Winnie Stubbs

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

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

If the thought of joining the hoards at a shopping mall in December gives you full body chills, save yourself the bother and add these quaint Chrissie markets to your hit list. From arts and design treasure troves to European-inspired food markets, these Christmas shopping pop-ups have all the yuletide goods you need to make the silly season really special.  This year, you’ll find a magical weekly market popping up in Martin Place every Thursday to Saturday in December, foodie fiestas going down at Carriageworks, and a celebration of ceramics popping up in a light-filled studio in Sydney's Inner East offering super-affordable (and beautiful) ceramics.Regardless of your holiday budget, it’s worth hitting at least one market for your annual dose of festive cheer (if only for the fondue).  As the silly season continues, we expect more markets to be announced across the city – we'll keep you posted here as soon as we hear more. Merry shopping. Stay in the loop: sign up for our free Time Out Sydney newsletter for more news, travel inspo and activity ideas, straight to your inbox. Give even greener presents by stopping by at one of Sydney's best plant nurseries.  Need a tree to put all those market-bought goodies under? Here's where to find the best Christmas trees in Sydney.

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

Spring update: Let the good times roll with our fresh guide to Sydney’s best bars – perfect for your springtime soirée. Two new Enmore Road spots have been added (hello, Deadwax and Silver’s Motel). Is the sun out? Head to Paradise or Old Mate’s Place to soak up the warmth. And the Negronis go down a treat at Herbs Taverne. This list represents our picks of the best bars in Sydney right now, from fresh faces to tried-and-tested temples of great drinks, curated by our local editors, drink writers and fellow booze hounds, including Time Out Sydney's Editor Avril Treasure. We’re looking for quality above all, with fun, flavour, atmosphere, creativity and options at every price point. Cheers to you, Sydney. Stay in the loop: sign up for our free Time Out Sydney newsletter for more news, food & drink inspo and activity ideas, straight to your inbox. After a watering hole that's a bit more casual? See our list of the best pubs in Sydney, here. After a meal? Check out our best restaurants here.

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

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

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

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

Whoever said “nothing in life is free” clearly hasn’t been to Australia. Our Great Southern Land is full of bucket list experiences that won’t hurt or even touch your bank account. Hiking through some of the world’s most beautiful national parks? Free! Spotting fairy penguins on the beach? Free! Sampling your way through a world-class market? You guessed it – free! Our Travel and News Editor, Melissa Woodley, has backpacked all around the globe, so she knows a thing or two about savvy travel. With the help of her trusted team of Aussie travel writers, she’s curated this list of the best free things to do in Australia’s major cities. Whether you’re into soaking up the sun outdoors with swims, picnics and hikes, or cooling off inside with free exhibitions, chocolate tours and tram rides, there’s a budget-friendly activity to make you feel filthy rich with happiness. Here are the best free things to do in Australia. Editors’ favourite free things to do in Australia: 🍫 Best for families: Haigh's Chocolate Factory, SA 🌳 Best outdoor adventure: Cottesloe Beach, WA ☀️ Best for a hot day: NGV, VIC NSW | VIC | SA | QLD | WA | ACT | TAS | NT 🌊 The best things to do in Australia🎢 The coolest things to do with kids⭐️ The best tourist attractions in Australia

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

Sitting pretty 600 kilometres off the NSW coast, World Heritage-listed Lord Howe Island is undeniably one of the most beautiful places on Earth. Sir David Attenborough famously described this tiny speck in the Tasman Sea as “so extraordinary it is almost unbelievable”, and we reckon you need to witness its beauty for yourself.  Part of Lord Howe’s magic comes from its exclusivity – only 400 visitors are allowed on the island at any one time, so you can soak in the scenery and serenity without the crowds. The rest of the enchantment lies in its mesmerising natural beauty, featuring vibrant coral reefs, glassy blue waters, lush forest and ancient volcanic peaks. Our Travel Editors Melissa Woodley and Winnie Stubbs spent a honeymoon-style week exploring the island and have rounded up their favourite things to do, including beaches, walks, eateries and resorts. Dive in! Editors’ favourite things to do on Lord Howe Island ⛰️ Best hike: Goat House 🤿 Best water activity: Snorkelling with Galapagos sharks 🐠 Best for kids: Fish feeding at Ned’s Beach When is the best time to visit Lord Howe Island? The best time to visit Lord Howe Island is between September and May, as many lodges and tour operators close during the winter months. We visited in November and thought it was the perfect time – the mild temperatures were ideal for hiking, while the weather was still warm enough for swimming and snorkelling. Best of all, we got to enjoy the island without the summer crowds. How to get

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Looking for a low-key, affordable spa in Sydney? We’ve got you. Hidden in a quiet residential corner of the Inner West, The Serenity Bungalow is exactly what its name promises: a soothing little sanctuary where the pace of city life finally slows. The boutique wellness studio takes a holistic approach to recovery and relaxation, blending advanced massage techniques with restorative rituals like contrast therapy to have you feeling your best, inside and out. Plus, it's way more affordable than most of the city's high-end day spas. Just off one of Drumoyne’s sun-drenched streets, natural light filters through linen curtains, bouncing gently off timber panelling and rattan pendants. The colour palette – all soft neutrals and warm textures – feels calm without trying too hard. Thoughtful details like hot towels, low lighting and a post-treatment herbal tea turn each visit into a personal, unrushed and deeply restorative escape. Each treatment at The Serenity Bungalow is intentionally designed, delivered by experienced therapists who use premium oils and organic products, and balance expertise with intuition. Among the studio’s signature treatments is the Lymphatic Massage, a sculpting-style technique that stimulates circulation and encourages detoxification, leaving you feeling lighter and re-energised. Expect long, rhythmic strokes that follow the body’s natural flow – the kind of treatment that lets you float out of the door. For expectant mothers, the Pregnancy Massage offers

Standing with marble-trimmed grandeur in the heart of one of Sydney’s most expensive harbourside suburbs, InterContinental Double Bay occupies one of the city’s most historic hotel sites. Formerly home to the Ritz-Carlton, then the Stamford, the six-storey building has served as the base for some of Sydney’s most famous visitors, from Elton John to Madonna. In 2014, the doors opened at the InterContinental Double Bay, a hotel that has deliberately maintained the classic, Champagne-fuelled approach to hospitality. Well-heeled valets wait at the entrance to park your car, a grand piano stands in the lobby, and the opulent hotel bar is draped in deep red velvet. This is a “hotel”-style hotel – a place to check in for old-school indulgence. What are the rooms like at InterContinental Double Bay? Ranging from entry-level ‘Classic’ rooms to a palatial 155-square-metre ‘Royal Suite’, the hotel’s 140 rooms all benefit from either vast arched windows or glass-walled balconies, flooding them with natural light and welcoming in the gentle harbour breeze. Choose between views of the sparkling harbour, leafy village or the hotel’s French provincial courtyard, and wake up to the sound of Australian magpies singing from the treetops. Ours was one of the smaller rooms but had everything we needed, including a spacious bathroom (with an excellent double-head shower as well as a bathtub) and an adorable balcony overlooking the bay. Which are the best restaurants at InterContinental Double Bay?

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

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

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

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

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

It’s been a big year for Sydney on the world stage, with the Harbour City ranking as the fifth best city in the world for culture, the 11th best city in the world for Gen Z, and 15th overall on Time Out’s World’s 50 Best Cities for 2025. While our 2026 ranking isn’t out yet, we’re happy to take Resonance Consulting’s World’s Best Cities list – regarded as “the most comprehensive study of its kind” – as gospel for now. Four Aussie cities feature in the top 100 for 2026, with Sydney ranking as the best in Australia. To rank the World’s Best Cities for 2026, Resonance analysed data from more than 400 cities across three key themes: livability, lovability and prosperity. London hung onto its crown as the world’s best city for yet another year, while our very own Emerald City held its title as Australia’s highest-ranked city, coming 11th globally. The NSW capital may have slipped out of the top ten, but 11th place is still an impressive achievement. The report credits Sydney’s 24-Hour Economy strategy, looser alfresco dining rules, new entertainment precincts and handy metro connections as key factors behind its high placement. Not to mention, the Harbour City is home to world-class restaurants, beautiful beaches and gorgeous green spaces. Photograph: Supplied/Randwick City Council RELATED READ: A love letter to Sydney from someone who could be forced to leaveMelbourne was Australia’s second-highest-ranked city, climbing from 25th in 2025 to 21st in 2026. Like Sydney, new metro

Update Tuesday, November 11, 2025: Today, the Australian Space Weather Forecasting Centre issued an Aurora alert, warning of potential Aurora activity in the next two days. According to the alert, "Two coronal mass ejections are expected to impact the Earth within the next 48 hours, possibly resulting in significant geomagnetic activity and visible auroras during local nighttime hours." The Aurora was most recently spotted on November 8 and 9 in parts of southern Australia.   As if last week's brightest-of-the-year supermoon wasn’t enough of a celestial spectacle, today, the Australian Space Weather Forecasting Centre (ASWFC) issued another Aurora alert (the second this month). When the ASWFC recently issued a previous alert, sightings were reported around midnight in Tasmania, Victoria, South Australia and even NSW (the further south you are, the higher chance you'll see it). Here’s everything you need to know about seeing the Southern Lights from Victoria. Where in the world can you see the Aurora? Bright, beautiful and bedazzling, the Aurora Borealis is a big-ticket bucket list item for pretty much everyone on Earth. Only those who have witnessed the Northern Lights with their naked eyes can truly understand its ethereal magic. But you don’t need to fork out on a ticket to Scandinavia to see the dramatic natural light display IRL. Australia has its very own version, called the Aurora Australis or Southern Lights – and this year, we could be in for the brightest display in

Update Tuesday, November 11, 2025: Today, the experts over at the Australian Space Weather Forecasting Centre issued an Aurora alert, warning of potential Aurora activity in the next two days. According to the alert, "Two coronal mass ejections are expected to impact the Earth within the next 48 hours, possibly resulting in significant geomagnetic activity and visible auroras during local nighttime hours." The Aurora was most recently spotted on November 8 and 9 in parts of southern Australia. The further south you are, the more likely you are to spot Southern Lights activity, but that doesn't mean it's often not spotted from within NSW.  As if last week's brightest-of-the-year supermoon wasn’t enough of a celestial spectacle, today, the Australian Space Weather Forecasting Centre (ASWFC) have issued another Aurora alert (the second since early November). Here’s everything you need to know about seeing the Southern Lights from NSW. Where in the world can you see the Aurora? Bright, beautiful and bedazzling, the Aurora Borealis is a big-ticket bucket list item for pretty much everyone on Earth. Only those who have witnessed the Northern Lights with their naked eyes can truly understand its ethereal magic. But you don’t need to fork out on a ticket to Scandinavia to see the dramatic natural light display IRL. Australia has its very own version, called the Aurora Australis or Southern Lights – and this year, we could be in for the brightest display in 20 years. Here’s everythin

There’s a lot of change afoot with Melbourne’s public transport system: including a Myki card overhaul, the huge new Metro Tunnel and a fleet of next-gen trams. And now, for commuters along the Hurstbridge Line, things are looking up. After a month-long construction blitz, major works on the extension of the Hurstbridge Line rail tunnel between Grimshaw Street and Elder Street in Watsonia have wrapped up. Trains have re-opened to passengers, marking a huge step forward for the $15.8 billion North East Link project that’s reshaping the way Melbourne moves. The newly extended tunnel now runs almost half a kilometre beneath Watsonia – making it the third longest rail tunnel in metropolitan Melbourne, right behind the City Loop and the new Metro Tunnel. The project has also delivered a rebuilt and widened Grimshaw Street Bridge, with crews working around the clock over the past 30 days to get trains running again. Above ground, drivers are already feeling the difference. New lanes have opened along the M80 Ring Road and Greensborough Bypass, as the M80 Interchange begins to take form. Once complete, the Ring Road will pull an estimated 19,000 cars and trucks off Greensborough Road every day, easing congestion and creating safer, faster trips for everyone from tradies to parents on the school run. This particular tunnel project is part of a broader overhaul of the corridor between Heidelberg and Eltham – modernising tracks, gantries, wires and signalling to replace decades-old inf

As Time Out Sydney’s Travel and Hotels Editor, my Instagram stories are typified by (often nauseatingly smug) pictures from the state’s most beautiful corners: beachside hotels and honeymoon-worthy beach towns and magnificent barren landscapes. But no nugget of content has ever garnered as much attention as the nerdy picture I posted from the Zig Zag Railway: the heritage steam railway that winds its way through the Blue Mountains. RELATED READ: These are the best places to stay in the Blue MountainsWhen the Zig Zag Railway first opened back in 1869, it was considered a marvel of 19th-century engineering – a spectacular set of machinery able to climb through steep mountain terrain. One and a half centuries later, trains have come a very long way – but this adorable coal-powered railway has more fans than ever. What is the Zig Zag Railway? Part time machine, part joyride, the Zig Zag Railway is one of the most charming relics of Australia’s steam-powered past. Lovingly rebuilt and maintained by an army of dedicated volunteers, this heritage railway winds through dramatic sandstone viaducts and lush mountain bushland, offering passengers a front-row seat to the region’s natural beauty – soundtracked by the cinematic puff and whistle of a fully restored steam train. Photograph: Winnie Stubbs | Time Out Sydney RELATED READ: These are the best hikes in the Blue Mountains Why is the Zig Zag Railway called the Zig Zag Railway? The name comes from the“zig-zag” pattern that helps th

It’s been called an eyesore, a masterpiece and even the ‘Yellow Peril’ – but more than forty years after Melbourne first lost its mind over Ron Robertson-Swann’s ‘Vault’, there's talk that the iconic sculpture might soon be heading north. As reported by the ABC, Mildura Rural City Council has launched a cheeky campaign to “bring ‘Vault’ home”, arguing that the bright yellow geometric installation – which currently sits outside the Australian Centre for Contemporary Art in Southbank – truly belongs in the regional city’s growing arts precinct. Mildura’s tourism bosses say the move would cement the region’s status as a serious player in Victoria’s cultural landscape, joining the dots between its laneways, murals, coffee shops and bars. The plan? To install ‘Vault’ alongside its sibling sculpture ‘Beethoven’ (also by Robertson-Swann) on the front lawn of the Mildura Arts Centre, where it would be, in their words, “respected, celebrated and loved”. Phil Stone, the council’s general manager of strategy and growth, admitted to the ABC that the bid is deliberately provocative. “Unless you ask, you don’t get, right?” For context: ‘Vault’ was unveiled in Melbourne’s City Square in 1980, where it promptly divided the city. Critics called it ugly, the tabloids dubbed it ‘Yellow Peril’, and even Queen Elizabeth II suggested it be painted “a more agreeable colour”. It lasted just eight months before being removed, later finding a semi-permanent home outside ACCA in 2002. Photograph: Supp

When the latest extension of Sydney Metro opened in August 2024, the Night Time Industries Association (NTIA) sparked up a campaign to have the network run 24-hours a day. Although that campaign wasn’t quite successful, the NTIA isn’t giving up, calling on the NSW Government to launch a summer trial of 24-hour public transport every Thursday, Friday and Saturday, arguing that the move could be the “big unlock” Sydney needs to bring its after-dark culture back to life. The call for through-the-night transport follows the release of the NTIA’s ‘Night Pulse: Nightlife in the City of Sydney 2025’ report, which paints a pretty clear picture of what’s keeping Sydneysiders from heading out (and staying out) after dark. According to the findings, 69 per cent of Sydneysiders would go out more often if public transport ran 24 hours a day, while more than half (56 per cent) said they’ve recently skipped a night out because of transport costs or access. In other words: the willingness is there, but the last train home is killing the vibe. RELATED READ: These are the best late-night eats in Sydney According to the NTIA, it’s not just train timetables holding us back. The research found that affordability remains a major barrier, with three in four respondents (74 per cent) saying drinks are overpriced and seven in 10 (69 per cent) saying live performance tickets cost more than they can comfortably pay. Venue operators point to rising insurance premiums and Australia’s notoriously high spi