Alice Ellis

There is a lot to get excited about on the streets of Sydney at the moment. The calibre of restaurants making their grand debuts is nothing short of awe-inspiring. And while there are more openings than you could poke a stick at, Time Out Sydney's Food & Drink Writer Avril Treasure has rounded up her picks of the ones she thinks should be at the top of your hit list, including chic beachside eatery Bobby's, late-night Indian diner Derrel's, fragrant Sri Lankan wine bar and restaurant Kurumba, the very dapper Bistro George, and fast-paced steak restaurant from the Bistecca team, Alfie's.  Happy eating, Sydney. Looking for something to wash it all down with? These are our favourite bars in Sydney right now. Keen to eat your way around the city? These are the best restaurants in Sydney, from hot newcomers to the OGs.

People are choosing plant-based eating for its softer step on the Earth, concerns about animal cruelty, and the health benefits of vegetable-rich diets. Plus, there's been a rise in flexitarian diets – you might not be a full-time vegan, but where you can, you opt for more plants on your plate. Only a few years ago, vegan dining meant a whole lot of pulses and sprouts, but now Sydney is home to plant-based burger shops, classic Italian pizzerias that showcase cheese and meat alternatives, gelato shops that favour coconut bases, and a growing contingent of fine diners offering fancy degustations for vegans. Below, we've rounded up the best vegan restaurants in Sydney. Cool with eggs and dairy? Check out the best vegetarian restaurants in Sydney. Got a mixed group? Head to one of the best restaurants in Sydney. On a budget? Have a look at the best cheap eats in Sydney. Want to shop sustainably? Check out our guide to ethical shopping in Sydney here.

For most, Christmas Day is the Very Best day of the year, filled with Mariah Carey hits, fresh prawns, third helpings of pav and free-flowing booze. But the combined pressure of the extended family, sweltering heat and Everest-like dishes can really take the shine off the day. Which is why you may want to throw caution to the wind and book a table at a top Sydney venue. They will make you and your kin a yuletide feast, pop the Champagne for you, and the very best bit – there's no washing up required on your part. Time Out Sydney's critics, including Food & Drink Writer Avril Treasure, have rounded up the best Christmas day lunches in Sydney. Don't forget, folks: restaurant staff at these places are working through Christmas Day, so be kind and sling them a tip.  Merry Christmas, and feast on. RECOMMENDED: Where to find the best Christmas lights in Sydney

This year marked the return of nightlife. So it's only fitting that we party big this New Year's Eve, to make up for the previous two fizzlers. And Sydney's a good place to be on New Year's Eve. In fact, it's been named as the 5th best place in the world to spend the occasion, on a list of the 50 Best Places to Spend NYE 2022. We'd argue it should sit higher than five (especially because Melbourne came in at number one in the world... whaaat?!). Have you seen our completely huge fireworks show? Anway, let's get back to the fact that there's no time to waste planning your New Year’s Eve celebrations. The best parties book out. To help you plan, we've picked out the best ways to do New Year's Eve in Sydney – everything from fancy ticketed firework-viewing parties, to intimate restaurants laying on special NYE feasts. Ready for a celebration right now? Here are our picks of the best bars in Sydney.

From specialty Sichuan spots to hot Cantonese kitchens, Sydney has some seriously great Chinese restaurants. Time Out Sydney's critics, including Food & Drink Writer Avril Treasure, have eaten their way around town to bring you this curated and up-to-date list. So whether you want to go all out and explore regional cuisines, sit down for yum cha, grab some takeaway barbecue duck or hand-thrown noodles, you'll find your spot here. These are the best Chinese restaurants Sydney has to offer – we're hungry just thinking about them.  Recommended: Here are the tastiest cheap eats in Sydney right now Check out the best Italian joints in Sydneytown Here are the top bars in the city for when you want to hit the town

It’s that time again. Every year, we ask thousands of city-dwellers to tell us the coolest spots in their cities. What are the places locals love and visitors flock to? Where are the exciting new openings across food, drink and culture? Where are people going out, hanging out and having fun? For the sixth year running, the results are in. Over 12,000 people had their say in this year’s shortlist, naming the neighbourhoods in their hometowns where everyone wants to be right now. Then, we narrowed down the selection with the insight and expertise of city editors and local experts who know their cities better than anyone else. To create and rank the final list, we considered factors including community and social ventures, access to open and green space, and thriving street life. In 2023, our neighbourhoods are more global than ever before. The rise and rise in post-pandemic digital nomadism has led to an explosion of brand-new community spaces, multi-purpose culture centres and more cafés than we can count on two hands. But while most of these neighbourhoods have experienced a transformation over recent years, they remain resolutely local at heart. Slick new developments and cool cafés might bring in new crowds, but neighbourhood stalwarts – from old pubs to family greengrocers – keep it real.  The world’s coolest neighbourhoods this year are, therefore, places with big personalities. Each area’s diversity is reflected in its food, culture and festivals. Community is key: local

Maybe it's signalled by a glimmer of light under a door. Perhaps a queue in an alley that makes you take pause to wonder what the fuss is all about. Or is it the sound of revelry drifting up a flight of stairs in the distance that lures you in? Whatever it is, there's something about the pursuit of getting to a hidden bar – the build-up of anticipation or the knowledge that a drink is somewhere, out there, waiting for you – that we all just can't help but love. Whether they're up high or down below, some of Sydney's very best bars are not all that easy to find. In fact, you've probably walked straight past a few without even knowing they existed. Time Out Sydney's critics, including Food and Drink Writer Avril Treasure, have searched for the best hidden bars – and here are the ones you'll have to hunt the hardest for.  Prefer to be out in the open? The best rooftop bars in Sydney might be your best bet, but there are a whole lot of waterfront bars and ace beer gardens worthy of your attention, too. 

There’s no doubt about it, Sydneysiders can’t get enough of Italian food. And who can blame us? There’s something about a bowl of perfectly al dente pasta paired with a luscious, rich ragu that just hits the spot. And white Italian cuisine differs throughout the 20 incredible regions – broadly speaking the northern regions eat more rice and polenta, and down south they feast more on seafood – Italians share a love of beautiful, seasonal produce, choosing simplicity rather than overcomplicating dishes, and cooking food with soul. No wonder we love it so much. Luckily, there are a wealth of excellent options to choose from when it comes to Italian dining in Sydney. Time Out’s editors and critics, including our Food & Drink Writer Avril Treasure, have picked our favourite eateries covering all bases – from casual red-sauce joints and classic pizzerias to fine dining restaurants – so no matter what mood you're in, there's something here for you. Not in the mood for pasta? Here are our picks of the best spots for Greek and French food in Sydney

We’re all too aware that Sydney isn’t a cheap place, but if you know where to look you can find dinner any night of the week for under $20. Whether it's a two-for-one pub specials, all-week cheap eats, or require a little lateral thinking, Sydney is awash with budget-friendly feasts if you know where to look. Time Out Sydney's critics, including Food & Drink Writer Avril Treasure, have pulled together our hit list for frugal dining. We'll see you on Tuesday. Want to know which cheap restaurants we rate most? Here's Time Out's guide to the best cheap eats in Sydney.

Spring 2023 update: Good morning, are you hungry? We sure are. Whether you like sunny fried eggs, bacon and avo, fluffy ricotta pancakes with honeycomb butter, or a full English fry-up for brekky, we’ve rounded up the best places in Sydney where you can get your morning fix. Two things these places all have in common? Killer food – and coffee. Head outside for brekkie at one of the places below – and enjoy this glorious spring weather. Sydneysiders are café people. We're constantly on the hunt for the city's best coffee, we won't bat an eyelid over shelling out $30+ a head for brunch, and we love nothing more than donning our finest sport-luxe activewear and catching up with mates on a weekend morning over eggs, fritters and crusty artisan sourdough. But cafés aren't just for weekends. This is a city powered by caffeine and many a Sydney worker depends on a reliable go-to barista for a double shot and a bacon sanger to set them up right on the daily. So, whether it's a reward for tackling one of Sydney's most beautiful walks, a quick caffeinated catch-up, an indulgent hangover fix after a night at one of the city's best bars, or a workday coffee stop, these are the best Sydney cafés, according to our in-the-know Time Out Sydney critics, including Food & Drink Writer Avril Treasure. We'll have a B&E roll, please.  Is it lunch time? Check out our guide to Sydney's best restaurants right now.

Have you been down to Chinatown recently? Post-pandemic, long-standing institutions are now operating alongside brand-spanking-new eateries, and there’s a real buzz in the air. Which is great news, because the culturally rich and historial area is not only an important part of Sydney for locals and tourists, but for our Australian Chinese population. From dumpling houses to fiery Thai joints and spice-rich Malaysian spots, there is excellent – and damn affordable – eating and drinking to be had along Haymarket’s Dixon Street and the surrounding alleyways. Time Out Sydney’s critics, including Food and Drink Writer Avril Treasure, have eaten their way around this yum town to bring you this guide to the best places to visit. RECOMMENDED: Keen to know more? This insightful in-depth tour is an excellent (and tasty) way to learn more about Chinatown Can't get enough? Check out our guide to the best Chinese restaurants in Sydney

No two ways about it, Sydney's wine bar scene is flourishing. Full to the brim. A decade ago, there were only a handful of wine bars. Now? They're all over town. And we're here to happily drink them up. What's more, wine bars are now some of the best spots in Sydney to grab a nice dinner with friends.  It makes no difference whether you're a novice or an expert, fancy something natural or classic, old world or new, or whether you want to spend moderately or extravagantly, Time Out Sydney's critics, including Food & Drink Writer Avril Treasure, have curated this list for every palate, at every price point. Bottoms up. Can't get enough of that boozy stuff? Check out the absolute best bars in Sydney here.

There are loads of great eateries to choose from on Merivale Mile (aka, ‘the Ivy Precinct’ on George Street in the city). Though if you’re seeking out delicious South-East Asian flavours, we reckon MuMu should be your go-to.  MuMu is the sister restaurant of Dan Hong's famous Potts Point innovator Ms G's, and the dishes are inspired by the journeys of Hong – as well as Justin Hemmes and MuMu head chef Oliver Hua (formerly Est, Mr Wong and Queen Chow Enmore) – through Malaysia, Singapore, Hong Kong, Taiwan and Vietnam. The restaurant is colourful – big, bold, poppy colours are used throughout the large venue. And as the food arrives on your table, you're pratically eating the rainbow. The flavours are fun and punchy, and that vibe extends to the atmosphere of the place. As well as the brightly coloured décor, we also love the banging tunes and playful cocktail list – and the fact the place is open until 2am from Thursday to Saturday night. It’s a place to get social, so the food is designed to share. Order some of Hong’s favourites: a selection of sambal with krupuk; the wok-fried king prawns with fish sauce and brown butter; and the Cambodian fried chicken – plus a bunch of drinks (Yuzu Slushee, anyone?). If you settle in for the evening, you might even find yourself getting up for a dance.  One of our favourite things about MuMu is their incredibly good-value banquet menus. If you’re dining at lunch on a weekday, you can tuck into an absolute feast for just $65, which will g

Maybe it’s cold outside in the Northern Hemisphere, but here in Sydney the weather is just warming up, and the season’s fabulous Christmas light displays are floating in on that balmy evening breeze. We can't wait to get out and enjoy the sparkly displays around the city, and the glowing set up at St Mary’s Cathedral is undoubtedly one of the most spectacular.  We’re not talking about the dodgy string of fairy lights your neighbour has used to outline their verandah for the past six years. We’re talking a proper light show filled with festive joy.  Christmas will once again take over St Mary’s Cathedral’s façade with a show of glowing projections, digital animations, Christmas trees, food trucks, market stalls and carols this December. From December 14 to December 25, the Cathedral will be shining with vivid Christmas projections. The entertainment runs from 5.30 to 10.30pm each day. Expect projections inspired by St Mary's Cathedral's gorgeous stained-glass windows. Find out more over at their website, and check out their Facebook page if you're after live updates.   Want more? Check out all the best Christmas lights and decorations in Sydney.

It’s been a BIG year for women’s sport in Australia – a little thing called the FIFA Women’s World Cup attracted pretty much the whole entire country to stadiums and TV screens to see the Matildas smash records and touch hearts. It was the coolest thing to happen for women’s sport in this country since record-breaking crowds (86,000 people) packed out the MCG for the women’s T20 World Cup Final back in 2020 BC (as in, Before Covid) – that was the highest ever attendance for a women’s sporting fixture in Australia, and the second highest attendance worldwide. The event proved to the naysayers that Australia does indeed have a big appetite for women’s cricket, and women’s sport in general.   Now, to cap off the year, there’s another big women’s sporting moment coming to Melbourne – on Saturday, November 25, female cricketers will play on the MCG again for the first time since that historic T20 match. Even better: it's a WBBL city derby that will see the Melbourne Stars take on the Melbourne Renegades.  It’s time to remind the rest of Australia how supportive Victoria is of female athletes, by getting behind an event that will be packed with tense rivalry, entertainment (including multiple performances by Sneaky Sound System, inflatables for the kids, an interactive experience with Bluey, face-painting and giveaways) – and, of course, big hits from the likes of the Australian women’s team’s (just) retired captain, Meg Lanning. She'll be joined on the field by more of the world's

This little Xinjiang-style restaurant is so popular, the lines have forever snaked out the door during every lunch and dinner time. Nowadays, they have a whole lot of on-the-street seating, so you're less likely to have to wait to get a seat inside (which only has about 30 seats). Once you're seated, you're in for some seriously delicious treats, like hand-pulled noodles with lamb, and light-as-a-feather dumplings. Add a little Chinese vinegar and chilli oil, and you'll be licking your lips throughout the meal and long afterwards. Plus, the prices are seriously right. There are a few Xinjiang noodle houses like this in a row and dotted around Chinatown – but we're calling it, this one is The Best.

IMAX Sydney closed for a rebuild back in 2016, and after a longggg wait, it's finally relaunched in October 2023, better than ever, in the W Sydney building. When we say this is huge news, we mean it. IMAX Sydney’s new movie screen is the third largest in the world, spanning a staggering 693 square metres. While most cinemas rely on digital projectors, IMAX Sydney is going all out with a state-of-the-art 4K laser projection system. This means that the screen will practically pop with brighter images, more vivid colours and crystal-clear resolution. Plus, the sparkly new cinema will boast an impressive 12-channel sound system, meaning you will be able to feel the action run through your bones.  Audiences can kick back and watch the magic unfold in one of the 430 spacious seats, with the option to upgrade to a full recliner, cosy couples recliner, or private pod for parties of four. Who could forget the good old candy bar too? IMAX is pulling out all the stops with a marketplace of all your favourite cinema snacks, and it’s bound to make all your childhood dreams come true.  You can book tickets for IMAX Darling Harbour over here. Want to know more about W Sydney hotel? Read about it over here. Want to know about the W Sydney's Away Spa in the building? Click here. Want to know about W Sydney's restaurant, Btwn? Click here.

The Darling Harbour structure that might just lay claim to the title of Sydney’s most interesting skyscraper has finally opened. Long marvelled at from across the water, tourists and staycationers alike can finally explore the W Hotel from the inside.  The New York-born hotel chain is known around the world for its edgy architecture and luxury offerings. Would you expect anything less from a subset of the Marriott Bonvoy group?  The hotel houses 588 rooms and suites that are futuristic – there are lots of shiny, reflective surfaces, light features, interesting shapes and pops of colour, with fancy features like the W Mixbar so you can make your own cocktail in the comfort of your home for the night.  If the architecture doesn’t do enough to grab your attention, the double level bar 29/30 might do the job. Level 29 is the spot to be for tapas-style dishes and cocktails as you gaze over the mosaiced infinity pool, while the upstairs area takes it to the next level, literally, with a nautical interior design and vintage Champagnes.   An infinity pool already has loads of wow-factor, but when you pair the free flowing edges with views of Sydney from the 29th floor, we’re talking about a different kind of experience. Relax poolside on the “Wet Deck” and order food and drinks straight to your cabana.  Then there's W’s restaurant, Btwn, which is being led by the ex-chef of Aria and the Blue Door. It’ll be a modern Australian food offering featuring seasonal produce. The fun doesn’t

Enmore has really found its feet in recent years, rising to become Sydney’s capital of nighttime entertainment. From its pulsating live music scene to its grungy pub grub, there’s a lot that goes down in Enmore after dark. Perch yourselves in the heart of it all at the newly opened Teddy’s bar, located just above the family-owned and operated Warren View Hotel.  Teddy’s stays true to the relaxed warmth of the 'Wazza', preserving the charming exposed brick walls of its once quiet upstairs space. You can cosy up by the fireplace in plush, burnt-orange velvet chairs, reconnect with friends on the stylish olive green stools, or grab front-row seats at the sleek new bar. Teddy’s takes a bow to the Warren View Hotel’s rich history of supporting homegrown indie breweries by offering an all-Australian beverage menu. For your perfect sundowner drink, order the Golden Hour with Archie Rose Botanical vodka, Banks and Solander limoncello, Lillet and orange blossom. Other signatures include the St Theo Spritz with Poor Toms imbroglio, prosecco, rosemary and soda water; and the low-alcohol Paloma Faith with Tromba Blanco tequila, capi grapefruit and lime. Find your match among a native-ingredient-focused selection of share plates, ranging from fresh-baked focaccia with rosemary to lemon myrtle taramasalata; finger lime tuna crudo; and pork sausage rolls with bush tomato chutney. A selection of Australian cheese and cured meats will also take you through to the late hours of the night.  Mak

Nature's Energy - Balmain Bath House has to be the best bang for buck when it comes to sweating it out and scrubbing up. Hidden behind the Nature’s Energy store on Darling Street, the Bath House is larger than you would expect and the facilities – though more basic than some of the five-star hotel spas – are clean, in good working order and wonderfully fragrant. The staff are welcoming, knowledgeable and kind, and there are all the perks of a pricier spa: fluffy robes, secure lockers, hair dryers, slippers and herbal tea on tap. Plus, they offer a hot spa, cold pool, (intense) steam room, sauna and showers. It’s one of three Nature’s Energy centres in Sydney (there's also Newtown and Glebe), and the Balmain locale also offers the same specialised massages (gem-stone healing, Reiki and acupuncture), spa facials, waxing and spray tanning as the other venues. And guess what? These day spas have just been recognised in the 2023 World Spa Awards, taking out gongs for both Australia’s Best Day Spa 2023 and Oceania’s Best Day Spa 2023. Award-winning yet humble? Yep – it's a down-to-earth spa for an earthing experience.

For lovers of the NRL, this week is rugby league Christmas, with the NRL and NRLW combined Grand Finals this Sunday, October 1 at Sydney’s Accor Stadium. You can get involved in the festivities right now, over at the free NRL Fan Fest, which is on now at the Overseas Passenger Terminal at Circular Quay. Fans can see the NRL and NRLW Grand Final teams, meet club players, take part in skills challenges and win a heap of great prizes, including coveted Grand Final tickets and State of Origin tickets.  It’s on now until Friday, September 29, 2023, from 10am until 6pm.  Both the men's NRL Grand Final teams (Penrith Panthers and the Brisbane Broncos) will be at the Fan Fest on Thursday, September 28 at 12:30pm. While both the women's NRLW Grand Final teams (Newcastle Knights and Gold Coast Titans) will be there on Friday, September 29, at 4pm. Want to get up close with Nathan Cleary, Tamika Upton and the rest of their gangs? Rock up for the free fanfare. Want more fun stuff to do? Here's what's on in Sydney this long weekend.

After the biggest NRL Women’s season ever, we’re now in NRLW semi-finals week. Four teams are still standing and are about to play do-or-die knockout games this Sunday (September 24) for a place in the huge combined NRLW and NRL Grand Final event on October 1. Two NSW teams are facing off against two Queensland sides this weekend, with both games on here in NSW – so if you want to show those Sunshine Staters who the real ballers are, show up for your girls.  Who will be playing in the NRLW semi-finals? Last year’s premiers, the Newcastle Knights, will take on the Brisbane Broncos in Newcastle, while the Sydney Roosters will take on the Gold Coast Titans at Sydney’s Allianz Stadium in Moore Park.  How much are tickets to the NRLW semi-finals games? Not only do you not have to travel far to support the Sydney Roosters or Newcastle Knights girls – you can get tickets from just $10 (or free for kids under 18, as well as NRL and NRLW club members). Who’s the favourite for Roosters vs Titans in the NRLW semi-final game? Have you ever seen the Sydney Roosters women in an NRLW semi-final? There have been plenty of chances, considering the team has made it this far every year since the NRLW comp expanded from four teams. Don’t miss this chance. The Roosters will be playing the Gold Coast Titans, who have enjoyed a late-season surge of four straight wins – but the Roosters have been in dominant form all season. They’ve led the competition in attacking stats this year, with more points

After months of NRL action, it’s the most exciting time of the year – Prelims time. Just four clubs remain, and they’ll play Preliminary Finals games this week before the NRL Grand Final in Sydney on October 1. Can the reigning Premiers, the Penrith Panthers, do it again, and make their fourth straight Grand Final appearance?  Who is playing in the NRL Prelims?  The Penrith Panthers are taking on the Melbourne Storm at Sydney’s Accor Stadium on Friday, September 22 at 7.50pm (AEST). While the Brisbane Broncos will be going head to head with the New Zealand Warriors at Brisbane’s Suncorp Stadium on Saturday, September 23 at 7.50pm (AEST). How do I get tickets to the Panthers vs Storm NRL game in Sydney? Tickets to the Accor Stadium game on Friday, September 22 are on sale now, from nrl.com/tickets. The general public can get prelim tickets for a steal, from just $25 (if you’re a club member, they start from $20).  Who is the favourite in the Panthers vs Storm game? The Panthers finished top of the ladder after yet another stellar season and are bidding for a historic third straight Premiership. The boys, with coach Ivan Cleary at the helm, seem unbeatable. But the Storm are well and truly still standing, after a hard-fought win over the Roosters last week, so you can’t write them off.  The Storm has the best Preliminary Finals record of any club in the NRL era (from 1998 onwards). They’ve made it to 14 Prelims and conquered 10 of them, with coach Craig Bellamy in charge for al

The Cricketers Arms is, arguably, Surry Hills’ – if not Sydney’s – most classic Aussie pub. The fact that they’ve hardly done a thing to the bottom floor and beer garden in decades is what’s given it its charm.  As you enter, there’s a big bar in the centre of the room, with bar stools dotted around it – the kind of space you feel comfortable coming to on your own and pulling up a stool for a chat with the bartender. If you stop by enough times, that bartender – and the strangers next to you – will probably end up being your friends. That’s the type of place the Cricketers is.  There’s a DJ booth next to the bar; a sitting room where they occasionally host bands alongside that; followed by a grungy pool room complete with a purple-topped pool table. All areas of the downstairs pub are connected with sticky old red carpet with a gold pattern that disguises years of fun that pub-goers have had with old friends and new.  Then there’s the beer garden – it’s just old wooden tables and seating packed into an enclosed courtyard lined with simple brick paving, but the space is prettied up with hanging greenery and thousands of tiny fairy lights.  Basically there’s a place in here for everyone – for local barflies and the oldies who’ve been coming here forever, for uni students and skater punks wanting some cheap entertainment, for well-dressed Surry Hills creatives here for a knock-off drink, for live music lovers and those keen to boogie – even for those looking to knock the top off

With the current state of Sydney's real estate market, playing a round of Monopoly is probably also the only chance most of us have at owning any property. But instead of dwelling on that, pack your bags and book your trip to Melbourne because a $20 million, 1650-square-metre Monopoly-themed indoor park has just opened in the southern state. After much anticipation, the $20-million dollar, 1650-square-metre indoor park is officially open at Melbourne Central, with tickets on sale now.  It's only the second of its kind in the world, and it's twice the size of the original location that landed in Hong Kong back in 2019. After passing go at the entrance, visitors will get to explore two distinct areas: Monopoly City and Monopoly Mansion.  Across the two zones, which are inspired by Melbourne and feature trams and street art, there will be a total of 15 attractions including a 4D theatre and a chance wheel. Punters can win Monopoly money that can then be spent at the park's café or retail store.  General admission tickets start at $38.50.  RECOMMENDED: While you're travelling, head to the NT for this amazing Red Centre Light Trail

When Luna Park Sydney opened in 1935, it was one of the only attractions in town. It was an important world of escapism during the Depression Era. Nowadays, although we're in turbulent times and still in need of escapism, there’s a lot of competition for people’s time. So Luna Park has been working on a transformation – to reignite Sydney’s pride for the heritage-listed theme park and position it as one of the world’s leading experience destinations.  On December 22, 2023, Luna Park will launch ‘Dream Circus’, an enchanting $15 million immersive experience – what they’re referring to as a high-tech ‘Magic Box’ inside Luna Park’s existing 3,000 square metre Big Top building. Luna Park CEO John Hughes and his team knew they had to become “more than just rides”, and when considering the types of attractions that appeal most around the world these days, they thought about the immersive, multi-sensory experiences like Van Gogh Alive, The Museum of Ice Cream and the WNDR Museum. They thought about commissioning/importing an experience to Luna Park, but then they considered the breadth of creative talent right here in Sydney and decided to create their very own attraction, a locally developed, immersive experience in a permanent location for experiences of this kind. Image: Supplied | Luna Park Dream Circus They put together a team of Sydney-based creatives and technicians who have worked across some of the most complex creative projects in the world, from Olympic Games Opening Ce

Sydney has this year showed that we love getting out to celebrate. From an incredible month-long Sydney WorldPride celebration to a roaring Women’s World Cup and the first ever SXSW festival held outside of the US, Sydney has been doing its best to crawl out of the dumpster fire created by old lockdowns, a pandemic and a culture of noise complaints. So, we have the party-goers, we have the venues – perhaps we've been in need of some more chillaxed laws to truly dance the night away. Enter the NSW Government's new ‘Vibrancy Package'. With the Vibrancy Package, Sydney will see reforms take place over six different key areas: Live music venues being able to stay open for two hours longer; Single noise complaints no longer having the power to shut down venues; Easier processes for businesses to apply for alfresco dining set-ups; The Enmore 'special entertainment precinct' approach as well as Purple Flag initiative being expanded to other areas of Sydney; The 24-hour commissioner role being made a statutory appointment with an expanded remit beyond Sydney (to Wollongong, Newcastle and the Central Coast); and A plan that will enhance the night-time sector and conditions for those who work outside the 9 to 5. “As a government we know we need to change the laws in this state to value music, to value creativity, to support community and to bring back vibrancy," said minister for music and the night-time economy, John Graham. "We need to change the rules in the planning and liqu

April 28, 2023 Update: Restaurant food delivery service Providoor, which launched during one of Sydney's lockdowns, bringing joy to many bored food lovers. Now, in a statement on the company’s website, founder Shane Delia said Providoor would be placed in liquidation, and could no longer accept new orders. “It is with a heavy heart that I announce the closure of Providoor, a business borne out of the very worst days the hospitality industry has ever seen,” he wrote. “While today is a very sad day, I am proud of Providoor and what it has achieved. We served more than one million meals and built something that made a difference during some very dark days.” Read on for more info about Providoor, which we wrote when they first launched. ***** Do you want the good news or the bad news first? The bad news is that Sydney’s extended lockdown doesn’t seem to have an end in sight, with case numbers on the rise and the community adjusting again to the new normal of life indoors. The good (great) news however is that premium meal delivery service Providoor is expanding and now Sydneysiders have access to more top-tier restaurants than ever before. Since its founding in March 2020 by Melbourne-based chef, Shane Delia (Maha, Maha Bar and Maha East) Providoor has been delivering meals from some of the best restaurants in Melbourne including Longrain, Cumulus Inc, Maha, Entrecôte, Supernormal and Gingerboy to customers stuck inside and missing that special dining experience.  Joining the fle

Time Out has released its annual list of the coolest neighbourhoods in the world, and Sydney nightlife hub Enmore has made it into the top 20 very coolest neighbourhoods. Enmore comes in at a rad #17 – and that’s actually ace news when you consider that it beat neighbourhoods in big, banging cities such as Paris, Barcelona, London, Seoul, San Francisco, Miami and way more. The rankings were based on the Time Out Index survey, which this year polled more than 12,000 people about the coolest neighbourhoods in their city. The selections were then narrowed down with the insight of Time Out’s global network of city editors and local experts who know their hometowns inside-out. To rank the final list, Time Out editors considered factors including community and social ventures, thriving street life, and access to open and green space. So what’s so cool about Enmore right now? Whether you’re after international flavours, live tunes, comedy, or a party that stretches into the wee hours, Enmore is where it’s at after dark. This March, council designated the buzzing Enmore Road as a ‘special entertainment precinct’, to make sure the revelry remains undisturbed by noise complaints. The relaxed rules help the area’s venues skip bureaucratic hoop-jumping – they can host entertainment without council approval, extend trading hours, and offer late-night footpath dining. Photograph: Supplied Enmore Road is a global buffet – you’ll find world-beating Italian, Egyptian, Lebanese, Sri Lankan,

It’s Vine Time again! Matildas player Cortnee Vine pleasantly surprised the country when she made the call to stick around in Australia to play for Sydney FC in the Liberty A-League instead of kicking it in a Euro or US league. Lucky for Sydney, the 2023 season kicked off last Saturday with a Sydney derby: Sydney FC vs Western Sydney Wanderers. And guess what! Sydney FC set a new record for a Liberty A-League attendance, with a huge 11,471 fans turning up to watch the clash at Allianz Stadium. It is indeed Vine Time! In the lead up to the comp, our in-house women's sport advocate, Alice Ellis, chatted with Vine at the A-League season launch last week – about becoming world famous overnight (after that penalty goal in the World Cup), and the fact that kids under 16 get free entry to all women's games across the country this season. You've suddenly become the face of elite women's soccer in Australia now – you’re at the front and centre of everything. What does that feel like? It hasn't sunk in so I don't really know how I'm feeling! It’s pretty crazy, going from being a young one in this league and seeing the faces back then, like Sam [Kerr] and Kyah [Simon] – and now it's my turn. I think even being an inspiration to young girls is something that's going to take a while to sink in, and I'm not sure when that's going to hit. I really like doing the community stuff, and being with younger girls or boys and speaking to them and getting them really excited about the A-League. Th

The NSW government has announced new drug laws that are aimed at keeping tens of thousands of people caught in the possession of small quantities of drugs out of court. From early 2024, NSW Police will be given the power to issue up to two on-the-spot $400 fines to adults for personal drug use and possession of a small quantity of illicit drugs, instead of them having to enter the criminal justice system. People issued a fine would be encouraged to complete a drug and alcohol intervention program – if the program was completed, they would have their fine waived.   A similar law is already in place for marijuana, and will now stretch to apply to other drugs, including cocaine, MDMA, and ice.   NSW attorney general Michael Daley said the new laws are about helping people receive the health support they need, rather than them getting caught up in the criminal justice system. “Formal contact with the criminal justice system only increases the likelihood of reoffending, and this has knock-on effects on people’s employment, their housing and their relationships.” Last year, about 32,000 drug use or possession incidents occurred in NSW, with more than 19,000 of these cases ending up in court. The dual-strike scheme will take some serious weight off our police and crowded courts, diverting thousands of people from the court system each year. This also allows more resourcing for law enforcement to tackle serious matters, like tracking down where the drugs came from in the first place

In Australia, we love our native birds (at least when they're not trying to swoop us). And once every two years, that bird love is recognised, when the Bird of the Year poll opens – Australians take a vote to crown the Australian Bird of the Year. This year, a whopping 11,171 people voted for the swift parrot, making it the 2023 winning bird in the Guardian and BirdLife Australia competition. While it seems like just a bit of flighty fun to vote for our favourite avian creatures, the Bird of the Year poll can have a more serious impact. The swift parrot has recently made its way into the critically endangered category. Not-fun fact: more people actually voted for the swift parrot than numbers of the birds left in the wild. This endangered status is what prompted ornithology fans to make a coordinated push to make sure the swift parrot took out top spot. Yes, the colourful bird is a genuinely loved animal in bird-watching circles, but the win was a rally cry to help bring conservation efforts for the bird to the fore. “This was definitely a concerted vote from people who were captivated not just by the birds themselves but their plight,” said BirdLife Australia’s national public affairs manager, Sean Dooley in an interview with The Guardian. “I hope the government hears this message. People really care about these beautiful birds. They care about what happens to them.” This comes as the critically endangered swift parrot was detected near the Boggabri coal mine site in north-w

When it comes to things New South Wales does really well, you have to include beaches and national parks, right? So if you like getting out for some bush-bashing, you might be interested in a the findings of the NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service 2022 Park Visitor Survey, which has revealed the top most visited national parks across our beaut state. Turns out the Blue Mountains National Park is the most popular park – around 6.4 million tourists headed there in the last 12-month reporting period. The second most visited park is closer to home for Sydneysiders – it's the Royal National Park, just south of Sydney, where about 5 million people visited to take some of the most spectacular coastal walks in the world. Photograph: Destination NSW/Daniel Tran In third spot: the famed Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park, just north of the CBD. This sacred Aboriginal land has long been a favourite visit for Sydney folk and tourists alike, and in the reporting period, 4.4 million people visited the area. Here's the full top 10 most visited National Parks: Blue Mountains National Park (6.40 million visits in a year) Royal National Park (5.05 million visits) Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park (4.4 million visits) Lane Cove National Park (2.61 million visits) Kosciuszko National Park (2.48 million visits) Sydney Harbour National Park (1.93 million visits) Eurobodalla National Park (1.41 million visits) Garigal National Park (1.18 million visits) Cape Byron National Park (1.03 million visi

If you've been feeling like you're in a bit of a rut with trying to keep active, we get you. There's only so many times one can go to the gym and try to pretend they know what they're doing on those weird weights machines. Luckily for us, there's a fun new sporting trend that's picking up across Australia and judging by its popularity, it's worth checking out. Pickleball is one of the fastest growing sports in the world, and popularity is surging in across the country. Figures from the Pickleball Australia Association (PAA) show that about 25,000 people across the country play – and plenty of those players are in Victoria.  So, what is pickleball? Pickleball is a bit like tennis – two to four players hit a perforated, hollow plastic ball over a net until the player/s on one side are unable to return it or do something wrong; though the ball is hit with little paddles, and it's played on a smaller court (outdoors or indoors) than tennis is. The sport was first played in the US back in 1965, and it brings together elements of tennis with badminton and table tennis. Photograph: Aleksander Saks | Unsplash | Pickleball In VIC the sport is becoming more and more popular all the time. According to Pickleball Victoria, there are now 28 centres around Melbourne, and you can play in 16 other locations across regional Victoria.  Can anyone play pickleball? Part of the rise in popularity of pickleball is thanks to the accessibility of the sport. It's easy to pick up, it's social, it's

We guess wild horses truly couldn’t drag them away. The Rolling Stones are adding yet another feather to the cap of their illustrious career, which has spanned more than six decades – yep, Mick Jagger, Keith Richards and Ronnie Wood are releasing their 24th studio album, Hackney Diamonds, proving that they won’t stop – baby, they won’t stop. It will be their first album release in almost 20 years. Now well into their septuagenarian eras (in fact, Mick just celebrated the big eight-oh), the band that formed in 1961 are returning with new music they’re saying will appeal to their old fans and new.  Launching on October 20, Hackney Diamonds aims to bridge the gap between original fans and their kids (or grandkids) by including notable collabs with artists like Lady Gaga and Stevie Wonder. The lead single, ‘Angry’, has recently dropped, and the film clip features none other than current Hollywood darling Sydney Sweeney.  They’ve been tinkering away to create this album over a few years – in fact, drummer Charlie Watts passed away in 2021, after production began. “Ever since Charlie’s gone, it’s different, of course, he’s number four, he’s missing, he’s not there,” said Keith during a press conference announcing the album. “Of course he’s missed, incredibly, but thanks to Charlie, we have Steve Jordan (an alternate drummer), who was Charlie’s recommendation for if anything should happen to him.” In a market that’s often criticised for discarding talent once they hit a certain age,

If mindless doom-scrolling on your phone isn’t hitting the way it used to, perhaps a new (more active) pastime is on the cards and, boy, have we got a good one for you. Pickleball is one of the fastest growing sports in the world, and popularity is surging in Australia. Pickleball Australia Association (PAA) figures show that about 25,000 people across the country play – a big proportion of them in NSW. What's pickleball, you might ask? Pickleball is a bit like tennis – two to four players hit a perforated, hollow plastic ball over a net until the player/s on one side are unable to return it or do something wrong; though the ball is hit with little paddles, and it's played on a smaller court (outdoors or indoors) than tennis is. The sport was first played in the US back in 1965, and it brings together elements of tennis with badminton and table tennis. Photograph: Lesli Whitecotton | Unsplash | Pickleball In NSW the sport is become more and more popular all the time – there are now 31 centres around Sydney, and you can play in 27 other regions across NSW. Can anyone play pickleball? Part of the rise in popularity of pickleball is thanks to the accessibility of the sport. It's easy to pick up, it's social, it's fun, and anyone can play: kids, older people, and people with a disability. Photograph: Aleksander Saks | Unsplash | Pickleball A whole lot of new people started picking up paddles during lockdowns when people were looking for ways to stay active while physically di