Olivia Hart

Sometimes, you’ve just got to hit the road. And nothing quite beats driving across Australia's landscapes, windows down and no specific plans in mind. Whether you're pining for respite from city life or seeking new adventures, there are plenty of epic road trips that aren’t the Great Ocean Road.  Before you head off, make sure your set of wheels is ready  for your big adventure with a visit to mycar Tyre & Auto. The best part? With over 275 locations across the country, you can get the care you deserve, just about anywhere.  

Jewellery, flowers, candles — there's only so many times you can buy the special person in your life the same rotation of gifts. Opt for something a little different this Mother's Day and make it an experience for her: prep the cheesboard, pour a glass of red and vacate the couch because your mum's not going anywhere after she opens her newly gifted copy of steamy romance novel, The Wave. As author of the page-turner Tanya Rose puts it, “Romance always gives you a happy ending; no matter the journey, you know they will always have a happily ever after.”  The contemporary romance follows singer and former child star Brooklyn (Bee) Barrett who gets the opportunity of a lifetime when she’s offered a residency at The Wave, in the glitzy Houston Hotel. During her stay she collaborates with her longtime friend and colleague Will, but it isn’t long before her past follows her there. After crossing paths with the irresistible Jarrod, things slowly start to unravel, and Bee must choose between comfort with the devoted Will or passion with the devilish Jarrod.  While the tale ticks the boxes of steamy and romantic, Rose also wanted her debut to push the boundaries of the romance genre, by getting a little deeper to confront real-world issues. She tells Time Out, “I wrote Brooklyn's story as I wanted to have a female lead who showed resilience, strength, and independence along with a soft feminine side. The music industry has a history of treating women – talented women – as objects. I

For those of us who have explored much of our great state already, we all know the well-trodden regional road trips. But in case you’re keen to explore a part of New South Wales you’ve not yet ventured to, we’re here to suggest a few that might not be on your radar. Before you head off, make sure your set of wheels is ready for your big adventure with a visit to mycar Tyre & Auto. The best part? With over 275 locations across the country, you can get the care you deserve, just about anywhere. 

A brand new production of the award-winning Guys and Dolls is hitting up Sydney this March, but it's not just any old performance. Anticipate a floating stage on the harbour by Handa Opera, plus incredible fireworks to light up the night sky.To mark the occasion, Time Out is offering up the chance for five lucky winners to score an exclusive behind the scenes experience at Guys & Dolls on Sydney Harbour. The winners will step into the colourful and glamorous world of the 1950s play complete with a tour of the Harbour-side stage, snacks and drinks and an up close look at the productions set pieces. Then, as the sun dips, take your seats outside for a show-stopping performance packed with big laughs, toe-tapping tunes and vibrant dance numbers. Former teen idol, competitive swimmer and all-round heartthrob Cody Simpson will make his Australian musical theatre debut, alongside an uber-talented cast. Two of Australia's favourite leading men, Bobby Fox and Jason Arrow, will take centre stage with celebrated musical theatre performer Annie Aitken. Each double pass includes two A Reserve tickets (valued at $299 each or $598 combined), a behind the scenes tour and $100 voucher to spend on food and drinks.  Enter below.

Whether you’re after an adventure-filled holiday or seeking an escape to slow down a bit, a visit to paradise should never be rushed. Made up of 333 unique islands, Fiji’s stunning beaches, undersea marvels and lush rainforests should be enjoyed at your own pace or, as the locals say, in Fiji time. That said, one thing you will want to jump on quick is the amazing deals at Radisson Blu Resort Fiji. As part of their Book Now and Save promotion, you can score exclusive discounts on a top-tier luxe stay – and the best bit? You can book well in advance. in fact, doing so could score you up to 35 per cent off your holiday.  From the moment you touch down in Fiji, you’ll feel like royalty with Radisson Blu’s private transfer service that will transport you to the mega resort, situated among 10 acres of tropical gardens and waterfalls. Check in with the friendly 24-hour concierge before you drop your bags and take a dip in one of the four lagoon pools or soak up the sunshine on the resort’s very own private beach. Whether it’s the stylish courtyard-view room, two-bedroom suite or deluxe balcony king room, Radisson Blu provides tranquil havens to unwind after a day of exploring.  The five-star treatment doesn’t stop there. The luxury resort offers access to world-class amenities, including a gym, golf range and a newly renovated kids’ club and spa. There’s plenty of discounted entertainment, dining and culture to book beyond the hotel’s walls, too. Spend a day snorkelling at Malolo B

In a country as ridiculously vast as Australia, the only way to really see everything is to do it on your own set of four wheels. The humble road trip is kind of a quintessential Aussie cultural practice, with our nation's abundance of gorgeously scenic drives, bizarre roadside curios and secret nature spots making any kind of long road trip more than the average drive. We've rounded up the best Australian road trips that you should drive away on at least once in your life. Whether you're after a wholesome day trip from Sydney, a week-long adventure or a multi-week trek that'll make you feel like an intrepid National Geographic explorer, there's something on this list for everyone. Now, all that's left to do is pack snacks, download some podcasts and let yourself loose on the open road. 🌈 The most beautiful places in Australia🚘 Here are the best day trips from every capital city🥐 All the best bakeries to stop at along the way

Summer may be well behind us, but you can still get a taste of la dolce vita with a classic Italian cocktail: the Amaretto Sour. Fluffy, sweet, lemon-y and sour, the complex tipple is made with the original amaretto – Disaronno. Made in Saronno, Italy (Disaronno translates to ‘from Saronno’), the classic liqueur is still produced with the exact recipe it first began with in 1525.  This April is National Amaretto Sour Month and to celebrate, Disaronno is teaming up with some of the best bars and restaurants across Sydney, Melbourne and Tassie all month long to serve up its own limited-edition Amaretto Sours.  In Sydney, get a taste of the celebrated cocktail at the extravagant Italian restaurant A’Mare, the large-scale city dining joint Matteo Downtown, the sunny rooftop Martinez or Redfern’s retro bar Baptist Street Rec. Club. Photograph: Supplied | Disaronno On the menu? You’ll find authentic Amaretto Sours made with Disaronno as well as some creative cocktails created by each of the venues’ bartenders. There will be a gingerbread version at Matteo Downtown, made with Disaronno amaretto, gingerbread syrup, Bulleit, lemon and whites. Over at Baptist Street Rec. Club, you can find a trio of Amaretto drinks, including one titled Godfather Part 11, which pairs Disaronno Amaretto with whiskey and orange bitters, inspired by the Italian mafias in the film. While you’re there, order up some perfectly paired nibbles from each venue’s food menu.  If you find yourself a bit further

If you’ve got your next holiday locked in, one of the best things you can do for your future self (who is hopefully laying on a beach with a cocktail in hand) is think ahead. A well-packed suitcase requires more than a bottle of sunscreen and enough pairs of underwear – especially when so many things can go wrong on the road (and on the way from bag drop to destination). Luckily, we live in a time where any carry-on kit can include all the essentials to get you (and your bags) to your destination in one piece. Here are our top picks.

Explore Melbourne Museum like never before with the return of the late-night event series Nocturnal: Museum After Dark this April, May and June. The exclusive adults-only event is on every second Thursday of the month, so you can catch the latest exhibitions, enjoy a bev (or two) and have a boogie – all without the kids in tow.  Each monthly event has a different theme and new activities, so there's always something to discover. Here are our top picks: Photograph: Supplied | Eugene Hyland Nocturnal: Cracked Up It all kicks off on April 10 when Nocturnal joins forces with Melbourne International Comedy Festival for Nocturnal: Cracked Up. There’ll be plenty of crowd favourites to entertain, including Frankie McNair, Tom Noble and Rose Callahan. Plus, trivia, talks, tours and DJ Gay Dad on music duties for a three-hour live set.  Photograph: Supplied | Nicole Cleary/Victorian Curriculum and Assessment Authority Top Designs 2025 Now in its 25th year, Top Designs returns to showcase the innovative work of students across Victoria. Get an early look at the 77 imaginative creations that span disciplines including film, photography and design. You can also expect hands-on interactives, expert guided tours and the chance to get to know Australia’s up-and-coming creatives so you can say you saw them way back when. Catch the exhibition from March 29 to July 20. Photograph: Supplied | Tim Carrafa Nocturnal: Custom Made  Don’t miss Nocturnal: Custom Made on May 8, where design and a

The stunning Melbourne Recital Centre has always embraced bold programming, and in 2025, the Southbank arts hub is set to push those boundaries even further. With an exciting line-up of international artists performing everything from Saharan rock to electrifying pop and soulful tributes, audiences can expect the unexpected. Here are our top picks.

Hobart may be tucked all the way down the bottom of Australia, but it’s a destination not to be slept on. Tasmania’s capital city is blessed with natural beauty, with the glittering waters of the River Derwent on one side and the rugged peak of kunanyi / Mount Wellington on the other, and there’s plenty to do both outside and inside. From mountain walks and self-guided history tours to some of the country’s top-tier restaurants and the incomparable MONA, everyone will find something they like about this place. Whether you’re headed to Hobart for a quick weekend getaway or you’ve got time on your side, our local writers have rounded up the must-dos of this waterfront town. 🍽️ The best restaurants in Hobart🖼️ Hobart's best museums and galleries🚗 The coolest day trips from Hobart

There are plenty of reasons why the Central Coast is a stand-out destination for travellers. Just 45 minutes north of Sydney, this stunning region is nestled between lush forests, unforgettable beaches and curling coastlines. While it's best known for its laid-back beach towns, there’s no shortage of things to do year-round – and we’ve curated an epic to-do list just for you.  Here’s everything you should get up to this month on the Central Coast.

April 27, 2025 update: Transcend by Penfolds will also included a dedicated pop-up Bar, the Penfolds Lounge, open to walk ins and serving a range of wines by the glass.  Forget everything you’ve ever known about a normal, run-of-the-mill wine tasting session, because this exclusive 45-minute, multi-sensory experience is set to change the game. Transcend by Penfolds is a wine tasting reimagined, and offers the opportunity to sample Penfolds wines made in some of the best winemaking regions around the world, including Australia, France and the USA – as well as a taste of Penfolds' flagship Grange.  But that’s not all – everything about this highly immersive spectacle has been designed to enhance your sensory experience. Expect a unique soundscape accompanied by storytelling elements, plus dazzling visuals and lighting. The guided tasting will also be narrated by Penfolds senior winemaker, Steph Dutton. The experience will hit its crescendo with a ‘Grange palate cleanser’, which has been specifically designed to reinvigorate the palate ahead of tasting the Penfolds Flagship, Grange. It will leave you well and truly prepped to enjoy the gamut of complex aromas and flavours that Grange is most famous for. It’s all happening from May 2-11 in Sydney Arcade at 400 George Street, with multiple sessions available per day. To ensure you don’t miss out on this opportunity to try some really special tipples and throw around some fancy wine words, book your spot via the website.

Get ready, Sydney! The Motherland African Festival is back and bigger than ever. Immerse yourself in the rhythms and flavours of Africa at Macquarie Mall from Friday, April 11 to Sunday, April 13. The best part? Entry is free. Motherland is all about celebrating the rich and vibrant history of Africa’s many cultures. Liverpool will shine a light on a whole heap of dynamic nations that make up "the Mother Continent" through a weekend-long program of dance, music, food and drumming performances. There are workshops for all ages, including a Jollof Rice Competition; an African drumming workshop with global performer Lucky Lartey; art and painting classes with young Ghanaian migrant Emmanuel Asante; face painting by Sydney-based makeup artist Lauren Maher; and hair braiding by Sweetstylez. Throughout the weekend, you can also browse the artisan market and discover a range of African goods, including jewellery, textiles, spices, and beauty products. Catch a show on the mainstage where Mike Champion and The Young Boys, True Vibenation, and the AfroMbollo Band are all set to perform. You can also head to the Afrobeats Lounge and join the silent disco on Friday night, the dance demo on Saturday, or the dance lesson on Sunday where your instructors will also put their own skills to the test in an epic dance battle. Once you’ve worked up an appetite, indulge in the authentic flavours of Africa and try some of the continent’s tastiest delicacies, like Congolese saka saka, Nigerian egusi

You can see one of the most impressive gold collections to ever tour the globe right here in Sydney, at the Australian Museum's exclusive blockbuster summer exhibition – which is now sticking around until May 2025. Machu Picchu and the Golden Empires of Peru will take you back in time, showcasing more than 130 artefacts that give us a glimpse into the daily lives, spiritual practices and extraordinary achievements of societies in ancient Peru. In addition to the stunning gold collection, you’ll also find other priceless treasures on display, including exquisite jewellery and funerary objects unearthed in royal tombs. The exhibition dives into the rich histories of the diverse and varied ancient civilisations that originated in this enthralling region, including their fascination with natural life cycles, birth, death and human sacrifice. (Our team took a deeper dive over here, and in the video below.) View this post on Instagram A post shared by Time Out Sydney (@timeoutsydney) Want to get more out of your visit? You can upgrade your visit to Machu Picchu and the Golden Empires of Peru with a thrilling VR experience alongside the exhibition, which takes you on an expedition to the famous "lost city" of Machu Picchu. With cutting-edge technology, you’ll explore this UNESCO World Heritage site from the comfort of 360-degree motion chairs, immersing yourself in the sights, sounds and sensations of this mysterious city in the sky, all without leaving Sydney. The

Calling all photographers and those who just love a good spectacle – watch hot air balloons soar above Parramatta Park, as Get Up and Glow returns this Australia day long weekend. Over two exciting days, the free event series kicks off from 4pm with Balloon Glow on Saturday night, where a jam-packed program of entertainment will culminate in a spectacular hot air balloon display lighting up the night sky at 8pm. For the early risers, the magic continues on Sunday morning with Balloon Breakfast from 6am, offering a fun morning outdoors and a chance to have a close-up look at balloonists in action. Breakfast is sorted thanks to BlackBear BBQ, who are cooking up a mouth-watering feast at a pop-up BBQ Zone. BBQ legends Scott "Chop" McCoy and Carolina Smoke's founder Nick Rodgers will be on hand for interactive demos, quick tips and tricks to perfect your US-style BBQ at home. If that’s not enough to get you down to the park for the long weekend, both days will feature live music, food trucks and plenty of family fun. The kids will love the amusement rides, roving entertainers and the AFL Skill Zone, where they can test their footy skills with an inflatable or vertical jump test. There are also plenty of prizes up for grabs.  Balloon Glow will run from 4pm-9pm on Saturday, January 25 and Balloon Breakfast is on from 6am-11am on Sunday, January 26. Find out more here.

Sydney Harbour is the place to be on New Year's Eve – our fireworks display, set against the stunning backdrop of the water, is well-renowned – and if you want to level up your experience, our city’s most famous House is where it’s at. As well as A-grade views of the fireworks, there are two incredible performances by Opera Australia under the sails. Start the evening with a few drinks overlooking Sydney Harbour before taking your seats for the Opera Gala, a grand celebration of opera’s best and most famous music, hosted by Ben Mingay and Katie Stenzel. Or, for a truly magical midnight countdown, don your finest attire and settle in for a picture-perfect performance of Cinderella. After captivating audiences at the Metropolitan Opera in New York, London’s Royal Opera House and beyond, this acclaimed production is set to make its grand Australian debut on New Year’s Eve. Directed by Laurent Pelly,  this opulent fairytale staging of Jules Massenet’s opera is the perfect way to bid farewell to 2024 with a happily-ever-after ending.  Both these events offer ticket holders the chance to pause for the 9pm fireworks and the option of tickets to their three-course pre-performance dinner and the exclusive Midnight Party in the Northern Foyers of the Opera House, where you can tuck into drinks and canapes, alongside more entertainment.   Tickets to both events start from just $199 per person, depending on what you want to take part in, with performances starting at 7:45pm. Find out mor

Julie Mehretu is widely regarded as one of the most significant painters of her generation, acclaimed for her large-scale paintings which erupt with colour, line, energy and movement. This summer, the first major survey of the New York-based artist’s work ever exhibited in Australia is coming exclusively to the MCA Australia on Sydney's Circular Quay.  Born in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, and now based in New York City, Mehretu has exhibited extensively at major institutions across the US, UK and Europe. Most recently, Mehretu was commissioned to create an 83-foot tall glass mural for the Obama Presidential Centre in Chicago. She was named one of the “100 most influential people in 2020” by Time magazine; and in 2024, The New York Times described her as “one of today's most original and thought-provoking painters.”   Opening on November 29 and running until April 27, the much-anticipated Julie Mehretu: A Transcore of the Radical Imaginatory addresses urgent concerns of our globalised world including revolution, migration and climate change. Featuring 13 new works created especially for the exhibition, the presentation will include more than 80 powerful abstract paintings, prints and drawings dating from 1995 to the present. The exhibition will also feature a series of talks and tours, with extended hours for Art Up Late for Sydney Festival on Wednesdays, January 8, 15 and 22 until 9pm.  Julie Mehretu: A Transcore of the Radical Imaginatory is part of the Sydney International Art S

It’s a bonafide holiday for shoppers when Black Friday rolls around, and Sydney’s sprawling outlet centre – Fashion Spree – is pulling out all the stops this year.  From Friday, November 29 to Sunday, December 1, the Liverpool-based outlet centre will be buzzing with live DJs, roving entertainment and spend-to-win prizes all weekend long. Not only will you find massive sales throughout the outlet but extended trading hours and free parking will give you the best chance to snag a bargain or get your Christmas shopping done on the cheap.  Located in the west of the city, just outside of Liverpool CBD, Fashion Spree is a shopper’s dream with more than 60 outlet stores including Polo Ralph Lauren, Oroton, Tommy Hilfiger, Peter Alexander, Calvin Klein, P.E Nation and more. Get ready to shop ’til you drop with some of the biggest savings of the year and refresh your wardrobe and home with unbeatable deals. Most are still to be announced – keep an eye on the website's offers page to be the first to know when new deals drop. Fashion Spree is open between 10am to 6pm and will be open from 9am to 8pm on Black Friday. Find out more here.

Melbourne’s cutting-edge digital art gallery, The Lume, brings Europe’s artistic masterpieces to life. Its immersive experiences have featured the works of renowned painters including Van Gogh, Monet, and most recently, Leondaro Da Vinci.  For its latest multi-sensory tribute to Italy’s famous polymath, artist and inventor, The Lume is taking things to new heights (quite literally) with an additional VR experience as part of Leonardo da Vinci – 500 Years of Genius. Through the use of state-of-the-art technology, visitors are able to book in for VR Florence Flyover and soar like a bird above Renaissance-era Florence, peering down at the city’s notable landmarks. The VR technology allows you to embrace the exhilaration of flight – you’ll feel like you’re literally soaring through the sky like a bird as you navigate your way around Florence – just like Da Vinci always dreamed of. To complement the experience, 500 Years of Genius also utilises The Lume’s colossal exhibition space with projections of Da Vinci’s original drawings and writings – including his sketches for a flying machine that predates human flight by more than 400 years. There’s also a one-of-a-kind, 360-degree replica of the ‘Mona Lisa’ created by French optical engineer Pascal Cotte. (Who used pioneering research to scan the famous painting with his 240,000,000 pixel multispectral camera, so visitors can study her cryptic smile like never before.) This is the first time Da Vinci’s artwork has made its way to Aust

Got the travel bug? Global travel platform Klook is launching Sydney’s newest travel event and its set to take over Carriageworks, giving you access to exclusive travel discounts, prizes and expert travel tips. Best of all? It’s free to attend. On Saturday, November 30, Klook Travel Fest is touching down in Sydney and gearing up to be the city’s biggest travel event of the year, with more than 20,000 visitors expected. TV personality Faustina ‘Fuzzy’ Agolley will be taking to the stage and giving out huge prizes and flash deals every hour – everything from tickets for Movie World, Sea World and Wet ‘n’ Wild to big discounts on tickets to Universal Studios Japan and Disneyland Resort in California. Major prizes – including trips to Kuala Lumpur, Bangkok, Vietnam and Japan – will also be up for grabs. 'Klook Kreators' Kat and Deja Clark and Sofia Ligeros will join Fuzzy on stage to chat about all things travel and answer any audience questions. The festival will be split into destination and dedicated experience-focused sections including Hong Kong, Europe, Singapore, the Philippines, Korea, Japan, Los Angeles, Nevada, Bali, Disneyland Resort in California and Walt Disney World Resort in Florida – plus a ‘rest of the world’ area. At each ‘world’, you’ll find destination experts offering insider travel tips as well as even more deals on activities and experiences, exclusive to event visitors. The event will be themed around classic ’90s console games – hop around each ‘world sec

The beloved chicken joint Wingboy is expanding to Parramatta, bringing its signature big flavours, electric atmosphere and friendly service to Sydney’s west. Founded by pals Mike Brenton and George Williams in 2021, Wingboy saw the pair combining more than a decade of hospo experience with a shared love for hot wings and cold beers. Since opening its flagship store in Darling Square, the duo have expanded to Newtown’s bustling King Street and Randwick’s The Spot, and now they're gearing up for their latest venue. The Parramatta location will stay true to Wingboy’s ethos: delicious wings and boneless tenders served with your choice of 14 finger-licking house-made flavours. The rest of the menu will stick to the familiar with loaded fries and classic sides like mac 'n' cheese, tater tots and waffle fries. For vegetarians, their cauliflower bites—topped with remastered sauces—remain a menu highlight. The no-fuss venue brings the care of a fine dining restaurant and the soul of a rowdy Friday-night pub, complete with cosy booths and local beers. Don’t miss the specials, like two hours of bottomless wings and drinks for $70 per person (the current record is 188 wings), $1 wings on Mondays and Tuesdays, and $20 1kg wings on Thursdays. Bring your fellow chicken-wing lovers and come (hungry) to Wingboy on Parramatta's Church Street open now. Find more info here.

Tourism Western Australia is set to uncork a brand new 'wine first' festival in the Margaret River Region from November 14-17. Set amidst the rolling vineyards of Western Australia’s coastal wine country, Pair’d Margaret River Region will showcase the south west’s world-class wines and local produce, paired with incredible experiences on beaches, in forests and vineyards.  Headlined by top wine and food talents, this inaugural event will combine adventure and indulgence, bringing together expected and unexpected pairings. Vinophiles can sip their way through the region with more than 40 events, including wine tastings, Michelin starred wine dinners and insta-worthy dining experiences. Some event highlights include Margaret’s Beach Club at Castle Bay, with dishes from Dave Pynt, Burnt Ends Singapore, Ben Ing (Ex-Noma head chef, now Albertas), Ben Jacob and Aaron Carr. At this event you can find luxe daybeds, seafood platters, and, of course, more wine. Plus, if you stay late for the sunset sessions you can catch a special DJ set from global rockstar turned cheese and wine maker, Alex James, bassist of the band Blur.  Sip your way through 16 of the region’s most delectable wines on the stunning lawns of Howard Park at the Grand Tasting, presented by Singapore Airlines, or discover the region’s most daring wines at the New Wave Gathering where you can sip and savour as the sun sets to the vibrant sounds of Ben Shewry on the decks. Snag a ticket to Night Hawker at Chow’s Table

There have been plenty of reasons to dust off your camera recently. From the National Portrait Prize and Wildlife Photographer of the Year awards taking over Sydney to the return of Sony’s photography and filmmaking festival stacked with community-hosted events for all skill levels. Whether you use your smartphone as a camera or you’re old school and capture moments with film and a darkroom, there’s never been a better time to start snapping. Now, Sony is set to launch a two-day photography, videography and content creation expo so you’ll have somewhere to channel all your inspiration. From September 28-29, Scene Tradeshow will take over Sydney’s recently revamped cultural space, White Bay Power Station.  Set to be one big epic weekend celebrating the creative medium, get hands-on with Sony’s latest cameras, lenses and accessories and brush up on your skills with a curated selection of talks, panels and masterclasses. Topics covered include grassroots filmmaking, travel photography, music video fundamentals, vlogging, behind-the-scenes photography on film sets and so much more.  Plenty of industry experts are expected to make appearances including photographers Adam Ferguson, Trent Mitchell, Sydney Low; filmmaker Gabriel Gasparinatos; film editor Matt Villa ASE ACE; and Sony Digital Imaging ambassadors Colin Jeffs, Meghan Maloney, Craig Parry and Ann Odong.  Tickets are available as a morning pass or afternoon pass for $20. See it all with an all-day pass for $30, or upgrade

Since the world has been a little heavy with bad news recently, here’s something to feel good about: a precious little platypus has been successfully returned to the wild following ten months of expert care.The young platypus was found underweight, alone and in the middle of the road on a hot summer's day back in February. The good samaritans who found him (while out cycling near Mt Baw Baw) quickly delivered him into the care of vets at Healesville Sanctuary, where his recovery was overseen by platypus specialist Dr Jessica Thomas. He needed to be rehydrated with fluid and underwent a full physical exam and radiographs. The results determined he had ticks, anemia, a low burden of blood parasites and a leech attached to his eye.  “He was a freshly emerged juvenile who likely became lost on his way to find water,” said Dr Thomas. “My current research and prior experience suggest that fresh juveniles may still need their mother, so we took care of him until he reached the age of one when he would normally disperse on his own.” Photograph: Jo Howell During his stay, Dr Thomas and the sanctuary team were able to teach the youngster basic survival skills and essential behaviours he needed to meet before returning to the wild, including swimming in different currents, diving to various depths, resting in burrows, foraging in tricky spots and searching for food. Following his recovery, the team called on the expertise of Baw Baw frog researchers to help identify a suitable stream

It’s not new news that Australia’s friend, the koala, is listed as an endangered species, due to the effects of things such as land-clearing, cars, dogs, feral cats, prolonged droughts, bushfires and disease. In fact, a parliamentary inquiry found they may be extinct in NSW by 2050 – a tragedy that conservation groups are working madly to help reverse. The latest, though, is that a new koala conservation centre is opening in south-west Sydney, backed by $5 million in funding.The NSW Minister for Climate Change and the Environment, Penny Sharpe, announced the new koala care facility, which is set to open at the University of Sydney School of Veterinary Sciene’s Camden campus, to support koalas in the Macarthur region. The funding is set to be distributed across several key areas, with $500,000 dedicated to securing expert assistance and wildlife rehabilitators. The remaining funds will focus on three main areas: koala rescue, rehabilitation and conservation. Plus, the initiative aims to introduce on-call vet care and advice, access to facilities, upgraded clinical equipment and biosecurity seclusion areas. The new facility has been hailed as a “game changer” by Professor Jacqui Norris, Head of School and Dean, who says, “We want future generations to be able to step into bushland in south-western Sydney and see koalas in the wild.” Hear, hear. If you want to help support koala conservation efforts, you can buy merch or donate at Save the Koala. Stay in the loop: sign up for o

In case you haven’t noticed, Sydney’s speed limits have been gradually dropping in recent years. Nowadays, 75 per cent of local and regional streets in the City of Sydney have a 40 kilometre an hour speed limit or lower – up from just five per cent of roads in 2004. And now, even more roads are set to fall under this 40km/h mandate, as the NSW Government works with the City of Sydney to make the city safer.  The speed-limit changes are set to affect local and regional streets that currently have a 50km/h limit, in areas including Glebe, Forest Lodge, Beaconsfield and Waterloo. Some sections of roads in Annandale, Redfern, Alexandria, Zetland and Woolloomooloo are also set to drop, with larger roads such as motorways excluded.  The lower speed limits are all about reducing the number of crashes and increasing survival rates, as studies have shown survival rates for people hit by a vehicle drastically improve at lower speeds like 40km/h. “When people drive at safer speeds it reduces the number of crashes and their severity, improves safety for people walking and riding and helps to support better place-making,” says Lord Mayor of Sydney, Clover Moore AO. “Not only will our streets be safer as a result of these important changes, they’ll be quieter and have less exhaust emissions.” The Lord Mayor says the City of Sydney will continue to work with Transport for NSW to reduce speed limits even further – down to 30km/h – in the city centre and other high-activity areas where there