Winnie Stubbs

Sydney is home to some stunning cinemas and beautiful picture houses, but you know what's even better than sitting in a darkened room to watch a movie? Being outside under the stars! Feel like enjoying a film in the great outdoors? From blockbusters to tearjerkers, rom-coms to thrillers, you can catch them all in the open air across the city thanks to a proliferation of popcorn-offering spots across the city.  Bring a rug and some snacks (or buy them from handy pop-up eateries) and settle in with the fam, a mate, or a date – some cinemas will even let you bring your dog! 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.  While you're planning your summer adventures, organise a trek to these majestic waterfalls near Sydney or on one of the most beautiful walks around Sydney.

More hotels mean more excuses to pack a bag, right? With fancy five-star stays and design-led boutique properties cropping up all over town, you’d be remiss not to test-drive a few. 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, our Travel & News Editor Melissa Woodley has checked into two of the country's most exciting new arrivals: Hamilton Island’s first new stay in nearly 17 years, The Sundays, and Sydney’s most anticipated inner-city stay, The Eve Hotel – both earning glowing five-star reviews. Next, we have our eyes on the African-inspired Monarto Safari Resort in South Australia and the coastal-luxe Mondrian Gold Coast. Scroll on for the full roll call of Australia’s newest hotels – and the ones still teasing us from behind construction fences. 🌴 Australia’s best resorts and lodges⛺️ The best free campgrounds in Australia

Whoever said "nothing in life is free" clearly hasn’t been to Australia. Our Great Southern Land is full of bucket list experiences that won’t hurt or even touch your bank account. Hiking through some of the world’s most beautiful national parks? Free! Spotting fairy penguins on the beach? Free! Sampling your way through a world-class market? You guessed it – free! Our Travel and News Editor, Melissa Woodley, has backpacked all around the globe, so she knows a thing or two about savvy travel. With the help of her trusted team of Aussie travel writers, she’s curated this list of the best free things to do in Australia’s major cities. Whether you’re into soaking up the sun outdoors with swims, picnics and hikes, or cooling off inside with free exhibitions, chocolate tours and tram rides, there’s a budget-friendly activity to make you feel filthy rich with happiness. Here are the best free things to do in Australia. Editors’ favourite free things to do in Australia: 🍫 Best for families: Haigh's Chocolate Factory, SA 🌳 Best outdoor adventure: Cottesloe Beach, WA ☀️ Best for a hot day: NGV, VIC NSW | VIC | SA | QLD | WA | ACT | TAS | NT 🌊 The best things to do in Australia🎢 The coolest things to do with kids⭐️ The best tourist attractions in Australia

Choosing the best hotel to book in Sydney is a delicate art – whether you’re a visitor experiencing the Emerald City for the very first time or a local on a weekend staycation. With so many options to choose between – from beachside boltholes (like the boutique hotel overlooking Watsons Bay) to a trendy converted brewery with a rooftop pool – it can be tricky to decide which hotel is right for you. At Time Out Sydney, we’ve dedicated a good few years to making that task a little easier – picking out the very best hotels in the city based on location, design creds, facilities and that undefinable something that can take a hotel from good to great. Whether you’re looking for a sky-high tower with uninterrupted views of the Opera House, an intimate escape by the beach, or an old-school luxury palace that will have you feeling like a princess, our team of writers (including Editor-in-Chief Alice Ellis and Sydney Editor Avril Treasure) have tried and tested the best hotels in Sydney. To confirm that they should make the cut, this list has been carefully edited by self-confessed hotel addict Winnie Stubbs, Travel and Hotels Editor APAC for Time Out. Read on for our definitive guide to the best hotels in Sydney. 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 glamping sites in NSW. These are the best camping sites near Sydney. And these are the best spots for a

Whether you’re a visitor mapping out your first trip to the Emerald City, or a Sydneysider planning a special-occasion staycation, finding the right hotel in Sydney is an important, sometimes overwhelming task. If you’re looking to book a stay that’s extra indulgent – willing to splash the cash on a high-end experience – choosing the right spot is even more important. Luckily for you, we’ve got a team of hotel aficionados who are committed to trying and testing the very best luxury stays in the city, and deciding which ones are worth your hard-earned cash (it’s a tough job, but somebody’s got to do it). Our expert team includes connoisseur of fine things Time Out Sydney Editor Avril Treasure and Sydney-based travel whizz Melissa Woodley (Time Out Australia’s News and Travel Editor). Each hotel has been checked for its luxe credentials by Time Out Sydney's Travel and Hotels Editor, Winnie Stubbs. From a celeb-approved harbourside palace (Park Hyatt Sydney) to a stunning beachside stay with a rooftop magnesium pool (Manly Pacific), these are the best luxury hotels in Sydney for a super-special stay. Editor's quick picks: Best for beach lovers: Manly Pacific  Best for harbour views: Park Hyatt Sydney  Best for indulgent spa breaks: Capella Sydney Best dog-friendly luxury stay: Pier One   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. RECOMMENDED:Want more options? Here's our full

If the thought of joining the hoards of shoppers at malls in December gives you full body chills, save yourself the bother and add these delightful Chrissie markets to your list. From art and design treasure troves to European-inspired food markets, these Christmas shopping pop-ups have all the yuletide cheer to make the season bright.  This year, you’ll find a magical weekly market popping up in Martin Place every Thursday to Saturday in December, festive foodie treats at Carriageworks, and a light-filled studio offering super-affordable (and beautiful) ceramics.Regardless of your holiday budget, it’s worth hitting at least one market for your annual dose of festive cheer – if only for the fondue.  As the silly season continues, we expect more markets to be announced across the city – we'll keep you posted here as soon as we hear more. Merry shopping! 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. Give even greener presents by stopping by at one of Sydney's best plant nurseries.  Need a tree to put all those market-bought goodies under? Here's where to find the best Christmas trees in Sydney.

When city life feels a little too full-on, it’s natural to crave a moment in nature. To drink a glass of wine from a bath beneath the stars and wake up to the sound of birdsong. The tiny home movement is responding to that need, with architecturally beautiful tiny homes and cabins popping up all across the state – waiting to welcome you for a weekend (or weekday) reset. To help you decide which is best for you, our team of local editors (including Travel and Hotels Editor Winnie Stubbs) has tried and tested the most beautiful tiny homes and cabins close (and close-ish) to Sydney – from six-person cabins on the outskirts of the city to cosy retreats for two hidden in the mountains.Most are home to alfresco hot tubs or baths, and many are pet-friendly, so you can bring your doggo to frolic with you in the fields.  RECOMMENDED:These are the best campsites close to SydneyThese are the best motels in NSW worth the road trip And these are the best luxury stays in the state for a super special staycation Stay in the loop: sign up for our free Time Out Sydney newsletter for more news, event listings and travel inspo, straight to your inbox.

Sydney itself is home to a pretty strong line-up of high-end stays – the multi award-winning Capella and the celebrity-approved Park Hyatt being among our top picks for an all-out city staycation. And while city hotels have their place, there’s nothing more luxurious than waking up to the sound of the waves, or watching the sun set over the hinterland from a magnesium-spiked swimming pool. If you’re looking to really splash out on a super special trip in NSW, and you’re willing to travel a little out of town, there are some truly incredible stays where “luxury” means so much more than 600 thread count sheets and 24-hour room service. From a Mediterranean-inspired clifftop inn to a members club-style escape in the countryside just outside of the city, NSW punches well above its weight when it comes to heavenly holiday spots.   To help you decide where to book for your next escape out of the city, our team of local editors (including Travel and Hotels Editor Winnie Stubbs) has tried and tested the most wildly beautiful hotels around NSW, to bring you our guide to the best luxury accommodation in NSW.  If you’re willing to spend a little extra on your next adventure around the state, read on. 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. RECOMMENDED:Staying in the city? Here's our full guide to the best hotels in Sydney.Want some air? These are the best glamping sites in NSWAnd the

Dancefloors come in all shapes and sizes in Sydney – sticky-floored pubs can double up as heaving rave caves, small bars morph into late-night party dens on sporadic Wednesdays, and on most Friday nights, warehouses across Sydney's Inner West transform into laser-lit super-clubs (though we can't spill too much on that front). The Harbour City cops a lot of flack for its nightlife, but we think it's all about just looking in the right places. To help you out, our team of local editors (including Time Out Sydney Editor Avril Treasure) has put together the ultimate guide to the most reliable dancefloors in Sydney right now. 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. Looking for somewhere more chill to whet your whistle? Here are our favourite hidden bars in the Harbour City.Want a live show? These are the best bars and pubs with live music in Sydney.

Spring update: Let the good times roll with our fresh guide to Sydney’s best bars – perfect for your springtime soirée. Two new Enmore Road spots have been added (hello, Deadwax and Silver’s Motel). Is the sun out? Head to Paradise or Old Mate’s Place to soak up the warmth. And the Negronis go down a treat at Herbs Taverne. This list represents our picks of the best bars in Sydney right now, from fresh faces to tried-and-tested temples of great drinks, curated by our local editors, drink writers and fellow booze hounds, including Time Out Sydney's Editor Avril Treasure. We’re looking for quality above all, with fun, flavour, atmosphere, creativity and options at every price point. Cheers to you, Sydney. 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. After a watering hole that's a bit more casual? See our list of the best pubs in Sydney, here. After a meal? Check out our best restaurants here.

With its stunning beaches and glorious gardens, Sydney is a city with nature therapy on tap. And while a walk in the park or a splash in the ocean can be a good fix for all manner of ills, sometimes what you really need is an all-out indulgent spa day.  Thankfully, the Harbour City is home to some of the most incredible day spas in the country – palaces of rejuvenation ranging from a super-affordable communal bathhouse to a luxe harbourside spa in one of the city’s most high-end hotels.  Our editors – including self-care enthusiast Winnie Stubbs – have valiantly volunteered to try out Sydney’s leading spas, and have put together this list based on how revitalised we felt as we stepped back into the real world. Every few months, we hunt down a new gem to add to the list – Sydney’s wellness game is on the up, and it’s our job to shout from the rooftops about the places that will make you feel like the best version of you.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:  Keen to head further afield? These are the best spas in the Blue Mountains. And these are the best facials in Sydney.Planning a mum-and-daughter day? These are the best afternoon teas in Sydney.

In a city surrounded by salt water and flooded with sunshine, looking after your locks can be a delicate dance, and choosing the right salon for you is an undeniably sacred act. To help you find the best people to entrust with your crowning glory, our team of local editors has rounded up the very best hair salons in the Harbour City – from celeb-approved spots in Surry Hills and Paddington to an award-winning sustainable salon on the Northern Beaches. Read on for our top picks of the very best hair salons in Sydney.   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. Need some me-time? These are the best day spas in the Harbour City.And these are the best facials in Sydney.

The north-of-the-bridge iteration of Bondi's Sunset Cinema is taking over North Sydney Oval again this summer, bringing three months of alfresco flicks to the open-air location. Sunset Cinema North Sydney will kick off a new season of outdoor popcorn delights from December 18 through to March 14. Pack your blankets and lawn chairs or hire a bean bag for an additional $15. Or level up with a Fever Tree lounger seating with popcorn and a Fever-Tree drink for an additional $30. Gates open at 6.30pm with films commencing at sundown. There will be a food truck onsite, but you're more than welcome to pack a picnic. Note: you can BYO food but not alcohol. The screenings kick off with a string of Christmas movies like The Holiday, Love Actually and even Home Alone on Christmas night(!). Kids will love Zootopia 2 and The Spongebob Movie, while families can join in a singalong for Mamma Mia!  Screenings take place Wednesday to Saturday (with a few exceptions). Early bird tickets are $20 per adult, which can be  and tickets (from $27 for adults, kids $15) are on sale now. Want more? Check out the best outdoor cinemas in Sydney. Stay in the loop: sign up for our free Time Out Sydney newsletter for more news, straight to your inbox. RECOMMENDED: Want fun now? Here’s what’s on in Sydney this weekend. In the mood for a show? Here’s our list of the best theatre to see in Sydney this month. No cash to splash? You can catch an alfresco movie every Wednesday this summer in The Rocks.

Sydneysiders don’t need many excuses to roll out a picnic rug, pop a bottle of pét-nat and spend a balmy evening under the stars – but this summer, Moonlight Cinema is making an especially solid case. Australia’s most well-established outdoor movie night is officially turning 30, and to celebrate, it’s handing the programming reins over to the people. Yep: for the first time ever, you get to help shape the season’s line-up. Since its debut back in 1995 – opening with a now-iconic screening of Pulp Fiction – Moonlight Cinema has become a staple of the Sydney summer. More than five million people have sprawled across the lawns since then: first dates, proposals, celeb sightings, and countless delighted doggos who’ve come to expect their own bean bag and biscuit as standard. This year, the beloved Belvedere Amphitheatre in Centennial Parklands will once again transform into one of the Harbour City’s most picturesque open-air theatres, with films running throughout the summer from Friday, November 21, 2025 to Sunday April 5, 2026. And while the November–December program is already on sale, the real thrill lies in The People’s Program – a nationwide vote to decide which nostalgic favourites will hit the big screen from January through March. Voting is now open, with film choices including Shrek, Dirty Dancing, The Castle, Jurassic Park and more. Everyone who casts a vote gets 30 per cent off General Admission to People’s Program screenings – plus a shot at winning a Double Season

If there’s one thing Sydney does spectacularly well, it’s slow summer evenings – the kinds that see the sky turn sherbet-pink and the whole city look a little softer around the edges. This summer, Cockatoo Island/ Wareamah is handing us a very solid excuse to make the most of it: Sunset Sessions is back, taking over the lawn of historic Biloela House with a weekly dose of live music in the open air. Running on Saturday evenings from January 10 2025 to April 4 2026 (except from Saturday, March 7), the island’s curated open-air gig series is one of those annual events that reliably sells out – and for good reason. The formula is foolproof: pack a picnic rug, stretch out on the grass and let a line-up of emerging local artists soundtrack the slow fade into night as the sun sets behind the city. RELATED READ: These are the best sunset spots in Sydney This year brings a particularly juicy mix of genres and rising talent to Sydney Harbour’s largest island. Expect lush vocals from Charlie Collins, dreamy pop by Mia Lovelock, and globe-spanning grooves courtesy of Immy Owusu and Dom Diaz. You’ll also catch Bella Amor, Mina Siale, PA777IENCE, Skyscraper Stan, Lady Lyon and Lucienne – with more artists still to be announced. If you’re not the type to pack your own snacks, Biloela House will have refreshments ready to go – or you can pre-order a hamper of treats when you book your ticket. And if you’ve ever entertained the fantasy of running away to an island for the night, Cockatoo Isl

It’s 2pm on a Sunday, and the DJ is blowing bubbles into the air over the beach club that thrums with a Nu-disco soundtrack and a sun-soaked, distinctly holiday-coded energy. Beside the pool, couples lounge on sun beds with glasses of pale rosé and plates of freshly shucked oysters, and friends gossip by the bar with goblets of Aperol. Next door, in the ocean-facing restaurant, families celebrate birthdays and engagements with plates loaded with slow-roasted lamb and sizzling saganaki. We are, unbelievably, not in Mykonos – but at a recently revamped hotel on the shores of Sydney’s Brighton-Le-Sands beach. Following a multi-million-dollar renovation, the former Novotel property reopened in October 2025 under the M Gallery brand. And I’m calling it: this is the most transporting staycation you can book in Sydney this summer. What is The Brighton like? Right in the beating heart of one of Sydney’s buzzy multicultural coastal suburbs, The Brighton is as close as you’ll come to a European beach resort without leaving the Harbour City. The huge bayside retreat – complete with a Mediterranean-inspired beach club and a show-stealing outdoor pool – has all the polish of a global boutique hotel, ignited by the soul of its tight-knit Greek-Australian neighbourhood. Design-forward and deeply connected to its location, The Brighton is a playful, vacation-mode stay where seaside serenity meets a very Greek sense of swagger. What are the rooms like at The Brighton? Spread across 14 floors,

There’s always a lot going on at Sydney’s favourite house. So much so that it can be hard to keep track – with new headliners dropping every other week, and huge events taking over the various venues seemingly out of nowhere.  Keen to go to a show under the sails over the next few months? We’ve rounded up a few top picks in the Sydney Opera House winter to spring season:  Badu Gili: Healing Spirit, a stunning illumination of the sails This dynamic projection will light up the Eastern Bennelong sails with First Nations artwork five times a night, every night until Friday, December 12.Dates: DailyTickets: Free Backstage tours, a peek behind the curtain Explore the inner workings of Australia's most famous buildings on one of these expert-led tours. Dates: DailyTickets: From $48 On The Steps, open-air summer shows The magical On The Steps open-air performance program is set to bring 50,000 music lovers to the Opera House forecourt for two magical weeks this summer. Highlights from this year’s line-up include Chet Faker, Franz Ferdinand, Loyle Carner, Parcels, Ruel and Boy & Bear. Dates: From December 2 - December 15Tickets: From $81.50 Perfume Genius, intimate album show  Grammy-nominated art-pop visionary Perfume Genius will light up the Concert Hall for one night only, bringing his singular, shape-shifting songcraft and emotionally charged anthems to the Harbour City, with a special guest performance by hyper-talented guitarist Hand Habits. Dates: December 9Tickets: From $49

It’s a Wednesday evening in early November, and the promise of summer is ripe in Sydney’s sun-soaked streets – outdoor tables filling with friends as colleagues clock off for the day and beeline for the closest happy hour. The group of strangers I’m about to spend an evening with is just wrapping up days defined by unique challenges and triumphs: break-ups and promotions and setbacks and excitement. But moments after stepping into the Ace Hotel’s warmly lit lobby, the outside world vanishes into the abyss. This is the effect that conversation can have – real, deep conversations that help us discover sides of ourselves that we didn’t know were there. Hosted by psychologist and wellbeing lead Dr Ash King, Neurotica is the kind of dinner party that I wish took place every week – the kind of event I’d clear my diary for at a moment’s notice. With a mission to help Sydneysiders explore bold topics in a safer, more intimate setting than what she describes as “our fraught digital ecosystem”, Ash launched Neurotica as the city’s “dinner party for deep thinkers”. “Neurotica is Sydney’s new cultural salon where psychology, art, and pop culture collide over candlelight and cocktails. No icebreakers, no polite chit-chat, no show-boating. Just provocative prompts, big ideas, and conversations that cut deeper than ‘So, what do you do?’” Ash explains. The launch event – exploring the topic of “bad ideas” – was a sold-out success story back in October, but I’m lucky enough to score a seat at

The throughline between the city and the Eastern Suburbs is on track for some fresh energy. And starting this spring, Taylor Square will host two new weekly markets designed to lure back foot traffic and inject some buzz into one of Sydney’s most iconic (and recently struggling) strips.RECOMMENDED READ: These are the best markets in SydneyFrom October 31, you’ll be able to head down to Oxford Street on Friday nights (from 5pm until 10pm) for a lively mix of food stalls, retail vendors and a shared licensed area with the Oxford Hotel – meaning you can enjoy a street food-style feed from a market stall and a glass of wine to match, all in the same spot. Then, beginning Saturday, November 8, the focus will shift to fresh produce – with a Saturday morning farmers’ market running from 8am until 2pm every week. The new weekly events will be operated by Organic Food Markets – the crew already behind the beloved Marrickville and Kings Cross markets – and mark a deliberate step in the City of Sydney’s long-term push to revive Oxford Street.Once the beating heart of queer nightlife in the Harbour City, the high street has seen more than its fair share of empty shopfronts and shuttered venues in recent years – largely as a result of the (now reversed) lockout laws. Thankfully, there are signs of a turning tide – with the opening of Qtopia queer museum, the soon-to-arrive Oxford and Foley development (the huge development mentioned above) and the launch of the multi-venue 25 Hours Hotel

✍️ Time Out Sydney never writes starred restaurant and bar reviews from hosted experiences – Time Out covers restaurant and bar bills, and anonymously reviews, so that readers can trust our critique. Find out more, here.  My most discerning friend once said to me: as long as Dave and Carla run Freda’s, Sydney will be cool. The genre-defying institution that’s shaped the city’s music scene for more than a decade has lived many lives – morphing confidently from divinely dingy nightclub to Euro-style café/bar without a stutter. Now, Freda’s 3.0 occupies an intimate two-level venue in the Inner City suburb of Chippendale, and while it lacks the underground charm of its original site, and the centre-of-the-universe appeal of its street-facing Darlinghurst outpost, Bar Freda’s still hits. When I think back on my top-tier Sydney memories, from chic midweek dinners to 4am dance sessions, Freda’s has been behind a lot of them – and the latest iteration feels like a natural evolution for the ever-playful brand. The vibe If your only experiences of Freda’s unfolded at the original Chippendale venue – watching a local band light up the stage beneath the glowing LED love heart, or dancing to techno at 2am on a Saturday – the new version might surprise you. As its owners have grown up, so has Freda’s – with the brand taking its first big step into adulthood in 2020 with the launch of Café Freda’s. Here, though supporting and elevating local artists was still core to the ethos, the offering

As one of Australia’s most exclusive holiday destinations, welcoming a maximum of 400 guests at any one time, there are plenty of hyper high-end places to stay on Lord Howe Island. Capella Lodge, the multi-award-winning boutique stay beneath the majestic shadow of the mountains, is a case in point – a hotel to firmly add to your dream honeymoon hit list. And while luxury hotels have their place, often the most magical holiday memories are made in the moments of play and rest that come with having your own space: a private pocket of paradise where you can take your days at your own pace. Earl’s Anchorage – a collection of architecturally designed cabins and bungalows hiding between the trees on the north side of the island – offers exactly that. Set within the palm trees, a 15-minute walk from town, each self-catered apartment is home to a fully equipped kitchen and outdoor barbecue for your communal cook-ups, with large indoor and outdoor tables and vast, sun-soaked decks where you can sprawl out in the morning with a pot of coffee as the forest wakes up around you.RECOMMENDED READ: Here’s our ultimate guide to Lord Howe Island What is Earl’s Anchorage like? The Earl’s Anchorage team describe the accommodation as “a nautical village”, and that’s a pretty accurate description. Just 700 metres from one of the island’s most famous beaches (Ned’s Beach), the six-acre property is home to eight freestanding, somewhat ship-shaped bungalows, linked by a wooden boardwalk that meanders

If there’s one venue that really knows how to nail a Sydney sunset, it’s Watsons Bay Hotel. Perched on the edge of the harbour with the kind of postcard-perfect views that make you fall in love with the city all over again, the historic hotel has been serving up good times by the water since 1937, and it’s just unveiled a $3 million transformation of its Top and Mid Decks. Before we get into the renovations, it’s worth covering WBH’s core offering: casual alfresco fun with five-star Sydney views. Often dismissed by locals as something of a tourist trap, there’s a reason why this multi-level institution is on every visitor’s bucket list. There are very few places where you can watch the sun set over a world-famous harbour with a glass of Veuve in one hand, and a stacked beef burger in the other. Under the stewardship of the same Sydney family (the Laundys) for more than a decade, the team has perfected the art of harbourside fun: good drinks, good food and an easy, summery atmosphere. The renovation has levelled up the offering – adding more weatherproof dining space for those occasional days when the Sydney skies open, and cementing the venue as one of Sydney’s best event spaces. RECOMMENDED READ: Here's our review of Watsons Bay's beach house-style hotel rooms The revamp – led by Danielle and Shane Richardson of Laundy Hotels and the design wizards at Etic Design – has breathed fresh life into one of the most overlooked corners of the building. The Top Deck, now home to a w

Golden hour is a uniquely magical time in Sydney, when the sun begins to drop below the mountains and casts a honey golden glow across the city. And while golden hour is beautiful anywhere in the city, Barangaroo – Sydney’s buzzy west-facing waterside precinct – offers one of the best. After a successful launch event back in autumn, Barangaroo is bringing its Aperol-fuelled Golden Hour series back – and this time, the deals run all day long.   Throughout the month of November, one of Sydney’s prime sunset spots will be upping the ante with its golden hour offering; with live entertainment, affordable foodie offerings and ice-cold goblets of (appropriately golden) Aperol Spritz.Brought to life by the Bars of Barangaroo District, in partnership with everyone’s favourite orange aperitif, Golden Hours Barangaroo is a month-long event series designed to get people outside and enjoying springtime’s golden light.Throughout the duration of the event, 25 venues across Barangaroo will be serving up two Aperols for $30 (that’s $15 per drink), with excellent food offerings across the precinct and a varied line-up of live entertainment. Inspired by the Italian ritual of aperitivo, Barangaroo favourites including Gina, Zushi, Love.fish, Barangaroo House and Crown Sydney's Woodcut will be offering early evening treats to complement your Spritz.Plus, on Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays throughout the event, we can expect DJ sets from local tastemakers and roaming entertainment inclu

Looking to start building your art collection without going bankrupt? We’ve got you. The Affordable Art Fair is on right now in Sydney for its fourth year – this time taking over the cavernous halls of Carriageworks and marking the start of the progressive arts precinct’s Summer Program. From now until Sunday, November 9 2025, more than 65 galleries – representing hundreds of local and international artists – will gather under one roof for four days of creative inspiration. Whether you’re a first-time buyer or a dedicated collector, you’re pretty much guaranteed to find something to fall in love with, with original works priced between $100 and $10,000. At the new Carriageworks location, expect an upgraded layout, more space to browse, and refreshed dining options – plus plenty of spots to linger, swirl a glass of Bird in Hand pinot like a seasoned critic. The 2025 line-up is packed with newcomers and fan favourites. Sydney’s N Smith Gallery joins the Fair for the first time, bringing works by Claire Healy and Sean Cordeiro, Sally Scales, Louise Zhang and more. Paddington’s Art2Muse Gallery, Pyrmont’s Audrey Fine Art, and Woolloomooloo’s Frances Keevil Gallery will also make their hometown debuts. From further afield, Tyger Gallery (Yass) and Corner Store Gallery (Orange) will be showing colourful, textural pieces. Returning exhibitors include Woollahra’s Project Gallery, Day Gallery from the Blue Mountains, and the ever-eclectic Jumbled from Orange. Also back are the crowd-p

Melbourne’s list of accolades just keeps on growing, with Richmond's Swan Street just named one of the coolest streets in the world, while North Melbourne is one of the world's coolest neighbourhoods. Oh, and the Victorian capital recently ranked as the fourth most liveable city in the world and the happiest city in Australia.  Now, we’ve got another title to claim: Melbourne has been named the top destination for ‘big city thrills’ for 2026 according to the travel experts at Travel + Leisure.Every year, the New York-based publication drops its list of the world’s best places to travel the following year – a globe-spanning hit list shaped by on-the-ground reporting, insider intel and more than 100 vetted nominees. In Travel + Leisure’s freshly released list of the Best Destinations to Travel to in 2026, Melbourne took home the crown for the best destination in the world for ‘big city thrills’. According to Travel + Leisure, the city’s sporting calendar alone is enough to warrant the top spot. The Australian Open and Formula 1 Australian Grand Prix are already non-negotiables for fans, but 2026 adds a historic first: the inaugural NFL regular-season game on Australian soil, when the Los Angeles Rams will descend on the MCG’s doorstep for a match that’s going to blow the roof off Melbourne’s sporting psyche. “There’s a reason world-class events choose to come here,” Visit Victoria’s Kristen Malaby Neer told Travel + Leisure. The city’s major stadiums – from the iconic MCG to M

If you’ve been looking for a sign to swap your morning doom scroll for a stretch beneath the gum trees, this is it. The City of Melbourne has officially reopened bookings for its Fitness in the Park program – a sprawling season of free outdoor workouts popping up in gardens, reserves and leafy pockets across town from November through to April. With more than 500 spots up for grabs, the 2025-26 season is shaping up to be Melbourne’s most wholesome (and healthiest!) summer yet. RELATED READ: These are the best gyms in MelbourneClasses will kick off on Sunday, November 30, with Kensington’s JJ Holland Park set to host a high-energy mash-up of Zumba and dance. In December, Carlton’s Princes Park will slow the tempo with a grounding morning of tai chi, perfect for anyone wanting to stretch gently into silly season. Come January, it’s all about yoga in Fawkner Park, as golden hour sunshine drips through the tree canopy. February will move the classes to Southbank, where an early-bird pilates session takes over the Melbourne Square basketball court. March will ramp things up with lunchtime boxing in Docklands, before an April school holiday family fitness event brings the whole crew to City Square. Whichever class you choose, you’ll finish with free post-workout snacks and a chance to chat with neighbours, trainers and councillors – a mini community festival disguised as exercise. Photograph: Supplied | City of Melbourne | Rodney Dekker “Whether you’re a gym junkie, an exercise n

Melbourne’s CBD is having a moment. The long-awaited Metro Tunnel is about to start welcoming passengers, the Melbourne Walk precinct is bringing new life to Bourke Street Mall, and now, after a $50 million glow-up, 260 Collins Street has officially reinvented itself as Collins Arcade – a polished, distinctly Melbourne mash-up of fashion, food and play.  Reopened on November 14, the precinct’s transformation (masterminded by Kaipara Property Group with UBS Asset Management) has restored the pedestrian link between Collins and Little Collins Streets – the indoor cut-through that every Melburnian has power-walked at least once on the mad dash between Flinders Street Station and Bourke Street Mall. After a major upgrade, it’s back – lined with a seriously stacked roll-call of retailers. On street level, you’ll find big-name fashion and accessories – Birkenstock, Swatch, TAG Heuer, Kathmandu, Tommy Hilfiger, MJ Bale, SABA, Mimco, Trenery, Politix – sitting shoulder-to-shoulder with beloved dessert spot Le Yeahllow and specialty coffee newcomer Attakai. Dip downstairs and things get rowdier thanks to Kingpin, a bar-and-grill-meets-games-den that's primed for post-work knock-offs, while the upper levels cater to your inner wellness guru, with pharmacies, hair and beauty studios and the first Melbourne outpost of cult fave Sydney sauna studio Xtra Clubs. Level two rounds things out with Active Nation’s 24/7 gym and the expansive Waterman Workspaces co-working space.  Photograph: Su

Sydney’s harbour-front soundtrack is about to get a lot more melodic, and we’re not talking about the Opera House’s alfresco summer series. As part of its ongoing mission to bring more life to the Harbour City, the NSW Government has announced a major expansion of busking spots across The Rocks, Darling Harbour and Barangaroo. The precincts already host 22 performance points, but a freshly amped-up vibrancy agenda means an extra 16 locations are now in play – including four brand-new pitches in Barangaroo, where buskers will take to the waterfront for the very first time. The Rocks will score seven more, and Darling Harbour will score an extra five – bringing extra summer joy to some of the city’s most well-trodden foreshore strips.The new sites were selected with input from the buskers themselves – the musicians, magicians, and miscellaneous talent responsible for transforming everyday footpaths into mini stages. For artists like Roshani Sriyani Everett, who’s spent years serenading Sydneysiders between The Rocks and Circular Quay, the move is more than logistical. “Busking gave me a stage when I had no stage,” she says. “Live music brings a place to life… it creates real connection.”   Photograph: Supplied | NSW Government   The NSW Government is calling the expansion another step toward reviving Sydney’s reputation as a lively, culture-forward city – with fewer caps, fewer forms, and more moments that make you stop mid-stroll because someone with a guitar just nailed a

Set your alarms! From Wednesday, August 27, Australia’s biggest online mega-sale is back with its most popular annual sale: Click Frenzy Travel. Across the four-day sale, you can score huge deals from more than 15 travel providers, with cut-price travel treats ranging from flights to Europe to Disneyland tickets. Ready for a getaway? Read on. This year’s Click Frenzy Travel will kick off in Australia at 7pm AEST on August 27, and run until midnight on August 31. By partnering with brands, Click Frenzy streamlines the travel deal-hunting mission – bringing a heap of deals together in one place. The full details will only be revealed once the sale goes live, but we’ve got a sneak peek at what’s on offer in this year’s frenzy.Keen for an overseas escape? You could save a whole lot of money on flights by booking through Click Frenzy; United Airlines, Hawaiian Airlines and Batik Air are all offering cut-price flights from Australia, and Qatar Airways is offering 12 per cent off flights to Italy, Greece, France and other Euro summer hot spots.  Want to hit the seas? Cruise operators Cruiseaway, Fantasea Cruising and iFlyGo are offering deals on cruises around Tasmania, Croatia, Halong Bay and beyond. Photograph: Supplied | Destination NSW | Crystalbrook, Byron Bay Looking for an Aussie staycation instead? You can score 30 per cent off all Oaks Hotels across Australia, and if you miss the sale dates, Crystalbrook is offering up to 30 per cent off for an extended sale period (with

Melbourne commuters, it's almost time! It’s been a lot of digging, training and a fair bit of disruption in the making, but an official launch date has been announced for the brand new Metro Tunnel. And we can't wait to check it out – here's everything you need to know ahead of this game-changing addition to the city's public transport network.  What is the Metro Tunnel? Essentially, Melbourne's Metro Tunnel is the biggest overhaul of the city's public transport system in 40 years. Early planning began in 2015, and it now features twin nine-kilometre rail tunnels that run below the CBD and connect the Sunbury, Cranbourne and Pakenham lines. Five new underground stations (Anzac, Arden, Parkville, State Library and Town Hall) have been built as part of the project, along with underground pedestrian links to Flinders Street and Melbourne Central Stations for easy access to the City Loop. At Anzac Station, you'll also find Melbourne's very first train/tram interchange. Various tests and intensive training has been completed, and state-of-the-art technology like a high capacity signalling system and platform screen doors have been installed. Phew! And now, it's just about ready for the public to see it for themselves. When does Melbourne's Metro Tunnel open? The Metro Tunnel is finally opening to passengers on Sunday, November 30 – ushering in a speedy new era of getting from A to B in Melbourne. After teasing us for the past few weeks (initially we were told it would open in earl

The day I went swimming with sharks, I woke up with a mozzie bite on my eye and was 80 per cent convinced it would lead to sudden death. All that’s to say: I’m not a good judge of risk, so it’s surprising how willingly I jumped off a boat into shark-infested waters. As a Sydney resident with an obsession with the ocean, I have a relatively healthy caution of the large, sea-dwelling creatures that kill an average of three people a year off the coast of Australia. I’ve been known to refuse to surf if I deem the beach to look “sharky” (call it a sixth sense, if you will), and recently, on a weekend away at a beautiful coastal village on the outskirts of Sydney, I stood for a good five minutes, shaking and silent on the shores of Bundeena Creek as I watched a single fin whip and curve through the water I had been planning on jumping into (unsurprisingly, that morning swim was cancelled). So as a certified shark-fearing wimp, hear it from me: if you’re ever lucky enough to visit Lord Howe Island, please, please, please jump off a boat* and let the local Galapagos sharks cast their spell. *Only when it’s safe to do so, only if you know how to swim, etc. First up, I should explain a little about the types of shark with which we were sharing the water. Curious, slow-moving and (crucially) non-human-eating, Galapagos sharks are a gentle breed of reef shark found in tropical and subtropical seas around the world. The Marine Park surrounding Lord Howe – with its balance of deep, open wa

Earlier this year, the NSW Government confirmed that they’d be converting the ghost platforms along Sydney’s Eastern Suburbs line into an operational train station, and would be building 10,000 new homes in the area. Despite some pushback, the first steps toward Woollahra Station – the city’s first new train station in more than a decade – are officially underway. Today (Monday, November 17), infrastructure teams have begun early investigation work around the future station site, mapping out ground conditions, locating underground utilities and poking around the rail corridor to inform the final concept design. Locals around Edgecliff Road, Wallaroy Road and Weeroona Avenue have already found the heads-up in their letterboxes, as workers begin daytime shifts and two nights of activity between November 17 and 28. According to Transport for NSW, this first phase of work won’t impact commute times along the existing line.  Photograph: Supplied | NSW Government For context, the project won’t involve the creation of a whole new station – it will be a finalisation of the half-built foundations laid (and then abandoned) in the 1970s. The adjoining rezoning project will see the creation of thousands of affordable homes close to the CBD, a housing project that Planning Minister Paul Scully promises is “helping progress the rebalancing of housing growth.” According to the NSW Government, the project is a strategic reboot for a suburb, which has been growing backwards over the past fe

On my way into work this morning, a tradie stopped me, pointed to a Lime bike on the street corner, and asked, “Do you know how to work these things?” My new friend is one of hundreds of Sydneysiders switching to the Lime-powered lifestyle, and the electric bike brand is showing no signs of slowing down.This week, the world’s biggest shared e-vehicle company has officially clocked 1 billion rides worldwide. To celebrate, the company has chosen Sydney as the first in the Southern Hemisphere to roll out its next-generation LimeBike.The new wheels are now dotted around the city beside the older vessels: smaller, sturdier tyres; a low-step frame; ergonomic hand grips designed for long, lazy rides; and a portrait-oriented phone holder that solves the balancing-Google-Maps-on-your-thigh dilemma. The new bikes also feature upgraded onboard tech for sharper location accuracy (including parking zone navigation), new easy-to-unlock helmets, and a modular, repair-friendly design, making them more sustainable and user-friendly. Photograph: Winnie Stubbs | Time Out Sydney But the upgrade isn’t just physical. If you’re a committed rider, the new LimePrime subscription means cheaper, simpler trips: $2.75 for rides up to 20 minutes, $1.50 for sub-five-minute scoots, and discounted per-minute rates when you’re going the distance – all for a flat $4.99 a month with unlimited free unlocks.At the launch of the new bikes, Lime’s Asia Pacific lead Will Peters explained that the aim is to introdu

It’s been a big year for Singapore on the world stage, with the city state ranking as Asia’s most friendly city, and the best country in Asia for work-life balance. While we wait for Time Out’s guide to the best cities in the world for 2026, we’re happy to take Resonance Consulting’s World’s Best Cities list – regarded as “the most comprehensive study of its kind” – as gospel. This year, two Asian cities made the top 10 – with Singapore ranking as the sixth best in the world.To rank the World’s Best Cities for 2026, Resonance analysed data from more than 400 cities across three key themes: livability, lovability and prosperity. London hung onto its crown as the world’s best city for yet another year, and a total of six Asian cities cracked the top 20.Slipping one place from its position as fifth on the list last year, Singapore continues to prove that sustainability and style can go hand in hand. Topping the world on Resonance’s scale for Standard of Living, Singapore’s pushing forward on every front – from the reinvention of Orchard Road as a next-generation retail and lifestyle hub to the colossal Great Southern Waterfront project reshaping the coastline. Marina Bay Sands’ fourth tower is on the horizon, the Park Connector Network now spans more than 230 miles, and Tuas Mega Port is fast becoming a global logistics marvel. On the culture front, things are buzzing: QT Singapore is shaking up the nightlife scene, AIR CCCC is redefining eco-conscious dining, and new museum exp

Hiking up a mountain then falling asleep under the stars is one of the very best uses of a summer weekend in Victoria. If you’re keen to do just that, but not sure where to start, we’ve got you. The good people at AllTrails have teamed up with the camping lords at Hipcamp to pull together the ultimate list of Victoria’s best hike and camp combos. Smalls Lane to Black Range Track (Cheshunt) Deep in the King Valley, this quiet trail winds from Smalls Lane into the forested folds of the Black Range. It’s a moderately challenging walk with steady inclines, gravel paths and the kind of eucalyptus-scented air that makes you forget about phone reception. Expect sweeping views of farmland and bushland at the top, plus the odd kangaroo darting across the track.Nearby campsite: Riverside King Valley Mount Beckworth Summit and Manna Gums Walk (Mount Beckworth Scenic Reserve) A gentle loop that combines open woodland and rocky outcrops, this scenic reserve near Clunes offers a taste of Central Victoria’s understated beauty. The 4.5-kilometre trail climbs to the summit of Mount Beckworth, rewarding hikers with panoramic views across farmland and goldfields country. Keep an eye out for the twisted forms of ancient manna gums along the way – they’re the stars of the show. Nearby campsite: Rodborough Vale Ovens River Trail (Myrtleford) Running alongside the sparkling Ovens River, this easy, mostly flat track makes for a peaceful stroll right through the heart of Myrtleford. The 5.6-kilometre

With silly season fast approaching, earmarking a weekend or two for some nature therapy is kind of essential, and the best kinds of nature reset tends to involve a beautiful hike and a magical campsite under the stars. If you’re keen for a weekend in the open air but don’t know where to start, we’re here to help. We spoke with the good people from AllTrails and Hipcamp to get their pick of the best walks in NSW within easy striking distance of a campsite. Esgate Pass to Lookout Walk (Ngula Bulgarabang Regional Park) A short, sweet wander through soaring eucalypts and sandstone escarpments, the Esgate Pass Walk serves up classic Blue Mountains views without demanding too much sweat equity. Up for a challenge? The nearby Esgate Pass bush bash is a far more hairy adventure for the hardcore hikers only. Nearby campsite: Megalong Valley Farm  Unicorn Falls Walking Track (Mount Jerusalem National Park) This gentle trail ambles through lush subtropical forest before delivering you to Unicorn Falls – a dreamy cascade tumbling into a deep, emerald pool framed by mossy rock. As the name would suggest, this is the kind of walk where every turn feels enchanted, and the reward at the end more than justifies the muddy ankles.Nearby campsite: Misty Mountain Kunghur Horseshoe Falls, Oakland Falls and Burgess Falls Track (Horseshoe Falls Reserve) A greatest-hits loop of three cascading beauties, this track threads through dense rainforest and damp, ferny gullies, with each waterfall offering