Olivia Hart

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

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

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:

The ghosts of your mother and grandmother walk into a bar. Or, so goes the story of the sci-fi meets musical meets madcap comedy production Congratulations, Get Rich! hitting the Sydney stage this November as part of the STC's jam-packed 2025 season.   Written by Merlynn Tong (Golden Blood), this supernatural musical comedy sees her star as Mandy, whose beloved karaoke bar is on the verge of closure. Luckily (or unluckily) the ghosts of her mother and grandmother show up on its final night to commiserate, pontificate and offer advice. Inspired by her own experiences growing up in a family-run karaoke bar in Singapore, Tong ties it all together with an intergenerational tale of three powerful women.  Director and former STC Resident Artist, Courtney Stewart (The Poison of Polygamy), has assembled a stellar cast including Zac Boulton as the doting boyfriend, Kimie Tsukakoshi as the grandmother and Seong Hui Xuan as the mother.  A historic collaboration between La Boite Theatre and Singapore Repertory Theatre, this production pits past ideals against contemporary concerns and delves into the complexities of mother-daughter relationships. Think Everything Everywhere All At Once but with original songs (and audience participation).  Tickets for Congratulations, Get Rich! are on sale now. The 90-minute production will run from November 21 to December 14 at Wharf 1 Theatre, Walsh Bay. Find more info and book here.  Co-Producers: La Boite and Singapore Repertory Theatre

Keeping up with your kids can feel like a (physical and mental) workout. So, with all that running around, it can be hard to find the time to actually go to the gym. Here’s the good news: staying fit doesn’t have to mean squeezing in a solo spin class or doing squats in your lounge room during those few precious moments you have to yourself. Considering your wriggly ones have so much energy to burn, you can stay active with your kids (and make it fun for yourself, too). Luckily, we live in a country that’s basically one giant outdoor playground. Between the parks, beaches, pools and trails, there’s no shortage of ways to get moving as a family. Start the day with a sunrise swim, ball as a family at the local basketball courts or plan a weekend cycle – this year, regional Victoria scored a 48km track through vineyards, and the NSW South Coast got an epic new mountain bike path for tiny trekkers and adults alike. Photograph: Kimmy Williams via Unsplash If you’re on holiday, you've got a perfect opportunity to turn family time into an active adventure. Hunt down the local pool, swap the screens for scooters, and make use of local national parks (these are our favourite walks around Sydney and Melbourne). Keeping up with the kids isn’t just about activity, it’s also about stamina. Start strong with a breakfast packed with protein and fibre, and be sure to keep those water bottles full, munch on a few healthy snacks and take a breather when you need one throughout the day. Let’s

Looking for something meaningful to do with the kids these school holidays? The Melbourne Holocaust Museum is showing three powerful exhibitions this September that offer something for everyone – no matter your age. Following a major redevelopment in 2023, the museum reopened with a new permanent exhibition: Everybody Had a Name. Featuring deeply moving testimonies from Melbourne-based Holocaust survivors – who make up the largest per-capita survivor population outside of Israel – the exhibition traces their lives before, during and after the Holocaust. For the little ones (aged ten and up), Hidden: Seven Children Saved offers an immersive experience that tells the remarkable true stories of seven children who survived the Holocaust thanks to the courage of those who hid them. And until October 12, museum visitors can access the special exhibition Zachor: Ask a Survivor, free with any other exhibition ticket. Based on testimonies collected for ABC Education’s Journeys of Hope project, this powerful display shares the experiences of five child survivors – part of the last living generation who endured the Holocaust – as they rebuilt their lives in Australia. While the school holidays are a great time to visit this award-winning museum, there's a rich year-round program including survivor talks, film screenings, panel discussions and more. Tickets range from $10 to $18 for adults and $8 to $14 for concession. Grab yours here. 

After two hugely successful runs, the Austin-born juggernaut of music, tech, film, games and innovation is making its triumphant return to Sydney for the third edition – and it’s set to be the biggest one yet. From stacked line-ups to free public events, here's your ultimate guide to SXSW Sydney 2025. SXSW Sydney Unlocked  This year, SXSW Sydney is opening up part of its program to the public for the 2025 event, so you don’t need a pass to get in on the action. Running throughout the festival (October 13-19), the official public program for SXSW Sydney will transform Tumbalong Park into a free-to-access cultural playground, with more than 85 hours of live performances, talks, film screenings, gaming sessions and fashion and tech-focused events.  Catch musical acts taking over the International Stage on Wednesday; Thursday hosts Blak to the Future, spotlighting Indigenous voices and creatives; Friday brings Tumbalong Honky Tonk for lovers of country and Americana. On Saturday, ICC Sydney plays host to the Games Showcase where you can play more than 100 of the best new indie games, and the Innovation Expo featuring interactive installations, product demos and future-forward talks. Throughout the week, visitors can also experience a runway presentation from Fabrics of Modern Australia and lunchtime activations.  SXSW Sydney Music Festival From October 15-19, SXSW Sydney’s Music Festival is set to bring together a globe-spanning line-up of emerging and local talent. International

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! If there’s one spot in Sydney that has it all, it’s The Rocks. With its renowned pubs, artisan markets, high-class restaurants and harbour views, it’s the best spot in town for tourists and locals alike to while away a weekend. This October, Unlock The Rocks is coming to town and giving you one more reason to rug up and pay a visit to the charming sandstone district. Taking over venues in the historic suburb, Unlock The Rocks will lure you down cobblestone laneways with meal deals and live jazz shows, which are sure to keep you busy all month long. Whether you want to embark on a quirky food trail, catch some live jazz or simply take advantage of a good happy hour deal, we’ve got you covered. Plan your eat-inerary with our top picks from this year’s program.  Food Trails Kickstart your night on the $25 Cocktail Trail which takes you to 21 (yes, 21!) venues for specially curated cocktail and snack pairings, including The Rawson for its luxe lobster sliders and Angel 43 cocktail, or Blu Bar at Shangri-La Sydney for its bold Passion Star Martini expertly matched with a wagyu Girolamo bresaola canape – did we mention it has truffle cream? Visit them at your own pace on a fun night out or better yet, come back for more and tick them all off throughout the month of August. If you’re after a booze-free option, Unl

The pizza-loving community is a dedicated one, often travelling around the world to sample the best in the bizz – from Neapolitan and Romans styles to New York deep dish. But let’s be honest, sometimes a slice from Pizza Hut just hits the spot. If you’re hankering for a pizza right now, here’s the perfect excuse. To celebrate 55 years of Pizza Hut (yes, 55!) the chain is treating its loyal customers to 55,000 free menu items in honour of the monumental occasion.  Right up to the end of October – which just so happens to be National Pizza Month – you're in for a chance to score a free dish everyday. All you have to do is jump on the Pizza Hut App and spin the wheel before October 31 to enter.  Winners will score fan favourites like the meat lovers, pepperoni lovers, cheese lovers, Hawaiian, or BBQ beef pizzas, garlic bread, desserts and more. The good news doesn’t stop there – Pizza Hut is also serving up exclusive in-app deals during the promotion. This month, newcomers will be welcomed with $8 pepperoni lovers or cheese lovers pizzas (pick-up only) and everyone can score $4 cheesy spud bites, a pizza and six wings combo for $17.95, a huge Hershey’s share cookie for $6.95, and six wings for $6.95 (score!). These deals are only for September, so get in quick. The savings don't stop there,  though... Keep your eyes peeled in October for a whole new round of bargains. The promotion is open Australia-wide, for pick-up or delivery (delivery charges may apply). Get it while it’s ho

When it comes to vodka, Grey Goose remains a standout on any top-shelf list. The luxe French spirit is famous for its silky-smooth texture and elegant balance which is just as easy to sip solo as it is to blend into a next-level cocktail. Now, Grey Goose is teaming up with three of Australia’s best bars and bartenders to shake up the classic Martini.  From September 3, Maybe Sammy in Sydney, Apollo Inn in Melbourne and SK Steak and Oyster in Brisbane are upping the ante with Grey Goose Tiny 'Tini flights, available daily until October 5 for $45. At the glamorous Maybe Sammy, the always-dapper bartenders are serving an elevated take on their trademark Martini, crafted with a refined blend of Grey Goose, Noilly Prat, Distillery Botanica lemon myrtle and bitters. Over at Apollo Inn, the swanky, dimly lit watering hole has carefully curated a flight highlighting the bar’s signature sophistication with a mix of Grey Goose, Vermouth blend and Mildura mandarin. Pay a visit to SK Steak and Oyster in Brisbane, where you can order a Grey Goose flight of three crisp Martini silhouettes. The mix is fat-washed with rendered Kiwami beef fat and infused with Ars Italica white sturgeon caviar before being rested for two days for a luxuriously savoury finish. Each venue will also serve its creations as full-size cocktails for the month-long takeover. Whether you’re curious to try one or plan to track them all down, this is your chance to toast one of the world’s most awarded spirits.  Find

A tasty yet hefty burger is not hard to come by in Melbourne. But the daily-baked brioche buns, juicy patties and potato gems at Royal Stacks are some of the city’s best. What began as an ode to the Shake Shack and In-N-Out burger model, is now a Royal Stacks empire, amounting to a brand new flagship store opening this September at Crown Melbourne. The burger legends will be serving up a full dine-in American diner-style breakfast menu, launching their first ever (and only) bunless burger, unveiling a super cool (mind the pun) frozen yoghurt bar, and of course dishing up plenty of other favourites like the smash-patty single stack, tater tots and shakes.  To mark the special occasion, Royal Stacks at Crown will be giving away 250 Tyson Beck cards to the first customers through the door in September. The cards will come in a burger-style version of Willy Wonka’s golden ticket with one lucky winner scoring a year’s worth of burgers.  Since owner Dani Zeini (Grand Trailer Park Taverna, Easey's and Truck Stop Deluxe) first brought his photogenic burgers to Collins Street in 2016, the business has expanded to ten other locations including Crown (with an eleventh on the way).  Royal Stacks at Crown Melbourne will officially open on September 4. Find out more here. 

The world’s largest touring burlesque festival is back for its 16th edition, which is set to dazzle nine Aussie cities this spring. The creative and cheeky line-up features a mix of local legends and international stars who will pull out all the stops in 2025. Expect a whole lot of feathers and sequins as the festival serves up saucy shows, wicked workshops and mischievous masterclasses. The tassel-twirling tour kicks off on the Gold Coast on October 10 before making its way to Brisbane, Newcastle, Gosford, Sydney, Alice Springs, Darwin, Adelaide, and then closing out in Melbourne on November 2. The best part? We’ve got two tickets (valued at $180) to give away to The Big Tease Gala at Brisbane’s Tivoli Theatre on Saturday, October 11. To enter, simply fill out the form below. Note: You must be 18+ to participate.

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

There's nothing quite so overwhelming (in the most exciting way possible) as a blank canvas reno-project that lies ahead of you. ArchiPro's Home Design Evening is the place to be for insider advice, the chance to hear from industry professionals and surrounding yourself in design-led thinking to fuel your next move. This one-night-only event is coming to Melbourne’s Lakeside Pavilion on August 1 – and trust us, you’ll want to be there.  Fronting the evening is none other than award-winning architect Peter Maddison (AKA the original host of Grand Designs Australia), who'll lead a panel of industry experts including Archier's Josh Fitzgerald, Imogene Pond from Cera Stribley and Sam & Chelsea Barlow from Barlow Building. Together, they’ll explore the real value of professional guidance and why the smartest builds are never done alone. Expect bubbles, canapés and more than 50 curated exhibitors including Studio Enti and the English Tapware Company, who will be showcasing the latest in interiors. You’ll rub shoulders with a whole crowd of architects and designers who are more than happy to talk shop (and maybe even jump on your next project).  The best part? It’s free to attend. Make sure you register your interest in advance here, with doors open between 5-9pm.

Sydney is one of the most photographed cities in the world - so it’s only fitting that it’s playing host to a groundbreaking new festival dedicated to visual storytelling. Whether you're behind the lens or in front of it, Frmefest is the creative summit photographers, filmmakers and content creators have been waiting for. Teaming up with presenting partner Canon Australia, the inaugural Frmefest will take over Carriageworks on July 19-20, bringing two jam-packed days of more than 40 leading speakers, 60 hands-on workshops, and 22 brand activations dedicated to the creative industry. Across the two days you can hear from leading voices on the main stage, including global communication coach Vinh Giang and renowned Australian portrait photographer and YouTuber Julia Trotti as they dive into discussions on the future of visual storytelling. Join expert panels diving into the future of the creator economy, building a sustainable creative career and levelling up your social media game.  But this isn’t just about watching from the sidelines, Frmefest is built for doing. Step into immersive, cinematic sets to shoot real-world scenarios, get hands-on with gear from Canon, Camera House, Fujifilm, Sony, Nikon, Lumix, OM System, Blackmagic Design and more, and compete in live competitions with over $50,000+ in prizes up for grabs. Prices start at $179 but if you book with our exclusive code TIMEOUT30 you can score a hefty discount. Be quick because tickets are closing soon. Explore the

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