Winnie Stubbs

From glitzy musicals and Shakespearean reimaginings to fresh new plays and laugh-out-loud comedies, Sydney’s theatre scene is packed with reasons to put down the remote and head out. Whether you're after a big night out, a thought-provoking drama or a show that'll leave you grinning all the way home, these are the best theatre shows and musicals to see in Sydney this month. Did you know Australia’s last remaining pub theatre is right here in Sydney? Found below Woolloomooloo's 150-year-old Old Fitzroy Hotel, the Old Fitz Theatre is the place for boundary-pushing shows from some of the city's most talented creatives. If you find yourself with a free night and feel like something different – and supporting indie work – check out what's on here. Scroll on for the best musicals, plays and more to see in Sydney this month. RELATED READS: It’s guaranteed laughs galore at the Comedy Store Make Tuesdays more fun with this affordable comedy show in the Inner West

Camping is truly one of the best ways you can spend a weekend out of Sydney, but if you prefer seeing the great outdoors from a luxury tent complete with bubble bath and high thread-count linen, let this list serve as your bible.Time Out Sydney's team of local outdoors enthusiasts (including Travel and News Editor Winnie Stubbs) have tried and tested the best glamping sites in and around Sydney; from a safari tent at Taronga Zoo to the see-through spherical confines of Bubbletent Australia.Each one of these glamping spots have been assessed by our editors based on their luxury, nature immersion and all-round wow factor. Add them to your 2026 holiday wish list for when you want to escape the urban hustle without losing the creature comforts. Your back will thank you. A notable mention goes to Reflections Holidays, who operate 60 (super comfy, super afforable) glamping sites across NSW – from Byron Bay to Seal Rocks. I stayed at their Bonny Hills site with my family on a recent cycling holiday, and the site hit all of the right notes without blowing our budget. Stay in the loop: sign up for our free Time Out Sydney newsletter for more news, travel inspo and activity ideas, straight to your inbox. RECOMMENDED:These are the best camping sites near SydneyThese are the best luxury stays around NSWAnd these are the best motels in NSW worth the road trip

Looking for a fab new restaurant to check out? You’ve come to the right place. The other week I went to Trattoria Da Orazio – a new Italian restaurant from chef Orazio D’Elia in Rushcutters Bay – and it was excellent (order the bombetta pugliese and whimsical dessert platter). Surry Hills fine diner Arthur has reopened after a big reno – still serving a 100 per cent Aussie menu across food and drinks, now in a more accessible way (and a happy hour with $3 prawns!). And you need to make a booking at Ashe – the new Southeast Asian grill from the Bentley Group, led by talented chef Khanh Nguyen. It’s my pick of the new openings of 2026 so far. Enjoy. 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 something to wash it all down with? These are our favourite bars in Sydney right now. Keen to eat your way around the city? These are the best restaurants in Sydney, from hot newcomers to the OGs.

Call it what you will – the rainbow region, the Northern Rivers, the Byron hinterland – the Bundjalung Nation (the region around Byron Bay) holds a certain ineffable magic. I was once told – en route to a very-Byron tea ceremony on a rainy Wednesday evening – that the magic comes from the earth; that the ground beneath the hills, spiked with crystals from a nearby volcano, generates a uniquely healing energy. And though my limited geological understanding prevents me from verifying that fact, I’m confident that there’s something special about this stretch of sparkling coastline and rolling hills that the Arakwal, Minjungbal and Widjabul Wia-bal people call home. Byron Bay – undeniably the region’s most well-known town – has traditionally acted as a place for people to come together, known by the Arakwal people as 'Cavanbah' which translates to mean 'meeting place’. And while the gentrified hippie beach town on Australia’s easternmost point does have its perks – a stunning coastal walk that curls up over a beach-studded stretch of sparkling ocean, high-end hotels that blend sophisticated design with beachside nonchalance, and a restaurant scene to rival any Sydney suburb – we’re of the opinion that the true gems of the region lie outside of town. This ultimate guide to Byron Bay should help you explore it all.  Stay in the loop: sign up for our free Time Out Sydney newsletter for more news, travel inspo and activity ideas, straight to your inbox. RECOMMENDED:Feeling inspired?

Winter 2026 update: Sydney’s bar scene doesn’t slow down when the temperature drops – if anything, it gets even better. Think cosy corners, silky red wines, smoky whiskies and perfect Martinis. Whether you’re chasing a hidden speakeasy, a buzzing neighbourhood wine bar, rooftop cocktails with your girlfriends or a proper pint, we've got your winter watering holes sorted.  These spots offer great drinks, warm hospitality and good vibes. From exciting newcomers to long-time favourites, this guide is curated by our local editors and writers, including Time Out Sydney's Editor Avril Treasure. Grab your coat, Sydney – it’s bar season. Editor’s picks: 🍸 Best for Martinis: Bar Planet 🤫 Best for speakeasy vibes: The Cumberland ☀️ Best for views: Opera Bar 🍷 Best for vibey wine and snacks: Famelia 🥃 Best for whisky lovers: Banchō Bar 😎 Best for friend's catch-up: Old Mate's Place 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. Our list of the best pubs in Sydney Check out our best restaurants here

The traditional land of the Bhwerawerri, Budawang, Jerrinja, Murramarang, Tomikin, Wandi wandandian, Wodi wodi, Yuin and associated clans, this stretch of rolling hills and stunning coastline a few hours south of Sydney is as close as you'll come to a hidden gem in the age of Instagram.  While beach towns further north attract the noisy glory as the coastal gems of the NSW coastline (Byron Bay, we’re looking at you), the Shoalhaven region is filled with 100 beautiful beaches lining the coastline, 49 towns and villages, a growing number of cellar doors and countless opportunities for marine wildlife spotting. All together, this makes it a beloved holiday haven for anyone looking to escape the city, and – in a way – escape from modern life entirely.  And though it's still blessed with the old-world, laidback energy that it's loved for, this once little-known destination is undeniably on the up – with roadside motels morphing into high-end stays, and low-key pubs becoming award-winning restaurants. Despite the region's ballooning offering, it still feels divinely unspoiled; quietly beautiful, gorgeously unpretentious and home to everything that makes a weekend away feel like a real, soul-enriching holiday.   Whether you’re a surfer, rock climber, bushwalker or really just love your food, we’ve put together a guide to the best places in this heavenly region that keeps on calling us back.  Stay in the loop: sign up for our free Time Out Sydney newsletter for more news, food & dri

More new hotels in Australia mean more excuses to book a holiday, right? From fancy five-star stays and long-awaited international debuts to retro motel revivals and intimate coastal hideaways, Australia's staycation scene is booming – giving travellers plenty of reason to test-drive the latest openings. After all, who doesn’t want to be the first to swan-dive into a crisp king bed or wrap themselves in a robe so fresh it hasn’t yet seen a room-service tray? This year, Australia has welcomed a bumper wave of new stays, from Avani Mooloolaba Beach – the Sunshine Coast's first major hotel opening in almost 40 years – to the beloved Ardour Lilianfels in the Blue Mountains and Broome's refreshed Pinctada Hotel. Looking ahead, our Editor Melissa Woodley has her eyes set on the new Treehouse Hotel (anchoring Adelaide’s $600 million Central Market precinct), and the Hilton Palm Cove Cairns Resort & Spa, set to open in early 2027. Scroll on for the full roll call of Australia’s best new hotels – and the ones set to open in the coming months/years. 🌴 The best resorts & lodges in Australia⛺️ The best free campgrounds in Australia

Good news, springtime lovers: we’re in the last month of winter for the year, and it’s shaping up to be a goodie. August kicks off with a bang, with the world’s largest fun run going down on Sunday, August 9. If you’re doing the City2Surf (like me), here’s everything you need to know. I better start stretching. It’s nearly cherry blossom time, with Auburn’s magical festival returning this month at Sydney’s Auburn Botanic Gardens. Book your tickets and see the whole park covered in a bubble-gum-pink blanket of flowers. It’s still whale-watching season – there are plenty of places to see the big beauties in Sydney! Here are some of our faves. This last month of the cold season will be delivering the culture goods, with an incredible round-up of theatre shows keeping us entertained, and the city’s best restaurants and bars serving up happy hour specials and price-slicing deals to keep the cost of living woes at bay. For a nature hit this August, we’d suggest taking an icy dip at one of Sydney’s best ocean pools, or getting some mountain air on one of the best walks in the Blue Mountains. If you need some help warming up, work your way through our guide to Sydney's best Sunday roasts, or settle in with a glass of mulled wine at one of Sydney’s cosiest pubs. Calling all Ted Lasso fans: Woollahra’s Lord Dudley is transforming into the Crown & Anchor this month (Aug 5-7) with themed pub grub, trivia, darts and free pies for the first 100 people through the door.Scroll on for our fu

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 winter standout is the never-seen-before-in-Australia glittering jewel collection from Cartier at the NGV, along with the blockbuster Monet to Matisse exhibition in Adelaide. 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

The Sunshine Coast’s ever-expanding dining scene is a double-edged sword: with so many amazing restaurants, where do you start? From modern Asian fusion and Middle Eastern feasts to fresh local seafood, handmade pasta and prime steaks, seasonal local produce takes centre stage across the region’s best restaurants. Once you’ve ticked off all the hot spots on Hastings Street in Noosa, make your way south to Mooloolaba’s bustling waterfront for fresh prawns and Asian street food, the sunny town square of Peregian Beach for a paddock-to-plate long lunch, or the scenic hinterland for a farm-to-table feast. Here’s our guide to the best restaurants on the Sunshine Coast, straight from local tips and the well-fed experience of our Travel & News Editor Melissa Woodley. Editor's favourite restaurants on the Sunshine Coast: ⭐️ Best for special occasions: Season Restaurant 😍 Best for groups: Light Years 💎 Best hidden gem: Warrior Restaurant & Bar ☀️ The best things to do on the Sunshine Coast🍽️ The best restaurants in Noosa

Noosa might be best known for its golden beaches and relaxed coastal charm, but it’s dining scene is just as impressive. The resort town has no shortage of excellent eateries that buzz with locals and travellers from dusk until well after dawn. Many of the trendiest restaurants line the iconic Hastings Street, with the fanciest spots sitting mere metres from the golden sands of Main Beach. Meanwhile, waterfront institutions in Noosaville showcase the region’s finest seafood, and Noosa Junction brings a laid-back mix of global flavours – from French crêpes and fluffy bao buns to woodfired pizzas. Our Travel & News Editor Melissa Woodley has visited Noosa multiple times and knows the perfect spot for every occasion – whether you’re after a romantic dinner, a breezy beachside lunch or a special occasion feast. Take your pick from this ultimate list of the best restaurants in Noosa. Editor's favourite restaurants in Noosa: 💎 Best for views: Season Restaurant ⭐️ Best new opening: Cibaria Noosa 🍽️ Best for groups: Light Years 🌊 The best things to do in Noosa🍽️ The best restaurants on the Sunshine Coast

As a city known for its healthy way of life, Sydney is unsurprisingly home to dozens of spas and skincare salons offering facial treatments to keep the signature sun-kissed glow alive even through the winter months. And while we can’t list them all, we can shine a light on a solid list of the top wellness sanctuaries offering fantastic skincare rituals to help you feel like your glowiest self, all year round – special mention has to go to Fayshell, whose membership option has totally changed the game (and improved my own skin immeasurably). Read on for our round-up of Sydney’s best facials. Need a new hair do? These are the best hair salons in Sydney.Want head-to-toe treatment outside of the city? These are the best day spas in the Blue Mountains. Stay in the loop: sign up for our free Time Out Sydney newsletter for more news, travel inspo and activity ideas, straight to your inbox.

The Adina tagline is Living Made Easy – and based on the rooms, facilities and thoughtfully location-specific aesthetic of the Adina properties I’ve stayed in, it totally checks out. Stepping into the designer lobby of Adina Bondi, you’d be forgiven for mistaken you were heading to your friend’s luxe new beachside home. Right in the beating heart of Bondi, home to 111 apartment-style suites, Adina Bondi is the perfect base for anyone who wants a commitment-free sample of life in Australia’s most famous beachside ’burb. What is Adina Bondi like? Sitting right in the heart of Bondi’s buzzy Hall Street, within the 33,000-square-metre complex known as The Hub, Adina Bondi Beach is a breezy, beachy hotel-apartment hybrid in a next-level location. It’s the sort of place where you can wake up, grab a top-tier coffee (our rec is Makuto), spend a day in the waves, then wander home with a bottle of wine for balcony drinks without ever needing to get in a car.  What are the rooms like at Adina Bondi? As per the Adina ethos, the vibe here is apartment living with hotel service. The 111 studios and one-, two- and three-bedroom apartments are designed to give you a heap more elbow room than your average hotel room, with kitchens and laundry facilities making them perfect for longer stays and multigenerational trips. There are sofa beds and rollaway beds for larger groups, while various studio and one-bedroom apartments can be interconnected to create bigger spaces with extra bedrooms and b

There’s a lookout on the edge of the Jamison Valley called Sublime Point, and I’d argue it’s the most aptly named spot in the Blue Mountains. In its philosophical sense, the sublime describes something so vast and beautiful it borders on overwhelming – even terrifying. Stand here, gazing across an endless sea of knotted eucalypts framed by towering sandstone escarpments, and the meaning becomes pretty immediately clear. In my opinion, it’s not the only place in the BMs that inspires that feeling, either. You’ll find the same heart-stopping sense of wonder at Echo Point, where the Three Sisters rise from the valley to your left and bright red parrots swoop between the trees. And just a few steps away from Echo Point, you’ll encounter the word's other, less philosophical meaning. Fresh from a multi-million-dollar refurbishment, Lilianfels represents the sublime in the more familiar sense: impeccably designed and luxuriously appointed, it’s a note-perfect countryside escape. What is Lilianfels like? Grand, glamorous and gloriously old-world. Originally built in 1889 as the summer residence of Lieutenant-Governor of NSW Sir Frederick Darley, the heritage-listed estate has been serving as a mountain getaway mainstay for decades. Now, after a multimillion-dollar makeover, the appeal goes far beyond the hotel’s historic bones and immaculately manicured grounds. Service is first-rate, rooms are Instagrammable-as-heck, and the Martini trolley is ready for your post-hike hang by the fi

There’s a lot of incredible art to see in Sydney, but if you’re open to a getaway this springtime, we’d suggest heading up the coast to Newcastle – the coastal city that’s transforming into a creative wonderland for its multidisciplinary contemporary arts festival, New Annual. Across 10 days (from September 25 until October 4), the festival will bring together 402 artists, 40 events and seven new commissions – celebrating the stories, landscapes and creative energy that make Newcastle (traditionally known as Muloobinba) so special.This year, the coastline will take centre stage – with sunrise theatre, open-air exhibitions and works that (actually) shift with the tides. At Dixon Park Beach, acclaimed theatre-maker Roslyn Oades will present Sea Stories, an intimate sunrise experience exploring friendship and life by the ocean, while Penelope Green’s Ocean Rituals will turn the Bathers Way into an outdoor photographic exhibition. At Canoe Pool, Izabela Pluta’s monumental new commission Cavitation will evolve with the changing light, weather and waves, accompanied by live dance performances from Catapult Dance Choreographic Hub.Come sunset, Newcastle Ocean Baths will once again become one of Australia’s most spectacular gig venues for SOAK: Live at the Baths. Curated by Urthboy, the free concert series will feature performances from Hermitude, Claire O’Brien, 92Wrld, Kobie Dee and Karen Lee Andrews. Beyond the beach, the city’s pubs, parks and cultural spaces will come alive with

One of Australia's biggest NYE parties is so back – and if last year's lightning-fast sell-out is anything to go by, you'll need to move fast if you want to score tix. Beyond the Valley (BTV) has just unveiled the line-up for its 11th edition, with global dance titan John Summit, noughties icons Black Eyed Peas and rave superstar KI/KI leading the charge. Presented by Untitled Group and Triple J, the four-day camping festival has become a summer rite of passage for Victoria’s dance fans, drawing tens of thousands of people to Barunah Plains every year. To kick off its second decade in action, BTV is going big. Topping the bill is John Summit, one of the biggest names in dance music right now. Fresh from headlining Tomorrowland, selling out London's O2 Arena and Los Angeles' Kia Forum, and racking up more than one billion global streams, the Chicago-born DJ and producer will take on BTV’s hottest slot: the New Year's Eve countdown into 2027. Joining him for an Australian-exclusive performance is Black Eyed Peas. The six-time Grammy-winning group behind beloved poppy hits like 'Where Is the Love?', 'Boom Boom Pow' and 'I Gotta Feeling' will serve up their signature singalong anthems that are so perfectly primed for festival crowds. Electronic music fans will be looked after too. Dutch DJ KI/KI – a megastar in the global dance music scene right now – will return for an extended three-hour set. British grime pioneer Skepta is also back for his first BTV appearance since 2019/20.T

Dust off your sequins – a glittery-as-heck night of disco, circus and cabaret is taking over the Sydney Opera House this winter. Showing in the Studio from July 24 to September 13, Velvet Inferno is the very sparkly new evolution of the hit Australian production Velvet, promising wildly impressive acrobatics, powerhouse vocals and a solid soundtrack of disco anthems. The brilliant Marcia Hines will own the role of The Diva, with beloved multidisciplinary star Brendan Maclean taking on the fan-favourite role of Country Mike. Joining the Velvet family for the first time is singer-songwriter KYE as Gloria, whose coming-of-age story unfolds beneath a sparkling Studio 54-inspired mirrorball. The circus line-up is just as impressive. Expect next-level hula-hooping from Craig "Hula Boy" Reid, the Australian debut of Ukrainian roller-skating duo Duo Stardust, plus terrifyingly impressive aerial performances from Oleg Tatarynov and Zoe Marshall. Hyper-talented vocalists Emma Feliciano and Mateja Sardelis round out the cast. Soundtracked by disco classics including It's Raining Men, If You Could Read My Mind and No More Tears (Enough Is Enough), Velvet Inferno reunites the original creative team behind the global hit: director Craig Ilott, musical director Joe Accaria and choreographer Amy Campbell. More than a decade after Velvet first wowed audiences, the production continues to tour internationally, with an ongoing residency in Hamburg. Tickets start at $49.90. You can learn more an

Big news for dance music fans of Victoria: the famously fun touring festival Spilt Milk has just announced its 2026 Vic location, and it’s officially heading to Geelong/Djilang. Australia's biggest regional touring music festival has locked in a new five-year home at Kardinia Park, with support from Visit Victoria and the City of Greater Geelong keeping the event in the region until 2030. For context, Spilt Milk is a younger-leaning music festival that specialises in big name acts – with line-up alumni including Lorde, Post Malone, Childish Gambino, Flume and Doechii. After four mega successful editions in Ballarat, the one-day fest is making the move to Geelong, where it's set to bring tens of thousands of fans – and a major economic boost – to the city each December (popping up this year on Saturday, December 19).So who’s appearing this year? Scottish superstar Lewis Capaldi will headline Spilt Milk's 2026 return to Victoria, marking his first Australian festival run since his triumphant Glastonbury comeback and sold-out arena tour. He'll be joined by four-time Grammy nominee RAYE, fresh off the release of her chart-topping second album, alongside electronic heavyweight KETTAMA, US rapper Baby Keem, indie-pop favourite Maisie Peters, genre-bending pop star Remi Wolf and beloved Aussie outfit DMA'S, plus a stacked supporting lineup of emerging local and international acts.You can check out the full line-up (and sign up for presale access) over here.Stay in the loop: sign up

How does happiness impact the body? It’s a question that’s crossed all of our minds at one time or another: floating in the ocean or gloriously exhausted after a long run around the city. This year, a globally-renowned exhibition dedicated to answering that question is landing in Sydney. Body Worlds: The Anatomy of Happiness will open in The Rocks on September 17, inviting visitors to explore the links between physical health, emotions and overall wellbeing. Created by plastination pioneer Dr Gunther von Hagens and curated by Dr Angelina Whalley, this blockbuster exhibition explores what happiness actually looks like inside the human body. Through real donated human specimens, interactive displays and multimedia installations, you'll discover how everything from stress and resilience to movement, ageing and social connection leaves its mark on our anatomy. Highlights include an Anatomical Mirror that lets you see where your organs sit inside your own body, side-by-side healthy and diseased organs, brain health displays exploring conditions like Parkinson's and Alzheimer's, and a photographic series examining longevity across 100 years of life. Since launching, Body Worlds has attracted more than 58 million visitors across 175 cities worldwide, with more than 270,000 Australians already stepping inside the exhibition during its stints in Brisbane, Perth and Melbourne. Tickets start from $35 for adults and $20 for children, with general sales opening on July 29. Keen to get in

Art enthusiasts, assemble. Australia's biggest contemporary art event is coming back to the Harbour City, and its milestone tenth edition is set to spill well beyond the walls of Carriageworks. From September 3-6, Sydney Contemporary will return with more than 500 artists from 33 countries, and an ambitious program of large-scale installations, performances and public artworks across the city. While the fair itself will take over Carriageworks as usual, this year's highlights will extend to two beautiful waterfront spots. Kamilaroi artist Reko Rennie will unveil a striking new installation at Sydney Fish Market, while Joan Ross's bold video work will transform Pier Pavilion at Barangaroo – inviting passing Sydneysiders to engage with contemporary art outside the traditional gallery setting. Inside Carriageworks, expect everything from monumental sculptures and immersive textile installations to kinetic works and live performances. Melbourne duo The Huxleys will debut a joyous new performance piece, and Mike Hewson (the visionary behind AGNSW's universally-loved exhibition The Key's Under The Mat will transform the Carriageworks café with his signature immersive approach. Other headline names exhibtiing this year include acclaimed South African artist William Kentridge, Australian sculptor Alex Seton and Torres Strait artists Grace Lillian Lee, Dr Ken Thaiday Snr and Allan George Lee – though the real joy of Sydney Contemporary is discovering your new favourite artist from one

I think, after a few years of (pretty enjoyable) searching, I’ve finally done it – I’ve found Sydney’s best facial. Hiding up a set of warmly-lit stairs, seconds from the buzz of Oxford Street, Riya Studios is the latest addition to Sydney’s beauty and wellness scene, and wow – I didn’t realise we needed it. The immaculately designed skin and wellness space, owned and operated by skincare guru Mariya Makas, takes a holistic approach to crafting glowing complexions – combining bespoke facials with acupuncture, Traditional Chinese Medicine, super hi-fi new techniques and the most wildly divine facial massage you’ll ever experience. It’s on the more expensive end of the scale, but this is a genuinely exceptional treatment with a perfect curation of products. If you’ve got the cash to splash on a facial, splash it here – your face will thank you.If you're after a treatment that delivers equal parts results and relaxation, the studio's signature Aerolase Facial is the one – I fell asleep several times during my treatment, and left with skin that looked almost glassy. The experience begins with a luxe cleanse and gentle enzyme treatment using Mariya’s fave biotechnology-led skincare brand Epicutis, before a gorgeous sculpting facial massage to melt away any remaining tension. The hero of the treatment is the Aerolase Skin Rejuvenation Protocol, a next-generation laser designed to improve overall skin quality while targeting concerns like uneven tone, texture, redness and congestion

Looking to add a dose of hyper-Instagrammable delight to your outdoor activity schedule this winter? We’ve got you. The beloved Sydney Cherry Blossom Festival will return to Auburn Botanic Gardens this August, transforming the leafy oasis (home to the largest crop of cherry blossom trees in the whole Southern Hem) into a sea of pink blossom and Japanese-inspired entertainment for nine flower-fuelled days. Running from August 22-30, the annual festival celebrates the fleeting beauty of sakura season with more than 200 cherry blossom trees in full bloom, alongside Japanese food and family-friendly entertainment. Wander beneath the blossom canopy on the Cherry Blossom Trail (choose the full 30-minute stroll or a shorter express route), snap a few pics beneath the iconic Cherry Arbour and torii gate, then settle in for a day of workshops, performances and seriously good snacks.RELATED READ: These are the best public gardens you can visit in Sydney. Alongside the main drawcard (those pastel pink trees), this year's program includes a peaceful Zen Zone, guided shinrin-yoku (forest bathing) walks, daily origami workshops, Japanese tea ceremonies, cooking demonstrations, a high-energy ninja stunt show and appearances from gardening guru Costa Georgiadis and comedian Takashi Wakasugi. Once you’ve worked up an appetite, make a beeline for the Japanese Food Village – where you'll find everything from ramen, dumplings and curry to mochi, matcha treats, fluffy Japanese soufflé pancakes an

It’s 8pm on a perfect Italian evening, and the fairytale town of Taormina is spilling out below us like a postcard – glassy ocean melting into a pastel pink sky. We’re somehow among just two parties dining on the town’s highest rooftop terrace, the rooftop in question is found on the top of NH Collection Taormina – a gorgeous 63-room hotel perched above the town’s historic beating heart. What is NH Collection Taormina like? If Palermo is chaos and Catania is grit, Taormina is pure theatre – and NH Collection Taormina leans all the way in. Perched just above the town’s historic centre, this is a gorgeously glossy but still delightfully intimate hotel. Prioritising comfort and design over old-school features, this 63-room stay trades rustic Sicilian charm for something sleeker. Despite being an old-building enthusiast, it’s a trade I’m more than happy to make: take the two-minute walk into the town for old-world trattorias, then head back to the hotel for a massage in the spa, a dip in the pool and a strong Negroni on the roof. The building itself blends contemporary architecture (see the glass-bottomed swimming pool that bathes the foyer in susurrations) with restored historic elements, but let’s be honest: it’s the views that steal the show. We’re talking Mount Etna on one side, the Ionian Sea on the other, and that golden-hour light that makes everything look like a film set and kind of makes you want to cry. What are the rooms like at NH Collection Taormina? Rooms here are

Less than three minutes after stepping out of our room on the second floor of NH Collection Palermo Palazzo Sitano, my friend and I were being serenaded by an opera singer on the steps of an ornate chapel. Three minutes after that, we were seated under a canopy in a sun-soaked sandstone piazza, goblets of Aperol gleaming on the table in front of us. A seven-minute morning stroll will take you to the impossibly ornate Quattro Canti, where wildly intricate stone statues (built into the buildings to represent the saints of Sicily) smile down on you, and if you find yourself dancing into the night in one of the city’s lantern-lit laneways, you’ll be back in bed within moments of deciding to call it a night. Such is the gloriously central, gloriously Italian location of this magnificent hotel – but NH Collection Palermo Palazzo Sitano doesn’t get by on location alone. Far from it.  What is NH Collection Palermo Palazzo Sitano like? Set inside an 18th-century Baroque palazzo in the thick of the old town, NH Collection Palermo Palazzo Sitano feels perfectly polished without tipping into intimidating luxury. There are grand staircases, wrought-iron balconies and just enough old-world Sicilian drama – but it’s paired with the clean-lined, contemporary feel NH hotels do well. The overall vibe is elegant but relaxed, like the grand, palatial townhouse of your extremely wealthy Italian family friend. What are the rooms like at NH Collection Palermo Palazzo Sitano? Aside from the ridiculo

Planning your next regional getaway? We’re here to help on the inspo front. Victoria has just crowned its Top Tourism Towns for 2026, with some beloved holiday spots taking home the chocolates. For context, the annual awards celebrate towns that go above and beyond to welcome visitors – from creating wildly unique experiences and supporting local businesses to bringing the community together and giving travellers a reason to stick around. Drumroll, please! Here are the Victorian towns that came out on top this year. Top Tourism Town: Echuca Moama A breezy 2.5-hour drive from Melbourne, the historic river hub of Echuca Moama has been named Victoria’s Top Tourism Town for 2026. Once Australia’s largest inland port, it's now best known for its collection of historic paddlesteamers, which still chug along the Murray River – a magical way to take in the region’s history. But according to the Top Tourism Towns team (and anyone who’s visited), there’s much more to the town than its heritage. Outdoor adventures, a thriving food and drink scene, and a packed calendar of events mean there are plenty of reasons to visit Echuca, even if looking back in time or river cruising isn’t your thing. The other finalists in this category were Mildura, Ocean Grove and Swan Hill, with Bendigo scoring the silver medal and Ballarat taking home bronze.  Photograph: Supplied | Visit VictoriaEchuca Moama Top Small Tourism Town: Portarlington Over on the beautiful Bellarine Peninsula, Portarlington ha

Cost-conscious brides-to-be, assemble. If your wedding budget is blowing over, we’re here to help. For four days only (Thursday, August 20 to Sunday, August 23), the District Docklands is playing host to Melbourne’s first-ever Vinnies Wedding Pop-Up – with more than 300 new-with-tags wedding dresses, alongside vintage and pre-loved gowns, suits, bridesmaid dresses, accessories and Big Day décor. The idea is simple: save a heap of cash, make a more sustainable choice and, importantly, give a beautiful dress a second chance at a walk down the aisle. With the average Australian wedding now costing around $38,000 (according to Vinnies’ research), the idea of finding your dream dress without blowing the budget is pretty damn appealing. And it’s not just about the bride. Grooms can shop suiting and menswear, and there’ll be outfits for bridesmaids, flower girls, page boys and wedding guests, plus shoes, veils and other finishing touches. If the thought of navigating the wedding-industrial complex is making you want to elope, there will also be a line-up of vendors on hand, including photographers, wedding planners and a sweet treat baker keeping shoppers fuelled (and serving up advice for your wedding day). Every dollar spent at the pop-up will support Vinnies Victoria programs helping people experiencing homelessness, housing insecurity and financial hardship across the state. Plus, there’s an added incentive to get rummaging: shoppers will go into a draw to win a photography vouc

Active holidays are on the up and up, and if you’re looking for a cycling escape that combines big alpine scenery with wineries, adorable country towns and a pretty achievable pedal pace, the Murray to Mountains Rail Trail is hard to beat. Winding its way through Victoria’s High Country, this (mostly sealed) bike trail takes you past eucalyptus forests, farmland, vineyards and some seriously charming regional villages. Here’s everything you need to know before you go. Where is the Murray to the Mountains Rail Trail? The Murray to Mountains Rail Trail is in Victoria’s northeast, winding through the Ovens Valley and connecting the regional city of Wangaratta with towns including Beechworth, Myrtleford, Bright and Wandiligong. It’s surrounded by the Victorian Alps, so expect mountain views, gum tree-lined stretches, farmland and plenty of opportunities to sample local wine along the way. How long is the Murray to the Mountains Rail Trail? The trail stretches for more than 100 kilometres, with the main route running between Wangaratta, Beechworth and Bright, plus extensions towards Milawa, Rutherglen and Wandiligong. Riders generally tackle the full route over three to four days, but if you’re keen to keep it shorter, Australian Cycle Tours’ self-guided itinerary covers 74 kilometres over two days: 43 kilometres from Beechworth to Myrtleford, followed by 31 kilometres from Myrtleford to Bright.  How difficult is the Murray to the Mountains Rail Trail? If your idea of a perfect cy

Melbourne’s dining scene is already pretty damn solid, but it’s just scored a new late-night addition. Enter The Frog Club, a chic restaurant, grill and bar opening on Chapel Street with a next-level offering: you can order its full menu until midnight, seven nights a week. The sexy spot comes from Melbourne hospo veterans James McBride and Marc Gurman, who have set out to create the kind of glamorous, old-school restaurant where dinner can easily escalate into dancing.  Leading the kitchen is culinary director Angel Fernandez, whose CV includes stints at Victor Churchill and a six-year tenure as executive chef at Neil Perry’s Rosetta. According to the team, the menu takes its cues from both the indulgence of a classic New York steakhouse and the polished pleasures of a French brasserie.  If you’re watching your budget, this maybe isn’t the place. The luxury offering kicks off with Sea Cave Kaluga and Anna Dutch Oscietra caviar, as well as the Frog Club's signature caviar tart. There’s also a suitably extravagant Plateau de Fruits de Mer – a towering arrangement of shellfish and chilled seafood served over ice. For something a little more snacky, the hors d'oeuvres are a tour through the golden age of New York and Hollywood dining: crumpets with mussel escabeche and saffron butter, gougères filled with Comté cream and Wagyu bresaola, and a prawn cocktail served with mignotte lettuce and Mary Rose sauce. Photograph: Supplied | The Frog ClubThe Frog Club But the real star of

After a long (long) wait, North Sydney Olympic Pool has officially reopened – and Sydneysiders have wasted no time getting back in the water. Sitting pretty under the arc of the Harbour Bridge, the iconic pool (we don’t use that word lightly) officially reopened on Friday, August 7, and it welcomed more than 10,000 visitors across its first weekend back in action.  For context, the heritage-listed North Sydney Olympic Pool first opened in 1936 – meaning it’s celebrating its 90th anniversary this year. Perched on the northern edge of Sydney Harbour on Cammeraygal Country, it's long been one of Sydney's most beloved public pools – and a significant part of Australia's sporting history. The pool hosted the 1938 British Empire Games (now known as the Commonwealth Games) and has witnessed an impressive 86 world records over the decades. Its latest chapter comes after an extensive (and pretty damn contentious) redevelopment that has aimed to give the space a new lease on life without losing the character that made it so special in the first place. RELATED READ: These are our favourite ocean pools in Sydney  According to the team, the pool's significant Art Deco heritage has been carefully restored, and original 1930s bricks were salvaged and reused wherever possible, while replacement bricks were individually hand-painted to match the originals. But while the old-school charm is still the defining vibe, the facilities have had a very 2026 upgrade. The revamped complex now includes

Dreaming of a Euro summer as you claw your way through the last gasps of Melbourne's winter? If you’re looking to get your fix without the long-haul flight, one Victorian hike has just been crowned the best place in Australia to fake it till you make it – no passport required. The hiking experts at AllTrails have rounded up Australia’s top ten hikes that evoke some of Europe’s most iconic landscapes, and the number one spot goes to a spectacular coastal walk in Wilsons Prom. The Oberon Beach Campsite via Tidal River trail takes walkers along granite headlands and past secluded beaches with glass-clear water, backed by scenery that could easily be mistaken for Croatia’s Adriatic Coast. There are pristine campsites along the way, too, making it a particularly good option if you want to turn your faux-Euro holiday into a proper multi-day adventure. And while there’s no Aperol Spritz waiting at the end of the trail, there is something undeniably European about spending the day wandering between beaches along dramatic rocky outcrops. Pack a picnic blanket and supplies to make a sanga and you can pretend you’re on the Med – no problem. According to AllTrails, Australian search interest for the term ‘Euro Summer’ has risen by 285 per cent over the past three years, reaching an all-time high in June 2026. Demand for European getaway inspiration has also nearly doubled, rising by 96 per cent between mid-2024 and mid-2026. But with airfares pretty steep at the moment, most of us will h

Melbourne winter got you planning your next escape? We hear you. Thankfully, the holiday experts at Webjet are celebrating their 28th birthday with a mega sale – and there are some solid deals for travellers heading out of Melbs. Running now, the limited-time birthday sale has slashed prices across domestic and international flights and holiday packages, allowing you the chance to nab return economy flights to some of Australia’s fave holiday spots for less than $200.RELATED READ: Melbourne Airport's ‘Master Plan 2027’ has been revealed – and you can have your say On the domestic front, you can fly Melbourne to Sydney from $145 return, Melbourne to Adelaide from $156, Melbourne to the Gold Coast from $160 and Melbourne to Brisbane from $200. Top of our international wishlist is Melbourne to Bali from $420 return, giving you an excellent excuse to start planning an island getaway. There’s also $150 off return flights to Japan, Europe and North America with the code BDAY150, and holidaymakers can save $200 on Bali and Fiji packages (minimum five-night stay) with code BDAY200. All fares listed here are economy, and exclude Webjet fees – generally around $34.90 for domestic fares, $39.90 for flights within New Zealand and the Pacific, and $54.90 for other international flights. Photograph: ShutterstockUlun Danu Temple Bratan Lake in the morning at Bedugul, Bali, Indonesia And because one birthday present isn't enough, Webjet is also giving customers the chance to win one of 2

If Sydney’s recent tease of unseasonably balmy temps has you plotting a pre-summer escape, we’ve got good news. The getaway people at Webjet are celebrating their 28th birthday with a limited-time sale, and there are some pretty excellent deals for Sydney travellers. Running from August 10, the birthday sale covers domestic and international flights as well as holiday packages – with return economy fares from Sydney to some of Australia’s favourite holiday destinations starting from just $126. For a quick east coast escape, you can fly Sydney to the Sunshine Coast from $126 return, or from Sydney to the Gold Coast from $129 return. More in the mood for a city break? Flights from Sydney to Melbourne start from $145 return, and return flights from Sydney to Brisbane are available from $162 return. If you’re after something a little more tropical, Sydney to Bali starts from $509 return in economy.  There are other big savings to be found on the sale page, too. Sydney travellers can score $150 off return flights to Japan, Europe and North America with the code BDAY150, and $200 off Bali and Fiji holiday packages (minimum five-night stay) is up for grabs with code BDAY200. It’s worth noting: Webjet fees are excluded from all of these fares – generally $34.90 for domestic fares, $39.90 for flights within New Zealand and the Pacific, and $54.90 for other international flights. Photograph: ShutterstockPemuteran village, Bali, Indonesia   Webjet is also celebrating its birthday with

Back in May, plans for Sydney's wildly impressive new town square were officially approved. Now, the City of Sydney has unveiled the designs for the $150-million project, and it’s looking leafy. Sydney isn’t short on beautiful outdoor spaces, but this one – right in the heart of the CBD – is being billed as something a little different: a modern urban plaza custom-built for our sunny city’s increasingly busy centre. According to the plans, the square will be framed by a curved grove of native Australian trees, with plenty of seating, circular paving patterns and moving water features. The design is intended to create a softer, greener contrast to the historic buildings that frame the square – with carefully placed trees providing shade during summer and sunny spots through the winter months. The design team (led by architects JPW, with ASPECT Studios working as landscape architects) have been tasked with creating a flexible outdoor venue – ready to host big public events (everything from local markets to full-scale concerts) as well as everyday city-dweller rituals (aka: coffee and cinnamon scrolls). Render: Supplied | City of SydneyTown Hall Square For context, this mega project has been decades in the making. Under the guidance of Sydney Lord Mayor Clover Moore, who has dedicated her time in office to making Sydney a more liveable city, the City of Sydney bought its first property with the intention of creating a square at Town Hall more than 40 years ago. The latest des

Sydney's west is growing a lot – with a whole new CBD being built on the doorstep of the new Western Sydney International Airport, Sydney Olympic Park expected to grow by 450 per cent by 2050, and major new developments in the works for the hubs along the expanding Sydney Metro network. Now, we’ve got updates – with the NSW Government officially finalising plans to transform 33 hectares of Parramatta North into a sprawling mixed-use precinct featuring around 2,000 new homes and ten hectares of public open space. Backed by a $124.5 million investment, the mega redevelopment will reshape underused government land between the Parramatta CBD and Westmead into a new community of homes, workplaces and parks – here’s what we know so far. Photograph: Supplied | NSW GovernmentParramatta North development   First up: homes. Of the approximately 2,000 homes planned for the precinct, at least 100 will be affordable housing – and super well-connected. The precinct sits directly on the new Parramatta Light Rail, offering speedy access to Parramatta CBD, the Westmead Health and Innovation District and the wider Sydney Metro network. But it’s not just housing. Plans also include a potential new university campus (supporting Westmead's health and research sector), new community facilities, upgraded sporting amenities, shops/ commercial spaces and room for as many as 12,000 new jobs across healthcare, education, research and related industries.There’s good news on the nature front too. Based

Melbourne’s train network is about to get busier, in a good way. From Sunday, August 23, more than 400 extra weekly train services will be added across the city's transport network, with a brand-new cross-city connection making it easier to get from Melbourne’s west to the Bayside suburbs without changing trains. Here's what we know so far, so you can plan your commute (or beach trip) accordingly. The biggest change for those in the west is the introduction of direct trains between Newport and Sandringham via Flinders Street. For the first time, passengers will be able to travel directly between the two suburbs, linking Melbourne’s west with the city, the MCG, Chapel Street and the Bayside area. On weekdays, trains between Newport and Sandringham will run every ten minutes, with more than 180 additional weekly services being added across the Werribee, Laverton, Williamstown and Sandringham Lines. And that’s just the start. According to the Victorian Government, the Craigieburn Line will get an extra 115 services each week, with trains running every 20 minutes or better from morning until midnight, seven days a week. The Upfield Line is also getting a boost, with 77 additional weekly services and the same every-20-minutes-or-better frequency. Night owls are getting in on the action, too, with extra Friday and Saturday night services to Ringwood on the Belgrave and Lilydale Lines. The Mernda and Hurstbridge Lines will each receive eight additional Sunday morning services, while

There’s not an Australian (or aspiring Australian) in Sydney who doesn’t cherish a memory of a succulent Chinese meal. The delightfully retro Chinese takeaways that punctuate our suburbs and regional towns hold a special place in our national identity. But when you can score all of the nostalgia and indulgent umami via an elevated menu and an exceptional line-up of complex, carefully sourced drinks, you’re onto something special. That’s exactly the vibe at Lucky You Darling – Darlinghurst’s new contemporary Chinese restaurant from Lucky Venues (the people behind Glebe institution Baja Cantina and Norwest's recently-opened Angelica). Lucky You Darling officially opened on Friday, August 7, and by the time we swung by on Saturday night, it had already found its flow.  According to the team, the intimate new restaurant is built around the belief that the best meals are shared – a philosophy we stand by at Time Out Syd. Leading the kitchen is Chef Fendi, whose Chinese-Indonesian heritage and ten years at Lotus Dining – where he worked his way up to Head Chef – have shaped a menu that's designed to feel familiar with a solid share of surprises. We started with prawn toast topped with wild-caught banana prawns and sriracha mayo, and XO scallops with house-made XO sauce and vermicelli. Honestly, I’ve never met a prawn toast I didn’t like, and this one went above and beyond. The scallops were fresh-as-heck, with the flavour-forward parcel of vermicelli adding an interesting, complex