Olivia Hart

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

If you’re looking for a bucket-list-worthy destination to visit (or just a good excuse to travel), consider this your sign. Hong Kong is packed with vibrant street art, world-class exhibitions, classic street food and architectural feats year-round, but spring is one of the most exciting times to touch down. This March, Hong Kong will transform into a global hub of art, culture, and creativity as Arts in Hong Kong/March returns with a program of world-class events and exhibitions across the city.  Whether you’re an art lover, a bookworm or just looking for an unforgettable getaway, here are four reasons why you should pack your bags for Hong Kong this March.

When planning a dream getaway, there’s a lot to consider – weather, distance, budget, and, of course, those bucket-list destinations. But in 2025, a new trend is set to take over: art tripping. You’ve traveled for a gig, lined up for that must-try croissant, well now, it’s time to plan a trip around world-class art. While Australia boasts incredible exhibitions year-round, many international masterpieces never make it to our shores. So why not make this the year where street art, galleries, and art fairs take centre stage in your travel plans? Get ahead of the trend and skip the usual tourist traps by booking your first ‘art trip’ of the year. Need some inspiration? Add Hong Kong to your list. Just a short flight from Australia, this dynamic city offers everything from lush hiking trails and buzzing night markets to a globally celebrated food scene (including Michelin-starred restaurants). But beyond its dazzling skyline and melting pot of flavours, Hong Kong is also a thriving cultural hub, often dubbed the ‘art capital’ of Asia. While the city has a year-round calendar of must-see art events, spring marks the pinnacle of its cultural calendar. This March, Arts in Hong Kong takes centre stage, transforming the city into a global hub with a stacked line-up of major exhibitions. Here’s everything you need to see and do this March.

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.

Imagine the perfect night out in Sydney: dining in bed as the sun sets over the water, then settling in with cocktails and sweets for a movie under the stars – all without leaving your cosy bed. That’s exactly what Mov’in Bed delivers. Since launching in 2016, this game-changing outdoor cinema has upgraded from its original Entertainment Quarter location to a stunning waterfront setting in Barangaroo, complete with an urban beach backdrop. And now, for the final few weeks of the season, they’re taking things up a notch with a few added perks. No cinema experience is complete without good food, and Mov’in Bed’s new menu includes all the very best. Order homemade burgers made with locally-sourced ingredients, special sauce and homemade fries. For something fancy, new VIP offerings include blinis with lumpfish caviar and arancini truffled porcini. There are also new additions to the drinks menu including Australian and French wines, Daiquiris, Frozen Mango Margaritas. For the couples, order up the Love Whisper (rhum and coconut) or Cupid's Berry Kiss (cranberry juice and Champagne). There's also ridiculously good frozen desserts from Ferrero to get you through those balmy summer nights – which any ticket holder can score for free on February 23, March 12 and March 21.   Mov’in Bed (in partnership with Great Britain) is showcasing some of the United Kingdom’s best films, including We Live in Time (February 26), Notting Hill (February 27), The King’s Speech (March 13), two Harry P

Summer may be winding down, but thanks to beloved Aussie sparkling brand Chandon, the good times are far from over. On Friday, February 28, you and your friends can head to one of 17 venues across Australia to score a complimentary Chandon Spritz on arrival. This offer is available for one day only, so gather your pals, make a booking and add a touch of luxury to your summer send-off. Chandon is set to take over some of Australia’s most beloved joints including beachfront spots and inner-city rooftop restaurants. Whether you want an excuse to catch up with old friends or a chance to soak the final rays of summer with your nearest and dearest, a complimentary spritz is the perfect excuse to make an event of it. Western Australians can find the unmissable deal at The Island Elizabeth Quay. Queenslanders can head to The Beach Hotel Broadbeach, JuJus Nobbys beach, Little Miss Sunshine, Isles Lane, Cali Beach Club and Tetto Rooftop. In New South Wales, make your way to East Village Hotel, Dunbar House Watsons Bay, Pepes Wollongong and Helm Bar. And Victorians can claim their drink at Republica St Kilda, The Fifth Province, The Bay Hotel Mornington, Half Moon Bay, Emerson and Baby.  What’s a Chandon Spritz, you ask? While anyone who's been out for a drink this summer will already be familiar with the Aperol and Campari varieties, a Chandon Spritz has a refreshing twist. The ready-to-serve blend is crafted with Chandon’s signature sparkling wine and all-natural orange bitters. If th

Across three jam-packed days, Ballarat’s Botanical Gardens is set to bloom with stunning floral displays as the Ballarat Begonia Festival returns for its 73rd iteration.  From Sunday, March 8 to Monday, March 10, the annual festival – which dates back to 1953 and has seen the likes of Prime Ministers and Queen Elizabeth II visit – will showcase its rare collection of begonias, all centred around the theme of ‘romance’.  While the breathtaking blooms take centre stage, there’s plenty more to enjoy, from roving entertainers and bustling markets to mouth-watering food trucks. These are the highlights that you won’t want to miss at this year’s festival. The Last Numbat  The acclaimed puppet show The Last Numbat is making its way to the Ballarat Begonia Festival for its Australia East Coast debut. This large-scale, interactive performance enlists 19 audience members to help bring the story to life, exploring themes of identity and environmental impact through the eyes of the endangered numbat. Begonia Display  Head straight to the Robert Clark Conservatory for the festival’s star attraction: the breathtaking begonia display. Showcasing thousands of the city’s finest buds from over 500 rare varieties, this year’s romantic centrepiece is elevated with delicate pops of lavender, adding a sweet, fragrant touch to the floral spectacle. Main Stage  Don’t miss a roster of celebrity presenters and industry experts – including Costa Georgiadis, Liam Downes, Mindy Woods and Millie Ross – ho

The day of inflated flower prices, oversized plushies and high expectations is almost upon us. However you may feel about Valentine's Day (Hollywood-esque love, deep, anti-capitalist contempt, cold apathy), know that there are plenty of ways you can authentically celebrate love in Sydney right now – whether that's the love you have for your date, a mate, or your own fine self. From singles to coupled-up sweethearts, there’s something delightful for everyone to do in Sydney on February 14 (which falls on a Friday this year), as well as in the lead-up to and fall-out after the big day. Read on for our guide to the best fun (and free) outings, the best first-date bars and sexiest new spots to celebrate romance in all its forms in the Emerald City. Stay in the loop: sign up for our free Time Out Sydney newsletter for more news, travel inspo and activity ideas, straight to your inbox. RECOMMENDED:Want fun now? Here’s what’s on in Sydney this weekend.And here’s our guide to things to do this February.

Nothing beats an expertly rolled, boiled and baked bagel with the perfect chew. Except, if it's topped with a thick schmear of decadent cream cheese. Nobody knows this better than The Laughing Cow, whose beloved cheese wedges deserve to be spread on an equally mouth-watering base.  Now, the heritage brand has teamed up with New Zealand-born bagel makers Abe’s to challenge all Aussie bagel lovers to develop their very own recipe for the chance to win $2,000 and have it featured in a Sydney café.  While it's hard to beat a simple spread of cream cheese, bagels have a choose-your-own-adventure factor that makes the options endless. All you have to do is make sure to start with an Abe’s bagel, incorporate any of The Laughing Cow’s cheeses and add a couple of other fun toppings to show your creativity. Submit your recipes by messaging @thelaughingcowaunz on Instagram with a photo and a name of your creation by March 5.   An expert panel will choose the winning recipe based on the creativity of its ingredients and name. In keeping with The Laughing Cow’s mission to spread laughter, the winning bagel will be unveiled at a soon-to-be-revealed café on International Day of Happiness (March 20) – because what could bring more joy than a bagel? 

STC’s 2025 season – the last programmed under previous artistic director Kip Williams – is set to kick off with a bang as Amy Herzog's Pulitzer Prize nominated family drama 4000 Miles returns to the stage, starring the legendary Nancye Hayes (Summer Rain).  After a two-decade absence from Sydney Theatre Company, Hayes is set to star alongside Shiv Palekar (The Tempest) in this heartfelt tale of an unlikely duo that The New York Times called “a funny, moving, altogether wonderful drama.” When 21-year-old Leo (Palekar) hasn’t been heard from since his cross-country cycling trip went wrong, no one is more surprised than his 91-year-old grandmother, Vera (Hayes), when he turns up on her doorstep in the middle of the night.  Helmed by STC resident director Kenneth Moraleda (American Signs), 4000 Miles unravels into an unlikely story of connection between two people at the opposite ends of life’s journey, who must navigate becoming roommates alongside the complexities of grief, loss, and love.  “4000 Miles explores the bridging of generational and emotional chasms, capturing the clashes and connections that define our relationships,” says Moraleda. “Herzog has crafted a deeply honest and intricate character study, where each push, prod, and pull in their quest for understanding, while navigating the complexities of grief, loss, and love.” Rounding out the cast is Ariadne Sgouros in her company debut, as well as the remarkable Shirong Wu (White Pearl). 4000 Miles is playing at Sydne

Sydney loves any chance for a spectator-sport party, so watching the (star-studded) NFL championship game, the Super Bowl, has well and truly become a thing in the Harbour City. That means plenty of venues and sports bars across the city air the game on the big screen, and throw Super Bowl parties with all the trimmings (read: Americana food and a whole lot of beer). What is the Superbowl start time in Sydney? You can watch kick-off from 10.30am (AEDT) on Monday, February 10. That means beer buckets and wings for breakfast – we don’t make the rules.  Who’s performing at the Super Bowl 2025? Along with the big-budget ads screened during the breaks, the Super Bowl half-time show is half of the reason for watching, and this year’s show will feature some of the biggest names in music: Kendrick Lamar and SZA (who collectively picked up six Grammys at this year’s awards).  What time is the Superbowl half-time show?  If you're just in it for the musical performance, tune in at midday Sydney time.   What channel is the Super Bowl on in Australia? The Super Bowl 2025 will be broadcast on free-to-air TV on Channel 7 and 7mate (as well as live streaming on 7plus if you're watching online). For subscribers, it will also show on Kayo and the ESPN channel on Foxtel. If you’re keen to get amongst it, we've rounded up the best Sydney venues that are playing the game live and loud this year.  Stay in the loop: sign up for our free Time Out Sydney newsletter for more news, travel inspo and

A mural of the Marrickville-born and raised boxing icon Jeff Fenech, a signed IBF World Championship belt and a full sized pool table are just a few of the new additions you can expect from the newly revamped sports bar, The Marrickville Tavern.  After extensive renovations, led by the team behind Sonnel Hospitality, the watering hole has reopened with a serious glow-up. The redesign embraces the beloved pub rich history, which dates back to 1884 and earned a reputation for pies, pints and punting. Keeping the tradition alive, the new menu features a classic pie and pint combo for $16, with options like pepper steak, red wine lamb shank, and chicken, leek and mushroom, plus a roast vegetable for vegetarians.  That’s just the start of their ongoing deals. Head down from Monday to Friday between 4-6pm and you can snag a pre-game beer or house wine for $7, stick around until the end and get a post-match Marg or Negroni for $15 from 9-11pm. There’s also a selection of classic cocktails on the menu for wallet-friendly prices including Espresso Martini, Old Fashioned and Paloma.  If that’s not enough to get you through the doors, we’ve got a heap of other drawcards to share. First up, the sports bar is putting female sports front and centre across its ten screens with plans to host female-led watch parties for major matches. Swifties will be out in force for the Super Bowl to catch the singer in her prime spectator position, and the bar aims to keep delivering for female sports fan

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

This September, Newcastle’s flagship arts festival, New Annual, is set to return over ten days with a roster of innovative art and live performances in the heart of the city.  From September 27 to October 6, a stacked program of national touring artists and local talent is set to take over the city, starting with the epic First Night Street Party. Head down to King Street for DJ sets, local bands, food trucks, and unmissable performances from headliner Gamilaraay man Mitch Tambo and the soul-stirring Tower Divas. There’s also Wayfinder, a new show from contemporary dance centre Dancenorth Australia, that fuses dance with music and visual arts; Truth to Power Café, a live performance exploring the topic of power through art and audience contributions; The Birth & Death of Stars, a theatrical world-music experience from MZAZA; The Cord, a contemporary dance performance by acclaimed First Nations choreographer, Jasmin Sheppard; Concertante, an intimate performance of Chopin’s First Piano Concerto by Omega Ensemble; and performances by Newcastle’s Youth Orchestra.  There are also plenty of free events in the line-up including ‘Scrub Club’, a ten-day participatory project at Quandamooka artist Megan Cope’s Ngumpi Kinyingarra Oyster House, where you can contribute to future oyster reef art projects. Plus, Belongings, an immersive installation sharing the stories of six local refugees and an immersive theatre show celebrating humpback whale migration through a parade of giant illumi

The magical Kryal Castle is set to transform into Frozen Kingdom these winter school holidays, as part of Ballarat's Winter Festival. A spellbinding kids program is taking place across three fun-filled weeks of the festival, inviting kids to meet dragons, battle evil queens, and discover the tale of the kingdom’s long-lost princess.  Step into a storybook world where a kingdom has been overtaken by an evil snow Queen who has cursed the land with an eternal winter. The adventure begins at Jesters Theatre with the tale of the kingdom's icy past and a hero foretold, at The Story of the Lost Princess theatre show which you can catch at 11am or 1:15pm. Make your way to Trial By Fire at the Main Arena where knights will battle with steel and flame to defeat the evil Queen. Once the battle is won, stick around for a dragon meet and greet where you can pat these ferocious, fire-breathing creatures. Plenty of other family-friendly activities will also be going down across the day. Try your hand at mystical potion making by signing up for a lesson at the Wizard Classroom for $20. Be transformed into a princess or creature with face-painting on offer for $10. Or, brush up on your medieval skills at the Archery range, Axe throwing range and Knight school where you’ll be equipped with a sword and shield and taught battle tactics under the tutelage of Kryal Castles Master-at-Arms. Don’t leave home empty-handed, stop by the snowflake ornament making workshops, where you’ll be given dough an

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