Alice Ellis

Sydney: the city of blue skies, ocean swims, alfresco living and sun-soaked times in the great outdoors, right? Well, hold on a second. That may be the case for a majority of the year thanks to our sunny Aussie climate, but the Harbour City also gets its share of super-rainy days. Don’t want to spend all of your indoors-time hunkering down at home? We’re here to help. Take shelter in style with our guide to the most fun things to do in Sydney within four walls. Whether you're in search of a crafternoon, a cultural adventure, or a cocktail with a view, there's something for everyone on our list of fun venues and activities where you can stay warm and dry, all year round. 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:  On a budget? These are the best things to do in Sydney for $25 or less.And these are the best walks in the city if you're keen to get out there and explore. 

For devotees of genuine Mexican fare, it's a great relief that Sydney is no longer only served by the tacky Tex-Mex, stand-and-stuff, burrito-centric eateries that were once the sole expression of the cuisine readily available here. There's now an exciting new wave of Mexican diners sweeping Sydney, with nary a pinata, sombrero or lucha libre mask in sight. We're not saying there isn't a time and a place for a bowl of liquid queso and a dorito or two – there really is – but with a culture and cuisine that spans thousands of years and dozens of regions, it's a crime to assume that Old El Paso and a cartoonishly large frozen Margarita is anything close to 'authentic'. Prime your palate for the true flavours of Mexico with our guide to the best Mexican eateries in Sydney, curated by Time Out Sydney's local food writers, including Editor and Mexico-lover, Avril Treasure. 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 READS: Keen to get around some killer spots for an arvo tequila or two? Check out Sydney's best rooftop bars Love spice? Check out our guide to Sydney's hottest Thai restaurants Thirsty? Have a look at the best bars in Sydney right now

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 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

You know you've reached peak Sydney when you're sipping a crisp vino over a beautiful meal and outside the windows is the big blue. Perhaps it's three courses of modern Aussie fare from Sean's overlooking North Bondi Beach? Or maybe you prefer the gentler harbour vistas you get at Chiosco or Catalina, or spots that are right on the sand like Bobby's and The Boathouse Shelly Beach? One thing's for sure: eating by the water gives your meal that extra shine, which is why so many Sydneysiders flock to the shores for a special occasion, year-round. For your next extra-special soiree, book a table at one of the best waterfront restaurants Sydney has on the books, rounded up by Time Out Sydney's editors, including Editor and ocean-lover Avril Treasure, who has had her fair share (and then some) of long, boozy lunches by the sea. 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 an epic place for a drink? Here's our guide to Sydney's very best bars.

It seems the tide might be finally turning when it comes to where – and how – we travel. In some of the world’s most visited cities and destinations, overtourism has become such a pressing issue that travellers are finally starting to look elsewhere, keen to avoid adding to the problem and eager to discover what else the world has to offer. Trends like the ‘quiet-cation’ and the ‘coolcation’ are on the rise, while popular destinations like Japan and Italy continue to come up with ways to redistribute tourism from densely crowded hotspots to lesser-visited regions. If you’re trying to be a more responsible traveller in 2027 – or if you’re simply craving quieter, cheaper alternatives to the overcrowded hotspots – read on. Time Out’s newly updated list of the world’s most underrated travel destinations features empty national parks and tiny time-warp towns; placid jungle stretches and deserted beaches; wild mountain regions and overlooked cities.  Why trust us? Because we’ve been to them all. Every spot on this list was picked by one of our expert editors and globetrotting travel writers, recommended because they offer great (or quiet) alternatives to the classics – and in many cases, because they’re places that are actively seeking tourism. In other words, travelling to any of these 41 destinations is a win-win situation. RECOMMENDED:🏰 The most underrated travel destinations in Europe🚞 13 ways to be a better tourist right now🌎 The countries that actually want travellers rig

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.

If you think there’s a heck of a lot of fab new Sydney openings right now, you’d be right. Top of my list to check out is Lo Presti’s, a loosely Mediterranean restaurant in Redfern run by Baba’s Place’s former head chef. The Observer Hotel has reopened after a three-and-a-half-year reno by the team behind the Duke of Clarence – and there’s darts, exclusively brewed beers and delicious-looking fish sandwiches – and you need to visit La Buvette. It’s a Parisian-style wine bar in Potts Point from the Bar Copains team. Got a date comin’ up? Head to The Heritage Room (pictured) in Martin Place for cheese, Tuscan salumi and rare wines. Enjoy. 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.

No two ways about it, Sydney's wine bar scene is flourishing. Full to the brim. Spilling over. A decade ago, there were only a handful of wine bars. Now? They're all over town. And we're here to happily drink them up. What's more, these slick haunts are also some of the best spots in Sydney to grab a nice dinner with friends.  It makes no difference whether you're a novice or an expert, fancy something natural or classic, old world or new, or whether you want to spend moderately or extravagantly, Time Out Sydney's writers, including Editor Avril Treasure, have curated this list for every palate, at every price point. Bottoms up. 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. Can't get enough of that boozy stuff? Check out the absolute best bars in Sydney here.

Spring update: Sydney sure is fun in springtime. Locals shed their jackets, plan weekend picnics filled with soft cheese and chilled natural wine, and return to rooftop bars in need of Vitamin D and fruity cocktails. Whether you’re catching up with a friend, planning a date, or looking for a spot to celebrate, Sydney’s best bars are where it’s at. These spots offer great drinks, warm hospitality and good vibes. From exciting newcomers to long-time favourites, this guide is curated by our local editors and writers, including Time Out Sydney's Editor Avril Treasure. Grab your sunnies, Sydney – it’s bar season. Editor’s picks: 🍸 Best for Martinis: Bar Planet 🤫 Best for speakeasy vibes: The Cumberland ☀️ Best for views: Opera Bar 🍷 Best for vibey wine and snacks: Famelia 🥃 Best for whisky lovers: Banchō Bar 😎 Best for friend's catch-up: Old Mate's Place 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. Our list of the best pubs in Sydney Check out our best restaurants here

We're all about a secret underground dive bar or two – but in a city as beautiful as Sydney, it seems like a damn shame to retreat into the depths for every tipple. From a sundowner by the harbour to a sunny rooftop in the Inner West, our town is awash with sky-high watering holes. So we've rounded up the best spots in the city to sip a cold one under a gorgeous open sky. But drinkers beware: Sydney's rooftop bars play host to some of the most contested seats in the city, so get in early for a spot in the sun.  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. For more al fresco drinking try one of Sydney's best beer gardens. Looking for another top-notch watering hole? Check out the best bars in Sydney.

What makes a great steak? Well, these days, the benchmark of a good steak is no longer tenderness alone. Now, restaurants are more concerned with flavour being at the forefront. Flavour derived from dry-ageing, exploration of lesser-known cuts, and of course, how and where the meat was raised. It’s not uncommon for chefs to swap their whites for farm gear in order to get to know their produce, as well as the land that it comes from.  More than anything, Sydney's great steakhouses are highlighting the old-world ritual of a steak dinner, elevating the craft from a quick sizzle and a bucket of peppercorns, to a practice of respect for both the diner, and the beast. From the prime ribs to the charcoal grilled and the extremely dry-aged, Time Out's local food writers have picked out the best red meat Sydney has to offer. Clear your schedule, loosen your belt and get ready for a delicious iron hit. 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. Keen to read on? Here's what else you might like: Hungry for more? These are the best restaurants in Sydney right now Feel like a drink and snack? Get around the coolest wine bars in town here.

Planning a trip Down Under? You've come to the right place. For almost six decades, Time Out has been inspiring people to get off the couch and discover the world's best experiences – and Australia is packed with them. Sure, you know the land Down Under for its pristine beaches and laid-back culture, but there's so much more to do beyond kissing koalas and yelling ‘g’day mate’. To help you plan the ultimate trip, our team (including Australian Editor Melissa Woodley) have curated the ultimate Aussie bucket list. It covers must-see attractions, experiences, events and landmarks across the country, tried and tested by our team. So, whether you’re chasing art and nightlife in the city, spotting native wildlife on secluded beaches or hiking in remote national parks, here's your guide to the best things to do in Australia. Editor's favourite things to do in Australia: ⭐️ Best city landmark: BridgeClimb, NSW 🖼️ Best for culture: MONA, TAS 🍷 Best food + drink: Adelaide Central Market, SA 🌊 Best outdoor adventure: Whitehaven Beach, QLD 🐿️ Best wildlife encounter: Rottnest Island, WA Jump to list: Landmarks | Outdoor Adventures | Culture | Food & Drink | Wildlife 🇦🇺 The best tourist attractions in Australia🌊 The best beaches in Australia

Voco Melbourne Central is a surprise. I've spent plenty of time in Melbourne and I didn’t even know Timothy Lane existed, but when I walk down this tiny pedestrians-only path off busy Lonsdale Street and enter the elegant ground-floor lobby, it’s all happy surprises from there. The Voco is a fairly affordable hotel, yet reception (on level 6) is stylish, my room is surprisingly stylish, too, the pool is cool, and the view – well, hello, Melbourne! Granted, my room is on the 25th floor. It all feels fairly boutique, so I’m also shocked to learn it’s a 252-room hotel. Why stay at voco Melbourne Central? Voco Melbourne Central is a fairly affordable, yet stylish and very comfortable hotel right in Melbourne’s CBD – just off Lonsdale Street, very centrally located near Bourke Street Mall, Melbourne Central Station, The Emporium and also near Hardware Lane with its great restaurants, cafés and bars.  Voco is built for looking out over Melbourne city. The high-rise’s clean lines, floor-to-ceiling windows, and well-placed rooftop terrace and pool let the city in, making it a great spot for sunset. The Voco brand promises originality, and this hotel delivers – it feels modern without being pretentious, and the staff are super friendly.  What are the rooms like? Look, I stayed in a King Bed Premium Bathtub Room (36sqm), so I was basically in the lap of luxury. It had a king bed, a big bathroom with large shower and deep free-standing bathtub (with bath salts and views out the floor-to

✍️ 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.  Golf clubs can feel a bit uptight and unwelcoming. Not Marrickville Golf Club. It's a welcoming, accessible, family-friendly, beginner-friendly club that's well-loved by the community. The course itself is a little scruffy (it’s no Royal Sydney), so most players you see out having a hit are there for a good time – not necessarily to lower their handicap. And then there are the people who’ve just come for a great meal. The folks looking after the bistro, Wharf St Kitchen, make sure you’ll get that. The vibe  Wharf St Kitchen is named for the fact that Marrickville Golf Club is on the banks of the Cooks River. Marrickville is known for being a gritty, urban playground packed with restaurants, bars, stores and homes, so it’s nice to be in this green oasis by the water, with plenty of trees and wildlife. In recent years, after Wharf St Kitchen took over the bistro (these guys used to run popular cafe The General on Marrickville Rd, Dulwich Hill), they turned the putting green outside the clubhouse into a beer garden. There are loads of bench tables with big, green umbrellas, and today – a Sunday – the area is packed with families, mates catching up, and people trying to cure their hangovers with some sunshine and a hair of the dog.  There are plenty of tables in

After a record-breaking 2026 that brought more than 1.3 million people through the gates, the Australian Open returns to Melbourne Park from January 11 to 31, with more seating, more shade, and its biggest food line-up yet. Here’s some of what’s will be new in 2027: Grand Slam Oval will be bigger with triple the shade. The festival hub has had a rebuild. More two-storey structures have grown its footprint by 45 per cent, and the shade structure is three times the size it was.  Court 6 is getting the biggest temporary grandstand ever built at Melbourne Park, with 17 per cent more seats. The Highline is also back, with elevated views, extra shade and a direct link to the Courtside Bar. What food will be at the Australian Open 2027? Shake Shack returns to Topcourt and John Cain Arena, with a new bookable dine-in space (bookings already open) at Topcourt where you can have the exclusive New York Steakhouse Burger (with aged cheddar, sautéed mushrooms, fried onions and horseradish peppercorn mayo) and an AO-exclusive Dot Cake dessert. Garden Square gets Abla’s, Smith + Daughters and Melbourne hot spot The Frog Club. Shane Delia is also bringing in Pastizzis by Vinu & Delia, a Maltese street food collab with Malta’s Sphinx Pastizzeria. Hector’s adds breakfast for the first time, and its cult AO-only doughnuts are back. Grand Slam Oval welcomes Kolkata Cricket Club’s butter chicken, Auckland taqueria Tacoteca and an AO-exclusive bánh mì menu from Khanh Ong at Locals. They join retu

If someone asked me to picture a family-friendly paradise, it’d probably look a lot like JW Marriott Gold Coast Resort & Spa. This Gold Coast hotel has a postcard-perfect network of pools – including a saltwater lagoon with waterfalls and 300 colourful tropical fish that call it home. There are snorkels for hire, sandy shores with loungers, cabanas, a kiosk, poolside restaurant and bar, plus a waterslide, other pools with varying depths, grottos and jacuzzis. You’ll also spot very cute water dragons around the property. Plus, you’re only a short walk from Surfers Paradise beach. The kids will be in heaven, and you probably will, too.  My son and I had my favourite snorkelling experience of my life at this hotel – there were loads of schools of fish, including some Nemo-like clownfish and other brightly coloured little fellas, as well as some bigger fish. The thing I loved most, though, was what wasn’t in the lagoon – it was so relaxing knowing the water was peak-predator free. Already interested? Find out more about rooms and rates over here What are the rooms like at the JW Marriott Gold Coast Resort & Spa? I stayed in a Junior Suite – with a king bed, a living room, water views and a balcony. The balcony looks out over the pools below, the Gold Coast canals at the back of the property, and the ocean a couple of blocks away. This is truly a water-lover’s paradise.  The room and decor is modern and comfortable, with a mini fridge, coffee machine, complimentary wifi and two fl

If there’s one place in Australia where the crystal blue, flat sea puts you in mind of the Mediterranean, it’s Hyams Beach. So it’s fitting, then, that this pristine paradise in NSW’s Shoalhaven region is now home to a new Sicily-coded romantic escape.  Sirena De Sol is a romantic mini house designed for two, on the edge of national park and just footsteps from one of Australia’s most special beaches. Hyams Beach was actually named the beach with the ‘World’s Whitest Sand’ by the Guinness World Records – and one of the world’s top 10 beaches a few years ago on travel site the Big 7’s ‘World’s 50 best beaches’ list. This new Hyams Beach property was thoughtfully designed and run by the Airbnb pros who also designed Machinery Shed at Logan Brae Orchard in the Blue Mountains. I’ve stayed at the other property, too, and the owners are masters of detail – from the design to your comfort and amenities, they think of absolutely everything. What I like most about their properties (apart from the heavenly locations) is the stylish decor and premium finishings. At Sirena De Sol, the bathrooms are clad in beautiful terrazzo. The kitchen counter is a rich slab of polished stone with rich marbling, while the splashbacks are crazy-paved. The balcony is tiled in maroon and cream Harlequin-like triangle tiles. The bedding is luxurious – you feel like you’re sleeping on a cloud.  And then there are fun details all over the place – colourful crab and mermaid hangings, giant clam shells on the

Sydney is brimming with restaurants and hotels with divine views. But there’s nothing quite like the vista you have from The Dining Room, 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.  Executive chef Tyson Gee and chef de cuisine Dan Parkes 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. Highlights include a garden pea, green bean and Meredith feta tart, while Vanella stracciatella is paired with bright citrus, crisp witlof and raspberry vinegar. For something more substantial, there’s Cowra lamb with house-made merguez sausage, mushrooms and garden peas, alongside delicately poached Hāpuku with Musset leeks and a silky white wine sauce. Each plate celebrates the freshness, colour and generosity of the season. Dessert brings a delicious dose of nostalgia. Parkes’ pineapple upside-down cake, inspired by the version his mother baked throughout his childhood, is given a grown-up flourish with Red Mill rum and ginger. Warm, familiar and wonderfully comforting, it’s a

✍️ 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.  Sydney’s oldest continuously licensed pub recently expanded, with the Fortune of War opening Bistro 1828 – a dining room that gives this beloved Rocks institution room to stretch its legs. For many years (almost 200!) the Fortune has been exactly what you'd expect from an OG Rocks pub: a place to sink a schooner, catch live music and order a reliably hearty pub meal. The problem? It's so popular that it was often too packed to find a table you could sit at to eat. By knocking through into neighbouring heritage shopfronts, the family-run WDS Hotels group (led by husband and wife Steve and Fiona Speed) have almost doubled the venue's dining capacity – without losing the character that's kept people coming back for generations. The vibe History is everywhere in Bistro 1828, but it doesn't feel like you're eating inside a museum. The heritage bones remain, with beaten copper panelling, walls painted deep mulberry and forest green, stained-glass windows and grand golden arches framing the space. During the reno, workers uncovered old liquor and medicine bottles, which now sit on display as little reminders of the building's past. The new bistro is brighter than the original pub, thanks to floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking George Street. Grab a seat by the wind

✍️ 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.  Lasagne has long played a supporting role on menus – as second fiddle to more scene-stealing pasta dishes. But finally, this comfort food is getting top billing in Sydney. There’s Vineria Luisa’s “seven layers of happiness”, the Bat & Ball’s renowned $17 number, A.P Bread & Wine’s kinda lasagne, and people are loving the lasagne bites at Vitelli’s Upstairs. Then there’s the lasagne at Sydenham neighbourhood restaurant Sippenham, which certainly deserves a spot centre stage (more on that shortly). Sippenham is a pasta and wine bar opened last year by chef Nick Giannopoulos and his high-school best mate Stephen Mandis, who dreamed the idea up when they moved in together during lockdown. Despite the fact that it’s not that far from buzzy Marrickville, Sippenham is kind of a lone wolf here on Unwins Bridge Rd in Sydenham. The only other eateries nearby are the pub bistro at the General Gordon Hotel, Ho’s Bakery and a kebab shop. I almost walk past Sippenham – the restaurant’s name is scribbled in graffiti on the awning, helping the place camouflage into the gritty streetscape. The vibe The vibe, according to their website is “inspired by the vibrant food, music and nightlife scenes of East London, reimagined for Sydenham, Sydney”. What that means in practice: un

If I was going to suggest a hotel to someone from out of town who was keen to have a very Sydney experience, I’d tell them to stay at the new InterContinental Sydney Coogee Beach. Our city has a lovely, long coastline with some of the world’s best beaches, yet there aren’t many big hotels directly across the road from beaches here. And apart from being a beautiful shoreline, Coogee is a fun area with loads of great restaurants and nightlife. From the InterContinental Sydney Coogee Beach, you’re not only footsteps from the beach, but you’ll likely be able to see it from your room – and it’s a pretty iconic Sydney view, from my POV. Book now over here. What are the rooms like at the InterContinental Sydney Coogee Beach? Waking up opposite one of Sydney's most iconic beaches reminds me I’m on holiday before I've even left the bed. The hotel opened in late 2025 after a multi-million-dollar redesign of the previous digs by Woods Bagot, and the interiors lean into the neighbourhood’s coastal setting with a calm, contemporary feel inspired by Coogee's light and landscape. The design strikes that sweet spot between polished luxury and relaxed beachside living, which suits the area perfectly. The rooms aren’t huge, but mine has a wrap-around balcony that adds to the feeling of space, and everything I need inside: decent wardrobe space, a coffee machine, filtered water on each floor, a flatscreen TV, stocked mini bar, desk, free WIFI, and a really comfortable bed with lovely linen. To

✍️ 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. The food at Cotenna is served in little cardboard trays, so it’s a happy surprise that it’s here at this simple rotisserie eatery that I experience some of the best service I’ve received in recent times. I’m warmly greeted as I walk in, my every need is anticipated, and as I’m finishing eating up my already-planning-my-return good meal, the owner comes over with a complimentary shot of limoncello – the ideal antidote to a rich dinner featuring crackling pork. The same warm attention is granted to everyone who walks in while I’m here, whether they’re sitting down for a meal or just ordering takeaway. I like the place, and I can tell that every customer who comes in tonight will be back for more. The vibe This roast chicken and pork restaurant, which opened in December 2025 by Amy Wheater and chef Jamie Sutherland, is low-key – it’s up a set of stairs in a Military Rd arcade, in a fairly small space that’s been home to a range of restaurants over the years. (Cotenna started its life as 'Carne' at markets around Sydney, so this is their new bricks-and-mortar home.) You order at the counter, which is next to a rotisserie with chickens and pork roasts that look (and smell) mouthwateringly good. Potatoes sit under the spits, catching the cooking juices from above.

*]:pointer-events-auto R6Vx5W_threadScrollVars scroll-mb-[calc(var(--scroll-root-safe-area-inset-bottom,0px)+var(--thread-response-height))] scroll-mt-[calc(var(--header-height)+min(200px,max(70px,20svh)))]" dir="auto" data-turn-id="request-WEB:245ed18e-4b55-4c30-b29f-5d25a0fc0cf4-1" data-turn-id-container="request-WEB:245ed18e-4b55-4c30-b29f-5d25a0fc0cf4-1" data-testid="conversation-turn-2" data-scroll-anchor="false" data-turn="assistant"> One of Sydney’s major entertainment venues is getting a new name. The arena known as Qudos Bank Arena will soon become Afterpay Arena, as part of a five-year naming rights deal that was just announced. Located in Sydney Olympic Park, the venue has been a major stop on the touring circuit since opening in 1999 with a performance by Luciano Pavarotti. Over the years, it’s hosted international music stars including Billie Eilish, RÜFÜS DU SOL and TWICE, alongside sporting events, comedy shows, family entertainment and cultural events. As part of the rebrand, the venue will introduce new payment technology across the customer experience. Fans will be able to use Afterpay’s Pay in Four option when buying tickets, while Square’s payment and point-of-sale systems will power food, beverage and merchandise purchases inside the arena. The venue transformation – including updated signage and refreshed interiors – is currently underway. Until the rollout is complete, the venue will continue operating as Qudos Bank Arena while maintaining its reg

✍️ 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

I’ve spent plenty of time in Melbourne, but somehow I’d never noticed Timothy Lane, a tiny pedestrian-only laneway tucked just off Lonsdale Street. This is where I found voco Melbourne Central, and stepping through its doors felt like stumbling upon a hidden gem. There are plenty of hotels in Melbourne’s CBD, but the service at voco feels different – less like I’m checking into a room and more like I’m being welcomed by someone who intimately knows the hotel and the neighbourhood and wants you to enjoy it, too. This is where the concept of the ‘voco Host’ comes in: a team member who knows the hotel, knows the city and can point guests towards experiences that are genuinely worth their time. It’s a nice idea, particularly in a city like Melbourne, where knowing which laneway to wander down or where to settle in for a drink can make all the difference. This hotel, voco Melbourne Central, is one of eight voco hotels across Australia and New Zealand, including some fresh additions, voco Darwin Suites and voco Queenstown, plus Brisbane, the Gold Coast, Hunter Valley, Gosford and Auckland. When I head up to my room, I’m greeted with some welcome treats, in a room with plush bedding, a CBD view, and an incredible free-standing bath with luxe toiletries. (The hotel’s ‘Come on in’ philosophy is all about making guests feel comfortable from the outset, with thoughtful touches.) It’s a big, 37sqm ‘Premium Room’ with king bed, which is on a high floor, features 180-degree city views – ev

Always looking for Melbourne’s best happy hour specials? The Commons Café & Bar on Collins Street offers up a verrry happy deal – cocktails for $10, Martinis for $11, and glasses of wine and beer for $8, plus free fries. And you don’t need to be a member to pull up a seat and order a drink. The Commons’ Aperitif Hour takes place every Thursday and Friday from 4-6pm – a great excuse to duck out of the office a little early. If you order from the Signature or Classic Cocktail menus, you'll score a complimentary serving of fries with any of these drinks, available from 4pm until close. Better yet, you can customise your fries with different seasonings and sauces. (Seasoning options include salt and vinegar, chilli lime, chicken and tarragon, and toasted nori and sesame; when it comes to sauce, there’s pineapple barbecue, truffle aioli, chilli aioli, caper and tarragon tartare, and black garlic aioli.) Photograph: Supplied | The Commons Café & BarCocktails and free fries There’s also a new bar menu made for sharing, with dishes designed to pair with your drinks. Available throughout Aperitif Hour and beyond, it means you can easily turn a quick after-work catch-up into a longer dinner. Aperitif Hour is perfectly timed for that sweet spot between wrapping up work and deciding how to spend your evening. Add a cocktail, a bowl of fries and a few plates for the table, and suddenly there's not much reason to rush off. Photograph: SuppliedThe Commons Café & Bar The Commons Café & B

Always looking for Sydney’s best happy hour specials? Then here's a verrry happy deal – The Commons Café & Bar at Martin Place offers up cocktails for $10, Martinis for $11, and glasses of wine and beer for $8, plus free fries. And you don’t need to be a member to pull up a seat and order a drink. The Commons’ Aperitif Hour takes place every Thursday and Friday from 4-6pm – a great excuse to duck out of the office a little early. If you order from the Signature or Classic Cocktail menus, you'll score a complimentary serving of fries with any of these drinks, available from 4pm until close. Better yet, you can customise your fries with different seasonings and sauces. (Seasoning options include salt and vinegar, chilli lime, chicken and tarragon, and toasted nori and sesame; when it comes to sauce, there’s pineapple barbecue, truffle aioli, chilli aioli, caper and tarragon tartare, and black garlic aioli.)   Photograph: Supplied | The Commons Café & BarCocktails and free fries   There’s also a new bar menu made for sharing, with dishes designed to pair perfectly with drinks. Available throughout Aperitif Hour and beyond, it means you can easily turn a quick after-work catch-up into a longer dinner. Aperitif Hour is perfectly timed for that sweet spot between wrapping up work and deciding how to spend your evening. Add a cocktail, a bowl of fries and a few plates for the table, and suddenly there's not much reason to rush off. Photograph: SuppliedThe Commons Café & Bar The

Try to find me someone who doesn’t love a public holiday. For the majority of us, it means a glorious, guilt-free day off work – and usually a long weekend to match. For casual staff and shift workers, it means scoring double-time-and-a-half penalty rates. Half of Australia is about to head into a Labour Day long weekend, but I suspect you probably don’t actually know why we get the day off in the first place, or why states mark the occasion in different months. Here are all your questions, answered… What is Labour Day? Labour Day commemorates the labour movement’s historic fight for the eight-hour workday – a reform that changed life as we know it. 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. And 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. It wasn’t until 60 years later that the Eight Hours Act was passed in Victoria and NSW. Much, much later, in 1948, Australia's Commonwealth Arbitration Court approved a 40-hour, five-day working week for all Aussies. What is the 888 principle? The philosophy behind the eight-hour workday is that it gives people the ability to split the 24-hour day into three eight-hour periods: 8 hours for sleeping 8 hours working 8 hours playing, eating an

Let's be honest: everyone loves a public holiday. But do you really know why NSW gets a long weekend in October? If the answer is no, you're not alone – a lot of New South Welshmen have no idea what Labour Day actually is. So whether you’re curious about why we have this day off, or you want to know what’s happening over the long weekend, read on. Here are all your FAQs, answered… When is the Labour Day NSW public holiday in 2026? Labour Day is a public holiday celebrated in NSW on the first Monday of October each year – meaning Labour Day will always give you a long weekend in October. This year, 2026, Labour Day falls on Monday, October 5.   What is NSW Labour Day? Why do we have an October long weekend? Labour Day NSW is a day dedicated to commemorating the Labour movement's long fight – and eventual victory – to get the eight-hour work day (that we've all benefitted from) over the line. It was a huge victory for workers at a time when “workers’ rights” were not a thing.  Yep, we might feel like we’ve got it tough at work now, and no work-life balance now – and yep, in some weeks the overtime does blow out. But once upon a time, the idea of work being capped at eight hours a day, five days a week didn't exist. In the 1800s, Australians often had no option but to work 14 hours a day, six days a week. There was no sick leave, no annual leave, and bosses could sack you at any time with no reason.  So how did workers eventually wrangle an eight-hour day? On April 21, 1856, sto

Update Thursday, September 24: Yesterday marked Australia’s spring equinox, when our days become longer than our nights. The astronomical shift happened at exactly 10.05am as the sun crossed directly over the Earth’s equator. The days will continue getting longer until the summer solstice in late December. And if you’re already craving those longer evenings, daylight saving is just around the corner, kicking off in NSW on Sunday, October 4. Along with backyard barbies, long days at the beach and Weis Bars, one of the real joys of summer* (*or "almost summer") is the return of daylight saving. (And yes, technically it’s daylight saving, but for some reason most of us seem to add an 's'.) The great news is that those longer, light-filled evenings are almost here – and there’s a very good chance your phone will change its clock without you having to lift a finger. Here’s a handy explainer covering what you need to know about daylight saving starting in NSW in 2026, and what it means for your precious sleep schedule. When does daylight saving start in NSW? Daylight saving begins every year on the first Sunday in October at 2am local time. This year, that date falls on Sunday, October 4, 2026. At 2am, clocks will jump forward one hour to 3am, meaning we lose an hour overnight but gain more daylight in the evening. So, from Sunday onwards, you can look forward to longer afternoons and those glorious post-work hours when it’s still light enough to squeeze in a beach walk, sunset dri

From towering sea stacks and ancient mountain ranges to giant redwoods, Victoria is home to some seriously spectacular natural scenery. And while Melburnians don't have to travel far to find some of it, a few of these wonders are worth a proper road trip.  Global travel publisher WorldAtlas has just rounded up the best natural wonders in Victoria to visit at the moment; here are seven of them… 1. The Organ Pipes There's a surprising geological wonder hiding north-west of Melbourne. At Organ Pipes National Park, towering columns of basalt look uncannily like the pipes of an enormous church organ (pictured above). The distinctive formation was created when ancient lava cooled and cracked into striking, near-vertical columns. Follow the walking track down towards Jacksons Creek for the best views, then explore other formations in the park, including Rosette Rock. It's one of those places that feels far further from the city than it actually is. 2. The Californian Redwood Forest Victoria has its own redwood forest, and it really is as magical as the photos suggest. Deep in the Otways near Beech Forest, rows of towering Californian redwoods create a scene that feels distinctly un-Australian. The trees were planted in the 1930s and have grown into an atmospheric grove where sunlight filters through the canopy and the trunks seem to disappear into the sky. The forest sits near the Aire River and makes a peaceful detour when exploring the Great Otway National Park. It can get busy,

Melbourne’s not exactly known for being quiet – there’s the dinging of the trams, not to mention their brakes screeching as they take corners. There’s the roar of a footy crowd. Sidewalk buskers. The hissing coffee machines at busy cafes. Constant construction noise. And then, when the Grand Prix comes to town, the thunderous revs of F1 engines. When you’re looking for some peace and quiet to clear your head, where should you head?  Global travel publisher WorldAtlas has just rounded up the most peaceful towns across Victoria; here are five of them… Warrnambool: This is a great place for Australian wildlife spotting. If you go now (any time between June and September), you can see southern right whales swimming within a hundred metres of Logans Beach. There’s a viewing platform in the dunes where you can watch the majestic creatures from. Then there’s Tower Hill Reserve – a short drive from town – which fills the crater of a dormant volcano. The crater has created a sanctuary where kangaroos, koalas and emus have populated the bush around a chain of crater lakes for many thousands of years. Castlemaine: Castlemaine might have been a boomtown in its gold rush years, but it’s now a calm place to take walks in nature. There’s Castlemaine Botanical Gardens, which is one of the oldest botanic gardens in Victoria and home to an idyllic lake, old elm trees and river red gums. The 3 acres of gardens at the Buda Historic Home and Garden (built all the way back in 1863 by silversmith E

Rob Cockerill has just taken over as executive head chef of one of Sydney's most iconic restaurants, but he knows this kitchen better than anyone. He's been working with Peter Gilmore for more than 20 years, and at Bennelong for 11 years. He even helped Gilmore – who has departed Sydney to live in Tasmania – design the kitchen. Cockerill knows Bennelong from the foundations up, and his first menu shows he understands that a new chapter doesn't require rewriting the story. Thankfully, he's keeping the things that have always made Bennelong special: exceptional Australian produce treated with meticulous technique to create delicious plates of food. Nikki ToRob Cockerill, the new executive head chef at Bennelong. I've been lucky enough to dine here a few times and I'm always in awe when I enter – it's one of Sydney's great dining rooms, with those dramatic concrete beams that hold up the Opera House sails, the glowy glass-bulb lighting, the views of the Harbour Bridge, and the warm welcome you get. My evening starts with a Bennelong Negroni, followed by pretty canapés: a delicate pea and caviar tart; bresaola with radicchio rosa and panisse; and Sydney rock oysters with lemon pepper granita. For entrées, I order the mud crab dumpling with brown butter and white flowering kale, which feels like a very Bennelong kind of dish – intricate without being very showy. There’s a distinctly Australian- and seasonal-produce thread running through these starter dishes – for instance, cora

Sydney's Royal Botanic Garden, situated right by our dreamy Sydney Harbour and just steps from our iconic Opera House, is without a doubt the city's most famous pocket of green. But did you know Australia’s biggest botanic garden – also in Sydney – is just under an hour’s drive from the CBD? The Australian Botanic Garden, Mount Annan is located just 60 kilometres south-west of the middle of the city (which means you can drive there in under an hour). And you should, because with a whopping 416 hectares of space (that’s bigger than Central Park in New York City), there’s plenty to explore.  The Australian Botanic Garden, Mount Annan is one of the most important conservation sites in NSW, and it’s free to visit. So if you haven’t been yet, where the bloody hell are you? Where is the Australian Botanic Garden Mount Annan? Mount Annan is in the Macarthur region – it’s part of Camden Council and Campbelltown City Council. It’s on Dharawal Country. Photograph: Destination NSW; Australian Botanic Garden, Mount Annan What can I see at the Australian Botanic Garden Mount Annan? These gardens are home to native flora from across Australia. The huge space is made up of lawns, landscaped gardens, lakes, and there are even plenty of native animals to spot.  There’s a lot to see, but some of our favourite sections include: the Connections Garden, which is mind-blowingly beautiful, especially in spring, when the gardens host an annual wildflower display.  There are barbecue and picnic are

Time Out Australia has released a 2026 Dining Trends Report – in line with the announcement of the Time Out Sydney Food & Drink Award 2026 winners. The results of the Trends Report stem largely from patterns identified across the range of Time Out Food & Drink Award 2026 nominee venues from Sydney and Melbourne, which reflect bigger trends across the cities’ dining scenes. One clear theme? “Specific authenticity” is on the rise. It’s a direction Sydney hospitality and diners are really leaning into, with venues doubling down on niche concepts – and sticking to them. The key Sydney dining trends identified for 2026 are: 1. The Rise of "Specific Authenticity" There's been a shift in Sydney’s hospitality scene away from broad offerings and towards “specific authenticity”. Taking Time Out Food & Drink Award 2026 venues as examples, many venues are now focused on highly localised regional cuisines instead of broad-brush themes like "European" or "Middle Eastern": think Padang Indonesian at Temu Kangen and Hungarian at Corner 75.  2. High-Concept Affordable Eats  Specificity is also a characteristic of the budget bites category – affordable venues have evolved from simple takeaways to a sophisticated segment offering hyper-specific product lines, made by applying rigorous techniques to low-cost formats. Examples include Sydney nominee Eat Ozzo (which makes a pizza-sandwich hybrid) and Newcastle's Arno Deli (where an award-winning chef makes Florentine panini). "For this reason, ch

Time Out Australia has released a 2026 Dining Trends Report – in line with the announcement of the Time Out Melbourne Food & Drink Award 2026 winners. The results of the Trends Report stem largely from patterns identified across the range of Time Out Food & Drink Award 2026 nominee venues from Melbourne and Sydney, which reflect bigger trends across the cities’ dining scenes. One clear theme? “Specific authenticity” is on the rise. It’s a direction Melbourne hospitality and diners are really leaning into, with venues doubling down on niche concepts – and sticking to them. The key Melbourne dining trends identified for 2026 are: 1. The Rise of "Specific Authenticity"  There's been a shift in Melbourne's hospitality scene away from broad offerings and towards “specific authenticity”. Taking Time Out Food & Drink Award 2026 nominee venues as examples, many venues are now focused on highly localised regional cuisines instead of broad-brush themes like "European" or "Middle Eastern": think Portuguese at Marmelo, Venezuelan at Papelón – and Otakoi (which took out the award for Best Restaurant) is recognised as Melbourne’s first and only Ukrainian restaurant. 2. Hyper-Specialised Beverages  Specificity is also a characteristic of the bar industry – the success of bars as specific as “sherry focused” (at Time Out Melbourne Food & Drink Awards 2026 nominee Three Horses) suggests Australian drinkers are seeking "knowledge-based" consumption. Another Melbourne nominee bar, Moondrop, spe