Winnie Stubbs

Melbourne is home to its fair share of super-luxe hotels, but there are also hidden gems in every corner of the city where you can rest your head for less than $200 a night. From super central sky-high towers like Oaks on Collins to charming stays on the fringe of the city like The Plough Hotel, Melbourne's budget hotels prove that you don't have to drop 500 bucks a night to enjoy a good night's sleep within striking distance of Melbourne’s best bits. To help you find your best affordable stay, our team of local editors (including Time Out Melbourne Editor Leah Glynn) have tried and tested Melbourne’s most well-located low-cost hotels, and Time Out Travel and Hotels Editor Winnie Stubbs has checked the list over to make sure it delivers.For an even more affordable night in the city, share a room with friends (and try to book at least a few weeks in advance). Another top tip from Time Out Melbourne’s team of local editors? Don't be afraid to trade space for location – you're only sleeping, after all. Read on for our guide to the best budget hotels in Melbourne.  Editor's quick picks: Best fully equipped home-away-from-home: Oaks on Collins Best for making new friends: YHA Melbourne Central Best boutique city stay: Brady Hotels Central Melbourne  Best quirky neighbourhood stay: The Plough Hotel 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 Mel

Whether you’re a visitor mapping out your first trip to the Emerald City, or a Sydneysider planning a special-occasion staycation, finding the right hotel in Sydney is an important, sometimes overwhelming 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 Hotels Editor, 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 our full guid

​​No one’s accusing Sydney of being cheap, but that doesn’t mean there aren’t a few budget-friendly hotels to be found in this sparkling diamond of a city. To find the best affordable hotels in Sydney, we’ve done some digging – and have put together this guide based on location, vibe, comfort and, naturally, cost. Our team of writers have tried and tested each stay to make sure the low cost doesn’t mean you’re compromising on quality. The team's resident hotel obsessive (Time Out Sydney’s Travel and Hotels Editor Winnie Stubbs) has triple checked the list to make sure it’s up to scratch. From an off-the-beaten-track four-star secret (Cremorne Point Manor, we’re looking at you) to a fun youth hostel right on the harbour, these are the very best affordable stays in the city.  NB: Be warned, peak season in Sydney has dizzying highs and even the most reasonably priced accommodation can spike over the New Year’s Eve period. So, shop around if you're looking for a place to lay your head over the holidays. Editor's quick picks: Best for sunset views: YHA Sydney HarbourBest for a socially impactful stay: Song Hotel SydneyBest affordable beachside stay: Coogee Bay HotelBest airport accommodation: Moxy Sydney Airport 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:Can’t stretch to that? Pack your tent and check out the best camping spots near Sydney.Or book a glamping tent at th

For many Sydneysiders, it's an undeniable truth that the weekend market is one of our most beloved cultural institutions. However, when looking for the most amazing market to hit up in Sydney, it can be hard to know where to begin.   Our city has a whole lot of options for the market-savvy explorer. Whether it's walking away with farm-fresh produce, unearthing vintage and antique treasures, snaffling fried brunchy fare on the grass, or jiving to a live saxophone player before 10am, this city has something for everyone.  A market jaunt is an affordable way to have a great time in this city. With our round-up of the city's best, we have you covered on where to go, where to look, and when to do it when the craving calls.  Happy hunting.  Mapping out your Friday to Monday? Find out what's on with our guide of things to do in Sydney this weekend, or keep it simple and take your market finds to one of our city's best beaches. Stay in the loop: sign up for our free Time Out Sydney newsletter for more news, straight to your inbox.

Choosing the right hotel in Melbourne can be an almighty task. With so many incredible stays to choose between – from super modern sky-high towers to charming historic gems – it can be an overwhelming ordeal 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 Hotels Editor Winnie Stubbs 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 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 Hotels 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 best spot

Sydney is often referred to as the Harbour City, but a better name might be the Town of a Hundred Beaches. There are countless golden stretches scattered along the length and breadth of Sydney’s many shores (exact figures vary based on who you ask, as some disappear with the tides or are all but impossible to reach). But such an array of sandy riches can make picking the right beach to visit a bit of a head-scratcher. To help you out, we’ve cast our discerning eyes across pretty much every beach in the city, awarding points for accessibility, natural beauty, range of facilities and unique charms. We’ve tallied the results, tabulated the scores and can now reveal our definitive rankings of the 47 best beaches in Sydney. Grab those beach towels and dive right in. JUST REMEMBER: There have been a lot of drowning incidents at NSW beaches – if you swim at unpatrolled beaches, you put yourself at risk. You can search patrolled and unpatrolled beaches near you over here – as well as other surf safety issues. Hate crowds? Here's our guide to the best secret beaches in Sydney. The city also has a heap of fab harbour beaches – as well as dog-friendly beaches. Stay in the loop: sign up for our free Time Out Sydney newsletter for more news, straight to your inbox.

Sitting pretty 600 kilometres off the NSW coast, World Heritage-listed Lord Howe Island is undeniably one of the most beautiful places on Earth. Sir David Attenborough famously described this tiny speck in the Tasman Sea as “so extraordinary it is almost unbelievable”, and we reckon you need to witness its beauty for yourself.  Part of Lord Howe’s magic comes from its exclusivity – only 400 visitors are allowed on the island at any one time, so you can soak in the scenery and serenity without the crowds. The rest of the enchantment lies in its mesmerising natural beauty, featuring vibrant coral reefs, glassy blue waters, lush forest and ancient volcanic peaks. Our Travel Editors Melissa Woodley and Winnie Stubbs spent a honeymoon-style week exploring the island and have rounded up their favourite things to do, including beaches, walks, eateries and resorts. Dive in! Editors’ favourite things to do on Lord Howe Island ⛰️ Best hike: Goat House 🤿 Best water activity: Snorkelling with Galapagos sharks 🐠 Best for kids: Fish feeding at Ned’s Beach When is the best time to visit Lord Howe Island? The best time to visit Lord Howe Island is between September and May, as many lodges and tour operators close during the winter months. We visited in November and thought it was the perfect time – the mild temperatures were ideal for hiking, while the weather was still warm enough for swimming and snorkelling. Best of all, we got to enjoy the island without the summer crowds. How to get

The Sunshine Coast’s ever-expanding dining scene is a double-edged sword: how does one pick between so many fantastic restaurants? Seasonal and locally sourced produce takes centre stage across all cuisines, with everything from modern Asian and Middle Eastern to seafood, spaghetti and steak.  Once you’ve ticked off all the hot spots on Hastings Street in Noosa, make your way south to Mooloolaba’s bustling waterfront for fresh prawns and Asian street food, the sunny town square of Peregian Beach for a paddock-to-plate long lunch, or the scenic hinterland to dine at new farm-to-table restaurant ēthos. Here’s our guide to the best restaurants on the Sunshine Coast, straight from local tips and the well-fed experience of our Travel & News Editor Melissa Woodley. ☀️ The best things to do on the Sunshine Coast🌊 Your ultimate guide to Noosa🍽️ Where to eat in Noosa

Noosa has no shortage of excellent eateries that buzz with locals and travellers from dusk until well after dawn. Many of the resort town’s trendiest restaurants line the iconic Hastings Street, with the fanciest spots sitting mere metres from the golden sands of Main Beach.  Waterfront institutions in Noosaville showcase the region’s finest seafood, while Noosa Junction brings a laid-back mix of global flavours – from French crêpes and fluffy bao buns to wood-fired pizzas. Here’s our pick of the best restaurants in Noosa for your eating pleasure. 🌊 Your ultimate guide to Noosa☀️ Here are the 5 best beaches in Noosa🍽️ More great restaurants on the Sunshine Coast

Sun and surf aside, the Gold Coast’s diverse dining scene shines just as bright as its world-class beaches. Whether it's a casual evening with fish and chips by the water, a barefoot bite at the beach club or a special occasion dinner at one of the Goldy’s award-winning restaurants, these are the places you want to be seen. Our Travel & News Editor, Melissa Woodley, has done the hard yards and rounded up the best restaurants on the Gold Coast right now. We've included options everywhere from Surfers Paradise and Broadbeach to Burleigh Heads and Coolangatta. So, leave your towels at the door and dig into this list of our favourite places to drink and dine. Editor's favourite restaurants on the Gold Coast: 🌊 Best views: The Tropic ⭐️ Best for special occasions: Kōst Bar and Grill 🌮 Best cheap and cheerful: Costa Taco 🌊 Best hotels on the Gold Coast🏄🏻‍♀️ Best things to do on the Gold Coast

Ah, the sunrise – a gentle, daily reminder that the days start coming and they simply do not stop coming. It’s as certain as the sun rising in the east and setting in the west. That being said, Australia is a wonderland for sensational cracks of dawn along the eastern and western seaboards alike.  Peep Brisbane’s Mount Coot-tha for altitudinous urban views, take Pinky Beach in the west for ground-floor spectaculars or even watch the sunrise from a kayak on Sydney Harbour. Wherever you may be, these are the best sunrises in Australia that'll have you saying ‘top of the mornin’ to ya’, indubitably. 🌅 The best sunsets in Australia😍 The most beautiful places in Australia✨ Where to go stargazing in Australia

Budget conscious movie fans, this one’s for you. For the fourth year running, Darling Quarter’s free open-air cinema is back – complete with dog-friendly seating and high-quality headphones for crystal-clear audio.Kicking off this Thursday, January 8, the free open-air cinema will run on Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays until January 25, with the varied film program featuring big releases and old-school favourites. Through a new partnership with HBO Max, this year's program features family faves like The Wizard of Oz and Space Jam alongside newer hits like Superman, Fantastic Beasts, and A Minecraft Movie.  Though screenings are free, it’s worth booking a place – with free unallocated seating and beanbags available to hire for an extra $10. This year’s movie experience sees the upgrade of all new headphones, meaning you don’t have to worry about the ambience of the area impacting your audio experience (though sound will be played through large outdoor speakers too). For a cinema snack, moviegoers can order Click and Collect from some of Darling Quarter’s fave eateries – including Churrascaria, Dopa and Gelatissimo.  With a flat evening parking rate of $21 per car, this is hands down one of the most affordable cinema experiences you can have in the Harbour City. Keen to spend those extra dollars on another movie-style experience? Darling Harbour’s magical carousel is a short walk from the cinema, you’re welcome.You can learn more and reserve tickets over here. Stay in

Sailing obsessives, speed demons and sunset enthusiasts, listen up. The world’s fastest sailing race – the Sail Grand Prix – is returning to the Harbour City for 2026, and this time it’s levelling up the cinematic value. For the first time in Rolex SailGP Championship history, the spectacle is going twilight – with super-fast foiling action lighting up Sydney Harbour for two adrenaline-fuelled nights on the last weekend of February.Now in its seventh consecutive year, Sydney remains SailGP’s longest-running stop – and honestly, it’s hard to imagine a better stage. Picture the world’s largest SailGP fleet ever assembled flying across the water in colourful catamarans just metres from shore, as the late summer sun melts behind the city skyline. Not sold yet on the idea of watching a boat race? I hear you – as a sailing novice and a card-carrying F1-skeptic, it took a trip to the Auckland event for me to truly understand the appeal of the KPMG Sydney Sail Grand Prix, but I can wholeheartedly say it’s one of the most exciting, impressive sporting events you will ever witness. One of the things that makes SailGP races so addictive is how close you can get to the action, and never more so than in Sydney. Here, racing unfolds right across the harbour, with various vantage points turning the city into a giant grandstand. The mixed-gender teams are wildly athletic, and the fact that the Aussies happen to be consistently high-achievers (winning the first three championships, and coming

Looking for an affordable, culturally-enriching day out in the Harbour City? We’ve got you. To help Sydneysiders and visitors make the most of the city, Transport for NSW has launched a totally free, super insightful walking itinerary that you can use for a car-free day out in town, and we reckon it’s a pretty solid guide to your next day out.You can use Transport for NSW’s Walks Near Me map to follow the Sydney Culture Walk itinerary that links Sydney’s favourite cultural institutions.  This is a great thing to do, whether you want to be a tourist in your own town, you’re a visitor here, or you have kids to entertain (and tire out) during the school holidays.  First up, head to the Sydney Culture Walk landing page and map out your route. If you’re keen to really capitalise on cultural insights, kick off your journey at Circular Quay station’s brand-new ‘Culture Station’ (you’ll find it beneath the train platforms, just opposite Wharf 5), where the team can offer advice, pamphlets and tickets. From there, the Sydney Culture Walk will unfurl like your own personalised greatest-hits playlist of Sydney’s cultural scene. Not sure where to head? Below is your cheat sheet to the star stops – but the Walks Near Me platform will help guide your way: Sydney Opera House Art Gallery of New South Wales State Library of NSW Hyde Park Barracks Australian Museum Sydney Observatory RELATED READ: 9 must-see landmarks on a self-guided walking tour across SydneyYou’ll find the full Sydney Cul

When Slow House opened on Curlewis Street back in 2021, it was among the first of a wave of new wellness spaces taking Sydney by storm. Here, the focus was on quiet, ritualistic bathing – with the key treatment (the Signature Slow) encouraging guests to take things at their own pace, from the seclusion of a private sauna room. Though guests at the original Slow House are welcome to spend time in the communal spaces – with ice baths large enough to fit six people at a time – it’s generally a place you come to spend time alone, a haven of self-guided self-care.Almost five years later, the Bondi-born wellness brand has taken a new tack – with Slow House 2.0 (now named 38° The Bathhouse) open beneath a shiny new gym right on the Bondi beachfront. Although the aesthetic here is similar – all muted neutral tones and soft, organic curves – this new, larger outpost is a place where connecting with other people is paramount. ‘Slow House The Bath House’ is a social space with body-and-soul enriching side effects, and it’s exactly what the busy beachside suburb has been crying out for. You’ll find the sprawling subterranean space at the end of a long corridor framed by a mirrored ceiling that mimics an ocean at sunset – it’s immediately surreal, and somehow completely, perfectly Bondi. Warm lighting illuminates the main room, which is home to three magnesium pools (each sitting at different temperatures for different therapeutic benefits), a large Finnish sauna, a steam room, two ice ba

If you’re looking for a way to spend January 26 that centres culture, creativity and community, Blak Powerhouse belongs firmly at the top of your list. Back for its fourth iteration, this celebration of Blak excellence is returning to Sydney for 2026 – away from its original Powerhouse location (the Ultimo site is currently under construction), but with its biggest line-up yet. Set to light up Manning House at the University of Sydney on January 26, the free, all-ages event has announced an impeccable roster of First Nations artists, led by ARIA Award-winning rapper (and winner of the inaugural NSW First Nations Music Prize) BARKAA and powerhouse rap collective 3%. Now in its fourth year, Blak Powerhouse is an annual celebration of Blak pride, joy and cultural strength – and it’s quickly become one of the city’s most meaningful dates on the cultural calendar. Presented by Powerhouse and Indigenous social enterprise We Are Warriors, Blak Powerhouse 2026 is about far more than live music. Kicking off at 6pm, the evening will unfold as a beautifully diverse celebration of culture, featuring DJs, dance performances, panel discussions, weaving workshops, interactive art installations, market stalls and short film showcases – all designed to create space for connection, learning and community.RELATED READ: Here’s a sneak peek at Powerhouse Parramatta The night will open with a Welcome to Country and smoking ceremony led by Aunty Nadeena Dixon, a Gadigal, Dharawal, Yuin and Wiradjur

Golden hour in Sydney is a magical time; when the glare of the day fades and the dropping sun coats the city in a buttery glow. And there’s one particular spot in Sydney that seems to catch the light perfectly – a fail-safe sunset spot with views across the Harbour, and one of the best places to stargaze when daylight disappears entirely. We’re talking about Sydney Observatory, and for five Fridays this summer, golden hour at this spot is ramping up to the next level – elevated by a series of three-hour live music sets programmed by the creative people behind Powerhouse. Sunset Variations will kick off on Friday, January 30 with an ambient Afrofuturist performance by Ethiopian Australian sound artist, Nū, to set the tone as the light disappears from the sky above the Harbour City.  Next up, on Friday, February 6, experimental electronic artist e fishpool will soundtrack sunset with a mesmeric performance. Friday, February 13 will welcome the cinematic compositions from the Aarti Jadu Ensemble, performing alongside Emma Ovenden and George Worthy. Then, on Friday, February 20, Luritja singer-songwriter and visual artist Keanu Nelson will take over the heritage site with a spell-binding performance as an ode to his Papunya roots. The series will come to a close with a powerful set from the Setwun: Celestial Bodies on Friday, February 27. The soulful, percussive showcase, led by composer and multi-instrumentalist DJ Josh Panakera-Molony, will blend jazz, groove and dance music ov

If you were under the impression that Sydney’s summer fun peaks in December, you stand corrected. Every summer, right after the dust settles from the Harbour City’s sparkling NYE fireworks display, Sydney Festival is waiting to take over the city with a hefty helping of fresh arts and culture. This is your chance to get in on an almost-month-long program overflowing with avant garde performances, immersive art installations, phenomenal live musicians and parties that rock on well into the night. This year, the annual event is turning 50 – and if you were expecting a quiet midlife moment, think again. This summer, from January 8 to January 25, the city is throwing itself into a full-blown cultural block party, cracking open five decades of artistic history and inviting everyone in for a look at what’s next. Under the direction of Kris Nelson, who’s stepping up for his first year at the helm, the 2026 program is a sprawling, joy-sparking mix of theatre, music, dance and art.  At the heart of this anniversary edition is a deep dive into connection across generations, playing out through a (delightfully off-the-wall) theatre program. There’s the world-premiere roller-derby spectacular Mama Does Derby, which will see Virginia Gay and Clare Watson transform Sydney Town Hall into a full-scale rink for a tender, sweaty mother-daughter story. There’s Dear Son, bringing Thomas Mayo’s powerful collection of letters to the Belvoir stage with music, dance and theatre-makers Isaac Drandic

It’s imperative that you do not eat before you visit the Carriageworks Farmers Markets. You’ll want to save maximum belly space for your personal version of The Bachelorette where you decide who gets your dollars and what delicious produce gets to come home with you. Maybe you like something soupy and savoury first thing? In that case head to Bar Pho for a traditional Vietnamese start to the day. On the veggie train? Hit up Keppos St Kitchen for a falafel breakfast, or head to Food Farm for a classic bacon and egg roll.Once the hounds of your hunger have been quieted it’s time to prepare for your next meal, or seven. Stock up on artisan cheese from Leaning Oak, smoked salmon from Brilliant Foods and Sydney’s favourite sourdough from AP Bakery and brunch is sorted. You can spend a whole lot of money if you want to here, but equally you could just grab a kombucha on tap from Herbs of Life and find a chair for some of the best dog-watching in the city.  Stay in the loop: sign up for our free Time Out Sydney newsletter for more news, travel tips and city insights, straight to your inbox. Hungry for more? Look at our list of the best markets in Sydney – produce or otherwise. 

If drinking Champagne while dancing on a superyacht fits on your 2026 vision board, we’ve got you. Following two super successful seasons at the start of 2024 and 2025,  The Jackson (arguably Sydney’s most Instagrammed luxury superyacht) is teaming up with Veuve Clicquot for another sparkling summer party series. The string of harbour parties will see the huge, sparkly-af boat play host to a stacked line-up of DJs across two expansive decks, with dancing fuel (read: Champagne and canapés) provided by Veuve Clicquot. Oysters, Champagne and hours of dancing to the backdrop of Sydney’s glittering harbour – it’s a pretty solid recipe. Kicking off on Saturday, January 10, The Jackson's Veuve Cliquot in the Sun will see DJs from Sydney and beyond take to the decks (pun intended) for high-energy, Champagne-fuelled afternoons. The events will run from 12pm until 4pm on Saturdays throughout January, February, March and April, and your $159 ticket will score you two glasses of Veuve Clicquot Yellow Label, free-flowing canapés and oysters, plus four hours of dancing and a gelato for the journey back to dry land. Keen? You can learn more and secure your ticket over here. RECOMMENDED: Want fun now? These are the best things to do in Sydney this weekend And these affordable picnic boats are a more low-key boating optionWant the boat-owner life without the price tag? This subscription service might be the answer

Calling all Sydney-based cinephiles. Flickerfest – Australia’s biggest competitive short film festival – is coming back for 2026, taking over Bondi Pavilion with more than 200 short film screenings across a glittering ten-day program. Known for spotlighting some of the country’s best-received short films, with heaps of Academy® and BAFTA winners among its alumni, Flickerfest is returning for its 35th year, with films screening by the beach from January 23 until February 1, 2026. The carefully selected curation of short films will be chosen from a pool of more than 3,600 entries – and based on what we've seen in previous years, we're expecting big things.As well as the shortlisted films, the program features a celebration of young Aussie filmmakers (FlickerUp), a showcase of LGBTQI cinema (Rainbow Shorts), a series of films about relationships (Love Bites) and exploring films about relationships, Short Laughs (a comedy series) and FlickerKids: a special program of kids and family-friendly films. After the Bondi-based festival, Flickerfest will go on tour – taking selected films to more than 40 venues across Australia from February until October.You can check out the full program and learn more over here.Stay in the loop: sign up for our free Time Out Sydney newsletter for more news, straight to your inbox.RECOMMENDED: Want fun now? Here’s what’s on in Sydney this weekend.And these are the best outdoor cinemas in the city.In the mood for a show? Here’s our list of the best thea

Carriageworks Farmers Markets – one of Sydney’s favourite weekly markets – is putting on a special festive affair on Saturday, December 20, with more than over 120 stalls, extended trading hours (8am to 3pm) and live music.Expect glorious seasonal additions to the usual farm-fresh produce, and Christmas favourites such as hocks of ham, puddings and mouthwatering fruit cake for sale, plus vegan alternatives such as meat-free roasts and non-dairy cheeses. In addition to the regular weekly stallholders like AP Bakery, Oz Harvest and Kepos Street Kitchen, there'll also be offerings from guest stalls like Gelato Messina, Plate It Forward, Wildflower Brewing & Blending and heaps more.  Alongside the foodie offering, you’ll be able to grab a few final gifts from stalls selling food-related presents like ceramics and cookbooks. Plus, there’ll be booze stalls from local bars, breweries and distilleries, and live music to soundtrack your shopping.Stay in the loop: sign up for our free Time Out Sydney newsletter for more news, straight to your inbox. RECOMMENDED: Want fun now? Here’s what’s on this weekend. And here’s what’s on this week. Want to take your foraged goods into the great outdoors? These are the best picnic spots in Sydney.

If you’ve driven past Rooty Hill’s West HQ lately, you’ll know the Coliseum Theatre doesn’t exactly do subtle. With its sweeping curves, cathedral-like acoustics and spectacular staging, the venue has quickly cemented its name as one of Western Sydney’s cultural calling cards.This summer, the venue’s offering is dialling up – with the Coliseum Theatre rolling out its biggest program ever – the inaugural Coliseum Summer Festival, a two-month celebration of blockbuster entertainment running from December 6 until January 24. Over the peak summer season, the venue will be serving up everything from smash-hit comedy sessions to mind-bending magic shows and big-ticket family theatre productions. Here are the seasonal highlights you won’t want to miss. Sooshi Mango: Home Made Encore  One of Australia’s favourite comedy trios are back with their wildly popular show – a lovingly chaotic celebration of family, culture and questionable DIY projects. Expect outrageous accents, impeccable timing and a whole heap of belly-laughs to kick-start your silly season.Dates: December 6 Cosentino – Tricked For one night only, master illusionist Cosentino will bring his high-stakes magic to the Coliseum stage. This is sleight-of-hand with serious swagger: escapology, illusions and unbelievable stunts. Dates: December 13 Cirque Alice Christmas Eve at the Coliseum is getting curiouser and curiouser. Cirque Alice is a reimagination of Lewis Carroll’s famously wacky world through acrobatics, aerial arti

After abandoning my noble attempt at Dry January on the fourth day of the month, I was comforted to learn that I’d lasted a full 24 hours longer than 27 per cent of aspiring self-improvers. Right now in Sydney, tables outside our favourite venues are overflowing with friends, day parties are running well into the night, and goblets of Aperol Spritz are glowing in the refined strain of January sunshine. All that’s to say: silly season is showing no signs of slowing down. If all the hedonistic fun is taking its toll, we hear you. And so, apparently, does one of our favourite Sydney hotels, which has launched a new wellness-centred suite designed to help you reset without giving up the good life. When we were invited to try out Manly Pacific’s new Ocean Terrace Sauna Room on a Friday night in late December, we jumped at the chance. Spending a night by the ocean in a beautiful space designed to help you feel like your best self is a certified win – an indulgent, ritualistic reset for body and soul, and the perfect complement to the floods of not-so-good-for-you fun that come our way at this time of year. Designed in partnership with Nimbus Co (one of Australia’s most genre-defining wellness brands, and the first to bring infrared saunas to Sydney), the room has been created to make incorporating wellness into your holiday feel almost seamless, guided by the ethos that “wellness isn’t a routine, it’s a rhythm.” Photograph: Supplied Inside the perfectly appointed, light-flooded r

It’s been a big 12 months for Sydney’s hotels, with the Harbour City laying claim to five of the top ten hotels in Australia (according to the prestigious Travel and Leisure hotel awards), and Capella Sydney claiming second place in Condé Nast’s annual Readers’ Choice Awards, and one of just two Aussie spots on the World’s 50 Best Hotels list. Now, the hotel aficionados at Condé Nast have dropped their Gold List for 2026, and one beloved Sydney hotel made the cut. RELATED READ: Here’s our pick of the top luxury hotels in SydneyNow in its 32nd year, the Gold List celebrates the most extraordinary hotels and resorts around the world. Chosen by Condé Nast Traveller’s editors for reasons ranging from flawless service and striking design to five-star meals, every property has one thing in common: it does it better than anyone else. The only Oceania hotel featured on the list – and our pick of Australia’s best luxury stay – is the Park Hyatt Sydney. For 35 years, this elegant harbourfront residence has played host to some of the world’s biggest celebs and leaders – and it’s easy to see why. The crown jewel of the Park Hyatt is its breathtaking Sydney Harbour views, with the top-tier suites offering front-row views of the Opera House and Harbour Bridge. We also highly rate the heated rooftop pool and spa, along with its one-hatted restaurant, The Dining Room by James Viles. Photograph: Supplied | Park Hyatt Sydney The second Australian property spotlighted on The Gold List 2026 is

We’re only a few days in, but 2026 is shaping up pretty nicely in Sydney, and with a whole bunch of epic festivals, major sporting events and shiny new attractions landing in Australia this year, we’ve got a whole lot to look forward to. And if you’re looking for a world-class art experience, you don’t even need to leave the city. To help art enthusiasts make the most of the next 12 months, the expert team of global editors at Time Out have curated the ultimate list of art and culture worth travelling for in 2026. It’s a cultural masterpiece in itself, with everything from fashion retrospectives and boundary-pushing exhibits to a multimodal installation in the world’s most famous nightclub. Better yet, three of the world’s best exhibitions to see this year are right here in Australia, with a city-wide showcase here in Sydney claiming the top spot.RELATED READ: This Sydney art exhibition has ranked among the world's 20 top attractions for 2026 The Emerald City is set to host its 25th Biennale of Sydney from March 14 to June 14, taking over not one, but five exceptional venues: White Bay Power Station, Art Gallery of New South Wales, Campbelltown Arts Centre, Chau Chak Wing Museum at the University of Sydney and Penrith Regional Gallery. Each space will display artworks centred around the theme of ‘rememory’ (the ‘delicate space between remembering and forgetting’), curated by artistic director Hoor Al Qasimi and inspired by the work of esteemed late author Toni Morrison. Remem

Planning your year ahead is looking exciting – with a whole bunch of epic festivals, major sporting events and shiny new attractions landing in Australia in 2026. And if you’re looking for a wold-class artsy experience, you won’t need to leave the city. Tapping into our global network of editors and writers, the Time Out team has curated the ultimate list of art and culture worth travelling for in 2026. It’s a cultural masterpiece in itself, with everything from fashion retrospectives and boundary-pushing exhibits to a multimodal installation in the world’s most famous nightclub. Better yet, one of the world’s best exhibitions to see this year is right here in Melbourne. Melbourne’s NGV International officially earned a spot on the list thanks to its upcoming glitzy exhibition, Cartier, which charts the evolution of the revered jewellery house. It will make history as the largest-ever exhibition staged by the brand in Australia, showcasing more than 300 dazzling jewels, tiaras, necklaces, brooches and timepieces, including stones worn by Elizabeth Taylor, Queen Elizabeth II, Princess Margaret and Rihanna. Photo: Vincent Wulveryck, Collection Cartier Thanks to a major city-wide exhibition, Sydney topped the global list. The Emerald City is set to host its 25th Biennale of Sydney from March 14 to June 14, taking over not one, but five exceptional venues: White Bay Power Station, Art Gallery of New South Wales, Campbelltown Arts Centre, Chau Chak Wing Museum at the University

If your 2026 summer vision board involves swapping lux hotel lounges for camp chairs, alarm clocks for kookaburras, you’re in luck. Over the course of 2025, the NSW Government has refreshed, repaired and rolled out a clutch of new campgrounds across the state – and just in time for peak holiday season. From beachside classics to far-flung outback stays, these upgrades mean more places to pitch a tent, better facilities once you’re there, and fewer arguments about who forgot the table (spoiler: no one did – they’re built in now). On the Mid-North Coast, one of the state’s most kooky camping spots is officially back. Trial Bay Gaol campground has reopened following a hefty $6.7 million upgrade, and it’s looking pretty schmick. Campers can expect new picnic shelters, improved access down to the beach and properly laid-out walking and cycling paths to help keep you active while you’re out in the bush. Photograph: Supplied | NSW Governmnet RELATED READ: Here’s how to maximise your annual leave in NSW in 2026 Further north, hikers tackling the multi-day Gidjuum Gulganyi Walk through Nightcap National Park and Whian Whian State Conservation Area now have three brand-new campgrounds to look forward to along the way. Backed by a $1.8 million investment, these thoughtfully designed sites feature hardwood tent platforms, picnic tables, rainwater tanks and yarning circles – offering tired walkers a comfortable place to rest, refuel and swap stories under the stars. Photograph: Supplie

Sydney cyclists, assemble. After years of advocacy and an impressive 15-month build, the long-awaited Harbour Bridge cycleway ramp is now officially open – set to make cruising across the harbour on two wheels a genuine joy from start to finish.  For the past five decades, anyone wanting to ride their bike across the bridge has had to tackle 55 steep stairs at the northern end – a notorious test of endurance that’s seen city cyclists, e-bike riders and weekend cruisers huffing, puffing and hauling their bikes skyward just to reach the path linking Milsons Point and Millers Point. Happily, that arduous climb is about to become history. The new 170-metre ramp will make pedalling across the harbour smoother, safer and far more inclusive – particularly for older riders and those with heavier e-bikes. The project, which Transport Minister John Graham describes as “long overdue”, also comes with a historically-significant creative edge. More than 70,000 of the 130,000 stone pavers have already been laid to form a sprawling artwork of intertwining eels by Aboriginal artists Jason Wing and Maddie Gibbs. The design pays tribute to the Gadigal and Cammeraygal peoples’ deep connection to the Harbour, with the eels swimming north and south in a nod to the ramp’s dual direction. In a poetic ode to the Harbour Bridge’s construction nearly a century ago, the granite used to pave the ramp has been sourced from the same Moruya quarry that supplied the pylons, while the 1,500 bronze balustrade

Hoverboards might not be as commonplace as futuristic movies from the 90’s might have had us believe, but there are still a lot of ways to get around in 2026. That being said, one of the most reliably fun modes of transport has been around for a while, and the humble push bike is having a moment. Cycling holidays are one of the most underrated and sustainable ways to explore the world – and we predict this method of travel is set to surge in popularity in 2026. If you’re keen to saddle up, there’s no better place to start than our very own backyard – with four of Australia’s best cycling routes right here in Victoria. Victoria’s wildly diverse landscapes offer something for every type of rider – from gentle rail trails to mountaintop epics. To help us get the wheels turning, we asked the biking gurus at Australian Cycle Tours to round up the ten most popular cycling holidays across the country.  Coming in at number two on the list (after Queensland’s Brisbane Valley Rail Trail) is the Murray to Mountains Rail Trail, right here in Victoria’s High Country. In 2024, the beloved Murray to Mountains Rail Trail gained a 32-kilometre extension, turning it into one huge 180-kilometre off-road track. With alpine scenery on one side and cellar doors on the other, it’s the perfect food-and-bike getaway. Australian Cycle Tours offers three self-guided tours for all abilities. Murray to Mountains Rail TrailDistance: Up to 233 kilometresDays: Four to seven daysDifficulty: Introductory to

It’s officially 2026, and although hoverboards aren’t as commonplace as futuristic movies from the 90’s might have us believe, there are still a lot of ways to travel in 2026. That being said, one of the most reliably fun modes of transport has been around for a while, and the humble push bike is having a moment. Cycling holidays are one of the most underrated and sustainable ways to explore the world – and based on recent travel trends, we’ve got a feeling that cycling holidays will surge in popularity in 2026. If you’re keen to saddle up, there’s no better place to start than our very own backyard – with two of Australia’s best cycling routes right here in NSW. Our state’s wildly diverse landscape offers something for every type of rider – from gentle rail trails to epic routes through majestic mountain ranges. To help us get the wheels turning, we asked the biking gurus at Australian Cycle Tours to round up the ten most popular cycling holidays across the country. Coming in at number five on the list is the Northern Rivers Rail Trail, which you can get the lowdown on over here. Tracing a former railway line in the Tweed region, the family-friendly Northern Rivers Rail Trail deserves a spot on your NSW holiday hit list. Expect a scenic, car-free adventure that winds through tunnels, villages and rainforest canopies. Photograph: Supplied | Destination NSW The other NSW journey to make the list was the ‘Kosciuszko to the Sea’ trail, and based on what we know about this moun

If Sydney's silly season has blown your budget, we hear you, and we’re happy to share the kind of New Year surprise we can all get behind. According to the NSW Government, almost $300 million is currently sitting in the state’s unclaimed money pool – and a decent chunk of it could belong to you.RELATED READ: The $60 toll cap in NSW has officially been extended As 2026 gets underway, the NSW Government is urging Sydneysiders to check whether they’re owed a forgotten windfall, from uncashed cheques and overpaid bills to long-lost dividends and refunds. In other words: money that’s legally yours, but that a business hasn’t been able to track you down to return. And if you live in Sydney, the odds are looking very interesting. The City and Eastern Suburbs are leading the charge, with more than $91 million waiting to be claimed. Western Sydney follows closely behind with almost $77 million, while Sydney’s North is sitting on nearly $53 million. Across the state, more than 800,000 individual items – ranging from a few stray dollars to eye-watering sums in the millions – are currently registered with Revenue NSW. So how does money end up in limbo like this? It’s usually far less glamorous than buried treasure. Unclaimed funds often appear when people forget to update their contact details, change their name, misplace paperwork, or when estates are unaware of money owed to deceased relatives. Over time, those small oversights quietly snowball into a statewide pool now worth $298.4 mi

One of the most dramatic stretches of Victoria’s coastline has a brand-new vantage point. Named in the Keerray Wooroong language, the Poombeeyt Koontapool Lookout curves out of the Port Campbell National Park cliffs like a seashell, channelling the story of Koontapool, the southern right whale, central to Eastern Maar culture. It officially opened in September, and is the final instalment in a trilogy of striking new designs along the Shipwreck Coast – and it’s worth the road trip from Melbourne for the crashing waves, sea spray and cultural storytelling woven into its form. Where is the Poombeeyt Koontapool Lookout? You’ll find the Poombeeyt Koontapool Lookout curving along the dramatic limestone cliffs of Loch Ard Gorge, within Port Campbell National Park on Victoria’s wild Shipwreck Coast. It’s a windswept stretch of shoreline in the state’s south-west, not far from the Twelve Apostles. RECOMMENDED READ: Here's our guide to the Great Ocean Road What is the Poombeeyt Koontapool Lookout? More than just a lookout, this sculptural, shell-like platform is a collaboration between architects (Denton Corker Marshall), landscape designers (McGregor+Coxall) and the Eastern Maar people. Shaped with biomorphic curves and embedded with cultural storytelling, it frames the blowhole as the “breath of the whale” – a place where crashing waves, sea spray and ancient songlines come together.   Photograph: Parks Victoria   When did the Poombeeyt Koontapool Lookout open? The lookout officia

If you’re the kind of traveller who plans holidays around hotel openings (no judgement), 2026 is shaping up to be a very good year. From Kyoto’s most atmospheric heritage restoration to new cloud-skimming city stays and jungle book-coded Balinese escapes, Asia is on track to welcome a very impressive wave of hotel openings in the year ahead. Ready to start planning? These are the 12 new Asian hotels we’re most excited to check into in 2026. Waldorf Astoria Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia Opening late 2026Landing in the Golden Triangle with 23 gleaming floors and 272 suites, the Waldorf Astoria KL promises sky-high glamour, knockout city views and one of Malaysia’s most impressive event spaces – including a pillarless ballroom built for major moments. This is one to book for a sparkling city staycation. Meliá Serenity Cam Ranh Beach Resort, Vietnam Opening Q2 2026Fronting Cam Ranh Bay’s stunning Long Beach, this ocean-side sanctuary will pair pool-villa living with Meliá’s signature Spanish-Mediterranean warmth and personalised service. As with all Meliá properties, we can expect a major focus on wellness – with the YHI Spa combining cutting-edge techniques and state-of-the-art facilities with traditional therapies. Photograph: Supplied | Meliá Serenity Cam Ranh Beach Resort   Conrad Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia Opening mid-2026Malaysia’s first Conrad property will bring 481 luxe rooms to the Golden Triangle, delivering seamless access to KL’s landmarks with the brand’s signature mix of b

When the team behind 25hours Hotel Sydney The Olympia unveiled what they had in store for the heritage-listed former theatre in the beating heart of Paddington, the promise of a Hollywood-inspired rooftop bar piqued our interest. After checking it out for a golden hour drink as silly season reached its pre-Christmas peak, we’re happy to confirm that Monica is the upscale rooftop bar that Oxford Street needed. Sitting pretty on the fifth floor of the recently opened hotel, the 200-person bar flung open its doors in October and is already staking its claim as one of Sydney’s best rooftop options. Step out of the mirrored elevator and you’re immediately struck by the energy of the place – tables busy with well-dressed friendship groups and bottles of bubbles, golden hour light pouring through the windows and a DJ on the balcony setting the tone. The vibe is 1960s Hollywood glamour meets modern Australian summer: olive and white scalloped umbrellas, cushioned burgundy booths and a playful mural by local artist George Buchanan lining the walls. Photograph: Winnie Stubbs | Time Out Sydney | shot on Fujifilm On the drinks front, industry heavyweight Roean Patawaran (ex-Oncore, Firedoor) leads a cocktail program that’s playful but precise: Picante Margaritas with fermented jalapeño, coconut-macadamia Daiquiris, and (crucially) on-point Martinis. Culinary wizard Mitch Orr backs it up with punchy share plates – devilled spanner crab on Jatz, freshly shucked oysters and incredibly mo