Winnie Stubbs

2025 is coming to close, and Sydney is gearing up to celebrate this fact in major style. With an abundance of sexy new wine bars, unfathomably epic hotel renovations and some seriously swish rooftop venues, it's clear that this stellar run of new openings mean we can expect some pretty impressive debut NYE parties this year. To help you choose between the good and the great, we’ve put together a round-up of the best parties to book this NYE – so you can ring in 2026 with a bang (or an intimate dinner – pick your poison). Stay in the loop: sign up for our free Time Out Sydney newsletter for more news, straight to your inbox. RECOMMENDED: Want to watch the fireworks without the hefty price tag? Here's our guide to the best free spots in Sydney to watch the NYE fireworks. Ready for a celebration right now? Here are our picks of the best bars in Sydney.

In a country that buzzes from sunrise to sunset, you’re guaranteed to find new and exciting things happening no matter where you wake up (or wind down) – and 2026 is shaping up to be a blockbuster year for Australia. As Time Out's Travel and News Editor, it’s my job to hunt down all the newest happenings across every Australian state and territory. From highly anticipated restaurants and hot new hotels to world-first hikes and blockbuster exhibitions, here’s our ultimate list of the 26 best new things to do in Australia in 2026. How many will you tick off? Editors' top picks for 2026: 🥾 Best new hike: Uluṟu-Kata Tjuṯa Signature Walk, NT 🦁 Best new show: The Lion King, NSW 🖼️ Best new exhibition: Monet to Matisse: Defying Tradition, SA 🦘 The best places to visit in Australia🇦🇺 The top tourist attractions in Australia

Planning your travels for the new year? You should absolutely factor in those long-standing bucket list entries, but if you’re looking for some fresh inspiration, 2026 promises a world of brand-new travel experiences.  From sleeping over in an open-air museum to journeying through ancient landscapes on e-bikes, ziplining over glorious wildlife reserves and partying through a solar eclipse – yes, really – there’s a shedload of off-the-beaten-track, out-of-the-box stuff happening over the next 12 months. Scroll on for our handpicked selection of the 26 coolest, weirdest and most exciting things to do in 2026.  RECOMMENDED:🛍️ The coolest streets in the world🏘️ The coolest neighbourhoods in the world🌃 The best cities in the world right now Stay in the loop: sign up to our free Time Out Travel newsletter for all the latest travel news and best stuff happening across the world.

Believe it or not, summer school holidays are here. And if the thought of keeping the kiddos entertained for the next two months sends you into a spiral, we've got you covered. There’s something here for the explorers, the budding scientists, the mini athletes, the musical prodigies, the artist and just about everyone in between. You'll find the ultimate round-up of activities and experiences happening in Sydney for kids and families this summer. 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 somewhere affordable to eat out with the kids? Check out our guide to the best cheap eats in Sydney. Or visit these kid-friendly restaurants in Sydney.

If the thought of joining the hoards of shoppers at malls in December gives you full-body chills, save yourself the bother and add these delightful Chrissie markets to your list. From art and design treasure troves to European-inspired food markets, these Christmas shopping pop-ups have all the yuletide cheer to make the season bright.  This year, you’ll find a magical weekly market popping up in Martin Place every Thursday to Saturday in December, festive foodie treats at Carriageworks, and a light-filled studio offering super-affordable (and beautiful) ceramics.Regardless of your holiday budget, it’s worth hitting at least one market for your annual dose of festive cheer – if only for the fondue.  As the silly season continues, we expect more markets to be announced across the city – we'll keep you posted here as soon as we hear more. Merry shopping! 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. Don't want to slave over a hot stove this Chrissy? These are the best Christmas Day lunches and dinners in Sydney.    

Summer 2025 update: From fun beer gardens to cold beers and hearty meals, Sydney’s pubs are where it’s at. Below, we’ve rounded up the best of the best. Bonus points if they’ve got air-con to keep you cool this summer. There's a lot that goes into making a great pub. They need to furnish you with an excellent meal and friendly service, and a game of pool or darts doesn't go astray. On a hot day, it's all about having a welcoming beer garden, and on a Sunday, it's all about a cracking roast. Top-notch drinks are a must, obvs. There are a lot of rock-solid pubs in this city, and these are our picks of the bunch, pulled together by Time Out Sydney's local writers. Cheers! 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. For something a bit less pubby, a bit higher end, see our picks of the best bars in Sydney. Hungry? Check out our ultimate guide to Sydney's best restaurants. 

Summer update: Let the good times roll with our fresh guide to Sydney’s best bars – perfect for your summer sessions. From frosty Martinis to fun and fruity Piña Coladas, cold ales in sunny beer gardens and vinos in sexy wine bars – whatever you’re after, whatever the occasion, you’ll find it all here. This list represents our picks of the best bars in Sydney right now, from fresh faces to tried-and-tested temples of great drinks, curated by our local editors, drink writers and fellow booze hounds, including Time Out Sydney's Editor Avril Treasure. We’re looking for quality above all, with fun, flavour, atmosphere, creativity and options at every price point. Cheers to you, Sydney. Editor’s picks: 😎 Best for a vibey drink and a snack: Paradise🥂 Best for bubbles with a view: Nick & Nora's🍓 Best for a non-awkward first date: Arcadia Liquors💥 Best for when you wanna impress: Henry Deane🍻 Best for beer on a sunny rooftop: Old Mate’s Place🍹 Best for an excellent cocktail: Silver’s Motel 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. After a watering hole that's a bit more casual? See our list of the best pubs in Sydney, here. After a meal? Check out our best restaurants here.

We might be a little biased, but in our humble opinion, Sydney's got it all. Can you think of many other cities in the world that rival its natural beauty, rich heritage and history that dates back thousands of years, and its creative, culinary and cultural offerings by world-class pros? In fact, there's so much to see, do, sip and ponder here, you could be forgiven for feeling a little overwhelmed. Worry not, dear reader – we're making it simple for you. Our team sifted through every good time the Big Smoke has to offer and put together a Sydney bucket list for the ages. The activities we've chosen will give you a super varied experience of the city – everything from the tourist attractions that are actually worth your time to secret swimming spots that locals know and love.Whether you're a new arrival or a born-and-bred local, this 2025 Time Out Sydney round-up of the city's must-do activities will help you experience Sydney from every angle. After all those great activities you're bound to be thirsty. We suggest you head to one of the best pubs in Sydney right now, or save your cash at one of the best happy hours in the city. Need somewhere to stay? Check in to one of Sydney's best hotels. 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.

If there's one thing that Australia does right, it's really beautiful beaches – and a lot of them, to be precise. With a whopping 12,000 fringing our island continent, it would take you a wild 32 years to see them all – if you tackled one beach per day. Assuming that your 32-year plan doesn't singularly involve beach hopping around Australia (although we can of course dream), we've put together a list of the best beaches in Australia that you should visit this year – or at least once in your life. Each beach on this list has been selected for its remarkable beauty, prime swimming conditions (read: you won't see anywhere with saltwater crocs on this list), and proximity to other incredible activities, so your adventure doesn't end with just one dip. Take the breathtaking Bay of Fires, crowned Tourism Australia's best beach for 2025; the picturesque Whitehaven Beach, recently named the world's best; or the blindingly white Hyams Beach, our Travel & News Editor Melissa Woodley's personal favourite. Now, all that’s left is for you to discover the best beaches in Australia for yourself. 🌊 The best nudist beaches in Australia🏄 Australia's top surf beaches🌈 The best places to visit in Australia

The five days between Christmas and New Year’s Eve are a strange, awkward, in-between time for everyone. Most places have closed shop for the summer, while others have new holiday hours that are tricky to wrap your head around. No one knows what day it is. At this time of year, Sydney tends to feel more empty than usual, as most locals make a mass exodus to elsewhere, but if you plan on sticking around and having a lovely summer holiday at home, we've put together a list of all the coolest things for you to do in town between Christmas Day 2025 and NYE, 2026. Now, it's time for a swim. You're welcome.  Stay in the loop: sign up for our free Time Out Sydney newsletter for more news, straight to your inbox. RECOMMENDED: Want more culture? Check out our guide to the best art exhibitions and theatre and musicals on in Sydney this month. 

Sydney’s New Year’s Eve fireworks are iconic for a reason – they’re bold, brilliant and beamed across the globe as one of the world’s most spectacular celebrations. There’s nothing quite like watching the Harbour Bridge burst into a million colours as the countdown hits zero. Yes, there are many ticketed venues with prime spots to view the fireworks, but there are heaps of free vantage points that don't cost a thing. Our tip? If you’re heading out to watch the NYE fireworks, a little planning goes a long way. It’s the height of summer, so pack the essentials: sunscreen, a hat, water, snacks, a picnic blanket and something to keep you entertained while you wait. Leave glasses, alcohol and bulky bags at home as many sites won’t allow them. Going prepared means you can settle in and enjoy every moment of Sydney’s biggest night of the year. Read on for our guide on where to watch the 2025 New Year's Eve fireworks for free in Sydney. Want to have fun in the Sydney sun? Here are the hottest things to do this summer.

More hotels mean more excuses to pack a bag, right? With fancy five-star stays and design-led boutique properties cropping up all over town, you’d be remiss not to test-drive a few. After all, who doesn’t want to be the first to swan-dive into a crisp king bed or wrap themselves in a robe so fresh it hasn’t yet seen a room-service tray? This year, our Travel & News Editor Melissa Woodley has checked into two of the country's most exciting new arrivals: Hamilton Island’s first new stay in nearly 17 years, The Sundays, and Sydney’s most anticipated inner-city stay, The Eve Hotel – both earning glowing five-star reviews. Next, we have our eyes on the African-inspired Monarto Safari Resort in South Australia and the coastal-luxe Mondrian Gold Coast. Scroll on for the full roll call of Australia’s newest hotels – and the ones still teasing us from behind construction fences. 🌴 Australia’s best resorts and lodges⛺️ The best free campgrounds in Australia

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

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

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. 

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

Sydneysiders don’t need many excuses to roll out a picnic rug, pop a bottle of pét-nat and spend a balmy evening under the stars – but this summer, Moonlight Cinema is making an especially solid case. Australia’s most well-established outdoor movie night is officially turning 30, and to celebrate, it’s handing the programming reins over to the people. Yep: for the first time ever, you get to help shape the season’s line-up. Since its debut back in 1995 – opening with a now-iconic screening of Pulp Fiction – Moonlight Cinema has become a staple of the Sydney summer. More than five million people have sprawled across the lawns since then: first dates, proposals, celeb sightings, and countless delighted doggos who’ve come to expect their own bean bag and biscuit as standard. This year, the beloved Belvedere Amphitheatre in Centennial Parklands will once again transform into one of the Harbour City’s most picturesque open-air theatres, with films running throughout the summer from Friday, November 21, 2025 to Sunday April 5, 2026. And while the November–December program is already on sale, the real thrill lies in The People’s Program – a nationwide vote to decide which nostalgic favourites will hit the big screen from January through March. Voting is now open, with film choices including Shrek, Dirty Dancing, The Castle, Jurassic Park and more. Everyone who casts a vote gets 30 per cent off General Admission to People’s Program screenings – plus a shot at winning a Double Season

The north-of-the-bridge iteration of Bondi's Sunset Cinema is taking over North Sydney Oval again this summer, bringing three months of alfresco flicks to the open-air location. Sunset Cinema North Sydney will kick off a new season of outdoor popcorn delights from December 18 through to March 14. Pack your blankets and lawn chairs or hire a bean bag for an additional $15. Or level up with a Fever Tree lounger seating with popcorn and a Fever-Tree drink for an additional $30. Gates open at 6.30pm with films commencing at sundown. There will be a food truck onsite, but you're more than welcome to pack a picnic. Note: you can BYO food but not alcohol. The screenings kick off with a string of Christmas movies like The Holiday, Love Actually and even Home Alone on Christmas night(!). Kids will love Zootopia 2 and The Spongebob Movie, while families can join in a singalong for Mamma Mia!  Screenings take place Wednesday to Saturday (with a few exceptions). Early bird tickets are $20 per adult, which can be  and tickets (from $27 for adults, kids $15) are on sale now. Want more? Check out the best outdoor cinemas in Sydney. 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. In the mood for a show? Here’s our list of the best theatre to see in Sydney this month. No cash to splash? You can catch an alfresco movie every Wednesday this summer in The Rocks.

If there’s one thing Sydney does spectacularly well, it’s slow summer evenings – the kinds that see the sky turn sherbet-pink and the whole city look a little softer around the edges. This summer, Cockatoo Island/ Wareamah is handing us a very solid excuse to make the most of it: Sunset Sessions is back, taking over the lawn of historic Biloela House with a weekly dose of live music in the open air. Running on Saturday evenings from January 10 2025 to April 4 2026 (except from Saturday, March 7), the island’s curated open-air gig series is one of those annual events that reliably sells out – and for good reason. The formula is foolproof: pack a picnic rug, stretch out on the grass and let a line-up of emerging local artists soundtrack the slow fade into night as the sun sets behind the city. RELATED READ: These are the best sunset spots in Sydney This year brings a particularly juicy mix of genres and rising talent to Sydney Harbour’s largest island. Expect lush vocals from Charlie Collins, dreamy pop by Mia Lovelock, and globe-spanning grooves courtesy of Immy Owusu and Dom Diaz. You’ll also catch Bella Amor, Mina Siale, PA777IENCE, Skyscraper Stan, Lady Lyon and Lucienne – with more artists still to be announced. If you’re not the type to pack your own snacks, Biloela House will have refreshments ready to go – or you can pre-order a hamper of treats when you book your ticket. And if you’ve ever entertained the fantasy of running away to an island for the night, Cockatoo Isl

It’s 2pm on a Sunday, and the DJ is blowing bubbles into the air over the beach club that thrums with a Nu-disco soundtrack and a sun-soaked, distinctly holiday-coded energy. Beside the pool, couples lounge on sun beds with glasses of pale rosé and plates of freshly shucked oysters, and friends gossip by the bar with goblets of Aperol. Next door, in the ocean-facing restaurant, families celebrate birthdays and engagements with plates loaded with slow-roasted lamb and sizzling saganaki. We are, unbelievably, not in Mykonos – but at a recently revamped hotel on the shores of Sydney’s Brighton-Le-Sands beach. Following a multi-million-dollar renovation, the former Novotel property reopened in October 2025 under the M Gallery brand. And I’m calling it: this is the most transporting staycation you can book in Sydney this summer. What is The Brighton like? Right in the beating heart of one of Sydney’s buzzy multicultural coastal suburbs, The Brighton is as close as you’ll come to a European beach resort without leaving the Harbour City. The huge bayside retreat – complete with a Mediterranean-inspired beach club and a show-stealing outdoor pool – has all the polish of a global boutique hotel, ignited by the soul of its tight-knit Greek-Australian neighbourhood. Design-forward and deeply connected to its location, The Brighton is a playful, vacation-mode stay where seaside serenity meets a very Greek sense of swagger. What are the rooms like at The Brighton? Spread across 14 floors,

There’s always a lot going on at Sydney’s favourite house. So much so that it can be hard to keep track – with new headliners dropping every other week, and huge events taking over the various venues seemingly out of nowhere.  Keen to go to a show under the sails over the next few months? We’ve rounded up a few top picks in the Sydney Opera House winter to spring season:  Badu Gili: Healing Spirit, a stunning illumination of the sails This dynamic projection will light up the Eastern Bennelong sails with First Nations artwork five times a night, every night until Friday, December 12.Dates: DailyTickets: Free Backstage tours, a peek behind the curtain Explore the inner workings of Australia's most famous buildings on one of these expert-led tours. Dates: DailyTickets: From $48 On The Steps, open-air summer shows The magical On The Steps open-air performance program is set to bring 50,000 music lovers to the Opera House forecourt for two magical weeks this summer. Highlights from this year’s line-up include Chet Faker, Franz Ferdinand, Loyle Carner, Parcels, Ruel and Boy & Bear. Dates: From December 2 - December 15Tickets: From $81.50 Perfume Genius, intimate album show  Grammy-nominated art-pop visionary Perfume Genius will light up the Concert Hall for one night only, bringing his singular, shape-shifting songcraft and emotionally charged anthems to the Harbour City, with a special guest performance by hyper-talented guitarist Hand Habits. Dates: December 9Tickets: From $49

It’s a Wednesday evening in early November, and the promise of summer is ripe in Sydney’s sun-soaked streets – outdoor tables filling with friends as colleagues clock off for the day and beeline for the closest happy hour. The group of strangers I’m about to spend an evening with is just wrapping up days defined by unique challenges and triumphs: break-ups and promotions and setbacks and excitement. But moments after stepping into the Ace Hotel’s warmly lit lobby, the outside world vanishes into the abyss. This is the effect that conversation can have – real, deep conversations that help us discover sides of ourselves that we didn’t know were there. Hosted by psychologist and wellbeing lead Dr Ash King, Neurotica is the kind of dinner party that I wish took place every week – the kind of event I’d clear my diary for at a moment’s notice. With a mission to help Sydneysiders explore bold topics in a safer, more intimate setting than what she describes as “our fraught digital ecosystem”, Ash launched Neurotica as the city’s “dinner party for deep thinkers”. “Neurotica is Sydney’s new cultural salon where psychology, art, and pop culture collide over candlelight and cocktails. No icebreakers, no polite chit-chat, no show-boating. Just provocative prompts, big ideas, and conversations that cut deeper than ‘So, what do you do?’” Ash explains. The launch event – exploring the topic of “bad ideas” – was a sold-out success story back in October, but I’m lucky enough to score a seat at

Summer is here, and with it, the doors have opened at the latest addition to Sydney’s already glittering hotel scene. Earlier this year, The Eve Hotel and 25 Hours Hotel The Olympia added a combined total of 211 rooms to the city’s already impressive line-up of luxury stays, and a spectacular, Mykonos-coded renovation was unveiled at The Brighton in Brighton Le Sands. Now, the curtains have come down on phase one of InterContinental Sydney Coogee Beach – a new coastal stay that's been getting a whole heap of (well-deserved) buzz. Once fully complete, the sparkling new beachside stay (a conversion of the former Crowne Plaza site) will be home to a wildly impressive rooftop area featuring a huge infinity pool, sky-high bar and event space, as well as a high-spec spa and a club for members. The full renovation will be revealed in March, but if you can’t wait until then, you can book in now for a taste of the luxe life – the 198 rooms are already complete, and the restaurant (helmed by globally-renowned chef Rick Stein) is alive and kicking. RELATED READ: Here’s what we thought of InterContinental Double Bay Wondering what to expect? Here’s what we know so far. First up, there’s the accommodation: 198 light-flooded rooms, including 22 ocean-facing suites complete with floor-to-ceiling windows, outdoor baths and spacious designer lounges. According to the team, the aesthetic draws from the natural rhythm of the shoreline: curved, wave-like joinery, soft sun-washed whites and breez

Update Thursday, December 4: If you were one of the lucky people in the crowd at last night's Kendrick Lamar concert (or just happened to be in the vicinity of AAMI Park and heard the spectacle), you'll know that KDot put on one helluva performance complete with flames, fireworks and all his hits. Tonight's show is set to be just as epic, this time with added Doechii who is supporting. And we can confirm: 'Not Like Us' goes even harder IRL.  When Kendrick Lamar was announced as the headline act for Spilt Milk (alongside Doechii, Dominic Fike and Schoolboy Q), Melbourne hip-hop fans collectively lost their minds. And unsurprisingly, tickets sold out immediately. But thankfully, the multi-Grammy Award-winning rapper heard the cries of local fans and announced that he’d be bringing his Grand National Tour to AAMI Park on December 3 and 4. Here’s everything you need to know. When is Kendrick Lamar's Grand National Tour in Melbourne? Kendrick’s Grand National Tour will take over Melbourne’s AAMI Park on Wednesday, December 3 and Thursday, December 4.  How to get to the Kendrick Lamar Melbourne concerts  Public transport is your best option for getting to the venue on the big nights. If you’re coming from the CBD, jump on a Route 70 tram from Flinders Street/Elizabeth Street or take nearby train services to Richmond or Flinders Street, where additional metro and regional trains will be running before and after the concerts (with bus connections for Frankston and Werribee line passe

Sydney’s urban swimming game is on the up and up. This week alone, we’ve reported on the third season of Penrith’s beloved ‘Pondi’, and the re-opening of a Hunters Hill swimming spot that’s been closed to the public for more than 50 years. Now, we’ve got more good news to share – with Barangaroo’s Marrinawi Cove officially back in action. After a major upgrade, the inner-city oasis now features a larger swimming area, improved safety features, new showers and extra lounging space for sunny picnics by the harbour. For the uninitiated, we should paint a picture of what has made Marrinawi Cove such a beloved swimming spot for Sydneysiders since it officially opened in early 2023. Sitting beneath the arch of the Harbour Bridge, the hidden little enclave is framed by sculpted sandstone slabs and native flora – it’s a peaceful little pocket of sun just steps from the CBD.  The site also carries deep cultural significance – having been used by the Gadigal people for swimming, canoeing, and fishing for thousands of years. RECOMMENDED READ: A Scandi-coded swimming spot is opening on the Bay Run in 2026If you’ve been hitting up the popular swimming spot for a while, the upgrades will be impossible to miss. The swimming area has expanded by 150 square metres, with a swim length now stretching up to 45 metres. New sandstone stairs, a non-slip platform, handrails, and a ladder make getting in and out of the water easier than the slippery scramble of 2024, and a double outdoor shower ensu

Back in July, the City of Sydney confirmed that they’d be scrapping outdoor dining fees for restaurants across the city, making our alfresco summer dreams come true. Since then, we’ve seen tables set up on the street outside some of our fave venues around the city, Darlinghurst’s new golden girl Vin-Cenzo’s and Surry Hills stalwart The Crix being two prime examples. Now, there’s more good news to share, with The City of Sydney unveiling new proposals to lock in its outdoor dining revolution, making temporary setups permanent and cutting the red tape that’s long held back restaurants, cafés and bars from really claiming the footpath. If Council signs off and the period of public consultation goes to plan, the changes could totally transform how we eat, drink and hang out on Sydney’s streets. As far as we can tell, the idea is simple: as long as there’s a pathway for pedestrians, businesses will get free reign to claim outdoor space for alfresco fun. “We’re essentially flipping the script to supercharge outdoor dining,” said Lord Mayor Clover Moore AO. “Rather than telling businesses what they can do and where, we’re saying, as long as you keep a clear path and your neighbours are happy, we don’t want any red tape holding you back.” Since 2020, when the city first allowed footpath and road space to be used by restaurants for free, the results have been big. According to City of Sydney stats, nearly 1,000 applications have been approved, creating 13,000 square metres of outdoor

For all the insufferably smug social media content they generate, Sydney boat parties come with a fair share of stigma. But no matter how resistant you are to the boat-based Opera House selfie, it’s hard to deny the appeal of spending an afternoon floating around what is (in our opinion) the most beautiful harbour in the world: sun on skin and Spritz in hand. If you’re not lucky enough to own a boat (or, ideally, be friends with a boat owner and spared the financial burden), we’ve got the trick to help make your seafaring dreams a reality this summer. Established in California back in 2013, Getmyboat is the world's largest marketplace for boat rentals, described as essentially “the Airbnb for boats.” Though it’s relatively new to Sydney, the platform is already providing a lot of fun for Sydneysiders, making renting a boat super simple and streamlined. Like with Airbnb, booking just involves setting up a profile, filtering by dates, and clicking book – with the user review system making it work for both owners and adventurers. Right now, the app features 22 boats to rent by the hour in Sydney – with hourly rates starting at just $56 per hour. As a city that favours sparkle, the most popular style of boat on the app in Sydney is (unsurprisingly) the humble yacht, but there are heaps of different models to choose from: from two-person powerboats to sleek-a-f catamarans. No boat license? No probs – many of the boats featured include a captain, with the larger boats also includin

Home to some of the most beautiful leafy streets in Sydney, Hunters Hill was already a pretty desirable place to call home, but a new addition has just significantly upped its game. Last week, the ribbon was cut on Western Sydney’s newest swimming spot – with Hunters Hill Council officially unveiling a safe new place to cool off at Bedlam Bay. First up, a little context on this leafy harbour cove – which isn't technically new. Way back in the 1860’s, Bedlam Bay was the local place to plunge, but the netted area was removed in the 1950s, and pollution (among other reasons) prevented swimmers from diving in. Now, the urban swim spot is officially back on the map – the third official swim site delivered under the PRCG’s Masterplan (the other two are found at Putney Park and Parramatta Lake) . Shaded by gum trees at the base of Parramatta River Regional Park in Gladesville, the historic site has been revived with a brand-new netted swimming enclosure – meaning all the splash-about fun with none of the shark-fearing stress. The project, backed by a $560,475 NSW Government investment, forms part of the Parramatta River Catchment Group’s (PRCG) big-picture mission to transform the river into a swimmable, community-friendly waterway. Photograph: Supplied | Hunters Hill Council At the Bedlam Bay re-launch, Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Paul Scully explained: “This brings the site back to its roots as a popular swimming destination – and adds another great outdoor activity

There aren’t many stages in Australia that inspire that fizzy, pre-show excitement quite like the one at Arts Centre Melbourne's State Theatre – in all its red velvet and brass-trimmed old-school sparkle. The beloved performance centre has been closed for renovations since April 2024, and following a monumental makeover, she’s officially coming back – with the main stage set to reopen six months ahead of schedule. The newly renamed Ian Potter State Theatre will welcome guests once again in October 2026, marking the first major milestone completed in the $1.7 billion Melbourne Arts Precinct Transformation – which is (according to the Victorian Government) the most ambitious cultural infrastructure project in Australia. For a little context, the stage in question isn’t just any stage. It's one of the biggest on the planet – larger than four tennis courts – and it’s the spiritual home of the Australian Ballet and Opera Australia, two companies that have shaped the city’s cultural soul for decades. Photograph: Supplied | Art Centre Melbourne While the theatre’s iconic 1984 design – including the shimmering ceiling adorned with 75,000 brass spheres – will remain very much intact, the refurbishment will bring the venue firmly into the 21st century. Improvements include improved climate control, upgraded fire protection, high-performance sound and energy-efficient lighting replacing the systems that were well past their prime. The renovations will also include a major focus on acc

Summer has officially arrived, and in cool news for residents of Western Sydney, Penrith Beach – affectionately known as Pondi – is reopening for the warmer months. From Sunday December 7, the region’s popular swimming spot is back for its third season – fresh from a major upgrade, and with a buzzy summer program to boot.  Born from the NSW Government’s vision to give Western Sydney the breezy beach experience it deserves (without the schlep to the coast), Pondi has quickly become a warm-weather essential. Since opening in December 2023, more than 330,000 people have visited, and with the area’s population on the up, this year’s likely to be its biggest season yet. RELATED READ: These are the best beaches in SydneyThis summer, Pondi comes armed with extended opening hours, running from 7am to 7pm during peak heat, plus a fresh wave of upgrades funded by a $5.2 million government investment. Among the new perks, expect shaded seating areas, outdoor showers, and improved public space for picnics, sand play and lazing in the sun. The new improvements join returning essentials including accessible change rooms and toilets, more than 350 parking spaces and an access mat that extends right into the water. To keep swimmers safe, Surf Life Saving NSW lifeguards will patrol the beach daily, and will run free water-safety programs, learn-to-swim sessions, junior lifesaver workshops and on-site skin check activations. Photograph: Supplied | NSW Government The beach will open daily thr

Commuters of Melbourne, the time is almost here. It’s been a lot of digging, training and a fair bit of disruption in the making, but the official launch date for Melbourne's brand new Metro Tunnel is fast approaching – with the super-speedy new link on track (pardon) to open this Sunday, November 30. Here's everything you need to know ahead of this game-changing addition to the city's public transport network.  What is the Metro Tunnel? Essentially, Melbourne's Metro Tunnel is the biggest overhaul of the city's public transport system in 40 years. Early planning began in 2015, and it now features twin nine-kilometre rail tunnels that run below the CBD and connect the Sunbury, Cranbourne and Pakenham lines. Five new underground stations (Anzac, Arden, Parkville, State Library and Town Hall) have been built as part of the project, along with underground pedestrian links to Flinders Street and Melbourne Central Stations for easy access to the City Loop. At Anzac Station, you'll also find Melbourne's very first train/tram interchange. Various tests and intensive training has been completed, and state-of-the-art technology like a high capacity signalling system and platform screen doors have been installed. Phew! And now, it's just about ready for the public to see it for themselves. When does Melbourne's Metro Tunnel open? The Metro Tunnel is finally opening to passengers on Sunday, November 30 – ushering in a speedy new era of getting from A to B in Melbourne. After teasing us

If you’ve ever found yourself daydreaming about ditching the city break for a slower, more soul-stirring kind of adventure, the UN’s freshly announced Best Tourism Villages for 2025 is your ready-made bucket list. The initiative, first launched in 2021, celebrates communities that champion cultural heritage, safeguard natural landscapes and welcome travellers in ways that feel meaningful rather than mass-produced. In this year’s list, 24 Asian villages made the cut.  China secured four spots on the list, each one a compelling reminder that the country’s charm extends well beyond its megacities. There’s Digang, where ancient wooden stilt houses line misty waterways, and Dongluo, a village humming with traditional craft and the rhythm of rural life. Huanggang and Jikayi round out the group – places where traditions run deep and the surrounding landscapes are lush enough to make your camera roll weep. Japan also clocked four entries, each one a reason to hop a bullet train to somewhere extraordinary. Asuka – a cradle of early Japanese civilisation – invites travellers to wander among burial mounds and historic farmland, while Koyasan delivers monastic serenity on a mountaintop studded with towering cedars. Out on Shodoshima and Tonosho, olive groves, coastal views and sleepy island charm provide a softer kind of magic. Further south, Indonesia’s Pemuteran earned its place with its sparkling reefs and community-led conservation projects, proving that tourism can protect paradise

Just last week, Pet Insurance Australia (PIA) released its official list of the most popular doggo names in NSW, with Luna and Milo coming out on top. Now, PIA has dropped the feline equivalent – tallying up the stats to reveal Australia’s most popular cat names for 2025. Unsurprisingly, NSW’s picks are cute as heck.  According to PIA spokesperson Nadia Crighton, NSW cat parents are leaning into soft, cosy and family-friendly names that wouldn’t sound out of place at a Bondi daycare. “Luna continues its reign across the country, and Leo and Milo are still the nation’s favourite male names,” she says. “In NSW, the choices are classic, affectionate and very human.” Luna is still Australia’s undisputed naming heavyweight – topping female lists in nearly every state and continuing what PIA calls the era of “Luna dominance”. It’s celestial, gentle and currently the blueprint for cat-name chic (it was also the most popular name for female dogs in Australia in 2025). Leo, meanwhile, sits comfortably at the top of the male list, proving Sydney’s unwavering love of names that could just as easily belong to a barista as a Burmese kitten. Sydney isn’t immune to the national obsession with delicious-sounding pet names, either. Oreo and Mochi both feature in NSW’s top ten, joining a growing wave of cats named after snacks, sweets and bubble-tea toppings. “There’s been a huge surge in quirky names like Mochi, Miso, Muffin and Oreo,” says Crighton. “Pet parents are having fun with naming, a

Just last week, Pet Insurance Australia (PIA) revealed its official list of the most popular dog names in Victoria for 2025. Now, the very same researchers have produced a similar piece of content for the cat lovers among us. Wondering what to name your fluffy friend so they fit in with the clutter (that’s the official term for a group of cats, ICYMI)? Read on.  Nationwide, the cat-naming charts are dominated by a soft, celestial and downright wholesome energy. Luna continues its national reign as Australia’s favourite female pet name, topping almost every state’s list. For male cats, Leo keeps the crown, followed closely by Milo and the ever-present Bluey – a nod to Australia’s most beloved animated series. Here in Vic, Luna and Leo still top the female and male lists respectively, but beyond that, the state’s naming choices get significantly more eclectic. Melbourne’s cultural quirks and global influences shine through, making the Victorian list one of the most diverse in the country. Victoria’s top female cat names in 2025 Luna Daisy Yuki Abby Alice Amber Annie Bambi Bella Billy Victoria’s top male cat names in 2025 Leo Milo Mochi Louie Oreo Ace Archie Barney Bear Billy Compared to the national list, Victoria’s choices stand out in a big way. Yuki – a nod to Melbourne’s embrace of Japanese pop culture and the broader kawaii trend – appears in Victoria’s top three for female cats, without featuring on the national list at all. Meanwhile, Bambi and Amber add a hint of v