Winnie Stubbs

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

We're all about a secret underground dive bar or two – but in a city as beautiful as Sydney, it seems like a damn shame to retreat into the depths for every tipple. From a sundowner by the harbour to a sunny rooftop in the Inner West, our town is awash with sky-high watering holes. So we've rounded up the best spots in the city to sip a cold one under a gorgeous open sky. But drinkers beware: Sydney's rooftop bars play host to some of the most contested seats in the city, so get in early for a spot in the sun.  Stay in the loop: sign up for our free Time Out Sydney newsletter for more news, food & drink inspo and activity ideas, straight to your inbox. For more al fresco drinking try one of Sydney's best beer gardens. Looking for another top-notch watering hole? Check out the best bars in Sydney.

A planear as suas viagens para o novo ano? Deve, sem dúvida, contar com aqueles clássicos da bucket list, mas se procura inspiração fresca, 2026 promete um mundo de experiências totalmente novas. Desde dormir num museu ao ar livre até percorrer paisagens ancestrais em e-bikes, fazer zipline sobre magníficas reservas naturais e festejar durante um eclipse solar – sim, a sério – há dezenas de experiências fora do circuito habitual e fora da caixa a acontecer nos próximos 12 meses. Pelos quatro cantos do mundo, a Time Out escolheu as 26 coisas mais incríveis, surpreendentes e emocionantes para fazer em 2026. Recomendado: Podes vir, 2026. Temos as melhores agendas para planear o novo ano

They might be tucked away in CBD parks, or a stone's throw from our beautiful harbour, or in quiet suburban parks. We're talking about outdoor pools around the city that have got your back(stroke). Many are open under strict "swim and go" rules, meaning lap swimmers will be happy, but loungers and sunbathers will need to look elsewhere to make a splash, like one of Sydney's fab beaches. If you’re not one for sand or waves, Sydney’s ocean pools will keep the high tide swell at bay. Take the plunge and make a splash at best outdoor pools in Sydney this summer.    Stay in the loop: sign up for our free Time Out Sydney newsletter for more news, straight to your inbox. RECOMMENDED: These are the best secret swimming spots in SydneyStaying dry? These are the best things to do indoors 

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

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

In a country that buzzes from sunrise to sunset, you’re guaranteed to find new and exciting things happening no matter where you wake up (or wind down) – and 2026 is shaping up to be a blockbuster year for Australia. As Time Out's Travel and News Editor, it’s my job to hunt down all the newest happenings across every Australian state and territory. From highly anticipated restaurants and hot new hotels to world-first hikes and blockbuster exhibitions, here’s our ultimate list of the 26 best new things to do in Australia in 2026. How many will you tick off? Editors' top picks for 2026: 🥾 Best new hike: Uluṟu-Kata Tjuṯa Signature Walk, NT 🦁 Best new show: The Lion King, NSW 🖼️ Best new exhibition: Monet to Matisse: Defying Tradition, SA 🦘 The best places to visit in Australia🇦🇺 The top tourist attractions in Australia

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 options, 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 around Australia – 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 for beach: Perth to Rottnest Island 🌳 Best for nature: Sydney to Blue Mountains ☀️ Best for peace and quiet: Brisbane to Scenic Rim Go to: Sydney | Melbourne | Adelaide | Perth | Brisbane | Canberra | Hobart | Darwin  🚘 Australia's most popular road trips🌳 Regional towns that you can tick off in a day

As a city bursting with attractions, it’s an unavoidable fact that some of the things in your Sydney guidebook are bound to suck. Long queues, ridiculous prices and crowds of tourists are hardly going to make your trip to Sydney a memorable one – so ditch them all for these top-notch, local-approved sights and activities.  Below we’ve laid out a full range of tried-and-tested tourist stops around Sydney that are guaranteed not to be a let-down; they'll see you surfing at Bondi Beach, jetting across the harbour on a speedboat and watching humpback whales in the wild. Read on for our pick of the very best tourist attractions in Australia’s Harbour City. 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:These are the best restaurants in Sydney.These are the city's best bars.And these are the very best places to stay the night.  This article includes affiliate links. These links have no influence on our editorial content. For more information, click here.

Believe it or not, summer school holidays are here. And if the thought of keeping the kiddos entertained for the next two months sends you into a spiral, we've got you covered. There’s something here for the explorers, the budding scientists, the mini athletes, the musical prodigies, the artist and just about everyone in between. You'll find the ultimate round-up of activities and experiences happening in Sydney for kids and families this summer. Stay in the loop: sign up for our free Time Out Sydney newsletter for more news, food & drink inspo and activity ideas, straight to your inbox. Looking for somewhere affordable to eat out with the kids? Check out our guide to the best cheap eats in Sydney. Or visit these kid-friendly restaurants in Sydney.

2025 is coming to a close, and Sydney is gearing up to celebrate in style. With an abundance of sexy new wine bars, unfathomably epic hotel renovations and some seriously swish rooftop venues, it's clear that this stellar run of new openings mean we can expect some pretty impressive debut NYE parties this year. To help you choose between the good and the great, we’ve put together a round-up of the best parties to book this NYE – so you can ring in 2026 with a bang (or an intimate dinner – pick your poison). Stay in the loop: sign up for our free Time Out Sydney newsletter for more news, straight to your inbox. RECOMMENDED: Want to watch the fireworks without the hefty price tag? Here's our guide to the best free spots in Sydney to watch the NYE fireworks. Ready for a celebration right now? Here are our picks of the best bars in Sydney.

If you’re looking for an easy way to make someone’s day, surprise them with a bunch of beautiful blooms. It’s one of the easiest and sweetest ways to earn a spot in their good books, especially if you’ve accidentally forgotten their special day (don’t worry, we’ve all been there). From birthdays and anniversaries to Valentine’s and Mother’s Day, we’ve rounded up all the best flower delivery services in Australia, all available for easy online ordering with same- or next-day delivery across the country. Pick from a fragrant range of fresh, seasonal and customisable bouquets, and add in locally sourced goodies, like candles, chocolate and wine, for extra brownie points. As long as you order by around midday, your flowers could be delivered around Australia that evening – so no one has to know it was a last-minute save. Want to really win them over? Here are the most romantic getaways in Australia This article includes affiliate links. These links have no influence on our editorial content. For more information, click here.

Looking for an affordable, culturally-enriching day out in the Harbour City? We’ve got you. To help Sydneysiders and visitors make the most of the city, Transport for NSW has launched a totally free, super insightful walking itinerary that you can use for a car-free day out in town, and we reckon it’s a pretty solid guide to your next day out.You can use Transport for NSW’s Walks Near Me map to follow the Sydney Culture Walk itinerary that links Sydney’s favourite cultural institutions.  This is a great thing to do, whether you want to be a tourist in your own town, you’re a visitor here, or you have kids to entertain (and tire out) during the school holidays.  First up, head to the Sydney Culture Walk landing page and map out your route. If you’re keen to really capitalise on cultural insights, kick off your journey at Circular Quay station’s brand-new ‘Culture Station’ (you’ll find it beneath the train platforms, just opposite Wharf 5), where the team can offer advice, pamphlets and tickets. From there, the Sydney Culture Walk will unfurl like your own personalised greatest-hits playlist of Sydney’s cultural scene. Not sure where to head? Below is your cheat sheet to the star stops – but the Walks Near Me platform will help guide your way: Sydney Opera House Art Gallery of New South Wales State Library of NSW Hyde Park Barracks Australian Museum Sydney Observatory RELATED READ: 9 must-see landmarks on a self-guided walking tour across SydneyYou’ll find the full Sydney Cul

When Slow House opened on Curlewis Street back in 2021, it was among the first of a wave of new wellness spaces taking Sydney by storm. Here, the focus was on quiet, ritualistic bathing – with the key treatment (the Signature Slow) encouraging guests to take things at their own pace, from the seclusion of a private sauna room. Though guests at the original Slow House are welcome to spend time in the communal spaces – with ice baths large enough to fit six people at a time – it’s generally a place you come to spend time alone, a haven of self-guided self-care.Almost five years later, the Bondi-born wellness brand has taken a new tack – with Slow House 2.0 (now named 38° The Bathhouse) open beneath a shiny new gym right on the Bondi beachfront. Although the aesthetic here is similar – all muted neutral tones and soft, organic curves – this new, larger outpost is a place where connecting with other people is paramount. ‘Slow House The Bath House’ is a social space with body-and-soul enriching side effects, and it’s exactly what the busy beachside suburb has been crying out for. You’ll find the sprawling subterranean space at the end of a long corridor framed by a mirrored ceiling that mimics an ocean at sunset – it’s immediately surreal, and somehow completely, perfectly Bondi. Warm lighting illuminates the main room, which is home to three magnesium pools (each sitting at different temperatures for different therapeutic benefits), a large Finnish sauna, a steam room, two ice ba

If you’re looking for a way to spend January 26 that centres culture, creativity and community, Blak Powerhouse belongs firmly at the top of your list. Back for its fourth iteration, this celebration of Blak excellence is returning to Sydney for 2026 – away from its original Powerhouse location (the Ultimo site is currently under construction), but with its biggest line-up yet. Set to light up Manning House at the University of Sydney on January 26, the free, all-ages event has announced an impeccable roster of First Nations artists, led by ARIA Award-winning rapper (and winner of the inaugural NSW First Nations Music Prize) BARKAA and powerhouse rap collective 3%. Now in its fourth year, Blak Powerhouse is an annual celebration of Blak pride, joy and cultural strength – and it’s quickly become one of the city’s most meaningful dates on the cultural calendar. Presented by Powerhouse and Indigenous social enterprise We Are Warriors, Blak Powerhouse 2026 is about far more than live music. Kicking off at 6pm, the evening will unfold as a beautifully diverse celebration of culture, featuring DJs, dance performances, panel discussions, weaving workshops, interactive art installations, market stalls and short film showcases – all designed to create space for connection, learning and community.RELATED READ: Here’s a sneak peek at Powerhouse Parramatta The night will open with a Welcome to Country and smoking ceremony led by Aunty Nadeena Dixon, a Gadigal, Dharawal, Yuin and Wiradjur

Golden hour in Sydney is a magical time; when the glare of the day fades and the dropping sun coats the city in a buttery glow. And there’s one particular spot in Sydney that seems to catch the light perfectly – a fail-safe sunset spot with views across the Harbour, and one of the best places to stargaze when daylight disappears entirely. We’re talking about Sydney Observatory, and for five Fridays this summer, golden hour at this spot is ramping up to the next level – elevated by a series of three-hour live music sets programmed by the creative people behind Powerhouse. Sunset Variations will kick off on Friday, January 30 with an ambient Afrofuturist performance by Ethiopian Australian sound artist, Nū, to set the tone as the light disappears from the sky above the Harbour City.  Next up, on Friday, February 6, experimental electronic artist e fishpool will soundtrack sunset with a mesmeric performance. Friday, February 13 will welcome the cinematic compositions from the Aarti Jadu Ensemble, performing alongside Emma Ovenden and George Worthy. Then, on Friday, February 20, Luritja singer-songwriter and visual artist Keanu Nelson will take over the heritage site with a spell-binding performance as an ode to his Papunya roots. The series will come to a close with a powerful set from the Setwun: Celestial Bodies on Friday, February 27. The soulful, percussive showcase, led by composer and multi-instrumentalist DJ Josh Panakera-Molony, will blend jazz, groove and dance music ov

If you were under the impression that Sydney’s summer fun peaks in December, you stand corrected. Every summer, right after the dust settles from the Harbour City’s sparkling NYE fireworks display, Sydney Festival is waiting to take over the city with a hefty helping of fresh arts and culture. This is your chance to get in on an almost-month-long program overflowing with avant garde performances, immersive art installations, phenomenal live musicians and parties that rock on well into the night. This year, the annual event is turning 50 – and if you were expecting a quiet midlife moment, think again. This summer, from January 8 to January 25, the city is throwing itself into a full-blown cultural block party, cracking open five decades of artistic history and inviting everyone in for a look at what’s next. Under the direction of Kris Nelson, who’s stepping up for his first year at the helm, the 2026 program is a sprawling, joy-sparking mix of theatre, music, dance and art.  At the heart of this anniversary edition is a deep dive into connection across generations, playing out through a (delightfully off-the-wall) theatre program. There’s the world-premiere roller-derby spectacular Mama Does Derby, which will see Virginia Gay and Clare Watson transform Sydney Town Hall into a full-scale rink for a tender, sweaty mother-daughter story. There’s Dear Son, bringing Thomas Mayo’s powerful collection of letters to the Belvoir stage with music, dance and theatre-makers Isaac Drandic

Calling all Sydney-based cinephiles. Flickerfest – Australia’s biggest competitive short film festival – is coming back for 2026, taking over Bondi Pavilion with more than 200 short film screenings across a glittering ten-day program. Known for spotlighting some of the country’s best-received short films, with heaps of Academy® and BAFTA winners among its alumni, Flickerfest is returning for its 35th year, with films screening by the beach from January 23 until February 1, 2026. The carefully selected curation of short films will be chosen from a pool of more than 3,600 entries – and based on what we've seen in previous years, we're expecting big things.As well as the shortlisted films, the program features a celebration of young Aussie filmmakers (FlickerUp), a showcase of LGBTQI cinema (Rainbow Shorts), a series of films about relationships (Love Bites) and exploring films about relationships, Short Laughs (a comedy series) and FlickerKids: a special program of kids and family-friendly films. After the Bondi-based festival, Flickerfest will go on tour – taking selected films to more than 40 venues across Australia from February until October.You can check out the full program and learn more over here.Stay in the loop: sign up for our free Time Out Sydney newsletter for more news, straight to your inbox.RECOMMENDED: Want fun now? Here’s what’s on in Sydney this weekend.And these are the best outdoor cinemas in the city.In the mood for a show? Here’s our list of the best thea

It’s imperative that you do not eat before you visit the Carriageworks Farmers Markets. You’ll want to save maximum belly space for your personal version of The Bachelorette where you decide who gets your dollars and what delicious produce gets to come home with you. Maybe you like something soupy and savoury first thing? In that case head to Bar Pho for a traditional Vietnamese start to the day. On the veggie train? Hit up Keppos St Kitchen for a falafel breakfast, or head to Food Farm for a classic bacon and egg roll.Once the hounds of your hunger have been quieted it’s time to prepare for your next meal, or seven. Stock up on artisan cheese from Leaning Oak, smoked salmon from Brilliant Foods and Sydney’s favourite sourdough from AP Bakery and brunch is sorted. You can spend a whole lot of money if you want to here, but equally you could just grab a kombucha on tap from Herbs of Life and find a chair for some of the best dog-watching in the city.  Stay in the loop: sign up for our free Time Out Sydney newsletter for more news, travel tips and city insights, straight to your inbox. Hungry for more? Look at our list of the best markets in Sydney – produce or otherwise. 

If drinking Champagne while dancing on a superyacht fits on your 2026 vision board, we’ve got you. Following two super successful seasons at the start of 2024 and 2025,  The Jackson (arguably Sydney’s most Instagrammed luxury superyacht) is teaming up with Veuve Clicquot for another sparkling summer party series. The string of harbour parties will see the huge, sparkly-af boat play host to a stacked line-up of DJs across two expansive decks, with dancing fuel (read: Champagne and canapés) provided by Veuve Clicquot. Oysters, Champagne and hours of dancing to the backdrop of Sydney’s glittering harbour – it’s a pretty solid recipe. Kicking off on Saturday, January 10, The Jackson's Veuve Cliquot in the Sun will see DJs from Sydney and beyond take to the decks (pun intended) for high-energy, Champagne-fuelled afternoons. The events will run from 12pm until 4pm on Saturdays throughout January, February, March and April, and your $159 ticket will score you two glasses of Veuve Clicquot Yellow Label, free-flowing canapés and oysters, plus four hours of dancing and a gelato for the journey back to dry land. Keen? You can learn more and secure your ticket over here. RECOMMENDED: Want fun now? These are the best things to do in Sydney this weekend And these affordable picnic boats are a more low-key boating optionWant the boat-owner life without the price tag? This subscription service might be the answer

Carriageworks Farmers Markets – one of Sydney’s favourite weekly markets – is putting on a special festive affair on Saturday, December 20, with more than over 120 stalls, extended trading hours (8am to 3pm) and live music.Expect glorious seasonal additions to the usual farm-fresh produce, and Christmas favourites such as hocks of ham, puddings and mouthwatering fruit cake for sale, plus vegan alternatives such as meat-free roasts and non-dairy cheeses. In addition to the regular weekly stallholders like AP Bakery, Oz Harvest and Kepos Street Kitchen, there'll also be offerings from guest stalls like Gelato Messina, Plate It Forward, Wildflower Brewing & Blending and heaps more.  Alongside the foodie offering, you’ll be able to grab a few final gifts from stalls selling food-related presents like ceramics and cookbooks. Plus, there’ll be booze stalls from local bars, breweries and distilleries, and live music to soundtrack your shopping.Stay in the loop: sign up for our free Time Out Sydney newsletter for more news, straight to your inbox. RECOMMENDED: Want fun now? Here’s what’s on this weekend. And here’s what’s on this week. Want to take your foraged goods into the great outdoors? These are the best picnic spots in Sydney.

If you’ve driven past Rooty Hill’s West HQ lately, you’ll know the Coliseum Theatre doesn’t exactly do subtle. With its sweeping curves, cathedral-like acoustics and spectacular staging, the venue has quickly cemented its name as one of Western Sydney’s cultural calling cards.This summer, the venue’s offering is dialling up – with the Coliseum Theatre rolling out its biggest program ever – the inaugural Coliseum Summer Festival, a two-month celebration of blockbuster entertainment running from December 6 until January 24. Over the peak summer season, the venue will be serving up everything from smash-hit comedy sessions to mind-bending magic shows and big-ticket family theatre productions. Here are the seasonal highlights you won’t want to miss. Sooshi Mango: Home Made Encore  One of Australia’s favourite comedy trios are back with their wildly popular show – a lovingly chaotic celebration of family, culture and questionable DIY projects. Expect outrageous accents, impeccable timing and a whole heap of belly-laughs to kick-start your silly season.Dates: December 6 Cosentino – Tricked For one night only, master illusionist Cosentino will bring his high-stakes magic to the Coliseum stage. This is sleight-of-hand with serious swagger: escapology, illusions and unbelievable stunts. Dates: December 13 Cirque Alice Christmas Eve at the Coliseum is getting curiouser and curiouser. Cirque Alice is a reimagination of Lewis Carroll’s famously wacky world through acrobatics, aerial arti

Sydneysiders don’t need many excuses to roll out a picnic rug, pop a bottle of pét-nat and spend a balmy evening under the stars – but this summer, Moonlight Cinema is making an especially solid case. Australia’s most well-established outdoor movie night is officially turning 30, and to celebrate, it’s handing the programming reins over to the people. Yep: for the first time ever, you get to help shape the season’s line-up. Since its debut back in 1995 – opening with a now-iconic screening of Pulp Fiction – Moonlight Cinema has become a staple of the Sydney summer. More than five million people have sprawled across the lawns since then: first dates, proposals, celeb sightings, and countless delighted doggos who’ve come to expect their own bean bag and biscuit as standard. This year, the beloved Belvedere Amphitheatre in Centennial Parklands will once again transform into one of the Harbour City’s most picturesque open-air theatres, with films running throughout the summer from Friday, November 21, 2025 to Sunday April 5, 2026. And while the November–December program is already on sale, the real thrill lies in The People’s Program – a nationwide vote to decide which nostalgic favourites will hit the big screen from January through March. Voting is now open, with film choices including Shrek, Dirty Dancing, The Castle, Jurassic Park and more. Everyone who casts a vote gets 30 per cent off General Admission to People’s Program screenings – plus a shot at winning a Double Season

The north-of-the-bridge iteration of Bondi's Sunset Cinema is taking over North Sydney Oval again this summer, bringing three months of alfresco flicks to the open-air location. Sunset Cinema North Sydney will kick off a new season of outdoor popcorn delights from December 18 through to March 14. Pack your blankets and lawn chairs or hire a bean bag for an additional $15. Or level up with a Fever Tree lounger seating with popcorn and a Fever-Tree drink for an additional $30. Gates open at 6.30pm with films commencing at sundown. There will be a food truck onsite, but you're more than welcome to pack a picnic. Note: you can BYO food but not alcohol. The screenings kick off with a string of Christmas movies like The Holiday, Love Actually and even Home Alone on Christmas night(!). Kids will love Zootopia 2 and The Spongebob Movie, while families can join in a singalong for Mamma Mia!  Screenings take place Wednesday to Saturday (with a few exceptions). Early bird tickets are $20 per adult, which can be  and tickets (from $27 for adults, kids $15) are on sale now. Want more? Check out the best outdoor cinemas in Sydney. Stay in the loop: sign up for our free Time Out Sydney newsletter for more news, straight to your inbox. RECOMMENDED: Want fun now? Here’s what’s on in Sydney this weekend. In the mood for a show? Here’s our list of the best theatre to see in Sydney this month. No cash to splash? You can catch an alfresco movie every Wednesday this summer in The Rocks.

If you’re the kind of traveller who plans holidays around hotel openings (no judgement), 2026 is shaping up to be a very good year. From Kyoto’s most atmospheric heritage restoration to new cloud-skimming city stays and jungle book-coded Balinese escapes, Asia is on track to welcome a very impressive wave of hotel openings in the year ahead. Ready to start planning? These are the 12 new Asian hotels we’re most excited to check into in 2026. Waldorf Astoria Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia Opening late 2026Landing in the Golden Triangle with 23 gleaming floors and 272 suites, the Waldorf Astoria KL promises sky-high glamour, knockout city views and one of Malaysia’s most impressive event spaces – including a pillarless ballroom built for major moments. This is one to book for a sparkling city staycation. Meliá Serenity Cam Ranh Beach Resort, Vietnam Opening Q2 2026Fronting Cam Ranh Bay’s stunning Long Beach, this ocean-side sanctuary will pair pool-villa living with Meliá’s signature Spanish-Mediterranean warmth and personalised service. As with all Meliá properties, we can expect a major focus on wellness – with the YHI Spa combining cutting-edge techniques and state-of-the-art facilities with traditional therapies. Photograph: Supplied | Meliá Serenity Cam Ranh Beach Resort   Conrad Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia Opening mid-2026Malaysia’s first Conrad property will bring 481 luxe rooms to the Golden Triangle, delivering seamless access to KL’s landmarks with the brand’s signature mix of b

When the team behind 25hours Hotel Sydney The Olympia unveiled what they had in store for the heritage-listed former theatre in the beating heart of Paddington, the promise of a Hollywood-inspired rooftop bar piqued our interest. After checking it out for a golden hour drink as silly season reached its pre-Christmas peak, we’re happy to confirm that Monica is the upscale rooftop bar that Oxford Street needed. Sitting pretty on the fifth floor of the recently opened hotel, the 200-person bar flung open its doors in October and is already staking its claim as one of Sydney’s best rooftop options. Step out of the mirrored elevator and you’re immediately struck by the energy of the place – tables busy with well-dressed friendship groups and bottles of bubbles, golden hour light pouring through the windows and a DJ on the balcony setting the tone. The vibe is 1960s Hollywood glamour meets modern Australian summer: olive and white scalloped umbrellas, cushioned burgundy booths and a playful mural by local artist George Buchanan lining the walls. Photograph: Winnie Stubbs | Time Out Sydney | shot on Fujifilm On the drinks front, industry heavyweight Roean Patawaran (ex-Oncore, Firedoor) leads a cocktail program that’s playful but precise: Picante Margaritas with fermented jalapeño, coconut-macadamia Daiquiris, and (crucially) on-point Martinis. Culinary wizard Mitch Orr backs it up with punchy share plates – devilled spanner crab on Jatz, freshly shucked oysters and incredibly mo

If you've long treated the Maldives as the ultimate 'one day' destination – a place reserved more for blissed-out honeymooners, A-listers or travellers with plenty of money and endless patience for layovers and airport lounges – we've got some exciting news. In a major aviation first, journeying to the Maldives is about to get a whole lot smoother, with popular travel brand Luxury Escapes helping to launch Australia’s first-ever direct flight from Melbourne to Malé – officially putting one of the world’s most dreamy destinations within easy reach (and cutting out the stopover slog entirely). According to Luxury Escapes, this is the first and only direct service between Australia and the Maldives, operated via an exclusive partnership with Maldivian Airlines. Translation? Less transit, more tanning and a total travel time of under 12 hours. Until now, getting to the Maldives from anywhere in Australia meant bracing yourself for at least one international stopover – usually Singapore, Kuala Lumpur, Colombo or Dubai – stretching the journey to between 15 to 20-plus hours. The new direct Melbourne-Malé route changes that completely, offering a straight shot overnight from Tullamarine to Velana International Airport.   Photograph: SennaRelax/Shutterstock It’s a genuine game-changer for Australian travellers, especially as interest in the Maldives appears to be on the up. Luxury Escapes booking data shows the Maldives was the third most popular overseas destination in 2024, with

Melbourne isn’t short of high-end places to stay, but a lot of visitors to the city are looking for a taste of what it’s like to actually live here – without the 24-hour room service and glittering hotel lobbies. Enter Lyf on Elizabeth Melbourne, the newest opening from Lyf – a social hotel brand that’s tailor-made for travellers who like their accommodation with a side of culture, community and cold craft beer. Located at 489 Elizabeth Street, this 90-room stay plants itself right at the gateway to some of the city’s greatest hits: Queen Victoria Market for morning snacks, the State Library for a quiet reset and the CBD’s ever-buzzing retail and dining precincts just beyond the front door. Operated by The Ascott Limited, a global heavyweight in serviced residences and hotels since 1984, Lyf on Elizabeth follows the success of Lyf Collingwood Melbourne (opened in 2022) and the runaway popularity of Lyf Bondi Junction Sydney, which launched in April and is tracking towards an impressive 85 per cent-plus occupancy by year’s end. Translation: flexible, design-forward accommodation for digital nomads, creatives and curious city explorers is having a moment.What sets Lyf apart is its commitment to staying genuinely local. Under its banner of #lyfgoesLOCAL, the Elizabeth Street outpost weaves Melbourne’s creative DNA into every corner – from playful interiors and social spaces to curated activations showcasing local artisans and artists. The result is a stay that feels less like a

For a place that technically doesn’t exist yet, Bradfield City is already having a pretty big moment. Gradually coming to life on the doorstep of Sydney’s new international airport, the first new city to be built in Australia in 100 years is shifting from bold promise to bricks-and-mortar reality, with the NSW Government announcing a new, $1 billion development agreement.The deal will see the development company Plenary transform Bradfield’s very first ‘Superlot’ – a 5.7-hectare patch of land sitting next to the city’s first building, it’s NYC-style Central Park and the new Metro station – into a fully fledged mixed-use precinct. At the heart of the plan are 1,400 new homes, with at least ten per cent locked in as affordable housing. A quarter of the site will be dedicated to commercial and community uses, including advanced industries, a hotel, essential services like childcare and health facilities, a university campus, and a 1,500-square-metre food and beverage venue overlooking the city’s Central Park.RELATED READ: These are the proposed flight paths for Australia’s new city Photograph: Supplied | NSW Government According to the NSW Government, this deal will form the foundational layer of Bradfield City. Development is set to roll out in stages, generating thousands of construction jobs and injecting serious momentum into Western Sydney’s economy. Over the next five years, Stage One will focus on the essentials that make a city actually feel like a city: lively public

Sydney has just been crowned one of the best places on Earth to ring in the new year – and honestly, we’re not remotely surprised. According to new data from travel eSIM provider Holafly, Sydney has ranked as the second-best New Year’s Eve destination in the world, beaten only by New York City and sitting comfortably ahead of heavy-hitting party hubs like Dubai. To put together the definitive guide to global NYE destinations, the Holafly team analysed everything from global search volumes and the number of NYE events, to weather and the eye-watering cost of accommodation over the countdown period.  With more than 66,000 searches from travellers plotting their end-of-year escape and 69 New Year’s Eve celebrations across the city, Sydney has cemented its reputation as the place to be when the clock ticks over. As one of the first major cities in the world to welcome the new year, the celebratory energy here feels amplified – like the rest of the globe is watching us press play on the year ahead.  At the heart of our city's celebrations is, of course, Sydney Harbour. Each year, the city’s world-famous fireworks unfurl in spectacular fashion, cascading off the Harbour Bridge and framing the Opera House in technicolour light. It’s a show that stops cities across the globe in their tracks – and one that feels perfeclty Sydney, whether you’re watching from a packed foreshore picnic rug, a harbour cruise or a sky-high rooftop bar. Ringing in the new year from Sydney is an iconic expe

Planning a visit to Malaysia? If you’re a history buff or hotel fanatic, you’ll want to take note. A long-forgotten 1904 annexe connected to Penang’s iconic, indigo-hued Cheong Fatt Tze (The Blue Mansion) has been lovingly reborn as The Qing Suites: a refined boutique stay fusing 130 years of history with contemporary Asian hospitality. Once the servants’ quarters that kept daily life humming inside the grand mansion, the annexe has now been transformed into 13 elegant suites, reopening as part of the Cheong Fatt Tze Hotels & Residences precinct. The result is a thoughtful continuation rather than a reinvention – one that honours the UNESCO-awarded mansion’s legacy while introducing quieter spaces, cleaner lines and modern comforts tailored to today’s travellers. The revival is the latest chapter in a remarkable conservation story. After Cheong Fatt Tze’s death in 1916, the mansion fell into disrepair before being rescued in 1989 by conservation architect Professor Ar. Laurence Loh, who restored it and reopened it as a heritage attraction and boutique hotel in 1995. In 2000, it was recognised with UNESCO’s “Most Excellent Project” at the Asia Pacific Heritage Awards. Since 2015, Managing Director Shen Loh-Lim has expanded the brand with a vision of reconnecting the long-separated annexe to its historic heart – a plan delayed by the pandemic, but finally realised in 2025. Overseen once again by Laurence Loh and Arkitek LLA, the restoration carefully rekindles a physical and ph

Every year, the travel experts at Condé Nast Traveller drop a list that sends food enthusiasts into a frenzy – the best places to eat around the world in the year ahead. It’s a global roll call that flits from Mediterranean islands to South American food capitals and beyond, and this year, among heavyweight contenders like Hong Kong, Crete and Medellín, one name stands out for Sydney locals: Parramatta. Our very own western hub has officially ranked number seven in the world on Condé Nast Traveller’s Best Places to Go in 2026 list – a massive nod to the area’s rise as a cultural and culinary powerhouse. For those who haven’t wandered west in a while, this might come as a surprise, but getting the CN seal of approval is as legit a global accolade as a destination can get. According to the travel experts at Condé Nast Traveller, Parramatta’s level up is no accident – with Powerhouse Parramatta (soon to be NSW’s largest museum) cited as a major catalyst. RELATED READ: These are our favourite restaurants in ParramattaThe CN experts cited a few Parramatta faves in their travel guide for 2026, directing travellers to Circa Espresso (winner of the People’s Choice Award for Best Café in the Time Out Sydney Food and Drink Awards 2025) for Ottoman eggs, and to Homage Specialty Coffee for Wagyu muffins. The guide also called out Parramatta Square – once more traffic-jam than terraza – which is now lined with leafy dining courtyards and big-name kitchens including Lebanese charcoal chick

With Christmas literal moments away and the great summer exodus already beginning, Victorian families are piling into the car, loading up on snacks and SPF, and attempting to keep the peace in the back seat. And now, thanks to new research from the car insurance comparison experts at iSelect, you can take the guesswork out of choosing where to head – because the Great Ocean Road has officially ranked number one in the country for family-friendly road trips. To determine the best road trips for families in Australia, the research team at iSelect evaluated some of the country’s most popular drives, taking into account everything from the number of family attractions along the route to mobile phone coverage, average rainfall and traffic congestion.Clocking a standout score of 76.15/100, the 243-kilometre stretch between Torquay and Allansford beat more than 20 contenders thanks to its trifecta of safety, convenience and classic coastal charm. According to the research, it’s got the lot: full mobile coverage (no patchy service when you’re relying on Google Maps or Bluey episodes), the highest number of hospitals and rest stops per 100 kilometres, and a mild summer climate that won’t have you melting into the upholstery before you hit Aireys Inlet. And for the kids? Koala spotting in Kennett River, rainforest wanders in the Otways and sandy beach stops practically on tap. It’s wholesome, low-stress, and – crucially – distraction-heavy.  Photograph: Supplied | Visit Victoria West

If you’ve been lucky enough to check out the Art Gallery of NSW’s Tank takeover (Mike Hewson’s The Key’s Under the Mat) since it launched in early October, you won’t be surprised to learn that the super immersive (and free-to-access) exhibition has just scored a major global tick of approval. In Time Out’s annual round-up of the 26 best things to do in the world in 2026, the delightfully off-the-wall art experience landed at number 15. The globe-spanning bucket list is put together every year by Time Out’s global travel editors, so it’s big news to see a very Australiana Sydney exhib landing so high on the list. Topping the list this year was a jaw-dropping Parisian spectacle which will see the city’s oldest bridge   temporarily transformed into a cavernous, rock-filled walkway. Other inclusions from across the world include a four-day solar eclipse party in Iceland, a sleepover in a Brazilian sculpture park and a new coast-to-coast trail in South Korea. The only other Aussie mention went to Queensland’s Lamington National Park zipline experience, which came in at an impressive number four on the list. But we’re here to shine a light on the Sydney event – which is serving up accessible interactive chaos in the heart of the city. The playful, surreal exhibition is like an Australian child’s fever-dream utopia. The subterranean Tank space has been lit for the first time, revealing a wonderland of interactive art pieces and whimsical installations. There’s a steam room with stai

Update Friday, December 19: Qantas has released a first look at its inaugural Project Sunrise aircraft, now in the final stage of preparation before an extensive test flight program begins in 2026. The aircraft will be capable of flying up to 22 hours non-stop, thanks to an additional 20,000 litre fuel tank. If you’ve ever been lucky enough to fly to Europe’s sparkling shores, you’ll also have been brave enough to have endured the heinously long, multi-stage journey time to get there. But thanks to Qantas, the Sydney to London passage is set to get a whole lot smoother over the next few years. Almost eight years ago, Qantas announced its ambitious plan to launch direct flights from Sydney to London. Clocking in at just over 20 hours, it will claim the title of the longest non-stop passenger flight in the world. The initial 2025 launch was pushed back due to technical issues and pandemic-related delays, but now a new launch date has been announced for the first half of 2027. Currently, the world’s longest flight is Singapore Airlines’ direct service from Singapore to New York, which covers around 15,300 kilometres in roughly 18.5 hours. Qantas’ 17.5-hour journey from Perth to London is the world’s third longest, while the 17-hour Perth to Paris route and the 16-hour Melbourne to Dallas flight follow close behind.  Once the Sydney to London Heathrow flight launches, it will surpass them all, with an air time of around 20 hours across 17,015 kilometres. Qantas has named it Proje

With one of the longest coastlines in the entire world – covering up to 60,000 kilometres – Australia has no shortage of places to cool off. But sometimes, you want to swap sand and crowds for the calm, convenience and privacy of your very own pool. The good news? You don’t need to own one to live the dream, thanks to Swimply – a handy app that lets you book private pools across Australia by the hour. We like to think of Swimply as an Airbnb for pools, connecting hosts keen to earn some extra cash with pool-less Aussies chasing a sunny place to splash around. From city rooftop pools to big backyard oases, there are hundreds of options across Australia, ranging from just $25 to $300 per hour. Photograph: Supplied | Swimply The app's search function makes it easy to find exactly what you’re after – whether that’s a pet-friendly pool, a party-friendly setup, a spacious spot for a family barbecue or a luxe villa for a photoshoot. The highest-rated pools offer bar fridges, sun lounges, Bluetooth speakers, pool toys and bathroom facilities, while some hosts offer extras for a small fee, including barbecues, fire pits and gyms. If the idea of splashing around in some random’s pool feels a little strange, don’t overthink it – more than 4 million people have used Swimply worldwide. Once you’ve picked the perfect pool, you’ll get clear arrival instructions and can then relax in full privacy for as long as you book. Swimply currently has pools listed in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, th