Maya Skidmore

Sydney, we stand before you empty-lunged and sweaty-browed. Time Out Editor Alice Ellis is a long-time fan of karaoke, so she's done her fair share of scouting Sydney's karaoke dens to discern for you the best spots around the city. The judging criteria that we've taken into account? The room, the sound system, the song list and that special something – we'll call it k-factor. But the fun doesn't stop there: keep the night going on Sydney's very best dance floors, trot off for a cleansing night cap at one of Sydney's best bars, and then head out to one of these epic late night eateries for a sobering snack.  Want more late-night entertainment? These Sydney bars and pubs are actually open till the wee hours.

Autumn 2024 update: Breathe in the fresh autumn air and start your morning on the right note with a cracking brekky and coffee at one of Sydney’s best cafés below. How many have you checked out? Sydneysiders are café people. We're constantly on the hunt for the city's best coffee, we won't bat an eyelid over shelling out $30+ a head for brunch, and we love nothing more than donning our finest sport-luxe activewear and catching up with mates on a weekend morning over eggs, fritters and crusty artisan sourdough. So, whether it's a reward for tackling one of Sydney's most beautiful walks, a quick caffeinated catch-up, an indulgent hangover fix after a night at one of the city's best bars, or a workday coffee stop, these are the best Sydney cafés, according to our in-the-know Time Out Sydney critics, including Food & Drink Editor Avril Treasure. We'll have one B&E roll, please.  Is it lunch time? Check out our guide to Sydney's best restaurants right now.

Listen up, thrifty folk – if you’re on the hunt for the best op shops in Sydney, look no further.  If you're feeling overwhelmed by the rising cost of living and growing climate anxiety, shopping secondhand is the perfect place for you to be. Affordable, fresh and always surprising, op shopping is better for your wallet, better for the Earth, and (arguably) better for your style.  That said, it's tough to decipher which op shops in Sydney are worth the trip or best to skip. Between just Salvos and Vinnies alone, there are more than a thousand stores across the country, and with one or the other on most high streets, it’s hard to know where to start.  Whether you're coming from the north, south, east or west, we have you covered with our comprehensive guide to the best Vinnies, Red Cross and Salvos stores in Sydney city that you may (or may not) have heard of. Picked by an expert for their cheap prices and quality clothes and furniture offerings, all of these op shops are stacked with treasures that you've got to see to believe.  Whether you’re after secondhand furniture, vintage threads, or a brand-new wardrobe for beautiful prices, peruse our pick of the ten best op shops Sydney has to offer.  After all, as Peter Allen once sang, everything old is new again. 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. Stay thrifty with our guide to the best cheap eats in Sydney right now and then ke

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.

Let’s face it: while New South Wales has some spectacular ski resorts and snow fields, taking a trip to the snow isn’t the cheapest of holidays. Mostly, that’s because we have a much shorter snow season than our European cousins. However, that doesn’t mean you need to be rolling in dough to hit the slopes; many alpine destinations offer sweet deals during the winter months. We've rounded up everything from accommodation packages to majorly reduced day passes and student specials. Check out our ultimate snow-on-a-budget guide before you hit up the slopes this winter.  Want more winter getaway action? Check out our list of the best trips you can take to warm up your life this chilly season.Craving something super cosy? These are the best tiny homes and cabins in NSW.

Sure, breakfast is the most important meal of the day, but lunchtime is arguably the most exciting. You shouldn’t have to settle for soggy sandwiches and last night’s leftovers when there are fresh and fun eats existing in all pockets of the city. Whether you’re craving elevated sandwiches on oven-fresh bread, inspired savoury pastries, hearty bowls of laksa or build-your-own bentos, there’s something delicious on for lunch in Sydney every day of the week. We've rounded up our favourite places to grab a lunch on-the-go in Sydney's CBD. Whether its old, new, tucked away in the city's heart, or sitting on the fringe, we've got you covered when it comes to making the most of your lunchbreak, every day of the week.  After a liquid lunch instead? Here are the best bars in the Sydney CBD right now.

Call us biased, but we reckon Australia is one of the most astonishing and varied places to explore on Earth. A sizeable place – (you know, continent-sized), it can be hard to know where to begin when it comes to working out how to tackle the Great Southern Land – but that's where we come in. From turquoise beaches with sugar white sand, to ancient tropical rainforests, to flaming red deserts, to buzzy metropolitan cities, we've picked out the 25 most incredible places you should visit in Australia.  No matter who you are, or what you like, rest assured – there's something on this list for everyone.  RECOMMENDED: Follow the rainbow to Australia's most colourful landmarks. Stay in the loop: sign up for our free Time Out Australia newsletter for more news, travel inspo and activity ideas, straight to your inbox. 

It’s not just us – according to our collective Western consciousness, honeymoons are the very best times of our lives. Running away to a distant paradise with your freshly wedded beloved is a dream that rarely gets old – but for many couples, the big question (after the biggest question, obviously) persists – where the bloody hell should you head for your honeymoon?  In Australia, the potential for romantic escapism knows no bounds. Whether you're an outdoorsy kinda couple who lives for rugged 4WD adventures to remote beaches, a tropical island lounging pair or a set of metropolitan lovebirds who like fine dining and even better wine, there's an epic destination Down Under that's waiting for you.  We've picked the eight most incredible places to go on a honeymoon in Australia, with each option on this list varied, diverse and most of all, abundant in their possibility for romance. After this, it's all up to you.  Want more? You and your spouse can get romantic in a rustic kinda way in one of Australia's dreamiest glamping tents.

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.

When it comes to winter getaways, Australia – namely, NSW – doesn't always get the best rap. We get a lot of hype for our marvellous beaches and fairweather fun, but our backyard isn't only worth frolicking around in the summertime. Dare we say, for many NSW holiday locations, winter is the merino-wool hat that they actually wear best.  If you're ready to venture out of the Big Smoke in search of glorious winter sunshine, brisk mountain air or a crackling hearth in a country pub, this guide to some of our favourite cold-weather NSW getaways may be just the thing for you.  So, without further ado, here are our picks of the best winter getaways in NSW to book now.  Read on and be warned: they are chillingly good.  Want more of the chilly stuff? Here are nine things all Sydneysiders know are true about winter, and if you're hitting the slopes, here's everything you need to know before you go to the snow. Staying in Sydney for the cold months? These are our picks of the best pubs and bars with fireplaces in Sydney. 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. 

Attention: sartorial Sydneysiders. When it comes to shopping for clothes in this city, knowing where to start can be daunting. Malls aren’t for the faint-hearted, and browsing online is hit-or-miss, so to make life easier we’ve made you a list of the coolest shops on Sydney’s streets.  For gender, budget, and style inclusivity, these ten stores serve the best looks across diverse aesthetics, price points and suburbs around Sydney, with every shop hand-selected for its emphasis on sustainability, showcasing small designers and high quality products. You won’t find any shiny shopping malls here, but rather an emphasis on slow fashion, local makers and all-round ethical excellence, with each of these stores guaranteed to make you dress to impress.  So, whether you’re in the market for something cute to wear to a wedding, fresh work threads (we're talkin' smart and casual workplaces here) – or just simply want to elevate your wardrobe to new heights, we have you covered.  Want to keep treasure hunting? Head to one of Sydney's best markets.

There are few things on Earth more exciting than stumbling across a chaotic blooming of rainbow wildflowers somewhere unexpected. Despite a popular belief held overseas that Australia is 98 per cent arid outback (with a tiny slice of Bondi Beach thrown into the mix), our land Down Under is actually home to a veritable abundance of stunningly beautiful wildflowers that have to be seen to be believed.  One of the coolest ways (in our humble opinion) to create an Australian travel itinerary is to do it in tune with the wildflower seasons, with every state and territory having a different moment under the floral sun throughout the year.  To help you out, we've picked the eight best places to spot wildflowers in Australia this year, and tell you exactly when, and where you need to be to see them at their florid best.  RECOMMENDED: We've found an Australian natural wonder for every colour of the rainbow.

If you’re a New South Waleser born and bred, you are probably already well versed in how good our state actually is. But for those of us in Sydney who don’t always get the chance to taste, smell and get stuck into the many facets of the state we call home, Pyrmont Festival is ready to celebrate everything that makes NSW such a great place to live.  Quality wines, artisan chefs, farm-fresh produce, delicious treats and live music from all four corners of the state are the earthly delights that await you over the two-day festival that’s set to hit Pirrama Park from May 18 to May 19. Now celebrating its 12th year, highlights at Pyrmont Festival will include wine tastings from Elbourne Wines, Tulloch Wines, and McKellar Ridge Wines; a whole fleet of food stalls with eats including fresh oysters, fried chicken, Asian street-food snacks, authentic pizza, and yum cha; and live entertainment from singer Jo Fabro, the Crown Jewel Band and more. Plus, there will be face painting, art classes and big outdoor games suitable for all the people in your family – big and small. Alex Gibbs, Pyrmont Festival director said, “This year we have welcomed winemakers, brewers and distillers from across NSW. This includes producers from Orange, Mudgee, Murrumbateman and the Hunter Valley. “Anticipate a sensory explosion with more than 20 wineries, breweries and distilleries, alongside gourmet food trucks and stands offering a smorgasbord of cuisines,” he said. Head down from 11am on Saturday, May 18

Don’t start hysterically screaming all at once – but a pop-up café filled with actual, real life, legitimate puppies is coming to Sydney’s CBD for one glorious day only. We know. It’s all too much.  On Wednesday, April 24, Guide Dogs NSW is throwing an incredibly paw-fect brunch party for all those who enjoy frolicking with labrador puppies for a good cause. With attendees able to cuddle puppies, drink coffee and pose in a pooch-themed photobooth, this event of the century is all about raising awareness about the wonderful work that Guide Dogs NSW does for those living with vision impairment.  As such, on top of all the cuddly shenanigans, there will also be a number of guide dogs and therapy dogs in attendance, with their owners there on scene to speak with you about how their canine companions enrich all aspects of their lives.  Tickets to this event will set you back $20 ($5 for children under 10), with sessions running from 9am to 10am, 11am to 12pm, and 1pm to 2pm. The ‘pup-up’ café will be going down at the Guide Dogs NSW flagship office in St Leonards. You can learn more and snap up tickets 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. Dog lover? Read on These are Sydney's best dog-friendly parks.These are the best dog-friendly beaches in Sydney.Never want to drink without a doggo by your side? These are Sydney’s best dog-friendly pubs.  

North of Perth is where you'll find some of the most incredible wildflower displays in the world. At the start of winter, wildflowers begin to make their way down into the northern Wheatbelt, with rainbow wildflowers and the canola fields alike bursting into bright yellow bloom across the region. The northwestern wheatbelt is known as 'Wildflower Country', and its festoons of multicoloured flowers give reason for its name. The northeastern wheatbelt includes parts of the Golden Outback, and stretches out to the coast, and is washed by bright carpets of everlastings and wreath flowers. A great way to make sure you see as many wildflowers in WA as possible is on the three-day Wildflower Way roadtrip. Best time to see them: August to October

After the heavy winter rains in South Australia, the Flinders Ranges National Park explodes with a dazzling display of wildflowers in every colour imaginable. Whether it's along the highway from Adelaide, off unsealed roads, or around Mount Remarkable or Wilpenia Pound, wildflowers are absolutely everywhere. Expect riots of colour, getting off the beaten track, and allowing South Australia to whisk you away to an alternative, floral dimension where free-wheeling exploration is key.  Best time to see them: September to November

Okay, so this one isn't wild persay, but it is pretty special – plus, it's more accessible for anyone who isn't up to a rugged, remote hike through national parklands. Blooming at their best in the summer, Tassie's lavender fields are the sweeping, purple fabric that dreams are made of (sometimes, quite literally). Bridestow Lavender Estate is generally considered the best place to see lavender in Tasmania, and it's also the biggest privately-owned lavender farm on Earth. Although you have to pay to get in, the incredible sight and smell of these vast lilac fields are worth the dollars. Plus, you can get a scoop of lavender ice cream onsite to sweeten the ride.  Best time to see them: December to early February

The lush green meadows and high altitudes of Kosciuszko National Park are basically Australia's answer to the Austrian Alps. Read: You can definitely pretend to be an extra in The Sound of Music here. In the springtime, this usually rugged mountain region becomes washed by a delicate flood of pink, yellow and purple wildflowers. There are hundreds of different flower species that grow up in the high country, including 21 that you won't find anywhere else on Earth. You can spot the blooms at their best on the Kosciuszko Summit Walk, by cycling the Thredbo Valley Track, or drive along the Alpine Way from Canberra to Thredbo.  Best time to see them: From August to early October

What if we told you that every month or so, a women-only strip club pops up in Marrickville. Well, that’s exactly what we’re telling you. Now, listen up.  Strip Her: The Pop Up is a sensual show with a twist. Instead of going to see a strip show as a voyeur, everyone that rocks up to this event will actually become the show instead. Before you worry, there’s absolutely nothing sleazy or sordid about this, and it’s designed with utmost inclusivity at heart, meaning that regardless of your sexual orientation, you’re welcome to come through and get down in a supportive space that’s built on powering up your individual sensuality.  This is all the brainchild of Caitlin Erica, a stripper, birth doula and teacher who works to help women let go of internalised shame and step into their full "divine feminine power" in safe spaces that entirely support them. The night will flow along these exact lines, with participants invited to express their sensuality for nobody except themselves.  This show is a bit of a revolutionary concept, with the stage open to any woman willing to strip down in a free-flowing dance that’s premised on you having as much fun as possible. The event creators seem very keen on labelling this as a ‘safe space’, which we reckon is a green flag for something that obviously has the potential to be pretty scary for those who aren’t used to it.  Want to know more? We chatted to Caitlin Erica about sex, stripping, what made her start 'Strip Her' and her hottest things

The age-old catchphrase of 'location, location, location' rings particularly true at the Ikara Safari Camp in the heart of South Australia's Flinders Ranges. While perhaps not as bougie as some of the other glamping spots on this list, Ikara (which is located within the Wilpena Pound Resort), is in the perfect position for exploring the dramatic rock formations and sweeping wilderness of the Ikara-Flinders Ranges National Park. The safari-style glamping tents come with their own king-sized beds (you can get a double or two singles), ensuites, air-con and an outdoor fire pit. This one's relaxing, laidback and the ideal choice for those who want to feel intrepid – but without all the uncomfy bits.

Ningaloo Reef is one of the most spectacular places on the planet – but also one of the most remote. Sal Salis is a deeply luxurious wilderness retreat perched mere metres away from the UNESCO World Heritage-listed reef. With only 16 deluxe tents on the turquoise shore (including one hidden Honeymoon Suite) fitted out with comfy beds and ensuite bathrooms, this glamping spot is all about seclusion and sustainability. From eating curated seasonal meals and sea kayaking to secret reef spots, to swimming with giant and gentle whale sharks, Sal Salis is a wonderland that you won't want to leave in a hurry.

If you're looking for a deeply romantic and seriously secluded escape in the middle of Queensland's tropical heart, you can't look past Nightfall Camp at Scenic Rim. Just eight permanent hand-built luxury safari tents with hardwood floors are pitched next to a tumbling creek in Lamington National Park, meaning maximum serenity. Each tent comes with twin bathtubs and a private, rotating fireplace. You'll be plied with organic fresh food, pampered with hot baths in the rainforest and given the space to reconnect with romance – and yourself in a pristine slice of Australian rainforest.

Situated mere minutes from Phillip Island's Hutchinson Beach, the Sheltered Glamping Co has set up a number of beautiful bell tents and safari tents for visitors to kick back in. They’re furnished with plush bedding as well as heating and fans for the colder months. The Phillip Island Winery is close by, as is the famous Penguin Parade so you’re not too far from the island’s main attractions. This one's best for every glamper who believes that their trip into the wild should include direct beach access.

Tassie is a place that knows how to expertly wed wild terrain with smooth luxury in a way that feels very natural – and this is epitomised at the Bay of Fires Bush Retreat on the northeastern tip of Tasmania. If comfortable but luxe camping is your shtick, you'll love their cosy canvas bell tents. Fitted out with king-sized beds, each tent is elegant but simple, making it a great in-between option for those who want their camping with a little extra shine. You'll have access to warm showers in their bespoke bathroom block, get to cook in their lush kitchen, have an option of an in-house delicious breakfast, and (best of all) be located just minutes drive away from the wonders of the Bay of Fires. Think normal Aussie campground – but extremely elevated.

Stargazers of Melbourne! We bring good news. Melbourne's skies are set to fizz with an extremely bright meteor shower that goes by the name of Eta Aquariid. This celestial event has been described as “the second best meteor shower of the year for Australian sky watchers” by astronomy experts. The annual meteor shower – which is formed from debris from Halley’s comet – will light up the sky above Australia this weekend, peaking early on Monday morning. That start-of-week meeting might suffer, but this year’s show is predicted to be the best in the 21st century. The Eta Aquariid shower is a fast-moving and notoriously unpredictable show, and scientists say that according to their models, the meteors should be unusually active this year – with their high speed also making them appear brighter to the naked eye. Plus, this year’s show is set to be especially spectacular to witness based on its timing; coinciding with a new moon on May 7, the skies will be particularly dark, meaning catching sight of something sparkly will be easier than ever. If you're keen to see these celestial sights for yourself, here's what you need to know.  How can I see the Eta Aquariids meteor shower from Melbourne?  The best way to see them in Australia is to scan the northern horizon near the point of the Aquarius constellation, where the meteors are set to emerge from. You’ll know you’re looking in the right place if you're looking at a spot where there's not much else to see except Saturn, which will

January 2024 update: GOOD NEWS! The platypuses reintroduced into the Royal National Park seven months ago are well and truly thriving in their new habitat. Ten platypuses were released into the area in May, after being locally extinct for 50 years. Each of the creatures carries an acoustic tag that pings listening receivers up and down the rivers of the Park – the latest data confirms that nine of the ten animals are adapting well to their environment. The tenth platypus has gone a bit rogue, venturing beyond the team’s tracking capabilities – the team says she's done this before, and they're confident she's exploring further-away creeks she has previously visited. Visitors to the Royal National Park are now regularly reporting platypus sightings. The team will continue to track the creatures, including measuring breeding success. ***** Platypuses are one of Australia’s most ridiculously adorable residents. With their duck bills, little flippers and all-round slightly magical quality, the sighting of one of them in the wild is, these days, akin to a small miracle (which is why the recent news of their discovery in Sydney's Hills District is so incredibly remarkable). Now, however, the chance of Sydneysiders getting to see one of these cuties IRL has suddenly become (marginally) more likely. The curious sight of this iconic semi-aquatic monotreme was once a common occurrence in the rivers of the Royal National Park on the traditional lands of the Dharawal. However, following a

Sydney commuters – we've been hearing for so long about the upcoming new underground metro; it's hard to believe that it'll ever actually open. But the time is actually coming, for real. Speed testing in the tunnels under Sydney Harbour has proved the metro trains can travel twice the speed of our regular trains, accelerating from a standstill to a speed of 100 kilometres per hour within about 15 seconds.  Next year, the turn-up-and-go metro trains will get you from the massive new Victoria Cross underground station at North Sydney to Barangaroo in three minutes. Two minutes later, the tester train pulls up at another new station at Martin Place. “Extensive testing has been underway on the City and Southwest metro line since April 2023," says NSW Minister for Transport, Jo Haylen. "So far more than 2,500 hours and 12,500 kilometres of testing has been completed as we countdown to the opening of the next exciting stage of metro.”   Photograph: SuppliedSydney Metro workers at new station There are six new, accessible city stations that will open in 2024. One of the other newbies is Waterloo Metro Station, which is now 95 per cent done. From Waterloo, passengers will be able to get to Central in two minutes, Barangaroo in eight, and North Sydney in eleven.  At the moment, lifts, escalators and station signs are all being finalised at Waterloo.   RECOMMENDED: This new Sydney CBD metro station has been named in recognition of the land's traditional custodians Declaring itself

Nan Tien Temple has long been one of NSW’s most beloved and special locations, and now it’s looking like this sentiment could be about to be made official. Heritage NSW is currently considering Nan Tien Temple for heritage listing – and if it goes ahead, the iconic landmark on the Princes Highway will become the state’s second-youngest heritage listed site, behind the millennium Olympic Cauldron.  Nan Tien Temple has been a fixture of the drive down from Sydney to Wollongong since the 1990s, with its spectacular eight-storey pagoda transforming the highway into something magical and unexpected. After Wollongong City Council donated 26 hectares of land to the Fo Guang Shan Buddhist Order, charging an annual rent of just $1 for 100 years (yes, you read that right), Nan Tien was built in 1993.  Ever since it opened its doors in 1997, the temple has been a 50-hectare oasis of sacred grounds, spirituality and greenery for people, with it being a particularly important space for Buddhists to connect with their culture, one another and other visitors.  Nan Tien was originally invited by Heritage NSW to submit a nomination to be listed on the State Heritage Legislature in 2019, and is now calling for public submissions before it will get passed along to NSW Heritage Minister, Penny Sharpe for final consideration. NSW Heritage Sites get chosen if they meet two of the council’s seven points of criteria – and given how important Nan Tien Temple has been for connecting multicultural comm

In news that won't surprise many Sydneysiders, a fresh study from the folks over at Shepherds Friendly has revealed that Sydney is one of the most expensive places to retire in. What may surprise you though, is that they also found that Brisbane is a more expensive place to live out your sunset years. (And one upside: we're only on the list of assessed cities in the first place because we also live in one of the World's Happiest Countries, according to the World Happiness Report.) While Zurich in Switzerland and Reykjavik in Iceland came in first and second places on this not-so-prestigious list, Brisbane took third spot, while Sydney placed fourth, Perth came in at eighth, and Melbourne tenth. Four Australian cities in the top ten. Crikey, we may have to consider our retirement options – Greece doesn't sound too bad.  So, how did Shepherds come to this conclusion? They looked at the world’s 46 happiest cities, and then analysed the property price metrics, happiness levels, monthly cost of living, life expectancy and (importantly!) how many bus routes are available in each city, to see how much it would cost someone to spend their retirement there.  To live in the most expensive place for retirees, Zurich, you’d need £322,565 (that’s $618,171 AUD) for a retirement length of 18 years.  Photograph: Henrique Felix | Unsplash For Sydneysiders, Shepherds identified an estimated cost of living during retirement years of $380,632 Aussie dollars for a period of 18 years of leisurel

Us Aussies have a deep appreciation for the ocean and all its wonders, as many of us spend most of our summers getting sandy by the sea at our many beaches. While there's lots to love about our crystalline coasts, few things can top the majesty of a whale sighting. And there's never been a better time to experience this magic, as experts have said that there are currently record numbers of humpback whales off Australia's shores, making their annual migration down the east coast of Australia to southern waters.  After the total eastern Australian humpback population declined down to a measly 150 due to commercial whaling between the 1850s and 1960s, numbers have built back to a staggering 40,000 over the last 30 years – and they're currently all making their way down the east coast.  Whale tour operators have reported seeing record numbers of whales and calves this season, while Dr Wally Franklin from the Oceania Project has said to the ABC that the whale numbers are almost at ‘carrying capacity’, which means that “the number of whales born equals the number of whales that die of natural causes every year”.   Photograph: Supplied This amazing news is made all the more miraculous given that all whales we’re seeing in our eastern Aussie waters today are the direct descendants of the tiny group of whales who managed to survive mass killings up until the early 60s. Using careful conservation and collective action, Australians have managed to help bring back these incredible anim

If you reckon you’ve seen more whales dancing in the waters off Sydney this year (including right on top of one Northern Beaches’ windsurfer), turns out there’s a good reason. Experts have said that there are currently record numbers of humpback whales making their annual migration past Sydney to southern waters – and yes, this is very good news.  After the total eastern Australian humpback population declined down to a measly 150 due to commercial whaling between the 1850s and 1960s, numbers have built back to a staggering 40,000 over the last 30 years. RECOMMENDED: The best spots for whale watching in Sydney Whale tour operators have reported seeing record numbers of whales and calves this season, while Dr Wally Franklin from the Oceania Project has said to the ABC that the whale numbers are almost at ‘carrying capacity’, which means that “the number of whales born equals the number of whales that die of natural causes every year”.   Photograph: Unsplash This amazing news is made all the more miraculous given that all whales we’re seeing in our eastern Aussie waters today are the direct descendants of the tiny group of whales who managed to survive mass killings up until the early 60s.  Using careful conservation and collective action, Australians have managed to help bring back these incredible animals from the brink of permanent extinction, with experts saying that their population has been steadily increasing by 10 per cent, year on year.  The only way is up.   Want mo

You might have heard about the huge ocean whirlpool that's swirling just 50 kilometres off Sydney’s coastline. It's a ‘monster eddy’, a 400-kilometre-wide vortex of warm ocean water that is spinning close to Sydney's coast at 8 kilometres an hour, with deep underwater temps that are 3 degrees celsius above normal.  Yes, it does sound like a watery black hole and/or plot line from a Hollywood sea-apocalypse movie. Here's what it means for the waters along Australian's eastern coastline and those who call it home.  What is an eddy?  Scientists call a ‘spinning body of water’ an eddy. They can be small currents in rivers and creeks, but ocean eddies can be massive, stretching kilometres-wide and deep. They can even be visible from space.  In the ocean, eddies are like underwater storms. They can be cold or hot, and shape underwater life, while also creating extreme ocean weather.  Unlike cold eddies, which draw up rich nutrients for plankton from the icy depths of the ocean, warm eddies are desert-like currents that don’t house much life. They work through amassing heat, storing it, and taking it to wherever they get spun in the ocean. They can store a lot of heat for a long time, but they do eventually let it go back into the atmosphere after blending with surrounding colder currents.  Why does this monster eddy mean for Sydney and our ocean life?  Researchers at UNSW and the CSIRO have found that the current, massive water vortex off Sydney could trigger a coastal marine heatw

Attention, all you NSW dwellers who like to bush walk. A brand new, 39-kilometre hiking track is currently being built in northern NSW, in the Tweed Byron hinterland, and it looks like it’s shaping up to be something pretty spectacular.  Construction is presently underway to create a sustainable, low-impact, multi-day walk linking Mount Jerusalem National Park and Minyon Falls in the lush Northern Rivers region, with the new trail planned to wind through some of the Earth’s last remaining slices of ancient Gondwana rainforest and cross the emerald ridges of the Border Ranges escarpment. You can expect stunning vistas, breathtaking biological diversity, and a generally gorgeous time.  The walk has been named the ‘Gidjuum Gulganyi Walk’, following consultation with the Widjabul Wia-bal Native Title holders and Tweed Byron Local Aboriginal Land Council. Gidjuum Gulganyi means ‘Old People’s Track’, with the walking trail crossing the ancient traditional lands of the Bundjalung Nation.  Photograph: Unsplash/Luisa Denu Slated to open to us all in mid-2024, the walking trail is currently being built in a way that is reportedly as ‘low impact’ as possible. It is being done through upgrading existing walking trails and old logging paths, with the aim being to avoid disturbance to the bush as little as possible.  Once completed, the track will have three remote, walk-in camps with basic facilities, shelters and toilets, and will also have a number of new smaller, day walks for all th

Lego lords, rejoice. The world’s biggest ever Lego store (truly, the largest on Earth) is opening in Sydney on November 11, and this is obviously a very huge deal.  A 900 square metre landmark store will be arriving in at 400 George Street, Sydney, and we’ve been told that this brick haven is going to be pretty bloody good.  Sydney’s very own Lego paradise will be chock-a-block with immersive experiences, interactive displays and a whole lot of brand-new experiences that haven’t yet been seen anywhere else on the planet. The store will be full of large format bricks, towering fixtures and a whole lot of local Sydney and Australiana vibes, marking this Lego world as one that is distinctly Down Under. There’ll also be giant 3D models built by Ryan ‘The Brickman’ McNaught, the only Lego Certified Professional in the Southern Hemisphere – so, you know it’s going to be quality.    Supplied: Lego Sydney Sydneysiders can expect to build a tiny Lego version of themselves at Australia’s first Lego Minifigure Factory, get hands on at an enormous Pick and Build wall, and play up a storm at a huge (and free) on-site Lego wall and play area. Plus, a legion of ‘Brick Specialists’ will be on the ground every day, ready to help you discover your dream Lego set.  We've had word that this wonderland will be opening on November 11. Just in time for Chrissy shopping. RECOMMENDED:  PSA! Crazy cheap international flights are being slung over on Webjet right now (including a cheeky $647 trip to G

It’s no secret that in both Sydney and NSW, pokies are kind of a big deal. Gambling in this state has long been a hugely divisive issue, with the facts being that more than half of NSW adults gamble – with pokies alone contributing to NSW gamblers losing a hefty $7 billion every year. So it was welcome news that all pubs, clubs and venues with gambling facilities in NSW had to permanently remove all signs advertising gambling on the outside walls of their establishments.  Yep, you'll no longer see those words, motifs and signs that have long existed as unquestioned parts of Sydney and NSW’s streetscapes.  RECOMMENDED: Visit one of these epic pubs without pokies in Sydney Banned things include:  ‘VIP Room’ and ‘VIP Lounge’ ‘Golden Room’ and ‘Golden Lounge’  ‘Player’s Room’ and ‘Players Lounge’  Pictures of dragons Pictures of coins  Lightning motifs  This reform is one part of the NSW Minns Government’s gambling reforms. They will also be:  Banning political donations from gambling clubs  Capping the amount of cash you can pop into a pokie machine at a time $500, instead of the previous $5,000  Putting a cap on the amount of gaming machines allowed in circulation  Putting ‘responsible gaming officers’ into venues that have more than 20 machines onsite  Plus, a whole lot more… If venues don’t comply with the new signage rules, we’re told there will be a $11,000 fine.  So, goodbye shiny dragon videos, and occasionally feeling like a D-grade celebrity when walking under a

What's one possession we all have and all use (way too much) every day? Yep, our phones. There are a lot of those "smart" gadgets out there, and that equals a lot of environmental waste – in fact, 5.3 billion phones are discarded each year. To put that in perspective, if you lined all those little rectangles up, they’d stretch to the moon and back. Which is why it was great to hear, in an announcement at futurist festival SXSW Sydney, that Australia is leading the charge on a ‘World Phone Amnesty’. The World Phone Amnesty is an initiative led by innovative mobile company Kingfisher. When you get a new phone, you hand in your old phone via this website – we're told they'll even pay you for it (how much they pay depends on your model of phone) – and they will give it a second life. Why would you do this, instead of just taking it to an e-waste recycler? Because approximately 83 per cent of a phone’s carbon emissions come from manufacturing, shipping and first-year usage. You might not want the phone anymore but someone else who can't afford a brand-new phone might – and keeping a smartphone in use for an extra two years somewhere in the community can reduce its CO2 impact by 43 per cent.   In the market for a new phone? You can also buy a second-hand refurbished phone over here. People who use a second-hand phone singlehandedly save 82 kilograms of raw materials from being extracted from the Earth.   The World Phone Amnesty is starting this month – and, more than just a way to