Olivia Hart

If you’re looking for your next far-flung adventure that has it all (and some of the most unforgettable meals you’ll ever have) – Texas is calling. From sun-soaked landscapes and rich history to a live music scene that never misses a beat, consider this your invitation to experience it all. In Texas, generations of global influence and regional tradition come together on one plate. Anchoring it all? Barbecue: an art form defined by smoke, time, and generations of craft, creating something unmistakably Texan and entirely its own. Get ready to loosen your belt. Here are the best barbecue places to eat in Texas.

A trip up the coast is always worth the drive north from Sydney along the M1 or aboard the scenic rail route. And while the Central Coast region is known for its pristine beaches, lush bushland and slow coastal towns, its now thriving food and dining scene is just as spectacular. With a wave of standout openings landing on our radar recently, we’ve taken it upon ourselves to round up the best. So if you’re yet to explore the growing foodie scene, now’s the perfect time to dig in. These are the Central Coast dining spots worth adding straight to your list.

There’s something about a timelessly grand hotel like The Langham, Melbourne that oozes luxury. And if you didn’t know, the Southbank hotel is also home to one of the state’s best spas: the Chuan Spa. Whether you want to treat someone from out of town (or just yourself) then this is the place to go – especially now.  From May 1 to June 30, you can book in for one of five 60-minute treatments, all at the discounted rate of $175* (instead of more than $220). What’s on the menu? If you’re in the market for a full-body reset, opt for one of three massages including a Stress Relief Massage, Hot Stone Massage or Chuan Harmony Massage. If it’s your skin in need of a pick-me-up or you simply want to keep the glow going throughout the cooler months, there are also two facial treatments on offer including Babor Hydra Refresh Facial and the iKou Green Superfood Booster Facial. To claim the offer, all you need to do is sign up (for free) to become a Brilliant Member and then you’ll unlock the discounted menu. The offer is available between Mondays and Fridays, which gives you all the more reason to take a break from the grind and lap up some luxury.  Find out more here. *Terms and Conditions: subject to availability, not valid in conjunction with any other offer or promotion, not valid on public holidays

When it comes to weekend plans, nothing beats an adventure on two wheels. Whether you’re a beginner, dabbler or devotee, eBikes take the hard part out of cycling, offering safe and traffic-free ways to explore (and thanks to Bosch’s eBike systems that power the likes of Tern and Riese & Müller bikes to name a few, you'll stay safe, on-track and powered up).  Lucky for you, we’ve found the perfect inner-city trail to elevate your next Sunday spin, with plenty of worthy pitstops along the way.

Netflix’s new action-packed survival thriller, Apex, stars Charlize Theron as an elite climber on the run from a ruthless hunter, played by Taron Egerton. Sydney got a slice of the action where adrenaline junkies put their endurance and speed to the test at the “Apex Challenge” that took over Sydney’s Climbfit gym. The one-off challenge brought to life the tension and scale of the movie’s intense climbing finale – minus the life-or-death stakes. Climbfit in St Leonards got the movie-star treatment as it transformed into an Apex environment with a custom ‘hero route’ to test skills. Some of the country’s best climbers were there on the day to take on the route in a timed competition. Getting a bit of FOMO? The Apex hero route will be sticking around ’til the end of the week so you can give it a crack and see if you have what it takes to survive. Climbfit is open every day of the week until late in St Leonards, Macquarie Park and Kirrawee so you can get the adrenaline pumping. Apex is now streaming on Netflix. Set against the Australian wilderness in the Blue Mountains, Charlize Theron plays Sasha, a climbing pro forced into a deadly game of cat and mouse with Taron Egerton’s vengeful hunter. Don't say we didn't warn you about getting the climbing bug once you've watched the film – head to one of Sydney's best climbing gyms here. Stream Apex on Netflix now.

Sometimes holidays feel like more hassle than they’re worth – busy airports, cramped seats, lost luggage, and pricey rides to the hotel aren’t exactly relaxing. That’s where easy escapes with Norwegian Cruise Line come in. This relaxed mode of travel allows the journey to unfold effortlessly, so even a long weekend feels like a full escape, free from the inconvenience of transit time. Back for its fourth local season in 2026/27, NCL invites Australians to enjoy its new Tassie Taster sailings onboard Norwegian Spirit, offering a relaxed time and one unforgettable holiday. With summer always worth looking forward to, now’s the perfect time to plan ahead with departure dates available on January 6 and 21, 2027. If you love stretching a weekend into a long one and exploring a new city without airline hassle, then here’s what to expect: 

Australia is a nation rich with incredible artists and mind-blowing exhibitions. Whether you favour sculpture, painting, photography or textiles, there’s something for every kind of artistic persuasion ready to pop off at Australia’s biggest art exhibitions in 2026. We've rounded up just a few Aussie wonders that have us pre-booking flights in eager anticipation.  A summer standout is Icelandic-Danish artist Olafur Eliasson's Presence at the Gallery of Modern Art in Brisbane, where huge, shimmering interactive installations reign supreme. We're also excited to peruse a never-seen-before-in-Australia glittering jewel collection from Cartier at the NGV in the winter months, and explore Rememory during the 25th Biennale of Sydney (which Time Out named the world's best exhibition to see this year). Scroll on for our pick of the best art exhibitions in Australia in 2026. Our editors will update this guide as new exhibitions are announced. 🖼️ The best art galleries in Australia👀 The best museums in Australia

After nine years in the making, writer and star Megan Wilding (Mystery Road, Gold Diggers) is set to premiere her sharp, genre-bending production Game. Set. Match. at Malthouse Theatre this May.  Beloved TV actor Rick Davies (Offspring) stars as Joshua who meets Wilding’s Ray following the funeral of his mother, a legendary figure in tennis. Over the course of one boozy night during the Australian Open, the pair go head to head in a verbal rally that would rival any Grand Slam final and a classic will-they-won't-they unfolds. As the night deepens, things take an unexpected turn as secrets come to light, motives are questioned and the audience is left to wonder: who is the player and who is being played?  Jessica Arthur (The Dictionary of Lost Words) directs the two powerhouse comics in this rom-com turned revenge thriller. The rest of the creative team includes set and costume designer Isla Shaw, lighting designer Amelia Lever-Davidson, composer and sound designer Rainbow Chain and dramaturg Keziah Warner.  Following the success of her Patrick White Playwright’s Award-shortlisted debut, A Little Piece of Ash, Megan Wilding ups the ante with Game. Set. Match. and cements her status as a vital original voice in Australian theatre.  “From the second Meg’s script arrived, we had to program it. The piece covers a profound subject lightly and flirtatiously then evolves it into something deeper and darker, leading the audience into a world they’ve never seen. You will leave shaken a

If being paid to catch flights around the world sounds like a dream job, then we’ve got the position for you. YouTrip is “hiring” 10 Travel Interns where the salary is a $10,000 travel fund to spend on international flights and your only job is to have fun.   Open to Aussies of all ages, you can enter to win by signing up for a YouTrip account. Five winners will be selected via a random prize draw, while the other five will be chosen through a social media giveaway — you can get creative via YouTrip's Instagram. Here's how it works: if selected, you can fly anywhere and anytime before April 30, 2027. Just book up to $10,000 in international flights with your YouTrip card, and YouTrip will reimburse your full flight cost. Then, be sure to share the fun by posting at least three travel stories or posts within seven days of your trip and tag @youtripau. For the savvy traveller who likes to stretch their budget, YouTrip makes a great travel companion, offering multi-currency cards, mates rates in more than 150 countries, no sign-up or annual fees and free* ATM withdrawals worldwide. Time Out readers can also use the promo code ‘TIMEOUT’ to receive a $10 sign-up bonus. Ready to get jet-setting? Sign up to win here.  *Enjoy free overseas ATM withdrawals for the first A$1,500 each month. A 2% fee applies thereafter. Some ATM providers may charge their own fees. T&Cs apply.

Melbourne International Comedy Festival is back for its 40th year (!), evoking laughs across the city until April 19. To mark the occasion, Time Out and the world-class affair are giving back to audiences with five double passes to see UK's anti-comic Luke McQueen in his new show Comedian’s Comedian. Known for playing with the truth, McQueen creates a compliant AI version of the podcast host Stuart Goldsmith (known for his long-running interview series The Comedian’s Comedian). Sick and tired of not being invited onto the show – which has now featured more than 500 comedians – McQueen uses his AI bot to record his own episode live on stage. As the questions begin to cut a little too deep, this delightful and tricksy show takes a hilarious turn from stand-up into psychological breakdown. Comedian’s Comedian is directed by Jordan Brookes and is playing this April at ACMI. Five lucky winners will score double passes valued at $66 for shows on either April 15, 16 or 19 at 7:45pm. Enter below before 9am on April 10 for your chance to win. To browse the full Comedy Festival program, head here. 

Just because summer’s over doesn’t mean you need to be stuck indoors. In fact, the colder months are an ideal time to take a day trip to the Blue Mountains when it's at its cosiest. Just a 90-minute drive from Sydney, the region is best known for its scenic mountains, forest paths and lookouts, all of which are in their full glory in autumn. If you ask us, it's an ideal way to spend the time off with the upcoming April public holidays.  Breathe in the crisp mountain air at Blue Mountains Botanic Garden Mount Tomah, where the grounds are awash in colour and crunchy autumnal leaves are underfoot. Divided into four distinct areas with connected pathways designed for wandering, each section features several themed gardens, lawns, pavilions and secluded benches so you can sit back and take it all in.  Not only does the garden make for the perfect spot to partake in some leaf viewing, with a riot of yellow, gold and red leaves worth peeping, but there’s also a collection of cool-climate plants on display. Featuring more than 36,000 plants including rare species, the garden plays an integral role in the conservation of plants from a range of ecosystems in Australia. Surrounded by UNESCO World Heritage Area wilderness, spend some time enjoying the many walking trails, with everything from garden loops to woodland strolls available, or immerse yourself in the rainforest tracks for some well-deserved forest bathing. For a rare glimpse at the garden after dark, join in on an Astronomy T

Why set your sights further afield when one of the world’s most beautiful countries is our next-door neighbour? Mother Nature really shines on New Zealand. The 103,500-square-mile islands are a mix of vast mountain ranges, gobsmacking glaciers and picturesque lakes in every shade imaginable, making it one of the most in-demand travel destinations. For five days only, you can snap up discounted flights to New Zealand, with Air New Zealand dropping one-way fares down. Mark your calendars: the sale kicks off on March 23 at 12.01am (AEDT) and ends on March 27 at 11.59pm (AEDT). That gives you just five days to lock in your holiday. So, where can you go? The sale covers 20 destinations across New Zealand, including the nation’s largest city, Auckland and the capital, Wellington, with departures from most major Australian cities. Economy one-way fares start from just $293 from Sydney and Melbourne to Auckland, $288 one-way from Brisbane to Auckland, Christchurch and Wellington, $318 one-way from Sydney to Queenstown and $308 one-way from Melbourne to Queenstown.  Fancy an upgrade? Book a flight to Auckland from Sydney, Brisbane, Melbourne or Perth and you can also score discounts on Premium Economy and Business Premier. The best part about flying with Air New Zealand – other than it being voted one of the safest airlines in 2026 – is what’s included. Every seat comes with a carry-on bag, plus complimentary snacks and entertainment. For a small fee, you can upgrade to 'the Works' f

Architecture lovers, rejoice! Museum of History NSW’s Sydney Open is back for another year, kicking off its 2026 program early with Sydney Open Symposium.  While Sydney Open offers up a chance to take a stickybeak in the landmark buildings that make up the city’s skyline, Sydney Open Symposium dives deeper, with a series of talks and panel discussions.  Running from May 23 to 24, the two-day event will explore the past, present and future state of housing in NSW. Across day one, five talks will run between 10am and 3pm with topics ranging from housing materials to suburbia and whether people or policy create real solutions for housing. Notable speakers include comedian Tim Ross, partner at SJB Adam Haddow, host of The Sydneyist, Dr Elizabeth Farrelly, Wiradjuri Architect and Managing Director at Nguluway Design Inc, Craig Kerslake, Caroline Pidcock and co-founder of Second Edition Amy Seo. For those keen to see theory in practice, add a private house tour to your ticket. Across day two, a curated selection of exemplary residential designs will be available to view – from small-footprint apartments to sustainable projects. Highlights include the renovation of a 1920s waterfront Rose Bay property and the transformation of a historic shop corner in Marrickville. General tickets are $50 with an additional $15 for a house tour but get in quick as places are strictly limited. Find the full program here. 

Nestled in the Hills Shire, Powerhouse Castle Hill opened its new state-of-the-art storage facility back in 2024, following a major expansion allowing it to house more than 500,000 objects. Dubbed the storehouse for the Powerhouse Collection, which is considered one of the most diverse in the world, a visit to this major cultural institution offers your creative fix in the form of year-round exhibitions, tours and workshops.  So what does the Powerhouse Collection include? The half a million objects being preserved span a broad range of media and materials across the applied arts and sciences. A quick peek and we can see there’s everything from a cricket jar from Japan to an upright grand piano, a crystal goblet and a novelty hamburger-shaped phone. And that’s just the tip of the iceberg.  The museum is open weekends from 10am to 4pm with free entry to all permanent and temporary programs. Inside you’ll find Locomotive No.1, a steam-powered locomotive train from the 1850s that hauled the first passenger train in New South Wales; catch the exhibition Fibro Majestic, which explores post-war housing, design and the evolution of the Australian Dream; or head to Clement Meadmore Furniture and find a selection of the sculptor and designer’s early industrial pieces.  Every month the museum runs Collection Conversations, a free monthly program that sparks conversations between Powerhouse Volunteers and the community, focusing on a new theme from the Powerhouse Collection every month.

Whether or not you’ve heard the good news or angels brought you here, the one and only Guy Sebastian is back on tour and it’s all kicked off this month.  The tour comes hot on the heels of his tenth studio album 100 Times Around The Sun, which dropped in August last year and marked Sebastian’s return to music after a well-earned four-year break. His previous album T.R.U.T.H. released in 2020, shot up the charts and honoured us with the certified belter ‘Choir’.  Expect to hear all his hits including ‘Battlescars’ and ‘Before I Go’ (which was recently called out in a TikTok video as a fave by queen Celine Dion herself), alongside tracks from his latest album including the lead single ‘Cupid’.  Here’s everything you need to know about the 100 Times Around The Sun Tour. When is Guy Sebastian’s 2026 tour? The tour kicked off on April 16 in Newcastle and will play until May 24, including:   Canberra’s AIS Arena – Saturday, April 18, 2026  Brisbane’s Entertainment Centre – Monday, April 20, 2026  Townsville’s Entertainment Centre – Wednesday, 22 April Cairns’s Convention Centre – Friday, 24 April Gold Coast’s GCCEC – Tuesday, 28 April Sydney’s TikTok Entertainment Centre – Thursday, April 30 (sold out), Friday, May 1 (sold out) and Saturday, May 2 Wollongong’s WIN Entertainment Centre – Thursday, May 7 Adelaide’s Entertainment Centre – Monday, May 11 Perth’s RAC Arena – Friday, May 15 Hobart’s MyState Bank Arena – Tuesday, May 19 Melbourne’s Margaret Court Arena – Friday, May 22, S

Few songs embed themselves into the cultural DNA quite like Jeff Buckley’s cover of “Hallelujah”. While younger generations are discovering his talent through TikTok, Oscar-nominated filmmaker Amy Berg, who grew up on the grunge and punk of the ‘90s, revisits his life in a tender new documentary It’s Never Over, Jeff Buckley. Pieced together through curated footage of the late singer-songwriter both onstage and off, the documentary is told in large part by the women in his life. We hear from his single mother, Mary Guibert, his good friend Aimee Mann, his former girlfriend Rebecca Moore, and his longtime partner Joan Wasser, who each offer emotional memories and thoughtful insights.  What’s undeniable through their recounts is Buckley’s talent, as Time Out reviewer Elizabeth Weitzman writes: “The punk angel with the four-octave range also had a rare and remarkable mimetic gift – which made him an unusually skilled interpreter of other artists, from Nina Simone to MC5 to Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan.”  Whether you know him for the myth forged by his untimely death – echoing that of his musician father, Tim Buckley – or for his elegiac take on Leonard Cohen’s “Hallelujah,” a rendition that has moved millions, It’s Never Over, Jeff Buckley offers another side of the story. “Fans, of course, will fiercely argue that Buckley has so much more to offer. And in the strongest compliment to Berg’s affectionate portrait, she makes a similarly convincing case, with ample and tender grace.” It’s

Don't let the end of summer get you down – there's still time for one last hurrah as St Kilda bar Captain Baxter stretches out the season with a champagne-soaked send-off.  Across eight weeks, the beachfront bar will host Veuve Clicquot Sun Club – a sunset celebration of champagne and seafood set against uninterrupted golden-hour views from its rooftop, patio bar and floor-to-ceiling indoor dining room perched above the St Kilda Sea Baths. Head down from February 13 to April 5 where you can while away long afternoons at the Veuve Clicquot Sun Club, where cruisy DJ sets soundtrack the arvo and build in tempo as the sun dips. Snack on a Clicquot-inspired menu of shareable bites that pairs perfectly with a glass of champers. The ocean-centric offering includes a glass of Veuve Clicquot with three oysters for $35, or caviar to share for $50. Entry is free with the option to book a table for casual dining or a bungalow if you’re bringing your whole crew and want a cosy place to kick back. Bungalows are yours for three hours. Just a heads up: if you book a bungalow after 1 pm on a weekend, you'll need a package upgrade, which starts at $550. This covers up to 10 guests and includes glasses of Veuve Clicquot when you arrive, plus some beach-themed snacks to share. Veuve Clicquot Sun Club kicked off on February 13 with a sunset performance from Melbourne-based electronic duo SXNCELLO, who'll return to the deck to wrap up the affair with a final sunset set on Sunday, February 29. Sa

Whether you're a local or just love to stop by, Marrickville is a melting pot of things to see and do (and eat). With its Greek and Vietnamese influences, live music venues and breweries, there’s no denying the friendly inner west suburb is one of the coolest neighbourhoods in the world.  With an influx of families and foodies moving in, here’s your chance to meet the neighbours (or seriously consider joining them) as The Yard Party takes over Marrickville Timberyards on March 22 with a fun-filled community celebration.  From 10am to 2pm, you can head on down for delicious local food vendors, lively entertainment and fun for the whole fam – that includes your furry friends too. Entry is free but if you register you might just snag one of the 1,000 free food vouchers up for grabs. There’ll be plenty of other freebies on the day including scoops from Messina Gelato.  The Yard Party is also your chance to get a first look at the redevelopment of the Timberyards, which are currently undergoing construction to build a new housing and community hub with 115 affordable housing units in the heart of Marrickville.  Head down to The Yard Party from 10am to 2pm on March 22 and be sure to sign up for your chance to score a free food voucher here.  

The Sydney Harbour Concours d’Elegance is back for its eighth year, bringing rare, classic and ultra-luxury vehicles to the Southern Hemisphere’s most glamorous automotive showcase. To celebrate its return, organisers are adding a brand-new (and completely free) opening event to the program. On February 26, head to Bennelong Lawn for a sneak peek at 30 of the world’s finest cars, set against the sparkling backdrop of Sydney Harbour. Drop by between 10am and 12pm to admire the display, then catch the cars as they depart in convoy over the Harbour Bridge at 1pm en route to Cockatoo Island, where the main event runs from February 27 to March 1. Want more than just a preview? Time Out readers can score 20 per cent off tickets to the three-day event on Cockatoo Island by using the code 6XP6K6X2 at checkout. Across the weekend, expect everything from vintage classics to cutting-edge supercars and hypercars, plus the latest in energy-efficient vehicles. There’s also a curated wine and cheese experience each day, and on the final day an international panel of experts will crown the prestigious Best in Show. To secure your discounted tickets, head here. 

From the orchestral jump scares of Aliens to the lush classicism of Titanic and the trumpet flourishes of Avatar, composer James Horner is responsible for some of cinema’s most memorable scores. This March, the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra is bringing Hollywood to the laneway city, paying tribute to Horner's illustrious career with three live performances of Art of the Score: James Horner at Hamer Hall. The concert is led by conductor Nicholas Buc, and self-described “film score geeks” Art of the Score podcast co-hosts Andrew Pogson and Dr Dan Golding will be there on the night. They'll delve into the stories behind Horner’s most beloved works and long list of accolades, among which he claims 10 Oscar nominations, two wins, and holds the title for the highest-selling orchestral soundtrack in history — yes, we’re talking about Titanic. The MSO has previously collaborated with Art of the Score on sell-out concerts celebrating the great John Williams and Hans Zimmer. This year, audiences can expect an immersive journey through Horner’s musical universe and back catalogue. Expect songs from Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan, Apollo 13, Aliens, The Rocketeer, Braveheart, Titanic, Avatar and more. The Music of James Horner is coming to Hamer Hall on Friday, March 27 at 7:30pm, Saturday March 28 at 7:30pm and Sunday, March 29 at 2pm. Tickets range from $93 to $150. Get yours here.  Better yet? Time Out readers can score 20 per cent off tickets with code TIMEOUT. Cha-ching!

There's no denying that a stripy shirt is extraordinarily French – what you may not know is that this capsule wadrobe staple has its origins in the region of Brittany, the land of sweeping cliffs, rugged coastline and proud Celtic heritage. This February, you can find chic Breton navy sailor shirts aplenty in North Sydney, alongside traditional dance classes, live Celtic music, crêpes and plenty of cider for a an epic one-day-only celebration.  Taking over outdoor hub Sub Base Platypus, Brittany Down Under returns for its second iteration with live Celtic music by The Folksters, William Hutton and Louzco Fouzco, folk dancing and an unbeatable line-up of food – we’re talking fresh seafood, baguette sandwiches with paté hénaf, galettes and, of course, crêpes topped with house-made salted caramel sauce and their savoury counterpart, galettes, topped with ham, cheese, and egg (a true Brittany staple), courtesy of Four Frogs Crêperie.  Wash it all down with ice-cold drinks including beer, rosé and cider while you soak up the Sydney sunshine at the waterfront venue. Or, get amongst the festivities which include tournaments of Babyfoot (table football) and traditional Breton dance classes. Armor Lux will also be around slinging 'marinières' so that you can take home your very own stripy shirt.  Brittany Down Under runs from 10am to 5pm on Sunday, February 8 and is free to attend. Find out more here. 

It’s that time of year again when the days are longer and your calendar is chockers with fun things to do around the city. Well, we’ve got one more thing for you to squeeze in because QV Melbourne is hosting a summer series in its outdoor square – and you’ll want to be there.  From January 18 to February 1, it’s all about tennis. Head down from 11am until late and you can snag a comfy bean bag in the sun (or grab a shaded spot under an umbrella) and settle in for games and live coverage on the big screen. Grab a bite, drink or sweet treat from nearby diners in QV Melbourne or if you prefer to plan ahead, pack a picnic and blanket and you’ll be set for hours.  As the short but sweet tennis season winds down, the fun continues with a pop-up outdoor cinema in the square, offering free screenings every night from February 2-15. The line-up is full of Millennial throwbacks and some new classics, kicking off with 27 Dresses, followed by What a Girl Wants, Muriel’s Wedding, E.T., Crazy Rich Asians, Barbie, Ocean’s Eleven, Miss Congeniality, Mamma Mia, The Parent Trap and She’s the Man.  For Valentine’s Day (or Galentine’s), the program leans into romance with a screening of The Notebook on February 13 and Notting Hill on February 14. For the grand finale, Jim Carrey’s beloved and slightly manic alter ego in The Mask rounds out the series on February 15. Most of the films are family-friendly but be sure to check the ratings ahead of time if you plan to bring the little ones.  That’s

With summer in full swing and Valentine’s Day around the corner, nothing says romance like a sweet treat that’ll cool you down and land you serious brownie points on a first, third or thousandth date. If the silly season left your wallet a little light, never fear. CommBank’s customer recognition program CommBank Yello is dishing out free scoops of Anita Gelato for everyone on February 7-8 and 14-15, so you can spoil your sweetheart without spending a cent. How's that for a cheap date idea? The dessert shop, which began as a mum-and-son home kitchen operation before growing into a global empire, now counts 10 locations across Australia – seven of which are right here in NSW. Now, Anita Gelato has launched two exclusive offers with CommBank Yello in the CommBank app — and in celebration, CommBank Yello is giving away free gelato to everyone at Cronulla Beach and Manly North Steyne. Just pop down on Saturday or Sunday (7-8 February at Cronulla Beach, or 14-15 February at Manly North Steyne from 9am to 5pm) and head to the bright-yellow ice cream cart. You’ll also have the chance to try CommBank Yello’s limited-edition Mango Cheesecake gelato. Can’t make it? Don’t stress. You may still be in for a chance to score a freebie, with two sweet deals available to eligible CommBank Yello customers. Each Tuesday until the end of summer, CommBank Yello is dropping 5,000 codes in the CommBank app to claim a free scoop at any Anita Gelato store before summer ends. Just go to the CommBank Y

As far as Australia’s impact on gaming culture goes, Adelaide-based studio Team Cherry bears mentioning. The indie outfit behind Hollow Knight and its hotly anticipated follow-up Hollow Knight: Silksong, led by co-directors Ari Gibson and William Pellen, with coder Jack Vine completing the trio, has become one of the country’s biggest gaming success stories, and they’re only just getting started.  This February, ACMI (Australia's national museum of screen culture) is bringing the beloved game series to life with a cinematic twist: live speedrun gameplay projected on the big screen, backed by a newly arranged score performed by musicians from Orchestra Victoria. With a third night just added due to demand, audiences will journey through the worlds of Hallownest and Pharloom as one of Australia’s top speedrunners, Vichisuki, plays live in a high-energy spectacle that offers fans an entirely new way to experience the Hollow Knight universe. Whether you’re a casual or longtime gamer, chances are you’ve picked up a controller at some point and have been absorbed by a great game. Now, you can take in the artistry behind one of Australia’s most celebrated games, in the span of just one evening.  The event is part of ACMI’s blockbuster Game Worlds, the playable exhibition that transports you into the world of more than 30 legendary titles, including Final Fantasy XIV Online, Minecraft, The Sims and Stardew Valley. If you need something a little more approachable, a Relaxed Matinee

When it comes to action, nothing quite beats the cinematic thrill of watching an A-lister battling to survive in the wild. From Leo’s brutal bear encounter in The Revenant to Meryl Streep whitewater action-thriller The River Wild, it’s a genre that delivers white-knuckle thrills by the barrel load. Now, Netflix’s new outdoor survival thriller Apex is here to up the ante. Starring Charlize Theron as Sasha, an adrenaline junkie recovering from a tragic loss, who heads into the Aussie wilderness in the hopes of finding healing. Awaiting her, is Taron Egerton’s (Rocketman) crossbow-wielding serial killer Ben who pursues her through the gorges, caverns and white waters of one of the most secluded corners of the world.  Photograph: Kane Skennar/Netflix Director Baltasar Kormákur is no stranger to the genre, having helmed action-adventure flicks Adrift, Everest and Beast, each traversing difficult terrain – from the open seas, Mount Everest and a South African game reserve – in epic fights for survival. For his latest film, Australia wasn’t the original plan.  “We needed to shoot in a warm climate at a specific time of year, so the Southern Hemisphere came into play,” Kormákur said.“Then, for economic reasons, Australia became one of the options. As I started looking into it, I felt it was actually a great idea to locate the film here and really use Australian nature, which is unique, and build the film around that more. That choice took us down a very particular path.” Those part

Since the world has been a little heavy with bad news recently, here’s something to feel good about: a precious little platypus has been successfully returned to the wild following ten months of expert care.The young platypus was found underweight, alone and in the middle of the road on a hot summer's day back in February. The good samaritans who found him (while out cycling near Mt Baw Baw) quickly delivered him into the care of vets at Healesville Sanctuary, where his recovery was overseen by platypus specialist Dr Jessica Thomas. He needed to be rehydrated with fluid and underwent a full physical exam and radiographs. The results determined he had ticks, anemia, a low burden of blood parasites and a leech attached to his eye.  “He was a freshly emerged juvenile who likely became lost on his way to find water,” said Dr Thomas. “My current research and prior experience suggest that fresh juveniles may still need their mother, so we took care of him until he reached the age of one when he would normally disperse on his own.” Photograph: Jo Howell During his stay, Dr Thomas and the sanctuary team were able to teach the youngster basic survival skills and essential behaviours he needed to meet before returning to the wild, including swimming in different currents, diving to various depths, resting in burrows, foraging in tricky spots and searching for food. Following his recovery, the team called on the expertise of Baw Baw frog researchers to help identify a suitable stream

It’s not new news that Australia’s friend, the koala, is listed as an endangered species, due to the effects of things such as land-clearing, cars, dogs, feral cats, prolonged droughts, bushfires and disease. In fact, a parliamentary inquiry found they may be extinct in NSW by 2050 – a tragedy that conservation groups are working madly to help reverse. The latest, though, is that a new koala conservation centre is opening in south-west Sydney, backed by $5 million in funding.The NSW Minister for Climate Change and the Environment, Penny Sharpe, announced the new koala care facility, which is set to open at the University of Sydney School of Veterinary Sciene’s Camden campus, to support koalas in the Macarthur region. The funding is set to be distributed across several key areas, with $500,000 dedicated to securing expert assistance and wildlife rehabilitators. The remaining funds will focus on three main areas: koala rescue, rehabilitation and conservation. Plus, the initiative aims to introduce on-call vet care and advice, access to facilities, upgraded clinical equipment and biosecurity seclusion areas. The new facility has been hailed as a “game changer” by Professor Jacqui Norris, Head of School and Dean, who says, “We want future generations to be able to step into bushland in south-western Sydney and see koalas in the wild.” Hear, hear. If you want to help support koala conservation efforts, you can buy merch or donate at Save the Koala. Stay in the loop: sign up for o

In case you haven’t noticed, Sydney’s speed limits have been gradually dropping in recent years. Nowadays, 75 per cent of local and regional streets in the City of Sydney have a 40 kilometre an hour speed limit or lower – up from just five per cent of roads in 2004. And now, even more roads are set to fall under this 40km/h mandate, as the NSW Government works with the City of Sydney to make the city safer.  The speed-limit changes are set to affect local and regional streets that currently have a 50km/h limit, in areas including Glebe, Forest Lodge, Beaconsfield and Waterloo. Some sections of roads in Annandale, Redfern, Alexandria, Zetland and Woolloomooloo are also set to drop, with larger roads such as motorways excluded.  The lower speed limits are all about reducing the number of crashes and increasing survival rates, as studies have shown survival rates for people hit by a vehicle drastically improve at lower speeds like 40km/h. “When people drive at safer speeds it reduces the number of crashes and their severity, improves safety for people walking and riding and helps to support better place-making,” says Lord Mayor of Sydney, Clover Moore AO. “Not only will our streets be safer as a result of these important changes, they’ll be quieter and have less exhaust emissions.” The Lord Mayor says the City of Sydney will continue to work with Transport for NSW to reduce speed limits even further – down to 30km/h – in the city centre and other high-activity areas where there