Winnie Stubbs

We’re officially halfway through 2026 (sorry), but the good news is that there’s a lot of fun to be had in Sydney. With Vivid running until Saturday, June 13, and Sydney Film Festival lighting up screens across the city with an excellent line-up, this month is set to be pretty glittery, ice-cold temperatures aside. For the ultimate magical evening this month, we’d suggest hitting one of the city’s best happy hours before catching a show at the Opera House and then refuelling at one of the city’s best restaurants. Be sure to work your way through our guide to Sydney's best Sunday roasts, too. Plus, whale watching season is setting in – these are the best spots to see them from Sydney. Acclaimed First Nations artist Tony Albert has opened his largest-ever solo exhibition at the MCA. Tony Albert: Not a Souvenir explores the stereotyping and commodification of Aboriginal culture while celebrating survival, resilience and pride. Alongside the exhibition, Albert and the MCA have launched the Aboriginalia Appeal, encouraging Australians to donate mass-produced souvenirs that reduce Aboriginal culture to stereotypes. Qtopia Sydney’s Pride Fest 2026 is also on this month, with more than 300 events celebrating queer arts, culture and community across the month. For the first time, the festival expands beyond Qtopia to take over Sydney’s Oxford Street precinct, featuring theatre, drag, music, fitness, talks and more. Keen to get out of town? Our guides to the best cosy cabins and glam

Sun-loving Sydney is known for its stunning, sky-high rooftop bars and seaside spots for wining and dining. But sometimes the finest watering holes can be found where you least expect.  Sneak down a laneway or descend into a basement and you may just stumble across one of the city's hottest cocktail havens, or even a seriously cool new nightlife nook that stays open long after other spots have called last drinks. In fact, you've probably walked straight past a few without even knowing they existed. Time Out Sydney's local food writers have searched for the best hidden bars – and here are the ones we reckon are way too excellent to keep a secret. Prefer to be out in the open? The best rooftop bars in Sydney might be your best bet, but there are a whole lot of waterfront bars and ace beer gardens worthy of your attention, too. 

Winter 2026 update: Sydney’s bar scene doesn’t slow down when the temperature drops – if anything, it gets even better. Think cosy corners, silky red wines, smoky whiskies and perfectly shaken Martinis. Whether you’re chasing a hidden speakeasy, a buzzing neighbourhood wine bar, rooftop cocktails with your girlfriends or a proper pint, we've got your winter watering holes sorted.  These spots offer great drinks, warm hospitality and good vibes. From exciting newcomers to long-time favourites, this guide is curated by our local editors and writers, including Time Out Sydney's Editor Avril Treasure. Grab your coat, Sydney – it’s bar season. Editor’s picks: 🍸 Best for excellent cocktails: PS40 🤫 Best for speakeasy vibes: Eau-de-Vie 🍹 Best for Cuban rums & Daiquiris: The Lobo 🍷 Best for vino from women-led wineries: Famelia 🥃 Best for whisky lovers: Banchō Bar 🇲🇽 Best for Tequila & Margs: Centro 86   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. Our list of the best pubs in Sydney Check out our best restaurants here

When you think about Sydney, it’s the big stuff that springs to mind: our mighty Coathanger over the harbour, our world-famous Opera House, our hundreds of golden beaches, vast national parks and the staggering, epic, larger-than-life beauty of it all. But be careful not to overlook the small stuff. Hidden throughout the city, these little-known hideaways have some big secrets to share. We're lucky enough to have the job of exploring every corner of Sydney, so that we can fill you in. Shhh... 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. In search of more secret discoveries in Sydney? These are the city's best-kept secrets, according to locals.Want to discover a secret spot for a drink? Check out the city's best hidden bars and speakeasies.

Autumn 2026 update: Enjoy the change of seasons at one of Sydney’s cracking pubs. From sun-dappled beer gardens to refreshing pints and heart-warming roasts, these pubs are warm, welcoming spaces built for a good time – and even better if they’re pokie-free. Below, we’ve rounded up the best of the best. There's a lot that goes into making a great pub. They need to furnish you with an excellent meal and friendly service, and a game of pool or darts doesn't go astray, and we're fans of weekly trivia. On a hot day, it's all about having a welcoming beer garden, and on a Sunday, it's all about a cracking roast. Top-notch drinks are a must, obvs. There are a lot of rock-solid pubs in this city, and these are our picks of the bunch, pulled together by Time Out Sydney's local writers. Cheers! Editor's picks: 🍠 Best for a Sunday roast: The Bat & Ball Hotel ☀️ Best for a sunny beer garden: Courthouse Hotel 🍽️ Best for top-notch feed: The Dry Dock 🎸 Best for live music: The Lord Gladstone 🔖 Best for mid-week trivia: The Golden Barley 🍻 Best for a post-surf beer: Harbord Hotel 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 something a bit less pubby, a bit higher end, see our picks of the best bars in Sydney. Hungry? Check out our ultimate guide to Sydney's best restaurants. 

More hotels mean more excuses to pack a bag, right? From fancy five-star stays to design-led boutique properties, Australia's hotel scene is booming, giving travellers plenty of reason to test-drive the latest openings. After all, who doesn’t want to be the first to swan-dive into a crisp king bed or wrap themselves in a robe so fresh it hasn’t yet seen a room-service tray? In late 2025, Australia welcomed a wave of new coastal and city gems, including Elysium Noosa Resort, InterContinental Sydney Coogee Beach and Hannah St Hotel in Melbourne CBD. This year, our Travel & News Editor Melissa Woodley has her eyes set on Avani Mooloolaba Beach Hotel, the Sunshine Coast's first new hotel in almost 40 years, and the Hilton Palm Cove Cairns Resort & Spa, set to open in early 2026. Scroll on for the full roll call of Australia’s newest hotels – and the ones still teasing us from behind construction fences. 🌴 The best resorts and lodges in Australia⛺️ The best free campgrounds in Australia

When it comes to natural beauty, Sydneysiders are spoilt for choice with a knockout harbour, plenty of bushland and so many beaches right on our doorstep. But if you venture just a little beyond the city limits, things get even prettier. We’re talking glow-in-the-dark caves, gushing blowholes, ancient rock formations and waterfalls that make you forget the drag of your daily commute and the chaos of city living. The best part? These natural wonders are all just a few hours’ drive from Sydney. Before you know it, you’ll be swapping screen time for salty air and traffic jams for bush tracks – and still be back home in time for dinner. We’ve cherry-picked a selection of the NSW's most beautiful nature spots close to home so you can go exploring – and, perhaps, fall in love with NSW all over again. Stay in the loop: sign up for our free Time Out Sydney newsletter for more news, straight to your inbox. RECOMMENDED: Make a weekend of it at one of our best camping sites. Or try any of these fun weekend getaways.

Cupid’s day of love is coming up. Forget the ridiculously overpriced red roses and take your loved one out for a delicious meal at one of Sydney’s most romantic spots instead. Don’t have a hot date? No worries. Take your best friend, your mum, or yourself out for a great night. And if you don’t believe in Valentine’s Day (fair), these gems are romantic year-round for your next date night.  So, how did we pull together this guide? All the venues are cosy and intimate, vibey and have low lighting (none of that fluorescent doctor’s waiting room stuff). And, of course, they all serve top food and drinks with warm, relaxed service – so your night can flow with ease. From classy cocktail bars to chic wine haunts and candlelit restaurants, you’ll find Sydney’s sexiest spots below. Bring a pack of mints and you're good to go. Stay in the loop: sign up for our free Time Out Sydney newsletter for more news, food & drink inspo and activity ideas, straight to your inbox. Want to take the pressure off? This is our guide to Sydney's best restaurants. Wooing on a shoestring? These are the best cheap eats in Sydney.

Let’s face it: while New South Wales has some spectacular ski resorts and snow fields (including the biggest in the Southern Hemisphere), taking a trip to the snow is never gonna qualify as a cheap holiday. Mostly, that’s because we have a much shorter snow season than our European cousins – and scarily, Australia’s snow seasons are getting shorter. All that being said, you need to be rolling in dough to hit the slopes; many alpine destinations offer sweet deals during the winter months, you just need to know where to look.We've rounded up everything from accommodation packages to majorly reduced day passes and student specials. Check out our ultimate snow-on-a-budget guide before you hit up the slopes this winter. Stay in the loop: sign up for our free Time Out Sydney newsletter for more news, food & drink inspo and activity ideas, straight to your inbox. Want more winter getaway action? Check out our list of the best trips you can take to warm up your life this chilly season.Craving something super cosy? These are the best tiny homes and cabins in NSW.

Hiking is having a moment right now. Brand-new trails – including the world’s longest coastal path – are opening left, right and centre. Plus, more of us than ever are choosing active, mindful and sustainable experiences when we travel. To help you plan your next great hike, we’ve rounded up the best hiking holidays the world over, from Europe’s very own Jurassic Park to the bonnie lochs of the West Highland Way and desert landscapes in the Middle East. Each hike has been tried and tested by our globetrotting network of travel writers, so read on for all the info on where to go, when to go and how long to set aside, plus tips and tricks and the best sights to look for along the way. All you need to do is pack your bags. These are the world’s greatest hikes, according to Time Out. Updated April 2026: We’ve added two Spanish hikes to the list to help you plan your summer treks. RECOMMENDED:🌲 The best national parks in the world ⛰️ The best destinations for solo female travellers🌊 The most spectacular places to swim in the world🏝️ The best beaches in the world🚂 The best train journeys around the world

Call it what you will – the rainbow region, the Northern Rivers, the Byron hinterland – the Bundjalung Nation (the region around Byron Bay) holds a certain ineffable magic. I was once told – en route to a very-Byron tea ceremony on a rainy Wednesday evening – that the magic comes from the earth; that the ground beneath the hills, spiked with crystals from a nearby volcano, generates a uniquely healing energy. And though my limited geological understanding prevents me from verifying that fact, I’m confident that there’s something special about this stretch of sparkling coastline and rolling hills that the Arakwal, Minjungbal and Widjabul Wia-bal people call home. Byron Bay – undeniably the region’s most well-known town – has traditionally acted as a place for people to come together, known by the Arakwal people as 'Cavanbah' which translates to mean 'meeting place’. And while the gentrified hippie beach town on Australia’s easternmost point does have its perks – a stunning coastal walk that curls up over a beach-studded stretch of sparkling ocean, high-end hotels that blend sophisticated design with beachside nonchalance, and a restaurant scene to rival any Sydney suburb – we’re of the opinion that the true gems of the region lie outside of town. Whether you’re looking to follow in the footsteps of the the hemp-clad, Byron-dwelling hippie of yesteryear and wake up in a campervan by the ocean (Camplify has got you covered on that front) or glide from the blindingly bright shore

Hark! What's that? If it's winter in Sydney and you're standing by the sea, it could very well be the gentle giants of the Big Blue popping up to say hello – and, y'know, breathe. In Sydney, May to November is your best bet to catch a glimpse of some humpback whales, as 20,000 of them make moves along the New South Wales coastline during the colder months. While the chill takes over Sydney, the whales begin their journey north towards warmer waters to mate and give birth. While humpbacks are the most common sight around our city, you might also spot some lesser found whale species on your adventures, including orcas and minkes. No luck? They might be hiding out by Sydney's best secret beaches – but even if not, those shores are well worth a visit.  Want to make the most of whale watching season in Sydney? Head to one of these lookouts with your camera and binoculars in tow to capture some blowholes spouting. 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:  Get out on the water with this whale watching cruise that gives you bang for your buck, then discover more wild times in Sydney at one of the city's amazing animal attractions.

Let's face it: beach weather is behind us. But thankfully, every winter, Australia’s most famous sretch of sand levels up its entertainment offering with a soul-warming multi-week festival. Running from Friday, July 3 to Sunday, July 19, this year’s fest brings 17 days of music, theatre, comedy, visual arts and immersive experiences to the sand – all anchored around Bondi Pavilion and its surrounds. But 2026 isn’t just any year: it marks a once-in-a-lifetime alignment with Bondi’s postcode (2026), and the festival is going bigger to match. The winter staples are, of course, back. Expect the crowd-favourite ice rink, the ever-iconic Bondi Vista Ferris Wheel (complete with sweeping coastal views), and the technicolour chaos of the Bondi Beach Sea Wall, where artists will once again transform the shoreline into an open-air gallery. New for 2026 is Accordion by Amigo & Amigo – a large-scale, playful light and sound installation taking over the Bondi Pavilion Courtyard from late June through July. Foodies are also in for a treat, with the Blue Sky Markets returning after a buzzy debut last year. Across multiple weekends, Bondi Park will transform into a beachside feast of street food, artisan drinks and sweet treats, soundtracked by live DJs and musicians as part of Music in the Park. The festival kicks off with the opening of the 40th annual Waverley Art Prize – a milestone year for one of Australia’s leading contemporary art awards – alongside the always-sold-out Bondi Festival

The magic of The Peninsula begins long before check-in, in the mythology of its “Grande Dame of the Far East” status – but it only truly lands once you’re inside. Within the hotel's ornate walls, service is so intuitive it borders on telepathic, and you'll find beautiful, thoughtful touches at every turn. As Hong Kong’s oldest and most storied hotel, it could coast on reputation alone. Instead, every detail feels considered, tastefully contemporary and quietly exacting – a sparkling benchmark for luxury in 2026. Balancing old-world grandeur with modern precision, this harbourside icon is Hong Kong in microcosm. If you’re booking a blowout stay, you won’t find a safer bet. What is The Peninsula Hong Kong like? Opened in 1928, this place is a masterclass in colonial-era opulence and wildly intuitive hospitality. The original building – a marble-clad, six-storey masterpiece – is plucked straight from the royal playbook: heavy doors open to a palatial lobby, glittering chandeliers suspended from the towering ceiling. The addition of a 30-story tower in 1994 almost doubled its accommodation capacity, and today the hotel is so much more than just a (very luxurious) place to stay: home to a luxury shopping arcade with over 80 boutiques and a suite of eight dining and drinking venues that are each destinations in themselves. What are the rooms like at The Peninsula Hong Kong The smallest of the 300 guest rooms is 54 square metres, so abundant space is a guarantee. Design is tastefull

To bring a little musical joy to the Harbour City through the cooler months, Sydney’s historic waterside precinct The Rocks is once again transforming Thursday evenings into a free, open-air jazz experience – with Jazz Sessions in The Rocks returning for its third year in 2026. Running from Thursday May 7 until Thursday September 24, the series will take over The Rocks Square each week, delivering intimate live performances set against cobblestone laneways and heritage buildings in the heart of Sydney. Curated in partnership with SIMA (Sydney Improvised Music Association), the program spotlights Australia’s thriving contemporary jazz scene, with a rotating monthly line-up of artists. The opening month features standout acts including the Harley Coleman Trio and Billie McCarthy, with new performers announced at the start of each month to keep things fresh, spontaneous and ever-evolving. Event times (every Thursday) 6:30pm – 7:15pm – First set 7:15pm – 7:30pm – Interval 7:30pm – 8:15pm – Second set 8:30pm – Event concludes To complement the music, visitors can explore a range of nearby food and drink offerings across The Rocks, from fiery Thai at Snake Bark, freshly shucked oysters at Hooked & Harvest, and classic Italian at Sicilian. Pisa Slice will also be serving a $10 slice and soft drink combo every Thursday, while a pop-up bar will be pouring everything from mulled wine to and Spicy Mango Margaritas. Free entry. No bookings required. Sign us up. Find out more over here.

If you’re the type to hibernate the second Sydney dips below 20 degrees, consider this your cue to rethink your winter-on-the-couch itinerary. Carriageworks – Redfern’s industrial arts hub – is rolling out a stacked cold-season program that’s less “cosy night in” and more “culture-packed calendar”, running from late May through August. Here’s what you need to know about the Carriageworks winter line-up. Things kick off in a big way with Vivid Sydney (May 29–June 14), as Carriageworks transforms into one of the festival’s key music hubs. The lineup is genuinely stand-out this year, featuring hip-hop royalty Lil’ Kim, R&B hitmaker Ella Mai, EDM heavyweights Alison Wonderland and Porter Robinson, plus genre-bending acts like Skin On Skin and Teletech. It’s not all late-night beats, either – the free Awesome Black Block Party brings a vibrant celebration of First Nations culture, and the (already sold-out) Warakirri Dining Experience will serve up native ingredients in a seriously immersive setting. From there, the program will shift gears towards a more playful artsy offering. Comedy fans should make a beeline for Garry Starr: Classic Penguins (June 16– July 5), a chaotic, mostly-naked sprint through the entire Penguin Classics catalogue that’s already earned cult status on the global festival circuit. Visual art lovers, meanwhile, can explore the Incognito Art Show (June 24–July 5), a massive anonymous exhibition where you can snap up original works without the gallery price ta

ParkRoyal Darling Harbour Sydney sits between the buzz of the CBD and the waterfront energy of Darling Harbour, making it a super central base for exploring the city. It’s designed for convenience, but with enough polish to feel like more than just a place to crash between plans. Time Out Video Lead Rebecca Hegedus stayed recently before heading to Art After Dark at the Biennale of Sydney (the hotel is offering a bespoke Biennale package for a limited time), and described it as the perfect base for a fun, easy staycation in the city. What are the rooms like at ParkRoyal Darling Harbour? There are 341 rooms and suites, including upgraded Club Rooms with lounge access, and they lean spacious and functional rather than flashy. Our very own Reb stayed in a Club Suite, a larger suite that can be divided into two separate rooms, complete with two toilets, one shower, a couch that turns into a sofa bed, and 55” TVs in both rooms. “The room was spacious, and at sunset it was so lovely. The light came through the sheer curtains, creating this golden glow, and you could see Darling Harbour from the room too.” Which are the best restaurants at ParkRoyal Darling Harbour? You’ve got two main on-site options: Barkers for buffet breakfast and Abode Bistro and Bar for modern Australian dining and cocktails. Reb’s take on Abode? “The corn ribs were fire, and it was happy hour, so $2 oysters, which were honestly such a slay for the price.” On drinks, she explained, “We also had the two Starwar

Thought to be one of the oldest public gardens in the Southern Hemisphere, Sydney's Royal Botanic Gardens date back to 1810 when Governor Lachlan Macquarie and his wife had a vision for an "English parkland setting with a grand house". Over the years, this 30-hectare oasis has withstood fires, cattle grazing, invasions of flying foxes, a windmill, an aviary, and even a zoo. Today, aside from a few sulphur-crested cockies, it's an oasis of calm in an urban jungle. If it's not raining, rug-up and take a free guided walk through the gardens...good for helping city-slickers to distringuish between Begonias and Camellias. Alternatively, if it's a wet weekend, warm up over brunch at Botanic House, where you can watch the rain pour down whilst cradling your steaming cup of coffee. Exquisite. Best For... Amateur botanists, hippy nature lovers & anyone in need of a break from the city. Worst For... Couch potatoes. Tours from 10.30am, daily. Free entry. 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:Want more green space? Click here for our guide to the best public gardens in Sydney. Can you keep a secret? This little-known garden in Sydney is bigger than NYC’s Central Park. And this magical harbourside garden is worth the journey over the bridge.

Newtown’s King Street doesn’t exactly specialise in subtle – but Piqu is giving it a crack anyway. Blink and you might miss the teeny, unassuming dining room slotted into number 194 – but step inside, and you’ll be met with a creative, spice-loaded menu that feels like a trip overseas. From chef-owners Jihwan Choi (ex-Momofuku Seiobo, Callao) and Nicola D’Angela (ex-Osteria di Russo & Russo, Callao), Piqu is a Southeast Asian-leaning diner built on serious technique and a shared passion for Thai flavours. The name riffs on “piquant” – sharp, spicy, intriguing – and that energy runs through the menu, from street-food style snacky starters to a punchy coffee-laced parfait to finish. The menu kicks off with tasty street food-style snacks like fried chicken skin with pineapple nam prik ($9) and golden moneybags packed with seriously spicy prawn-based filling ($12 for three). In the kitchen, you’ll find mortar and pestles working overtime, pounding galangal, chilli, coriander root and garlic into punchy pastes that form the backbone of the menu. It’s a labour-intensive and hands-on approach, and it shows – there’s a real kick to the dishes that can be hard to find in a lot of Sydney’s mid-range Asian eateries. Starters include perfectly fall-off-the-bone lamb ribs ($28) and raw tuna reimagined through a Thai laab lens – bright with orange nam jim, earthy with beetroot, and built for wrapping into crisp lettuce cups ($26). Then come the heavier hitters: hearty osso buco stew ($44)

If you’ve spent any time in Sydney’s CBD, chances are you’ve walked right past Paradox and passed it off as another of the city’s beautiful sandstone office buildings. Before my stay, I’d been pretty oblivious to the fact that a 364-room hotel hides within the 170-year-old heritage bones, but it turns out it’s one of the city’s go-to stays for business travellers. Set in a stately slice of Sydney history, Paradox Sydney occupies 27 O’Connell Street – a grand sandstone beauty dating back to 1856, just steps from Circular Quay. Originally built for John Fairfax & Sons, the publishers of The Sydney Morning Herald, the building has lived a few lives before its latest glow-up. Today, heritage walls meet a modern, fuss-free approach to hospitality – it’s not the kind of stay you’d bookmark for a honeymoon, but it’s got everything you need for a comfy, super-central stay in the Harbour City. What are the rooms like at Paradox Sydney? Rooms strike a balance between classic and contemporary, with high ceilings (a perk of the building’s 19th-century bones), creative metallic-look walls and wildly comfy beds. Design-wise, they keep things simple, but Paradox doesn’t cut any corners where it matters: rooms are spacious and stocked with luxe toiletries, phone chargers, alarm-clock radios, ironing boards, kettles and a good selection of tea and coffee. Ours was a balcony room on the twelfth floor, with views down Pitt Street to the Harbour Bridge and a cute Parisian-style balcony that floo

It’s 3pm on a Wednesday afternoon, and the Moroccan riad-style courtyard of Basq House is buzzing. A honeymooning couple are clinking glasses in the pool, and groups of women are making friends from the comfort of their cushioned sun loungers – chatting about life under the shade of the palm trees. Hiding down a quiet laneway just steps from Byron’s buzz, Basq House is the kind of boutique stay that feels less like a hotel and more like you’ve scored the keys to your stylish friend’s beachside mansion. And while the immaculate designer aesthetic is perhaps the hotel’s calling card (it was one of 35 Australian hotels to earn a Michelin Key in the inaugural round of awards), the friendly, communal, in-on-a-shared-secret energy is what keeps guests coming back. Here’s everything you need to know about this beautifully presented Byron gem. What is Basq House like? Basq House is a 32-room hideaway built around a dreamy central magnesium pool, with airy, free-flowing communal spaces that blur the line between indoors and out. The vibe is eclectic but intentional – layered with art, handcrafted pieces and global influences, but never overdone. What are the rooms like at Basq House? While the communal areas are masterfully busy, the rooms dial things back to a calm, minimalist mood. Expect tasteful deep red tones, honey-hued timber finishes and a breezy, uncluttered feel. They’re kitted out with HD TVs (with Chromecast), Nespresso machines, minibars stocked with local treats and a cl

In France, Bastille Day is a day of revolution and feisty celebrations. In Sydney, it’s about all that too – but also, cheese. Lots and lots of cheese. For 2026, it’s dialling things up even further with immersive wine experiences, a brand-new flea market and an expanded footprint that spills across the harbour foreshore. Vive la révolution! The four-day line-up of fêtes and activités returns under the banner of Bastille Festival, a free winter takeover celebrating the diverse culinary and cultural regions of France. This year’s festivities will unfold from Thursday, July 16 to Sunday, July 19, stretching across Circular Quay and The Rocks – with an expanded footprint that links surrounding spaces through music, performance and pop-up experiences. Unsurprisingly, foodies are especially well catered for. Expect French street-food favourites like raclette (melted, grilled cheese heaven), crêpes, escargots and macarons, alongside chef collaborations and globally inspired dishes reimagined with French flair. With more than 130 exhibitors and over 80 dishes on offer, Sydneysiders can take a full-blown culinary tour of France without leaving the 2000 postcode. On the drinks front, 2026 introduces a bold new wine experience: Taste France x Vin de France, a high-energy hub of tastings, masterclasses and sensory moments designed to bring French varietals to life. Beyond the vineyards, there’ll be more than 18 bars pouring everything from spiced cider to craft beer and French-inspired

Epping is getting a new after-dark addition. The suburb’s first-ever monthly night market is launching at Boronia Park, bringing street food, live tunes and a buzzy community vibe to the heart of the neighbourhood.RECOMMENDED READ: These are the best markets in Sydney Kicking off on April 24 and running on the last Friday of every month (with a special end-of-year edition in the works), the Epping Night Markets will see more than 30 stalls serving up everything from artisan eats to handcrafted goods. Expect roving performers, local talent on the mic and plenty of reasons to hang around – with the market taking over the park from 5–9pm. Backed by City of Parramatta and delivered by AMA Event Management, the markets are set to become a regular fixture for this fast-growing suburb – and a solid excuse to cancel your Friday night takeaway plans.You can find out more and plan your visit over here. 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:Want more activities? Here’s what’s on in Sydney this weekendAnd here’s what’s on this week.Looking for somewhere for dinner? These are the best restaurants in the city.

ANZAC Day marks the anniversary of the first day the Australian and New Zealand troops saw military action in Gallipoli back in 1915. In recent times it’s become a day of commemorating and remembering all Australians who have served in war. What time is the Sydney ANZAC Day dawn service?  The annual dawn service held at Martin Place begins with the Catafalque Party and Band, followed by the ceremony from 4.20am by the Cenotaph. What time is the ANZAC Day march in Sydney? At 9am there is a march led by war veterans and their descendants, which will take place down Elizabeth Street. What time is the ANZAC Day commemoration service in Sydney? A commemoration service is held from 12.30 at the ANZAC Memorial in Hyde Park by the Pool of Remembrance. What time is the ANZAC Day sunset service in Sydney? The sunset service takes place at the Cenotaph at 5pm. It is a shorter service to conclude the official commemorations, with the accompaniment of the NSW Ambulance Service Band. Stay in the loop: sign up for our free Time Out Sydney newsletter for more news, things to do and travel inspo, straight to your inbox.RECOMMENDED: These are the best places to play two-up in Sydney.And these are Sydney's best pubs.

If your weekly fuel bill has you wincing every time you tap your card, there’s a small reprieve on the horizon. The Victorian Government has announced a rego rebate that’s set to shave a tidy chunk off the cost of keeping your car on the road. As part of the Victorian Budget 2026/27, drivers will be able to claim 20 per cent back on their vehicle registration. With rego for a light vehicle currently topping out at $930.70 a year, that’s up to $186 back in your pocket for one car – or $372 if you’ve got two in your name. Not life-changing, sure, but enough to cover a tank (or two) of petrol, or a decent dinner out. The move comes as global pressures – including ongoing conflict in the Middle East – continue to push fuel prices north, squeezing household budgets across the state. It follows earlier efforts to soften the blow, like discounted public transport fares, but this time the focus is firmly on motorists. So, how does it work? From June 1, eligible vehicle owners can apply for the rebate via Service Victoria, with a two-month window to get your claim in before July 31. The refund covers 20 per cent of your 2025/26 registration payment and applies to light vehicles used for personal purposes – think cars, utes and anything under 4.5 tonnes. You can claim for up to two vehicles registered in your name, regardless of how many cars are parked in your household. According to Premier Jacinta Allan, the rebate is designed as immediate, one-off cost-of-living relief rather than

Victoria is home to a pretty exhaustive list of special regional towns, and while we all have our own personal faves, it’s fun to know which spots are gaining attention from the experts in the field. Every year, the Victorian Top Tourism Town Awards crown a handful of spots that are doing tourism right – and this year’s finalists have just been revealed. From Gold Rush-era grandeur to breezy coastal enclaves and pint-sized country escapes, this year’s line-up is a love letter to regional travel – and a timely reminder that some of the state’s best experiences lie well beyond Melbourne’s tram lines. In the Top Tourism Town category (for populations over 5,000), heavy hitters lead the charge. Ballarat continues to trade on its rich Gold Rush history, with heritage streetscapes and immersive attractions like Sovereign Hill keeping it firmly on the must-visit list. Nearby, Bendigo blends grand architecture with a thriving arts scene, anchored by its impressive gallery and a steady calendar of festivals. Up north, Echuca delivers old-world riverside charm, while Mildura pairs sun-soaked landscapes with a burgeoning food and wine offering. Coastal contender Ocean Grove flies the flag for seaside living, with long beaches and a relaxed, family-friendly vibe, and Swan Hill rounds out the category with its rich Indigenous heritage and strong ties to the Murray River. Photograph: Supplied | Visit Victoria | Rob BlackburnBendigo tram The Small Tourism Town finalists (for populations b

You know what they say about things happening “once in a blue moon” – well, the old saying couldn’t be any more accurate for describing this weekend’s celestial event. This Sunday (May 31), Australia's night sky will witness a rare double spectacle: a Blue Moon that also happens to be a micromoon. It’s the smallest and faintest full moon of the entire year, and a combo like this won't happen again until 2053! Here’s everything you need to know about seeing the blue micromoon across Australia this weekend. When is the May 2026 full moon? Mark your calendar for Sunday, May 31. In most Australian cities, the Blue Moon will reach peak fullness just as the evening sky is settling into that dusky blue sweet spot. Conveniently, this means you won’t need to stay up until all hours to catch it at its brightest. Peak times include: Adelaide – 6.15pm Brisbane – 6.45pm Canberra – 6.45pm Darwin – 6.15pm Hobart – 6.45pm Melbourne – 6.45pm Sydney – 6.45pm Perth – 4.45pm You can find the exact timing of your city's moonrise and moonset on TimeAndDate.com. How to see the blue micromoon in Australia? The blue micromoon is a relatively easy one to spot if the clouds behave. Your best bet is to find a spot with a clear view of the southern horizon – beaches, open parklands or anywhere without too many buildings blocking your line of sight. The lower the moon sits, the more atmospheric the show: it may glow orange or reddish, thanks to light scattering through thicker layers of Earth’s atmosph

Update Tuesday, May 26: Jetsetters eager for Qantas’ non-stop flights from Sydney to London or New York will have to wait a little longer. Supply chain bottlenecks mean the airline’s new custom Airbus A350s will no longer be ready at the end of the year as intended. Though test flights are kicking off in a matter of weeks, delivery of the aircraft has been delayed until next April – pushing the inaugural passenger flights from the first half of 2027 back to late 2027. Qantas hasn't confirmed whether the London or New York route will launch first, so stay tuned for further updates. If you’ve ever been lucky enough to fly to Europe’s sparkling shores, you’ll also have been brave enough to have endured the heinously long, multi-stage journey time to get there. But thanks to Qantas, the Sydney to London passage is set to get a whole lot smoother over the next few years. Almost eight years ago, Qantas announced its ambitious plan to launch direct flights from Sydney to London and New York. Clocking in at just over 20 hours, the Sydney to London route will claim the title of the longest non-stop passenger flight in the world. The initial 2025 launch was pushed back due to technical issues and pandemic-related delays, but with new supply chain hiccups, take-off of the first route is now expected towards the tail end of 2027. Qantas still hasn't confirmed whether London or New York gets the honour first. Currently, the world’s longest flight is Singapore Airlines’ direct service from

Looking for activity inspo for the colder months? There's a new cultural institution to add to your hit list. If you’ve ever been lucky enough to climb the iconic arch of Sydney’s Harbour Bridge, you’ll know there’s a whole lot of history behind the coathanger. A few members of the Time Out team have strapped in and walked up to the summit, and we all agree that it leaves you with a newfound sense of romantic awe for the huge steel structure. Now, to make Australia’s most famous feat of engineering more accessible, the team behind BridgeClimb have opened a new museum in the bridge’s south-east pylon – an immersive deep dive that will allow us to nerd out on the history of the city (and the link between Gadigal and Cammeraygal land) without strapping into a harness.  If you’ve never ventured inside one of the Harbour Bridge pylons, you’re not alone. The Pylon Lookout and Museum first opened to visitors back in 1934 and has long been considered one of the Harbour’s lesser-known attractions, quietly offering some of the best views in the city. Now, the big concrete space has scored a major glow-up. Backed by more than $10 million in funding from the Hammon family – operators of BridgeClimb Sydney and custodians of the south-east pylon – the space has undergone a full transformation into a world-class museum experience set directly inside the structure of the bridge itself. Visitors can explore the bridge’s story through interactive displays, multimedia storytelling and historic

If your weekend-getaway group chat has been circling the same “where should we go next?” debate, consider this your cheat sheet. The 2026 NSW Top Tourism Town Awards have just dropped, and they’re basically a ready-made hit list of regional gems worth building a weekend (or a week) around. Presented on Wednesday, May 27, the annual awards spotlight the towns doing regional travel right – standout experiences, a heap of local pride and the kind of charm that makes you seriously consider a tree change. And this year’s winners? A mix of coastal crowd-pleasers, food-and-wine darlings and teeny villages that punch well above their weight. Taking out Gold in the Top Tourism Town category (for populations over 5,000) is Kiama – the gorgeous coastal town just under two hours south of Sydney. All rolling green hills, dramatic coastline and that famous blowhole (the biggest in the world, really), Kiama has long been a go-to for Sydneysiders chasing sea air without the slog. But what keeps it interesting is its buzzy creative scene, a packed events calendar and enough coastal walks to justify a second coffee (or a third). Close behind is Orange, which also nabbed the People’s Choice award – proof that people travelling around NSW are firmly on board with its cool-climate wine, produce-driven restaurants and distinct four-season appeal. Perched on the slopes of an ancient volcano, Orange is home to a wildly impressive foodie scene and magical countryside vibes – the kind of place where l

Can’t wait until Lightscape to get your fix of glowing, luminous fun? You’re in luck – because the moon is about to pull off a quiet little magic trick in Victorian skies. On Sunday, May 31, the night sky will serve up a rare double feature: a blue moon that also happens to be a micromoon. It’s a celestial event that sounds a lot more dramatic than it looks – but it’s a powerful and rare sighting, so it’s worth rugging up and heading outside after sunset this Sunday. What is a blue moon? Despite the poetic name, a blue moon has nothing to do with colour. It’s all about timing. In casual terms, a blue moon is the second full moon to occur within a single calendar month – which is exactly what’s happening on May 31. It’s essentially a bonus round of moonlight. Astronomers, however, play by slightly different rules. In the more technical definition, a blue moon is the third full moon in a season that unusually contains four full moons instead of the standard three. Either way, the takeaway is the same: it’s an ‘extra’ full moon, not a cobalt-tinted one. What is a blue micromoon? Now for the twist. This particular blue moon is also a micromoon – which sounds tiny and, technically, is. The moon doesn’t orbit Earth in a neat circle; it moves in an elongated oval. That means sometimes it swings closer to us (perigee), and sometimes it drifts further away (apogee). A micromoon occurs when a full moon lines up with that furthest point. On this night, the moon reaches fullness just bef

Checked out Vivid, and keen to get a more natural fix of luminous fun? You’re in luck – the moon is about to pull off a quiet little magic trick in the sky above Sydney. On Sunday, May 31, 2026, NSW’s night sky will serve up a rare double feature: a Blue Moon that also happens to be a micromoon. It’s a celestial event that sounds more dramatic than it looks – but it’s a powerful and rare sighting, so it’s worth wrapping up and heading outside after sunset this Sunday. What is a blue moon? Despite the poetic name, a Blue Moon has nothing to do with colour. It’s all about timing. In casual terms, a Blue Moon is the second full moon to occur within a single calendar month – which is exactly what’s happening on May 31, 2026. It’s essentially a bonus round of moonlight. Astronomers, however, play by slightly different rules. In the more technical definition, a Blue Moon is the third full moon in a season that unusually contains four full moons instead of the standard three. Either way, the takeaway is the same: it’s an “extra” full moon, not a cobalt-tinted one. What is a blue micromoon? Now for the twist. This particular Blue Moon is also a micromoon – which sounds tiny and, technically, is. The moon doesn’t orbit Earth in a neat circle; it moves in an elongated oval. That means sometimes it swings closer to us (perigee), and sometimes it drifts further away (apogee). A micromoon occurs when a full moon lines up with that furthest point. On this night, the moon reaches fullness j

There are a handful of Sydney spots that truly come alive after dark – and right now, Haymarket is officially up there among the best. Already one of the city’s most buzzy inner-city neighbourhoods, this neon-lit pocket has just earned Purple Flag accreditation – an internationally recognised benchmark for night-time precincts that excel in safety, diversity and overall visitor experience. If you’ve ever wandered through Chinatown after hours – past glowing shopfronts, late-night dumpling houses and karaoke joints in full swing – you’ll know the energy here is nothing new. But this latest milestone cements Haymarket’s status as a world-class after-dark destination – Purple Flag accreditation isn’t handed out on a whim. To score the global seal of approval, precincts are independently assessed on everything from vibrancy and cultural mix to practicalities like transport access, lighting and security. It’s about creating places where a night out feels seamless – where you can move easily, feel safe and find something to do at every turn. Haymarket now joins more than 100 accredited districts globally, placing it alongside nightlife hubs across the UK, Sweden and New Zealand.Haymarket has also been selected as a trial Special Entertainment Precinct – a move that gives venues greater freedom to extend trading hours and host live performances without the usual red tape (you can learn more about Sydney’s SEPs over here). At the same time, the Uptown District Acceleration Program is

The Opera House, the Harbour Bridge and Icebergs aside – Sydney has a knack for hiding some of its very best stories in plain sight. Beneath its postcard-perfect cliffs, on the banks of its famous harbour and standing proudly along its windswept headlands, there’s a whole other city waiting to be uncovered – if you know where to look. Keen to explore? These are four of our favourite heritage gems worth adding to your weekend hit list this winter.  Barrenjoey Lighthouse: Sydney’s sentinel at the edge of the sea On a coastal corner of Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park, Barrenjoey Lighthouse feels like the end of the world in the best possible way – perched high above the sparkling shores of Palm Beach. Built in 1881 from local sandstone, the lighthouse is the ultimate Palm Beach bucket-list item. The walk up Barrenjoey Head is a rite of passage – steep, sun-drenched and completely worth it for the panoramic views over Pittwater on one side and the open ocean on the other. Once you reach the top, the lighthouse reveals a glimpse into a slower, more solitary era of coastal life, when keepers lived on site and the beam was a lifeline for passing ships. Photograph: Supplied | NSW National Parks and WildlifeBarrenjoey lighthouse   South Head: the harbour’s hidden underbelly At the opposite end of the spectrum, Sydney Harbour National Park’s South Head hides its history underground. From above, it’s all dramatic cliffs, sea spray and sweeping harbour views. But beneath the surface li

If you’ve been flirting with the idea of taking up golf but can’t quite commit to the five-hour slog, now might just be your moment. Hiding in a leafy pocket of Sydney’s Lower North Shore, Newgreens Chatswood Golf Club is officially opening Australia’s first purpose-built 12-hole golf course – designed to slot neatly into real life (read: no full-day commitment required). Opening to the public on Sunday, May 31, the course flips the traditional 18-hole format on its head, offering a faster, more flexible way to play without sacrificing the experience. It’s a pitch aimed squarely at time-poor professionals, curious first-timers and anyone who likes the idea of a casual hit without blocking out their entire weekend. “This is golf that moves at the pace of modern life,” says Clublinks NSW state manager Stephen Peverett. Based on what we know so far, it’s hard to argue. The 12-hole format hits a sweet spot: long enough to feel like a proper round, short enough to squeeze in before lunch. Photograph: Supplied | Sophie Lou PhotographyNewgreens Chatswood Golf Course and Clubhouse   To mark the launch, Newgreens is throwing a full-day celebration dubbed “12 Moments of Time Well Spent” – a 12-hour program running from sunrise to sunset on opening day (Sunday, May 31). Starting at 6am and wrapping at 6pm, the day will unfold in hourly instalments, from the symbolic First Shot at dawn to live music-fuelled afternoon sessions. There’ll be complimentary coffee on arrival, breakfast bite

If it feels like Sydney’s been inching its way back to a proper night out, consider this a full-throttle push. After years of incremental policy changes and big vision planning behind the scenes (in large part thanks to Sydney’s very own Night Mayor), the NSW Government has unveiled a fresh round of planning reforms. The new batch of regulation changes are designed to make going out – and staying out – a whole lot easier, with more outdoor dining, rooftop bars and pop-up entertainment set to roll out across the state. At the heart of the changes is a very Sydney problem: great venues, great weather, but far too much paperwork standing in between. The fix? Strip back the red tape and let operators actually use the spaces they already have. For hundreds of clubs sitting on Crown land – your local bowlo, RSL, surf club or golf club – outdoor dining will now be classified as exempt development. Translation: no more drawn-out approval processes just to put tables and chairs outside. These venues will still need to meet safety, accessibility and amenity standards, but the bureaucratic slog is getting the chop. It’s a move that will bring clubs into line with other hospitality businesses that have already benefited from relaxed planning laws – and one that could quietly transform some of the state’s most underutilised alfresco spaces into breezy, beer-in-hand hangouts. But the reforms don’t stop at plastic chairs on the lawn. The Government is also doubling down on its push to reviv