Winnie Stubbs

How bloody good are weekends? If you’re looking for inspiration for fun things to do from Friday to Sunday, you’ve come to the right place. Auburn’s beloved Cherry Blossom Festival starts this weekend – and this year’s pink-hued Japanese flower festival is set to be pretty sweet. Just a heads-up: you will need to book to visit. Hungry? A massive Italian street food festival is going down on Saturday, August 17, in Five Dock. Ferragosto will feature more than 150 food and wine stalls, rides, entertainment and more – bring the family and come on down. There are also a heap of excellent exhibitions live at our city’s galleries – our top picks include the Archibald, Wynne and Sulman prize exhibition, the first solo museum exhibition by Kamilaroi artist Warraba Weatherall and the incredible Wildlife Photographer of the Year exhibition. If you're ready to send it well into the night, head to one of these late night bars of one of the city's best dancefloors. Need somewhere to recover? These are the best pubs with fireplaces in the city, these are Sydney’s best Sunday roasts, and these are the best day spas and bathhouses if you’re ready to get steamy.Keen to get some air this weekend? Our lists of the best day hikes close to Sydndey, the city's best beer gardens and the best places to camp close to the city should help. Want to stock up on fresh produce to fuel you for the weekend ahead?Check out our round-up of Sydney’s best markets – you’ll have way more fun than you would at the

Whether you’re a visitor mapping out your first trip to the Emerald City, or a Sydneysider planning a special-occasion staycation, finding the right hotel in Sydney is an important, sometimes overwhelming task. If you’re looking to book a stay that’s extra indulgent – willing to splash the cash on a high-end experience – choosing the right spot is even more important. Luckily for you, we’ve got a team of hotel aficionados who are committed to trying and testing the very best luxury stays in the city, and deciding which ones are worth your hard-earned dosh (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. 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 guide to all of the best hotels in Sydney.These are the best glamping sites in NSWAnd these are the best tiny homes and cabins near Sydney for a romantic escape. Time Out makes a small commissio

We might be a little biased, but in our humble opinion, Sydney's got it all. Can you think of many other cities in the world that rival its natural beauty, rich heritage and history that dates back thousands of years, and its creative, culinary and cultural offerings by world-class pros. In fact, there's so much to see, do, sip and ponder here, you could be forgiven for feeling a little overwhelmed. Worry not, dear reader – we're making it simple for you. Our team sifted through every good time the Big Smoke has to offer and put together a Sydney bucket list for the ages. The activities we've chosen will give you a super varied experience of the city – everything from the tourist attractions that are actually worth your time to secret swimming spots that locals know and love.Whether you're a new arrival or a born-and-bred local, this 2025 Time Out Sydney round-up of the city's must-do activities will help you experience Sydney from every angle. After all those great activities you're bound to be thirsty. We suggest you head to one of the best pubs in Sydney right now, or save your cash at one of the best happy hours in the city. Need somewhere to stay? Check in to one of Sydney's best hotels. 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.

​​No one’s accusing Sydney of being cheap, but that doesn’t mean there aren’t a few budget-friendly hotels to be found in this sparkling diamond of a city. To find the best affordable hotels in Sydney, we’ve done some digging – and have put together this guide based on location, vibe, comfort and, naturally, cost. Our team of writers (including long-time Sydney local Alannah Sue) have tried and tested each stay to make sure the low cost doesn’t mean you’re compromising on quality. Hotel obsessive (Time Out Sydney’s Travel and Hotels Editor Winnie Stubbs) has triple checked the list to make sure it’s up to scratch.   From an off-the-beaten-track four-star secret (Cremorne Point Manor, we’re looking at you) to a fun youth hostel right on the harbour, these are the very best affordable stays in the city.  NB: Be warned, peak season in Sydney has dizzying highs and even the most reasonably priced accommodation can spike over the New Year’s Eve period. So, shop around if you're looking for a place to lay your head over the holidays. 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:Can’t stretch to that? Pack your tent and check out the best camping spots near Sydney.Or book a glamping tent at this island campsite in the middle of Sydney Harbour. Time Out makes a small commission from the affiliate links included in this article. These links have no influence on our editorial

The Blue Mountains region – the stunning, World Heritage-listed national park on the western edge of Sydney – is a go-to weekender destination for Sydneysiders looking for a nature reset, an indulgent spa escape, or an adrenaline-fuelled adventure. And for good reason. The magnificent prehistoric valleys are home to some of the best hiking trails in the state, as well as magical swimming spots and spectacular waterfalls. In the charming towns that punctuate the region, you’ll find cute cafés, perfect pubs, stacked vintage stores, and a good selection of day spas and bathhouses to help ease your mountain-weary muscles. If you’re looking for somewhere to rest your head after all that exploring, we’re here to help. From a gorgeous rustic cottage to an ultra-luxurious boutique hotel, the Time Out Sydney team (including Editor-in-Chief Alice Ellis, who has a house in the region) have tried and tested the best Airbnbs and hotels in the area. Time Out Sydney's Travel and Hotels Editor (and self-confessed Blue Mountains enthusiast) Winnie Stubbs has overseen the list to make sure it's up to scratch – read on for our definitive guide to the best places to stay in the Blue Mountains. RECOMMENDED: The best restaurants and cafés in the Blue Mountains.  Time Out makes a small commission from the affiliate links included in this article. These links have no influence on our editorial content, but they do help us to bring you more recommendations every week. For more information, see our a

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

Sydney is certainly not lacking in day spas, but when you want your indulgence in self-rejuvenation to have a bit more of a destination element to it, you can’t go past the Blue Mountains’ best. The area has some great spas to cater to all your relaxing desires – from stress-busting massages and skin-smoothing facials to treatments you didn’t even know you needed, like a zesty ginger-infused ‘cocooning’. Make a day trip of it or sneak off for a mud-wrap during your next getaway.Read on to find the best day spas and bathhouses in the Blue Mountains – each given the tick of approval by Time Out's resident wellness enthusiast Winnie Stubbs.Stay in the loop: sign up for our free Time Out Sydney newsletter for more news, travel inspo and activity ideas, straight to your inbox. RECOMMENDED: These are the best eateries in the Blue Mountains.You'll find the best bushwalks in the Blue Mountains here. And these are the best places to rest your head.

We might be a little biased, but we don't believe there's a better place on earth to spend a day than in our beautiful waterside city. And while Sydney shines in the summertime, there's a lot of delight to be found in the colder months.From coastal walking tracks to secret swim spots to swanky sky-high bars, Sydney is home to the kinds of settings that play host to magical memories every day of the year – from ordinary Wednesdays to the most important days of your life. Want to witness some world-class creativity? These are the city's best galleries, and these are the best plays and musicals on in Sydney right now. Feel like a spa day? These are the best day spas in Sydney. Want to get moving? This list of our favourite walks should help, and these are the best running routes in Sydney if you want to pick up the pace. Scroll on for our full list of the best things to do in Sydney today. Want to get your weekend plans in order, right now? Check out our pick of the best things to do in Sydney this weekend.Rain putting a dampner on your plans? These are the best things to do indoors. On a budget? These are the Time Out team’s pick of 25 things to do in Sydney for under $25. Stay in the loop: sign up for our free Time Out Sydney newsletter for more news, straight to your inbox. 

August is upon us, bringing slowly extending hours of winter sunshine, wattle explosions and a host of creative and cultural activities set to warm us up in time for spring. This last month of the cold season will be delivering the goods, with an incredible round-up of theatre shows and art exhibitions keeping us entertained, and the city’s best restaurants and bars serving up happy hour specials and price-slicing deals to keep the cost of living woes at bay. For a nature hit this August, we’d suggest taking an icy dip at one of Sydney’s best ocean pools, checking out Sydney Cherry Blossom Festival, or getting some mountain air on one of the best walks in the Blue Mountains. If you need some help warming up, head to Barangaroo’s pop-up harbourside sauna, or settle in with a glass of mulled wine at one of Sydney’s cosiest pubs. Want to escape to Japan without the price tag? Sydney's stunning Japanese precinct Prefecture 48 is hosting a transporting bar residency with beloved spirit brand Suntory.Scroll on for our full list of everything to do in Sydney this August.  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. Want to really capitalise off the cold? Check out our list of the best hot springs you can soak in across NSW, or lean into the seasonal spirit with one of these cool winter activities.

The Sunshine Coast’s ever-expanding dining scene is a double-edged sword: how does one pick between so many fantastic restaurants? Seasonal and locally sourced produce take centre stage across all cuisines, with everything from modern Asian and Middle Eastern to seafood, spaghetti and steak.  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 to dine at new farm-to-table restaurant ēthos. 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. ☀️ The best things to do on the Sunshine Coast🌊 Your ultimate guide to Noosa🍽️ Where to eat in Noosa

When city life feels a little too full-on, it’s natural to crave a moment in nature. To drink a glass of wine from a bath beneath the stars and wake up to the sound of birdsong. The tiny home movement is responding to that need, with architecturally beautiful tiny homes and cabins popping up all across the state – waiting to welcome you for a weekend (or weekday) reset. From six-person cabins on the outskirts of the city to cosy retreats for two hidden in the mountains, we’ve rounded up the most beautiful tiny homes and cabins close (and close-ish) to Sydney. Most are home to alfresco hot tubs or baths, and many are pet-friendly, so you can bring your doggo to frolic with you in the fields.  Want more? Check out our list of the best winter getaways you can take from Sydney. Stay in the loop: sign up for our free Time Out Sydney newsletter for more news, event listings and travel inspo, straight to your inbox.

When it comes to special places to stay, NSW boasts a dizzying range of options. You can stay in boutique hotels and reimagined motels, beachside villas and winery thrillers, cute campgrounds and flashy glampgrounds, five-star resorts and places with tennis courts. What we’re trying to say is, you’re spoilt for choice.  But what if you’re looking for a more out-of-the-ordinary place to lay your head? We’re here to help. Here's our carefully curated selection of the kookiest, coolest, most whimsically odd places you can stay in NSW – from a pimped-out treehouse to a bonafide movie set. So, where will you book first? Stay in the loop: sign up for our free Time Out Sydney newsletter for more news, things to do and travel inspo, straight to your inbox. RECOMMENDED: Ready to flash some cash on your next trip? Head to one of the most luxurious places to stay in NSW.Want to get cosy? These are the best cabins and tiny homes in NSW. On a budget? These are the best coastal campsites in NSW.

If you’re missing the sparkly lights of Vivid, we’ve got good news. For a full month this spring, a beautiful heritage-listed property in Sydney’s northwest will be illuminated by an immersive light show that will transport you back in time. Transforming the grounds of Bella Vista Farm, Echoes – Luna Light Journey will recreate the sights and sounds of the 1700s working farm, taking Sydneysiders on a magical immersive journey. Celebrating the stories that form the area’s complex history – from the Dharug people’s study of the stars to the seeding of the citrus orchard by early settlers – Echoes will momentarily transport you away from 2025. Keen? Read on. Brought to life by Dural-based international events company Laservision (the people behind some of the world’s most spectacular immersive light shows, including Imagine in Dubai, Wonder Full in Singapore, and Nocturnal in the NSW Blue Mountains), the multi-sensory experience will feature reimagined convict roads and fluorescent flower fields. To keep you energised, food trucks will be on-site offering street food-style eats all evening long. You’ll find some parking on-site, but the organisers suggest catching the metro to Bella Vista or Norwest metro stations and walking to the farm (the walk to the farm from each station is around 15 minutes). Kicking off on Friday, September 5, the event will run every night until Monday, October 6. Entry times will run every 15 minutes from 6.15pm, and the organisers suggest allowing at

After two successful launch seasons, the Texas-born multidisciplinary festival of music, tech, film, games and innovation is coming back to the Harbour City, with SXSW Sydney 3.0 set to be a biggie. Alongside the line-up of talks, panels, workshops and showcases open to SXSW pass holders, this year’s event also features a huge free program which is open to the public. Here’s the lowdown on SXSW Unlocked. Running throughout the festival (from Monday, October 13 until Sunday, October 19), the official public program for SXSW Sydney will transform Tumbalong Park into a (free-to-access) cultural playground, with more than 85 hours of live performances, talks, film screenings, gaming sessions and fashion and tech-focused events.  Highlights of the public program include lunchtime talks, an incredible First Nations creative showcase and a series of live performances spanning multiple genres: from J-Pop to country. Plus, this year will see the festival’s impressive Innovation Expo and immersive Games Expo open to the public for the first time on Saturday, October 18.  While most of the events mainly appeal to Sydney’s adult population, there’s a lot of family-friendly fun scheduled throughout the week too – from kids rock gigs to interactive exhibitions.If you’re keen to nab a freebie (on top of the free entertainment), you can explore the interactive brand hubs which will be offering giveaways throughout the week.You can learn more and plan your free SXSW experience over here. Keen

There’s a widely held belief that the “W” in W Hotels stands for “wow”. A few minutes into your stay at W Melbourne, you’ll be convinced that the theory is true. From the abundant breakfast buffet (complete with Bloody Mary station and a roaming tray of smoothie shots) to the sky-high rooftop pool, every element here has been considered – and delivered with shameless, main character pizzazz. Why stay at W Melbourne? Primarily: the wow factor. This isn’t an everyday hotel, and if you’re looking for neutral tones and elevator jazz, look elsewhere. Instead, you’ll find matte black walls emblazoned with red graffiti-style writing, bold design features and a contemporary soundtrack spanning Erika de Casier to Loyle Carner. W is a young, playful brand – appealing to Generation X with its creative tone of voice and ultra-Instagrammable design. But W’s youthful approach isn’t a gimmick, and quality isn’t remotely compromised – resulting in a luxury stay that feels friendly and full of heart. What are the rooms like at W Melbourne? Again, the key here is the wow. Through a heavy black door, I found a funky space with curved, brass-trimmed wardrobes in a style that mimics Melbourne’s streetside kiosks. Though W is a global brand, each hotel nods to its neighbourhood through city-appropriate design features and art by local artists. In Melbourne, that means street art-style interiors and a trendy sensibilty. Crawling into the feather-down bed, I’m reminded that the playful aesthetic doe

Melbourne’s trendy inner north is arguably one of the city’s main drawcards, but there’s something special about strolling the banks of the Yarra River as the city wakes up to the day. Walking over the bridges that criss-cross the river as Melburnians scurry to work is a very “global city” experience, and from Vibe Hotel Melbourne, you’ll be doing just that in a matter of minutes. Rather watch the city unfold from your bed in the sky? No problem. Why stay at Vibe Hotel Melbourne? The location, right on the banks of the Yarra in the heart of the city’s CBD, is the main reason you want to book a stay here. From my room on the 21st floor, the city stretched out in front of me for miles through floor-to-ceiling windows: glass towers reaching into the sky, train lines zipping people across the city, the sea cut deep blue into the horizon to the east, and the mountains beneath a hazy cloud to the west beyond the 'burbs. With reticulated glass walls stretching into the sky for 24 floors, the building itself is an urban architectural masterpiece, and the abundant natural light is very welcome in a city that’s so often shaded by nearby towers. Home to Flinders Street’s highest bar, as well as a reliable all-day eatery, a gym, an indoor pool and three light-flooded conference rooms, this hotel is an urban staycation all-rounder. What are the rooms like at Vibe Hotel Melbourne? Spread across 22 floors, the 201 rooms at Vibe Hotel Melbourne range in size from the most affordable Urban Ro

Since its launch at Casula Powerhouse in 2017, Soft Centre has cemented its reputation as one of Australia’s most avant garde events, consistently delivering an epicly obscure program featuring commissions from the likes of MONA, the Sydney Opera House, and CTM Berlin. Last year, the event received a Green Room Award from Australia’s peer-to-peer arts industry body and was twice named FBi Radio’s Best Music Event. And it’s not just good by Aussie standards – in 2023, Soft Centre earned a place on Resident Advisor’s list of the Top Ten Festivals worldwide. All that’s to say: this is an event worth locking into your diary – and this year’s edition is set to be its biggest yet. Running from Thursday, August 28 to Sunday, August 31, this year’s festival will take over some of the city’s most iconic and beloved buildings – with the main event unfolding inside the historic, heritage-listed White Bay Power Station. The four-day program includes a series of interactive workshops and insightful talks; a night of experimental cinema and audiovisual performance (Para.Cine); a closing concert featuring Aarti Jadu, beloved NTS resident Malibu, and more; plus the flagship multi-stage event, which will transform White Bay Power Station with radical performance art, bold site-specific installations, mesmerising light shows, and a soundtrack the organisers describe as “adventurous club sounds,” on Saturday, August 30. Highlights from the line-up on the big day incldue Pink Siifu, Queen Asher

It’s a seasonal pattern as reliable as the naïve optimism of spring: every year when winter comes around, something calls me to the Blue Mountains. I want to stand on the edge of a lookout and breathe in the cold, refined air as treetops unfurl in front of me for miles. I want to hike along mountain paths and lose hours rummaging through vintage stores. I want to spend an evening by a roaring fire with a glass of red wine and wake up to the sound of raindrops on damp earth and gum leaves rustling in the wind. Shrouded in an ethereal blue haze that seems clarified in the winter light, the Blue Mountains is the kind of ravishingly beautiful place that Pinterest travel boards are made of, so it’s surprising that the place isn’t littered with luxury hotels. Sure, there are a few big hotels offering traditional old-school hospitality and a good selection of Airbnbs ranging from cosy cabins to huge family homes, but the Upper Blue Mountains region was surprisingly lacking a high-end, boutique designer stay. That was true until Chalets at Blackheath opened its doors – setting the gold standard in the area with its barefoot luxury aesthetic and abundantly generous hospitality. Three years on, I visited for a winter weekend, and am happy to confirm that the wattle-dotted property is only getting better with age. Why stay at Chalets at Blackheath? If you’re looking to go all out on your trip to the Blue Mountains – to stay in a hotel that reflects the intense natural beauty of the area

It’s a rainy Sunday afternoon, and from my wildly (pun intended) comfy bed, I’m watching a bank of clouds push through the city, chasing ferries across the harbour. The view looks like it was plucked from an album of the world’s most relaxing cityscapes: just plants, water and the skyline beyond. The Opera House stands in the centre with its unrelenting elegance, unphased by the oppressive clouds, and the Harbour Bridge cuts its iconic arc through the mist that pushes down on the city to the west. A view like this – an uninterrupted vista punctuated by Sydney’s most famous landmarks – is exceptionally hard to come by. Taking into account the koala who’s hugging the tree to my left, I'd be forgiven for thinking I’d entered an AI simulation of Australia. In reality though, I was splayed on the bed of one of the 62 carefully designed rooms at the Wildlife Retreat at Taronga: a far more desirable, similarly surreal place to spend a weekend.Wildlife Retreat at Taronga is – as the name suggests – located in the heart of Taronga Zoo, Sydney’s most well-known conservation-focused zoo. And though you can be up close and personal with Taronga’s pygmy hippos, giraffes and elephants in under ten minutes, the sanctuary in which the Retreat is built feels totally secluded. Why stay at Wildlife Retreat at Taronga? The main appeal here is, of course, the zoo – Sydney’s historic harbourside institution that encases the Retreat. From your bedroom’s floor-to-ceiling windows, you’ll watch kanga

There’s a magic that's found on the banks of Sydney Harbour, alive within the sprawling expanse of saltwater that winds its way through the city. I’ve felt it when I’ve flown in after weeks away and looked down onto the maze-like waterways that push deep blue into the corners of the green-grey city, and on warm summer evenings, diving into the cool at Camp Cove and washing away the day as the sun sets behind the city skyline. Recently, I felt it from my balcony at the Park Hyatt Sydney, looking out across Circular Quay as the last lights of the skyscrapers blinked out and a shy smattering of stars punctuated the sky. Why stay at Park Hyatt Sydney? Since first opening its doors in 1990, the 155-room residence has been setting the standard for luxury in the Harbour City. It’s played host to everyone from Elton John to Bette Midler, and while Sydney’s cityscape morphs and grows, this corner of the harbour remains untouched – and quietly spectacular. Sitting in splendour beneath the iconic arc of the Harbour Bridge, Park Hyatt is a celeb favourite for good reason. The location, right on the banks of the harbour in a quiet corner of Circular Quay, is remarkable enough, but the rooms, facilities and hospitality are all of an equally exceptional calibre. This is a no-notes luxury stay with a price tag to match. If you’ve got the cash to splash, a stay here is a no-brainer. What are the rooms like at Park Hyatt Sydney? Spread across four floors, the waterside hotel is home to 155 roo

Following a record-breaking 2025 event, Sydney Writers' Festival has announced that it’s switching things up – bringing a series of literary events to Sydney’s State Library throughout the year. Launching this September, the program will feature more than 70 events, with headline speakers including game-changing activist and former Greens leader Bob Brown, plus a range of beloved Aussie authors including Hannah Kent and Michelle de Kretser. Backed by $1.5 million in funding from the NSW Government, the year-round program is the first stage in what Minister for the Arts John Graham has described as “a comprehensive strategy to support the writing and literature sector,” which “aims to boost the writing industry in NSW, and strengthen the cultural heartbeat of our city.” Alongside the series of talks, workshops and readings (which kick off on September 18, with more events yet to be announced), the partnership between Sydney Writers’ Fest and the State Library will see a dedicated literature hub brought to life within the library – creating opportunities for more Sydneysiders to connect with books and storytelling. The initiative will also work to support emerging writers in NSW, with the Festival CEO Brooke Webb citing the shared aim to “champion more writers, inspire readers, and nurture vibrant literary communities across NSW.” Why now? According to Sydney Writers’ Fest, overall book sales are higher now than pre-2020, with 73 per cent of people aged under 30 reading for ple

The dimly lit, perfectly grungey bar above The Bank Hotel has long been a hub for live music in the heart of Newtown. Now, Waywards is re-establishing its place among the city’s go-to nighttime destinations, with a fresh new events program and a (partially) fresh new name. Enter: Wayards Ballroom.  Open late every night of the week (until 2am on Mondays and Tuesdays, until 4am Wednesday through Saturday and until 12am on Sunday), the buzzy Inner West venue will play host to a curated line-up of weekly events spanning comedy to club nights. Swing by on Tuesday evenings for live comedy, with the comedy line-up ranging from stand-up shows to improv comedy cage fights. Wednesdays will see Waywards Ballroom light up with a sexy AF queer club night brought to life by Birdcage, and Thursdays will see a diverse mix of local talent take to the stage.  On Friday and Saturday nights, Waywards Ballroom will turn up the volume with live music from local and inter-state acts, with the dancefloor kicking off well into the morning. Indie club night ‘Glitch’ will pop up every Saturday night, bringing big 2000’s energy to the dancefloor until 3am.The people behind the place have described it as “curated chaos”. Sounds good to us. You can learn more and check out what’s on this week over here.  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 evening entertainment? These are the

Working in the travel industry in London, there were a few hotels whose timeless appeal was unquestionable. The Langham – a grand, Grade II heritage-listed palace in the heart of London’s historic West End – was one of them. Known as Europe’s first “grand hotel,” The Langham London opened its doors in 1865 – the first hotel in Europe with hot running water, and the first British hotel to offer afternoon tea (the between-meals indulgence that screams “luxury hotel”). 160 years on, the brand is still pretty untouchable – with heritage-listed high-end hotels now dotted around the globe. At the opulent Sydney outpost, those original Langham hallmarks (heritage features, a beloved afternoon tea and, yes, hot running water) have been elevated to 2025 standards, with the sense of old-school, above-and-beyond hospitality still alive and strong. A stay here is like a sleepover at your wealthy auntie’s lavish mansion, with a team of expert hosts on hand to attend to your every whim. Why stay at The Langham Sydney? The Langham is the hotel you’d book for someone looking for a traditional hotel experience. Spa day followed by afternoon tea? Sorted. Champagne in your room, served on a private balcony overlooking a historic terraced street? Done. And though it’s an excellent spot for an indulgent vacay (I noticed a lot of mum-and-daughter pairings; it ticks all of the ‘girly getaway’ boxes), the close proximity to the city and mansion-away-from-home feel make it a popular choice for (cashe

Self-care can be a time-consuming business. For your average working Sydneysider, finding space in your week/month/year for a blow-dry and a manicure can be a mammoth achievement. Enter: Loop Beauty – a one-stop shop that combines treatment sessions and streamlines self-care from a beautifully curated space. Co-founders Alaleh Schembri and Sahel Hosein opened Loop Beauty to fill the gap that they, as time-poor women, saw in Sydney’s beauty space. Step through the shiny glass doors, and you’ll leave with all of your beauty boxes ticked and time to spare. Treatments range from hair colouring (they specialise in balayage and blonde) to eyelash tints, but their signature is the manicure and blow-dry combo. The friendly team of stylists will get to work on your manicure while you’re having your hair washed, and within 45 minutes, you’ll have fresh new nails and a super sleek blowout. Though there’s a focus here on efficiency, you won’t have to compromise on quality. Nail treatments include BIAB, SNS, and shellac, with shades from Chanel, Dior, and Hermès. For your blow-dry, the team uses Oribe and Kérastase products, so you’ll leave with nourished, butter-soft locks. Towards the back of the salon, you’ll find the fully licensed bar space, which can be booked out for private events. If you’ve been tasked with planning a hen do or a birthday party with a group of the girls, this might be the solution.You can check out the treatment options and book over here.  Stay in the loop: sign

Jetsetters of the Harbour City, we’ve got updates. Back in 2014, the Australian Federal Government committed to transforming a greenfield site on the western outskirts of Sydney into a huge international airport. Now, the architecturally striking terminal at the new Western Sydney International airport (WSI) has been revealed, the airfield, landside and terminal major construction works are now all officially complete, the flight paths have been revealed (along with an interactive noise-mapping tool) and it’s all on track to open in late 2026. 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 (recently ranked number one for winter sunshine, and among the very best cities in the world for 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 average Western Sydney resident is estimated to take 2.6 international trips per year). Photograph: Supplied | Trevor Mein Wh

Every year, the team at Time Out Global publishes a ranking of the world’s greatest cities. Each city makes it onto the list based on the results of a comprehensive survey of more than 18,500 locals, who share their feelings about their city’s nightlife, food and cultural scene, as well as other key city-shaping factors like access to green space and walkability. Their insights help the team create a definitive guide to the best cities on the planet to live in (and visit) every year. But the things that make a city great vary from generation to generation, and now, the has interrogated what today’s twenty-somethings think. Based on data from the under-30s respondents to our Best Cities survey, Time Out has compiled a global ranking of the world’s best cities for Gen Z – and Sydney has come in at number 11.  The Harbour City didn't crack the top ten, and we get it – our housing market is super unaffordable, and Sydneysiders do tend to go to bed a little earlier than most. But Sydney is safe, clean, sunny, fun, active and inspiring – all important things to your average Gen Zer (I'd know, I'm one of them). Our world-class cultural spaces are accessible, our educational institutions are excellent and our city’s community lifts each other up (you only needed to see the crowds at this year’s City2Surf to see that support in action). We picked the brains of the zoomers in the Time Out Sydney office, to find out what they love most about living in Sydney: Estelle Dragan, Senior Crea

It’s been a sad four years since Melbourne’s iconic (and often much-maligned) ferris wheel ground to a Covid-induced halt. Now, the owners of the Melbourne Star have officially confirmed that the infamous attraction is opening up again – and is due to start spinning in Docklands (hopefully) by the end of 2026. The 120-metre tall wheel has been standing tragically still since it shut up shop in the September of 2021, with many people assuming this was the end for the Melbourne Star, which had been in operation for 13 years. But now, in excellent news for ferris wheel enthusiasts, the sky-high attraction is coming back, baby.While an exact opening date is yet to be announced, the team has confirmed a few key details about the Melbourne Star’s renaissance. It’s set to be managed by Skyline Attractions (the same people behind Skyline Melbourne and the St Kilda ferris wheel) in partnership with technology solutions agency the Robu Group and US-based carnival and entertainment company Ray Cammack Shows. The relaunch of the observation wheel has been described by Lord Mayor Nick Reece as “a huge moment for Melbourne and a vote of confidence in the future of Docklands,” – with the City of Melbourne supporting the project.  Further details – including ticketing prices and related activations are yet to be announced, but based on what we’ve seen from the Skyline Attractions team at their other venues, we’re expecting big things. According to the organisers, visitor numbers in the first

If the hype around this past weekend’s City2Surf proves anything – aside from Sydneysiders’ collective willingness to work hard for a well-earned beer – it’s that running and swimming are a match made in heaven (and no, we’re not just talking about the weather). So today’s announcement will be music to the ears of jogging enthusiasts in Sydney’s Inner West: thanks to a $3.8 million investment, the beloved Bay Run is getting a swimming spot. Located on the Iron Cove foreshore, on the edge of Lilyfield’s Callan Park, the Callan Park tidal baths will offer a place to cool off along the Bay Run, easily accessible from nearby sports fields including Leichhardt Oval and King George Park. Protected by a shark net, the beautiful tidal baths are expected to feature an accessible pathway and ramp, a generous fixed jetty, and a pontoon for easy access and dreamy days in the sun. To bring the project to life, the NSW Government and Inner West Council have finalised a funding agreement and signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), with the baths due to open in time for the summer of 2026. The $3.8 million swimming spot will be supported by $2 million in funding from the NSW Government, which is committing an additional $4.8 million to revitalising the Inner West area – demolishing derelict buildings and returning 1.6 hectares of parkland to the public. “The iconic Bay Run and surrounding parklands are already a community hub for family fun, sport, relaxation, and exercise, so adding a s

Good news for festival lovers! Victoria’s beloved multi-day festival, Beyond The Valley (BTV), is officially returning this year for its tenth birthday edition, bringing big NYE energy to the stunning Barunah Plains from Sunday, December 28, until Monday, January 1, 2026. Since its first event in 2014, BTV has established itself as one of Australia’s favourite festivals, with big names such as Tyler, The Creator, Peggy Gou, Nelly Furtado and Kaytranada all claiming the title of BTV alum. This year’s headliners are yet to be announced, but the festival will be brought to life by Untitled Group and Triple J, with Untitled Group co-founder and managing partner Filippo Palermo predicting that this year’s event will be “the biggest and most innovative BTV production to date”. In true big-birthday fashion, BTV is turning it on with a revitalised festival program featuring three main stages, a multi-format space presenting everything from live podcast recordings to magical cinema sessions, and an all-new wellness area complete with saunas, cold plunges, massage therapists and more.   Photograph: Supplied | Beyond The Valley Other features of this year’s four-day fest include upgraded camping options (ranging from pre-pitched tents to Lux Camp packages with access to the exclusive, resort-style Valley Club), Poof Doof’s beloved Cirque Du Slay and The Palms Pool House, a reinvented version of the former Beach Club offering a lush, laid-back space to refresh and reset. Though the fu

Sydney’s new international airport is taking shape. The super impressive terminal is officially complete, the proposed flight paths have been released, and a whole new city centre (the first major city to be built in Australia for 100 years) is coming to life on the airport’s doorstep. Once fully operational, it’s expected that the new airport will welcome 80 million passengers every year, and if you were wondering how they’ll get there and back, read on. To help visitors and Sydneysiders access the airport, the NSW Government is working on several mega infrastructure projects – including a toll-free motorway, $1-billion worth of upgrades to Fifteenth Avenue and a  $10.5 billion new metro line.  Today, the NSW Government has shared a first look inside Airport Terminal Station – a space that will become a key link for people arriving in the Harbour City. To accommodate passengers and luggage, the station features extra-wide (10-metre) platforms, larger lifts and wider ticket gates.  “The Airport Terminal Station will be among the busiest on the line and play a major role in the success of our city’s new international airport. We are making sure that every design feature is tailored to a smooth journey from air to rail.” explained Minister for Transport John Graham.Once on board (you can get a sneak peek of what the trains will look like here), the super fast driverless train system will zip travellers from the new airport to St Marys in 15 minutes. From here, passengers can ju

Standing majestically beneath an ethereal blue haze to the west of Sydney, the Blue Mountains region is one the most beloved day trip destinations and weekender options for Sydneysiders, and for very good reason. Within the stunning prehistoric valleys, you’ll find magical swimming holes and spectacular hikes, and in the towns that punctuate the region you’ll find perfect pubs, adorable cafes and a good handful of day spas where you can warm your bones post-hike.If you’ve only got one day to spend in the Blue Mountains, we’d recommend spending it in Blackheath. This charming, creative town has it all: vintage stores, cosy bars, a sprawling country pub, a magical bath house, a few excellent eateries and easy access to a heap of the area’s best hikes (including the Grand Canyon Walk – one of the most famous hiking trails in the whole of Australia). Where is Blackheath? On the very edge of the Jamison Valley, Blackheath sits 115 kilometres west of Sydney, bordering the stunning Blue Mountains National Park. At 1,065 metres above sea level, it’s one of the highest towns in the Blue Mountains.  How do you get to Blackheath? The drive from Sydney takes around one and a half hours – an easy drive along the Great Western Highway, passing through some of the area’s other popular towns. No car? No problem. Travelling by train is just as easy – jump on the Blue Mountains Line at Central and you’ll arrive at Blackheath Station in 2 hours, 13 minutes. Photograph: Supplied | Destination N

Victoria isn’t short on stunning places to set up camp. From quaint, magical spots by the river to incredible campgrounds on the edge of world-class surfing beaches, there’s a pretty good selection to choose from when you’re ready for a weekend in the elements – and now, a new bombshell has just entered the villa. Cape Conran’s Banksia Bluff campground – a beloved camping spot on the Gippsland coast, with arguably the cutest name in campsite history – is getting a major upgrade. The Victorian government has confirmed that construction will start soon on a new multi-use recreation area (due to host school visits and campers) thanks to a huge $29 million investment. The upgrade will also include the construction of ten new cabins (so you can camp in comfort all year round), plus upgraded boardwalks, bridges and barbecues, plus a boat ramp for fishers and divers.Already got a trip booked? Don’t worry – the site will stay open to campers while work is underway. Once construction is complete, the capacity will be expanded, and campers are encouraged to take advantage of half-price camping fees. Photograph: Supplied | Parks Victoria Keen? You can book your camping trip via the Parks Victoria website. Stay in the loop: sign up for our free Time Out Melbourne newsletter for the best of the city, straight to your inbox. RECOMMENDED: This architecturally spectacular environment-focused arts space has just opened in regional Victoria This 48-kilometre cycling trail opened in Victoria

If the great Aussie road trip is top of your travel bucket list, you’re not alone. With magical swimming spots and charming towns dotting the coastline, the eastern edge of NSW is a go-to road trip route for overseas travellers looking for an immersive Aussie experience, as well as locals looking for a deeper understanding of their state. According to a travel trend report by Amex, 81 per cent of Australian travellers value supporting local businesses when travelling, and we all have our go-to stops up and down the coast. If you ask me, it’s the old-school bakeries that are worth stopping the car for, but if you’re keen for recommendations from a real-life adventurer, read on. Tyson Mayr, an ultra-adventurous photographer and filmmaker who’s worked with the likes of National Geographic, along with a heap of other platforms, has put together a guide to the best road trip stops along a 1,100-kilometre road trip from Sydney to Noosa. These are the best road trip stops along the NSW coast, according to Tyson Mayr Shark Dive – South West Rocks (Best Adventure) The South West Rocks Dive Centre is a world-class dive operator, and the team has been exploring the South West Rocks area for more than 40 years. Their expertise and deep respect for the marine environment are evident in every part of the experience. Coming face-to-face with grey nurse sharks gives you a whole new appreciation for these often misunderstood creatures. Despite having dived in the Galápagos and snorkelled in A

Melbourne's Metro Tunnel project – you know, the $13.5 billion rail upgrade set to connect South Kensington to South Yarra – is well on track (pardon the pun). This major infrastructure project, designed to ease congestion and transform the city’s train network, will feature twin nine-kilometre tunnels and five new underground stations once complete. It is currently a year ahead of schedule (yay!), and as preparations continue for it to open later this year, the Victorian government has confirmed that the project is entering a critical period of end-to-end trials. Before it opens to the public, the tunnel is undergoing extensive testing to ensure it is safe and operating smoothly. So far, trains have travelled more than 197,000 kilometres through the tunnels as part of the testing and trial operation phases. Back in June, the project team carried out a major day of operations, involving more than 265 trips between Sunbury and Cranbourne and Pakenham East. Following the success of this large-scale trial, the Victorian government has scheduled a full dress rehearsal-style test for Saturday, August 16, and Sunday, August 17, ahead of the tunnel's public opening late this year. On these days, trains on the Sunbury, Cranbourne and Pakenham lines will run through the Metro Tunnel – meaning passengers will need to change trains at Footscray and Caulfield to complete their journeys. To minimise disruption, more trains will run over the two days compared to the usual weekend timetable

If you ask me, Round The Twist is partly to thank for a generation of lighthouse enthusiasts. But even if you’ve never seen the show (a children’s comedy show following the adventures of a family who live in a lighthouse on the Victorian coast), it’s hard to deny the appeal of these magical coastal towers. Perched along the coastline, lighthouses were introduced to warn ships of dangerous reefs or rocky coastlines, and while many of them are no longer operational, their significance is still felt in the beautiful silhouettes they cut into the sky along our clifftops. Sydney itself is home to seven main lighthouses, but if you’re up for a day trip, there’s a particularly special one in a stunning reserve on the Central Coast – here’s everything you need to know about Norah Head Lighthouse. Where is Norah Head Lighthouse Norah Head Lighthouse is at the tip of the Norah Head peninsula on the Central Coast, around an hour and a half outside of Sydney’s CBD, close to the small town of Toukley. How to get to Norah Head Lighthouse Getting there from Sydney, the drive takes around an hour and forty minutes. Take the M1 north out of the city, then turn off onto the A43 and A49 to Noraville. Signs from Noraville will lead you to the lighthouse, which sits at the end of a beautiful, bush-shrouded peninsula. Photograph: Winnie Stubbs | Time Out Sydney Is Norah Head Lighthouse a working lighthouse? Norah Head Lighthouse is one of 13 lighthouses still operational along the NSW coast. Fro

A few months ago, while I was in line for a drink at the Flickerfest bar, a stranger turned to my friend and asked him: “Have you heard of Too Good To Go?” He responded: “Have you tried kiwi berries?!” But she had a point, and clearly wanted to spread the word about an app that’s saving Sydneysiders heaps of money on their groceries and diverting a whole lot of food away from landfill. Founded in Copenhagen back in 2015, Too Good To Go is the world’s largest marketplace for surplus food, offering customers “Surprise Bags” from their local shops, cafés, bakeries and restaurants from as little as $6.99. Now alive and kicking in Sydney, the sustainability-focused app has partnered with more than 500 businesses across Sydney to offer Sydneysiders cut-price food (and save businesses the hassle, cost and environmental labour of binning food). Since November last year, the app has diverted more than 175,000 meals away from landfill in NSW alone. That means Too Good To Go’s NSW-based users have prevented more than 472,500 tonnes of CO₂ from entering Earth's atmosphere and saved 490,000 square metres of landfill. Photograph: Supplied | Too Good To Go So how does it work? Sign up for free, and you’ll be able to browse the online marketplace of nearby cafés, grocery stores and restaurants, who will give a brief description of what you’ll find in your "Surprise Bag” and outline their available pick-up times for that day and the following. Reserve your bag (they range in price between $