Winnie Stubbs

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. Give even greener presents by stopping by at one of Sydney's best plant nurseries.  Need a tree to put all those market-bought goodies under? Here's where to find the best Christmas trees in Sydney.

Choosing the best hotel to book in Sydney is a delicate art – whether you’re a visitor experiencing the Emerald City for the very first time or a local on a weekend staycation. With so many options to choose between – from beachside boltholes (like the boutique hotel overlooking Watsons Bay) to a trendy converted brewery with a rooftop pool – it can be tricky to decide which hotel is right for you. At Time Out Sydney, we’ve dedicated a good few years to making that task a little easier – picking out the very best hotels in the city based on location, design creds, facilities and that undefinable something that can take a hotel from good to great. Whether you’re looking for a sky-high tower with uninterrupted views of the Opera House, an intimate escape by the beach, or an old-school luxury palace that will have you feeling like a princess, our team of writers (including Editor-in-Chief Alice Ellis and Sydney Editor Avril Treasure) have tried and tested the best hotels in Sydney. To confirm that they should make the cut, this list has been carefully edited by self-confessed hotel addict Winnie Stubbs, Travel and Hotels Editor APAC for Time Out. Read on for our definitive guide to the best hotels in Sydney. Stay in the loop: sign up for our free Time Out Sydney newsletter for more news, travel inspo and activity ideas, straight to your inbox. RECOMMENDED: These are the best glamping sites in NSW. These are the best camping sites near Sydney. And these are the best spots for a

When city life feels a little too full-on, it’s natural to crave a moment in nature. To drink a glass of wine from a bath beneath the stars and wake up to the sound of birdsong. The tiny home movement is responding to that need, with architecturally beautiful tiny homes and cabins popping up all across the state – waiting to welcome you for a weekend (or weekday) reset. To help you decide which is best for you, our team of local editors (including Travel and Hotels Editor Winnie Stubbs) has tried and tested the most beautiful tiny homes and cabins close (and close-ish) to Sydney – from six-person cabins on the outskirts of the city to cosy retreats for two hidden in the mountains.Most are home to alfresco hot tubs or baths, and many are pet-friendly, so you can bring your doggo to frolic with you in the fields.  RECOMMENDED:These are the best campsites close to SydneyThese are the best motels in NSW worth the road trip And these are the best luxury stays in the state for a super special staycation Stay in the loop: sign up for our free Time Out Sydney newsletter for more news, event listings and travel inspo, straight to your inbox.

Sydney itself is home to a pretty strong line-up of high-end stays – the multi award-winning Capella and the celebrity-approved Park Hyatt being among our top picks for an all-out city staycation. And while city hotels have their place, there’s nothing more luxurious than waking up to the sound of the waves, or watching the sun set over the hinterland from a magnesium-spiked swimming pool. If you’re looking to really splash out on a super special trip in NSW, and you’re willing to travel a little out of town, there are some truly incredible stays where “luxury” means so much more than 600 thread count sheets and 24-hour room service. From a Mediterranean-inspired clifftop inn to a members club-style escape in the countryside just outside of the city, NSW punches well above its weight when it comes to heavenly holiday spots.   To help you decide where to book for your next escape out of the city, our team of local editors (including Travel and Hotels Editor Winnie Stubbs) has tried and tested the most wildly beautiful hotels around NSW, to bring you our guide to the best luxury accommodation in NSW.  If you’re willing to spend a little extra on your next adventure around the state, read on. 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:Staying in the city? Here's our full guide to the best hotels in Sydney.Want some air? These are the best glamping sites in NSWAnd the

Dancefloors come in all shapes and sizes in Sydney – sticky-floored pubs can double up as heaving rave caves, small bars morph into late-night party dens on sporadic Wednesdays, and on most Friday nights, warehouses across Sydney's Inner West transform into laser-lit super-clubs (though we can't spill too much on that front). The Harbour City cops a lot of flack for its nightlife, but we think it's all about just looking in the right places. To help you out, our team of local editors (including Time Out Sydney Editor Avril Treasure) has put together the ultimate guide to the most reliable dancefloors in Sydney right now. 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. Looking for somewhere more chill to whet your whistle? Here are our favourite hidden bars in the Harbour City.Want a live show? These are the best bars and pubs with live music in Sydney.

Spring update: Let the good times roll with our fresh guide to Sydney’s best bars – perfect for your springtime soirée. Two new Enmore Road spots have been added (hello, Deadwax and Silver’s Motel). Is the sun out? Head to Paradise or Old Mate’s Place to soak up the warmth. And the Negronis go down a treat at Herbs Taverne. 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. 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.

With its stunning beaches and glorious gardens, Sydney is a city with nature therapy on tap. And while a walk in the park or a splash in the ocean can be a good fix for all manner of ills, sometimes what you really need is an all-out indulgent spa day.  Thankfully, the Harbour City is home to some of the most incredible day spas in the country – palaces of rejuvenation ranging from a super-affordable communal bathhouse to a luxe harbourside spa in one of the city’s most high-end hotels.  Our editors – including self-care enthusiast Winnie Stubbs – have valiantly volunteered to try out Sydney’s leading spas, and have put together this list based on how revitalised we felt as we stepped back into the real world. Every few months, we hunt down a new gem to add to the list – Sydney’s wellness game is on the up, and it’s our job to shout from the rooftops about the places that will make you feel like the best version of you.Stay in the loop: sign up for our free Time Out Sydney newsletter for more news, travel inspo and activity ideas, straight to your inbox.  RECOMMENDED:  Keen to head further afield? These are the best spas in the Blue Mountains. And these are the best facials in Sydney.Planning a mum-and-daughter day? These are the best afternoon teas in Sydney.

In a city surrounded by salt water and flooded with sunshine, looking after your locks can be a delicate dance, and choosing the right salon for you is an undeniably sacred act. To help you find the best people to entrust with your crowning glory, our team of local editors has rounded up the very best hair salons in the Harbour City – from celeb-approved spots in Surry Hills and Paddington to an award-winning sustainable salon on the Northern Beaches. Read on for our top picks of the very best hair salons in Sydney.   Stay in the loop: sign up for our free Time Out Sydney newsletter for more news, travel inspo and activity ideas, straight to your inbox. Need some me-time? These are the best day spas in the Harbour City.And these are the best facials in Sydney.

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

We're all about a secret underground dive bar or two – but in a city as beautiful as Sydney, it seems like a damn shame to retreat into the depths for every tipple. From a sundowner by the harbour to a sunny rooftop in the Inner West, our town is awash with sky-high watering holes. So we've rounded up the best spots in the city to sip a cold one under a gorgeous open sky. But drinkers beware: Sydney's rooftop bars play host to some of the most contested seats in the city, so get in early for a spot in the sun.  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 more al fresco drinking try one of Sydney's best beer gardens. Looking for another top-notch watering hole? Check out the best bars in Sydney.

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. Here are the best free things to do in Australia. Editors’ favourite free things to do in Australia: 🍫 Best for families: Haigh's Chocolate Factory, SA 🌳 Best outdoor adventure: Cottesloe Beach, WA ☀️ Best for a hot day: NGV, VIC NSW | VIC | SA | QLD | WA | ACT | TAS | NT 🌊 The best things to do in Australia🎢 The coolest things to do with kids⭐️ The best tourist attractions in Australia

I didn’t need a retreat. I’m healthier and happier than I’ve ever been in my life, in a job I love and a city I adore. But when an email landed in my inbox inviting me to join a seven-day surf retreat in Bali, I did everything I could to make it happen. Retreats are often seen as an emergency measure when life gets hard, but there’s something next-level transformative about spending a week looking after yourself when you’re already feeling your best. To spend your days floating from yoga class to surf lesson to spa treatment, in a peaceful headspace and a setting designed to restore, was a transcendent blessing – and I’ve vowed to myself that when life does deal me an inevitable blow, I’m heading straight back here to heal. Photograph: Winnie Stubbs | Time Out Asia | shot on FujiFilm An introduction to Goddess Retreats Founded way back in 2003, Goddess Retreats is an award-winning women’s-only oasis offering boutique, individually crafted retreats – seven-day escapes that pair indulgent accommodation with holistic healing. With various retreat frameworks available – from Pilates retreats to slower-paced healing retreats featuring daily sessions with spiritual and somatic healers – the bespoke itineraries combine personal growth with cultural immersion, next-level spa treatments, wholesome (and delicious) food, and a lot of laughter.“I wanted to create a space where you could do work and have it be meaningful without it being too prescriptive or aggressive,” explains Goddess

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

The throughline between the city and the Eastern Suburbs is on track for some fresh energy. And starting this spring, Taylor Square will host two new weekly markets designed to lure back foot traffic and inject some buzz into one of Sydney’s most iconic (and recently struggling) strips.RECOMMENDED READ: These are the best markets in SydneyFrom October 31, you’ll be able to head down to Oxford Street on Friday nights (from 5pm until 10pm) for a lively mix of food stalls, retail vendors and a shared licensed area with the Oxford Hotel – meaning you can enjoy a street food-style feed from a market stall and a glass of wine to match, all in the same spot. Then, beginning Saturday, November 8, the focus will shift to fresh produce – with a Saturday morning farmers’ market running from 8am until 2pm every week. The new weekly events will be operated by Organic Food Markets – the crew already behind the beloved Marrickville and Kings Cross markets – and mark a deliberate step in the City of Sydney’s long-term push to revive Oxford Street.Once the beating heart of queer nightlife in the Harbour City, the high street has seen more than its fair share of empty shopfronts and shuttered venues in recent years – largely as a result of the (now reversed) lockout laws. Thankfully, there are signs of a turning tide – with the opening of Qtopia queer museum, the soon-to-arrive Oxford and Foley development (the huge development mentioned above) and the launch of the multi-venue 25 Hours Hotel

As one of Australia’s most exclusive holiday destinations, welcoming a maximum of 400 guests at any one time, there are plenty of hyper high-end places to stay on Lord Howe Island. Capella Lodge, the multi-award-winning boutique stay beneath the majestic shadow of the mountains, is a case in point – a hotel to firmly add to your dream honeymoon hit list. And while luxury hotels have their place, often the most magical holiday memories are made in the moments of play and rest that come with having your own space: a private pocket of paradise where you can take your days at your own pace. Earl’s Anchorage – a collection of architecturally designed cabins and bungalows hiding between the trees on the north side of the island – offers exactly that. Set within the palm trees, a 15-minute walk from town, each self-catered apartment is home to a fully equipped kitchen and outdoor barbecue for your communal cook-ups, with large indoor and outdoor tables and vast, sun-soaked decks where you can sprawl out in the morning with a pot of coffee as the forest wakes up around you.RECOMMENDED READ: Here’s our ultimate guide to Lord Howe Island What is Earl’s Anchorage like? The Earl’s Anchorage team describe the accommodation as “a nautical village”, and that’s a pretty accurate description. Just 700 metres from one of the island’s most famous beaches (Ned’s Beach), the six-acre property is home to eight freestanding, somewhat ship-shaped bungalows, linked by a wooden boardwalk that meanders

✍️ Time Out Sydney never writes starred restaurant and bar reviews from hosted experiences – Time Out covers restaurant and bar bills, and anonymously reviews, so that readers can trust our critique. Find out more, here.  My most discerning friend once said to me: as long as Dave and Carla run Freda’s, Sydney will be cool. The genre-defying institution that’s shaped the city’s music scene for more than a decade has lived many lives – morphing confidently from divinely dingy nightclub to Euro-style café/bar without a stutter. Now, Freda’s 3.0 occupies an intimate two-level venue in the Inner City suburb of Chippendale, and while it lacks the underground charm of its original site, and the centre-of-the-universe appeal of its street-facing Darlinghurst outpost, Bar Freda’s still hits. When I think back on my top-tier Sydney memories, from chic midweek dinners to 4am dance sessions, Freda’s has been behind a lot of them – and the latest iteration feels like a natural evolution for the ever-playful brand. The vibe If your only experiences of Freda’s unfolded at the original Chippendale venue – watching a local band light up the stage beneath the glowing LED love heart, or dancing to techno at 2am on a Saturday – the new version might surprise you. As its owners have grown up, so has Freda’s – with the brand taking its first big step into adulthood in 2020 with the launch of Café Freda’s. Here, though supporting and elevating local artists was still core to the ethos, the offering

If there’s one venue that really knows how to nail a Sydney sunset, it’s Watsons Bay Hotel. Perched on the edge of the harbour with the kind of postcard-perfect views that make you fall in love with the city all over again, the historic hotel has been serving up good times by the water since 1937, and it’s just unveiled a $3 million transformation of its Top and Mid Decks. Before we get into the renovations, it’s worth covering WBH’s core offering: casual alfresco fun with five-star Sydney views. Often dismissed by locals as something of a tourist trap, there’s a reason why this multi-level institution is on every visitor’s bucket list. There are very few places where you can watch the sun set over a world-famous harbour with a glass of Veuve in one hand, and a stacked beef burger in the other. Under the stewardship of the same Sydney family (the Laundys) for more than a decade, the team has perfected the art of harbourside fun: good drinks, good food and an easy, summery atmosphere. The renovation has levelled up the offering – adding more weatherproof dining space for those occasional days when the Sydney skies open, and cementing the venue as one of Sydney’s best event spaces. RECOMMENDED READ: Here's our review of Watsons Bay's beach house-style hotel rooms The revamp – led by Danielle and Shane Richardson of Laundy Hotels and the design wizards at Etic Design – has breathed fresh life into one of the most overlooked corners of the building. The Top Deck, now home to a w

Golden hour is a uniquely magical time in Sydney, when the sun begins to drop below the mountains and casts a honey golden glow across the city. And while golden hour is beautiful anywhere in the city, Barangaroo – Sydney’s buzzy west-facing waterside precinct – offers one of the best. After a successful launch event back in autumn, Barangaroo is bringing its Aperol-fuelled Golden Hour series back – and this time, the deals run all day long.   Throughout the month of November, one of Sydney’s prime sunset spots will be upping the ante with its golden hour offering; with live entertainment, affordable foodie offerings and ice-cold goblets of (appropriately golden) Aperol Spritz.Brought to life by the Bars of Barangaroo District, in partnership with everyone’s favourite orange aperitif, Golden Hours Barangaroo is a month-long event series designed to get people outside and enjoying springtime’s golden light.Throughout the duration of the event, 25 venues across Barangaroo will be serving up two Aperols for $30 (that’s $15 per drink), with excellent food offerings across the precinct and a varied line-up of live entertainment. Inspired by the Italian ritual of aperitivo, Barangaroo favourites including Gina, Zushi, Love.fish, Barangaroo House and Crown Sydney's Woodcut will be offering early evening treats to complement your Spritz.Plus, on Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays throughout the event, we can expect DJ sets from local tastemakers and roaming entertainment inclu

Looking to start building your art collection without going bankrupt? We’ve got you. The Affordable Art Fair is on right now in Sydney for its fourth year – this time taking over the cavernous halls of Carriageworks and marking the start of the progressive arts precinct’s Summer Program. From now until Sunday, November 9 2025, more than 65 galleries – representing hundreds of local and international artists – will gather under one roof for four days of creative inspiration. Whether you’re a first-time buyer or a dedicated collector, you’re pretty much guaranteed to find something to fall in love with, with original works priced between $100 and $10,000. At the new Carriageworks location, expect an upgraded layout, more space to browse, and refreshed dining options – plus plenty of spots to linger, swirl a glass of Bird in Hand pinot like a seasoned critic. The 2025 line-up is packed with newcomers and fan favourites. Sydney’s N Smith Gallery joins the Fair for the first time, bringing works by Claire Healy and Sean Cordeiro, Sally Scales, Louise Zhang and more. Paddington’s Art2Muse Gallery, Pyrmont’s Audrey Fine Art, and Woolloomooloo’s Frances Keevil Gallery will also make their hometown debuts. From further afield, Tyger Gallery (Yass) and Corner Store Gallery (Orange) will be showing colourful, textural pieces. Returning exhibitors include Woollahra’s Project Gallery, Day Gallery from the Blue Mountains, and the ever-eclectic Jumbled from Orange. Also back are the crowd-p

Just when we thought it wasn't possible for the Mornington Peninsula to further cement itself as a renowned wellness destination, a brand new bathhouse has opened – and it's got everything you need for a soothing self-care sesh.  Pond Bathhouse is housed in a building that’s thought to be one of the first constructed in the Mornington area – a heritage-listed former vicarage dating back to 1863. Lovingly restored to maintain and celebrate the heritage of the building, the calming, plant-shrouded space features a stunning glass roof, elegant brass fixtures and a luxe relaxation room flooded with natural light.  Between vintage wooden beams and soft, earthy-toned seating spaces, you’ll find a magnesium bath, ice plunges, infrared and traditional saunas, and a spacious steam room. Bathhouse sessions start at $75.95, and give you access to the space for a dreamy two hours. With a focus on slow self care, it has a limited capacity of 16 people per session, so you can take things at your own pace without feeling overwhelmed by other guests. If you’re keen to elevate your wellness, you can book a treatment with one of the talented on-site therapists – with relaxation or deep tissue massages available to book pre- or post-soak.  Pond Bathhouse is the brainchild of local GP Dr Sally Shaw, who established the beloved tourism attraction Enchanted Adventure in Arthurs Seat, and operated it alongside her medical clinics for 25 years. Now, Dr Shaw is combining both of her professional p

If you’ve ever wished your luxury getaway could come with a side of community impact, this one’s for you. The Bungalows at Coogee, a new high-end accommodation offering from impact-driven development company The Yellow House Group, has officially opened its doors – offering feel-good stays in one of Sydney’s most beloved beachside suburbs. Just 150 steps from the sand (yep, we’ve counted), The Bungalows is a collection of six beautifully finished apartments and one private beach house, each meticulously styled with designer furniture, original Aussie artworks, and the kind of premium features that your average Airbnb might miss. Outdoors, you’ll find a palm-shrouded private garden crafted by the landscape legends at Wyer & Co, complete with Moroccan-style outdoor shower.RELATED READ: These are the best hotels in SydneyFully self-catered, The Bungalows offer a high-end Eastern Suburbs stay without the pretense – the kind of place where you can rinse off the salt in a freestanding tub, pour yourself a glass of something chilled, and still feel part of the local rhythm outside the door. And while the design and location would be reason enough to add The Bungalows to your Sydney staycation hit list, it’s the ethos that really sets this place apart. Every cent of profit made goes straight back into the Coogee community, supporting local charities and projects that help the area thrive. It’s a model The Yellow House Group has already proven works, following the success of their sis

Sydney has no shortage of sexy, low-lit restaurants – paired back venues following a tried-and-tested minimalist aesthetic. But if you’re looking for something different – a light-flooded, maximalist space where the food is just as exceptional (and entirely gluten-free) – we’ve got just the ticket. Housed in a glass-fronted, plant-shrouded building on Sydney’s South Head peninsula, The Botanica Vaucluse opened its doors back in 2018, serving modern-Australian dishes in an ultra-femme, pink-hued setting flanked by award-winning gardens. This spring, the Insta-famous venue has announced a new direction – with co-head chefs from some of Sydney’s top kitchens (Quay and Bentley) curating a refreshed seasonal menu that’s entirely gluten-free.  Certified coeliac-friendly, the menu is an evolution of the venue’s signature style – with organic, locally sourced produce and playful techniques (decorative canapés arrive in curious wooden boxes, and sauces are served at your table with a masterful flourish).   When we visited for a sun-soaked springtime lunch, our hero dishes included the whipped tarama canapé (served on a rectangle of fried potato and crowned with trout roe), the creamy stracciatella with charred greens and leek oil, a divine serving of dry-aged duck crowned in a halo of blueberry and black tea sauce, and the wood-fired focaccia so fluffy it could easily convince any die-hard gluten-advocate.  While the venue has always focused on offering gluten-free menus, this evoluti

Sydney’s dance scene isn’t one homogenous entity. There are the weekly clubbers – those who spend their Saturday nights in sleek, sexy inner-city haunts like Sussudio and Carousel – and there are the warehouse ravers, whose weekend invites are likely to contain the words “secret Inner West location”. If there’s one event that unites them all, it’s Summer Dance: an annual event series that brings some of the biggest names in electronic music to a sun-soaked Sydney location.Presented by Astral People – one of Australia’s key culture-shaping music companies – the series has become a staple in Sydney/ Gadigal’s cultural calendar; a place where international tastemakers and homegrown faves meet under the same pulsing bassline, fuelled by big summer energy.In excellent news for the city’s dance fans, Summer Dance is back for 2025. Launching on November 29 at Liberty Hall, the beloved day-to-night party is set to transform the venue’s courtyard into an open-air celebration of sound, community and summer heat, before the energy moves indoors for 'After Dark'. Based on what we know so far, this year’s opening lineup sets the bar sky-high. First up, Eora’s own Club Angel will be leading the charge with a high-octane mix of UK speed garage, jungle and anthemic bass. Joining him is Naarm-based Crÿbaby, whose genre-bending sets splice Global Club, Dembow and Hard Dance into something irresistibly fun. Rounding out the daytime line-up is Bryson Hill, the Gadigal-born, London-honed DJ whose

Melbourne commuters, it's almost time! It’s been a lot of digging, training and a fair bit of disruption in the making, but an official launch date has been announced for the brand new Metro Tunnel. And we can't wait to check it out – 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 for the past few weeks (initially we were told it would open in earl

The day I went swimming with sharks, I woke up with a mozzie bite on my eye and was 80 per cent convinced it would lead to sudden death. All that’s to say: I’m not a good judge of risk, so it’s surprising how willingly I jumped off a boat into shark-infested waters. As a Sydney resident with an obsession with the ocean, I have a relatively healthy caution of the large, sea-dwelling creatures that kill an average of three people a year off the coast of Australia. I’ve been known to refuse to surf if I deem the beach to look “sharky” (call it a sixth sense, if you will), and recently, on a weekend away at a beautiful coastal village on the outskirts of Sydney, I stood for a good five minutes, shaking and silent on the shores of Bundeena Creek as I watched a single fin whip and curve through the water I had been planning on jumping into (unsurprisingly, that morning swim was cancelled). So as a certified shark-fearing wimp, hear it from me: if you’re ever lucky enough to visit Lord Howe Island, please, please, please jump off a boat* and let the local Galapagos sharks cast their spell. *Only when it’s safe to do so, only if you know how to swim, etc. First up, I should explain a little about the types of shark with which we were sharing the water. Curious, slow-moving and (crucially) non-human-eating, Galapagos sharks are a gentle breed of reef shark found in tropical and subtropical seas around the world. The Marine Park surrounding Lord Howe – with its balance of deep, open wa

Earlier this year, the NSW Government confirmed that they’d be converting the ghost platforms along Sydney’s Eastern Suburbs line into an operational train station, and would be building 10,000 new homes in the area. Despite some pushback, the first steps toward Woollahra Station – the city’s first new train station in more than a decade – are officially underway. Today (Monday, November 17), infrastructure teams have begun early investigation work around the future station site, mapping out ground conditions, locating underground utilities and poking around the rail corridor to inform the final concept design. Locals around Edgecliff Road, Wallaroy Road and Weeroona Avenue have already found the heads-up in their letterboxes, as workers begin daytime shifts and two nights of activity between November 17 and 28. According to Transport for NSW, this first phase of work won’t impact commute times along the existing line.  Photograph: Supplied | NSW Government For context, the project won’t involve the creation of a whole new station – it will be a finalisation of the half-built foundations laid (and then abandoned) in the 1970s. The adjoining rezoning project will see the creation of thousands of affordable homes close to the CBD, a housing project that Planning Minister Paul Scully promises is “helping progress the rebalancing of housing growth.” According to the NSW Government, the project is a strategic reboot for a suburb, which has been growing backwards over the past fe

On my way into work this morning, a tradie stopped me, pointed to a Lime bike on the street corner, and asked, “Do you know how to work these things?” My new friend is one of hundreds of Sydneysiders switching to the Lime-powered lifestyle, and the electric bike brand is showing no signs of slowing down.This week, the world’s biggest shared e-vehicle company has officially clocked 1 billion rides worldwide. To celebrate, the company has chosen Sydney as the first in the Southern Hemisphere to roll out its next-generation LimeBike.The new wheels are now dotted around the city beside the older vessels: smaller, sturdier tyres; a low-step frame; ergonomic hand grips designed for long, lazy rides; and a portrait-oriented phone holder that solves the balancing-Google-Maps-on-your-thigh dilemma. The new bikes also feature upgraded onboard tech for sharper location accuracy (including parking zone navigation), new easy-to-unlock helmets, and a modular, repair-friendly design, making them more sustainable and user-friendly. Photograph: Winnie Stubbs | Time Out Sydney But the upgrade isn’t just physical. If you’re a committed rider, the new LimePrime subscription means cheaper, simpler trips: $2.75 for rides up to 20 minutes, $1.50 for sub-five-minute scoots, and discounted per-minute rates when you’re going the distance – all for a flat $4.99 a month with unlimited free unlocks.At the launch of the new bikes, Lime’s Asia Pacific lead Will Peters explained that the aim is to introdu

It’s been a big year for Singapore on the world stage, with the city state ranking as Asia’s most friendly city, and the best country in Asia for work-life balance. While we wait for Time Out’s guide to the best cities in the world for 2026, we’re happy to take Resonance Consulting’s World’s Best Cities list – regarded as “the most comprehensive study of its kind” – as gospel. This year, two Asian cities made the top 10 – with Singapore ranking as the sixth best in the world.To rank the World’s Best Cities for 2026, Resonance analysed data from more than 400 cities across three key themes: livability, lovability and prosperity. London hung onto its crown as the world’s best city for yet another year, and a total of six Asian cities cracked the top 20.Slipping one place from its position as fifth on the list last year, Singapore continues to prove that sustainability and style can go hand in hand. Topping the world on Resonance’s scale for Standard of Living, Singapore’s pushing forward on every front – from the reinvention of Orchard Road as a next-generation retail and lifestyle hub to the colossal Great Southern Waterfront project reshaping the coastline. Marina Bay Sands’ fourth tower is on the horizon, the Park Connector Network now spans more than 230 miles, and Tuas Mega Port is fast becoming a global logistics marvel. On the culture front, things are buzzing: QT Singapore is shaking up the nightlife scene, AIR CCCC is redefining eco-conscious dining, and new museum exp

Hiking up a mountain then falling asleep under the stars is one of the very best uses of a summer weekend in Victoria. If you’re keen to do just that, but not sure where to start, we’ve got you. The good people at AllTrails have teamed up with the camping lords at Hipcamp to pull together the ultimate list of Victoria’s best hike and camp combos. Smalls Lane to Black Range Track (Cheshunt) Deep in the King Valley, this quiet trail winds from Smalls Lane into the forested folds of the Black Range. It’s a moderately challenging walk with steady inclines, gravel paths and the kind of eucalyptus-scented air that makes you forget about phone reception. Expect sweeping views of farmland and bushland at the top, plus the odd kangaroo darting across the track.Nearby campsite: Riverside King Valley Mount Beckworth Summit and Manna Gums Walk (Mount Beckworth Scenic Reserve) A gentle loop that combines open woodland and rocky outcrops, this scenic reserve near Clunes offers a taste of Central Victoria’s understated beauty. The 4.5-kilometre trail climbs to the summit of Mount Beckworth, rewarding hikers with panoramic views across farmland and goldfields country. Keep an eye out for the twisted forms of ancient manna gums along the way – they’re the stars of the show. Nearby campsite: Rodborough Vale Ovens River Trail (Myrtleford) Running alongside the sparkling Ovens River, this easy, mostly flat track makes for a peaceful stroll right through the heart of Myrtleford. The 5.6-kilometre

With silly season fast approaching, earmarking a weekend or two for some nature therapy is kind of essential, and the best kinds of nature reset tends to involve a beautiful hike and a magical campsite under the stars. If you’re keen for a weekend in the open air but don’t know where to start, we’re here to help. We spoke with the good people from AllTrails and Hipcamp to get their pick of the best walks in NSW within easy striking distance of a campsite. Esgate Pass to Lookout Walk (Ngula Bulgarabang Regional Park) A short, sweet wander through soaring eucalypts and sandstone escarpments, the Esgate Pass Walk serves up classic Blue Mountains views without demanding too much sweat equity. Up for a challenge? The nearby Esgate Pass bush bash is a far more hairy adventure for the hardcore hikers only. Nearby campsite: Megalong Valley Farm  Unicorn Falls Walking Track (Mount Jerusalem National Park) This gentle trail ambles through lush subtropical forest before delivering you to Unicorn Falls – a dreamy cascade tumbling into a deep, emerald pool framed by mossy rock. As the name would suggest, this is the kind of walk where every turn feels enchanted, and the reward at the end more than justifies the muddy ankles.Nearby campsite: Misty Mountain Kunghur Horseshoe Falls, Oakland Falls and Burgess Falls Track (Horseshoe Falls Reserve) A greatest-hits loop of three cascading beauties, this track threads through dense rainforest and damp, ferny gullies, with each waterfall offering

Aspiring students and La Trobe alum, this one’s for you. On the northern edge of Melbourne, La Trobe’s Bundoora campus has been earmarked for a huge $5 billion transformation. Over the next three decades, the 255-hectare site is set to transform into a full-blown city – complete with housing for 15,000 residents, a buzzing city centre and facilities for 40,000 students.Unveiled on November 12, the ‘La Trobe University City masterplan’ is a 30-year vision that will reshape the campus into a huge community hub and four interconnected neighbourhoods – each with its own character and purpose. The North Village will focus on residential living, connecting with nearby communities in Polaris and Springthorpe. Near Macleod Station, East Village will mix student accommodation with retail and lifestyle spaces. South Village will become the beating heart of research and innovation, expanding opportunities for partnerships between academia and industry, while the City Centre will grow westward from the current campus core – with new commercial, retail and academic precincts.The plan includes housing for 15,000 residents – with 15 per cent dedicated to affordable housing – alongside a strong focus on community, sustainability and wellbeing. According to La Trobe, we can expect world-class sports facilities, a regenerative green corridor spanning more than one million square metres, and an active transport network linking pedestrians, cyclists and (eventually) a Suburban Rail Loop station.

It’s been a big year for Asian cities on the world stage, with cities across the continent recognised for world-class hotels, prosperous business hubs and high standards of living. While we wait for Time Out’s guide to the best cities in the world for 2026, we’re happy to take Resonance Consulting’s World’s Best Cities list – regarded as “the most comprehensive study of its kind” – as gospel. This year, two Asian cities made the top 10 – with Tokyo ranking at number four, and Singapore slipping one place from last year, ranking as the sixth best in the world.To rank the World’s Best Cities for 2026, Resonance analysed data from more than 400 cities across three key themes: livability, lovability and prosperity. London hung onto its crown as the world’s best city for yet another year, and a total of six Asian cities cracked the top 20.The first Asian city to make the list was Tokyo, which held onto its 2025 position in fourth place on the list. The Japanese capital continues to balance its meticulous order with bursts of bold experimentation, blending tradition, technology and human-scale charm in equal measure. According to Resonance, 2025 saw record-breaking tourism (helped along by a weak yen), prompting a wave of citywide upgrades – from autonomous robotaxis cruising through Odaiba to ongoing airport expansions and the new Haneda Access Line promising a 20-minute city connection. Meanwhile, the transformation of the Tokyo Expressway into the lush, elevated Tokyo Sky Corrid

If your summer plans in Melbourne don’t yet include a rooftop pool, consider this your official invitation. This silly season, Vibe Hotel Docklands is opening up its level seven oasis to the public for just $25 per adult, per day. Suddenly, an elevated city escape complete with cocktails, sunbeds and sweeping views across the Yarra River feels pretty achievable. RELATED READ: These are the best rooftop bars in Melbourne Sitting pretty above Docklands Drive, Vibe’s sun-soaked terrace is home to a 25-metre heated pool and an adjoining spa if you’d rather enjoy your aquatic activities sitting down. Poolside dining is available straight to your sunbed, and the menu hits all the right notes for sky-high summer snacking: crispy calamari, Wagyu smash burgers and hot chippies washed down with a zesty Margarita or an ice-cold schooner. Photograph: Supplied RELATED READ: These are the best beaches in MelbourneDesigned to help Melburnians make the most of their summer, the hotel’s pool is opening up to the public bright and early – welcoming guests from 6am for a sunrise swim and shutting up shop at 9pm every evening. The poolside menu is available from 11am until 8pm, so whether you’re heading up for a lazy lunch or a sunset Spritz, you’re covered. Adult passes cost $25 per person, and kids under 16 can join in the fun for just $15. Keen? You can book over here. Stay in the loop: sign up for our free Time Out Melbourne newsletter for the best of the city, straight to your inbox. RECO

Melbourne has earned a good few awards this year, landing as the fourth most livable city in the world, the second best city in the world for Gen Z, the happiest city in Australia and claiming fourth place on Time Out’s World’s 50 Best Cities for 2025. While our 2026 ranking isn’t out yet, we’re happy to take Resonance Consulting’s World’s Best Cities list – regarded as “the most comprehensive study of its kind” – as gospel for now. Four Aussie cities feature in the top 100 for 2026, with Melbourne sitting pretty as Australia’s second-highest city.  To rank the World’s Best Cities for 2026, Resonance analysed data from more than 400 cities across three key themes: liveability, lovability and prosperity. London hung onto its crown as the world’s best city for yet another year, while Sydney held its title as Australia’s top city, coming 11th globally.According to the report, Melbourne was Australia’s second-best city, climbing from 25th in 2025 to 21st in 2026. The city's growing metro network helped in achieving the boost, along with our world-class universities. Melbourne’s sizzling arts and events scene also earned praise, including sporting spectacles like the Australian Open and Formula 1 Grand Prix. Plus, the Victorian capital is home to world-class restaurants and beautiful green spaces, with stunning parks and beaches right on our doorstep.  Photograph: Supplied | Visit Victoria The NSW capital may have slipped out of the top ten, but 11th place is still an impressive

It’s been a rough few months for commuters along Sydney’s Bankstown line. But after closing its gates back in October 2024, Bankstown Station is almost ready to re-open, with high-speed testing between Sydenham and Bankstown now officially underway.For some background context – the Bankstown to Sydenham train line conversion was initially estimated to take just over 12 months, with the opening date slated for late 2025. After what Transport for NSW described as a “complex and difficult project” (with industrial action impacting the timeline), it was confirmed that the Sydenham to Bankstown metro extension won’t be open until 2026, with the station entering “the final straight to completion” back in July. This week, Transport for NSW has announced another milestone – with high-speed testing kicking off along the 13.5 kilometre line.After months of slow-speed trials along the extended line, metro trains are now hitting up to 100 kilometres per hour as the project accelerates toward its grand opening next year. Over the coming months, the trains will rack up a huge 9,000 hours and 30,000 kilometres of testing before passengers are welcomed aboard. Behind the scenes, the transformation of the 130-year-old rail corridor is nearly complete, with station works at all 11 stations  now 75 per cent finished.  Photograph: Supplied | Transport for NSW   Once open, the Southwest Metro will extend the existing M1 line at Sydenham, creating a 66-kilometre route from Tallawong in the nort