Things to do in Sydney today

We all know that politics is a greasy machine where idealism goes to die. A hot new frontrunner for a local electorate seat can hold the bright-eyed hope of youth, while a hard-edged minister eroded by the gravity of office just wants to get the day done so they can head to the nearest bar.  Emily Steel’s Housework aims high, wanting to cover the vast range of staffers of every rank who keep our democracy running – from hopeful interns through to the highest seat in office. Where she lands is often predictable and all-too-familiar territory. The result is an Australian version of House of Cards, but with a lot less blood and a lot more pastries. What is the plot of Housework? First-term MP of a marginal seat in Sydney, Ruth Mandour (Susie Youssef), won her campaign on first-hand experience and relatable candour as a nurse during the Covid-19 pandemic. However, her hard-working Chief of Staff Anna (Emily Taheny) is the real backbone of the successful campaign. With Media Advisor Ben (Laurence Boxhall) and the preppy new junior staffer Kelly (Franca Lafosse) rounding out her team, their task is to keep the energy from Ruth’s win all the way through to the nation’s capital. After a negative Covid test sees Ben replaced by Kelly on a trip to Canberra, Anna uses her previous – possibly intimate – relationship with the Minister for Science, Paul (Johnny Nasser) to help get Ruth’s women’s health bill to cabinet. But Paul’s eyes linger elsewhere as an all-too-familiar scandal...

A sawfish swimming alongside a sea turtle in the Pilbara. Royal penguins stopped in their tracks by an enormous elephant seal. A Tassie devil fighting for survival. A whimbrel racing an incoming wave with a freshly caught crab in its beak. Flame-like patterns formed by the tides across a Western Australian sandbank. It’s true what they say: a picture definitely does speak a thousand words. Opening at the Australian Museum on September 12, the 2026 Australian Geographic Nature Photographer of the Year exhibition brings you face-to-face with some of the most extraordinary moments in the natural world. From wildlife encounters to otherworldly landscapes, these photographs offer a rare glimpse into the beauty and fragility of nature in our region. This free exhibition, produced by the South Australian Museum, showcases the finest images selected from 2,129 entries by 501 photographers across 17 countries. Spanning Australia, New Zealand, Antarctica and New Guinea, the photographs take in everything from critically endangered species and dramatic animal encounters to patterns and textures of the natural landscape. Western Australian photographer Matt Deakin has been named the 2026 Australian Geographic Nature Photographer of the Year for Ethereal Encounter. His mesmerising aerial photograph captures a critically endangered green sawfish moving towards a group of green turtles in the shallow waters of the Pilbara. Shot in the last light of the day, the milky water gives the...

The State Library of NSW is celebrating its 200th birthday – and you’re invited. 200 Years of Awe is a six-week program of performances, talks and free events that brings together First Nations storytelling, live music, theatre, dance and plenty of reasons to visit. RECLAIM: A Contemporary Ceremony September 11-12, Mitchell Library Reading Room Director, choreographer and storyteller Stephen Page AO brings dance, spoken word, poetry and music together in RECLAIM. The powerful work celebrates the resistance, resilience and enduring culture of First Nations peoples. Earth Flow September 18-19, Mitchell Library Reading Room Composer and yidaki (digeridoo) master William Barton presents Earth Flow, a stirring celebration of memory, connection and living knowledge. Joining Barton are Aunty Delmae Barton, Jack Thompson, Ray Martin and the Sydney Street Choir. A Night at the Library September 20, 29, 30 & October 1, Library Auditorium What happens when a young student who doesn’t like reading gets stuck in a library overnight? Bell Shakespeare’s A Night at the Library turns that nightmare into an adventure filled with literary greats, fictional characters and plenty of fun.  The Scott Sisters: Pioneers of Science and Art September 25-27, Library Auditorium Step into the remarkable world of Harriet and Helena Scott, the 19th-century sisters whose exquisite illustrations helped put Australian butterflies on the map. Created by Skye McIntosh, this immersive work blends animation,...

Put down your crystals and cottage cheese and head over to South Eveleigh this September – and get around the month-long program of free and affordable events designed to help you move, reset and feel your best. Now back for its third year, Live Well runs from now until September 28, with everything wellbeing – think free run clubs and pickleball, body composition scans, mindfulness experiences and creative workshops. This year, Sunrise clinical nutritionist Sarah Di Lorenzo is joining as the Live Well ambassador, hosting three free talks and Q&A sessions throughout the month covering nutrition, health and workplace wellbeing. She’ll also be signing copies of her book at one of the sessions. Elsewhere, you can get your sweat on with South Eveleigh’s weekly 5km run club, have your aura photographed (yes, really) or get a gang together for a few games of pickleball. There are also free body composition scans, and a series of Thursday night Plants & Pours workshops, including bonsai, botanical incense making, terrarium building and kokedama creation. Throughout the month, there’ll also be free pop-ups and fun including crystal finding, pet photography, archery, Aboriginal Elder Walangari Karntawarra’s sand painting session and a bike tune-up. Michael Carabetta, portfolio manager at South Eveleigh, says: “Spring is the perfect time to reset and invest in your own wellbeing. Live Well is about giving our community easy ways to move, connect and look after themselves, right in...

A celebration of all things Suntory has transformed the basement of Sakura House into Suntory House – where drinks from across Japan and the world are front and centre until October 3, 2026. Suntory is one of the biggest names in the global drinks industry, and you’ll be able to order any one of their crowd favourites alongside Japanese-style share plates at this limited-time residency in this top CBD bar. Suntory House is broadly inspired by the Japanese concept of nomikai: informal, communal after-work drinks. Expect spirits, RTDs, cocktails (especially highballs) and beer on tap alongside a food menu inspired by konbinis and izakayas – think chicken karaage, Balmain bug katsu sandwiches, aburi salmon handrolls and more. If you’re into your spirits, you’ve probably sampled Suntory-owned labels like Roku Gin, Toki Whisky, Haku Vodka, Laphroaig and Jim Beam. And if you prefer your drinks carbonated, it’s unlikely you’ve never tasted a -196 RTD or a crisp Japanese beer like Suntory The Premium Malt’s. Suntory House is open daily from 5pm, but Wednesday visitors will be treated to Hi-Kara Wednesdays presented by Suntory “Kabukin” Whisky. As part of this promotion, you can order a Suntory Kabukin Whisky Highball with chicken karaage for just $25. It’s all on offer for a limited time only – you have less than a month to visit and see it firsthand. Suntory House is taking place inside Sakura House daily from 5pm until October 3, 2026, walk-ins only. For more information, visit...