Caitlyn Todoroski

It’s the age-old parenting struggle: how to reduce the kids’ device time. What if we proposed an outing that actually encourages the whole family to hop in front of the screen? The Australian Centre for the Moving Image (ACMI) is hosting a brand new exhibition that walks through some of the world’s most legendary video games – from mum and dad’s era, right through to now.  Time Out is offering readers the chance to win a family pass to ACMI’s Game Worlds exhibition, an annual ACMI pass for the family, plus a stay at Sofitel Melbourne on Collins with breakfast, too. How’s that for an ideal family weekend staycay?  Explore major titles in Game Worlds like Minecraft, The Sims, World of Warcraft, Neopets, the brand new Hollow Knight: Silksong and more. The whole point of the exhibition is to get involved and get gaming – the whole family can have a crack at exclusive prototypes and original builds that you’ve never seen before.  Game Worlds is just one of many exhibitions that make their way to ACMI. A family pass gives you discounted access to events throughout the year, 10 per cent off the shop and exclusive access.  For your chance to win, enter below before midnight, October 4. Game on!  

If you didn’t know already, Australia is home to some of the most incredible hikes on the planet. From week-long treks through red deserts and green mountains to easy day hikes through lush rainforests and along beautiful beaches, the land Down Under has every possible kind of walk imaginable – and trust us, they’re all bloody good.  If you’re looking at lacing up your hiking boots this year, we’ve got you covered with our pick of the best hikes in Australia. Using the age-old philosophy of variety being the spice of life, this list has a little bit of everything – from self-guided, kid-friendly day walks to life-changing multi-day treks.  🥾 The best national parks in Australia🌊 Australia's best coastal walks🤿 The best things to do in Australia

Watching an orchestra live is a kind of magic you can’t fully grasp until you’ve sat in a seat at the Sydney Opera House and experienced it for yourself. For some, it can feel a little daunting — but you might be surprised by how many melodies you recognise once the violins draw their bows. We spoke with Sydney Symphony Orchestra’s conductor-in-residence, Benjamin Northey, about all things Australian classical music, must-see concerts and his favourite Sydney spots.  Your career’s taken you from Melbourne to Finland, to London and beyond. What kind of perspective does all that travel give you on the Australian classical music scene? We are a high-achieving musical nation on the global stage. That really stands out to me – our talent is limitless, even if the scale of our musical ecosystem is smaller than in Europe or America. One of the most noticeable things is how we express our Australian identity and national themes through music. Our composers are constantly exploring what it means to be Australian and to live here. Their music often captures the essence of our landscapes – from the vast, dry expanses of the desert to lush rainforests and sweeping ocean beaches.  It’s been wonderful to perform the music of so many Australian composers and to hear their perspectives and stories – especially those of Indigenous Australian composers and performers, whose voices are essential to our national narrative. Photograph: Supplied | Craig Abercrombie Where do you go in Sydney when

The Great Room is an elevated shared working space that feels a little more like a premium hospitality joint than an office. Enjoy flexible access to phone booths for privacy, private offices, workhalls, event space and beautifully designed meeting rooms to take the guesswork out of where to bring your client.  Its original location on Castlereagh Street is pretty new to the CBD market, but they’re still growing with the new opening of the One O’Connell space, just a few steps away from Circular Quay Station. To celebrate the new addition, if you’re one of the first 50 Time Out readers to sign up to The Great Room’s mailing list, you’ll get access to a free day pass and a complimentary cuppa exclusively to One O’Connell. We like the sound of that.  Becoming a member of The Great Room doesn’t just give you and your coworkers a desk for the day. It’s an environment with well-designed spaces and a connected community that makes you want to come to work. Plus, unlock a network of more than 200 locations globally in the Asia Pacific, North America and Europe for work on the go and international teams.  Head here to try out The Great Room.

What you choose to drink says a lot about you. The thought of a whisky-sipper may bring a specific profile to mind, but Johnnie Walker Black Ruby is shaking things up… quite literally, with a new premix cocktail. The new Johnnie Walker Black Ruby Blackberry and Soda mixes Johnnie Walker Black Ruby whisky with fruity flavours, elderflower and soda for the kind of drink that could turn even the most apprehensive drinker into a whisky lover – speaking from experience. If the fruity number sounds like a bit of you, know that your soon-to-be drink of choice is backed by a pretty awesome ethos. This year, Johnnie Walker Black Ruby announced that it would be the official presenting partner of SXSW Sydney’s 2025 music festival. What better way to kick things off than with a Black Ruby launch party.  Think Chin Chin decked out in 50 shades of ruby rouge, from warm florals and red drapes to a massive Johnnie Walker Black Ruby vending machine and freshly-shaken tipples. The star-studded event spotlighted ARIA nominated pop singer Charley and funky DJs Yes Boone and Mowgli May. Between our bubbly Johnnie Walker Black Ruby and the pumping bass of the talented home-grown artists, the energy was high and partiers were in good spirits (pardon the pun).  We tried Johnnie Walker Black Ruby in all different forms: as a fruity RTD, a pretty-in-pink sour cocktail and as a Negroni. Consider us converted whisky drinkers because each tipple was better than the last. If it’s any taste of what’s to co

There’s not a lot that beats a classic steak dinner (unless you’re a vegetarian, of course). The classic dish features on menus across the city in all different variations. Whether you’re after some good old pub grub with the usual fixings of chips and salad, or a classy chargrilled affair, these steakhouses and restaurants will satisfy your hankering for red meat. Indulge in some of the finest steaks money can buy at The Kitchen, go for hearty pub fare at Oakbank Hotel, or try fresh flavours at La Boca Bar and Grill. No matter where you go, there's delicious, tender steak waiting for you. To help you choose which will satiate your carnivorous craving, Time Out has tasked one of our expert writers to update this list of Adelaide's best steak spots. Carve right in!  🍷 The best bars in Adelaide🍔 Adelaide's best burgers🍕 Adelaide's best pizza joints

Exploring Sydney in the wintertime is one of (city) life’s cosiest pleasures – there are sunny harbourside walks to be strolled, underground bars to be visited, and thrilling concerts to be experienced. The Sydney Symphony Orchestra has an extensive (and we mean extensive) line-up of winter performances to warm you up, and you don’t want to miss them. With so many to choose from, we’ve gone and done you the favour of shining a spotlight on the must-visits below. So, will you be travelling to the River Nile through music this winter, or perhaps Spain’s Basque region? 

When the weather’s not looking too peachy – or even when it is – Sydney’s best art galleries and top museums are some of our favourite places to be. Home to treasures that are sure to delight, surprise and make you think – often all at the same time – as well as thrilling exhibitions, there are plenty of things to marvel at. Head under the sea and take your appreciation for sea creatures (and photographers) to a new level at the Maritime Museum, which is currently showing its Wildlife Photographer of the Year exhibition, now in its 60th year. It’s showing until October 19. Sydney’s Museum of Contemporary Art (MCA) presents the first solo museum exhibition by Kamilaroi artist Warraba Weatherall, whose work has been exhibited widely, nationally and internationally, over the past decade. You can see Shadow and Substance until September 21. The MCA is also showing an exciting major winter show – Cerith Wyn Evans .... in light of the visible – the first comprehensive exhibition of the renowned Welsh artist in Australia, inviting visitors to stroll through monumental light sculptures (until October 19). Chippendale's White Rabbit Gallery is featuring Tender Comrade, an epic new exhibition diving into the queer histories of ancient China, until November 9. The Art Gallery of New South Wales is always a good time – and right now it’s showing Yolŋu power: the art of Yirrkala, bringing the beauty and brilliance of Yirrkala’s art to Sydney. Featuring nearly 300 works by 98 artists, the

Don’t let the wacky weather keep you indoors this August – there are a bunch of Sydney shows on right now that are sure to delight and keep you warm and cosy. First up, tongue-in-cheek musical The Book of Mormon is on at Sydney's Capitol Theatre – and it’s jam-packed with “did they really just say that?” humour. Bring your mate, bring yourself – but maybe leave your nan (and your kid) at home for this one. Calling all feline lovers: the Australian 40th-anniversary production of Cats is playing at the Sydney Theatre Royal until September 6. As our reviewer said: “Old cats and old tricks are a song for success in this nostalgic revival of musical theatre's feline fantasia.”  Excitingly, The Talented Mr. Ripley is coming to the stage this month. Have a ritzy night out watching this infamous tale of jealousy and deception. The iconic story will be on stage at Roslyn Packer Theatre. That’s all just for starters!

Take the struggling artists of the Bohemian movement and plonk them in New York City’s East Village in the late 1980s. That’s the setting for Broadway smash-hit Rent. The rock musical has warmed hearts, taken home a Pulitzer Prize and multiple Tony Awards, and now it’s landing at the Sydney Opera House’s Joan Sutherland Theatre this spring. The production follows a close-knit group of creative friends all dealing with different challenges, from illness to addiction, while grappling with the threat that they’ll be evicted from their homes. Experience the raw intensity of the human condition through powerhouse numbers like ‘Take Me or Leave Me’ and ‘La Vie Bohème’. If you’re a big-time ‘Rent-head’, you’ll be delighted to know that there’s a singalong edition on October 23 where you won’t need to keep your humming to yourself when belters like ‘Seasons of Love’ start. Book in for premium reserve tickets with three of your mates and save up to $108* or book in with Opera Australia’s ‘dinner on us’ promotion and you’ll be eating pretty at Circular Quay’s Eastbank, Searock Grill or Bennie’s with a glass of vino pre-show for free*. See Rent at the Joan Sutherland Theatre, Sydney Opera House for a strictly limited season until November 1. Find out more here. *T&Cs apply. Visit https://opera.org.au/ for more info. " allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen">

It’s time to play the final game with Squid Game’s third and last season having dropped on Netflix. The show has a knack for getting viewers interested in K-Culture – after the season one premiere, Duolingo saw a 40 per cent rise in Korean learners, sales for white slip-on Vans went up 7,800 per cent and the #dalgonacandy tag on Tik Tok has surpassed the 990 million view mark. We’ll call it the Squid Game effect. So what better way to explore all things South Korea than with a trip to Melbourne’s very own Koreatown?  Healey’s Lane in the CBD has been affectionately known as Kimchi Lane for years due to its high density of Korean joints, but the precinct was officially formalised in May, with four beautiful jangseung (traditional totem poles to protect the space) to boot. We’ve rounded up some of the yummiest restaurants and bars to visit for your next Korean feast.

The Sunshine Coast truly does have it all – sparkling beaches, peaceful national parks, exhilarating adventures and delicious dining. This tourist haven in Queensland stretches from the super-chill beach town of Caloundra through the resorts and national parks of Noosa, all the way up to the postcard-perfect Great Sandy National Park.  Adventurous travellers flock here to swim in the wild with humpback whales and hike in fairytale forests – but there’s no need to work up a sweat if you’re here to wind down. You can also go on a golden hour cruise with Saltwater Eco Tours, hunt for treasures at the mega Eumundi Markets or float away your worries at Tank Bathhouse. Dive into our guide on the best things to do on the Sunshine Coast right now. ☀️ The best things to do in Noosa🍹 The best restaurants on the Sunshine Coast🌴 Australia's top beach towns

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

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.

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. 

It’s South Africa, 1976. Be transported to a time where 24-year-old Della is trying to lay low amidst a brewing revolution. She works at the general store and cares for her brother and dad but history comes knocking on her door, twofold. Student protests against the apartheid regime are swelling and her ex, university student Ezra, is one of the movement's biggest supporters. Melbourne Theatre Company’s Destiny is a transportive production coming to Southbank Theatre in August that will tug on the heartstrings. Can Della protect her family, including her impressionable younger brother, or will the force of revolution, and Ezra, be too strong? The production stars South African-born Kirsty Marillier (who is so talented she also wrote the play), alongside Barry Conrad (In the Heights) and Clare Chihambakwe (Harry Potter and the Cursed Child). It’s directed by the acclaimed Zindzi Okenyo (Is God Is). Catch Destiny at Southbank Theatre from August 18 to September 13. If you’re under 30, you can score preview tickets for just $37 or standard tickets start from $75. Book yours here.

There’s nothing quite like witnessing a great composer’s work come to life through the expertise of a conductor who has lived and breathed their work for 30 years. Sydney Symphony Orchestra’s Chief Conductor, the immensely talented Simone Young, is considered one of the leading interpreters of Strauss around the globe, and this September, she’s bringing his work to life at the Sydney Opera House with four spectacular performances.  The occasion marks Young’s highly-anticipated return to Sydney and she’s joined by the artistry of internationally-renowned pianist Andrea Lam. Lam shines in ‘Burleske’, a colourful piano concerto from Strauss’ earlier era. On the other end of his career, ‘Metamorphosen’ turns attention to 23 of the orchestra’s string players as a reflective ode to the losses of WWII.  And of course, it isn’t a Strauss concert without a rendition of ‘Thus Spoke Zarathustra’. The piece has firmly marked itself in pop culture, still famous more than a hundred years after it was written thanks to its inclusion on the soundtrack of ‘2001: A Space Odyssey’ and later ‘Toy Story 2’, ‘The Simpsons’ and ‘Barbie’.  Simone Young is considered one of the Sydney Symphony’s ‘Architects of Sound’, designing and shaping the jaw-dropping power and intensity of this extraordinary orchestra. Watch her conduct Richard Strauss from September 3 to 6. Purchase your tickets here.

Most people know a Suntory beverage. Maybe it’s the mega popular Minus 196 cans, the ultimate to-go Boss Coffee, the refined Roku Gin or premium Japanese whiskies. What we guarantee you *don’t* know is just how many popular labels it owns: think everything from Jim Beam and Maker’s Mark to Canadian Club. And now, you can experience more than 125 years of Suntory’s history and innovation all in one place – for the next three months. Say hello to Sydney’s new Suntory Bar. The Japanese spirit company has chosen the city’s only Japanese culture and dining precinct, Prefecture 48 on Sussex Street, as host for the residency. The moody Whisky Thief bar with gorgeous historic artwork and marbletop counters is the place to be when you clock off. Choose between timeless highballs, signature serves, special cocktails, RTDs, The Premium Malt beer and whisky flights crafted by the team at Prefecture 48 in collaboration with Suntory.  The must-try tipple of the affair is the Highball. While it’ll be dished up with a range of Suntory whiskies (it’s what Suntory’s known for in Japan), we say try the spotlight cocktail, the Hakushu Highball, first. Not only is it a refreshing mix of Hakushu Distiller’s Reserve, soda and mint, but it’s been paired with an exclusive snack from the genius Michelin Star chef Tetsuya Wakuda (you know, from *the* Tetsuya’s). Now’s the chance to sample Wakuda’s cuisine since his eminent Sydney restaurant closed last year – that’s a golden opportunity if we ever did

At the northern tip of Australia, in north-east Arnhem Land, lies Yirrkala  – it’s an internationally renowned arts community whose work has shaped history and challenged convention. The good news? You don’t need a plane ticket or a 4WD to experience its power. From now until October, Yolŋu power: the art of Yirrkala brings the beauty and brilliance of Yirrkala’s art to Sydney.  Featuring nearly 300 works by 98 artists, the exhibition spans bark paintings and wooden sculptures to video art and digital installations. Each piece speaks to the deep cultural, political and social histories from which it emerged – revealing tradition not as static, but as a living force of innovation and resistance. Our hack? Explore the exhibition on a Wednesday night at Art After Hours – not only will it feel like you’re making the most of your week, but you can score two-for-one tickets* from 5pm to 10pm.  Catch Yolŋu power: the art of Yirrkala at the Art Gallery of New South Wales until October 6. Tickets start from $13 for youth (free for children under 12) and $20 for members. Book yours here.  Yolŋu power: the art of Yirrkala is supported proudly by the NSW Government through its tourism and major events agency, Destination NSW. The exhibition is presented in partnership with the Buku-Larrŋgay Mulka Centre. *Terms and Conditions apply, head to artgallery.nsw.gov.au for details.

Performing a ballad from your favourite musical in the kitchen while you cook dinner is up there as one of the most passionate ways to perform, but nothing really hits quite like leaving it to the professionals (no offence). Which is why you won’t want to miss the theatrical magic of An Evening on Broadway when it hits Melbourne for four exclusive shows. This September, the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra (MSO) will take to the stage at Hamer Hall for a marvellous musical journey through some of Broadway’s biggest hits. Look forward to cult favourite songs from Les Misérables, The Phantom of the Opera, West Side Story, Cats and more.  The orchestra will be led by conductor Jessica Gethin, and joined by Josh Piterman and Amy Manford. The two well-known vocalists are highly awarded for their performances in The Phantom of the Opera on the West End. Tickets are selling fast for the four An Evening on Broadway performances from September 24 to 26. Prices start from $70 and you can get yours here.

This August, Greater Sydney Parklands is bringing science to life with two free family-friendly events, turning Western Sydney Parklands and Centennial Park into bustling educational playgrounds ripe for mini biologists, palaeontologists, physicists and geologists. Science in the Scrub and Science in the Swamp are back across Sydney and levelled up to the power of a gazillion for National Science Week 2025. Festivities kick off on Sunday, August 10 at Western Sydney Parklands, where you can take control of a Lego robot, see a vintage fire engine, fly towards the Powerful Owl Project activity station, and enjoy honey tastings and beekeeping tales from The Honey Barn. You can even step foot into the new Aboriginal Science Village where natural dyeing, seaweed harvesting, medicinal plants and bush cordial tastings offer a hands-on journey through culture and science. Carry the excitement over to Centennial Park for Science in the Swamp on Sunday, August 17. For the first time, UNSW is hosting the mega SciFest Village. Little ones can chat to more than 30 scientists and explore 10 hands-on science exhibits with everything from DNA bracelet making to drones playing soccer. UNSW has also developed an app for the event, complete with a digital map, prizes to be won and experiments so you can carry on the fun at home.  We haven’t even covered the tip of the iceberg with what’s on. Check out the full programs at Science in the Swamp and Science in the Scrub for National Science Week h

Deciding to take a snowy getaway is relaxing, until it isn’t. You must consider where to eat, the easiest way to get to the slopes and where the closest warm bevvy is. Enter: the Alpine Inn. It’s a one-stop shop for adventure and fun, just a stone’s throw away from Jindabyne – so you can tear it up on the slopes by day and defrost with a drink in hand at the onsite bar by night.  The cosy 36-room resort, reminiscent of an American cabin-style retreat, was recently renovated – think rolling lawns with plenty of fairy lights illuminating the grounds, four crackling fireplaces and lots of beautiful timber. It’s perfect for an idyllic escape from the city or for a rustic function or event.  The Alpine Inn sits in a quaint snowy valley town called Khancoban, located 65km from Thredbo. It’s technically in New South Wales, but is super close to the Victorian border, so you’ll soak in incredible Snowy Valley views. Rooms start at just $175 a night, ranging from premium rooms that sleep two, to deluxe rooms that sleep up to four guests. The crème de la crème is the spacious honeymoon suite with a double walk-in shower, comfy lounge chairs and a record player.  On the grounds, you’ll find the Big Foot Café and Bakery dishing up brekkie, pre-packed lunches and Allpress barista coffee, plus an all-day bottle shop for when you’re planning a homey night in. The main bistro and dining area is ‘70s-inspired, and houses two fireplaces for a heartwarming pub feed, plus a sports bar complete wi

You’ve been to wine tastings, cheese tastings, perhaps olive oil tastings, but now it’s time to tease the palate with something a little sweeter. The Italian gelato gods behind Venchi 1878 are hosting dark chocolate tasting evenings this winter – but strap in for a whole lot more than just good choccy.  The one-hour experience at Venchi’s flagship Australian store in The Galeries walks guests through nine different dark chocolates, unpacking layers you’ve probably never imagined before, while chowing down on your favourite treat. Each bite will be paired with little gourmet delights like dried fruits and nuts.  The fun doesn’t stop there. Enjoy a glass of prosecco, and when you’re finishing up, look forward to a scoop of Venchi’s wildly well-known gelato. The cherry on top is a bag full of goodies that you’ll get to take home with you.  All of these premium goods would usually set you back $90, but the tasting session will only cost you $30. Spaces are super limited for these evening sessions – on July 29 and 30, and August 5 and 6. Secure a spot here. If you’ve got nut allergies, a dairy intolerance or other food sensitivities, you might be best sitting this one out. All ticket sales are final and cannot be refunded or transferred to another event date.

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

Sydney is a very doggo-friendly city. There are countless parks, beaches and pubs that welcome your fur babies with open arms. That’s not to mention the Santa Paws event, dedicated entirely to canine Christmas cheer. As it turns out, Sydneysiders take the term “fur babies” quite literally. We're facing a (human) baby recession (with birth rates lower than they've been in 18 years) – this, coupled with an increase in companion animal registrations leads us to a city where pups outnumber kids aged under 15 in 16 out of 34 Sydney councils.  The Sydney Morning Herald uncovered that in the City of Sydney, there are more than two dogs for every child. Woollahra and the Inner West come in a pretty close second, with around 1.7 dogs for every child. Mosman and the Northern Beaches sit at around 1.25 dogs per child, and even the Sutherland Shire is up there, with the same figure.  From 2019 to 2023, pet numbers grew by over 20 per cent in a third of Greater Sydney’s councils. While we may have calmed down a little post-pandemic, it seems dog children aren't going anywhere. People love their pets.  Stay in the loop: sign up for our free Time Out Sydney newsletter for more news, travel inspo and activity ideas, straight to your inbox. RECOMMENDED:  There’s $638 million unclaimed by NSW residents. Here’s how to cash in. Rental hacks: how to get ahead in Sydney’s competitive property market. Sydney has ranked among the top 10 best cities in the world for 2025.

The Ramadan Nights food market has become a Western Sydney institution during the holy month of Ramadan. More than one million Sydneysiders flock to Lakemba’s eat street – Haldon Street – after dark to enjoy an abundant array of halal dishes from a range of different Muslim cultures to break fast. While the month-long event has its way of bringing the Muslim community together, and sharing the Islam religion with the rest of Sydney, Canterbury-Bankstown Council and Muslim leaders have some concerns with how big the event has grown.  Their concerns boil down to: the sheer size of the event causing congestion, the event commercialising a holy tradition, and the costliness of the event (it cost the council $3 million dollars this year).  So, there was a unanimous vote by councillors to implement four changes to the markets from 2025 onwards. These changes are:  Moving stalls from the footpaths to the road; This means that instead of stallholders paying local businesses $6,000 total to rent out the space at the front of the restaurant for the whole month, they will pay $600 per night to the council; Renaming the event from ‘Ramadan Nights, Lakemba’ to ‘Lakemba Nights’ to separate the increasingly commercial event from the Islamic tradition of Ramadan; Reducing the number of days the stall is run from seven nights a week to four (Thursday to Sunday). This equals less nights for council staff and contractors to work and be paid, helping reduce costs.  At the moment, the changes a