Winnie Stubbs

For many Sydneysiders, it's an undeniable truth that the weekend market is one of our most beloved cultural institutions. However, when looking for the most amazing market to hit up in Sydney, it can be hard to know where to begin.   Our city has a whole lot of options for the market-savvy explorer. Whether it's walking away with farm-fresh produce, unearthing vintage and antique treasures, snaffling fried brunchy fare on the grass, or jiving to a live saxophone player before 10am, this city has something for everyone.  A market jaunt is an affordable way to have a great time in this city. With our round-up of the city's best, we have you covered on where to go, where to look, and when to do it when the craving calls.  Happy hunting.  Mapping out your Friday to Monday? Find out what's on with our guide of things to do in Sydney this weekend, or keep it simple and take your market finds to one of our city's best beaches. Stay in the loop: sign up for our free Time Out Sydney newsletter for more news, straight to your inbox.

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. Don't want to slave over a hot stove this Chrissy? These are the best Christmas Day lunches and dinners in Sydney.    

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 few wellness sanctuaries offering fantastic skincare rituals to help you feel like your glowiest self, all year round. Read on for our (by no means exhaustive) 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.

Whether you’re a visitor planning your very first visit to Singapore, or a Singaporean mapping out a special occasion in the city, choosing a hotel in Singapore is an important (and sometimes overwhelming) task. With so many spectacular stays to choose between – from the world-famous Raffles to new boutique stays like 21 Carpenter – it can be challenging to decide which is best for you. To help you determine which hotel to book for your next visit or staycation, our team of local editors (including Time Out Singapore Editor Cheryl Sekkappan, Regional Content Director for Time Out APAC Nicole-Marie Ng and local writer Dewi Nurjuwita) have tried and tested the city’s top-ranking hotels to determine which are worth your time.The list has been overseen by Winnie Stubbs, Travel and Hotels Editor APAC and self-confessed hotel obsessive. Each hotel has been chosen based on amenities, design and proximity to the city’s highlights – with many hotels on the list within walking distance of the best restaurants and bars in Singapore.Read on for our guide to the very best hotels in Singapore right now. RECOMMENDED: The best Singapore attractions to visitThe best rooftop bars in SingaporeAirport hotels in SingaporeThe best luxury hotels in Singapore At Time Out, all of our travel guides are written by local writers who know their cities inside out. For more about how we curate, see our editorial guidelines. While we might not stay in every hotel featured below, we've based our list on to

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

When you can’t choose between the beach and a swimming pool, these salty swimming spots deliver the best of both worlds. Dive in at daybreak and you’ll have an infinity pool-style sunrise to rival Sydney's best luxury hotels, or wade in at high tide for a thrilling swell as waves crash against the walls. To help you choose your swimming spot, our team of local editors (including ocean pool addict, Travel and Hotels Editor Winnie Stubbs) have explored the very best ocean pools in Sydney. You're welcome.  If you want more of a wave-fighting challenge, head to one of the city's best beaches. And if you'd prefer to swap sand for seclusion, check out these beautiful bushland swimming holes.  Enjoy a less salty splash at one of Sydney's best outdoor pools. 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.

Sydney’s New Year’s Eve fireworks are iconic for a reason – they’re bold, brilliant and beamed across the globe as one of the world’s most spectacular celebrations. There’s nothing quite like watching the Harbour Bridge burst into a million colours as the countdown hits zero. Yes, there are many ticketed venues with prime spots to view the fireworks, but there are heaps of free vantage points that don't cost a thing. Our tip? If you’re heading out to watch the NYE fireworks, a little planning goes a long way. It’s the height of summer, so pack the essentials: sunscreen, a hat, water, snacks, a picnic blanket and something to keep you entertained while you wait. Leave glasses, alcohol and bulky bags at home as many sites won’t allow them. Going prepared means you can settle in and enjoy every moment of Sydney’s biggest night of the year. Read on for our guide on where to watch the 2025 New Year's Eve fireworks for free in Sydney. Want to have fun in the Sydney sun? Here are the hottest things to do this summer.

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.

If you've ever endured long haul travel – jetting through multiple timezones and a series of identical yet somehow still bamboozling airports – you may have found yourself questioning if it truly is about the journey and not the destination.If you're eager to restore faith in the old adage, we're here to help. Our team of local editors (including Travel and Hotels Editor Winnie Stubbs) have hit the open road to bring you the ultimate guide to the best road trips in NSW. Pack the boot, roll down your windows and let the state's stunning scenery whizz by – be that soaring coastal cliffs, native bushland, or towering alpine forests. Trust us, no one will be asking if you're nearly there yet. 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 getaway inspo?These are the best weekend escapes close to Sydney. These are the best motels worth the roadtrip from Sydney. These are the most quirky places to stay in NSW.

Sydney has no shortage of luxury hotels. In fact, according to renowned travel media company Travel and Leisure, five of the top ten city hotels in Australia for 2025 are right here in Sydney. But when you’re heading out of the city, finding a reliable high-end stay has traditionally been a little more difficult. That was true until a few years ago, when roadside motels across the state began transforming into luxury hotels – bringing a new level of luxe to NSW beach towns and mountain villages. We’ve rounded up seven of our favourites – happy travels. Ready for a road trip? These are the best routes in NSW, according to a travel expert. 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. And these are the best tiny homes and cabins close to Sydney.

There's no place like an Aussie beach town. Rollicking waves, cute fibro shacks and snaffling fish n' chips on a wooden jetty somewhere on the coast are all essential parts of the Australian experience. It's nostalgic, it's deeply relaxing and in the world's biggest island, you can bet your bottom dollary-doo that when it comes to kicking back in a pristine beach town, the options are basically endless.  In light of this, Time Out's expert editors have taken to our nation's coastal streets in pursuit of Australia's best beach towns, creating this guide that's tailor-made for you. Whether you're after a beautiful and isolated stretch of beach, adorable seaside architecture or epic food and drink with ocean views, we've scoured the country and picked the best beach of the best. So clock off, pack your (beach) bags and dig out the cossies, because these are the best beach towns in Australia that you really don’t want to miss out on. Editors' favourite beach towns in Australia: 🌊 Best for beaches: Albany, WA 🪸 Best for natural wonders: Hervey Bay, QLD 💎 Best hidden gem: Coles Bay, TAS  Jump to list:  QLD | WA | NSW | SA | VIC | TAS 🌊 The best beaches in Australia🙈 The best nudist beaches in Australia🏄 The best surf beaches 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

Carriageworks Farmers Markets – one of Sydney’s favourite weekly markets – is putting on a special festive affair on Saturday, December 20, with more than over 120 stalls, extended trading hours (8am to 3pm) and live music.Expect glorious seasonal additions to the usual farm-fresh produce, and Christmas favourites such as hocks of ham, puddings and mouthwatering fruit cake for sale, plus vegan alternatives such as meat-free roasts and non-dairy cheeses. In addition to the regular weekly stallholders like AP Bakery, Oz Harvest and Kepos Street Kitchen, there'll also be offerings from guest stalls like Gelato Messina, Plate It Forward, Wildflower Brewing & Blending and heaps more.  Alongside the foodie offering, you’ll be able to grab a few final gifts from stalls selling food-related presents like ceramics and cookbooks. Plus, there’ll be booze stalls from local bars, breweries and distilleries, and live music to soundtrack your shopping.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 this weekend. And here’s what’s on this week. Want to take your foraged goods into the great outdoors? These are the best picnic spots in Sydney.

If you’ve driven past Rooty Hill’s West HQ lately, you’ll know the Coliseum Theatre doesn’t exactly do subtle. With its sweeping curves, cathedral-like acoustics and spectacular staging, the venue has quickly cemented its name as one of Western Sydney’s cultural calling cards.This summer, the venue’s offering is dialling up – with the Coliseum Theatre rolling out its biggest program ever – the inaugural Coliseum Summer Festival, a two-month celebration of blockbuster entertainment running from December 6 until January 24. Over the peak summer season, the venue will be serving up everything from smash-hit comedy sessions to mind-bending magic shows and big-ticket family theatre productions. Here are the seasonal highlights you won’t want to miss. Sooshi Mango: Home Made Encore  One of Australia’s favourite comedy trios are back with their wildly popular show – a lovingly chaotic celebration of family, culture and questionable DIY projects. Expect outrageous accents, impeccable timing and a whole heap of belly-laughs to kick-start your silly season.Dates: December 6 Cosentino – Tricked For one night only, master illusionist Cosentino will bring his high-stakes magic to the Coliseum stage. This is sleight-of-hand with serious swagger: escapology, illusions and unbelievable stunts. Dates: December 13 Cirque Alice Christmas Eve at the Coliseum is getting curiouser and curiouser. Cirque Alice is a reimagination of Lewis Carroll’s famously wacky world through acrobatics, aerial arti

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

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.

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

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

✍️ 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

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

If you’ve ever found yourself daydreaming about ditching the city break for a slower, more soul-stirring kind of adventure, the UN’s freshly announced Best Tourism Villages for 2025 is your ready-made bucket list. The initiative, first launched in 2021, celebrates communities that champion cultural heritage, safeguard natural landscapes and welcome travellers in ways that feel meaningful rather than mass-produced. In this year’s list, 24 Asian villages made the cut.  China secured four spots on the list, each one a compelling reminder that the country’s charm extends well beyond its megacities. There’s Digang, where ancient wooden stilt houses line misty waterways, and Dongluo, a village humming with traditional craft and the rhythm of rural life. Huanggang and Jikayi round out the group – places where traditions run deep and the surrounding landscapes are lush enough to make your camera roll weep. Japan also clocked four entries, each one a reason to hop a bullet train to somewhere extraordinary. Asuka – a cradle of early Japanese civilisation – invites travellers to wander among burial mounds and historic farmland, while Koyasan delivers monastic serenity on a mountaintop studded with towering cedars. Out on Shodoshima and Tonosho, olive groves, coastal views and sleepy island charm provide a softer kind of magic. Further south, Indonesia’s Pemuteran earned its place with its sparkling reefs and community-led conservation projects, proving that tourism can protect paradise

Just last week, Pet Insurance Australia (PIA) released its official list of the most popular doggo names in NSW, with Luna and Milo coming out on top. Now, PIA has dropped the feline equivalent – tallying up the stats to reveal Australia’s most popular cat names for 2025. Unsurprisingly, NSW’s picks are cute as heck.  According to PIA spokesperson Nadia Crighton, NSW cat parents are leaning into soft, cosy and family-friendly names that wouldn’t sound out of place at a Bondi daycare. “Luna continues its reign across the country, and Leo and Milo are still the nation’s favourite male names,” she says. “In NSW, the choices are classic, affectionate and very human.” Luna is still Australia’s undisputed naming heavyweight – topping female lists in nearly every state and continuing what PIA calls the era of “Luna dominance”. It’s celestial, gentle and currently the blueprint for cat-name chic (it was also the most popular name for female dogs in Australia in 2025). Leo, meanwhile, sits comfortably at the top of the male list, proving Sydney’s unwavering love of names that could just as easily belong to a barista as a Burmese kitten. Sydney isn’t immune to the national obsession with delicious-sounding pet names, either. Oreo and Mochi both feature in NSW’s top ten, joining a growing wave of cats named after snacks, sweets and bubble-tea toppings. “There’s been a huge surge in quirky names like Mochi, Miso, Muffin and Oreo,” says Crighton. “Pet parents are having fun with naming, a

Just last week, Pet Insurance Australia (PIA) revealed its official list of the most popular dog names in Victoria for 2025. Now, the very same researchers have produced a similar piece of content for the cat lovers among us. Wondering what to name your fluffy friend so they fit in with the clutter (that’s the official term for a group of cats, ICYMI)? Read on.  Nationwide, the cat-naming charts are dominated by a soft, celestial and downright wholesome energy. Luna continues its national reign as Australia’s favourite female pet name, topping almost every state’s list. For male cats, Leo keeps the crown, followed closely by Milo and the ever-present Bluey – a nod to Australia’s most beloved animated series. Here in Vic, Luna and Leo still top the female and male lists respectively, but beyond that, the state’s naming choices get significantly more eclectic. Melbourne’s cultural quirks and global influences shine through, making the Victorian list one of the most diverse in the country. Victoria’s top female cat names in 2025 Luna Daisy Yuki Abby Alice Amber Annie Bambi Bella Billy Victoria’s top male cat names in 2025 Leo Milo Mochi Louie Oreo Ace Archie Barney Bear Billy Compared to the national list, Victoria’s choices stand out in a big way. Yuki – a nod to Melbourne’s embrace of Japanese pop culture and the broader kawaii trend – appears in Victoria’s top three for female cats, without featuring on the national list at all. Meanwhile, Bambi and Amber add a hint of v

Ever found yourself holed up at your laptop at 11.59pm, refreshing the booking page, praying for a cancellation at your favourite Melbourne restaurant? Same. But in good news for eating-out addicts in the Victorian capital, a surprising saviour is stepping in. The delivery kings from DoorDash have officially branched out of the delivery lane and onto the dining-room floor, launching Reservations – a brand-new feature that lets you book (often otherwise unavailable) restaurant tables directly through the app. The new system is the first Australian rollout since DoorDash acquired global hospitality platform SevenRooms, and it’s set to make scoring a table at Melbourne’s most popular restaurants easier. Now live across Melbourne and Sydney, Reservations allows diners to book SevenRooms-powered tables without ever leaving the DoorDash app. Think of it as a one-stop shop for every food-based highlight in your weekend: book the table, enjoy the night out, then use the credits you earn to order dumplings to your couch tomorrow. Photograph: Patricia Sofra A handful of beloved Melbourne restaurants have already jumped on board – including Carlton’s Di Stasio Pizzeria and CBD steakhouse San Telmo. For certain venues, DoorDash is offering exclusive tables reserved purely for ‘DashPass’ members, meaning that even on fully booked nights, you might still be able to slide your way into a prime-time seating. And yes, it’s as simple as it sounds. How does the new DoorDash booking system wor

If you’ve ever found yourself refreshing a booking page at 11.59pm, praying for a cancellation at your favourite Sydney restaurant (we’ve all been there), this will come as good news. The delivery kings at DoorDash have officially just branched beyond the delivery lane and onto the dining-room floor, launching Reservations – a brand-new feature that lets you book (often otherwise unavailable) restaurant tables directly through the app. The new system is the first Australian rollout since DoorDash acquired global hospitality platform SevenRooms, and it’s set to make scoring a table at Sydney’s most popular restaurants a whole lot easier. Now live across Sydney and Melbourne, Reservations allows diners to book SevenRooms-powered tables without ever leaving the DoorDash app. Think of it as a one-stop shop for every food-based highlight in your weekend: book the table, enjoy the night out, then use the credits you earn to help you order pizza to your couch tomorrow. A handful of beloved Sydney restaurants have already jumped on board – including Wunderlich Lane’s Bar Julius and nearby pasta palace Attenzione. For certain venues, DoorDash is offering exclusive tables reserved purely for ‘DashPass’ members, meaning that even on fully booked nights, you might still be able to slide your way into a prime-time seating. Photograph: Supplied | Dexter Kim   And yes, it’s as simple as it sounds. How does the new DoorDash booking system work?  Open the DoorDash app and tap the shiny new

The communal bathing scene in Victoria is pretty unparalleled – with our urban spa offering on the up and up, and the magical hot springs outside the city drawing wellness enthusiasts from across the country. On the coastal bushland of Victoria’s Mornington Peninsula, Peninsula Hot Springs has long been setting the gold standard – and now, the magical bushland bathing spot has been recognised on the world stage. The geothermal haven has just been named Best Luxury Hot Springs – Global Winner at the World Luxury Spa Awards 2025, a prestigious accolade decided by more than 250,000 spa-goers, travellers and industry insiders. While fans of more refined bathing centre Alba (across the road) might disagree with the result, Peninsula Hot Springs has been recognised for its innovative and sustainable approach, and unwavering commitment to nurturing both people and planet. Photograph: Supplied | Peninsula Hot Springs The milestone lands at a perfectly poetic moment: the springs are celebrating ‘20 Years Immersed in Nature’. Since opening in 2005, more than eight million guests have weaved their way through the 42 acres of bushland, and submerged themselves in the geothermal pools heated from warmth that rises from 637 metres below the earth’s surface. Charles Davidson, Co-Founder and Chair, reflected on the award, explaining: “To be recognised as the world’s best is a profound honour, not only for our team but for the entire Australian wellness community. For 20 years, our vision h

Sydney has been swallowed by a haunting red glow, and the "Upside Down" has broken through. Surprised locals and visitors who were near Sydney Harbour last night were treated to the strangest things – an eerie red projection rippled across the night sky, making it look like the harbour had slipped into an alternate dimension.  What the? To celebrate the launch of the final season of Stranger Things, the Upside Down took over the Harbour City last night – and it's happening again tonight (Wednesday, November 26) for the last time. So grab your bike, gather your besties, and get over there after dark. Photograph: Supplied - Netflix Sure, fans of the Netflix show will froth over the spectacle – but these immersive, downright bizarre activations can add a fun dose of strange to anyone's night out in Sydney. From 8.30pm, you might catch glimpses from viewing points around the harbour foreshore – or from a harbour-view rooftop bar. How to get the best view of the Stranger Things Sydney activation If you’re keen to get your kicks up really close, make tracks for the Northern Wharf at the Overseas Passenger Terminal for the most cinematic view.  If you’re up for an extra hit of strange tonight (November 26), swing by the Harbour Bar at Squire’s Landing. For one night only, the waterfront venue is transforming into a Stranger Things-themed mecca – complete with a special viewing deck that will serve as the perfect place to clutch a cocktail as “the rift” unfolds overhead. Photogr

Asian destinations have been getting some major buzz over the past year or so, with the continent recognised on the world stage for its prosperous cities, adorable villages and creative hubs. Based on the recent pulse check from the travel experts at Travel + Leisure, Asia’s tourism appeal is showing no signs of slowing down – with four key Asian destinations ranking on their recently released guide to the best places to travel in 2026. Pulled from a list vetted by T+L editors, global correspondents and A-List travel experts, this year’s picks spotlight destinations that are becoming easier to reach, richer in culture, and more irresistible than ever. And four Asian hotspots – Malaysia, Sri Lanka, Okinawa and Madhya Pradesh in India – ranked among the top experiences in their respective categories. First up, Malaysia – which ranked as the second best destination to visit for food and drink-related travel. According to Travel + Leisure, Malaysia’s breakfast has just been recognised by UNESCO as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity – and honestly, anyone who has sat down to nasi lemak, roti canai and a frothy teh tarik at sunrise will understand why. T+L credits Malaysia’s morning ritual as “a distinctive element of culture and identity that connects diverse ethnic groups,” and the country’s dining scene is only getting bigger, bolder and sky-high. Photograph: Pexels | Zukiman Mohamad Next up, the island paradise of Sri Lanka, which ranked as the seventh best destinati

If there’s one thing Victorians do well, it’s committing to a vibe. And according to Uber Eats’ freshly released 2025 Cravings Report – dropped to celebrate the platform hitting one billion deliveries in Australia – that vibe is creamy, caffeinated and carb-heavy. Now in its seventh year, the Uber Eats Cravings Report analyses millions of orders to reveal the trends shaping how we're staying fuelled. This year saw some wild headlines Australia-wide (one potassium-deficient Aussie ordered 70 bananas, and a NSW resident dropped $3,163 on a single order), but it’s the Vic-specific stats that we’re here to talk about. First up: let's talk about our caffeine habit. While NSW clung to its cappuccinos and QLD iced its way through the heat, Victoria stayed unwaveringly loyal to the latte. Victoria claimed second spot nationally for overall coffee orders – only NSW drank more, but we'll put that down to it being the most populous state. In news that will surprise precisely nobody, matcha orders have exploded nationwide (up 217 per cent in two years), and while NSW leads the green charge, Victoria sits comfortably in second place for matcha orders. Photograph: Supplied | Mix and Matcha Now, onto food. If you ever needed proof that Victorians are comfort-seekers at heart, look no further than the state’s most-ordered duo: butter chicken and garlic naan. Claiming the silver medal as the state’s second favourite duo was the double HSP, a perfectly chaotic combo that suggests Victoria’s

Melbourne’s communal bathing scene continues to be on the up and up. Sense of Self set the bar when it opened back in 2020, and in the past year alone, we’ve said hello to a floating sauna, an outpost of the award-winning Soak Bathhouse, and some seriously gorgeous sauna/spa situations just outside of the city (including Pond Bathhouse and The Sanctuary at Alba Thermal Springs). Now, we’ve got more good news to share: a new sky-high sanctuary is bubbling up in the heart of South Melbourne, and while it won’t open until April 2026, we’re already feeling a little more zen just thinking about it. Housed in a heritage-listed Bank Street site (once home to wool trading and later Croft’s Grocery Empire), Else Bathhouse’s historic shell will become part of the ritual: a tactile reminder of Melbourne’s past. An expert team of architects and designers have reimagined the space across three light-drenched levels, preserving exposed brickwork, timber beams, an early 1900s mural and even the old wool bale pulleys. Photograph: Supplied | Else Bathhouse Visitors will be able to join Aufguss rituals (where sauna masters pour essential oils and water onto the stones) or take things at their own pace with thermal baths, cold plunges, saunas, a mud and steam room, an alpine cabin, still lounges, and – the showstopper – open-air rooftop pools with sweeping skyline views. The rooftop pools suspended above the city have been designed to offer a rare pocket of serenity high above Melbourne’s urb

New South Wales has it all: beautiful unspoiled beaches, magnificent mountains, stunning desert landscapes and a wold-class cultural scene. But if you need further proof that NSW contains multitudes, look no further than the state’s Uber Eats habits in 2025. As Australia officially clocks one billion Uber Eats deliveries, the platform’s freshly dropped 2025 Cravings Report offers an intimate portrait of our collective palate – wholesome and chaotic in equal measure. Now in its seventh year, the Uber Eats Cravings Report analyses millions of orders to reveal the trends shaping how we're staying fuelled. This year, the national headlines are juicy (one potassium-craving Aussie ordered 70 bananas, and a super-user slammed 400 cappuccinos), but it’s the NSW data that’s particularly piqued our interest.First up, there’s the big spender. NSW took out the title for largest single order in Australia, ringing in at a cool $3,163. Were they feeding a football team? A wedding? One very hungry HYROX athlete? We may never know – but we respect the hustle. Then there’s our caffeine habits. While the rest of the nation dithers between lattes and iced lattes depending on the weather, NSW remained steadfastly loyal to the cappuccino as our coffee of choice, but the real caffeinated crown for 2025 belongs to matcha. NSW ordered hundreds of thousands of the grassy green drinks in 2025, leading a nationwide spike that’s seen matcha orders skyrocket 217 per cent in two years. Photograph: Pat St

There was a time when pre-show drinks in Sydney’s Walsh Bay Arts Precinct were a below average affair. As a city with so many perfectly formed drinking spots, the dearth of on-point venues around the Walsh Bay area was noticeable – with theatre-goers often travelling into The Rocks, the CBD or Barangaroo for a pre- or post-show Martini. Now, the city’s theatre district has welcomed the bar it deserves – and it comes in the form of Folio, a timelessly opulent, velvet-trimmed space hidden beneath Sydney Theatre Company’s Roslyn Packer Theatre.  Inspired by the moody speakeasies and effortlessly glamorous theatre bars of NYC, Folio isn’t just a pre-show pit stop – it’s a genuinely on-point bar worthy of a spot on your happy hour hit list, irrespective of your interest in attending a show. That being said, something about the energy of the buzzy, theatrical space made us want to cancel our plans and drop $60 on last-minute tickets to a three-hour production. You’ve been warned. Designed to primarily cater to theatre-goers, Folio feels as suited to golden-hour Champagne as it does to 11pm Negronis, with a perfectly curated selection of salty snacks available late if you’re keen to draw out your post-show debrief. As you’d expect, one of the bar’s major drawcards is its drinks list – devised by award-winning bar consultant Charlie Ainsbury, who brings a sense of play, polish and storytelling to every pour. The House Bellini – prosecco whisked with seasonal fruit sorbet, made to ord