Alice grew up around Sydney's pub bands, so her friends were all musos, but writing was her thing. She did a degree in Communications (Journalism) at the University of Technology Sydney (UTS).

She worked her way through roles in writing and editing at a range of magazines, including writing travel, lifestyle and food content for the Virgin Australia magazine. She also worked on titles including Entertain Me, Management Today, Weight Watchers Magazine and, eventually, Women’s Health magazine for 10 years.

While working on Women’s Health’s Women in Sport campaign, she interviewed athletes daily, and became obsessed with spectator sport – especially women’s sport. So when she decided it was time to spread her wings and learn new things, this sporting focus led her to move into a marketing and content role for NRL Touch Football, and eventually a similar role at gym company One Playground.

But Alice loves writing and editing most, so she was thrilled to return to media, to Time Out, where she gets a chance to tell the world what she loves about Sydney, Melbourne and beyond. She adores Sydney, the diverse place she's always called home – from the scruffy music venues of her childhood, like The Bridge Hotel, to her new favourites, such as Lazybones, as well as all the incredible restaurants, beaches, bushwalks (and sporting events!) in between. Yet she also spends a lot of time in Melbourne, checking out its incredible arts scene, restaurants, bars and hotels.

To read a Q&A with Alice, click here.

Alice Ellis

Alice Ellis

Editor in Chief, Sydney, Melbourne, Australia

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Articles (163)

The 53 best rooftop bars in Sydney

The 53 best rooftop bars in Sydney

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.
The best happy hours in Sydney right now

The best happy hours in Sydney right now

We all know sh*t’s expensive right now. But the good news? You can still head out in Sydney and have a cracking time without it costing you an arm and a leg, thanks to our top-notch cheap eats, ripper steaks for $25 and under, and quality feeds for $20 and under. Plus, with most bars and restaurants offering happy hours, there’s still plenty of affordable boozing to be had. When we're out and about, we're always on the lookout for great happy hours – ones that save you cash, offer a variety of options, and get bonus points if there are cheaper snacks available too. The catch? You might need to knock off work a little early, but we reckon you deserve it (sorry, bosses). Below, you’ll find the very best happy hour deals in Sydney, where you can snag a schooner from $6, tasty bites from $5 and cocktails from $10. It’s fun you can feel good about. We hope you have a happy time during these happy hours – we certainly have.   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 more fun for less? Here's our guide to the best free things to do in Sydney, the best op shops, and (of course) Sydney's best cheap eats. Thirsty for more? Here are the best bars in Sydney right now.
The best shows to see in Sydney this month

The best shows to see in Sydney this month

Let’s dive into the springtime theatrical fun currently on in Sydney. Great Scott! Back to the Future: The Musical is now playing at Sydney Lyric, so round up your fellow movie buffs and enjoy a blast from the past. Find out more here. Ready to rock? Rent has landed at the Opera House, bringing ’90s energy, raw emotion and New York vibes to the Sydney stage. The performance by every cast member is a standout. Find out more here. Tongue-in-cheek musical The Book of Mormon is on at Sydney's Capitol Theatre – and it’s jam-packed with “did they really just say that?” humour. Bring your mate, bring yourself – but maybe leave your nan (and your kid) at home for this one. Find out more here. The Edit, on now at Belvoir Theatre until October 26, takes a deep dive into the sugary and dark world of reality television. Developed from Gabrielle Scawthorn’s acclaimed podcast Back From Reality and workshopped in the UK with support from Arts Council England and the National Theatre Studio, the show examines the human cost of entertainment and fame. Find out more here. Keep on the dark side with The Addams Family, now showing at Sydney’s new Teatro at the Italian Forum. It runs until October 26. Prepare to be spooked (and to laugh). Find out more here. Calamity Jane kicks off at the Opera House from October 14 to November 16 (more here). Looking towards the end of October, The Lovers lands at the Theatre Royal Sydney on October 31. It’s said to be romantic, rebellious and irresistibly fun
The 39 coolest neighbourhoods in the world in 2025

The 39 coolest neighbourhoods in the world in 2025

For the past eight years, we’ve made it our mission to scope out the coolest pockets of the world’s greatest cities in order to create our definitive annual ranking. The places where stuff like nightlife, art, culture, and affordable food and drink can be found on every corner and down every backstreet. Where diversity is championed and independent businesses thrive, from old-school boltholes to the newest avant-garde art space. Put simply, the world’s coolest neighbourhoods are places that represent the soul of our cities, while maintaining their own unique local character that draws people in to live, work and play. So, what are the neighbourhoods that fit the bill this year? To find out, we asked our network of writers and editors across a breadth of cities to nominate the vibiest district in their hometown right now. We then ranked every neighbourhood against criteria including culture, community, liveability, nightlife, food and drink, street life and that hard-to-define sense of ‘nowness’.  On our list this year, you’ll find everything from homely, village-like enclaves with tight-knit communities to revitalised city-centre hubs and formerly dormant, industrial areas transformed into creative districts. Many are underrated spots that sit in the shadow of their commercialised counterparts; others have become unexpected culinary hotspots or magnets for the city’s artists, writers and activists. What they all have in common is a DIY spirit – and an unshakeable proclivity f
The 55 best cafés in Sydney right now

The 55 best cafés in Sydney right now

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

The best spring school holiday activities in Sydney

Believe it or not, school holidays is on right now in NSW. And if the thought of keeping the kiddos entertained for the next two weeks sends you into a spiral, we have you covered. Below, you'll find the ultimate round-up of activities and experiences happening in Sydney for kids and families this spring. When is the spring school holidays in NSW?  The spring school holidays for 2025 run from Monday, September 29 to Friday, October 10 –this applies to both the Eastern and Western divisions of NSW. What to do in Sydney in the school holidays? There’s something here for the explorers, the budding scientists, the mini-athletes, the musical prodigies and just about everyone in between. 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. Looking for somewhere affordable to eat out with the kids? Check out our guide to the best cheap eats in Sydney. Or visit the best kid-friendly restaurants in Sydney.
The 22 best burgers in Sydney

The 22 best burgers in Sydney

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

The best restaurants in Sydney right now

Spring 2025 update: Doesn’t this warm weather make everything better? (Though, not car fines – they can still go to hell.) You know what else makes things better? Eating delicious food, sipping chilled wine and laughing with your people. Whatever you’ve got coming up, you’ll find Sydney’s best spots to do exactly that below. Here's our list of Time Out's best restaurants in Sydney right now, from hot newcomers to time-honoured institutions, curated by our expert, on-the-ground editors and food writers who eat and drink their way around Sydney, including Time Out Sydney's Editor, Avril Treasure. How did we narrow it down to the very best? When deciding, we considered fun, flavour, creativity, value for money – and 'wow' factor. So yes, of course, you’ll find a fine diner inside the Sydney Opera House here, but you’ll also find neighbourhood pasta, hole-in-the-wall Thai and venues right by the sea. Happy dining, Sydney. Editor's favourite restaurants in Sydney: đŸ„‚ Best for a special occasion: Bennelong 👠 Best for a vibey date night: Fontana ☀ Best for a long Sunday lunch: Sean's 🍝 Best for an Italian feast: Neptune’s Grotto đŸ«’ Best for a friends' catch-up: Olympus Stay in the loop: sign up for our free Time Out Sydney newsletter for more news, food & drink inspo and activity ideas, straight to your inbox. RECOMMENDED READ: Still hungry? Check out our guide to the best cheap eats in Sydney.
The 63 best pubs in Sydney right now

The 63 best pubs in Sydney right now

Spring 2025 update: From sunny beer gardens to refreshing pints, make the most of the cracking spring weather with our guide to Sydney’s best pubs. What do they all have in common? Great vibes, great drinks and ace food. Bring your mates. 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. On a hot day, it's all about having a welcoming beer garden, and on a Sunday, it's all about a cracking roast. 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! 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. 
The best things to do in Australia

The best things to do in Australia

Heading Down Under? You've come to the right place. For almost 60 years, Time Out has been inspiring people to get off the couch and experience the very best of cities worldwide – and now we're here to do the same for Australia. You know the landmarks and the laid-back culture, but there are plenty more incredible things to do in Australia than kissing koalas and yelling ‘g’day mate’. We're a nature lover’s paradise, with highly sought-after food experiences and an impressive cultural heritage to boot. Our team (including Travel & News Editor Melissa Woodley) have sifted through every attraction, experience, event and landmark our nation has to offer and put together the only Aussie bucket list you'll ever need. Whether you want to get amongst art parties in small coastal cities, see fairy penguins scurry across sandy beaches or watch the sunrise over Sydney Harbour from a kayak, there’s so much to explore across this incredible country. Here's our guide to all the best things to do in Australia right now. Editors must do activities in Australia: ⭐ Best city landmark: BridgeClimb, NSW đŸ–Œïž Best for culture: MONA, TAS đŸ· Best food and drink: Barossa Valley, SA 🌊 Best outdoor adventure: Whitehaven Beach, QLD đŸżïž Best wildlife encounter: Rottnest Island, WA Jump to list:  Landmarks | Culture | Food & Drink | Outdoors | Wildlife 🇩đŸ‡ș The top tourist attractions in Australia🌊 The best beaches in Australia
Where to find the 22 best burgers in Australia

Where to find the 22 best burgers in Australia

A good burger is easily one of life’s greatest pleasures, and Australia is teeming with top-notch options, most of which fall comfortably into that hits-the-spot territory. A burger’s simplicity – take a pillowy bun, place a juicy patty inside it, maybe add cheese or salad, drizzle over a sauce or two, then apply to face – makes it hard to stuff up. The flip side, however, is that it also makes finding the ultimate burger a bit of a challenge. Time Out’s hungry team of local Aussie writers have bravely put their jaws and stomachs on the line (in the name of exceedingly difficult research, you understand) to compile this list of the best burgers in Australia. We've told you exactly which burger to order at each spot, from the award-winning Fillet-O-Shrimp at CBCo Brewing Port Melbourne to the world-famous Gidley Burger in Sydney. Now it’s up to you to crown the true buns of glory. Note: These are ranked in no particular order. Editor's favourite burgers in Australia: 🍔 Best icon: The Gidley, NSW ⭐ Best gourmet: Le Rebelle, WA 😋 Best cheeseburger: Charrd, VIC For more about how we curate our reviews and guides, see our editorial guidelines. đŸ„§Â Australia's best pies🌭 The best sausage rolls🍕 The best pizzas in Australia
The best places to visit in Australia

The best places to visit in Australia

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

Listings and reviews (158)

Harper Rooftop Bar

Harper Rooftop Bar

Love having an arvo bevvy on a rooftop? If you head up to level 7 of CBD hotel Kimpton Margot Sydney, you'll find a beach club-style oasis right in the heart of the city. Perfect for work knock-off drinks, or as a central spot to meet up with friends on weekends. Harper Rooftop Bar reckons they are Sydney’s largest open-air rooftop bar. And while we don’t have a tape measure on us, Harper does look like a sprawling thing of beauty, with capacity for 180 punters. Sunset session, anyone?  Your dog is invited, too. In fact, on Sundays it's a "puppy party". If you bring along your furry friend, you'll receive a free glass of Pinot (Noir or Grigio) with any main meal. Designed by Five Foot One Design, the colourful oasis features lush plants, a pastel-pink tiled bar, sunflower-yellow booths and comfy sun lounges. Guests of the hotel are welcome to take a dip in the pool, too. They have some excellent happy hour – or "Golden Hour" – specials: on Wednesday, Thursday and Sunday nights from 5-7pm, you can get big goblets of Aperol Spritz for $15, a glass of Salatin Prosecco for $10, Stone & Wood Pacific Ale for $10, and specialty cocktails like the Orange You Cucu Slushie for $16. If you are an Aperol fan (or group of fans), you can buy two and get the third one free. Other specials include a Friday lunch burger special for $20 – get a Wagyu beef or chicken burger with fries for that special price from 12 to 3pm every Friday. Then hang around for the Friday (or Saturday) evening live
Voco Melbourne Central

Voco Melbourne Central

4 out of 5 stars
Voco Melbourne Central is a surprise. I've spent plenty of time in Melbourne and I didn’t even know Timothy Lane existed, but when I walk down this tiny pedestrians-only path off busy Lonsdale Street and enter the elegant ground-floor lobby, it’s all happy surprises from there. The Voco is a fairly affordable hotel, yet reception (on level 6) is stylish, my room is surprisingly stylish, too, the pool is cool, and the view – well, hello, Melbourne! Granted, my room is on the 25th floor. It all feels fairly boutique, so I’m also shocked to learn it’s a 252-room hotel. Why stay at voco Melbourne Central? Voco Melbourne Central is a fairly affordable, yet stylish and very comfortable hotel right in Melbourne’s CBD – just off Lonsdale Street, very centrally located near Bourke Street Mall, Melbourne Central Station, The Emporium and also near Hardware Lane with its great restaurants, cafĂ©s and bars.  Voco is built for looking out over Melbourne city. The high-rise’s clean lines, floor-to-ceiling windows, and well-placed rooftop terrace and pool let the city in, making it a great spot for sunset. The Voco brand promises originality, and this hotel delivers – it feels modern without being pretentious, and the staff are super friendly.  What are the rooms like? Look, I stayed in a King Bed Premium Bathtub Room (36sqm), so I was basically in the lap of luxury. It had a king bed, a big bathroom with large shower and deep free-standing bathtub (with bath salts and views out the floor-to
Nature's Energy - Balmain Bath House

Nature's Energy - Balmain Bath House

Nature's Energy - Balmain Bath House has to be the best bang for buck when it comes to sweating it out and scrubbing up. Hidden behind the Nature’s Energy store on Darling Street, the Bath House has just undergone a fresh renovation, and the results are pretty magical. With a brand new magnesium-enriched mineral pool, a traditional Finnish sauna, ice baths carved from stone and a steam room just some of the enchanted offerings on the table, the Balmain Bath house is looking fresh, and it's open for business.  The staff are welcoming, knowledgeable and kind, and there are all the perks of a pricier spa: fluffy robes, secure lockers, hair dryers, slippers and herbal tea on tap. Plus, they offer a hot spa, cold pool, (intense) steam room, sauna and showers. It’s one of three Nature’s Energy centres in Sydney (there's also Newtown and Glebe), and the Balmain locale also offers the same specialised massages (gem-stone healing, Reiki and acupuncture), spa facials, waxing and spray tanning as the other venues. Keep the spa vibes alive with our guide to Sydney's best. 
Noble Craft Thursday Night Jazz

Noble Craft Thursday Night Jazz

Pull up a stool and let the good times swing at Noble Craft’s Thursday Night Jazz series. On Thursday, October 9, the spotlight’s on the Colbright Trio – with Colin Bright on piano, Justin Dileo on bass and Jim Piesse on drums. Bright, who is best known in classical circles as a composer, has always kept a deep love of improvisation close at hand. This new trio first came together for a Beatles-jazz experiment at Noble Craft earlier this year – and it was such a hit that they’re back with a fuller repertoire of jazz favourites and standards. Catch them live in this Brookvale distillery space from 8-10pm, and enjoy Noble Craft's signature spirits and cocktails while you're at it. The Noble Craft is at 39 Sydenham Rd in Brookvale. Find out more over here.
Luna Park Sydney

Luna Park Sydney

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

W Sydney

5 out of 5 stars
You can tell from its curving façade rising from the harbourfront that the W Sydney is going to be special inside. After years of watching it get built, I was keen to peer behind its bold exterior, and I wasn’t disappointed. The New York-born W Hotels chain is known around the world for its modern architecture and luxury offerings – but what we learnt during our stay is that, as well as good looks, W Sydney has big personality. In a nod to Australia’s playful, laidback character, the hotel’s design is all centred around “larrikin moments”: charming, unexpected touches to surprise guests. The staff explain to me that W Sydney is an “extroverted non-conformist”, which makes for a fun stay. Each floor has its own story. When you enter the lobby, you realise the signature life-sized ‘W’ statue is covered in little red waratah-like petals – a nice touch, considering the waratah is our state’s floral emblem. Why stay at W Sydney? Housed in The Ribbon, a silvery wave-like building that was finally completed in 2023 (the building also contains Sydney’s IMAX cinema), W Sydney is the largest W Hotel in the world, with 588 rooms. Its bold, futuristic aesthetic stands out on the Darling Harbour skyline – equal parts playful sculpture and architectural show-stopper. Inside, interiors by London’s interior design consultancy Bowler James Brindley echo Sydney influences: wave-like curves, nautical hues, bursts of red waratah flora, and feature lights that are both sleek and surprising. It’s
Angus Marrickville

Angus Marrickville

5 out of 5 stars
✍ Time Out Sydney never writes starred restaurant and bar reviews from hosted experiences – Time Out covers restaurant and bar bills, and anonymously reviews, so that readers can trust our critique. Find out more, here. The vibe Angus feels very Marrickville: urban and unfussy. This cafĂ© at the industrial end of Marrickville, on the way to Sydenham, and the only reason you might do a double-take going past might be the big bunch of people out front during the morning or lunchtime rush. Some are waiting for takeaway or a table, others are just having a chat. It’s a place that's loved by locals.  The food Locals love it, but I know people travel to Marrickville just for the Angus fish sandwich, which went a bit viral after a range of food influencers – including Howard (@howac) posted about it. The thick chunk of golden-crumbed fish, oozy spread of dill-packed tartare, American cheese, pickles and onions, all between a serious-looking slab of bubbly, homemade focaccia – it’s made to be in front of the camera. So of course, when I went, I ordered the fish sandwich. Loved it like Howard did. Comfort food in the palm of your hand. I just wasn’t totally convinced about the choice of bread – it was neither crunchy nor pillowy soft, more spongy. That said, I’m still thinking about that sandwich, thanks to the delicious filling.  What else do they serve? They stay in their lane, serving mostly sandwiches: charred miso eggplant with slaw, pickled onion, mint and tahini yoghurt; tuna w
Andrew Boy Charlton Pool

Andrew Boy Charlton Pool

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

Capella Hotel

5 out of 5 stars
Capella Sydney is the best hotel I’ve ever stayed at, the most luxurious. But this is not a flashy chandeliers-and-knockout-views type of luxury. This is quiet, confident, understated elegance. Every single detail has been thoughtfully considered. Everything is beautiful, yet also practical and has been designed with guest comfort at the forefront. This is a new level of luxury I haven’t experienced before.  Why stay at Capella Sydney? If you can afford it, stay. At least once. It’s been built in the old sandstone Department of Education and Agriculture buildings, and while all facilities are modern, they’ve done the most wonderful job of retaining the sense of heritage.  The hotel’s colour palette is all serene, earthy tones, but big pops of colour from artworks save it from looking “beige”. Art is a big thing at Capella – they have a collection that ranges from the ‘Meadow’ wildflower-like lights that bloom and close from the ceiling in Aperture bar and restaurant to Aboriginal artworks, and installations that depict Sydney history. Each room features unique, original artworks that mean every space is slightly different.  The hotel offers curated experiences designed by the culturist team to help you explore the hotel and Sydney. They have a Wellness Centre featuring a stunning lap pool, vitality pool, sauna and steam room, Auriga Spa and gym, and you can even do Fluidform pilates sessions in your room. And they have an impressive collection of restaurants and bars. You don
The Old Clare Hotel

The Old Clare Hotel

5 out of 5 stars
Chippendale was once a gritty inner-city suburb, but in 2024, it ranked as Sydney’s coolest neighbourhood – seventh coolest in the whole world, actually – and at least some of the credit for that can be granted to The Old Clare. The Old Clare is a boutique hotel with bars and restaurants on Kensington Street, the area that’s the beating heart of Chippendale. The Old Clare was here first, then the eateries down the laneway – as well as Spice Alley and the plant-covered Central Park Mall – grew around it. Back in the day, when I was a student across the road at UTS, The Old Clare was my go-to pub. I enjoyed countless nights in this drinking hole clad in pale yellow Art Deco-slash-Aussie-pub tiles (the tiles are still here), having formative experiences and reading messages scribbled onto the back of the dunny door.  Since then I’ve grown up and so has the good old Clare. In 2015, the building was converted into a classy yet welcoming bar (thankfully they retained a lot of original features), a pool bar on the rooftop, and really good hotel rooms in between.  Why stay at The Old Clare hotel, Sydney? The Old Clare hotel isn’t just another boutique property – it’s a landmark, and you can feel the sense of history in the rooms (this is no soulless stay). “The hotel is stitched together from two grand old neighbours – the Clare Hotel pub and the Carlton & United Breweries admin block. When the site was reborn in 2015, the team cleverly kept the best bits: the tiles, the lofty ceilin
Sydney Cherry Blossom Festival

Sydney Cherry Blossom Festival

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

Abel Selaocoe and the ACO

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

News (188)

This charming Australian city has made the top 10 trending destinations of the year

This charming Australian city has made the top 10 trending destinations of the year

Tasmania’s capital, Hobart, has made travel company Expedia’s list of top ten trending travel destinations for 2026. This land of sail boats, great seafood and wine, heritage buildings – and one of the world’s most renowned art museums, MONA – has had a big uptick in interest from both Australian and international travellers, which helped the city make the list.  This year’s Expedia Destinations of the Year list results are based on flight and accommodation search data on Expedia’s app and website – and turns out, searches for Hobart travel options have jumped by 25 per cent from 2024 to 2025. RECOMMENDED: These are the best restaurants in Hobart Hobart is the only Australian city to make the trending destinations list – others on the list are Big Sky in Montana in the US, Okinawa in Japan, Sardinia in Italy, Phu Quoc in Vietnam and Ucluelet in Canada. Expedia also says Hobart is a sustainable destination, having granted it a ‘Smart Travel Health Check’ tick because it aligns with the World Travel & Tourism Council’s (WTTC) actions for sustainable tourism management. Expedia reckons some of the key selling points of Hobart are that it’s a waterfront city, Tasmania's cultural hub, it’s steeped in history, and it’s a food and drink lover’s dream. They recommend checking out the Saturday markets at Salamanca Place, touring the Theatre Royal, catching a ferry to the Museum of Old and New Art (MONA), and hiking Mount Wellington. Want more ideas? These our our top Hobart recommenda
These 4 Sydney universities made the list of Australia's top 10 unis

These 4 Sydney universities made the list of Australia's top 10 unis

Ever wondered if your old uni is still top of its class? Or considering a career change and wondering where to hit the books next? Well, the 2026 results are in for arguably the world’s most prestigious university ranking – and many of Australia’s top institutions have been honoured in the global top universities, including four institutions in Sydney. There are plenty of university rankings out there (including QS and CWUR), but the Times Higher Education (THE) World University Ranking is widely regarded as one of the most trusted. This year, it assessed almost 2,200 institutions across 115 countries and territories, evaluating performance across five key pillars: teaching, research environment, research quality, international outlook and industry engagement. Each institution was then scored and ranked – and in 2026, ten Australian universities earned a spot among the world’s top spots. ALSO TRENDING: The much-hyped Sydney Fish Market finally reveals its opening date and restaurant line-up Once again, The University of Melbourne retained its crown as Australia’s top university, ranking 37th on the global leaderboard. Home to more than 77,000 students and 13,000 staff, the university improved two places on its 2025 ranking and earned near-perfect scores in five metrics, including research excellence and impact, while making notable progress in its teaching reputation. The University of Melbourne also finished 16 places ahead of New South Wales's closest rival, The University
Labubu fans! Sydney is now home to one of Australia's biggest Pop Mart stores

Labubu fans! Sydney is now home to one of Australia's biggest Pop Mart stores

Do you Labubu? If so, you'll be pumped to know that Australia has just scored one of its biggest Pop Mart stores to date – right here in Sydney. Entirely themed around Labubu, the World Square store is the second major Pop Mart store to open in the country this year, and it's full of limited-edition releases. Pop Mart – best known for its collectible designer toys (especially Labubus), typically sold in "blind boxes" so you don't know what you're going to get – has become a cult-favourite retail store since launching Down Under in 2021. The Chinese toy brand now boasts more than 550 outlets in 30 countries and regions, and by the end of October, it will have 13 stores across Australia, plus 33 Robo Shops (vending machine-style kiosks filled with collectible blind boxes). Photograph: Rebecca Hegedus for Time Out In July 2025, Pop Mart unveiled its largest Australian store to date, spanning 300 square metres in the Melbourne Walk precinct on Bourke Street. The shop, themed entirely around the brand’s beloved character Skullpanda, drew devoted fans who camped overnight to be among the first inside. Following its successful Melbourne launch, Pop Mart opened a brand-new 226.3-square-metre store in Sydney’s World Square Centre on Saturday, October 11, making it the second largest in the country. Decked out in Labubu, it's stocked with limited-edition releases and new arrivals available only in-store. Photograph: Supplied | Pop Mart Here is a full list of Pop Mart stores in
Top chefs and leaders are teaming up for Sydney's OzHarvest CEO CookOff – and you can get involved

Top chefs and leaders are teaming up for Sydney's OzHarvest CEO CookOff – and you can get involved

Imagine going to a dinner party with Neil Perry, Peter Gilmore, Matt Moran and Christine Manfield. Not just that – picture being their sous chef for the day. That’s (kinda) a taster of what Australia’s most legendary business leaders will be doing at OzHarvest’s first nationwide CEO CookOff this October – all to raise funds to provide 2 million meals for people in need. Including Time Out's very own Managing Director, Kaylie Smith! Whether you’re familiar with OzHarvest or not, you’ve likely seen their sunny yellow vans collecting surplus food and delivering meals to communities across the country. As Australia’s leading food rescue organisation, their incredible team has delivered more than 300 million meals and saved almost 100,000 tonnes of food from landfill to date. Photograph: Nikki To Since its launch in 2012, OzHarvest’s flagship fundraising event, the CEO CookOff, has delivered 16 million meals of these meals to people in need. This year’s event is a major milestone, marking the first nationwide edition. Top chefs and industry leaders will unite at nine CookOffs across seven states, including at Three Blue Ducks in Sydney, which is where our very own Kaylie will be cooking on the evening of Monday, October 20. There will also be CookOffs going down at Perth City Farm, Brisbane Powerhouse, Matt Moran’s Compa in Canberra, and OzHarvest’s Melbourne HQ. The all-star culinary line-up features chefs Neil Perry AM, Peter Gilmore, Corey Costelloe, Andrew McConnell, Chris
Trend watch: Materialism is out – Australia’s experience era is here

Trend watch: Materialism is out – Australia’s experience era is here

Forget shopping sprees – instead of “things”, what Australians really love collecting these days is memories. For too long during the pandemic, we lost the freedom to go out and have experiences. No dining out, live music, beach days with friends. Cut to the end of lockdowns, and we’d basically lost a good couple of years’ worth of accumulating experiences (apart from baking sourdough and logging on for Zoom trivia). When everything opened back up again, we were like bulls at a gate – ready to charge back out into the world to pack our lives with experiences. From immersive art installations to secret supper clubs, wild swimming hole tours and sound baths, it’s no wonder the “experience economy” is booming.  As the cost of living bites, we might have expected this appetite to slow. Yet Australians are increasingly directing their disposable income towards events and activities that promise connection, novelty and memory-making. In fact, we’re spending nearly one in every five dollars on dining out and nightlife – well above the global average – according to Mastercard.  That suits us here at Time Out just fine – Time Out’s mission has always been to get people up off the couch and out experiencing the best of their cities. Getting out is good for communities, for local businesses, for your physical and mental health and relationships. RECOMMENDED: The ultimate Sydney experiences to have at least once before you die. Unlike generations before them, Gen Z won’t settle for just
NSW Daylight Savings 2025: A quick & easy guide to everything you need to know

NSW Daylight Savings 2025: A quick & easy guide to everything you need to know

Along with ocean dips, backyard barbies and Weis Bars, one of the real joys of summer* (*or "almost summer") is the return of Daylight Savings. (And yes, technically it’s daylight saving, but for some reason most of us seem to add an 's'). The great news is that those longer, light-filled evenings will be here in the blink of an eye – when you wake up tomorrow morning, our phone and computer clocks will have changed. Here’s a handy explainer covering what you need to know about Daylight Savings starting in NSW, and what it means for your precious sleep schedule. When does Daylight Savings start in NSW? Daylight savings begins every year on the first Sunday in October at 2am local time. This year, that date lands on Sunday, October 5 (tomorrow!). That means from Sunday night onwards, you’ll get to enjoy an extra hour of daylight in the evenings – perfect timing for NRL Grand Final night, too. It'll feel like the game is starting an hour earlier than it actually is. Do we lose or gain an hour when Daylight Savings starts in NSW? Unfortunately, this is the part that stings: when the clocks jump forward at 2am on October 5, we lose an hour of sleep as the time skips straight to 3am. It’s a small price to pay, though, for those gloriously long afternoons and sunset catch-ups that follow. Do I turn the clock back or forward for daylight savings in NSW? Your phone or computer will sort itself automatically, but if you’ve got an analogue clock on the wall or by your bed, you’ll need
What's the NSW Labour Day public holiday for? Plus things to do this October long weekend

What's the NSW Labour Day public holiday for? Plus things to do this October long weekend

Everyone loves a public holiday, but do you really know why NSW gets a long weekend in October? If the answer is no, you're not alone – a lot of New South Welshmen have no idea what Labour Day actually is. So whether you’re curious about why we have this day off, or you want to know what’s happening over the long weekend, read on. Here are all your FAQs, answered
 When is the Labour Day NSW public holiday in 2025? Labour Day is a public holiday celebrated in NSW on the first Monday of October each year – meaning Labour Day will always give you a long weekend in October. This year, 2025, Labour Day falls on Monday, October 6.   What is NSW Labour Day? Why do we have an October long weekend? Labour Day NSW is a day dedicated to commemorating the Labour movement's long fight – and eventual victory – to get the eight-hour work day (that we've all benefitted from) over the line. It was a huge victory for workers at a time when “workers’ rights” were not a thing.  Yep, we might feel like we’ve got it tough at work now, and no work-life balance now – and yep, in some weeks the overtime does blow out. But once upon a time, the idea of work being capped at eight hours a day, five days a week didn't exist. In the 1800s, Australians often had no option but to work 14 hours a day, six days a week. There was no sick leave, no annual leave, and bosses could sack you at any time with no reason.  So how did workers eventually wrangle an eight-hour day? On April 21, 1856, stonemasons in Melbo
A Sydney opening date (and chef) for iconic Melbourne restaurant Grill Americano has been announced

A Sydney opening date (and chef) for iconic Melbourne restaurant Grill Americano has been announced

Didn’t get to summer in Venice? A delicious taste of Venice (via Melbourne) is coming to Sydney this summer, in the form of Venetian-style steak (and seafood) house Grill Americano. The opening date, Wednesday November 19, has just been announced.  The new restaurant will make its Sydney home in the heritage-listed Qantas House building, now known as No. 1 Chifley Square. Grill Americano will be the second Sydney restaurant for award-winning Melbourne restaurant group Lucas Collective (formerly known as the Lucas Group), which is headed up by Chris Lucas. They are also responsible for Sydney and Melbourne’s popular Chin Chin restaurants, as well as Maison BĂątard, KisumĂ©, Society, Yakimono, Carlotta and much more in Melbourne.   It’s been confirmed that Executive Chef Vincenzo Ursini will take charge of the kitchen in the new Sydney location – he’s helmed the Melbourne Grill Americano kitchen since mid-2024 and brings a wealth of experience from his time in Michelin-starred restaurants (including Italy’s Ristorante Reale and Le Calandre, and Spain’s Mugaritz). View this post on Instagram A post shared by Alice Ellis (@alicecellis) Ursini has worked closely with Lucas, as well as Lucas Collective's Head of Culinary Damian Snell, to craft a menu that brings the best of the Melbourne Grill Americano experience to Sydney (yes, 15 bistecca offerings, and cult-favourite tiramisĂč Americano served tableside, will be coming), while also debuting new offerings that l
Vote now for your favourite local Australian venues and experiences – for your chance to win

Vote now for your favourite local Australian venues and experiences – for your chance to win

It’s back! Time Out Recommends has returned for its second year, shining a spotlight on the best local businesses and experiences across Melbourne, Sydney and all of Australia. Time Out Recommends is all about celebrating the spots that get us off the couch and out into our cities – whether that’s a hidden wine bar, a must-visit regional venue, an inspiring arts space, or a hotel that you can’t wait to return to. Our editors have been out eating, drinking, exploring and experiencing so we can share our favourites with you. But this isn’t just about us. We also want to hear from you. That’s where the People’s Choice categories come in – it's your chance to vote for the things to do, arts and cultural spaces, restaurants, bars and hotels that you highly recommend. Everyone who votes goes into the draw to win one of three $250 Visa gift cards. So: what’s the place you can’t stop telling friends about? The one you’d happily cross town (or state lines) to visit again? Now’s the time to make sure it gets recognised: To vote for venues and experiences in Melbourne, click here To vote for venues and experiences in Sydney, click here To vote for venues and experiences in Australia, click here In Melbourne and Sydney you can vote for things to do, restaurants, bars, regional venues and arts & cultural spaces. And in Australia you can vote for things to do (including arts and cultural activities), restaurants, bars and hotels. Voting is open now and closes at 11.59pm on October 14, 20
Tell us what life is like in Melbourne – for your chance to win a $500 voucher

Tell us what life is like in Melbourne – for your chance to win a $500 voucher

At Time Out, it’s our job to keep you in-the-know about all the latest and greatest, weirdest and most wonderful things going on in Melbourne. But now, we’re reversing the roles – it’s your turn to tell us what life in this city is like for you.  We want to know what you think of the city’s public transport, as well as how walkable it is. We want your thoughts on how easy it is to date or make new friends. We want your opinions on Melbourne city and your local neighbourhood. And tell us how satisfied you are with Melbourne’s restaurants, bars, live music, art, theatre and shopping. You’ll be asked to rate things from one to five – one being ‘awful’, five being ‘amazing’ – and which parts of Melbourne life bring you the most joy. Ultimately, we want to know what life in your city feels like right now.  Taking the survey will take just a few minutes of your time, and to say thank you, we’ll give you the chance to enter into a prize draw for a $500 Amazon voucher. Entry closes October 12, 2025. You’ll need to be 18 years or above to take part in the survey. Find the terms and conditions here.  Take the survey here. RECOMMENDED: These are the best restaurants in Melbourne right now Here are 23 free things to do in Melbourne
Aussie city dwellers: Tell us what life's like in your city (for your chance to win a $500 voucher)

Aussie city dwellers: Tell us what life's like in your city (for your chance to win a $500 voucher)

At Time Out, it’s our job to keep you in-the-know about all the latest and greatest, weirdest and most wonderful things going on in your city. But now, we’re reversing the roles – it’s your turn to tell us what city life is like for you.  We want to know what you think of your city’s public transport, as well as how walkable it is. We want to know how safe you feel here. Give us your thoughts on your city’s great outdoors and your local neighbourhood. We want your opinion on your city’s range of restaurants, bars, live music, art, theatre and shopping.  You’ll be asked to rate things from one to five – one being ‘awful’, five being ‘amazing’ – and which parts of city life bring you the most joy. Ultimately, we want to know what life in your city feels like right now.  Completing the survey will take just a few minutes of your time, and to say thank you, we’ll give you the chance to enter into a prize draw for a $500 Amazon voucher. Entry closes October 12, 2025. You’ll need to be 18 years or above to take part in the survey. Find the terms and conditions here.  Take the survey here.  Stay in the loop: sign up for our free Time Out Australia newsletter for more news, travel inspo and activity ideas, straight to your inbox.  RECOMMENDED: The ultimate Aussie bucket list: These are the absolute must-dos that locals recommend
Tell us what life is like in Sydney – for your chance to win a $500 voucher

Tell us what life is like in Sydney – for your chance to win a $500 voucher

At Time Out, it’s our job to keep you in-the-know about all the latest and greatest, weirdest and most wonderful things going on in Sydney. But now, we’re reversing the roles – it’s your turn to tell us what life in this city is like for you.  We want to know what you think of the city’s public transport (have you used the Metro yet?), as well as how walkable it is. We’d like to know how safe you feel here. Share your thoughts on Sydney’s great outdoors and your local neighbourhood. And your opinions on the city’s range of restaurants, bars, live music, art, theatre and shopping. You’ll be asked to rate things from one to five – one being ‘awful’, five being ‘amazing’ – and which parts of Sydney life bring you the most joy. Ultimately, we want to know what life in your city feels like right now.  Taking the survey will just take a few minutes of your time, and to say thank you, we’ll give you the chance to enter into a prize draw for a $500 Amazon voucher. Entry closes October 12, 2025. You’ll need to be 18 years or above to take part in the survey. Find the terms and conditions here.  Take the survey here. Stay in the loop: sign up for our free Time Out Sydney newsletter for more news, food & drink inspo and activity ideas, straight to your inbox. RECOMMENDED: These are the best cheap eats in Sydney 25 things to do for $25 or less And check out our favourite picnic spots