Winnie Stubbs

Whether you're an Irish ex-pat, have Irish blood, or just love a good ol' Gaelic knees-up, St Paddy's Day, on March 17, is a chance to celebrate the rich heritage of the Emerald Isle. In Sydney, there are a bunch of ways to get involved. There's the official St Patrick's Day Parade and Festival on the Sunday before the big day, which transforms the Rocks into a St Patrick's Day-palooza of live music, Irish language sessions, Irish dancing, stilt-walking, face-painting, handicrafts, festival bars and food stalls. If you want to observe the saint's day another way, there's always the option of toasting ol' St Pat is with a well-poured Guinness. You can expect great craic and pints aplenty in Sydney's pubs on the day and through the weekend also. Here's where to cheer "Sláinte!" on the big day in Sydney. 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: Looking for the best watering holes in Sydney? Check out our favourite pubs. Want a Guinness in the sunshine? These are the best beer gardens in the city.Kids in tow? These are the best child-friendly pubs in the city.

Whoever said “nothing in life is free” clearly hasn’t been to Australia. Our Great Southern Land is full of bucket list experiences that won’t hurt or even touch your bank account. Hiking through some of the world’s most beautiful national parks? Free! Spotting fairy penguins on the beach? Free! Sampling your way through a world-class market? You guessed it – free! Our Travel and News Editor, Melissa Woodley, has backpacked all around the globe, so she knows a thing or two about savvy travel. With the help of her trusted team of Aussie travel writers, she’s curated this list of the best free things to do in Australia’s major cities. Whether you’re into soaking up the sun outdoors with swims, picnics and hikes, or cooling off inside with free exhibitions, chocolate tours and tram rides, there’s a budget-friendly activity to make you feel filthy rich with happiness.  🌊 All the best things to do in Australia🎢 The coolest things to do with kids⭐️ Tourist attractions in Australia that are worth it

Summer is over (by name), but there’s still a lot of fun to be had in Sydney this week – with Moonlight Cinema still screening movies under the stars and Lakemba Nights bringing delicious eats to the Western Sydney suburb after dark. There’s a lot of theatrical fun going on in the Harbour City this week too, with Hadestown lighting up the Theatre Royal, The Pirates of Penzance live at Hayes Theatre, and Bell Shakespeare’s Henry 5 showing at the Opera House from Wednesday.   Keen to make the most of the longer days before Daylight Savings comes to an end? We’d suggest starting with a swim at one of the city’s best outdoor pools or secret swimming spots, lunching outside with a schooner at one of Sydney’s best beer gardens, then rounding out the day with a drink at one of the best rooftop bars in Sydney.Keen to keep moving? These are the best running routes in Sydney, and these are the city’s best gyms if you’d rather work out in air-con. Scroll on for our full list of the best things to do in Sydney this week. Mapping out your weekend? These are the best things to do in Sydney this weekend. Stay in the loop: sign up for our free Time Out Sydney newsletter for more news, straight to your inbox.

Summer might be over, but Sydney’s schedule isn’t slowing down – with an excellent line-up of theatre lighting up stages across the city, the Sydney Streets series in full swing (taking over Glebe Point Road this Saturday) and Cockatoo Island’s Sunset Sessions bringing magical golden-hour music to the harbour. For the perfect autumn weekend, we’d suggest starting your Saturday at one of the city’s best markets, then heading out on one of these easy day hikes or setting up at one of Sydney’s most delightful beaches. For a restorative Sunday, start with a swim at one of these magical swimming spots, book a summery lunch at one of our favourite waterfront restaurants, then catch a movie under the stars at one of Sydney’s best outdoor cinemas.Keen to get out of town? These are our favourite day trips you can take from the city and these are the best spots to camp for a weekend in the open air.Scroll on for our full list of all the best things to do in Sydney this weekend. Weather not looking so hot? Check out our list of the best things to do indoors in Sydney. Looking for weekday fun? These are the best things to do in Sydney this week.Stay in the loop: sign up for our free Time Out Sydney newsletter for more news, straight to your inbox.

International Women's Day takes place this year on Saturday, March 8, and the 2025 theme is For ALL Women and Girls: Rights. Equality. Empowerment – it's all about celebrating women's achievements, raising awareness about discrimination, and taking action to drive gender parity, as we move towards a gender-equal world free of bias, stereotypes and discrimination.  The annual day of solidarity and activism has become a rallying point for people around the world to unite, celebrate and brainstorm solutions to the ever-mutating challenges we face. Feminism takes many forms, and each female-identifying person should feel like they can celebrate IWD in a way that truly explores their experience. To that end, we’ve selected a range of different ways to experience International Women's Day in Sydney this year. 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.

Listen up, thrifty folk – if you’re on the hunt for the best op shops in Sydney, look no further.  If you're feeling overwhelmed by the rising cost of living and growing climate anxiety, shopping second-hand is an excellent solution. Affordable, fresh and always surprising, op shopping is better for your wallet, better for the Earth, and (often) better for your style.  That said, it can be tough to decipher which op shops in Sydney are worth the trip and which are best to skip. Between just Salvos and Vinnies alone, there are more than a thousand stores across the country, and with one or the other on most high streets, it can be hard to know where to start.  Whether you're coming from the north, south, east or west, we have you covered with our comprehensive guide to the best op shops in Sydney city that you may (or may not) have heard of. Picked by an expert shopper for their low prices and quality offerings, all of these second-hand stores are stacked with treasures. Whether you’re after vintage furniture, retro threads, or a whole wardrobe overhaul, peruse our pick of the ten best op shops that Sydney has to offer.  After all, as Peter Allen once sang, everything old is new again. 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. Stay thrifty with our guide to the best cheap eats in Sydney right now, then celebrate with one of the best happy hours in the city.

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. We’ve done the hard yards and rounded up the best restaurants on the Gold Coast right now. You can check out the latest opening – a sleek, Italian bar in Miami – or dine at a long-time favourite, with plenty to pick from. Leave your towels at the door and dig in. 🌊 The best luxury hotels on the Gold Coast🏄🏻‍♀️ The best things to do on the Gold Coast

So, you've chosen the perfect park, beach or secret swim spot to while away a Sunday. Next stop: lunch. When you want to take your picnic to the next level, call in one of the experts. These Sydney companies will prepare a delicious hamper of fresh salads, sandwiches and snacks (or pastries and cheese – pick your poison). All you have to do is to decide where to carry it (and who to invite to the party).  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: These are the best national parks close to Sydney.And these are the best easy day hikes close to the city.

Somehow, it’s already autumn. The good news is there are plenty of exciting new openings to add to your hit list. My current favourites include a whimsical new eatery from the team behind Ursula's Paddington called Cafe Cressida, a fire-powered Mediterranean diner from the Bar Copains team called Bessie’s, a luxe seafood and steak grill from The Bentley Boys named Eleven Barrack (guess the address!), and Cibaria, a gorgeous new all-day Italian restaurant right on Manly's beachfront. Oh, and the five-star Neptune's Grotto. Below, you’ll find Sydney’s best new restaurants. Hungry? I am too. Let’s dig in. 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. Looking for something to wash it all down with? These are our favourite bars in Sydney right now. Keen to eat your way around the city? These are the best restaurants in Sydney, from hot newcomers to the OGs.

Are you more a glamper than a camper? If you prefer seeing the great outdoors from a luxury tent complete with bubble baths and fresh French linen, let this list serve as your bible. Our Sydney team – including culture-fiend Alannah Le Cross – have tried and tested the best glamping sites in and around Sydney; from a safari tent at Taronga Zoo's Roar and Snore to the luxe spherical confines of Bubbletent Australia.Each one of these glamping spots have been assessed by our editors based on their luxury, nature immersion and all-round wow factor. Add them to your 2025 holiday wish list for when you want to escape the urban hustle without losing the creature comforts. Your back will thank you.  Looking for more travel inspo? Check out the best Sydney camping spots and our top Sydney staycations, and then think about getting there with the best caravans and campervans to hire in NSW. 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.

We’ve picked out our favourite Sydney florists and flower shops that always deliver when it comes to beautiful bunches of blooms, from dramatic and sculptural arrangements to pretty posies and vibrant native bouquets. 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. When you can't hand over the bouquet in person, you can rely on the best flower delivery services in Sydney.

March is upon us – and to go against the mainstream, we reckon that it's the best month of the year in Sydney. March in the Emerald City is blessed with warm days, crazy clear water, fewer crowds and a healthy dose of autumnal air. During these weeks of balance, Sydneysiders will get the chance to hit up the inaugural All About Women festival for an extravaganza of feminist ideas, take in some major blockbuster art exhibitions and catch an alfresco movie as our open-air cinema season comes to a close.  And while summer is officially over, Sydney’s fun schedule is showing no signs of slowing down: with Mardi Gras kicking off the month on Saturday, March 1, and a series of street parties popping up around the city for the following three Saturdays. If you’re looking for a more low-key weekend, we’d suggest catching Sunset Sessions at Cockatoo Island – we reckon the campsite on the island is one of Sydney’s best-kept secrets. Want more music? Head to one of these album listening parties popping up at breweries around the Inner West, or check out the line-up for this year’s edition of Great Southern Nights: kicking off on March 21. Ready to feast? Head to Lakemba Nights during Ramadan: a delicious month-long celebration. Plus, despite summer being over *by name*, there's still going to be plenty of time to frolic through the city's best beaches, splash around at one of Sydney's most beautiful swimming spots, and head off the beaten track at one of the city's most stunning secret

While its larger, more sparkly neighbour often gets the Insta-fame (Bondi Icebergs, we're looking at you), these beautiful ocean baths are just as worthy of a spot on your Sydney hit list. Built into the rocky cliffside, stairs lead down to a shallow-ish pool area, which is great for families and little nippers. There’s a small wooden barrier, which divides the pool up, so lap swimmers can do their thing (it’s not very long though, making it more suited to a leisurely few laps rather than a serious swim). For one of the most stunning sunrise views in the city, get here before 7am – watching the sun breach over the ocean’s horizon from this vantage point is pretty special. JUST REMEMBER: There have been a lot of drowning incidents at NSW beaches recently – 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. Stay in the loop: sign up for our free Time Out Sydney newsletter for more news, straight to your inbox. RECOMMENDED: Not into crowds? Here's our guide to the best secret beaches in Sydney.These are our favourite ocean pools in the city. And these are our favourite dog-friendly beaches.

Calling all Inner City art fans. For three inspiring weeks this autumn, Neon Playground – Sydney’s largest Asian-Australian cultural arts festival – will transform Haymarket into a luminous wonderland of neon light installations, comedy shows, art exhibitions, incredible live performances and excellent food.  After a hugely popular first year, Neon Playground is back for round two, kicking off this Saturday (Saturday, March 15) with the epic Chinatown Block Party (taking over Dixon Street in the centre of Haymarket). The opening-night event will be headlined by Korean-Australian rap group 1300, with a super-strong line-up (featuring Hong Kong-Australian rapper Tommy Gunn, Taiwanese-Australian pop artist tiffi, CRIMSON dance crew and more) soundtracking the streets from 5pm until 10pm.  Throughout the duration of the festival, a carefully curated program of Asian-Australian artists will perform at a range of free-to-attend and ticketed shows, and the streets will be buzzing with vibrant art exhibitions and light installations. Showcasing a rotating roster of established and emerging Asian-Australian artists including Chris Yee, Kentaro Yoshida, Pei Kwang, Andrew Yee, and Samuel Kim, a magnificent sculpture formed of 14 luminous towers will act as Neon Playground's visual centerpiece. The 4-5 metre towers of light will feature 80 lightbox illustrations; use 1km of neon; and integrate more than 100,000 individual LEDs. Produced in collaboration with world-renowned creative produ

“The view changes every day,” Pat, the farm’s caretaker, tells us as we look out over the fields, the donkeys grazing lazily in the paddock beside us and the shire horses, finishing their breakfast, cantering off up the gentle slope of the mountain. In the amphitheatre of the valley, the echo of their hooves is cinematic: a proud, theatrical thunder. In the time we’d spent at Barranca, the theory had rung true: the sandstone escarpment that surrounds the 1,000-acre property never quite the same shade of amber, the patchwork of trees taking on new forms of green as the sunlight came and went behind early autumn clouds. Why stay at Barranca? We arrived mid-afternoon, as a curtain of cloud began to lift and seemed to light the trees from below. The door was unlocked and music was playing through the speakers, welcoming us home. Pat had pointed us in the direction of the creek as we’d pulled into the drive, so we changed into our swimmers and walked for 20 minutes down through the river gums into the deep bowl of the valley. The word ‘barranca’ means “a narrow, winding river gorge”, and though the houses – four architecturally stunning structures, all glass and timber and tastefully curated designer features – are the main drawcard here, the creek is Barranca’s beating heart. Hand-painted signs led us down through the forest to the wide, rocky expanse – crystal clear water flowing through moss-covered rocky walls. Sunlight filters in through the trees, and it feels like stepping

Potterheads, this one’s for you. More than 20 years after it first graced our silver screens, Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone is coming to Melbourne in a very different format: this time with John Williams' intense, rousing score performed live by the incredible Melbourne Symphony Orchestra (MSO).  From Wednesday, June 4 until Saturday, June 7, Potter fans can watch the first movie of the multi-billion dollar series in spectacular HD, while the award-winning orchestra performs the score live. Step back in time to see Harry meet Hermionie, the wands choose their wizards and the magic mirrors bring Lily and James Potter back to life in one of the most heart-wrenching scenes in cinematic history.  As Australia's Largest Performing Arts Venue, a visit to Hamer Hall is exciting any day of the week, with screenings of the much-loved film soundtracked by the immensely talented MSO team guaranteeing an unforgettable night.Tickets start at $70, you can snap up yours over here.

As evidenced by the major weather events that continue to threaten communities across Australia (Cyclone Alfred, we’re looking at you), the climate crisis isn’t going anywhere. And while it’s easy to feel despondent in the face of climate change, there are incredible people and organisations taking action – harnessing modern technology, regenerative farming techniques and collective action to slow down the crisis. This month, founders, researchers, students and community organisations will be coming together in Sydney for the Harbour City’s second Climate Action Week – taking place between March 10-16. Here's everything you need to know. The inaugural Climate Action Week Sydney (CAW.SYD) popped up in May 2024, following successful events in London and New York which saw forward-thinking people and organisations unite for seven days of education and connection. The aim is to explore solutions for accelerating climate action around the world. Bringing together climate start-ups, community organisations, students, research institutions, investors, NGOs, corporate organisations and the broader community, the 2025 iteration of CAW.SYD will feature a program of events designed to inspire, educate and empower. Under themes ranging from policy to finance, First Nations perspectives to climate tech, the week-long event will involve talks and panel discussions on everything from regenerative agriculture to fashion. Events will be taking place across Sydney, and many are free to attend.

It’s a beautiful thing to step inside a space that’s the true manifestation of a shared dream. And when you leave the space either more good-looking or more enlightened than when you arrived, it's a space you’ll want to return to again and again. This much can be said for A Studio: the stunningly designed hair-salon-turned-meditation-space-turned-creative-workshop turned-venue in the heart of Darlinghurst.  Founded by partners Gareth Martin and Mark Treviranus, A Studio is a creative space that combines beauty, mindfulness, and design in a way that reminds you that a business can be anything you want it to be. Down a quiet, urban laneway just steps away from Oxford Street, you’ll find the door beneath a small, quietly-cool illuminated sign. Hardwood floors will lead you up to a light-flooded studio – exposed brick walls are lined on one side by mirrors, on the other by one simple, clean shelf adorned with A Studio’s very-own hand-poured candles. The room is almost intimidatingly cool, but the staff – warm and lighthearted – will put you instantly at ease.  This first floor is Gareth’s domain. The New Zealand-born hair stylist trained in Auckland, then moved to Sydney in 2014 to begin practicing as a stylist. After opening the first iteration of A Studio in Potts Point back in 2022, he moved to the larger Darlinghurst space in early 2024, and it’s no mystery as to how he’s built a fiercely loyal clientele. Gareth’s skill spans way beyond the product (though I can affirmatively

Plus ça change as the Alliance Française French Film Festival (AF FFF) returns for its 36th edition with a bold line-up of 42 films – screening across some of Sydney’s most beautiful cinemas from Tuesday, March 4 until Wednesday, April 9 2025. This year’s program will kick off with special screenings of Monsieur Aznavour, the French blockbuster starring Golden Globe-nominated actor Tahar Rahim. Fittingly, the story follows Rahim’s character as he grapples with the task and honour of sharing the best of French culture with the world. Other highlights from this year’s program include Holy Cow – an uplifting comedy that follows a teenage boy on a mission to care for his younger sister (by making an award-winning cheese, bien sûr) – and In the Sub for Love: a love letter to the screwball romantic comedies of the 1940s. “While France is recognised as an avant-garde country in the arts, the festival will explore the real-life stories of prominent French cultural figures—universal and captivating tales of hope, struggles, failures, and extraordinary achievements,” explained newly appointed AF FFF CEO Frédéric Alliod. With no shortage of star power, this year’s celebration of French cinema will see French favourites including Charlotte Gainsbourg, Laure Calamy and Camille Cottin (Call My Agent!), Pierre Niney and Vincent Cassel all lighting up the screen. Sydney francophiles can lap up all this and more as the festival returns to cinemas across Sydney; Chauvel Cinema, Hayden Orpheum,

With its abundance of excellent restaurants, rambunctious pubs and late-night bars, Newtown isn’t known as Sydney’s zen capital. But hiding behind a crystal-adorned storefront in the heart of King Street you’ll find a surprising zen oasis – the Newtown outpost of Sydney’s most highly-awarded bath-house chain, Nature’s Energy.While the Glebe and Balmain outposts are larger in scale (the sprawling Glebe bath house is home to two traditional saunas, three infrared saunas, a steam room, a hot spa, two ice baths, a reflexology zone and a spacious recovery lounge), the Newtown space delivers everything you need from your bath-house visit in a cleverly compact, light-flooded space. And the best news? You’re steps away from some of the city’s best affordable eateries if your self-care regime is extending to your wallet (our top picks in the area are Westwood Pizza and Cairo Takeaway).  Following a recent refurbishment, Nature’s Energy Newtown is back and more beautiful than ever: complete with a stunning mineral soak tub, an infrared sauna, a steam room, a salt  scrub, a traditional sauna and an ice plunge. A $60 bath house pass will grant you access to the space for 60 minutes, but from our experience, it’s worth opting for the 120-minute session (just $90 for 120 minutes of bliss). If you’re keen to elevate your wellness, you can book a post-bathhouse massage of facial treatment – the signature massage is Nature’s Energy’s most popular for a reason. Keen to get your urban zen on? Y

The largest island in Sydney's harbour and set at the junction of the Parramatta and Lane Cove rivers, Cockatoo Island is 18 hectares in size and named for the presence of sulphur-crested cockatoos. Before 1839, when a prison was built to house convicts from Norfolk Island, it was covered with red gums and was almost certainly an Aboriginal fishing spot. The convicts eventually relocated to Darlinghurst Gaol and the island had a brief stint hosting an industrial school for girls and a naval training ship for boys (but due to ‘unseemly and unscheduled meetings' the girls moved to Parramatta). However, the island was mostly used for shipbuilding and repairs; its several docks serviced the Royal Navy during WWII and was the construction site of Australia's first steel warship. The island's maritime industrial activity ceased in 1992, and Cockatoo Island only opened to the public in 2007. Today, the island is run by the Sydney Harbour Federation Trust and remains commercial free, although there are talks of reintroducing boat building on a smaller scale. The trust run different types of tours – visitors can opt for a self-guided audio tour ($6 per person) or on-demand guided tour (60 or 90 mins; $16). Those who want to stay on a bit longer also have options – there are camp sites, glamping packages, apartments or heritage holiday houses.Learn more about staying the night at Cockatoo Island here. Stay in the loop: sign up for our free Time Out Sydney newsletter for more news, trav

If album listening parties were on your ins list for 2025, you’re not alone. With every second Sydneysider visiting Japan at some point this year, the arrival of the vinyl-bar-inspired listening party was bound to reach us at some point. Three months in, and here we are: with the All Ears deep listening series kicking off on Thursday, March 13. Inspired by the vinyl bars of Tokyo, the five-night series – touted as "Australia’s first deep listening experience" – will take place at five of the Inner West’s best breweries, with a carefully selected line-up of albums played in full across state-of-the-art Sonos audio systems. The selection of vinyl albums have been selected by Sydney DJ and tastemaker Andrew Levins, and will be played in their entirety across a high-fidelity sound system – uninterrupted from start to finish, just as the artist intended. On Thursday, March 13, the series will take over Marrickville’s Mixtape Brewing, playing Pink Floyd x Wizard of Oz (Dark Side of the Rainbow). On March 19, Future Brewing will host, playing Outkast’s 2000 album Stankonia. On March 26, the series will make its way to Chuck and Sons Brewing Co for INXS’s 1987 album: Kick. Thursday, April 3 will take All Ears to Wayward Brewing Co for Radiohead’s fourth studio album: Kid A. The series will come to a close on Thursday, April 10 with Mulatu Astatke’s Mulatu of Ethiopia at Wildflower. Doors will open at 6pm, with Levins introducing the music at 7pm before the album is played in full. Af

In the mood for a street party? We’ve got good news. City of Sydney’s street party series – aptly named Sydney Streets – is back for 2025, with festival-style street parties popping up across the city for six Saturdays this summer and autumn. Designed to celebrate the local community, Sydney Streets is taking over high streets across the city over the next few months, with the first one transforming Potts Point’s Macleay Street on Saturday, February 15. Kicking off at 11am and running into the night, the events will see the host streets closed to traffic – making space for outdoor dining, roving entertainment and live performance. Following a smoking ceremony and Welcome to Country facilitated by traditional custodians of the land, activities at the various events will range from origami workshops to dog agility, with each event specific to its suburb. Local businesses will be hosting pop-up stalls, with the neighbouring restaurants and shops included in the action. Although the specific businesses and events will vary, Sydneysiders can expect family-friendly fun and music into the night across the board. After the Macleay Street event on Saturday, February 15, Sydney Streets will take over Darlinghurst’s bustling Stanley Street on Saturday, February 22, Harris Street in Pyrmont on March 8, Glebe Point Road on Saturday, March 15, Redfern Street on Saturday, March 29 and Crown Street in Surry Hills on Saturday, April 5. Keen? You can learn more over here.  Stay in the loop: si

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 failsafe 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 the next five Fridays, golden hour here is going to the next level – elevated by a series of (free-to-attend) live performances programmed by the creative people behind Powerhouse.Sunset Variations will kick off this evening (Friday, January 31) with a performance by the ridiculously multi-talented artist, composer and producer xmunashe. Tonight only, there will also be 500 scoops of free gelato on offer from the good people at Messina – first in, best dressed, so get there when doors open at 5pm.Next up, on Friday, February 7, ambient instrumental duo Wilson Tanner (Andras and Eleventeen Eston) will soundtrack sunset with a mesmeric three-hour set.  On the day of love (February 14), experimental electronic artist e fishpool will set the tone as the light disappears from the sky above the Harbour City. Friday, February 21 will welcome the spellbinding Maryam Rahmani to the Observatory, and the series will come to a close with a powerful three-hour set from the magnificent force that is RONA. Remarkably, the event series is entirely free – though you’ll need to RSVP to secure your spot. Inside t

When the Bankstown to Sydenham train line closed (to be converted into an extension of the existing Sydney Metro line) back in October 2024, residents of Sydney’s Inner West braced themselves for more than 12 months of replacement buses. Initially, it was estimated that the speedy new line would take a year to complete, with the opening date slated for late 2025. Now, after what Transport for NSW has described as a “complex and difficult project”, it’s been confirmed that the Sydenham to Bankstown metro extension won’t be open until 2026 – with no exact date confirmed. Yep, that means we're stuck on those train replacement buses for longer. Want more Metro intel? We’ve put together all of our Sydney Metro insights – from details on the station artwork to facts about accessibility and where the network will go next – over here.  In a statement released yesterday (Wednesday, March 5), Transport for NSW cited the “complexities” of transforming a 100-year-old railway into a state-of-the-art metro system, as well as the “130 days” of industrial action, as the factors that have impacted the project. According to the statement, industrial action has limited access to work sites, and prevented contractors from being able to obtain crucial work permits. These disruptions halted the schedule, requiring what Transport for NSW described as “significant reprogramming of vital construction activities”. “Works like upgrades to overhead wiring and station platforms, as well as electrical wo

Sydney’s love for running is showing no signs of slowing down. Following the run club boom of early 2024, our city went on to confirm it will be hosting Australia’s first World Major Marathon in August, and just last month, Sydney was crowned the third-best city for runners in the world. Now, a new study has revealed the most scenic running routes in Australia, and the winning route is right here in the Harbour City. To determine which Aussie running routes were the country’s most scenic, an Australian supplement brand analysed the most popular running routes in the country, and then looked at the AllTrails photo count to confirm the 'scenic value'. The data set of 94 trails – all moderate in difficulty, under ten-kilometres in distance and with less than 30 metres elevation gain – were each given a score out of 100 based on factors ranging from air quality to traffic levels. With a perfect score of 100, Sydney’s Wolli Creek Regional Park to Nanny Goat Hill trail was crowned the most scenic in the country, with only one other NSW trail cracking the top ten.Tracing through Wolli Creek Regional Park in Sydney’s south for 3.4 kilometres, the trail takes runners south to Nanny Goat Hill – a lookout with 360-degree views of the surrounding area, including the Cooks River, Botany Bay and the city skyline in the distance. Photograph: Alice Ellis | Time Out Sydney The other NSW trail to crack the top ten was a coastal route in the Central Coast: the Skillion via Terrigal Beach. Thi

Back in February 2024, plans were revealed for Bradfield City: an entirely new CBD set to be built next to the new Western Sydney airport. With projected capacity for 10,000 new homes, the huge new development will be the first major city to be built in Australia in more than 100 years, and it’s just reached a major milestone: with today marking the official opening of the first building at Bradfield City Centre. We got an exclusive look at the new Western Sydney International Airport.  A key part of the Western Sydney Aerotropolis (the major development of land surrounding the new airport), Bradfield City Centre is set to be a sustainable purpose-built city on the doorstep of the new airport. Backed by more than $1 billion investment from the NSW Government, the new city – set to be spread across 144 acres, five times the size of Barangaroo – will eventually feature 10,000 homes, 20,000 “high quality” jobs, and stunning green open spaces including a NYC-style Central Park. The building that opened its doors today is the Advanced Manufacturing Readiness Facility (AMRF): an innovation and industry accelerator offering shared facilities for training, technology, expertise and networking opportunities, with a focus on driving more investment into the Western Sydney region. Photograph: Supplied | NSW Government | Quentin Jones With the Western Sydney International (Nancy-Bird Walton) Airport due to open by the end of 2026, investment in Bradfield City Centre and the Western Syd

Home to the fastest-growing population in Australia (specifically pinned to the Western Sydney area), Sydney is developing fast – with new development plans for various suburbs revealed every few weeks. Over the past two years, plans have been revealed for the largest affordable housing project in the country, a major redevelopment that will add 25,000 new residents to Sydney Olympic Park, and a whole new CBD (the first major city to be built in Australia in more than 100 years) connected to the new Western Sydney airport. Now, the plan to bring 3,030 new homes to a vacant stretch of land in Edmondson Park has been revealed – with the suburb’s population set to grow by 17,000 people in the next four years.  Developed by the state department for urban development, Landcom, the plan to reshape Edmondson Park includes a range of home styles and sizes at various price points, walkable public spaces complete with pedestrian access and cycle paths, around 5,000 square metres of retail and commercial floor space, 4.3 hectares of rehabilitated open space for conservation (including boardwalks and platforms for pedestrian access) and 5,000 metres squared of additional recreational open space. Photograph: Supplied | Landcom The 30-hectare “Town Centre North precinct”, set to be built on a currently unused stretch of land by Edmondson Park train station, will significantly increase the number of homes in the area: from 440 to 3,030. To accommodate high-density housing in the area, bui

In case you missed it, Drake is Down Under. The divisive star has had a big few months, to say the least – but we know when that hotline bling, it can only mean one thing. And this summer, you better believe it will be blinging – with Drake bringing his Anita Max Win Tour to Sydney for a series of five (5!) shows. Here’s everything you need to know before you go. When is the Drake Anita Max Win Tour in Sydney? Drake launched the news of his Sydney tour with just two dates, and has gone on to add an additional three shows – meaning he’ll be performing a total of five shows in the Harbour City. Drake’s Sydney stint kicked off on Sunday, February 16, with shows on Monday, February 17, Wednesday, February 19, Thursday, February 20 and Friday, March 7. Which Drake Sydney show was cancelled? Drake's fifth Sydney show – due to take place this Friday, March 7, was cancelled. In an official statement, Drake's team explained that they were "actively working on rescheduling these dates along with adding some additional shows." Why did Drake cancel his Sydney show?  The exact reason for cancelling the last few dates of his Australia/ New Zealand tour is under some speculation, with Drake citing "scheduling conflict." How to get to the Drake concert The 10,000 car parking spaces at Olympic Park are expected to be booked out well in advance. It can also get pretty congested leaving the car park at the end of the night, so public transport is often the best option for getting to Qudos Bank

We know when that hotline bling, it can only mean one thing... Canadian artist Drake has confirmed that he’ll be coming to Sydney in 2025, as one of three confirmed stops on his Anita Max Win Tour of Australia. It’s been eight years since the world-famous star has performed on Australian soil, and in true Champagne Papi style, he first teased his return to Oz via a series of cryptic Instagram stories before confirming via live stream. Now, official ticket info and show date details for his visit Down Under have been revealed. Here's all the info Drake fans need... What are the Drake Sydney dates? The Anita Max Win Tour will see Drake take over Sydney’s Qudos Bank Arena on Sunday, February 16, Monday, February 17, Wednesday February 19 and Thursday, February 20. Just like Olivia Rodgrigo and Coldplay both did earlier this year, he dropped the third date in response to the high demand. Drake also added a fifth Sydney date for Friday, March 7, which he then went on to cancel. Which Drake Sydney show was cancelled? Drake's fifth Sydney show – due to take place this Friday, March 7, was cancelled. In an official statement, Drake's team explained that they were "actively working on rescheduling these dates along with adding some additional shows." Why did Drake cancel his Sydney show?  The exact reason for cancelling the last few dates of his Australia/ New Zealand tour is under some speculation, with Drake citing "scheduling conflict." When do Drake Sydney tickets go on sale? Gene

Six months ago, the doors opened to a shiny new stretch of Sydney Metro – 15 kilometres of new subterranean tunnels connecting Sydney from Chatswood in the north to Sydenham in the Inner West. The latest addition to the Sydney Metro system was arguably the most exciting thing to happen to Sydney since the Fifa Women's World Cup (aside from the blooming of Purtricia, obviously) but it’s not stopping there. Once complete, the Sydney Metro project will comprise 46 stations across the city, and tunnel boring on the huge Sydney Metro West project has now reached 80 per cent completion. When it starts welcoming passengers (due for 2032), Sydney Metro West will double rail capacity between Greater Parramatta and the Sydney CBD. Currently, a lot of the heavy lifting on the Metro West project is being done by enormous tunnel boring machines (TMBs), which are constructing 2.3-kilometre twin railway tunnels deep below the harbour. This week, the project has reached a major milestone: with more than 80 per cent of the 24-kilometre twin metro railway tunnels for this new stretch now complete.TBMs “Daphne” and “Beatrice” completed 11-kilometre twin metro tunnels between The Bays and Sydney Olympic Park in October 2024. Now, four of the machines are currently operating beneath the city. TMBs “Jessie” and “Ruby” have completed 33 per cent of the 2.3-kilometre tunnels between The Bays and Hunter Street in Sydney’s CBD, with the remaining 1.7-kilometres of the alignment being excavated by road

March has kicked off in a rather dramatic way, with a category two cyclone currently brewing off Australia’s east coast. Tropical Cyclone Alfred is due to hit southern Queensland and the northern end of NSW from Tuesday, March 4. Here’s what we know so far. Weather systems are constantly evolving, but as it stands, it looks like Alfred could be pretty intense – with the Bureau of Meteorology (BoM) warning of “damaging wind gusts to 120 kilometres per hour” and “heavy to locally intense rainfall which may lead to dangerous and life-threatening flash flooding”. As of lunchtime on Monday, March 3, the BoM has announced a watch zone from Sandy Cape (the most northern tip of Queensland’s K’gari – also known as Fraser Island) down the coast – including Brisbane, Gold Coast, Sunshine Coast and Byron Bay (as far as, but not including, Grafton).  At this point, the cyclone is sitting off the coast of Maroochydore in Queensland, with sustained winds reaching 85 kilometres per hour in the centre, and gusts reaching 120 kilometres per hour. While its impact is limited while it’s at sea, the BoM is predicting that “severe coastal hazards, including abnormally high tides and hazardous surf” will worsen as the cyclone approaches the coast.  Along with the dangerous sea conditions, the storm is likely to bring heavy rainfall to the south of the system, with flood warnings in place for potential flash flooding on the northern NSW coast. Although it’s currently categorised as a category one cy

Summer is officially over, and it looks like we’re in for some less-than-ideal weather over the next few days, as NSW prepares for a cycle to cause chaos in the skies and seas. Tropical Cyclone Alfred is due to hit southern Queensland and the northern end of NSW from Tuesday, March 4. Here’s what we know so far.Weather systems are constantly evolving, but as it stands, it looks like Alfred could be pretty intense – with the Bureau of Meteorology (BoM) warning of “damaging wind gusts to 120 kilometres per hour” and “heavy to locally intense rainfall which may lead to dangerous and life-threatening flash flooding”. As of lunchtime, Monday March 3, the BoM has announced a watch zone from Sandy Cape (the most northern tip of Queensland’s K’gari – also known as Fraser Island) down the coast – including Brisbane, Gold Coast, Sunshine Coast and Byron Bay (as far as but not including Grafton).  At this point, the cyclone is sitting off the coast of Maroochydore in Queensland, with sustained winds reaching 85 kilometres per hour in the centre, and gusts reaching 120 kilometres per hour. While its impact is limited while it’s at sea, the BoM is predicting that “severe coastal hazards, including abnormally high tides and hazardous surf” will worsen as the cyclone approaches the coast.  Along with the dangerous sea conditions, the storm is likely to bring heavy rainfall to the south of the system, with flood warnings in place for potential flash flooding on the northern NSW coast. Althou

Australia is home to more than its fair share of spectacular swimming spots: whether you’re chasing the perfect wave, ready for a cheeky nudie dash or seeking a secluded outdoor pool. With so many options, it’s no wonder everyone has their own opinion as to which one reigns supreme (we’ve compiled a list of our favourites here). But sometimes, it’s worth hearing what the masses think. Every year, Tripadvisor reveals a list of the top 25 beaches in the world based on those with the highest traveller reviews from the past year. In 2025, Manly and Bondi were the only Aussie beaches to make the list – and we have thoughts… As the highest-ranking Australian beach, Manly came in at number 15 on this year’s list – falling eight places from its position in seventh place back in 2024. While locals love Manly for its delightfully easy access to amazing eateries and boutique shops, Tripadvisor highlighted some other major drawcards: gentle waves for surfing, "shark safe" and lifeguarded swimming areas and the long walkway with “panoramic views”. Photograph: Destination NSW | Hamilton Lund Tripadvisor described Manly as “at the centre of everything – literally”, which isn't quite accurate (it's a 20 minute ferry ride from the CBD), but the close proximity to “shops, cafes and more” is true. While we can’t deny its beauty, finding a spacious patch of sand on a sunny day can be a real challenge. We’d instead make a case for travellers to visit the beaches nearby: with Shelly Beach (and i

Back before streaming platforms took over and “Netflix” became a verb, if you wanted to watch the latest blockbuster film, you had to actually leave your home. And while we love the comfort of streaming movies in bed, there’s something super special and nostalgic about catching a flick at the cinema. The super-sized screen, the plush reclining chairs, the obnoxious aircon and the irresistible scent of buttery popcorn – you just can’t beat it.Right in time for this Sunday’s Oscars, our Global Film Editor has revamped Time Out’s list of the 50 most beautiful cinemas in the world – and two Sydney cinemas have been given starring roles.Without doubt the grandest cinema in Sydney, the Hayden Orpheum Picture Palace in Cremorne claimed the 22nd spot on Time Out’s list of the world’s most beautiful cinemas. Dating back to 1935, this Art Deco theatre is a stunning step back in time, featuring six glitzy auditoria, each with its own colour scheme and decor. However, the true star of the show is the 744-seat Orpheum, where a genuine Wurlitzer cinema organ rises from a stage pit on weekend evenings, complete with flashing lights and a grinning organist.The other Sydney theatre to make Time Out’s list of the most beautiful picture palaces was Golden Age Cinema and Bar, located in Surry Hills, in position 36. Though it was only converted into a theatre in 2013, this 60-seat basement cinema is dressed like a character from the 1940s. With moss-green velvet, polished wood, and a raised stage

When the Wynyard tunnels – abandoned railway tunnels connecting to Wynyard Station in Sydney’s CBD – first came alive with lights and immersive sound displays as part of Vivid, Sydneysiders went wild. The idea of exploring formerly abandoned tunnels deep below the city centre is undeniably exciting: like breaking into the haunted house on the hill, it feels thrilling and out-of-bounds. Now, thanks to a  mammoth, $1-million restoration project, locals and visitors will have access to a similar subterranean experience all year round – with a stretch of underground tunnels connected to St James Station opening up to the public. Built in the 1920s, the St James Tunnels were designed by visionary engineer John Bradfield (best known for his role as chief engineer on the Sydney Harbour Bridge project). Initially intended as part of Bradfield’s plan to extend underground rail travel through Sydney, the tunnels never came to house railways (money for the project ran dry during the Great Depression), but were used during World War II as air-raid shelters. After remaining unused for decades, the tunnels are opening up as a uniquely hands-on historical experience: with immersive multimedia and soundscapes along with guided walking tours offering people a deep-dive into Sydney’s past. The launch of the St James Tunnels experience forms part of the NSW Government’s plan to boost what they’re referring to as “experience-led tourism” (instead of just relying on the beauty of our harbour and