For four days next month, Circular Quay is set to become a Kanak-inspired island beach village. It may be winter, but a tropical pop-up is about to change the weather forcast along the famed waterfront setting. And, Messina is joining in on the action.

Following the success of Paris’s temporary Beach ‘Paris Plage’, Sydney will celebrate Bastille Festival with a New-Calendonian-style destination of its own.

On the eastern side of Circular Quay, between the ferry terminal and the Opera House, Astille’s beach village will offer wanderers a spot to sip on coconut cocktails, feel the sand between their toes and indulge in island food.

From Thursday 11 July to Sunday 14 July,  tropical music, umbrellas and beach chairs will emerge in the central location, and island food – think barbecue prawns, grilled pineapples, pork with a coconut glaze – alongside French wines will be served. And, Messina and KOI will create French-island-themed ice-creams for the occasion.

Coconut Pétanque (a take on the French game of pétanque, similar to Australian lawn bowls) will also be played on site, as will a giant treasure hunt.