Winnie Stubbs

NAIDOC Week is one of Australia's most important annual celebrations, bringing Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians together to recognise the rich histories, cultures and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. In 2026, NAIDOC Week officially runs from Sunday, July 5 to Sunday, July 12, marking a particularly significant milestone: 50 years of NAIDOC Week. NAIDOC stands for the National Aborigines and Islanders Day Observance Committee. The week traces its origins back to the 1938 Day of Mourning protests and was formally established in 1956 as a national observance celebrating First Nations culture while advocating for the rights and recognition of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. What is the 2026 NAIDOC Week theme? This year's theme is '50 Years of Deadly', celebrating five decades of NAIDOC Week and recognising the people, communities and movements that have shaped its legacy. It's a chance to reflect on the strength, resilience and cultural pride of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, while honouring the achievements of the past and looking towards the future. Stay in the loop: sign up for our free Time Out Sydney newsletter for more news, straight to your inbox. RECOMMENDED:Here's what's on in Sydney this weekHow does the head of Bangarra keep the fire burning? Read our interview with Frances Rings. 

Winter 2026 update: Sydney’s bar scene doesn’t slow down when the temperature drops – if anything, it gets even better. Think cosy corners, silky red wines, smoky whiskies and perfectly shaken Martinis. Whether you’re chasing a hidden speakeasy, a buzzing neighbourhood wine bar, rooftop cocktails with your girlfriends or a proper pint, we've got your winter watering holes sorted.  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 coat, Sydney – it’s bar season. Editor’s picks: 🍸 Best for cocktails: Silver's Motel 🤫 Best for speakeasy vibes: The Cumberland 🍹 Best for Daiquiris: Razz Room 🍷 Best for vibey wine and snacks: Paradise 🥃 Best for whisky lovers: Banchō Bar 🇲🇽 Best for Tequila & Margs: Centro 86 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

The ridiculously spectacular landscapes of NSW are a playground for hardcore hikers. But if you’re a less seasoned trekker – keen to get outside, but not quite ready to go full bush – there are still plenty of opportunities to experience the great Aussie wilderness without venturing too far from the bright city lights.RELATED READ: These are the seven ‘Great Walks’ of NSW In the national parks that sit on the city’s fringes, you'll find a whole heap of wonderful hikes that are perfect for first-time hikers not willing to commit to a full expedition. To bring you the best easy(ish) walks in the area, our team of local editors (including outdoors enthusiast, Travel and News Editor Winnie Stubbs) have laced up our boots and tested them out, so you know what you’re getting yourself into.RELATED READ: These are our favourite bushwalks in the Blue MountainsRead on for our list of the best easy day walks in NSW.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:This stunning trail close to Sydney is the perfect intro to overnight hiking Want more outdoorsy inspo? These are the best weekend escapes close to Sydney. And these are the best camping sites close to Sydney

There’s plenty of delicious reasons to get outside this winter – and Sydney’s hot new bars and restaurants are high on my list. Recently, I’ve been blown away by Ca Phe Mai in Double Bay – it’s a Vietnamese café and wine bar and you should order the juicy lemongrass pork and egg muffin. A cracking new pizza-by-the-slice shop has opened in Darlinghurst from the founder of Bourke St Bakery called Paulie’s Pizza, and Manly has a new underground Irish-inspired bar called The Gopher with black pudding Scotch eggs, open until 3am. 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.

Sydney’s after-dark offering gets a bad rap, and while the lockout laws did change things for a while, a whole lot of love and care has been poured into Sydney’s night-time offering over the past few years. One of the major outcomes? A whole heap of live music venues – with live music venues across NSW quadrupling since 2023 (and still growing).  As out-and-about enthusiasts here at Time Out Sydney, we're very much here for it. So our team of editors – including pub-frother and Editor Alice Ellis, resident booze-lover and Editor Avril Treasure and dancefloor addict Winnie Stubbs – have rounded up a list of our fave bars and pubs that host live bands.FYI: If you're aged 18-25, signing up to MyGigPass will score you super cheap tickets to live shows across the state. You're welcome. 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. Hate the ding-ding of pokie machines? Here's a list of Sydney pubs without pokies. More into dancing to a DJ? Check our guide to the best clubs in Sydney.

Whether you’re a Sydneysider planning a special-occasion staycation, or a visitor mapping out your first trip to the Emerald City, finding the right hotel in Sydney is a very important task. If you’re looking to book a stay that’s extra indulgent – willing to splash the cash on a high-end experience – choosing the right spot is even more crucial. Luckily for you, we’ve got a team of hotel aficionados who are committed to trying and testing the very best luxury stays in the city, and deciding which ones are worth your hard-earned cash (it’s a tough job, but somebody’s got to do it). Our expert team includes connoisseur of fine things Time Out Sydney Editor Avril Treasure and Sydney-based travel whizz Melissa Woodley (Time Out Australia’s News and Travel Editor). Each hotel has been checked for its luxe credentials by Time Out Sydney's Travel and News Editor (and self-confessed hotel obsessive) Winnie Stubbs. From a celeb-approved harbourside palace (Park Hyatt Sydney) to a stunning beachside stay with a rooftop magnesium pool (Manly Pacific), these are the best luxury hotels in Sydney for a super-special stay. Editor's quick picks: Best for beach lovers: Manly Pacific  Best for harbour views: Park Hyatt Sydney  Best for indulgent spa breaks: Capella Sydney Best dog-friendly luxury stay: Pier One 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:Want more options? Here's

Choosing the right hotel in Melbourne can be an almighty task. With so many incredible stays to choose between – from charming historic gems to super modern sky-high towers – it can be an overwhelming challenge 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 News Editor Winnie Stubbs (self-confessed hotel obsessive) 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.

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

The people of NSW are an outdoorsy bunch – and can you blame us? With our fantastic beaches, glorious national parks and stunning natural attractions, it’s no wonder we’re crazy for camping, hiking and generally being out amongst all that nature. And although a cold dip in the ocean is a delightful addition to a day, the weather in this state is anything but reliable, which is why our naturally heated hot springs make for the perfect adventure. Here, you can stay blissfully warm in the great outdoors, regardless of what's happening in the skies. The majority are quite a drive from Sydney, mostly in the state’s far north, so the best way to explore is by making them the focal point of a getaway. Our editors (including self-proclaimed ocean addict Winnie Stubbs) have hopped between them to suss out the best spots for an open-air soak. We've removed the spots that are near-impossible to book, and have spotlighted instead cheap and free options – they're mostly a bit of a drive from Sydney, but the journey will be worth it. 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 cosy cabins and tiny homes in NSWThese are our favourite winter escapes in the stateAnd these are the best motels in NSW worth the roadtrip

Believe it or not, Term 2 is done and the winter school holidays are almost here. And if the thought of hearing the constant refrain of "I'm borrrred!" sends you into a spiral, we've got you covered. If the cold makes you want to stay indoors, we've listed plenty of options to do just that (hello, museums, hobby centres and indoor play zones). But if you're keen to embrace the chill, there's heaps to do around our Harbour City, so grab your puffer jacket and get ready to tick things off from our list of activities and experiences to do this winter.   Stay in the loop: sign up for our free Time Out Sydney newsletter for more news, food & drink inspo and activity ideas, straight to your inbox. Looking for somewhere affordable to eat out with the kids? Check out our guide to the best cheap eats in Sydney. Or visit these kid-friendly restaurants in Sydney.

Sydney is no slacker when it comes to Italian food (just take a look at all these red-hot places here). And our pasta game is very strong. But when it comes to our pizza restaurants, we reckon they may be a slice above the rest. Whether you're a sucker for traditional Neapolitan pizzas cooked in a wood-fired oven and topped with beautiful produce, get around NY-style slabs so big you can fold them in three, or you're hungry for a Sicilian-style slice with a thick and fluffy crust, Time Out Sydney's local food writers, including Sydney Editor Avril Treasure, have pulled together the best places to get your fix – and these are the venues that are topping the class. 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. Hungry for more? Here's our pick of the very best restaurants in Sydney right now. Love Greek food food? Us too. Check out the finest Greek eateries in Sydney.

Sydney: the city of blue skies, ocean swims, alfresco living and sun-soaked times in the great outdoors, right? Well, hold on a second. That may be the case for a majority of the year thanks to our sunny Aussie climate, but the Harbour City also gets its share of super-rainy days. Don’t want to spend all of your indoors-time hunkering down at home? We’re here to help. Take shelter in style with our guide to the most fun things to do in Sydney within four walls. Whether you're in search of a crafternoon, a cultural adventure, or a cocktail with a view, there's something for everyone on our list of fun venues and activities where you can stay warm and dry, all year round. 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:  On a budget? These are the best things to do in Sydney for $25 or less.And these are the best walks in the city if you're keen to get out there and explore. 

Melbourne winters are made for slow-paced mornings, cosy pub sessions and – crucially – comfort food. Luckily, Spotswood's sprawling food and entertainment precinct Grazeland is leaning right into the season with a stacked calendar of winter events that'll keep us warm from June through August. Just five kilometres from the CBD, Grazeland is transforming into a winter playground complete with falling snow, festive lights, live music, major sporting events and one seriously good-value meal deal. Families visiting during the school holidays can expect plenty to keep the kids entertained. The precinct will be decked out for Christmas in July, with twinkling lights, festive food and a whole heap of holiday vibes. As the sun goes down, Winter Lights will illuminate the venue, while a snow machine will blanket parts of the market in flurries of actual snow. If your ideal weekend involves cheering on your team with good food in hand, Grazeland has that covered too. Throughout winter, the venue will screen FIFA World Cup 2026 matches live alongside AFL and NRL games, making it an easy spot to settle in with friends over street food, mulled wine or a local beer. Live entertainment is also on the cards every weekend. Highlights include a Mauritian feature band on Sunday, June 21, a Latin music night with Sorbo Amplio on Saturday, July 4, comedy-meets-live-music act Geed Up Band on Saturday, August 8, and a Middle Eastern celebration on Saturday, August 22, complete with live music, bel

Some things in this world were just made to go together. Cheese and wine. Pinot and pâté. Melbourne and food festivals. Thankfully, one of Australia's most indulgent events is uniting all of the above – when Mould x Pinot Palooza returns this July. From Friday, July 3 to Sunday, July 5, the touring food and wine festival will take over the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre, bringing together more than 50 artisan cheesemakers and 50 pinot noir producers from Australia, New Zealand and beyond for a weekend dedicated to eating, drinking and discovering your next favourite drop. The festival is the marriage of two much-loved events – Mould, Australia's biggest cheese festival, and Pinot Palooza, the long-running celebration of everyone's favourite light-bodied red. Together, they offer unlimited tastings, the chance to chat directly with producers and winemakers, and a whole heap of opportunities to stock up on gourmet goodies to take home. Expect everything from creamy fresh cheeses and oozy washed-rinds to bold aged varieties, paired with pinot noirs showcasing just how versatile the grape can be across different regions and winemaking styles. Beyond the tastings, there'll also be beer, cocktails and spirits on offer, plus gourmet food producers selling pantry staples, grazing-board essentials and ready-to-eat bites to keep you fuelled between pours. Among the returning favourites are Victorian institution Milawa Cheese, flavour-packed seasoning specialists Rub-a-Dub,

We’ll be honest: there was a time when finding somewhere seriously good to eat at Sydney’s Entertainment Quarter was a bit of a struggle. Thankfully though, that’s no longer the case, and a major new player has just entered the equation. Earlier this year, the doors opened at King Dynasty: the second iteration of the beloved yum cha palace that first opened in Chatswood back in 2016 (and sadly closed its doors in 2024).After building a loyal following on the north shore, the restaurant has moved south, bringing its first-class yum cha offering, live seafood tanks and classic Cantonese banquet-style dining to a spacious new home just minutes from the CBD (and, crucially, steps from some of Sydney’s biggest entertainment venues). The menu centres on traditional Cantonese cooking, with an emphasis on fresh seafood and dishes designed to share. Yum cha is served daily, featuring a wide selection of freshly prepared dim sum, while the à la carte menu stretches to more than 100 dishes. Expect crowd-pleasing faves like steamed dumplings, roast meats and seafood cooked using classic Cantonese techniques, alongside a handful of contemporary dishes inspired by modern Aussie tastes. Whether you're dropping in for a casual yum cha lunch or settling in for a multi-course feast, there's plenty of choice for groups of all sizes, with banquet menus available if you’re keen to get stuck in to all of the kitchen’s specialties. Though it’s totally acceptable to swing by with your bestie for an

Let's be honest, we'd be lying if we said we didn't have to fight the urge to peer obnoxiously through the windows when we find ourselves strolling past Melbourne's most architecturally impressive homes. Thankfully, for one weekend every year, we don't have to. Open House Melbourne Weekend is back from July 24-26, and it's once again throwing open the doors to some of Victoria's most fascinating spaces. Returning for its annual city-wide celebration of architecture, design and urban life, the beloved festival will feature more than 180 tours, talks, workshops and special experiences across Melbourne and beyond. As the largest architecture and built environment festival in the Asia-Pacific region, Open House Melbourne attracts tens of thousands of curious visitors each year – and the 2026 program is looking solid. This year's theme, 'Generous City', explores how thoughtful design, creativity and architecture can create spaces that are more welcoming, inclusive and connected. But if you're simply here for the stickybeak opportunities, there's plenty to get excited about. Among the headline attractions is a rare behind-the-scenes tour of the Primrose Potter Australian Ballet Centre, where visitors can explore rehearsal studios and the costume department that helps bring performances to life. Coffee lovers can step inside the iconic St Ali Coffee Roastery to see how some of Melbourne's favourite brews are made, and music nerds can tour Thornbury's Rock Posters printing factory an

Looking for a winter night out that won’t torch your bank account? We’ve got just the thing. Nocturne is returning to Barangaroo this July, bringing a month of free live music to the harbour’s striking Pier Pavilion. Kicking off on Friday, July 3 and running every Friday and Saturday night until July 25, this after-dark concert series transforms the waterfront venue into an intimate listening space, complete with ambient lighting, theatre-style seating and views across the water.RELATED READ: 26 cool things to do in Sydney this winterCurated by Musica Viva Australia, the 2026 program spans classical, folk, jazz and genre-blurring sounds. Opening weekend sets the tone with contemporary cellist Freya Shack-Arnott, Irish-Australian artist Bonnie Stewart and double bassist Ben Ward. Across the following weeks, audiences can catch performances from internationally acclaimed guitarist Karin Schaupp, Sydney’s Enigma Quartet, and the genre-defying ensemble Elysian Fields, who close out the series. Designed as an easy (and free) winter night out, Nocturne invites you to make an evening of it. If you've got a little money to make it an occasion, grab a pre-show drink at Henry Deane or The Lord Nelson, settle in by the water as the music rolls in then fuel up nearby (Aori, A’mare and Anason are our fave restaurants in the area).Shows kick off from 6pm, making it just as suited to a post-work wind-down as it is to a low-key date night. And with Barangaroo Metro, Wynyard Station, ferries

Art collectors and aesthetes of Melbourne, assemble. The time is almost upon us to gather up that loose change – because the Affordable Art Fair (AAF) is back for another year.  Set to be bigger, bolder and brighter than ever, the world’s largest art fair will take over the Royal Exhibition Building with thousands of original works and installations from some of Australia's best boutique galleries (as well as an impressive line-up of works from around the world). Running from August 27-30, the Affordable Art Fair has become a cornerstone event in the city’s eclectic arts and culture scene since its debut five years ago. It will allow collectors and art lovers to engage directly with featured artists and gallery owners, as well as browse a selection of landscapes, sculptures and abstract paintings – all priced from $100-$10,000 (and some even available to take home that day!).  Along with works from more than 70 Australian and international galleries, we can also expect interactive installations and programming that will appeal to everyone from creative kids to fashion designers in-the-making. Tickets are available via the Affordable Art Fair website here. Stay in the loop: sign up for our free Time Out Melbourne newsletter for the best of the city, straight to your inbox. Can't make the fair? Here's where to buy art around Melbourne. 

If you thought Sydney Fish Market was just about freshly shucked oysters and on-point fish and chips, think again. The new harbourside institution is upping its offering by diving headfirst into the arts, with the launch of Seascapes – a free program of live performances, workshops and installations taking over the market for the next few months. Curated by Daniel Mudie Cunningham alongside Cultural Capital and the NSW Government, this sprawling series features 14 commissions rolling out through to October 2026. The brief? Respond to everything that makes the Fish Market tick – from marine life and ecology to trade, food and the daily choreography of this bustling waterfront hub. Visitors can expect foghorn orchestras, oyster-shucker design labs, gyotaku (that’s traditional Japanese fish printing), inflatable maritime sculptures and ritual-inspired storytelling sessions. Highlights include Justine Youssef’s Heaven Scent (May 31), a sensory workshop where you’ll distil botanicals using a traditional Lebanese method and take home your own hydrosol (special infused water). On June 7, chef and printmaker Ben Devlin will turn seafood waste into art with a large-scale gyotaku installation – and yes, you can get inky yourself. Then there’s Mark Shorter’s Song for Avida (June 21), which will invite visitors to join a pop-up trumpet orchestra powered by foghorn-inspired instruments. Later in the program, Long Prawn’s oyster workshop (August 16) will blend design, sustainability and sh

 Sydney’s favourite indie design market is back – and it’s going big for its 10th birthday. The Makers and Shakers Market will take over White Bay Cruise Terminal from June 13-14, bringing more than 140 Australian makers, designers, ceramicists and food producers together for one seriously stacked weekend. Landing alongside the final days of the Biennale of Sydney, the market will transform White Bay into one of the city’s buzziest creative precincts, with free shuttle buses running between the Cruise Terminal and White Bay Power Station all weekend. Inside the cavernous harbourside venue, expect a curated lineup of stalls spanning everything from slow fashion and handmade homewares to gourmet goodies and cult bakery pop-ups. Highlights include Shadow Baking (dropping a market-exclusive treat), Perth fibre artist Loop Lab, Ruby Raisin’s Cocoon Coats, fashion designer Katie Perry and ceramic favourite Koki Craft, alongside Cannoleria, Gargano Pizzeria and Mount Zero Olives keeping you well fed. Beyond the shopping, there’s plenty to keep you hanging around. You can sit for a live portrait by artist Eleonora Arosio, jump into creative workshops or let the kids loose in the dedicated activity zone.  As always, every stallholder designs and makes their goods locally, with the market proudly partnering with the Australian Made Campaign – so you can shop small and feel good about it. Where: White Bay Cruise Terminal, James Craig Rd, RozelleWhen: Saturday June 13 + Sunday June 14, 1

Let's face it: beach weather is behind us. But thankfully, every winter, Australia’s most famous sretch of sand levels up its entertainment offering with a soul-warming multi-week festival. Running from Friday, July 3 to Sunday, July 19, this year’s fest brings 17 days of music, theatre, comedy, visual arts and immersive experiences to the sand – all anchored around Bondi Pavilion and its surrounds. But 2026 isn’t just any year: it marks a once-in-a-lifetime alignment with Bondi’s postcode (2026), and the festival is going bigger to match. The winter staples are, of course, back. Expect the crowd-favourite ice rink, the ever-iconic Bondi Vista Ferris Wheel (complete with sweeping coastal views), and the technicolour chaos of the Bondi Beach Sea Wall, where artists will once again transform the shoreline into an open-air gallery. New for 2026 is Accordion by Amigo & Amigo – a large-scale, playful light and sound installation taking over the Bondi Pavilion Courtyard from late June through July. Foodies are also in for a treat, with the Blue Sky Markets returning after a buzzy debut last year. Across multiple weekends, Bondi Park will transform into a beachside feast of street food, artisan drinks and sweet treats, soundtracked by live DJs and musicians as part of Music in the Park. The festival kicks off with the opening of the 40th annual Waverley Art Prize – a milestone year for one of Australia’s leading contemporary art awards – alongside the always-sold-out Bondi Festival

The magic of The Peninsula begins long before check-in, in the mythology of its “Grande Dame of the Far East” status – but it only truly lands once you’re inside. Within the hotel's ornate walls, service is so intuitive it borders on telepathic, and you'll find beautiful, thoughtful touches at every turn. As Hong Kong’s oldest and most storied hotel, it could coast on reputation alone. Instead, every detail feels considered, tastefully contemporary and quietly exacting – a sparkling benchmark for luxury in 2026. Balancing old-world grandeur with modern precision, this harbourside icon is Hong Kong in microcosm. If you’re booking a blowout stay, you won’t find a safer bet. What is The Peninsula Hong Kong like? Opened in 1928, this place is a masterclass in colonial-era opulence and wildly intuitive hospitality. The original building – a marble-clad, six-storey masterpiece – is plucked straight from the royal playbook: heavy doors open to a palatial lobby, glittering chandeliers suspended from the towering ceiling. The addition of a 30-story tower in 1994 almost doubled its accommodation capacity, and today the hotel is so much more than just a (very luxurious) place to stay: home to a luxury shopping arcade with over 80 boutiques and a suite of eight dining and drinking venues that are each destinations in themselves. What are the rooms like at The Peninsula Hong Kong The smallest of the 300 guest rooms is 54 square metres, so abundant space is a guarantee. Design is tastefull

To bring a little musical joy to the Harbour City through the cooler months, Sydney’s historic waterside precinct The Rocks is once again transforming Thursday evenings into a free, open-air jazz experience – with Jazz Sessions in The Rocks returning for its third year in 2026. Running from Thursday May 7 until Thursday September 24, the series will take over The Rocks Square each week, delivering intimate live performances set against cobblestone laneways and heritage buildings in the heart of Sydney. Curated in partnership with SIMA (Sydney Improvised Music Association), the program spotlights Australia’s thriving contemporary jazz scene, with a rotating monthly line-up of artists. The opening month features standout acts including the Harley Coleman Trio and Billie McCarthy, with new performers announced at the start of each month to keep things fresh, spontaneous and ever-evolving. Event times (every Thursday) 6:30pm – 7:15pm – First set 7:15pm – 7:30pm – Interval 7:30pm – 8:15pm – Second set 8:30pm – Event concludes To complement the music, visitors can explore a range of nearby food and drink offerings across The Rocks, from fiery Thai at Snake Bark, freshly shucked oysters at Hooked & Harvest, and classic Italian at Sicilian. Pisa Slice will also be serving a $10 slice and soft drink combo every Thursday, while a pop-up bar will be pouring everything from mulled wine to and Spicy Mango Margaritas. Free entry. No bookings required. Sign us up. Find out more over here.

If you’re the type to hibernate the second Sydney dips below 20 degrees, consider this your cue to rethink your winter-on-the-couch itinerary. Carriageworks – Redfern’s industrial arts hub – is rolling out a stacked cold-season program that’s less “cosy night in” and more “culture-packed calendar”, running from late May through August. Here’s what you need to know about the Carriageworks winter line-up. Things kick off in a big way with Vivid Sydney (May 29–June 14), as Carriageworks transforms into one of the festival’s key music hubs. The lineup is genuinely stand-out this year, featuring hip-hop royalty Lil’ Kim, R&B hitmaker Ella Mai, EDM heavyweights Alison Wonderland and Porter Robinson, plus genre-bending acts like Skin On Skin and Teletech. It’s not all late-night beats, either – the free Awesome Black Block Party brings a vibrant celebration of First Nations culture, and the (already sold-out) Warakirri Dining Experience will serve up native ingredients in a seriously immersive setting. From there, the program will shift gears towards a more playful artsy offering. Comedy fans should make a beeline for Garry Starr: Classic Penguins (June 16– July 5), a chaotic, mostly-naked sprint through the entire Penguin Classics catalogue that’s already earned cult status on the global festival circuit. Visual art lovers, meanwhile, can explore the Incognito Art Show (June 24–July 5), a massive anonymous exhibition where you can snap up original works without the gallery price ta

The cost of living crisis in Sydney is seriously real, but a new scheme has recently launched offering three free hours of electricity every day to eligible NSW households. Keen to cash in? Here’s the lowdown from the Australian Government Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water. The new Solar Sharer Offer gives eligible households free electricity from 11am to 2pm every day, allowing you to use up to 24kWh during that window without paying for the electricity consumed. Better yet, you don't need rooftop solar to take advantage of it. The optional offer is available to eligible households in NSW with a smart meter that are supplied by participating energy retailers. Both renters and homeowners can sign up, provided they're not connected to an embedded network. The catch? You'll still pay your daily supply charge and for any electricity you use outside the free three-hour period, so the biggest savings will go to households that can shift energy-hungry jobs to the middle of the day.  The Solar Sharer Offer is part of wider reforms to the Default Market Offer, with the aim of helping households lower their power bills while making better use of Australia's abundant midday solar energy. If you're interested, check that your home has a smart meter, compare the Solar Sharer Offer with your current electricity plan and contact your energy retailer to see if it's the right fit for your household.You can learn more over here. Stay in the loop: sign up for our

We might be a little biased, but now there's another global ranking backing up what Sydneysiders have long suspected: this gorgeous sun-soaked city is one of the very best places on Earth to call home. Last month, globally-beloved lifestyle publication Monocle released its annual Quality of Life Survey for 2026, and Sydney has landed in an impressive fifth place globally – making it Australia's highest-ranked city. Australia was the only country to have three cities crack the global top 20, with Melbourne placing 18th and Perth tying with Kyoto for 20th – more top-20 cities than any other nation. Unlike many liveability rankings that prioritise affordability, infrastructure and economic data, Monocle's survey takes a broader view of what actually makes a city enjoyable to live in. Alongside safety, governance, connectivity and green space, the publication also weighs up the quality of a city's hospitality scene, retail offering, architecture and cultural life – and, crucially, whether you can still grab a decent meal or drink after 10pm. Photograph: Supplied | Destination NSWRoyal Botanic Garden Sydney RELATED READ: Here’s how Sydney ranked in Time Out’s Best Cities Index for 2026 This year's survey placed particular emphasis on three qualities: joy, ambition and security. According to Monocle, the best cities aren't just functional – they're exciting places that invest in their future while remaining vibrant, walkable and welcoming. Monocle editor-in-chief Andrew Tuck said

The coastal hiking game in NSW is, if you ask us, pretty unparalleled – especially now when whale-watching season is at its peak. And if you've exhausted Sydney's gorgeous coastal trails, we've got a new one worth adding to your hit list. If the Blue Mountains’ Grand Cliff Top Walk is all misty escarpments and eucalyptus-scented mountain haze, the Tomaree Coastal Walk is its sun-drenched, salt-sprayed sibling. Newly minted as one of the NSW Great Walks, this Port Stephens stunner serves up a magical lineup of beaches and headlands, with far-reaching ocean views and magical little coves dotted along the trail. It’s long enough to feel like a proper adventure, but broken into achievable sections – so you can earn your post-hike dip multiple times over. Where is the Tomaree Coastal Walk? You’ll find the walk in Tomaree National Park, in the Port Stephens region – on the traditional lands of the Worimi people. The route stretches between Birubi Beach at Anna Bay and Tomaree Head at Shoal Bay, tracing a spectacular slice of coastline just over two hours’ drive north of Sydney. How long is the Tomaree Coastal Walk? The full walk clocks in at around 27 kilometres one-way. Most people tackle it over two days, though it can be split into shorter sections if you’re more into a choose-your-own-adventure situation. Photograph: Supplied | NSW National Parks and Wildlife What can you see on the Tomaree Coastal Walk? It’s essentially a highlight reel of the Port Stephens coastline. You’ll

Earlier this year, a controversial proposal was launched to introduce paid parking at some of Sydney's most popular beaches. Now, we’ve got updates – with the plans officially dumped after a fiery council meeting and months of community backlash. Plans to install parking meters at beachside hotspots including Clovelly, Coogee, Malabar, Little Bay and La Perouse have been voted down by Randwick City councillors, bringing an end – at least for now – to a proposal that sparked one of the area's most heated local debates in years. The scheme was originally put forward by Randwick Mayor Dylan Parker, who argued paid parking would generate much-needed revenue to help cover the rising costs of maintaining the council's beaches and coastal facilities. Under the proposal, residents would have been eligible for parking permits, while visitors would need to pay to park near the coast. According to The Sydney Morning Herald, a packed council meeting on Tuesday night saw the revised proposal fail to win support. Liberal, Greens and independent councillors voted to scrap the plan, prompting loud cheers from a public gallery filled with anti-meter campaigners. While the original proposal had already been scaled back, councillors ultimately argued the changes didn't go far enough. Many raised concerns that charging for beach parking would unfairly disadvantage Sydneysiders who don't live within walking distance of the coast, and others pointed to the overwhelming community opposition as reas

If you've ever stepped out of an Uber and realised, too late, that your phone is still sitting on the back seat, you're in good company. According to Uber's latest Lost and Found Index, Sydney has officially claimed the title of Australia's most forgetful city.  The annual report tracks the thousands of items left behind in Ubers across the country – and while Sydneysiders are particularly talented at forgetting their belongings, the things they're leaving behind are getting stranger by the year. Topping the list of Australia's most bizarre forgotten items are a taxidermy mink, a French horn, DJ decks and – somehow – two actual pugs. There was also a microwave (?!), a surfboard, a framed photo of Bluey, a birth certificate, a Rolex, a Nintendo Switch, a VR headset and four cinnamon scrolls that, sadly, never made it home. The report also suggests Australia's digital camera revival is very real. Phones remained the number one item left behind, but cameras came in second, ahead of backpacks, keys, wallets and clothing. Speaking of clothing, Uber says Australians continue to have a habit of abandoning belts, while pants, skirts, shorts and heels also regularly get left in the back seat. Whether that's the result of a big night out or an ambitious wardrobe change on the go remains a mystery. Sydney topped the rankings as the nation's most forgetful city, followed by Melbourne and Perth. Brisbane, Adelaide, the Gold Coast, Canberra and Newcastle rounded out the top eight, proving

For more than a decade, Geelong locals have driven past the infamous Big Red Shed wondering what might become of it. Now, the long-vacant landmark is finally getting a second life – and it's a fitting match for a business built around giving old things a new purpose. On August 27, Savers Australia will officially open a massive new thrift superstore inside the former Melbourne Road site, marking the retailer's first store outside metropolitan Melbourne in more than 20 years. Spanning 2,300 square metres, the new Geelong outpost will be packed with thousands of secondhand treasures, from vintage fashion and designer accessories to homewares and books. Better still, the majority of items are expected to cost less than $10 (on average across all categories), with thousands of fresh donations hitting the shop floor every day. The opening will breathe new life into one of Geelong's best-known retail buildings, which has sat empty for years. Savers will occupy one half of the revitalised site, with Petbarn set to move into the neighbouring tenancy. Photograph: Supplied | SaversSavers store Before shoppers can start filling their baskets, locals will have the chance to stock the shelves. On July 27, Savers will open a Community Donation Centre at the site, where Geelong residents can drop off quality pre-loved clothing, homewares and other reusable goods. Those donations will support Diabetes Victoria, with Savers purchasing donated items from the charity to help fund diabetes res

Melbourne's food and drink scene has been punching well above its weight for a long while – with everything from our pizzerias to coffee shops topping global charts. And now, there’s another reason to celebrate. Kayla Saito, Group Bar Manager at the Mulberry Group, has been named Australia's Diageo World Class Bartender of the Year, taking out the country's most prestigious bartending competition and becoming the first woman ever to win the national title. The 17th annual Diageo World Class competition saw eight of Australia's top bartenders go head-to-head at Maison Bâtard on June 29, tackling a series of high-pressure challenges designed to test their creativity, technical skill and speed behind the bar. Saito, who oversees beverage programs across the Mulberry Group's portfolio of Melbourne venues (including Hazel, Lilac Wine and Coupette Corner Bistro and Bar within the new Hannah St Hotel) impressed the judges throughout the day before sealing the title in the final speed-and-precision challenge, aptly named ‘Check On!’. “I completely bombed in the speed round during my first two years competing in World Class,” Saito said after being named champion. “To return to a stage shared with the country's best bartenders, not only win that round but ultimately be crowned National Champion, is incredibly rewarding.” Photograph: Supplied | Andrea Paez PhotoKayla Saito bartender Known for her inventive cocktails, sustainability-led approach and expertise in fermentation and low-A

Melbourne’s rooftop bar game is pretty damn strong, but there’s one beloved spot that has long boasted some of the city’s most enviable views. Located in Fed Square with sweeping vistas across the Yarra River, Flinders Street Station and the CBD skyline, Transit Rooftop Bar has been a go-to for easy sunset drinks for more than 20 years. And now, it's scoring a multi-million-dollar glow-up to match its on-point position. The venue is officially closed for the renovation, with plans to reopen this spring as a completely reimagined all-day and late-night bar and restaurant. It's the first stage of a broader transformation of the Transport Hotel precinct, with updates to Transport Public Bar and Taxi Kitchen also on the horizon. Leading the redesign is Melbourne architecture and interiors studio Studio Y – the team behind a handful of perfectly styled venues including Nick and Nora's and Jayda. According to the team, the new-look Transit has been designed to make the most of its standout location, with a reconfigured layout that opens up the city views and creates a rooftop experience that “works year-round”. We can expect a moodier aesthetic than before, with dark timber, rich burgundy tones, metallic finishes and faceted mirrors inspired by the movement and glow of the city below. There'll also be two brand-new bars, a custom Martin Audio sound system and a mix of restaurant and lounge-style seating. Render: Supplied | Studio YTransit Rooftop Bar render The food offering is a

Back in November 2025, plans were revealed for the $50-million transformation of Moore Park Golf Course – with a 20-hectare section of the site set to be reborn as a huge new public park. Now, construction on ‘Moore Park South’ has officially begun – with part of the existing golf course on track to be transformed into a sprawling public space, complete with sports fields, picnic lawns, playgrounds and walking trails. Here’s what we know so far. The new-look Moore Park South (backed by a $50 million investment), will feature running, cycling and walking paths, shaded picnic spots with barbecues, a fenced off-leash dog park, outdoor fitness equipment, multi-purpose sports courts and a full-size community sports field. There’ll also be a nature playground, new amenities including toilets and lighting, and room for future food kiosks.Worried about getting your golf fix? The precinct’s golfing future has also been locked in. Following community consultation, the original proposal for a nine-hole course has now been expanded into a redesigned 12-hole public course – all without reducing the size of the planned parklands. Designed in collaboration with Golf NSW and golf course architect Harley Kruse, the new 45-par course will retain existing fairways where possible while still finishing at the historic Golf House. The golfing facilities will also include an expanded driving range with up to 90 bays, an 18-hole mini golf course, plus putting and chipping greens. Photograph: Suppli

Let's be honest, Italy isn’t exactly short on headline destinations. Hikers have long flocked to the jagged peaks of the Dolomites, and sunseekers continue to pile into the glossy beach towns of the Amalfi Coast to order an Aperol overlooking the ocean and raise a glass to la dolce vita. But, quietly, just a little further south, Cilento is emerging as the country’s next coastal hotspot – a place where you’ll find the same knockout coastline and postcard-perfect walking trails, but without the crowds, the chaos or the eye-watering price tags.  RECOMMENDED: Move over, Taghazout: This is Africa’s coolest surf town  On a recent walking trip to the region, I fell in love with everything – from the charming mountain villages to the long, sandy beaches and (crucially) the fresh fish, fried to perfection and served piping hot in paper cones, best enjoyed overlooking the town square as the evening light coats sandstone buildings in a honeyed gold. Compared with some of Italy’s more popular coasts, Cilento feels slower, wilder and, in a lot of ways, more authentic – the kind of destination where you genuinely feel as though you’re discovering something special. Photograph: Winnie Stubbs for Time OutSea views along the route from Agropoli to Santa Maria de Castellabate I’m of the opinion that active holidays are the very best kind – hiking or cycling trips that allow you to really get to know a region, with the bonus dopamine kick of getting yourself from point to beautiful point. Fo

According to the stats, more than 41 million people pass through Sydney Airport each year – so it's hardly surprising that travellers leave behind a staggering amount of stuff. From laptops and jewellery to skateboards and wedding dresses (!!), the airport's lost property office sees thousands of forgotten belongings every year. Behind the scenes, a dedicated team works to reunite passengers with their missing items, successfully returning more than 6,000 lost belongings last year. But not everything makes its way home. So, once again, Sydney Airport is auctioning off thousands of unclaimed items to raise money for a good cause – and this year's online auction has officially begun.RELATED READ: Here's everything we know about Western Sydney's new international airport More than 2,300 unclaimed items are up for grabs, with bidding starting at just $10. Proceeds from the 2026 auction will fund free swimming lessons and water safety programs for Bayside residents through a partnership with Bayside Council, helping local families overcome cost and access barriers to learning this essential life skill. So, what can bargain hunters expect? There are 120 laptops, 350 lots of jewellery and watches, 250 pairs of earbuds, 150 pairs of sunglasses, 100 bags, 100 pairs of headphones and 40 cameras going under the hammer, alongside plenty of clothing, shoes, perfume and homewares. As always, it's the quirky finds that steal the show. Among this year's more unusual items are a wedding dress

For the thousands of Sydneysiders who head for the ocean year-round (guilty), we’ve got reassuring news: shark-spotting drones will soon be watching over every ocean beach from Palm Beach to Cronulla, 365 days a year. From July 1, the NSW Government is expanding its aerial shark surveillance program, increasing year-round drone coverage across Sydney from 26 beaches to all 38 ocean beaches. It's part of a $120 million Shark Mitigation Program, which the government says will become the world's largest aerial shark surveillance initiative. Off the back of so many tragedies in Sydney’s waters over recent months, this feels like the update we needed.  The expanded program means Surf Life Saving NSW drones will patrol Sydney beaches from dawn until dusk, with operating hours changing throughout the year to match daylight hours. According to the NSW Government, during the peak summer months, drones will be in the air from as early as 6am until 7.30pm. Photograph: Destination NSW | Coogee – 'could-jee'Coogee – 'could-jee' In good news for regional communities (and every Sydneysider who loves to escape up and down the coast), the technology isn't just staying in Sydney. Around 70 beaches across NSW will receive year-round drone monitoring, with at least one beach in every coastal local government area covered throughout the year. Additional beaches along the coast will also receive weekend patrols year-round, daily patrols during the warmer months and extra coverage during school h