Olivia Hart

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 spring 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 springtime 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 the silly season kicks off, 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 spring and summer:

Parramatta's CBD is now one of the biggest commercial hubs outside of the Sydney CBD. Along with this hustle and bustle has emerged a lively restaurant scene with cuisines from across the globe. So whether Parramatta (or nearby Harris Park) is a detour, your main destination, or you're lucky enough to live in the area, the buzzing suburb's excellent restaurants will have you stumped for choice. We've rounded up our favourites, to make the decision easier for you. Get cracking. 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 Indian, specifically? Here's our guide to the best Indian restaurants in Parramatta and Harris Park.  Or check out our guide to the very best restaurants across Sydney.

Melbourne is a melting pot of cultures, and its ramen scene is no exception. From old-school noodles and tonkotsu classics to truffle ramen and spicy dishes, there’s a bowl for every craving. One of the city’s finest can be found at Ikkoryu Fukuoka. Tucked away underground in a breezy city basement on Russell Street, this secret spot serves up an 18-hour slow-cooked tonkotsu broth that’s so silky it’s practically air-whipped. The house-made Chikuho noodles are cooked just right, plus, you can customise your bowl to perfection, whether you prefer a light or extra rich broth and an array of toppings.  While tonkotsu is their bread and butter, this spring and summer, they’re dishing up a katsu curry tonkotsu ramen special. This epic mash-up combines two of Japan’s best: crispy chicken cutlets atop ramen in a velvety rich Japanese curry infused with pork bone broth and topped with a gooey marinated egg (ajitama). This slurpable sensation is so good, you’ll be bowled over. Make sure you head in between November 1 and February 28 to taste this special dish for $30 a pop. Find out more here.

It's part major-pop musical, part Shakespearean comedy and full of heart and humour – enter The Lovers. This spectacular remix of Shakespeare’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream is about to ignite the Theatre Royal Sydney from 31 October, for a strictly limited season. Billed as Australia’s next mega musical (we gave it five stars, just saying), The Lovers updates the Bard’s tale of bickering fairies meddling in the love lives of mortals with swipes, situationships and ghosting. And yes, there’s a killer original pop score to match. The show is produced by Shake & Stir Theatre Co and composed by Laura Murphy (The Dismissal, Zombie! The Musical), with direction by Nick Skubij (Frankenstein, Fourteen). The tale traces Oberon and Puck, centuries-old matchmakers worried that true love is on the brink of extinction. Enter four messy, modern lovers and one unforgettable night. The cast is stacked: Natalie Abbott as the hopelessly romantic Helena, Jason Arrows as Demetrius, Jayme-Lee Hanekom as Puck, Loren Hunter as Hermia, Stellar Perry as Oberon and Mat Verevis as Lysander.  Murphy brilliantly decodes Shakespeare’s language and universal lessons in the era of emojis and selfies – add in a catchy score, empowering messages and an unexpected queer subplot (all on a Shakespearean scale) and you’ve got one helluva show.   Catch The Lovers during its limited two-week season at Theatre Royal Sydney from October 31 to November 16.  Tickets start from $89 and you can get yours here. 

Running a hospitality business isn’t all spritzes and small plates – and Square’s new In Service masterclass series gets right into the nitty-gritty. Featuring five of the country’s top hospitality entrepreneurs, including leaders from Fabbrica, Bar Copains and Chae, the series serves up real talk and hard-won lessons on everything from beating burnout to boosting margins. Whether you're a café owner or a seasoned restaurateur, this is a must-watch for anyone ready to level up their business. Here are five key takeaways from the series.  Crawl before you can walk Fabbrica serves up more than just on-point pasta. With four venues under their belt and a growing retail presence (you’ll now find their fresh pasta and sauce packs in Harris Farm, Maloneys, and Woolies Metro), they’re on a roll. But their journey into large-scale production didn’t happen overnight. “Knowing what our capabilities are was important,” says Fabbrica’s director and group executive chef, Scott McComas-Williams. “Once you get into the big guys, it’s a one-strike policy. If you can’t keep up with demand, it’s game over.” Create a product with purpose Melbourne’s Chae, a six-seat Korean micro-restaurant tucked away in Cockatoo, proves you don’t need scale to make a big impact. Steering clear of a one-size-fits-all approach, co-owner Jung Eun Chae intentionally kept the experience small and intimate in order to give each guest personalised attention and deliver a truly tailored experience. Despite its unconve

Not only does Sydney lay claim to one of the world’s best cocktail bars, but the city is also stacked with intimate speakeasies and popular neighbourhood haunts. Safe to say, the bar in this city is high. Among the standouts? Mucho Group. This crew is behind some of Sydney’s most beloved bars – and the perks don’t stop at excellent drinks. Mucho venues also deliver some of the city’s best happy hours and plenty more reasons to stick around – think disco balls, throwback playlists and complimentary (highly addictive) popcorn. Because let’s face it, sometimes the best place to end your night is exactly where you started it. So skip the bar crawl and settle in: with killer deals and places you can stay put. These 6 venues have you covered from happy hour to last call: Herbs Taverne  This underground haven is an ode to classic cocktails, served up with Mucho's signature psychedelic twist. Swing by between 4-6pm for a pre-dinner tipple and snap up happy hour specials like the $13 Herbs Negroni, $12 Aperol Spritz and $7 beers. They also serve a standout selection of rare and delicious amaro from around the globe. Stick around for free “Chicago deep-dish pizza”-flavoured popcorn (yes, really) and a late-night playlist that channels early Y2K New York indie sleaze. There’s a giant glitterball to dance under – and the place is open until 2am Thursday to Saturday, and midnight Wednesday and Sunday. Cantina OK! It’s one of Sydney’s tiniest bars, but Cantina OK! punches well above its w

Long gone are the days when caravan parking was reserved for the Aussiest of ockers. What was once the domain of tinnies, thongs and tinned spaghetti has quietly become one of the country’s best ways to holiday. Across the country, the humble holiday park has seen a new wave of revival – from luxe glamping tents and beachfront tiny homes to full-blown waterparks that make the kids lose their tiny minds.  And who better to steer you than Time Out’s roving contributors, a crew of expert wanderers who’ve clocked more kilometres (and mozzie bites) than most. From coast to desert and everywhere in between, they’ve rounded up the best caravan parks in Australia worth unhooking the van for.  Editor’s favourite caravan parks in Australia 👪 Best for families: Big4 Adventure Whitsunday Resort, QLD 🐶 Best pet-friendly: Aspen Holidays Darwin FreeSpirit, NT 💲 Best budget: Alivio Tourist Park, ACT 🌞 The best family-friendly resorts in Australia🚘 The best day trips in Australia ⛺️ The best camping spots in Australia

Shakespeare’s timeless tale of feuding nobles, young love and tragic fate, Romeo & Juliet, returns to Sydney Opera House in a stripped-back production running from November 19 to December 7. Following a critically acclaimed run in 2023 (Time Out awarded it four stars), this bold reimagining from Bell Shakespeare is back under the direction of Artistic Director Peter Evans, marking his third time mounting Shakespeare’s most famous play. While Evans returns to the helm, the production welcomes fresh talent in the lead roles, with rising stars Madeline Li and Ryan Hodson taking on the parts of the ill-fated lovers. “We’ve got a fantastic young cast who are coming at this classic story with a fresh and infectious energy that you won’t want to miss,” says Evans. The rest of the cast is rounded out by Merridy Eastman as Nurse, Jack Halabi as Paris, Khisraw Jones-Shukoor as Friar Laurence, Tom Matthews as Tybalt, Brittany Santariga as Mercutio/Prince, James Thomasson as Benvolio, Michael Wahr as Capulet, Adinia Wirasti as Lady Capulet, plus Caitlin Burley and Thomas Royce-Hampton as understudies.  Sydney is just one stop on the production's national tour, with 25 more dates across the country. “After such a positive reception in 2023, I’m excited to take our production of Romeo & Juliet further afield so audiences all across the country can experience it,” says Evans.  Tickets are on sale now from $45 and you can book yours here. 

Dust off your cowgirl get-up and gather your rhinestones, the Dolly Parton-approved musical comedy Here You Come Again is going on a dazzlin' Australian tour. It's a rollicking, feel-good production that tells the story of a diehard fan whose imagined version of the country music queen Dolly Parton helps him navigate through tough times.  The fab musical makes it's way to Civic Theatre Newcastle from November 20-23, Canberra Theatre Centre from November 27-30 and Her Majesty’s Theatre Adelaide from December 6-14. Starring co-creator Tricia Paoluccio, who returns to the role of Dolly, alongside Australia’s own Dash Kruck (Little Shop of Horrors, Jesus Christ Superstar) as Kevin, Here You Come Again also features an all-Australian ensemble accompanied by a live band. Find out more and grab your tickets here. 

This year, SXSW Sydney teamed up with Johnnie Walker Black Ruby to spotlight emerging artists and celebrate the grit and hustle it takes to break through.  The new Johnnie Walker Black Ruby Blackberry and Soda is the taste of the festival, a playful twist on a Tom Collins with just the right blend of sweet and tart that’s sure to win over the whisky-wary.  SXSW Sydney kicked things off for the jam-packed week with an appropriately on-point opening night party. The Underground at UTS become the Johnnie Waker Black Ruby House on October 14, soundtracked by world-class emerging artists. The show featured a killer lineup of local legends and rising international acts, including the ‘80s-style synth-pop rockers Drifting Clouds, dreamy Japanese indie group Suichu Spica, and genre-blending duo 2charm. No wristband? No worries. Tumbalong Park was buzzing with free entertainment all evening (and all week) including an ace country music and dancing program, Honky Tonk, on October 17 and Hoops and Everything, featuring indie powerhouse The Rubens on October 18.  Plus, a pop-up Johnnie Walker Black Ruby bar gave Sydneysiders a taste of their new favourite drink. And in a huge first, Johnnie Walker Black Ruby presented the Walk to Austin Award, offering one standout Aussie artist the chance to perform at SXSW Austin in 2026 – on the same legendary stage that’s hosted stars like Dua Lipa, Chance the Rapper, and Megan Thee Stallion. Find out more about the events here. Or, check out the ful

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.

The silly season is fast approaching, and calendars are filling up fast. Summer’s the perfect time to venture beyond your usual haunts – but let’s face it, who has the time? Smack bang in the heart of the CBD, this dining and drinking destination makes celebrating easy – we think it'll quickly make it on your list of go-tos. With three epic venues under one roof, you can slide seamlessly from catch-ups to kick ons, no Uber required. Start the night off with a cocktail in hand at Zeta Bar, a skyline sanctuary offering unbeatable views of the QVB from its open-air terrace. The opulent rooftop cocktail bar dishes up tipples curated by expert mixologists, with standouts including the refreshing Summer Spritz and an entire bar menu page dedicated to Martinis. Book here. Hungry? Head downstairs to the glamorous Glass Brasserie, where Head Chef Natalie Murphy has curated a festive, family-style menu to pair perfectly with an award-winning wine list. Cosy up in the plush circular booths and settle in for floor-to-ceiling views of the Queen Victoria Building. Book here. Now it’s time to hit the dance floor and what better place than the moody, speakeasy-style Marble Bar. With a lavish fit-out and 132-year history, this heritage-listed institution is a must for any Sydneysider. Pro tip: be sure to swing by on one of the six nights a week they host live music. Book here.  Save time on planning this festive season and make 488 your go-to spot for dates, knock off drinks and everything i

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

Spice has long been the secret weapon in the kitchen, when just a touch makes every other flavour pop. When things really start to sizzle, nothing hits quite as well as an ice-cold bubbly drink. So, the news that Sprite and Nando's are teaming up for the Sprite House of Heat makes perfect sense. This October 30, Sprite is taking over Nando’s Richmond to transform it into the Thrill N Chill Arcade, a free one-night-only experience complete with exclusive guest list, arcade-style challenges and a whole lot of prizes. Prepare to feast on a multi-course Nando’s menu, where each dish gets even hotter than the last. There’ll be plenty of ice-cold Sprite and Sprite Zero Sugar to enhance all those spicy flavours as the night goes on. Each course also comes with a cheeky ‘Sprite Spice-Breaker’, a playful prompt to keep the conversation flowing. Between bites, take on arcade challenges like game-on basketball, king of the hammer and the giant claw. Winners won’t just walk away with bragging rights – there’ll be actual prizes, too. Want your PERi-salted chips with a side of comedy? You’re in luck. The one-off event will be hosted by comedy and radio favourites Jimmy and Nath. Keen to score an invite? Sign up now before October 23 for your chance to attend. Winner winner, chicken dinner.

With five Grammys, more than 160 million albums sold and a back catalogue packed with household hits, Billy Joel is a true music icon. And while the Piano Man himself rarely makes the trip Down Under – he’s only played one stadium show here in the past 15 years – Melbourne fans can still experience his biggest hits in a whole new way this November. The Melbourne Symphony Orchestra is celebrating Joel’s legendary discography in Piano Man: Celebrating the Music of Billy Joel, a symphonic tribute featuring fresh arrangements of classics like ‘Just the Way You Are’, ‘Only the Good Die Young’, ‘Vienna’ andl of course, ‘Piano Man’. Under the baton of Leonard Weiss, the show features powerhouse vocals from Human Nature’s Phil Burton and musical stars Alinta Chidzey, Jess Hitchcock and Josh Piterman. Directed by Mark Sutcliffe, you can also expect lush new orchestral arrangements by composer Nicholas Buc. Piano Man: Celebrating the Music of Billy Joel will play three shows only at Art Centre Melbourne’s Hamer Hall, from November 14-15. Tickets are on sale now from $78 to $146 for adults. Get yours here.

Sydney never slows down, but spring has a special way of cranking up the good times. And now, there’s a fresh new festival joining the party: the inaugural Culture Vibes festival is landing in Kensington Park on Saturday, October 18, from 3-10pm. Hosted by Randwick City Council, this one-day celebration brings a jam-packed program of global beats, eats and art. Expect cultural workshops, drumming performances from House of Rhythm, roving performers from puppeteers Curious Legends and an epic art installation from Amigo and Amigo titled ‘Unity’. There'll also be a pop-up bar slinging drinks all day long and plenty of prime picnic spots, all set to a live soundtrack of DJs and music from around the world.   Eat your way through the international food stalls serving up everything from empanadas and souvlakis to dumplings, Dutch pancakes, wood-fired pizza and Portuguese tarts. Then, hit the markets where you can find all kinds of homewares, clothing and accessories from global stallholders. Think Palestinian-inspired embroidered accessories, organic vegan Mexican chocolate, Parisian-designed fashion, African wax-fabric pieces and natural goodies made from native Aussie botanicals. The best part: it's completely free. Just bring your blanket or camping chairs and settle in for a few solid hours (or the whole day) of culture, community and sunshine.  Find out more here. 

Between the butchers, bakers, grocers, fishmongers and snack stands, South Melbourne Market is one of the city’s best-loved spots for a bite to eat. This November, its popular food trail, A Foodie Affair, returns with a brand-new theme and the perfect excuse to drop by. Running every Wednesday, Friday and Saturday between November 5-15, A Foodie Affair: Cultured and Cured is a self-guided degustation celebrating all things pickled, fermented, cured and cultured — with ten specially created dishes on offer across the market. Make a start at Agathé Pâtisserie where you can try a Korean kimchi, bacon and corn cheese melt mini croissant, followed by a kimchi pancake served with mozzarella and a caramelised black chilli soy vinaigrette from Bambu Asian Eating House. Also on the menu is K-SEIN Fromagerie's raw milk cheese with mountain bush pepper, the grilled loukaniko Greek salad at Greek'n Out, and Spanish white anchovies on grilled sourdough topped with caramelised onion and bitter dark chocolate at Simply Spanish. Still hungry? Opt for the fried pickle spears at Smithburg, burrata bao at UGO Burrata Bar or the piccolo salumi misti focaccia at Pizzateca Lupa. And while cultured and cured doesn’t exactly go hand-in-hand with dessert, Fritz Gelato has crafted a creamy mango lassi frozen yoghurt and Cobb Lane Bakery does a black garlic and miso pastry for any sweet tooths (the pastry is surprisingly sweet!).  Tickets are $85 and can be booked for either the 11am or 1pm session. Pl

Tucked away in Western Sydney’s suburb Rooty Hill, The Woodstock (formerly Carousel Inn) is a long-standing local favourite. After being snapped up by the family-owned Sydney hospo group Solotel (The Norfolk, Paddo Inn, Aria, The Clock) as they expand out west (joining the likes of Paramatta's Albion Hotel), the pub's been rejigged into a new, state-of-the-art community hub, complete with a bistro, sports bar and events centre. Add to that a stellar new menu and a kids' area and you’ve got the ideal spot for Sunday lunch, knock-offs on a Friday or just somewhere to catch the game – all under the one roof.  If you’re heading down for a feed, you can expect a Mediterranean-inspired menu of pub classics at the family-friendly bistro. Order up one of the wood-fired pizzas, grilled meat dishes or large-plate offerings which are designed for sharing.  If you’ve brought the whole fam, your little wriggly ones can keep busy in the dedicated kids' area where they can slide down the slippery dip, draw on the chalk walls, play rounds of ping pong or have a go at the climbing frame. Or, invite your friends along too and take advantage of the venue’s 250-person event centre which is the perfect place to host your next party, be that a birthday, wedding or a big ole family reunion.  Sports fans are also welcome and can expect mega screens showcasing the latest matches, TAB, a poker room and even a bottle shop in case you want to take some cold ones to go.  The Woodstock is set to reopen on

There have been plenty of reasons to dust off your camera recently. From cherry blossom season to the return of Sony’s photography and filmmaking festival stacked with community-hosted events for all skill levels. Whether you use your digital camera, smart phone or you’re old school and capture moments using film, there’s never been a better time to start snapping. Channel your inspiration into Sony’s two-day photography, videography and content creation expo. Returning from September 20-21, under the new name SceneScape (previously Scene Tradeshow), the epic event will take over Sydney’s revamped cultural space, White Bay Power Station.  Set to be an epic weekend celebrating the creative medium, get hands-on with Sony’s latest cameras, lenses and accessories and brush up on your skills with a curated selection of talks, panels and masterclasses. Topics covered include how women are redefining visual culture, the future of the screen industry, storytelling in travel photography and shooting on the move. Want a squiz at the full program? You can check it out here. A powerhouse lineup of industry experts, including photographers James Day, Julia Trotti, Jayson Robertson, Kate Newman and Sony Digital Imaging ambassadors Colin Jeffs and Craig Parry will be there. You can explore the whole lineup here. Tickets are on sale now from $39 for adults for one-day access or $59 for two-day access across the weekend. You're in luck if you're a student: score tickets from $29. Time Out rea

The Australian Brandenburg Orchestra has spent decades spotlighting the music of the Baroque 17th century, fusing it with modern interpretations, and in its new concert series, the culture of the Yolŋu from Arnhem Land gets a piece of the action.   The classical music ensemble has team up with Yolŋu songman Rrawun Maymuru for a newly commissioned work created with classically trained contemporary composer Nick Wales. Throughout the performance, Water Music brings together seasoned artists in a celebration of water – the vital, life-giving force that connects past, present, and future. As a custodian of ocean and waterways from East Arnhem Land, Rrawun Maymuru offers a deeply moving tribute, performing traditional Manikay (ceremonial clan songs of the Yolŋu people) sung in language. The evocative performance will serve as a meditation on our custodial duty to the world.  The tribute continues with a vibrant interpretation of Handel’s Water Music in its entirety, brought to life with The Brandenburg’s trademark exuberance and flair. Long-standing artistic director Paul Dyer is at the helm of this new series, which can only mean the concert is sure to stun with grand and stripped-back moments that will make classical music fans of anyone.  The concert series will land at Melbourne Recital Centre from October 9-12, and Sydney Recital Hall from October 14-18. Tickets range in price from $20-$196, book yours here.  

While plenty of Melburnians have fond memories of school trips to Scienceworks, the interactive museum is proving science is just as fun for grown-ups. For the next few months, you can get a closer-to-home look at the stars at monthly after-hours sessions, complete with drinks and a Q&A with an expert astronomer.  Running from August to November, Scienceworks' Melbourne Planetarium is hosting four special events, each featuring two evening sessions. The first, from 7.30-9.30pm, includes an hour-long show followed by stargazing (weather permitting), where you can relax with a drink and watch the cosmos go by. The second session, from 8-10pm, flips the order, starting with stargazing and wrapping up with the show. Each month brings a new astronomical theme. In August, you'll learn about the upcoming lunar eclipse; September focuses on the giant ringed planet Saturn; October’s session explores discoveries from three years of observations using the James Webb Space Telescope; and finally, November rounds things out with a guided tour of the brightest stars in the night sky. While space travel is still a way off for us normal people, astronomer Dr. Tanya Hill will be on hand for all four sessions to offer a guided tour deep into the depths of the universe and answer all your burning questions – including what life beyond Earth might look like. There’ll also be light snacks and drinks on offer from 7pm at the Planetarium’s galaxy bar. Discover the Night Sky is 18+ with tickets on

Activist and multi-award-winning songwriter Kutcha Edwards is widely regarded as one of Australia’s finest contemporary voices. A natural performer (despite never being officially trained), he found his footing in the ‘80s and ‘90s as a member of bands The Black Arm Band and Blackfire. Decades on, the highly respected Elder and Songman has carved out a successful solo career, blending ‘Bidgee’ blues with traditional songs of people and Country. On October 14, the Mutti Mutti artist will curate and headline a special evening of music in the Sydney Opera House Concert Hall. Titled Ngarli-Wangu (meaning “our song” in Mutti Mutti), the one-night-only event will see Edwards joined on stage by conductor-in-residence Benjamin Northey and the Sydney Symphony Orchestra, along with a selection of special guests. Together, they will perform anthems that have shaped the Blak artistic landscape over the past four decades. More than a concert, Ngarli-Wangu is a celebration of heritage. As a survivor of the Stolen Generations, Edwards draws deeply from his lived experience to create his powerful sound and personal music that simply must be experienced live. Tickets are on sale now for this one-off performance, with prices from $49 plus booking fee, concessions available. Secure your seats here. 

Update Wednesday, September 10: Due to some soggy weather, Unlock The Rocks Weekend is postponed until October 4-5 (from August 23-24), just in time for the long weekend! Unlock The Rocks – the harbourside suburb's winter wonderland of culinary entertainment –  springs into action this October, celebrating The Rocks' incredible drinking and dining experiences. The 2025 edition will bring together NSW’s top cellar doors, artisan makers, jazz musicians and coffee roasters for a month-long feast and celebration of the charming, historic district. And while you can head down any day of the week, the festival is going down on October 4 and 5, really ramping things up a notch. Make a start at First Fleet Park, where a stellar line-up of vendors are taking over the lush green space from October 4-5. After a warming speciality brew from Bar Coco Coffee, you can order up a snack (or two) from the smorgasbord of offerings. Choose from a selection of charcuterie from La Bastide, freshly shucked oysters from Sydney Oyster Farm or grab some award-winning cheese to go from Little Cheese Creek.  Pair your meal with a glass of vino from one of the six NSW wineries that will be there pouring three samples for $5, per producer – or enjoy a full glass of your favourite wine for $10. There’s estate-grown drops from Gundagai’s family-owned Borambola Wines, cool climate varietals from the duo behind Jessop in Orange, and expertly crafted reds from Bordeaux winemaker Jean-François Esnault at Skims

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