Alice Ellis

Choosing the best hotel to book in Sydney is a delicate art – whether you’re a visitor experiencing the Emerald City for the very first time or a local on a weekend staycation. With so many options to choose between – from beachside boltholes (like the boutique hotel overlooking Watsons Bay) to a trendy converted brewery with a rooftop pool – it can be tricky to decide which hotel is right for you. At Time Out Sydney, we’ve dedicated a good few years to making that task a little easier – picking out the very best hotels in the city based on location, design creds, facilities and that undefinable something that can take a hotel from good to great. Whether you’re looking for a celeb-approved stay with uninterrupted views of the Opera House, an easy breezy escape by the beach, or an old-school luxury palace that will have you feeling like a princess, our team of writers (including Editor-in-Chief Alice Ellis and Sydney Editor Avril Treasure) have tried and tested the best hotels in Sydney. To confirm that they should make the cut, this list has been carefully edited by self-confessed hotel addict Winnie Stubbs, Travel and News Editor APAC for Time Out. Read on for our definitive guide to the best hotels in Sydney. Stay in the loop: sign up for our free Time Out Sydney newsletter for more news, travel inspo and activity ideas, straight to your inbox. RECOMMENDED: These are the best glamping sites in NSW. These are the best camping sites near Sydney. And these are the best spots

Located on a sparkling harbour and fringed by idyllic beaches, Sydney is a true seafood city. We’re home to many cracking waterfront restaurants, and our fish and chips are top-notch. So, where are the best spots for enjoying the ocean’s gifts? Whether it’s a perfect piece of fish with a squeeze of lemon and olive oil at Margaret, Josh Niland’s legendary tuna cheeseburger at Saint Peter’s bar, or a waterfront feast that’s nearly as good as a trip to Italy at Ormeggio at the Spit, we’ve rounded up the best seafood restaurants in Sydney. The only catch? The seafood has got to be fresh-as, bro. Cast your net and dig in. Stay in the loop: sign up for our free Time Out Sydney newsletter for more news, food & drink inspo and activity ideas, straight to your inbox. Want more? Check out our guide to the best Sydney restaurants.

Orange and Mudgee are renowned as great NSW mini-break destinations, but the Central Tablelands city of Bathurst is just as charming, and it's a fair bit closer to Sydney – just 2 hours, 45 minutes (200km) from the centre of the city.  The streets are lined with heritage buildings, there are pretty parks, the surrounding countryside looks like an Arthur Streeton painting, there are excellent wineries and distilleries, and the food scene is surprisingly refined, with farm-to-table dining and local produce taking centre stage. So instead of just stopping by on the way to somewhere else, make Bathurst – on the traditional lands of the Wiradjuri people – your final destination. Time Out Editor in Chief Alice Ellis just did – here's her advice on where to eat, drink, stay and play in Bathurst. (For more info, head over here.) Stay in the loop: sign up for our free Time Out Sydney newsletter for more news, food & drink inspo and activity ideas, straight to your inbox.

Choosing the right hotel in Melbourne can be an almighty task. With so many incredible stays to choose between – from super modern sky-high towers to charming historic gems – it can be an overwhelming challenge to decide which one is right for you.Every traveller has their preference, but to make the job of deciding a little easier, our team of local experts have hotel hopped their way around the city to bring you our guide to the very best hotels in Melbourne. Many of the stays included in the list are favourites of Time Out Melbourne Editor Leah Glynn, with our Travel and Hotels Editor Winnie Stubbs chiming in and checking the guide to make sure it’s up to scratch.Whether you’re looking for a playful stay right in the CBD action (W Hotel, we’re looking at you) or somewhere more boutique in Melbourne’s buzzy Inner North (Standard X), we’ve got your back. Read on for our guide to the best hotels in Melbourne.   Stay in the loop: sign up for our free Time Out Melbourne newsletter for the best of the city, straight to your inbox. RECOMMENDED:  These are the best places to go camping near MelbourneAnd these are our favourite glamping sites in VictoriaTime Out makes a small commission from the affiliate links included in this article. These links have no influence on our editorial content, but they do help us to bring you more recommendations every week. For more information, see our affiliate guidelines.

For the past eight years, we’ve made it our mission to scope out the coolest pockets of the world’s greatest cities in order to create our definitive annual ranking. The places where stuff like nightlife, art, culture, and affordable food and drink can be found on every corner and down every backstreet. Where diversity is championed and independent businesses thrive, from old-school boltholes to the newest avant-garde art space. Put simply, the world’s coolest neighbourhoods are places that represent the soul of our cities, while maintaining their own unique local character that draws people in to live, work and play. So, what are the neighbourhoods that fit the bill this year? To find out, we asked our network of writers and editors across a breadth of cities to nominate the vibiest district in their hometown right now. We then ranked every neighbourhood against criteria including culture, community, liveability, nightlife, food and drink, street life and that hard-to-define sense of ‘nowness’.  On our list this year, you’ll find everything from homely, village-like enclaves with tight-knit communities to revitalised city-centre hubs and formerly dormant, industrial areas transformed into creative districts. Many are underrated spots that sit in the shadow of their commercialised counterparts; others have become unexpected culinary hotspots or magnets for the city’s artists, writers and activists. What they all have in common is a DIY spirit – and an unshakeable proclivity f

Hobart may be tucked all the way down the bottom of Australia, but it’s a destination not to be slept on. Tasmania’s capital city is blessed with natural beauty, featuring the glittering waters of the River Derwent on one side and the rugged peak of kunanyi/Mount Wellington on the other – and there’s plenty to do both outside and inside. Whether you’re headed to this waterfront town for a quick weekend getaway or you’ve got time on your side, our expert writers have rounded up the best things to do in Hobart. From mountain walks and self-guided history tours to top-tier restaurants and the incomparable MONA, everyone will find something to do on this list. Our Travel & News Editor Melissa Woodley's perfect Hobart day starts with pastries from Pigeon Whole Bakers, a sauna boat experience and a trip to the underrated Farm Gate Market. Happy exploring! Editors' favourite things to do in Hobart: 🖼️ Best for culture: MONA 🧺 Best for food: Farm Gate Market 💦 Best for something different: Kuuma Sauna 🍽️ The best restaurants in Hobart🖼️ The best museums and galleries in Hobart🚗 The best day trips from Hobart

Planning a trip Down Under? You've come to the right place. For almost 60 years, Time Out has been inspiring people to get off the couch and experience the very best of cities worldwide – and now we're here to do the same for Australia. You might know Australia for its iconic landmarks and laid-back culture, but there's so much more to experience beyond kissing koalas and yelling ‘g’day mate’. Our team (including Travel & News Editor Melissa Woodley) have curated the ultimate Australia bucket list, covering must-see attractions, experiences, events and landmarks across the country. Whether you’re chasing art and nightlife in coastal cities, spotting fairy penguins on secluded beaches or kayaking at sunrise on Sydney Harbour, there’s something here for every kind of traveller. Here's your guide to the best things to do in Australia. Editors must do activities in Australia: ⭐️ Best city landmark: BridgeClimb, NSW 🖼️ Best for culture: MONA, TAS 🍷 Best food and drink: Barossa Valley, SA 🌊 Best outdoor adventure: Whitehaven Beach, QLD 🐿️ Best wildlife encounter: Rottnest Island, WA Jump to list: Landmarks | Culture | Food & Drink | Outdoors | Wildlife 🇦🇺 The top tourist attractions in Australia🌊 The best beaches in Australia

Hobart’s best hotels make the most of everything that makes Tasmania's capital so special – from the glittering Derwent River to the imposing majesty of kunanyi/Mount Wellington and the fascinating convict history. Add world-class food, a thriving arts scene and easy access to nature, and it’s no surprise Hobart has become one of Australia’s most exciting destinations for a weekend escape or longer stay. To help you find the perfect base, Time Out Australia's Travel & News Editor, Melissa Woodley, has teamed up with local expert writer, Josie Rozenberg-Clarke, who knows the city's nooks and crannies inside and out. Together, they've rounded up the very best hotels in Hobart – from boutique stays in the historic waterfront to luxe retreats with harbour views – making it a little easier to choose where to stay. Fair warning though: it's still going to be a tough pick. Editors' favourite hotels in Hobart: ⭐️ Best luxury hotel: The Tasman 📍 Best boutique stay: Collected/Places 😍 Best value for money: Travelodge Hotel Hobart ☀️ The best things to do in Hobart🍽️ The best restaurants in Hobart🖼️ The best art in Hobart Time Out makes a small commission from the affiliate links included in this article. These links have no influence on our editorial content, but they do help us to bring you more recommendations every week. For more information, see our affiliate guidelines.

I hope you’re having a happy and delicious March. I’ve been out non-stop checking out Sydney’s best new restaurants and bars to bring you this up-to-date list, including Turkish restaurant Hamsi Taverna by Somer Sivrioğlu, and Southeast Asian restaurant Lua by Luke Nguyen – both of which are now open at the new Sydney Fish Market. I really love affordable new Indo eatery Temu Kangen in Haymarket, and my favourite new bistro, South End in Newtown. Plus, there’s Las Palmas, a holiday-coded Mexican spot in Manly, a fancy British restaurant called The James, Besa, a hot new tapas bar from the Aalia team, and Vitelli's Upstairs, a New York-style Italian restaurant. We really do live in a delicious place, don’t we? (Yes, I’m full.) Stay in the loop: sign up for our free Time Out Sydney newsletter for more news, food & drink inspo and activity ideas, straight to your inbox. Looking for something to wash it all down with? These are our favourite bars in Sydney right now. Keen to eat your way around the city? These are the best restaurants in Sydney, from hot newcomers to the OGs.

Sydneysiders love a roasted chook. Across the city, rotisseries slowly spin around, luring us with their smoky aroma, coaxing us to abandon all plans of cooking dinner at home and order a chicken and chips instead – with extra garlic sauce, of course. From long-time Lebanese legends to humble Portuguese flame-grilled specialists, our chicken shops have been perfecting the art of the charcoal chook for decades. And while every suburb swears that its neighbourhood gem is the best, we’ve done the delicious legwork to round up the chicken shops that consistently deliver golden, juicy birds with side dishes that hit just right. The only question is: is your local chook shop on the list? Stay in the loop: sign up for our free Time Out Sydney newsletter for more news and things to do, straight to your inbox. RECOMMENDED: Want more? Check out the Sydney's best restaurants right now. Looking to tighten your belt? Here's our list of the city's best cheap eats. 

There’s no doubt about it, Sydneysiders can’t get enough of Italian food. And who can blame us? There’s something about a bowl of perfectly al dente pasta paired with a luscious, rich ragu that just hits the spot. And while Italian cuisine differs throughout the 20 incredible regions – broadly speaking, the northern regions eat more rice and polenta, while down south they feast more on seafood – Italians share a love of beautiful, seasonal produce; they choose simplicity rather than overcomplicating dishes and cook with soul. No wonder we love it so much. Luckily, there are plenty of excellent options for Italian dining in Sydney. Time Out’s food writers and editors – including Editor Avril Treasure, who has eaten her way through Sicily, Sorrento, Rome and Florence – have picked our favourite eateries, covering all bases. The only catch? They just need to provide a feel-good environment and dishes you’ll want to come back for. From casual red-sauce joints and classic pizzerias to fine-dining restaurants, you’ll find them all here. Stay in the loop: sign up for our free Time Out Sydney newsletter for more news, food & drink inspo and activity ideas, straight to your inbox. Not in the mood for pasta? Here are our picks of the best spots for Greek and French food in Sydney.

Right now, it feels like a great time to celebrate our cities. What cities do best is bring people together – everything we love about urban life, from the galleries and bars to the neighbourhood parks, exists thanks to the communities that make it all happen.  That’s why, every year, we raise a toast to the city with our definitive annual ranking, created on the back of a comprehensive survey of city-dwellers worldwide. Our survey asks not only what people love about their cities – the food scene and nightlife, the shops and museums, the parks and people – but also how it feels to live there. We asked you about happiness, affordability and quality of life, among a variety of other criteria. And, in order to dig deeper into the everyday lives of locals, this year we expanded our survey to cover aspects like love, romance and community feel. Time Out’s Best Cities with Intrepid Travel spotlights the destinations that offer the best of both worlds: an endlessly exciting catalogue of reasons to visit, as well as all the good stuff that makes a place feel like home. The 50 cities that made the list this year did so thanks to the insights of more than 24,000 people across 150 cities worldwide. To determine the final Best Cities ranking for 2026, we combined their thousands of responses with the votes of more than 100 Time Out city experts. Then we tapped up our network of local writers to tell us exactly what makes their city worth a visit right now. The result? A rundown of the m

✍️ Time Out Sydney never writes starred restaurant and bar reviews from hosted experiences – Time Out covers restaurant and bar bills, and anonymously reviews, so that readers can trust our critique. Find out more, here.  As we drive north-west from Sydney to Bowen Mountain, at the foothills of the Blue Mountains in the Hawkesbury region, the landscape is surprisingly lush. I’m used to the dry bush of the Blue Mountains, so I don’t expect to discover this verdant, tropical-like oasis, hidden in the sanctuary that is Songoma Spicers Retreat. The peaceful, leafy restaurant looks out over the retreat’s pool and a valley. It’s worth the trip just for the scenery.  The vibe As I come up the driveway, I realise it’s going to be very hard to peel myself away from this place at the end of lunch. Amara is at the centre of the resort, so you instantly feel like you’re on holiday, and you’re tempted to check in and stay for more than a day. ‘Amara’ is the Zulu word for grace, and the restaurant’s interior subtly references South African-style design through warm earthy tones, natural textures and sculptural accents. It’s a space that feels at home in this tranquil, green setting.  Also tying in with the setting, head chef Will Houia (who’s worked in kitchens at Michelin-starred Relæ in Copenhagen, three-hatted NZ restaurants Pasture and Roots Restaurant, and Sydney’s renowned Firedoor) is big on using organic and seasonal produce from the Hawkesbury region – from within a one-hour drive

✍️ Time Out Sydney never writes starred restaurant and bar reviews from hosted experiences – Time Out covers restaurant and bar bills, and anonymously reviews, so that readers can trust our critique. Find out more, here.  It’s bucketing down on my way to Claret Club on Stanley Street. I have an umbrella but still arrive sodden, my jean bottoms and shoes dripping. Despite my soggy appearance, I’m warmly welcomed into this romantic little sanctuary. They give me and my also-soggy friend the cutest table near the window. We look out at the deluge falling on the leafy, fairy-lit pavement, grateful to be in this cosy wine bar drinking expertly made Martinis by candlelight. My socks are damp but my spirits are high. The vibe Claret Club is in an old terrace house, so it has lived-in charm despite only opening in December 2025. Some original features have been maintained: leadlight doors and ornate cast-iron balustrades on the balconies. It has a Parisian feel, with outdoor tables under the trees (not in use on this wet night), white tablecloths on small tables, and smiling people seated along the bar. It feels like a happy place, thanks in part to warm, natural service that puts you at ease. The food The ground floor is a wine bar with excellent snacks, but upstairs is a proper Euro-inspired restaurant. We move up there to eat. We start with gnocco fritto ($20) – two fried dough fingers topped with a tangy aioli spiked with lemon and sage, an anchovy and fried sage leaf. Crunchy, c

✍️ Time Out Sydney never writes starred restaurant and bar reviews from hosted experiences – Time Out covers restaurant and bar bills, and anonymously reviews, so that readers can trust our critique. Find out more, here.  There’s no shortage of well-loved Lebanese restaurants in Southwest Sydney, but Al Yasmin in Punchbowl is my favourite. The menu is huge, the portions are huger, and the can’t-stop-eating-it flavours go even harder. It’s also incredible value – come hungry.  The vibe Al Yasmin is a brightly lit restaurant on the main drag opposite Punchbowl train station. It’s a big enough place to go with a group for an affordable get-together, or you can just grab takeaway.  Confusingly, even though the sign out front and on the menus (and Google) say Al Yasmin, the waitstaff wear uniforms that say Jasmin 1 – a nod to its previous life as one of the many Jasmin 1 Lebanese restaurants across Sydney. The name is the only thing that’s changed – this Punchbowl institution still delivers the same great food and value that it has for more than 30 years. The food There’s no way you won’t over-order here, especially because they drop complimentary Lebanese bread, pickles, tomatoes, fresh mint, onions, garlic sauce and chilli sauce on the table before any of your actual selections arrive. As they start fulfilling your order, you'll realise you're in for a feast.  Everything is excellent, but I’d recommend getting their lemon garlic chicken ($26) – it’s grilled shish tawook, removed

Looking for new ways to find friends? Want to get creative? Combine both with a Club Sup pottery and painting session at CeeCee Studios on Quarry Street in Ultimo. Slow down, get a little messy and learn the art of hand-building ceramics on Saturday, March 28 from 10am to midday. Never done pottery before? No worries. Over two hours, your host will teach you how to shape your own mug from 500 grams of clay, giving you tips and tricks to refine your technique. Once your mug is formed, personalise it with your choice of glaze colour for the perfect finishing touch. The team will handle the firing and glazing, so all that’s left for you to do is to return later and pick up your handmade creation. And then enjoy a cuppa, of course. The vibe is relaxed, with coffee and snacks to enjoy as you craft, chat and connect with others around the table. Book your spot here. Stay in the loop: sign up for our free Time Out Sydney newsletter for more news, food & drink inspo and activity ideas, straight to your inbox. RECOMMENDED: The best things to do around Sydney in 2026 Want to do something useful? Sydney has a big youth homelessness problem – here's how to help

✍️ Time Out Sydney never writes starred restaurant and bar reviews from hosted experiences – Time Out covers restaurant and bar bills, and anonymously reviews, so that readers can trust our critique. Find out more, here.  When I see “Mediterranean” used to describe a restaurant, my mind usually drifts to Italy and Greece. But The Palomar, they say, takes inspiration from Southern Spain, Northern Africa, and the Levant (all the lands along the eastern edge of the Mediterranean Sea, including Syria, Lebanon and Jordan). How that translates on a menu: basically, flame-grilled meats, seafoods and veggies, served with colourful, punchy sauces, and made to share. But there’s nothing basic about Mitch Orr’s food. When a chef this exciting gives culinary direction, you know it’s going to be thrilling. At this Oxford Street restaurant – unveiled with the launch of the new 25hours Hotel Sydney The Olympia – Mediterranean food gets a jolt of Orr’s signature intensity and playfulness. It's a genuinely fresh addition to inner Sydney’s restaurant scene. The Palomar Sydney is the sister venue to a popular London restaurant of the same name, founded by hospo siblings Layo and Zoë Paskin. Orr once worked alongside the pair and, here in Sydney, he’s joined by head chef Luke Davenport, who started his career at The Palomar London a decade ago before working in kitchens including at Noma (Copenhagen) and Franca Brasserie (Sydney). Now, Sydney is lucky to have this formidable duo land together in

Hannah St Hotel is part of a new crop of Australian boutique hotels that are mastering that elusive “sense of place”. The hotel may be new, but it feels unmistakably Melbourne. It's not a cookie-cutter property where you could wake up and momentarily forget which city you’re in. The design, the art, the energy – it’s all grounded in its surroundings. Designed by Melbourne’s own Flack Studio (who also designed Ace Hotel Sydney), the hotel shares that same strong design language, but the mood is entirely its own. Having stayed in both, I’d say Hannah St Hotel feels fresh, bright and uplifting, whereas the Ace leans moodier and more retro. There’s art by 13 artists – an entirely female Australian cast – featured all throughout the hotel. And every teeny tiny design detail, from the coat hangers to the in-room slippers, has been thoughtfully considered. Why stay at Hannah St Hotel? Apart from being a stylish base and cool cultural hub, it has fabulous facilities – a 20m Instagrammable indoor pool, sauna and steam room, a well-equipped gym, ground-floor restaurant and bar, rooftop bar, and possibly the best co-working space I’ve seen in a hotel.  What are the rooms like at Hannah St Hotel? Like everything at the hotel, the rooms are beautiful – the style is a blend of modern nostalgia and contemporary polish, with custom-designed furniture and thought behind every little design detail. The first things I notice were the custom-made bed cushions with Hannah St Hotel embroidered emb

The Australian Museum, the country's oldest museum, established in 1827 right here in Old Sydney Town, is the custodian of more than 22 million specimens and objects. That includes the Indigenous and Pacific collections, a precious stones collection and the permanent 200 Treasures of the Australian Museum and Surving Australia exhibitions. Suffice to say, you'll be well entertained on a trip here.  Located in the heart of the city, opposite Hyde Park, and close to Museum Station and the Gadigal Metro, planning a cultural expedition is a breeze. Explore new fossils, life-size displays and interactive elements in the free exhibition that features Aussie animals from the prehistoric era, to now. Other displays cover the Pacific Islands, Asia, Africa and the Americas, with items ranging from Aboriginal kids' toys to a tattooed chalk head from the Solomon Islands. With authenticity at its core, the Australian Museum is committed to First Nations truth telling and knowledge sharing, led by a First Nation's team. Little ones will learn too at Burra, the free learning space for younger visitors, which weaves in First Nations knowledge about burra (the eel). The Westpac Long Gallery, dinosaurs exhibition and Wild Planet spaces are award-winning, solidifying the institution as Sydney's go-to 'dinosaur museum', among other things. Heaps of new exhibitions drop in every year, including the legendary annual National Geographic Nature Photographer of the Year exhibition, alongside other l

✍️ Time Out Sydney never writes starred restaurant and bar reviews from hosted experiences – Time Out covers restaurant and bar bills, and anonymously reviews, so that readers can trust our critique. Find out more, here.  Let’s start with the obvious: the views from Infinity by Mark Best are outrageous. This newish restaurant is on the 81st floor of Sydney’s tallest tower, so the panorama from about 300 metres up is not just spectacular but constantly shifting – literally revolving. There’s no such thing as a bad seat. Over the course of our meal, the city unfurls beneath us: the points and coves of the harbour, Hyde Park and St Mary’s Cathedral, the Victorian elegance of the QVB – and, on a clear day, you can see all the way to the eastern beaches and the distant Blue Mountains. The views alone justify the visit, but pairing them with food from Michelin-trained Australian chef Mark Best (with head chef Jen Kwok Lee, named Good Food Guide's 2026 Young Chef of the Year) is the cherry on top. Together, they deliver a quintessential Sydney experience you should have at least once in your life. The vibe The décor of this Sydney Tower restaurant is pared-back and modernist (it’s giving Mad Men), a neat match for the building’s architectural bones. Stylish wooden chairs with black leather padding line black tables. They’re set directly against the glass walls, which are framed by gleaming gold-toned beams, so diners sit right at the window. If you’re scared of heights, don’t look d

Sydney is brimming with restaurants and hotels with divine views. But there’s nothing quite like the vista you have from The Dining Room by James Viles, at the low-rise Park Hyatt Sydney hotel. From your seat, you’re face-to-face with the Sydney Opera House, which sits just across the harbour. You get to admire the House and its shimmering reflection not from above, but from water level. From here, the building feels strangely close and in motion, as if its white sails have just rounded Bennelong Point and are cruising towards you.  Since 2022, the hotel’s restaurant has been led by creative director James Viles (ex-Biota, Bowral), whose leadership has earned it a Chef Hat for four consecutive years. Alongside Viles, new head chef Dan Parkes and NSW Pastry Chef of the Year 2025 Patrick Mariano form a team that clearly know what they're doing. The Dining Room's view is to die for, and the food is worth living for. The menu evolves with the seasons, and it celebrates the best and freshest produce Australia has to offer. Individual starter ‘bites’ prepare your taste buds for what’s to come – there are the obvious bites, like Sydney rock oysters, and the less obvious, like cured ocean trout crumpets, served with dashi creme and capers. The selection is an intriguing mix of the playful and sophisticated, which makes it almost impossible to choose. Bites are followed by a selection of smaller share plates, ranging from light and fresh tuna crudo with smoked soy and tomato, to rich

✍️ Time Out Sydney never writes starred restaurant and bar reviews from hosted experiences – Time Out covers restaurant and bar bills, and anonymously reviews, so that readers can trust our critique. Find out more, here.  Eat Ozzo is a genuinely exciting new addition to our affordable eats scene. Sydney has more than its fair slice of pizza restaurants and sandwich shops – but what happens when you combine pizza plus sandwich? Wife-and-husband duo Chandni and Ankit have done it, and called their mouth-watering result “the ozzo”. Born out of a love for the traditional pizza bases of Napoli, Ankit spent more than 1,000 hours perfecting his own 72-hour slow-fermented pizza bread cooked in a woodfired oven before deciding it would make the ultimate wallet-style sandwich bread. The dough isn’t Eat Ozzo’s only masterstroke, though – Chandni and Ankit’s fillings are surprising and downright addictive (more on those later). The vibe The first Eat Ozzo opened in Pyrmont in 2025, quickly followed by this one in the Marrickville Traders building – a community of boutique creative spaces near Messina HQ and the Emergency Care Clinic. It’s on Chapel Street, in Marrickville’s old industrial area, wedged between Henson Park and Sydenham, which is now studded with popular dining and drinking spots, including 20 Chapel, The Henson, Two Chaps and loads of craft breweries and distilleries. With much of the Marrickville Traders space yet to be occupied, Eat Ozzo is currently the building’s centr

The Machinery Shed in Blackheath is magic by day – the floor-to-ceiling glass walls on one side of the building look out over a valley and the signature majestic bush-covered rock formations that make up the Blue Mountains. Whether you’re inside, or out on the deck, you feel like the view has been put there just for you. After all, this is the only property in sight. Then, as night falls, the magic only heightens. Thousands of tiny, twinkling fairy lights line every one of the wooden beams that hold up the apex ceiling, which is another giveaway of the building’s machinery-shed history. The fireplace sits against an old-fashioned looking stone wall, heating the room so that we feel cosily protected from the elements (we're here during the depths of winter). If you’re willing to brave the elements, take a torch and head a little way down the escarpment where you’ll find an outdoor bath for a steaming hot bath under the star-lit night sky. It’s no wonder this is one of the “top 3 wish-listed Airbnbs in Australia”. Like a shed, this accommodation is one, large room – with an additional section for the bathroom and an indoor standalone bath (yep, a second bath) that also looks out over the valley. Although many of the walls are glass to make the most of the views, we're pleased they’re all double-glazed, so it stays snug.  The décor is eclectic: leather lounges, velvet armchairs, a chaise lounge, warm polished floorboards, a Turkish rug and cow skin, modern abstract artworks, ind

✍️ Time Out Sydney never writes starred restaurant and bar reviews from hosted experiences – Time Out covers restaurant and bar bills, and anonymously reviews, so that readers can trust our critique. Find out more, here.  In Australia, hotel bars usually lack cool-factor. Even when they have a lot going for them, they tend to be overlooked by locals. Bar Julius has bucked the trend, despite being next to the lobby of The Eve Hotel, and the place where hotel guests have breakfast. I guess part of it is that the Wunderlich Lane creators have done a good job of making the precinct and all its venues (Lottie, Island Radio, Olympus) feel like a neighbourhood, as opposed to part of the hotel. The other part of it is that Bar Julius is really very fun and cool.  The vibe  I’ve now been to Bar Julius for breakfast, lunch, dinner and after-dinner drinks – and that’s the point. Bar Julius is open daily from 7am to midnight, and it was designed as a place you’d happily spend time in at any time of day. The key design feature is the unusual arched ceilings – three archways that run the length of the room. They’re coloured a mix of yellows, pinks and peach splodges that look like watercolour paint and textural materials, even though it’s actually a flat graphic. To complement the arches, there are big, circular windows onto Baptist Street that let the day’s changing light from outside cast different vibes on the room as the day evolves. Loads of playful, framed pictures line the walls – a

  Once daylight savings* wraps up, the annual wave of complaints begins: Why does daylight savings have to end? We love the daylight after clocking off from work! My body’s not going to know what time it is! Who invented this inconvenience? I feel jetlagged. But before you get into a tailspin about winding the clocks back, let’s accentuate the positive. Think of it this way: (*Yes, we know it’s technically ‘daylight saving’, but most people say ‘savings’ – so we are too. Please don’t come for us in the comments.) 1. You can wake up with the sun The lame thing about daylight savings after summer's ended if that many of us have to start rising for the day in the pitch black, which makes waking up way harder to do. Thanks to the end of daylight savings, the sun now peeks above the horizon closer a whole hour earlier. So you can wake up whistling ‘Here Comes the Sun’. No? The unfortunate part of this is having the sun in your eyes driving into the city from the west. But a dramatic rendition of the opening scene of 'The Lion King' is sure to cheer you up. 2. You can start running in the mornings And you will, right? Those ambitious people who run in the morning before work love when daylight savings ends. Their morning workouts are lit. Everyone can see their flashy running gear. And the temperature is becoming cooler, nicer to run in. If you're not yet a runner and you're having trouble finding the motivation to start, this is your chance! Head over here for running route insp

Time Out’s Best Cities list is a renowned guide that celebrates the places that locals genuinely love right now, based on surveys of 24,000 city-dwellers and a panel of 100 Time Out experts from around the world – and Sydney has just made the list of top 25 cities for 2026. Sydney has placed number 21 on the list, in recognition of the city being a great place to live and visit, relative to other places around the world. The city was recognised for its diversity, excellent food and cultural scenes, ever-expanding public transport system and easy access to adventures in nature. Time Out surveyed more than 24,000 locals in 42 languages about where they live. Questions covered topics including food, nightlife and culture to affordability, happiness and the overall city vibe. A panel of more than 100 Time Out city experts from around the world were also asked to name the most exciting cities in the world right now. All data from 44 different criteria was combined to create the ranking. RECOMMENDED: Here's our ultimate guide to the very best things to do in Sydney right now  In even bigger news for Australia, Melbourne has taken the top spot on the list. Melbourne locals highly rated their hometown’s food, culture and art scenes, as well as its green spaces, neighbourhood communities, walkability, public transport and more. It also scored very highly for criteria including diversity, liveliness, cultural activities, affordability of going out and how well it caters to Gen Z. Adela

Lets face it: everyone loves a public holiday – especially when it lands in Melbourne’s golden late summer/early autumn sweet spot. But do you actually know why Victoria scores a long weekend in March? If the answer is “vaguely?”, you’re not alone. Here’s your cheat sheet to the 2026 Labour Day long weekend, Victorian edition. When is Labour Day in Victoria in 2026? In Victoria, Labour Day is celebrated on the second Monday in March each year. In 2026, that means we’ll be clocking off (or not clocking on) on Monday, March 9. What is Victorian Labour Day and why do we have it? Labour Day commemorates the labour movement’s historic fight for the eight-hour work day – a reform that changed life as we know it. And here’s the flex: Victoria was at the forefront. On April 21, 1856, stonemasons working on the University of Melbourne put down their tools and marched from the campus to Parliament House, demanding “eight hours labour, eight hours recreation, eight hours rest”. Remarkably, they won – without losing pay. It was one of the earliest successful eight-hour day campaigns in the world, and it helped spark labour reforms across Australia and beyond. At a time when 14-hour days and six-day working weeks were common (with zero sick leave or job security), this was revolutionary stuff. Why did the Labour Movement fight for eight hours? The idea was simple but powerful: split the day into three equal parts: eight hours for work, eight hours for sleep and eight hours for, well, livi

Melbourne’s Formula 1 Australian Grand Prix weekend is back, and this year it’s bigger and more indulgent than ever. Whether you’re a trackside veteran or a first-time visitor, here are a bunch of ways to get the most out of your F1 experience. Gourmet pit stop You could just grab some sustenance from a food truck, or you could book in at Chin Chin Presented by American Express. The city’s iconic restaurant is bringing its famous dishes to the track in a proper pop-up restaurant (that you won’t believe is a pop-up). This is the only bookable dining experience at the F1. If you’re an Amex Card Member, you’ll get priority access to getting a reservation (and complimentary ice cream) when you book with your Amex Card. Not only will you enjoy a delicious dining experience, but you’ll be able to escape from whatever Melbourne’s weather might be throwing at Albert Park (remember last year’s heatwave followed the next day by torrential downpour?). A luxe lounge The Amex Lounge is a ticketed space that's part race HQ, part luxe playground. There’s a Ritz-Carlton Bar, beverage offerings from Moët & Chandon and Belvedere, guided tastings of Penfolds Grange, live music, beauty touch-ups by Mecca Max, a Pit Roof Viewing Deck and, of course, dedicated screens televising what’s happening on the track. Booking is on a first come, first served basis. Guests with a premium hospitality ticket can even dine at the pop-up version of the renowned Venetian steakhouse Grill Americano (read our writ

What do Madonna, Queen Elizabeth II and Anna Wintour have in common? They’ve all been served by globally acclaimed chef and restaurateur Jeff Schroeter. Now you can quite easily join that list, now that his latest venture is open in Glebe – on a site he’s very familiar with. New French brasserie Darling Glebe now occupies the historic Darling Mills site on Glebe Point Road, where Schroeter previously co-founded restaurant Beckett’s in 2021. This new iteration of the subterranean space features a French omakase chef’s table, a Martini bar, a private dining room and a private cellar event space. The talent collaborating with Schroeter is equally impressive: Charlie Ainbsury (2016 Diageo Reserve World Class Australian Bartender of the Year) has curated the Martini bar; while Sarah Biswas, whose CV includes stints at Odd Culture Group, Restaurant Hubert and Banksii, serves as venue manager.    Originally from the Riverina region of NSW, Schroeter has run kitchens and owned restaurants from Sydney to Brisbane, London, Switzerland and New York City, including The Savoy London, Royalton Hotel New York, Sydney fave Bistro Moncur and the former Bayswater Brasserie. Photograph: Supplied | Christopher Pearce | Jeff Schroeter - Darling Glebe He now personally serves guests at the chef’s table in a French omakase – a “leave it to the chef” dining experience available for exclusive use. “You can drink and dine based on your own mood, the venue lets people have that type of freedom,” Schr

Asia's largest fast-food company – the hugely popular Jollibee – is set to open its first Australian store, in Sydney. The vacant site of the very last Sizzler restaurant in the country could soon be knocked down, under plans from commercial developer PMG Group, to make way for this Filipino fast-food giant, which has more than 1,500 locations in 17 countries around the globe. After a long campaign to set up shop here, Campbelltown in Sydney's west looks to be the site of the first Aussie outpost of Jollibee. The plans, which involve the development of three fast-food joints (Taco Bell, Krispy Kreme and Jollibee) on Harbord Road, have consent from Campbelltown City Council until July 2029. That said, no date has been set to knock down the Sizzler building that has been vacant since November 2020, when Sizzler closed the doors once and for all in Australia. Given the large Filipino population in Australia, and Campbelltown in particular (Filipinos comprise the third-largest population of residents born outside of Australia), this news has been a long time coming. A really long time coming, considering the restaurant’s initial development application was submitted to the Campbelltown City Council in March 2021.    Is Jollibee coming to Sydney, really? The initial Campbelltown site reportedly fell through due to “some administrative challenges”, which is why things seem to be taking a long time. But it's promising that Jollibee has a 'Business Head for Europe, the Middle East,

Since Lady Gaga first announced back in April that she was bringing her Mayhem Ball Tour to Australia, the countdown has been on. And now, we are about to witness the spectacle for ourselves in Sydney. In Melbourne, Gaga performed for an adoring crowd of more than 60,000 people for 2.5 hours – we've heard it was a true theatrical feast of iconic hits, costume changes and incredible choreography. And there were surprises, too: Gaga played the unreleased track 'Brooklyn Nights' – a song she hasn't performed live since the last time she was here. Will she play it in Sydney? The Little Monsters will just have to wait and see... From what time the gates open to what the set list looks like (will she finish with 'Bad Romance'?) we've got all the info you need ahead of her two massive shows at Accor Stadium at Sydney Olympic Park. See you there! When is Lady Gaga in Sydney? Lady Gaga's much-hyped Mayhem Ball will take over Accor Stadium at Sydney Olympic Park on Friday, December 5 and Saturday, December 6. How to get to the Lady Gaga Sydney concerts The shows are happening at Accor Stadium, inside Sydney Olympic Park, which is well-connected to public transport (free for concert-goers – just flash your concert ticket). The easiest and best way to get there is to catch a train from Central to Olympic Park station (trains will be departing Central and Strathfield every few minutes), and from there it’s a short walk to the stadium. Yes, we know, the trip home from Olympic Park can fee

If you were one of the people at last night's Kendrick Lamar concert in Sydney, you'll know that KDot put on one helluva performance complete with flames, fireworks and all his hits. 'Not Like Us' goes even harder IRL. If you live near Moore Park, you might also know! Local residents have reported the show was loud and sounded like a hoot. Perhaps grab some earplugs for tonight if you were one of those people?   Here’s everything you need to know about Kendrick’s final Sydney show tonight… When is Kendrick Lamar in Sydney? After two sold-out shows in Melbourne, the multi-Grammy Award-winning rapper is now in Sydney for his Grand National Tour. He played his first show at Moore Park’s Allianz Stadium last night (Wednesday, December 10, 2025), and his last show is tonight, Thursday, December 11, 2025. How to get to the Kendrick Lamar Sydney concert  Public transport is your best option for getting to Allianz Stadium (also known as Sydney Football Stadium), at 40 Driver Avenue, Moore Park. The cost of public transport is included in your ticket. If you have stamina, you can walk up to the stadium from Central Station. It takes about 25 minutes, but just a warning – it’s an uphill walk, so it’s not for the faint-hearted. If you want to get to the city early and make an adventure of it, you can have a bit of a pub crawl up to Moore Park – these are some of the best pubs on the way to and near the stadium. Most people opt instead to take the Moore Park Light Rail service from Centr

You’ve heard of candlelight concerts – now hotel brand Sofitel has taken that concept and turned it into a something you can experience all for yourself, in the privacy of your own hotel room. And it’s got “special occasion with a loved one” written all over it – especially at this festive time of year. I tried this experience with my husband at the grand Sofitel Sydney Wentworth, and you can also book it at Sofitel Sydney Darling Harbour as well as Sofitel Queenstown. The Sofitel Sydney Wentworth is already a very special hotel (check out our five-star review, here). When its doors opened back in 1966, it was Sydney’s very first five-star hotel – then, in 2024, it underwent a huge $77-million makeover to get its glam in line with modern-day sensibilities. It now has a “modern heritage” design; high-end furnishings; Balmain toiletries; and excellent venues including lobby bar and restaurant Tilda, Vietnamese-French diner Delta Rue, and terrace hangout Wentworth Bar.  The Sofitel is a French hotel chain, so you get five-star service with a French slant (you’ll be greeted with “bonjour” and “bonsoir”) – and this is where the idea of The Candle Experience stemmed from. Paris is the City of Light, and now you can book a room of light. Add The Candle Experience to this already-special stay, and it’s pretty much the most festively fabulous thing you can do this month. I was also surprised at what good value it is. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Alice

The highly anticipated Sydney iteration of Melbourne restaurant Grill Americano is opening this week. The glam, Venetian-style steakhouse will welcome guests to its dining room – within the former heritage-listed Qantas House building, now known as 1 Chifley Square – from tomorrow, Wednesday, November 19.  So what’s in store for Sydney guests? The signature Italian-style elegance, white-jacketed service, excellent steak (and that famous tiramisù served tableside) will of course remain as features, but certain aspects of the offering – both dishes and the space – have been reimagined to suit Sydney’s culinary identity.  We spoke to Sydney’s Executive Chef Vincenzo Ursini – who’s helmed the Melbourne Grill Americano kitchen since mid-2024 and brings Michelin-star cred from his time at Italy’s Ristorante Reale and Le Calandre, and Spain’s Mugaritz – about how Grill Americano 2.0 will be distinct from the original.  What are you looking forward to most about introducing Grill Americano to Sydney? “We’re opening in a very competitive area with exceptional restaurants around, and we want to bring our own DNA – the hospitality that is a big trademark of our restaurant, but we're also incorporating an exciting seafood offering. We want to play with the fish component, because we'll have access to the beautiful Fish Market. We want to cater to Sydney’s beach vibe, but from a city perspective.” Photograph: Supplied - Jason Loucas Do you have any more specifics on what you'll do a lit

Sydney’s most famous stretch of sand is set for a historic night of live music next summer, as Crowded House headlines the very first Golden Hour – a brand-new live music series produced by the Fuzzy crew. For one unforgettable evening in February, Bondi Beach will transform into a stage, as the band known for hits including ‘Don’t Dream It’s Over’, ‘Four Seasons in One Day’ and ‘Weather With You’ perform live. Photograph: Supplied - jacquieb | Crowded House Award-winning Gamilaraay singer-songwriter Thelma Plum will also take the stage, performing songs from her acclaimed record I’m Sorry, Now Say It Back. The Friday, February 20, 2026 event will be the first major concert held on Bondi’s shores in more than ten years, and will kick off what’s set to become an annual end-of-summer tradition. Golden Hour promises more than just an on-the-beach concert – it will be a community-driven celebration of Australian music, art and connection, with visuals created by Warumungu/Wombaya artist Jessica Johnson of Nungala Creative.  The main stage will be on the sand, and concertgoers are encouraged to bring picnic rugs and settle on the hill above the foreshore to soak up golden hour. Who is playing at Golden Hour on Bondi Beach? Fans can expect a full set from Crowded House, drawing on decades of classics, as well as new favourites from their latest album, Gravity Stairs. Thelma Plum – 7 Aria nominations, 3 platinum, 1 gold single – is another big drawcard. And more artists are still

It’s back! We've just dropped our 2025 Time Out Recommended lists for Melbourne, Sydney and the rest of Australia (as well as Singapore and Hong Kong), spotlighting the local businesses delivering epic experiences that our editors truly love. Time Out Recommends is all about celebrating the spots that get us off the couch and out into our cities – whether that’s a hidden wine bar, a must-visit regional venue, an inspiring arts space, or a hotel that you can’t wait to return to. Our editors have been out eating, drinking, exploring and experiencing so we can share our favourites with you. Want to know which experiences are really worth your time and money? Click through to see our editors' Time Out Recommended picks for 2025 in the following categories: Time Out Melbourne Recommends 2025 results: Things to DoRestaurants & BarsRegional VenuesArts & Culture Time Out Sydney Recommends 2025 results: Things to DoRestaurants & BarsRegional VenuesArts & Culture Time Out Australia Recommends 2025 results: Things to DoDestination Restaurants & BarsHotelsThey're all the round-ups of our editors' top picks for 2025 – congratulations to all the worthy businesses delivering excellent experiences that our editors want to keep returning for. And then we also handed some decisions over to you – for the People's Choice categories.  To check out your top picks, as voted by the public, click below: Time Out Melbourne - People's Choice winnersTime Out Sydney - People's Choice winnersTime Out Au