Winnie Stubbs

Let’s face it: while New South Wales has some spectacular ski resorts and snow fields (including the biggest in the Southern Hemisphere), taking a trip to the snow is never gonna qualify as a cheap holiday. Mostly, that’s because we have a much shorter snow season than our European cousins – and scarily, Australia’s snow seasons are getting shorter. All that being said, you need to be rolling in dough to hit the slopes; many alpine destinations offer sweet deals during the winter months, you just need to know where to look.We've rounded up everything from accommodation packages to majorly reduced day passes and student specials. Check out our ultimate snow-on-a-budget guide before you hit up the slopes this winter. 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 more winter getaway action? Check out our list of the best trips you can take to warm up your life this chilly season.Craving something super cosy? These are the best tiny homes and cabins in NSW.

Hiking is having a moment right now. Brand-new trails – including the world’s longest coastal path – are opening left, right and centre. Plus, more of us than ever are choosing active, mindful and sustainable experiences when we travel. To help you plan your next great hike, we’ve rounded up the best hiking holidays the world over, from Europe’s very own Jurassic Park to the bonnie lochs of the West Highland Way and desert landscapes in the Middle East. Each hike has been tried and tested by our globetrotting network of travel writers, so read on for all the info on where to go, when to go and how long to set aside, plus tips and tricks and the best sights to look for along the way. All you need to do is pack your bags. These are the world’s greatest hikes, according to Time Out. Updated April 2026: We’ve added two Spanish hikes to the list to help you plan your summer treks. RECOMMENDED:🌲 The best national parks in the world ⛰️ The best destinations for solo female travellers🌊 The most spectacular places to swim in the world🏝️ The best beaches in the world🚂 The best train journeys around the world

Call it what you will – the rainbow region, the Northern Rivers, the Byron hinterland – the Bundjalung Nation (the region around Byron Bay) holds a certain ineffable magic. I was once told – en route to a very-Byron tea ceremony on a rainy Wednesday evening – that the magic comes from the earth; that the ground beneath the hills, spiked with crystals from a nearby volcano, generates a uniquely healing energy. And though my limited geological understanding prevents me from verifying that fact, I’m confident that there’s something special about this stretch of sparkling coastline and rolling hills that the Arakwal, Minjungbal and Widjabul Wia-bal people call home. Byron Bay – undeniably the region’s most well-known town – has traditionally acted as a place for people to come together, known by the Arakwal people as 'Cavanbah' which translates to mean 'meeting place’. And while the gentrified hippie beach town on Australia’s easternmost point does have its perks – a stunning coastal walk that curls up over a beach-studded stretch of sparkling ocean, high-end hotels that blend sophisticated design with beachside nonchalance, and a restaurant scene to rival any Sydney suburb – we’re of the opinion that the true gems of the region lie outside of town. Whether you’re looking to follow in the footsteps of the the hemp-clad, Byron-dwelling hippie of yesteryear and wake up in a campervan by the ocean (Camplify has got you covered on that front) or glide from the blindingly bright shore

Hark! What's that? If it's winter in Sydney and you're standing by the sea, it could very well be the gentle giants of the Big Blue popping up to say hello – and, y'know, breathe. In Sydney, May to November is your best bet to catch a glimpse of some humpback whales, as 20,000 of them make moves along the New South Wales coastline during the colder months. While the chill takes over Sydney, the whales begin their journey north towards warmer waters to mate and give birth. While humpbacks are the most common sight around our city, you might also spot some lesser found whale species on your adventures, including orcas and minkes. No luck? They might be hiding out by Sydney's best secret beaches – but even if not, those shores are well worth a visit.  Want to make the most of whale watching season in Sydney? Head to one of these lookouts with your camera and binoculars in tow to capture some blowholes spouting. 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:  Get out on the water with this whale watching cruise that gives you bang for your buck, then discover more wild times in Sydney at one of the city's amazing animal attractions.

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.

Australia’s world-famous beach town has blown up in recent years – morphing from hippie haven into certified celebrity playground. And amid its sparkling shores, rolling hinterland and dreamy waterfalls, you’ll now find a mix of luxe hotels, rejuvenating retreats and trendy boutiques that attract everyone from locals on staycation to Hollywood A-listers searching for the ultimate Aussie escape. Holidaying in Byron is a breeze for Aussies, with regular Jetstar flights from cities like Sydney and Melbourne to Ballina-Byron airport – or even to the Gold Coast, which is just a zippy 40-minute drive away. You can score one-way tickets for less than $100, meaning you’ll have more to splurge on hotels dripping with luxurious facilities, world-class dining and decadent pampering. We’ve cherry-picked some of our favourite luxury hotels in Byron Bay where you can live the high life, if only for a few opulent days. After all, you’re in Byron baby! 🍽️ All the best restaurants in Byron Bay🌴 Australia’s most incredible resorts and lodges✨ The hottest new hotel openings this year

We Aussies are a lucky bunch. You only need to drive an hour or so from any major Australian city to wind up in some of the most beautiful places on earth. However, with so many of the best day trips in Australia, picking which road to venture down can be quite a challenge. To make life easier, our Travel & News Editor, Melissa Woodley, has cherry-picked a selection of the best day trips from Australia's capital cities – many of which she's tried, tested and would happily do all over again (if only there were more days in the year). From heritage-listed towns and coastal hangouts to mountain escapes, Australia has something for every explorer. Now, all that’s left for you to do is to load the car and hit the open road. Editors' favourite day trips in Australia: 🌊 Best West Coast day trip: Perth to Rottnest Island 🌳 Best East Coast day trip: Sydney to Blue Mountains ☀️ Best Top End day trip: Darwin to Litchfield National Park JUMP TO: Sydney | Melbourne | Adelaide | Perth | Brisbane | Canberra | Hobart | Darwin  🚘 The best road trips in Australia🌳 The best regional towns you can tick off in a day

When it comes to discovering a new fragrance, chasing after alluringly-scented strangers to ask what they’re wearing is a tried-and-true method. But whether you’re too shy to ask or they’re too quick to escape, it’s not always feasible. Instead, you can peruse a selection of unique, rare and beguiling scents at one of Melbourne’s perfume stores. Visit one of these fragrance boutiques to get advice from the olfactory experts on choosing an every day scent or adding to your personal collection. Melbourne is blessed with a plethora of perfume shops, to choose from, so we’ve assembled this list for fragrance hobbyists, scent wardrobe curators and casual spritzers alike. Or if you want to really shop around, we've included a list of the best local online fragrance stores, too.  Stay in the loop: sign up for our free Time Out Melbourne newsletter for the best of the city, straight to your inbox. Feeling thrifty? Here are the best vintage stores in Melbourne.

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 celeb-approved stay with uninterrupted views of the Opera House, an easy breezy 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 News 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

There are many ways that countries around the world honour their veterans and the sacrifices they make as members of the armed forces. One of the ways we do it here in Australia is with the fairly odd, gloriously raucous tradition of ANZAC Day two-up – betting on the flipping of two coins.First, of course, Sydney starts ANZAC Day with the big Dawn Service, which will take place this year at the Cenotaph in Martin Place, commencing at 4.20am. The ANZAC Day March through the Sydney CBD kicks off at 9am and ends with a 12.30pm commemoration service by the Pool of Remembrance at the ANZAC Memorial in Hyde Park. Then, after you've formally paid your respects, it's time for the coin toss. From rooftop parties to coastal rings and a beer garden with a grandstand for big-group viewing, we've scoured Sydney for the best two-up venues in town.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. Looking for somewhere else to grab a drink? Check out the best bars in Sydney right now, and these are all of our favourite pubs in the city.

There’s no denying that camping is a glorious way to get out into nature, but – let's face it – the traditional tent-pitching method isn't for everyone. If the idea of lugging a heap of camping gear into the wilderness sounds like the opposite of a fun time to you, then glamping is definitely the answer. Thankfully, Victoria is home to a wonderful line-up of glamping spots offering spacious, comfortable and (importantly) already set-up tents for outdoor-loving comfort seekers to hire out.  Amenities can vary from site to site, but glamping tents often feature everything from proper beds and gourmet hampers to air-con and fully functional plumbing systems. To help you on your glamping adventures, our team of local editors (including Melbourne Editor Leah Glynn) have journeyed into nature to try and test the best high-end alfresco getaways in the state. Whether your ideal outdoor getaway involves exploring gorgeous gardens, waking up to ocean views or even glamping at a zoo, there's something for everyone on this list of the best glamping sites in Victoria. Stay in the loop: sign up for our free Time Out Melbourne newsletter for the best of the city, straight to your inbox. Staying in the city? These are the best hotels in Melbourne

Australia is a nation rich with incredible artists and mind-blowing exhibitions. Whether you favour sculpture, painting, photography or textiles, there’s something for every kind of artistic persuasion ready to pop off at Australia’s biggest art exhibitions in 2026. We've rounded up just a few Aussie wonders that have us pre-booking flights in eager anticipation.  A summer standout is Icelandic-Danish artist Olafur Eliasson's Presence at the Gallery of Modern Art in Brisbane, where huge, shimmering interactive installations reign supreme. We're also excited to peruse a never-seen-before-in-Australia glittering jewel collection from Cartier at the NGV in the winter months, and explore Rememory during the 25th Biennale of Sydney (which Time Out named the world's best exhibition to see this year). Scroll on for our pick of the best art exhibitions in Australia in 2026. Our editors will update this guide as new exhibitions are announced. 🖼️ The best art galleries in Australia👀 The best museums in Australia

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 16–28), 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 tag. Ju

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

Epping is getting a new after-dark addition. The suburb’s first-ever monthly night market is launching at Boronia Park, bringing street food, live tunes and a buzzy community vibe to the heart of the neighbourhood.RECOMMENDED READ: These are the best markets in Sydney Kicking off on April 24 and running on the last Friday of every month (with a special end-of-year edition in the works), the Epping Night Markets will see more than 30 stalls serving up everything from artisan eats to handcrafted goods. Expect roving performers, local talent on the mic and plenty of reasons to hang around – with the market taking over the park from 5–9pm. Backed by City of Parramatta and delivered by AMA Event Management, the markets are set to become a regular fixture for this fast-growing suburb – and a solid excuse to cancel your Friday night takeaway plans.You can find out more and plan your visit over here. 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 activities? Here’s what’s on in Sydney this weekendAnd here’s what’s on this week.Looking for somewhere for dinner? These are the best restaurants in the city.

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

ANZAC Day marks the anniversary of the first day the Australian and New Zealand troops saw military action in Gallipoli back in 1915. In recent times it’s become a day of commemorating and remembering all Australians who have served in war. What time is the Sydney ANZAC Day dawn service?  The annual dawn service held at Martin Place begins with the Catafalque Party and Band, followed by the ceremony from 4.20am by the Cenotaph. What time is the ANZAC Day march in Sydney? At 9am there is a march led by war veterans and their descendants, which will take place down Elizabeth Street. What time is the ANZAC Day commemoration service in Sydney? A commemoration service is held from 12.30 at the ANZAC Memorial in Hyde Park by the Pool of Remembrance. What time is the ANZAC Day sunset service in Sydney? The sunset service takes place at the Cenotaph at 5pm. It is a shorter service to conclude the official commemorations, with the accompaniment of the NSW Ambulance Service Band. 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: These are the best places to play two-up in Sydney.And these are Sydney's best pubs.

It’s 5pm on a Saturday afternoon, and as Balmain’s bookstores and cafés close their doors, a queue begins to form on the corner of Darling Street. If I hadn’t been aware that the neighbourhood pizzeria had just been crowned one of the best in the Asia Pacific region, I could have guessed by the hoards of hungry pizza fiends gathering on its doorstep. Sydney has never been short on great pizza, but Gigi’s Balmain is playing a different game. At this long-running fave, owner and pizza maker Daniel Semrani has spent more than 15 years perfecting what he calls “Crunchy Contemporary Neapolitan” – a style that swaps the usual floppy base for a crisp, structured crust with a soft, pillowy interior. The technique leans heavily on fermentation science and dough hydration, creating a lighter, fully cooked pizza that delivers big flavour without the gumminess that can plague under-fermented bases. Ingredients get the same meticulous treatment. Expect carefully sourced tomatoes, seasonal produce and a curated lineup of extra-virgin olive oils chosen to complement specific pizzas – a level of detail that’s helped land Gigi’s serious international cred. In 2026, the Balmain institution was crowned Australia’s No.1 pizzeria by 50 Top Pizza, with Semrani also taking home Pizza Maker of the Year Asia Pacific. While the awards are impressive, the Gigi’s team aren’t resting on them – with Semrani consistently experimenting with new recipes and formats. The big name pizza is the twice-cooked “Ve

Calling all cost-conscious brides! If your wedding budget is blowing over, we’re here to help. From Saturday, April 18 until Friday, April 24, the Vinnies Waverley store will transform into a wonderland of discounted delights, with a huge selection of new and pre-loved wedding gowns, suits, bridesmaids’ dresses, formalwear, and accessories (including jewellery and shoes).According to Vinnies, the average Australian wedding now costs $38,000 – so any cost-saving measure to lighten that load is a welcome gift. Back in 2023, Vinnies launched their first ever bridal expo, attracting 674 customers over three days of shopping, and helping to raise money for the organisation’s charitable mission. Later this month, the mega sale is coming back – bigger and better than ever.This year’s event will feature more than 600 wedding dresses, a mix of brand new and pre-loved styles, plus a range of suits for grooms and bridesmaid dresses starting from $15, alongside accessories galore. Mapping out your budget? Dresses will start from $50. You’ll find the Vinnies Wedding Expo at Vinnies Waverley, 253–259 Bronte Road, Waverley. The store will be open from 9am to 5.30pm on Saturday, 10am to 4pm on Sunday, and 9.30am to 5.30pm Monday to Friday. It’s a first-in, best-dressed situation, with last year’s event attracting queues down the street as budget-savvy brides-to-be waited to snap up their cut-price finds.Our advice? Grab a coffee and a sambo from Frank’s Deli (a few doors down), and get in li

Need a new fun family photo? We’ve got you. One of the world’s biggest immersive experiences is landing in Melbourne – serving up a fun, surreal backdrop for your Instagram grid glow-up. Bubble Planet: An Immersive Experience is opening in April at Fever Exhibition and Experience Centre, offering Melbournians a transporting, ultra-Instagrammable day out. Already experienced by more than two million visitors around the world, with sell-out runs in Milan, Los Angeles, London and Brussels, and a recent stint in Sydney, Bubble Planet is a fantastical world of optical illusions, cutting-edge virtual reality experiences, giant bubbles, and next-level immersive projections. Visitors to the Melbourne site can expect to embark on a dreamlike journey through 11 otherworldly rooms, home to giant bubble domes, LED underwater-style wonderlands, selfie hubs and VR dreamscapes. Sessions at this bizarre immersive world run for between 60-90 minutes, and the experience is suitable for people of all ages – with kids under four welcomed in for free. Keen? Bubble Planet Melbourne launches on April 1. You can learn more and snap up tickets over here.Stay in the loop: sign up for our free Time Out Melbourne newsletter for the best of the city, straight to your inbox. Want fun now? These are the best things to do in Melbourne this weekend.These are the best things to do in Melbourne this week.And these are the must-do activities to add to your Melbourne bucket list.

If your group chat has been tossing around “we should book a trip” for the past six months, consider this your sign. Jetstar is about to drop its annual return for free birthday sale – and yes, it’s exactly what it sounds like. For 48 hours only, you can score a free return flight when you book an outbound fare, with more than 75,000 return seats up for grabs across 80-plus routes. For Melbourne travellers, the timing couldn’t be better. Whether you’re eyeing a quick interstate escape or finally locking in that long-overdue Bali trip, there are some seriously tempting options on the table. Domestic fares are kicking off from just $64 on some routes, with one of the standout deals being Melbourne (Tullamarine) to Hervey Bay from $149, opening up an easy gateway to Queensland’s whale-watching capital. But it’s the international fares where you’ll really see the savings. Melbourne to Bali is available from $289 – with the return flight thrown in for free, and more international flights from Melbourne yet to be announced. Photograph: Shutterstock The catch (there’s always a catch) is that you’ll need to move fast. Club Jetstar members get a 12-hour head start (with flights available from midday today – Monday, May 4), and general public access will open at midnight tonight. From there, the sale runs until 11.59pm on Wednesday, May 6 – or until those 75,000 seats inevitably disappear. Travel dates vary depending on the route, but there’s decent flexibility baked in. Domestic tri

If you needed another reason to make a beeline for the shiny new Sydney Fish Market, this might well be this it. On a sun-soaked corner of the precinct with views across Blackwattle Bay, Touch Wood is the market’s day-to-night venue that’s bringing its A game to everything from crab XO crumpets to oyster shell Martinis. This 300-square-metre, all-day diner comes from hospo heavyweight Tyson Rowsell (the man behind cult Inner West cafés Dirty Red), and although the space itself is pretty polished, you can feel the sense of Inner West soul in the playful menu. In the kitchen, Head Chef Courtney Blyde is bringing a fresh perspective to Australian brunch, one that leans heavily (but not exclusively) on seafood. With a CV spanning Baba’s Place, The Apollo and Cho Cho San, Blyde is pretty darn qualified to be heading up a harbourside spot, and his passion for good produce shines through. Photograph: Leigh Griffiths RELATED READ: These are the best seafood restaurants in Sydney. On the brekkie menu, you’ll find a solid range of sweet and savoury dishes – the curry-spiced kedgeree ($28), braised beef hash ($28) and lemon myrtle buttermilk hotcakes ($30) are our top picks. At lunchtime, you’ve got more hefty options, including a warming fish cassoulet ($28) and fried chicken on “Texas toast” ($30). “It’s brunch with personality,” Blyde says – and that tracks. This isn’t about gimmicks or overworked plates; it’s about letting excellent local seafood do its thing, with just enough che

If your group chat has been batting around “we should book a trip” for what feels like forever, this is your moment. Today, Jetstar drops its annual ‘return for free’ birthday sale – and it’s delivering exactly what it says on the tin. For 48 hours only, travellers who snap up an outbound fare can score the return leg for free, with more than 75,000 return seats up for grabs across 80-plus routes. On the domestic front, fares start from just $64. Highlights include Adelaide to Melbourne (Avalon) from $64, Sydney to Ballina Byron from $86 (hello, beachside reset), Brisbane to Newcastle from $105 and Gold Coast to Sydney from $112. There’s also Canberra to the Gold Coast from $120, Brisbane to Cairns from $139 and Melbourne to Hervey Bay from $149. Even longer hauls like Perth to Sydney are in the mix from $289, which feels pretty reasonable when you factor in that free return. Photograph: Supplied | Pier 21 via Joel Barbitta Internationally, things get even more tempting. Bali is, unsurprisingly, a big player, with fares from Perth ($249), Darwin ($269) and Melbourne (Avalon) ($289). Further afield, you’ve got Cairns to Osaka from $429, Sydney to Phuket from $459, Brisbane to Seoul from $469 and Brisbane to Tokyo from $559. In short: whether you’re craving a quick tropical getaway or a full-blown overseas adventure, there’s something here that’ll make your bank account breathe a little easier. The only real catch? You’ll need to be quick. Club Jetstar members score a 12-hou

If you’ve been tossing up a Bali surf trip for the past six months, consider this your sign to take the leap. Jetstar is about to drop its annual ‘return for free’ birthday sale – and yes, it’s exactly what it sounds like. For 48 hours only, you can score a free return flight when you book an outbound fare, with more than 75,000 return seats up for grabs across 80-plus routes. Whether you’re eyeing a quick interstate escape or finally locking in that long-overdue international getaway, there are some seriously tempting options on the table. Domestic fares are kicking off from just $64, with standout deals including Sydney to Ballina Byron from $86 (and more fares expected to drop soon). Photograph: Pexels | Ben Mack RELATED READ: Australia’s most famous beach town has still got it – here’s why If you’re heading further afield, Sydney to Phuket from $459 is one of the headline international deals, making that dream island getaway feel a whole lot more achievable. The catch is that you’ll need to move fast. Club Jetstar members get a 12-hour head start (with access from noon today, Monday May 4), with general public access opening at midnight AEST. From there, the sale runs until 11.59pm on Wednesday, May 6 – or until those 75,000 seats inevitably disappear. Travel dates vary depending on the route, but there’s decent flexibility baked in. Domestic trips are available across mid-January to late February 2027, while international travel windows stretch from mid-June 2026 throu

There’s a lot of the wrong kind of “wild” going on in the world right now, and in the face of all of that, it’s natural to crave the sense of calm that washes over you when you’re a few hours into a mega bushwalk or gentle wander through the park. Time spent in nature is good for the body and great for the mind – it lowers stress, improves mood and boosts creativity – it’s little wonder then that nature-first travel is booming in 2026. According to Google Trends, searches for the 'greenest city in the world' have massively surged over the past year. Travellers are increasingly seeking destinations that offer vibrant urban experiences as well as botanical gardens and city parks. If you're dreaming of a nature-filled escape, a new Green City Index has just ranked the world’s most nature-rich cities – and Sydney is among them. The researchers evaluated cities around the globe on three key factors: the percentage of overall greenery, the share of accessible public green space and local air quality levels. After crunching the numbers, Sydney ranked at number six on the list – with 46 per cent of public park space, including the Royal Botanic Garden and Centennial Parklands, acting as its 'green lungs'. We’ve also got stunning national parks bordering the city – with the Blue Mountains National Park to the west, the Royal National Park to the south, Sydney Harbour National Park dotted across the harbour, and Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park, Lane Cove National Park and Garigal Natio

Back in the mid 2010s, the heritage-listed pub on the corner of Sussex and Slip Streets was a CBD institution – a no-frills destination for getting down to an eighties soundtrack, schooner in hand. On Friday and Saturday nights, a queue would snake up the street as dancefloor-ready Sydneysiders waited to be admitted entry to “Retro” – an abbreviation of the pub’s full name, The Bristol Arms Retro Tavern. The name was accurate for several reasons: its offering was straight-up unpretentious fun, and the pub has been around for decades. The current building dates back to 1889, but there are records of a tavern existing on the site since 1865. All that’s to say, this Sydney boozer has history. When The Bristol reopened in August 2024 after a major renovation, it dropped its Retro Tavern title – focusing on its more refined offerings (the beautiful rooftop bar is one of the city’s best). Now though, in excellent news for Abba-lovers, Retro is officially back – officially operating again on the first floor of The Bristol.The revived Retro promises a high-energy, nostalgia-fuelled nightclub experience celebrating the biggest hits of the ’80s, ’90s and ’00s – but with “a modern twist”. Expect DJs spinning club-ready remixes of iconic pop, R&B and party anthems designed to spark shameless singalongs on a packed out, unpretentious dancefloor. Plus, they'll be hosting a series of themed house parties on Saturday nights. Photograph: Supplied   “Retro was about shared memories and letti

Sydney culture enthusiasts, we’ve got news. After a good few years of anticipation, the wildly impressive building that will house Powerhouse Parramatta is officially complete; with exhibition fit-outs well underway ahead of the museum’s opening later this year. Translation: Western Sydney’s most ambitious cultural project is finally stepping out of its construction era and into its prep-and-polish phase. Set on the banks of the Parramatta River, this isn’t just another museum. At a mega 30,000 square metres, it’s the largest cultural infrastructure project in Australia since the Sydney Opera House – and the first state cultural institution to call Western Sydney home. Designed by Franco-Japanese architects Moreau Kusunoki alongside Australian firm Genton, the building itself is a statement: all sharp lines, soaring spaces and an admirably sustainability-focused design. Inside, we’ll find seven major exhibition spaces, including one of the largest column-free galleries in the country – a cavernous, 18-metre-high expanse that’s set to house ‘Task Eternal’, an ambitious exploration of humanity’s obsession with flight and space. It’s one of five major international exhibitions slated for opening, with more details still to come. In total, visitors will have access to more than 18,000 square metres of public and exhibition space, drawing from the Powerhouse’s vast collection of over half a million objects. Photograph: Supplied | NSW Government But this isn’t a museum in the tra

Melburnians, consider this your official permission slip to ditch the annual pilgrimage to the slopes. A wildly impressive new snow park is about to open into the city’s west – and it’s promising an endless snow day, no lift pass required. The world-leading snow park brand Snowtunnel has locked in a site for its global headquarters – and it's right here in Melbs, just 11 kilometres from the CBD. Best of all, the huge new park will feature a giant, rotating tunnel filled with real snow. Set to open in late 2026, the facility marks a big leap from concept to concrete for the Aussie-born brand, which recently unveiled its patented “Endless Mountain” tech to the world. The headline act? A hulking Snowtunnel structure standing 12.5 metres tall (that’s about four storeys high) and stretching 16 metres long. Inside, you’ll find more than 600 square metres of perfectly groomed snow – continuously rotating to create the illusion of an infinite downhill run. In other words: fresh tracks, forever. If this all sounds a bit sci-fi, think of it as snow sports’ answer to Urbnsurf – bringing what was once a destination experience right into the city. And much like its wave-riding cousin, Snowtunnel is gunning for mass appeal. Whether you’re a first-timer still figuring out which way to point your board, or a seasoned shredder chasing off-season laps, the space is designed to meet you where you’re at. Photograph: Supplied Beyond the headline tunnel, the site will double as a full-blown alpi

As Australia’s wellness enthusiasts know all too well, where you live does a whole lot more than shape your daily routine – the place you wake up each day is linked to health, wellbeing, and even life expectancy. A new iSelect analysis comparing regions across ten indicators, including mental health, employment, housing affordability, GP access, safety, and social connection, has ranked Australia’s most liveable places – and NSW dominates the list. Topping the list is Sutherland in Sydney’s south (with a total livability score of 68.96 out of 100), which combines the lowest unemployment rate in the top ten (2.3 per cent) with a strong sense of belonging (66.2 per cent) and easy access to coast (including the best beach in Australia for 2026) and green space. Sutherland also performs steadily on safety and health, although its work–life balance is weighed down by longer commutes (typical for outer-Sydney regions). NSW dominates the upper rankings, with four regions in the top ten, including the Northern Beaches (third) and Baulkham Hills & Hawkesbury (fourth). The Northern Beaches scores highly for coastal proximity, remote work rates, and lower prevalence of reported negative mental health, while Baulkham Hills leads the entire top ten for environmental quality, driven by extensive green space and high life expectancy. Photograph: Supplied | Destination NSW In second place overall is Adelaide’s Central and Hills region (68.78), which stands out for having the strongest work

If you thought Singapore’s hotel lobby bars had peaked at world-famous cocktails and perfunctory piano playlists, think again. Tucked into the leafy folds of Fort Canning Park, Canning Bar and Lounge at METT Singapore is rewriting the script – a venue in and of itself hiding between the palms.By day, it’s all soft light and greenery-framed calm – the kind of place where a coffee meeting easily folds into lunch. Come evening, the mood pivots – with lights dimming to a warm amber glow and the soundtrack deepening to set the tone. Design plays a big role in that shift, with interiors echoing the surrounding parkland with velvety green tones, botanical motifs and warm wood textures creating a seamless indoor-outdoor dialogue. Photograph: Supplied | METT Singapore At the centre of it all is a marble bar that anchors the room both physically and socially. This is where the venue’s cocktail programme comes into its own – a thoughtful, story-driven lineup that draws from Singapore’s cosmopolitan edge and the botanical richness of its setting.  The food offering holds its own, too. Michelin-starred chef Daniele Sperindio oversees an all-day dining menu that moves comfortably between elevated bar snacks and more indulgent plates. During Social Hour (Sunday to Thursday, 5pm–7pm), the vibe is particularly on point: cocktails from $15++ and house pours from $12++, paired with snacks like Cantábrico anchovies on crackers, ploughman’s sliders and golden battered sea bass.Weekends, meanwhi

In news that will surprise precisely no Pilates-loving residents of Bondi, where you live does a whole lot more than shape your daily routine – the place you wake up each day is linked to health, wellbeing, and even life expectancy. A new iSelect analysis comparing regions across ten indicators, including mental health, employment, housing affordability, GP access, safety, and social connection, has ranked Australia’s most liveable places – and NSW dominates the list. Topping the list is Sutherland in Sydney’s south (with a total livability score of 68.96 out of 100), which combines the lowest unemployment rate in the top ten (2.3 per cent) with a strong sense of belonging (66.2 per cent) and easy access to coast (including the best beach in Australia for 2026) and green space. Sutherland also performs steadily on safety and health, although its work–life balance is weighed down by longer commutes (typical for outer-Sydney regions). Photograph: Supplied | Destination NSW NSW dominates the upper rankings, with four regions in the top ten, including the Northern Beaches (third) and Baulkham Hills & Hawkesbury (fourth). The Northern Beaches scores highly for coastal proximity, remote work rates, and lower mental health prevalence, while Baulkham Hills leads the entire top ten for environmental quality, driven by extensive green space and high life expectancy.In second place overall is Adelaide’s Central and Hills region (68.78), which stands out for having the strongest work–l

South Yarra has a new crush, and she goes by the name of Julietta. From the team behind Mamasita, the new 35-seat trattoria leans into Italy's effortlessly charming energy – with wine by the glass, pasta made on site and a delicious-looking line-up of Negronis. Owner Joss Jenner-Leuthart describes it as the sort of spot you’d happily stumble upon while wandering Milan’s backstreets – and you can consider our interest piqued. Step inside (just off the lively intersection of Toorak Road and Chambers Street) and you’re met with a nostalgic nod to 1960s and ’70s Italian dining rooms: rustic hand-finished walls, a burnished lime-wash ceiling, vintage brass lighting and plush burgundy banquettes. Shelves are stacked with Italian wines, amaro and house-pickled bits and pieces – a quiet flex that says this kitchen takes its craft seriously, even if the vibe stays relaxed. Photograph: Supplied Speaking of the kitchen, executive chef Jimmy Garside (whose CV includes Mamasita, Pinco Italo and The Apollo) has built a menu that keeps things tight and thoughtful, with pasta firmly in the spotlight. Everything is made fresh, in-house, daily. You’ll find classics like cacio e pepe (here zhuzhed up with green peppercorns and pecorino fazzoletti), alongside richer plays like a baked vodka number with nduja and stracciatella. There’s a comforting short rib ragu, a housemade sausage tagliatelle and a bright, buttery prawn ravioli. Before you dive into carbs, there’s also a tidy selection of an