Winnie Stubbs

Looking for a fab new restaurant to check out? You’ve come to the right place. Last week I went to Trattoria Da Orazio – a new Italian restaurant from chef Orazio D'Elia in Rushcutters Bay – and it was excellent (order the bombetta pugliese and whimsical dessert platter). Surry Hills fine diner Arthur has reopened after a big reno – still serving a 100 per cent Aussie menu across food and drinks, now in a more accessible way (and a happy hour with $3 prawns). And I’ve got a booking to check out Ashe – the new Southeast Asian grill from the Bentley Group, led by talented chef Khanh Nguyen. Enjoy. Stay in the loop: sign up for our free Time Out Sydney newsletter for more news, food & drink inspo and activity ideas, straight to your inbox. Looking for something to wash it all down with? These are our favourite bars in Sydney right now. Keen to eat your way around the city? These are the best restaurants in Sydney, from hot newcomers to the OGs.

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

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

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

When it comes to running routes in Sydney, we're pretty spoiled for choice – with our sparkling coastline and leafy parks offering routes for every ability and ambition level. To help you choose which pavements to pound, we’ve put together a list of the very best runs in Sydney (13 to be precise). Lace up and conquer these lakeside, seaside and parkside runs across the city – for views as well as a workout. And don't forget your core – swing by one of these free outdoor gyms around Sydney for a full-body workout. Keen on a little less cardio? Check out our guide to the best easy day hikes in Sydney.  Don't want to run alone? These are the best run clubs in Sydney. Stay in the loop: sign up for our free Time Out Sydney newsletter for more news, things to do in Sydney, travel inspo, food and more, straight to your inbox.  

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

Sydney’s after-dark offering gets a bad rap, and while the lockout laws did change things for a while, a whole lot of love and care has been poured into Sydney’s night-time offering over the past few years. One of the major outcomes? A whole heap of live music venues – with live music venues across NSW quadrupling since 2023 (and still growing).  As out-and-about enthusiasts here at Time Out Sydney, we're very much here for it. So our team of editors – including pub-frother and Editor Alice Ellis, resident booze-lover and Editor Avril Treasure and dancefloor addict Winnie Stubbs – have rounded up a list of our fave bars and pubs that host live bands.FYI: If you're aged 18-25, signing up to MyGigPass will score you super cheap tickets to live shows across the state. You're welcome. 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. Hate the ding-ding of pokie machines? Here's a list of Sydney pubs without pokies. More into dancing to a DJ? Check our guide to the best clubs in Sydney.

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

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

Sun and surf aside, the Gold Coast’s diverse dining scene shines just as bright as its world-class beaches. From casual fish and chips by the water and barefoot bites at the beach club to special-occasion dinners at one of the Goldy’s award-winning restaurants, these are the places you want to be seen. Our Travel & News Editor, Melissa Woodley, has eaten her way around the city and rounded up the best restaurants on the Gold Coast right now. She's included spots stretching from Surfers Paradise and Broadbeach to Burleigh Heads and Coolangatta, covering all the coolest places to eat, drink and soak up the relaxed GC vibes. So, leave your towels at the door and dig into this list of the Gold Coast's best restaurants.  Editor's favourite restaurants on the Gold Coast: 🌊 Best views: The Tropic ⭐️ Best for special occasions: Kōst Bar and Grill 🌮 Best cheap & cheerful: Costa Taco 🌊 Best hotels on the Gold Coast🏄🏻‍♀️ Best things to do on the Gold Coast

NAIDOC Week is one of Australia's most important annual celebrations, bringing Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians together to recognise the rich histories, cultures and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. In 2026, NAIDOC Week officially runs from Sunday, July 5 to Sunday, July 12, marking a particularly significant milestone: 50 years of NAIDOC Week. NAIDOC stands for the National Aborigines and Islanders Day Observance Committee. The week traces its origins back to the 1938 Day of Mourning protests and was formally established in 1956 as a national observance celebrating First Nations culture while advocating for the rights and recognition of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. What is the 2026 NAIDOC Week theme? This year's theme is '50 Years of Deadly', celebrating five decades of NAIDOC Week and recognising the people, communities and movements that have shaped its legacy. It's a chance to reflect on the strength, resilience and cultural pride of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, while honouring the achievements of the past and looking towards the future. Stay in the loop: sign up for our free Time Out Sydney newsletter for more news, straight to your inbox. RECOMMENDED:Here's what's on in Sydney this weekHow does the head of Bangarra keep the fire burning? Read our interview with Frances Rings. 

Winter 2026 update: Sydney’s bar scene doesn’t slow down when the temperature drops – if anything, it gets even better. Think cosy corners, silky red wines, smoky whiskies and perfectly shaken Martinis. Whether you’re chasing a hidden speakeasy, a buzzing neighbourhood wine bar, rooftop cocktails with your girlfriends or a proper pint, we've got your winter watering holes sorted.  These spots offer great drinks, warm hospitality and good vibes. From exciting newcomers to long-time favourites, this guide is curated by our local editors and writers, including Time Out Sydney's Editor Avril Treasure. Grab your coat, Sydney – it’s bar season. Editor’s picks: 🍸 Best for cocktails: Silver's Motel 🤫 Best for speakeasy vibes: The Cumberland 🍹 Best for Daiquiris: Razz Room 🍷 Best for vibey wine and snacks: Paradise 🥃 Best for whisky lovers: Banchō Bar 🇲🇽 Best for Tequila & Margs: Centro 86 Stay in the loop: sign up for our free Time Out Sydney newsletter for more news, food & drink inspo and activity ideas, straight to your inbox. Our list of the best pubs in Sydney Check out our best restaurants here

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Springtime in Sydney’s Eastern Suburbs is marked every year by the heady scent of jasmine lacing the air, and gridlock on the Bondi to Tamarama coastal walk. The reason for the uptick in coastal walkers? Sculpture by the Sea: the world’s largest outdoor sculpture exhibition, which will light up the iconic coastal corner of the city again this spring.Sculpture by the Sea will return to the Bondi to Tamarama coastal walk from October 16 to November 2, 2026, marking 30 years since the exhibition first transformed the clifftops into one of the world's most spectacular outdoor galleries. When the exhibition lands every year, more than 450,000 locals and visitors flock to the two-kilometre walk to admire dozens of large-scale sculptures by Australian and international artists, all set against the backdrop of Sydney's sparkling coastline. And the best part? It's completely free. The milestone edition will also celebrate Japanese sculptor Keizo Ushio, who is set to chalk up his 50th Sculpture by the Sea exhibition after decades exhibiting in Bondi, Cottesloe and Denmark. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a long-time devotee, we reckon it will be worth braving the crowds to check out this year’s display.  Looking for somewhere special for lunch post-browse? Check out our guide to the best restaurants in Bondi, or keep walking along the coastpath to Bronte for a very special meal at neighbourhood fave, Table Manners. Stay in the loop: sign up for our free Time Out Sydney newslette

Reviewing hotels is a key part of my job, and as much as I love it, it’s always helpful when someone else does a bit of the work for me. At NH Collection Milano City Life, help came from a fellow guest – a British tourist who, between Aperol Spritzes by the rooftop pool, turned to her friend and said ‘it would be worth coming to Milan for a day just for this – it’s like a proper summer holiday.’Another comment my helpful accomplice made was that it’s worth booking the hotel slightly outside of the centre of town to score such a sparkling swimming spot, and I have to agree. In a city as warm as Milan, access to a large, sun-soaked pool area is a godsend – but it’s not the only thing that makes this 13-storey stay worth a place on your Milan hit list. What is NH Collection Milano City Life like? The vibe and energy of the hotel strikes you immediately as you pass through the cavernous pillared entrance – a former church that now houses the hotel’s statement furniture, opening up into the glittering foyer. With its heritage facade attaching to a hyper-modern central building, the hotel blends Milan’s traditional charm with its new, fashionable edge. Heritage pictures of the city line the walls, but the experience you’re getting isn’t remotely old-fashioned: the aesthetic is tastefully pared-back, the service is polished but playful, and there’s all the tech (and avocado toast) to remind you that you’re firmly in the 21st century. What are the rooms like at NH Collection Milano C

With its easy access to nature and laid-back, friendly vibe, Sydney is the kind of city where it's easy to pretend – if only for a day – that you're living in a small town. Want to level up your country-core city existence? Ditching the supermarket in favour of a fresh produce market is a pretty good place to start. If you’re looking for a reliable option within easy reach, read on.Whether you're stocking up on seasonal produce, hunting for a one-of-a-kind gift or simply looking for an excuse to spend a leisurely morning outdoors, EQ Markets is one of Sydney's easiest weekend (and midweek) fresh produce havens. Held every Wednesday and Saturday beneath the Market Canopy at Moore Park's Entertainment Quarter, this stacked market brings together local growers, artisan makers and gourmet food vendors in one bustling, family-friendly destination.Browse stalls piled high with fresh fruit and vegetables, flowers, handmade homewares, fashion, gifts and unique local finds before grabbing breakfast or lunch from the lineup of top-tier food trucks and hot food stalls. With live entertainment adding to the atmosphere, it's just as suited to a slow-paced coffee and wander as it is to a dedicated shopping trip. The market is pet-friendly, entry is free, and getting there is easy thanks to its location just minutes from the Sydney CBD, close to the Moore Park light rail stop, the SCG and Allianz Stadium. If you're driving, on-site parking is available, with two hours of free parking before

A friend who recently returned from Tasmania's Dark Mofo told me it was her mission to "find the Dark Mofo every day" here in Sydney, and I had to admit it was a pretty good strategy for living well. Tracking down offbeat arts on any given day in the Harbour City generally takes a bit of digging, but during Sydney Fringe, it’s served up on a silver platter. NSW's biggest celebration of independent arts is landing back in Sydney this spring, and I know we say this every year, but seriously – this year's program is bigger than ever. From August through October, Sydney Fringe Festival will transform theatres, warehouses, heritage buildings and public spaces across the city with more than 350 events featuring 2,000-plus artists at 64 venues. From delightfully boundary-pushing theatre to wildly impressive circus acts, conversation-shaping comedy and full-throttle parties, this year's line-up is stacked with shows and events that are pretty much guaranteed to fill your cultural cup, no Tassie trip required. The festivities kick off with Fringe Ignite! on Saturday, August 29, when Darlinghurst's Stanley Street will be closed to traffic and transformed into a free, all-ages street party. Expect live music, roaming performers and plenty of food as one of Sydney's fave inner-city streets comes alive for one wild afternoon and evening. Arts-wise, there's way more on than we can cover in one listing. Among this year's biggest drawcards is Copa on The Rocks, where Andrew Bukenya will host

With its easy access to nature and laid-back, friendly vibe, Sydney is the kind of city where it's easy to pretend – if only for a day – that you're living in a small town. Want to level up your country-core city existence? Ditching the supermarket in favour of a fresh produce market is a pretty good place to start. If you’re looking for a reliable option within easy reach, read on.Whether you're stocking up on seasonal produce, hunting for a one-of-a-kind gift or simply looking for an excuse to spend a leisurely morning outdoors, EQ Markets is one of Sydney's easiest weekend (and midweek) fresh produce havens. Held every Wednesday and Saturday beneath the Market Canopy at Moore Park's Entertainment Quarter, this stacked market brings together local growers, artisan makers and gourmet food vendors in one bustling, family-friendly destination. Browse stalls piled high with fresh fruit and vegetables, flowers, handmade homewares, fashion, gifts and unique local finds before grabbing breakfast or lunch from the lineup of top-tier food trucks and hot food stalls. With live entertainment adding to the atmosphere, it's just as suited to a slow-paced coffee and wander as it is to a dedicated shopping trip. The market is pet-friendly, entry is free, and getting there is easy thanks to its location just minutes from the Sydney CBD, close to the Moore Park light rail stop, the SCG and Allianz Stadium. If you're driving, on-site parking is available, with two hours of free parking befor

The age-old Melbourne vs Sydney debate is still going strong, but we’ve got new stats to back up the case for the Victorian capital as Australia’s buzziest place to be. According to the latest Measuring the Night-time Economy Report 2026, Melbourne now has the fastest-growing nighttime economy in Australia, adding almost 3,000 new jobs and close to 180 new venues between 2024 and 2025.  The city's biggest success story? Food. Restaurants, cafés and other hospitality businesses accounted for 77 per cent of all new nighttime businesses, creating around 2,300 new jobs as Melburnians continued to embrace dining out well into the evening. The report also suggests that the way we spend a night out is changing. According to the stats, leisure and entertainment businesses grew at twice the national average, with younger Melburnians increasingly choosing experience-led evenings over traditional nights at the pub. While many Australian cities have embraced Thursday as the new Friday thanks to flexible work schedules, Melbourne is bucking the trend. Crowds remain just as strong on Friday nights, with almost 60 per cent of core nighttime businesses open between 6pm and 9pm across both evenings. Come the weekend, the city stays lively even later, with almost half of businesses trading past 9pm on Fridays and Saturdays. Melbourne's shopping scene is also helping keep the city buzzing after dark, recording some of the country's strongest evening retail activity, with up to 52 per cent of re

If you're lucky enough to be thinking about buying a home in Melbourne, but have been waiting for the property market to cool, the latest figures suggest that moment has arrived. New data from Domain's June Quarter 2026 House Price Report reveals Melbourne has recorded its steepest quarterly house price decline in almost four years, with median house prices falling 3.1 per cent (or $33,381) over the June quarter to (a still pretty painful) $1.04 million. It's also the first time in 15 months that annual house price growth has slipped into negative territory. Not sure what all that means? We've decoded the report to find out what it actually means for buyers in Melbourne. Topline? Things could be looking up.RELATED READ: Melbourne's rental market has slowed significantly – here's what that means for renters According to the report, the downturn in property prices in Melbourne wasn't limited to houses. Melbourne's unit market also softened, with apartment prices recording a second consecutive quarterly decline – another sign that buyers are becoming increasingly cautious as higher interest rates and affordability pressures take their toll. After more than three years of almost uninterrupted growth, Domain says the nationwide housing boom has come to an end, with combined capital city house prices falling 1.4 per cent over the quarter. While Melbourne joined Sydney and Canberra in recording house price declines this quarter, Adelaide continued to surge and Perth maintained the

If your dream winter day trip involves crisp ocean air, next-level coastal views and a pub lunch by the water, may we suggest adding the Patonga to Pearl Beach walking track to your weekend hit list. Just over an hour north of Sydney, this scenic section of the Great North Walk is a magical escape within easy reach of the city, linking two of the Central Coast's prettiest beach villages through wattle-studded bushland in the beautiful Brisbane Water National Park. Where is the Patonga to Pearl Beach walking track? The Patonga to Pearl Beach walking track is located in Brisbane Water National Park on the southern end of the Central Coast, about 90 minutes' drive from Sydney. The trail connects the waterfront villages of Patonga and Pearl Beach, following a scenic section of the Great North Walk. How long is the Patonga to Pearl Beach walking track? The point-to-point trail is three kilometres one way and typically takes between one and two hours, depending on how often you stop to take in the views. While it's relatively short, there are some steep sections and plenty of stairs, making it a moderately challenging hike (best tackled in sturdy walking shoes). Photograph: Avril Treasure | Time Out SydneyPatonga hike   What can you see on the Patonga to Pearl Beach walking track? This track packs a pretty solid range of treats into a few kilometres. Starting from Patonga, you'll climb through towering angophoras and red gums before reaching panoramic lookouts over the Hawkesbury

Melbourne has added another title to its ever-growing list of accolades. Fresh off being named the world's best city by Time Out’s global editors earlier this year, the Victorian capital has now been crowned Australia's best student city – officially among the world's elite.  The latest QS Best Student Cities 2027 rankings have placed Melbourne as Australia's highest-ranked city, with the annual index assessing destinations around the globe on factors including affordability, quality of life, university standards and cultural diversity. One of Melbourne's biggest wins came in the Student Mix category, where it ranked first in the world for student diversity. According to the stats, Victoria welcomed more than 322,000 international student enrolments from around 170 countries last year, making the city one of the world's most multicultural study destinations. Melbourne also landed sixth globally for Student Voice, a measure of the overall student experience that takes into account everything from transport and affordability to employment opportunities, as well as tolerance and inclusion. Victoria is also home to two universities within the world's top 50 in the latest QS World University Rankings – reinforcing its rep as one of the world's best places to up-skill. What does that mean to those of us who aren’t studying? International education is big business for Victoria. According to the Victorian Government, the further education sector generated $17.9 billion in export reve

Mr Nolan has done it again. The Odyssey has officially smashed box office records at IMAX Melbourne, becoming the cinema's highest-grossing film of all time – overtaking Oppenheimer before most local movie fans have even had a chance to grab a ticket. The numbers are pretty staggering. IMAX Melbourne's single screen has already sold 74,000 admissions, pulling in more than $3.32 million at the box office, with every one of its 167 sessions booked out until September 6. Over its opening weekend alone, the cinema accounted for 2.67 per cent of Australia's entire box office – a wildly impressive feat for a single screen. Wondering why cinephiles are flocking to Carlton? IMAX Melbourne is the only cinema in the Southern Hemisphere screening The Odyssey on IMAX 70mm film – the first feature ever shot entirely with IMAX film cameras, and the format Christopher Nolan intended audiences to experience. It's also home to the world's largest 1.43:1 IMAX screen, meaning every frame is perfectly presented. Each screening requires a mammoth 17-kilometre film reel to be threaded through the projector by hand – a skill only five people in Australia currently possess. As demand for IMAX 70mm continues to soar, the cinema is even training new projectionists to keep up. Photograph: Supplied | IMAX Melbourne | Eugene HylandIMAX The Odyssey IMAX Melbourne's general manager Jeremy Fee says the unprecedented demand proves audiences are willing to travel for the real thing. And they are – with Nola

Aspiring home-owners, we’ve got good(ish) news. After years of relentless price growth, Sydney's white-hot property market is finally showing signs of cooling. According to Domain's latest House Price Report, Australia's housing boom has officially come to an end – and Sydney is leading the downturn. According to the report, the June quarter saw Sydney house prices fall by 3.3 per cent – the city's biggest quarterly decline since 2022. That's a drop of almost $60,000 in just three months, bringing the median house price to (a still eye-watering) $1.73 million. Sydney units also slipped 1.5 per cent, marking their first quarterly price fall in two years. It's the first time since late 2022 that Sydney's house prices have gone backwards, signalling a significant shift after more than three years of near-constant growth.RELATED READ: Sydney's rental market has had the sharpest increase since 2022 – here's what that means for renters But Sydney isn't alone. Domain's report found Australia's property market is no longer moving in lockstep, with affordability pressures, higher interest rates and weaker buyer confidence creating vastly different outcomes across the country. The report found that across the combined capital cities, house prices fell 1.4 per cent and unit prices dropped 1.2 per cent over the June quarter – the first quarterly decline for both property types in more than three years. Melbourne wasn't far behind Sydney, with house prices falling 3.1 per cent in the city

One of Melbourne's fave CBD shopping destinations is getting a major makeover. This week, developers GPT Group confirmed that construction has officially kicked off on a $170 million expansion of Melbourne Central – a glow-up that will bring a huge new entertainment and dining precinct to the heart of the city. Set to be completed in 2028, the redevelopment will add around 7,800 square metres of new retail space across levels three and four, expanding the centre to approximately 63,000 square metres. Alongside Melbourne's very first flagship Books Kinokuniya store, visitors can expect a large-format entertainment venue, new dining precincts and more than ten new food retailers. Render: Supplied | GPT GroupMelbourne Central render According to the team, the overhaul has been designed to transform Melbourne Central into an after-dark destination in its own right. Already home to more than 260 retailers across five levels, the precinct attracts more than 55 million visitors each year and records annual sales exceeding $700 million. Once complete, the expanded centre will operate as an "18/7" destination – with an even stronger focus on late-night dining and entertainment.  For book lovers, the arrival of Kinokuniya is the headline act. Already beloved for its sprawling stores in Sydney and around the world, the retailer has chosen Melbourne Central for its first Victorian flagship, citing Melbourne's status as a UNESCO City of Literature and the centre's connection to the city

Snow-seeking Sydneysiders, we’ve got news. Construction on Australia’s first indoor snow resort is about to begin – with the huge snowsports centre on track to open in Penrith in 2028. Taking over what was previously a horse paddock in Penrith’s Riverlink Tourism Precinct, Winter Sports World will offer year-round access to snow sports and mountain-style fun, complete with mountainside cafés, a 300-metre advanced open ski run, a competition venue and a 170-room hotel. Here's what we know so far. The proposal to build Winter Sports World in Sydney’s Western Suburbs was granted State Significant Development Application (SSDA) approval by the NSW Department of Planning and Environment way back in January 2024, but due to the scale of the project (it’s the largest new attraction project currently in Australia and the biggest ever in Western Sydney), it's taken a hot minute for construction to start. Construction on the $700-million Winter Sports World is set to begin soon, with the opening date slated for 2028.   Render: Supplied | Winter Sports WorldWinter Sports World Sydney RELATED READ: Here’s how to do the snow on the cheap in New South Wales.The ambitious project is expected to double visitor numbers for Penrith: attracting more than one million visitors every year, generating 1,350 new ongoing tourism jobs and injecting an estimated $222 million per year into the local economy.Local developer, Peter Magnisalis, explains how the indoor mountain has turned from a “pie-in-t

Springtime is approaching, and if you're dreaming of frolicking through a field of flowers, you’re in luck. From July 24 until September 27, the iconic Colbinabbin/Cornella canola fields will start welcoming guests – allowing flower fiends to stroll through the brilliant yellow fields of blooming canola plants. It’s the only place in Victoria where you can safely step inside a canola field without harming the crops. Keen? Read on. What is the Cornella Canola Walk? The Central Victoria region is known for its far-reaching fields of fluorescent yellow flowers, but most of those fields are (understandably) closed to the public. Generally, allowing people to walk through them puts the plants at risk of disease, but the good people at Shiraz Republic and Cornella Brewery have established a viewing platform and walking track to allow visitors an immersive meander through the 40-hectare patch of flowering crops. Where is the Cornella Canola Walk? The walking track and viewing platform are on the property of the Shiraz Republic vineyard in the Heathcote region of Victoria, around 150 kilometres north of Melbourne. How do you get to the Cornella Canola Walk? The drive to the Shiraz Republic vineyard from Melbourne takes just over two hours. Head north past Heathcote, then follow the C347 towards Cornella. Turn off onto Hamblin Road, then follow signs to the vineyard. When is the Cornella Canola Walk open? The canola blooms are a short-run seasonal treat, so you don’t have too long to

The Byron to Melbourne pipeline is a pretty well-trodden path, with the Northern Rivers region of NSW acting as a sort of satellite suburb for Melburnians seeking a little subtropical escape. And this winter, a pocket of Byron is landing right here in Melbourne. Opening in Prahran on August 8, Navia is bringing its Byron Bay-born Scandinavian bathhouse experience to the Victorian capital – offering a new spot to slow down, warm up and embrace the city's growing love affair with contrast therapy. If you’ve been lucky enough to visit the Byron outpost, you’ll be familiar with the Navia ethos: rather than treating wellness as something clinical or overly prescriptive, it’s all about taking your time. Guests are encouraged to move between a traditional Finnish cedar sauna, invigorating cold plunge pools, hot mineral baths and a steam room at their own pace, with beautiful communal spaces (and nourishing drinks and snacks) on tap for in-between. At the Melbourne site, there will also be infrared saunas and red light therapy to round out the offering. Aesthetics-wise, we can expect Scandinavian-inspired architecture, natural materials and warm, calming lighting. Instead of white walls and whisper-quiet treatment rooms, the focus is on creating somewhere people actually want to spend time – whether that's with a group of friends, a partner or a good book between sauna sessions. Photograph: Supplied | NaviaNavia Bathhouse With Melbourne's bathhouse boom showing no signs of slowing,

Watching a full moon rise in a clear night sky is easily one of the most magical things we humans get to witness every single month, and if you missed June's Strawberry Moon, you still have six more chances to experience this spectacle in 2026 – with the next full moon set to peak in Australia on Thursday, July 30.  Known as the Buck Moon, July’s full moon is the second-highest and dimmest of the year. That said, it won’t feel small or dull by any means, brightening skies across the country with its mystical silver glow. Here’s when and how to see the Buck Moon in Victoria this month. When to see the July 2026 full moon (the Buck Moon) in Melbourne? The Buck Moon will officially reach peak roundness in the very early hours of Thursday, July 30 – at 12.35am here in Victoria. While it technically peaks just after midnight, we expect viewing windows will be best after sunset on both Wednesday, July 29 and Thursday, July 30. So grab a hot tea, bundle up in your winter woollies and admire this magical celestial event. You can check the exact moonrise for your specific location here. What is the Buck Moon? July’s full moon is traditionally called the Buck Moon by Native American tribes, marking the time of year when young male deer in the Northern Hemisphere begin growing their new antlers. While the seasonal meaning isn't really relevant for us in the Southern Hemisphere, we love that every full moon has its own unique story. How to see the July full moon (the Buck Moon) in Melbou

With rent here in Sydney remaining stubbornly high and affordable inner-city housing increasingly out of reach, a whole lot of young Sydneysiders have been forced to compromise. Whether it's squeezing into crowded share houses, enduring marathon commutes from the suburbs or sacrificing any hope of saving (guilty), finding a place to live has become one of the city's biggest challenges. Now, a new housing model is aiming to offer another option.RELATED READ: The price gap between renting and buying in Sydney has been revealed Property developer Coronation Property has recently secured planning approval for a new collection of compact build-to-rent apartments at its Precinct 75 development in St Peters. Dubbed City Starter, City Stayer™, the well-located Inner West apartments measure between 30 and 35 square metres, but space isn’t the drawcard. The affordable apartments are a whole lot smaller than a typical one-bedroom apartment, but they've been designed to make every inch count – and they’re a good indicator of what our housing market might start to look like.  Render: Supplied | Coronation PropertyCoronation Property complex in St Peters Rather than just shrinking floorplans, the apartments have been designed around integrated furniture, clever storage solutions and super efficient layouts, with residents also scoring access to a wider network of shared amenities and services throughout the Build-to-Rent community. According to Coronation, the concept has been developed