Caitlyn Todoroski

It's one of the first places you'll visit as a tourist, a pre-theatre go-to and has some of the most iconic views in the world – but being a tourist hotspot means Circular Quay is not without its pitfalls. Skip the over-priced traveller's traps and check out these restaurants and bars that'll ensure the food and drink are as good as the view.  After restaurants in other parts of Sydney's city? Check out our guide to the best restaurants in the CBD.

Meaning “I’ll leave it to you”, omakase experiences are not new to Australian shores, with eateries like Chaco Bar delighting visitors since 2014. However, this theatrical style of dining has finally entered the mainstream with new omakases seemingly opening weekly in Sydney. Usually ranging from five to 20 courses, omakase-style dining is a once-in-a-while way for foodies to indulge. If you’re on the hunt for a truly special eating experience, omakase is the thing for you – who needs dinner and a show when dinner is the show? However, with the maximum number of punters per sitting usually remaining in the single digits, omakases will often have very long waitlists, and some only release reservations once a month, so you’ll need to have some lightning reflexes when a spot becomes available. So you know where to look, we’ve rounded up the best omakase diners in Sydney. On your marks, get set, book!  The fresh fish and umami flavours don't stop here. Check out our guide to the best Japanese restaurants in Sydney.

Keeping kids amused, and off devices, over holidays can be tough, but we have you covered with an ultimate list of the best activities and experiences happening in Sydney these school holidays. Check out something for the explorers, the budding scientists, the mini-athletes, the musical prodigies and just about everyone in between.  No sun? No worries. We've also included some indoor activities in the mix for those wet-weather days.  Looking for somewhere affordable to eat out with the kids? Check out our guide to the best cheap eats in Sydney. Or visit the best kid-friendly restaurants in Sydney.

Cheap is a relative term. Some people might not blink at a $25 glass of Coravin-accessed wine (those people probably know how much the bottle goes for), but for others, $25 is food for two (especially if you're dining at El Jannah). However, fine dining establishments aren't necessarily the exclusive domain of the cashed-up – there are ways in for cheaper if you know the terrain. Which is great news in our current economic climate. Bar menus offer a taste of the kitchen's talents without you having to cough up for the full multi-course experience; the early bird gets the worm with lunchtime and early dinner sittings; and many high-end chefs also dabble with easier access exploits like pop-up projects and at-home experiences. For those wanting to feast like a high roller without splashing out like one, this list of money-saving hacks puts the happy back in happy hour.  After some real thrifty feeds? We've also unearthed the best cheap eats in Sydney.

No matter the kind of canine fur baby you’ve raised, every dog loves a trip to the beach. Timid Tess might prefer to quietly bury sticks in the sand, while wild Bandit breaks all the land-rules biting the waves and thrashing through the whitewash. But despite Sydney being blessed with world-renowned beaches, these enthusiastic beach-goers aren’t allowed to roam along every sandy expanse. To take your doggos into salty water, you’ll need to seek out one of these a dog-friendly beaches. Some boast off-leash zones year-round, but others have timed areas for freestyle puppy play, and you’ll want to be aware of the rules to avoid a fine or awkward interactions with anti-dog walkers. Not keen on getting wet? Head to the best dog parks in Sydney or set up at these dog-friendly pubs. Otherwise, take yourself and your human crew to one of the 50 best beaches in Sydney.

You don’t need to top up your Opal for these trains. Kaiten-zushi (literal translation: rotation sushi, aka sushi trains) is a Japanese fast food trend that once looked to be just a blip on the Harajuku-obsessed radar of the 1990s. Instead, it grew roots in the Australian dining scene, as demand for fast, quality sushi continued to grow. And while there are some things that are ubiquitous across all track-based food delivery venues, there are also gems, if you know what to look for. All aboard! Not feeling like sushi? Try Sydney's best ramen or dumplings instead.

A cold glass of cider has the potential to stem a force five hangover, but in the depths of Sydney's winter, a hot drink makes a night on the town a welcoming prospect, especially if it means nursing a glass of red; sweetened with orange juice, spiked with sweet baking spices, and warmed up so that you don't need mittens. In fact, winter drinking is some of Sydney's best, so head out for a hot drink that will provide a bigger kick than your standard cuppa.  Need more burn? Check out these ace pub fireplaces. Winter in Sydney can be a shocker. We've even made a list of all the annual shocks when the temperature drops.

Once a rarity exclusive to the faraway foodies of Europe, Australia’s homegrown truffle scene has exploded over the last couple of decades thanks to dedicated truffle farmers (as well as their cute truffle-sniffin' pooches and pigs) in Tasmania, NSW and Western Australia, allowing chefs to bring this aromatic delicacy to our tables in increasingly creative forms. The valuable little fungus grows almost exclusively at the bases of hazelnut and oak trees a few inches under the earth. Truffles ripen in June to August, which means you can get them in restaurants through winter and into September. We’ve rounded up all the places for you to indulge in these delicious little treats. Pay day still far away? Try the 70 best cheap eats in Sydney. 

Why spend a Sunday tackling house chores when you could be out at the pub partaking in one of the all-time great weekend feasting traditions? Let the pros take care of the cooking and make yourself comfortable at one of these ace pubs that celebrate English charm over the colder months. Cater to those hibernation cravings and get stuck in to legs of lamb with mint jelly, hearty slices of roast beef, crisp-skinned chook, nourishing root veggies and greens, fluffy Yorkshire puddings, and gravy. Lots and lots of gravy. Whatever your preferred cut, there's a top pub roast out there for you – and hopefully a pint of something nice to go alongside it.  Down for more cold-weather fun? Check out these Sydney pubs with toasty fireplaces.

Dusty libraries stuffed with shelves of long-forgotten books, where silence was ordered and imagination limited, are a thing of the past. The best modern libraries are beautifully designed, high-tech, and alive with possibilities. Some even have slippery slides. Whether you’re looking for a quiet corner to read in comfort, or want to immerse yourself in their rich resources, here’s our collection of Sydney’s top libraries. RECOMMENDED: 50 things to do in Sydney at least once in your life. 

There are spades of options to choose from when it comes to Italian dining in Sydney. We've picked our favourite eateries covering all bases – from casual red-sauce joints and classic pizzerias to fine dining – so no matter what mood you're in, there's something here for you.  Not in the mood for pasta? Here are our picks of the best spots for Greek and French food in Sydney.

People are choosing plant-based eating for its softer step on the Earth, concerns about animal cruelty, and the health benefits of vegetable-rich diets. Plus, there's been a rise in flexitarian diets – you might not be a full-time vegan, but where you can, you opt for more plants on your plate. Only a few years ago, vegan dining meant a whole lot of pulses and sprouts, but now Sydney is home to plant-based burger shops, classic Italian pizzerias that showcase cheese and meat alternatives, gelato shops that favour coconut bases, and a growing contingent of fine diners offering fancy degustations for vegans. Below, we've rounded up the best vegan restaurants in Sydney. Cool with eggs and dairy? Check out the best vegetarian restaurants in Sydney. Got a mixed group? Head to one of the best restaurants in Sydney. On a budget? Have a look at the best cheap eats in Sydney. Want to shop sustainably? Check out our guide to ethical shopping in Sydney here.

September 2023 update: A little piece of advice: if you want a quiet, simple meal, you’re not going to get it at Rosie Campbell’s. If you’re after flavour bombs, live music that gets guests out of their seats and a rum cocktail menu to boot, well then now we’re talking about the Jamaican eatery dishing up hot meals and hotter tunes. While Rosie Campbell’s may look like another Surry Hills pub from the outside, the inside is far from it. The tropical hangout is a little slice of the Caribbean in Sydney with palm leaf-patterned tables, flags strewn across the ceiling and rattan lights. The atmosphere is only elevated on a Thursday night when Sydney’s Jamaican mainstay band Kool Vibrations play live, or you can catch DJs on Saturday during bottomless brunch. As for the food? Rest assured that it’s just as exciting. Jamaican cooking is widely known for packing a punch, and featuring a whole lot of coconut. Rosie Campbell’s didn’t skimp on either detail. The jerk chicken is a spicy-sweet dish of glazed chicken thighs that goes well with the rice and peas (which is really the Jamaican name for rice and beans). The curry goat is another popular main that comes with flaky roti to soak up all the sauce, although if you want an authentic experience, order some ‘Jamaican festivals’ – made from fried flour and cornmeal dough with a spiced capsicum salsa – for mopping action. What you see is what you get when it comes to the drinks at Rosie Campbell’s – every cocktail is illustrated on th

After such an incredible World Cup campaign, the Matildas have brought football to the front of Australia’s collective consciousness. If you're not ready to shrug off the excitement and passion that the beautiful game brings, the good news is that you don’t have to.  The league that every Matilda once played in is starting back up for the 2023/24 season and, with season passes cheaper than a new pair of cleats, there’s no excuse not to get behind the new generation of female footballers in the Liberty A-League. A few of the 'Tillies are repping Melbourne this season, playing for homegrown teams, to fill us with even more pride. Midfielder Chloe Logarzo will play for Western United, while Beattie Goad and Alex Chidiac will play for Melbourne Victory. So we'll still have heaps of chances to get our Matilda's fix.  The Liberty A-League is starting off with a cracker first round of stadium events. Our first match in Melbourne is the mighty Victory vs Brisbane Roar FC at the Home of the Matildas in Bundoora on October 15. There's heaps of matches happening in Melbourne, so check out the fixture for the full list.  All the young guns inspired by the work of our girls in gold will have access to every single Liberty A-League match for free. Yep. Anyone under the age of 16 can be registered here for their season pass, and for adult tickets, keep your eye on the Liberty A-League website.  Get behind more women in sport with the AFLW Premiership, also on now. 

When is the 2023 AFLW season? The 2023 AFL Women's (AFLW) season kicked off on September 1. There are 10 rounds, and after the round games, the final games will take the season through to December 3.  How many teams are there in the AFLW competition?  The AFLW started in 2017 with eight teams, increased to 10 teams in 2019, 14 in 2020 and, finally, 18 in 2022 – to match the same number of teams as in the men’s competition.  The two Sydney teams are the Sydney Swans, who only joined the league last year, and the Greater Western Sydney Giants. The Brisbane Lions and the Gold Coast Suns hail from Queensland, 2022’s grand final winners the Adelaide Crows and Port Adelaide Power are from South Australia, and the West Coast Eagles and Fremantle Dockers call Western Australia home.  Victoria has the highest concentration of AFL teams, considering the fact that the sport started as the Victorian Football League. These teams include the Carlton Blues, the Collingwood Magpies, the Essendon Bombers, the Geelong Cats, the Hawthorn Hawks, the Melbourne Demons, the Richmond Tigers, the St Kilda Saints, the Western Bulldogs and the North Melbourne Kangaroos. How do goals work in AFL / AFLW? There are four big goalposts on each end of the AFL pitch. A ball being kicked through the middle two taller posts equals six points and is called a goal. If the ball hits the post before going in or goes in between the outer posts, it’s worth one point and is referred to as a behind.  How far can you r

What more could a gnocchi fan dream of than a whole menu dedicated to the soft little pillows of pasta? Well, this ‘gnoccheria’ in Newtown went and installed Aperol and Limoncello Spritzes on tap. And it’s pretty much heaven. Gnocchi Gnocchi Brothers in Newtown is the first Sydney outpost of the popular market stall-turned-restaurant. The shopfront is buttery yellow and unassuming, and inside you’ll find a relaxed set up. The star of the show becomes evident upon perusal of the gnocchi-dedicated menu, which is well priced. While gnocchi is the main focus of the menu, the starters won’t disappoint – just make sure you wear your stretchy pants. If you arrive starving, the creamy porcini, truffle and prosecco soup served in a little pot with garlic bread is a great way to divert onset symptoms of hangriness.  The restaurant’s most popular gnocchi dish comes with a wild mushroom and truffle sauce, or opt for the classic bolognese gnocchi. Of course, you can’t have an Italian menu drawing on the classics without pesto, and we also like the sounds of the bisque gnocchi with lobster and barramundi.  Another highlight on the menu is the Napolitana-based lamb shank gnocchi, which comes with a rich sauce, the whole shank – bone and all – and topped with chives.  Some other plates include the crowd-favourite arancini; salt and pepper calamari; and a mixed leaf parmesan salad topped with caramelised walnuts and balsamic dressing.  Full you will be at the end of your gnocchi. Though, be s

It’s finally time to welcome the official beginning of the spring (despite it already feeling like the sunny season for the past four weeks in Sydney), and what better way to do it than with lots, and lots of flowers. Enter: ‘September in Wistaria Gardens’.  Starting on Saturday, September 16, the folks over at Parramatta Park are putting on a flowery affair full of live music, workshops and super colourful blooms, including Sydney's second-favourite purple flower – the wisteria, or, as they spell it 'wistaria'.  The Wistaria Gardens in Parramatta will be pumping with free festivities from Saturday 16 to Sunday 17, and then again from Saturday 23 to Sunday 24 September. While the gardens are always open 24/7, you can get across this particular flowery action from 11am to 3pm.  Upon entry, you will find some seriously magical displays of enchanting purple wisteria, rows of cherry, peach and almond blossoms and beds of multi-colored snapdragons and primulas. PSA: You may feel like you’ve stepped into a whole other country, or world for that matter. Expect coffee, snacks, First Nations tours, spring plantings and a whole lotta live music in the gardens. For more info, you can check out this page right here. How's that for delightful?  Digging the fresh air and beautiful sights? Check out all the other places you can see Sydney flowers in all their spring glory.

After such a phenomenal World Cup campaign, the Matildas have brought football to the front of Australia’s mind. It feels too soon to shrug off the excitement and passion that the beautiful game brings so we’re bringing you the good news that you don’t have to.  The league that every single Matilda once played in is starting back up for the 2023/24 season and, with season passes cheaper than a new pair of cleats, there’s no excuse not to get behind the new generation of female footballers in the Liberty A-League. If you weren’t watching Cortnee Vine score the winning penalty to put the Matildas through to the semi-final in the World Cup... 1) What were you doing? 2) Now’s your chance to make up for it. Cortnee renewed her contract with Sydney FC after taking out the championship and the premiership with them last season. Cortnee’s Matilda teammate Tameka Yallop is also featuring in the Liberty A-League this season, returning to her roots at Brisbane Roar after a stint in England with West Ham United.  The Liberty A-League is starting off with a cracker first round of stadium events. Sydneysiders are in for a treat, with a Sydney FC vs Western Sydney Wanderers derby at Allianz Stadium on Sunday April 30. After big attendance records were broken at the grand final last year, it's time to make some more history. We're already well on the way to making that happen – Sydney FC broke their women's membership record two months ahead of the season's start date. All the young guns in

You’re craving a little something sweet. You take the light rail to Paddy’s Markets, cross the road, and know you know you’ve made the right decision when you haven’t even made it to the doors of Cinnabon’s shiny shopfront and the scent of sugar, spice and everything nice hits you right in the face. If the aroma is anything to go by, you’re in for a treat. After major success in the United States and recently Brisbane and Melbourne, Cinnabon finally brought their fluffy, sticky cinnamon scrolls to Sydney. The Darling Square outpost of the bakery chain only has three menu items: the classic cinnamon scroll, a pecan caramel flavour and a ‘chocobun’.  Cinnabon must have the recipe just right because they’re opening up their second Sydney venue this spring. Parramatta, Cinnabon is coming for you.  After punters queued for up to two hours for a taste of the sweet American import when it landed at Darling Square in January 2023, the bakery chain is expanding to Sydney’s west.  Cinnabon will be getting a prime possie in the Parramatta Westfield (level 1, in the food court). The venue will be a bigger space than the Darling Square store, complete with a feature wall so your sweet treat can make it to the Instagram feed. Pics or it didn’t happen, right?  Snack your way through Sydney with our guide to the best bites under $15. Have you found yourself out west? Have a read of how we would spend 24 hours eating our way through Parramatta.

With the intent of showcasing the diversity of the Powerhouse’s archives, Leo Schofield AM might have just curated the most niche, yet all-encompassing exhibition that Sydney has ever seen. In among 1001 Remarkable Objects, there’s something to intrigue Australian film buffs, porcelain collectors, Georgian era enthusiasts, luxury fashionistas, car fanatics and, well, we could be here all day.  This exhibition isn't about showcasing a few “masterpieces” – instead, it focuses on items that are remarkable perhaps for their back story or their rarity.  Some items include a real samurai’s suit of armour, the dress Nicole Kidman wore as she sang ‘Sparkling Diamonds’ in Baz Luhrmann’s Moulin Rouge, and an electric car from the 1910s (spoiler alert: it’s a far cry from today’s Tesla). The collection showcases the archives of the Powerhouse Museum, plus some special never-before-seen artefacts. You’ve got from August 26 right through to December 31 to explore the 25 rooms worth of objects. Best of all – it's free.  While you’re at the Powerhouse Museum, why not stick your head into the mega-cool immersive Atmospheric Memory exhibition?

The Darling Harbour structure that might just lay claim to the title of Sydney’s most interesting skyscraper has announced its opening date. Long marvelled at from across the water, tourists and staycationers alike will finally get the opportunity to explore the W Hotel from the inside this October 12.  The New York-born hotel chain is known around the world for its edgy architecture and luxury offerings. Would you expect anything less from a subset of the Marriott Bonvoy group?  The hotel houses 585 rooms and suites that are futuristic to say the least. It’s all clean lines and stark colours with fancy features like the W Mixbar so you can make your own cocktail in the comfort of your home for the night.  If the architecture doesn’t do enough to grab your attention, the double level bar 29/30 might do the job. Level 29 is the spot to be for tapas-style dishes and cocktails as you gaze over the mosaiced infinity pool, while the upstairs area takes it to the next level, literally, with a nautical interior design and vintage Champagnes.   An infinity pool already has loads of wow-factor, but when you pair the free flowing edges with views of Sydney from the 29th floor, we’re talking about a different kind of experience. Relax poolside on the “Wet Deck” and order food and drinks straight to your cabana.  Then there's W’s restaurant, Btwn, which is being led by the ex-chef of Aria and the Blue Door. It’ll be a modern Australian food offering featuring seasonal produce. The fun do

KISS fans from Down Under are so die-hard that more than 60,000 of them banded together to sign a petition for the rockers to roll back into town after their last "last tour". And it worked, because they're heading here to play ‘The Final Curtain’, at Accor Stadium this October. The announcement comes as a surprise to die-hard Aussie fans who thought they had already witnessed ‘The End of the Road’ for these Rock and Roll Hall of Fame icons with KISS’s goodbye tour to Australia in 2022.  And, unlike reunion tours for some other bands, Paul, Gene, Tommy and Eric will all be around for this unmissable performance.  After they perform in Sydney on October 7, they’ll be heading back to the States for their finale concert at Madison Square Garden. Visiting Australia for the first time in six years, alt-rock band Weezer will also be joining KISS as their special guests. You can also look forward to an electro spin on the classic rock genre with supporting acts Regurgitator, and Aussie band the Delta Riggs. What a motley crew. Check out this page right here to book tickets for the stadium affair. Entry starts at $79.90, but there are also some special packages up for grabs like the admission + souvenir deal and a sound-check pass.  These stories are popping off right now: The world's biggest ever Lego store is opening in Sydney This gorgeous Sydney beach is getting closed all summer Here's how to survive magpie swooping season

We all love an outdoor cinema, but combine an outdoor cinema with one of the prettiest zoos in the world and we're really in business. This spring, Taronga Zoo is launching what may be one of Sydney’s coolest outdoor cinemas, and we're pretty excited. The pop-up Harbour View Cinema on Taronga’s concert lawns will be playing some cult-classics with a killer view of Sydney Harbour over the October long weekend, and the only issue will be whether to watch your favourite movie on the big screen – or the magical sunset. Plus, you get cheaper zoo entry and free parking. We're into this.  Only four screenings will be going down, so take your pick from The Lion King on Thursday night, Scream on Friday, Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone on Saturday and Dirty Dancing to finish off with on Sunday. We weren’t lying when we said cult classics.  One of the best parts about these golden tickets is that they include complimentary entry to the zoo at 2pm (and free parking) so you can explore by day, and kick back by night, with the movies starting up at 5.30pm. We did the maths – adult zoo entry is $45 and these tickets are only $28, which equals an absolute steal. There are limited spots so hop on it before your favourite film books out.  There are heaps of options to update your ticket with lounge chairs, picnic rugs, access to VIP sections, and service to your seat. You can also expect a licensed bar for cocktails and vino, and all your beloved movie snacks like popcorn and ice-crea

August 2023 update: Messina Creative – Messina’s degustation restaurant – is reopening this week on Thursday, August 17, in a fresh location at the new Messina HQ in Marrickville, and it’s looking nice, nice, baby. And because this is Messina we are talking about, a normal degustation this ain’t – every dish in the six-course experimental meal will feature gelato or sorbet in some way. And yes, there's a combination of sweet and savoury courses. That may look like yuzu and olive oil gelato with scallop sashimi, N25 caviar and pickled beetroot; truffle gelato with ricotta and butternut tortellini; and wild Messina honey gelato with a lemon beehive and honey tuile. As well as being creative, the dishes look seriously fun – as if Willy Wonka was a chef and created his dream meal. Every course is matched with a non-alcoholic drink, or you can opt for a booze if you wish (we do, please). And while the next lot of bookings are sold out, you can sign up here to be the first to know when more seats become available to scoop up. - Avril Treasure Read on for our original write-up of Messina HQ by Caitlyn Todoroski from May 2023 ***** Just when we thought Messina couldn’t bring any more chocolate-flavoured happiness to our lives, the have done and opened a massive headquarters.  The brand spanking new gelato store-cross-factory has popped up in the foodie hub that is Marrickville. It’s complete with a chocolate shop and floor-to-ceiling glass, so that you can get a squiz at how your fav

Update: The Weeknd has added a fourth Melbourne show at Marvel Stadium in Docklands because there's been such high demand for tickets. The new show will be on Tuesday, December 5, and pre-sale tickets go on sale at 1pm on Tuesday, September 12 for 24 hours only. General public tickets go on sale at 2pm on Wednesday, September 13 via Ticketek. Is the Weeknd touring Australia in 2023? Yep, it’s confirmed! After sell-out shows around the rest of the world and broken records at Wembley Stadium, the Weeknd has finally announced an Australian tour, including four shows in Melbourne. Here’s everything we know so far.  When is the Weeknd coming to Melbourne? The Weeknd is performing in Melbourne on December 1, 2, 4 and 5, 2023. Originally there was only one Melbourne show announced, but demand for tickets was so high during the first presale that three more shows were added. Phew!  How much are the Weeknd tickets for Melbourne?  All we know at the moment is that ticket prices will range from $102.87-$306.75, but prices may be subject to change.  What stadium will the Weeknd play at in Melbourne?  The Weeknd is playing at Marvel Stadium in Docklands, near the CBD.  Where else is the Weeknd playing in Australia as part of the 2023 After Hours til Dawn tour? In addition to his Melbourne show, the Weeknd is playing at Accor Stadium in Sydney on November 24, 25 and 27, and Suncorp Stadium in Brisbane on November 20 and 21.  When do the Weeknd tickets Melbourne go on sale in Australia? Tic

Europe summer selfies have been flooding our Instagram feeds for far too long – our minds are all wandering to far-off lands of balmy weather, sandy shores and swim-up pool bars. Good thing we live in a country where said "far off" lands exist close by, in Queensland, for one. The Queensland government in partnership with Virgin Australia are offering to make your dreams a reality, with the Queensland Calling sale this week. Sydneysiders can get flights from just $49 (that'll take you one way to the Gold Coast). The airline is slashing fares on more than 30 flight routes to the Sunshine State, in a mega sale running from right now until Sunday night. You could be sunning yourself in Brisbane, Cairns, Hamilton Island, the Gold Coast or the Sunshine Coast, with the affordable airfares on sale for dates from February to June next year. So while this means having to wait a little while for your sunny adventures, it means you can keep the great vibes of Sydney summer going long after it ends.   You could be walking along the beaches of Noosa and Mooloolaba, with direct flights from Sydney to the Sunshine Coast for $55, which is way cheaper than a night out in The Rocks. Meanwhile, flights to Hamilton Island in the Whitsundays are on sale for $95, which is also an absolute steal.  In addition to the nationwide flight sale, there's loads of budget-friendly Queensland holiday deals and discounted experiences, enticing Aussies from all over to come and treat themselves to a vitamin D-

In amazing news for the Liberty A-League (Australia's domestic women's football tournament), Matildas' World Cup player Cortnee Vine has announced her re-signing with Sydney Football Club. A big win, considering the huge star status she developed over the course of the FIFA Women's World Cup 2023. Whether it was some killer runs down the wing, or scoring the winning penalty that put the Matildas through to the semi-finals (and had Australians all over the country jumping out of their seats), Cortnee Vine did not disappoint in her first World Cup tournament.  Despite showing the world skills that would easily qualify Cortnee for the higher paying, higher status European leagues, the forward has decided that it’s still ‘Vine Time’ in Australia.  After taking the trophy in the women's Liberty A-League Grand Final earlier this year, and finishing top of the table, Cortnee has decided to renew her contract with Sydney FC for the fourth season in a row.  Having such a prominent talent remain with the Australian League is an important step in energising the Aussie football scene. The effects of an invigorating World Cup (#thematildaseffect) are already showing in the fact that a record amount of Sydney FC women's memberships have sold – and the 2023/24 season doesn’t even start for seven more weeks. (If you want to join yourself, to get a season pass that gives you access to all 11 Sydney FC home games throughout the whole season, plus more benefits, click here.) We spoke to Cortnee

After making their debut in the AFL Women’s competition last season (2022), the Sydney Swans have started their second season with their first ever win – against the other Sydney team (the Greater Western Sydney Giants) – in an intense city derby on Sunday. This first-time win comes as a massive delight for Swans fans, after the women’s side copped a rocky first season last year, finishing on zero points. It's looking like the Swan’s teething troubles are coming to an end. Despite domination by the Giants at the beginning of the match, new recruit Chloe Molloy changed the game right at the end of the third quarter with a banging goal to put the Swans in the lead.   The girls held on for the final quarter, solidifying the score at 51 to 46, and securing them the four points. The next clash for the Swans takes place at the same ground, North Sydney Oval, on Saturday 9 against Geelong. A crowd of 5,474 turned out for the Sydney clash – the first of a 10-round-long 2023 season. Essendon, Hawthorn and Port Adelaide also entered the competition in 2022, making it the first season that the AFLW had 18 teams to match their male counterparts. September 1 marked the beginning of the 2023 10-week season. Jump on board and support your local with cheap-as-chips season passes that include access to all the games for the Swans and the Giants. To find out everything you need to know about the AFLW 2023 season and games in Sydney, click here. RECOMMENDED:  Score yourself free tickets to th

Update: The Weeknd has added a third Sydney show at Accor Stadium in OLympic Park because there's been such high demand for tickets. The new show will be on Monday, November 27, and tickets go on sale Tuesday, September 5 at 9am via Ticketek. When is the Weeknd coming to Sydney and Australia? It’s official. After sell-out shows around the rest of the world and broken records at Wembley Stadium, the Weeknd finally announced an Australian tour (including Sydney). The Weeknd is playing in Sydney on Friday, November 24 2023. Here's everything we know. How much are the Weeknd Sydney tickets?  The cheapest tickets are the 'D-reserve' seats in the top tier of the stadium, starting at $106.55. C-reserve through to A-reserve seats range from $157.55 - $259.50. General admission standing tickets start at $239.10, and golden circle general admission standing tickets (which are closer to the main stage and walkway) start from $310.45. VIP packages start from $493.95 and go all the way up to $810. What Sydney stadium will the Weeknd play at?  The Weeknd is playing at Accor Stadium in Sydney Olympic Park.  Where else is the Weeknd playing in Australia as part of the 2023 After Hours til Dawn tour? In addition to his Sydney show, the Weeknd is playing at Suncorp Stadium in Brisbane on Monday, November 20, and Marvel Stadium in Melbourne on Friday, December 1.  When do the Weeknd tickets Sydney go on sale in Australia? Tickets for the general public go on sale Friday, September 1 at noon.

We’ve got good and bad news for you. The good news? It might just be God’s plan for Drake to play in Australia this year. The bad news? Well, aside from the fact that your wallet might be about to cop a beating from buying the Weeknd tickets, Drake hasn’t quite confirmed his journey Down Under just yet. Here’s what we do know...  At the moment, Drake is on his ‘It’s All a Blur’ tour with 21 Savage. The official stops on the four-month-long tour only include American cities, and a few shows in the Certified Lover Boy's homeland, Canada. European and British fans are impatiently waiting for an international tour, but nothing has been announced yet. In terms of Aussie news, rumours are swirling that Drake will be visiting us in November this year... Why? Concert events website All Events recently posted a listing for a Drake concert in Perth on November 28, and another one in Auckland on November 14. X (formerly Twitter) account @6LivesMusic thinks this points to the venues being booked.  🇦🇺🇳🇿 Rumours that Drake will be touring Australia in November/December (same time as Weeknd) with one show reportedly booked in Perth already: — 6LivesMusic (@6livesmusic_) August 29, 2023 The lowdown on All Events is that anyone can register to be an ‘event host’ and post upcoming concerts. Concerts Nation Australia were the ones who posted the Drake events, but the question is: are they legit? They have a few other concerts listed that are actually running later this year, so he

Discussions about the Indigenous Voice to Parliament have been dominating the news cycle and political discourse across the country all year. Now, prime minister Anthony Albanese has officially announced the much-anticipated voting date for the referendum to decide. On October 14, 2023, Australians will have to cast either a ‘yes’ or ‘no’ vote for – with the result defining our shared history.   If you’re confused about how to vote, what will happen if it goes through, or just what the Voice is, you’re definitely not alone.  Most importantly, you should know this vote is compulsory for every registered voter in Australia.  We've put together a guide on everything you need to know about the Indigenous Voice to Parliament, in simple terms.  What is the Voice? The ‘Voice’ is a proposed change to the Australian constitution. The only way to change the constitution is by a referendum, in which every registered voter submits a vote. The Indigenous Voice to Parliament means that a collection of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community members will form a permanent group, whose main aim is to advise the Australian government on all matters that concern First Nations people across the country. This will exist in Australia’s constitution forever, and won’t be able to be changed by any future governments.  What does having a Voice in parliament actually mean?  This Voice body would be totally independent of both the Australian Parliament and the Executive Government (the Executiv

Talk of the the Voice has been dominating news and politics in this country all year. Now, prime minister Anthony Albanese has officially announced the date we’ve all been waiting for – the day of the referendum. On October 14, 2023, Australians will have to cast either a ‘yes’ or ‘no’ vote for an Indigenous Voice to Parliament – with the end result set to fundamentally shift our nation forever.  And yes, this vote is compulsory.  If you’re confused about what the Voice is, how to vote, and what will happen if it goes through, you’re not alone.  This is everything you need to know about the Indigenous Voice to Parliament, and what it means for you.  What is the Voice? The ‘Voice’ is a proposed change to the Australian constitution. It will mean that a collection of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community members will form a permanent group whose main aim is to advise the Australian government on all matters that concern First Nations people across the country. This will exist in Australia’s constitution forever, and won’t be able to be changed by any future governments.  What does having a Voice in parliament actually mean?  This Voice body would be totally independent of both the Australian Parliament and the Executive Government (the Executive are the public service and government ministers who put laws into practice).  ‘The Voice’s’ individual community members would give independent advice to the parliament. This means that they could go to the government about an

When you're planning a big trip overseas, a smooth flight can be a make or break for the whole holiday. If you're looking at flights, it can be super overwhelming deciding between the different airlines, with so many options. It's a bit of a minefield, as some airlines being a lot more reliable than others. Luckily, researching which one to go with is a little bit easier with these airline rankings of international airlines. The new index by luggage storage platform, Bounce, is a comprehensive ranking of 52 airlines from all over the world, evaluating them on indicators like on-time flight arrivals, cancellations, in-flight entertainment, meals and baggage allowance.  For us Aussies, Singapore is one of the go-to layover stops on the way to destinations in Europe and Asia, with it's pristine streets, skyscraper hotels and stunning airport. The national carrier consistently appears in the top ranks of global airline indexes, and it's no different for this latest one.  Singapore Airlines (SQ) has been ranked the second best airline in the world, scoring 7.63 out of ten in a new index by luggage storage platform, Bounce. The Singaporean national carrier was just trumped by Japan Airlines (JAL) which scored an 8.28 out of ten in the index.  SQ shines in the in-flight categories, scoring a four of five for meals, in-flight entertainment, seat comfort, and staff service. You barely have to worry about getting your flight cancelled with SQ too – it has the best cancellation rate of

We’ve got good and bad news for you. The good news? It might just be God’s plan for Drake to play in Australia this year. The bad news? Well, aside from the fact that your wallet might be about to cop a beating from buying the Weeknd tickets, Drake hasn’t quite confirmed his journey Down Under just yet. Here’s what we do know...  At the moment, Drake is on his ‘It’s All a Blur’ tour with 21 Savage. The official stops on the four-month-long tour only include American cities, and a few shows in the Certified Lover Boy's homeland, Canada. European and British fans are impatiently waiting for an international tour, but nothing has been announced yet. In terms of Aussie news, rumours are swirling that Drake will be visiting us in November this year... Why? Concert events website All Events recently posted a listing for a Drake concert in Perth on November 28, and another one in Auckland on November 14. X (formerly Twitter) account @6LivesMusic thinks this points to the venues being booked.  🇦🇺🇳🇿 Rumours that Drake will be touring Australia in November/December (same time as Weeknd) with one show reportedly booked in Perth already: — 6LivesMusic (@6livesmusic_) August 29, 2023 The lowdown on All Events is that anyone can register to be an ‘event host’ and post upcoming concerts. Concerts Nation Australia were the ones who posted the Drake events, but the question is: are they legit? They have a few other concerts listed that are actually running later this year, so h

Regional towns across NSW got a real shock during the pandemic when Sydneysiders started leaving the city, opting for nature and slower living. Mass sea and tree changes led rent and sale prices in these towns to skyrocket. It’s safe to say Sydney is well and truly bustling again (goodbye, lockout laws) – the consequences for the sea- and tree-change towns is a whole lot of real estate supply and not so much tenant demand anymore, according to the latest Domain Rent Report.  Sitting a four-and-a-half-hour drive south of Sydney, the Eurobodalla Shire recorded the biggest drop in rent rates (-7.9%). This stretch of the south coast includes Narooma, with its fresh-as seafood, as well as Batemans Bay’s glimmering rocky coves.  Following suit with a fall of -4.5% was Lismore (not surprising, considering the flood assault the town faced), and in third place, Wingecarribee (-4.5%).  The world hasn’t totally turned on its head – rest assured that rent rates were still rising in areas like Wollongong (7.9%), Tamworth (10.5%), and regional Cootamundra-Gundagai (the top rise by far at 22.6%).  Byron Bay came in with the highest median asking-rent price. Are you ready for this? An eye-watering $950 per week. Turns out the boho lifestyle doesn’t come with a hippy price tag. RECOMMENDED:  This popular Sydney hospitality group is offering 49% off drinks for groups of 8 or more Magpie swooping season is here – here's how to cope SXSW Sydney festival access just became more affordable

Australians have taken affectionately to Singapore's pristine streets, skyscraper hotels and stunning airport as one of the go-to layover stops on the way to destinations in Europe and Asia. The national carrier consistently appears in the top ranks of global airline indexes, and it's no different for this latest one.  Singapore Airlines (SQ) has been ranked the second best airline in the world, scoring 7.63 out of ten in a new index by luggage storage platform, Bounce. The Singaporean national carrier was just trumped by Japan Airlines (JAL) which scored an 8.28 out of ten in the index. This index takes a comprehensive look at 52 airlines all over the world, evaluating them on indicators like on-time flight arrivals, cancellations, in-flight entertainment, meals and baggage allowance.  SQ shines in the in-flight categories, scoring a four of five for meals, in-flight entertainment, seat comfort, and staff service. You barely have to worry about getting your flight cancelled with SQ too – it has the best cancellation rate of just 0.03 percent, sharing this impressive score with 19th-place Iberia. Where it has been edged out by JAL is in baggage allowance. While JAL allows 10kg of carry-on luggage and 46kg of checked luggage for domestic and international flights, Singapore Airlines allows 7kg and 30kg respectively.  So our Asia Pacific friends took home the silver medal – how did Australia go? While Qantas managed to nudge their way into the top 20 with a score of 4.47, Jetst