Caitlyn Todoroski

If you’re looking for some last-minute outings before the end of the school holidays to stop the little ones from driving you up the wall, Sea Life Melbourne Aquarium’s got a hot little ticket for you. Bonus: you’ll have the kids learning before they’ve even slipped back into their uniforms.  This January, Sea Life is offering aquarium-goers 50 per cent off on child (15 and under) tickets – that’s $39 down to $19.50. All you’ve got to do is book your ticket online through the Sea Life website here at least a day before you plan to visit. There are no restriction dates, so plan for your life!  Explore the new interactive rock pool habitats where you can touch cheeky hermit crabs, bumpy starfish and slimy sea cucumbers, or see if you can spot the famous resident penguin Pesto. Plus, you’ll also get access to the last days of SpongeBob’s Underwater Adventure before it wraps up on January 27. Meet SpongeBob and earn your very own swashbuckling certificate. Book your half-price kids tickets to Sea Life Melbourne Aquarium before Friday, January 30 here, before the offer runs out (and the kids wear out your patience).  Offer terms and conditions apply.

The 2010 postcode isn't just home to some of Sydney's coolest restaurants, it's also a buzzing hive of darn fine drinking dens – perfect for those evenings when small plates, sips and sultry happy hour vibes are calling your name. Whether it's a vino adventure, a killer snack game, a round of craft brews or a flight of spirits that'll put wind in your sails, there's something for every drinker to enjoy around Surry Hills. Time Out Sydney's local writers, including Editor Avril Treasure, have drunk their way around the suburb and rounded up the very best. Want to spread your wings beyond Surry Hills? Here's our list of the best bars throughout in Sydney. Hungry? Check out our guide to the best restaurants in Surry Hills.

It’s not every day you see chicken biryani served as a burger, or avocado charred in the tandoor with a side of ice cream. At Masala Theory, colour, flavour and a fun take on nostalgic classics are its bread and butter (butter chicken, that is).  January 2026 marks the beginning of a brand new menu for the Surry Hills and Bondi venues. The neo-Indian offerings are as playfully plated as they are comforting and hearty. Here’s the lowdown on some of the stars of the show… Dum aloo is reworked into an impressive dum aloo stack of layered tomato curry and potato pastry with a sweet chutney glaze. For snacking, there’s the curry bombs – crisp puri bread bombs that you can pour curry over for one big flavourful bite.  There’s also a royal mutton short rib curry that’s been fired in the tandoor and served with a touch of luxury (24k gold leaf to be precise), and for something we doubt you’ve ever seen before, a biryani burger where the biryani rice becomes a crisp bun. To cool off, go with the tandoori avocado and coconut snow. A charred avo is filled with coconut chilli cream, and served with mango-chilli puree and coconut ice cream.  Feeling hungry yet? Book a table at Masala Theory in Surry Hills or Bondi here.

Calling all Potterheads – this is your last call to board the Hogwarts Express. Harry Potter: the Exhibition is on its final leg at Fever Exhibition and Experience Centre before it packs up on February 1. A must-do these school holidays for families and wizards of all ages, here’s what you can expect. You'll feel like you’ve stepped right into the wizarding world with interactive setups like Hagrid’s hut and the Herbology greenhouse. Along the way, get hands-on with magical challenges like trying your hand at potting a dreadful mandrake or seeing how your coordination fares in a game of Quidditch. Upon entry, you’ll receive a wristband so make sure you mix all the potions and cast all the spells you can to accrue points for your Hogwarts house. Don’t forget to keep an eye out for the Golden Snitch medallions.  Don’t miss your final opportunity to visit Harry Potter: the Exhibition at Fever Exhibition and Experience Centre in Brunswick before February 1. Get your tickets here.

With direct flights from Sydney and Melbourne to Busselton that are only four to five hours, the Margaret River region is practically begging to be explored on your next getaway. From sprawling beaches to local growers, you can kick back and relax with jaw-dropping scenery – or make up a pretty impressive itinerary if that’s more your style.  We got the lowdown from not just any local, but Howard Park Wines’ chief winemaker, Nic Bowen. Here’s what to see and do while you’re in town for a luxurious pause from the big smoke.

Hosting an event with minimal effort and maximal appeal sounds like a dream, right? Salad Servers are making it come true this summer with salads, pastas, soups and stir fries that are delivered direct to your door. Whether you’re hosting a backyard barbecue or a beachside picnic, you can have delicious eats without the hassle of week-long meal prepping or coordinating caterers.  The name of the game at Salad Servers is fresh-made meals that you can order online and schedule for delivery whenever you need. The family-run home base in Chatswood has been feeding Aussies for more than 45 years and makes sourcing food from local farmers a priority.  There are more than 60 dishes to choose from – there’s Greek or lentil and pumpkin couscous salads for those hot summer days, and curries and lasagnes to feed the whole family. Got most of your meal planned but need a couple of extras? You can pick up ready-made salads from Woolworths, Costco, Coles and IGA. This January, Salad Servers is offering Time Out readers 15 per cent off their order – all you’ve got to do is use code TIMEOUT15 at the checkout (minimum spend $90).  Shop your next long lunch (hassle-free) from Salad Servers here. 

One of the easiest (and cheapest) forms of family bonding is getting out to shoot some hoops. Sometimes though, you want to watch the pros in action. If the thought of some live ball makes your wallet hurt, think again.  You can score a family ticket for as little as $50 (not each – that’s got the whole fam covered). With five Sydney Kings home games falling across the rest of these summer school holidays, there’s plenty of opportunity to see the Kings take the court and battle it out against quality opposition. Being just over halfway through the season, The Kings are fast becoming a strong contender to take out the championship. Now’s the time to get in on the action at Qudos Bank Arena and see them through to the end of an exciting season.  You can snap up your tickets to Super Summer with The Kings for the whole family here.

We might be a little biased, but in our humble opinion, Sydney's got it all. Can you think of many other cities in the world that rival its natural beauty, rich heritage and history that dates back thousands of years, and its creative, culinary and cultural offerings by world-class pros? In fact, there's so much to see, do, sip and ponder here, you could be forgiven for feeling a little overwhelmed. Worry not, dear reader – we're making it simple for you. Our team sifted through every good time the Big Smoke has to offer and put together a Sydney bucket list for the ages. The activities we've chosen will give you a super varied experience of the city – everything from the tourist attractions that are actually worth your time to secret swimming spots that locals know and love.Whether you're a new arrival or a born-and-bred local, this 2025 Time Out Sydney round-up of the city's must-do activities will help you experience Sydney from every angle. After all those great activities you're bound to be thirsty. We suggest you head to one of the best pubs in Sydney right now, or save your cash at one of the best happy hours in the city. Need somewhere to stay? Check in to one of Sydney's best hotels. Stay in the loop: sign up for our free Time Out Sydney newsletter for more news, travel inspo and activity ideas, straight to your inbox.

Looking to live it up on your next Aussie getaway? We’ve got you covered. Australia is packed with standout accommodation, from new boutique stays with heated infinity pools to revamped classics boasting five-star rooftop bars and close proximity to our country's best attractions. But with so many options, finding the best hotels in Australia can feel a bit overwhelming. That's where we come in. Our expert team of travel writers, including Time Out Australia's Travel & News Editor Melissa Woodley, have stayed at hotels across every state and territory to bring you this ultimate guide to the best hotels in Australia. Whether you’re a local looking for a gram-worthy staycation or a tourist eager to be in the heart of the action, these are the top places to stay in Australia right now. Editors' favourite hotels in Australia: 😱 Best new hotel: Mondrian Gold Coast, QLD ⭐️ Best hidden gem: COMO The Treasury, WA 🌊 Best bucket-list hotel: InterContinental Hayman Great Barrier Reef, QLD Sydney | Byron Bay | Perth | Melbourne | Gold Coast | Brisbane | Adelaide | Hobart ☀️ Australia’s most incredible resorts🤩 The best things to do Down Under🌏 The best places to visit in Australia Time Out makes a small commission from the affiliate links included in this article. These links have no influence on our editorial content, but they do allow us to bring you more recommendations every week. For more information, see our affiliate guidelines.

So, you’ve finally decided to go on that bucket-list trip to Darwin. Whether you’re hiking the city's best trails, diving into rich Indigenous stories and art, planning swims in croc-free waterholes or chasing sunset sessions at Mindil Beach, a trip to the Top End is bound to be fun. Of course, between all the adventures, you’ll want a comfortable base to recharge – and that’s where choosing the best hotel in Darwin really matters. With its remote landscapes and rare natural wonders, having a solid home base in the Northern Territory is essential. We reckon Darwin is the perfect launch pad, offering easy access to Kakadu National Park, Litchfield National Park and all the Top End highlights. To help you lock in the perfect stay, Time Out Australia’s Travel & News Editor, Melissa Woodley, has teamed up with local expert writers to bring you this definitive guide to the best hotels in Darwin – from central city stays to great-value resorts that will make your trip north memorable. Editors' favourite hotels in Darwin: ⭐️ Best luxury stay: Hilton Darwin 📍 Best for central location: Courtyard by Marriott Darwin 🌳 Best value for money: Argus Apartments Darwin ☀️ All the best things to do in Darwin🍽️ The best restaurants in Darwin Time Out makes a small commission from the affiliate links included in this article. These links have no influence on our editorial content, but they do help us to bring you more recommendations every week. For more information, see our affiliate gu

In Korean, it’s called gogi-gui, literally ‘meat roast’. It's got a long and complex history but these days it means essentially one thing – meat that’s grilled, often at the table by you, and enjoyed with banchan (Korean side dishes, kimchi being the most famous) and booze. Most barbecue joints will serve the same set of classics such as an unmarinated selection including pork belly and steak. Plus a few marinated pieces, maybe some saucy chicken thighs, pork neck, and, of course, vegetables too.  Just like South Korean's capital, Sydney is jam-packed with excellent Korean barbecue joints. Time Out Sydney's local food writers, including Seoul-lover and Food & Drink Editor Avril Treasure, have rounded up the best in town. They've got high-quality meat, genuine charcoal under their grills, service good enough to know when you need a waiter or a literal chef at the table, and a decent menu of non-barbecue options too. 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? Here's our guide to the best Korean restaurants in Sydney. Heading to Seoul? Check out guide to the best things to do in South Korea's capital. Prefer your food fast and thrifty? Try one of Sydney's best cheap eats.

The Northern Territory is the unofficial watering hole capital of Australia: literally, and alcoholically. After a day spent exploring the best natural swimming spots, Darwin is where the action is at for a nice cold bevvy and some good pub grub. And with the city boasting year-round warm weather and a stellar waterfront scene, it’s almost a crime not to kick back al fresco at one of Darwin's best pubs. We’ve chosen the best pubs in Darwin for their tasty specials boards, central location and snug atmosphere. Shenannigans is your go-to for late-night live music, The Precinct is our top pick for waterfront views, and Sweethearts serves up the best pub grub in town. See you at the bar! 🍺 The best bars in Darwin🍔 Where to find Darwin's best burgers🍕 The best pizza joints in Darwin

Nothing says a classy Marg like one that comes out with all the bells and whistles – hello, little lime garnish and salt rim. This November, salt lord Maldon is giving a masterclass in the latter, with special Margaritas available from three Sydney drink destinations.  Sip on Margaritas with flaky sea salt touches from The Depot in sunny Bondi, The Boathouse right on the waterfront in Rose Bay, and the gorgeous Tulum-inspired Alegre in Darling Harbour. Settle in at one or head all around the city for an adventure. Stay tuned because each venue is offering up their own take on the classic. Time Out took on the tour and if we had to pick a favourite, it was The Boathouse's tropical take on a Marg with fresh ingredients and coconut and mango-infused flavours. Which will yours be? Like what you’re tasting? It’s easy peasy, lemon (well, lime) squeezy to pick up a box of Maldon to level up your own tipples at home.  Pop into The Depot Bondi, The Boathouse Rose Bay and Alegre this summer for some delish Maldon Margaritas to get the party started from lunchtime, all the way through the night. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Mayers Fine Food | EST. 1957 (@fmayerimports)

It’s part history, part drama – Belvoir St Theatre is taking Shakespeare’s The Tragedy of King Lear back to its roots. Named after one of the play’s original titles, The True History of the Life and Death of King Lear and his Three Daughters, reflects director Eamon Flack’s vision to portray more than the story of a king in power – rather, his succession (and the unravelling of it).  King Lear is on the edge of retirement. His plan is simple: pass the throne on to his three daughters who will each rule an equal portion of the kingdom. That is, until power and ego muddies the waters.  The highly anticipated Colin Friels (Into the Shimmering World) stars as King Lear, Alison Whyte (Death of a Salesman) as the Countess of Gloucester, Peter Carroll (Coriolanus) as Fool and they’re joined by an all-star 14-person ensemble. Watch The True History of the Life and Death of King Lear and his Three Daughters at Belvoir St Theatre from November 15 to January 4. Tickets start from $43 – you can book yours here.

The Art Gallery of New South Wales’ newest exhibition – Dangerously Modern: Australian Women Artists in Europe 1890-1940 – spotlights 50 trailblazing females who were among some of the first to draw attention to the fact that women can make some pretty bloody great art too.  The speedy rate of industrialisation in the 19th century meant a major shift in European society. Artists used it as a chance to reject traditional themes like religion, and instead focused on fresh ways to portray individuals (in a time where it felt like machines were going to rule the world). Meanwhile, women used it as their ticket to pull a seat up at the table. The focus of the exhibition is specifically on our very own Australian and New Zealander artists who made the journey to Europe to immerse themselves in the modernist movement. Gallery-goers can peruse works from historic names like Nora Heysen, Margaret Preston and Grace Cossington Smith, and also witness the work of some lesser-known but equally important creatives like CL Allport, Justine Kong Sing and Stella Marks. Featuring celebrated and rediscovered paintings, prints, drawings, sculpture and ceramics, the exhibition includes work by celebrated artists such as Nora Heysen, Margaret Preston and Grace Cossington Smith, alongside lesser-known but equally compelling figures such as CL Allport, Justine Kong Sing and Stella Marks. Dangerously Modern’s run in Sydney spans all the way to mid-February so a hot (art) girl summer awaits. You can p

We could think of far worse ways to while away the hours than hopping in the car and travelling between New South Wales’ best wineries – from family owned boutiques to legendary bottle shop names. Alas, we are neither made of time, nor money, so NSW Wine is bringing Sydneysiders the next best thing: all the vendors in one spot. Think of Sydney Cellar Door as a massive open air version of your favourite vino dens (the largest Sydney has ever seen to be exact). More than 40 local wine producers will be on site for NSW Wine Month (yes, such a glorious occasion exists), and a handy dandy festival pack for $35 will give you five tokens and a reusable wine tumbler to explore whichever you choose. Entry is free so you can opt to grab your pack on the day but to skip the queue and feel fly while doing it, we recommend grabbing yours online in advance. Wine connoisseurs can opt for a $20 upgrade which will score you double the tokens. Some vineyards to look forward to include Leogate Estate Wines, Thomas Wines and Brokenwood Wines from the Hunter Valley; Philip Shaw Wines and Ross Hill from Orange; Lowe Family Wine Co and Robert Stein from Mudgee; and Cupitt’s Estate from the Shoalhaven. That’s not even close to the bottom of the barrel yet. You can meander through Sydney Cellar Door at First Fleet Park and Tallawoladah Lawn in The Rocks on November 8 and 9 from midday. Tickets start from $35 – get yours here.

Silly season is upon us – if you’re ready to pop the Champers, laugh ’til your belly hurts and revel in tricks you didn’t know were humanly possible, strap in for a glittering night at Blanc de Blanc Encore.  The cabaret spectacle lands at Melbourne’s brand-new Spiegel Haus in late October as the headline affair. The pop-up entertainment precinct has set up camp on the rooftop of the Golden Square Car Park on Lonsdale Street ready to dazzle Melburnians.  Blanc de Blanc Encore fuses a delectable mix of circus, cabaret, jazz and comedy (with a couple of bottles of bubbles for good measure) for an effervescent night out – leave the kids at home for this one. Blanc de Blanc Encore is the second instalment of, you guessed it, Blanc de Blanc, when it visited Melbourne in 2017. Don’t fret if you didn’t see the first one – you’ll enjoy the encore every bit as much as a standalone. It’s been a hit internationally, and arrives off the back of extended Brisbane and Sydney seasons. Watch Blanc de Blanc Encore at the Spiegel Haus Melbourne from October 31. Group and special events packages are available just in time for Chrissy party planning. Book your tickets here.

Spooky season is creeping up – but if planning costumes, decorations and kid-friendly scares feels more like a nightmare than a treat, we’ve got good news. Halloween Family Fest is swooping into the Entertainment Quarter this October, packing all the Halloween chaos into one jam-packed, family-friendly event. All you need? A hot little ticket (that also happens to be very affordable). The family-friendly affair is a Halloween extravaganza to say the least. Think a trick-or-treat trail, monster mash disco, reptile shows, rides, games, showbags, an outdoor cinema and more. General entry tickets are just $10 and include access to the outdoor cinema which will be screening the original Ghostbusters, the chance to hold some slippery scaly reptiles at the reptile show and a groovin’ time at the monster mash disco. Upgrade your pass for $15 and kids will get a go on the big inflatable pumpkin bounce, plus get a bucket to secure all the treats they get at different stations like the Lil Spooks Graveyard and the Witches Den.  Kids got some energy they need to burn? Now’s the perfect time to hop to the Monster Jump or Monster Sports Jam – an eye-boggling inflatable obstacle course. It’s included in the unlimited rider wristband alongside the giant slide, tea cups, and more.   You can find Halloween Family Fest at the Entertainment Quarter from Friday October 31 to Sunday November 2. Find out more about and book your tickets online now.

Ovolo isn’t your regular luxury hotel. Spacious rooms meet sky high beams, reminiscent of the woolstore that the structure used to be. It’s quirky, it’s fun and it’s a little different to most Sydney hotels I’ve stayed at. Usually a city staycay brings to mind a bustling itinerary and skyscraper lights, but there’s something pleasantly refreshing about a wharfside dig in a surprisingly sleepy suburb. If you’re staying at the Ovolo Wolloomooloo, look forward to strolls by the pier, views of the water from your comfy bed and the chance to switch off – all an easy stroll from the city. Why stay at Ovolo Woolloomooloo? The Ovolo Woolloomooloo is a member of Small Luxury Hotels of the World: a special global collection of boutique hotels from around the world. Curated carefully, the list of high-end boutique hotels is revised each year to include digs that deliver an experience instead of your run-of-the-mill stay.  What’s the wow factor for the Ovolo Woolloomooloo? It’s part of the heritage-listed Finger Wharf Heritage building. What used to be a woolstore for Sydney’s bustling wool trade is now a luxury hotel and assortment of schmick restaurants and businesses. The charm of the building’s history is complemented by plenty of modern features like an ace swimming pool, spacious renovated rooms and lofts and a very pretty bar.  What are the rooms like at Ovolo Woolloomooloo? Whether you’re in the lowest room category or the highest, you’re going to have a lot of space. We’re in th

What if we told you that in a little corner of Sydney there lies a time portal back to how Australian working-class families used to live in the 19th century? Susannah Place is a humble brick terrace that’s housed more than 100 families since it was built in 1844 and today you can step inside the freshly restored building for a blast from the past.  Museums of History NSW have been hard at work on a five-year conservation project so that visitors can get the most out of their visit to Susannah Place. Now, you can explore the four homes inside and take part in hands-on activities for a one-day only street party.  On Saturday, October 11, there’ll be artist-led workshops, live vintage jazz performances, talks by experts, and old-fashioned street games so your little ones can see how kids spent time before screens were a thing.  There’ll be chalk stencilling inspired by the house’s pretty patterned linoleums with Alice McAuliffe, a hands-on embroidery activity with Leah Giblin, DIY protest banner-making with Nicole Barakat inspired by redevelopment activism in the 1970s and more. Our favourite part is the recreated 1915 corner shop where you can pick up retro treats.  Bring the whole family along to the one-day Susannah Place Street Party on October 11 from 10am to celebrate the restoration of the heritage-listed building. The event is free, but make sure you register here.

Hyatt Regency Sydney is Australia’s largest five star hotel, so there’s no denying that Sailmaker’s new menu launch was going to be *big* to match. The focus is on good quality ingredients that Australia does best: think a sweet bunya nut play on pesto, buttery macadamia crumb and warrigal greens (aka Down Under’s version of spinach). Some of the stars include a sweet flaky glacier 51 toothfish with unlimited sides of creamed warrigal greens and crunchy parmesan potato churros; Skull Island prawns seared in native garlic butter; and the John Dory en papillote cooked in a parcel of native herbs and kunzea tea, which is served as a spectacle at the table.  While the restaurant is still keeping a hold of its fine sustainable seafood reputation, it’s also introducing some more fan-favourite plates like steak, gnocchi and vegetarian dishes too, so everyone’s happy come dinnertime. Plus, it’s all a la carte now so you can order exactly what you fancy.  Still hungry? We doubt it, but there’s always room for dessert, right? Diners with a sweet tooth will have a hard time choosing between three delectable slices (baked matcha, dark chocolate and Basque) from the ‘Cheesecake Atelier’ exclusively at Sailmaker Restaurant.  Find out more about the exciting new a la carte menu celebrating Aussie flavours, and book in your table here.

Take your favourite movie and imagine it without any music. Before long, you’ll realise that there’s a gaping hole in the ups and downs of the storyline. We’ve come a long way since orchestras used to perform scores live to a cinema audience, but music is still just as integral to the way the silver screen makes us feel *all* the emotions. This spring, ACMI Cinemas is showcasing two film programs that really prove it.  Focus on Joe Hisaishi With its nostalgic Japanese origins, Studio Ghibli has captured the attention (and hearts) of millions of viewers around the world. Behind the whimsical melodies of the anime is mastermind composer Joe Hisaishi. He’s worked super closely with Studio Ghibli founder Hayao Miyazaki and director and actor Takeshi Kitano for years, as well as created a soon-to-be-released Hollywood feature, A Big Bold Beautiful Journey.  If you’re keen to learn more about this musical maestro, don’t miss ACMI’s three-week-long film program dedicated to Hisaishi’s decades-spanning career. It features Studio Ghibli classics like Spirited Away and The Wind Rises, and the action-packed drama Our Time Will Come. Can’t decide on one? Explore his best work in the Joe Hisaishi Music Video Showcase. Kids Flicks with Feelings They may feature fun animal friends and childhood adventures, but there’s nothing juvenile about Studio Ghibli pictures. Big adventures, beautiful relationships and evocative soundtracks by Joe Hisaishi are some of the best ways to introduce your li

Scrap the seat and get moving at this interactive theatre show that engages all your senses, including taste, with cocktail (and mocktail) tastings embedded into the show. Imagine a theatre production, your favourite dimly lit bar and a haunted house (just way less scary, and heaps more playful) all rolled into one.  Setting up camp at the Union Bond Store in The Rocks this August and September, When Night Comes is part of Sydney Fringe Festival’s ‘Sideshow at The Rocks’ hub. You’ll follow performers between multiple rooms, each with a setting more hedonistic and sensory than the last. Your ticket includes a number of cocktails tastings, plus some gold-star entertainment, of course. Not a big alcohol drinker? You can still get involved by selecting the mocktail option when you check out.  Catch When Night Comes at Union Bond Store from August 22. Find out more here and book your tickets here. 

Working in tourism is one of the most exciting industries out there, and a lot of the time, you’ll be asking yourself: ‘How is this really my job?’. Since it’s such an awe-inspiring line of work, it can feel like you’ve only got a one in a million chance of landing yourself a dream gig. Choose Tourism Career Expo is here to prove that idea wrong with a stacked line-up of opportunities.  The expo will take over Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre on Tuesday, September 2, for a day-long affair. High school leavers can get chatting directly with potential future employers, discover alternative routes to university or TAFE, chat to people that started out like them and find jobs they never even knew existed. The tourism expo is free, but if you’re really looking to bump your job prospects, you can book in to the 2025 Emerging Tourism Leaders Summit. It’s $60 for Young Tourism Network Members and $110 for non-members, and includes inspiring keynote speakers, workshops and networking events. Are you ready to embark on the career of a lifetime? Hit up the Choose Tourism Career Expo on September 2 at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre. Come ready to impress: for all you know, you could be interviewing on the spot for a job! Find out more here.

What do you get when you combine a Michelin-starred chef, a bustling Potts Point laneway, neon Harajuku-inspired lights and great value quality Japanese food? Say hello to the new kid on the block, Iki Dining.  The menu at casual Japanese diner, which opened in mid-2025, is split into three concepts: a raw bar, casual izakaya bites and steaming bowls of chintan-style ramen. Whether you’re sitting al fresco, by the bar, or in the booths of the main dining room, you’ll have access to all three – who said it was hard to please everybody?  On a bustling night, you’ll see the raw bar display front and centre at the bar. A chef meticulously slices segments of salmon, kingfish, tuna and scallop. Choose to get the sashimi served nigiri-style rolled up like your favourite sushi, or you can opt for the sashimi platters that come served in a little boat with a dry-ice spectacle.  Photograph: Caitlyn Todoroski for Time Out Sydney For something a little more substantial for your next course, the izakaya menu features Japanese classics like crisp chicken karaage and crunchy-bottomed pork and chicken gyoza, alongside some modern interpretations by chef Masahiko Yomoda. Most of the small plates ring in at under $20. For larger plates, the Wagyu aburi steak is served on umami butter sauce with a kick of wasabi on the side, plus a wedge of cabbage that’s grilled and caramelised with a yuzu miso sauce. You may recognise chef Yomoda’s face from his appearances on MasterChef Australia or Iron C

If you ever want to feel on top of the world (and, unlike Katy Perry, can’t afford a rocket trip to space), you can ride an elevator to the top floor of the Shangri-La Sydney, home to Blu Bar. With its unbeatable views, this swish cocktail bar is one of Sydney's best sky-high spots – and trust us when we say you need to be there to experience the magic. We’re seated in the corner of the bar with an expansive view of commuters trickling home over the illuminated Sydney Harbour Bridge, and ferries winding their way in and out of Circular Quay. While we’re windowside (and it really is spectacular), all seats in the bar either have a view of Sydney Harbour below, or the striking skyscrapers of Barangaroo. Photograph: Caitlyn Todoroski for Time Out Sydney Cocktails here come in tiers: there are your classics like Cosmopolitans and Espresso Martinis (around $25), signature cocktails of the hotel like the fruity Star Cluster with Amaro Montenegro and orange juice, or The Dreaming Earth with gin, dessert lime and Shangri-La honey (around $28) and then there’s the top-shelf stuff like the Quantum Forum with Macallan 12 Year whiskey, Chambord, peanut butter and jelly ($55).  Cocktails may be more expensive than a wine at your local, but for the experience and those views, we reckon it's worth it. Did you notice how honey is a common ingredient featured in those tipples? That’s because Shangri-La produces it itself – there’s even urban beehives on the hotel’s rooftop. And it’s not th

If Jamberoo Valley Farm was a song, it would be ‘My Favourite Things’ from the Sound of Music. My stay is all about appreciating simplicity: feeding the resident animals with friendly farm manager Rick, the warm loaf of bread wrapped in a tea towel that owner Barbie delivers to the door, soaking in the views of Jamberoo Valley, and being just far away enough from civilisation that said views don’t include a single other residence in sight.  While the little things make this stay special, it’s the bougie things that ramp this accommodation up into a league of its own: the private hot tub on the cottage deck, the heated tiles (and standalone bath) in the bathroom, the accordion doors that connect the living room to the farm, and the meticulously curated rustic coastal decor that could be straight out of a Country Living magazine. Photograph: Caitlyn Todoroski for Time Out Sydney/Hot tub with a view at Jamberoo valley farm   If you want a relaxing getaway without totally going off the grid, Jamberoo Valley Farm is *very* well placed. It’s less than two hour’s drive from Sydney, a five minute drive from Jamberoo’s township (and fabulous football fanatic pub), and 15 minutes away from Kiama’s beaches. Basically, you can have your fresh crusty bread and eat it too.  Be warned that the five minute road out of Jamberoo Village and up the mountain to the cottage is quite narrow (AKA mainly fits one car at a time). We drive nice and slow and pull over where we can for the odd passerb

I’m a local to Wollongong, born and raised, so when it comes to holidays and trips out of town, the South Coast is my bread and butter. Sometimes it’s pretty easy when you’ve grown up in a place to take it for granted. So when I got the chance to get behind the wheel of a smooth driving hybrid car (the new Mazda CX-80), I set out to see my (incredibly gorgeous, beach-spotted) neck of the woods from a tourist’s perspective.  Where is the NSW South Coast? While the South Coast technically stretches all the way down to the NSW border, I’m focusing on the underrated stretch between Helensburgh and Huskisson. This includes Coledale’s jagged coastline, Port Kembla’s grungey industrial scene, the bustling central hub of Wollongong and one of Australia’s quaintest seaside towns, Kiama.  Being only an hour and half’s drive from Sydney, I genuinely think the South Coast is the goldilocks of weekend getaways for all travelers: mum and dad get their much-needed break and the kids have free range in nature’s playground, couples reconnect with each other and Mother Nature, and friend groups become quickly equipped with memorable shenanigans.   Photograph: Caitlyn Todoroski for Time Out SydneyHot tub with a view at Jamberoo valley farm Where to stay on the NSW South CoastFirst thing’s first is where to set up camp. There aren’t many other places in the world where you can have a farm stay with views of green pillowy hills and then drive 15 minutes to the closest beach. That’s the name of

It’s global knowledge by now that Bondi Beach is packed 24/7, 365 days a year. While many will say it’s overrated, there’s no denying the stretch of azul blue water is a sight to behold. Skip the crowds (and Bondi Rescue cameras) with a seat perched high up on Campbell Parade at Ikaria.  Walking into the gorgeously decked-out space feels like you’ve stepped onto the shores of the real Ikaria island itself, and given how spenny flights are over to Greece (seriously, how are so many of our Instagram followers over there right now?), we reckon it’s the next best thing. It opened in 2021 when co-owner Joaquin Saez (ex-cho cho san) hoped to bring a bit of Greece to Bondi given Aussies couldn’t fly over post-pandemic. If the earthy terracotta cushions, clay pots tucked in the wall’s nooks, archways and rattan furniture don’t scream Mediterranean enough, the menu will. It’s packed with light, fresh dishes designed to share with your friends and fam.  Photograph: Caitlyn Todoroski for Time Out Sydney There’s plenty of seafood to go around, like salty-sweet kingfish crudo, fried calamari with a generous scoop of tzatziki for dipping, vinegary octopus salad, grilled king prawns and a market fish with tomatoes and peppers. Of course, it’s not a Greek offering without souvlakia. At Ikaria, you can opt for mustard-lemon chicken or harissa mushroom.  While the joint is a great spot for a refreshing lunch after completing the Coogee to Bondi walk (bonus points for soaking up that bluer-th

There’s a little pocket on Potts Point’s Macleay Street that’s home to a powerhouse of ritzy joints that are oh-so-cool without even having to try. Cult-favourites include The Apollo, Franca, Cho Cho San and Yellow, but the lesser-known joint you should add to your hit list stat is Diana.  Book in a dinnertime reservation because this dimly lit diner is magic when the sun goes down (and it means you can stick around for some sing-along action later). The long narrow space is lined with abstract Asian artwork, colourful cushions brighten the booths and fuchsia orchids perk up in ceramic vases at each table – it’s bold, fun and we dig it. Photograph: Caitlyn Todoroski for Time Out Sydney The menu spans classic Korean dishes and pan-Asian eats. Some are well-known – kimchi fried rice, Korean fried chicken, springy japchae noodles and plump bossam pork belly bites, for example. Others are a little less familiar, but equally delicious – like hwae moochim, a fresh, sashimi-style vegetable salad dressed with sesame oil and gochujang, and Korean street donuts with butterscotch.  Is it your first visit to Diana? We recommend letting Korean-born chef Sammy Jeon (Mr Lim, Avido Ristorante Italiano) feed you. The $75 set menu gets you going with seven of their most popular dishes (some served stacked on bamboo steamers or made tableside – *fancy*), and if you’re feeling swanky, you can add on a mud crab course.  Photograph: Caitlyn Todoroski for Time Out Sydney While you’re fuelling u

Whether you mean to or not, you'll find history on every corner you turn in Italy. Beautiful churches, half-dug ruins and centuries-old restaurants. Divino Osteria is taking a page out of Italy’s history book, bringing both quality Mediterranean flavours and an exciting past to the streets of Elizabeth Bay. Located in the old Sebel Townhouse Hotel (the former home of Bar Grazie), Divino Osteria’s walls have once seen the likes of big stars like Elton John and David Bowie. Now they see leopard-spotted woodfire pizza crusts and heaping bowls of pasta dreamt up by owner, Paddington-local Anthony Alafaci. Photograph: Caitlyn Todoroski for Time Out His Southern Italian heritage has inspired the classic Italian menu: fresh antipasti like octopus carpaccio and apple scallops; pasta faves like slow-cooked ragu rigatoni; big, fluffy and crunchy pizzas; and hearty mains like a magical-looking herb-crusted lamb cutlet. They’re all cooked up by head chef Andrea Di Stefano and his team. Stefano is a Catania native, and has also worked in in European Michelin-starred kitchens, so strap in for a great Italian feast. Pair your meal with a drop from the European wine list and contemporary Italian cocktails that feature a whole lot of Limoncello and Aperol. In true Italian fashion, you can enjoy a long weekend lunch that includes a filling pizza to share and two Spritzes with your favourite plus-one – all for $60. Kicking things off before a night out instead? From 4pm to 6pm every Thursday

The lights at The Velvet Glove are real low – all except for those illuminating artworks. Panels of Vincent van Gogh, Leonardo da Vinci and Claude Monet’s works have been carefully curated and artfully backlit for the watering hole of your artsy dreams. At this new Darlinghurst bar and restaurant, you can sip on cocktails and enjoy snacks on an Italian marble table, sit yourself down at the bar on a handcrafted Greek bar stool, or relax on the open-air terrace. Photograph: David Li The Velvet Glove is where European luxury meets Kings Cross glamour – and doors are open to all. At the wheel is hospitality professional Haley Gooley, who has worked across ski chalets and dining spaces in Perisher. She wanted to make an opulent space that signals a warm welcome to anyone and everyone off the streets of the eclectic precinct. And at The Velvet Glove, there are no set seating times – and tipping is not expected. Photograph: David Li Don’t expect anything less than luxe from the menu: crisp-skinned duck à l’orange; Black Angus eye-fillet with blistered vine-ripened cherry tomatoes; and line-caught New Zealand snapper are all on offer. If you’re just popping in for a tipple, the bar menu offers some equally glam nibbles, like tuna sashimi with oxheart tomato and finger lime pearls. Photograph: David Li Drops on the drinks list hail from France, Italy and Austria, plus some local Australian labels. If the décor has you feeling like a baller, splash out on a cocktail topped with

Ruma is warm. It’s in the ochre-hued walls, the massive abstract painting of family enjoying food together and the hearty breakfast plates. The Double Bay joint dishes up brunch four days a week, plus dinner from Thursday to Sunday. Plush booths and scenic alfresco seating await. Ruma, which opened at the end of 2024, is helmed by chef Faheem Noor, the brains behind nearby Bartiga. A love letter to his Malaysian heritage, his menu features brunch classics like pancakes, big breakfast plates and avo toast, all with Asian-inspired twists like the addition of ‘kimchimimchurri’ (a mix of kimchi and chimichurri) and crisp chilli oil. The star of the show is the Korean-style fried chicken bite dish. Order them as they come with a dollop of Kewpie mayo on each piece, or opt for a bougie caviar add-on.  Photograph: Caitlyn Todoroski for Time Out Sydney If you’re looking for a long-lunch experience, check out the bottomless menu. Fill up on a big breakfast platter with all the fix-ins like sourdough toast, scrambled eggs, grilled peppers, plus a sweet plate with whatever’s fresh in the pastry cabinet and fruit. The novelty is the bottomless matcha that you can get iced, hot, cloud-like or with strawberry.  Photograph: Supplied | Pat Stevenson Come dinnertime, the menu looks a little more like kingfish crudo with ponzu, steak frites with sarawak pepper jus, and coconut and turmeric barramundi curry. It’s all about fusing subtle Asian flavours with modern Australian dining. Breakfas

Imagine a pub from 1980s Australia – and then imagine it never got a refurb. Sounds a little outdated, but at Baptist Street Rec. Club – Redfern’s new bar found at Wunderlich Lane, home to Olympus, Lottie and The Eve, among others – it’s nostalgic, and also a little bit edgy. Retro posters and pop art adorn the walls, and drinks are served in glasses that look like they’re straight outta your nan’s good glassware collection (you know the ones). Speaking of tipples, booze aficionados Dan Cramsie (ex Clam Bar, Pepito’s and Double Deuce Lounge) and House Made Hospitality (Island Radio, Apollonia, Bar Mammoni) beverage director Jason Williams have teamed up to create a refreshing bar menu. Fun takes on nostalgic cocktails are the norm here at the latest venue from House Made Hospitality (the team behind Sydney favourites Grana, Apollonia and more). Think a Breakfast Martini with spiced pineapple marmalade, and a Strawberry Daiquiri flavoured with strawberry cordial. Photograph: Steven Woodburn Monthly specials stay on rotation, with the opening stars including the Bloody Mary’s savoury and down-to-earth cousin: a Beetroot Negroni. The wine list spotlights small-batch producers, and the brews are mostly local, including the house-made Reccy Lager. When you get the munchies, Thai-inspired eatery Bangkok Dreaming offers salty specialities galore. Its share platters feature all the Aussie-fied favourite nibblies like spring rolls, money bags and fish cakes. All of which are a nod t

Calling all chip-on-a-stick fans and aspiring farmers! Sydney’s favourite agricultural festival, carnival ride mecca and baby animal pat-fest is back for 2025. When is the Easter Show Sydney? This year's Easter Show will kick off on Friday, April 11, and run for 12 full days until Tuesday, April 22. How much are Easter Show Sydney tickets?  The early bird gets the worm when it comes to tickets – if you purchase your passes before the show kicks off on Friday, April 11, you can hook cheaper tickets, and if you purchase online in advance of your arrival, you’ll also be doing yourself a favour.  Early-bird pre-show tickets (Before April 11): $45 per adult $27 per child (4-15 years old + 16-18 year olds with a student ID card) $33.50 for concession  $118 for a family pass (two adults, two children).    Online purchase once the show has started (April 11 onwards): $48.00 per Adult $29.50 per child $36.00 for concession Children under 3 are allowed in for free. Note that these tickets just include entry for the show – rides, showbags and food are all at various additional costs.  Where is the Easter Show Sydney?  The Sydney Royal Easter Show takes place at the same beloved location each year: Sydney Showground at Sydney Olympic Park is the prime possie for the show’s elaborate agricultural displays and competitions, plus a whole heap of rides.  How to get to the Easter Show Sydney? Sydney Showground is located right next to the Olympic Park Train Station. Limited stops and express

Hughes Street in Potts Point is anticipating its annual shutdown on December 25 to make way for the Wayside Chapel Christmas Day Lunch and Street Party for homeless members of the community. Thanks to over $1,400,000 in donations from the public, the Wayside Chapel will provide over 1,000 Christmas lunches “with all the trimmings” to people who’d otherwise have nowhere else to spend the public holiday. While they've met their fundraising target for 2024, demand for the service grows each and every year, so you can still donate to support the cost of keeping their kitchens, programs and support services open across the festive season. Not only is their aid in the Christmas spirit — they provides daily support for thousands of homeless people living in Sydney. Last year, they provided over 86,000 meals to vulnerable community members who walked through the doors at the Kings Cross shelter in need of nourishment. The Christmas community event that's been running for over 40 years encourages anyone who is living on the street, lost or lonely, on Christmas Day to join the free party. There’ll be a Christmas breakfast at 9am, a service at 10am and lunch at 11.30am followed by a street party full of DJ's, live music, dancing and activities until 5.30pm. More than 100 volunteers help out on the day, serving up 100kg of prawns, 50 hams and 500 Christmas puddings.   Guests can look forward to a visit from Santa Claus, alongside Christmas songs, kids’ activities, (fake) tattoo stati