Winnie Stubbs

As a city known for its healthy way of life, Sydney is unsurprisingly home to dozens of spas and skincare salons offering facial treatments to keep the signature sun-kissed glow alive even through the winter months. And while we can’t list them all, we can shine a light on a few wellness sanctuaries offering fantastic skincare rituals to help you feel like your glowiest self, all year round. Read on for our (by no means exhaustive) round-up of Sydney’s best facials. Want head-to-toe treatment outside of the city? These are the best day spas in the Blue Mountains. 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.

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

Say what you like, but Sydney sure loves to party. We can find our boogie on the roof, in the basement, by the pool, even every once in a while in a suburban bowling club. But if you're looking for somewhere to "go clubbing", we've got that covered. Yep, the Harbour City is still finding her dancing feet again in the wake of lockout laws and lockdowns. But if you’re after some dancefloor reverie, you just need to know where to look. For example, while Kings Cross has undergone a total vibe shift from its grungier past, Kings Cross Hotel still offers a multi-level dancefloor bonanza. Or, a pub crawl along a funky strip like Newtown’s King Street might be more your speed, and you can cap it off by falling down the rabbit hole at the purple-hued, 4am-licence-having Pleasure Club. Otherwise, the student crowd should be happy to know that your typical “clubbing” experience can still be found at venues like Cargo Bar. Nostalgic elder millienials will also be stoked to know that Chinese Laundry is back to peg you up on the line.  If you’re seeking a particular vibe or a niche subculture thing, then it's worth seeking out events run by particular producers and party collectives that can scratch the itch for you – for example, the ultra cool club kids of Angels Only Inc. curate surprisingly-welcoming shindigs and wholesome amateur strip clubs, and Raw Gadigal is one of a handful of spaces for authentic techno rhythms that will see your night melt away. Meanwhile, Sydney’s queer commun

Whether you’re a visitor planning your very first visit to Singapore, or a Singaporean mapping out a special occasion in the city, choosing a hotel in Singapore is an important (and sometimes overwhelming) task. With so many spectacular stays to choose between – from the world-famous Raffles to new boutique stays like 21 Carpenter – it can be challenging to decide which is best for you. To help you determine which hotel to book for your next visit or staycation, our team of local editors (including Time Out Singapore Editor Cheryl Sekkappan, Regional Content Director for Time Out APAC Nicole-Marie Ng and local writer Dewi Nurjuwita) have tried and tested the city’s top-ranking hotels to determine which are worth your time.The list has been overseen by Winnie Stubbs, Travel and Hotels Editor APAC and self-confessed hotel obsessive. Each hotel has been chosen based on amenities, design and proximity to the city’s highlights – with many hotels on the list within walking distance of the best restaurants and bars in Singapore.Read on for our guide to the very best hotels in Singapore right now. RECOMMENDED: The best Singapore attractions to visitThe best rooftop bars in SingaporeAirport hotels in SingaporeThe best luxury hotels in Singapore At Time Out, all of our travel guides are written by local writers who know their cities inside out. For more about how we curate, see our editorial guidelines. While we might not stay in every hotel featured below, we've based our list on to

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

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.

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. From six-person cabins on the outskirts of the city to cosy retreats for two hidden in the mountains, we’ve rounded up the most beautiful tiny homes and cabins close (and close-ish) to Sydney. 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.  Want more? Check out our list of the best winter getaways you can take from Sydney. 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.

Melbourne is home to its fair share of super-luxe hotels, but there are also hidden gems in every corner of the city where you can rest your head for less than $200 a night. From super central sky-high towers like Oaks on Collins to charming stays on the fringe of the city like The Plough Hotel, Melbourne's budget hotels prove that you don't have to drop 500 bucks a night to enjoy a good night's sleep within striking distance of Melbourne’s best bits. To help you find your best affordable stay, our team of local editors have tried and tested Melbourne’s most well-located low-cost hotels, and Time Out Travel and Hotels Editor Winnie Stubbs has checked the list over to make sure it delivers.For an even more affordable night in the city, share a room with friends (and try to book at least a few weeks in advance). Another top tip from Time Out Melbourne’s team of local editors? Don't be afraid to trade space for location – you're only sleeping, after all. Read on for our guide to the best budget hotels in Melbourne.  Stay in the loop: sign up for our free Time Out Melbourne newsletter for the best of the city, straight to your inbox. RECOMMENDED:  These are the best places to go camping near Melbourne And these are our favourite glamping sites in Victoria Time Out makes a small commission from the affiliate links included in this article. These links have no influence on our editorial content, but they do help us to bring you more recommendations every week. For more information,

​​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. 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 in the middle of Sydney Harbour. Time Out makes a small commission from the affiliate links included in this article. These links have no influence on our editorial

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.

If you’re competing for the prize of favourite child this year, then it’s time to get cracking with your Father’s Day festivities – Father's Day in Australia is on Sunday, September 7, 2025. Forget the silly socks or the six-pack of beers and opt for some good ol’ quality time with the man instead – or grandpa, uncle, step-dad, brother, or any fatherly figure out there.  What are the best things to do on Father's Day in Sydney?  Whether it’s a relaxing catch-up at the pub, an ocean swim at the crack of dawn, a lunchtime trip to the fish markets, an afternoon craft brewery tour, or a delicious dinner at one of Sydney's best restaurants, we’ve got the ultimate playbook for winning dad over. PSA: Most of these things to do are free and cheap, because, we all need that kind of energy right now, and so does your dad.  While you’re at it, make sure to remind him that having you as a child is the greatest gift he could ever wish for. 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 didn’t know already, Australia is home to some of the most incredible hikes on the planet. From week-long treks through red deserts and green mountains to easy day hikes through lush rainforests and along beautiful beaches, the land Down Under has every possible kind of walk imaginable – and trust us, they’re all bloody good.  If you’re looking at lacing up your hiking boots this year, we’ve got you covered with our pick of the best hikes in Australia. Using the age-old philosophy of variety being the spice of life, this list has a little bit of everything – from self-guided, kid-friendly day walks to life-changing multi-day treks.  🥾 The best national parks in Australia🌊 Australia's best coastal walks🤿 The best things to do in Australia

There’s something beautiful about visiting a dining room that’s carved out a place in its neighbourhood, businesses that have spent years honing the craft of keeping locals fed and happy. Three Blue Ducks Rosebery – a sustainability-focused, farm-to-table style restaurant housed in a cavernous converted warehouse – is a case in point. The Three Blue Ducks brand was born in the coastal suburb of Bronte back in 2010, inspired by the ethos that food should be “honest, thoughtful and shared.” With that as a guiding principle, “the Ducks” quickly made a name for themselves in the area – famed for their healthy, tasty-as-hell menus and fun, community-focused energy. Six years later, they opened the doors at their Rosebery site – a rustic, ambitiously sized space serving up the same produce-driven seasonal menus and lively, laid-back, distinctly Australian attitude. (repeated: “energy”) NB: the Bronte outpost closed in 2021, and they now have venues in Byron, Bellingen, Nimbo, Melbourne and recently took over the kitchen at the Northern Rivers institution Hotel Brunswick. With the brand now 15 years old, and the Rosebery site approaching its decade mark, it’s worth noting how admirably the Ducks have held onto their crown as one of Sydney’s most beloved farm-to-table eateries. When I visit on a Wednesday in early spring, the huge dining room is buzzing – with families and couples gathering around distressed wooden tables with glasses of local wine and steaks cooked to perfection (ca

Theatre fans, take note. Sydney Theatre Company – Sydney’s largest and most prominent theatre producer – has just dropped the details for its 2026 season. The beautifully varied 2026 season will comprise 13 productions, with more than 80 beloved and emerging performers set to take to the stage throughout the year. Following Kip Williams' departure from the company, the 2026 season will be the first curated by new Artistic Director Mitchell Butel, who joined STC in late 2025. Reflecting on what theatre-goers can expect in 2026, Butel described the 2026 program as a "season of dream teams: celebrating the diversity of Australian storytelling. Highlights from STC’s 2026 season will include three world premieres of brand-new Australian works, the Australian Premiere of the most awarded Broadway play of 2025, the Sydney premiere of a new Australian musical and a handful of other Australian and international plays. If you’re keen to see something new, get in line for the season’s key world premieres: Whispering Jack: The John Farnham Musical (from award-winning writer and director Jack Yabsley), Bennelong in London (by Jane Harrison, the brilliant playwright behind The Visitors and Stolen) and Strong is the New Pretty by Olivier Award-winning playwright Suzie Miller. Bennelong in London will be showing from July 24 until August 16 2026, Strong is the New Pretty will be playing from October 26 until December 5 2026, and Whispering Jack: The John Farnham Musical will be showing from

Horror fans and fright fanatics, this one's for you. After a super successful debut year, which attracted 115,000 Sydneysiders and visitors to The Rocks, the historic precinct's immersive Halloween fest is back – this time with an upgraded program and spooky-as-hell parties running well into the night. Here's everything you need to know about Ghost Festival 2.0.Back in June of 2024, something spooky cropped up in The Rocks, with visitors spotting what appeared to be a ghost looming in the windows above Sydney’s oldest pub. After a lot of speculation, the “ghost” was later revealed to be a cheeky teaser for a huge Halloween festival, which first popped up in The Rocks last spring. Now, the organisers behind Ghost Festival have confirmed that the huge precinct-wide spook fest will be returning for a second year.Kicking off on October 30, Ghost Festival 2025 will take over The Rocks for four terrifying nights – transforming the entire historic precinct into a spine-chilling phantom’s playground for four days of haunted feasts, spooky storytelling and supernatural experiences. Though the event will play into fantastical Halloween tropes – with “zombies” roaming the streets and tentacles protruding from buildings – it will also lean on the eerie history of The Rocks, with interactive experiences taking inspiration from the precinct’s history. During the daytime, The Rocks will play host to an immersive Halloween market – with stallholders slinging spooky goods and food trucks kee

Calling all arts enthusiasts. Sydney Contemporary, the largest and most diverse art fair in the country, is on right now at Carriageworks – and it's brilliant. Back for its ninth iteration, the incredible art fest has popped up at Sydney’s multidisciplinary arts hub, from Thursday, September 11 until Sunday, September 14 2025. There’s a full four-day program of installations, performances, talks and panels, plus – naturally – a whole lot of stunning art ready to be claimed. As the largest fair to date, this year’s event will also feature a brand new ‘Photo Sydney’ sector, a whole program dedicated to aspiring young artists (appropriately titled ‘Kid Contemporary') and works by more than 500 artists.  First things first: art. As always, Sydney Contemporary will bring together some of Australia and New Zealand’s best galleries, with gallerists and individual artists putting forward a curation of works that speak to the festival’s bold, creative spirit. This year’s booth highlights will include a surreal, grocery store-inspired solo exhibition by New Zealand based installation artist Mike Hewson (presented by Michael Lett), a kooky, thought-provoking installation by Shen Shaomin (featuring 2,000 mechanical carps, with canned carps available for purchase) and the first solo Sydney exhibition of acclaimed Melbourne-based artist Julia Ciccarone. Other top picks on the gallery front include Neon Parc, Ames Yavuz, EG Projects and Sydney’s own Olsen Gallery. The debut of ‘Photo Sydney

It’s 6.05am on the first Saturday of spring, and the sun is just pushing up over the ocean – warming the waves and turning the thin line of clouds on the horizon into candyfloss. From our bedroom overlooking the sea, we pull open the doors and carry our quilt and cushions out onto the balcony. We could have stayed there all day, weak morning sunshine like honey on un-sunned skin, the call of kookaburras and the thrum of the ocean the only sounds. We could have, but we would have missed out on the chance to eat plates of perfect Eggs Benedict in the colourful dining room, and to swim in the infinity pool that melts into the ocean, sparkles of light intensified in those first few hours of the morning. If we’d stayed for the whole day, we would have missed the chance to explore the nearby towns, to settle into the spa for a massage and to share a round of cocktails in the pool bar before dinner at the on-site restaurant by one of the world’s most famous seafood chefs. All that’s to say: there’s a lot to do at Bannisters, and none of it will dare to take you out of holiday mode. What is Bannisters by the Sea like? Bannisters by the Sea is like every advert you’ve ever seen for a holiday, and looking back through your camera reel after your stay, you’ll find it hard to believe that you were actually there. Housed in a former motel, the beautifully restored, beach house-style boutique hotel opened in 2002, quickly cementing itself as one of the state’s most lusted-after coastal sta

Fans of the Bard, we’ve got news. Two thirds of the way through a huge 2025 season, with critically acclaimed productions of Henry V and Coriolanus all wrapped up and a beloved production of Shakespeare’s most famous love story returning to the Opera House this summer, Bell Shakespeare has just released the details for its 2026 season. Next year, Sydney’s Shakespeare enthusiasts will be treated to a world premiere of Mackenzie, a new production of Julius Caesar and the return of Bell Shakespeare's critically acclaimed 2023 production of Macbeth. The first Bell Shakespeare production to light up our stages in 2026 will be a new production of Julius Caesar, opening in the Harbour City in March before touring Canberra and Melbourne. This entirely new staging will be directed by Artistic Director Peter Evans, with Leon Ford (Elvis, Hamlet) as Cassius and Brigid Zengeni (Coriolanus, The Artful Dodger) as Brutus. Next up, Bell Shakespeare will bring to life a new reimagining of Macbeth, described by the theatre as “hilarious, twisted, and deeply camp”. Mackenzie is the brainchild of award-winning creator Yve Blake in partnership with Artistic Director Virginia Gay, who have rewritten the Macbeth story with the titular character being a 13-year-old child star in the heights of early 2000s TV stardom, and Lady Macbeth her “ruthlessly ambitious stage mum”. Mackenzie will open in Sydney in June of 2026, before showing in Melbourne.For the company’s annual national tour, Bell Shakespear

Spring is officially upon us, daylight savings is fast approaching, and for Barangaroo’s 20,000+ office workers, Thursday lunchtimes just got a whole lot more lively. To encourage people to get outside this spring season, Barangaroo has re-launched its Spring in the Streets series – bringing live music, roving entertainment and affordable lunch specials to the waterside precinct every Thursday until Thursday, October 30. For the next eight Thursday lunchtimes (from 11am until 3pm), Barangaroo will come to life with seasonal festivities; think free ice cream scoops, live musical performances and excellent lunch deals. On the music line-up, performers include electronic artist and producer GabZak, live DJ and saxophone player SaxBeatz, genre-bending indie artists BLOKBSTR and more. On the food front, you can score a heap of lunchtime deals for less than $30 – with Bottega Coco serving up $18 Panuozzos (plus a soft drink), Love.fish offering $28 lunch specials, Zushi offering 10 per cent off bento boxes and Rivareno Gelato serving up free scoops to the first 50 people who spend $20 or more at The Canteen.Barangaroo’s springtime celebrations will run every Thursday until October 30. You can learn more here. Stay in the loop: sign up for our free Time Out Sydney newsletter for more news, straight to your inbox. RECOMMENDED:These are the best beaches in Sydney These are the best gardens in the city. And these are our favourite outdoor pools. 

The state’s largest independent arts festival, Sydney Fringe Festival, is back for 2025 – with more than 460 events hitting our stages for one very entertaining month. Presented across the city throughout September 2025, the dynamic program spans theatre, music, comedy, visual art, film, musical theatre, dance, circus, street festivals, literature and poetry – and it's going to be ace. Clover Moore, Lord Mayor of Sydney, says: “The Fringe is as diverse as our city – and I’m very proud of that.” This year, Sydney Fringe Festival is presenting a city-wide playground of entertainment, with ten key hubs hosting immersive theatre shows, boundary-pushing cabaret, comedy galas, dance shows, live music performances and so much more. Time Out's picks: 10 of the best shows to see at Sydney Fringe Festival 2025Spanning a full four weeks from now until September 30, the Sydney Fringe program includes a heap of interactive, community-focused events, including a free street party taking over The Rocks on Thursday, September 4 and a child-friendly ‘Kids Fringe’ popping up in The Entertainment Quarter for the school holidays.  You can learn more and plan your Sydney Fringe experience 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 show? Here’s our list of the best theatre to see in Sydney this month.

Spring is springing, and Sydney’s events schedule is kicking into gear. And after a very fun summer of day parties for the 2023-2024 season, there’s a new kid on the block in Sydney’s Inner West daytime dance scene. Enter: The Grifter Brewing Co. On the last Sunday of every month (starting on Sunday, August 31 – the last day of winter), Grifter will play host to an afternoon of dance music in partnership with their neighbours, Fanático Records.  Fanático Sundays will run from 3pm until 8pm at Grifter’s beloved Marrickville brewery, with a line-up of local DJs playing all-vinyl sets. You can stay fuelled with wood-fired pizza and Grifter beer on tap (plus other tipples including natty wine from Doom Juice).The first event will be curated by Fanático selectors Hosca and Andres,  with the line-ups for the September and October events yet to be announced. You can learn more here, and you can keep up-to-date via the Grifter Insta account. Winter, it’s been a pleasure. Stay in the loop: sign up for our free Time Out Sydney newsletter for more news, straight to your inbox. RECOMMENDED:  Want fun now? Here’s what’s on in Sydney this weekend.And these are our favourite pubs in the city. Beer fiend? These are the best breweries in Sydney.

There are many women in Sydney who’ve dreamed of leaving the corporate world to create an oasis: a space dedicated to joy. Meghann Nikola, founder of Annandale’s Rêve Skin and Beauty, has done exactly that – establishing a carefully designed, women-only space that offers a hugely impressive (hugely restorative) range of expert beauty treatments, all under one beautifully curated roof. “We have so little time to dedicate to self-care. I wanted to make sure that the time people do have is spent in a place that feels safe and enjoyable,” Meghann explains. And it’s true – you’re struck by the design of the space as soon as you arrive: mirrored walls framed by curved shelving, designer furniture thoughtfully positioned, and statement lights casting a warm, welcoming glow. But it’s not just the energy and design of Rêve that make this a uniquely special self-care sanctuary. It’s the holistic, accessible expertise on offer, with a range of treatments that are rarely found together in one place. With the aim of streamlining self-care, Meghann designed Rêve as an all-in-one destination, combining cosmetic treatments, advanced science-backed beauty therapies and wellness rituals – so women can get their self-care done in one warm, delightfully unintimidating place. Treatments span from manicures to hydrofacials, lash lifts to injectables, and Meghann has built a team of therapists who are each experts in their fields. After a few hours at Rêve, you emerge glowing onto Annandale’s buzzy

From the lounge space on the 21st floor of Sheraton Grand Hyde Park, the Sydney evening stretches out below me in intricate detail. Above the commuters walking home through the park, the fig tree canopies stretch like cities of leaves, and the towers of Kings Cross blink to life as the stone spires of the cathedral are cast in a buttery glow. Beyond the Woolloomooloo Finger Wharves pushing their historic silhouettes into the harbour, the banks of the eastern suburbs greet the water – green meeting blue – and the ocean horizon cuts a deep navy line into the sky. Sydney’s most iconic landmarks might be out of sight, but there’s so much in this view that speaks to the fabric of the city, from a hotel situated deep within its buzzing heart. What is Sheraton Grand Hyde Park like? The Sheraton Grand Hyde Park is a hotel whose name reflects its offering: it’s opulent and old-school in the very best way. And though it would be easy for this hotel to rest on its laurels – with its super-central location guaranteeing its popularity – the team manages to deliver something that’s at once intimate and awe-inspiring, with an endearingly old-school energy. With 558 rooms and 48 suites stretching above the city for 22 expansive floors, this is a hotel that reminds you that you’re in one of the world’s major cities. Arriving into the grand, gold-trimmed lobby, you’ll be struck instantly by its scale. Marble pillars stretch up into the ceiling and a thick, slowly-sloping staircase wraps up the

Didn’t make it to Rome this Euro summer? Us neither. And in excellent news for art enthusiasts of the Harbour City, one of Europe’s most famous and beloved cultural sites is coming to us. From Friday, August 29, the Sistine Chapel will come to life in Sydney thanks to an immersive multisensory experience. For context, the Sistine Chapel is a world-famous Renaissance chapel in the Vatican City, celebrated not only as the Pope’s private chapel but also as an artistic masterpiece – with Michelangelo’s famous painting The Last Judgment framing the ceiling, and other masterpieces lining the walls. The 15th century chapel attracts millions of visitors every year, but if you’re not up for facing the crowds in Italy, you can get a taste of the space right here. Opening soon in Sydney’s Fever Pavilion, Michelangelo’s Sistine Chapel: The Exhibition will bring the Renaissance masterpiece to life. Inside the Sydney Showground Pavilion, 34 of Michelangelo’s ceiling frescoes from the Vatican’s Sistine Chapel will be recreated in true-to-size scale. Masters of immersion Fever will use a specially developed printing technique that mirrors the texture, colour, and detail of the original works. While nothing quite compares to the real thing, the Sydney-based iteration of the chapel comes without the crowds and access-restricting scaffolding of the Roman version, allowing up-close encounters with the artwork. So far, the exhibition has mesmerised art lovers around the world – popping up in Pari

Hiking season has arrived in Hong Kong, and if you’re looking for more hiking route inspiration, we’re here to help. Just outside of the city, the Wilson Trail is one of Hong Kong’s most impressive hikes – taking in stunning views across breathtaking mountains and magical coastlines. What is the Wilson Trail? The Wilson Trail is one of Hong Kong’s most epic long-distance hikes, a sprawling 78-kilometre trail that weaves through mountains, coastal paths and country parks. Think of it as a crash course in the city’s great outdoors – all peaks, bays, and lush green enclaves. Where is the Wilson Trail? The trail starts way up north in Nam Chung, skims along the spine of Kowloon, and winds all the way down to Stanley on the south side of Hong Kong Island. It’s basically a north-to-south odyssey through some of the region’s most magnificent landscapes. How do you get to the Wilson Trail from Hong Kong? The beauty of the Wilson Trail is that it’s ridiculously easy to reach. The trail has multiple entry points across the city, but if you’re chasing the official start, head north to Nam Chung via the East Rail Line (Hop off at Fanling Station, then bus or minibus it over). Down south, the finale spits you out in Stanley – so you can wrap your adventure with a seaside beer or a plate of noodles. In between, each section is hooked up to public transport: MTR, buses, green minibuses – you name it. Basically, lace up your boots, tap your Octopus card, and you’re good to go. How long is th

Melbourne’s CBD hotel scene is on the up and up. Earlier this month, the team behind the designer Hannah St Hotel confirmed that they’re on track to open the new 188-room hotel this summer. And now, the doors have opened at two new stays in the beating heart of Bourke Street. On September 11, the curtains came down around Holiday Inn Melbourne Bourke Street Mall and Hotel Indigo Melbourne Little Collins. With 452 hotel rooms between them, the two new hotels form IHG’s very first dual-branded hotel property in Australia – opening straight out onto the emerging Melbourne Walk precinct. Holiday Inn is back with all the hallmarks of the popular affordable brand: a light-filled lobby, leafy accents and that big friendly ‘Hello’ sign that sets the mood the moment you step in. Designed by global studio Buchan and built by Hickory, the hotel’s simple, sleek interiors nod to Melbourne’s past while keeping things refreshingly modern: think bright guest rooms splashed with greens, pinks and mustard, and art inspired by the city’s skyline. Designed with families in mind, this one is home to 92 interconnected rooms, with the brand’s “kids stay and eat free” promise as standard. Photograph: Supplied | Alan Jensen The dining offering at on-site eatery The Greenery is equally easygoing, serving up hearty classics with a Melbourne twist. Expect share boards stacked with charcuterie and farmhouse cheeses, reef fish and fries, slow-braised beef cheeks, and a kid-friendly burger crowned with

Irrespective of how beautiful your ferry route is, or how shiny Sydney’s new metro system happens to be, commuting to work is unlikely to make it to the top of your favourite activities hit list. Sydney might be home to some of the most beautiful commutes in the country (we’re calling it – possibly the world), but the journey into work can still be a drag. With that in mind, new data from the Household, Income and Labour Dynamics in Australia survey (HILDA) identifying Sydney as the home of Australia’s longest average commute isn’t music to our ears. According to the data, Sydneysiders are spending 70 fewer minutes commuting each week compared with 2019 – but the gain in spare time doesn’t necessarily mean we’re less stressed.RECOMMENDED READ: Sydney's Balmain West ferry wharf is back in action The Household, Income and Labour Dynamics in Australia survey is the only survey of its scale in the country – interviewing more than 17,000 Australians about everything from paycheques and school runs, to health and happiness, and even who in the household cooks dinner. The one-of-a-kind, lifelong study follows participants year after year, giving researchers an accurate snapshot of how a broad swathe of Aussies actually live. The data covers a heap of different topics, including how much time Australians across the country spend journeying into work, and Sydneysiders are doing it tough. On average, Sydney-based workers are spending 59 minutes every day commuting – that’s 3 minutes mo

With its rich cultural history and spectacular landscapes, there are a heap of reasons to visit South Korea – and the country’s hiking offering is one of them. From gentle day hikes to challenging multi-day treks, South Korea’s hiking options are abundant, and its hiking offering is on the up – with a stunning new multi-day hike opening up over the next few years. The 849-kilometre trail will be the first coast-to-coast hiking route in the country, and it’s set to be complete by the end of 2026. Here’s everything you need to know about The Dongseo Trail. What is the Dongseo Trail? The Dongseo Trail is South Korea’s first coast-to-coast long-distance hiking route. Once complete, it will link the country’s east and west coasts through dense forests, stunning mountainous regions, and quaint rural communities. Like Spain’s Camino de Santiago and Turkey’s Lycian Way, it’s set to become a major drawcard for visitors – showcasing the best of the country’s natural landscapes and cultural experiences. Where is the Dongseo Trail? In its entirety, the trail will run all the way across South Korea from coast to coast, starting at Anmyeon Island in Taean (on the west coast) and finishing in Uljin, North Gyeongsang Province (on the east coast). Along the way, the trail will pass through other regions including Sejong and Daejeon. Photograph: Pexels | Nui Malama How far is the Dongseo Trail? Once complete, the full route will stretch for around 850 kilometers across the country. The route

Spread across 227,600 square kilometres, with 200,000 kilometres of roads, Victoria is home to a whole lot of driving potential. And while most of us typically turn to servo pies and Maccas to keep us sustained on the road, it turns out there are a heap of elevated dining options along the state’s most popular driving routes.To determine the best road trips for food lovers across Australia, car insurance company ROLLiN’ analysed Australia’s most popular car journeys, and ranked them all based on factors including the number of stops, quality of stops and the customer ratings at each human-refuelling station along the way. According to the data, Victoria is home to some of the very best road trips for food lovers, with the coastal drive from Melbourne to Sydney coming in sixth, the Great Ocean Road seventh and the Great Alpine Road ranking as the ninth-best road trip for food lovers. According to the data, the popular city-to-city coastal drive is the sixth-best in the country, with a ‘total foodie road trip score’ of 63.1 out of 100. The 1,050-kilometre drive (often called the Grand Pacific Drive or the Sapphire Coast Route) features 654 food stops, with an average of 6.2 food stops per kilometre. With so many city dwellers tackling this journey every year, the review numbers are through the roof – with 370,973 total user ratings of the foodie stops along the way. Photograph: Supplied | Visit Victoria In Victoria, the drive winds through Lakes Entrance and Sale, offering hu

As a country so geographically vast, it’s fortunate that Australia is home to its fair share of world-class road trips. From scenic coastal jaunts along spectacular floating bridges to awe-inspiring drives through the desert, our home state of NSW boasts a very impressive range of road trip routes. And while the long-held assumption is that road trip meals means pies and Maccas, new data has shone a spotlight on the excellent foodie offerings along some of the country’s most popular drives. To determine the best road trips for food lovers across Australia, car insurance company ROLLiN’ analysed Australia’s most popular car journeys, and ranked them all based on food-related factors including number of stops, quality of stops and the customer ratings at each human-refuelling station along the way. According to the data, NSW is home to some of the very best road trips for food lovers, with the ‘Legendary Pacific Coast’ road trip (the journey from Sydney to Brisbane) taking the top spot, the Grand Pacific Drive coming in fifth place and the coastal drive from Sydney to Melbourne ranking sixth.   First up, let’s talk about the winner. Spanning 1,000 km from Sydney to Brisbane, the ‘Legendary Pacific Coast’ road trip scored 76.9 out of 100 in the total foodie trip score – with 658 total food stops, 6.4 food stops every 10 kilometres, and 116,420 Instagram posts. The route weaves through the Hunter Valley (passing some of Australia’s best wineries), past the iconic dunes of Port St

If you ask us, nothing says “holiday mode” quite like ordering a round of Piña Coladas to your daybed by the pool. If you’re planning a springtime staycation in the Harbour City, and are keen to capitalise on the new-found sunshine, we’re here to help. These are the very best hotel pools in Sydney to help you live out your White Lotus dreams. RECOMMENDED READ: These are the best hotels in Sydney right now The Eve Photograph: Melissa Woodley | Time Out Sydney A new kid on the block (opening its doors in February 2024), this designer inner-city hotel is home to a rooftop pool that embodies the term ‘urban oasis’. Flanked by palm trees in the heart of Redfern’s new Wunderlich Lane precinct, the 20-metre rooftop pool at The Eve is just steps away from beloved Mexican restaurant Lottie – meaning you can order a Paloma and a plate of tacos to your daybed and they’ll be with you in moments. It’s open to hotel guests every day from 7am until 10pm, so you can clock a few laps before breakfast at Bar Julius (order the Mimosa), or cool off with a night-time dip after dinner at Olympus. Park Hyatt Photograph: Supplied | Destination NSW Walking over the Sydney Harbour Bridge, it’s hard to miss the aspirational pull of the Park Hyatt’s rooftop pool – framed by cushioned daybeds, cutting an azure oblong into the carefully manicured terrace. The arc of the bridge throws its iconic shadow over the pool in the heat of the day, and from the spa on the south side of the terrace, you can watc

From spectacular skiing runs to stunning surfing spots, there are plenty of next-level adventures to be found across Asia. But if you’re looking for a little-known nature experience guaranteed to take your breath away, we think we’ve got you covered. Located in southeastern Tibet, China, the Yarlung Tsangpo Grand Canyon is an otherworldly natural phenomenon: a huge, (1.5 million km²) canyon, home to snow-capped mountain peaks, roaring rivers, and surreal dense forests. What is the Yarlung Tsangpo Grand Canyon? The Yarlung Tsangpo Grand Canyon is the world’s deepest canyon, carved by the Yarlung Tsangpo River that flows around the eastern Himalayas in Tibet. Where is the Yarlung Tsangpo Grand Canyon? You’ll find the canyon in southeastern Tibet, near the eastern section of the Himalayas where the river bends around the magnificent Mount Namcha Barwa. Photograph: Pexels | Ling Xu How big is the Yarlung Tsangpo Grand Canyon? Deeper and longer than both the Grand Canyon in the United States and the Capertee Valley in Australia, the Yarlung Tsangpo Grand Canyon stretches for 504.6 kilometres, and reaches a maximum depth of around 6,009 metres (that’s just over 6 kilometres). How do you get to the Yarlung Tsangpo Grand Canyon? The closest major city to the canyon is Nyingchi, whose airport welcomes flights from Lhasa, Chengdu, and other Chinese cities. From Nyingchi, you’ll need to drive for a good few hours to reach the trekking trails and viewpoints that surround the canyon.  C

​​Summer is officially drawing to a close, and as the heat eases off in Hong Kong, hiking season sets in. If the hot season has got you out-of-practice on the hiking front, we’re here to help. To get Hongkongers off the couch, we’ve rounded up five easy hikes close to the city – trails that will get you back into hiking mode, and home in time for lunch. Garden Hill Distance on foot: ~1.5 kilometres Time on foot: ~45–60 minutes round trip How to get there: Take the MTR to Sham Shui Po Station (Exit D2), then walk about 10 minutes along Ki Lung Street and up the stairs beside Mei Ho House to the Garden Hill trailhead. Garden Hill is a short but steep stair climb in Sham Shui Po, rising around 90 metres above street level. At the top, you’re rewarded with sweeping views over Kowloon’s skyline, especially stunning at sunset. If you visit for sunset, pack a flashlight for the descent. Photograph: Shutterstock Chek Keng Distance on foot: 2–2.5 kilometresTime on foot: 50–60 minutes How to get there: From central Hong Kong, take the MTR to Diamond Hill Station (Exit C2), then bus 92 to Sai Kung Town. From Sai Kung, transfer to minibus 29R or a taxi to Sai Wan Pavilion, which is the trailhead for Chek Keng. The Chek Keng hike follows a scenic trail through Sai Kung East Country Park, with gentle climbs and forested paths opening onto beautiful coastal views. After roughly an hour on foot, you’ll reach Chek Keng, a quiet inlet featuring an old Hakka village and a peaceful beachside c

According to data from Airbnb, Japan was Asia’s most popular tourism destination in 2024, and interest in the region doesn’t seem to be waning. From world-class ski resorts to super futuristic cities, there are a lot of very good reasons to visit Japan right now, and we’ve got another addition to the list. The Hokkaido East Trail is a new multi-day hiking trail that will take you through a breathtaking diversity of landscapes, spanning volcanic calderas, glittering lakes, expansive marshland, and lush forest.  What is the Hokkaido East Trail? The Hokkaido East Trail is a long-distance walking trail tracing the eastern part of Hokkaido. The newly opened trail was designed to link the three eastern Hokkaido national parks: Shiretoko, Akan–Mashu, and Kushiro-Shitsugen. Where is the Hokkaido East Trail? The scenic mountainous trail traverses the eastern part of Hokkaido, running from Kushiro City (in the south) through Akan–Mashu, then up to the small fishing town of Rausu (near the Shiretoko Peninsula in the north).  Photograph: Shutterstock How far is the Hokkaido East Trail? In its entirety, the trail stretches for around 410 kilometers – though there are shorter routes if you’re not up for the whole multi-week mega hike.  How long does it take to hike the Hokkaido East Trail? Hiking the entire 410 kilometres would take between two to three weeks, but since the trail is so new (it opened in October 2024), exact thru hike times haven’t been confirmed.  How do you get to the H

Sydney’s housing market is the second least affordable in the world, and according to the Committee for Sydney’s ‘Life in Sydney report’, the biggest problem facing Sydneysiders right now is housing affordability. To tackle the issue, the NSW Government is funding new developments across the city – with whole new CBD coming to life on the doorstep of the new airport, Sydney Olympic Park and Austral due to grow by 476 and 334 per cent respectively, and the largest affordable housing project in Australia due to be built in Waterloo. Just last month, plans were announced for a new rezoning project in Sydney's Eastern Suburbs, which will bring 10,000 new homes and a new train station to Woollahra over the next few years. Now, details for the NSW Government's latest rezoning project have been announced – with 8,000 new homes due to be built along the Parramatta Road corridor. RELATED READ: Sydney’s population recently grew by 107,538 people in 12 months This newly-announced rezoning project will introduce new housing projects along the well-connected Parramatta Road corridor, complementing housing development work already underway with Inner West Council, Burwood and Canada Bay Council. A key pillar in the NSW Government’s plan to tackle the housing crisis is to build new homes in well-connected areas, and the Parramatta road corridor is the perfect site: serviced by heaps of bus, light rail and train routes, close to the CBD, and with direct access to major hospitals, schools and

Western Melbourne commuters, we’ve got news. The trains that run along the Melton Line are on track (pardon the pun) for a major upgrade – with a fleet of new nine-car VLocity trains due to arrive a year ahead of schedule. The new extended trains will boost passenger capacity by a massive 50 per cent during peak times, making daily commutes a whole lot more enjoyable. We first got word about these swish trains in August last year, when it was revealed they would cost an eye-watering $600 million. They're the fastest trains to hit Melbourne's tracks, with a top speed of 166 km/h, and also feature additional doors (to make passenger boarding and alighting easier). The huge, high-spec new trains aren’t the only new addition to this popular train route, with the Melton Line upgrade project also involving platform extensions. So far, these extensions are planned for four of the line’s busiest stations (Cobblebank, Rockbank, Caroline Springs and Deer Park), with the new Melton Station due to open in 2026 also with extra-long platforms. Wondering when your commute will start getting smoother? Construction is due to start next year, with the nine-car trains set to be operational along the future-proofed line from 2027.   Stay in the loop: sign up for our free Time Out Melbourne newsletter for the best of the city, straight to your inbox. RECOMMENDED: Victoria’s tallest surviving timber trestle bridge has reopened to the public Melbourne is scoring a huge new urban oasis the size of 1