Nishika Sharma

Spring has made its sunny return, which means it’s the perfect time to lock in a weekend getaway! And what better destination to hit up than Wollongong, just 90 minutes from Sydney but a world away from your daily troubles. The area offers the best possible combo of coastal charm mixed with a buzzing city setting, offering great restaurants, cafes, breweries & distilleries, and a thriving arts scene. From idyllic beach strolls & ocean pools to inviting laneway cafes, farmers' markets and plenty of al fresco dining spots, Wollongong takes its slow-living ethos seriously. And now Visit Wollongong is offering you the chance to discover the region for yourself with an exclusive two-night stay with plenty of added extras. From Monday, September 21, until Sunday, October 18, you’ll have the chance to score a weekender reset, heading off the beaten path to explore Wollongong’s best laidback offerings. Valued at more than $1400, the hefty prize pack includes a $500 voucher to spend on a stay at Surfside 22, where relaxed coastal living meets modern comfort in a Queen Room. Wollongong's dining and drinks scene is having a moment, think coastal charm, great local produce and a bar or restaurant for every mood. As part of your prize, you’ll enjoy vouchers to local haunts like The Boathouse North Wollongong, which pairs an approachable menu with panoramic views, noteworthy sips at First Light Brewing Co, and a farm-to-table cafe experience at Earthwalker & Co. We all need a reset at this

Filling every day of the school holidays with fun can get real hard, especially considering the cost of living. One of our editors’ favourite kids-go-free activities in Melbourne this holiday period is taking a Port Phillip Ferry ride. (They even offer some special on-board events during this time – but more on that later.) There’s truly nothing like taking a cruise across Port Phillip Bay on a beautiful spring day, soaking up the views and enjoying the journey. And for the entire school holiday period, kids aged between 4 and 16 can go free on regular ferry rides – as long as you book ahead. Kicking off from Saturday, September 19, parents can sort kids out early on regular Port Phillip Ferry services. The ‘kids go free’ offer is available if you pre-book seats and use the promo code ‘KidsFree0926’. The best bit: you can book for up to four free children per adult, so take the whole gang. Whether you’re keen for a day trip to fun-filled spots like Portarlington for mussels and wine or Geelong for museum-hopping or hot air balloon rides, or you simply want to make an iconic ferry ride the main event, you’ll enjoy the journey as much as you will the destination. All you need to do is pick between cosy indoor seating or the breezy outdoors, and the ferry facilities can take care of the rest – there’s an onboard café and bar, accessible wifi and incredible views.  If that’s not enough to satiate your energy-filled funseekers, you can even opt for onboard experiences to turn a la

COMPETITION RULES THIS COMPETITION IS ORGANISED BY… Time Out:(the Organiser) Print and Digital Publishing Pty Ltd  (ABN 50 125 441 812) Level 2, 223 Liverpool Street, Darlinghurst, NSW 2010 In association with:(the Prize Provider) NEON POPCORN PTY LTD  t/a STRUT & FRET (ABN 68 642 599 077) G6/1-7 Wilson Ave, Brunswick VIC 3056 WHAT’S THE PRIZE? Five winners will score 2x double passes each to Late Night Vice at The West End Electric Theatre in Brisbane on Friday September 25th for the 9:45pm session. As this prize is part of the Special Time Out Social Club, these tickets also include a backstage tour, a signature cocktail and reserved seating in the special pre-post show section. The value of the prize is approximately $2010 AUD ($402 per voucher). This prize is referred to as the Prize Package in these rules. 👉  The Prize Package is subject to the Prize Provider’s terms and conditions available at: https://strutnfret.com/privacy-policy/  👉  There are a few additional conditions from the Prize Provider which apply to this Competition and Prize Package: The prize will need to be used for the Friday session on September 25 2026 at  9.45pm.  WHEN CAN I ENTER THE COMPETITION? Start Date: AEST 12:15 am on 11 September 2026 End Date: AEST 11:45 pm on 21 September 2026 HOW DO I ENTER? Step 1: Fill out your details in the entry form found here. Step 2: That’s it! Just make sure you submit the form before the End Date.  👉 By uploading your entry, you understand t

COMPETITION RULES THIS COMPETITION IS ORGANISED BY… Time Out:(the Organiser) Print and Digital Publishing Pty Ltd  (ABN 50 125 441 812) Level 2, 223 Liverpool Street, Darlinghurst, NSW 2010 In association with:(the Prize Provider) NEON POPCORN PTY LTD  t/a STRUT & FRET (ABN 68 642 599 077) G6/1-7 Wilson Ave, Brunswick VIC 3056 WHAT’S THE PRIZE? Five winners will score 2x double passes each to Late Night Vice at The Grand Electric Theatre in Sydney on Friday September 25th for the 9:45pm session. As this prize is part of the Special Time Out Social Club, these tickets also include a backstage tour, a signature cocktail and reserved seating in the special pre-post show section. The value of the prize is approximately $2010 AUD ($402 per voucher). This prize is referred to as the Prize Package in these rules. 👉  The Prize Package is subject to the Prize Provider’s terms and conditions available at: https://strutnfret.com/privacy-policy/  👉  There are a few additional conditions from the Prize Provider which apply to this Competition and Prize Package:   The prize will need to be used for the Friday session on September 25 2026 at  9.45pm.  WHEN CAN I ENTER THE COMPETITION? Start Date: AEST 12:15 am on 11 September 2026 End Date: AEST 11:45 pm on 21 September 2026 HOW DO I ENTER? Step 1: Fill out your details in the entry form found here. Step 2: That’s it! Just make sure you submit the form before the End Date.  👉 By uploading your entry, you understand tha

Sydneysiders, spring is in the air and it's bringing beautiful music. This October and November, the Sydney Symphony Orchestra is bringing must-see experiences to the Sydney Opera House, from rising stars to the classical world’s biggest names. With vocal talent that’ll raise goosebumps and masterpieces brought to life, there’s an unmissable concert for every music enthusiast. 

Love live music, and want to shake up your nights out in the city? Melbourne Recital Centre is now home to a third live music-focused venue. Set with the city’s skyline as its backdrop, The Beacon is a sleek, neon-lit space primed for unwinding with great music and views. The Beacon has been dubbed the “rebel child” among its sibling venues, serving as a blend between an inviting third space and an intimate live performance venue. It has an approachable vibe, as well as an inviting food and drinks menu. Pushing the envelope with its line-up, you can nab tickets to everything from laidback live sessions to cabaret shows. The 60-70 seater – which can be transformed into an immersive cabaret mode based on the event – programs based on seven streams, ensuring a slice of fun for various audiences with its huge upcoming inaugural slate. For jazz lovers, their Skyline Jazz sessions will combine mellow tunes from a bunch of homegrown talent with panoramic views. You’ll see duos including Fem Belling & Monique DiMattina, Tamara Murphy & Stephen Magnusson and Michelle Nicolle & Hugh Stuckey on the bill across October and November. If you’re on the hunt for exclusive yet personal events, there are three streams that offer up just that. Burrimul Songs will put the spotlight on First Nations performers like Jess Hitchcock and Kee’ahn, who weave storytelling and language into their music. Unplugged aims to service those who love the stripped-back contemporary music scene, curating raw perf

If you’ve ever felt the push and pull between expectation versus opportunity, then you should nab tickets to the upcoming Belvoir St Theatre takeover, A Room with a View. This stage adaptation of E.M. Forster’s timeless story is heading to the Surry Hills theatre for a month-long stay from next month, and promises a refreshed take of the original work.   In a production boasting a female-led creative team and an exciting cast, expect a modernised take on Lucy’s whirlwind journey as she navigates romance, hope and challenging social norms.  From Saturday, October 3 ’til Sunday, November 1, this book-to-stage adaptation will grace the cosy upstairs space of Surry Hills haunt, with evening sessions running from Tuesday to Sunday each week. You’ll still be met with all the best elements of the original, including the familiar Edwardian era charm and light comedic streaks. But this time, it’s contemporising the narrative that grapples with femininity, societal pressure, freedom and choosing self-expression – themes that still feel pertinent.  Co-produced with Melbourne Theatre Company, this reimagining of E.M. Forster’s classic by rising playwright and Aussie homegrown talent, Grace Chapple (Never Closer), has Hannah Goodwin (Never Closer, The Wrong Gods) directing and will feature Nathalie Morris (Bump), as Lucy Honeychurch. With tickets from $58, you can delve deep into Lucy’s experiences with womanhood, and the expectations that are attached to it, as she travels from her home

Screen-free interactive gameplay is back – and it’s taking over the LEGO Store Melbourne Central for the school holidays. Through every exciting iteration, LEGO® bricks and Pokémon™ have nestled their way into the hearts of every generation. If your kids have ever dreamt of hopping into The Town Map to enter the world of LEGO bricks and Pokémon, we’ve got good news. Now, they can. For a limited time, the LEGO Store Melbourne Central flagship is using SMART Play™ technology to bring the world of Pokémon to life – and the experience is free. From Saturday, September 19, get immersed in the ultimate family-friendly fun (ideal for kids and your inner kid-ult) by simply heading in-store to the LEGO® Pokémon™ SMART Play™ Zone and joining a free demonstration held by a LEGO Brick Specialist 12pm to 5pm daily. From channeling your inner trainer to winning some sweet Pokémon GO rewards, which includes A LEGO® Pokémon sticker, plus a Pokémon GO passport stamp!* The new range will be primed and ready for trialling through the interactive set-up. It’s the perfect opportunity to give the entire range a red-hot go. Get a feel of the LEGO Pokémon SMART Play(™) sets that include SMART tags that encourage world-building without a screen, assisting kids in creating and escaping into their own adventures for a while. Then, there’s the innovative SMART Brick, which adapts to children’s playing styles with turns, twists, taps and colour-identifying games. The best part? The LEGO Store Melbourne C

Think you understand good manners? Well, everything you’ve learnt is about to be flipped on its head. In an Australian first, The Unfriend is taking to the Sydney stage from Tuesday, September 29 for a month-long run. Deemed “a killer comedy of manners”, this Sydney Theatre Company production will have you in stitches while challenging your perception of what good manners are – all with a side of murder mystery to top it off. When heading to the Roslyn Packer Theatre, strap in for big laughs and well-timed moments of discomfort, as The Unfriend heads into uncharted waters, taking on the tale of an unwanted guest – with a penchant for suspicious mushrooms – who’s adamant on overstaying their welcome. This puzzling performance is the stage debut of acclaimed writer Steven Moffat, known for his work on Doctor Who and Sherlock. Plus, Helen Thomson (who plays Lynelle in Colin From Accounts) will lead the cast, so it’s a stacked line-up of talent. If you’re ready to dig into a deliciously dark comedy inspired by a true story of the world’s worst houseguest, snap up tickets now. Catch The Unfriend’s month-long stint at the Roslyn Packer Theatre from Tuesday, September 29 to Saturday, October 31. Tickets are available here.

Ever since wildly popular taco truck Dingo Ate My Taco set up its first bricks-and-mortar space, Taquería Sin Nombre, in Chinatown, there’s been a line to get in. It’s quickly become one of Melbourne’s hottest spots for a delicious feed. We’re hosting an exclusive Time Out Social Club dinner at the buzzing Mexican restaurant, so you can skip the line of diners-to-be and embark on a one-off tasting tour. You’ll get treated to a range of Taquería Sin Nombre treats to find out exactly why the place is such a hit. For one night only, Taquería Sin Nombre will be dishing up a curated set menu starring its greatest hits. Here are all the details: When: Wednesday, October 7Seating times: 6pm or 8pmWhere: Taqueria Sin Nombre, 12-14 Celestial Ave, Chinatown, Melbourne Cost: $95ppBook hereNote: No dietary modifications Menu: - Oysters I Tasmanian oysters with green aguachile (add-on additional at $6pp)- Welcome drink: Hibiscus Mezcalita- Escabeche I Mexican Pickled Vegetables- Tuna Tostada- Camarones Zarandeados I Sinaloan Style Grilled Prawn with cultured Chili butter.- Lamb Suadero Taquitos- Al Pastor Taco- Brisket Costra Taco - Kanga Asada Taco I Kangaroo Asada- Fried Fish Taco $75pp Agave Pairing optional: Agave-based drinks curated by master Mezcalier, Paul Walcutt Secure your limited spots here Stay in the loop: sign up for our free Time Out Melbourne newsletter for more fun stuff to land in your inbox.

If you’ve had the pleasure of hitting up Queen Victoria Market, you’re familiar with the healthy dose of serotonin you get while leisurely strolling through its exciting selection of vendors year-round. But sunshine-filled days that yield the freshest produce and vibrant florals paired with the sweet smell of donuts and dumplings in the air? There truly is no time like spring at QVM.  It’s blooming season at the Queen Street mainstay, and this year’s harvest reset is nothing short of bountiful. Starting from Tuesday, September 1, you can dive headfirst into The Spring Series at Queen Victoria Market. QVM will see the return of top-notch seasonal fruit and veg like strawberries, artichokes, asparagus, Asian greens and zucchini, plus stellar seafood and coveted cuts of spring lamb.  At String Bean Alley, you can nab artisanal wares made with stunning craftsmanship. Expect to find a unique array of bespoke accessories, including custom jewellery, wooden utensils for your next charcuterie night, sturdy tote bags and bouquets of blossoming flowers to breathe new life into your space.  And to top things off, QVM is hosting a whole bunch of food fests and crafty events. The massive three-month stint, ending on Monday, November 30th, is putting community at the forefront, with the likes of the Melbourne International Dumpling Festival, an exclusive swap meet and Ripe Cheese’s luxe special – an incredibly decadent cheese toastie starring a whopping 25g of Petuna Tasmanian ocean trout

Believe it or not, Christmas is just around the corner. You can be sure that Michael Bublé is slowly defrosting in preparation to croon the festive season away – just as you know that the battered DVD of that one particular 2003 British rom-com at your mum’s house will also be back on steady rotation. For die-hard fans of Love Actually this festive hit will never get old, but if you’re after a way to make the movie feel fresh all over again, you’ll want to grab a ticket for this special live viewing experience. Love Actually in Concert is returning to Australia for four nights across Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane and Perth just in time for Old Saint Nick’s next whip around. Pack the tissues – at this MA15+ experience, a full live orchestra performs the hit soundtrack with Sarah-Grace Wiliams (Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane) and Craig Dalton (Perth) conducting as the film is projected onto a screen. Love (and Christmas) will be all around you.  Get ready to question how many lobsters were present at the birth of Jesus Christ and get mad at Alan Rickman all over again (Emma Thompson’s cry to Joni Mitchell will really slap with an orchestral back up, to be fair).  Aussie fans can get in on the holly jolly action in December. Perth locals are up first, with a session on Wednesday, December 9 at Riverside Theatre, followed by Melburnians, who'll enjoy the event on Friday, December 11 at Plenary, Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre. Brisbanites can lock in a Monday session on De