Around The Rocks

How does happiness impact the body? It’s a question that’s crossed all of our minds at one time or another: floating in the ocean or gloriously exhausted after a long run around the city. This year, a globally-renowned exhibition dedicated to answering that question is landing in Sydney. Body Worlds: The Anatomy of Happiness will open in The Rocks on September 17, inviting visitors to explore the links between physical health, emotions and overall wellbeing. Created by plastination pioneer Dr Gunther von Hagens and curated by Dr Angelina Whalley, this blockbuster exhibition explores what happiness actually looks like inside the human body. Through real donated human specimens, interactive displays and multimedia installations, you'll discover how everything from stress and resilience to movement, ageing and social connection leaves its mark on our anatomy. Highlights include an Anatomical Mirror that lets you see where your organs sit inside your own body, side-by-side healthy and diseased organs, brain health displays exploring conditions like Parkinson's and Alzheimer's, and a photographic series examining longevity across 100 years of life. Since launching, Body Worlds has attracted more than 58 million visitors across 175 cities worldwide, with more than 270,000 Australians already stepping inside the exhibition during its stints in Brisbane, Perth and Melbourne. Tickets start from $35 for adults and $20 for children, with general sales opening on July 29. Keen to get...

When it comes to the spookiest time of year, Aussies have really ramped up their adoption of Halloween traditions, with costumes and trick-or-treating baskets at the ready. So it’s no wonder Sydney’s Ghost Festival is such a hit  – this year, the annual fest is taking over The Rocks from Thursday, October 29 to Sunday, November 1. Bringing a huge Halloween playground for Sydneysiders to make the most of, it’s cemented itself as the go-to fright-filled celebration for one (unofficial) long weekend. It’s a choose-your-own-adventure set-up for all kinds of Halloween heads, from thrillseekers to not-so-brave partygoers.  No matter what ghoulish activity tickles your fancy, you’ll have the chance to check out a bunch of cool things at this free-entry fest… Hit up the outdoor Audible Ghost Cinema at Cadmans Cottage to catch some goosebump-raising movie screenings. With the likes of Smile, The Shining, Hocus Pocus and Monsters Inc. on the line-up, you’re in for a real scare – but make sure to keep an eye out on your surroundings, because the real terror might just creep up on you.  For those keen on the treats, you can sip your way through themed cocktails at CASA Murder Bar, a hidden vintage speakeasy tucked away in one of the city’s most haunted laneways in Foundation Park. There’ll be 12 exclusive creations brewing at the 1930’s-inspired spot, paired with live retro music. Ready to boogie? The Poliakov Vodka Main Stage and its accompanying Poliakov Vodka Haunted Woods at First...