The best things to do in Sydney this January

Just as the warmer days have started setting in, Sydney Harbour has welcomed a glorious new addition – in the form of a free-to-access swimming pool in the heart of the city. Pool by Pier Bar is bringing beach club energy to the Harbour City – with guests at Pier One’s airy indoor-outdoor venue invited to cool off in a pop-up harbourside swimming pool. Running until Friday, January 31, the pop-up swimming pool is transforming the sun-soaked corner of harbourside into an adult playground. Order drinks and summery snacks – like Pier Bar’s signature Margaritas and golden bowls of calamari and soft shell crab – and settle in for a perfectly-fuelled afternoon spent in and out of the water. The pool is netted, so you don’t need to worry about any unwanted friends, and there are towels available to hire at $10 a pop if you don’t want to carry a damp towel home.  Group numbers are capped at 25, but if you want to gather a group of 24 for a day of drinks by the harbour – go forth. The view of the sunset from Pier Bar – dropping behind Walsh Bay and bathing the pier in buttery light – is one of the best in Sydney, so it’s worth staying all day. Access to the pool is free, but a minimum spend of $75 per person applies for groups of ten people and more. Keen? You can book over here.   Stay in the loop: sign up for our free Time Out Sydney newsletter for more news, straight to your inbox. RECOMMENDED:  Want more fun? Here’s what’s on in Sydney this weekend. And these are our favourite...

Descend down the escalators in the Art Gallery of NSW’s ultra-chic modern north building, and you’ll see an enormous octopus perched above the entrance to one of the most anticipated exhibitions of the Sydney summer – step inside a futuristic cyber cityscape with Cao Fei: My City is Yours. An unfurling of purple tentacles beckons you to step into the multidimensional world of this influential Chinese contemporary artist, and become totally immersed in playful and inventive multimedia installations. Cao Fei (pronounced ‘tsow fay’) encourages you to jump into an inviting pit of foam cubes, walk through installations embedded with found objects, perch on a yoga chair to watch a short doco, lay down to watch another video projected onto the ceiling, sit in an original 1960s cinema chair from Beijing to watch a sci-fi film, and even strap in for a VR experience.  The exhibition offers a unique blend of virtual worlds and cutting-edge technology, as well as tributes to fallen city haunts both here and abroad. But for many Sydneysiders, the most remarkable sight will perhaps be the pitch-perfect recreation of the Marigold, the much-loved yum cha institution from Sydney’s Chinatown, which sadly closed for good in December 2021. Inspired by the restaurant’s 1990s Canto-decor, original furnishings have been salvaged for this uncanny installation – including the chandeliers and light fixtures, tables and chairs, regal red carpeting, and gold signage. All of this is juxtaposed by some...

Well, that rabble rouser Jesus Christ is at it again. Stirring up the people of Judea, angering Caiaphas and the Pharisees, encouraging a revolt against the occupying Roman government – although Governor Pontius Pilate doesn’t seem particularly fussed. Still, even among his own followers there’s dissent in the ranks – his bestie, Judas, seems particularly ticked off. Jesus better watch his sandaled step – and hey, that’s an awfully big Cross taking up a lot of real estate on the stage? I have to assume you’re familiar to at least some degree with the general drift of Jesus Christ Superstar; after all, Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice’s rock opera is based on one of the most popular books ever published, the Bible – or at least, parts of the New Testament. First staged on Broadway in 1971 (although it was a concept album first, the composers having had trouble finding anyone who would stump up cash for an arguably-blasphemous take on the story of Christ) it was the longest-running West End production of all time until Webber’s own Cats outpaced it in 1989.  It is a spectacular interpretation... passionate, creative, and immensely impressive Now, of course, it’s a classic of the stage, with revivals occurring regularly. Here in Australia, we’ve had Jon English as Judas (1972), John Farnham as Jesus (1992), and even rock ‘n’ roll nerd Tim Minchin as the former in the 2012 Arena Tour (technically not an Aussie production, but Minchin certainly is). Indeed, it was the...

UPDATE, DECEMBER 9: Clearly, we can't get enough of this ridicoulously funny show! Titanique has just announced that this Sydney-exclusive season has been extended all the way through summer, until March 30. Prepare to board! Read on for our critic's five-star review:  Ah, the Titanic. An unsinkable cultural icon, the “Ship of Dreams” has appeared in almost as many movies and stage productions as the songs of Canada’s queen of the power ballad, Céline Dion. It’s even got a two-and-a-half-hour (surprisingly serious) movie musical adaptation based on Maury Yeston’s Titanic: the Musical. Although, none can hold a candle to the cultural impact of James Cameron’s 1997 blockbuster – you know, the one with Kate Winslet and Leonardo DiCaprio. So, with nostalgia being such hot property right now, it was only a matter of time before we got the camp-as-hell musical fantasia-made-for-and-by-the-gays that is Titanique. Created by Marla Mindelle (who originated the role of Céline Dion – well, as imagined in this show), Constantine Rousouli (who originated the role of Jack) and director Tye Blue (whose countless industry credits include working on the casting team of RuPaul’s Drag Race), Titanique is revisionist history at its best. Loaded with Céline Dion’s greatest bangers, it casts Queen Dion herself (played so wonderfully by cabaret legend Marney McQueen here in Aus) as the narrator of the tragic tale, who continuously places herself at the center of the action – quite literally –...

The Australian Museum’s blockbuster summer exhibition, Machu Picchu and the Golden Empires of Peru, is landing in Sydney with one of the most impressive gold collections to ever tour the globe.  Open from November 23, this blockbuster exhibition will take you back in time with over 130 artefacts showcasing the daily lives, spiritual practices and extraordinary achievements of societies in ancient Peru. In addition to the stunning gold collection, you’ll find other priceless treasures on display, including exquisite jewellery and funerary objects unearthed in royal tombs. The exhibition explores civilisations that predate the Incas, including indigenous groups who lived in the Andes mountains and the desert coastal strip of Peru as far back as 10,000 BCE. The exhibition dives into their rich history, including their fascination with natural life cycles, birth and death. (Our team dived deeper over here, and in the video below.) View this post on Instagram A post shared by Time Out Sydney (@timeoutsydney) Upgrade your visit with a thrilling VR experience that takes you on an expedition to the Incan city of Machu Picchu for an add-on fee. Using cutting-edge technology, you’ll explore this UNESCO World Heritage site from the comfort of 360-degree motion chairs, immersing yourself in the sights, sounds and sensations of this mysterious city in the sky—all without leaving Sydney. If you want to delve deeper, an exciting series of expert-led talks and...

There’s something so intriguing about exploring the depths of the ocean, because we don't get many chances to check out what's down there. If you’re not a diver but you’ve always wanted to see what happens underneath the ripples of the water's surface, check out this ocean photography exhibition that's returning to the Australian National Maritime Museum.From November 28, the Ocean Photographer of the Year 2024 exhibition will feature all of the winners and finalists of the prestigious prize, which is led by the London-based Oceanographic Magazine.  The exhibition will display 118 of the most awe-inspiring wildlife shots ever snapped, immersing you in the otherworldly magic of the ocean and bringing you face-to-face with some of the sea's most majestic creatures. Particular highlights will no doubt be getting your peepers on the winning image from photographer Rafael Fernández Caballero. His incredible photo of a Bryde whale feeding on a heart-shaped baitball was taken in Baja California Sur, Mexico during the Mexican sardine run. The stunning shot was chosen from more than 15,000 images by a panel of expert judges.  There are plenty of other award-winning photos on display across 10 categories, including the Ocean Wildlife Photographer of the Year, Ocean Adventure Photographer of the Year and the Ocean Fine Art Photographer of the Year.   Tickets are on sale now with discounts available for concessions and children and family passes on offer. All tickets include access to...

Film director James Cameron is best known for his blockbusters Titanic and Avatar, but did you know he’s also an avid deep-sea explorer? Not only has he completed 72 deep dives in submersibles (specialised vessels designed for underwater travel) but he’s also led eight major expeditions. His most recent was a record-breaking dive to the bottom of the ocean in the Deepsea Challenger, the submersible he co-designed and co-engineered.  The deep sea is one of the least explored parts of the Earth, so the Australian National Maritime Museum, in collaboration with the Avatar Alliance Foundation, has developed an immersive exhibition to showcase his history-making expeditions.  Experience moments from Cameron’s greatest underwater adventures through large cinema-scale projections, artefacts and specimens from his expeditions. There’ll also be hand props and costumes from the 1997 film Titanic on show, including the Heart of the Ocean diamond, plus underwater recording, lighting and communication tech from Cameron’s 1988 film The Abyss.  James Cameron - Challenging the Deep is on now until February 2, 2025. Tickets are on sale now with discounts available for concessions and children and family passes on offer. All tickets include access to all of the museum’s other exhibitions. Grab yours over here. 

It was always inevitable that Hamilton would make its way Down Under. It’s been almost three years since Lin-Manuel Miranda’s game-changing musical made its five-star Sydney debut in March 2021, and was met with overwhelming audience and critical acclaim. Remarkably, this was also the first production of the Broadway mega-hit to open anywhere in the world, following global pandemic lockdowns. A roaring success, the show went on to tour to Melbourne, Brisbane, New Zealand, and across Asia. Now, Hamilton’s back for round two. The Sydney Lyric Theatre’s exclusive return season reuniting some of the original Australasian cast with mind-boggling new talents, some of whom are making their professional theatre debut (not that you’d even guess).  So, in the year 2024, does the pop-culture hype around Hamilton maintain its heat? And can the live production withstand the test of time, especially when you can stream the original Broadway cast recording on Disney+ for $13.99? The simple answer to both questions is: yes. Although, anyone who is unfamiliar with the Hamilton lore might benefit from reading up on it beforehand (we’ve explained it briefly over here). For Australian audiences, the draw of Hamilton is not really the plot, which holds many contradictions (even Miranda himself admits to that). But if you know anything about the show, you know that the true ingenuity (aside from the game-changing race-reverse casting) lies in Miranda’s magical, genre-defying score – and by...

Head across the hallway to your besties’ apartment and get ready to giggle – everyone’s favourite '90s sitcom is setting up shop at The Fullerton Hotel, and you can get involved. The Friends Experience is taking over level one of the CBD hotel from Thursday, September 26 – so you and your friends will soon be able to relive unforgettable moments from the show, for the ‘gram or just for the mems.  More than 25 years after it first graced our TV screens back in 1994, it’s safe to say Friends is still one of the most beloved shows of all time – it’s certainly our go-to comfort watch. Now, those craving more of the show’s hilarious energy can perk up their days (geddit?) by staging a photoshoot in the show’s iconic coffee house, settling into Chandler and Joey’s ultra-comfortable recliners, or taking a seat on what is perhaps the world’s most recognisable couch.  And of course, you can’t recreate Friends without also striking a pose in Monica’s spotless kitchen and splashing around by the famous fountain from the opening credits.  The Friends Experience has attracted more than a million visitors around the world, and now it's our turn. The 45-minute nostalgic experience will set you back $25 per person, and the interactive sets are suitable for all ages. You can find tickets 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. In the mood for a...

Somebody pop the Champagne, because Sydney’s most stunning outdoor cinema is back by the harbourside. Westpac OpenAir is taking over Mrs Macquaries Point again this summer, with panoramic views of the Sydney Opera House and Sydney Harbour Bridge as its staggering backdrop.  Running over 41 nights from January 9 to February 18, the film program includes the first Australian screenings of A Complete Unknown, starring Timothée Chalamet as a young Bob Dylan; the Nicole Kidman-starring Babygirl; Luca Guadagnino's Queer starring Daniel Craig; and The Count Of Monte Cristo, direct from Cannes Film Festival. Other highlights include We Live in Time starring Florence Pugh and Andrew Garfield; Robbie Williams biopic Better Man; Maria starring Angelina Jolie; Bridget Jones: Mad About The Boy; Gladiator II; Wicked; Elton John: Never Too Late; Nightbitch and Conclave.  Meanwhile, there’s more than iconic views and the latest blockbusters in store. This year’s ‘Festival of Film’ is accompanied by an equally glittering ‘Festival of Food’, with three of Sydney’s best chefs setting up shop at the harbourside cinema. Film fans can fuel up before the credits roll with a bowl of excellent pasta from the pop-up ‘Fabbrica at Chandon Garden’ curated by Scott McComas-Williams, or a selection of Vietnamese fusion sharing plates from ‘Luke Nguyen at The Point’. If you’re looking for a refined full-service affair, then ‘Summer House Dining by Danielle Alvarez’ will be brought to life by Alvarez...