Sydney Harbour is one of the most beautiful venues for a concert and Mrs Macquarie’s Chair is one of the Crown jewels of Sydney Harbour, being the focal point of the annual Handa Opera on Sydney Harbour (although it seems there may be a new name for this in future years). However, this year, the venue is getting even more use with an outdoor floating stage being propped up for a concert series called The Point, headlined by some of Australia’s great performers, including Icehouse and Missy Higgins.

It was Icehouse that kicked off proceedings with a punchy set on a beautifully warm night in Sydney. The crowd was completely sold out and teeming with anticipation for the special occasion as the Aussie rockers took to the stage. It is sometimes underestimated just how many hits Icehouse have had over the years, but very early in their set, as they played “Hey, Little Girl”, it became immediately apparent just how many of their songs the audience knew and loved.

While times have changed for the band, as evidenced by Iva Davies dedicating his smash hit “Electric Blue” to his young grandson who was in the audience, who he said it was his favourite song, the band still maintain a very high standard of performance. From the pulsating “Hey, Little Girl” to “Electric Blue”, which, while sung a step down, still maintains the passion and fire of the original version, it became very clear that this was still a band very much at the top of their game. Davies’ voice still holds up strong and the band showed off great musicianship and artistry at every point with guitar solos and banter at every opportunity. To experience this again a the backdrop of Sydney Harbour was a treat for the audience and for the band, who seemed enamoured to be playing at the venue. 

“I’m still getting over where we are,” said Davies. “I mean what city in the world would you get this.”

As the night continued, there were some other great hits like “Crazy”, “Heartbreak Kid” and “Don’t Believe Anymore”, with saxophonist Hugo Lee providing a great interlude, as he always does, with incredible skill and mastery of his instrument. It’s a testament to the group that they have nurtured so much of the great talent in Australia, at one point having both Lee and Michael Paynter in their band. Now Paynter has gone off for rehearsals for the upcoming John Farnham musical but it does show how well the group are willing to spot and nurture Australian talent. 

Things kicked up a notch again towards the end of the set, as the band had the whole crowd up and dancing to an impromptu mosh pit with “Great Southern Land”, which was performed super well. For the encore, the band closed with “Nothing Too Serious”, which was a great way to end a fabulous night on the harbour with an absolutely sublime atmosphere.

Overall, this was a great show, which really showed off the breadth of Icehouse’s discography and was a testament to their endurance in the Australian industry over their entire career. The venue was perfect and it even seemed that the band were at times in awe of just how beautiful the setting was and it really felt like a special occasion for all those in attendance. A great night and a great way to kick off what is going to be a pretty incredible stretch of concerts over the Australian summer.

Rating: ★★★★1/2

Icehouse – Fleet Steps – 30 September 2026