Avril Treasure

Sydney's late-night scene is back. It may not look the same as what it did pre-lockout laws or lockdowns, but it does exist. There are schemes to invigorate nightlife, venues all over the city have extending their hours, OG late-night venues, like the Abercrombie, have even returned from the dead, and newer spots bars like The Pleasure Club are red-hot from the get go, staying open until 4am most nights. There are now plenty of bars and pubs ready, willing and able to keep your cup filled until the wee hours. We’ve compiled a bunch of them, from classic pubs to cocktail specialists and dancefloors. Show this guide to your mate next time they say Sydney’s nightlife is dead, and then go out and party. We’ll see you there. Want somewhere to recover? Head to one of Sydney's very best late-night feeds.

Contrary to contemporary yarns, there are still pubs and bars that host live music in Sydney. Many of them have successfully lashed back at the encroaching frontline of pokie machines.  We're all for it. So Time Out Sydney's writers – including pub-frother and Editor Alice Ellis, and resident booze-lover and Editor Avril Treasure, have rounded up a list of our fave bars and pubs that host live bands. 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.

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 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 $20. We didn’t include many bakeries or cafés in the list, but you can find more affordable eats in our list of best bakeries in Sydney and best cafés in Sydney. 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.

Looking for weekend fun? Read on. Feel like swanning around a well-manicured lawn, sipping beautiful Aussie wines and eating delicious snacks in the sunshine? You’re in luck – Woollahra’s institution Chiswick is hosting its first spring wine market on Saturday, October 25, celebrating local wine producers, alongside fresh oysters, charcuterie with garden pickles, artisan cheeses and more. Entry is $10. Find out more here. Marrickville’s Factory Theatre is putting on free fun every Saturday and Sunday during daylight savings, called Freekin Weekends. Head on down to the sunny courtyard to boogie to ace live bands while enjoying a cold one (or two). Plus, if you sign up before, the guys will throw in a $5 bar credit, thanks to the legends from Hawkes Brewing. In this economy? We love to see it. Find out more here. Sculpture by the Sea in Bondi – the world’s largest annual, free-to-the-public, outdoor sculpture exhibition – is back, baby! The beautiful coastal walk is made even more striking thanks to 100+ sculptures by artists from Australia and around the world along a 2km stretch. The exhibition runs until Monday, November 3 – making it a great weekend activity. BYO joggers. Find out more here. A one-day wine party is going down on Saturday, October 25 at The Wine Bar at The International – and they’ve invited their Kiwi mates. Think 17 of Central Otago’s most exciting producers, unlimited tastings, plus snacks and sunshine on the plaza. Find out more about Pure Pours and

Whether you’re a visitor mapping out your first trip to the Emerald City, or a Sydneysider planning a special-occasion staycation, finding the right hotel in Sydney is an important, sometimes overwhelming 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 important. 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 Hotels Editor, 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 our full

Spring 2025 update: From sunny beer gardens to refreshing pints, make the most of the cracking spring weather with our guide to Sydney’s best pubs. What do they all have in common? Great vibes, great drinks and ace food. Bring your mates. There's a lot that goes into making a great pub. They need to furnish you with an excellent meal and friendly service, and a game of pool or darts doesn't go astray. On a hot day, it's all about having a welcoming beer garden, and on a Sunday, it's all about a cracking roast. There are a lot of rock-solid pubs in this city, and these are our picks of the bunch, pulled together by Time Out Sydney's local writers. Cheers! 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 something a bit less pubby, a bit higher end, see our picks of the best bars in Sydney. Hungry? Check out our ultimate guide to Sydney's best restaurants. 

Sandwiches? Well, they're the best thing to come out of slicing bread. Here, the criteria is pretty simple: very good things in between two very good slices of well-sliced bread. No burgers, bagels, scrolls or banh mi (they’re a league of their own). No half-hearted strings of romaine here, no siree. We're pretty passionate about sandwiches and spend our weekends hunting down our next crush. Below, you’ll find the most delicious sambos in town, from rainbow salad sandwiches to monster Reubens and classic chicken numbers. 'Wich on, friends. Stay in the loop: sign up for our free Time Out Sydney newsletter for more news, food & drink inspo and activity ideas, straight to your inbox. Want more budget food? Here are the best cheap eats in Sydney right now. Heading our later? Check out our ultimate guide to the best restaurants in Sydney.

Let’s dive into the springtime theatrical fun currently on in Sydney. Forget running – gallop over to Hayes Theatre right now to see the incredible new Australian work, Phar Lap: The Electro-Swing Musical. Written by Steven Kramer and directed by Sheridan Harbridge, this brand-new musical brings a hilarious and talented cast to the stage, telling a rags-to-riches story with a big heart. Expect “tap-dancing horses, domineering jockeys and fanatical horse-girls,” and so much more. It’s on until November 22. Find out more here. Fancy a dazzling night out? La Ronde is here at Sydney’s Grand Electric, bringing an intoxicating performance of comedy, cabaret and circus to the stage – with a side of cocktails and chaos. From the creators of Blanc de Blanc and Limbo, this exciting new show is sure to deliver glitz, glamour and entertainment. Find out more here. Great Scott! Back to the Future: The Musical is now playing at Sydney Lyric, so round up your fellow movie buffs and enjoy a blast from the past. As our reviewer says: "And if you think they couldn’t get the DeLorean to do that final scene of the movie? Well…you’ll have to go and see for yourself." Find out more here. Ready to rock? Rent has landed at the Opera House, bringing ’90s energy, raw emotion and New York vibes to the Sydney stage. The performance by every cast member is a standout. Find out more here. Tongue-in-cheek musical The Book of Mormon is on at Sydney's Capitol Theatre – and it’s jam-packed with “did they rea

We all know sh*t’s expensive right now. But the good news? You can still head out in Sydney and have a cracking time without it costing you an arm and a leg, thanks to our top-notch cheap eats, ripper steaks for $25 and under, and quality feeds for $20 and under. Plus, with most bars and restaurants offering happy hours, there’s still plenty of affordable boozing to be had. When we're out and about, we're always on the lookout for great happy hours – ones that save you cash, offer a variety of options, and get bonus points if there are cheaper snacks available too. The catch? You might need to knock off work a little early, but we reckon you deserve it (sorry, bosses). Below, you’ll find the very best happy hour deals in Sydney, where you can snag a schooner from $6, tasty bites from $5 and cocktails from $10. It’s fun you can feel good about. We hope you have a happy time during these happy hours – we certainly have.   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. After more fun for less? Here's our guide to the best free things to do in Sydney, the best op shops, and (of course) Sydney's best cheap eats. Thirsty for more? Here are the best bars in Sydney right now.

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. We promise you’ll love these spots. And don’t just take our word for it — Sydney has officially been crowned the best steak city in the world for 2025. You beauty! 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.

Are you loving the warm weather and longer days? I sure am. You know what else is good? All the fab new Sydney openings. Currently, I’ve got my eyes on The Corner, a breezy café, bistro and wine bar now open in pretty Palmy; The Shire’s cool new Greek restaurant Homer Rogue Tavern; and Grandfather’s, the new Chinese restaurant by the Pellegrino 2000 team. You’ll find Sydney’s best new restaurants below. 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.

Hey there. Looking for the best things to do in Sydney this week? You’ve come to the right place. If you’re in need of a laugh, The Comedy Store runs comedy shows every week, Thursday to Sunday – and tickets are cheap. It’s a great date night idea, too. Sculpture by the Sea in Bondi – the world’s largest annual free-to-the-public outdoor sculpture exhibition – is back. The beautiful coastal walk is made even more striking thanks to 100+ sculptures by artists from Australia and around the world along a 2km stretch. The exhibition runs until Monday, November 3. BYO runners. Find out more here. Parramatta Lanes kicks off on Wednesday, October 22. Parramatta’s CBD will once again transform into the city’s most beloved street party. Hosted across four incredible nights, more than 200,000 festivalgoers are expected to turn out for an epic celebration of Western Sydney – there’ll be live music, loads of street food stalls, performances, immersive art and much more. If you’re looking for a special dinner this Thursday, October 23, The Nags Head Hotel in Glebe will see chef Nelly Robinson (Nel) team up with ex-MasterChef judge and chef George Calombaris for a one-off dinner. Think Greek flavours with a British twist – and a side of fun. Book your seat here. Surry Hills stalwart Chin Chin is hosting a disco brunch each weekend this October. Expect delicious yum cha delights, free-flowing cocktails and retro tunes – all for $89 per person. How good? It’s on Saturday and Sunday from 12-

What is it? A tiny, sunflower-yellow Vietnamese eatery on a Marrickville corner that specialises in banh cuon, a steamed rice noodle dish originating from northern Vietnam. Why we love it: These silky, slippery rice noodles are typically eaten for breakfast in Vietnam – but you can enjoy them all day at Banh Cuon Ba Oanh. They’re stuffed with ground pork and wood-ear mushrooms, and served with fresh herbs, crisp shallots and a bright, delicious nuoc cham so you can double-dip as you please.  Time Out tip: This place gets busy, so we recommend going at an off-peak time to score a table. Expect to pay: Around $15 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. RECOMMENED READS: These are the best cheap eats in Sydney. Check out our local's guide to Marrickville here.

Located by a picturesque river in Parramatta Park, Misc. is a 300-seat eatery open for brekkie, lunch and dinner. The light-flooded space, which is about a 40-minute drive from Sydney’s CBD or a 20-minute walk from Parramatta Ferry, caters to small groups up to big celebrations, so if you’ve got a special event coming up, get in touch with the team. Misc. is short for miscellaneous, which makes sense when you know the menu draws inspiration from all across the globe, mainly the Mediterranean and Middle East. Pop in during the morning for wood-fired pita bread with house-made olive oil, green chilli butter and parmesan, or a potato hash with cured salmon, remoulade, herb salad and a poached egg. The Mediterranean plate – with spice-rich sujuk, soft pita, creamy labneh, pickled cucumbers, and marinated tomatoes – is also a solid option, and bonus points for being big enough to share between two. Highlights on the lunch and dinner menu may include Sicilian-inspired tuna sashimi amped up with capers, orange, lemon, olive oil and chilli; octopus with potato and toum; and slow-roasted lamb shoulder with zhug, pita bread and cacik. Misc.’s ethos is a bit of this and a bit of that while being big on good food and good company. And you know what? That’s something we can get behind. Time Out tip: The folded schnitty, which features a succulent schnitty with sweet roasted toms, melted provolone, slaw for freshness and crunchy aioli, is banging. Get that. Stay in the loop: sign up for

A Hong Kong-inspired disco yum cha brunch is going down this October at Sydney’s neon-pink and high-energy Chin Chin – and you’re invited. The funky and delicious riff on Chin Chin’s brunch will see you and your friends experience a taste of Hong Kong without even leaving Sydney – all soundtracked to retro beats (and with free-flowing cocktails, of course). Chuck on your best ’70s-style look and feast on delicious yum cha delights like golden and crunchy prawn and scallop bao toast amped up with Sichuan mayo; barbecue pork and pineapple milk buns featuring a perfectly buttery and flaky pastry; and plump pork and prawn siu mai topped with pops of salmon roe. Other menu highlights include bouncy soy-coated egg noodles tangled with gai lan, cabbage with pickled green chilli; succulent char siu pork rib-eye flavoured with five spice, ginger and spring onion; and for dessert there’s baked egg tarts hitting sweet, nostalgic notes. Pair your yum cha brunch with specialty curated party-ready cocktails inspired by Hong Kong’s vibrant bar scene, home to many of Asia's and the World's 50 Best Bars 2025. There’s the Skyline Spritz, a fun and fruity tipple swirling with peach, jasmine, passionfruit and bitters; and a Mango Mimosa – a tropical take on the OG with fresh mango juice and prosecco. As well as cocktails, guests can sip on glasses of Tar & Roses Prosecco, Villa Maria Sauvignon Blanc, Marquis de Pennautier Rosé, and Young Henry’s Newtowner Pale Ale. The 90-minute experience start

✍️ 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.  For a suburb literally surrounded by the big blue, there aren’t as many spots to enjoy great seafood overlooking the ocean in Manly as you might think. There’s Garfish across from the Office, popular with the over-50s and home to an excellent seafood pie. Manly Pavilion has beaut views and decent food, and so does the Skiff Club. But when the sun’s shining, the sapphire-blue ocean is shimmering, and a fresh, delicious lunch is on the cards, I’ve got a new favourite spot – and that’s Felons Seafood. The vibe Thoughts and prayers to the backpackers, but I’m glad The Bavarian poured its final stein, with Felons Seafood taking over the waterfront site and welcoming guests from June this year. The 300-seat venue, which boasts easy-breezy indoor and outdoor seating, is the latest from mega hospo operators Artemus Group (the team behind Brisbane's Howard Smith Wharves). They also got the keys to Wharf Bar before transforming it into the nearby pumping beer haven, Felons Manly (how good are all the new seats?). And there’s more to come. Remember Aldi? A sprawling microbrewery pub will soon be there. But back to Felons Seafood, because there’s really a lot to like, starting with the obvious views over Manly Cove, which are nearly good enough to make you call in sick

✍️ 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.  No website. No phone number. Not even an Instagram. Just a clutch of glowy, slick-haired, well-dressed Sydneysiders sipping wine and waiting for a table with the determination of a 10-year-old chasing a Labubu. That’s when you know you’re onto something good. And Paradise, the new wine bar on the corner of Roslyn Street and Ward Avenue in Potts Point, is better than good. That’s because it’s the latest from two people who know what they’re doing: Gio and Enrico Paradiso – the brothers who, alongside Marco Ambrosino, co-founded Sydney staple Fratelli Paradiso back in 2001, before going on to open another hit, 10 William St, in 2010. Just a few months in, Paradise is already humming with big European energy and Potts Point cool. Groups of friends spill onto the sidewalk, glasses of orange wine in hand. Couples snack on crusty baguettes and nutty cheese. There’s a vibey buzz in the air. I don’t know if there’s a better street corner to be on come Saturday night. Though, a waitlist would be good. The vibe It feels cliché – even lazy – to write I’m in paradise at Paradise, but that’s really how I feel with salty snacks, chilled vino and great conversation backdropped to a golden peach sky. As well as alfresco seating, inside you can opt to sit at the bar or at a

I’ve recently returned from my first-ever trip to Japan, and, like the rest of Australia, am now obsessed. The bright flavour of dashi, chew of udon and crunch of tonkatsu! Shiny white Shinkansens! 7-Eleven’s soft-sweet egg sambos! Vending-machine ramen! The pulsating late-night energy! Sake! You get the gist. I’ve written about how Jetstar offers business class flights to the Land of the Rising Sun (complete with free-flowing bubbles, super comfy seats and top-notch meals) at a fraction of the cost of other airlines. I’ve covered the Very Exciting News that Time Out has launched the first-ever market in Asia Pacific, aptly called Time Out Market Osaka – which brings together the city’s top chefs and restaurants under the one roof. And, I’ve covered the best things to see and do in Osaka. But, if you're heading to Osaka, also known as Japan’s kitchen (and I really recommend that you do so), where should you stay? I’m so glad you asked. I spent three nights at Canopy by Hilton Osaka Umeda, and can truthfully say it’s one of the best hotels I’ve been to. Here’s everything you need to know. Why stay at Canopy by Hilton Osaka Umeda? Welcoming guests from September 2024, Canopy by Hilton Osaka Umeda is the first hotel of the brand to open in Asia outside of China. The five-star hotel is inspired by Osaka’s cultural heritage and vibrant, eclectic energy, with playful local art and motifs featured throughout. Expect Hilton’s signature hospitality and premium offering, delivered with

August 2025 update: Three things are front and center at Bar Copains, the eternally pumping wine bar on the corner of Albion Street in Surry Hills. And those are extremely delicious plates of food, a strong wine list and all-round good times. Sure, it’s hard to get a seat, but if you do, those crisp nuggets of shredded pork topped with a zingy sauce gribiche and pickles will make all the effort worthwhile. I mean, I love Bar Copains so much I came here on my most recent birthday. Make sure you also check out its sibling venues Bessie's and Vin-Cenzo's. But come here first. Read on for our review of Bar Copains  ***** ✍️ Time Out Sydney never writes starred restaurant and bar reviews from hosted experiences – Time Out covers restaurant and bar bills, and anonymously reviews, so that readers can trust our critique. Find out more, here. It’s about as difficult to define 'cool' as it is to pin the tail on the donkey blindfolded after a coupla Negronis. Crocs were not but now they are; laughing emojis are (apparently) not; and even the humble burrata looks like it’s on its way out (RIP). If it’s difficult to define, it’s even more challenging to manufacture, as the action of trying to be cool is very much uncool. When you see cool, you just know. And that’s exactly what will happen if you stroll into Bar Copains, Surry Hills’ new friendly neighbourhood wine bar. 'Copains' means 'friends' in French, which is an apt name for this gem by longtime mates and chefs Morgan McGlone (culin

✍️ Time Out Sydney never writes starred restaurant and bar reviews from hosted experiences – Time Out covers restaurant and bar bills, and anonymously reviews, so that readers can trust our critique. Find out more, here. In case you were wondering, the bros behind ‘Pizza Bros’ are actually real-life brothers, Joey Pepperoni and Marty McFly. And I’m not joking about their names, either – they got them legally changed to live and breathe the dream. The bros have worked at a bunch of top Sydney pizza joints – including Bella Brutta, Gigi’s and The Dolphin Hotel – before starting Pizza Bros as a pizza truck in 2019. Their first bricks-and-mortar venue opened on the rooftop of The Imperial Erskineville at the end of 2023 – and I say: long may the good times (and slices) continue. The vibe By 6pm on a Saturday, every table at Pizza Bros is pretty much full, plus there’s a bunch of people hanging by the bar knocking back Spritzes and ales and just basically having a whale of a time. Under the red-and-white striped awning at the back of the space is where the magic happens. You’ll see the chefs cooking the pizzas in that bedazzled gold wood-fired oven – a wink to their home in the fabulously queer safe space, The Imperial Erskineville. It’s a pretty casual, laid-back affair, and that includes the service, with ordering done by QR code, and you head up to the bar to get your table water. It feels like a pizza party at your friend-of-a-friend’s house where (mostly) anything goes. The f

Tuesday nights get a bad rap – and fair enough. Mondays hold the promise of the week, and Wednesdays get that hump-day energy hit. But Tuesdays? They can feel a bit meh. Not in the Inner West, though – because once a month on a Tuesday, the Enmore Comedy Club goes down at the Enmore Theatre, and it’s about as much fun as $25 can get you. Held in an intimate space inside the iconic entertainment venue, the Enmore Comedy Club features a rotating line-up of six or so comedians – usually a mix of local Sydney talent, joke-slingers from across the country, and even the odd big-name international act. We love so many things about this night, like how you can watch fab comedians and have a good ol’ belly laugh for less than the price of a pub meal. We also dig that every ticket comes with a complimentary boozy drink. And the show’s super fast-paced, so you don’t have to worry about committing to a full hour of just one comic. It’s an excellent date idea – and we know because we’ve done it a bunch of times. You get to see if your sense of humour aligns, enjoy a drink or two and support the arts? How good. It’s also a fun and cheap night out with your mates – and something a little different from the usual dinner catch-up (though we love those too – and with Enmore and Newtown right there, you’ve got some of Sydney’s best restaurants at your fingertips). This is one of our fave ways to spend a Tuesday night in Sydney – get around it. Get your tickets here. Weather not looking so hot?

Opened in 2007 by restaurateur Javed Khan, Delhi ‘O’ Delhi has been bringing the flavours, spice and soul of India to Newtown for more than 18 years – an incredible feat in the world of Sydney hospitality. Khan says he is just as excited today as he was when he first opened. There are lots of things to like about this sun-lit restaurant on Erskineville Road, including its modern takes on traditional family recipes. Take the goat aloo, for example. Slow-cooked tender goat comes with a fragrant and aromatic curry that’s as comforting as it is delicious. It’s a dish Khan remembers his late mother making for his eight siblings and himself growing up, and it's one he now serves to his guests with pride. The excellent butter chicken is another reason to swing on down. Not as sickly sweet as some you may find elsewhere, Delhi ‘O’ Delhi’s version sees tandoor-roasted thigh fillets bathed in a creamy, tomatoey sauce flavoured with fenugreek leaves and topped with melted Pepe Saya butter. There’s a strong selection of vegetarian and vegan options, and a set menu for $60 per person (minimum four guests). Bring a big group and get stuck into Delhi 'O' Delhi’s signature lamb dish, featuring a whole leg of lamb infused with cinnamon and marinated in spices for a day. It’s then slow-cooked in a clay oven so it’s fall-apart tender and big on flavour (you do need to give the team 48 hours’ notice though). The dining room is both elegant and old-school, with white tablecloths, jet-black furnit

How good are road trips? Here’s another one for you. Round up the gang – a brand-new food, wine and music festival is going down this October at Bowral’s ridiculously pretty Centennial Vineyards. And the best bit? It’s only a 1.5-hour drive from Sydney – making Horizontal Festival perfect for a weekend getaway. The Southern Highlands’ best producers, distillers, creators, artists, DJs and more will be out in full force for a killer two-day celebration of food, wine, art, music and culture, all surrounded by ’gram-worthy vines. The festival will be broken up into different sensory zones – so you can wander, sip, snack, dance and experience as you please. There’s the ‘Sparkling Bar’ featuring classical music, freshly shucked oysters, truffles and sparkling vino. Other highlights include the ‘Cheese Den’, where you can feast on sweet, salty, hard and soft fromage; the ‘Hops Garden and Concert Stage’, where you’ll go for a boogie (with headliners to be announced soon), burgers and local drops; and the ‘Barrel Room’ – a red wine haven with jazz and New Orleans energy. Plus loads more. RELATED READ: Old-world charm meets a breath of fresh country air at this Bowral stay. Horizontal Festival is going down on Saturday, October 4 and Sunday, October 5. Day sessions run from noon to 4pm, while evening sessions take place from 5.30pm to 9.30pm. Tickets cost $59 per person and include entry to the festival, all musical acts, wine and cheese tastings, a take-home festival glass and other

✍️ Time Out Sydney never writes starred restaurant and bar reviews from hosted experiences – Time Out covers restaurant and bar bills, and anonymously reviews, so that readers can trust our critique. Find out more, here. There are a lot of beautiful dining rooms in Sydney – the kind that, when you step inside, whisk you away to another world; where thoughts of to-do lists and Everest-like piles of laundry melt away like lemon granita under the Amalfi sun. Bennelong, tucked within the city’s white sails, is one of them. So too is the coastal kitsch of Sean’s in Bondi. Osteria Mucca, a charming trattoria from the Continental Deli crew that opened in April this year, is another such room. Found on Newtown’s happening Australia Street, the 50-seat Italian restaurant had a past life as a butcher. Those 114-year-old forest-green-and-white tiles on the walls are the originals. Candles flicker on top of white tablecloths, Art Deco-style vintage lights hang from the ceiling – creating the perfect dinner-date glow – and vintage plates jazz up the walls. This is the work of Sarah Doyle, co-owner and creative director of Paisano & Daughters, who has a knack for creating venues with their own soul. (It just takes one peep into siblings and neighbours – eclectic fisherman’s den Mister Grotto, honey-hued plant celebration Flora, and Continental Deli with its big Euro energy – to fully appreciate her talent.) The room feels like an occasion, so we bypass the Limoncello Spritz and Mucca Marti

Bondi has welcomed a taste of Spain and the Basque Country with the opening of Alzado, found upstairs at the forever-pumping Hotel Ravesis. Think: beachfront views, holiday-like vibes, the flavours of Barcelona, Madrid and San Sebastián, and golden sunsets – right across from Bondi’s bright blue sea. Oh, and throw in a couple of glasses of chilled vermouth.  Photograph: Parker Blain/Buffet Digital The new venue is a joint collab between Hotel Ravesis owner Aya Larkin, Spanish-born executive consultant chef Pablo Tordesillas (ex-Ortiga in Brisbane, ex-Merivale executive chef), and head chef MJ Olguera (former long-time collaborator of chef Luke Mangan), and has been designed with long lunches in mind. Larkin says: “There’s always been a rhythm between the beach, the Bondi village and its end-of-day sunset dining culture. We wanted Alzado to capture that – creating a space where people can wander up straight from the sand and find themselves staying all afternoon. It’s elevated, yes, but not formal – it’s about a shared table full of great food and ice-cold drinks, and those moments where lunch effortlessly rolls into the evening.” Photograph: Parker Blain/ Buffet Digital Made up of snacks and share-style plates, the menu leans coastal, so expect lots of fresh seafood. On the line-up: golden, crisp jamón croquetas; pan con tomate with the option to add jamón Ibérico or a Cantabrian anchovy (do); whole grilled squid brightened with a zesty parsley oil; and a brothy rice topp

I think we can all agree our sunburnt country is bloody beautiful – but which landscapes are the best? And I’m not referring to our natural wonders, but to landscapes that incorporate cutting-edge architecture to create public spaces where communities can gather, connect and play – such as parks, precincts and wetlands – while also respecting Country and protecting ecosystems. RELATED READ: This beautiful coastal NSW gem is one of Australia’s top tourism towns for 2025 Now, that’s been revealed, as the Australian Institute of Landscape Architects has awarded the country’s best landscapes at a ceremony held overnight (Tuesday, October 21) in Tassie. The awards aim to celebrate the projects and creatives reimagining how we live with landscapes and each other. The best bit? NSW took home five Awards of Excellence – more than any other state. We’ll take it. One of the winners was the Wagonga Inlet Living Foreshore, found in Narooma on NSW’s pristine South Coast, which took home two awards for excellence in land management and climate-positive design. Featuring an incredible 50 shades of blue, the foreshore is not only strikingly beautiful, but it’s also a resilient and thriving coastal ecosystem. Designed by Realm Studios, the South Coast shoreline restoration integrates multiple strategies, including oyster reef restoration, bank stabilisation and saltmarsh rehabilitation. Photograph: Tideline Productions The expert jury praised the Wagonga Inlet Living Foreshore for setting a

I know I’m biased, but New South Wales is my favourite state. Home to the bush-cloaked Blue Mountains, sugary sands of the South Coast, historic twisted vines of the Hunter Valley and cosmopolitan Sydney, where some of Australia’s best restaurants, beaches and bars are found, it’s as vast and diverse as it is beautiful. And while overseas trips are exciting, travelling in our own backyard via road trips and train adventures is often more fulfilling and cost-effective than hitting the runway. Now, the team from World Atlas, a global travel publisher, has ranked the eight most fairy-tale-like small towns in NSW. How many have you been to? And, more importantly, when’s your next holiday? Bowral Located in the Southern Highlands, around 1.5 hours from Sydney, Bowral looks like it’s been plucked straight from the world of Bridgerton, with its historic manors, vintage shops and gardens bursting with a kaleidoscope of colours. The annual spring tulip festival, Tulip Time, held every September to October, is a highlight, with more than 80,000 flowers in bloom, plus market stalls and entertainment. The picturesque Centennial Vineyards also hosts music, food and wine festivals throughout the year. Be sure to check out Dirty Janes Bowral, a haven for antique lovers, and for an elegant stay, Peppers Manor House and Berida Hotel will do the trick. Photograph: Supplied | Tulip Time Festival Byron Bay Byron Bay may seem like a mega holiday town filled with barefoot celebrities and traffic

What makes a neighbourhood a great place to live? Safe and clean tree-lined streets may be an answer; walking distance to corner shops, schools and parks may be another. Well, a new national study looked at thousands of neighbourhoods in the country to find the most liveable – and it turns out that Lane Cove, found on the Lower North Shore of Sydney, came out on top. Leafy, clean, safe, community-orientated? You bet. The 2025 Australian Liveability Census, in partnership with social research company Place Score, analysed data from more than 27,000 Australians across more than 15,000 areas. Aussies evaluated their neighbourhoods against 50 markers including things like safety, natural environment, nearby shops, cafés and medical services, as well as its visual character, with Lane Cove topping the list. Photograph: Destination NSW / Daniel Tran RELATED READ: These modular homes could be the future of social housing in NSW – and the first residents have just moved in Lane Cove locals praise the area’s sense of community, lots of green space, beautiful national park, local swimming pool, parks for kids to play at (including Blackman Park), and close proximity to shops and cafés. My picks include Via Napoli for pizza, Shorties Bar & Dining for cocktails and after-work snacks, and Barrel One for my morning brew. RELATED READ: The largest affordable housing project in Australia is being built here in Sydney The other highly desirable Australian neighbourhoods include Vincent in

Founded in 1903, Bronte Surf Life Saving Club is one of Australia’s oldest and most iconic surf clubs. For years, Bronte locals have been pushing for an upgrade to improve the deteriorating building and lifeguard facilities – and their wish has finally been answered. The current clubhouse is under construction, with works underway to create a new state-of-the-art facility slated for completion in April 2027. RELATED READ: Sydney's best beaches for sun, sea and surf. Photograph: Warren And Mahoney The project, estimated to cost a whopping $24 million, is being delivered by Waverley Council in partnership with Bronte Surf Life Saving Club, backed by NSW and federal government funding. The schmick new building will feature modern public amenities, improved lifeguard facilities with better patrolling views, enhanced accessibility, a brand-new kiosk (hello Paddle Pops!), a new sea wall to protect the coastal walk, building and beach, and – our favourite bit – a lush rooftop garden with ocean views for days. Photograph: Warren And Mahoney But the massive new building has been a point of discussion in the community, with some locals saying it changes the visual landscape of the beach and feeling sad to see the iconic surf club go. Time Out Travel & Hotels Editor and Bronte local Winnie Stubbs says: “The OG surf club has a special place in the hearts of locals – the place you end up on a Sunday arvo for a cheap beer overlooking the ocean. I think for a lot of people, the daggines

It’s not just the weather that's heating up – Sydney is about to score some seriously hot and fabulously big shows next year, with The Lion King, Anastasia: The Broadway Musical and Whispering Jack: The John Farnham Musical landing in our Harbour City. Now, it’s been announced that something sweet is being thrown into the mix, with the Broadway smash-hit Waitress making its national debut in 2026, blending sweetness, sass and soulful songs into one heartwarming show. The Tony-nominated musical is set to premiere in Sydney next July – and fingers crossed more Aussie locations are announced soon. As one of the world’s newer Broadway sensations, Waitress made its debut in New York in 2016, where it ran for four fantastic years. Based on the late Adrienne Shelly’s cult 2007 indie flick of the same name, the musical has been whipped into a moving tale of self-liberation against the odds. The show is brought to life by a trailblazing, female-led creative team, featuring a book by acclaimed screenwriter Jessie Nelson, an uplifting score by Grammy winner Sara Bareilles – including the showstopper anthem, ‘She Used to Be Mine’ – and direction by Tony winner Diane Paulus. RELATED READ: The best shows and musicals to see in Sydney this month. “It’s been a dream of mine to see Waitress (finally) find its way to Australia,” said Sara Bareilles. “This story is about dreams, friendship and the courage needed to learn to love oneself, which feels so universal and so timely.” As the name sugg

The opening date of the new Sydney Fish Market has finally been announced, with Sydneysiders able to get their hands on fresh seafood come Monday, 19 January 2026. That means you’ll be heading to the OG Pyrmont site for your Chrissy crustaceans. As well as selling sustainably farmed oysters, wild-caught fish, prawns and lobsters, Sydney Fish Market will be home to 40 stores – including incredible restaurants, cafés, delis and bars – all under one roof, creating a world-class destination that’s estimated to draw in more than six million locals and tourists annually. The completion of the largest fish market in the Southern Hemisphere has not been without its setbacks, however, including significant delays, a voluntary administration and legal battles, with the project carrying an estimated cost of $836 million. The incredible new building, which overlooks Blackwattle Bay, boasts a striking wave-like roof kitted out with 400 solar panels that light up with colour at night. The market will also feature a variety of transport options, including two nearby light rail stops, a pedestrian path connecting to the foreshore walk, and a new public ferry wharf that’s still being built – once complete, it will connect Blackwattle Bay to Barangaroo. Photograph: Supplied | NSW Government Highlights at the new Sydney Fish Market include Luke Nguyen’s flagship Southeast Asian restaurant Lua; Malaysian diner Tam Jiak by Ho Jiak by Junda Khoo; first-class gelato purveyors Cow & The Moon; awar

Maybe Sammy – a high-end cocktail bar which blends old Hollywood glamour with Palm Springs flair in The Rocks – has been named as one of the best bars in the world for 2025. The World’s 50 Best Bars list for 2025 just dropped, with the swish spot landing in 42nd place – a drop from last year’s 26th position. It’s the seventh year in a row Maybe Sammy has made the coveted list, and was the only Sydney bar to make the cut this year, with Melbourne’s Caretaker’s Cottage landing in 19th place. RELATED READ: Sydney’s award-winning Maybe Sammy has created a limited-edition cocktail, now available at MGallery hotels across Australia. Photograph: Daniele Massacci Founded in 2019 by Vince Lombardo and Stefano Catino, Maybe Sammy is known for its inventive and delicious cocktails, flamboyant pink-suited bubble-blowing bartenders and top-notch service. And while I can think of many Sydney bars that also deserve to be on the list (Old Mate’s Place, PS40, Bar Planet, to name just a few) – Maybe Sammy’s consistency of service and excellent offering deserves a toast. Co-founder Stefano Catino says of the award: “Are we one of the best bars in the world? Some nights, yes. Other nights, we know we can be better. What matters is that we’ve grown stronger each year – as a team, as a business, and as a bar. For seven years we’ve proudly put Sydney on the global cocktail map, and that consistency means everything to us. Australia is one of the best food and drink destinations in the world, and

Is there anything better than a holiday in our own backyard? Thankfully, our sunburnt country is home to many cracking stays, from coastal shacks to rainforest treehouses, swish five-star hotels and charming cottages. But if you’re after the crème de la crème, you’ll want to check out the Condé Nast Traveller Readers’ Choice Awards – the world’s longest-running and most prestigious travel awards. More than 750,000 travellers voted in the 38th edition, and ten hotels rose to the top as undisputed favourites in Australia and New Zealand. And one Sydney stay has just been named the second-best hotel in Australia. Staycation, anyone? (Yes, please). RELATED READ: These are the best hotels in Sydney  Photograph: Alice Ellis for Time Out This year, the silver medal went to Capella Sydney, which is officially the best hotel our Editor in Chief, Alice Ellis, has ever experienced. It’s luxurious, yet not in a flashy, chandeliers-and-knockout-views type of way. Capella Sydney radiates quiet, confident, understated elegance, where every detail has been thoughtfully curated. Rooms are generous and filled with original artworks, the heritage sandstone exterior adds timeless charm, and the hotel offers top-notch wellness facilities alongside exceptional restaurants and bars. Check us in!  Photograph: Timothy Kaye Capella wasn’t the only Sydney stay to clean up at the awards, with the Fullerton Hotel named the sixth-best hotel in Australia and New Zealand. Located in a beautiful heritag

Centennial Parklands – a lush, green oasis in the city spanning Moore Park, Queens Park and Centennial Park – is set to host even more epic music festivals, as well as major cultural and sporting celebrations throughout the year, with the NSW Government officially increasing the cap for large-scale events from eight to twelve. Minister for the Arts and Night-time Economy John Graham says the government’s decision to lift the cap is “part of our agenda to restore Sydney back to its 2000 Olympics heyday, where our events and nightlife were the envy of the world.” The new cap is slated to come into effect ahead of the 2026 events calendar, and to that we say: hello, (more) summertime fun. Located in the Eastern Suburbs of Sydney, 4km from the CBD, Centennial Park has played host to a bunch of world-class artists and bands over the years, including Bob Dylan, James Brown, INXS, Flume and Tame Impala, as well as hosting festivals such as Listen Out, Good Things Festival and Tropfest, with Laneway Festival 2026 set to be held there too. Minister Graham added: “We’re lifting the cap on good times, outdoor events and opportunities for artists and workers. Centennial Park is one of the most beautiful and versatile parklands in the world, and this is a sensible boost in its capacity to host a great day out.” RELATED READ: These beachside suburbs are set to become Sydney's next night-time hotspots The government’s decision aims to help boost Sydney’s economy and night-time vibrancy, as

Like icy poles on a summer’s day and snags on a barbie, hot chips are an integral part of our national food identity. But where can you find the best hot chips in Sydney? Whether you like yours with maximum crunch-factor, smothered in tomato sauce or sprinkled with chicken salt, our mates over at the City of Sydney asked fellow Sydneysiders on Instagram to name their favourite hot chips in town – and the results are in. From the best late-night chips to the finest kebab shop chips, we’ve got all the golden answers for you. So, did your favourite potato fingers make the cut? Let’s dive in. But first – Time Out’s picks: It’s bloody hard to choose a favourite hot chippie. I’m a big fan of the thick, finger-like chips at Baba’s Place, coated in an incredible umami-rich seasoning. The ones at Persham’s nostalgic café Splash are on point (and you can even grab a chip butty, old-school style). If you’re up for a drive down the coast, the chips (and fish) at Rosie’s in Coledale are a catch worth reeling in. But closer to home, my pick has to be the ones at Olympic Meats, the pumping Greek grill house. Cooked in beef tallow for a rich, savoury kick, these chippies come deep golden, flecked with Mediterranean seasoning. They have a serious crunch factor and are soft and fluffy on the inside. So hot. So hard to stop.   Photograph: Avril Treasure for Time Out Sydney   Best late-night chipsWinner: Mary’sRock 'n' roll beer and burger joint Mary’s is home to the best chips for late-night

Few things are better than lacing up and setting off on a weekend walking adventure: fresh, crisp air, beautiful greenery, warm sunlight and quality time with your friends (plus the snacks and post-hike beer). Luckily, New South Wales is home to many cracking ones, from wind-swept coastal hikes in the Royal National Park to summiting the big beauty that is Mount Kosciuszko. Now, the legends at AllTrails have dropped its list of the most popular hikes to tackle this spring and summer, and the Blue Mountains’ Grand Canyon Track came out on top. Photograph: Avril Treasure for Time Out Sydney The first time I attempted the Grand Canyon track, I was a kid, and I think my good old dad carried me for most of it (love you, dad). Over the years I’ve done it a bunch more times, with my brother and mates, and each time its beauty and majesty blow me away. Keen to give it a go this spring and summer? Here’s everything you need to know. Photograph: Destination NSW The Grand Canyon hike is a 6.3km loop that’ll take you through an awe-inspiring canyon and the lush rainforest of the World Heritage-listed Blue Mountains National Park. Beginning at Evans Lookout, the trail is a heart-racer, with some challenging sections, but at around three to four hours long (depending on how many snack breaks you take), it’s totally doable for a day trip. And the sweat is worth it for the cascading waterfalls, Jurassic Park-like ferns, trickling creeks, moss-covered rocks and spectacular Blue Mountains