Olivia Gee

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

Sydney is no slacker when it comes to Italian food (just take a look at all these red-hot places here). And our pasta game is very strong. But when it comes to our pizza restaurants, we reckon they may be a slice above the rest. Whether you're a sucker for traditional Neapolitan pizzas cooked in a wood-fired oven and topped with beautiful produce, get around NY-style slabs so big you can fold them in three, or you're hungry for a Sicilian-style slice with a thick and fluffy crust, Time Out Sydney's local food writers, including Food & Drink Editor Avril Treasure, have pulled together the best places to get your fix – and these are the venues that are topping the class. Stay in the loop: sign up for our free Time Out Sydney newsletter for more news, food & drink inspo and activity ideas, straight to your inbox. Hungry for more? Here's our pick of the very best restaurants in Sydney right now. Love Greek food food? Us too. Check out the finest Green eateries in Sydney.

Believe it or not, another school holiday is just about to begin in NSW. And if the thought of keeping the kiddos entertained for the next two weeks sends you into a spiral, we have you covered –  with the ultimate round-up of activities and experiences happening in Sydney for kids and families this winter.  When is the winter school holidays in NSW?  The winter school holidays for 2025 run from Monday, July 7 until Friday, July 18 – this applies to both the Eastern and Western divisions of NSW. What to do in Sydney in the school holidays? There’s something here for the explorers, the budding scientists, the mini-athletes, the musical prodigies and just about everyone in between. Stay in the loop: sign up for our free Time Out Sydney newsletter for more news, food & drink inspo and activity ideas, straight to your inbox. Looking for somewhere affordable to eat out with the kids? Check out our guide to the best cheap eats in Sydney. Or visit the best kid-friendly restaurants in Sydney.

The paramount rule in any spooky situation is to not be the denier. The jock who says, “ghosts aren’t real” is always the first one to get throttled by an angry apparition. So with open minds and willing spirits, we invite you to explore Sydney’s most haunted sites. These former insane asylums, abandoned roads, converted gaols and chilly tunnels may not appear to be the stuff of nightmares in the sensical light of day, but one too many shadowy coincidences coupled with gruesome histories have inspired us to get our ghost-hunting gear together and investigate.Stay in the loop: sign up for our free Time Out Sydney newsletter for more news, travel inspo and activity ideas, straight to your inbox. RECOMMENDED: If you want some wraith-watching advice from a pro, check out these spine-tingling ghost tours operating in Sydney. If you need a moment of reprieve from the manic hunt, forget all these grisly tales while you get pampered at Sydney’s best spas. Want more spooky stuff? Check out how many of these classic Sydney landmarks used to be cemeteries.

With its stunning beaches and glorious gardens, Sydney is a city with nature therapy on tap. And while a walk in the park or a splash in the ocean can be a good fix for all manner of ills, sometimes what you really need is an all-out indulgent spa day.  Thankfully, the Harbour City is home to some of the most incredible day spas in the country – palaces of rejuvenation ranging from a super-affordable communal bathhouse to a luxe harbourside spa in one of the city’s most high-end hotels.  Our editors – including yours truly, lifestyle writer and self-care enthusiast Winnie Stubbs – have valiantly volunteered to try out Sydney’s leading spas, and have put together this list based on how revitalised we felt as we stepped back into the real world. Every few months, we hunt down a new gem to add to the list – Sydney’s wellness game is on the up, and it’s our job to shout from the rooftops about the places that will make you feel like the best version of you.Stay in the loop: sign up for our free Time Out Sydney newsletter for more news, travel inspo and activity ideas, straight to your inbox.  RECOMMENDED:  Keen to head further afield? These are the best spas in the Blue Mountains. And these are the best facials in Sydney.Planning a mum-and-daughter day? These are the best afternoon teas in Sydney.

No one’s accusing Sydney of being cheap, but that doesn’t mean there aren’t budget-friendly hotels to be found in this sparkling diamond of a city. We've rounded up the best affordable hotels in Sydney, from off-the-beaten-track four-star secrets to reliable chains that business travellers depend upon. We’ve also compiled the city’s neatest and most reliable go-to hostels for backpackers, many of which offer single and double occupancy and ensuite rooms, not just intimidating dorms. Be warned, peak season in Sydney has dizzying highs and even the most reasonably priced accommodation can spike over the New Year’s Eve period. So, shop around if you're looking for a place to lay your head over the holidays. RECOMMENDED:Can’t stretch to that? Pack your tent and check out the best camping spots near Sydney.Or book a glamping tent at this island campsite in the middle of Sydney Harbour.Otherwise, simply say YOLO to your bank balance and book one of the city's best luxury hotels. Who makes the cut? While we might not stay in every hotel featured below, we've based our list on top reviews 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.

You know what’s finally trending in 2025? Self-care. While a warm bubble bath or 15-minute face mask is a nice pick-me-up, nothing beats a full-on pamper session at the spa. And boy does Australia have some pretty phenomenal pamper palaces that’ll leave you glowing from head to toe. Whether you’re treating yourself to a five-star massage while on holiday or searching for a local bathhouse to add to your weekly routine, we think you should add these day spas to the top of your to-do list. Here are the best and most luxurious day spas in Australia right now. ⭐️ Australia's best health and wellness retreats🌳 Here are all the best things to do in Australia🖼️ Art exhibitions you need to see this year

With a streetscape often compared to a bowl of tangled spaghetti, Sydney can be a little difficult to navigate. If you want to see all the sites and don’t have wheels (or just can’t keep your road rage in check) you’ll need to make the most of Sydney’s public transport. Want to avoid a sardine-style trip? Don’t ride during peak commuter hours: 7-9am and 5-7pm are the crunch times. But despite the potential crowds, it’s definitely doable – with Sydney’s transport system recently ranking as the best in Australia, and on the up and up. Keen to have the full kit? You can buy (and top up) an Opal card at convenience stores and train stations across the city, for use on all public transport (including ferries). That being said, having an Opal card isn’t essential: contactless cards and phones are also accepted. All you have to do is leave the car keys at home, plan your journey and jump aboard. Stay in the loop: sign up for our free Time Out Sydney newsletter for more news, travel inspo and activity ideas, straight to your inbox. RECOMMENDED: Not sure where to go? Here’s what’s on in Sydney this weekend. These are the best restaurants in the city. And these are Sydney’s best parks and gardens.

Sydney: the city of blue skies, ocean swims, alfresco living and sun-soaked times in the great outdoors, right? Well, hold on a second. That may be the case for a majority of the year thanks to our sunny Aussie climate, but the Harbour City also gets its share of super-rainy (and unbearably sticky) days. Don’t want to spend all of your indoors-time hunkering down at home? We’re here to help. Take shelter in style with our guide to the most fun things to do in Sydney within four walls. Whether you're in search of a crafternoon, a cultural adventure, or a cocktail with a view, there's something for everyone on our list of fun venues and activities where you can stay warm (or cool) and dry, all year round. Stay in the loop: sign up for our free Time Out Sydney newsletter for more news, travel inspo and activity ideas, straight to your inbox.  RECOMMENDED:  On a budget? These are the best things to do in Sydney for $25 or less.And these are the best walks in the city if you're keen to get out there and explore. 

We’ve picked out our favourite Sydney florists and flower shops that always deliver when it comes to beautiful bunches of blooms, from dramatic and sculptural arrangements to pretty posies and vibrant native bouquets. Stay in the loop: sign up for our free Time Out Sydney newsletter for more news, food & drink inspo and activity ideas, straight to your inbox. When you can't hand over the bouquet in person, you can rely on the best flower delivery services in Sydney.

Sydneysiders are a lucky bunch. Jump in the car (or the train) and within just a few hours you can find yourself in some of the most beautiful spots in the state. But with so many options to choose from, it begs the question: where should you visit first? You're certainly spoilt for choice, so we've cherry-picked a selection of the best day trips from the city – featuring quaint villages, seaside hangouts and mountain escapes. Around a two-hour drive or a scenic train ride away from the CBD, you'll find yourself rambling through eucalypts and gums, gazing out over gorgeous ocean cliffs, or watching the world go by from a sleepy village café. We chose these places based on two things they all share in common: they're close enough to get you there and back within a day, and they're well worth your time. While you're on an adventure, check out the power of nature at these waterfalls and blowholes in NSW. Want to make a night of it? We've rounded up some of the best tiny houses to stay in and the best camping spots. 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.

From easy breezy coastal walks to half-day bush hikes and multi-day expeditions, Sydney is blessed with many different walking paths that’ll suit amblers of all abilities.As fans of anything that allows us a different vantage point of our city (rooftop bars included), our editors have rounded up their favourites. Take a look at our list of 13 walks in Sydney that’ll take you over dramatic sandstone cliffs, cobbled stone paths, sandy inlets and well-trodden boardwalks. Take your camera to capture city skyline views, kookaburras sitting in old gum trees, Australian water dragons basking in the sunlight and preserved and protected Aboriginal engravings dating back thousands of years. Photograph: Supplied | Destination NSW Feel like cooling off? We've ranked the best beaches in Sydney. Happy to head out of town? These are our favourite day hikes close to the city. 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.

Staying at the heritage-listed Sydney Park Hotel is like staying at your cool Nan’s house – she’s all the retro style, with a familiarly warm welcome. To check in, simply wander through the buzzing bar and make some vague hand gestures to staff and presto: you’re being led up freshly painted stairs to your little room fitted with modern furnishings and vintage flair. The pub hotel’s recent renno complements the building’s character. Sleek leather armchairs and a compact storage unit are made more comforting with plush pillows, recycled Merino-wool blankets and neon artwork. The Superior King room boasts a decorative fireplace and wall-mounted telly with every streaming service known to man. The familiar retro fit out extends to the shared bathrooms. Don’t worry, it’s not hostel standard. Think Nan’s powder room – all pastel pink and green kitsch finishings. It’s very clean, but you might need to wait in line – there are only a few toilets and showers between eight rooms. (Don't forget your shower shoes). The shared kitchen does a complete turnaround in style, with smooth monochrome surfaces and stainless steel appliances giving budget-conscious travellers the option to dine in. If you are heading out, the hotel puts you in prime position to explore the late-night haunts of Newtown. Or you could grab a classic counter meal from the pub, such as a hearty brisket cottage pie or a fried chicken burger. Visit the hotel bottle shop and pick up artisan cheeses for a midnight snack

Over the course of a two year revival, the Terminus Hotel has swapped dust and dereliction for boutique room service. But co-owners and restoration partners of the Terminus, David Mathlin and Binu Katari, haven’t forgotten its historic place in Pyrmont, with the hotel’s interiors maintaining some original architectural features and a traditional feel. Nine double rooms are on offer, two boasting private ensuites and the remaining seven sharing bathroom facilities. Airbnb hosts the booking function for the hotel, but this is most easily accessed through the Terminus website.

This spa is everything you’d expect from a pamper palace that’s been around for 30 years. Every word is spoken gently and with expert knowledge, there are floral fragrances floating through the air, opulent furnishing throughout the vast relaxation areas, dimly lit treatment rooms and a surprisingly expansive leafy garden. But you wouldn’t expect all this well-versed glamour from the stark white Art Deco building on a busy section of the Pacific Highway. Once you’ve navigated your way to the hidden parking lot behind it, we suggest you start your luxe relaxation journey with a dip in the aquamedic pool. This steamy, marble-clad room gets curtained off so you can float past intense water massage jets in privacy. The huge domed ceiling and butt busts gives it a very Greco-Roman feeling, and the apparent benefits of the oxygenated water (doesn’t all water have oxygen?), like improvements in circulation, flexibility and muscle tone, will leave you feeling higher than Aphrodite. A splash on its own will cost you $90 for one hour, but it also gives you access to the steam room for a good sweat. The therapists go heavy on the essential oils, and recommend a trip to the hair salon upstairs afterwards to de-grease your locks (nice up-selling, guys). The salon can also sort you out for a full cut, colour and blowdry, as well as eyebrow and lash work, waxing and make-up tutorials. If you'd also like to try out the high pressure Vichy shower or one of the spa’s facials, you can break up

There’s a lot more on offer at Strike than pins and spares. You can start your night with a cocktail at their waterside bar and some snacks, and then move to one of the 10 bowling alleys, or karaoke, or the escape rooms, or interactive darts. It's a choose your own adventure. They have a well-stocked bar, sling pizzas, burgers with all the trimmings and plenty of other party food. The tunes are always pumping – so if you're into a spangly games outing, this place will keep the good times rolling. And bowling. Stay in the loop: sign up for our free Time Out Sydney newsletter for more news, things to do in Sydney, travel inspo, food and more, straight to your inbox.  Want more fun in Sydney? Here's our ultimate guide to the best things to do in Sydney.

Vintage lovers, your day is here. Once again, renowed slow fashion market, Round She Goes is pulling up stops (and '50s style garters) at the PCYC Marrickville on Illawarra Road, and you're seriously invited.  Renounce your fast-fashion sins and stay retro with some fabulous finds from this haven for pre-loved fashion and other eclectic goodies. There’s a mix of vintage and modern clothing – it leans towards traditionally feminine attire – and accessories, as well as handmade jewellery and funky trinkets. You’ll find high-end designers like Ferragamo and Carla Zampatti, as well as good quality high street styles from Gorman and Sass & Bide among the 70-plus stalls.  Round She Goes is back on Saturday, October 12 from 10am to 3pm. Prices for all the goods start at $10, and you can hone your bargain-spotting senses with a coffee from one of the caffeinating carts on site. You can find out more on their website. 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 to discover more rare finds? Peruse our list of the very best markets in Sydney, or check out our list of the coolest independent clothes stores in town.

Getting to know Sydney via bicycle can be a sweaty affair, but it’s worth the workout. We took to the saddle and played tourist for a 17km ride around Sydney with our jovial tour guide. We rode from The Rocks up Observatory Hill, onto the Sydney Harbour Bridge, through Barangaroo and Darling Harbour, then past Mrs Macquarie’s Chair and all the way to the Sydney Opera House. The pace is pretty easygoing, even for kids and older folks, and our gang of ten riders managed the ride with ease. The true-blue Aussie guides liven up local history with some fun facts. Did you know Sydneysiders originally thought they’d have to drive over the arch of the Sydney Harbour Bridge? Or that Darling Harbour is named after a 19th-century governor who banned convicts from creating theatrical or dramatic performances? At the halfway point, you stop at Sydney’s oldest continually licensed hotel, the Lord Nelson. There isn’t time for a feed, but there is time for beer, so pack snacks or grab nibbles from the convenience store next door if you need more than booze for fuel.  Stay in the loop: sign up for our free Time Out Sydney newsletter for more news, things to do in Sydney, travel inspo, food and more, straight to your inbox.  Find more of Sydney's best tours.

Whether you’re mad for cosplay, a gaming wizard or in love with the artistry of anime and manga, the return of SMASH! is sure to excite Japanese pop-culture fans. The weekend program includes panel discussions, film screenings, music and dance performances, art demonstrations and creative workshops. They’ve invited a host of industry pros who’ll be talking shop and answering audience questions. Meet prolific singers and voice actors, well-known cosplayers, and the creators behind your favourite animations and anime stories. The weekend wouldn’t be complete without a cosplay competition. You can rock your outfit in the background or show off your stuff on the Cosplay Catwalk. Stay in the loop: sign up for our free Time Out Sydney newsletter for more news, straight to your inbox.  

The streets, laneways and parklands of Parramatta are transformed every year by a kaleidoscope of culture and colour when Parramasala brings parades, performances, markets and workshops to the area, celebrating the many cultures that make up our diverse city. For the special ten-year anniversary in 2020, you can expect more vibrant live music, incredible traditional costumes, engaging theatre, music and dance, and of course, joyful street parades and activities. To that glorious multicultural mix, they’ll be adding more amazing food offerings, with cuisines hailing from South America, the Middle East, Indigenous Australian communities and South East Asia at the International Food Village from March 13-15. Also keep your nostrils flared for the intoxicating scents from the International Aromas Festival, a marketplace for coffee and delicious brewed beverages from around the world popping up on March 15. This year's Parramasala live line-up starts with the annual Welcome Parade, a procession of performers, drummers and colour leading in to a rambunctious opening night party on Friday March 13 with the Grammy award-winning party band Los Amigos Invisibles kicking the celebratory atmosphere into gear. Be sure to also check out the Masala Music Festival on March 14 where you can experience sets from Sampa the Great, Mojo Juju, Adrian Eagle, and many more. For global dance fans, head to the World Dance Congress for stunning performances from Indian Bharatanatyam to African street d

As you’re strolling past a baseball game or languishing under the Whomping Willow-style trees lining the footpaths of Petersham Park, you may hear gleeful water-soaked cries floating past you on the breeze. That’s because the Fanny Durack Aquatic Centre is tucked away behind the play equipment within this unassuming Inner West green space. The centre is home to a sunny eight-lane 25m heated pool, plus a splash deck and toddler pond, making it perfect for all the hip families who inhabit this region of Sydney. The pools and grounds are also fully accessible, with ramps and hoists readily available. The recently redeveloped open-air pool is a perfect spot for summer picnics, as they have a café and barbecue areas safely enclosed within the centre, and the very old-school but undeniably charming Petersham Bowlo across the road for post-swim pints in the sunshine.

The name of this collaborative space on Glebe Point Road is as much about its ethos as it is the actual contents of the store. The shop houses a number of plant sellers and stalls offering gardening paraphernalia, as well as locally made jewellery, candles, art and other gifts. The attitude here is about nurturing these small businesses and putting down roots in the community. 

In a world where secondhand certainly doesn’t mean second best, it can be hard for a new kid on the op shop block to shine. But that definitely isn’t a problem for the new Red Cross joint on Broadway. This carefully curated store is scoring retail goals left, right and centre with its stock, layout and super cool attitude. As with many slick city op shops, colour coded racks of clothes lead the proceedings, with everything from a cute Dotti crop for $7 to a dedicated shelf of near-new jungle print kaftans for $45 apiece, and a massive rack of $20-$40 cut-off denims. This shop likes to blend new cast-offs with the previously worn and we can appreciate a box of store-ready black and white t-shirts almost as much as a secondhand sequined zip-up party top.  Beyond the wardrobe winners, you’ll also find carefully organised shelves of candles and crockery, sandals for days, and a very thoroughly thought-out book section with paperbacks for a fiver. As you have a squiz at their small section of $5 Minecraft and Doctor Who collectible toys, you’ll want to boogie along to their soundtrack of Bob Marley and David Bowie hits, before prancing in front of the Hollywood-style mirror on the red carpet.

Have you ever been driving to the foothills of the Blue Mountains and thought, “Hey, I’d love to hike this trip?" Well, now you can, because the final path has been laid on the Great West Walk. The relatively flat 65-kilometer route opens up a glorious patchwork of Western Sydney landscapes, from the station exit at Darcy Street onto Parramatta Park, through the protected Cumberland Plain woodland and part of Western Sydney Parklands, then stretching to the Nepean River and finally the mountains. If you were to take on the whole walk in one outing, you’d weave through dense thickets, along babbling creeks, past colonial structures and even through shady suburban lanes. If you are tackling it in one go and would like to rest your weary head along the way, you can find accommodation in the nearby town centres. Luckily, you can approach it in bite-sized strolls, with the Western Line trains stopping frequently along sections of the trail. For more details on trail highlights, places to pause for a wee and water, and other handy trail hints, be sure to keep this info kit handy. Should you pack snacks? Absolutely. If you're tackling this stunner in one hit or over a few days, you’ll want to be well-stocked. But if you do run low on food and water reserves, there are many shopping opportunities along the length of the walk as it weaves through populated areas like Seven Hills, Blacktown, Rooty Hill and Jordan Springs.

Have you ever reached the end of recycling week and had to do the awkward night-time run where you ashamedly slip your extra beer bottles into your neighbour’s yellow bin? Well, those days may be over, because the City of Sydney has rolled out a scheme to encourage Sydneysiders to donate their excess drink containers in return for a small profit. The Return and Earn system offers recyclers a ten-cent refund for every bottle you bring to deposit locations around the city. You get the choice to redeem your earnings in the form of a shopping voucher at participating stores like Woolworths, as a cash or electronic transfer, or to donate the money to charities such as Oz Harvest and the McGrath Foundation. As of September 15, 2021, Return and Earn points across Greater Sydney are reopening in stages, in line with the public health orders. You can check the status of your nearest return point online via the myTOMRA app here. Your questions about Return and Earn, answered Where can you take your bottles? There’s four types of return points. You can take smaller quantities to over-the-counter deposits at participating news agencies or corner shops, and bring larger bundles to dedicated collection depots, where you’ll receive cash and sometimes electronic transfers. Then there are the donation stations where you do a DIY deposit and pass on all your earnings to charity. But the most versatile option is the reverse vending machines (RVM), where you can choose from donating your earnin

There’s nothing quite like the smell of pine-fresh Christmas trees in December. The plastic Kmart substitute simply hasn’t got the charm of a living tree – and it’s not doing the environment any favours either. But getting out to the woods (read: Christmas tree farms or markets) dressed in full lumberjack attire to find the perfect yuletide fir can be too much of a hassle for many. Fortunately, this Xmas, the festive flora will come to you, courtesy of online plant retailer Floraly. The Redfern-based eco-friendly flower delivery service last year launched an adorable Christmas tree delivery project, and this year it's back to fit out your living room with seasonal sparkle with just a click of a button. Their tiny Chrissy trees stand at 50-60cm tall and come with all the festive trimmings and tree necessities: fairy lights, baubles, a tree topper, batteries, soil, a care kit and a collapsible pot all in the box.  Photograph: Supplied / Floraly The best part? The tree’s root system is still attached, so you can plant that cutie or keep it in a bigger pot ready for Christmas 2020. The other best part? Delivery within Sydney and other cities around the country is totally free. Truly, it’s a Christmas miracle. The entire Floraly service, from their festive trees to their flower deliveries, is focused on sustainability, with the petals and greenery being sourced and delivered locally to ensure quality, reduce floral waste and offset carbon emissions.  You can order a tree now start

It’s here. It’s time. It’s purple. When mid October rolls around, the jacaranda trees in Sydney come into their fabulous mauve aura bloom. Sydneysiders have fallen so deeply in love with these lilac goddesses that the jacaranda tree is often mistaken as an Australian native, when she’s actually a Brazilian babe. To account for the purple floral takeover of Sydney, locals have come up with a few interesting explanations for the tree’s prevalence. One tale that is probably an urban myth is the story of a hospital matron who sent newborns home with jacaranda seedlings to spread the lavender haze around the city, others credit civic workers who supposedly planted the trees as part of a city beautification program in the early 20th century up until the 1960s. But whether they came by way of a stylish Brazilian botanist or were flown in via newborn-bearing storks, jacarandas stretch their dreamy purple limbs out across Sydney every year from now until the end of November, bringing floral joy and feeding the Instagramming masses. Now we’re in the thick of jacaranda season, here’s a few of the top spots to go tree hunting around Sydney and NSW. Photograph: Destination NSW Circular Quay and the RocksWhile the big white sails and ol’ Mr Coathanger are splendid sights to behold without floral adornments, the subtle embellishments of lilac flowers are a fresh spring framing for these iconic structures. Jacarandas bloom along the foreshore, the cobblestoned streets of the Rocks and in a

It’s for real this time (we think). After months of testing and set-backs, Transport for NSW has announced that the new light rail will begin rolling between Circular Quay and Randwick on December 14. With all things going to plan, you can start preparing an itinerary for next weekend along the new light rail route, with the added bonus of your journey costing zero dollars. In celebration of the grand red ribbon cutting, you can ride the L2 Randwick light rail line for free from December 14-15, with services starting at around 11am. Transport for NSW advises that you bring water and be sun-safe when using the light rail on its debut weekend, as there will likely be queues. Over the next six months, you can ride the fresh-faced line from 7am-7pm midweek, with regular services running every four-eight minutes between Circular Quay and Central, and the Central to Randwick carriages rolling out every eight-twelve minutes. After this ease-in phase, extended services will be brought in. Once you hop off the line, check out Sydney’s top attractions. 

With 2020 rolling in on a red hot carpet of climate catastrophe and worrisome global leadership, we can only hope that the new decade holds positive change for the world. The Sydney Opera House’s annual feminist festival, All About Women, doesn’t promise to reveal the master key to all of society’s problems, but it does present intriguing investigations into issues and ideas that affect not just women but every member of society.  The impressive line-up of speakers that have just been announced for next year’s festival will discuss everything from the handling of sexual assault cases within the justice system to our social relationship with alcohol, the body positivity movement, and menopause. Doctor Edwina Throsby will be returning as festival director for the eighth edition of All About Women, which will focus on the connectedness of all kinds of feminists, people who identify as female, and humans more generally on International Women’s Day, March 8. Photograph: Supplied Leading the group of diverse speakers is writer and artist Chanel Miller, whose memoir, Know My Name, has fuelled discussions about sexual assault on college campuses in the US, the treatment of survivors and perpetrators in the court system, and how this is reflected in media coverage. In 2015, Miller was sexually assaulted while unconscious at a Stanford University party. Her assailant, Brock Turner, was sentenced to six months imprisonment, of which he served three months. Miller’s vivid memoir depicts

Fried chicken fans: prepared your oil-fuelled engines, because Gami Chicken and Beer is giving away a chook feast in Melbourne this evening. The casual Korean fried bird and beer franchise will be serving up 250 boxes of boneless mala chicken at each of their venues for free from 5.30pm Friday, November 29. If you’re one of the lucky punters first in line to nab a box, you’ll get to experience the spicy, numbing flavour combo in mala sauce, which is made up of Sichuan peppercorns, dried chilli pepper and oily goodness. Order a refreshing Gun Bae lager, cider or soju to combat the delightful heat.   You can win your chicken dinner at the national chain’s 17 outlets across Melbourne. There are three CBD locations, with the rest scattered across the suburbs from Box Hill to Point Cook. There will be 250 boxes flying out the door at each location. Love a freebie? Gelato Messina is giving away free scoops of alcoholic Espresso Martini gelato this summer. Or get stuck into more fried chook at the Smith (it's bottomless).

Fried chicken fans: prepared your oil-fuelled engines, because Gami Chicken and Beer is giving away a chook feast in Sydney this evening. The casual Korean fried bird and beer franchise will be serving up 250 boxes of boneless mala chicken at each of their venues for free from 5.30pm. If you’re one of the lucky punters first in line to nab a box, you’ll get to experience the spicy, numbing flavour combo in mala sauce, which is made up of Sichuan peppercorns, dried chilli pepper and oily goodness. Order a refreshing Gun Bae lager, cider or soju to combat the delightful heat.   You can win your chicken dinner at the national chain’s three Sydney locations; in Castle Hill's Castle Tower Shopping Mall, Central Park Mall in Chippendale, and their CBD Market Street venue. There will be 250 boxes flying out the door at each location. Missed out? Find more sizzling meals at the best places for fried chicken in Sydney.

Considering the delicious experiences that await at Sydney’s excellent bars and restaurants, and all the banging spots to see live music, we’re already very keen on roaming the town on a balmy summer eve. But hospo giant Merivale is giving Sydneysiders even more incentive to explore the city this summer. They're calling their new series of festive specials ‘This is Sydney’, and it offers a pretty impressive range of free fun, discounts and new adventures at their CBD venues.  We’ve got our party sights set on the free gigs. It all kicks off tonight with a set by the Preatures at the Ivy. Powerful vocalist Isabella Manfredi will be leading the ’80s-twinged indie-rock group at the totally free gig from 6pm.  Throughout summer we’ll also get to groove with ‘Molotov’ singer Kira Puru, Newtown pop-belter Thandi Phoenix, jazzy crooner Brendan Maclean and disco-fantastic duo the Dollar Bill Darlings. Photograph: Cassandra Hannagan And then, let the late-night snack party begin. Until the final day of summer, from Tuesday-Saturday, there’s 50 per cent off all bar food at Merivale’s CBD venues from 11pm-midnight. That’s a full hour of molten croquettes and pippies in creamy garlic sauce from Bar Topa, irresistible mac’n’cheese with pretzels at Palmer and Co, or Little Felix’s smoked salmon and buffalo curd on sourdough, plus much more. The whole summery affair will also bring exciting new ventures to the city, including a smaller outpost of Totti’s, Bondi’s fresh Italian eatery, and l

The frozen dessert magicians at Gelato Messina don’t ever seem to take a break from their sugary experiments. One minute they are crafting cute cake-based masterpieces in miniature, and the next they’re hosting epic car park food festival collaborations in Sydney with renowned Aussie eateries. Now, they’re really kicking into party gear and serving Melburnians Espresso Martini gelato – and you can nab a scoop for free. Working with Grey Goose, Messina has mixed together a smooth coffee gelato blend with vodka and a swirl of choccy fudge to create Espresso Martinis in frozen dairy form. While it’s going to be a sweet experience, booze is certainly present, so this treat is reserved for people over the age of 18. If this sounds like your kind of dessert, you can find it at their pop-up shop in Federation Square from December 7-11. And if you’d like to try it for free (and are prepared to face a caffeine-fuelled horde of Espresso Martini lovers) head here on December 7 from 4-8pm. The pop-up, which they’re calling ‘Fountain of Goose’, will also be serving complimentary vodka, lime and sodas each day, just in case you needed extra incentive to visit. The Fountain of Goose will be operating from 4-8pm on December 7-8 and 3-7pm on December 9-11. I scream, you scream: here are more of Melbourne's best ice creams.

The frozen dessert magicians at Gelato Messina don’t ever seem to take a break from their sugary experiments. One minute they are crafting cute cake-based masterpieces in miniature, and the next they’re hosting epic car park food festival collaborations with renowned Aussie eateries. Now, they’re really kicking into party gear and serving Sydneysiders Espresso Martini gelato – and you can nab a scoop for free. Working with Grey Goose, Messina has mixed together a smooth coffee gelato blend with vodka and a swirl of choccy fudge to create Espresso Martinis in frozen dairy form. While it’s going to be a sweet experience, booze is certainly present, so this treat is reserved for people over the age of 18. If this sounds like your kind of dessert, you can find it at their pop-up shop at First Fleet Park in Circular Quay from November 20-24. And if you’d like to try it for free (and are prepared to face a caffeine-fuelled horde of Espresso Martini lovers) head here on November 22 from 3-7pm. The pop-up, which they’re calling ‘Fountain of Goose’, will also be serving complimentary vodka, lime and sodas each day, just in case you needed extra incentive to visit. The Fountain of Goose will be operating from 2-6pm on November 20 and 21, 3-7pm on the 22nd, and 1-5pm on the 23 and 24th. Plan a festive feast for December with produce from these fun Christmas Markets in Sydney.

Sydney has been on a sustainability sprint of late, with deliverable, apartment-sized, eco-friendly live Christmas trees becoming the Yuletide flora of choice, and initiatives for door-to-door e-waste and textile recycling popping up around the city. Now Inner Westies have another avenue for separating the recyclables that don’t belong in yellow bins or cardboard skips. A community recycling space at Marrickville Metro Shopping Centre has just been opened so when you can’t reduce or reuse, you can recycle items in the most efficient way. This means things that aren’t permitted to be disposed of in your home recycling bin can still be saved from landfill. The tricky recyclables that you should cart to the wall include: soft plastics, household batteries, beauty packaging, mobile phones and their accessories, and single-use coffee and tea capsules. The wall has handy hints for how you can become a recycling goddess (like washing out your containers) and what is, unfortunately, not accepted. Photograph: Supplied This Marie Kondo-level well-ordered wall sits near Australia Post within the centre. Head here for all your tricky recycling needs during the shopping centre opening hours, or to use the reusable bag station – where you can borrow and return shopping bags if you forgot your own tote – which has been a feature at the Metro since July 2018. If you love the natural world, check out our favourite Sydney parks full of flourishing greenery and room to roam.

There’s nothing quite like the smell of pine-fresh Christmas trees in December. The plastic Kmart substitute simply hasn’t got the charm of a living tree – and it’s not doing the environment any favours, either. But getting out to the woods (read: Christmas tree farms or markets) dressed in full lumberjack attire to find the perfect yuletide fir can be too much of a hassle for many. Fortunately, this Christmas, the festive flora will come to you, courtesy of online plant retailer Floraly. The eco-friendly flower delivery service is launching an adorable Christmas tree delivery project that’ll fit out your living room with seasonal sparkle with just a click of a button. The tiny trees stand at 60cm tall and come with all the festive trimmings and tree necessities: fairy lights, baubles, a tree topper, batteries, soil, a care kit and a collapsible pot all in the box. And they deliver Australia wide. Photograph: Supplied / Floraly The best part? The tree’s root system is still attached, so you can plant that cutie or keep it in a bigger pot ready for Christmas 2020. The other best part? Delivery within Melbourne is totally free. Truly, it’s a Christmas miracle. The entire Floraly service, from festive trees to their flower deliveries, is focused on sustainability, with the petals and greenery being sourced and delivered locally to ensure quality, reduce floral waste and offset carbon emissions.  You can pre-order a tree now starting at $79 for delivery in the first week of Decem