Winnie Stubbs is an English-born writer who fell in love with Sydney when she first visited at the age of four. Back then, it was playgrounds and rainbow-flavoured Paddle Pops that piqued her interest, but her tastes have since evolved. Now, you’re likely to find her at the back of a yoga class or two Martinis deep at one of Sydney’s best vermouth-slinging bars.

After working in travel media in London and Sri Lanka, Winnie moved to Sydney to study in 2018. While studying, she began freelance writing for Broadsheet, and took on a role as editor of a sustainable lifestyle website in 2020. Her fascination with beautiful spaces led to a focus on eco luxe hotels, and she has since gone on to contribute lifestyle and travel stories to publications including Gourmet Traveller, Lux Nomade, We Are Explorers and Pandaemonium.

In her role as Lifestyle Writer at Time Out Sydney, Winnie covers almost anything that’s going on around the city and beyond. Drop her an email via winnie.stubbs@timeout.com

Winnie Stubbs

Winnie Stubbs

Lifestyle Writer

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Articles (119)

The best places to watch the sunrise and sunset in Sydney

The best places to watch the sunrise and sunset in Sydney

No matter where you are, or what you're doing in Sydney, it's guaranteed that if you look up at the right hour you'll (usually) be in for a bit of a treat. Whether it's the brilliant orange sunrises that come up every morning along our eastern seaboard, or the heart-meltingly beautiful pinks and magentas that bloom up over the West, every corner of the Emerald City has its own special moment wherever the sun is concerned.  Here, we have put together a list of all the best places, venues and locations you can get the very best look possible at Sydney's sunrises and sunsets.  You know what they say – they're never the same twice.  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. You can also get into prime location at one of Sydney's most spectacular lookouts, on of of Sydney's best easy day hikes, or from a boat on the water. 
The best things to do in Sydney this November

The best things to do in Sydney this November

By the time November rolls around, we’re on the verge of abandoning our jackets and jumping headfirst into Sydney’s blistering days and balmy nights. But we’re not quite there yet. While we’re keen for an occasional splash at Sydney’s best beaches and glorious ocean pools, we’re also partial to a hideout in the city’s cool underground bars or a sunny afternoon in one of Sydney's best beer gardens. When you're not whiling away the hours with a glass in hand, there's plenty of culture to catch this November – there's theatre galore, and galleries bursting with incredible masterworks – including a ground-breaking exhibition of surrealist work at the Art Gallery of NSW, and a transcendent exhibit exploring the concept of immortality through art at Chippendale’s White Rabbit Gallery. There’s also a heap of fun (and free) stuff going down at Barangaroo, a mammoth fundraising concert bringing big names to the ICC, and the two-week long Garage Sale Trail bringing pop-up markets to backyards across the city. So why not put a spring in your synapses as Sydney strides into summer with a trip to one of these superb cultural events.Stay in the loop: sign up for our free Time Out Sydney newsletter for more news, straight to your inbox. Keep edging towards summer at one of Sydney's best waterfront bars, or one of the best rooftop bars in the city.
The best things to do in Sydney this weekend

The best things to do in Sydney this weekend

We’d suggest kicking this weekend off at one of the best rooftop bars in the city, then heading to the MCA for this month’s Artbar – a cocktail-fuelled celebration of art and music at one of the city’s best galleries. On Saturday and Sunday, Sydney’s neighbourhoods will transform into treasure troves with Australia’s largest pre-loved treasure hunt – the nation-wide Garage Sale Trail. Start with brekkie at one of the best cafés in the city, then hunt for vintage finds and toast to your planet-saving shopping at one of Sydney’s glorious beer gardens or at Paramount Rooftop's natural wine-fuelled sunset session. Keen to get out of town? These are the best day trips close to Sydney, and these are the best national parks to explore. Looking for a spot for a special lunch? These are the best waterfront eateries in Sydney, and these are the best spots to kick on into the small hours. PSA: If you find yourself in Bondi this weekend, you get a free skin check courtesy of the good people from Eau Thermale Avène, more on that here. Scroll on for our full list of all the best things to do in Sydney this weekend. Want a quiet spot to swim? Check out Sydney's best secret swimming spots.Stay in the loop: sign up for our free Time Out Sydney newsletter for more news, straight to your inbox.
The 20 best restaurants in Byron Bay

The 20 best restaurants in Byron Bay

While many head to Byron to stay at its luxe hotels or swim in its supermodel good-looking beaches, others come solely for the food. The dining scene here is as diverse as it is delicious, celebrating the freshest produce and local talent the Northern Rivers region has to offer. From sprawling farm-to-table eateries and fancy beachside restaurants to trendy spots you’d never guess were vegan, here are the best places to dine in Byron Bay. Just be sure to book ahead – Byron’s finest spots fill up faster than an esky on a summer’s day. ✨ The best hotels in Byron Bay🍽️ Where to eat in Noosa😋 More great restaurants on the Sunshine Coast
The best glamping sites in Sydney and NSW

The best glamping sites in Sydney and NSW

Are you more a glamper than a camper? If you prefer seeing the great outdoors from a luxury tent complete with bubble baths and fresh French linen, let this list serve as your bible. Our Sydney team – including culture-fiend Alannah Le Cross – have tried and tested the best glamping sites in and around Sydney; from a safari tent at Taronga Zoo's Roar and Snore to the luxe spherical confines of Bubbletent Australia.Each one of these glamping spots have been assessed by our editors based on their luxury, nature immersion and all-round wow factor. Add them to your 2024/2025 holiday wish list for when you want to escape the urban hustle without losing the creature comforts. Your back will thank you.  Looking for more travel inspo? Check out the best Sydney camping spots and our top Sydney staycations, and then think about getting there with the best caravans and campervans to hire in NSW. Stay in the loop: sign up for our free Time Out Sydney newsletter for more news, travel inspo and activity ideas, straight to your inbox.
The best hot springs to visit in NSW

The best hot springs to visit in NSW

The people of New South Wales are an outdoorsy bunch – and can you blame us? With our fantastic beaches, glorious national parks and stunning natural attractions, it’s no wonder we’re crazy for camping, hiking and generally being out amongst all that nature. And although a cold dip in the ocean is a delightful addition to a balmy spring or summer's day, the weather in this state is anything but reliable, which is why our naturally heated hot springs make for the perfect adventure. Here, you can stay blissfully warm in the great outdoors, regardless of what's happening in the skies. The majority are quite a drive from Sydney, mostly in the state’s far north, so why not make them the focal point of a getaway? Now all you have to do is choose which of the best hot springs and bore baths in NSW to visit first. Our editors (including self-proclaimed ocean addict Winnie Stubbs) have hopped between them to suss out the best spots for an open-air soak. We've removed the spots that are near-impossible to book, and have spotlighted instead cheap and free options – they're a bit of a drive from Sydney, but the journey will be worth it. Stay warm this winter with one of these magical winter escapes that are close to Sydney. Stay in the loop: sign up for our free Time Out Sydney newsletter for more news, straight to your inbox.
The best new restaurants in Sydney

The best new restaurants in Sydney

We’re now on the home stretch to the end of the year (sidebar: where did that time go?), and Sydney’s restaurant openings are showing no signs of slowing down. Thank god, because we’re hungry. Keen to make a booking at the hot new spot? You’ve come to the right place. Below, we’ve rounded up the best new restaurant openings in Sydney right now, curated by Time Out’s Food & Drink Editor and professional eater (and drinker) Avril Treasure. There’s Neil Perry’s beautiful and grand Cantonese diner, Song Bird, an Italian restaurant minutes from the beach in Cronulla called Pino's Vino e Cucina al Mare, the lave-hot Euro-leaning Attenzione Food & Wine and loads more. Dig in. Stay in the loop: sign up for our free Time Out Sydney newsletter for more news, food & drink inspo and activity ideas, straight to your inbox. Looking for something to wash it all down with? These are our favourite bars in Sydney right now. Keen to eat your way around the city? These are the best restaurants in Sydney, from hot newcomers to the OGs.
Things to do in Sydney this week

Things to do in Sydney this week

The weather might be hit-and-miss this week, but Sydney’s summer calendar is alive and kicking – with fun, free-to-attend open-air events bringing big summer energy to Barangaroo and The Rocks – everything from lunchtime yoga classes to movie screenings under the stars. There’s also a huge fundraising concert (feat. Daryl Braithwaite, Courtney Act and Jimmy Rees) going down on Thursday night at the ICC, a lot of excellent theatre lighting up stages across the city, and some incredible exhibitions taking over Sydney’s best galleries. Keen to get moving? These are the best running routes in Sydney, and these are the best ocean pools in the city for a saltwater swim. Need an affordable weeknight feed? These are the best cheap eats in Sydney. Scroll on for our full list of all the best things to do in Sydney this week. Here's our guide to the best restaurants in Sydney right now.  Stay in the loop: sign up for our free Time Out Sydney newsletter for more news, straight to your inbox.
The best waterfalls in Sydney and NSW

The best waterfalls in Sydney and NSW

We hate to say it, but TLC were wrong. Turns out you should go chasing waterfalls, especially in Sydney and New South Wales. Some are in national parks, you can swim in some, and some secret ones will take you a bit of a walk to find.  Load up the picnic basket and take a road trip to find these cascading falls near, in and around Sydney. You’ll find plunge pools you can swim in, waterfalls you can walk over and mountain walks so awe-inspiring they'll make you feel small. Feel like making a weekend of it? Here are the best weekend getaway spots near 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.
The best ferry trips in Sydney

The best ferry trips in Sydney

Sydney's love affair with the crushed sapphire expanse of the harbour dates back many thousands of years to when the Gadigal people of central Sydney paddled their canoes around the bays, into the coves and across the open seas in search of fish or en route to ceremonial sites or neighbouring settlements.  Today, the ferry is a mainstay of the Sydney public transport lanscape and one of the best ways to explore the harbour. With views made for gawking at, our city is stunning at all its angles – but the ferry is an easy alternative to ram-packed tours and accordingly hiked prices. Ferry routes fan out in multiple directions – from the main hub of Circular Quay to far west up the Parramatta River, north to Manly and far east to Watsons Bay. These scenic trips will give you plenty of time to gaze in awe, and then to dawdle over to picturesque spots and linger at pretty picnic points once you're on shore. From Sydney's harbour islands to the city's stunning lighthouses, where will you end up?  In most cases, to glide along the water you'll need the all-purpose public transport Opal card (or just tap on with a contactless credit or debit card). Looking for more fun once the skipper cries land ho? Check out these unmissable attractions around the city.  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 get wet? These are the best harbour beaches in Sydney.And these are the
The most unusual holiday accommodation you can rent in Sydney and NSW

The most unusual holiday accommodation you can rent in Sydney and NSW

When it comes to accommodation, Sydney and NSW boast a dizzying range of options. You can stay in boutique hotels and budget motels, beachside villas and winery thrillers, cute campgrounds and flashy glampgrounds, five-star resorts and places with tennis courts – what we’re trying to say is, you’re spoilt for choice.  But what if you’re looking for a more out-of-the-ordinary place to lay your head? Here's a selection of the kookiest, coolest, most whimsically odd places you can stay in Sydney and NSW, from a pimped-out treehouse to a bonafide movie set. So, where will you book first? RECOMMENDED: The best luxury Airbnbs in Sydney Ready to flash some cash on your next trip? Head to one of the most luxurious places to stay in NSW.
The 8 best national parks to explore near Sydney

The 8 best national parks to explore near Sydney

If there’s one thing Australia does well, it’s national parks. And in Sydney, we’re spoilt for choice when it comes to pristine stretches of protected wilderness that are just a stone’s throw from the heart of the city. Whether you like chasing waterfalls, discovering stunning unspoilled beaches or climbing mountains, NSW is home to an abundance of incredible national parks ready to meet your nature-loving needs. Looking for the best national parks to explore close to Sydney? We’ve rounded up our eight favourite ones that are within 100 kilometres of the CBD. 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. Want more? Here are the easiest and prettiest day hikes in town and here are the 10 best camping spots close to Sydney.

Listings and reviews (150)

Pool by Pier Bar

Pool by Pier Bar

Just as the warmer days have started setting in, Sydney Harbour has welcomed a glorious new addition – in the form of a free-to-access swimming pool in the heart of the city. Pool by Pier Bar is bringing beach club energy to the Harbour City – with guests at Pier One’s airy indoor-outdoor venue invited to cool off in a pop-up harbourside swimming pool. Running until Friday, January 31, the pop-up swimming pool is transforming the sun-soaked corner of harbourside into an adult playground. Order drinks and summery snacks – like Pier Bar’s signature Margaritas and golden bowls of calamari and soft shell crab – and settle in for a perfectly-fuelled afternoon spent in and out of the water. The pool is netted, so you don’t need to worry about any unwanted friends, and there are towels available to hire at $10 a pop if you don’t want to carry a damp towel home.  Group numbers are capped at 25, but if you want to gather a group of 24 for a day of drinks by the harbour – go forth. The view of the sunset from Pier Bar – dropping behind Walsh Bay and bathing the pier in buttery light – is one of the best in Sydney, so it’s worth staying all day. Access to the pool is free, but a minimum spend of $75 per person applies for groups of ten people and more. Keen? You can book over here.   Stay in the loop: sign up for our free Time Out Sydney newsletter for more news, straight to your inbox. RECOMMENDED:  Want more fun? Here’s what’s on in Sydney this weekend. And these are our favourite wat
Peter and the Starcatcher

Peter and the Starcatcher

Having earned five Tony Awards and secured its position as a Broadway smash hit, Peter and the Starcatcher – a Peter Pan spin-off that tells the magical story of the birth of Neverland – is hitting Australian stages for the first time in late 2024. After making its Australian debut at Canberra Theatre Centre in October, the fantastical show will arrive at Arts Centre Melbourne from November 8.  Telling the story of Neverland before it became what we know it as now, Peter and the Starcatcher is a whimsical exploration of imagination and nostalgia, described by the New York Times as “a blissful exercise in the make believe”. The stellar cast has now been announced and will include stars of both the screen and stage. Comedian and TV personality Pete Helliar will take on the role of Smee and Otis Dhanji (Aquaman, The Unlisted) will play Boy/Peter. Colin Lane of Lano and Woodley has been cast as Black Stache and Olivia Deeble (Home and Away) will play Molly.  Rounding out the impressive cast are Alison Whyte (Groundhog Day the Musical), Paul Capsis (The Rocky Horror Show), Ryan Gonzalez (Moulin Rouge! The Musical), Hugh Parker (The Family Law) and Morgan Francis (Boy, Lost).  Originally written by the mind behind Jersey Boys and Adams Family, and developed by Disney Theatrical Group, the all-new production has been reimagined with direction from Australian David Morton. His award-winning theatre company Dead Puppet Society has been tasked with bringing the show to life for an Aust
Carriageworks Summer Program

Carriageworks Summer Program

Earlier this year, Carriageworks announced its exciting program for 2024, responding to Sydney’s seasonal energy to give the city the kinds of art and live performance that we crave, when we crave it. Throughout the winter months, the focus was firmly on storytelling, with spring bringing new energy in the form of spellbinding performances including Counting and Cracking, Swim and Gilgamesh. As silly season sets in, Sydney's original post-industrial multidisciplinary arts space is turning up the heat in Eveleigh, with a high-energy summer program running through November and into January with a major focus on music and movement that spotlights circus, live music, dance, drag, cabaret and more.  "Carriageworks Summer is an invitation to everyone to celebrate the joy of Sydney’s favourite season," says Carriageworks CEO, Fergus Linehan. "We are proud to celebrate Australia ́s incredible dance, circus and cabaret artists in a program for all ages. But we also want you to interact with art and artists, and join in with dance classes and unforgettable parties." First up, The Famous Spiegeltent (that’s it's actual name, though we’re not here to argue) will be taking over Bay 17, transforming the cavernous industrial space into a whimsical wonderland (Nov 23-Dec 15). Expect sparkling cabaret shows and breathtaking circus performances, all within those magical mirrored walls. From Wednesday, Nov 27, the tent will play host to Club Briefs: The Works, a deliciously flamboyant show from
Paramount House Hotel

Paramount House Hotel

I was ready to be underwhelmed by Paramount House Hotel. Since it opened back in 2018, the impeccably-designed boutique hotel has been setting the standard for inner-city cool in one of Sydney’s trendiest suburbs. And until I spent a night there, I had a sense that the pared back, effortlessly tasteful approach might be coupled with something a little too cold for a comfy hotel stay – an aspirationally perfect aesthetic that couldn’t possibly translate into a nourishing experience. The result was very different – in a masterful stroke of hospitality excellence, the team at Paramount House Hotel make you feel at once inspired and at home. You’re struck by the sense of the place the moment you arrive – the lobby sits behind the café on the first floor, and everything about the industrial-chic space screams ‘Surry Hills’. The suburb is Sydney’s creative-industry mecca, and the high density of offices has necessitated and bolstered the emergence of one of the city’s best dining scenes. Paramount Coffee Project – one of several venues housed in the heritage-listed building – is a case in point: creative brunch plates and specialty coffee are on tap here, and you can order to your room if you’re staying in house. In the Hollywood Quarter alone (the corner dominated by the Paramount House building, linking to the street that was named Sydney’s coolest in 2024) you’ll find a gloriously unpretentious institution of a pub, a handsome neighbourhood bar serving our Ed in Chief’s favourit
Paramount Rooftop Series

Paramount Rooftop Series

Home to a perfectly-executed boutique hotel, a uniquely multi-faceted cinema-cum-cocktail bar, an excellent café, a designer Pilates studio and a rooftop outpost of one of Sydney’s favourite cult bakeries, the Paramount House precinct has a lot going on. But with a rooftop that beautiful – a divinely positioned sun-soaked space several floors above the coolest street in Sydney – it would be amiss not to make use of it for at least a few sunset sessions. Thankfully, that’s exactly what we can expect from Paramount’s Rooftop Series: a program of food-focused events taking over the stunning rooftop on a few select nights this spring and summer. First up, a one-night only “fanfare of fava beans” brought to life by Tassie-based chef Luke Burgess – who was responsible for one of Hobart’s pioneering (sadly now closed) farm-to-table wine bars, Garagistes. Heroing fava beans from Tasmania’s Felds Farm, Burgess will be serving up fresh falafel with fluffy pita and flavour-packed, sustainably sourced additions. Load your pita with seasonal pickles and hemp seed tahini, and wash it down with a glass or two of natural wine from winemaking gun Rory Duggan as the sun sets over the inner city. Details for the next few events are set to be released over the next few weeks, with a seafood pizza party – complete with seltzers from Cantina OK!, dough from a Pizza Oltra wizard and a live DJ set – slated for Sunday, November 24. You can stay posted on updates via the Paramount House website and th
The Rocks' free summer events

The Rocks' free summer events

The cost of living crisis in Sydney isn’t going anywhere, and since it’s easy to blow your weekly budget at the city’s sky-high bars when the sun is shining, it’s always a delight to hear about new free ways to have fun during silly season. In excellent news for CBD-dwellers, the list of free things to do this summer just got a boost – with The Rocks precinct announcing a packed program featuring free yoga classes, community picnics and open-air film screenings. If you’re up for an active morning, join The Rocks’ free run club which meets at First Fleet Park at 7.15am every Tuesday for an all-levels jog around the harbour.Want something a little slower? Free yoga classes will run all summer long, taking place at Dawes Point Park (under the shadow of the Harbour Bridge) every Sunday at 8.30am and 9.30am.Keen to hang around? Join the community picnic, popping up at Dawes Point Park Saturday and Sunday between 10am and 5pm. Picnic rugs, cushions and blankets are provided, but you’ll need to BYO food and drinks (The Rocks Markets have got you covered). If you’re in the mood for an open-air movie, The Rocks’ free Laneway Cinema is back this summer – bringing magical alfresco film screenings to an historic sandstone laneway every Wednesday evening. Tickets are free, and are available to book on the Monday before the screening.  You can learn more about all the free events popping up throughout The Rocks this summer over here.Stay in the loop: sign up for our free Time Out Sydney ne
Barangaroo's free summer events

Barangaroo's free summer events

Summer is setting in, and while us Surry Hills-based office workers are forced to seek our weekday sunshine in Prince Alfred Park (no terrible fate, especially if you can fit in a swim), those based in the harbour-front precinct of Barangaroo can get active with a series of free community activities.  On Wednesday lunchtimes (up until Wednesday, December 18), Barangaroo Reserve will play host to a series of free-to-attend First Nations-inspired yoga classes. Led by proud Dharawal and Gumbaynggirr woman Jacqui Jarrett, Yoga on Country takes place on Stargazer Lawn at 12.30pm every Wednesday, and is a magical way to connect with the land and waters that we see and touch every day. The 60-minute classes celebrate First Nations cultural beliefs, inviting participants to listen, learn and breathe. You’ll need to register if you’re keen to join, and you can do that over here. If you’re looking for a less introspective lunchtime activity, there’s a free Pickleball tournament going down at Harbour Park Community Recreation Space every Tuesday and Wednesday lunchtime. The 20-minute games take place between 12pm and 2pm on Tuesdays and Wednesdays – you can register (either as a two-person team, or solo to be paired up with another player) over here.  Keen to get moving on the last day of the working week? Barangaroo Run Club meets every Friday morning, with runners meeting at Hickson Park at 7.15am. The hour-long sessions range from slow-paced jogs to high-impact training drills, depen
TEDxSydney

TEDxSydney

Calling all curious minds – TEDxSydney is coming back to town, and this year it’s taking a revised, multi-day format. The new approach to TEDx represents the team’s mission to help Sydneysiders’ actively connect and facilitate change. Details at this point are thin on the groung, but from what we can know so far, TEDxSydney 2024 is looking intriguing, and far more interactive (and accessible) than past events. Instead of a one-off event playing host to a series of speakers, TEDxSydney 2024 will comprise a series of intimate discussions, curated in partnership with the University of Sydney.  The next salon event will focus on ‘Advancements in Artificial Intelligence’, exploring the ethical implications of innovations in AI – with a line-up featuring fascinating neuroscientists and researchers set to interrogate the role of AI in today's society, and it's future implications. Concession tickets for the salon events start at $39.50, with standard tickets starting at $49.50. Tickets for TEDxSydney Youth start at $75 ($50 concession tickets). You can learn more over here. Want to be the first to know about what's on in Sydney? Sign up for our free Time Out Sydney newsletter, delivered direct to your inbox.RECOMMENDED:  Mapping out the month ahead? Here’s what’s on in Sydney in June. Want activity inspo now? Here’s what’s on this week.
Selph Health Studios

Selph Health Studios

With its sprawling outlet stores opening onto boutique specialty coffee shops, and cavernous converted warehouses home to everything from elite Pilates studios to serious law firms, Rosebery is something of a mystery suburb on the outskirts of Sydney’s Inner South. Stepping off one of the wide, sleepy streets, you’re never quite sure what you’ll find, and Selph Health Studios – a multifaceted wellness space in an industrial-chic space – is a case in point. Stepping into the light-flooded lobby, you’re immediately struck by its clean, airy beauty and a pervading sense of calm. Based on the holistic range of treatments and experiences offered here, it’s no surprise that they’ve nailed the vibe. Going way beyond the typical massage parlour offering, Selph focuses on providing treatments, exercises and approaches that look at body, mind and spirit as a whole – with everything from acupuncture to yoga, chiropractic care to therapy sessions offered on site, and used together for compounded benefits.  Curated by co-founders and brothers Evan (a qualified chiropractor) and Myles, the studio’s ethos is about combining somatic, physical and energetic treatments with lifestyle advice for improved wellbeing. Performed by a team of skilled practitioners, the full range of treatments offered here includes chiropractic care, acupuncture, physiotherapy, nutrition consultations, and specialised massage therapies (everything from remedial and lymphatic drainage massages to reiki and energetic
The Nowhere Festival

The Nowhere Festival

When the team behind Mode Festival first turned Cockatoo Island into a Berlin-esque dancefloor back in 2022, it marked a new era for Sydney’s harbour-based venue. The former penal colony has hosted large-scale events – from major art exhibitions to sunset serenade sessions – for years, but Mode brought a new, edgy energy to the island’s huge, haunting buildings. Now, just weeks after the third iteration of Mode brought the post-industrial site to life for its biggest party yet, Cockatoo Island has announced details of something even bigger. From Saturday February 8 to Sunday February 9 2025, Cockatoo Island will transform into an obscurely beautiful festival site for two days of dance music, immersive art and abstract live performances.  Brought to life by some of Sydney’s favourite event producers (including Jody Coker, who’s responsible for the annual Gorgeous Presents party at the MCA rooftop), The Nowhere Festival will take over the entire island for a creative weekend of music in the middle of the world’s most well-known harbour. Four carefully curated stages – connected the former-shipyard’s labyrinth of shadowy tunnels – will play host to a 50-strong line-up of international and Australian live acts and DJs, with a focus on house, techno and electronic music. Global electronic acts including Carl Craig, Moodymann, Marcel Dettmann and Adiel will join Sydney favourites like Adi Toohey, Barney Kato and Mad Racket DJs for two days of dancing, with the cavernous turbine hal
The Parlour Room

The Parlour Room

When she was just 24 years old, Natalie Ferrari opened the doors to The Parlour Room – a small, boutique beauty salon specialising in manicures, spray tans and on-point brow treatments. More than a decade later, and Ferrari’s vision has grown into so much more – with The Parlour Room being one of Sydney’s most-loved beauty salons, an additional space a few doors down offering body treatments with the signature TPR attention to detail, and a third location in the works. In a light-flooded space on a sunny corner of Clovelly, you’ll find Self – an extension of The Parlour Room focusing on holistic body treatments ranging from infrared sauna sessions to pre-flight facials, located just a few doors down from the original salon. I visited for a massage at Self after a 37-hour flight across the world, and it’s hard to imagine a more restorative way to spend a jet-lagged afternoon. My therapist was warm, with a gentle presence and a masterful technique that – along with the products, including a deeply calming magnesium oil from Pure Mama – brought my exhausted body back to life. From the bespoke, uniquely personalised facials to the massages designed to help nurture women at various stages of pregnancy, the treatments here have been designed as ritualistic self-care practices that will give you exactly what you need. The carefully-curated design of both spaces are a reflection of the TPR ethos: there’s exacting execution and thoughtful beauty infused in everything they do. Their th
YHA Sydney Harbour

YHA Sydney Harbour

Sitting comfortably in the centre of one of Sydney's most famous precincts, with a sprawling terrace overlooking the Opera House, YHA Sydney Harbour is pretty spectacular, as hostels go. And though it’s a YHA (Youth Hostels Association) property, YHA Sydney Harbour doesn’t self-identify as a hostel, and for good reason. As well as the more affordable shared accommodation options, you’ll find private rooms with views that rival some of Sydney’s best luxury hotels, at a fraction of the price. The communal vibe and YHA's social-impact approach make this an excellent feel-good stay in the beating heart of the Harbour City. 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 our favourite hotels in the city. Eating in the area? These are the best restaurants in Circular Quay. Want something more quirky? These are the most unusual places to stay in NSW.

News (415)

A stunning new guesthouse from the Raes on Wategos team is opening today in Byron Bay

A stunning new guesthouse from the Raes on Wategos team is opening today in Byron Bay

Since welcoming its first guests 30 years ago, Raes on Wategos has firmly secured its name as one of the most high-calibre hotels in NSW – with Nicole Kidman, Tom Cruise, Gwyneth Paltrow and Kate Winslet all calling the hotel (temporary) home. The beachside hotel's surreally beautiful tropical garden is thought to have been the brainchild of Salvador Dali, and the hotel has kept up that high calibre of design throughout its existence – sitting pretty behind the palms on the sparkling shores of Wategos Beach for three solid decades. After announcing its expansion into Byron earlier this year (the Bonobo by Raes luxury apartment complex is set to open in the centre of town in 2025), the high-end hotel brand has today opened a second, smaller site – a nod to the intimacy of the original Raes, before Bonobo opens and turns the small site into a mega-brand. Today, after three decades as Byron Bay's most aspirational stay, Raes has expanded – with a neighbouring property (formerly Victoria's At Wategos) opening its doors today as Raes on Wategos 2.0.  Photograph: Supplied | Anson Smart The new ten-suite property – titled Raes Guesthouses – has been brought to life by Tamsin Johnson (the interior designer responsible for Raes’ 2016 redesign), who was tasked with transforming the property into a Raes-standard stay. And the design is everything we'd expect from the lords of luxury – ornate, sumptuous and tastefully, masterfully maximalist.    Photograph: Supplied | Anson Smart Alo
A massive supermoon will be visible in Melbourne soon – and it's the last one we'll see for a while

A massive supermoon will be visible in Melbourne soon – and it's the last one we'll see for a while

As much as we care about what's happening right here in Melbourne – you know, like the best places to eat, drink and play – we're also pretty intrigued by what goes on in that big, beautiful sky of ours. After all, we go crazy when the Aurora Australis makes an appearance, or when a rare blue supermoon becomes visible to the naked eye.  Well, it's time to pop those stargazing caps back on, because the last supermoon of the year is coming up next week – this time around, it's called a Beaver Moon. This celestial spectacle will be the fourth and final supermoon of 2024, so you won’t want to miss it. Here’s everything you need to know about seeing the Beaver Moon in Melbourne.  What is a supermoon? A full moon is dubbed a supermoon when it’s at the closest point to Earth during its orbit. At this time, the moon appears bigger and brighter than usual in the night sky. How big is a supermoon? According to Space.com, a supermoon can appear up to 14 per cent larger and up to 30 per cent brighter than your standard full moon. We suspect you'll have no problem spotting it! When is the next supermoon? The final supermoon of 2024, known as the Beaver Moon, is set to grace our skies on Friday, November 15, with prime viewing conditions shortly after sunset. According to timeanddate.com, this celestial spectacle will peak in Australia on the morning of Saturday, November 16 at 5.28am AWST, 6.58am ACST, 7.28am AEST, and 8.28pm AEDT. You can check the exact moonrise and moonset for your s
The top melanoma hotspots in NSW have been revealed, and 3 are right here in Sydney

The top melanoma hotspots in NSW have been revealed, and 3 are right here in Sydney

Sydneysiders love the sunshine, and though there are a lot of pros to spending a day under its rays, there’s the obvious downfall too. Melanoma is the third-most diagnosed cancer in NSW, and one of the most common cancers among young Australians. According to the Cancer Institute NSW, more than 5000 people are expected to be diagnosed with melanoma in the state in 2024. The team has just released a report detailing the main melanoma hotspots in Australia – read on if you’re ready to be informed, or slip, slop, slap and get on with your day. According to the Cancer Institute NSW, the local government areas (LGAs) with the highest rates of melanoma are Ballina, Lismore, Byron, Clarence Valley and Coffs Harbour – with almost 350 cases projected to be diagnosed in those areas in 2024. The list of the top ten melanoma hotspots in NSW also includes Port Macquarie-Hastings, Tweed and Kempsey and Richmond Valley. Here in Sydney, the Sutherland Shire, Mosman and the Northern Beaches LGAs were all ranked among the top 25. Photograph: Supplied | Destination NSW | Paul K RobbinsSouth Cronulla Beach, one of four patrolled surf beaches in Cronulla in Southern Sydney. Melanoma is the most serious form of skin cancer, and with deaths from the cancer estimated at 500 people across NSW this year alone, awareness is crucial in keeping the people of our sunny state safe. According to the Cancer Institute NSW,  99 per cent of non-melanoma skin cancers are caused by overexposure to UV radiation
This beloved Sydney beach has been closed for two summers – but it's set to open soon

This beloved Sydney beach has been closed for two summers – but it's set to open soon

Sitting on the edge of national parkland on the banks of Sydney’s sparkling harbour, Shark Beach at Nielsen Park has long been one of the Eastern Suburb’s most treasured swimming spots. But since March 2022 it has been tightly closed to the public, inciting mass frustration among locals who desperately want to dive back into their favourite turquoise cove as warmer days approach.   In happy news for swimmers, the beautiful harbour beach is on track to open this summer – with construction to replace the concrete seawall well underway, due for completion in mid-December.  Photograph: Destination NSWThe Eastern Suburbs are full of special swimming spots Getting to this point of near completion hasn’t been as easy ride. Reconstruction work was originally meant to be completed by December, 2022 – but the wettest Sydney year on record, contractual delays and the discovery (and removal) of a hefty 3,600 tonnes of asbestos put big delays on progress. Recommended: Speaking of sharks, did you go to see the now-infamous 'Sharnana' sculpture? Now, just a month away from the (updated) slated completion date, we’re within our rights to start getting excited, but lets not count our chickens before the eggs have hatched. According to the National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) who have been managing the Neilsen Park seawall repair, the re-opening date could still be subject to further delays depending on weather and coastal conditions. For now, all we can do is wait – and pray for gen
The longest multi-day walking trail in NSW stretches 250km, starting in Sydney

The longest multi-day walking trail in NSW stretches 250km, starting in Sydney

As a city abundant in natural beauty, the Greater Sydney area is home to its fair share of incredible hikes – from secret coastal strolls to mega mountain bushwalks. And while some of the best walks in the state are further out of town (including one that will take you up the highest mountain in Australia), you’ll actually find the longest walking track in the state connected directly to the CBD. Where is NSW's Great North Walk?  Starting in the heart of Sydney at the world-famous Circular Quay, the 250-kilometre route connects the two largest cities in NSW – ending at Newcastle’s Queens Wharf. Winding its way through national parks, up mountains, past waterfalls and along stunning coastal tracks, the walk takes in some of the most beautiful pockets of natural beauty in the state, including Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park, Brisbane Water National Park, and Watagans National Park.  How long is the Great North Walk?  Stretching for 250 kilometres, the walk takes around two weeks to complete in its entirety, so most hikers decide to tackle it in chunks. There are several beautiful multi-hour or multi-day hikes that form the whole route, so you can tap in for as much or as little as you have time for. If you’re keen to take on the whole walk in a oner, give it 16 days.  Photograph: Supplied | Destination NSW Highlights of the Great North walk Tracing winding mountain paths, lush rainforest tracks and secluded beaches – not to mention the sections of walking through the city – t
The biggest live music show on earth is going on tour, and it's coming to Sydney this month

The biggest live music show on earth is going on tour, and it's coming to Sydney this month

Since its inception way back in 1956, the Eurovision Song Contest has solidified its position as one of the most well-known cultural events on the global calendar. And this year, for the very first time, the biggest live music show on earth is going on tour – bringing its super-sparkly show to Sydney on Sunday, November 17. Keen to get amongst the euphoric Euro-pop spectacular? Read on. The idea of taking the Eurovision show on tour was first floated way back in 2019, and it’s finally coming to fruition after a global pandemic delayed proceedings. The concept for the show is to bring Eurovision legends together for one gloriously high-energy showcase. For Eurovision On Tour 2024, 18 Eurovision superstars will take to the stage, each performing songs that captivated the world via the TV screen over various Eurovision comps. The full list of performers for the Australian tour includes Eurovision 2000 winner Nicki French (United Kingdom), 2016 runner up Dami Im (Australia), 1992 winner Linda Martin (Ireland) and 2013 winner Emmelie de Forest (Denmark). Plus, Sydney's very own Silia Kapsis – the youngest Eurovision entrant for the 2024 competition. Photograph: Supplied | Eurovision on Tour The performance will be complemented by a dedicated fan zone complete with stage props and delightfully OTT Eurovision-style outfits (yes, you can get your ABBA outfit here).  When is Eurovision on Tour coming to Sydney? The Sydney show will take place very soon – on Sunday, November 17 2024.
Sydney's 42.2-kilometre race has just become one of the 7 World Major Marathons

Sydney's 42.2-kilometre race has just become one of the 7 World Major Marathons

Back in March, the people behind the TCS Sydney Marathon announced they were pulling the plug on the half marathon option in this year’s race, and focusing all of their attention on the full marathon, in a bid to help the event gain World Major Marathon status. The focus on the full 42.195-kilometre distance allowed a record number of runners to join the race, with 25,000 runners taking place in this year’s full-length race, making it the biggest of its kind to be held in Australia ever. It’s just been confirmed that the focus on the big run paid off, with Sydney Marathon now certified as a World Major Marathon – which should be a boon for tourism to Sydney. Photograph: Supplied | Destination NSW | Brett Hemmings Until now, there were just six Major World Marathons around the world, taking place in London, Boston, Tokyo, Berlin, Chicago and New York. From 2025, The TCS Sydney Marathon presented by Asics will become the first Major World Marathon to take place on Aussie soil. Apart from being good for our tourism industry (the boost in visitor expenditure in NSW thanks to the marathon's new status is estimated at $73 million over the next three years), landing Abbott World Marathon Majors (AWMM) status means big things for the Sydney race. The AWMM certification ranks the run among the most renowned marathons in the world, and will attract big-name athletes from around the globe to the Harbour City. For many competitive athletes, all AWMM events are must-do races, with parti
The Sydney Opera House just ranked among the world's top 10 most recognisable landmarks

The Sydney Opera House just ranked among the world's top 10 most recognisable landmarks

Arching its unique shape into the sky above Sydney Harbour, Sydney Opera House is without a doubt our city’s most famous and distinct landmark. Built to mimic the awe-inspiring Mayan temples of times gone by, the architectural masterpiece is so much more than a live performance space – it’s a cultural institution, and the jewel in Sydney Harbour’s sparkling crown. And it turns out, it’s not just us who think so – with a recent study identifying "the dish rack" among the top ten most recognisable landmarks in the whole world. According to the study, Sydney Opera House is the sixth-most recognisable landmark in the whole world – beating London’s Big Ben, the Great Pyramids of Giza and even Italy's Leaning Tower of Pisa. Photograph: Supplied To identify which of the world’s landmarks are the most globally well-known, travel insurance specialists AllClear surveyed people from across the globe, asking them to identify 50 renowned landmarks. Unsurprisingly, New York City’s Statue of Liberty came in at number one, with 98.73 per cent of people correctly identifying it. The Eiffel Tower in Paris came in second place, recognised by 97.50 per cent of people, and our very own Opera House came in sixth place – with 89.77 per cent of people recognising it.According to the study, the most recognisable landmarks in the world are:1. Statue of Liberty, USA2. Eiffel Tower, France3. Taj Mahal, India4. Colosseum, Italy5. The White House, USA6. Sydney Opera House, Australia7. Big Ben, England8.
This Sydney suburb is set to grow by 476.19 per cent in the next 25 years

This Sydney suburb is set to grow by 476.19 per cent in the next 25 years

The housing situation in NSW isn’t in great shape, but work is being done – with the largest public housing investment in the state’s history confirmed earlier this year, the largest affordable housing project in Australia on track to be built in Sydney and a whole new CBD popping up next to the new Western Sydney airport. The key principle of the NSW government’s mission to tackle the NSW housing crisis centres around accessibility, and with Sydney Metro West set to connect Sydney Olympic Park to the city at record speed by 2032, there are plans afoot for a mega transformation of the Western Sydney suburb. Photograph: Supplied | NSW Government A new master plan for Sydney Olympic Park was released for public exhibition earlier this month, with a vision to increase residential capacity from 5,250 people by an additional 25,000 additional residents in the next 25 years – a total increase of 476.19 per cent. As it stands, the plan would maintain Sydney Olympic Park’s history as the state’s major sports and events precinct, but would bring a new focus on transforming it into a thriving urban community – connected to the city as part of the expanding Sydney Metro network. “Sydney Olympic Park is about to be transformed from a sport and entertainment precinct into a thriving, well-located community, with more homes, close to jobs, transport and services,” explained Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Paul Scully.  Currently featuring a new cultural centre, a new library and
This lush Sydney café has just ranked as the second-most Instagrammable place in Australia

This lush Sydney café has just ranked as the second-most Instagrammable place in Australia

Back in April, this ridiculously pretty Sydney restaurant was ranked as the most Instagrammable restaurant in the world, after the city as a whole took the title of the tenth-most Instagrammable city worldwide. Now, new stats are in – with the Grounds of Alexandria recognised once again for its ’grammability.  According to new research, the sprawling indoor-outdoor venue is the second-most Instagrammed place in the whole country, aside from major world-famous landmarks like the Opera House (obvs). Hotel chain Premier Inn has published the rankings, revealing a list of the 15 most-hashtagged Aussie locations on Instagram as of October 2024 (excluding major landmarks including Bondi Beach and the Harbour Bridge – places regarded as traditional landmarks). Melbourne’s Hosier Lane had a whopping 200,176 hashtags (topping the list by a sizeable margin), and our very own The Grounds of Alexandria came in second with 121,716 hashtags. Rounding out the top five on the list were Noosa National Park, Glenelg Beach in Adelaide, and Eumundi Markets on the Sunshine Coast.  To be honest, it's hardly surprising that the Grounds ranked so high on a list of Instagram hotspots – based on the average time it takes for food to go from table to grid at this aesthetically-pleasing locale.  The popular Sydney venue is among 1,066 photogenic sites that researchers identified as  ‘Instagram landmarks’  across the world, but despite the undeniable beauty of NSW – we lay claim to the tallest mountain i
The spookiest states in Australia have been revealed

The spookiest states in Australia have been revealed

Australia shines bright with its daytime delights – from our beautiful beaches and luscious national parks to our world-famous coffee scene. But when the lights go out, the country turns into a very different place. And no, we’re not talking about what goes down on Australia’s best dancefloors.  In the lead up to spooky season, Affordable Urns did some research into Australia’s most haunted locations and the results are chilling. They found reports of more than 250 paranormal activities across the country, with the top three states accounting for more than 75 per cent of all ghostly sightings. Eek!  Things are particularly creepy in Australia’s oldest state, New South Wales, which tops the charts as the country’s most haunted, with 91 paranormal activities. The researchers link this high rate of ghostly activity to the state’s “long history of colonial settlement, convict transportation and urban development”, suggesting that its troubled past has “left a lasting supernatural imprint”. With 17 paranormal sightings concentrated in Sydney, the NSW capital takes the top spot as Australia’s most haunted city. For anyone who’s ever visited Manly’s Quarantine Station, it’s no surprise that this eerie site is the most cited haunted spot in Sydney. If you’re brave enough, you can book a ghost tour around the buildings or stay the night in a haunted bedroom overlooking the harbour (speaking from experience, this is best managed with a few glasses of wine before bed). Another oft-menti
This historic island in the heart of Sydney Harbour is home to the largest surviving convict site in Australia

This historic island in the heart of Sydney Harbour is home to the largest surviving convict site in Australia

Home to a haunting complex of cavernous industrial buildings, a convict-era prison, and a modern camping site, Cockatoo Island is a somewhat edgy addition to the sparkling stretch of turquoise water that weaves its way into the centre of our city. It's the largest island you'll find in Sydney Harbour, and the 44-acre land mass is now used as a venue for some of Sydney’s biggest cultural events (for example, the Biennale of Sydney has seen the island transformed into a sprawling art exhibition, Opera Australia has staged an ambitious outdoor punk-rock-inspired opera here, and there’s also a major music festival going down here this summer). But Cockatoo Island is still a fun and fascinating place to visit on an average day, even without a techno soundtrack. As one of Australia's first industrial sites to be granted heritage status for its history as a convict site, the main draw here is its historical significance. But with magical picnic spots and magnificent views of the city skyline, Cockatoo Island is well worth a day trip, regardless of your interest in its past. What is the history of Cockatoo Island? Connecting to the waterways and homelands of the Wallumedegal, Wangal, Cammeraygal and Gadigal peoples, the island is known as Wareamah by the traditional custodians of the land, and is understood to have been used as a meeting place and a fishing spot by Aboriginal people before its colonial history began. In 1839, many of the red gums that covered the island were removed