Alice Ellis

A burger is a simple premise, but doing them well is truly a dark art. Do you go with the classic sesame seed or the more gastronomic potato, milk or brioche buns? Do you prefer American cheese, blue or cheddar? How about caramelised onions, pickled or raw? Lettuce and tomato, or cheese and pickles? Is your protein power chicken, fish, beef, or mushroom? And we haven’t even gotten to the question of fries yet.  There are a thousand variations on a burger, but Time Out Sydney's local food writers, including Editor Avril Treasure, have tried all the top buns in town – and these are the best in Sydney. Stay in the loop: sign up for our free Time Out Sydney newsletter for more news, food & drink inspo and activity ideas, straight to your inbox. RECOMMENDED: These are Sydney's best pizza joints. Want more carbs? These are Sydney's best pasta spots.

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

Call us biased, but we think Australia is the most incredible and diverse country on the planet. A sizeable place (you know, continent-sized), it can be overwhelming to decide where to go on your first, fifth or 50th trip – but that's where our expert travel writers come in. From turquoise beaches and ancient rainforests, to flaming red deserts and buzzy metropolitan cities, our Travel & News Editor Melissa Woodley (who has visited every Aussie state and territory) has picked out the top places to visit in Australia right now. First-timers should start with iconic destinations, like the Great Barrier Reef, Uluru and Whitsundays, while seasoned travellers can uncover hidden treasures in the Scenic Rim, Kangaroo Island and Ningaloo Reef. No matter who you are or what you like – be it art, wine, sports or festivals – rest assured, there's something on this list for everyone. Here's your official guide to the best places to visit in Australia. Jump to list:  QLD | NT | WA | NSW | SA | VIC | TAS 🇦🇺 Top tourist attractions in Australia🌈 Australia's most beautiful places🚘 Regional towns worth visiting

The Greek Islands are heaven on earth, and Athens is one of the world’s greatest cities. But if a holiday in the Mediterranean isn’t on the horizon, Sydney’s top Greek restaurants will help fill the dolmade-shaped hole in your heart. Time Out Sydney’s food writers and editors, including Editor Avril Treasure (who has a Big Fat Crush on Milos), have rounded up the best Greek restaurants in town. So, how did we narrow down the list? Well, below you’ll find everything from Sydney stalwart The Apollo (and its much-loved saganaki and slow-roasted lamb shoulder) to an old-school gyros joint where you can smash grilled Greek pita bread jammed with crisp, fatty pork bits. But they all had two things in common: they’re delicious and sing the flavours of Greece. 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. If you're working on a budget try one of the best cheap eats in Sydney.  After Italian? Here's our guide to the tastiest Italian restaurants in Sydney. Keep eating at the absolute best restaurants in Sydney.

Located on a sparkling harbour and fringed by idyllic beaches, Sydney is a true seafood city. We’re home to many cracking waterfront restaurants, and our fish and chips are top-notch. So, where are the best spots for enjoying the ocean’s gifts? Whether it’s a perfect piece of fish with a squeeze of lemon and olive oil at Margaret, Josh Niland’s legendary tuna cheeseburger at Saint Peter’s bar, or a waterfront feast that’s nearly as good as a trip to Italy at Ormeggio at the Spit, we’ve rounded up the best seafood restaurants in Sydney. The only catch? The seafood has got to be fresh-as, bro. Cast your net and dig in. Stay in the loop: sign up for our free Time Out Sydney newsletter for more news, food & drink inspo and activity ideas, straight to your inbox. Want more? Check out our guide to the best Sydney restaurants.

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.

Spring 2025 update: I’m bloody stoked spring is here – and I bet you are too. Other than ocean dips, one of my favourite things to do is eat. And if you’re the same, you’ve come to the right place. From date-night spots to restaurants for special family lunches, you’ll find Sydney’s best below. Here's our list of Time Out's best restaurants in Sydney right now, from hot newcomers to time-honoured institutions, curated by our expert, on-the-ground editors and food writers who eat and drink their way around Sydney, including Time Out Sydney's Editor, Avril Treasure. How did we narrow it down to the very best? When deciding, we considered fun, flavour, creativity, value for money – and 'wow' factor. So yes, of course, you’ll find a fine diner inside the Sydney Opera House here, but you’ll also find neighbourhood pasta, hole-in-the-wall Thai and venues right by the sea. Happy dining, Sydney. Stay in the loop: sign up for our free Time Out Sydney newsletter for more news, food & drink inspo and activity ideas, straight to your inbox. RECOMMENDED READ: Still hungry? Check out our guide to the best cheap eats in Sydney.

There’s no doubt about it, Sydneysiders can’t get enough of Italian food. And who can blame us? There’s something about a bowl of perfectly al dente pasta paired with a luscious, rich ragu that just hits the spot. And while Italian cuisine differs throughout the 20 incredible regions – broadly speaking, the northern regions eat more rice and polenta, while down south they feast more on seafood – Italians share a love of beautiful, seasonal produce; they choose simplicity rather than overcomplicating dishes and cook with soul. No wonder we love it so much. Luckily, there are plenty of excellent options for Italian dining in Sydney. Time Out’s food writers and editors – including Editor Avril Treasure, who has eaten her way through Sicily, Sorrento, Rome and Florence – have picked our favourite eateries, covering all bases. The only catch? They just need to provide a feel-good environment and dishes you’ll want to come back for. From casual red-sauce joints and classic pizzerias to fine-dining restaurants, you’ll find them all here. 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. Not in the mood for pasta? Here are our picks of the best spots for Greek and French food 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.

For decades Newtown has been an evolving creature, where creativity abounds and self-expression is paramount. And yes, while we still want to #keepnewtownweird and vegans are still well catered for, there's plenty on the dining scene to keep even the most straight-laced pearl clutchers happy, too.  There's high-end dining to be had in this rainbow neck of the woods, but also a bunch of hyper-focused regional diners dishing up everything from Egyptian street food to killer pizza and fiery Chinese hot pots. Time Out Sydney's local food writers, including Editor Avril Treasure, have eaten their way around King Street and beyond to bring you this guide to Newtown's best restaurants. And if you're thirsty, check out our guide to Newtown's best bars here. 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: The best Sydney restaurants for your dining hit list

Spring is here, and so too is the theatrical fun. The fabulous Sydney Fringe is back for the month, featuring 460 shows and events spanning comedy, theatre, burlesque and more. Back to the Future: The Musical and Rent both kick off towards the end of the month in Sydney – I’m pumped for both. Tongue-in-cheek musical The Book of Mormon is on at Sydney's Capitol Theatre – and it’s jam-packed with “did they really just say that?” humour. Bring your mate, bring yourself – but maybe leave your nan (and your kid) at home for this one. STC's The Talented Mr. Ripley is on for the month. Have a ritzy night out watching this infamous tale of jealousy and deception. The iconic story will be on stage at Roslyn Packer Theatre. That’s all just for starters! Scroll on for the best musicals, plays and more to see in Sydney this month.

Spring 2025 update: Spring has sprung so heading out early in the morning for a yum brekkie feels less chilly and more fun. Our current fave picks include sandwich and coffee spot Angus Marrickville, Potts Point's Room Ten, and Parramatta’s Middle Eastern-inspired go-to Circa Espresso (it's the people's fave, too – it took the title of People's Choice Favourite Café in this year's Time Out Sydney Food & Drink Awards). Sydneysiders are café people. We're constantly on the hunt for the city's best coffee and we love nothing more than donning our finest sport-luxe activewear and catching up with mates on a weekend morning over eggs, fritters and crusty artisan sourdough. So, whether it's a reward for tackling one of Sydney's most beautiful walks, an indulgent hangover fix after a night at one of the city's best bars, or a workday coffee stop, these are the best Sydney cafés, according to our in-the-know Time Out Sydney writers, including Editor Avril Treasure. We'll have one B&E roll, please.  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. Is it lunch time? Check out our guide to Sydney's best restaurants right now.

September 2025 update: Wanna know something fun and wild? Luna Park Sydney – Milsons Point’s amusement park right on Sydney Harbour – is turning 90 years old on October 4. And the team is going all out on their birthday celebrations. For a super-special, once-in-a-lifetime experience, Luna Park is calling on ninety 90-year-olds to ride the iconic Ferris Wheel together in a history-making moment. To fill the gondolas, Luna Park Sydney is calling on the public to nominate 90-year-old loved ones – or themselves. You can find the form here. What’s more, Luna Park will also be slinging $35 tickets for unlimited rides, available across two sessions. Wild Mouse and Sledgehammer, here we come. - Avril Treasure Read on for our write-up of Luna Park Sydney. ***** More than 80 years since its famous smile first lit up the Harbour, Luna Park is still Sydney's favourite vintage attraction. Martin Sharp's iconic clown face at the entrance, the rickety wooden rides, and vaudeville decor gives the park a strong sense of nostalgia. But Luna Park has also introduced a range of modern, high-tech immersive experiences in more recent times. Luna Park has the two-fold attraction of being an enclosed space where you can let kids run rampant, plus some of the most beautiful views of the harbour you will ever come across. We recommend arriving by ferry. And, if you aren't a fan of spinning rides, we recommend you get a single ride pass and use it on the Ferris Wheel, where the bobbing lights of the c

You can tell from its curving façade rising from the harbourfront that the W Sydney is going to be special inside. After years of watching it get built, I was keen to peer behind its bold exterior, and I wasn’t disappointed. The New York-born W Hotels chain is known around the world for its modern architecture and luxury offerings – but what we learnt during our stay is that, as well as good looks, W Sydney has big personality. In a nod to Australia’s playful, laidback character, the hotel’s design is all centred around “larrikin moments”: charming, unexpected touches to surprise guests. The staff explain to me that W Sydney is an “extroverted non-conformist”, which makes for a fun stay. Each floor has its own story. When you enter the lobby, you realise the signature life-sized ‘W’ statue is covered in little red waratah-like petals – a nice touch, considering the waratah is our state’s floral emblem. Why stay at W Sydney? Housed in The Ribbon, a silvery wave-like building that was finally completed in 2023 (the building also contains Sydney’s IMAX cinema), W Sydney is the largest W Hotel in the world, with 588 rooms. Its bold, futuristic aesthetic stands out on the Darling Harbour skyline – equal parts playful sculpture and architectural show-stopper. Inside, interiors by London’s interior design consultancy Bowler James Brindley echo Sydney influences: wave-like curves, nautical hues, bursts of red waratah flora, and feature lights that are both sleek and surprising. It’s

✍️ 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. The vibe Angus feels very Marrickville: urban and unfussy. This café at the industrial end of Marrickville, on the way to Sydenham, and the only reason you might do a double-take going past might be the big bunch of people out front during the morning or lunchtime rush. Some are waiting for takeaway or a table, others are just having a chat. It’s a place that's loved by locals.  The food Locals love it, but I know people travel to Marrickville just for the Angus fish sandwich, which went a bit viral after a range of food influencers – including Howard (@howac) posted about it. The thick chunk of golden-crumbed fish, oozy spread of dill-packed tartare, American cheese, pickles and onions, all between a serious-looking slab of bubbly, homemade focaccia – it’s made to be in front of the camera. So of course, when I went, I ordered the fish sandwich. Loved it like Howard did. Comfort food in the palm of your hand. I just wasn’t totally convinced about the choice of bread – it was neither crunchy nor pillowy soft, more spongy. That said, I’m still thinking about that sandwich, thanks to the delicious filling.  What else do they serve? They stay in their lane, serving mostly sandwiches: charred miso eggplant with slaw, pickled onion, mint and tahini yoghurt; tuna w

This harbourside pool is one of the most photogenic inner-city swim spots in Sydney. Its surrounds were a popular bathing spot since long before the British arrived, and public sea baths first opened here in 1860. In the early 1920s, famous Aussie swimmer Andrew ‘Boy’ Charlton achieved many of his triumphs here – such as beating European champ Arne Borg – and setting a new world record in the process – when he was just 16 years old. Today, the baths offer an eight-lane, heated 50m pool, learners’ and toddlers’ pools and a sundeck. The complex also houses yoga classes and more. The pool’s harbourside edges are glazed, allowing swimmers unparalleled views across the sparkling bay. After a dip, meander through the Botanic Gardens and around the harbour's edge towards the Sydney Opera House. 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 READS: These are the best ocean pools in Sydney. These are the best things to do in Sydney at least one in your life.

Capella Sydney is the best hotel I’ve ever stayed at, the most luxurious. But this is not a flashy chandeliers-and-knockout-views type of luxury. This is quiet, confident, understated elegance. Every single detail has been thoughtfully considered. Everything is beautiful, yet also practical and has been designed with guest comfort at the forefront. This is a new level of luxury I haven’t experienced before.  Why stay at Capella Sydney? If you can afford it, stay. At least once. It’s been built in the old sandstone Department of Education and Agriculture buildings, and while all facilities are modern, they’ve done the most wonderful job of retaining the sense of heritage.  The hotel’s colour palette is all serene, earthy tones, but big pops of colour from artworks save it from looking “beige”. Art is a big thing at Capella – they have a collection that ranges from the ‘Meadow’ wildflower-like lights that bloom and close from the ceiling in Aperture bar and restaurant to Aboriginal artworks, and installations that depict Sydney history. Each room features unique, original artworks that mean every space is slightly different.  The hotel offers curated experiences designed by the culturist team to help you explore the hotel and Sydney. They have a Wellness Centre featuring a stunning lap pool, vitality pool, sauna and steam room, Auriga Spa and gym, and you can even do Fluidform pilates sessions in your room. And they have an impressive collection of restaurants and bars. You don

Chippendale was once a gritty inner-city suburb, but in 2024, it ranked as Sydney’s coolest neighbourhood – seventh coolest in the whole world, actually – and at least some of the credit for that can be granted to The Old Clare. The Old Clare is a boutique hotel with bars and restaurants on Kensington Street, the area that’s the beating heart of Chippendale. The Old Clare was here first, then the eateries down the laneway – as well as Spice Alley and the plant-covered Central Park Mall – grew around it. Back in the day, when I was a student across the road at UTS, The Old Clare was my go-to pub. I enjoyed countless nights in this drinking hole clad in pale yellow Art Deco-slash-Aussie-pub tiles (the tiles are still here), having formative experiences and reading messages scribbled onto the back of the dunny door.  Since then I’ve grown up and so has the good old Clare. In 2015, the building was converted into a classy yet welcoming bar (thankfully they retained a lot of original features), a pool bar on the rooftop, and really good hotel rooms in between.  Why stay at The Old Clare hotel, Sydney? The Old Clare hotel isn’t just another boutique property – it’s a landmark, and you can feel the sense of history in the rooms (this is no soulless stay). “The hotel is stitched together from two grand old neighbours – the Clare Hotel pub and the Carlton & United Breweries admin block. When the site was reborn in 2015, the team cleverly kept the best bits: the tiles, the lofty ceilin

Bloomin’ good news: It’s cherry blossom season – and Auburn's beloved Cherry Blossom Festival, one of the most Instagrammable events on the NSW calendar, is on right now. Running until Sunday, August 24 at the Auburn Botanic Gardens, this pink-hued festival celebrates Japanese traditions, music, pop culture and food, with visitors able to wander through fields of fluffy pink sakura blossoms in a traditional Japanese garden. As always, this year’s program is brimming with food, activities, workshops, live music, dance and taiko drumming performances. Take a self-guided stroll beneath the blossoms, catch a mesmerising dance, music or floral arrangement demonstration, then head to the ‘Zen Zone’ and take some deep breaths by the billabong. If you’re keen to get creative, you can join one of the many workshops on offer – with the opportunity to learn everything from origami to the art of manga drawing.The Japanese Food Village will be back in full swing, serving up creative traditional Japanese delights and creative Japanese-fusion treats – arrive hungry.Tickets cost $16.60 per adult and $8.95 for kids, and residents of Cumberland City Council can visit for free. To secure a spot, you’ll need to book – you can register and buy tickets here. Time Out tip: If you want to go, try to visit sooner rather than later – that way, you have the best chance of seeing the blooms in all their beauty. Towards the end of the festival, the flowers start to drop. Want more flower power? Check ou

Pull up a stool and let the good times swing at Noble Craft’s Thursday Night Jazz series. On Thursday, August 28, the spotlight’s on the Colbright Trio – with Colin Bright on piano, Justin Dileo on bass and Jim Piesse on drums. Bright, who is best known in classical circles as a composer, has always kept a deep love of improvisation close at hand. This new trio first came together for a Beatles-jazz experiment at Noble Craft earlier this year – and it was such a hit that they’re back with a fuller repertoire of jazz favourites and standards. Catch them live in this Brookvale distillery space from 8-10pm. The Noble Craft is at 39 Sydenham Rd in Brookvale. Find out more over here.

Congratulations to Abel Selaocoe and the Australian Chamber Orchestra at the Sydney Opera House, which took out the People’s Choice Favourite Classical Music Show Award at the 2025 Time Out Sydney Arts & Culture Awards, presented in partnership with the Sydney Symphony Orchestra. ***** For his long-awaited Australian debut, the genre-bending South African cellist Abel Selaocoe joins forces with the Australian Chamber Orchestra for a one-off performance in the Sydney Opera House's Concert Hall. Raised in Sebokeng, a town south of Johannesburg, Selaocoe took up the cello at eight and has been reimagining its possibilities ever since. Trained in classical performance but rooted in South African musical traditions, he blends technical precision with ancestral memory. Audiences can expect soaring improvisations, visceral vocals and a performance that leaps across genres. He’s bringing his frequent collaborator, percussionist Sidiki Dembélé, and they’ll join ACO players, including Timo-Veikko Valve and Helena Rathbone. Catch it in Sydney for one afternoon only at the Sydney Opera House Concert Hall at 2pm on Sunday April 6. Find out more here.

Congratulations to Sistren, which took out the Critics' Choice Best Play Award at the 2025 Time Out Sydney Arts & Culture Awards, presented in partnership with the Sydney Symphony Orchestra. ***** Griffin Theatre’s artist development program Griffin Lookout led to the development of new play Sistren, by lolanthe, playing at the Old Fitz Theatre. Sistren is a collision of sisterhood, sass and schoolyard mischief, spun from the mind of Iolanthe in this playwriting debut. Set in a South London high school, the two-hander follows two self‑proclaimed soulmates – Isla, a cis‑Caribbean diva, and Violet, her 'Ethel Cain‑adjacent' trans bestie – whose tight bond is fractured by their self‑righteous headmaster’s ultimatum: hang together or you both fail. This two‑hander is performed by two real-life besties – Iolanthe (as Isla) and award-winning performer Janet Anderson (as Violet) – so the chemistry is real. Their friendship rips open a conversation about race, queerness, trauma and joy. This play contains depictions of transphobia, racism, cultural appropriation, PTSD, and references to sexual assault, child abuse, colonisation and religious trauma. Also features herbal cigarettes, strobe lighting, haze effects and loud sound. Sistren has a short season – June 26 to July 12, 2025 – at the Old Fitz Theatre. Find out more over here.  

As I’m on my way to Sydney's Capitol Theatre for the new Australian production of The Book of Mormon, my friend tells me it’s the very first musical a lot of people see. Created by South Park duo Trey Parker and Matt Stone (with Robert Lopez), the show’s reputation for extremely irreverent jabs at religion draws a non-traditional theatre crowd. What I now realise my friend didn’t mean was, “it’s often the first musical kids see”. When I say the musical is extremely irreverent, I mean it. The humour is crass, verging on grotesque (some things I wouldn’t dare repeat). So it’s probably questionable that I’ve brought along my 13-year-old son with me. That said, he loves it.  Some of the humour is classic teen boy (i.e. a regular exclamation from one of the Ugandan characters that he has “maggots in my scrotum”). Very South Park. My son laughs loudly with the rest of the audience – and when the jokes go too far, he cringes, glancing around with a “should I be laughing at this?” look. Although the shock value is high, it’s nice seeing a Gen Alpha-ite who’s been raised on Youtube and other screen-based entertainment bopping along in his seat to the song and dance of a stage show.    What’s the premise of The Book of Mormon? The Book of Mormon tells the story of two young Mormon missionaries sent to a small village in Uganda. Although the story centres on Mormonism, Parker and Stone have been known to refer to the show as an “atheist’s love letter to religion” – a wink and a jab at o

Considering that when Luna Park opened in 1935, the only other major attraction in Sydney was the Sydney Cricket Ground, the Art Deco amusement park has long been a significant site for the city – an important destination for escapism, especially considering it opened during the Depression. Although new rides have cropped up over the years, the heritage-listed park has retained a lot of its original features – which is why there was a lot of hype when Luna Park announced that it would be opening a brand-new, first-of-its kind, high-tech attraction back in late 2023. After a bumper first season, Dream Circus – the immersive experience created right here by a bunch of talented Sydney creatives and technicians – is back.  This week, Luna Park swung open the doors to a high-tech ‘Magic Box’ inside the existing 3,000 square metre Big Top building – a venue for the immersive adventure that is ‘Dream Circus’. Time Out got a sneak peek at Dream Circus before opening day, and we have to say, it’s hard to sum up in a few sentences what you’re in for. It’s part-3D movie, where actors take you on an adventure through the circus, to the seaside, underwater and into magical dream-like states. It’s part-musical, except that the action envelops you on three sides of the room, as well as the floor and ceiling. It’s a little like a Van Gogh Alive or Frida Kahlo multi-sensory exhibition, except that rather than images being projected onto flat wall and floor surfaces, the set is built with dept

If drinking beer all arvo isn’t your jam, there’s a new type of crawl on offer in Sydney. The Inner West Distillery Trail has officially launched, linking together nine of Sydney’s top makers of gin, rum, whiskey and vodka, all within a few kilometres of the CBD. Much like the popular Inner West Ale Trail, this new self-guided adventure invites spirit lovers to go behind the scenes at some of the most acclaimed distilleries in the country. Stops along the way include Marrickville favourites Poor Toms and Ester Spirits, Lilyfield’s Blackwattle Distilling Co (housed inside the heritage-listed White Bay Steelworks), and rum specialists Red Mill Rum, where the trail was recently launched. Thirsty? Here's our guide to Sydney's best bars. Each stop offers something a little different: cellar doors, cocktail bars, bottle shops, tasting rooms and even working warehouses. You might even run into some of the biggest names in Sydney’s distilling scene – from Ester’s Felix Clark and Corinna Kovner, whose navy-strength gin has been crowned the best in the world, to Otter Craft Distilling, known for its sustainable grain-to-glass whiskies and gins.  Inner West Mayor Darcy Byrne says the runaway success of the brewery trail inspired the council to work with local distillers to create a spirits equivalent. “We want to make the Inner West a mecca for spirit connoisseurs looking to explore the range of flavours on offer and see the distillers’ art up close.” The best part? The trail is complet

One of Sydney’s coolest suburbs, Marrickville, has scored a new local – the old Ritz pub on Illawarra Road has been rebranded as The Montague Hotel (or The Monty), and it now has a upstairs’ li’l sis called Harriet’s, which is a more refined type of space than Marrickville is used to (I can say that because I live here).  Harriet's is part fancy dining room, part cocktail lounge, part late-night dance floor – with cosy booth seating, marble tabletops and velvet textures. You could say it fills a gap in this edgy suburb – Marrickville now has an elegant space for long lunching, apertivo hours and late-night dancing. This two-storey, all-in-one hangout is from the folks at Public House Management Group (PHMG), who, among other pubs, run The Royal Hotel in Paddington, The Toxteth in Glebe and Minskys in Cremorne.  On street level, The Montague is standard local pub vibes, with weekly $20 dinner specials: Monday is steak frites and free pool; Tuesday night is parmis plus a pool comp; and Wednesday night you can get a sandwich and chips for a twenty (burger, steak sambo, club sandwich, etc). That said, they also offer some elevated dishes like charred prawns with chilli butter; tuna tartare with soy, yuzu and flatbread; and a chargrilled pork chop with caper butter, jus and smashed potato salad. There are also weekly specials upstairs at Harriet’s – my fave is two cocktails for just $20 on Saturdays from 8-11pm (wild), with choices including an Aperol Spritz, Campari Spritz or Mar

The 2025 winners of the Time Out Melbourne Arts & Culture Awards, in partnership with the Australian Cultural Fund, have been revealed.  Now in their second year, the Time Out Arts & Culture Awards recognise the incredible creative talent working across Australia’s cultural landscape – from powerhouse performers and unforgettable exhibitions to bold new theatre – and encourage audiences to get out and experience the best of our cities.  A total of 16 Melbourne Critics’ Choice and People’s Choice winners were crowned at an event at Curious in the W Melbourne tonight (Monday, August 11), together with presenting partner the Australian Cultural Fund. The Sydney iteration of the Awards were also held tonight, at The International in Martin Place, with presenting partner the Sydney Symphony Orchestra. “Our cities have thriving performing and visual arts scenes that deserve to be spotlighted, and these awards are about celebrating the extraordinary people who keep them vibrant,” said Kaylie Smith, Managing Director of Time Out APAC. “The Arts & Culture Awards are a powerful reminder of the creative excellence thriving in every pocket of the country,” said Tracy Woolacott from the Australian Cultural Fund. “We’re thrilled to be part of a celebration that acknowledges the impact artists have on our collective identity.” This year, awards for Favourite Dance Production, Live Music Venue and Classical Music Show were added in the People's Choice mix.   Read on for the Melbourne list of

Drumroll, please… The 2025 winners of the Time Out Arts & Culture Awards in Australia have officially been revealed at back-to-back celebrations in Sydney and Melbourne last night (Monday, August 11). Now in their second year, the Time Out Arts & Culture Awards recognise the incredible creative talent working across Australia’s cultural landscape – from powerhouse performers and unforgettable exhibitions to bold new theatre – and encourage audiences to get out and experience the best of our cities.  A total of 32 Critics’ Choice and People’s Choice winners were crowned across Sydney and Melbourne, including new awards for Favourite Dance Production, Live Music Venue and Classical Music Show. “Our cities have thriving performing and visual arts scenes that deserve to be spotlighted, and these awards are about celebrating the extraordinary people who keep them vibrant,” said Kaylie Smith, Managing Director of Time Out APAC. The Sydney awards, presented by the Sydney Symphony Orchestra (SSO), took place last night at The International in Martin Place, where guests were treated to a live performance from SSO musicians.  Alexandra Barlow, SSO’s Head of Communications & Content, spoke about their involvement. “At the Sydney Symphony Orchestra, we are proud to support the Time Out Arts & Culture Awards, an initiative that champions the creativity, passion and diversity of Australia’s vibrant cultural scene. “These awards celebrate not only excellence in performance, but also the com

The 2025 winners of the Time Out Sydney Arts & Culture Awards, in partnership with the Sydney Symphony Orchestra, have been revealed.  Now in their second year, the Time Out Arts & Culture Awards recognise the incredible creative talent working across Australia’s cultural landscape – from powerhouse performers and unforgettable exhibitions to bold new theatre – and encourage audiences to get out and experience the best of our cities.  A total of 16 Sydney Critics’ Choice and People’s Choice winners were crowned at an awards event at The International in Martin Place tonight (Monday, August 11), together with presenting partner the Sydney Symphony Orchestra (SSO), who treated guests to a special live performance. The Melbourne iteration of the Awards were also held tonight, at Curious bar in the W Melbourne, with presenting partner the Australian Cultural Fund. “Our cities have thriving performing and visual arts scenes that deserve to be spotlighted, and these awards are about celebrating the extraordinary people who keep them vibrant,” said Kaylie Smith, Managing Director of Time Out APAC. Alexandra Barlow, SSO’s Head of Communications & Content, spoke about their involvement. “At the Sydney Symphony Orchestra, we are proud to support the Time Out Arts & Culture Awards, an initiative that champions the creativity, passion and diversity of Australia’s vibrant cultural scene. “These awards celebrate not only excellence in performance, but also the communities that bring the

Tokyo Lamington is known for its delicious specialty lamingtons. What is less well known is that they’re a leader in the accessible-venues space, and advocate for other Sydney businesses to make their venues inclusive for people with low vision and blindness. This is an important example to set, considering people with low vision or blindness are still often turned away from hospitality venues for having a guide dog in tow. Tokyo Lamington put all its staff through accessibility training as part of the Access Means Business campaign developed by Guide Dogs NSW/ACT earlier this year. This training ensured Tokyo Lamington’s staff are fully prepared to assist customers with low vision and blindness and accommodate all people with disabilities, including Guide Dog Handlers.  Tokyo Lamington has hosted multiple events this year to encourage other venues to follow their lead, including the launch of the Access Means Business campaign, in collaboration with Guide Dogs NSW/ACT and the City of Sydney, and a pop-up event, inviting the local community and other local business owners to discuss how they can improve accessibility. Photograph: Supplied | Guide Dogs At the pop-up event, staff members who have undergone accessibility training spoke on what they’ve learnt, with many community members expressing shock at the discrimination people with low vision and blindness often face in hospitality venues. Members of the local police force also attended and voiced their support for the in

Australia’s arts and culture scene is buzzing. From musical extravaganzas and daring indie shows to blockbuster exhibitions and thought-provoking visual art, our diverse country is no longer just celebrated for its natural beauty. So, Time Out Australia is pleased to announce the return of our Arts & Culture Awards for 2025, covering 16 award categories. These awards – celebrating the best in performing arts, visual arts and museums over the past year – will be presented in both Sydney (in partnership with the Sydney Symphony Orchestra) and Melbourne (with the support of the Australian Cultural Fund).  Time Out launched these awards last year, and we’re pleased to present our second annual edition in 2025.  Australian Cultural Fund Manager Tracy Woolacott says, "Celebrating the daring and thought provoking is in our DNA here at the Australian Cultural Fund, so we couldn't be more excited to be partnering with Time Out to bring the Arts & Culture Awards back to Melbourne for the second year." The Sydney Symphony Orchestra also says they're proud to support an initiative "that champions the creativity, passion and diversity of Australia’s vibrant cultural scene", also adding: "These awards celebrate not only excellence in performance, but also the communities that bring the arts to life. We believe in the power of music and the arts to inspire, connect and elevate, and we’re thrilled to be part of this celebration of artistic achievement in Sydney and beyond." What are the Time

It’s funny how you can live somewhere your whole life and still overlook whole chapters of its story. For me, Parramatta was one of those skipped pages – a place I’d passed through, not somewhere I’d lingered. A bit too far for a casual dinner, a bit too close to feel like a getaway. But when my friend and I were after an easy mini escape, we took a chance on this riverside city in Sydney’s west. What we found wasn’t only great food, a buzzing high street, top bars, culture, history, nature (who knew?), but also a whole new perspective on our own city. We check into the Parkroyal Parramatta because it’s in the middle of the action, and the rooms have just had makeovers. From our room we can see the whole town: a mix of new and heritage buildings, Western Sydney Stadium, a glimpse of the river, and Church Street, which is lined with restaurants and serviced by the brand-new light rail. Photograph: Alice Ellis for Time Out We start our first evening at the Club Lounge for some complimentary bubbles and canapés, and then dinner in the hotel restaurant, Table 30. Then we hit up one of Sydney’s best bars, Nick & Nora’s – a glamorous, Art Deco-style cocktail and Champagne bar 26 storeys in the air. From up here, the city sparkles.  Next morning after brekkie (omelettes on demand, hashbrowns, waffles!), we take the Australian Heritage Walk along the river. The track is dotted with signs that trace the history of the Burramattagal people of the Dharug Nation – their deep connection

Last week Time Out named Sydney the fifth top city in the world for culture, up there with Paris, Florence, Edinburgh and Mexico City, which took spots one to four in Time Out’s 2025 list of the World’s Best Cities for Culture Right Now. ‘Right now’ is the operative phrase. Of course Sydney doesn’t have historic landmarks like the Louvre or Michelangelo’s David. But the Emerald City is finally breaking free from its all-looks, no-brains reputation, thanks to a load of work that’s gone into making Sydney a more vibrant city, and this result reflects that it’s actually beginning to pay off. After the announcement, NSW Minister for the Arts, Music and the Night-Time Economy, John Graham, MLC, then weighed in, citing some of the factors that have helped “bring Sydney back to life”. “[It’s] involved cutting lots of red tape that was holding back small venues through to large cultural events," he says. Just some of those red-tape slashes have included the introduction of Special Entertainment Precincts, where venues and patrons can make noise into the night; increased incentives for venues to host live music; the extension of venue trading hours; and the removal of some outdated rules like the no-standing-while-drinking rule, the 5km-radius-sign-up rule at clubs and the concert cap on stadiums. Sydney has definitely lost some of the wowser in the last couple of years.  I’ve lived in Sydney my whole life, so I’ve witnessed Sydney’s ongoing cultural evolution first-hand. And, as Edit

There are a few dishes that seem to rile Sydneysiders up more than others. The best bánh mì, for instance. Or the top places to get cracking fish and chips. Sydney’s best burgers is another lava-hot topic, with people caring about buns (nearly) as much as their firstborn. We are those people. There are a million and one variations on the burger, of course, but the essence of a truly great burger remains the same: a two-handed meal made with fresh, quality ingredients, a complementary balance of flavours and textures – salt, zing, crunch – and one that makes you smile. Here is Time Out’s guide to the nine best burgers in Sydney right now, based on us eating our way right around town. Odds are, your list will be a bit different – but the two things we can all agree on are: charcoal has no place in burger buns. Same with anything low-fat. We’re simply not interested. 1. Gidley Burger at The Gidley The burger at subterranean swish steakhouse The Gidley is our absolute favourite in Sydney. And it’s not just us – it was the only Aussie burger to make the coveted Top 10 Burgers in the world 2024 list. Made on a milk bun, it features a double beef patty sourced from their in-house butchery at sibling restaurant Alfie’s, rich cheddar cheese, secret sauce and zingy pickles. Best not to share.  Photograph: Supplied/The Gidley 2. American Cheeseburger at Next Door Neil Perry’s Margaret was recently voted the second-best steak restaurant in the world, so it makes sense that the patty at

Melbourne, brace yourself for a culture shock – you’ve just been dethroned as Australia's ‘cultural capital’. We promise we’re not here to stir the pot. Time Out just published its list of the Best Cities for Culture Right Now, and Melbourne’s biggest rival claimed the top Aussie spot and cracked the global top five.  To determine the rankings, Time Out surveyed 18,500 city dwellers around the world – including Melbourne – on their hometown’s cultural scene. Based on the responses, each city was scored on both the quality and affordability of its cultural offering, with only the highest-scoring cities for each country making the long list. Time Out’s culture experts (our global network of city editors and arts and culture writers) then weighed in, voting for their favourite cultural destinations.  Unsurprisingly, Paris ranked as the best city for culture on the planet, with an enormous 96 per cent of Parisians rating their city’s culture scene as either ‘good’ or ‘amazing’ in the survey. But here’s a shocking stat: Sydney came fifth on the list, receiving the joint-highest share of votes from the culture-experts panel as Paris. Bloody oath!  Photograph: Getty Images Yep, our Emerald City tied with Paris as a favourite among Time Out’s panel of experts – and Sydney locals are frothing over our arts and culture scene at the moment, too, with 70 per cent rating this city’s culture scene favourably, highlighting events like the Sydney Film Festival, Sydney Mardi Gras and Sydney

Sydney gets a lot of attention for its looks – our stunning harbour, pristine beaches and incredible national parks come to mind. But look beyond the surface beauty, and you'll find that Sydney has a rich arts and culture scene that is increasingly grabbing attention. Now, Sydney has been recognised for being the fifth-best city in the whole world for culture, according to a huge reader survey that forms the basis of Time Out’s World’s 20 Best Cities for Culture Right Now. Earlier this year, Time Out published its annual list of the world’s greatest cities. Some places earned kudos for their food scenes, others got top marks for their world-class public transport and walkable streets. But which were the top of the pops when it comes to art and culture? To find out, Time Out quizzed 18,500 locals in cities across the planet about the culture scene in their hometown. Photograph: OA/Neil Bennett | Handa Opera on Sydney Harbour: Guys & Dolls (2025) Based on survey responses, each city got a score for both the quality and affordability of its cultural offering, and only the highest-scoring cities for each country made the long list. Time Out’s culture experts (our global network of city editors and arts and culture writers) then weighed in, voting for their favourite cultural destinations.  It’s quite an achievement for Sydney to rank 5th in the whole world, especially considering the other top cities on the list. Paris took the number one spot, with an enormous 96 per cent of