Caitlyn Todoroski

The spooky season is upon us, and with it, Sydney is reanimating with a whole bunch of freakishly good times. With Halloween (October 31) falling on a Friday this year, the freaky happenings are prime for Sydneysiders who like a bit of dark fun, with the Emerald City turning on the horror show all weekend long. Whether your particular poison is dancing in a nightclub turned haunted asylum, walking with ghosts on a twisted tour, or simply sipping an extravagant themed cocktail in peace, we have you covered on all the best things to do in Sydney for Halloween in 2025. Now, do you dare?  Stay in the loop: sign up for our free Time Out Sydney newsletter for more Sydney news and things to do, straight to your inbox.   Make sure you are dressed to kill with a trip to one of Sydney's very best costume shops. These are the most haunted sites you can visit 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.

There’s something special about NSW’s Central Coast. Golden beaches, a laid-back energy, ever-developing food scene, hot live music offerings and the fact that it’s just a breezy 90-minute drive north of Sydney. And spring is the perfect time to pack the car and head up the M1 (or take the train). With a stacked calendar of events – many of them free – and a coastline in all its springtime glory, there’s never been a better excuse for a weekend escape. Think markets, outdoor gigs, delicious food and plenty of spots to soak up the sunshine. So, whether you’re fresh off a whirlwind Euro trip and feeling the post-holiday blues, or keen for an affordable local getaway before the silly season kicks off, grab your sunnies, queue up your road trip playlist, and roll those windows down. Here’s your guide to the best things to do on the Central Coast this spring:

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

In this economy, driving a car around feels like a luxury. You’re paying for petrol, insurance rego, repairs… It hurts our wallets just thinking about it. Luckily, eBikes are a pretty nifty (and cost-effective alternative). In fact, we think biking around is one of the best ways to discover Melbourne. And, with how far electric bicycles have come (especially thanks to Bosch’s eBike systems), you can rest assured that you can lock it up safely, transport all your goodies on it and use the AI-powered Flow app to map your journey around the city. Here are all the things we think you should do on your next biking adventure. Let’s get cycling!

Don't let the political reputation of Australia's capital city fool you; there are plenty of diverse and exciting things to do in Canberra. Over the last five years, the city has undergone a hospitality glow-up, with world-class wine bars, trendy restaurants and stylish boutique hotels opening in the rapidly developing cultural precincts of New Acton and Braddon. Although once only visited by eye-rolling schoolkids, culture vultures drawn to the National Art Gallery and political wheelers, Canberra’s now a perfect weekend getaway spot, regardless of your interests. Our Travel and News Editor, Melissa Woodley, lived in the capital for four years and has carefully curated this list of the best things to do in Canberra. Her ideal weekend here involves catching up with friends over a lap of Lake Burley Griffin, a big wander in the National Portrait Gallery, hunting for pastries at the Capital Region Farmers Market, and of course, watching the sunset from the top of Mount Ainslie – a non-negotiable too.  🍽️ The best restaurants in Canberra🥾 All the best hikes to conquer in the capital🖼️ Canberra's best museums and galleries

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.

Singapore is one of the world’s most exciting cities to explore after dark and that’s not just coming from us – the Lion City has been ranked in the top five cities in the world for its night tourism. The night lights are electrifying, the food and drinks are on point, and most of all, the streets are safe.  We’ve rounded up the best places to visit in Singapore when the sun goes down that go beyond your usual tourist-y spots. These are the hottest destinations and activities that our Time Out Singapore editors and locals hit up on the regular. Happy exploring.

Nothing says a classy night out like hitting up some of the world’s most beautiful bars with views of shimmering skyscrapers as far as the eye can see. Singapore is a cosmopolitan metropolis and the food and drink scene goes to show it. We’ve rounded up the best bars, from awarded speakeasies to rooftop joints that are just about as high as you can get so you can soak in all the city lights.  When in Singapore, right?

It’s the age-old parenting struggle: how to reduce the kids’ device time. What if we proposed an outing that actually encourages the whole family to hop in front of the screen? The Australian Centre for the Moving Image (ACMI) is hosting a brand new exhibition that walks through some of the world’s most legendary video games – from mum and dad’s era, right through to now.  Time Out is offering readers the chance to win a family pass to ACMI’s Game Worlds exhibition, an annual ACMI pass for the family, plus a stay for two at Sofitel Melbourne On Collins with breakfast. Soar high above the city where five-star French luxury meets fun – the dream base for a weekend of play, discovery and indulgence. Photograph: Supplied | Sofitel Melbourne On Collins Explore major titles in Game Worlds like Minecraft, The Sims, World of Warcraft, Neopets, the brand new Hollow Knight: Silksong and more. The whole point of the exhibition is to get involved and get gaming – the whole family can have a crack at exclusive prototypes and original builds that you’ve never seen before.  Game Worlds is just one of many exhibitions that make their way to ACMI. A family pass gives you discounted access to events throughout the year, 10 per cent off the shop and exclusive access.  For your chance to win, enter below before midnight, October 13. Game on!  

Sea Life Melbourne Aquarium has been bringing magic, wonder and mind-blowing marine biology facts to Melburnians for 25 years now. To celebrate such a milestone, the aquarium is unveiling its brand new experience. Sea Life has invested almost two million dollars to build an interactive rockpool ecosystem that features creatures like hermit crabs, biscuit starfish, sea cucumbers and more. The new rockpool zone is called ‘Rocky Shores’, and it’s included in your general admission ticket. Get up close and personal with all the little inhabitants you’d find on Victoria’s coastline. Instead of having to comb the rockpools all day long, you’ll find exciting friends all in one spot. Feel the textures of extraordinary creatures and learn incredible facts about them from Sea Life’s expert aquarists – conservation and education are at the heart of the experience. Once you’ve dipped your toe (well hand) into the open habitat, zoom in even further on the marine life with huge digital displays that make the animals even bigger than your little ones. See their tentacles, regrowable limbs and surprisingly hairy parts magnified to the max.  The fun really is for anybody and everybody – for the first time, the aquarium has designed a section specifically with wheelchair users in mind. That way, everyone can get up close and personal with the bustling ecosystem. The hands-on learning experience officially opened on September 20, and it’s waiting for your visit this spring. Book online to guara

It’s quite impossible to leave a trip to the aquarium without feeling an immense sense of awe and wonder – whether you’re 5 or 95. It’s the kind of magic that Sea Life Aquarium Melbourne has been bringing to Melburnians for 25 years and now is your chance to score a platinum family pass so you can explore what lies below the ocean surface for a whole year.  It comes as the aquarium just opened its brand new rockpool zone called ‘Rocky Shores’. Instead of having to comb rockpools all day long, you’ll find exciting friends all in one spot in this open, interactive ecosystem. Feel the textures of extraordinary creatures and learn incredible facts about them from Sea Life’s expert aquarists – conservation and education are at the heart of the experience. Want in on the action? Not only will the Platinum Merlin Annual Pass give you access to Rocky Shores, Night on the Reef, Ocean Invaders, and more at Sea Life Melbourne, but you’ll score access to seven other awesome attractions across Australia and New Zealand. Think Legoland Discovery Centre, Sydney Tower Eye, Sea Life locations in Sydney, Sunshine Coast and Auckland and more.  All you’ve got to do is enter below before October 15.

Silly season is upon us – if you’re ready to pop the Champers, laugh ’til your belly hurts and revel in tricks you didn’t know were humanly possible, strap in for a glittering night at Blanc de Blanc Encore.  The cabaret spectacle lands at Melbourne’s brand-new Spiegel Haus in late October as the headline affair. The pop-up entertainment precinct has set up camp on the rooftop of the Golden Square Car Park on Lonsdale Street ready to dazzle Melburnians.  Blanc de Blanc Encore fuses a delectable mix of circus, cabaret, jazz and comedy (with a couple of bottles of bubbles for good measure) for an effervescent night out – leave the kids at home for this one. Blanc de Blanc Encore is the second instalment of, you guessed it, Blanc de Blanc, when it visited Melbourne in 2017. Don’t fret if you didn’t see the first one – you’ll enjoy the encore every bit as much as a standalone. It’s been a hit internationally, and arrives off the back of extended Brisbane and Sydney seasons. Watch Blanc de Blanc Encore at the Spiegel Haus Melbourne from October 31. Group and special events packages are available just in time for Chrissy party planning. Book your tickets here.

Spooky season is creeping up – but if planning costumes, decorations and kid-friendly scares feels more like a nightmare than a treat, we’ve got good news. Halloween Family Fest is swooping into the Entertainment Quarter this October, packing all the Halloween chaos into one jam-packed, family-friendly event. All you need? A hot little ticket (that also happens to be very affordable). The family-friendly affair is a Halloween extravaganza to say the least. Think a trick-or-treat trail, monster mash disco, reptile shows, rides, games, showbags, an outdoor cinema and more. General entry tickets are just $10 and include access to the outdoor cinema which will be screening the original Ghostbusters, the chance to hold some slippery scaly reptiles at the reptile show and a groovin’ time at the monster mash disco. Upgrade your pass for $15 and kids will get a go on the big inflatable pumpkin bounce, plus get a bucket to secure all the treats they get at different stations like the Lil Spooks Graveyard and the Witches Den.  Kids got some energy they need to burn? Now’s the perfect time to hop to the Monster Jump or Monster Sports Jam – an eye-boggling inflatable obstacle course. It’s included in the unlimited rider wristband alongside the giant slide, tea cups, and more.   You can find Halloween Family Fest at the Entertainment Quarter from Friday October 31 to Sunday November 2. Find out more about and book your tickets online now.

Ovolo isn’t your regular luxury hotel. Spacious rooms meet sky high beams, reminiscent of the woolstore that the structure used to be. It’s quirky, it’s fun and it’s a little different to most Sydney hotels I’ve stayed at. Usually a city staycay brings to mind a bustling itinerary and skyscraper lights, but there’s something pleasantly refreshing about a wharfside dig in a surprisingly sleepy suburb. If you’re staying at the Ovolo Wolloomooloo, look forward to strolls by the pier, views of the water from your comfy bed and the chance to switch off – all an easy stroll from the city. Why stay at Ovolo Woolloomooloo? The Ovolo Woolloomooloo is a member of Small Luxury Hotels of the World: a special global collection of boutique hotels from around the world. Curated carefully, the list of high-end boutique hotels is revised each year to include digs that deliver an experience instead of your run-of-the-mill stay.  What’s the wow factor for the Ovolo Woolloomooloo? It’s part of the heritage-listed Finger Wharf Heritage building. What used to be a woolstore for Sydney’s bustling wool trade is now a luxury hotel and assortment of schmick restaurants and businesses. The charm of the building’s history is complemented by plenty of modern features like an ace swimming pool, spacious renovated rooms and lofts and a very pretty bar.  What are the rooms like at Ovolo Woolloomooloo? Whether you’re in the lowest room category or the highest, you’re going to have a lot of space. We’re in th

What if we told you that in a little corner of Sydney there lies a time portal back to how Australian working-class families used to live in the 19th century? Susannah Place is a humble brick terrace that’s housed more than 100 families since it was built in 1844 and today you can step inside the freshly restored building for a blast from the past.  Museums of History NSW have been hard at work on a five-year conservation project so that visitors can get the most out of their visit to Susannah Place. Now, you can explore the four homes inside and take part in hands-on activities for a one-day only street party.  On Saturday, October 11, there’ll be artist-led workshops, live vintage jazz performances, talks by experts, and old-fashioned street games so your little ones can see how kids spent time before screens were a thing.  There’ll be chalk stencilling inspired by the house’s pretty patterned linoleums with Alice McAuliffe, a hands-on embroidery activity with Leah Giblin, DIY protest banner-making with Nicole Barakat inspired by redevelopment activism in the 1970s and more. Our favourite part is the recreated 1915 corner shop where you can pick up retro treats.  Bring the whole family along to the one-day Susannah Place Street Party on October 11 from 10am to celebrate the restoration of the heritage-listed building. The event is free, but make sure you register here.

Hyatt Regency Sydney is Australia’s largest five star hotel, so there’s no denying that Sailmaker’s new menu launch was going to be *big* to match. The focus is on good quality ingredients that Australia does best: think a sweet bunya nut play on pesto, buttery macadamia crumb and warrigal greens (aka Down Under’s version of spinach). Some of the stars include a sweet flaky glacier 51 toothfish with unlimited sides of creamed warrigal greens and crunchy parmesan potato churros; Skull Island prawns seared in native garlic butter; and the John Dory en papillote cooked in a parcel of native herbs and kunzea tea, which is served as a spectacle at the table.  While the restaurant is still keeping a hold of its fine sustainable seafood reputation, it’s also introducing some more fan-favourite plates like steak, gnocchi and vegetarian dishes too, so everyone’s happy come dinnertime. Plus, it’s all a la carte now so you can order exactly what you fancy.  Still hungry? We doubt it, but there’s always room for dessert, right? Diners with a sweet tooth will have a hard time choosing between three delectable slices (baked matcha, dark chocolate and Basque) from the ‘Cheesecake Atelier’ exclusively at Sailmaker Restaurant.  Find out more about the exciting new a la carte menu celebrating Aussie flavours, and book in your table here.

Take your favourite movie and imagine it without any music. Before long, you’ll realise that there’s a gaping hole in the ups and downs of the storyline. We’ve come a long way since orchestras used to perform scores live to a cinema audience, but music is still just as integral to the way the silver screen makes us feel *all* the emotions. This spring, ACMI Cinemas is showcasing two film programs that really prove it.  Focus on Joe Hisaishi With its nostalgic Japanese origins, Studio Ghibli has captured the attention (and hearts) of millions of viewers around the world. Behind the whimsical melodies of the anime is mastermind composer Joe Hisaishi. He’s worked super closely with Studio Ghibli founder Hayao Miyazaki and director and actor Takeshi Kitano for years, as well as created a soon-to-be-released Hollywood feature, A Big Bold Beautiful Journey.  If you’re keen to learn more about this musical maestro, don’t miss ACMI’s three-week-long film program dedicated to Hisaishi’s decades-spanning career. It features Studio Ghibli classics like Spirited Away and The Wind Rises, and the action-packed drama Our Time Will Come. Can’t decide on one? Explore his best work in the Joe Hisaishi Music Video Showcase. Kids Flicks with Feelings They may feature fun animal friends and childhood adventures, but there’s nothing juvenile about Studio Ghibli pictures. Big adventures, beautiful relationships and evocative soundtracks by Joe Hisaishi are some of the best ways to introduce your li

Working in tourism is one of the most exciting industries out there, and a lot of the time, you’ll be asking yourself: ‘How is this really my job?’. Since it’s such an awe-inspiring line of work, it can feel like you’ve only got a one in a million chance of landing yourself a dream gig. Choose Tourism Career Expo is here to prove that idea wrong with a stacked line-up of opportunities.  The expo will take over Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre on Tuesday, September 2, for a day-long affair. High school leavers can get chatting directly with potential future employers, discover alternative routes to university or TAFE, chat to people that started out like them and find jobs they never even knew existed. The tourism expo is free, but if you’re really looking to bump your job prospects, you can book in to the 2025 Emerging Tourism Leaders Summit. It’s $60 for Young Tourism Network Members and $110 for non-members, and includes inspiring keynote speakers, workshops and networking events. Are you ready to embark on the career of a lifetime? Hit up the Choose Tourism Career Expo on September 2 at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre. Come ready to impress: for all you know, you could be interviewing on the spot for a job! Find out more here.

Scrap the seat and get moving at this interactive theatre show that engages all your senses, including taste, with cocktail (and mocktail) tastings embedded into the show. Imagine a theatre production, your favourite dimly lit bar and a haunted house (just way less scary, and heaps more playful) all rolled into one.  Setting up camp at the Union Bond Store in The Rocks this August and September, When Night Comes is part of Sydney Fringe Festival’s ‘Sideshow at The Rocks’ hub. You’ll follow performers between multiple rooms, each with a setting more hedonistic and sensory than the last. Your ticket includes a number of cocktails tastings, plus some gold-star entertainment, of course. Not a big alcohol drinker? You can still get involved by selecting the mocktail option when you check out.  Catch When Night Comes at Union Bond Store from August 22. Find out more here and book your tickets here. 

It’s South Africa, 1976. Be transported to a time where 24-year-old Della is trying to lay low amidst a brewing revolution. She works at the general store and cares for her brother and dad but history comes knocking on her door, twofold. Student protests against the apartheid regime are swelling and her ex, university student Ezra, is one of the movement's biggest supporters. Melbourne Theatre Company’s Destiny is a transportive production coming to Southbank Theatre in August that will tug on the heartstrings. Can Della protect her family, including her impressionable younger brother, or will the force of revolution, and Ezra, be too strong? The production stars South African-born Kirsty Marillier (who is so talented she also wrote the play), alongside Barry Conrad (In the Heights) and Clare Chihambakwe (Harry Potter and the Cursed Child). It’s directed by the acclaimed Zindzi Okenyo (Is God Is). Catch Destiny at Southbank Theatre from August 18 to September 13. If you’re under 30, you can score preview tickets for just $37 or standard tickets start from $75. Book yours here.

There’s nothing quite like witnessing a great composer’s work come to life through the expertise of a conductor who has lived and breathed their work for 30 years. Sydney Symphony Orchestra’s Chief Conductor, the immensely talented Simone Young, is considered one of the leading interpreters of Strauss around the globe, and this September, she’s bringing his work to life at the Sydney Opera House with four spectacular performances.  The occasion marks Young’s highly-anticipated return to Sydney and she’s joined by the artistry of internationally-renowned pianist Andrea Lam. Lam shines in ‘Burleske’, a colourful piano concerto from Strauss’ earlier era. On the other end of his career, ‘Metamorphosen’ turns attention to 23 of the orchestra’s string players as a reflective ode to the losses of WWII.  And of course, it isn’t a Strauss concert without a rendition of ‘Thus Spoke Zarathustra’. The piece has firmly marked itself in pop culture, still famous more than a hundred years after it was written thanks to its inclusion on the soundtrack of ‘2001: A Space Odyssey’ and later ‘Toy Story 2’, ‘The Simpsons’ and ‘Barbie’.  Simone Young is considered one of the Sydney Symphony’s ‘Architects of Sound’, designing and shaping the jaw-dropping power and intensity of this extraordinary orchestra. Watch her conduct Richard Strauss from September 3 to 6. Purchase your tickets here.

Most people know a Suntory beverage. Maybe it’s the mega popular Minus 196 cans, the ultimate to-go Boss Coffee, the refined Roku Gin or premium Japanese whiskies. What we guarantee you *don’t* know is just how many popular labels it owns: think everything from Jim Beam and Maker’s Mark to Canadian Club. And now, you can experience more than 125 years of Suntory’s history and innovation all in one place – for the next three months. Say hello to Sydney’s new Suntory Bar. The Japanese spirit company has chosen the city’s only Japanese culture and dining precinct, Prefecture 48 on Sussex Street, as host for the residency. The moody Whisky Thief bar with gorgeous historic artwork and marbletop counters is the place to be when you clock off. Choose between timeless highballs, signature serves, special cocktails, RTDs, The Premium Malt beer and whisky flights crafted by the team at Prefecture 48 in collaboration with Suntory.  The must-try tipple of the affair is the Highball. While it’ll be dished up with a range of Suntory whiskies (it’s what Suntory’s known for in Japan), we say try the spotlight cocktail, the Hakushu Highball, first. Not only is it a refreshing mix of Hakushu Distiller’s Reserve, soda and mint, but it’s been paired with an exclusive snack from the genius Michelin Star chef Tetsuya Wakuda (you know, from *the* Tetsuya’s). Now’s the chance to sample Wakuda’s cuisine since his eminent Sydney restaurant closed last year – that’s a golden opportunity if we ever did

At the northern tip of Australia, in north-east Arnhem Land, lies Yirrkala  – it’s an internationally renowned arts community whose work has shaped history and challenged convention. The good news? You don’t need a plane ticket or a 4WD to experience its power. From now until October, Yolŋu power: the art of Yirrkala brings the beauty and brilliance of Yirrkala’s art to Sydney.  Featuring nearly 300 works by 98 artists, the exhibition spans bark paintings and wooden sculptures to video art and digital installations. Each piece speaks to the deep cultural, political and social histories from which it emerged – revealing tradition not as static, but as a living force of innovation and resistance. Our hack? Explore the exhibition on a Wednesday night at Art After Hours – not only will it feel like you’re making the most of your week, but you can score two-for-one tickets* from 5pm to 10pm.  Catch Yolŋu power: the art of Yirrkala at the Art Gallery of New South Wales until October 6. Tickets start from $13 for youth (free for children under 12) and $20 for members. Book yours here.  Yolŋu power: the art of Yirrkala is supported proudly by the NSW Government through its tourism and major events agency, Destination NSW. The exhibition is presented in partnership with the Buku-Larrŋgay Mulka Centre. *Terms and Conditions apply, head to artgallery.nsw.gov.au for details.

What do you get when you combine a Michelin-starred chef, a bustling Potts Point laneway, neon Harajuku-inspired lights and great value quality Japanese food? Say hello to the new kid on the block, Iki Dining.  The menu at casual Japanese diner, which opened in mid-2025, is split into three concepts: a raw bar, casual izakaya bites and steaming bowls of chintan-style ramen. Whether you’re sitting al fresco, by the bar, or in the booths of the main dining room, you’ll have access to all three – who said it was hard to please everybody?  On a bustling night, you’ll see the raw bar display front and centre at the bar. A chef meticulously slices segments of salmon, kingfish, tuna and scallop. Choose to get the sashimi served nigiri-style rolled up like your favourite sushi, or you can opt for the sashimi platters that come served in a little boat with a dry-ice spectacle.  Photograph: Caitlyn Todoroski for Time Out Sydney For something a little more substantial for your next course, the izakaya menu features Japanese classics like crisp chicken karaage and crunchy-bottomed pork and chicken gyoza, alongside some modern interpretations by chef Masahiko Yomoda. Most of the small plates ring in at under $20. For larger plates, the Wagyu aburi steak is served on umami butter sauce with a kick of wasabi on the side, plus a wedge of cabbage that’s grilled and caramelised with a yuzu miso sauce. You may recognise chef Yomoda’s face from his appearances on MasterChef Australia or Iron C

If you ever want to feel on top of the world (and, unlike Katy Perry, can’t afford a rocket trip to space), you can ride an elevator to the top floor of the Shangri-La Sydney, home to Blu Bar. With its unbeatable views, this swish cocktail bar is one of Sydney's best sky-high spots – and trust us when we say you need to be there to experience the magic. We’re seated in the corner of the bar with an expansive view of commuters trickling home over the illuminated Sydney Harbour Bridge, and ferries winding their way in and out of Circular Quay. While we’re windowside (and it really is spectacular), all seats in the bar either have a view of Sydney Harbour below, or the striking skyscrapers of Barangaroo. Photograph: Caitlyn Todoroski for Time Out Sydney Cocktails here come in tiers: there are your classics like Cosmopolitans and Espresso Martinis (around $25), signature cocktails of the hotel like the fruity Star Cluster with Amaro Montenegro and orange juice, or The Dreaming Earth with gin, dessert lime and Shangri-La honey (around $28) and then there’s the top-shelf stuff like the Quantum Forum with Macallan 12 Year whiskey, Chambord, peanut butter and jelly ($55).  Cocktails may be more expensive than a wine at your local, but for the experience and those views, we reckon it's worth it. Did you notice how honey is a common ingredient featured in those tipples? That’s because Shangri-La produces it itself – there’s even urban beehives on the hotel’s rooftop. And it’s not th

If Jamberoo Valley Farm was a song, it would be ‘My Favourite Things’ from the Sound of Music. My stay is all about appreciating simplicity: feeding the resident animals with friendly farm manager Rick, the warm loaf of bread wrapped in a tea towel that owner Barbie delivers to the door, soaking in the views of Jamberoo Valley, and being just far away enough from civilisation that said views don’t include a single other residence in sight.  While the little things make this stay special, it’s the bougie things that ramp this accommodation up into a league of its own: the private hot tub on the cottage deck, the heated tiles (and standalone bath) in the bathroom, the accordion doors that connect the living room to the farm, and the meticulously curated rustic coastal decor that could be straight out of a Country Living magazine. Photograph: Caitlyn Todoroski for Time Out Sydney/Hot tub with a view at Jamberoo valley farm   If you want a relaxing getaway without totally going off the grid, Jamberoo Valley Farm is *very* well placed. It’s less than two hour’s drive from Sydney, a five minute drive from Jamberoo’s township (and fabulous football fanatic pub), and 15 minutes away from Kiama’s beaches. Basically, you can have your fresh crusty bread and eat it too.  Be warned that the five minute road out of Jamberoo Village and up the mountain to the cottage is quite narrow (AKA mainly fits one car at a time). We drive nice and slow and pull over where we can for the odd passerb

I’m a local to Wollongong, born and raised, so when it comes to holidays and trips out of town, the South Coast is my bread and butter. Sometimes it’s pretty easy when you’ve grown up in a place to take it for granted. So when I got the chance to get behind the wheel of a smooth driving hybrid car (the new Mazda CX-80), I set out to see my (incredibly gorgeous, beach-spotted) neck of the woods from a tourist’s perspective.  Where is the NSW South Coast? While the South Coast technically stretches all the way down to the NSW border, I’m focusing on the underrated stretch between Helensburgh and Huskisson. This includes Coledale’s jagged coastline, Port Kembla’s grungey industrial scene, the bustling central hub of Wollongong and one of Australia’s quaintest seaside towns, Kiama.  Being only an hour and half’s drive from Sydney, I genuinely think the South Coast is the goldilocks of weekend getaways for all travelers: mum and dad get their much-needed break and the kids have free range in nature’s playground, couples reconnect with each other and Mother Nature, and friend groups become quickly equipped with memorable shenanigans.   Photograph: Caitlyn Todoroski for Time Out SydneyHot tub with a view at Jamberoo valley farm Where to stay on the NSW South CoastFirst thing’s first is where to set up camp. There aren’t many other places in the world where you can have a farm stay with views of green pillowy hills and then drive 15 minutes to the closest beach. That’s the name of

It’s global knowledge by now that Bondi Beach is packed 24/7, 365 days a year. While many will say it’s overrated, there’s no denying the stretch of azul blue water is a sight to behold. Skip the crowds (and Bondi Rescue cameras) with a seat perched high up on Campbell Parade at Ikaria.  Walking into the gorgeously decked-out space feels like you’ve stepped onto the shores of the real Ikaria island itself, and given how spenny flights are over to Greece (seriously, how are so many of our Instagram followers over there right now?), we reckon it’s the next best thing. It opened in 2021 when co-owner Joaquin Saez (ex-cho cho san) hoped to bring a bit of Greece to Bondi given Aussies couldn’t fly over post-pandemic. If the earthy terracotta cushions, clay pots tucked in the wall’s nooks, archways and rattan furniture don’t scream Mediterranean enough, the menu will. It’s packed with light, fresh dishes designed to share with your friends and fam.  Photograph: Caitlyn Todoroski for Time Out Sydney There’s plenty of seafood to go around, like salty-sweet kingfish crudo, fried calamari with a generous scoop of tzatziki for dipping, vinegary octopus salad, grilled king prawns and a market fish with tomatoes and peppers. Of course, it’s not a Greek offering without souvlakia. At Ikaria, you can opt for mustard-lemon chicken or harissa mushroom.  While the joint is a great spot for a refreshing lunch after completing the Coogee to Bondi walk (bonus points for soaking up that bluer-th

There’s a little pocket on Potts Point’s Macleay Street that’s home to a powerhouse of ritzy joints that are oh-so-cool without even having to try. Cult-favourites include The Apollo, Franca, Cho Cho San and Yellow, but the lesser-known joint you should add to your hit list stat is Diana.  Book in a dinnertime reservation because this dimly lit diner is magic when the sun goes down (and it means you can stick around for some sing-along action later). The long narrow space is lined with abstract Asian artwork, colourful cushions brighten the booths and fuchsia orchids perk up in ceramic vases at each table – it’s bold, fun and we dig it. Photograph: Caitlyn Todoroski for Time Out Sydney The menu spans classic Korean dishes and pan-Asian eats. Some are well-known – kimchi fried rice, Korean fried chicken, springy japchae noodles and plump bossam pork belly bites, for example. Others are a little less familiar, but equally delicious – like hwae moochim, a fresh, sashimi-style vegetable salad dressed with sesame oil and gochujang, and Korean street donuts with butterscotch.  Is it your first visit to Diana? We recommend letting Korean-born chef Sammy Jeon (Mr Lim, Avido Ristorante Italiano) feed you. The $75 set menu gets you going with seven of their most popular dishes (some served stacked on bamboo steamers or made tableside – *fancy*), and if you’re feeling swanky, you can add on a mud crab course.  Photograph: Caitlyn Todoroski for Time Out Sydney While you’re fuelling u

Whether you mean to or not, you'll find history on every corner you turn in Italy. Beautiful churches, half-dug ruins and centuries-old restaurants. Divino Osteria is taking a page out of Italy’s history book, bringing both quality Mediterranean flavours and an exciting past to the streets of Elizabeth Bay. Located in the old Sebel Townhouse Hotel (the former home of Bar Grazie), Divino Osteria’s walls have once seen the likes of big stars like Elton John and David Bowie. Now they see leopard-spotted woodfire pizza crusts and heaping bowls of pasta dreamt up by owner, Paddington-local Anthony Alafaci. Photograph: Caitlyn Todoroski for Time Out His Southern Italian heritage has inspired the classic Italian menu: fresh antipasti like octopus carpaccio and apple scallops; pasta faves like slow-cooked ragu rigatoni; big, fluffy and crunchy pizzas; and hearty mains like a magical-looking herb-crusted lamb cutlet. They’re all cooked up by head chef Andrea Di Stefano and his team. Stefano is a Catania native, and has also worked in in European Michelin-starred kitchens, so strap in for a great Italian feast. Pair your meal with a drop from the European wine list and contemporary Italian cocktails that feature a whole lot of Limoncello and Aperol. In true Italian fashion, you can enjoy a long weekend lunch that includes a filling pizza to share and two Spritzes with your favourite plus-one – all for $60. Kicking things off before a night out instead? From 4pm to 6pm every Thursday

The lights at The Velvet Glove are real low – all except for those illuminating artworks. Panels of Vincent van Gogh, Leonardo da Vinci and Claude Monet’s works have been carefully curated and artfully backlit for the watering hole of your artsy dreams. At this new Darlinghurst bar and restaurant, you can sip on cocktails and enjoy snacks on an Italian marble table, sit yourself down at the bar on a handcrafted Greek bar stool, or relax on the open-air terrace. Photograph: David Li The Velvet Glove is where European luxury meets Kings Cross glamour – and doors are open to all. At the wheel is hospitality professional Haley Gooley, who has worked across ski chalets and dining spaces in Perisher. She wanted to make an opulent space that signals a warm welcome to anyone and everyone off the streets of the eclectic precinct. And at The Velvet Glove, there are no set seating times – and tipping is not expected. Photograph: David Li Don’t expect anything less than luxe from the menu: crisp-skinned duck à l’orange; Black Angus eye-fillet with blistered vine-ripened cherry tomatoes; and line-caught New Zealand snapper are all on offer. If you’re just popping in for a tipple, the bar menu offers some equally glam nibbles, like tuna sashimi with oxheart tomato and finger lime pearls. Photograph: David Li Drops on the drinks list hail from France, Italy and Austria, plus some local Australian labels. If the décor has you feeling like a baller, splash out on a cocktail topped with

Ruma is warm. It’s in the ochre-hued walls, the massive abstract painting of family enjoying food together and the hearty breakfast plates. The Double Bay joint dishes up brunch four days a week, plus dinner from Thursday to Sunday. Plush booths and scenic alfresco seating await. Ruma, which opened at the end of 2024, is helmed by chef Faheem Noor, the brains behind nearby Bartiga. A love letter to his Malaysian heritage, his menu features brunch classics like pancakes, big breakfast plates and avo toast, all with Asian-inspired twists like the addition of ‘kimchimimchurri’ (a mix of kimchi and chimichurri) and crisp chilli oil. The star of the show is the Korean-style fried chicken bite dish. Order them as they come with a dollop of Kewpie mayo on each piece, or opt for a bougie caviar add-on.  Photograph: Caitlyn Todoroski for Time Out Sydney If you’re looking for a long-lunch experience, check out the bottomless menu. Fill up on a big breakfast platter with all the fix-ins like sourdough toast, scrambled eggs, grilled peppers, plus a sweet plate with whatever’s fresh in the pastry cabinet and fruit. The novelty is the bottomless matcha that you can get iced, hot, cloud-like or with strawberry.  Photograph: Supplied | Pat Stevenson Come dinnertime, the menu looks a little more like kingfish crudo with ponzu, steak frites with sarawak pepper jus, and coconut and turmeric barramundi curry. It’s all about fusing subtle Asian flavours with modern Australian dining. Breakfas

Imagine a pub from 1980s Australia – and then imagine it never got a refurb. Sounds a little outdated, but at Baptist Street Rec. Club – Redfern’s new bar found at Wunderlich Lane, home to Olympus, Lottie and The Eve, among others – it’s nostalgic, and also a little bit edgy. Retro posters and pop art adorn the walls, and drinks are served in glasses that look like they’re straight outta your nan’s good glassware collection (you know the ones). Speaking of tipples, booze aficionados Dan Cramsie (ex Clam Bar, Pepito’s and Double Deuce Lounge) and House Made Hospitality (Island Radio, Apollonia, Bar Mammoni) beverage director Jason Williams have teamed up to create a refreshing bar menu. Fun takes on nostalgic cocktails are the norm here at the latest venue from House Made Hospitality (the team behind Sydney favourites Grana, Apollonia and more). Think a Breakfast Martini with spiced pineapple marmalade, and a Strawberry Daiquiri flavoured with strawberry cordial. Photograph: Steven Woodburn Monthly specials stay on rotation, with the opening stars including the Bloody Mary’s savoury and down-to-earth cousin: a Beetroot Negroni. The wine list spotlights small-batch producers, and the brews are mostly local, including the house-made Reccy Lager. When you get the munchies, Thai-inspired eatery Bangkok Dreaming offers salty specialities galore. Its share platters feature all the Aussie-fied favourite nibblies like spring rolls, money bags and fish cakes. All of which are a nod t

Calling all chip-on-a-stick fans and aspiring farmers! Sydney’s favourite agricultural festival, carnival ride mecca and baby animal pat-fest is back for 2025. When is the Easter Show Sydney? This year's Easter Show will kick off on Friday, April 11, and run for 12 full days until Tuesday, April 22. How much are Easter Show Sydney tickets?  The early bird gets the worm when it comes to tickets – if you purchase your passes before the show kicks off on Friday, April 11, you can hook cheaper tickets, and if you purchase online in advance of your arrival, you’ll also be doing yourself a favour.  Early-bird pre-show tickets (Before April 11): $45 per adult $27 per child (4-15 years old + 16-18 year olds with a student ID card) $33.50 for concession  $118 for a family pass (two adults, two children).    Online purchase once the show has started (April 11 onwards): $48.00 per Adult $29.50 per child $36.00 for concession Children under 3 are allowed in for free. Note that these tickets just include entry for the show – rides, showbags and food are all at various additional costs.  Where is the Easter Show Sydney?  The Sydney Royal Easter Show takes place at the same beloved location each year: Sydney Showground at Sydney Olympic Park is the prime possie for the show’s elaborate agricultural displays and competitions, plus a whole heap of rides.  How to get to the Easter Show Sydney? Sydney Showground is located right next to the Olympic Park Train Station. Limited stops and express

Hughes Street in Potts Point is anticipating its annual shutdown on December 25 to make way for the Wayside Chapel Christmas Day Lunch and Street Party for homeless members of the community. Thanks to over $1,400,000 in donations from the public, the Wayside Chapel will provide over 1,000 Christmas lunches “with all the trimmings” to people who’d otherwise have nowhere else to spend the public holiday. While they've met their fundraising target for 2024, demand for the service grows each and every year, so you can still donate to support the cost of keeping their kitchens, programs and support services open across the festive season. Not only is their aid in the Christmas spirit — they provides daily support for thousands of homeless people living in Sydney. Last year, they provided over 86,000 meals to vulnerable community members who walked through the doors at the Kings Cross shelter in need of nourishment. The Christmas community event that's been running for over 40 years encourages anyone who is living on the street, lost or lonely, on Christmas Day to join the free party. There’ll be a Christmas breakfast at 9am, a service at 10am and lunch at 11.30am followed by a street party full of DJ's, live music, dancing and activities until 5.30pm. More than 100 volunteers help out on the day, serving up 100kg of prawns, 50 hams and 500 Christmas puddings.   Guests can look forward to a visit from Santa Claus, alongside Christmas songs, kids’ activities, (fake) tattoo stati