Avril Treasure

Sydney’s after-dark offering gets a bad rap, and while the lockout laws did change things for a while, a whole lot of love and care has been poured into Sydney’s night-time offering over the past few years. One of the major outcomes? A whole heap of live music venues – with live music venues across NSW quadrupling since 2023 (and still growing).  As out-and-about enthusiasts here at Time Out Sydney, we're very much here for it. So our team of editors – including pub-frother and Editor Alice Ellis, resident booze-lover and Editor Avril Treasure and dancefloor addict Winnie Stubbs – have rounded up a list of our fave bars and pubs that host live bands.FYI: If you're aged 18-25, signing up to MyGigPass will score you super cheap tickets to live shows across the state. You're welcome. 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. Hate the ding-ding of pokie machines? Here's a list of Sydney pubs without pokies. More into dancing to a DJ? Check our guide to the best clubs in Sydney.

Whether you’re a Sydneysider planning a special-occasion staycation, or a visitor mapping out your first trip to the Emerald City, finding the right hotel in Sydney is a very important task. If you’re looking to book a stay that’s extra indulgent – willing to splash the cash on a high-end experience – choosing the right spot is even more crucial. Luckily for you, we’ve got a team of hotel aficionados who are committed to trying and testing the very best luxury stays in the city, and deciding which ones are worth your hard-earned cash (it’s a tough job, but somebody’s got to do it). Our expert team includes connoisseur of fine things Time Out Sydney Editor Avril Treasure and Sydney-based travel whizz Melissa Woodley (Time Out Australia’s News and Travel Editor). Each hotel has been checked for its luxe credentials by Time Out Sydney's Travel and News Editor (and self-confessed hotel obsessive) Winnie Stubbs. From a celeb-approved harbourside palace (Park Hyatt Sydney) to a stunning beachside stay with a rooftop magnesium pool (Manly Pacific), these are the best luxury hotels in Sydney for a super-special stay. Editor's quick picks: Best for beach lovers: Manly Pacific  Best for harbour views: Park Hyatt Sydney  Best for indulgent spa breaks: Capella Sydney Best dog-friendly luxury stay: Pier One 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:Want more options? Here's

Choosing the right hotel in Melbourne can be an almighty task. With so many incredible stays to choose between – from charming historic gems to super modern sky-high towers – 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 News Editor Winnie Stubbs (self-confessed hotel obsessive) 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.

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 wintery 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 bes

Looking for weekend fun? You've come to the right place.  The Incognito Art Show kicks off at Carriageworks from June 27. Buy an original artwork by up-and-coming artists and Archibald Prize winners for just $100 at this secret art show. Darling Harbour's popular ice rink returns to Palm Grove Forecourt outside IMAX Sydney from June 27 to July 19. As well as daily skating sessions from 10am-9pm, this year will feature new Friday night performances, with six ice skaters taking to the rink at 5.45pm and 6.45pm. If the weather is average but you’re keen to get out of the house (and stay dry), check out our guide to fun things to do indoors. Plus, warm up with Sydney’s most delicious Sunday roasts (crispy pork belly for me), and work your way through the city’s best affordable eats. *]: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-6a03ebd9-de58-83ec-a27a-cc0278dfdc83-201" data-turn-id-container="request-6a03ebd9-de58-83ec-a27a-cc0278dfdc83-201" data-testid="conversation-turn-878" data-scroll-anchor="false" data-turn="assistant"> Qtopia Sydney’s Pride Fest 2026 is on this month, with more than 300 events celebrating queer arts, culture and community across the month. For the first time, the festival expands beyond Qtopia to take over Sydney’s Oxford Street precinct, featuring theatr

There’s plenty of delicious reasons to get outside this winter – and Sydney’s hot new bars and restaurants are high on my list. Recently, I’ve been blown away by Ca Phe Mai in Double Bay – it’s a Vietnamese café and wine bar and you should order the juicy lemongrass pork and egg muffin. A cracking new pizza-by-the-slice shop has opened in Darlinghurst from the founder of Bourke St Bakery called Paulie’s Pizza, and Manly has a new underground Irish-inspired bar called The Gopher with black pudding Scotch eggs, open until 3am. 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.

Sydney has a bewildering range of eateries and cuisines, with almost every style of restaurant and region of the world represented. Many of them are looking to serve you and the people of Sydney for the cheapest price possible, you just need to know where to look. Choosing the best cheap eats is like picking the greatest songs ever made, there are countless options, and everyone will have a different opinion. Compiled by a team of local Time Out experts, this list brings together eateries from all regions of Sydney, with each pick being an outstanding option for that cuisine or style of eating. It’s not the cheapest meals in Sydney, but the best affordable options. We’ve tried, as best as possible, to include only venues where you can get a meal for one for under $25. 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 to spend less at the big-ticket players? Check out our cheap fine-dining hacks.

Believe it or not, Term 2 is done and the winter school holidays are almost here. And if the thought of hearing the constant refrain of "I'm borrrred!" sends you into a spiral, we've got you covered. If the cold makes you want to stay indoors, we've listed plenty of options to do just that (hello, museums, hobby centres and indoor play zones). But if you're keen to embrace the chill, there's heaps to do around our Harbour City, so grab your puffer jacket and get ready to tick things off from our list of activities and experiences to do this winter.   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 somewhere affordable to eat out with the kids? Check out our guide to the best cheap eats in Sydney. Or visit these kid-friendly restaurants in Sydney.

Sydney is no slacker when it comes to Italian food (just take a look at all these red-hot places here). And our pasta game is very strong. But when it comes to our pizza restaurants, we reckon they may be a slice above the rest. Whether you're a sucker for traditional Neapolitan pizzas cooked in a wood-fired oven and topped with beautiful produce, get around NY-style slabs so big you can fold them in three, or you're hungry for a Sicilian-style slice with a thick and fluffy crust, Time Out Sydney's local food writers, including Sydney Editor Avril Treasure, have pulled together the best places to get your fix – and these are the venues that are topping the class. 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. Hungry for more? Here's our pick of the very best restaurants in Sydney right now. Love Greek food food? Us too. Check out the finest Greek eateries in Sydney.

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. 

Australia takes its baked goods very seriously. Between our sourdough-centred meals, we all need a little sweet treat (trust us, you deserve one). Luckily, Australia's best bakeries are giving Parisian pâtissiers a run for their money, creating their own takes on classic baked goods that taste as good as they look. You’ve undoubtedly heard of the big players (hello Lune Croissanterie), but there are plenty of neighbourhood gems to spend your hard-earned dough. While we wish we could shower love on every flaky croissant, pie and sausage roll, our expert food writers, including big bakery fan Melissa Woodley, have narrowed it down to a handful of the best bakeries in Australia right now. NB: There are so many incredible bakeries scattered across the country, but this list focuses on highly-rated spots in Australia's major cities. We'll leave the hidden gems and regional favourites for you to discover for yourself. Want more? Here are the best bakeries in: Adelaide | Brisbane | Canberra | Darwin | Hobart | Melbourne | Sydney | Perth

From glitzy musicals and Shakespearean reimaginings to fresh new plays and laugh-out-loud comedies, Sydney’s theatre scene is packed with reasons to put down the remote and head out. Whether you're after a big night out, a thought-provoking drama or a show that'll leave you grinning all the way home, these are the best theatre shows and musicals to see in Sydney this month. Did you know Australia’s last remaining pub theatre is right here in Sydney? Found below Woolloomooloo's 150-year-old Old Fitzroy Hotel, the Old Fitz Theatre is the place for boundary-pushing shows from some of the city's most talented creatives. If you find yourself with a free night and feel like something different – and supporting indie work – check out what's on here. Scroll on for the best musicals, plays and more to see in Sydney this month. RELATED READS: It’s guaranteed laughs galore at the Comedy Store Make Tuesdays more fun with this affordable comedy show in the Inner West

Back in May, sommelier Nick Hildebrandt and chef Brent Savage announced they would be closing their fine diner Bentley Restaurant and Bar this winter after more than 20 years at the top of its game (and five-star reviews from Time Out). The award-winning restaurant, which originally opened in Surry Hills in 2006 before moving to its current home in Sydney’s CBD on O’Connell Street in 2013, is housed within a heritage sandstone building dating back to the 1850s, now part of The Paradox Hotel Sydney. It will have its final service at the end of August. But because this is the Bentley Group we’re talking about – talent who are always one step ahead of the curve and not afraid to change things up, close the curtains when the time is right, or start fresh when opportunity arises (see: Monopole, Cirrus, Yellow, King Clarence, Watermans, and the soon-to-open Ashe and Bar Vespertine, for example) – this isn’t goodbye for good. Instead, Hildebrandt and Savage are on the lookout for the next perfect home for Bentley’s third act. “This feels less like an ending and more like a natural moment to pause and reset,” says Hildebrandt. “The move from Crown Street to the CBD was a defining evolution for Bentley, and now it feels like the right time for that next transformation.” For the final few months of service, Bentley Restaurant and Bar has rolled out the culinary red carpet with a greatest hits menu for both the tasting menu and bar menu – featuring the restaurant’s best dishes over its

Housed within a converted 1800s two-storey terrace on the corner of Glebe Point Road and Mitchell Street is this beautiful wine bar and restaurant. No 92 has had quite the life, beginning as The Waratah pub before becoming a bank, boot factory and private investigator’s office, as well as a home. These days, it’s run by a team of women: founder Angela Kasimis, Sascha Neising leading front of house, and sommelier Isobel McFadden. Inside, it’s light-filled and elegant, the work of Sydney-based Pattern Studio – all dark wooden floorboards, round charcoal marble tables, pops of bright florals and warm sunlight streaming through the windows. If the weather’s warm, beeline it for the courtyard, featuring a giant elephant ear taro plant and lush greenery. Happy hour runs 5-6pm Wednesday to Friday, and 3-5pm on Saturday, with cocktails and snacks at a feel-good price point. The space, including upstairs, can also be booked for private events, long Champagne-fuelled lunches and celebrations. Drawing on Mexican flavours, the menu is fresh, seasonal and well-balanced. No 92 has launched a new bottomless brunch available on Saturday, featuring free-flowing drinks alongside flavour-forward share plates served over 1.5 hours. Priced at $99 per person, the package includes cocktails, prosecco and house wines, as well as bergamot and raspberry bellinis and non-alcoholic options. Menu highlights include tuna tostada with shoyu mayo, fermented chilli and shiso leaf; Wagyu tartare with green p

This no-frills shop has been serving classic Aussie-style hamburgers since 1957 – and it makes one of Sydney’s best. Burgers cost anywhere from $25-$30 these days, so getting a delicious, generous and freshly made burger for $15.50 makes you feel like you’ve won the day. Paul’s Famous Works burger, layered with a meat patty, fresh salad, fried egg, melted cheese, bacon and pineapple, is where it’s at. The worst bit? It’s over too soon. Pair yours with an old-school vanilla milkshake and it’s one seriously good meal. Time Out tip: Go at off-peak times and you may have the place to yourself, say, 4pm on a Friday. And they are mandatory on any South Coast road trip. 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: These are the best burgers in Sydney. Check out the best cheap eats in Sydney right now.

✍️ 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. I’d heard about the burger. Sydney is home to many mouth-watering options, but when Joe’s Tavern opened in the Inner West last October, word spread about its 50/50 one as fast as gossip at my all-girls’ high school. And it turns out, for very good reason. The Joe’s Tavern burger arrives with a pickle speared through it. Caramelised on the outside and pink in the middle, the patty is equal parts beef and lamb, the latter flavour carrying through nicely. It’s paired with sweet, jammy onions, chopped onions for crunch, melted nutty Ossau-Iraty cheese and Dijon for zing, all cushioned in a soft bun. Tomato, lettuce, beetroot? Forgetaboutit. Joe’s is rich, meaty and juicy – and doesn’t mess about. So yes, come for Joe’s burger. But there’s a lot more happening at this golden Australian Street spot. The vibe Joe’s Tavern is a 30-seat restaurant and bar from Paisano & Daughters – the team behind steak diner Porteño, as well as right-next-door siblings Continental Deli, seafood party place Mister Grotto and Italian restaurant Osteria Mucca. Originally, the site was home to sunshine-like plant-based diner Flora. But less than a year after opening, the team switched gears to a concept inspired by New York taverns serving the classics, with a focus on nose-to-tail cooki

If you haven’t yet been to Caness, Paddington’s excellent tapas bar, then here is the perfect time to do so. On Sunday, May 24, the sleek Oxford Street spot is throwing a big birthday bash to celebrate its first birthday – and you’re invited. Four top Sydney chefs will take over the kitchen, serving up $15 loaded Spanish sandwiches, as well as mussel crisps and a halva Basque cheesecake – with proceeds from the day being donated to OzHarvest, Australia’s leading food rescue organisation. The line-up is killer, with Vinicius Oliveira (ex-Bar Vincent and Estela in New York), Diego Duarte (Shaffa), Damir Mujanic (Refettorio) and Caness’ head chef Jorge Alcala all creating their own spins on the classic bocadillo. Plus, guests can enjoy Caness’ G&Ts, $12 Spanish beers, wines plucked from the cellar and non-alcoholic sparkling Conscious Drink by Kakadu Kitchen x OzHarvest. A live jazz duo will be keeping the vibes high. One dollar from every one of Mujanic’s bocadillos and every Conscious Drink sold on the day will be donated to OzHarvest. And every dollar donated provides two meals for people in need. Caness co-owner Erez Nahum says: “We’ve been so heartened by the support we’ve received from the community over the past year that we want to share this day with them,” he says. “But we’re also very aware that people are doing it particularly tough. “We’ve been involved with OzHarvest for a long time, and we think this is the perfect occasion to shine more of a spotlight on the impo

✍️ 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. I’ve had some of the best dining experiences of my life at Bathers’ Pavilion. One was many years back: a long Sunday lunch where warm sun poured through the windows overlooking Balmoral, and time flowed as easily as crisp Chablis. I was seagull-with-a-hot-chip happy to dine at both of L’Enclume’s residencies – a thrilling collaboration that saw one of the world’s best restaurants take over the seaside institution for winter (twice), giving Sydneysiders the chance to experience Michelin-starred dining, minus the jetlag. My most recent visit was just as exceptional. Clever, lively dishes. Service that elevates the experience. Golden, crunchy seaweed-dusted potato scallops humming with salt, vinegar and childhood nostalgia. As I’m about to leave, I overhear a woman say to her date, “The food is always delicious here. Beautifully paced meal. Lovely view.” The vibe Those cortisol-lowering Balmoral views really are lovely – and on a sunny day, there are few places I’d rather be. The elegant, coastal-chic dining room, all blue-and-white stripes, walnut furniture and snow-white orchids, makes you linger a little longer and order one more drink. I’d argue the team, overseen by restaurant manager Jessica Mead, is one of the finest in Sydney – polished, intuitive and ge

✍️ 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.  If you’ve been to Italy, you’ve probably been to All'Antico Vinaio, the famous Florentine sandwich shop, which now has more than 30 stores dotted all over the world. Will O’Brien vividly remembers trying his first one in Florence when he and his wife were travelling around Europe for six months. He reckons it was the best sandwich he has ever had. On that trip, they were always drawn to local delis, where locals linger over hot espresso in the morning sun and pop in the afternoon for an aperitivo. During that holiday, his dream to open an Italian-style deli serving Florence-inspired panini was born. Fast forward a decade, and Will, who spent years working as a chef at top Sydney restaurants, moved up the coast with his family to Newcastle. And in 2022, Arno Deli opened up inside a building the colour of whipped butter, located on 181 King Street. I’ve been a fan of Will’s sandwiches ever since I first tried them back in February 2023. Every time I’m in the area, and really, even when I’m not, I make sure to drop in. Florence may have David, but Newcastle has Arno. Add it to the top of your hit list. The vibe Arno isn’t big, and it’s often filled with couples on a morning walk, friends catching up, and road trippers. There’s an exposed brick wall on one side;

Been wanting to try the hugely popular Olympic Meats? Now you have an exclusive, one-night opportunity to reserve your spot. To mark Time Out’s Food Month (and our Food & Drink Awards), we’re hosting a Time Out Social Club dinner at this special Award nominee restaurant. Come find out why it’s one of our Food & Drink Award nominees for 2026 – and why there’s always a huge crowd out front. They don’t normally take bookings, but now you don’t have to line up! For one night only, Olympic Meats will be serving a generous Greek feast, designed as a greatest-hits tour of the menu. Bring yourself, bring your mates, bring your yia-yia or your papou! Book over here. When Tuesday, May 12Times 5:30pm & 7:30pm seatingsWhere Olympic Meats, 12 Dudley St, MarrickvilleCost $70 pp set menu(wine, beer & non-alcoholic drinks available for purchase from the menu)Book here Menu: Pita | Sourdough pita breadFava | Split fava dip, wood-fired mushrooms, bukovo, all spiceTarama | Smoked roe, queen may potatoOlympia’s Spanakopita | Wild greens, feta, circa 1961Htapodi Xidato | Pickled octopus, green chilli, onionChips | Tallow, nostimini, triple-cookedKreas | Pork & chicken on the spit, lamb leg kondosouvliTsigaridia me badzaria | Escarolia, fennel tops, dill, shallots, beetrootBougatsa me krema | Wet phyllo, vanilla custard Secure your table over here. Stay in the loop: sign up for our free Time Out Sydney newsletter for more fun stuff to land in your inbox.

Fact: Sydneysiders love sipping sparkling wine and Champagne – it only takes the sun to come out or for freshly shucked oysters to grace a menu for us to order a bottle of bubbly. So it’s good news then that a festival entirely dedicated to bubbles is returning to Sydney this year, and yes, we would like a top up, please. Organised by The Bubbles Review, a website devoted to the enjoyment of Champagne and sparkling wine, the first Bubbles Festival was held in Melbourne in 2017. Since 2021, it's been travelling to other cities like Sydney, Brisbane, Adelaide and Perth. This year's Sydney event takes place at the Royal Automobile Club of Australia, a gorgeous heritage-listed building right by Circular Quay, on May 22 and 23, so gather your bubble-loving pals and get there. What can you expect? How about some excellent sparkling wines from NSW producers as well as bubbles from across Australia and internationally, including Champagne. Each ticket includes a two-hour tasting session where you’ll enjoy more than ten types of sparkling in a Riedel Champagne tasting glass. You'll also get to chat to the growers and producers, plus enjoy tasty canapés.   Says Natalie Pickett, founder of The Bubbles Festival, "I think that Champagne and sparkling wine are one of the joys of life and something to be shared. We love bringing all of these superb sparkling wines together with our followers at The Bubbles Festival." Whether you’re a wine connoisseur or looking for something different to do

✍️ 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 first time I had cochinita pibil, I was three Dos Equis deep at a roadside stall after spending the morning diving into the electric-turquoise waters of Tulum’s Playa Paraíso. I remember the spiced, juicy pork, brightened with citrus, and the crunch and zing of the pickled red onions. I practically inhaled it. The most recent time was at Newcastle’s new Mexican restaurant, Papalote. Here, pork shoulder is marinated in achiote, garlic and orange before being cooked for eight hours in a traditional brick pit oven. It arrives wrapped in banana leaf – like a hunger-inducing Mayan gift – and crowned with sliced fresh and pickled red onions, with Marydia’s corn tortillas and non-wallflower salsas on the side. It’s a brilliant rendition of one of my favourite Yucatán dishes, and it also disappears quickly. Anyone who hasn’t visited Newcastle recently is missing out. I could point to the rolling waves, incredible ocean baths and the lack of Big City Rush. But really, you should come here for the food – and make sure Papalote is high on your list. The vibe Last November, locals and long-time friends – sommelier-chef couple Stephanie Wells and Michael Portley from Hunter Street’s pasta and vino palace, Humbug, and the charismatic Eduardo Molina from easy-breezy fi

Flying 1,000 feet above water, past sandy half-moon coves dotted with white sails in the turquoise sea, lush bush-cloaked headlands, and soaring above the Harbour Bridge and the Opera House, I thought to myself: Sydney is bloody beautiful. Based in Rose Bay and operating since the mid-2000s, Sydney Seaplanes runs scenic flights and fly-and-dine experiences daily. Passengers can take the ‘Sydney Highlights’ journey ($310), flying above the curve of Bondi Beach before looping back over the Harbour Bridge and Opera House. Or try the ‘Sydney Secrets’ route ($440) which begins at Rose Bay, follows the Northern Beaches to Palm Beach (the birthplace of Home and Away), glides over the waterways of Pittwater, and finishes with Sydney’s biggest landmarks. Before boarding, our friendly pilot Nick Amey runs through a safety briefing, and then it’s go time. Along the way, he points out landmark beaches from Camp Cove to Shelly Beach, Avalon to Palm Beach, peppering his commentary with insightful facts from high in the sky. At one point, a pod of 20 dolphins frolics around Barrenjoey Lighthouse. Nick tilts the plane so passengers can capture the best photos as the flight returns to the inner harbour at 1,000 feet. The Manly Ferry looks like a tiny toy boat from above. The grand finale circles the fortress island of Fort Denison before the plane lands on the water in a rollercoaster-like rush. Back on land, the Sydney Seaplanes terminal houses a high-end waterside dining spot where locals a

Hotel Harry, a good-times-only Surry Hills pub on the corner of Wentworth Ave and Goulburn Street, owned by The Point Group (also Shell House, The International, The Dolphin, Hotel Canobolas), has reopened after a massive reno. So, what’s new? Well, firstly, the name – the Aussie pub just goes by Harry’s these days. It’s had a fresh, modern spruce-up, thanks to talented interior stylist Anna Hewett (the eye behind Shell House’s groovy, immaculate fit-out), while still retaining its retro charm that nods to its 1912 inception. Culinary director Joel Bickford and executive chef Danny Corbett are behind Harry’s jazzed-up menu, with standout dishes on the opening line-up including Bannockburn organic rotisserie chicken with garlic caper butter, ’nduja pangrattato, roast potatoes, fried Brussels sprouts and a roast chicken jus; a whopping 750g grain-fed bistecca Fiorentina; and a wood-fired Calabrese pizza with sausage, ’nduja, pancetta and vodka sauce. Come for sun-dappled lunches with cold beers, a full-blown feast with your friends and vibey late-night DJ sessions. Co-founder of The Point Group Brett Robinson says: “For over 15 years we’ve watched this precinct grow into one of Sydney’s most vibrant and creative neighbourhoods, thriving with quality restaurants, bars, galleries and hotels. The evolution of Harry’s not only moves with that energy; it creates a true focal point for it. A place to meet. A place that anchors the area. A pub made for Surry Hills.” Let’s go, Harry.

I think it’s when I’m onto my second Negroni, armed with a plate of snacks (warm pita, creamy taramasalata, lemon-spritzed asparagus and salty prosciutto), watching my colleagues-turned-friends in our tennis grand final (I was robbed), the sun starting to turn pastel, that I think: team retreats can’t get much better than this.  Photograph: Avril Treasure for Time Out SydneySnacks at McGuigan House We’re staying at McGuigan House – a sprawling, enchanting Hunter Valley estate located 20 minutes from Pokolbin and two hours from Sydney – for a team getaway. Lucky ducks. Quack quack. Photograph: Supplied/McGuigan HouseInside McGuigan House Built in the 1980s as the home of fourth-generation winemakers Brian and Fay McGuigan, the historic property was reopened in September 2025 by its new owners, Meg and Luke Berry, after years of planning and renovations, as a luxury retreat and stunning wedding venue. Photograph: Supplied/McGuigan HouseOut the front of McGuigan House And it really is stunning. Set on 10 acres of manicured, English-style gardens and a private vineyard, the estate looks like it’s been ripped from the pages of Vogue Living, Kylie Jenner’s property portfolio, or the daydream of every diamond ring-wearing bride-to-be. Photograph: Avril Treasure for Time Out SydneyOut the front of McGuigan House There are verdant green lawns, sweeping views of the Brokenback Ranges, a magnesium turquoise pool, a tennis court (where I lost), and an outdoor fire made for golde

Where can you find the world’s best pizza? Most people would point to Naples, where pizza in its modern form first emerged in the late 18th century – built on flatbreads topped with summer-sweet tomatoes, creamy mozzarella and fragrant basil, and cooked in a wood-fired oven. Neapolitans take pizza-making so seriously there are even strict rules defining what constitutes a true Neapolitan pizza, set by the Associazione Verace Pizza Napoletana (AVPN), covering everything from diameter and dough to fermentation time and ingredients. Now, you don’t need to jump on a plane to taste the best pizza in the world, with news that Simone Zullo, who owns Fratelli Pulcinella in Parramatta alongside his brother Alessio, has been crowned world champion for 2026 at the Trofeo Caputo World Pizza Championship in Naples, Italy. Simone won the coveted STG Neapolitan Pizza (Traditional Speciality Guaranteed) category with his Marinara pizza, judged on dough preparation, fermentation, stretching technique (by hand only), cooking, balance and flavour. Photograph: Supplied/Fratelli PulcinellaSimone Zullo after his win “We are incredibly proud,” said Simone and Alessio Zullo, who both hail from the small town of Alife in southern Italy. The win follows Simone’s second consecutive world title, after his 2025 World Champion win in the Pizza Classica category. “This victory represents years of sacrifice, passion and hard work. It is not only a win for our family and our team, but also a celebration of

Update Thursday, June 18: Earlier this month, the first Airbus A350-1000ULR destined for Qantas' Project Sunrise routes – that will directly connect Australia's east coast to London and New York – completed its inaugural test flight. The successful flight kicks off a two-month testing period, with Qantas having just announced the world-first non-stop services between Sydney and London will take off in October 2027. This will mark the very first time the Kangaroo Route has ever been flown without stops from Australia's east coast. If you’ve ever been lucky enough to fly to Europe’s sparkling shores, you’ll also have been brave enough to have endured the heinously long, multi-stage journey time to get there. But thanks to Qantas, the Sydney to London passage is set to get a whole lot smoother over the next few years. Almost eight years ago, Qantas announced its ambitious plan to launch direct flights from Sydney to London and New York. Clocking in at just over 20 hours, the Sydney to London route will claim the title of the longest non-stop passenger flight in the world. The initial 2025 launch was pushed back due to technical issues and pandemic-related delays, but after new supply chain hiccups, take-off of the first route is now expected in October 2027.  Photograph: Supplied/QantasInside “project sunrise” Airbus A350-1000 jet Currently, the world’s longest flight is Singapore Airlines’ direct service from Singapore to New York, which covers around 15,300 kilometres in rou

Dreaming of a tropical winter escape? Hellooo, Noosa Food & Wine Festival. Since launching in 2003, the four-day culinary party has grown into one of Australia’s best food and wine festivals – and it returns Thursday, June 11 to Sunday, June 14. From celebrity chef dinners to wow-worthy collaborations and beach soirées, these are the events worth booking. Photograph: Supplied/Noosa Food & Wine Festival The Festival Village I reckon everyone should get a ticket to the American Express Festival Village. Firstly, it’s the cheapest ticket you can get, and it comes with complimentary canapés, a cocktail to enjoy under the palms, plus vibey DJs and bands to have a boogie to. You’ll also catch live cooking demos from some of Australia’s best chefs, including Louis Tikaram (Stanley), Jason Barratt (Supernormal), Darren Robertson (Three Blue Ducks), Sarah Pound (Wholesome by Sarah), Ben Cooper (Chin Chin), Alessandro Pavoni (Cibaria) and Marion Grasby. And there will be 40+ food and wine stalls along the waterfront festival site to explore. When? Saturday, June 13, from 10.30amHow much? $49.50Book here Photograph: Avril Treasure for Time Out Sydney Rickys x ESSA: A Collaborative Long Lunch Noosa’s waterfront stunner Rickys is teaming up with Brisbane’s award-winning ESSA executive chef Phil Marchant for a produce-led six-course menu that’s sure to blow your mind. The views alone are worth it. When? Sunday, June 14 at 12pmHow much? $280 per personBook here Photograph: Sabrosa Dim

You probably wouldn’t think some of Sydney’s best pizzas are found in a Redfern shopping mall, but here we are. To be fair, it’s not any old mall – it's Wunderlich Lane, the multi-million-dollar newish precinct home to Olympus Dining, Lottie, Bar Julius, Island Radio, Vitelli’s Upstairs, The Eve Hotel and more (plus Coles and Harris Farm too). I’ve visited all those venues, but I was yet to go to Regina La Pizzeria, by pizza chef Matteo Ernandes (formerly Matteo and Da Orazio) and Michela Boncagni, sommelier and co-owner of Sydney’s LuMi Dining. Until the other week. And I’m very glad I now have. Photograph: Ethan SmartPizza chef Matteo Ernandes In May, Regina La Pizzeria was awarded three slices in Gambero Rosso – the highest honour a venue can receive in the well-established Italian pizza guide. It was the only Aussie venue to receive the top recognition this year, with other Sydney venues recognised including Lucio’s, Via Napoli and Pompeii. The Redfern restaurant won points for its excellence across ingredient sourcing, service and dough. Matteo is pretty passionate about pizza dough – he wants it to have the perfect light texture and chew, without leaving you feeling overly full. That love began growing up in his family’s pizzeria on the Sicilian island of Lampedusa, learning from his dad. At Regina, the team says they specialise in ‘contemporary pizza, redefining tradition with innovative dough techniques.’ Their high-hydration dough is 80 per cent water, which creat

When Prefecture 48 opened in late 2024 in a heritage-listed building in Sydney’s CBD, it flew under the radar. It shouldn’t have. Named as a nod to Japan’s 47 prefectures (similar to Australia’s states), Prefecture 48 from the Azabu Group is a six-in-one, multi-level Japanese dining precinct. I revisited it recently, and it blew me away. First up, we stopped at Dear Florence, an elegant, light-filled patisserie featuring elevated takes on the classics with Japanese flavours, by head pastry chef Chris Chua. If it’s your first time, try the Florence Cake, a multi-layered stunner featuring 70 per cent Valrhona chocolate mousse, hazelnut mousse and a white miso ganache. The Serenity, with matcha, hojicha, vanilla sea salt and chocolate, is another crowd favourite. Photograph: Avril Treasure for Time Out SydneyThe Florence Cake at Dear Florence Then, we headed to the Whisky Thief, a sleek cocktail bar with an extensive whisky collection and date night written all over it. The Shibuya Highball (Toki whisky, toasted puffed rice, cream soda) is a subtle and smooth tipple, while the Whisky Thief Cocktail (Toki whisky, hojicha tea, fava tonka, wattleseed, cream) is a beautifully balanced delight. After a couple of cocktails, it’s straight to Garaku, a kaiseki dining experience where you can sit down and enjoy a multi-course contemporary Japanese meal led by Tetsuya's former executive chef, Derek Kim. The polished dining room, with its modern design, pops of neon colour and long, slee

The ranking of the world’s best burgers by Upper Cut Media – the same London-based publisher behind the annual world’s best steak restaurants list – has dropped, with two Sydney spots cracking the top 10. Named third best burger in the world for 2026 was the American cheeseburger at Café Margaret in Double Bay, by acclaimed chef Neil Perry. When asked about the secret to creating one of the world’s best burgers, Perry had one clear answer: “Only the best ingredients.” “We take CopperTree Farms’ beef – a mix of brisket and chuck – grind it daily and hand-form the perfect 160g patty, cook it to medium, and serve it with melted American cheese, rose mayo (spiked with umami and tomato sauce), onion and pickles in a milk bun, with the option to add fresh chilli and bacon,” he adds. Photograph: Avril Treasure for Time Out SydneyNeil Perry’s burger at Cafe Margaret Double Bay At $29, it’s not the cheapest burger in Sydney, but the quality of the produce, perfect balance of flavours and bang-on seasoning are what make this burger a standout. I’ve had it a couple of times and it’s up there for me (alongside the ones from Eat at ROBs and Paul’s Famous Hamburgers). In 10th place was The International Burger at The Grill at the swish, three-in-one CBD stunner, The International. Created by award-winning chef Joel Bickford, the burger features an 180g O’Connor beef patty, developed with celebrated butcher Anthony Puharich of Victor Churchill and Vic’s Meat. It’s paired with a soft potat

Update, Monday, June 1: In case you missed the news, the rest of Vivid Sydney’s drone shows have been cancelled for this year’s festival, following technical difficulties that saw nearly 90 drones fall from the sky in last week’s performance. Fireworks will replace the drone shows, which were scheduled for 7.30pm and 9.30pm from Sunday to Wednesday nights throughout Vivid (except Sunday, June 7). It was set to be Vivid’s biggest drone show yet. A statement from the organisers said: “Following Monday night’s unforeseen technical issue at the Vivid Sydney ‘Star-Bound’ drone performance, Vivid Sydney can confirm the remaining drone shows scheduled for this year’s festival will not proceed. Fireworks displays will now complement the Laser Lightfall experience in Darling Harbour at the times previously scheduled for drone shows, adding another layer of spectacle to Vivid Sydney’s harbour celebrations. We understand this will be disappointing for audiences and appreciate the public’s understanding. Public safety remains the absolute priority and all decisions have been guided by expert technical and regulatory advice.” ***** Update: Tuesday, May 26: Vivid’s drone show has been cancelled for now after technical difficulties during Monday night’s performance. Dozens of drones fell into the harbour during the 7.30pm show, with both tonight’s and tomorrow night’s performances cancelled to allow for a “full technical and safety review”. “Monday’s 7.30pm Vivid Sydney ‘Star-Bound’ drone

Sydney does a lot of things well, but finding a cracking Irish pub done right can feel as rare as a four-leaf clover. Happily for the expats in Sydney – and any local who loves Guinness – a newly opened bar beneath Manly Corso is hoping to make the Irish proud. It’s taken over the former home of Old Manly Boatshed, a local icon, so it’s awesome to see the space put to good use. Descend a low-lit stairwell and you’ll find the door to The Gopher, shining like a pot of gold for the taking. Inside, the Irish-inspired late-night tavern – it's open until 3am on Friday and Saturday nights – feels lived-in, even though they just opened their doors this May.  Photograph: Supplied | The Gopher Designed with worn textures, vintage fixtures and reclaimed century-old lighting, the look and feel come courtesy of co-owner Matt Clifton, who is also responsible for Manly faves The Cumberland, Donny’s Bar and Henry G’s. There’s no Emerald Isle paraphernalia here but there are plenty of nods to the Gopher Gang, a rebellious Irish American street crew from Manhattan’s Hell’s Kitchen, from which the venue takes its name.  In pride of place, the long-stretching bar is pouring traditional Irish fare alongside Kilkenny and a rotating UK beer of the month, but the more adventurous might want to turn their attention to the cocktail menu. Order up the Hells Bells, a butter-washed Martini or The Sinner, a pineapple and habanero Margarita.  Photograph: Supplied | The Gopher Save yourself a flight

Since 1999, Grappa has been serving locals perfectly al dente spaghetti alle vongole and ruby-red tuna carpaccio. Now, you don’t have to travel to Norton Street to get your red-sauce fix, as the legendary family-run Italian restaurant has opened in The Rocks, in the former home of Rockpool. Founder Charlie Colosi – who opened Grappa alongside his father Antonio 26 years ago – and wife Virginie have brought their old-school hospitality, delicious Italian dishes and passion for wine to the CBD for the first time, snapping up the 107–109 George Street site that’s been vacant since 2022. “In a way, hospitality is like inviting people into your own home, so that’s how we want the guest experience to feel,” says Charlie. Photograph: Steven WoodburnCharlie’s Bar The heritage sandstone building, which was originally built as a bakehouse in the 1860s, has been transformed into a 300-seat stunner, featuring a glamorous dining room, the upper-level Art Deco-style Charlie’s Bar – which can be hired out for events – private dining rooms, and an outdoor terrace on George Street, set to open later this year. The menu, led by head chef Adam Nicholls, who has worked alongside Colosi since 2001, features all the hits: wood-fired pizzas and bread, fresh pasta handmade daily, market-fresh seafood and premium cuts of meat. Photograph: Steven WoodburnTomahawk steak at Gramma Highlights include fresh figs wrapped in prosciutto di Parma with melted gorgonzola, pistachio and balsamic reduction; v

Vivid Sydney is finally here – and this year, the flame-fuelled street food market, Vivid Fire Kitchen, has a new home at Stargazer Lawn, Barangaroo. Open every night from 6-11pm, the fire-hot hub features everything from market stalls to open-fire cooking demos, delicious tastings, live music, themed nights and more. And there’s cold beer. Here are the best things I ate at Sydney’s Vivid Fire Kitchen 2026. What is Vivid Fire Kitchen? It’s Vivid Sydney’s flame-fuelled street food market – a mix of open-fire cooking, market stalls, tastings, live music and themed nights, all running throughout the festival. Where is Vivid Fire Kitchen? This year it’s at Stargazer Lawn in Barangaroo. Previously, it was held along The Goods Line in Ultimo. I reckon its new home is a winner. How do you get to Vivid Fire Kitchen? It’s a 15-minute walk from Wynyard to Stargazer Lawn. Or jump on the Metro and get off at Barangaroo Metro Station – from there it’s a short walk up the hill or via the stairs to Vivid Fire Kitchen. What are the must-eat dishes at Vivid Fire Kitchen? So glad you asked! Birria tacos, Smoky Sue’s Barbecue, $25  These tacos were one of the best things I ate. Slow-cooked beef brisket with an incredible savoury flavour, well seasoned and loaded with melted cheese. The consommé could have had more depth, but the tacos were delicious. Photograph: Avril Treasure for Time Out SydneyBirria tacos, Smoky Sue’s Barbecue Chicken pitogyro, Olympic Meats, $18 Olympic Meats, winner

Sydney’s harbourfront has had a major shake-up with the opening of The Oriana at Circular Quay – a four-level venue inside the Overseas Passenger Terminal, taking over the former home of Quay and Squires Landing. Named after the SS Oriana, one of the first ocean liners to arrive at Circular Quay in the 1960s, the ambitious multi-faceted space is from Australian Venue Co, the team behind Kingsleys Woolloomooloo, The Winery and BrewDog. Photograph: Brooke MaxwellThe Oriana ground floor Each level has its own feel: on the ground floor you’ll find a beer garden for Spritzes in the sun and a massive screen to cheer on your team. Head upstairs and you’ll find a lively pub with DJs and late-night Martinis, before stepping inside the swish restaurant with stellar views on Level 2 (opening Friday, May 22). There’s also a private events space up top, for Champagne-fuelled parties. Photograph: Steven WoodburnFood at The Oriana Downstairs, expect pub-style classics and seafood snacks like Sydney rock oysters with hot sauce, tiger prawn rolls, salt and pepper squid, plus schnitzels and burgers. Upstairs in the restaurant, things are a little fancier, with seafood platters loaded with Bluefin tuna crudo, king crab and Southern rock lobster, plus Hokkaido scallops with finger lime and caviar, Murray River cod and lobster tagliatelle. Photograph: Brooke MaxwellFriends at The Oriana Opening in time for Vivid, there’ll be live music across the week plus a Four Pillars pop-up pouring Spri