Olivia Hart

There’s no better way to beat the heat than with an escape to the cinema, and with awards season underway, now’s the time to catch up on your movies with ACMI’s new summer film series. The program is packed with picks for all ages – so you can revisit the best films of the year, sneak in a matinee screening, or bring the kids along for a line-up of magical family films. As the home of the state’s biggest video collection, ACMI is also serving a nostalgic nod to the golden age of video stores, with a series of documentaries and films dedicated to the old-school pastime.  Here’s everything you need to check out at ACMI Cinemas Summer Sessions...

There’s something special about NSW’s Central Coast. Golden beaches, a laid-back energy, ever-developing food scene, hot live music offerings and the fact that it’s just a breezy 90-minute drive north of Sydney. And summer is the perfect time to pack the car and head up the M1 (or take the train). With a stacked calendar of events – many of them free – and a coastline in all its summertime glory, there’s never been a better excuse for a weekend escape. Think markets, outdoor gigs, delicious food and plenty of spots to soak up the sunshine. So, whether you’re fresh off a whirlwind Euro trip and feeling the post-holiday blues, or keen for an affordable local getaway before school goes back, grab your sunnies, queue up your road trip playlist, and roll those windows down. Here’s your guide to the best things to do on the Central Coast this summer:

As the temperatures rise, nothing beats a scoop of gelato to cool down – especially when it’s free. And while Australia is packed with primo gelato joints, few draw a queue more devoted than Anita Gelato. The hit gelateria's Cinderella story saw it grow from a mum-and-son home kitchen operation into a global dessert empire, and it’s now one of Australia’s most-loved scoop-slingers with 10 locations and counting. This summer, Anita Gelato has teamed up with CommBank Yello, CommBank’s customer recognition program, to launch a brand-new Mango Cheesecake flavour (available in all stores nationwide), adding to its 150-strong flavour portfolio. Plus, the cherry on top is that they're dishing out free scoops of their creamy, dreamy frozen treats to all eligible CommBank Yello customers. How good! Here’s the scoop: head to the offers section located in the CommBank Yello hub in your CommBank app and if you’re an eligible CommBank Yello customer, you’ll find two sweet deals from Anita Gelato, available all summer long. The first is for 5,000 codes added every Tuesday – that’s 55,000 in total – to claim a free scoop at any Anita Gelato store before summer ends. Just go to the CommBank Yello hub in the CommBank app, tap on Offers, open your Anita Gelato offer and show your code at the counter in store.  Missed out? No stress, check again on a Tuesday when codes are topped up. If you keep missing out or you’ve used up your free scoop, the second offer gives eligible customers 30 per cent

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

A magical new multi-level entertainment precinct has landed on Lonsdale Street – and it’s every bit the riotous spectacle you’d hope for. Welcome to Spiegel Haus, a sprawling playground packed with performance venues, a rooftop bar pouring craft brews and a stellar line-up of unmissable events. First up, pop the cork: the party-starting Blanc De Blanc Encore has finally arrived in Melbourne. This smash-hit blend of cabaret, circus and burlesque has wowed crowds around the world, and now it’s taking up residence at Spiegel Haus until late January 2026. Then step into the neon-lit Maho Magic Bar, where you’ll be whisked away to the backstreets of Tokyo for incredible close-up magic performed at your table. After stunning audiences in 2023, Japan’s top magic masters return with new tricks, best enjoyed alongside a drink from a menu of bespoke Japanese cocktails and mocktails. Want in? We’re giving one lucky winner the Ultimate Night Out for you and seven mates. You’ll score a private booth at Blanc de Blanc Encore (plus two bottles of champers!) and a private table at Maho Magic Bar, complete with cocktails on arrival. You can catch both shows on the same night, or spread the fun across Tuesday, Wednesday or Thursday sessions. Ready for a night of pure spectacle? Enter below before midnight, January 27.

Vroom vroom! F1: The Exhibition is making its Australian debut at the Melbourne Convention Centre this summer following sell-out seasons around the world.  Spanning six expansive galleries, you can get a peek under the hood at this motorsports' past and future. Expect a turbocharged experience and an exclusive look at the brand-new "seventh gallery", which is dedicated to Australia’s very own racing legends including Jack Brabham, Alan Jones and – of course – Melbourne local Oscar Piastri.  Here’s what you’ll find in the other six galleries:  Once Upon a Time in F1 This specially-built gallery will take you through some of the sport's most defining moments, with historic and modern cars, never-before-seen artefacts and footage from films and interviews on display. Don’t leave without a go at the fun racing simulator in which you can quite literally step into the driver's seat.  Design Lab Learn how F1 teams build new cars in this factory-style space that offers a rare look behind the scenes. Drivers and Duels  Trace the seminal and champion-defining moments of the sport's long history. With more than 100 helmets on display, interactive games, and a hall of fame, this race-circuit themed room is sure to rev your engines.  Revolution by Design  Feast your eyes on some of the most legendary cars in history and discover the innovations that pushed the sport into new territory, as well as the tech shaping what comes next. Survival  In a powerful tribute to the people who’ve worked

Now entering its landmark 35th year, Flickerfest showcases the best short films from home and across the world. In January 2026, the Academy Awards-accredited and BAFTA-recognised short film festival will return to the popular Bondi Pavilion for ten incredible days and nights before touring the nation. A record-breaking 3,700 of entries were received this year and whittled down to the top 200, which are set to inspire and entertain audiences with fresh and innovative stories across 24 dedicated festival sessions from January 23 to February 1.   Grab some popcorn and a drink from the palm-fringed Flickerfest Bar, then settle in under the stars (or beat the heat indoors) and enjoy a showcase of handpicked short films at Australia’s largest short film festival.  With so many shorts on offer, it’s hard to know where to start – here are Festival Director Bronwyn Kidd’s top five picks: 1. Help! Everything is Fine This pitch-black comedy follows a man who’d rather ask his mum to help dispose of a body than talk about his feelings. From Sydney-based director Isaac Brown and starring Australian actor Susie Porter (Paradise Road, Welcome to Woop Woop, Two Hands), and Sean Keenan (Pubert Blues, Strangerland), this sharply observed short tackles the human impulse to insist ‘everything’s fine’ long after it isn’t.   2. THEY Oscar-winner Renée Zellweger (Chicago, Cold Mountain, Bridget Jones’s Diary) makes her highly anticipated directorial debut with this charming and profound animated ta

There’s nothing like a walk in the park to fill your cup. Whatever the season, Australia’s parks deliver wide-open spaces, sunshine galore and plenty of fresh air to soak up your daily dose of vitamin D. Whether you’re looking to get lost in nature, a scenic path to walk your four-legged friend, a perfect picnic patch or even a launch pad for your kayak, these parks offer all that and much more. And by more, we’re talking fabulous playgrounds, stunning lookouts, free barbecue facilities and fitness equipment to get the blood pumping. Here’s our pick of the best parks in Australia.  🥾 The most epic hikes to do in Australia🌳 Australia's best national parks🤿 The best things to do in Australia

In a country as ridiculously vast as Australia, the only way to really see everything is to do it on your own set of four wheels. Our nation's abundance of gorgeously scenic drives, bizarre roadside curios, small town bakeries and secret nature spots makes any kind of long road trip more than the average drive. Our Travel & News Editor, Melissa Woodley, has teamed up with some well-travelled writers to bring you this list of the best road trips in Australia that you should drive away on at least once in your life. Whether you're after a wholesome day trip from the city, a week-long adventure along the wild west coast or an epic outback odyssey that'll make you feel like an intrepid National Geographic explorer, this list has something for everyone. So, what are you waiting for? Pack snacks, download some podcasts and let yourself loose on one of the best road trips in Australia. Editors' favourite road trips in Australia: 🚙 Best for first timers: Great Ocean Road, VIC ☀️ Best for families: Great Barrier Reef Drive, QLD 😍 Best for hidden gems: The South West Escape, WA 🚘 The best day trips in Australia🥐 The best bakeries in Australia

With the summer school holidays officially here, empty weeks of keeping the little ones busy looms. But fear not, the World's Largest LEGO Store in Sydney's Pitt St Mall is pulling out all the stops to keep the kiddos entertained (and grown-ups stress-free) this holiday break. Whether you're looking for a family-friendly activity or just a way to keep cool indoors, a visit to the World’s Largest LEGO store will delight LEGO fans, both big and small. Across two levels, the store is a true LEGO paradise, packed with hands-on play zones, exclusive LEGO sets, LEGO 2x4 brick keychain personalisation, and towering 3D LEGO brick models, which draw inspiration from local icons and architecture. Spot the Sydney Harbour Bridge built from 728,964 bricks (taking 3,851 hours of work), the Manly Ferry made with 182,095 bricks, and a Eucalyptus Tree totalling 183,394 bricks. Adding to the magic is the chance to visit the LEGO Minifigure Factory, the first in the Southern Hemisphere, where fans 6+ can design and personalise their very own Minifigure from scratch. Choose your face, outfit, and an accessory and create a custom-printed torso – then watch it all come to life in-store. This one-stop shop for family fun is transformed as part of the ‘She Built That’ campaign, designed to inspire girls to unleash her creative potential with LEGO sets designed around the things she loves. Don’t forget to visit Level 1 and build your very own LEGO pet then snap a photo with the polaroid camera and d

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

There’s so much to see in Sydney and one of the best ways to do it is via exploring its interesting streets. Lucky for you, Walks Near Me offers a featured Sydney Culture Walk itinerary, that lets you plan out your own route by marking pins on a customisable map.  The curated and self-guided trail takes you past all of the CBD's top cultural sights. Best of all: the map is free to use and easy to follow, just in case you’re brand new to the city. So, where do you start? For all the details you'll have to head online but if you want some extra info you can pop into the Culture Station at Circular Quay where you can buy tickets, seek advice, pick up pamphlets and more from the team behind the counter. Plus, it makes a great starting point for your walk.  All that’s left now is to lace up your walking shoes and hit the pavement for a full day of sightseeing. Once you’re done, why not work your way through all the Great Walks of NSW?  Find the best landmarks to visit on a self-guided walking tour of Sydney below.

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 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 Manly North Steyne. Just pop down on Saturday or Sunday 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 Yello hub in the CommBank app, tap on Offers, open your Anita Gelato offer and show your code at the counter in store.

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. Hollow Knight and Silksong Live is on from February 19-21 at 7pm. Ti

When it comes to Christmas lights, Hong Kong goes all out. Every shopping centre, skyscraper and outdoor venue gets into the festive spirit, decking the halls with showstopping displays that range from timeless classics to themed spectacles. If you’re escaping the Aussie heat this holiday season for a city break in Hong Kong, then you’ll want to add this new light display to your list.  Flower Bloom is a Takashi Murakami light installation popping up across Lee Garden One and Two, where the legendary Japanese artist’s signature smiling flowers are suspended in the air, transforming the night sky into a fantastical sight where light, shadow and art converge.  And that’s not all. Murakami has also teamed up with tech accessory brand Casetify for an unmissable collaboration: Murakami World. The immersive pop-up has taken over Hysan Place 4/F Urban Park, turning the space into a fun-filled playland packed with carnival games, photo booths and oversized displays of Murakami’s distinctive artwork. Step inside the colourful and carnivalesque activation and you’ll feel like a kid again, with four games to try your luck at. First up is Flower Swish!, where you’ll shoot hoops as fast as you can for the chance to score some epic prizes. Then there’s Flower Throw!, which challenges players to aim balls into flower-shaped holes to win. Flower Toss! ups the ante, giving you the chance to land a coin in designated flower zones while avoiding black borders and blank areas. Finally, try your

The Art Gallery of New South Wales is one of our fave places to hang out year-round – and this December it welcomes a banging new exhibition from Melbourne-born artist Ron Mueck. Ron Mueck: Encounter is the artist’s largest exhibition ever in Australia, bringing together a stunning selection of his hyperreal human sculptures from around the globe.  The life-like and scaled up sculptures aim to challenge perceptions by offering a profound and observational look at the human experience. Grounded in realism, the captivating figures tenderly embody themes such as birth, death, alienation and togetherness.  After making his start in children’s television, Mueck trained under Jim Henson (The Muppets) in puppeteering and model making where he made a name for himself on major projects including Sesame Street and the film Labyrinth. Soon after he relocated to London to run his own animatronic studio, before finding his way to figurative sculptures in the late ‘90s and revitalising the medium.  Ron Mueck: Encounter runs daily from December 6 to April 12, 10am–5pm, and until 10pm on Wednesday nights, as part of the Sydney International Art Series, a government initiative that teams up with Destination NSW to bring the world’s most prolific artists exclusively to Sydney. Tickets are $35 for adults on weekdays, $37 on weekends and public holidays, with two-for-one Art After Hours deals on Wednesday evenings, or $45 flexi tickets (which are un-dated single entry tickets). You can book your

Combining acrobatics, aerial artistry and truly spectacular visuals, Duck Pond pulls apart one of the world’s most famous ballets and rebuilds it into a one-of-a-kind production, sparkling with wit and wonder.  Presented by homegrown circus innovators Circa in collaboration with House of Oz, the show fuses Swan Lake withThe Ugly Duckling, borrowing the magic of both stories before turning them inside out. Audiences can expect a dazzling production of swans and hapless princes, with traditional ballet broken up by moments of body-contorting acrobatics, slapstick comedy and an original score by Jethro Woodward, remixed with a heavy trap beat. Libby McDonnell’s costumes infuse the production with flair and whimsy, transforming the beloved characters into sequinned ducks and a burlesque black swan. The show has lifted curtains in Brisbane, London, Vancouver and wowed audiences at the Sydney Opera House where it comes directly from. Now, it’s taking over Melbourne’s majestic Princess Theatre for a limited run this January, with Circa’s artistic director Yaron Lifschitz at the helm.  Experience the romantic ballet like never before as it plays from January 14-25 with 2pm and 7pm showings. Tickets range from $69.90 to $174.90. Get yours here. Duck Pond is presented by House of Oz and Circa.

Whether you’re a cheery Who from Whoville or a self-proclaimed Grinch, there’s no denying the festive season is upon us. And to kick things off in true Christmas spirit, Dr. Seuss’ most memorable villain is set to steal the stage at Hamer Hall, as the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra brings the holiday classic to life in concert from December 5-6. Across three special performances, revisit the iconic anti-hero on the big screen as Leonard Weiss conducts the sweeping score from James Horner, the Oscar-winning composer behind Titanic, Braveheart and Avatar. The music will be played live-to-picture, giving you the perfect excuse to swap your annual sofa watch for a night at one of Melbourne’s most magical venues.  Directed by Ron Howard, the 2000 live-action film of Dr. Seuss’ 1957 book stars Jim Carrey as the potbellied, green yeti with an attitude problem who ultimately learns the true meaning of Christmas in a wildly imaginative adaptation that honours the Seussian universe. Expect your heart to grow three sizes with a night at Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas in concert. Tickets range from $49 to $134. Get yours here. 

If you’re looking for a magical night out in the city, the neon-lit Maho Magic Bar is back after sold-out shows and rave reviews from their 2023 season in Chinatown, and this time it’s found a new home at Melbourne’s new entertainment hub, Spiegel Haus. Inspired by Japan’s rich history with magic, this immersive 60-minute experience comes from Broad Encounters (the team behind A Midnight Visit) and brings a line-up of magician superstars direct from Japan, performing a mix of brand-new tricks and audience favourites.  From November 25, step into the whimsical cocktail bar and be whisked away to Tokyo where expert magicians perform up-close magic alongside delicious cocktails. There's no stage for the performers here as the intimate show will take place right at your table, where you'll assist the magicians in their bamboozling sleight-of-hand magic. Japan’s best magicians will surprise and delight visitors, incorporating debonair storytelling, mind-blowing illusions and kawaii charm. While you enjoy the show, you can order from a menu of bespoke cocktails mixed by a Japanese master mixologist. Or if you're after a more traditional libation, try authentic Japanese sake, whisky, shochu and rare spirits like umeshu.  If you're prepared to be dazzled, this experience will surely do the trick. Maho Magic Bar is performing multiple shows a day between Tuesdays and Sundays with adult shows (recommended for ages 12+) in the evening and family-friendly matinees. Book a ticket, a tabl

As every Aussie knows, summer equals festivals – and luckily, there’s no shortage of options. Joining the pack this year is the inaugural Eton Mess Music Festival, which is here to kick off summer early.  Taking over the leafy Peace Park in the coastal haven of Sutherland (recently dubbed Australia’s friendliest neighbourhood), this small but mighty event is set to bring the vibes of a big festival, complete with a killer line-up, food and drink vendors and an inclusive setup that’ll keep you going from day to night. On the bill? Brisbane DJ and producer sensation Young Franco will be spinning tracks from his debut album, supported by a line-up including electronica duo Hellcat Speedracer, DJ and TikTok star MAD.DAY, pop-leaning muso Harry Hayes and Triple J presenter turned DJ Lucy Smith.  Just a 30-minute train ride from the CBD (and two-minute walk from Sutherland station), the open-air party will take over Peace Park’s The Pavilion on Eton Street — and yes, that’s where the festival gets its witty name from. Because whether you’re team pav or not, it all ends up in an Eton Mess.  Tickets to this 18+ event are on sale now for $55. Time Out readers can score two-for-one tickets with the booking code: ETON2FOR1. Grab yours here. 

Ballarat is bursting with colour this spring as a new art experience, Sunnyside, takes over the historic Mining Exchange and city streets from November 6-23.  Presented by The Social Crew, the centrepiece of the event is ‘Chasing Sunbeams’, a bold new art installation from London-based artist Morag Myerscough. Renowned for her playful interactive style and large-scale, fantastical works that have transformed public spaces around the globe, this marks her first ever major installation in regional Australia. And boy, is it colourful.  The program is packed with highlights – you can join the artist in conversation on November 8 and 15, or book into one of the many hands-on workshops, from neon block printing to stitching granny squares. In one of the workshops, budding artists will experiment with bold colours, patterns and forms as Wadawurrung Traditional Owner and Aboriginal artist Jenna Oldaker guides participants in creating their own artwork. Outside the walls of the Mining Exchange, Sunnyside spills into Ballarat’s laneways with the free Wandering experience. At the Unicorn Hotel, pick up a freshly made zine or pull up a chair and create your own. As you continue exploring, discover something surprising from local makers, vibrant artworks at Alfred Deakin Place and a colourful takeover of Hop Lane in collaboration between Myerscough, Oldaker and the Ballarat community. Ballarat is just a 90-minute drive or V/Line train from the city so why not turn it into a weekender? Aft

In a city where culture is constantly evolving, the Powerhouse Museum has no problem keeping up. Spanning four sites – including Sydney Observatory, Powerhouse Castle Hill, the heritage-listed Powerhouse Ultimo site currently undergoing a $300-million transformation and a brand-new Powerhouse Parramatta location set to open in late 2026 – it’s officially the largest museum group in Australia. Now, Powerhouse Castle Hill is taking centre stage with its latest instalment Powerhouse Materials – a new series of exhibitions and events that showcase the Powerhouse Collection (home to more than half a million objects!) through the lens of a guest curator and a chosen material. Actor and activist, Chloe Hayden was the first to curate a colourful and quirky exhibition focused on textiles, and now Andy Griffiths is in the hot seat. The second iteration continues to embody imagination and eccentricity with Powerhouse Materials: Paper. Curated by best-selling children’s author Andy Griffiths (the mind behind the Just! and Treehouse series), this exhibition dives deep into the world of paper. From November 22 to March 8, this free exhibition features a quirky collection of paper objects from the Powerhouse Collection, ranging from the ordinary to extraordinary. Every visitor will receive a self-guided activity book packed with drawing and story prompts developed in collaboration with Griffiths – perfect for sparking young imaginations, and giving older ones a blast from the past. For its

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