Winnie Stubbs

Here in Australia, January 26 has very different meanings for different people. For First Nations people, the day marks the beginning of colonisation and is sometimes called Invasion Day or Survival Day. For recent migrants, January 26 is the day of many citizenship ceremonies across the country. However you choose to spend it, we've picked out the main events taking place on the public holiday in 2026.Left planning your long weekend trip too late? These are all the public holidays in NSW in 2026, and here's how to maximise your leave.Stay in the loop: sign up for our free Time Out Sydney newsletter for more news, straight to your inbox. Want to escape the city? These are the best camping sites near Sydney.These are the best places to camp by the beach in NSW.And these are the best day hikes close to the city.

Australia is a nation rich with incredible artists and mind-blowing exhibitions. Whether you favour sculpture, painting, photography or textiles, there’s something for every kind of artistic persuasion ready to pop off at Australia’s biggest art exhibitions in 2026. We've rounded up just a few Aussie wonders that have us pre-booking flights in eager anticipation.  A summer standout is Icelandic-Danish artist Olafur Eliasson's Presence at the Gallery of Modern Art in Brisbane, where huge, shimmering interactive installations reign supreme. We're also excited to peruse a never-seen-before-in-Australia glittering jewel collection from Cartier at the NGV in the winter months, and explore Rememory during the 25th Biennale of Sydney (which Time Out named the world's best exhibition to see this year). Scroll on for our pick of the best art exhibitions in Australia in 2026. Our editors will update this guide as new exhibitions are announced. 🖼️ The best art galleries in Australia👀 The best museums in Australia

Believe it or not, summer school holidays are here. And if the thought of keeping the kiddos entertained for the next two months sends you into a spiral, we've got you covered. There’s something here for the explorers, the budding scientists, the mini athletes, the musical prodigies, the artist and just about everyone in between. You'll find the ultimate round-up of activities and experiences happening in Sydney for kids and families this summer. 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 these kid-friendly restaurants in Sydney.

The first month of the year kicks off with the return of the inimitable Sydney Festival, which is coming back to the Harbour City with incredible shows and visual art installations from January 8. For pre-show fuel, we’d suggest checking out one of the best happy hours in the city, and if you’re keen to keep going, this list of our favorite late-night spots in Sydney should help.In other good news, Sydney’s summer of open air flicks is showing no signs of slowing down, with January welcoming the 2025 Westpac OpenAir Cinema season, fresh new programs at Moonlight Cinema, Mov’in Bed and North Sydney’s Sunset Cinema and Australia's biggest short film festival popping up in Bondi for its 35th year.  Looking for a venue for an al fresco feast or one by the sea? These are the best waterfront restaurants in Sydney, these are our best beer gardens, and these are our best rooftop bars. Plus, you can check out our ultimate guide to Sydney's best restaurants here, the city's best bars here, the best pubs here and the best cheap eats here. If you’ve got a boost of new-year-new-me energy, sweat it out on one of our city’s best running routes or at one of the best gyms in the city. Keen to get out of town? These are the best day hikes close to Sydney, and these are the best camping sites close enough for a night away under the stars. Feel like getting out of Sydney for the day (or a few)? Consider a trip to Scenic World – a year-round adventure playground that demands a spot on your tranqu

Sydney is often referred to as the Harbour City, but a better name might be the Town of a Hundred Beaches. There are countless golden stretches scattered along the length and breadth of Sydney’s many shores (exact figures vary based on who you ask, as some disappear with the tides or are all but impossible to reach). But such an array of sandy riches can make picking the right beach to visit a bit of a head-scratcher. To help you out, we’ve cast our discerning eyes across pretty much every beach in the city, awarding points for accessibility, natural beauty, range of facilities and unique charms. Here are 50 of the best beaches in Sydney. Grab those beach towels and dive right in. JUST REMEMBER: There have been a lot of drowning incidents at NSW beaches – if you swim at unpatrolled beaches, you put yourself at risk. You can search patrolled and unpatrolled beaches near you over here – as well as other surf safety issues. Hate crowds? Here's our guide to the best secret beaches in Sydney. The city also has a heap of fab harbour beaches – as well as dog-friendly beaches. Stay in the loop: sign up for our free Time Out Sydney newsletter for more news, straight to your inbox.

Whether you’re a visitor planning your very first visit to Singapore, or a Singaporean mapping out a special occasion in the city, choosing a hotel in Singapore is an important (and sometimes overwhelming) task. With so many spectacular stays to choose between – from the world-famous Raffles to new boutique stays like 21 Carpenter – it can be challenging to decide which is best for you. To help you determine which hotel to book for your next visit or staycation, our team of local editors (including Time Out Singapore Editor Cheryl Sekkappan, Regional Content Director for Time Out APAC Nicole-Marie Ng and local writer Dewi Nurjuwita) have tried and tested the city’s top-ranking hotels to determine which are worth your time.The list has been overseen by Winnie Stubbs, Travel and Hotels Editor APAC and self-confessed hotel obsessive. Each hotel has been chosen based on amenities, design and proximity to the city’s highlights – with many hotels on the list within walking distance of the best restaurants and bars in Singapore.Read on for our guide to the very best hotels in Singapore right now. Our Hotel Editor's picks for the best hotels in Singapore: Best boutique stay: QT SingaporeBest hotel for families: Mandarin Oriental SingaporeBest luxury hotel: Raffles Hotel SingaporeBest beachside stay: Capella Singapore RECOMMENDED: The best Singapore attractions to visitThe best rooftop bars in SingaporeAirport hotels in SingaporeThe best luxury hotels in Singapore At Time Out, all of

We might be a little biased, but in our humble opinion, Sydney's got it all. Can you think of many other cities in the world that rival its natural beauty, rich heritage and history that dates back thousands of years, and its creative, culinary and cultural offerings by world-class pros? In fact, there's so much to see, do, sip and ponder here, you could be forgiven for feeling a little overwhelmed. Worry not, dear reader – we're making it simple for you. Our team sifted through every good time the Big Smoke has to offer and put together a Sydney bucket list for the ages. The activities we've chosen will give you a super varied experience of the city – everything from the tourist attractions that are actually worth your time to secret swimming spots that locals know and love.Whether you're a new arrival or a born-and-bred local, this 2025 Time Out Sydney round-up of the city's must-do activities will help you experience Sydney from every angle. After all those great activities you're bound to be thirsty. We suggest you head to one of the best pubs in Sydney right now, or save your cash at one of the best happy hours in the city. Need somewhere to stay? Check in to one of Sydney's best hotels. Stay in the loop: sign up for our free Time Out Sydney newsletter for more news, travel inspo and activity ideas, straight to your inbox.

More hotels mean more excuses to pack a bag, right? With fancy five-star stays and design-led boutique properties cropping up all over town, you’d be remiss not to test-drive a few. After all, who doesn’t want to be the first to swan-dive into a crisp king bed or wrap themselves in a robe so fresh it hasn’t yet seen a room-service tray? This year, our Travel & News Editor Melissa Woodley has checked into two of the country's most exciting new arrivals: Hamilton Island’s first new stay in nearly 17 years, The Sundays, and Sydney’s most anticipated inner-city stay, The Eve Hotel – both earning glowing five-star reviews. Next, we have our eyes on the African-inspired Monarto Safari Resort in South Australia and the coastal-luxe Mondrian Gold Coast. Scroll on for the full roll call of Australia’s newest hotels – and the ones still teasing us from behind construction fences. 🌴 Australia’s best resorts and lodges⛺️ The best free campgrounds in Australia

Sydney is no slacker when it comes to Italian food (just take a look at all these red-hot places here). And our pasta game is very strong. But when it comes to our pizza restaurants, we reckon they may be a slice above the rest. Whether you're a sucker for traditional Neapolitan pizzas cooked in a wood-fired oven and topped with beautiful produce, get around NY-style slabs so big you can fold them in three, or you're hungry for a Sicilian-style slice with a thick and fluffy crust, Time Out Sydney's local food writers, including Sydney Editor Avril Treasure, have pulled together the best places to get your fix – and these are the venues that are topping the class. 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. Hungry for more? Here's our pick of the very best restaurants in Sydney right now. Love Greek food food? Us too. Check out the finest Greek eateries in Sydney.

Melbourne is home to its fair share of super-luxe hotels, but there are also hidden gems in every corner of the city where you can rest your head for less than $200 a night. From super central sky-high towers like Oaks on Collins to charming stays on the fringe of the city like The Plough Hotel, Melbourne's budget hotels prove that you don't have to drop 500 bucks a night to enjoy a good night's sleep within striking distance of Melbourne’s best bits. To help you find your best affordable stay, our team of local editors (including Time Out Melbourne Editor Leah Glynn) have tried and tested Melbourne’s most well-located low-cost hotels, and Time Out Travel and Hotels Editor Winnie Stubbs has checked the list over to make sure it delivers.For an even more affordable night in the city, share a room with friends (and try to book at least a few weeks in advance). Another top tip from Time Out Melbourne’s team of local editors? Don't be afraid to trade space for location – you're only sleeping, after all. Read on for our guide to the best budget hotels in Melbourne.  Editor's quick picks: Best fully equipped home-away-from-home: Oaks on Collins Best for making new friends: YHA Melbourne Central Best boutique city stay: Brady Hotels Central Melbourne  Best quirky neighbourhood stay: The Plough Hotel Stay in the loop: sign up for our free Time Out Melbourne newsletter for the best of the city, straight to your inbox. RECOMMENDED:  These are the best places to go camping near Mel

Whether you’re a visitor mapping out your first trip to the Emerald City, or a Sydneysider planning a special-occasion staycation, finding the right hotel in Sydney is an important, sometimes overwhelming task. If you’re looking to book a stay that’s extra indulgent – willing to splash the cash on a high-end experience – choosing the right spot is even more crucial. Luckily for you, we’ve got a team of hotel aficionados who are committed to trying and testing the very best luxury stays in the city, and deciding which ones are worth your hard-earned cash (it’s a tough job, but somebody’s got to do it). Our expert team includes connoisseur of fine things Time Out Sydney Editor Avril Treasure and Sydney-based travel whizz Melissa Woodley (Time Out Australia’s News and Travel Editor). Each hotel has been checked for its luxe credentials by Time Out Sydney's Travel and Hotels Editor, Winnie Stubbs. From a celeb-approved harbourside palace (Park Hyatt Sydney) to a stunning beachside stay with a rooftop magnesium pool (Manly Pacific), these are the best luxury hotels in Sydney for a super-special stay. Editor's quick picks: Best for beach lovers: Manly Pacific  Best for harbour views: Park Hyatt Sydney  Best for indulgent spa breaks: Capella Sydney Best dog-friendly luxury stay: Pier One 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:Want more options? Here's our full guid

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

At the height of Sydney summer, when the pull of the shoreline feels almost instinctive, the Australian National Maritime Museum is inviting Sydneysiders to come to the beach – not just as a place, but as a shared concept. The centrepiece of the museum’s summer program, The Beach, is part exhibition, part all-ages playscape – a gloriously Australian celebration of our beloved ocean-side spaces. “The Beach invites us all to come together – gently – to reconnect with the coastal rituals that shape Australian life,” says museum Director and CEO Ms Daryl Karp AM. That gentle invitation carries extra weight this summer. Following the horror of December 14, the museum faced difficult conversations about whether to proceed. In the end, the decision was made to continue – not in spite of what happened, but because of it.RELATED READ: These are our favourite beaches in Sydney “Our beaches are places of connection and belonging,” Karp says. “The shoreline has always been a place where we all meet – just open skies and shared sand – a place of joy, togetherness and shared fun.” In that spirit, The Beach reclaims the coast as a symbol of what binds us together, even when that sense of ease has been shaken. Inside the museum’s Lighthouse Gallery, a distinctly Australian summer unfolds. Digital projections ripple across the walls, a breezy soundscape hums in the background, and interactive rockpools and a towering sandcastle (minus the sand) invite play. Works by artists including Anne Zah

Calling all Sydney-based cinephiles. Flickerfest – Australia’s biggest competitive short film festival – is returning to Bondi Beach for 2026, taking over Bondi Pavilion from January 23 to February 1. Now celebrating its 35th year, the iconic festival will once again deliver a ten-day program of short films, screened both under the stars and inside the Pavilion’s theatre. The 2026 program showcases around 200 short films across 23 curated festival sessions – each handpicked from a record-breaking 3,700-plus entries submitted from more than 100 countries. At the centre of the festival are Flickerfest’s prestigious (Academy Qualifying) competitions, with 111 short films competing for major awards – including Best International Short Film, Best International Animation, Best Australian Short Film and Best Documentary. As you’d expect, Australian cinema features big on the 2026 lineup, with 60 local films selected for the Best of Australian Competition. The homegrown picks will screen alongside 36 international films in the Best of International Competition and 15 thought-provoking works in the Best of Documentary Competition. A further 100 shorts will also screen across various showcase sessions, with many films premiering at the event.Alongside the main competitions, Flickerfest’s popular themed programs are also back. These include FlickerUp, celebrating youth filmmaking from creatives aged 18 and under; Rainbow Shorts, spotlighting LGBTQI stories from around the world; a First

If you’re craving something surreal to snap you out of reality for an hour or so, Sydney’s recently opened Museum of Illusions has got your back. The first Aussie outpost of the global concept, this interactive exhibition invites visitors to step into gravity-defying rooms, giant 3D illusions, mind-bending perspective zones, holograms and other sensory experiences – in a vast space spanning over 900 square metres in the heart of the CBD.With more than 80 unique exhibits to explore, the museum doesn’t directly follow its global siblings – it’s packed with bespoke Sydney-inspired rooms that you won’t find anywhere else. There’s a ‘Reversed Room’ inspired by a classic Aussie pub, a ‘Building Illusion’ which echoes Sydney’s iconic skyline, and an immersive exhibit called ‘Following Eyes’ – a playful nod to sunscreen-slapping beach days. Part science, part spectacle, part pure fun, the Museum of Illusions is perfect for families, curious minds, and any office worker who’s finding the return to work a little tricky. Whether you’re chasing an escape from the here and now or an Instagram goldmine, or you’re just keen to see your friends wobble in a room that defies gravity, it’s a one-stop shop for awe, giggles and head-scratching wonder. The experience is open now at 413 George Street in Sydney’s CBD, with regular admission tickets for $47 and family tickets offering slightly reduced rates. We’d suggest giving around 60–90 minutes for wandering, posing, and rethinking the laws of ph

Budget conscious movie fans, this one’s for you. For the fourth year running, Darling Quarter’s free open-air cinema is back – complete with dog-friendly seating and high-quality headphones for crystal-clear audio.Kicking off this Thursday, January 8, the free open-air cinema will run on Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays until January 25, with the varied film program featuring big releases and old-school favourites. Through a new partnership with HBO Max, this year's program features family faves like The Wizard of Oz and Space Jam alongside newer hits like Superman, Fantastic Beasts, and A Minecraft Movie.  Though screenings are free, it’s worth booking a place – with free unallocated seating and beanbags available to hire for an extra $10. This year’s movie experience sees the upgrade of all new headphones, meaning you don’t have to worry about the ambience of the area impacting your audio experience (though sound will be played through large outdoor speakers too). For a cinema snack, moviegoers can order Click and Collect from some of Darling Quarter’s fave eateries – including Churrascaria, Dopa and Gelatissimo.  With a flat evening parking rate of $21 per car, this is hands down one of the most affordable cinema experiences you can have in the Harbour City. Keen to spend those extra dollars on another movie-style experience? Darling Harbour’s magical carousel is a short walk from the cinema, you’re welcome.You can learn more and reserve tickets over here. Stay in

Sailing obsessives, speed demons and sunset enthusiasts, listen up. The world’s fastest sailing race – the Sail Grand Prix – is returning to the Harbour City for 2026, and this time it’s levelling up the cinematic value. For the first time in Rolex SailGP Championship history, the spectacle is going twilight – with super-fast foiling action lighting up Sydney Harbour for two adrenaline-fuelled nights on the last weekend of February.Now in its seventh consecutive year, Sydney remains SailGP’s longest-running stop – and honestly, it’s hard to imagine a better stage. Picture the world’s largest SailGP fleet ever assembled flying across the water in colourful catamarans just metres from shore, as the late summer sun melts behind the city skyline. Not sold yet on the idea of watching a boat race? I hear you – as a sailing novice and a card-carrying F1-skeptic, it took a trip to the Auckland event for me to truly understand the appeal of the KPMG Sydney Sail Grand Prix, but I can wholeheartedly say it’s one of the most exciting, impressive sporting events you will ever witness. One of the things that makes SailGP races so addictive is how close you can get to the action, and never more so than in Sydney. Here, racing unfolds right across the harbour, with various vantage points turning the city into a giant grandstand. The mixed-gender teams are wildly athletic, and the fact that the Aussies happen to be consistently high-achievers (winning the first three championships, and coming

Looking for an affordable, culturally-enriching day out in the Harbour City? We’ve got you. To help Sydneysiders and visitors make the most of the city, Transport for NSW has launched a totally free, super insightful walking itinerary that you can use for a car-free day out in town, and we reckon it’s a pretty solid guide to your next day out.You can use Transport for NSW’s Walks Near Me map to follow the Sydney Culture Walk itinerary that links Sydney’s favourite cultural institutions.  This is a great thing to do, whether you want to be a tourist in your own town, you’re a visitor here, or you have kids to entertain (and tire out) during the school holidays.  First up, head to the Sydney Culture Walk landing page and map out your route. If you’re keen to really capitalise on cultural insights, kick off your journey at Circular Quay station’s brand-new ‘Culture Station’ (you’ll find it beneath the train platforms, just opposite Wharf 5), where the team can offer advice, pamphlets and tickets. From there, the Sydney Culture Walk will unfurl like your own personalised greatest-hits playlist of Sydney’s cultural scene. Not sure where to head? Below is your cheat sheet to the star stops – but the Walks Near Me platform will help guide your way: Sydney Opera House Art Gallery of New South Wales State Library of NSW Hyde Park Barracks Australian Museum Sydney Observatory RELATED READ: 9 must-see landmarks on a self-guided walking tour across SydneyYou’ll find the full Sydney Cul

When Slow House opened on Curlewis Street back in 2021, it was among the first of a wave of new wellness spaces taking Sydney by storm. Here, the focus was on quiet, ritualistic bathing – with the key treatment (the Signature Slow) encouraging guests to take things at their own pace, from the seclusion of a private sauna room. Though guests at the original Slow House are welcome to spend time in the communal spaces – with ice baths large enough to fit six people at a time – it’s generally a place you come to spend time alone, a haven of self-guided self-care.Almost five years later, the Bondi-born wellness brand has taken a new tack – with Slow House 2.0 (now named 38° The Bathhouse) open beneath a shiny new gym right on the Bondi beachfront. Although the aesthetic here is similar – all muted neutral tones and soft, organic curves – this new, larger outpost is a place where connecting with other people is paramount. ‘Slow House The Bath House’ is a social space with body-and-soul enriching side effects, and it’s exactly what the busy beachside suburb has been crying out for. You’ll find the sprawling subterranean space at the end of a long corridor framed by a mirrored ceiling that mimics an ocean at sunset – it’s immediately surreal, and somehow completely, perfectly Bondi. Warm lighting illuminates the main room, which is home to three magnesium pools (each sitting at different temperatures for different therapeutic benefits), a large Finnish sauna, a steam room, two ice ba

If you’re looking for a way to spend January 26 that centres culture, creativity and community, Blak Powerhouse belongs firmly at the top of your list. Back for its fourth iteration, this celebration of Blak excellence is returning to Sydney for 2026 – away from its original Powerhouse location (the Ultimo site is currently under construction), but with its biggest line-up yet. Set to light up Manning House at the University of Sydney on January 26, the free, all-ages event has announced an impeccable roster of First Nations artists, led by ARIA Award-winning rapper (and winner of the inaugural NSW First Nations Music Prize) BARKAA and powerhouse rap collective 3%. Now in its fourth year, Blak Powerhouse is an annual celebration of Blak pride, joy and cultural strength – and it’s quickly become one of the city’s most meaningful dates on the cultural calendar. Presented by Powerhouse and Indigenous social enterprise We Are Warriors, Blak Powerhouse 2026 is about far more than live music. Kicking off at 6pm, the evening will unfold as a beautifully diverse celebration of culture, featuring DJs, dance performances, panel discussions, weaving workshops, interactive art installations, market stalls and short film showcases – all designed to create space for connection, learning and community.RELATED READ: Here’s a sneak peek at Powerhouse Parramatta The night will open with a Welcome to Country and smoking ceremony led by Aunty Nadeena Dixon, a Gadigal, Dharawal, Yuin and Wiradjur

Golden hour in Sydney is a magical time; when the glare of the day fades and the dropping sun coats the city in a buttery glow. And there’s one particular spot in Sydney that seems to catch the light perfectly – a fail-safe sunset spot with views across the Harbour, and one of the best places to stargaze when daylight disappears entirely. We’re talking about Sydney Observatory, and for five Fridays this summer, golden hour at this spot is ramping up to the next level – elevated by a series of three-hour live music sets programmed by the creative people behind Powerhouse. Sunset Variations will kick off on Friday, January 30 with an ambient Afrofuturist performance by Ethiopian Australian sound artist, Nū, to set the tone as the light disappears from the sky above the Harbour City.  Next up, on Friday, February 6, experimental electronic artist e fishpool will soundtrack sunset with a mesmeric performance. Friday, February 13 will welcome the cinematic compositions from the Aarti Jadu Ensemble, performing alongside Emma Ovenden and George Worthy. Then, on Friday, February 20, Luritja singer-songwriter and visual artist Keanu Nelson will take over the heritage site with a spell-binding performance as an ode to his Papunya roots. The series will come to a close with a powerful set from the Setwun: Celestial Bodies on Friday, February 27. The soulful, percussive showcase, led by composer and multi-instrumentalist DJ Josh Panakera-Molony, will blend jazz, groove and dance music ov

If you were under the impression that Sydney’s summer fun peaks in December, think again. Every summer, right after the dust settles from the Harbour City’s sparkling NYE fireworks display, Sydney Festival is waiting to take over the city with a hefty helping of fresh arts and culture. This is your chance to get in on an almost-month-long program overflowing with avant garde performances, immersive art installations, phenomenal live musicians and parties that rock on well into the night. This year, the annual event is turning 50 – and if you were expecting a quiet midlife moment, think again. This summer, from January 8 to January 25, the city is throwing itself into a full-blown cultural block party, cracking open five decades of artistic history and inviting everyone in for a look at what’s next. Under the direction of Kris Nelson, who’s stepping up for his first year at the helm, the 2026 program is a sprawling, joy-sparking mix of theatre, music, dance and art.  At the heart of this anniversary edition is a deep dive into connection across generations, playing out through a (delightfully off-the-wall) theatre program. There’s the world-premiere roller-derby spectacular Mama Does Derby, which will see Virginia Gay and Clare Watson transform Sydney Town Hall into a full-scale rink for a tender, sweaty mother-daughter story. There’s Dear Son, bringing Thomas Mayo’s powerful collection of letters to the Belvoir stage with music, dance and theatre-makers Isaac Drandic and John

It’s imperative that you do not eat before you visit the Carriageworks Farmers Markets. You’ll want to save maximum belly space for your personal version of The Bachelorette where you decide who gets your dollars and what delicious produce gets to come home with you. Maybe you like something soupy and savoury first thing? In that case head to Bar Pho for a traditional Vietnamese start to the day. On the veggie train? Hit up Keppos St Kitchen for a falafel breakfast, or head to Food Farm for a classic bacon and egg roll.Once the hounds of your hunger have been quieted it’s time to prepare for your next meal, or seven. Stock up on artisan cheese from Leaning Oak, smoked salmon from Brilliant Foods and Sydney’s favourite sourdough from AP Bakery and brunch is sorted. You can spend a whole lot of money if you want to here, but equally you could just grab a kombucha on tap from Herbs of Life and find a chair for some of the best dog-watching in the city.  Stay in the loop: sign up for our free Time Out Sydney newsletter for more news, travel tips and city insights, straight to your inbox. Hungry for more? Look at our list of the best markets in Sydney – produce or otherwise. 

If drinking Champagne while dancing on a superyacht fits on your 2026 vision board, we’ve got you. Following two super successful seasons at the start of 2024 and 2025,  The Jackson (arguably Sydney’s most Instagrammed luxury superyacht) is teaming up with Veuve Clicquot for another sparkling summer party series. The string of harbour parties will see the huge, sparkly-af boat play host to a stacked line-up of DJs across two expansive decks, with dancing fuel (read: Champagne and canapés) provided by Veuve Clicquot. Oysters, Champagne and hours of dancing to the backdrop of Sydney’s glittering harbour – it’s a pretty solid recipe. Kicking off on Saturday, January 10, The Jackson's Veuve Cliquot in the Sun will see DJs from Sydney and beyond take to the decks (pun intended) for high-energy, Champagne-fuelled afternoons. The events will run from 12pm until 4pm on Saturdays throughout January, February, March and April, and your $159 ticket will score you two glasses of Veuve Clicquot Yellow Label, free-flowing canapés and oysters, plus four hours of dancing and a gelato for the journey back to dry land. Keen? You can learn more and secure your ticket over here. RECOMMENDED: Want fun now? These are the best things to do in Sydney this weekend And these affordable picnic boats are a more low-key boating optionWant the boat-owner life without the price tag? This subscription service might be the answer

There’s something about international airports that makes every person feel like the main character – a kind of romance in the scale and anonymity. When the terminal is totally abandoned – a cavernously quiet, architecturally stunning space with far-reaching mountain views – that feeling is infinitely amplified. Thanks to a very special invite, that’s exactly what we experienced yesterday when we got a sneak peek around Sydney’s genuinely stunning new airport, which is on track to open towards the end of this year. The word stunning is one that we’re guilty of throwing around a lot, but in this case it’s absolutely accurate. The architecture firm tasked with bringing the project to life (Sydney-based firm Cox Architecture) was encouraged to celebrate the local environment, resulting in a masterfully designed space framed by floor-to-ceiling windows opening up onto expansive views of the Blue Mountains. The mountain views are the show-stealers, but the nods to the local environment are woven the whole way through the design: the terrazzo tiled floors are studded with pebbles from the Nepean River, the tall, organically shaped pillars mimic the shapes of local tree trunks, and the walls are formed by carefully mismatched slabs of sandstone from a quarry in the Central Coast. On a more structural level, a lot of the stone used to form the foundations of the building came from the tunnelling of the Westconnex, and the beautiful aluminium suspended ceiling (the largest of its kind

Update Tuesday, January 20: The latest alert from the Australian Space Weather Forecasting Centre (ASWFC) today confirms a severe geomagnetic storm is in progress. According to the alert, the "Aurora may be observed during local nighttime hours in good observing conditions at regions as far equatorward as equatorial latitudes." This includes Tasmania and Victoria, plus parts of NSW, ACT, SA and WA. According to the NOAA NWS Space Weather Prediction Center, this is one of the strongest solar radiation storms since 2003 –meaning we're likely to see dazzling auroral displays. While the coronal mass ejection hit Earth this morning, the best chance to spot the lights will be after dark (if skies are clear), around 60-70 minutes after sunset. Here’s everything you need to know about seeing the Southern Lights from NSW. Where in the world can you see the Aurora? Bright, beautiful and bedazzling, the Aurora Borealis is a big-ticket bucket list item for pretty much everyone on Earth. Only those who have witnessed the Northern Lights with their naked eyes can truly understand its ethereal magic. But you don’t need to fork out on a ticket to Scandinavia to see the dramatic natural light display IRL. Australia has its very own version, called the Aurora Australis or Southern Lights – and this year, we could be in for the brightest display in 20 years. Here’s everything you need to know about seeing the Aurora Australis in Australia. Will the Aurora Australis be visible from NSW tonight?

In case you missed it, there’s a lot going on underground in Melbourne right now. After the city's Metro Tunnel officially opened back in November, the city is gearing up for ‘the Big Switch’ – the long-awaited moment when the Metro Tunnel fully integrates into our public transport network. Wondering what that means for you? Read on.  What is the Big Switch? The Big Switch is the single biggest timetable and network overhaul Melbourne has seen in 40 years, fully plugging the Metro Tunnel into Victoria’s train system in one coordinated hit. It will deliver more than 1,000 extra weekly train services, kick off the first of 260 new bus timetables, and reshape how roughly half of Melbourne’s commuters get from A to B. According to Minister for Public and Active Transport Gabrielle Williams, the shake-up will be “the biggest change to our network in 40 years.” When is the Big Switch? The Big Switch will happen on Sunday, 1 February, when the new timetable (complete with more than 1,000 extra services) officially comes into effect and the Metro Tunnel becomes a fully operational part of the everyday network. How will the Big Switch change transport in Melbourne? In short: more trains, more often, and fewer bottlenecks. All Sunbury, Cranbourne and Pakenham line services will run exclusively through the Metro Tunnel, with trains arriving at the new stations as frequently as every three minutes at peak times. Between Watergardens and Dandenong stations, services will run at least ever

Update Tuesday, January 20: The latest alert from the Australian Space Weather Forecasting Centre (ASWFC) today confirms a severe geomagnetic storm is in progress. According to the alert, the "Aurora may be observed during local nighttime hours in good observing conditions at regions as far equatorward as equatorial latitudes." This includes Tasmania and Victoria, plus parts of NSW, ACT, SA and WA.According to the NOAA NWS Space Weather Prediction Center, this is one of the strongest solar radiation storms since 2003 – meaning we're likely to see dazzling auroral displays. While the coronal mass ejection hit Earth this morning, the best chance to spot the lights will be after dark (if skies are clear), around 60-70 minutes after sunset. As if the past few months of supermoons haven't been enough of a celestial spectacle, today, the Australian Space Weather Forecasting Centre (ASWFC) issued another Aurora alert. Here’s everything you need to know about seeing the Southern Lights from Victoria. Where in the world can you see the Aurora? Bright, beautiful and bedazzling, the Aurora Borealis is a big-ticket bucket list item for pretty much everyone on Earth. Only those who have witnessed the Northern Lights with their naked eyes can truly understand its ethereal magic. But you don’t need to fork out on a ticket to Scandinavia to see the dramatic natural light display IRL. Australia has its very own version, called the Aurora Australis or Southern Lights – and this year, we could

Melbourne has spent the better part of the past decade as Australia’s second-most expensive capital city (trumped by Sydney, the city consistently taking the top spot on the country’s property ladder when it comes to inaffordability). But according to new reporting, the city has quietly flipped the script – and in 2026, it’s being heralded as one of the most affordable capital cities in Australia. In a housing market dominated by horror stories and eye-watering price tags, Melbourne has reportedly emerged as a rare outlier. While Brisbane, Adelaide and Perth have seen house and unit prices surge by nearly 80 to 90 per cent over the past five years, Melbourne’s values rose by a comparatively modest 15.5 per cent, according to data released earlier this month by property analytics firm Cotality. Speaking to the ABC, Tim Lawless, Cotality’s head of research, said the gap between Melbourne and Sydney pricing is now the widest it’s been in decades. “The gap between Melbourne prices and Sydney prices hasn’t been this wide since about 1999,” he said. Melbourne’s median house value now sits at around $980,000 – more than $600,000 cheaper than Sydney. So what’s behind the slowdown? Analysts point to a cocktail of factors: a sharp market downturn in 2022, years of above-average housing delivery, negative interstate migration – and, perhaps most significantly, an investor exodus. According to the ABC, property investment groups began sounding the alarm after Victoria’s 2023 state budget

Before I set sail from Circular Quay at the end of last week, my media diet on the topic of cruising comprised Titanic, Triangle of Sadness and David Foster Wallace’s viciously acerbic essay, A Supposedly Fun Thing I’ll Never Do Again. All in, a pretty damning collection of work. And while DFW made some accurate observations, my experience of cruising was three days straight of (albeit over-stimulating) fun. My friend Rosie and I were invited along to experience the second annual Sydney Swans Members’ cruise – a collaboration between our favourite AFL team and our now-favourite cruise company (Princess Cruises, the oldest operating cruise company in the Australia/ New Zealand region). The three-night journey was set to take us down the coast of NSW to Eden – a small fishing town on the Sapphire Coast, approximately six hours’ drive from Sydney. With its pristine beaches and romantically ethereal name, Eden has been on my bucket list for a while, and the opportunity to visit for a day without having to get in a car sounded too good to be true. Unfortunately, it was – the weather system that was ripping through Victoria made the journey south impossible, so our captain made the call to change course and spend three days in the sunshine out at sea. I was pretty heartbroken to be missing our day in Eden, but the three days we spent on board were the perfect deep dive into cruising, and I’m here to convince the sceptics why an ocean-based escape from reality might be just what you

If there’s one thing Aussies love more than a Boxing Day barbie, it’s locking in a last-minute summer escape – and so far this year, Melbourne is destination number one. Fresh data from Webjet reveals that in the leftover-fuelled days after Christmas, flight bookings for January and February 2026 more than doubled, jumping 103 per cent compared with the fortnight before Christmas. And when it came to choosing where to go, travellers overwhelmingly headed south. According to the data, domestic travel led the charge – and Melbourne emerged as the clear favourite. Nearly one in six flights booked in that post-Christmas rush – 17 per cent, to be precise – were bound for the Victorian capital, placing it ahead of perennial favourites like Sydney, Brisbane and even international heavy-hitters Bali and Tokyo. So why Melbourne, and why now? Part of the appeal is timing. As Webjet Group CEO Katrina Barry notes, Aussies are opting for short, sharp getaways, with domestic trips in January averaging around four days. That sweet spot plays perfectly into Melbourne’s strengths: it’s walkable, easy to access and home to a well-connected network of bars, restaurants and shops that you can dip in and out of over a long weekend. Then there’s the atmosphere. With the Australian Open underway, the city is humming – from Rod Laver Arena to the laneways, where bars and late-night kitchens stay busy well into the small hours. Add in blockbuster exhibitions, a stacked summer festival calendar and Me

If you haven’t had your fill of partying over the holiday season, we’ve got good news. This weekend, an inner north 7-Eleven is hosting Australia’s first-ever convenience store rave – headlined by globally beloved superstar DJ Cyril. For one morning only (Saturday, January 17), 7-Eleven Brunswick will be transformed into a buzzing open-air stage – complete with pulsing lights, thumping beats and a line-up of DJs that would see any nightclub booker score a promotion. Headlining the event is Aussie sensation Cyril, who’ll be joined by a fresh roster of local talent bringing Melbourne energy straight to the convenience store counter. Doors will open at 9am, and the party runs until 1pm – a four-hour dose of dance music and corner store culture.The Celsius Sessions Pop-Up Rave will also celebrate the launch of Celsius’ new sparkling raspberry peach flavour, described by the team as a refreshing fusion of sun-ripened raspberries and juicy peaches. According to Andrew Brooks, Head of Marketing ANZ for Celsius, the collaboration “is high-energy, social and a reminder that feeling good doesn’t have to wait for later; it can start first thing in the morning.”  Headline act Cyril is equally pumped: “I’ve done a lot of crazy pop-ups, but this is my first-ever convenience store rave, and the first in Australia,” he says. “2025 was the year of the coffee shop rave; 2026 is officially the year of the convenience store rave. I usually swing by 7-Eleven for a meat pie, but this weekend I’ll

If all of the Aus Open action has got you keen to compete, we’re here to help. We’ve gathered up seven of the best races and active adventures across Victoria to plan your year around – from family-friendly fun runs to gruelling triathlons. If you’re ready to race, read on. Mapei Cadel Evans Great Ocean Road Race Dates: January 28 – February 1 Location: Geelong and Surf Coast Australia’s fave early-season cycling festival kicks off late January with a week of racing launching the global road calendar. The main one-day WorldTour takes place on January 31 (women) and February 1 (men), both routes traversing the iconic Great Ocean Road. Not ready to go pro? Amateur cyclists can tackle the scenic TAC People’s Ride on the same roads as the experts contest, with two distances – 63 kilometres and 124 kilometres – to choose between. Tough Mudder Date: January 31 Location: Melbourne After a six-year hiatus, this messy adventure will splash back into Melbourne’s Caribbean Gardens on January 31 with its gloriously unhinged obstacle courses – think ice baths, electric shocks, mud pits and teamwork-fuelled chaos across five kilometres, 15 kilometres or an all-day infinity lap fest. You don’t need to be an elite athlete, but a solid level of fitness, mental grit and a willingness to get very dirty is essential to make it to the post-race beers. Photograph: Supplied | Tough Mudder | Steve Harris Barwon Heads Triathlon Date: February 22, 2026 Location: Barwon Heads This charming coastal tr

If 2026 is your year to smash goals, and Dry January didn’t pan out as you planned, we’re here to help. Over the next 12 months, a heap of sporting events are popping up all across the state – from hardcore muddy obstacle courses to beginner-friendly bike parties. If you’re keen to compete this year in one way or another, read on. Cole Classic, Manly, February 1The Cole Classic is one of Sydney’s most famous ocean swims, sending thousands of brave souls plunging into the surf for a 1‑kilometre, 2‑kilometre or 5‑kilometre race, all in the name of charity. The race starts at Shelly Beach and finishes at Manly Surf Lifesaving Club – perfectly located for a post-swim schooner. This one has already sold out, but spectating is the perfect way to get hooked on the racing buzz before signing up for something else later in the year. Trial Bay Triathlon, South West Rocks, February 7-8Set beside the historic Trial Bay Gaol, this classic swim–ride–run triathlon pairs calm coastal waters with scenic road cycling and a flat-to-gently-rolling run. With distances designed to be accessible, it suits beginners and mid-level athletes, though you’ll still want a decent aerobic base to enjoy it. (It’s worth noting that the campsite in the area has just scored a major upgrade if you want to make a weekend of it.) Central Coast Spartan, Glenworth Valley, February 21This mud-soaked obstacle course race throws you into trail running, heavy carries, rope climbs and plenty of crawling, all set against

For commuters in Sydney’s southwest, the past few months have been a struggle – with the Sydenham to Bankstown train line closing back in October 2024, and work on its conversion into a metro line taking longer than expected. Back in November, high-speed testing kicked off between Sydenham and Bankstown, and this week, the full line (complete with Sydenham to Bankstown extension) clocked its first full test run. For the first time ever, a metro train travelled the full length of the M1 Metro North West and Bankstown Line, rolling all the way from Tallawong to Bankstown uninterrupted. It’s a big-ticket milestone for a project that’s been reshaping how Sydney moves, and a promising preview of what commuting could soon look like for the city’s southwest.RELATED READ: Here’s where Sydney’s Metro network will go once it’s complete According to Transport for NSW, the test train stopped at all 31 stations along the 66-kilometre route, hitting speeds of up to 100 kilometres per hour on the freshly laid sections of track. When the line opens later this year, that speed will translate into frequency: a train every four minutes in peak hour. That’s 15 services an hour, nearly doubling the eight-per-hour offering of the old heavy rail T3 Bankstown Line and dramatically boosting connections between southwest Sydney and the rest of the city. The time saved on commuting will be the biggest win for Sydneysiders once the line opens. Bankstown passengers will reach Gadigal Station in just 30 m

Sydney's Eastern Suburbs area is officially claiming the crown as Australia’s bathhouse capital. Nimbus Co kicked off the movement back in 2016 as Australia’s first infrared sauna studio, then in early 2024, the doors opened at Xtra Clubs: a cult-fave (super affordable) sauna and ice bath club just steps away from Bondi Junction station. Next up: Slow House (recently rebranded as 38 Degrees Bathhouse) – a vast subterranean bathhouse on the more luxe end of the scale. Now, after opening its first Sydney outpost in Alexandria earlier this year, Soak Bathhouse has officially opened its latest venue in Bondi Junction. Following buzzy success stories in Queensland, Victoria and Alexandria, Soak’s second Sydney spot has landed in a sleek new commercial development in Bondi Junction – an architecturally-designed, "biophilic" (nature-loving) space defined by rooftop gardens, vertical greenery and a wellness-first philosophy. Since launching its first Gold Coast space back in 2020, Soak Bathhouse has built its reputation on the principle that wellness should be social, accessible and a little bit luxe. The aim is to offer city dwellers a communal recharge zone – a space to catch up with friends, exhale, and re-enter the world feeling a little bit more human. Spanning 700 square metres, the Bondi Junction site features warm magnesium-rich mineral pools, hot mineral soaks, cold plunges, dry cedarwood saunas, aromatic steam rooms, and an infrared sauna, alongside massage rooms and LED fa