin at the roulette table, soaking in the experience while keeping it fun, light, and within budget. A celebratory drink and some reflective conversation later, we called it a night.

It wasn’t the buzzing, electric Star I remembered - no live music, no real energy on the floor - but it was a special first for my son and a sweet nod to the past for me. As someone who’s always tried to balance fun with financial literacy, it felt poetic to toast to 18 with lessons on both.

Thank you, Star, for the memories - both old and new.

%wnsydney

#music
#food_drink
#nightlife
#holiday
#services
#random