Kate Byrne

There’s no doubt about it, Sydneysiders can’t get enough of Italian food. And who can blame us? There’s something about a bowl of perfectly al dente pasta paired with a luscious, rich ragu that just hits the spot. And white Italian cuisine differs throughout the 20 incredible regions – broadly speaking the northern regions eat more rice and polenta, and down south they feast more on seafood – Italians share a love of beautiful, seasonal produce, choosing simplicity rather than overcomplicating dishes, and cooking food with soul. No wonder we love it so much. Luckily, there are a wealth of excellent options to choose from when it comes to Italian dining in Sydney. Time Out’s editors and critics, including our Food & Drink Editor Avril Treasure, have picked our favourite eateries covering all bases – from casual red-sauce joints and classic pizzerias to fine dining restaurants – so no matter what mood you're in, there's something here for you. Not in the mood for pasta? Here are our picks of the best spots for Greek and French food in Sydney.

Parramatta's CBD is now one of the biggest commercial hubs outside of the Sydney CBD. Along with this hustle and bustle has emerged a lively restaurant scene with cuisines from across the globe. So whether Parramatta is a detour, or your main destination, the buzzing suburb's excellent restaurants will have you stumped for choice. We've rounded up our favourites, to make the decision easier for you. Get cracking. Looking for Parramatta cafés? Here's our guide to the best. Looking for Indian, specifically? Here's our guide to the best Indian restaurants in Parramatta and Harris Park.  Or check out our guide to the very best restaurants across Sydney.

Autumn 2024 update: Happy autumn, folks. If you’re craving a chilled beer, steak and chips and a relaxed vibe, you’ve come to the right place. Below, we’ve rounded up Sydney’s very best pubs, where everyone is welcome. There's a lot that goes into making a great pub. They need to furnish you with an excellent meal and friendly service, and a game of pool or darts doesn't go astray. On a sunny day, it's all about having a welcoming beer garden, and on a Sunday, it's all about a cracking roast. There are a lot of rock-solid pubs in this city, and these are our picks of the bunch, pulled together by Time Out Sydney critics including Food & Drink Editor Avril Treasure. Right now, we've loving Woolloomooloo's historic The Old Fitz, Enmore's tiny but mighty pub, The Magpie, and the old-faithful Cricketers Arms Hotel. Cheers! For something a bit less pubby, a bit higher end, see our picks of the best bars in Sydney. Hungry? Check out our ultimate guide to Sydney's best restaurants. 

Fancy yourself a bit of a general knowledge whiz? Put your brains to the test at these pub trivia nights, where questions on anything from film to sport are supplemented by cool beers and food specials. Nearly all of them are free to join, and fun prizes like bar tabs or jugs are up for grabs. Pub trivia isn't the only fun you can have while drinking – check out our top bars for dancing, first dates and live music.

Sunday, May 14, 2023: Mother's Day. The one day of the year that mums are supposed to be recognised for all their hard work. Is one day really enough? Probably not, but we'll save that gripe for another time.  Most of us know that going to lunch with the family can be a stressful affair, particularly if you've forgotten to make a reservation, dad's freaking out at the price of wine these days and mum's insisting no one make a fuss. Which is why it's so handy that a bunch of Sydney's top restaurants have taken the guesswork out of the day by offering extra-special tasting menus – so all you have to do is show up and avoid talking about politics while they take care of the rest. 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.  Keen to read on? Here's what's trending: The best secret coastal walks in Sydney The best cocktail bars in Sydney This surprising NSW spot is officially Australia's best town

The Emerald City is peppered with a whole host of stellar hotels that each individually carry their own little sparkly slice of je ne sais quoi. Whether you’re in town for one night, want a longer stay, are flitting through for business, or are travelling to Sydney for the very first time and want to make sure you’re in the best possible spot to properly explore the city, we have you covered. Having earned our stripes reviewing hotels across the country, our team of writers (including Lifestyle Writer Winnie Stubbs and our Travel and News Editor Melissa Woodley) have shared their top picks – along with top tips on how to make the most of your stay. From five-star luxury to boutique boltholes, this list is our edit of the best hotels in Sydney (in no particular order). Warning: it'll be hard for you to choose just one to stay at! Sorry, not sorry. Rather stay under canvas? Find the best glamping sites in NSW or the best camping near Sydney. This article includes affiliate links. These links have no influence on our editorial content. For more information, click here.

There are bars that are good for serious wine swilling, bars that are good for getting all hot and sweaty on the d-floor, and some bars that make you just want to hang out with your mates for hours, play games and have a few drinks. Try out various libations with different amusements (Connect Four with beers? Chess with Martinis?), and you might just find your winning combinations.  For more drinking fun, make a race out of finding Melbourne's best hidden bars, or visit our favourite karaoke bars. 

One great part about going on holiday is the temporary privilege of pretending that your accommodation is actually your home, and that your fun-filled vacay is your everyday life; that's never more true than when you stay somewhere truly luxe. Amazing pools, fancy furniture and giant rooms become yours, letting you live out your lady-of-the-manor fantasies, at least for a few days.  We've sought out the most luxe Airbnbs in Victoria, where you can relax in ultimate comfort and style. A bit out of your price range? Here are some of our favourite quirky Airbnbs instead (we promise, they're affordable!).  Who makes the cut? While we might not stay in every Airbnb featured, we've based our list on top reviews, hosts, and amenities to find you the best stays. This article includes affiliate links. These links have no influence on our editorial content. For more information, see our affiliate guidelines.

From specialty Sichuan spots to hot Cantonese kitchens, Sydney has some seriously great Chinese restaurants. Time Out Sydney's critics, including Food & Drink Editor Avril Treasure, have eaten their way around town to bring you this curated and up-to-date list. So whether you want to go all out and explore regional cuisines, sit down for yum cha, grab some takeaway barbecue duck or hand-thrown noodles, you'll find your spot here. These are the best Chinese restaurants Sydney has to offer – we're hungry just thinking about them.  Recommended: Here are the tastiest cheap eats in Sydney right now Check out the best Italian joints in Sydneytown

Time Out's Future Shapers is about putting a spotlight on Sydney's best and brightest trailblazers, innovators and community builders across a whole range of fields: the arts, hospitality, community, politics, sustainability and more. Check out these 14 remarkable people who are helping shape a bright future for Sydney... Stay in the loop: sign up for our free Time Out Sydney newsletter for more inspiration, straight to your inbox.

Contrary to contemporary yarns, there are still pubs and bars that host live music in Sydney. Many of them have successfully lashed back at the encroaching frontline of pokie machines.  We're all for it. So Time Out Sydney's writers – including pub-frother and Editor Alice Ellis, and resident booze-lover and Editor Avril Treasure, have rounded up a list of our fave bars and pubs that host live bands. Hate the ding-ding of pokie machines? Here's a list of Sydney pubs without pokies. More into dancing to a DJ? Check our guide to the best clubs in Sydney.

1. Step into the light at Vivid Sydney. The annual event will be lighting up Sydney from May 26 until June 15 – with luminous highlights including Lightscape (the epic immersive event in the Botanic Gardens) and Dark Spectrum (transforming the tunnels under Wynyard)  2. Go for a dip without the crowds. Prince Alfred Park Pool’s 50-metre, nine-lane pool is heated and open all year round. 3. Winter is the only time of year when you can walk under the romantic Japanese cherry blossom trees at full bloom. Auburn Botanic Gardens' Cherry Blossom Festival celebrates the season with an epic festival (you'll have to wait until August – and exact dates for this year are yet to be released). Photograph: Cumberland Council 4. We certainly don’t get the snow fall of our European cousins, but New South Wales has some beautiful alpine resorts that makes going to the snow a lot cheaper. Head to Perisher, Thredbo or Charlotte Pass to hit the powder. Check their websites for sweet deals on ski and snowboarding during winter. 5. Warm up by an open fire at one of the city’s historic pubs, like the British-accented Lord Dudley in Woollahra. Here are the best pubs with fireplaces in Sydney. 6. With shorter days and longer nights, it’s the best time of year to spook yourself silly with one of Q Station’s Ghostly Encounters. This one is scary enough that it's only available for people aged 15 and over, and people under age 18 must be accompanied by a responsible adult. 7. Warm your hands and belly

Everyone loves Sydney's Royal Botanic Garden, which sits by our sparkling Sydney Harbour in the centre of the city – but did you know Australia’s biggest botanic garden (also in Sydney) is just under an hour’s drive from the CBD? The Australian Botanic Garden, Mount Annan is just 60 kilometres from the middle of Sydney city. It’s part of Camden Council and Campbelltown City Council. This huge botanic gardens takes up a huge 416 hectares, which makes it bigger than Central Park in NYC. Who knew?!  The Australian Botanic Garden, Mount Annan is one of the most important conservation sites in NSW, and it’s free to visit.  You can see native flora and fauna from across Australia, as well as lawns, lakes and landscaped gardens. Want to know more about the Australian Botanic Garden, Mount Annan, how to get there, and what activities you can do when you're there? Get all your FAQs answered over here. 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. 🌿 Want more public gardens you can visit in and around Sydney? Click here for our guide to the best. 🤐 Here are 7 beautiful hidden places in Sydney that you probably don't know exist. 🍷 Prefer indoor activities? These are our favourite hidden bars in Sydney.

Sydney's cheapest cinema is the Dumaresq Street Cinema in Campbelltown. All tickets for all sessions are just $8.50 – less than a third of the price of some Sydney city cinemas. Start saving for that house deposit now.

Working in a secret lab, scientists at Victoria's main four zoos have discovered a way to clone dinosaur DNA, found inside mosquitoes trapped in amber. They've filled in the missing sequences using frog DNA to create moving, roaring dinosaurs, which you can see until July throughout the zoos. What could possibly go wrong? OK, we might have got a little bit over-excited about the prospect of dinosaurs at the zoo. These dinosaurs are large-scale models of these ancient beasts, but they will be roaming around at Healesville, Werribee, Kyabram and Melbourne zoos once again. If you're lucky, you might see a keeper waking a sleeping dinosaur, or come face to face with a moving prehistoric creature. At Melbourne Zoo, keen explorers can explore the Dino Trail and embark on an adventure into The Lost Wild tunnels and unearth hidden fossils, while enjoying dino-themed treats or tackling a scavenger hunt. Or at Werribee Zoo, become a palaentologist and go on a dino dig to excavate fossils or navigate volcanoes and lava streams. There will be daily activities and plenty of dino facts to learn, with each of the four zoos offering slightly different experiences and activities.  All four dino experiences are running from now until July 14 and the cost is included in zoo admission. Opening hours vary slightly for each zoo. For more information, visit the Zoos Victoria website. So go on and make a visit, before they go extinct again.  Looking for more things to do? Here's a guide to what's o

Park your butt on an outdoor seat at the completely alfresco Whalebridge at sunset and, as you look over towards the Harbour Bridge and Luna Park beyond it, it’s impossible not to understand why Sydney’s harbour is considered one of the most beautiful in the world. Watch the ferries pull into Circular Quay's wharves, the sparkle of the last rays of sun reflecting off the water, the sky change colour, as people behind you wander over to the Opera House for an evening show. It’s a very Sydney experience.  What’s also very Sydney is ordering up a plate of Sydney rock oysters. We pair them with a glass of prosecco and Whalebridge's Piquant Margarita, made with white tequila, agave, lime, and some Ancho Reyes Verde liqueur that brings a touch of chilli. Then we have a think about what else to order once we can flag down the waitstaff, who were very responsive to start with but become a little harder to get the attention of once the place gets busier.  We’d love to spend hours exploring the French menu (classics like French onion soup with gruyère croutons; twice-baked soufflé with 18-month comté cheese; mussels with a cream, white wine and garlic sauce; the lobster with mustard and gruyere; and, of course, the steak frites). But, like many others, we’re here for a light dinner before an Opera House show, so we decide to stick with sharing a starter and a couple of light meals.  A lobster roll to start. The chunky portion of lobster meat is lightly battered and served with a mild c

If you want to be smack-bang in the middle of the city, The Hilton Sydney is where it’s at. It’s located on George Street, diagonally across from Town Hall Station, opposite the historic Queen Victoria Building (QVB), with easy access to the light rail down to Circular Quay and The Rocks or up the other way to Chinatown. And the other side of the hotel backs onto Sydney’s shopping heart, Pitt Street. Of course it’s gone through classy refurbishments since it was first built in 1974, but refurbs have kept the rooms’ original structures, so you won’t find big, glass walls overlooking the city like you often do in modern hotels – instead, you’ll feel like you’re up in your own private abode, with smaller windows that look out across Sydney. From right up high on the 39th floor where we stay, we look down at all of the tops of the surrounding buildings, including the green copper domes of the QVB.  Rooms have all the comfy trimmings and mod-cons you'd expect from a luxury stay, including Nespresso machines, 24-hour room service and access to mini-bar refreshments by phone (less tempting than the drinks and snacks that are right there in your room). They also have very comfy big beds: their signature Hilton Serenity Beds. But there’s so much action around you that you might not end up spending much time in your room. As well as being in the centre of the city, the hotel’s multiple venues are well worth checking out. We started with sunset drinks at Zeta Bar, which has a classy ind

The Marble Bar, a speakeasy-style bar underground the Hilton Sydney hotel, turned 130 in 2023. It’s hard to believe Sydney has any bars that are this old, right? Pubs, sure? But bars! This one was actually originally built as part of the Tattersall’s Hotel, and all the way back then it cost an astronomical 32,000 pounds to create. The Victorian-style bar was then dismantled when the hotel was demolished, and carefully reassembled in 1973 in the new Hilton. The lavish fit-out makes the place feel like a time capsule. It is, indeed, clad in marble, with elaborate pillars and archways throughout. The ceilings are designed with ornate plaster detail, coated in gold. The bars are made from polished mahogany. And a collection of French realist-style paintings by Julian Ashton, commissioned in the late 1800s for a record-breaking sum, line the walls in gilded frames. The space is divine, and we say you can’t really call yourself a true Sydneysider until you’ve at least stopped by for a cocktail.  You’re best off swinging by at Marble Hour – every Sunday to Wednesday from 4-6pm. That’s when you’ll get $20 signature cocktails and $12 house wines and spirits. The cocktails are inspired by aspects of the bar’s 130-year history – for instance, the Four Sons (Wild Turkey bourbon, cognac, Diplomatico Reserva Exclusiva rum and Manuka honey) is a nod to the bar’s founder, George Adams, who was the youngest of four sons. While the Doris Martini (riesling, Hendricks gin, St. Germain and rosé)

It was far from unusual to hear about restaurants shutting up shop during the lockdowns. But there was one pandemic-related closure that did send shockwaves through Sydney, and that was the loss of Sydney institution Golden Century.  The word ‘institution’ is used too liberally, but Golden Century was deserving of the label. The Cantonese-style seafood restaurant, which opened in 1989, was the most famous Chinese restaurant in a city that loves its Chinese. It was a hit with all walks of all life: everyone from high rollers to Labor party pollies, uni students, late-night revellers seeking midnight bites, and even some big names from around the world (spotted: President George H.W. Bush, Lady Gaga, Rihanna and Rod Stewart). People came from all over to try their signature dish: pippies in XO Sauce. So, when Golden Century went into administration in August 2021, it was hard to imagine a Sydney without it. For that reason, it wasn’t a big surprise when it was announced, a couple of years later, that a very similar offering would open in the space. And when it comes to filling that gap, Royal Palace Seafood Restaurant ticks the boxes. You’ve got the same lively bustle, the bright neon lighting, white tablecloths and, of course, the fish tanks in the windows – from where waitstaff pluck your order of lobster, coral trout or parrot fish straight from the water.  We’re seated near the tanks, and it’s actually a fairly dramatic spectacle to watch big fish flapping about in plastic

After the weighty success of the first ever Vintage Kilo Sales in 2023, this popular clothing market (that offers up great finds at the bargain price of $50 per kilo) is returning to Marrickville this month... But wait, there's more! Thanks to the clear appetite for this first-of-its-kind-in-Australia way to shop, the French Fripe Group (who specialise in the wholesale of vintage and second-hand clothing imported from overseas) have announced that they're taking the event on tour across Australia.  What we know so far is that, after it's run in Marrickville on April 13, it will head down the coast to Wollongong, for a run on April 27-28, at the University of Wollongong campus. Vintage Kilo Sales are popular in Europe, and now New South Welshman have the opportunity to discover treasures while participating in sustainable buying practices. While a kilo of clothes can be purchased at $50, shoppers can also purchase additional hand-picked vintage items from a special section. Note that while it's a free-entry event, they recommend purchasing a $2.75 ticket by booking here to secure entry and dodge the wait time. Last time they ran the event in Marrickville, there were 6,000 treasures to sift through. If you’re inclined to “go away and have a think about it” before rushing back to see if your coveted item is still on the rack, be wary. Our advice? If you love it, buy it.  Doors will open at 8.00am at 29 Smith Street, Marrickville. You can stay up-to-date with all fresh happenings

The Emporium Hotel, overlooking the Brisbane River from South Bank, is extra. This family-run hotel goes extra on the décor, extra on the thoughtful touches, extra on the mod-cons and extra on the customer service. There’s nothing minimalist about the place.  If you don’t notice it the moment you enter the foyer, decorated with big, bold prints and colour, you’ll notice it in the selfie-riffic lifts – the lift walls are digital screens that pop with moving pictures, transitioning from bright purple tropical ferns and flowers to a beachside scene, a serpent, a map of Brisbane city, through to pops of orange colour. Enter your room and the curtains will automatically draw – the room I stay in is on the river side of the building, so they open to display a vista of the Brisbane River, the Streets (fake) Beach below, and the CBD across the water. Better yet, this is the first Australian hotel to be EarthCheck design certified. But my favourite thing about the hotel is the clever use of tech to enhance your experience – the curtains that open when you return to the room also auto-close when you leave. There’s a huge, gold-framed mirror on the wall opposite my king bed that takes me ages to discover is actually a TV screen. There are clearly marked buttons that allow you to perfectly customise the lighting throughout the bedroom and bathroom. And the glass wall next to the big, deep spa bath can turn from clear to completely frosted with the touch of a button. Rather than being con

If you have a taste for fine Scotch, elegant Japanese whiskies and American drams, Grain Bar – at the base of the Four Seasons hotel – is a Sydney go-to. And thanks to a recent refresh, the bar is offering what is arguably the city’s most storied, theatrical cocktail experience; with a cocktail menu inspired by the varied cultural backgrounds of the bar team, presented with spectacular showmanship. Looking for a spot for a 100 year-old dram, an expertly crafted cocktail suspended beneath a popcorn cloud and some mid-week swing dancing? You know where to head. As well as being located right in the heart of Circular Quay (perfectly located for a pre or post-Opera House tipple) , this timber-clad bar is a beautiful space to spend an evening. Warm, low lighting helps to counter the coolness of the huge glass windows that look out onto George Street; and the team keeps the decorative fire burning brightly to cosy up blustery evenings by the harbour.  Contemplating the drinks menu will take a while; they don’t just have one of the largest selections of whisky in Australia – they also have an extensive cocktail menu, with a series of signature cocktails designed by the expert team of mixologists, drawing on each of their respective cultural backgrounds. In fact, the drinks here are taken so seriously that they decided to appoint award-winning Beverage Manager Sarath Nair, who relocated to Sydney from his native India for the role.  Over there, Nair managed to nab accolades including

Typically, the beachside town of Wollongong has been characterised by breezy sea-front cafés and kiosks serving up fish and chips and burgers. That said, Wollongong’s food and drinks scene has gradually evolved over the past few years, moving far beyond “typical”. You can still order a cracking takeaway meal overlooking the ocean, but now you can also find critically acclaimed restaurants that are up there with the best eateries in Sydney. I discover that’s definitely the case with Santino, an Italian trattoria in one of the central Wollongong laneways that’s now alive with bars and shops. Santino is by the same mob as Kneading Ruby, one of the most buzzing bars and pizza joints in this coastal town, so I arrive with high expectations. As soon as we enter the chic, low-lit space, it’s easy to forget we’re in the ’Gong. In fact, it’s hard to imagine you’re not in Rome. It’s classy, moody, very unbeachy.  We’re seated at a table looking across at the glowing, bar-framed kitchen and bar, which are the only significant sources of light in the place. Otherwise, it’s all ambient, Art Deco lamps and candles. The floor features big terracotta and cream chequered tiles. There’s a line-up of wine bottles behind the black leather banquette seating. And the walls are packed with black-framed prints that all nod to Italy (photos of Sophia Loren, retro advertisements for tins of Italian pasta sauce, and stylised drawings of Italian towns). There’s cool jazz playing; all setting the mood fo

Whether you've got Gaelic heritage or are just in it for a good time, St Patrick's Day is a perfect excuse to celebrate – and this year the Rocks is once again set to be the epicentre of the Irish-inspired merrimaking in honour of the March 17 holiday. On Sunday, March 17, 2024, Irish pride will take over the historic precinct in the form of free family-friendly activities, markets, toe-tapping live music and world-class Irish dance performances.  Kicking off at 11am, the annual St Patrick’s Day Festival Parade will begin at Pitt/ Hunter St, then make its way down George St to the festival site at First Fleet Park. The festival itself will kick off at 12 noon – you'll get the chance to participate in Irish language lessons, watch live music and performances from Irish dancers and stilt walkers. The kids will be entertained by face painting, characters from Frozen and interactive craft stalls. Food stalls will be serving up Irish fare, and, of course, the pubs and restaurants that have been serving visitors to the Rocks for years will be pouring out pint upon pint of Guinness.Put on your favourite green accessory, and visit the Rocks for a high-spirited St Patrick's Day celebration. Looking for somewhere to sink a pint? Check out the best beer gardens in Sydney.Want more activities? Here's what's on in Sydney this weekend

Us Sydneysiders love our city's Royal Botanic Garden, situated right by our dreamy Sydney Harbour and nearby our iconic Opera House. But did you know Australia’s biggest botanic garden – also in Sydney – is just under an hour’s drive from the CBD? The Australian Botanic Garden, Mount Annan is located just 60 kilometres south-west of the middle of the city (which means you can drive there in under an hour). And you should, because with a whopping 416 hectares of space (that’s bigger than Central Park in New York City), there’s plenty to explore.  The Australian Botanic Garden, Mount Annan is one of the most important conservation sites in NSW, and it’s free to visit. So if you haven’t been yet, where the bloody hell are you? Where is the Australian Botanic Garden Mount Annan? Mount Annan is in the Macarthur region – it’s part of Camden Council and Campbelltown City Council. It’s on Dharawal Country. Photograph: Destination NSW; Australian Botanic Garden, Mount Annan What can I see at the Australian Botanic Garden Mount Annan? These gardens are home to native flora from across Australia. The huge space is made up of lawns, landscaped gardens, lakes, and there are even plenty of native animals to spot.  There’s a lot to see, but some of our favourite sections include: the Connections Garden, which is mind-blowingly beautiful, especially in spring, when the gardens host an annual wildflower display.  There are barbecue and picnic areas, including in the beautiful Bottlebrush Ga

Ever lost something at an airport? Sydney Airport’s annual Lost Property Auction proves you’re definitely not alone. This year, more than 2,500 unclaimed items found at Sydney Airport in the past year – from luxury jewellery and laptops to a jaffle maker and even a leaf blower – will be auctioned off for charity, with bids starting at just $10.  Bag a bargain and do your bit to raise money for a good cause – all money raised will go to the Harding Miller Education Foundation, which grants four-year scholarships to high-school girls experiencing disadvantage who demonstrate high academic potential. The auction has begun, and it runs until Sunday, May 12 (that's Mother's Day, in case you want to try to find something nice for Mum). So what sort of loot is up for grabs this year? The 2024 Sydney Airport Lost Property Auction includes: 320+ jewellery items  300+ headphones & earbuds200+ watches200+ sunglasses  150+ laptops  120+ bottles of alcohol100+ phones and tablets  an electric scootera framed and autographed photo of Lionel Messia massage tablea wedding dressa jaffle makera leaf blowera Star Wars Storm Trooper voice activated helmet, a Darth Vader helmet and a collection of lightsabers+ loads more Basically, something for everyone! Photograph: Supplied | Sydney Airport Lost Property Auction | Hayden Buchanan Not only could you bag something at a fraction of the cost price, but you could help a young woman in need.  “It’s great to see these unclaimed items find new homes w

The hugely popular Ramadan Nights market that brings thousands of people from across Sydney to Haldon Street and Railway Parade in Lakemba for Ramadan feasting is now over, but that doesn't mean the buzz on Haldon Street has stopped. The multicultural Sydney spot is the third Sydney precinct to have Purple Flag status, meaning it's been officially recognised as being a welcoming, safe, diverse, vibrant and accessible place to enjoy time after dark.  As part of the NSW Government and 24-Hour Commmission's many reforms to continue to put the life back in Sydney's nights, they launched the Purple Flag initiative, an internationally recognised accreditation program that awards certain areas as great places for everyone to enjoy nightlife. The CBD laneway precinct known as YCK (York, Clarance and Kent Streets) was the first area to achieve purple flag status, followed by Parramatta and then Lakemba. Lakemba of course has the Ramadan Nights market once a year, but Haldon Street is lined with many popular restaurants, sweets shops, sparkling lights, as well as buzzing little grocers that stay open until late. It's also easily accessible by public transport, thanks to its train station. Photograph: Supplied | Department of Enterprise, Investment and Trade Media and Corporate Affairs The Purple Flag recognition has been welcomed by local businesses keen to welcome revellers from all over the city (and beyond). Lakemba business owner Rasha Almaanawe from King of Sweets says their doo

The majority of us are feeling the pinch right now, so we put it to you, our audience, to share with us how you save money living in an expensive city like Sydney. We asked you over on our Instagram, and here are your answers... SHOPPING “If I’m going to shop at Woolies, I do a little shop there in the morning so I can get the free coffee when you spend over $30.” “I buy groceries in bulk. Whether that’s buying the bigger packets of things and paying less per unit at the normal supermarkets, or going to Costco. You can save a lot of money this way.” “Instead of buying furniture, we use Street Bounty. There are Street Bounty groups on Facebook – we're on the Inner West group, but there are SB Facebook Groups for areas across Sydney, where people post things they want to get rid of. We got a beautiful outdoor table and a bike for free.” “I don’t go to the supermarket in a rush – instead, I go when I have plenty of time, so I can hunt for reduced items. You can find some steals if you spend the time looking.” “I shop at Aldi, not Woolworths or Coles.”  “I look for the ‘Quick Sale’ Woolworths yellow stickers on things like barbecue chickens. If the chicken was cooked several hours before, they’ll mark it down to as little as $2.50 for a whole chicken, which lasts me for a few days’ meals.” “I take some time to compare prices of our regular purchases (e.g. SodaStream cylinders) instead of just buying them wherever I happen to see them.” “I use the ShopBack app. It’s actually a no-

Seeing smash-hit musical & Juliet at Sydney's Lyric Theatre is a joyous night out, and you can amp up the joy factor even further by tacking on a pre-show dinner with all the trimmings. The Porter House Hotel Sydney - MGallery is serving up a special specially-designed pre-theatre dinner menu at their gorgeous Dixson & Sons restaurant for those going to see & Juliet.  The Porter House’s building, which was crafted in 1876, started as a tobacco factory and then a furniture and leather factory. The restaurant, as well as parts of the hotel, have been well preserved, with original beams, brass fixtures and glass displays of archaeological treasures all speaking to the building’s rich history.  Start your night on a high with the & Juliet cocktail, which combines mint gin with hibiscus tea, rose syrup and edible flowers. Then you have the choice of two courses for $75 per head or three courses for $85.  Created by Executive Chef Steven Hartert, the pre-theatre menu features choices of entrées, mains and desserts. For entrée, you have a choice between dishes heroing burrata, beef tartare or crudo yellowfin tuna. For mains, pick between the snapper fillet with pea salad, almond cream and coastal herbs; the Cowra lamb rump with asparagus, bearnaise and sorrel; or Little Joe Angus beef skirt with broccoli and squid ink.  We’d recommend not skipping dessert – there’s a passionfruit bavarois and mango sorbet with coconut meringue; a peanut chocolate delice with chocolate mousse, salted

1. “This is bullshit.”2. “Maybe there won't be a line at The Caterpillar Club tonight."3. “Well, I guess I should cancel all my plans."4. “I wonder if it’s raining in Melbourne?” 5. “This is bullshit.” 6. “What's that warning? 'Don't drive through flood water'. Would this be considered flood water?"7. “Goodbye inside-out umbrella. You've served me faithfully these past 28 minutes."8. “Can I still wear these slides?”9. “Looks like I’m never going to be able to wear these slides again.”10. “Can I afford to just catch Ubers everywhere?”11. “Uh-oh, Ubers will be surging."12. “How am I going to pay for this flood damage?”13. “Ugh, rain means mould."14. “Who will bring me lunch?"15. “Maybe I should volunteer for the State Emergency Service.” 16. “This is bullshit.” Need to escape indoors? Here are the best things to do when it's raining in Sydney.

The Sydney Easter Show can be one of the most glorious days of your year: get your hit of oxytocin by patting cute baby animals, adrenaline on the rides and dopamine when you think you’ve nabbed the best-value showbag you can get your hands on. And it’s the only place you can shamelessly order up a chip on a stick as a starter, cheese on a stick for entrée, award-winning pie for main, hot cinnamon donut for dessert and home-made lemonade to wash it all down. On the flipside, the Easter Show can involve waiting in lines, spending big bucks on staying hydrated and dealing with dehydrated kids losing it while waiting in said lines. Luckily for you, Time Out Sydney Editor Alice Ellis hit up the 2024 Easter Show with her family to suss it all out and bring you a few insider hacks, to help make your day more dreamy than nightmare. Below are her top tips: Photograph: Alice Ellis for Time Out Sydney | Sydney Royal Easter Show agriculture displays 1. Download the Fun Pass app Seriously, we’re not about helping the Easter Show nab your data (we think they’ve already got that). We’re here to help you stay out of those lines for buying ride credits. Once upon a time, there was no way to avoid waiting for 37 minutes in a line to get your hands on a card that gave you access to a few rides. With the Fun Pass app, you can upload any amount of dollars onto the app and then you’re ready to tap your phone at each ride. The Fun Pass honestly amps up the fun factor by decreasing the wait facto

A little street in Sydney’s Surry Hills, Foster Street, has just been named one of the 30 Coolest Streets in the World 2024 by Time Out. It managed to place 23rd in the whole world, beating cool streets in places including Seoul, Miami and Montreal. Along with neighbouring Campbell Street, it’s part of the inner city precinct known as the Hollywood Quarter. Speaking of Hollywood – the area recently attracted the world’s biggest star, Taylor Swift. The singer dined at our favourite Italian restaurant, Pellegrino 2000, where you can order delicious silky pasta that she would have learnt is worth risking the paparazzi for.  Despite the dazzling name, the quarter brings low-key cool vibes, and is bordered on the eastern side by Surry Hills and Darlinghurst, and on the western side by Central and Thaitown. For a little street, Foster Street certainly packs big punch – along with Pellegrino 2000, it’s also home to some of our other favourite venues. And what’s even cooler is that the area’s venues work as a team to coordinate initiatives such as sustainable waste disposal. Here’s a mini tour of the place: EAT At long-time Surry Hills fave, Nomad, which serves up food from the heart in a industrial-chic-cum-Nordic fit-out. Or, for a cheap weekday lunch, join the queue at Malibu (for a sandwich as big as your head). Just around the corner you’ll find some other popular spots, including fried-chook-and-Champagne diner Butter, and the ultra-cool Paramount Building, which is home to Par

Time Out Sydney has a diverse audience – but two gripes often unite everyone. Based on comments from our readers, the common issues a big portion of us face living in this part of the world are: unaffordable housing and a lack of thriving nightlife after the sad hour of about 9pm. Hear hear? A recent Productivity Commission report found Sydney is at risk of becoming a city without grandchildren, with working-aged people moving away to places with more affordable housing. The study found that between 2016 and 2021, Sydney lost twice as many people aged 30 to 40 as it gained: with 35,000 settling here and 70,000 leaving. That’s thousands of people who’d be starting and raising families in Sydney, filling jobs, starting businesses, employing people, contributing to communities and paying taxes. Homelessness NSW has also reported big spikes in the number of people sleeping rough, all across Sydney. And while we at Time Out know Sydney's nightlife is moving in the right direction (thanks to new 4am licenses being granted and a number of game-changing reforms), this town's hospitality industry has a long way to climb before it can fully recover from the effects of noise complaints, the pandemic and those dreaded lockout laws. (And then there's the little issue of people need affordable housing if they want enough money to spend on going out at night!) So… where to from here? Time Out Sydney Editor Alice Ellis sat down with the NSW Premier, Chris Minns, to ask what’s being done to

Virgin magnate Sir Richard Branson has never been a fan of cruising. For him (like a lot of us), it conjured images of dodgy buffet dinners, pools overrun with other people's kids and tired entertainment – basically a floating RSL. So he decided to transform cruising, offer something new and edgy – his Virgin Voyages adults-only cruises.  Since launching in 2021, the company has bagged a bevvy of awards and smashed industry records. Four years on, and his ship Resilient Lady (Cruise Critic’s best new cruise ship of the year for 2023) has sailed Down Under for the first time. Cruises are now departing from Sydney and Melbourne, taking passengers to Tasmania and New Zealand, as well as up and down Australia's east cost.  What’s really so different about Virgin Voyages? We hopped aboard Resilient Lady, and also spoke to Mr Branson himself.  “We got this big sheet of white paper and a whole lot of people who’ve been on cruise ships, he said. "They listed all the things they’ve hated about cruising – there was a lot. And then we created a column and listed all the things that could put that right.” Here’s what they did: They created a non-naff ship and program of activities. “It’s similar to the best private superyacht anywhere in the world, but it’s affordable,” says Branson. “So anyone can feel like they’re on their own private superyacht – or a boutique hotel on the ocean.” As mentioned, it’s adults-only. No Disney vibes here. Everything is tailored to adults, and the pools ar

Get out your blue scarfs – the NRL has announced that tickets for Australia’s biggest sporting rivalry, the Ampol State of Origin (both the men’s and women’s games) are now on sale. Origin is set for its biggest ever year, with the first ever three-game (instead of two-game) women’s Origin series running alongside the men’s. (Exciting news for this women's sports fan – in fact, I was there at the first-ever Women's State of Origin game, a single match rather than a series, at North Sydney Oval back in 2018.) Plus, Newcastle will get its first ever Origin game – game two of the women’s is going down at McDonald Jones Stadium on Thursday, June 6. It’s also an exciting new chapter for the men’s team – make sure to get in on the action for game one on Wednesday, June 5 at Sydney’s Accor Stadium, which will be the first game with new Blues coach Michael Maguire in charge. Can he lead NSW to victory over Queensland? If you’re looking for something a little lower key (and affordable) to get around, head to the men’s and women’s Under-19s State of Origin matches, which will both return to Leichhardt Oval on Thursday, June 20. Being a smaller, more intimate ground, it’s always a bit of fun over there in Leichhardt! What are the dates for State of Origin 2024 games? The women’s State of Origin series is played on Thursday nights – on May 16, and June 6 and 27.  The men’s State of Origin series is on Wednesday nights – on June 5 and 26, and July 17.  Where are the State of Origin games

By now you’ve probably heard the news that more than 20 sites around Sydney, including parks and Liverpool West Public School, have been found to be contaminated with asbestos. So far, the hazardous fibre has been detected in garden mulch across a total of 22 sites (and likely counting), leading to the closure of building sites and transport areas, as well as the parks and schools. The problem has also led to the cancellation of Mardi Gras Fair Day, which was scheduled for this weekend (Feb 18) at Victoria Park. What is asbestos? Asbestos is tiny carcinogenic fibres that can cause mesothelioma (a type of cancer that most commonly affects the lining of your lungs). It's a disease that a lot of Australian builders were affected with back when this strong, incombustible fibre was often used in house-building materials because it was effective for fireproofing. What’s going on with asbestos in Sydney sites now? The City of Sydney is in the process of testing another 32 parks to check for contamination, a process that could take several weeks. Affected areas will be taped off and signs put up to warn people nearby. And, of course, the public is being urged to avoid the mulched garden beds and mulched areas under trees at these parks until inspections have been carried out. NSW Premier Chris Minns has commented, saying: “This is completely unacceptable.” The mulch supplier that’s under fire is Greenlife Resource Recovery Facility (GRRF), and the NSW Environmental Protection Authori