Winnie Stubbs

Sydney is no slacker when it comes to Italian food (just take a look at all these red-hot places here). And our pasta game is very strong. But when it comes to our pizza restaurants, we reckon they may be a slice above the rest. Whether you're a sucker for traditional Neapolitan pizzas cooked in a wood-fired oven and topped with beautiful produce, get around NY-style slabs so big you can fold them in three, or you're hungry for a Sicilian-style slice with a thick and fluffy crust, Time Out Sydney's local food writers, including Sydney Editor Avril Treasure, have pulled together the best places to get your fix – and these are the venues that are topping the class. 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. Hungry for more? Here's our pick of the very best restaurants in Sydney right now. Love Greek food food? Us too. Check out the finest Greek eateries in Sydney.

Sydney’s live music scene marches to many beats, but if you want something timeless, it's gotta be jazz. From dimly lit basement bars where trumpets and double basses take centre stage to neighbourhood pubs serving up smooth tunes alongside a cold pint, the Harbour City offers plenty of ways to get your jazz fix. Whether you’re a lifelong jazz devotee who can tell your bebop from your big band, or simply looking for a laid-back night with swinging rhythms, here's our pick of the best jazz clubs, bars and pubs in Sydney where live music is always on the menu. Stay in the loop: sign up for our free Time Out Sydney newsletter for more news, food & drink inspo and activity ideas, straight to your inbox. RECOMMENDED:  The best bars and pubs for live music in SydneyThe best theatre to see in Sydney this month Here’s what’s on in Sydney this weekend

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

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

Want to have a whale of a time? You’ve come to the right place. Every year, thousands of humpback whales cruise past Sydney harbour on their epic migration from the icy waters of Antarctica to warmer breeding grounds in the north, turning our coastline into one of the best whale-watching destinations in the country. The route has been dubbed “Humpback Highway” thanks to the humpback whales as well as southern right whales, minke whales, blue whales and orcas making this journey. FYI, whale-watching season runs from May through to November, with peak sightings usually occurring between late June and early July when the whales travel closest to shore. If you miss the northbound migration, don’t stress – mothers and calves make the return trip south between August and November. Don’t want to splash out on a whale-watching boat tour? Just head to some of Sydney’s beaches, clifftops and coastal walks for a front-row seat to the action. Make sure to grab a pair of binoculars and keep your eyes peeled for dramatic breaches and the unmistakable spray of a whale’s blowhole on the horizon as these gentle giants put on a whale-y good show. Stay in the loop: sign up for our free Time Out Sydney newsletter for more news, food & drink inspo and activity ideas, straight to your inbox.  RECOMMENDED:  Whale watching cruises that give you bang for your buck Sydney's amazing animal attractions  The best beaches in Sydney for sun, sand and surf

Winter 2026 update: I blinked and it’s winter already. Luckily, the cooler months are made for Negronis by fireplaces, golden schnitties in sunny beer gardens, cheering on your favourite team with your mates, and a pint at the end of the day. You’ll find Sydney’s best pubs to do exactly that below. There's a lot that goes into making a great pub. They need to furnish you with an excellent meal and friendly service, and a game of pool or darts doesn't go astray, and we're fans of weekly trivia. On a hot day, it's all about having a welcoming beer garden, and on a Sunday, it's all about a cracking roast. Top-notch drinks are a must, obvs. There are a lot of rock-solid pubs in this city, and these are our picks of the bunch, pulled together by Time Out Sydney's local writers. Cheers! Editor's picks: 🍠 Best for a Sunday roast: The Duke of Clarence ☀️ Best for a sunny beer garden: Courthouse Hotel 🍽️ Best for a delicious feed: The Dry Dock 🎸 Best for live music: The Duke of Enmore 🔖 Best for mid-week trivia: The Lord Gladstone 🍻 Best for a Sunday jazz : The Old Fitz 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. For something a bit less pubby, a bit higher end, see our picks of the best bars in Sydney. Want more? These are the best steaks in Sydney for $25 and under. Hungry? Check out our ultimate guide to Sydney's best restaurants. 

We’re officially halfway through 2026 (sorry), but the good news is that there’s a lot of fun to be had in Sydney. With Vivid running until Saturday, June 13, and Sydney Film Festival lighting up screens across the city with an excellent line-up, this month is set to be pretty glittery, ice-cold temperatures aside. For the ultimate magical evening this month, we’d suggest hitting one of the city’s best happy hours before catching a show at the Opera House and then refuelling at one of the city’s best restaurants. Be sure to work your way through our guide to Sydney's best Sunday roasts, too. Plus, whale watching season is setting in – these are the best spots to see them from Sydney. Acclaimed First Nations artist Tony Albert has opened his largest-ever solo exhibition at the MCA. Tony Albert: Not a Souvenir explores the stereotyping and commodification of Aboriginal culture while celebrating survival, resilience and pride. Alongside the exhibition, Albert and the MCA have launched the Aboriginalia Appeal, encouraging Australians to donate mass-produced souvenirs that reduce Aboriginal culture to stereotypes. Qtopia Sydney’s Pride Fest 2026 is also on this month, with more than 300 events celebrating queer arts, culture and community across the month. For the first time, the festival expands beyond Qtopia to take over Sydney’s Oxford Street precinct, featuring theatre, drag, music, fitness, talks and more. Keen to get out of town? Our guides to the best cosy cabins and glam

Sun-loving Sydney is known for its stunning, sky-high rooftop bars and seaside spots for wining and dining. But sometimes the finest watering holes can be found where you least expect.  Sneak down a laneway or descend into a basement and you may just stumble across one of the city's hottest cocktail havens, or even a seriously cool new nightlife nook that stays open long after other spots have called last drinks. In fact, you've probably walked straight past a few without even knowing they existed. Time Out Sydney's local food writers have searched for the best hidden bars – and here are the ones we reckon are way too excellent to keep a secret. Prefer to be out in the open? The best rooftop bars in Sydney might be your best bet, but there are a whole lot of waterfront bars and ace beer gardens worthy of your attention, too. 

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 excellent cocktails: PS40 🤫 Best for speakeasy vibes: Eau-de-Vie 🍹 Best for Cuban rums & Daiquiris: The Lobo 🍷 Best for vino from women-led wineries: Famelia 🥃 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

When you think about Sydney, it’s the big stuff that springs to mind: our mighty Coathanger over the harbour, our world-famous Opera House, our hundreds of golden beaches, vast national parks and the staggering, epic, larger-than-life beauty of it all. But be careful not to overlook the small stuff. Hidden throughout the city, these little-known hideaways have some big secrets to share. We're lucky enough to have the job of exploring every corner of Sydney, so that we can fill you in. Shhh... 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. In search of more secret discoveries in Sydney? These are the city's best-kept secrets, according to locals.Want to discover a secret spot for a drink? Check out the city's best hidden bars and speakeasies.

More hotels mean more excuses to pack a bag, right? From fancy five-star stays to design-led boutique properties, Australia's hotel scene is booming, giving travellers plenty of reason to test-drive the latest openings. After all, who doesn’t want to be the first to swan-dive into a crisp king bed or wrap themselves in a robe so fresh it hasn’t yet seen a room-service tray? In late 2025, Australia welcomed a wave of new coastal and city gems, including Elysium Noosa Resort, InterContinental Sydney Coogee Beach and Hannah St Hotel in Melbourne CBD. This year, our Travel & News Editor Melissa Woodley has her eyes set on Avani Mooloolaba Beach Hotel, the Sunshine Coast's first new hotel in almost 40 years, and the Hilton Palm Cove Cairns Resort & Spa, set to open in early 2026. Scroll on for the full roll call of Australia’s newest hotels – and the ones still teasing us from behind construction fences. 🌴 The best resorts and lodges in Australia⛺️ The best free campgrounds in Australia

When it comes to natural beauty, Sydneysiders are spoilt for choice with a knockout harbour, plenty of bushland and so many beaches right on our doorstep. But if you venture just a little beyond the city limits, things get even prettier. We’re talking glow-in-the-dark caves, gushing blowholes, ancient rock formations and waterfalls that make you forget the drag of your daily commute and the chaos of city living. The best part? These natural wonders are all just a few hours’ drive from Sydney. Before you know it, you’ll be swapping screen time for salty air and traffic jams for bush tracks – and still be back home in time for dinner. We’ve cherry-picked a selection of the NSW's most beautiful nature spots close to home so you can go exploring – and, perhaps, fall in love with NSW all over again. Stay in the loop: sign up for our free Time Out Sydney newsletter for more news, straight to your inbox. RECOMMENDED: Make a weekend of it at one of our best camping sites. Or try any of these fun weekend getaways.

 Sydney’s favourite indie design market is back – and it’s going big for its 10th birthday. The Makers and Shakers Market will take over White Bay Cruise Terminal from June 13-14, bringing more than 140 Australian makers, designers, ceramicists and food producers together for one seriously stacked weekend. Landing alongside the final days of the Biennale of Sydney, the market will transform White Bay into one of the city’s buzziest creative precincts, with free shuttle buses running between the Cruise Terminal and White Bay Power Station all weekend. Inside the cavernous harbourside venue, expect a curated lineup of stalls spanning everything from slow fashion and handmade homewares to gourmet goodies and cult bakery pop-ups. Highlights include Shadow Baking (dropping a market-exclusive treat), Perth fibre artist Loop Lab, Ruby Raisin’s Cocoon Coats, fashion designer Katie Perry and ceramic favourite Koki Craft, alongside Cannoleria, Gargano Pizzeria and Mount Zero Olives keeping you well fed. Beyond the shopping, there’s plenty to keep you hanging around. You can sit for a live portrait by artist Eleonora Arosio, jump into creative workshops or let the kids loose in the dedicated activity zone.  As always, every stallholder designs and makes their goods locally, with the market proudly partnering with the Australian Made Campaign – so you can shop small and feel good about it. Where: White Bay Cruise Terminal, James Craig Rd, RozelleWhen: Saturday June 13 + Sunday June 14, 1

If you thought Sydney Fish Market was just about freshly shucked oysters and on-point fish and chips, think again. The new harbourside institution is upping its offering by diving headfirst into the arts, with the launch of Seascapes – a free program of live performances, workshops and installations taking over the market for the next few months. Curated by Daniel Mudie Cunningham alongside Cultural Capital and the NSW Government, this sprawling series features 14 commissions rolling out through to October 2026. The brief? Respond to everything that makes the Fish Market tick – from marine life and ecology to trade, food and the daily choreography of this bustling waterfront hub. Visitors can expect foghorn orchestras, oyster-shucker design labs, gyotaku (that’s traditional Japanese fish printing), inflatable maritime sculptures and ritual-inspired storytelling sessions. Highlights include Justine Youssef’s Heaven Scent (May 31), a sensory workshop where you’ll distil botanicals using a traditional Lebanese method and take home your own hydrosol (special infused water). On June 7, chef and printmaker Ben Devlin will turn seafood waste into art with a large-scale gyotaku installation – and yes, you can get inky yourself. Then there’s Mark Shorter’s Song for Avida (June 21), which will invite visitors to join a pop-up trumpet orchestra powered by foghorn-inspired instruments. Later in the program, Long Prawn’s oyster workshop (August 16) will blend design, sustainability and sh

The magic of The Peninsula begins long before check-in, in the mythology of its “Grande Dame of the Far East” status – but it only truly lands once you’re inside. Within the hotel's ornate walls, service is so intuitive it borders on telepathic, and you'll find beautiful, thoughtful touches at every turn. As Hong Kong’s oldest and most storied hotel, it could coast on reputation alone. Instead, every detail feels considered, tastefully contemporary and quietly exacting – a sparkling benchmark for luxury in 2026. Balancing old-world grandeur with modern precision, this harbourside icon is Hong Kong in microcosm. If you’re booking a blowout stay, you won’t find a safer bet. What is The Peninsula Hong Kong like? Opened in 1928, this place is a masterclass in colonial-era opulence and wildly intuitive hospitality. The original building – a marble-clad, six-storey masterpiece – is plucked straight from the royal playbook: heavy doors open to a palatial lobby, glittering chandeliers suspended from the towering ceiling. The addition of a 30-story tower in 1994 almost doubled its accommodation capacity, and today the hotel is so much more than just a (very luxurious) place to stay: home to a luxury shopping arcade with over 80 boutiques and a suite of eight dining and drinking venues that are each destinations in themselves. What are the rooms like at The Peninsula Hong Kong The smallest of the 300 guest rooms is 54 square metres, so abundant space is a guarantee. Design is tastefull

Let's face it: beach weather is behind us. But thankfully, every winter, Australia’s most famous sretch of sand levels up its entertainment offering with a soul-warming multi-week festival. Running from Friday, July 3 to Sunday, July 19, this year’s fest brings 17 days of music, theatre, comedy, visual arts and immersive experiences to the sand – all anchored around Bondi Pavilion and its surrounds. But 2026 isn’t just any year: it marks a once-in-a-lifetime alignment with Bondi’s postcode (2026), and the festival is going bigger to match. The winter staples are, of course, back. Expect the crowd-favourite ice rink, the ever-iconic Bondi Vista Ferris Wheel (complete with sweeping coastal views), and the technicolour chaos of the Bondi Beach Sea Wall, where artists will once again transform the shoreline into an open-air gallery. New for 2026 is Accordion by Amigo & Amigo – a large-scale, playful light and sound installation taking over the Bondi Pavilion Courtyard from late June through July. Foodies are also in for a treat, with the Blue Sky Markets returning after a buzzy debut last year. Across multiple weekends, Bondi Park will transform into a beachside feast of street food, artisan drinks and sweet treats, soundtracked by live DJs and musicians as part of Music in the Park. The festival kicks off with the opening of the 40th annual Waverley Art Prize – a milestone year for one of Australia’s leading contemporary art awards – alongside the always-sold-out Bondi Festival

To bring a little musical joy to the Harbour City through the cooler months, Sydney’s historic waterside precinct The Rocks is once again transforming Thursday evenings into a free, open-air jazz experience – with Jazz Sessions in The Rocks returning for its third year in 2026. Running from Thursday May 7 until Thursday September 24, the series will take over The Rocks Square each week, delivering intimate live performances set against cobblestone laneways and heritage buildings in the heart of Sydney. Curated in partnership with SIMA (Sydney Improvised Music Association), the program spotlights Australia’s thriving contemporary jazz scene, with a rotating monthly line-up of artists. The opening month features standout acts including the Harley Coleman Trio and Billie McCarthy, with new performers announced at the start of each month to keep things fresh, spontaneous and ever-evolving. Event times (every Thursday) 6:30pm – 7:15pm – First set 7:15pm – 7:30pm – Interval 7:30pm – 8:15pm – Second set 8:30pm – Event concludes To complement the music, visitors can explore a range of nearby food and drink offerings across The Rocks, from fiery Thai at Snake Bark, freshly shucked oysters at Hooked & Harvest, and classic Italian at Sicilian. Pisa Slice will also be serving a $10 slice and soft drink combo every Thursday, while a pop-up bar will be pouring everything from mulled wine to and Spicy Mango Margaritas. Free entry. No bookings required. Sign us up. Find out more over here.

If you’re the type to hibernate the second Sydney dips below 20 degrees, consider this your cue to rethink your winter-on-the-couch itinerary. Carriageworks – Redfern’s industrial arts hub – is rolling out a stacked cold-season program that’s less “cosy night in” and more “culture-packed calendar”, running from late May through August. Here’s what you need to know about the Carriageworks winter line-up. Things kick off in a big way with Vivid Sydney (May 29–June 14), as Carriageworks transforms into one of the festival’s key music hubs. The lineup is genuinely stand-out this year, featuring hip-hop royalty Lil’ Kim, R&B hitmaker Ella Mai, EDM heavyweights Alison Wonderland and Porter Robinson, plus genre-bending acts like Skin On Skin and Teletech. It’s not all late-night beats, either – the free Awesome Black Block Party brings a vibrant celebration of First Nations culture, and the (already sold-out) Warakirri Dining Experience will serve up native ingredients in a seriously immersive setting. From there, the program will shift gears towards a more playful artsy offering. Comedy fans should make a beeline for Garry Starr: Classic Penguins (June 16– July 5), a chaotic, mostly-naked sprint through the entire Penguin Classics catalogue that’s already earned cult status on the global festival circuit. Visual art lovers, meanwhile, can explore the Incognito Art Show (June 24–July 5), a massive anonymous exhibition where you can snap up original works without the gallery price ta

ParkRoyal Darling Harbour Sydney sits between the buzz of the CBD and the waterfront energy of Darling Harbour, making it a super central base for exploring the city. It’s designed for convenience, but with enough polish to feel like more than just a place to crash between plans. Time Out Video Lead Rebecca Hegedus stayed recently before heading to Art After Dark at the Biennale of Sydney (the hotel is offering a bespoke Biennale package for a limited time), and described it as the perfect base for a fun, easy staycation in the city. What are the rooms like at ParkRoyal Darling Harbour? There are 341 rooms and suites, including upgraded Club Rooms with lounge access, and they lean spacious and functional rather than flashy. Our very own Reb stayed in a Club Suite, a larger suite that can be divided into two separate rooms, complete with two toilets, one shower, a couch that turns into a sofa bed, and 55” TVs in both rooms. “The room was spacious, and at sunset it was so lovely. The light came through the sheer curtains, creating this golden glow, and you could see Darling Harbour from the room too.” Which are the best restaurants at ParkRoyal Darling Harbour? You’ve got two main on-site options: Barkers for buffet breakfast and Abode Bistro and Bar for modern Australian dining and cocktails. Reb’s take on Abode? “The corn ribs were fire, and it was happy hour, so $2 oysters, which were honestly such a slay for the price.” On drinks, she explained, “We also had the two Starwar

Thought to be one of the oldest public gardens in the Southern Hemisphere, Sydney's Royal Botanic Gardens date back to 1810 when Governor Lachlan Macquarie and his wife had a vision for an "English parkland setting with a grand house". Over the years, this 30-hectare oasis has withstood fires, cattle grazing, invasions of flying foxes, a windmill, an aviary, and even a zoo. Today, aside from a few sulphur-crested cockies, it's an oasis of calm in an urban jungle. If it's not raining, rug-up and take a free guided walk through the gardens...good for helping city-slickers to distringuish between Begonias and Camellias. Alternatively, if it's a wet weekend, warm up over brunch at Botanic House, where you can watch the rain pour down whilst cradling your steaming cup of coffee. Exquisite. Best For... Amateur botanists, hippy nature lovers & anyone in need of a break from the city. Worst For... Couch potatoes. Tours from 10.30am, daily. Free entry. 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:Want more green space? Click here for our guide to the best public gardens in Sydney. Can you keep a secret? This little-known garden in Sydney is bigger than NYC’s Central Park. And this magical harbourside garden is worth the journey over the bridge.

Newtown’s King Street doesn’t exactly specialise in subtle – but Piqu is giving it a crack anyway. Blink and you might miss the teeny, unassuming dining room slotted into number 194 – but step inside, and you’ll be met with a creative, spice-loaded menu that feels like a trip overseas. From chef-owners Jihwan Choi (ex-Momofuku Seiobo, Callao) and Nicola D’Angela (ex-Osteria di Russo & Russo, Callao), Piqu is a Southeast Asian-leaning diner built on serious technique and a shared passion for Thai flavours. The name riffs on “piquant” – sharp, spicy, intriguing – and that energy runs through the menu, from street-food style snacky starters to a punchy coffee-laced parfait to finish. The menu kicks off with tasty street food-style snacks like fried chicken skin with pineapple nam prik ($9) and golden moneybags packed with seriously spicy prawn-based filling ($12 for three). In the kitchen, you’ll find mortar and pestles working overtime, pounding galangal, chilli, coriander root and garlic into punchy pastes that form the backbone of the menu. It’s a labour-intensive and hands-on approach, and it shows – there’s a real kick to the dishes that can be hard to find in a lot of Sydney’s mid-range Asian eateries. Starters include perfectly fall-off-the-bone lamb ribs ($28) and raw tuna reimagined through a Thai laab lens – bright with orange nam jim, earthy with beetroot, and built for wrapping into crisp lettuce cups ($26). Then come the heavier hitters: hearty osso buco stew ($44)

If you’ve spent any time in Sydney’s CBD, chances are you’ve walked right past Paradox and passed it off as another of the city’s beautiful sandstone office buildings. Before my stay, I’d been pretty oblivious to the fact that a 364-room hotel hides within the 170-year-old heritage bones, but it turns out it’s one of the city’s go-to stays for business travellers. Set in a stately slice of Sydney history, Paradox Sydney occupies 27 O’Connell Street – a grand sandstone beauty dating back to 1856, just steps from Circular Quay. Originally built for John Fairfax & Sons, the publishers of The Sydney Morning Herald, the building has lived a few lives before its latest glow-up. Today, heritage walls meet a modern, fuss-free approach to hospitality – it’s not the kind of stay you’d bookmark for a honeymoon, but it’s got everything you need for a comfy, super-central stay in the Harbour City. What are the rooms like at Paradox Sydney? Rooms strike a balance between classic and contemporary, with high ceilings (a perk of the building’s 19th-century bones), creative metallic-look walls and wildly comfy beds. Design-wise, they keep things simple, but Paradox doesn’t cut any corners where it matters: rooms are spacious and stocked with luxe toiletries, phone chargers, alarm-clock radios, ironing boards, kettles and a good selection of tea and coffee. Ours was a balcony room on the twelfth floor, with views down Pitt Street to the Harbour Bridge and a cute Parisian-style balcony that floo

It’s 3pm on a Wednesday afternoon, and the Moroccan riad-style courtyard of Basq House is buzzing. A honeymooning couple are clinking glasses in the pool, and groups of women are making friends from the comfort of their cushioned sun loungers – chatting about life under the shade of the palm trees. Hiding down a quiet laneway just steps from Byron’s buzz, Basq House is the kind of boutique stay that feels less like a hotel and more like you’ve scored the keys to your stylish friend’s beachside mansion. And while the immaculate designer aesthetic is perhaps the hotel’s calling card (it was one of 35 Australian hotels to earn a Michelin Key in the inaugural round of awards), the friendly, communal, in-on-a-shared-secret energy is what keeps guests coming back. Here’s everything you need to know about this beautifully presented Byron gem. What is Basq House like? Basq House is a 32-room hideaway built around a dreamy central magnesium pool, with airy, free-flowing communal spaces that blur the line between indoors and out. The vibe is eclectic but intentional – layered with art, handcrafted pieces and global influences, but never overdone. What are the rooms like at Basq House? While the communal areas are masterfully busy, the rooms dial things back to a calm, minimalist mood. Expect tasteful deep red tones, honey-hued timber finishes and a breezy, uncluttered feel. They’re kitted out with HD TVs (with Chromecast), Nespresso machines, minibars stocked with local treats and a cl

In France, Bastille Day is a day of revolution and feisty celebrations. In Sydney, it’s about all that too – but also, cheese. Lots and lots of cheese. For 2026, it’s dialling things up even further with immersive wine experiences, a brand-new flea market and an expanded footprint that spills across the harbour foreshore. Vive la révolution! The four-day line-up of fêtes and activités returns under the banner of Bastille Festival, a free winter takeover celebrating the diverse culinary and cultural regions of France. This year’s festivities will unfold from Thursday, July 16 to Sunday, July 19, stretching across Circular Quay and The Rocks – with an expanded footprint that links surrounding spaces through music, performance and pop-up experiences. Unsurprisingly, foodies are especially well catered for. Expect French street-food favourites like raclette (melted, grilled cheese heaven), crêpes, escargots and macarons, alongside chef collaborations and globally inspired dishes reimagined with French flair. With more than 130 exhibitors and over 80 dishes on offer, Sydneysiders can take a full-blown culinary tour of France without leaving the 2000 postcode. On the drinks front, 2026 introduces a bold new wine experience: Taste France x Vin de France, a high-energy hub of tastings, masterclasses and sensory moments designed to bring French varietals to life. Beyond the vineyards, there’ll be more than 18 bars pouring everything from spiced cider to craft beer and French-inspired

Back in 2024, plans for a stunning treetop skywalk (part of a 46-kilometre hiking trail in the Gondwana Rainforest) were revealed, and Sydney’s outdoors enthusiasts went a little wild. Now, we’ve got updates – with new images released and a little more info on what we can expect from the epic new walking route. Here’s everything we know so far.  What is the Dorrigo Escarpment Great Walk? Think of it as NSW’s next big-ticket hiking hero. The Dorrigo Escarpment Great Walk is a brand-new, multi-day trail designed to showcase the wild beauty of Dorrigo National Park. Backed by a $56.4 million government investment, it’s part of a broader glow-up that includes a revamped rainforest centre – all geared towards turning this slice of the Mid North Coast into a must-visit nature destination. Photograph: Supplied | NSW GovernmentDorrigo Escarpment Great Walk Where is the Dorrigo Escarpment Great Walk? You’ll find it on the Mid North Coast of NSW, weaving through Dorrigo National Park and Bindarri National Park on Gumbaynggirr Country. How long is the Dorrigo Escarpment Great Walk? It’s a 46-kilometre trek designed to be tackled over four days. Photograph: Supplied | NSW GovernmentDorrigo Escarpment Great Walk     What will the Dorrigo Escarpment Great Walk be like? Expect big rainforest energy. The trail will wind through the Gondwana Rainforests, with towering trees, dense canopy and plenty of wildlife (yes, including koalas). It’s not just about the scenery, though: the walk wil

Move over treadmills – Melbourne runners are heading to the bush. In case you missed it, trail running is having a serious moment, with Aussies swapping flat bitumen for winding rocky tracks, lung-busting hills and the kind of scenery that makes you forget you’re technically exercising. If you need data to believe us – search interest in “trail running” has surged by more than 80 per cent since 2021, and TikTok is awash with off-road inspo. Just as the trend hits full stride, AllTrails (aka the go-to app for outdoorsy types) has teamed up with sports tech brand Coros to make things even easier. Their new integration lets you beam routes straight to your watch for hands-free navigation and real-time stats – meaning less fumbling with your phone and more time pretending you’re in an ultramarathon documentary. To help you put the tech – and your legs – to the test, AllTrails has spotlighted some of the best trail runs across the country. Lucky for us, a few of the standouts (including the overall fave) are right here in Victoria. Donnelly’s Weir and Maroondah Dam Set within the lush surrounds of the Yarra Ranges, this route is perfect if you’re easing into trail running (or just like your runs with a side of serenity). The wide gravel paths make for a relatively forgiving surface underfoot, and the scenery does a whole lot of heavy lifting to keep you distracted: towering forests, gentle river bends and postcard-worthy views across Maroondah Reservoir. You’ll pass the dam wall i

Winter has well and truly settled over Sydney – which means Sunday roasts, cosy pubs and whale-watching galore. But as soon as it arrives, it seems as though winter it’s on its way out. This month, on Sunday, June 21, we’ll experience the winter solstice: the shortest day of the year, meaning Sydney's days will soon start getting longer. Just a few weeks left on the downhill slope, then it’s back on a one-track road to summertown (kind of). What is Sydney's winter solstice? Caused by the Earth’s annual orbit around the sun, the winter solstice is the shortest day and longest night of the year – occurring in Australia when the South Pole has its maximum tilt away from the sun. This astronomical event happens on the very same day every year – though on opposite times of year for the two different hemispheres. As Australians experience the shortest day of the year, our friends in the Northern Hemisphere celebrate their summer solstice with the longest day of the year, and vice versa. What causes Sydney's winter solstice? The solstice is caused by the tilt of the Earth’s axis in relation to the sun. During the winter solstice in the Southern Hemisphere, the tilt is such that the sun follows its lowest and shortest path through the sky, resulting in the least amount of daylight and the longest night of the year.  When is the winter solstice in Australia?  The winter solstice in Australia falls on June 21 every year – this year, it’s falling on Sunday, June 21. What does the solsti

Melbourne’s culinary scene is undeniably first-rate. In fact, the city was just crowned one of the ten best in the world for food in 2026. And though we might not shout as loudly as Sydney when it comes to burgers, the Victorian capital has just landed two spots on the planet’s top burg list. The World’s 101 Best Burger Places ranking has just dropped, with anonymous judges taste-testing their way through 1,500 burgers across the globe. The brief? Look beyond hype and judge each stack on meat quality, flavour and the full dine-in experience – from service to sustainability. Australia snagged an impressive 11 spots overall (including a podium finish in Sydney), but two Melbourne legends landed a mention on the list. Leading the local charge is Charrd, landing at number 13 globally and firmly putting Melbourne in the international burger conversation. With daily queues around the block, Melbourne's burger-lovers know that this is not your average late-night hangover fix. Charrd has built a cult following for its considered approach to the humble burger – premium cuts and a level of consistency that clearly impressed the judges. RELATED READ: I tried Charrd’s world-famous burger – here’s what I thoughtFurther down the list at number 37 is Seoul Tiger, another Melbourne favourite that’s been quietly doing big things. Known for its Korean-leaning flavours and no-fuss execution, Seoul Tiger delivers burgers that hit that sweet spot between comfort and creativity. It’s punchy, satis

Experienced hikers of Sydney, assemble. If you’ve completed the state’s accessible hikes and you’re ready to level up, we’ve got thoughts. The Green Gully Track is one of the NSW Great Walks – and this is one that feels properly remote in the best possible way. Deep in the northern tablelands, it's a multi-day journey through deep gorge country and wild river valleys in Oxley Wild Rivers National Park. More than six hours' drive from Sydney, it’s a proper “get-away-from-it-all” experience that rewards experienced hikers with solitude, scenery and a real sense of wilderness immersion. It’s also one of the most unique Great Walks in the state because you don’t camp – you stay in old heritage stockman huts along the way. Keen? This one is a hike for the experienced among us, but if you're up for it, read on.RELATED READ: This overnight hike just outside of Sydney is perfect for entry-level hikers Where is the Green Gully Track? It sits in Oxley Wild Rivers National Park on the NSW northern tablelands, roughly between Walcha and Port Macquarie. The walk threads through the dramatic Apsley–Macleay gorge system, one of the largest gorge networks in Australia. How long is the Green Gully Track? The track is a 65-kilometre loop, starting and finishing at Cedar Creek Cottage (near Yarrowitch). How long does the Green Gully Track take? Most walkers take four to five days to complete it, usually spending four days and five nights on the track. Is the Green Gully Track difficult? Yes – i

As you'll be aware by now, Sydney is very close to scoring a huge new international airport on the western edge of the city. Back in 2014, the Australian Federal Government committed to transforming a greenfield site on the outskirts of Sydney into a huge international airport. Now, the architecturally striking terminal at the new Western Sydney International airport (WSI) has been revealed (we got a sneak peek inside), the airfield, landside and terminal major construction works are now all officially complete, the flight paths have been revealed, work on the connecting metro line and huge neighbouring city is well underway.and an official opening date has been announced. Curious? Us too. So, we reached out to the team for the lowdown on what to expect at Sydney’s shiny new airport.  Why is Sydney getting a new airport? As one of the most desirable holiday destinations in the world (ranked number one for winter sunshine, and among the very best cities in the world back in 2025), Sydney is an in-demand place to be, so making our city more connected is pretty crucial for the city’s economy. As well as providing a boost to our tourism industry, a new all-hours airport will help connect Sydneysiders with the world – especially those living in Western Sydney. According to a spokesperson from WSI, the population of Western Sydney is set to reach about 3.2 million over the next decade; and with a population comprising 170 different ancestries, a well-connected airport is vital (the

Earlier this year, news dropped about a mega new development popping up on the banks of Sydney Harbour – the first inner-city Sydney suburb to be built in decades. The NSW Government unveiled plans for Bays West – a mega new precinct that will deliver up to 8,500 homes directly above one of Sydney’s new metro stations (Bays West Metro Station) – back in March, and now they're calling on Sydneysiders to come up with a name for the huge new development. RELATED READ: Here’s where Sydney Metro will go once it’s complete The site – currently under-utilised government-owned port land at Glebe Island and White Bay – will be transformed into Sydney’s newest inner-city neighbourhood. It’s the first new suburb built in inner Sydney in more than twenty years, and at least ten per cent of homes will be set aside as affordable housing – including dedicated places for essential workers like nurses, teachers, paramedics, firefighters and police. Photograph: Supplied | NSW Government According to the plans, the site will house a lot more than just apartments – with public waterfront access, new parks and open space, and active transport links connecting Rozelle, Balmain and Glebe – including a future walking and cycling link across the Glebe Island Bridge. Ferries and metro connections will stitch the precinct into the rest of the city, positioning it as one of Sydney’s best-connected communities. Culture is central to the pitch, too. The historic White Bay Power Station will anchor the p

Let's be real: winter has well and truly arrived in Melbourne. Temperatures have plummeted, sunny days are fewer and further between, and we've pulled out our scarves and beanies from the depths of our wardrobes. We're about to hit the depths of the cold season, with the arrival of the shortest day of the year, as well as the longest night. While the thought of short daylight hours is a bit grim, it's all up from here, as the days will grow longer again after this annual astronomical turning point.  When is the winter solstice in Melbourne 2026?  The winter solstice for Melbourne, and the whole of Australia, falls on June 21 every year – which means it's coming up this Sunday. What is Melbourne's winter solstice? Caused by the Earth’s annual orbit around the sun, the winter solstice is the shortest day and longest night of the year – occurring in Australia when the South Pole has its maximum tilt away from the sun. This astronomical event happens on the very same day every year – though on opposite times of year for the two different hemispheres. As Australians experience the shortest day of the year, our friends in the Northern Hemisphere celebrate their summer solstice with the longest day of the year, and vice versa. What causes Melbourne's winter solstice? The solstice is caused by the tilt of the Earth’s axis in relation to the sun. During the winter solstice in the Southern Hemisphere, the tilt is such that the sun follows its lowest and shortest path through the sky, r

Built to mimic the awe-inspiring scale of a Mayan temple, Sydney Opera House is impressive enough even without factoring in the live performances that take place inside (and sometimes outside) its world-famous walls. But Sydney’s most beloved stage is about to get a little louder – and a whole lot bigger. The NSW Government has just unveiled a whole heap of changes designed to “unlock” the full potential of the Sydney Opera House, boosting event capacity, extending operating hours and – crucially – loosening long-standing sound restrictions that have historically limited what artists can do on its outdoor stages. Despite welcoming around 10 million visitors each year and hosting roughly 1,800 performances for more than 1.4 million attendees, the Opera House’s outdoor programming has long been shaped by strict noise controls – the kind that can leave a headline act sounding a little… polite. The new measures aim to fix that, bringing sound levels for major evening events in line with those permitted earlier in the day, and delivering what officials are calling a “world-class fan experience”. Capacity is getting a bump, too. Low- and mid-scale events on the Forecourt will increase from 5,000 to 6,000 people, while major concerts will expand from 6,000 to 7,000. It’s not Coachella numbers, sure, but for a venue with the Harbour Bridge as its backdrop, it’s a meaningful upgrade. There’s also more flexibility around when events can run, alongside a revamped sound management framew

Winter is officially here, and along with Vivid, SFF and Sunday roasts, whale-watching season is one of our very favourite things about the chilly season in Syd. Keen to see the big splashers out in the wild? From clifftop lookouts to sea-sprayed headlands, there are few better ways to spot a migrating whale than on foot. And with more than 40,000 whales expected to pass along the NSW coastline between May and November, the 2026 season is shaping up to be a big one. While crowded viewing platforms have their place, it’s the state’s coastal walks that really deliver the magic – quieter, wilder and often putting you eye-level with these gentle giants as they cruise surprisingly close to shore. Whether you’re after a quick scenic loop or a multi-day adventure, these are the coastal walks worth lacing up for this whale season. Cape Baily walking track – Kamay Botany Bay National Park If you’re chasing one of Sydney’s most reliable whale-watching vantage points, this is it. Starting at Cape Solander in Kurnell, the eight-kilometre return track hugs dramatic sandstone cliffs, with a dedicated viewing platform where humpbacks have been known to pass just 200 metres offshore. Peak action hits in June and July, but keep your eyes peeled all the way until October. Fairfax Walk – Sydney Harbour National Park Short, sweet and seriously scenic, the one-kilometre Fairfax Walk at North Head punches well above its weight. This easy loop links two spectacular lookouts with sweeping views over

There’s a whole lot of development happening in Western Sydney: a new international airport, a whole new CBD and an indoor ski resort, to name a few. So, as you’d expect, to meet the needs of the ever-growing area, there’s a mega new hospital in the works – and the first look at what’s coming is pretty impressive. The NSW Government has just unveiled new designs for the $630 million redevelopment of Fairfield Hospital, giving us a pretty detailed idea of what the hugely expanded campus (ft brand-new clinical services building) will look like. At the heart of the plans is a five-storey facility that will connect with the existing hospital via a redesigned main entry and drop-off zone – a small but meaningful upgrade for anyone who’s ever tried to navigate a busy hospital arrival under pressure. Inside, the new building is set to give a serious boost to frontline services, including an expanded Emergency Department (backed by an $80 million contribution from the Commonwealth), a new Intensive Care Unit, upgraded medical imaging, operating theatres and additional inpatient units. In short: more space, more capacity and more modern facilities for one of Sydney’s fastest-growing regions. And the redevelopment doesn’t stop at clinical care. A 460-space multi-storey car park is also part of the plan, with improved pedestrian links to both the existing hospital and neighbouring Braeside Hospital. Render: Supplied | NSW GovernmentFairfield Hospital redevelopment render If it feels l

There’s a lot on when it comes to Sydney infrastructure, but along with the ever-expanding metro project and the city's new international airport, we’re scoring a mega new tunnel underneath the harbour. According to the NSW Government, Sydney’s most ambitious road project just hit a seriously big milestone – quite literally. The Western Harbour Tunnel is edging closer to reality, with the largest tunnel boring machine in the Southern Hemisphere about to begin its journey beneath Sydney Harbour. Named Patyegarang, the first of two mega machines is preparing to carve its way 44.7 metres below Birchgrove Oval, tunnelling towards Waverton after final testing wrapped over the weekend. For infrastructure nerds – this isn’t your average piece of construction kit. At 15.7 metres in diameter and weighing 4,350 tonnes, these record-breaking machines are the biggest ever assembled underground in the Southern Hem. As they move forward, they’ll install around 13,000 pre-cast concrete segments to line and support the tunnel – essentially building the road as they go. According to the NSW Government, Patyegarang won’t be working alone for long. Her counterpart, Barangaroo – also named after a notable Aboriginal woman – is hot on her heels, with assembly already 94 per cent complete and tunnelling expected to begin within the month. Once both tunnel boring machines are in full swing, they’ll tackle the final 1.5-kilometre stretch of twin motorway tunnels beneath the harbour, reaching depths