Winnie Stubbs

If you think there’s a heck of a lot of fab new Sydney openings right now, you’d be right. Top of my list to check out is Lo Presti’s, a loosely Mediterranean restaurant in Redfern run by Baba’s Place’s former head chef. The Observer Hotel has reopened after a three-and-a-half-year reno by the team behind the Duke of Clarence – and there’s darts, exclusively brewed beers and delicious-looking fish sandwiches – and you need to visit La Buvette. It’s a Parisian-style wine bar in Potts Point from the Bar Copains team. Got a date comin’ up? Head to The Heritage Room (pictured) in Martin Place for cheese, Tuscan salumi and rare wines. Enjoy. 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 something to wash it all down with? These are our favourite bars in Sydney right now. Keen to eat your way around the city? These are the best restaurants in Sydney, from hot newcomers to the OGs.

Far from your average sightseeing tour, the nominees in our Best Adventure Experience category showcase Australia’s wild and diverse landscapes in whole new ways. They offer the perfect mix of adrenaline and awe – whether you’re shredding it on the slopes, snorkelling in sparkling seas, hiking remote desert trails or ziplining through rainforest canopies. Expert-guided and editor-tested, every single adventure is worth building an entire getaway around. The winner of Best Adventure Experience and other categories will be announced on November 23. To see nominees for all categories, click here, and to find out more about the Time Out Australia Travel Awards, click here. Stay in the loop: sign up for our free Time Out Australia newsletter for more news, travel inspo and activity ideas, straight to your inbox. 

The Best Holiday Home category features exceptional home stays that can be rented for a private getaway. Each property wowed us with its breathtaking design, incredible views, luxury comforts and premium amenities – from outdoor baths to roaring firepits and skygazing domes. These are the kind of secluded stays our editors recommend building an entire itinerary around, where the only thing on your agenda is soaking in the space and surroundings. They're the types of places that, once you check in, you won’t want to leave. The winner of Best Holiday Home and other categories will be announced on November 23. To see nominees for all categories, click here, and to find out more about the Time Out Australia Travel Awards, click here. Stay in the loop: sign up for our free Time Out Australia newsletter for more news, travel inspo and activity ideas, straight to your inbox. 

The Best Family-Friendly Stay category (presented by Scenic World) spotlights hotels and resorts that hit the ultimate sweet spot – offering spaces and experiences that are exciting for kids yet sophisticated enough for adults. We particularly focused on places that cater to young travellers, with everything from swimming pools and animal encounters to kids’ clubs, school holiday programs and free meals. And rest assured, parents: these properties are nice enough that you'll be able to truly relax while your little ones are having a blast. The winner of Best Family-Friendly Stay and other categories will be announced on November 23. To see nominees for all categories, click here, and to find out more about the Time Out Australia Travel Awards, click here. Stay in the loop: sign up for our free Time Out Australia newsletter for more news, travel inspo and activity ideas, straight to your inbox. 

The Best Eco Tourism category honours operators championing the sustainable travel movement. From carbon-neutral credentials and ethical certifications to nature conservation practices and First Nations-led storytelling, these experiences are setting new standards for eco-tourism in Australia. Because our editors have personally visited or stayed at every single nominee, we can vouch that they don't just talk the talk – they walk the walk. The winner of Best Eco Tourism and other categories will be announced on November 23. To see nominees for all categories, click here, and to find out more about the Time Out Australia Travel Awards, click here. Stay in the loop: sign up for our free Time Out Australia newsletter for more news, travel inspo and activity ideas, straight to your inbox. 

The Best Destination category spotlights those magical, bucket-list places we think everyone should visit at least once in their life. Slightly off the typical tourist trail – and happily overshadowed by bigger cities and towns – these regional gems are perfect for relaxed getaways, complete with boutique stays, paddock-to-plate dining and exceptional seasonal experiences. The winner of Best Destination and other categories will be announced on November 23. To see nominees for all categories, click here, and to find out more about the Time Out Australia Travel Awards, click here. Stay in the loop: sign up for our free Time Out Australia newsletter for more news, travel inspo and activity ideas, straight to your inbox. 

Spring update: Sydney sure is fun in springtime. Locals shed their jackets, plan weekend picnics filled with soft cheese and chilled natural wine, and return to rooftop bars in need of Vitamin D and fruity cocktails. Whether you’re catching up with a friend, planning a date, or looking for a spot to celebrate, Sydney’s best bars are where it’s at. These spots offer great drinks, warm hospitality and good vibes. From exciting newcomers to long-time favourites, this guide is curated by our local editors and writers, including Time Out Sydney's Editor Avril Treasure. Grab your sunnies, Sydney – it’s bar season. Editor’s picks: 🔥 Best for something new: Loa and Vespertine 🍸 Best for Martinis: Bar Planet 🤫 Best for speakeasy vibes: The Cumberland ☀️ Best for views: Opera Bar 🍷 Best for vibey wine and snacks: Famelia 🥃 Best for whisky lovers: Banchō Bar 😎 Best for friend's catch-up: Old Mate's Place Stay in the loop: sign up for our free Time Out Sydney newsletter for more news, food & drink inspo and activity ideas, straight to your inbox. Our list of the best pubs in Sydney Check out our best restaurants here

Dreaming of sleeping beneath starry skies, swimming at secluded beaches and snuggling by a campfire – but without the spiders, dirt floors and lack of showers? Enter glamping – the perfect way to experience Australia’s wild side with a touch of luxury. Whether it's reclining in a private bubble bath beneath a rainforest canopy, dipping into a rainwater plunge pool with Uluṟu in the background, or sleeping on fresh sheets next to one of the world's most remote coral reefs, the best glamping spots in Australia are both epic and aplenty. All you've gotta do is hit the road.  Editors' favourite glamping spots in Australia: 💕 Best for romance: Sal Salis Ningaloo Reef, WA ☀️ Best for families: Ingenia Holidays Byron Bay, NSW 💎 Best for luxury: Longitude 131, NT WA | NSW | VIC | NT | TAS | QLD | SA ✅ The best caravan parks in Australia⛺️ The best free campsites in Australia

Whoever coined the phrase “nothing in life is free” has clearly never set foot in Australia – a country where some of the best travel experiences come with a $0 price tag. Our capital cities are packed with bucket-list attractions that won’t cost you a single cent. Hiking through some of the world’s most beautiful national parks? Free! Spotting fairy penguins on the beach? Free! Sampling your way through a world-class market? You guessed it – free! Our Editor, Melissa Woodley – a woman who has backpacked, bused and budget-airlined her way across the planet – has pulled together the definitive guide to the best free things to do in Australia's major cities. Whether you love outdoor adventures (swims, coastal walks and picnic rugs) or indoor culture (air-con, art galleries and free tasting tours), consider this your cheat sheet to feeling inexplicably wealthy on a budget of exactly zero dollars. Editors’ favourite free things to do in Australia: 🍫 Best for families: Tour of Haigh's Chocolate Factory, SA 🌳 Best for wildlife: Penguin spotting at St Kilda Beach, VIC ☀️ Best for outdoors: National Arboretum, ACT 🖼️ Best for culture: Art Gallery of New South Wales, NSW 😋 Best for foodies: Salamanca Market, TAS NSW | VIC | SA | QLD | WA | ACT | TAS | NT 🌊 The best things to do in Australia⭐️ The best tourist attractions in Australia

The spooky season is upon us, and with it, Sydney is reanimating with a whole bunch of freakishly good times. With Halloween (October 31) falling on a Saturday this year, the freaky happenings are prime for Sydneysiders who like a bit of dark fun, with the Emerald City turning on the horror show all weekend long.  Whether your particular poison is dancing in a nightclub-turned-haunted-house, walking with ghosts on a twisted tour, or parking up at the bar with a zombie-coded cocktail, we have you covered on all the best things to do in Sydney for Halloween in 2026.  Stay in the loop: sign up for our free Time Out Sydney newsletter for more Sydney news and things to do, straight to your inbox.   Make sure you are dressed to kill with a trip to one of Sydney's very best costume shops. These are the most haunted sites you can visit in Sydney. 

Doing summer like a Sydneysider means making the most of the sunny days that come with it – and, of course, the great outdoors. From ocean swims at sunrise to a floating sauna cruise and everything in between, self-care is a quintessential part of the local experience.  If wellness is on your summer agenda, here are 14 activities to add to your itinerary as the weather warms up...

Noosa might be best known for its golden beaches and relaxed coastal charm, but it’s dining scene is just as impressive. The resort town has no shortage of excellent eateries that buzz with locals and travellers from dusk until well after dawn. Many of the trendiest restaurants line the iconic Hastings Street, with the fanciest spots sitting mere metres from the golden sands of Main Beach. Meanwhile, waterfront institutions in Noosaville showcase the region’s finest seafood, and Noosa Junction brings a laid-back mix of global flavours – from French crêpes and fluffy bao buns to woodfired pizzas. Our Editor Melissa Woodley has visited Noosa multiple times and knows the perfect spot for every occasion – whether you’re after a romantic dinner, a breezy beachside lunch or a special occasion feast. Take your pick from this ultimate list of the best restaurants in Noosa. Editor's favourite restaurants in Noosa: 💎 Best for special occasions: Season Restaurant ⭐️ Best for drinks and dinner: Cibaria Noosa 🍽️ Best for groups: Light Years 🥞 Best for a casual night: Flo's Crêperie  🍺 Best for outdoor dining: Halse Lodge Bar 🌊 The best things to do in Noosa🍽️ The best restaurants on the Sunshine Coast

In an Instagram-flooded world, it’s easy to forget the way good photography can truly make us see the world a little differently. Here to remind us, Australia's biggest photo fest is coming back to Sydney – bringing 93 free exhibitions and more than 700 photographers from over 30 countries to venues across the city. Running from November 6-29, Head On Photo Festival's three key locations are Bondi Beach promenade, Bondi Pavilion and Paddington Reservoir Gardens, where the major Featured Program exhibitions will be presented. The wider program extends into galleries, cafes, bookstores and community spaces across Sydney, with additional independent exhibitions taking place interstate. And what can we expect to see this year? From what we can tell, there are some seriously powerful international stories in the mix. American photojournalist Carol Guzy, the first journalist to win four Pulitzer Prizes, presents ICE: Broken Families, documenting the impact of US immigration enforcement on children and families. Other heart-wrenching depictions come from British photographer Giles Clarke, who brings rare images from inside war-torn Sudan, and Palestinian photojournalist Abdelrahman Alkahlout who captures everyday life and displacement in Gaza. Closer to home, Australian photographer Trent Mitchell explores the landscapes, rituals and contradictions of regional Australia in Australian Lustre, and Sydney photojournalist Glenn Lockitch revisits the city's after-dark characters through

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 favourite outdoor cinema is back for another season, bringing blockbuster releases, festive favourites and family films Centennial Park’s leafy amphitheatre. Since opening in 1995 with a screening of Pulp Fiction, Moonlight Cinema has become a pretty beloved Sydney summer tradition. Expect golden-hour picnics and hours sprawled on comfy bean beds catching up with friends before settling in for a movie under the stars. From Wednesday, November 25, 2026, the Belvedere Amphitheatre in Centennial Parklands will once again transform into an open-air cinema, with screenings running until Sunday, March 28, 2027. Leading the new season is The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping, which will kick things off in Sydney on November 25. The opening program also includes plenty of new releases, from psychological thriller Verity, starring Anne Hathaway, Dakota Johnson and Josh Hartnett, to a gloriously tear-jerking new adaptation of Jane Austen’s Sense and Sensibility (screenplay written by Sydney’s very own Diana Reid). Other highlights include The Social Reckoning, Practical Magic 2 and Wild Horse 9, alongside preview screenings of A Talent for Murder, starring Helen Mirren, on December 6 and Cat in the Hat on December 30. Naturally, things will get super festive around Christma

Melburnians will take any excuse to spend a balmy evening outside with a bottle of good wine, and our beloved Moonlight Cinema always provides a pretty solid justification. From December, Moonlight Cinema is coming back to the Royal Botanic Gardens, with a fresh season of big-screen releases, festive favourites and family films. Now in its 31st summer season, Australia’s favourite outdoor cinema will take over Central Lawn from Wednesday, December 2, 2026, to Sunday, April 11, 2027. Expect golden-hour picnics followed by magical movies under the stars, all set within one of Melbourne’s most lovely green spaces. Kicking off the season is The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping, with screenings in Melbourne on December 2, 5 and 9. The opening program also brings a heap of new releases to the big screen, including Verity, the psychological thriller starring Anne Hathaway, Dakota Johnson and Josh Hartnett; a gloriously tear-jerking new adaptation of Jane Austen’s Sense and Sensibility (screenplay by Australia's own Diana Reid); and Wild Horse 9. Other titles on the early lineup include Wicker, Primetime and Focker in Law, starring Ben Stiller, Robert De Niro and Ariana Grande. Naturally, things will turn especially festive around Christmas time. Moonlight’s Christmas Favourites program runs from December 11 to 23, with seasonal staples including Love Actually, The Polar Express, Home Alone, The Holiday and Elf. There’s also Ebenezer, a new ghost story set in Dickens’ London star

Sydney’s summer music scene this year is seriously strong, but if you’re keen to get your live music fix outside of the city, we’ve got good news. This November, a brand-new festival is bringing four days of art, live music, immersive performances and nature-based fun to the Blue Mountains. Here’s what we know.  The brand new festival, Superposition, will run from November 26-29, 2026, across Dharug and Gundungurra Country – with programming spanning Penrith, Katoomba, Blackheath, Mount Victoria, Medlow Bath and Wentworth Falls. Conceived specifically for the Blue Mountains, the multi-disciplinary fesi will bring together local, national and international artists for a program inspired by the region's landscapes, communities and contemporary culture. One of the biggest drawcards is Block Party, a street party curated by Mountains-born electronic pop group Hermitude and Haiku Hands, featuring Jamaica Moana, Vv Pete, TOAH and DJ Charlie Villas. Elsewhere, Homo House will transform Katoomba's Victoria and Albert Guesthouse into an immersive queer arts space, with installations, performances and music. High Tea Dance promises a garden party spanning the guesthouse's grounds and stables, with performances by Dykes on Bikes, Lesbionica, Justin Shoulder and Betty Apple, alongside DJs and live acts. Fun.  There's a whole lot beyond the headline events, too. Visitors can wander through Ace Mart, an art-filled convenience store and community hub, catch a Welcome to Country and Creation

If you were under the impression that Sydney’s summer fun peaks in December, think again. 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. The huge multidisciplinary fest will be back again this summer, bringing three weeks of big-name comedy, international dance, live music and ambitious art to venues across Sydney. Running from January 7-25, 2027, the festival will take over stages, galleries and public spaces from the CBD to Bondi and Western Sydney, with a program of world premieres, free events and a whole heap of reasons to get out and about. Leading the lineup is comedy favourite Hannah Gadsby, who returns to Roslyn Packer Theatre with a new show exploring the defining moments that only make sense in hindsight. Over at The Joan Sutherland Performing Arts Centre in Penrith, Western Sydney hip hop group ONEFOUR will join the Penrith Chamber Orchestra for a major new commission, pairing drill with a full string section. Yep, you read that right. There’s also a packed dance program, with international heavyweights including French collective (LA)HORDE, China’s TAO Dance Theater and acclaimed choreographers Anne Teresa De Keersmaeker and Radouan Mriziga. Perhaps our fave addition? At Barangaroo Reserve, participatory artist Benjamin Paul will transform old cars into plunge pools, hot tubs and saunas for waynapuni pools, an uncon

One of Sydney’s favourite neighbourhood parties is coming back this October, and it’s celebrating its 15th birthday with a blow-out. From October 21–24, the laneways of Parramatta are on track to become one giant street party with Parramatta Lanes landing back in Sydney's second CBD. The free four-day festival will bring live music, immersive art, skateboarding and some of Western Sydney’s best street food to Parramatta CBD, with ARIA Award-winning icon Genesis Owusu, US poet Aja Monet, Japanese duo Stereo Champ and rising local acts among this year’s music line-up. As with any good party, there will be lots to eat, too – from woodfired pizza and handmade pasta to charcoal-grilled skewers and piping-hot dumplings. Alongside the food and music, you can check out illuminated sculptures, immersive installations, mini golf, DJ sets, karaoke and skateboarding activations.Parramatta Lanes will take over Parramatta CBD from October 21 until October 24. You can find out more and plan your weekend over here.Stay in the loop: sign up for our free Time Out Sydney newsletter for more news, travel inspo and activity ideas, straight to your inbox. RECOMMENDED: Sydney's new Powerhouse Parramatta museum is throwing a 23-day opening festival Here’s a peek inside the new Western Sydney International Airport Construction on Sydney's new harbourside swimming spot is underway

There are few cafés that feel quite as woven into Sydney’s café culture as Paramount Coffee Project. Since first opening its (perfectly industrial-chic) doors back in 2013, this Surry Hills stalwart has helped shape the city’s increasingly design-conscious coffee scene – setting the standard for what we ask for from our breakfast spot. More than a decade later, it remains a neighbourhood institution – sitting pretty in the airy foyer of Paramount House and spilling out onto what we reckon is still one of the coolest streets in the city. The vibe Housed within the Paramount House precinct, steps from Surry Hills’ myriad design agencies and boutique architecture firms, this is the place you come to brunch with Sydney’s most stylish. The space is minimalist without feeling sterile, with cavernously tall ceilings, polished concrete, white subway tiles and timber details providing a very aesthetically-pleasing backdrop for the steady stream of trendy locals and coffee-devoted travellers who pass through each day.The food With an admirable commitment to sustainability (and giving the people of Sydney what they want on the brunch front), the menu changes with the seasons, with a few signatures (including the beloved house-made banana bread) staying put year round. The current spring menu is a mix of PCP signatures and newer seasonal plates, including crumbed eggs on A.P. sourdough with slow-braised ham hock and kale, fried chicken and waffles with maple bacon gravy, a spring salad w

In early 2023, the curtains came down around Manly Pacific: a stunning, design-forward reimagining of a huge, 200-plus-room hotel on the shores of one of Sydney’s most famous beaches. The $30-million renovation project, led by Australian designers Coco Republic, transformed the sprawling site into one of Sydney’s most lusted-after luxury stays, complete with a beautiful rooftop pool, a sophisticated cocktail bar, a playful all-day diner and an Italian restaurant that quickly secured its position among the city’s best. Now, the hotel has entered a new chapter under Elysium – the Aussie-born luxury hotel brand (launched by Manly Pacific's existing owners), which made its debut in Noosa last year. Fans of Manly Pacific (myself very much included) will be happy to hear that much of the experience remains: warm, exceptional service and a stay that makes a convincing case for barefoot luxury. Returning to the hotel post-rebrand, I was pleasantly surprised to find it even more note-perfect than I remembered: refreshed rooms and suites, new locally sourced artwork and floral installations, a signature Elysium scent that laces every moment with luxury, and a team that goes above and beyond to make every guest feel like a very well-cared-for friend. It's still every bit a high-end hotel, made even more delightful with a distinctly Manly energy: calm, confident and balancing wellness with all the pleasures of a great luxury hotel stay. The difference now is in the details, from person

The beating heart of the Central Coast, linking the quickly-growing coastal region to the centre of Sydney via a (pretty damn scenic) direct train line, Gosford is on the up and up. And Voco Gosford – a brand-new 28-storey tower in the centre of town – is leading the charge. There is, undeniably, something that feels a little strange about the presence of a sparkling metropolis in such a sleepy town, but after spending a night here, it’s hard to deny that this well-appointed mega venue is a huge boost to the area.  What is Voco Gosford like? Rising up into the sky in the heart of the small town, Voco Gosford is a coastal-inspired hotel overlooking Brisbane Water – home to 130 rooms, six food and drink venues and plenty of spaces for events. It’s a seriously polished base for exploring the Central Coast, with the foreshore, beaches and national parks all within easy reach, and a huge rooftop pool primed for slow holiday mornings. What are the rooms like at Voco Gosford? Ranging from King Standard and Bay View rooms to Premium Balcony rooms, Queen rooms and King Suites, there’s a whole lot to choose from on the rooms front – meaning it’s a really great option for big groups looking for a base on the Cenny Coast. Lots of the rooms have private balconies and water or mountain views, and the influence of the surrounding area is beautifully evident in the design: all sandy tones and touches of ocean blue. Designed by Melbourne-based interiors firm Hecker Guthrie, the simple aesthet

There’s always a lot going on at Sydney’s favourite house. So much so that it can be hard to keep track – with new headliners dropping every other week, and huge events taking over the various venues seemingly out of nowhere.  Keen to go to a show under the sails over the next few months? We’ve rounded up a few top picks in the Sydney Opera House winter to spring season:  Backstage tours give you a peek behind the curtain Explore the inner workings of Australia's most famous buildings on one of these expert-led tours. Dates: DailyTickets: From $48  Table Top Shakespeare will turn pantry items into Shakespearean stars Forget actors – this delightfully bonkers production has vases, jars, Dettol bottles and salt and pepper shakers taking centre stage. Six performers from acclaimed UK theatre company Forced Entertainment will retell Shakespeare’s most iconic tales using whatever they can find in the pantry, with plenty of relish, marmalade and dish soap along the way.Dates: September 22–27Tickets: $75 Curious will bring some of the world’s biggest thinkers to the Opera House Keen to expand your mind? The Sydney Opera House’s ideas festival, Curious, will reurn with a line-up of influential thinkers, comedians, creatives and chefs exploring everything from the mysteries of consciousness to family drama, the past and what the future might hold.Dates: October 4 & November 4Tickets: From $39 A Place in the Sultan’s Kitchen will serve up a family story with a side of curry Part theatr

Art enthusiasts, assemble. Australia’s biggest contemporary art event is back at Carriageworks in Redfern from September 3-6. Sydney Contemporary has returned with a Champagne-fuelled bang, featuring stunning works by more than 500 artists from 33 countries, represented by 100 galleries. The ambitious program is made up of large-scale installations, impressive works, photographs, performances and talks. And for the first time ever, Sydney Contemporary has spilled beyond the walls of Carriageworks, with public artworks popping up across the city. Fair director Zoe Paulsen says this year’s massive 10th edition is filled with “celebration and discovery, the familiar and the unexpected.” While the fair itself will take over Carriageworks as usual, this year's highlights extend to two beautiful waterfront spots. Kamilaroi artist Reko Rennie has a striking new installation at Sydney Fish Market, while Joan Ross's bold video work will transform Pier Pavilion at Barangaroo – inviting passing Sydneysiders to engage with contemporary art outside the traditional gallery setting. Inside Carriageworks, expect everything from monumental sculptures and immersive textile installations to kinetic works and live performances. Melbourne duo The Huxleys will debut a joyous new performance piece, and Mike Hewson (the visionary behind AGNSW's universally loved exhibition The Key's Under The Mat) will transform the Carriageworks café with his signature immersive approach. Other headline names exhib

It’s been a big twelve months for Sydney on the art front – with the 25th Biennale of Sydney being named the best exhibition in the world worth travelling for, the beloved Brett Whiteley Studio re-opening in Surry Hills, and Mike Hewson’s Key’s Under the Mat changing the way we think about galleries. Mercifully, we’re not stopping there. This spring, one of Australia’s most celebrated artists is getting the blockbuster retrospective treatment that only the Art Gallery of NSW can offer, with Nolan: Origins landing this spring, exploring the formative years of Sidney Nolan’s career. Bringing together more than 150 works from public and private collections, the exhibition traces the period from the late 1930s to Nolan’s departure for the UK in 1953 – the years in which he developed the bold, distinctive style that would help redefine Australian art. According to the gallery, the major drawcard is Nolan’s iconic Ned Kelly series, with all 27 paintings reunited in Sydney for the first time in more than 60 years. The series sees the bushranger transformed into a mysterious, almost mythical figure, and remains one of the defining achievements of Australian art. But there’s plenty more to discover, from Nolan’s early modernist works developed at Melbourne’s Heide to his vivid paintings of the Wimmera, K’gari, outback Queensland and Central Australia. The exhibition will also explore his fascination with Australian legends, including the Burke and Wills expedition, as well as his haun

When it comes to access to nature, Sydneysiders are pretty spoiled – with gorgeous gardens punctuating the city and incredible national parks right on our doorstep. But when you want real nature immersion, it’s worth venturing a little further afield and pitching a tent so you can wake up to the sound of the birds. And luckily for us, some of the most magical camping sites in the state are within two hours’ drive from the city. From secluded riverside pitches to cosy cabins and working farm stays, these eight award-winning campsites are all within around three hours of the city, making them perfect for a weekend nature-escape this summer. Recognised in Hipcamp's latest awards, they're some of the best spots in NSW to pitch a tent, light a campfire and switch off for a while. 1. Fern Valley Ranch, Somersby Award: Best in New South WalesDrive time from Sydney: Around one hourPrice: From $72 per night If your idea of a dream weekend away involves waking up to native birdsong and spending your days winding your way through lush bushland, Fern Valley Ranch has your back. Set across a 100-acre working farm, this peaceful property has tent pitches tucked among an orchard and pine-tree paddock, with hot showers and opportunities to help feed the resident animals. There are also bushwalking tracks weaving through ferns and Gymea lilies, plus a viewing spot overlooking a 10-metre waterfall. Just don't be tempted to take a dip, as swimming isn't permitted. 2. The Last Post, Central Colo

Australia has no shortage of bucket-list destinations, but it’s always nice when our sunny country Down Under gains global recognition. And this week, three Aussie gems have just earned international recognition – making it onto Time Out's list of the world's most underrated places to visit in 2027. Compiled by Time Out's global travel team, the ranking encourages travellers to look beyond the usual tourist hotspots. This year, Tasmania ranked 28th, Newcastle 30th and Victoria's Gippsland region 39th. Here's why they're worth visiting.Tasmania (28th place globally) Australia's smallest state packs a serious punch, with more than 800 hiking trails, pristine beaches and much of its wilderness protected under UNESCO World Heritage status. It's also one of the world's only carbon-negative places. Go Tassie. Beyond the great outdoors, there's Hobart's wildly boundary-pushing Dark Mofo festival, MONA, the historic Port Arthur site and a thriving food and drink scene. Our advice? Arrive hungry, and make time for a hike. Photograph: MONA | Jesse HunnifordThe Museum of Old and New Art (MONA) in Hobart, Tasmania Newcastle, NSW (30th place globally) Just two hours north of Sydney, Newcastle offers a pretty unbeatable combination of beachside living and big-city energy. The former coal-mining town is now home to hip cafés, world-class restaurants, a super impressive art gallery and some truly spectacular coastal walks. Our tips for a weekend in Newy? Spend a day at Nobbys Beach or Mere

It's hard to argue that Australia's east coast, with its award-winning beaches and world-famous landmarks, is a hidden gem when it comes to tourism. But while destinations like Byron Bay and Bondi are household names well beyond our borders, there are plenty of places across the country that deserve a little more international attention. One of them is Newcastle, the coastal NSW city two hours north of Sydney, which has just been named one of the world's most underrated destinations for 2027. The annual list of the world's most underrated destinations was compiled by Time Out's international travel team, highlighting places that deserve more visitors beyond the usual tourist hotspots. Newcastle has secured the number 30 spot in this year's ranking, continuing its run as an internationally recognised under-the-radar destination after previously making the list in 2025, when it ranked ninth. And it's not hard to see why the city keeps catching the attention of travel experts. Sitting on the traditional lands of the Awabakal and Worimi people, Newcastle is one of Australia's most unique coastal cities, with a proper urban centre sitting just moments from a beautiful surf beach. Around two hours by car or two-and-a-half hours by train from Sydney, the former coal-mining and port town has evolved into a destination with a whole lot more to offer than its industrial past. These days, you'll find a thriving café culture, world-class restaurants, live music venues, a seriously impres

We already knew that Victoria has it all when it comes to holidays, but it’s pretty validating when this pretty corner of Australia finds its way onto a global list. This week, the magical Gippsland region has been named one of the world’s most underrated travel destinations for 2027, earning a spot on Time Out Travel’s annual global round-up of 41 places worth putting on your radar. If your idea of a perfect getaway involves deserted beaches, winding alpine roads and long lunches fuelled by excellent local produce, it might be time to point the car east. The sprawling region (Victoria’s largest region, roughly the same size as Switzerland) in the state’s east came in at number 39 on the global list, which celebrates destinations offering a quieter alternative to the world's overcrowded tourist hotspots. Curated by Time Out’s global network of travel writers and editors, the ranking shines a spotlight on places that deserve a little more attention, particularly as travellers increasingly seek out slower, more responsible ways to explore the world. And if you ask our team, Gippsland has a whole lot going for it. Around a 4.5-hour drive from Melbourne, the region is a natural wonderland of winding waterways, magical alpine roads and long stretches of white-sand coastline. Think sleepy seaside villages, wildlife-rich national parks and a whole lot of space to spread out your beach towel without fighting for a patch of sand. But there's more to Gippsland than its spectacular scen

Greek food is having a moment, and Windsor is about to score a pretty impressive new spot that’s billing itself as "mostly Greek”. That might sound a little ambiguous, but based on the team behind this place, we've got pretty high hopes. This summer, Melbourne hospitality heavyweight Simon Blacher (along with a killer team) is set to open Halo, a restaurant and bar bringing old-school taverna energy to a three-storey heritage building on Chapel Street – here’s what we know so far. Opening this summer at 144 Chapel Street, the new venue will mark a return to Blacher’s hospo roots. After 14 years at the helm of Commune Group, the hospitality collective behind Melbourne favourites including Hanoi Hannah, Tokyo Tina, New Quarter, Moonhouse and Studio Amaro, Blacher is putting his energy into a single venue for the first time in more than a decade. And he won't be doing it alone. Joining him are Nick Vas and Greg Stanogias of Elia Greek Tavern, alongside head chef Evan Georgopoulos, whose previous experience includes Sydney's hot new neighbourhood fave Olympic Meats. The food offering will be 'mostly Greek', drawing on the team's Melbourne and Mediterranean upbringing, with a focus on generous dishes designed to be shared. According to the team, we can expect cooked-to-order house-made pitas, seasonal mezze and dips, plus plenty of open-flame cooking, including skewers straight from the grill and gyro recipes informed by generations of Greek cooking. For Georgopoulos, the approach

As any schnitty-seeking Sydneysider would know, Sydney’s pub scene isn’t short on laid-back gems serving deep-fried faves and schooners of the good stuff, but finding a local that pairs proper pub culture with seriously good (and seriously affordable) Italian food is another story. Enter The Mitch, a reimagined neighbourhood pub on Mitchell Road in Alexandria that’s giving locals a whole heap of reasons to pull up a chair. Formerly known as the Balaclava Hotel, the historic site dates back to 1920 and has lived a few different lives, including stints as The Buckland and Fratelli Fresh. But rather than simply slap on a fresh coat of paint and call it a day, new owner Phil Anderson has spent more than a year transforming the space into something that brings together the best of a neighbourhood restaurant and a traditional local boozer. After spending a sunny Sunday afternoon at The Mitch, chatting with Phil and watching the space fill with families and groups of friends catching up over rounds of Spritzes and wood-fired pizza, I’m happy to confirm that he’s achieved his vision.What’s most notable at The Mitch is its seamless confluence of two identities. Up front, you’ll find an Italian-inspired osteria complete with an Amalfi-inspired colour palette, an open kitchen and a woodfired pizza oven. Outside, sun-soaked tables line the pavement, in what Phil described as the pub’s “piazza”.Head further inside and things take a more traditional pub turn, with a huge pool table, sport,

Beauty enthusiasts of Western Sydney, your new fave shopping destination is loading. Global beauty retailer Sephora has just launched a new store in Blacktown, bringing a huge range of high-end make-up, cult skincare, designer fragrance and top-tier haircare to the area. The new store stocks a heap of Australia’s most sought-after beauty brands including Anastasia Beverly Hills, Makeup by Mario and amika, alongside Sephora Collection. It's also the first major prestige beauty retailer of its kind in the Blacktown shopping centre. And if you're keen to get your hands on some freebies, there are plenty of opening-day giveaways to know about. The first 300 customers through the doors today (Thursday, October 29) will receive a gift bag, and the first 100 will also score an amika Perk Up Dry Shampoo. We’ve got a feeling those might have already been snapped up, but it’s worth heading over if you’re in the area. Photograph: SuppliedSephora Blacktown   There are more goodies for shoppers who spend a little extra, too. The first 200 customers who spend more than $150 will receive an Anastasia Beverly Hills Fall Romance Eyeshadow Palette, and the first 100 Gold Beauty Pass members who present their membership will score a three-piece Beautyblender gift. Four lucky customers will also have the chance to win prizes, including a Shark Beauty SmoothStyle and Makeup by Mario prize packs. Keen? You can find out more over here.Stay in the loop: sign up for our free Time Out Sydney newslet

Op-shop lovers, listen up. Vinnies NSW is opening its biggest-ever retail store in Sydney this weekend, with thousands of pre-loved finds up for grabs for $10 or less. Opening in Auburn on Saturday, October 31, the enormous 1,000-square-metre warehouse-style store will be packed with discounted second-hand goods, from clothing and accessories to homewares and furniture. And to celebrate the opening, everything* is priced at $10 or less.*excluding furniture, leisure items and electrical items According to the Vinnies team, the new outlet is designed for shoppers who love the thrill of the op-shop hunt, with high volumes of affordable goods, bundled deals and promotions across selected categories. Beyond clothing, thrifting fiends can browse a huge selection of furniture, including dining tables and chairs, lounges, office desks, cabinets and shelving. The store will also stock a stacked range of household electrical items. If you’ve been saving up for a coffee machine, now might be the time. And if you've been meaning to clear out your cupboards, there's another reason to swing by. The Auburn outlet will offer a drive-up donation service, allowing locals to drop off quality pre-loved goods without even leaving their car. Photograph: Supplied | VinniesVinnies And ICYMI, shopping at Vinnies also supports a bigger cause. Last financial year, the organisation's 220 shops and six distribution centres raised more than $90 million, which was reinvested into services for people expe

Sorry to come your way with more bad news, but some facts need to be shared. Dining out in Melbourne is getting more expensive. And the kicker? One of the most-impacted meals is pizza. New research tracking thousands of dishes across the city has found that restaurant menu prices are rising faster than official dining-out inflation over the past six months, with the price of cheaper eats (and particularly our beloved slices of pie) rising the most.  The October 2026 edition of MenuTrender's Price Watch compared 9,137 dishes across 498 Melbourne restaurants, finding that the cost of ordering the same dishes increased by 2.4 per cent between February-April and October this year. That's slightly ahead of the 1.9 per cent rise in Melbourne's meals out and takeaway food Consumer Price Index (CPI) between the March and September quarters. But it's not all bad news for Melburnians watching their spending. Almost two-thirds of menu prices (64 per cent) remained unchanged, with 5,843 dishes still costing exactly the same as they did earlier in the year. Of the dishes that did become more expensive, the typical increase was $2, equivalent to a 7.3 per cent rise. Meanwhile, 285 dishes actually became cheaper. If you're sticking to more affordable options, you’re likely to notice the difference most. Dishes that previously cost less than $20 increased by an average of 2.9 per cent – the largest rise of any price bracket. The typical increase in this category was $1, although that represe

Some places need to be seen to be believed. The Grand Saddles Lodge – the Central Coast’s ridiculously opulent new getaway – is one of them: a glorious convergence of NYC glamour and English country estate energy, just 45 minutes from Sydney’s CBD. On a recent visit, we were afforded a very special sneak peek at the new hotel: complete with 20 designer suites, a Gatsby-coded piano bar, a gorgeous farmhouse-style restaurant and a seriously divine day spa. The latest addition to the Saddles Mount White estate, the lodge is the vision of businessman John Singleton, whose hospitality ventures were born out of a desire for a decent coffee close to home. If I had the resources to build the coffee shop of my dreams on my doorstep, I’d do the same. Now, alongside the acclaimed Homestead restaurant and The Barn events venue, the 28-acre estate is adding an overnight stay designed around good food, wine, wellness and the surrounding landscape. During our tour, John explained that the new hotel is another extension of his desire to bring the good life as close to his home as possible. And again – he’s not the only person reaping the benefits. Less than an hour’s drive from Sydney, we’ve got a feeling this luxe hotel will be topping a lot of staycation hit lists this summer. Photograph: Winnie Stubbs | Time Out SydneyGrand Saddles Lodge If your dream weekend escape involves a long lunch, a dip in a private plunge pool and a series of spa treatments followed by top-tier cocktails and li

Sydney's Northern Beaches are already home to some of the city's best coastal walks – the beloved Spit to Manly being a case in point. And now, a newly opened section of the Northern Beaches Coast Walk (a 36-kilometre coastal trail that will eventually stretch all the way from Shelly Beach to Barrenjoey Headland) has just opened between Newport Beach and Bilgola – complete with dedicated off-road path, scenic boardwalks and dreamy lookout points along the way.RELATED READ: These are our favourite walks in Sydney How far is the Newport to Bilgola Beach coast walk? The newly opened section of the Northern Beaches Coast Walk is 750 metres long, connecting Newport Beach with The Serpentine at Bilgola Beach. The three-metre-wide shared pathway runs alongside Barrenjoey Road, providing an off-road alternative to walking beside the steady stream of soccer mom Land Rovers that patrol the area. It also connects with existing walking and cycling paths, including the Bicentennial Path near Newport Beach and Eric Green Reserve. How long does the Newport to Bilgola Beach coast walk take? According to the team at Northern Beaches Council, you should allow around 10–15 minutes to walk the new 750-metre section at a leisurely pace – or longer if you want to stop at the lookouts and take in the views. The path is relatively short, making it an easy addition to a beach day rather than a full-day hiking commitment. You can also extend your outing by exploring Newport Beach, wandering through Er

If you’re heading to Tazzie this summer, your journey might be getting an upgrade. This Saturday (October 31), two shiny new Spirit of Tasmania ships – Spirit of Tasmania IV and Spirit of Tasmania V – will start sailing across the Bass Strait, and from what we can tell, they’ll be pretty damn luxe. Both of the next-gen boats have been designed to carry more passengers and vehicles, while making the roughly 10-hour journey between Geelong and Devonport more comfortable. Here's what to exepct.According to the team at The Spirit of Tasmania, the new vessels will retain the OG’s signature red colour scheme – but with a refreshed design featuring sweeping curves along the hull and funnel, plus a contemporary logo inspired by the ship’s bow against a blue sea and sky. They’re also seriously big. Each ship measures 212 metres long and 31 metres wide, with a gross tonnage of 48,000. There’s capacity for up to 1,800 passengers, 301 cabins and 4,098 lane metres of vehicle space, meaning more room for cars, motorhomes and other vehicles travelling between the mainland and Tasmania.In addition to the 301 cabins, there are 118 standard recliners and 47 business recliners for travellers who prefer a seat rather than a full room for the 9-12 hour journey. And if you’re planning to bring your doggo along for a Tasmanian road trip, there’s good news: the new ships will feature pet-friendly cabins alongside climate-controlled kennels. Under the bonnet, each ship is powered by four Wärtsilä nin