Winnie Stubbs

Nothing says "I care", "hope you feel better" or "I love you" quite like a beautiful bouquet of flowers. Fortunately, Sydney is home to some fabulous florists willing to arrange and deliver the goods – often at just a day's notice, and some even with same-day delivery. From locally-sourced seasonal blooms to customisable arrangements and gift packages, there's something for every type of occasion. Our team of flower fans have put some of Sydney's highest-rated flower delivery services to the test – here are our picks of the bunch right now. In romance mode? Here are Sydney's best date spots for setting the mood. 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. This article includes affiliate links. These links have no influence on our editorial content. For more information, click here.

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.

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

This time around, Lunar New Year falls on Tuesday, February 17, 2026, and it's a celebration for many cultures represented in Sydney, including the city's Chinese, Vietnamese, Thai and Korean communities. It's traditionally celebrated through food, art, festivities and generally getting together with friends and family. February 17 marks the end of the Year of the Snake – a time of planning, internal reflection and shedding old habits – and the beginning of the Year of the Fire Horse. It’s the seventh sign in the Chinese zodiac, associated with intense energy, freedom, ambition and passion. We've picked out some of the very best ways to harness horse energy and celebrate the new lunar year in Sydney. Note that celebrations tend to start prior to the actual new year, and we'll be adding to this list as we near the date, so check back with us when you need more activity inspo. Giddy up!RECOMMENDED: Want fun now? These are the best things to do in Sydney this weekend.And here’s what’s on this week.

It’s a truth universally acknowledged that Australia is home to some of the most beautiful beaches in the world. With a whopping 12,000 beaches fringing our island continent, it would take a wild 32 years to see them all – if you tackle one per day. Assuming that your 32-year plan doesn't singularly involve beach hopping around Australia (although we can, of course, dream), we've put together a list of the best beaches in Australia that you should visit at least once in your life. This list of Australia's best beaches, curated by our Travel & News Editor Melissa Woodley, showcases destinations that aren’t just stunning to look at but genuinely brilliant to experience. Each is known for its remarkable beauty, prime swimming conditions (read: you won't see a beach with saltwater crocs on this list) and proximity to other incredible activities, so your adventure doesn't end with just one dip. So grab your swimmers, pack the sunscreen and start planning. Here are the best beaches in Australia to visit at least once in your life. Editors' favourite beaches in Australia: 💙 Best of all time: Whitehaven Beach, QLD 🤍 Best hidden gem: Stokes Bay, SA 💚 Best views: Wineglass Bay, TAS QLD | NSW | WA | TAS | VIC | SA  🌊 The best nudist beaches in Australia🏄 The best surf beaches in Australia

The day of inflated flower prices, oversized plushies and high expectations is almost upon us. However you may feel about Valentine's Day (Hollywood-esque love, deep, anti-capitalist contempt, cold apathy), know that there are plenty of ways you can authentically celebrate love in Sydney right now – whether that's the love you have for your date, a mate, or your own fine self. From singles to coupled-up sweethearts, there’s something delightful for everyone to do in Sydney on February 14 (which falls on a Saturday this year), as well as in the lead-up to and fallout after the big day. We've also rounded up the sexiest date-night spots in Sydney and the best fun (and free) outings – so you're all set for Cupid's Big Day. With love,  Time Out 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:Want fun now? Here’s what’s on in Sydney this weekend.And here’s our guide to things to do this February.

Cupid’s day of love is coming up. Forget the ridiculously overpriced red roses and take your loved one out for a delicious meal at one of Sydney’s most romantic spots instead. Don’t have a hot date? No worries. Take your best friend, your mum, or yourself out for a great night. And if you don’t believe in Valentine’s Day (fair), these gems are romantic year-round for your next date night.  So, how did we pull together this guide? All the venues are cosy and intimate, vibey and have low lighting (none of that fluorescent doctor’s waiting room stuff). And, of course, they all serve top food and drinks with warm, relaxed service – so your night can flow with ease. From classy cocktail bars to chic wine haunts and candlelit restaurants, you’ll find Sydney’s sexiest spots below. Bring a pack of mints and you're good to go. Stay in the loop: sign up for our free Time Out Sydney newsletter for more news, food & drink inspo and activity ideas, straight to your inbox. Want to take the pressure off? This is our guide to Sydney's best restaurants. Wooing on a shoestring? These are the best cheap eats in Sydney.

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

Melbourne is home to its fair share of super-luxe hotels, but there are also hidden gems in every corner of the city where you can rest your head for less than $200 a night. From super central sky-high towers like Oaks on Collins to charming stays on the fringe of the city like The Plough Hotel, Melbourne's budget hotels prove that you don't have to drop 500 bucks a night to enjoy a good night's sleep within striking distance of Melbourne’s best bits. To help you find your best affordable stay, our team of local editors (including Time Out Melbourne Editor Leah Glynn) have tried and tested Melbourne’s most well-located low-cost hotels, and Time Out Travel and Hotels Editor Winnie Stubbs has checked the list over to make sure it delivers.For an even more affordable night in the city, share a room with friends (and try to book at least a few weeks in advance). Another top tip from Time Out Melbourne’s team of local editors? Don't be afraid to trade space for location – you're only sleeping, after all. Read on for our guide to the best budget hotels in Melbourne.  Editor's quick picks: Best fully equipped home-away-from-home: Oaks on Collins Best for making new friends: YHA Melbourne Central Best boutique city stay: Brady Hotels Central Melbourne  Best quirky neighbourhood stay: The Plough Hotel Stay in the loop: sign up for our free Time Out Melbourne newsletter for the best of the city, straight to your inbox. RECOMMENDED:  These are the best places to go camping near Mel

Sydney itself is home to a pretty strong line-up of high-end stays – the multi award-winning Capella and the celebrity-approved Park Hyatt being among our top picks for an all-out city staycation. And while city hotels have their place, there’s nothing more luxurious than waking up to the sound of the waves, or watching the sun set over the hinterland from a magnesium-spiked swimming pool. If you’re looking to really splash out on a super special trip in NSW, and you’re willing to travel a little out of town, there are some truly incredible stays where “luxury” means so much more than 600 thread count sheets and 24-hour room service. From a Mediterranean-inspired clifftop inn to a members club-style escape in the countryside just outside of the city, NSW punches well above its weight when it comes to heavenly holiday spots.   To help you decide where to book for your next escape out of the city, our team of local editors (including Travel and Hotels Editor Winnie Stubbs) has tried and tested the most wildly beautiful hotels around NSW, to bring you our guide to the best luxury accommodation in NSW.  If you’re willing to spend a little extra on your next adventure around the state, read on. 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:Staying in the city? Here's our full guide to the best hotels in Sydney.Want some air? These are the best glamping sites in NSWAnd the

Summer update: Let the good times roll with our fresh guide to Sydney’s best bars – perfect for your summer sessions. From frosty Martinis to fun and fruity Piña Coladas, cold ales in sunny beer gardens and vinos in sexy wine bars – whatever you’re after, whatever the occasion, you’ll find it all here. This list represents our picks of the best bars in Sydney right now, from fresh faces to tried-and-tested temples of great drinks, curated by our local editors, drink writers and fellow booze hounds, including Time Out Sydney's Editor Avril Treasure. We’re looking for quality above all, with fun, flavour, atmosphere, creativity and options at every price point. Cheers to you, Sydney. Editor’s picks: 😎 Best for a vibey wine and snack: Famelia🥂 Best for bubbles with a view: Icebergs Dining Room and Bar🎸 Best for live music: Buddy's Bar 🍻 Best for a drink on a sunny rooftop: Monica🍹 Best for an excellent cocktail: PS40 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. After a watering hole that's a bit more casual? See our list of the best pubs in Sydney, here. After a meal? Check out our best restaurants here.

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 Hotels Editor APAC for Time Out. Read on for our definitive guide to the best hotels in Sydney. Stay in the loop: sign up for our free Time Out Sydney newsletter for more news, travel inspo and activity ideas, straight to your inbox. RECOMMENDED: These are the best glamping sites in NSW. These are the best camping sites near Sydney. And these are the best spot

If your summer calendar could use a little magic, this mesmerising event might be just the ticket. For two sparkly evenings this February – Saturday 21 and Sunday 22 – the Lakeside Lawn at the Australian Botanic Garden Mount Annan will be transformed into a shimmering field of light thanks to the return of the beloved Water Lantern Festival.From 5pm, gates will open to a relaxed, family-friendly atmosphere with food trucks, live music and plenty of space to sprawl out on a picnic rug. As the sun dips lower, guests will be invited to decorate their own eco-friendly lantern – writing messages, drawing symbols or illustrating moments of hope, healing, love or gratitude. Some mark milestones or personal wins, others honour memories or simply set intentions for what’s next.RELATED READ: Here's everything you need to know about Mount Annan Botanic Gardens As twilight settles in, the experience will reach its emotional peak. From 8pm, hundreds of softly glowing lanterns will be released onto the water, creating a moving, almost meditative spectacle as they drift across the lake. Each lantern is made from biodegradable materials and collected after the event, ensuring the garden’s precious environment remains protected. The Water Lantern Festival is an alcohol-free and deliberately inclusive event, making it a perfect summer outing for families. Visitors are encouraged to bring a camping chair or blanket, along with sunscreen, bug spray and weather-appropriate clothing – this is very

There are few Aussie festivals that manage to fuse art, landscape and electronic music with quite the same alchemy as Pitch Music & Arts. Since its debut in 2017, the boutique four-day festival has become a defining pilgrimage for the local dance music community – a divinely dusty, techno-fuelled utopia beneath the sweeping peaks of Gariwerd (the Grampians). In 2026, Pitch returns for its ninth edition from March 6-10, and it’s bringing its most anticipated line-up yet. Across four hedonistic days and nights, the Grampian Plains will once again transform into a technicolour playground of sound, light and play – anchored by a world-class program of international heavyweights and homegrown innovators. Headlining this year’s line-up is Charlotte de Witte, the Belgian techno powerhouse whose razor-sharp sets have cemented her as one of the genre’s most formidable figures. Joining Charlotte among the top-tier acts are Eris Drew & Octo Octa; Amsterdam’s MARRØN, who’ll make his Pitch debut with a sound steeped in deep, hypnotic grooves; and Girls Don’t Sync, a UK trio whose percussive, high-energy sets are rewriting what club culture will sound like in 2026. Returning favourites include Job Jobse (fresh from a beloved 2025 closing set) and Yung Singh, whose genre-spanning selections have made him one of dance music’s most compelling new voices. Rounding out the international bill are Ewan McVicar, Palms Trax, Sama’ Abdulhadi, DJ Nobu, and DESIREE – a roll call of global tastemake

There are some places in the world that need to be shared – pockets of magic so beautiful that it would seem like an injustice for them to be private properties. The 125-acre working cattle farm that’s home to The Brooklet is one of them: a ridiculously heavenly idyll with far-reaching views across the rolling hills. What is The Brooklet? The Brooklet is a collection of high-end adults-only villas hiding in the hinterland 20 minutes from Byron Bay. With a total of seven villas (three one-bedroom, three two-bedroom and one three-bedroom), it’s a dream spot for a big group getaway or a quiet escape with your number one person. What are the rooms like at The Brooklet? Perched on the bridge of the hill overlooking the bowl of the valley, each of the seven light-flooded villas is positioned for total privacy and knockout views of the surrounding hinterland. The vibe here is classic countryside luxury – oak floors, marble and brass-trimmed kitchens, freestanding tubs with hilltop outlooks and rainwater showers stocked with Sans Ceuticals toiletries. Each villa comes with a groaning snack cupboard and dual-climate wine fridge curated by award-winning sommelier Ian Trinkle, which feels less like a minibar, more like an absurdly well-stocked private cellar. Ours was villa five – the one-bedroom villa that was wildly spacious for a two-person room. With a fully equipped kitchen and vast open plan living area, it’s the kind of room you could happily call home for a couple of weeks – tho

There’s a very tangible magic to seeing a personal vision come to life – a magic that ignites the air in a space that’s so much more than an architect’s render in 3D form. That energy strikes you the moment you pull into the curling driveway at Sun Ranch, under the Cali-coded archway and along the gravel path to the wildly well-designed masterpiece that is the hotel’s main building. The 11-room boutique hotel – set on a tree-studded 55-acre estate in the hinterland around Byron Bay – was the passion project of a group of friends from various creative industries who wanted to open a hotel that reflects the energy of the area. With its effortlessly cool aesthetic and nourishingly high-end offering, Sun Ranch does exactly that and more. In late 2025, the project was taken on by James and Sophie Rapper, and though the DNA is evolving, the vision is very much the same. Sun Ranch is a hotel with a sense of self – a genuine gem of a property in a surreal corner of NSW. What is Sun Ranch? Sun Ranch is a boutique hotel with a uniquely community-focused ethos. Designed by a team of visionary creatives, the hotel takes a confidently casual approach to hospitality, and the result is something seriously special: a hotel that feels like a welcoming, impossibly beautiful designer home. “The founders set the tone, and it’s still the same energy – it’s a luxury hotel, but it’s also a place where locals come for vinyl nights or intimate gigs or open-air cinema screenings on the lawn,” Charlie

There are few hotels in Australia whose name is as synonymous with luxury as Raes. The seven-room stay on the shores of Byron Bay’s most picture-perfect beach has been setting the gold standard for aspirational coastal indulgence since it opened in 1960. For decades, Raes on Wategos has been the place for celebrities to share plates of fresh pasta away from the clicks of the paparazzi, and newlyweds to pop a bottle of Champagne in an ocean-view suite that they’ve been saving for since they first said I love you. But the appeal of Raes isn’t built on clout alone. The famous beachside institution – home to a swimming pool rumoured to have been designed by Salvador Dalí – is as note-perfect as its reputation would have you believe, and the same can be said for Raes Guesthouses, the elegant offshoot of the brand that opened its doors last year just a few sandy steps from the original. What are Raes Guesthouses? Occupying two Mediterranean-style villas just 75 metres from Raes Hotel, Raes Guesthouses is an intimate boutique hotel home to ten thoughtfully designed rooms and suites – the first extension of the brand since the original hotel first opened its doors more than thirty years ago. What are the rooms like at Raes Guesthouses? Set across two flawlessly restored buildings, the rooms here are made for honeymoons: breezy, immaculately designed spaces with huge linen-draped beds and ornate free-standing bathtubs. With ten rooms to choose between, it’s worth browsing each to pick

Fresh from a record-breaking New York season that turned the Park Avenue Armory into a 30,000-square-foot fantasy universe, this joy-fuelled, art-meets-play exhibition has arrived in Melbourne.Popping up at the MCEC at Melbourne’s South Wharf, Balloon Story is a fully immersive journey through time and imagination, where every room is built at cinematic scale using hundreds of thousands of biodegradable balloons. You’ll wander from prehistoric jungles and dinosaur-filled landscapes to ancient civilisations, underwater worlds and cosmic cities, all sculpted entirely from air and colour. For the Australian season, expect all-new local content too, with balloon-built tributes to some of our most iconic buildings, places and stories. Hailed overseas as “the most joyful exhibition of the year”, Balloon Story is designed to delight. It’s hugely photogenic and clearly engineered by people who take balloons very, very seriously (we’re talking an international team of creative directors, balloon engineers and immersive design pros). Keen? The team suggests that visitors allow around 60 to 90 minutes to explore the whole experience – though don’t be surprised if the kids hang around for longer trying to get the perfect shot. With no age restrictions and free entry for kids under three, it’s an easy win for families and friends tasked with looking after the little ones for a day.The exhibition is open from 9am to 8pm, Monday through Sunday, with adult tickets from  $44.90, and kids tick

Sydney’s immersive art scene is on the up and up, with Balloon Story, Museum of Illusions and Mike Hewson’s The Key’s Under the Mat all alive and kicking in the Harbour City. Now, there’s more. Landing right in the middle of the CBD, DigiPark is a brand-new digital playground that blends science, art, education and entertainment into one futuristic, all-ages experience. Fresh from huge success across Asia, this is the first DigiPark to open in Australia, bringing 19 interactive attractions to Level 5 of Westfield Sydney, just steps from the centre’s ever-busy food precinct. Highlights include the Space & Time Cube, a trippy 3D holographic tunnel that pulls you into a swirling world of light and colour, and the Orbital Cinema (7D) – a flying adventure powered by a massive 180-degree curved screen, motion seats and special effects like wind, vibration and water spray (no VR headset required). There’s also a 3D Figurine Creator Studio, where you can scan yourself and walk away as a custom mini digital avatar, plus dreamy installations like Wandering Planet, Cosmic Space and the Holographic Studio, which blur the line between reality and the virtual world. According to DigiPark’s Head of Sales and Marketing, Jacques Wong, the venue is designed to hook everyone from curious kids to culture-hungry adults – with VR, holograms, kinetic light art, digital play and 3D printing all under one roof. Open seven days a week from 10am to 10pm, DigiPark welcomes all ages (kids under 12 will n

Sydney is stepping up its game when it comes to immersive experiences, with the Art Gallery of NSW’s Mike Hewson exhibition attracting global attention, Museum of Illusions landing with a splash in the CBD, and now, a huge new playground formed of 500,000 carefully curated balloons opening its doors at Sydney Olympic Park. Fresh from a record-breaking New York season that turned the Park Avenue Armory into a 30,000-square-foot fantasy universe, this joy-fuelled, art-meets-play exhibition has arrived in Sydney.Balloon Story is a fully immersive journey through time and imagination, where every room is built at cinematic scale using hundreds of thousands of biodegradable balloons. You’ll wander from prehistoric jungles and dinosaur-filled landscapes to ancient civilisations, underwater worlds and cosmic cities, all sculpted entirely from air and colour. For the Australian season, expect all-new local content too, with balloon-built tributes to some of our most iconic buildings, places and stories. Hailed overseas as “the most joyful exhibition of the year”, Balloon Story is designed to delight. It’s hugely photogenic and clearly engineered by people who take balloons very, very seriously (we’re talking an international team of creative directors, balloon engineers and immersive design pros). Keen? The team suggests that visitors allow around 60 to 90 minutes to explore the whole experience – though don’t be surprised if the kids hang around for longer trying to get the perfect

At the height of Sydney summer, when the pull of the shoreline feels almost instinctive, the Australian National Maritime Museum is inviting Sydneysiders to come to the beach – not just as a place, but as a shared concept. The centrepiece of the museum’s summer program, The Beach, is part exhibition, part all-ages playscape – a gloriously Australian celebration of our beloved ocean-side spaces. “The Beach invites us all to come together – gently – to reconnect with the coastal rituals that shape Australian life,” says museum Director and CEO Ms Daryl Karp AM. That gentle invitation carries extra weight this summer. Following the horror of December 14, the museum faced difficult conversations about whether to proceed. In the end, the decision was made to continue – not in spite of what happened, but because of it.RELATED READ: These are our favourite beaches in Sydney “Our beaches are places of connection and belonging,” Karp says. “The shoreline has always been a place where we all meet – just open skies and shared sand – a place of joy, togetherness and shared fun.” In that spirit, The Beach reclaims the coast as a symbol of what binds us together, even when that sense of ease has been shaken. Inside the museum’s Lighthouse Gallery, a distinctly Australian summer unfolds. Digital projections ripple across the walls, a breezy soundscape hums in the background, and interactive rockpools and a towering sandcastle (minus the sand) invite play. Works by artists including Anne Zah

Calling all Sydney-based cinephiles. Flickerfest – Australia’s biggest competitive short film festival – is returning to Bondi Beach for 2026, taking over Bondi Pavilion from January 23 to February 1. Now celebrating its 35th year, the iconic festival will once again deliver a ten-day program of short films, screened both under the stars and inside the Pavilion’s theatre. The 2026 program showcases around 200 short films across 23 curated festival sessions – each handpicked from a record-breaking 3,700-plus entries submitted from more than 100 countries. At the centre of the festival are Flickerfest’s prestigious (Academy Qualifying) competitions, with 111 short films competing for major awards – including Best International Short Film, Best International Animation, Best Australian Short Film and Best Documentary. As you’d expect, Australian cinema features big on the 2026 lineup, with 60 local films selected for the Best of Australian Competition. The homegrown picks will screen alongside 36 international films in the Best of International Competition and 15 thought-provoking works in the Best of Documentary Competition. A further 100 shorts will also screen across various showcase sessions, with many films premiering at the event.Alongside the main competitions, Flickerfest’s popular themed programs are also back. These include FlickerUp, celebrating youth filmmaking from creatives aged 18 and under; Rainbow Shorts, spotlighting LGBTQI stories from around the world; a First

If you’re craving something surreal to snap you out of reality for an hour or so, Sydney’s recently opened Museum of Illusions has got your back. The first Aussie outpost of the global concept, this interactive exhibition invites visitors to step into gravity-defying rooms, giant 3D illusions, mind-bending perspective zones, holograms and other sensory experiences – in a vast space spanning over 900 square metres in the heart of the CBD.With more than 80 unique exhibits to explore, the museum doesn’t directly follow its global siblings – it’s packed with bespoke Sydney-inspired rooms that you won’t find anywhere else. There’s a ‘Reversed Room’ inspired by a classic Aussie pub, a ‘Building Illusion’ which echoes Sydney’s iconic skyline, and an immersive exhibit called ‘Following Eyes’ – a playful nod to sunscreen-slapping beach days. Part science, part spectacle, part pure fun, the Museum of Illusions is perfect for families, curious minds, and any office worker who’s finding the return to work a little tricky. Whether you’re chasing an escape from the here and now or an Instagram goldmine, or you’re just keen to see your friends wobble in a room that defies gravity, it’s a one-stop shop for awe, giggles and head-scratching wonder. The experience is open now at 413 George Street in Sydney’s CBD, with regular admission tickets for $47 and family tickets offering slightly reduced rates. We’d suggest giving around 60–90 minutes for wandering, posing, and rethinking the laws of ph

Budget conscious movie fans, this one’s for you. For the fourth year running, Darling Quarter’s free open-air cinema is back – complete with dog-friendly seating and high-quality headphones for crystal-clear audio.Kicking off this Thursday, January 8, the free open-air cinema will run on Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays until January 25, with the varied film program featuring big releases and old-school favourites. Through a new partnership with HBO Max, this year's program features family faves like The Wizard of Oz and Space Jam alongside newer hits like Superman, Fantastic Beasts, and A Minecraft Movie.  Though screenings are free, it’s worth booking a place – with free unallocated seating and beanbags available to hire for an extra $10. This year’s movie experience sees the upgrade of all new headphones, meaning you don’t have to worry about the ambience of the area impacting your audio experience (though sound will be played through large outdoor speakers too). For a cinema snack, moviegoers can order Click and Collect from some of Darling Quarter’s fave eateries – including Churrascaria, Dopa and Gelatissimo.  With a flat evening parking rate of $21 per car, this is hands down one of the most affordable cinema experiences you can have in the Harbour City. Keen to spend those extra dollars on another movie-style experience? Darling Harbour’s magical carousel is a short walk from the cinema, you’re welcome.You can learn more and reserve tickets over here. Stay in

If you needed another reason to lace up your hiking shoes and head harbour-side, this is it. In its recently published guide to the best beaches in Australia, Lonely Planet has just named Reef Beach in Sydney Harbour National Park the best beach in Australia for bushwalking – a hefty accolade for one of the city’s most unassuming little coves.Tucked along the harbour between Manly and Mosman on the Spit to Manly walk, and reachable only on foot or by water, Reef Beach is a magical protected cove that feels worlds away from the city’s buzz. The journey there is half the magic: a 50-minute wander along the Manly Scenic Walkway, where angophoras lean over sandstone shelves and the harbour glimmers through the trees. RELATED READ: These are our favourite scenic walks in SydneyThe beach itself is small, calm and sweet as heck. Once a famously clothes-optional (read: nudist) beach, today Reef Beach is a local favourite for picnics, gentle swims and post-walk decompression under the shade of the gums. It’s also a living time capsule, offering a glimpse of what this coastline might have looked like in 1788, long before ferries, boardwalks and beachfront cafés. When my family visited from overseas over the Christmas break, this was their absolute favourite swim spot – a surreal, quiet pocket with views across the world-famous harbour.Reef Beach isn’t the only NSW standout on Lonely Planet’s radar. Ned’s Beach on Lord Howe Island scored a double mention, ranking among Australia’s top f

If you’ve been craving a wholesome summer outing, consider this your sign to plan a cute day trip. Just an hour from Melbourne’s CBD, the World’s Largest Sunflower is set to bloom at Mornington Green Living Legacy Gardens – and it’ll only be open to the public for one golden weekend. Unveiled this month, the colossal floral installation is made up of 3,000 individual sunflowers, arranged into a jaw-dropping display that’s designed to stop you in your tracks (and fill your camera roll with a whole lot of yellow). Set within Mornington Green’s tranquil botanical gardens, the artwork is where nature and creativity collide – offering a distinctly uplifting day out for families, couples and anyone in need of a dose of sunshine. Photograph: Supplied But there’s more to this spectacle than its sheer size. Mornington Green is part of Living Legacy Forest, a world-first initiative that’s redefining how we remember the people we love. Here, processed ashes are used to nourish the soil and support the growth of trees, creating living, breathing memorials that continue to grow over time. It’s a powerful idea, woven into a space that feels calm, hopeful and connected to the world’s natural cycles. The World’s Largest Sunflower will be open from Friday, February 20 to Sunday, February 22, with limited viewing hours across the weekend – so planning ahead is essential. Tickets are $10 for adults, with free entry for kids under 12, making it an easy, affordable summer adventure. You can boo

Bali has never been short on luxury resorts, but every now and then, one opens that re-sets the bar. A case in point is Paradisus by Meliá Bali – a high-end beachside resort that’s officially arrived in Nusa Dua, marking the first Asian outpost of Meliá Hotels International’s elevated all-inclusive brand. Set along Bali’s southern coast, this sprawling beachfront retreat offers a more thoughtful approach to all-inclusive travel than the fly and flop resorts that punctuate the Indonesian coastline. According to the team, the resort draws deeply from the island itself, weaving Balinese culture, nature and ritual into every layer of the guest experience – guided by the brand’s ‘Wellness Designed by Destination’ philosophy.The resort is home to 492 light-filled luxury suites, including seven private garden villas, surrounded by tropical gardens overlooking the Indian Ocean. Four pools, eight dining venues and three bars give guests plenty of choice, but the real luxury here is flexibility. As the term “all-inclusive” suggests, everything essential is covered: dining across all restaurants, daily poolside snacks, 24-hour room service and a minibar replenished daily. If you’re keen to level up, you can also tap into the resort’s “Destination Inclusive” program, which offers curated cultural experiences both on and off site – from the Devan Show at Bali Nusa Dua Theatre to cultural and spiritual immersions in villages near Mount Batukaru. Photograph: Supplied As with all Meliá pro

After more than a decade of work, Sydney’s second international airport has finally locked in its take-off window – and it’s just around the corner. Western Sydney International (Nancy-Bird Walton) Airport (WSI for short) has confirmed that cargo flights will begin from July 2026, with the first passenger flights officially set to take off in October, marking the long-awaited soft launch of Sydney’s newest 24-hour holiday gateway. According to WSI CEO Simon Hickey, the airport is now firmly in trial mode, with systems being tested, staff trained and infrastructure pushed through its paces. “We’re getting more and more match-fit each day,” Hickey says, adding that inaugural passenger tickets – operated by launch airline partners Singapore Airlines, Qantas, Air New Zealand and Jetstar – will be announced in the coming weeks.RELATED READ: We got a sneak peek inside the airport’s passenger terminal, and it’s genuinely stunning According to the team, the staggered rollout is deliberate. Cargo operations will fire up first in July, boosting NSW’s freight capacity, before passenger services follow in October. It’s a measured approach that allows the airport’s “modern, technologically enabled” terminal to come to life gradually while avoiding the chaos that often plagues major openings. Photograph: Winnie Stubbs | Time Out Sydney RELATED READ: A whole new city is being built on the doorstep of WSI After first being announced back in 2014, the architecturally striking terminal at Ba

Back in 2014, the Australian Federal Government committed to transforming a greenfield site on the western outskirts of Sydney into a huge international airport. Now, the architecturally striking terminal at the new Western Sydney International airport (WSI) has been revealed (we got a sneak peek inside), the airfield, landside and terminal major construction works are now all officially complete, the flight paths have been revealed and it’s all on track to open in late 2026 – with the first passenger flights slated for October. Curious? Us too. So, we reached out to the team for the lowdown on what to expect at Sydney’s shiny new airport. Why is Sydney getting a new airport? As one of the most desirable holiday destinations in the world (ranked number one for winter sunshine, and among the very best cities in the world back in 2025), Sydney is an in-demand place to be, so making our city more connected is pretty crucial for the city’s economy. As well as providing a boost to our tourism industry, a new all-hours airport will help connect Sydneysiders with the world – especially those living in Western Sydney. According to a spokesperson from WSI, the population of Western Sydney is set to reach about 3.2 million over the next decade; and with a population comprising 170 different ancestries, a well-connected airport is vital (the average Western Sydney resident is estimated to take 2.6 international trips per year). Photograph: Supplied | Trevor Mein Where is Sydney’s new

If you’ve ever found yourself rifling through drawers for a crumpled birth certificate, Victoria’s latest digital update may come as a welcome relief. To make life admin a whole lot easier, the Victorian Government has begun rolling out digital birth certificates, giving parents fast, secure access to one of life’s most important documents – right from your phone.The digital birth certificate trial is now live across three local government areas: Wyndham City Council, the City of Casey and Mitchell Shire Council. Parents in these regions can log in to the Service Victoria app today and add their child’s birth certificate directly to the app’s digital wallet, making enrolments for kindy (and other early learning programs) a lot simpler.Announced this week, the initiative is designed to remove a familiar headache from family life. “The digital birth certificate will make it quicker and easier for Victorian parents to enrol their kids into kinder,” said Minister for Government Services Danny Pearson, noting that having instant access to the document means “one less thing to worry about”. According to the Victorian Government, the digital certificate is an option, not a replacement. Physical birth certificates will continue to be issued to all Victorians, and parents will be able to choose whether or not to use the digital version too. For those who opt in, the digital certificate sits alongside other official documents already available in the Service Victoria wallet, including

Melbourne’s inner west has scored a new playground – and it’s not one you’ll find tucked behind a café strip or squeezed into a leftover pocket of parkland. Beneath CityLink, just off Footscray Road in West Melbourne, a brand new jumps park has officially opened, transforming what was once dead space into a purpose-built hub for bike riders and skateboarders of all ages. Delivered as part of the West Gate Tunnel Project, the park is a playful reminder that infrastructure developments don’t have to end at roads and ramps, and it's a pretty fun example of an industrial space being reclaimed and transformed into somewhere people actually want to hang out.Open every day, the park gives kids (and, let’s be honest, plenty of adults) a safe, welcoming place to test their skills, try jumps for the first time or sit back and watch others ride. The thoughtfully designed layout combines jumps, skills areas and pump tracks, catering to everyone from beginners finding their balance to confident riders chasing airtime. Seating and landscaping make it easy for parents and friends to settle in and enjoy the spectator experience. Photograph: Supplied | Victorian Government According to the Victorian Government, what really sets this park apart is how seamlessly it plugs into Melbourne’s broader cycling network. A new ramp and bridge connects the park directly to the Moonee Ponds Creek Trail and the new Dixon Veloway along Footscray Road, making it easily accessible from the inner west, Dock

Melbourne mountain bikers, clear your cals. Warburton Bike Park, a network of trails just 90 minutes from the city, is about to level up. After the success of its first 30 kilometres (which opened last year), the Upper Yarra Valley site is preparing to more than double its network, with a huge new stage of trails opening from April 4, along with a shuttle service to make your biking adventures a whole lot more accessible. For those who’ve already sampled Warburton’s debut trails, you’ll understand the appeal: lush forest and flowing descents in a park that was built with genuine care for both riders and landscape. According to Yarra Ranges Mayor Cr Richard Higgins, that first taste was just the beginning. “The enthusiasm for the initial trails has been wonderful to see – but the best is yet to come,” he says. The new trails, crafted by renowned trail builders World Trail, promise a step up in both scale and ambition, with the team promising a more diverse and challenging network. Cyclists can expect a wider mix of features, longer descents and up to 650 metres of elevation – a combination that’s set to put Warburton firmly on the national (and international) mountain biking map. Photograph: Supplied | Colin Levitch While the original 30 kilometres drew plenty of Melbourne-based riders looking for an easy weekend escape, the next phase is designed to lure experienced mountain bikers from interstate and beyond. That includes Warburton Bike Park ambassador and cross-country m

If you’ve felt a little nervous stepping aside for what looks like a motorbike tearing down your local pavement, we’ve got good news. And if you’re the speed-loving owner of a supped-up e-bike, soz. The NSW Government has just announced a hard-line crackdown on illegal e-bikes, giving NSW Police expanded powers to seize and literally crush high-powered, throttle-only bikes that don’t meet the legal definition of an e-bike. Under NSW law, legal e-bikes must be pedal-assisted (not throttle-driven) and cut power completely at 25 kilometres per hour. Anything more powerful – including a lot of so-called “fat bikes” and modified models – is already illegal, but what’s changing now is enforcement. Police across NSW will soon be armed with portable “dyno units” that can test a bike’s power output and speed limiter on the spot. Fail the test, and your ride could be headed straight for the crusher. According to the NSW Government, the move follows growing community frustration around anti-social riding, social media stunts (including a recent ride across the Sydney Harbour Bridge) and a rise in serious injuries linked to high-powered bikes being used on footpaths and shared paths. The NSW Government is keen to stress that this isn’t an attack on cycling or young people, stressing that they want kids outside, active and moving – just not on machines that put pedestrians and other riders at risk. Transport Minister John Graham has been unequivocal, saying illegal e-bikes will end up “a

Okinawa – Japan’s tropical archipelago – has been quietly levelling up for years, but 2026 looks set to be its global glow-up. With National Geographic recently naming the region one of the Best Trips to Book in 2026, all eyes are on this sun-drenched corner of the Asia Pacific, and Hilton is arriving right on cue with the opening of Canopy by Hilton Okinawa Miyako Island Resort slated for April 1, 2026. For hotel enthusiasts (guilty as charged), the launch is a big deal. Not only does it mark Canopy’s first-ever resort in Asia, it’s just the second resort globally for the lifestyle-driven brand, following its newly beloved Seychelles outpost. Known for its design-led urban hotels rooted in local neighbourhoods, Canopy is now translating that same playful, high-design DNA into an island setting – and Miyako Island is a fitting place to do it. Set in the picturesque Twuriba area, the 306-room resort has been designed as a fully immersive island escape for travellers looking for more than just a pretty beach (though there are plenty of those, if that is what you’re into). According to the team, guests can expect a polished but relaxed atmosphere that blends Okinawan culture with Canopy’s signature boutique sensibility. The headline feature will be the rooftop pool and bar, offering sweeping views and a social vibe, with an all-day dining restaurant, bar and lounge spotlighting local flavours and global influences. There will also be a spa and fitness centre for wellness seekers

With some of our city’s most beloved restaurants sitting on the water’s edge (including the soon-to-close stalwart Quay), Sydney’s harbour-front dining scene is no stranger to big statements. Aori, opening today on King Street Wharf, looks like it’s following suit – a wildly beautiful 240-person venue that could well be in the running for the most beautiful new dining room in the city. Taking over the vast waterfront spot at 39 Lime Street, the new Japanese restaurant/ bar is the latest outpost from the team behind Alegre and Callao, and from what we can tell, it’s looking like a very solid addition to Sydney’s Japanese dining options.  Leading the kitchen is an experienced senior team: Head Chef Kim Chi (ex-Saké Restaurant & Bar), Head Sushi Chef Eric Lee (ex-Nobu and Sokyo) and Bar Manager Owen Glover. On the food front, Aori marks a deliberate shift from the brand’s other venues, zeroing in on Japanese techniques and flavours. The menu moves between raw, grilled and flame-cooked dishes – the golden triad of Japanese treats. According to the team, standout dishes include a koji-marinated Glacier 51 toothfish with ponzu, daikon oroshi and wasabi; Tasmanian lamb rack paired with miso eggplant, black garlic and brown butter; and a selection of premium Australian and Japanese wagyu cuts finished tableside with jus, freshly cut wasabi and black garlic purée.  Behind the bar, the focus sounds equally refined. Japanese whisky and saké anchor the drinks program, with more than 50 w

Australia knows its road trips. In a country this ridiculously vast, the only way to really see everything is to do it on your own set of four wheels. Our nation's abundance of gorgeously scenic drives, bizarre roadside curios, small town bakeries and secret nature spots makes any kind of long road trip more than the average drive. But when you're faced with endless highway stretches and many, many hours on the road, there's one very important concern for all self-respecting foodie travellers: where on Earth does one find some decent food? Turns out, you can forget roadside Maccas and sad chips from the servo, because new data has revealed that there are road trip routes you can take across Australia that have food (and that's genuinely good food) as their focus.  To determine the best road trips for food lovers across Australia, car insurance company ROLLiN’ analysed Australia’s most popular car journeys, and ranked them all based on food-related factors, like the number and quality of food stops, and the customer ratings at each human-refuelling station along the way. First up, let’s talk about the winner. Spanning 1,000 km from Sydney to Brisbane, the Legendary Pacific Coast road trip scored 76.9 out of 100 in the total foodie trip score, with 658 total food stops and 6.4 food stops every ten kilometres. The route weaves through the Hunter Valley (passing some of Australia’s best wineries), past the iconic dunes of Port Stephens, then up the coast past the foodie meccas o