Winnie Stubbs

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

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

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 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.  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 Melbourne And these are our favourite glamping sites in Victoria Time Out makes a small commission from the affiliate links included in this article. These links have no influence on our editorial content, but they do help us to bring you more recommendations every week. For more information,

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

Spring is here, and so too is the theatrical fun. The fabulous Sydney Fringe is back for the month, featuring 460 shows and events spanning comedy, theatre, burlesque and more. Back to the Future: The Musical and Rent both kick off towards the end of the month in Sydney – I’m pumped for both. Tongue-in-cheek musical The Book of Mormon is on at Sydney's Capitol Theatre – and it’s jam-packed with “did they really just say that?” humour. Bring your mate, bring yourself – but maybe leave your nan (and your kid) at home for this one. STC's The Talented Mr. Ripley is on for the month. Have a ritzy night out watching this infamous tale of jealousy and deception. The iconic story will be on stage at Roslyn Packer Theatre. That’s all just for starters! Scroll on for the best musicals, plays and more to see in Sydney this month.

If you’re competing for the prize of favourite child this year, then it’s time to get cracking with your Father’s Day festivities – Father's Day in Australia is on Sunday, September 7, 2025. Forget the silly socks or the six-pack of beers and opt for some good ol’ quality time with the man instead – or grandpa, uncle, step-dad, brother, or any fatherly figure out there.  What are the best things to do on Father's Day in Sydney?  Whether it’s a relaxing catch-up at the pub, an ocean swim at the crack of dawn, a lunchtime trip to the fish markets, an afternoon craft brewery tour, or a delicious dinner at one of Sydney's best restaurants, we’ve got the ultimate playbook for winning dad over. PSA: Most of these things to do are free and cheap, because, we all need that kind of energy right now, and so does your dad.  While you’re at it, make sure to remind him that having you as a child is the greatest gift he could ever wish for. 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.

If you didn’t know already, Australia is home to some of the most incredible hikes on the planet. From week-long treks through red deserts and green mountains to easy day hikes through lush rainforests and along beautiful beaches, the land Down Under has every possible kind of walk imaginable – and trust us, they’re all bloody good.  If you’re looking at lacing up your hiking boots this year, we’ve got you covered with our pick of the best hikes in Australia. Using the age-old philosophy of variety being the spice of life, this list has a little bit of everything – from self-guided, kid-friendly day walks to life-changing multi-day treks.  🥾 The best national parks in Australia🌊 Australia's best coastal walks🤿 The best things to do in Australia

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

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

Choosing the right hotel in Melbourne can be an almighty task. With so many incredible stays to choose between – from super modern sky-high towers to charming historic gems – it can be an overwhelming ordeal to decide which one is right for you.Every traveller has their preference, but to make the job of deciding a little easier, our team of local experts have hotel hopped their way around the city to bring you our guide to the very best hotels in Melbourne. Many of the stays included in the list are favourites of Time Out Melbourne Editor Leah Glynn, with our Travel and Hotels Editor Winnie Stubbs chiming in and checking the guide to make sure it’s up to scratch.Whether you’re looking for a playful stay right in the CBD action (W Hotel, we’re looking at you) or somewhere more boutique in Melbourne’s buzzy Inner North (Standard X), we’ve got your back. Read on for our guide to the best hotels in Melbourne.   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 MelbourneAnd these are our favourite glamping sites in VictoriaTime Out makes a small commission from the affiliate links included in this article. These links have no influence on our editorial content, but they do help us to bring you more recommendations every week. For more information, see our affiliate guidelines.

In the words of Time Out Sydney Arts and Culture Editor Alannah Sue, hair is a religion, and choosing the right salon for you is an undeniably sacred act. To help you find the best people to entrust with your crowning glory, we’ve rounded up the very best hair salons in Sydney – from celeb-approved spots in the Inner City to an award-winning sustainable salon on the Northern Beaches. Read on for our top picks of the very best hair salons in the Harbour City.   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. Need some me-time? These are the best day spas in the Harbour City.And these are the best facials in Sydney.

The Sunshine Coast’s ever-expanding dining scene is a double-edged sword: how does one pick between so many fantastic restaurants? Seasonal and locally sourced produce takes centre stage across all cuisines, with everything from modern Asian and Middle Eastern to seafood, spaghetti and steak.  Once you’ve ticked off all the hot spots on Hastings Street in Noosa, make your way south to Mooloolaba’s bustling waterfront for fresh prawns and Asian street food, the sunny town square of Peregian Beach for a paddock-to-plate long lunch, or the scenic hinterland to dine at new farm-to-table restaurant ēthos. Here’s our guide to the best restaurants on the Sunshine Coast, straight from local tips and the well-fed experience of our Travel & News Editor Melissa Woodley. ☀️ The best things to do on the Sunshine Coast🌊 Your ultimate guide to Noosa🍽️ Where to eat in Noosa

Horror fans and fright fanatics, this one's for you. After a super successful debut year, which attracted 115,000 Sydneysiders and visitors to The Rocks, the historic precinct's immersive Halloween fest is back – this time with an upgraded program and spooky-as-hell parties running well into the night. Here's everything you need to know about Ghost Festival 2.0.Back in June of 2024, something spooky cropped up in The Rocks, with visitors spotting what appeared to be a ghost looming in the windows above Sydney’s oldest pub. After a lot of speculation, the “ghost” was later revealed to be a cheeky teaser for a huge Halloween festival, which first popped up in The Rocks last spring. Now, the organisers behind Ghost Festival have confirmed that the huge precinct-wide spook fest will be returning for a second year.Kicking off on October 30, Ghost Festival 2025 will take over The Rocks for four terrifying nights – transforming the entire historic precinct into a spine-chilling phantom’s playground for four days of haunted feasts, spooky storytelling and supernatural experiences. Though the event will play into fantastical Halloween tropes – with “zombies” roaming the streets and tentacles protruding from buildings – it will also lean on the eerie history of The Rocks, with interactive experiences taking inspiration from the precinct’s history. During the daytime, The Rocks will play host to an immersive Halloween market – with stallholders slinging spooky goods and food trucks kee

Calling all arts enthusiasts. Sydney Contemporary, the largest and most diverse art fair in the country, is on right now at Carriageworks – and it's brilliant. Back for its ninth iteration, the incredible art fest has popped up at Sydney’s multidisciplinary arts hub, from Thursday, September 11 until Sunday, September 14 2025. There’s a full four-day program of installations, performances, talks and panels, plus – naturally – a whole lot of stunning art ready to be claimed. As the largest fair to date, this year’s event will also feature a brand new ‘Photo Sydney’ sector, a whole program dedicated to aspiring young artists (appropriately titled ‘Kid Contemporary') and works by more than 500 artists.  First things first: art. As always, Sydney Contemporary will bring together some of Australia and New Zealand’s best galleries, with gallerists and individual artists putting forward a curation of works that speak to the festival’s bold, creative spirit. This year’s booth highlights will include a surreal, grocery store-inspired solo exhibition by New Zealand based installation artist Mike Hewson (presented by Michael Lett), a kooky, thought-provoking installation by Shen Shaomin (featuring 2,000 mechanical carps, with canned carps available for purchase) and the first solo Sydney exhibition of acclaimed Melbourne-based artist Julia Ciccarone. Other top picks on the gallery front include Neon Parc, Ames Yavuz, EG Projects and Sydney’s own Olsen Gallery. The debut of ‘Photo Sydney

It’s 6.05am on the first Saturday of spring, and the sun is just pushing up over the ocean – warming the waves and turning the thin line of clouds on the horizon into candyfloss. From our bedroom overlooking the sea, we pull open the doors and carry our quilt and cushions out onto the balcony. We could have stayed there all day, weak morning sunshine like honey on un-sunned skin, the call of kookaburras and the thrum of the ocean the only sounds. We could have, but we would have missed out on the chance to eat plates of perfect Eggs Benedict in the colourful dining room, and to swim in the infinity pool that melts into the ocean, sparkles of light intensified in those first few hours of the morning. If we’d stayed for the whole day, we would have missed the chance to explore the nearby towns, to settle into the spa for a massage and to share a round of cocktails in the pool bar before dinner at the on-site restaurant by one of the world’s most famous seafood chefs. All that’s to say: there’s a lot to do at Bannisters, and none of it will dare to take you out of holiday mode. What is Bannisters by the Sea like? Bannisters by the Sea is like every advert you’ve ever seen for a holiday, and looking back through your camera reel after your stay, you’ll find it hard to believe that you were actually there. Housed in a former motel, the beautifully restored, beach house-style boutique hotel opened in 2002, quickly cementing itself as one of the state’s most lusted-after coastal sta

Fans of the Bard, we’ve got news. Two thirds of the way through a huge 2025 season, with critically acclaimed productions of Henry V and Coriolanus all wrapped up and a beloved production of Shakespeare’s most famous love story returning to the Opera House this summer, Bell Shakespeare has just released the details for its 2026 season. Next year, Sydney’s Shakespeare enthusiasts will be treated to a world premiere of Mackenzie, a new production of Julius Caesar and the return of Bell Shakespeare's critically acclaimed 2023 production of Macbeth. The first Bell Shakespeare production to light up our stages in 2026 will be a new production of Julius Caesar, opening in the Harbour City in March before touring Canberra and Melbourne. This entirely new staging will be directed by Artistic Director Peter Evans, with Leon Ford (Elvis, Hamlet) as Cassius and Brigid Zengeni (Coriolanus, The Artful Dodger) as Brutus. Next up, Bell Shakespeare will bring to life a new reimagining of Macbeth, described by the theatre as “hilarious, twisted, and deeply camp”. Mackenzie is the brainchild of award-winning creator Yve Blake in partnership with Artistic Director Virginia Gay, who have rewritten the Macbeth story with the titular character being a 13-year-old child star in the heights of early 2000s TV stardom, and Lady Macbeth her “ruthlessly ambitious stage mum”. Mackenzie will open in Sydney in June of 2026, before showing in Melbourne.For the company’s annual national tour, Bell Shakespear

Spring is officially upon us, daylight savings is fast approaching, and for Barangaroo’s 20,000+ office workers, Thursday lunchtimes just got a whole lot more lively. To encourage people to get outside this spring season, Barangaroo has re-launched its Spring in the Streets series – bringing live music, roving entertainment and affordable lunch specials to the waterside precinct every Thursday until Thursday, October 30. For the next eight Thursday lunchtimes (from 11am until 3pm), Barangaroo will come to life with seasonal festivities; think free ice cream scoops, live musical performances and excellent lunch deals. On the music line-up, performers include electronic artist and producer GabZak, live DJ and saxophone player SaxBeatz, genre-bending indie artists BLOKBSTR and more. On the food front, you can score a heap of lunchtime deals for less than $30 – with Bottega Coco serving up $18 Panuozzos (plus a soft drink), Love.fish offering $28 lunch specials, Zushi offering 10 per cent off bento boxes and Rivareno Gelato serving up free scoops to the first 50 people who spend $20 or more at The Canteen.Barangaroo’s springtime celebrations will run every Thursday until October 30. You can learn more here. Stay in the loop: sign up for our free Time Out Sydney newsletter for more news, straight to your inbox. RECOMMENDED:These are the best beaches in Sydney These are the best gardens in the city. And these are our favourite outdoor pools. 

The state’s largest independent arts festival, Sydney Fringe Festival, is back for 2025 – with more than 460 events hitting our stages for one very entertaining month. Presented across the city throughout September 2025, the dynamic program spans theatre, music, comedy, visual art, film, musical theatre, dance, circus, street festivals, literature and poetry – and it's going to be ace. Clover Moore, Lord Mayor of Sydney, says: “The Fringe is as diverse as our city – and I’m very proud of that.” This year, Sydney Fringe Festival is presenting a city-wide playground of entertainment, with ten key hubs hosting immersive theatre shows, boundary-pushing cabaret, comedy galas, dance shows, live music performances and so much more. Time Out's picks: 10 of the best shows to see at Sydney Fringe Festival 2025Spanning a full four weeks from now until September 30, the Sydney Fringe program includes a heap of interactive, community-focused events, including a free street party taking over The Rocks on Thursday, September 4 and a child-friendly ‘Kids Fringe’ popping up in The Entertainment Quarter for the school holidays.  You can learn more and plan your Sydney Fringe experience over here. Stay in the loop: sign up for our free Time Out Sydney newsletter for more news, straight to your inbox. RECOMMENDED:  Want fun now? Here’s what’s on in Sydney this weekend. In the mood for a show? Here’s our list of the best theatre to see in Sydney this month.

There are many women in Sydney who’ve dreamed of leaving the corporate world to create an oasis: a space dedicated to joy. Meghann Nikola, founder of Annandale’s Rêve Skin and Beauty, has done exactly that – establishing a carefully designed, women-only space that offers a hugely impressive (hugely restorative) range of expert beauty treatments, all under one beautifully curated roof. “We have so little time to dedicate to self-care. I wanted to make sure that the time people do have is spent in a place that feels safe and enjoyable,” Meghann explains. And it’s true – you’re struck by the design of the space as soon as you arrive: mirrored walls framed by curved shelving, designer furniture thoughtfully positioned, and statement lights casting a warm, welcoming glow. But it’s not just the energy and design of Rêve that make this a uniquely special self-care sanctuary. It’s the holistic, accessible expertise on offer, with a range of treatments that are rarely found together in one place. With the aim of streamlining self-care, Meghann designed Rêve as an all-in-one destination, combining cosmetic treatments, advanced science-backed beauty therapies and wellness rituals – so women can get their self-care done in one warm, delightfully unintimidating place. Treatments span from manicures to hydrofacials, lash lifts to injectables, and Meghann has built a team of therapists who are each experts in their fields. After a few hours at Rêve, you emerge glowing onto Annandale’s buzzy

Spring is springing, and Sydney’s events schedule is kicking into gear. And after a very fun summer of day parties for the 2023-2024 season, there’s a new kid on the block in Sydney’s Inner West daytime dance scene. Enter: The Grifter Brewing Co. On the last Sunday of every month (starting on Sunday, August 31 – the last day of winter), Grifter will play host to an afternoon of dance music in partnership with their neighbours, Fanático Records.  Fanático Sundays will run from 3pm until 8pm at Grifter’s beloved Marrickville brewery, with a line-up of local DJs playing all-vinyl sets. You can stay fuelled with wood-fired pizza and Grifter beer on tap (plus other tipples including natty wine from Doom Juice).The first event will be curated by Fanático selectors Hosca and Andres,  with the line-ups for the September and October events yet to be announced. You can learn more here, and you can keep up-to-date via the Grifter Insta account. Winter, it’s been a pleasure. Stay in the loop: sign up for our free Time Out Sydney newsletter for more news, straight to your inbox. RECOMMENDED:  Want fun now? Here’s what’s on in Sydney this weekend.And these are our favourite pubs in the city. Beer fiend? These are the best breweries in Sydney.

From the lounge space on the 21st floor of Sheraton Grand Hyde Park, the Sydney evening stretches out below me in intricate detail. Above the commuters walking home through the park, the fig tree canopies stretch like cities of leaves, and the towers of Kings Cross blink to life as the stone spires of the cathedral are cast in a buttery glow. Beyond the Woolloomooloo Finger Wharves pushing their historic silhouettes into the harbour, the banks of the eastern suburbs greet the water – green meeting blue – and the ocean horizon cuts a deep navy line into the sky. Sydney’s most iconic landmarks might be out of sight, but there’s so much in this view that speaks to the fabric of the city, from a hotel situated deep within its buzzing heart. What is Sheraton Grand Hyde Park like? The Sheraton Grand Hyde Park is a hotel whose name reflects its offering: it’s opulent and old-school in the very best way. And though it would be easy for this hotel to rest on its laurels – with its super-central location guaranteeing its popularity – the team manages to deliver something that’s at once intimate and awe-inspiring, with an endearingly old-school energy. With 558 rooms and 48 suites stretching above the city for 22 expansive floors, this is a hotel that reminds you that you’re in one of the world’s major cities. Arriving into the grand, gold-trimmed lobby, you’ll be struck instantly by its scale. Marble pillars stretch up into the ceiling and a thick, slowly-sloping staircase wraps up the

Didn’t make it to Rome this Euro summer? Us neither. And in excellent news for art enthusiasts of the Harbour City, one of Europe’s most famous and beloved cultural sites is coming to us. From Friday, August 29, the Sistine Chapel will come to life in Sydney thanks to an immersive multisensory experience. For context, the Sistine Chapel is a world-famous Renaissance chapel in the Vatican City, celebrated not only as the Pope’s private chapel but also as an artistic masterpiece – with Michelangelo’s famous painting The Last Judgment framing the ceiling, and other masterpieces lining the walls. The 15th century chapel attracts millions of visitors every year, but if you’re not up for facing the crowds in Italy, you can get a taste of the space right here. Opening soon in Sydney’s Fever Pavilion, Michelangelo’s Sistine Chapel: The Exhibition will bring the Renaissance masterpiece to life. Inside the Sydney Showground Pavilion, 34 of Michelangelo’s ceiling frescoes from the Vatican’s Sistine Chapel will be recreated in true-to-size scale. Masters of immersion Fever will use a specially developed printing technique that mirrors the texture, colour, and detail of the original works. While nothing quite compares to the real thing, the Sydney-based iteration of the chapel comes without the crowds and access-restricting scaffolding of the Roman version, allowing up-close encounters with the artwork. So far, the exhibition has mesmerised art lovers around the world – popping up in Pari

Sleek, towering city hotels have their place, but personally, my preference is always for staying somewhere small: a place with heart and soul and décor that feels like it’s a person’s pride and joy. Sitting beside the water in a sun soaked corner of Sydney’s Eastern Suburbs, Watsons Bay Boutique Hotel is very much the latter. From the low, linen-draped sofa in the warmly lit dining room, you can watch ferries trace lines across the harbour and families set up picnics in the park. Nostalgic songs play through the speakers and groups of happy travellers gather on the downstairs terrace with a pizza and a pint in the sunshine. This is a hotel that you won’t want to leave – a comfy, easy-breezy beach house within walking distance of some of the city’s most beautiful beaches. What is Watsons Bay Boutique Hotel like? First up, it’s worth noting this beachside stalwart’s historical significance – it’s been serving up good times in the Harbour City for well over a century. In 1793, the pocket of land where the hotel now stands (on the traditional lands of the Cadigal people, a smaller clan within the broader Gadigal peoples of the Eora nation) was granted to Edward Laing, as one of the very first land grants in Australia. The first hotel was built on the site in 1886, initially named The Palace Hotel. Fifty-one years later, Watsons Bay Boutique Hotel was built, and in 2002 it underwent a major renovation to become the aspirational stay it is today. For Sydneysiders, the hotel is bes

The time-honoured tradition of celebrating the September/October full moon – also known as the Harvest Moon or Hunter’s Moon – has played an important role in many Asian cultures for centuries, offering a moment to honour the magnificent moon at its brightest. Harvest Moon-related festivals have been celebrated across Sydney for years, but in 2025, the celebrations will take over one of the city’s most iconic celestial landmarks. From Tuesday, September 30, to Thursday, October 2, Sydney Observatory will host its first-ever Moon Festival, featuring lion dances, lantern parades, live musical performances, and Vietnamese street food. Traditionally, Moon Festivals focus on the theme of gratitude, with mooncakes shared among guests, lion dances performed, and feasts enjoyed under the glowing moon. The Sydney Observatory event will follow this tradition, with interactive lantern-making workshops led by renowned visual artist Truc Truong, alongside other traditional activities – and the added bonus of the city’s best view of the moon through the observatory's powerful telescope. The Moon Festival will take over the observatory grounds for three consecutive days at various times, with the main event – including a lantern parade, lion and dragon dances, and a live set by Asian-Australian DJ Small FRY – taking place on Thursday, October 2. Workshops will be free to attend, but a (free) ticket will be required for the Thursday evening main event. Keen? You can check out the full progra

The parks and forests that surround Singapore are beyond beautiful, and with the weather cooling, getting out into nature is becoming a whole lot more appealing. Earlier this year, Singapore welcomed a beautiful new hiking trail – a tranquil, forest-shrouded path connecting Labrador Nature Park to the Southern Ridges. Here’s everything you need to know about the Keppel Coastal Trail. What is the Keppel Coastal Trail? The Keppel Coastal Trail is a stunning scenic walking trail that links the elevated trails of the Southern Ridges to the lush Labrador Nature Reserve. The relatively new trail takes visitors through beautiful coastal forests and dense mangroves, and past impressive historical sites along Singapore’s southern waterfront. Where is the Keppel Coastal Trail? The Keppel Coastal Trail is located in Singapore’s southern region – running through the beautiful Labrador Nature Reserve and connecting to the Southern Ridges network of sky-high parks and trails. How do you get to the Keppel Coastal Trail from Singapore? To get there from the centre of Singapore, take the MRT to Labrador Park Station (Circle Line) and follow the park signs. Alternatively, several bus routes stop near the entrance to Labrador Nature Reserve – meaning it’s easily accessible from many corners of the city. The journey takes around 20-30 minutes.  How far is the Keppel Coastal Trail? The trail is about 2.2 kilometres long, meandering through forests and along coastal trails from Labrador Nature Res

No plans this NYE? No problem. Today, details have dropped about Naarm/Melbourne’s newest large-scale music festival: New Year’s at the Bowl. For two days this summer, Sidney Myer Music Bowl will play host to a huge music festival, with a ridiculously impressive line-up curated to bring a big boost of joy to the start of 2026. Where is New Year’s at the Bowl? Hidden between the trees of Melbourne’s King’s Domain, Sidney Myer Music Bowl is Australia’s biggest purpose-built, permanent outdoor performance venue – and it’s stepping up its game this NYE with state-of-the-art production across multiple stages and a line-up spanning elating techno from huge global producers to a mesmeric, otherworldly performance by beloved Melbourne-based indie outfit Glass Beams. What’s the line-up for New Year’s at the Bowl? Looking at the stacked list of artists, it’s hard to narrow the headliners down to a handful. The line-up for New Year’s Eve includes Underworld, Confidence Man, Carl Cox, Mark Ribellet, Big Wett and so many others, including beloved DJ and expert dance-curator Rosa Terenzi. On New Years Day, the Bowl will play host to a sun-soaked day party, with headliners including Maribou State, Berlioz, Bradley Zero, Glass Beams, The Preatures and Tornado Wallace. How much are tickets for New Year’s at the Bowl? Party people can choose between two-day or single day tickets, with first release single day tix starting at $169.90. Is there a presale for New Year’s at the Bowl? You better be

Sydney drivers, we’ve got good news. Big progress is being made on the Warringah Freeway Upgrade, and now, 10,000 motorists a day will have a new southbound route to the city via the Cahill Expressway. The new 46-metre underpass will provide a dedicated citybound connection for motorists travelling from the Warringah Freeway to the City East, Airport and Eastern Suburbs. Here’s what we know so far.   For context, the Warringah Freeway is an enabling project for the major Western Harbour Tunnel project – the first new harbour crossing to be built in Sydney in 30 years. Once they’re both complete, the roads will create a game-changing link between Sydney’s north and west, and both airport precincts (including the new Western Sydney Airport). In its current form, the Warringah Freeway is one of the busiest roads in Australia, with around 250,000 vehicles and 150,000 bus passengers using it each day.  A new key link in the city, the Mount Street underpass will reduce a whole heap of congestion on the Waringah Freeway, with a dedicated southbound bus lane (opening next year) on track to help even more – giving buses an uninterrupted journey down the freeway to the city. Photograph: Supplied | NSW Government The 46-metre underground tunnel came to life thanks to advanced engineering technology, which allowed the space to be excavated in just 22 days (a project of this scale would usually take upwards of 60 days, according to Minister for Roads Jenny Aitchison, who has described t

Spring has officially sprung. Daylight savings is fast approaching, and the promise of beach days is the perfect excuse to start booking your summer escape. When it comes to summer holiday spots, NSW kinda excels – with gorgeous laid-back beach towns lining the coast, and magical mountain villages transforming from sprawling ski resorts into idyllic hiking meccas. With our focus on sunny spots, it can be easy to forget that NSW has a whole lot to offer in the wintertime too. New data from Big Red Group's latest Seasonal Experiences Index ranked the top 10 Aussie destinations for domestic travellers this winter, and three NSW spots made the list. RECOMMENDED READ: These are the best weekend getaways in NSWTo determine Aussie travellers’ favourite domestic holiday destinations this winter, Big Red Group analysed booking data from 200,000 experiences, with bookings for NSW experiences up by 1.6 per cent year on year. We hear you, 1.6 per cent isn’t major, but the interest in one particular NSW hotspot jumped 10 places in the rankings. Just west of Sydney, the Blue Mountains region climbed from 19th place in 2024 to 9th place in 2025.  If you ask us, this beautiful region has long been worthy of the top spot on your Aussie winter hit list – with adorable towns home to dreamy bathhouses and cosy boutique stays making the mountains the perfect cold-season setting. In recent years, the Blue Mountains restaurant scene has gone from good to great, with a gorgeous new eatery seeming t

Spring has officially sprung, and daylight savings is just around the corner. Keen to capitalise on the springtime sunshine with a day outside? We hear you. To help Sydneysiders make the most of the longer, warmer days, we spoke with the team from AllTrails to get their round-up of the most popular springtime hikes in NSW. Grand Canyon Track (Blue Mountains) This six kilometre loop near the charming mountain town of Blackheath winds through lush rainforests, passing spectacular waterfalls and sandstone cliffs. In spring, the cool gullies burst with wildflowers, and the crisp mountain air begins to ease with the promise of summer. Incidentally, this hike was the most popular hike in the whole of Australia in 2024, so it’s got form.  RECOMMENDED READ:  These are the best bushwalks in the Blue Mountains Bondi Beach to Coogee Beach Walk (Sydney) Stretching for a stunning six kilometres along Sydney’s eastern coastline, this iconic clifftop walk links golden beaches and beloved ocean pools, and each beach along the way is home to a handful of cafés to keep you caffeinated. Spring brings perfect walking weather, and the famous Sculpture by the Sea exhibition pops up here from mid-October to early-November every year. Cape Byron Walking Track (Byron Bay) A little further afield on the easternmost point of the state, the Cape Byron Walking Track is a 3.7 kilometre loop that circles Cape Byron – meandering through the bush past magical beaches (make sure you stop for a dip at Little W

In the mood for a springtime escape? We hear you – and while there are plenty of beautiful places to explore here in Victoria, it’s always exciting to go overseas every now and again. To make an international getaway a reality, Scoot (the low-cost subsidiary of Singapore Airlines) has just dropped a huge sale, with cut-price flights across the network to popular destinations including Japan, Vietnam, Bali and beyond. And to celebrate its Singaporean roots, Scoot will be also cutting a mega 38 per cent off flights from Australia to Singapore – with flights from Melbourne to Singapore starting at $190. Wondering where else you could head? Read on. If you’ve been craving a Euro trip, this might be your chance – with flights from Melbourne to Athens costing just $475, and flights from Melbourne to Vienna costing $485. If you’re in the mood for something slightly closer, the options are endless – with discounted flights across heaps of Asian countries and islands. Photograph: Sanatana/Shutterstock Flights from Melbourne to Okinawa start at $310, while you can head to Chiang Mai from $280 and Bangkok from $230. Other destinations in the sale include Denpasar (Bali), Ho Chi Minh, Padang and Phuket – with flights from Melbourne all costing less than $250 a pop. If you’re keen to upgrade, ScootPlus flights are also heavily discounted in the sale – with unlimited date/time changes, ‘Scootsurance’ and extra baggage allowance included in the fares.The sale is on right now and the cut-p

Mid-year burnout got you good? We hear you. To make a pre-summer escape a reality, Scoot (the low-cost subsidiary of Singapore Airlines) has just dropped a huge sale, with cut-price flights across the network to popular destinations including Japan, Vietnam, Bali and beyond. To celebrate its Singaporean roots, Scoot will be cutting a mega 38 per cent off flights from Australia to Singapore – with flights from Sydney to Singapore starting at $195. Wondering where else you could head? Read on. If you’ve been craving a Euro trip, this might be your chance – with flights from Sydney to Athens costing just $470, and flights from Sydney to Vienna costing $480. If you’re in the mood for an Asian adventure, the options are endless – with discounted flights across heaps of Asian countries and islands. RELATED READ: Here’s a sneak peek at the new Western Sydney Airport. Flights from Sydney to Okinawa start at $310, flights from Sydney to Chiang Mai start at $280, and flights from Sydney to Bangkok start at $240. Other destinations in the sale include Denpasar (Bali), Ho Chi Mihn, Padang and Phuket – with flights from Sydney all costing less than $250 a pop. Photograph: Shutterstock   RELATED READ: Sydney airport’s domestic T3 terminal is welcoming 14 new foodie venues   If you’re keen to upgrade, ScootPlus flights are also heavily discounted in the sale – with unlimited date/ time changes, ‘Scootsurance’ and extra baggage allowance included in the fares.The sale kicked off at 12pm o

Back in June of 2024, something spooky cropped up in The Rocks, with visitors spotting what appeared to be a ghost looming in the windows above Sydney’s oldest pub. After a lot of speculation, the “ghost” was later revealed to be a cheeky teaser for a huge Halloween festival, which first popped up in The Rocks last spring. Now, the organisers behind Ghost Festival have confirmed that the huge precinct-wide spook fest will be returning for a second year.Kicking off on October 30, Ghost Festival 2025 will take over The Rocks for four terrifying nights – transforming the entire historic precinct into a spine-chilling phantom’s playground for four days of haunted feasts, spooky storytelling and supernatural experiences. Though the event will play into fantastical Halloween tropes – with “zombies” roaming the streets and tentacles protruding from buildings – it will also lean on the eerie history of The Rocks, with interactive experiences taking inspiration from the precinct’s history. Photograph: Supplied | Ghost Festival During the daytime, The Rocks will play host to an immersive Halloween market – with stallholders slinging spooky goods and food trucks keeping visitors sustained. As you wander the cobbled laneways, you’ll be joined by frightening characters who will share stories that have haunted the streets for decades. Once the sun has set, the fright level will amp up – with a parade winding its way through the streets, and a Haunted Woods dining area waiting to host you

Sydney Airport’s T3 domestic terminal is getting a glow-up. Earlier this year, we reported on the news that Bondi’s famous Icebergs would be setting up shop within the terminal for your pre-flight feast, along with airport outposts of Maggio’s, Slim’s Quality Burgers, and Loulou. Those big-name additions felt like enough for one airport terminal in one twelve-month period, but Sydney Airport isn’t stopping there. This week, the full line-up of food and drink outlets has been confirmed. Ramen fans, you’re in for a treat.RELATED READ: Sydney Airport’s T2 terminal is getting a major $200-million upgradeAlong with the previously confirmed venues, the expanded line-up includes 10 more names that showcase some of the city’s favourite eats (along with new pop-ups and a few major franchises). For domestic visitors leaving Sydney, the new additions will offer a final taste of Sydney’s foodie scene – along with a few airport staples that every traveller needs (Krispy Kreme, we’re looking at you). RELATED READ: Here’s everything you need to know about the new Western Sydney AirportThe 14 new outlets will open progressively from late 2025, with new additions to the airport in the works including a revitalised retail offering, new shopfronts, improved wayfinding and a heap of new seating and greenery.   Photograph: Slim's Quality Burgers   So where can we expect to eat when we’re flying interstate (or around NSW) from late 2025 onwards? The final line-up will feature outposts of the f

Victoria has no shortage of spas and bathhouses (or hot springs!), but it’s always exciting when a new one opens its doors. The latest to join the soak sesh? The beautiful Pond Bathhouse, which has just opened on the Mornington Peninsula. While Pond’s wellness offering is on par with the state’s best, it’s the setting of this one that sets it apart. The heavenly wellness sanctuary is housed in a building that’s thought to be one of the first constructed in the Mornington area – a heritage-listed former vicarage dating back to 1863. Lovingly restored to maintain and celebrate the heritage of the building, the calming, plant-shrouded space features a stunning glass roof, elegant brass fixtures and a luxe relaxation room flooded with natural light.  Photograph: Supplied | Pond Bathhouse RECOMMENDED READ: These are the best hot springs in VictoriaBetween vintage wooden beams and soft, earthy-toned seating spaces, you’ll find a magnesium bath, ice plunges, infrared and traditional saunas, and a spacious steam room. Bathhouse sessions start at $75.95, and give you access to the space for a dreamy two hours. With a focus on slow self care, it has a limited capacity of 16 people per session, so you can take things at your own pace without feeling overwhelmed by other guests. If you’re keen to elevate your wellness, you can book a treatment with one of the talented on-site therapists – with relaxation or deep tissue massages available to book pre- or post-soak.  Photograph: Supplie

We get it, last Christmas feels like it happened a week ago. But believe it or not, we’re more than half way through the year (68.8 per cent, to be precise), and the summer party season is just around the corner. If you’re the planner of your group, you’ll want to take note. The ballots for some of Sydney’s best fireworks viewing spots are open now, and tickets for other spots (both paid and free-to-reserve) are moving fast. Keen to find out more? Read on. RECOMMENDED READ: Bondi Beach will host its first NYE party for more than 10 years This year’s NYE celebrations are on track to be as spectacular as ever, with an epic fireworks display and mesmerising light projections set to transform the skyline as we welcome 2026. Full details for this year’s events are yet to be released, but the basic program for the harbour-based festivities includes a 7.30pm smoking ceremony, pylon projections on the Harbour Bridge from 8.30pm, a Welcome to Country at 8.45pm, the Calling Country fireworks display at 9pm, and the world-famous midnight fireworks display as the clock strikes 12. A few notable changes this year include an expanded viewing set-up on the Cahill Expressway (you can enter the ballot for free tickets here), and a new approach at the Sydney Opera House – which will offer 6,000 free tickets (available to book via the Opera House website on December 26). In the heart of the harbour, Cockatoo Island is offering elevated camping and accommodation packages this year, with the bal

Victoria is home to its fair share of excellent wineries, from the rolling vineyards of the Yarra Valley to the cool climate drops from the Grampians. And while we all have our personal favourites, it’s always interesting to see which wineries take the critic’s pick. Every year, the Halliday Wine Companion Awards are released – Australia’s most respected celebration of wine, recognising the nation’s top talent across winemaking, viticulture and wineries. In the 2026 awards, Victorian vineyards cleaned up – with our grape-filled state winning more varietal award categories than any other. The major winner from Victoria in this year’s awards was Elanto Vineyard on the Mornington Peninsula, which took home gold in the Best New Winery category. This beautiful high-density vineyard was planted among the Mornington Peninsula hills in 2019, with its first crop in 2023, and was described by Halliday’s head of tasting Katrina Butler⁠ as “a future icon in the making”. Elanto Vineyard is open for visits by appointment only. Keen? You can book here. Although Elanto was the key winner from the state, there were plenty of other Victorian wineries that received recognition in this year’s awards. In the 2026 Halliday Wine Companion Awards, Victorian winners include Tar and Roses (which won pinot grigio of the year), Yarra Yering (which took home gold in the Cabernet and Blends of the Year category for their Dry Red Wine No. 1 2023), Sutton Grange Winery (which won in the Rosé of the Year cat