Put on your walking shoes, pack some sunscreen and your water bottle, because we're going for a wander. Sydney is surrounded by so much incredible bushland and rugged coastline that's just begging to be explored. Though many of these overnight hikes are close to the city, you'll be able to immerse yourself in nature, spot some incredible wildlife, score some solitude and feel like you're a million miles from civilisation. Most of these walks are achievable for anyone with a moderate level of fitness — all you need to bring is camping equipment, a waterproof jacket and an adventurous spirit. [caption id="attachment_790425" align="alignnone" width="1920"] D Finnegan via Department of Planning, Industry and Environment[/caption] THE COAST TRACK, ROYAL NATIONAL PARK This 26-kilometre walk takes in some of the most spectacular cliffs and coastlines you'll see in Australia. Jump on the Bundeena Ferry (about 1.5 hours from Sydney) and head south along the coast to Otford. On the way, you'll spot a huge variety of birds, have the opportunity to swim at several gorgeous beaches and, if you hike between May and October, be able to watch the whale migration. The walk itself can get strenuous at times, with steep gradients, quite a few steps and some bits of rough track. For your overnight, you'll need to book ahead to stay at the North Era campground. At the end of the walk, it's easy enough to jump on a train at Otford and head back to reality — though we won't blame you if you want to stay on this coastline forever. Difficulty: Moderate/Hard [caption id="attachment_790432" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Daniel Tran via Department of Planning, Industry and Environment[/caption] GLOW WORM TUNNEL, WOLLEMI NATIONAL PARK If you want to visit this incredible glow worm tunnel in the Blue Mountains, you could just park nearby and walk in — but that wouldn't be any fun now, would it? We recommend driving to the town of Newnes (about three hours from Sydney) and staying overnight in this well-appointed campsite by the Wolgan River. From here, it's roughly a four-hour round trip to visit the glow worms, which live in a 400-metre stretch of an abandoned railway tunnel. The nine-kilometre walk in and out is pretty easy, with just a short climb at the very beginning. And when the track splits about 200 metres along, you can take the loop counter-clockwise to avoid the steepest bits. Don't forget your torch, as it gets bloody dark in the tunnel. But if you turn off the torch and wait in silence for a little bit, the worms will start their magic pretty quickly. Difficulty: Easy [caption id="attachment_790455" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Aine Gliddon via Department of Planning, Industry and Environment[/caption] PIERCES PASS TO BLUE GUM FOREST, BLUE MOUNTAINS NATIONAL PARK You know what's better than a hike? A hike that involves an optional paddle in a beautiful, tree-lined river. This 16-kilometre return walk starts at the end of Pierces Pass Road (near Bells Line of Road) and descends to truly stunning views down to Pierces Pass. It then moves through the lush forests and skyscraper trees of Grose Valley. Don't forget to pack your swimmers because there will be multiple opportunities to have a paddle in the refreshing Grose River along the way. It's about a six-hour hike each way, so there's plenty of time for a picnic lunch and swim. Expect to spot rock wallabies, lizards and birds along the way, especially around sunset. The Acacia Flat campground is located along the hike so that you can pitch a tent and extend your adventure through the Grose Valley to a two0day hike. At the campground you'll be immersed in the blue gum forrest for the night with plenty of opportunities for bird watching a campsite relaxation. Difficulty: Moderate [caption id="attachment_701888" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Freeland Hiking Co[/caption] MOUNT BUDAWANG TRAIL, BUDAWANG NATIONAL PARK While it may not span an epic distance, the eight-kilometre return Mount Budawang Trail isn't as easy as it sounds. The eight-hour, challenging trek is for experienced hikers who are looking for an adventurous trip with ever-changing terrain. It'll take you up to the summit of Mount Budawang, passing through grassy woodland, wet gullies, montane forest and wilderness views aplenty. The scenic lookout boasts panoramic views of The Castle and Didthul (Pigeon House Mountain) to the north, Durras Mountain and the NSW coast to the east, Clyde River valley to the south and Braidwood's Mount Gillamatong to the west. Since Mount Budawang is a 3.5-hour drive south of Sydney, you'll need to stay the night at Long Gully campground — but be sure to book ahead. Difficulty: Hard Long Gully campground is currently closed due to the recent rain. Head to the NSW National Parks website for up-to-date information on the site. [caption id="attachment_790365" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Elinor Sheargold via Department of Planning, Industry and Environment[/caption] SIX FOOT TRACK, BLUE MOUNTAINS NATIONAL PARK Originally a horse trail connecting Sydney and the Blue Mountains with Jenolan Caves, the Six Foot Track can be done in two days — but might be easier spread out over three days and two nights. While there are a couple of fairly steep sections (mostly at the start, as you descend from Katoomba into the Megalong Valley), this walk is graded as hard because of its length. Spanning 46-kilometres one way, the track is indeed a decent distance, but very achievable if you have good shoes and appropriate camping gear. For your overnight, there are a few easily accessible campsites along the route, and the reward of the majestic Jenolan Caves at the end of the trip is unbeatable. And there's even an afternoon minibus that will ferry you and your tired feet back to Katoomba from the caves. Difficulty: Moderate/Hard Sections of the Six Foot Track are currently closed. Head to the NSW National Parks website for up-to-date information on the site. Top Image: Coast Track, Royal National Park; Image Credit: Peter Sherratt via Department of Planning, Industry and Environment
This magical beach is tucked inside Jervis Bay's northern head, just a stone's throw from magnificent Point Perpendicular in Currarong. It's made for lazy, sandy days and safe swimming. If you're keen for a bit more of an adventure, bring your snorkel along and follow the rock ledges beyond the bay's entrance to meet garfish, yellowtails and old wives. The campsite is pretty rustic, with facilities limited to portaloos and rubbish bins, plus no fires or pets allowed. And don't forget to BYO drinking water, cooking gear and toilet paper. But the extra effort is so worth it for these pristine surrounds. Outside of the summer months (when you need to book through a ballot system), this campsite is only available on a first in, best dressed basis — so be sure to get in early to nab a spot. For more information, head to the Shoalhaven website. [caption id="attachment_770663" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Destination NSW[/caption] Top image: Jervis Bay Wild
Of Sydney's inner-city burrows, Glebe seems to possess that true bohemian spirit. The super chill suburb, which borders Sydney University and features well-integrated public housing, welcomes folk from all walks of life. The people are openminded and creative. The community supports local business while championing thrift shopping and other sustainable practices. Plus, the suburb itself is gorgeous, leafy and comes complete with water views. Sounds pretty great, right? It is. In fact, it's certainly worthy of a visit. To ensure you get a glimpse of the real Glebe, we first partnered with City of Sydney to chat with Julian Cincotta of Thievery — one of the must-hit restaurants in the area — then with Jacob Collier from creative hub The Works to discover both of their local favourites. And now, to add onto their lists, we've pulled together all the essentials which you simply must see in the suburb. If you're ready for a change of pace, want to slow down and appreciate your surrounds, get yourself to Glebe.
The best glamping sites in Australia are made for those of us who want to get up close to nature — without having to skimp on any of our comforts. We want to hear the sounds of local wildlife rummaging about nearby. We want to smell the native plants and sea air as we wake up. But we also want running hot water, aircon (if the season calls for it) and quality bedding. Room service never hurts, either. So, if you're looking for a holiday that provides all of the above, read on. Here we have some of Australia's best glamping sites, located in some of the most unique and beautiful natural landscapes — from remote deserts to lush rainforests and tropical islands. Recommended reads: The Best Glamping Sites in NSW The Best Glamping Sites in Victoria The Best Glamping Sites in Queensland The Best Pet-Friendly Hotels in Australia Nightfall, Queensland Set within Queensland's Lamington National Park is the luxury glamping site Nightfall. There's only four permanent, hand-built tents on the property, each spaced far enough apart to give visitors the feeling of total isolation. In summer, you can roll up the canvas walls to immerse yourself in the surrounding forest — native birds gather in treetops and the nearby Christmas Creek is perfect for a little swim. You can even choose to bathe outside in nature, without the fear of anyone walking past. For winter, keep the walls down, have a hot bath inside, turn on the rotating fireplace and get proper cosy. The Nightfall team will also feed you throughout your stay — they pride themselves on providing organic meals, focusing on food cooked over the fire. Each daily meal is served in a different location, taking full advantage of the vast forest surrounding your glampsite. Produce is sourced from the onsite kitchen garden, wild Aussie bush tucker plants, the local farms of Scenic Rim and organic markets in Brisbane. Sustainability is at the core of everything done here, helping make this one of the best places to go glamping in Australia. Discovery Rottnest Island, Western Australia Rottnest Island is a must-see for anyone going on an adventure in Western Australia. For one, this is where you'll snuggle up to quokkas and take all the adorable selfies you could want. But there's a lot more going on here too, including an array of stunning white sandy beaches and hidden coves. And we can think of no better way to experience this island paradise, just off the shores of Perth, than by hitting up the Discovery Rottnest Island glamping site. These low-impact tents are set amongst the dunes of Pinky Beach, right by the water. The entry-level options have ensuites and private decks, while the larger ones have their own kitchens, walk-in robes and extra-large bathrooms. From this beachside location, you can go on sea-kayaking treks, do a bit of snorkelling, head inland for some hiking or just sit on the shoreline all day long, dipping in and out of the clear blue waters at your own leisure. [caption id="attachment_874857" align="alignnone" width="1920"] South Australian Tourism Commission[/caption] Wilpena Pound, South Australia This is far more than your usual glamping site. Yes, the natural surrounds are truly epic in scale and your luxury tents come with all your creature comforts, but Wilpena Pound has a special ethos that respects the traditional landowners of the Flinders Ranges region — the Adnyamathanha people. The area is known for its geological history, ancient fossils and Aboriginal rock art. And the team here works closely with local Indigenous communities to educate guests about the cultural significance of the land they're on. During your stay, you can go on an Aboriginal cultural tour of the area, led by an Adnyamathanha guide. You'll be taken on a hike through the Flinders Ranges, experiencing the landscape through the eyes of its Traditional Owners. The Wilpena team can also organise a 4WD tour, scenic flight or another stellar jaunt through the bush. Meals combine modern Aussie cuisine with Indigenous ingredients — all prepared with genuine respect for the Adnyamathanha people. It's not just for show. Sal Salis, Western Australia This is where the desert meets the sea — an extraordinary and unique part of Australia that should be on all travel bucket lists. There are a range of accommodations dotted along the Ningaloo Reef, but Sal Salis is just that bit extra special. The 16 off-grid wilderness tents are located right on the beach, surrounded by little else but untamed nature. Swing in your hammock all day long, gazing into your stupid-beautiful views with an ice-cold beer at hand, or get exploring. The Sal Salis team will help you out with sea kayaks, stand-up paddleboards, snorkel gear and wetsuits. They'll even take you out for some guided experiences. This is an all-inclusive Australian glamping site, too — activities galore and drinks from the open bar are yours to enjoy. There's not a single need to hold back here. Happy Glamper, Victoria This is a really unique glamping experience: you pick your own campsite along Victoria's Mornington Peninsula and the Happy Glamper team will set everything up for you right there. Arriving before you, they'll install one of their large canvas tents, which comes with a bed, lounge chairs, board games, magazines and a spread of other things. And when you're done, they'll pack it all down and clean up — lush. The mobile glamping company even helps with big gatherings — if you make a big, multi-tent booking, the team's willing to go far beyond their usual patch in the Mornington Peninsula. Either head to a beachside campground or a block of private land, and your bespoke experience will appear. The fine print? You'll need to book your campsite separately — either find your own or opt for one of the recommended sites. Paperbark Camp, New South Wales The definition of 'tent' is stretched a little bit at Paperbark Camp. These canopies rest up on large wooden stilts and are surrounded by private decks. Technically, the rooms do have canvas walls, so tents they are. Each of the NSW glamping sites comes with an open-air ensuite bathroom, complete with a freestanding bath and separate shower. It's mightily luxurious. Plus, there's stacks of things to do in the area. The property has a series of trails through the namesake paperbark, gum and mangrove forests, where plenty of kangaroos roam. You can cycle into town within 15 minutes and hang out at the beach, or go for a long canoe trek to Huskisson and back, stopping off for a cute picnic and swim on the banks of Currambene Creek. Sanctuary by Sirromet, Queensland Not only is it home to grapevines as far as the eye can see, but Mount Cotton's Sirromet Winery also has a restaurant with views over Moreton Bay, a nine-hole modified form of golf and regular live concerts — along with onsite glamping within its expansive 560-acre grounds. Visitors to Sanctuary by Sirromet can get cosy in one of 18 tents, each featuring a king bed, plush places to sit, al fresco dining furniture, bathrooms and reverse cycle air-conditioning to cope with southeast Queensland's warm weather. Every safari-style abode also includes a minibar filled with Sirromet wine, and all bookings include a complimentary breakfast. You can add on all kinds of winery experiences too, allowing you to take full advantage of the unique location. All these additions help make Sanctuary by Sirromet one of the best glamping sites in Australia. Peninsula Hot Springs, Victoria The Peninsula Hot Springs' series of luxury glamping tents allows visitors to spend the night onsite, mere steps from the geothermal baths, saunas, pools and other wellness offerings. The Victoria glamping retreat is a classy affair, with the tents nestled amongst the natural environment, boasting thermally-heated concrete floors, custom-made furniture and beds decked out in plush linens. Guests are treated to private ensuites and walk-in robes, complimentary breakfast, and access to the precinct's many wellness experiences. All that's left to decide is how much pampering you can fit into a weekend. [caption id="attachment_876464" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Tourism Australia[/caption] Banubanu Beach Resort, Northern Territory Run away to the Northern Territory's Bremer Island for a tropical island holiday. It's well and truly off the beaten path, so you'll be away from the crowds, surrounded only by well-preserved wilderness. To make it even more remote, head to Banubanu Beach Retreat, right at the northernmost tip of the island. Here, you'll find five glamping tents sitting pretty on the beach. All rooms come with a king or twin single, an ensuite, a deck with views over the water and an outdoor shower — the penthouse bungalow even has its own plunge pool. And as you are so far away from everything, a stay here also includes transfers to and from the mainland, all meals (courtesy of onsite chefs) and access to all the kayaking and snorkel gear you could need. Just bring your togs and a sun hat — there's no need to wear anything else during your stay. Marramarra Lodge, Hawkesbury River This ultra-luxe glamping site near Sydney is set within the picturesque Marramarra National Park, right on the Hawkesbury River. Arrive in style by boat from Mooney Mooney or Brooklyn, before setting yourselves up in one of the large open-plan safari tents. Each of the Marramarra Lodge tents boasts a king-sized bed, large riverstone-clad bathroom, aircon, all your linen and towels, a fully stocked mini bar, and tea- and coffee-making facilities. You can even get room service delivered. But the best feature has got to be the private timber deck that offers up uninterrupted views across this stunning spot that's just an hour out of Sydney. Bay of Fires Retreat, Tasmania As far as glamping goes, Bay of Fires Bush Retreat is laidback. The large bell tents are basic, but come with a king bed, power for recharging your tech and space for you to store your gear — more than your swag will allow for. Then, there's a communal kitchen and toilet block. You can choose to cook up some of their pre-prepared meals or BYO grub to fuel you through your adventuring. Unlike many of the other inclusions in this list, here you're closest to actually camping (but you've still managed to score a big comfy bed). The local area is ripe for exploring. The retreat is located within the bushlands at the southern entrance to Tasmania's Bay of Fires. You're not really in walking distance from a lot, but you can quickly drive to all the best bits of the area. Head north from the retreat along Gardens Road to find the iconic white sand beaches, crystal blue water and the orange-hued granite boulders the Bay of Fires is so renowned for. Werribee Open Range Zoo, Victoria Going on an African safari is on so many travel bucket lists. But they are an investment trip and fairly far away from Australia's shores. So, if you want to do some holidaying that's reminiscent of an overseas safari, the Werribee Zoo's slumber safari is for you. Expect tents all set up and ready to go in a private section of the zoo, close to the giraffes, elephants and lions — but still safely hidden behind fences. Worry not. Kick back in your tent with all the usual amenities — plus a private deck overlooking the zoo's open plains. Then, head to some closed-off parts of the zoo, where most visitors never go, to see the animals up close. It's a behind-the-scenes tour of Werribee Zoo with glamping accommodation, a three-course dinner and sunset drinks. Longitude 131°, Northern Territory This is one of Australia's most famous glamping accommodations: Longitude 131°. Here, set within iconic red sand dunes, each luxury tent gives guests views over Uluru itself. You won't want to miss any of the sunsets or sunrises from your room, and thankfully you won't even need to get out of bed to experience them. Floor-to-ceiling glass windows will have you mesmerised by the surrounding landscape for your entire trip. You'll also have a private deck (with a fireplace and day bed), a king bed and large ensuite bathroom. The grounds? Built like a luxury resort. They have restaurants and bars onsite — the most impressive being Dune Top, which even has its own plunge pool complete with uninterrupted views of the surreal vista. Plus, there's a spa for those who want to be pampered. This is an incredible glamping site for the most special of special occasions. Save this Red Centre stay for one of life's major milestones. Sierra Escape, New South Wales Sierra Escape — the luxe glamping retreat in Mudgee — is located 260 kilometres northwest of Sydney. The 280-acre property boasts spectacular views and is home to wildlife, including kangaroos, deer and various native birds. So yeah, basically, it's paradise. The Carinya tent — if you can even call something this opulent a tent — includes floor-to-ceiling windows, large indoor and outdoor freestanding bathtubs and a firepit area. It's insulated for all seasons, and there's even a deck out front where you can kick back and watch the sunset from one of the best places to go glamping in NSW. Pebble Point, Victoria The Twelve Apostles is a must-see when touring The Great Ocean Road. But few people know about the hidden glamping site located behind these cliff tops and rock formations. There are six safari tents at Pebble Point, which may not look out over the ocean but do offer countryside views that are nothing to gawk at. Besides, they're super close to the beaches situated at the end of the Great Ocean Walk. Rooms come with king beds, ensuite bathrooms and access to the communal kitchen area and barbecue site. But keep in mind: the tents aren't heated. It can get fairly cold on the Victorian coast in winter, so be sure to bring your thermals and woolly jumpers. The beauty of these comfortable-yet-simple glamping tents is that you won't be breaking the bank, while still getting all the best bits of sleeping amongst Australia's unique wildlife and natural scenery. Feeling inspired to book a glamping getaway? Book your next dream holiday with Concrete Playground Trips — with deals on flights, stays and experiences at destinations around the world. Top images: Sal Salis
In a city where French restaurants often lean into theatrics and maximalism, Bouillon L'Entrecôte takes a more understated approach. Taking its cues from the bouillon restaurants that were all the rage in fin-de-siècle France — essentially large mess halls serving high-quality food at affordable prices — the Circular Quay venue opened in Quay Quarter Lanes in 2022 with a focus on classic dishes done incredibly well. It's since become a fixture in Sydney's French dining landscape — so much so, in fact, that in 2026 it unveiled an expanded, new-look ground-floor dining area, complete with a breezy al fresco area, increasing its capacity from 80 to 110 seats. Downstairs now features a richly layered fitout of merlot-hued leather banquettes, crisp white tablecloths, herringbone floors and softly textured curtains, while classic bistro chairs and cafe-style tables lining Loftus Street invite you to settle in and watch the world go by. Head upstairs and the building opens into an expansive dining room with a grander feel. Luxurious detailing and large dining tables are complemented by art and photographs sprawled across the wall — headlined by a huge portrait of legendary French chef Paul Bocuse. When it comes to the food, the options are varied without feeling overwhelming. Kick things off with a starter and a kir royale from the 'How To Be a Good French' section of the drinks list. Highlights from the hors d'oeuvre menu include foie gras-stuffed cured duck breast finished with cherry coulis; seared scallops served with foie gras mousse, onion jam, and truffle oil; and an ultra-cheesy twice-baked soufflé. The house specialty is the 200-gram sirloin steak, served with French fries, a walnut green salad and the kitchen's closely-guarded secret sauce — a recipe that neither co-owners Vincent Ventura and Johan Giausseran, nor the chefs, will give up, no matter how hard you might prod. Those looking to elevate their meal can share the 850-gram T-bone or the hefty 1.6-kilogram wagyu tomahawk. Arrive before 5pm to try the L'Entrecôte Mitraillette: grilled wagyu steak, fries and secret sauce tucked into an A.P. Bakery baguette. Daily specials round out the offer, ranging from overnight beef bourguignon to free-range chicken stew and the catch of the day. If you can squeeze in desserts, the third act is difficult to resist. The centrepiece is the thrice-baked caramelised upside-down apple tart — only six are made each day — while other standouts include the vanilla crème brûlée and caramelised pineapple flambéed tableside and served with coconut ice cream. To drink, a considerable back bar anchors a cocktail program spanning French classics and beyond, while a predominantly French wine list offers a generous selection by the glass — or carafe, bien sûr. Appears in: The Best Restaurants in Sydney Where to Find the Best Steak in Sydney
Choosing the best cafes in Sydney is never an easy feat. The city is full of great casual dining spots and pro-caffeine haunts where you can get perfectly brewed coffee and brunch that goes well beyond the classic avo on toast. We are certainly giving Melbourne — the self-proclaimed home of cafe culture — a run for its money. Here, you'll find the 20 best Sydney cafes, as voted by our editors and writers, that any food lover should consider visiting. Read on to discover some new spots and see if your favourite has made the cut. Recommended reads: The Best Bakeries in Sydney The Best Restaurants in Sydney The Best Spots for a Boozy Bottomless Brunch in Sydney The Best Coffee Shops in Sydney's CBD The Best Breakfast in Sydney
There's lots to love about the communities of Sydney's Inner West, and in certain cases those things coalesce into something that's more than the sum of its parts — something like We Three. The family-owned and operated small bar opened in 2023 on Marrickville's Illawarra Road. It's a blend that's quintessentially Marrickville: good food and good wine that can be enjoyed in the best company, that of dogs. We Three's front bar is dog-friendly. From the afternoon, you'll often spy a small crowd sitting around a few cool drinks with dogs lying at their feet. Patrons head in and out up to past midnight on Friday and Saturday. Put simply, local mother-daughter owners Catherine and Alli (who's got hours under her belt at Hairy Canary and A Boy Named Sue) describe it as "a bar with food." If you're thirsty, you'll find a beverage list that ticks off all the stops. There are wines of red, white, natty, bubbly and everything in between. Cocktails similarly come in all shapes and sizes, with a range of classics and house specialties, including cocktail jugs, wine-based cocktails and martinis (all served 50/50 and shaken). There's also a small selection of beers on tap and non-alcoholic picks for those who prefer it light. Don't assume based off the earlier "bar with food" proposition that the edible offering is minuscule. Far from it. Sure, you can stick with house cheeses or antipasto like bread with cultured butter and caramelised onion salt, or Kalamata olives with toasted rosemary and preserved lemon. But you can also enjoy larger bites, like heirloom carrots with honey butter glaze and toasted pearl barley, or charred octopus wth samphire and burnt orange. Pasta? Sí, per favore. Up until 8.30pm, We Three's kitchen serves braised lamb shank ragu with pappardelle, caramelised carrot and chevre, potato gnocchi with beurre noisette and crispy kale, and more, with gluten-free pasta on request. And while the bar is open late, you'll be ordering off a late-night antipasto menu from 10pm (or 9pm on Sundays). In quintessentially Inner-West fashion, We Three is a big supporter of local arts. Spoken-word artists and poets perform in the upstairs radish lounge on the third Sunday of every month, and art by local creatives is displayed behind the bar.
The Cricketers Arms, widely known to its hordes of devotees as the Crix, is the kind of local that will make you want to move into the area. It's a beautiful old pub, boasting wooden floors and wall tiles, a laid back atmosphere, and plenty of character behind the bar. The walls are decorated with random paraphernalia while graffiti runs amok in the toilets. The local theme stems into the drinks too, with a sturdy wine list and an excellent selection of local beers on tap. Be warned, this place is almost always extremely busy — and not only on nights that there's a game up the road. Friday and Saturday nights are particularly insane. We think, however, that the wild, varied crowd is largely responsible for the extremely high fun levels and is a big part of making it one of our favourite Sydney pubs. The music is almost as eclectic as the patrons, with a terrific jazz quartet hitting the floorboards of the main bar on Wednesday nights and regular DJ series SHOOP featuring a playlist dedicated exclusively to "hot R'n'B babe jams". A reliable local, the Crix works both summer and winter well. The outside courtyard, brimming with plants and wooden tables, is good reason to stake out a spot in the warmer months. In winter, a fireplace is always lit, surrounded by lounges and more tables. Upstairs has the excellent casual bistro Chez Crix with a French-inspired menu, fantastic natural wine list and a dog-friendly ethos. If you're yet to be a Cricketers Arms acolyte, you've probably never been. Get there early, bring a good attitude for the always entertaining bar staff, and secure your spot inside or out. Images: Reuben Gibbes Appears in: The Best Pubs in Sydney
Revered chef, veteran restaurateur and bonefide icon Neil Perry has all but single-handedly transformed Double Bay into one of Sydney's buzziest dining destinations. First came Margaret, Perry's mod-Aus post-Rockpool passion project which was recently recognised as one of the world's best steakhouses. Next, there was Baker Bleu, the much-lauded Melbourne bakery that moved in next door to Margaret at Perry's behest to supply his fine diner with top-quality baked goods. Song Bird — a vast, multi-level Cantonese restaurant — is the jewel in Perry's Bay Street crown, spread over three floors of the heritage-listed Gaden House. But impressive as this mega-venue may be, there's a small yet perfectly formed treat to be found in its basement: Bobbie's, a quintessential cocktail lounge specialising in martinis. To realise Perry's vision for a chic, cosmopolitan 'tini joint, he tapped his long-time friends, Linden Pride and Nathalie Hudson, the dynamic duo behind famed New York haunt Dante. Indeed, the bar could be considered more Pride's than Perry's, since its name, Bobbie's, is an ode to Pride's renowned grandfather, Australian DJ Bob Rogers OAM, the nation's longest-serving radio announcer who is credited with introducing Top 40 radio programming on 2UE in the late 1950s. In a further nod to Pride's illustrious forebear, Bobbie's will also be a live music venue. The streamlined wine list sets a celebratory tone with a focus on champagne. Emerging champagne growers, more established champagne houses and sparkling wines from around the world offer patrons plenty of corks to pop. What Perry venue would be complete without a serious dining offering? The bar menu stars seafood plates and elevated snacks, but also sandwiches — both fresh and toasted. Think Walker's Big Eye Tuna with green olive and lemon salsa, Spencer Gulf King Prawn cocktail with Murray Rose sauce, and CopperTree Farm beef patty cheese melts with gruyere and pickles. Lighter bites lean luxe, with white sturgeon caviar, freshly shucked Sydney Rock oysters and gildas with green olive, anchovy and pickled chilli on the menu. "We've designed Bobbie's to be a place for people to enjoy at any time of the day or night," Perry shares. "Whether it be for a martini and oysters in the afternoon, a nightcap and cheese plate on the way home, or a full evening of dining, drinking and live music – the choice is yours." Images: Yusuke Oba
After more than a decade of trade in Sydney's CBD, Lotus The Galeries is preparing to close its doors for good this weekend, with its final service scheduled for Sunday, April 12. Located inside The Galeries on George Street, the modern-Asian restaurant has long been a reliable go-to for everything from quick corporate lunches to group dinners and celebratory feasts. But in an announcement shared to Instagram, the team confirmed the venue's time is up, thanking diners and staff for years of support while signalling that the broader Lotus brand isn't going anywhere just yet, with existing venues Lotus Barangaroo, Lotus Pearl, and Lotus Dumpling Bars, staying put. As for why now, the timing isn't happening in a vacuum. The steady evolution of Sydney's dining landscape, particularly the ongoing revitalisation of Haymarket Chinatown, may be a contributing factor. With a wave of new openings, late-night energy and sharper, more diverse offerings reshaping the precinct, diners have been pulled a little further south for their dumplings, noodles and banquet spreads. That shift has arguably intensified competition for CBD giants like Lotus The Galeries, especially those positioned within retail precincts rather than destination dining strips. There's also the broader pressure facing city venues post-pandemic: fluctuating office occupancy, changing dining habits and rising operational costs have all made large, centrally located restaurants harder to sustain, particularly those that once relied heavily on weekday corporate traffic. Still, Lotus The Galeries leaves behind a legacy as one of the CBD's early adopters of elevated, design-led Asian dining that helped define the genre in Sydney. And while this particular chapter is closing, the group's remaining venues suggest the Lotus name isn't disappearing from Sydney's dining conversation anytime soon.
City of Sydney Council is officially considering banning short-term rental properties within its local government area. Booking platforms like Airbnb and Stayz are snapping up precious properties amid the country's ongoing housing supply shortage, and this could lead to a prohibition in areas where bookable home and apartment stays outnumber publicly listed rentals. The motion was put forward by Greens Councillor Sylvie Ellsmore, who believes that NSW's existing 180-day limit on short-term rentals in Greater Sydney is ineffective, telling 702 ABC Sydney, "a cap may not work." The proposal isn't an all-out ban on short-term rentals, which are being enforced in more and more cities worldwide, since the City of Sydney LGA is a prime location for tourism, but it would come into effect when local rental housing vacancy rates drop below three percent. Currently, multiple suburbs in the City of Sydney LGA sit below a three percent vacancy rate. The lowest figure is 0.9 percent in Redfern, followed by Darlinghurst and Surry Hills at 1.2 percent, 1.3 percent in Woolloomooloo, Rushcutter's Bay and Elizabeth Bay, 1.5 percent in Paddington, 1.6 percent in Glebe, 1.8 percent in Pyrmont and 2.3 percent in Camperdown. City of Sydney Deputy Lord Mayor Jess Miller admitted that the council currently lacks the resources to differentiate between short-term rentals and primary residencies. Cr Miller did admit to the ABC that short-term renting in the area is "out of control," and called on the NSW Government to take a page from Western Australia, where verified short-term data is shared with councils to enforce restrictions. [caption id="attachment_1098717" align="aligncenter" width="1920"] iStock[/caption] Cr Miller specifically said, "I would love to have that replicated in New South Wales so that individual councils can access a robust, verified, reliable database so that we can make decisions that are appropriate to our LGA." Cr Ellsmore argued that, "We need to start thinking about the difference between whether someone's trying to Airbnb the house, the home that they live in, or as an investment property." "The investor issue, what we're seeing more of — people owning five, 10, 20, 30 properties, running it as a business. Because they can make so much money short-term renting, they're taking properties off the market that used to be someone's home." [caption id="attachment_829959" align="aligncenter" width="1920"] Nikki To[/caption] Stayz Corporate Affairs Director, Eacham Curry, argued against the ban, saying "These measures ... could jeopardise the value that the short-term rental accommodation (STRA) sector brings to local communities and their economies." "Stayz supports fit-for-purpose regulation of the STRA sector, administered consistently at a state or territory level…Local regulation increases costs, time, and resources, deterring the economic benefits that STRA brings to communities." The proposal is still under early investigation, and as of late last week, NSW Premier Chris Minns had not yet seen the full details of the proposal, stating that he wanted to understand how it could impact the tourism sector if it were put into place. Lead image: iStock Like what you see? Subscribe to the Concrete Playground Newsletter to get stories just like these straight to your inbox.
Located within the Pacific Square Shopping Complex, Peters Meats has been serving the Maroubra community for over 30 years. This is the place to go to level-up your weekend barbecue game with some Rangers Valley black onyx striploin, a rack of Gooralie free-range pork ribs, eye fillets from the Manning Valley or some handmade brisket and chuck burger patties (which it also supplies to local restaurants). You'll also find six shelves stacked with plenty of sauces and seasonings for extra inspiration, be it slow cooker base sauces, spicy sriracha numbers, bone broth concentrates or herb-flecked salts.
Keen to spend the game in some sports-loving company? Pull up a bar stool at the London — if they're not all already taken. Despite having scored a snazzy reno in recent years, this pub hasn't lost its down-to-earth character. In other words, you won't be the only fan shamelessly yelling at the big screen in between beers. The London broadcasts all Super Rugby, Wallabies and NRL matches live. On the menu is an array of hearty feeds — from share plates loaded with salmon and crab cakes ($21) to peking duck pizza ($24). Images: Katje Ford.
When it comes to the best restaurants in Sydney, top-tier talent abounds. We may be most famous for our beaches and our bridges, but food may just be what we do best. This food-obsessed city of ours has a swag of standout offerings to suit whatever niche cravings you've got going on. But there are some spots that simply reign supreme; places where the food packs a punch, the vibe is never not on point and you fall in love a little more each time you visit. Here, we've rounded up our 20 picks for the cream of the crop — the best restaurants in Sydney. From new players reinventing Sydney's perspective on certain cuisine to long-standing spots that are just as exciting as the day they opened; these are the city's must-visit venues for any discerning food aficionado. Feast on. Recommended reads: The Best Cafes in Sydney The Best Bars in Sydney The Best Wine Bars in Sydney The Best Pubs in Sydney
You will find Australia's largest telescope about a six-hour drive out of Sydney. Located in Coonabarabran, Siding Springs Observatory is the place to be for any stargazer. The observatory has a range of tours and events to work with your schedule and budget. Enjoy an hour-long self-guided walking tour through the app led by astronomer Fred Watson for just $7.50 (used across up to three devices). Or, get inside the telescope and see the amazing portal to outer space up-close in a 90-minute tour for $30 per person. While the observatory is closed after dark, you can still appreciate the magical night sky within the greater Warrumbungle Dark Sky National Park. Check out pristine night skies free from light pollution and gaze upon an unforgettable sea of stars with an After Dark tour for $30 per person. Images: Destination NSW
The best breakfasts in Sydney are as diverse as the city they're served in. Sure, you'll find Vegemite on toast and every conceivable iteration of smashed avocado on the menu at these Sydney breakfast spots, but with this list we've endeavoured to look beyond the obvious and expand your culinary horizons for The Most Important Meal Of The Day. After a breakfast burrito? We have you covered. Japanese-style brunches? They're well represented here. Hungover and desperate for bacon and bloody Marys? Let us take care of you in your hour of need. We even have a few healthy options where the sugar and fat might be left out, but flavour and fun still reign supreme. And the best breakfast in Sydney isn't necessarily found in a cafe — although many are. You'll also uncover some of the best early-morning treats in bakeries, bagel shops and delis. We have all bases covered in this guide. Read on to see where you'll next be fuelling up before work or relaxing during a long, lazy Sunday morning with mates. Without further ado: here are our picks of the best breakfasts in Sydney. Recommended reads: The Best Cafes in Sydney The Best Weekday Breakfast Spots in Sydney's CBD The Best Coffee Shops in Sydney's CBD The Best Bottomless Brunches in Sydney
Sydney has just joined the likes of Bangkok, Hainan, Hanoi, Shanghai and Singapore as a home to the luxury hotel group Capella. The award-winning accommodation provider officially opened Capella Sydney today, Wednesday, March 15, bringing 192 luxury rooms to a historic inner-city building. Housed within the sandstone Department of Education Building on the corner of Bridge Street and Loftus Street just across from Macquarie Place Park, the expansive hotel adds another dose of lavish luxury to Sydney's hotel scene. The restoration and reimagination of the century-old building took seven years in the hands of the Pontiac Land Group. The nine-storey building has been transformed with a glamourous interior brought together by muted tones of white and brown giving the hotel both a vintage and timeless quality. "Pontiac Land has always been passionate about creating meaningful developments that contribute and help shape their communities. Capella Sydney was an ideal opportunity for us to sensitively repurpose this culturally significant landmark in the heart of downtown Sydney and transform it into a more public offering as a leading luxury hotel for everyone to be able to experience," says Pontiac Land Group Chief Executive Officer David Tsang. Guests are greeted with a flurry of acquired and commissioned art within the lobby including works from the likes of Judy Watson and Otis Hope Carey, as well as a robotic light installation titled Meadow from Dutch art duo DRIFT. Once you've navigated the lobby, you'll find elegant guestrooms fitted with Italian Frette linen, a standalone bathtub and sustainable vegan amenities created in partnership with Haeckels. And, there's plenty to love outside your room as well. There are two shared spaces for guests to unwind in, a spa offering relaxing rejuvenation treatments, a fitness centre, a heated 20-metre indoor pool and two dining areas. The first is the more laidback McRae Bar. While this hotel bar is still overflowing with luxury, boasting gold trimmings and a hefty cocktail menu, it's hard to compete with the sheer exuberance of Brasserie 1930. This European-influenced dining room comes from the acclaimed hospitality crew behind Bentley Restaurant and Bar, Monopole, Yellow and Cirrus, offering the likes of oysters, brown-butter scallops, beef tartare, Eastern rock lobster, whole roasted duck and three different steak options ramping up to the $110 Coppertree Farm rib eye. To mark the opening, Capella is kicking things off with a special Capella History Journey package. The $1500 experience for two includes a night's stay in a deluxe guestroom, breakfast at Brasserie 1920, a bespoke welcome amenity, a Capella Culturist experience that will take you on a curated journey through the history of the building and Sydney's Sandstone Precinct, 24-hour access to the fitness centre and valet parking. The package is bookable until Friday, June 30. Capella Sydney is now open at 35–29 Bridge Street, Sydney. Feeling inspired to book a truly unique getaway? Head to Concrete Playground Trips to explore a range of holidays curated by our editorial team. We've teamed up with all the best providers of flights, stays and experiences to bring you a series of unforgettable trips in destinations all over the world.
Owner and operator Adelle Ly quit the corporate world and decided to create delicious and healthy food. The aptly titled Mschief is known for serving up all manner of tasty treats that are both lower in sugar and extremely decadent. This is evident in the arrangement of the glass counter, which showcases a number of beautiful cakes, tarts and pastries fulfilling both categories. Housed in a bright, modern space, with a mixture of indoor and outdoor seating, Mschief has a relaxed atmosphere that lets the food do the talking. One of the highlights is the Bacon and Oats, which is a congee cooked in bone broth served with a sous vide egg and topped with back bacon (check its Instagram if this doesn't already have you drooling).
Sydney's dining scene is set to score a glamorous new addition this spring, as Chris Lucas, the celebrated Melbourne restaurateur behind zeitgeist-defining venues such as Chin Chin, Yakimono and Maison Bâtard, brings his Venetian-inspired brasserie Grill Americano to the Harbour City. And while we announced the news when it broke in February, new details have now been revealed about the opening — including an official launch date. Mark your calendar for Wednesday, November 19, when Lucas' second Sydney restaurant opens at No. 1 Chifley Square, perhaps better known as the heritage-listed Qantas House building. Grill Americano Sydney will channel the same old-world Italian elegance and theatrical flair that's made the original one of Melbourne's hardest-to-book restaurants since it debuted on Flinders Lane in 2022. [caption id="attachment_1030742" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Griffin Simm[/caption] But don't expect a carbon copy. Executive Chef Vincenzo Ursini — whose resume includes stints at Michelin-starred kitchens Ristorante Reale, Le Calandre and Mugaritz, and who's helmed Grill Americano Melbourne since 2024 — has worked closely with Lucas Restaurants Head of Culinary Damian Snell and Lucas himself to create a menu that pairs Grill Americano signatures with new dishes designed exclusively for Sydney. A clutch of the new additions lean into Sydney's love of fresh fruits of the sea. Among them: prawn panzerotto with Oscietra caviar, tuna 'nduja and anchovy crostini and a Sicilian-style seafood risotto laced with saffron and chilli. A dedicated raw seafood bar will spotlight oysters, crustacea and daily-changing crudo selections. [caption id="attachment_1030741" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Griffin Simm[/caption] Naturally, many of Grill Americano's Melbourne favourites will make the trip north, including the scampi alla veneziana on saffron pilaf and the show-stopping tiramisu, which is served tableside. The kitchen's famed bistecca offering, featuring 15 premium cuts and specialty beef dishes, will also demand attention, from the bistecca pepe e verde Angus Chateaubriand with cognac and green peppercorn to a 700-gram New York Cut Striploin of grappa-infused, dry-aged Chauvel beef. Chef Simone Giorgianni, who has led the restaurant's acclaimed pasta program since day one, will bring a lineup of daily handmade favourites to Sydney. Expect pillowy ravioli, silky pappardelle and a luxurious lobster tortellini finished with sauce américaine. To match, Master Sommelier Paolo Saccone has curated an extensive wine list — Melbourne's cellar houses over 2000 bottles — while the classic-leaning cocktail list includes a tribute to the bellini from Harry's Bar, Venice's legendary 1930s cocktail den. Designed by Chris and Sarah Lucas with longtime collaborator Samantha Eades, Grill Americano Sydney will feel familiar to fans of the Melbourne original thanks to its signature blue velvet banquettes, a 30-metre-long marble bar and an open kitchen anchored by a Josper grill and woodfired oven, all framed by the building's existing soaring ceilings and expansive heritage windows. Reservations open mid-October — and with buzz already building, this is shaping up as one of Sydney's biggest restaurant openings of 2025. [caption id="attachment_1030743" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Pete Dillon[/caption] Grill Americano Sydney is set to open on Wednesday, November 19, at 1 Chifley Square, 68–96 Hunter Street, Sydney. Reservations, which open from mid-October, can be made on the Sydney reservations page. For more information about the restaurant, visit the Lucas Collective website.
Located in Sydney's food capital of Haymarket, Porkfat stands out as an elegant alternative to Sydney's often hectic and dressed-down Thai dining scene. The food here is served in delicately hand-painted ceramics from Wiang Galon, an ancient city famous for its religious history and artistic legacy. The flavours come from the owner's hometown of Saraburi in central Thailand, and the dishes are traditional but at the same time unique, with some surprising offerings hidden amongst the classics. The papaya salad with salted duck egg, dried prawn, fish sauce and lime is the perfect light dish to kick off your dining experience, while the baked Queensland tiger prawn with vermicelli, pork fat, oyster sauce, Chinese wine, ginger and celery is a unique mix of flavours you won't find elsewhere. There's the option to add extra prawns to this and we highly recommend you do. The Porkfat specials include a deepfried whole barramundi with three flavour sauce, crispy garlic, deep fried makrut leaves and Thai basil — it is the perfect dish to share. The grilled pork chop is a signature dish and comes with smoked chilli nam jim, roasted rice, fish sauce and tamarind. Cap off your experience with its homemade coconut ice cream served with roasted peanuts and candied pumpkin. There is also a set menu for groups of six or more which includes all the favourites as well as Porkfat's popular lamb with smoked chilli, sawtooth, mint and iceberg lettuce. Images: Leigh Griffiths
Nestled against Princes Highway, just north of Sydney Harbour Bridge, Crows Nest is a little goldmine of shopping and small bars. This boutique-loving north shore suburb is consistently voted one of the most liveable locations in Sydney. And it's not hard to see why — everything you could want or need is within walking distance. The close-knit community feel comes from the locally owned bars, shops and restaurants. To showcase some of the very best businesses that 'The Nest', as locals call it, has to offer, we've teamed up with American Express to create this guide to shopping small in the area. These businesses demonstrate exactly why Crows Nest is such a great place to call home, and you can shop small here with your Amex Card.
If you've ever wanted to see what Sydney would look like in an anime world, you're in a spot of luck. Redrawn and traced from photos, Central Station, Hyde Park and the Harbour Bridge been rendered with that wondrously glowing anime magic for a new episode of Japanese anime series Free!. Aired on September 17 for Free! Eternal Summer, Sydney's anime makeover comes from an adorably air-punching storyline. An episode enthusiastically dubbed 'A Swim-Off in a Foreign Land!' sees two of the main characters, Rin and Haruka (besties and athletes in the show's Iwatobi Swimming Club), head to Australia to swim alongside our national team at Sydney Aquatic Centre — as you do. The pair cruise around Sydney meeting up with their homestay parents, chillin' at Bondi and reigniting Haruka's love for dominating the lanes. Go team. Check it out, Sydney's wearing gorgeous, anime-style pants. Images: imgur.
Brisbane's hotel scene has evolved quickly over the past decade, moving well beyond business travel basics into something far more design-led, experience-driven and, in some cases, genuinely destination-worthy. From polished riverside luxury to character-filled boutique stays, the city now offers a broad mix of places to check in – whether you're visiting or planning a staycation. This round-up brings together ten of Brisbane's best hotels, spanning inner-city icons, high-glamour newcomers and heritage properties with serious personality. Some lean into resort-style indulgence, others focus on design or history, but each offers a compelling reason to book a night or two. Recommended reads: The Best Glamping Sites Near Brisbane The Best Dog-Friendly Accommodations in Queensland The Best Day Spas in Brisbane
Pretty much every guide to Port Stephens will make mention of the Tomaree Head Summit Hike. And for good reason. The track is steep and has many steps but is thankfully brief — it should take about 45 minutes to get to the top of the rugged peak positioned 161 metres above the port's entrance to the Tasman Sea. When you arrive, you'll be rewarded with stunning panoramic views over the town and along the coastline from the two viewing platforms. From the south platform you can spy Fingal Island and the lighthouse, while from the north platform you'll be able to see Yacaaba Head, Cabbage Tree and Broughton Island. There's a picnic table up there, too, if you'd like to take a break before you head back down. If you want to keep walking, peel away to the Fort Tomaree track to check out the historic gun emplacements from World War II. Images: Destination NSW
The way we work out is changing. Where cookie-cutter chain gyms once dominated the playing field, the past decade has seen a steady rise in smaller, more considered operations that cater to more specific needs and wellness goals – evidenced by the continuing proliferation of bathhouses dotted around town. At the forefront of this wellness revolution in Sydney is homegrown brand One Playground, which bills itself as a 'superboutique' studio that blends cutting-edge training, boutique-style classes and next-level recovery, all under one roof. And it's this model that One Playground has now debuted in Sydney's west with the opening of One Playground Merrylands, a sprawling two-level facility spread across 3000 square metres. Located within the architecturally striking Mason & Main mixed-use precinct, the new gym — the group's largest to date — boasts a massive 1500-square-metre training floor fitted with over 100 state-of-the-art machines, from Technogym cardio equipment to custom Gym80 strength machines and sleek, stainless steel Watson dumbbells. Plus, 11 squat racks, 24 benches and four leg press machines means less chance of awkwardly standing around waiting for equipment to free up. There's also a quieter Comfort Zone catering to those seeking a more relaxed training environment, whether warming up or cooling down. Beyond the weights room, six purpose-built studios offer over 300 classes every week. Whether you're punching it out in the boxing-focused Legacy room, flowing through a yoga class in Space or pushing your limits in high-intensity Force classes, there's a variety and volume of programming that you'll be hard pressed to find at any other gym. Add in reformer pilates and semi-private studios, and there's something for every fitness level and personality. It's not all pumping and grinding, though, as One Playground Merrylands also has a big focus on recovery. The expansive studio features a dedicated tranquil zone featuring private infrared saunas and communal traditional saunas, ideal for post-workout resets or mindful solo sessions. Think of it as a one-stop shop for both performance and restoration, all under one beautifully designed roof. And it's in its design that the gym truly sets itself apart. Inspired by the opulence of Dubai and Morocco, the interiors channel desert resort vibes, from its soaring 5.5-metre-high ceilings framed with elegant arched windows, to the terracotta-rendered walls, natural stone accents and micro-cement floors. A custom pink marble water fountain anchors the wellness lounge, setting the tone in the tranquil space. "One Playground Merrylands is our most exciting project to date — it's an ambitious design on an enormous scale, unlike anything else in the world," says Justin Ashley, One Playground CEO and Co-Founder. "When we started this project three years ago, it was always more than 'just another gym'. Our goal was to bring a world-class health and wellness destination to Western Sydney." It's fair to say the brief has been nailed. One Playground Merrylands is now open at 233 Merrylands Road, Merrylands. It's open to members 24 hours a day, seven days a week. For more information, head to the studio's website.
Yulli's, Surry Hills' purveyor of standout vegetarian fare and great brews since 2008, expanded back in 2018 when it created Yulli's Brews — its taproom and restaurant in Alexandria. While the space itself wasn't new — owner Karl Cooney and head brewer James Harvey had been in there for a while brewing award-winning ales — it was the first time the space opened to the public. And like Yulli's, it's totally per cent vegan. From the beer through to the wine to the neat lineup of bush tucker-meets-Southeast Asian eats, not a fish scale, cheese crumb or bacon rind appears. But it doesn't skimp on flavours — or personality, which carries through from the eclectic design to the anthropomorphic beers. The space, which can hold 150 people, is split into two areas — a ground floor for big tables and standup beers, and a large mezzanine for sit-down eats — and is filled with tables made from repurposed boat decking and vintage finds from nearby Lunatiques. Designed by Surry Hills' Snell Architects, it has an industrial edge (fitting, for a warehouse) with plenty of nods to Yulli's past. Take a seat on the mezzanine floor and you'll be able to look straight into the production area and watch Harvey and Cooney brewing. You'll also be able to taste brand-new Yulli's brews, including its first cider, Margo. Like all its brews, the dry and fruity apple cider is named after an employee. If you're not a beer — or cider — fan, fear not: Yulli's Brews has a full bar. And it's all local. And all vegan. Cooney admits that sourcing completely vegan wines — that are all from NSW — was tough, but well worth the effort. On the lineup of local spirits, expect to also see plenty of nearby distillers — with Archie Rose making a notable appearance. Food is a mishmash of cuisines. You'll find kale and eggplant gyoza topped with chickpeas and dumplings served with crispy enoki. Larger plates see eggplant penang curry with steamed rice and wok-tossed fettuccine with cauliflower cream sauce. You shouldn't feel any guilt about drinking and eating the day away over at Yulli's Brews in Alexandria. Appears in: The Best Sydney Brewery Bars for 2023
When you can walk away from a dinner having shared a starter, enjoyed a delicious pasta or main, not been charged an exorbitant rate for corkage and you've only had to fork out between $30 - $40 per head, it's safe to say you'll be paying the restaurant a second visit. While the front of the restaurant is pretty spartan, try and secure a table in the back garden area and enjoy the lively atmosphere that is generated at this busy restaurant. Start off your meal with a generous serving of the herb or garlic bread before tucking into a pizza or pasta main. If pasta is your poison, you can't go wrong with the Gnocchi Puttanesca. If you'd rather share a couple of pizzas, the signature Reggio and Nick's pizzas are both winners. The perfect place for a group get-together, this Italian restaurant in Sydney is conveniently located on Crown Street in Darlinghurst with a range of bars and clubs nearby to kick on at after dinner. For anyone planning on frequenting Bar Reggio, if you plan on accompanying your meal with a glass of vino or beer, make sure you bring it with you as the restaurant is strictly BYO. Consequently, Bar Reggio isn't the place to dine if you're looking to have a relaxed, drawn out meal; it's a frantic, non-stop experience from the moment you sit down till the moment you walk out the door. And don't be surprised if as soon as your plates are cleared, you're handed the bill and informed that they need the table because there is a line out the door. Images: Leticia Almeida. Appears in: The Best Italian Restaurants in Sydney for 2023
The fact Ormeggio at The Spit in Mosman's D'Albora Marina has a ten-metre-long marble cocktail and gelato bar (staples at restaurants in southern Italy) should give you some idea of its authenticity. Everything here is legit, from the stucco walls and aforementioned bar to the menu: meat-free as of June 2020 (southern Italians don't eat much meat), featuring instead seafood caught by fisherman who sell it right at the wharf, as well as focaccia made in-house and taking no less than 22 hours. Finish with one of six flavours of gelato, each inspired by a different Italian dessert. To start with, the a la carte menu includes handpicked North Queensland mud crabs with a polenta tartlet and sweet corn, as well as daily market oysters with chardonnay vinegar. To share, try the Fremantle octopus cooked over charcoal or the house-made tagliolni with scallops crudo and turnip tops. Chef's selections at Ormeggio include lightly smoked Western Australian scampi with salted brioche and pistachio, or the daily catch with ocean trout roe, orange and dill. Finish off with the buttermilk gelato with cacao crumble and mint. The venue is making the most of its epic waterfront views with a sunset happy hour for the month of September 2023 from 5–6pm. Guests can enjoy classic cocktails, reduced BYO wine corkage and a Quick Picks menu with special items, not on the standard menu. Book your spot on the website now. Appears in: The Best Italian Restaurants in Sydney for 2023
Sydney's two-storey, 60-seat restaurant and mezcal bar Nu'u is all about flavour-packed southern Mexican food. The homely eatery comes to Glebe Point Road from the Oaxaca-born team behind Nativo in Pyrmont — Michelin-trained chef Manuel Diaz alongside his partner and agave expert Diana Farrera. While Nativo is a quick and simple takeaway-style spot, Nu'u focuses more on spotlighting Diaz's favourite dishes from his home country in an expansive dine-in lunch and dinner spot. Located within a Victorian-era terrace house, Nu'u welcomes patrons in with a large open kitchen out front where you'll see the team whipping up that night's creations. From there you'll either take your place in the terracotta-coloured dining room upstairs or out back where you'll find a charming al fresco area. The word Nu'u is used by the southern Mexican indigenous Mixtec group to mean land when referring to harvesting produce. This connection to land sits at the centre of the restaurant's menu of share plates, all of which draw inspiration from the Oaxacan region of south Mexico and lovingly incorporate native Australian ingredients. Expect big flavours from the vibrant guacamole; the cured prawn, salmon and snapper toloache ceviche; the pulpo escondido (grilled octopus on a bed of hand-ground chilli paste with huitlacoche and tostada) and the chile relleno (poblano chillis stuffed with shiitake picadillo and served over mole verde). A standout on the menu is the Memela Del Mercado, a grilled maize patty covered in bone marrow beans, pork shoulder and queso fesco. And, if you're for a hearty main to sit at the centre of the meal, the kitchen recommends the crispy pork belly or the roasted chicken with chipotle butter. Diaz's breadth of experience comes from working across some of the most renowned restaurants in Mexico, as well as the Michelin-starred La Chevre d'Or in France. Since moving to Australia, he's occupied kitchens across the Milpa Collective Group's collection of Mexican favourites like Sonora and Carbon, and headed up Bar Patron as the Executive Chef before opening Nativo last year. While the food is the star of the show, the drinks list is also impressive, with Farrera, a certified mezcologist, leading the charge. The lover of all things agave has been working with top bartenders from Oaxaca to create a cocktail menu that showcases artisanal small-batch mezcal. Each creation is named after famous Oaxacan women — from philanthropists to fictional figures — and each drink highlights a different flavour profile within the mezcal. The bold flavours emerging from the kitchen are complemented by bold pieces of art around the venue including wood-carved figures from San Martin Tilcajete by the Jacobo & Maria Angeles atelier, custom-made weaving artworks from Teotitlan del Valle, red clay pieces from Atzompa and a painting celebrating bush medicine plants from The Artery in Darlinghurst. Images: Nick de Lorenzo
Pellegrino 2000 is the second restaurant from the acclaimed culinary trio behind Potts Point French eatery Bistrot 916. Dan Pepperell (Alberto Lounge, 10 William Street and Frankie's), sommelier Andy Tyson (Alberto Lounge) and longtime Rockpool Dining Group chef Michael Clift created this neighbourhood Italian restaurant that brings eats from Rome and Florence to our very own Surry Hills. Clift says the Sydney restaurant is inspired by the trio's most-loved Italian trattorias. Located on the corner of Campbell and Foster Street in Surry Hills, the eatery houses the main dining room and a candle-lit wine cellar in the basement. The three Sydney hospo mainstays at the helm of the venue have stripped back the former residence of Bar H to reveal a historic corner terrace built in 1905. Bringing the building to life is a double-sided espresso bar and shelves of canned tomatoes and anchovies lining the walls. Bistrot 916's success was built around presenting French classics and more inventive takes on Parisian cuisine in a way that was new for Sydney. Diners at Pellegrino 2000 can expect a similar approach to Italian food. "The menu consists of the Italian staples we love, handmade tortellini, pappardelle bolognese, fritto misto and tripe in all shapes and sizes," says Pepperell. As with all the best Italian restaurants, good wine is also on hand at Pellegrino 2000. "The wine list is a grand selection of the Italian classics, mostly old Barolo, old Chianti, and a few prized bottles of the greats like Soldera and Valentini," according to Tyson. Playing a support role are the cocktails. A selection of amari, negronis, caffe shakerato and Bellini's are reminiscent of Harry's Bar in Venice. Appears in: The Best Italian Restaurants in Sydney for 2023
Nothing says 'baller' quite like free-flowing bubbles, fluffy eggs topped with caviar and a cart of cocktails — particularly when it's all before midday. Thanks to Sydney's obsession with bottomless brunches and lunches, us mere mortals can live like Queen B and Jay Z, even if it's just for a couple of hours. Whether you're planning your weekend around it or treating yourself, here's the lowdown on Sydney's best bottomless brunches. Just remember to behave, or you won't make it to midday. Recommended reads: The Best Cafes in Sydney The Best Coffee Shops in Sydney's CBD The Best Breakfast Spots in Sydney's CBD The Best Bars in Sydney DEAD RINGER, SURRY HILLS Dead Ringer lets you go all-in with one and half hours of wine (bubbles, white, rose and red) for $45 per person. Intent on offering brunch with a difference, Dead Ringer has declared its menu free of Sydney's beloved eggs and smashed avo. Instead, it's focused heavily on lunch-style fare. The set brunch menu ($45) starts with cured salmon and a pulled pork tostada, then moves on to baked ricotta tarts and slow-roasted chicken with a creamy polenta as your main. If you'd rather pick your poison than go all out with mimosas or prosecco, you can also order the Dead Ringer bloody mary ($18), an espresso martini ($20) or breakfast juice with a touch of campari ($11) à la carte. What's the deal? $45 for food plus $45 per head for 1.5 hours of white, rose, red and sparkling wine. When? Saturday and Sunday, 11am–3pm. BARTOLO, SURRY HILLS Surry Hills' all-day Italian diner Bartolo is the latest to throw its prosecco on ice and launch a new bottomless brunch special. It's available every Friday, Saturday and Sunday from 12–5pm — and it includes everything from fluffy homemade focaccia to pasta and bottomless seasonal mimosas. For $85 per person, you'll get a full Italian feast. Start with a spritz on arrival and the likes of marinated Sicilian olives, gnocco fritto with anchovy butter and kingfish crostino— followed by the main course of ox heart tomato, malfadine with zucchini and chilli parmigiano reggiano, and a chive and garlic butter coated flathead. The menu may be slightly different depending on the day, but it'll be in a similar vein — cheesy, carby and perfectly paired with a mimosa or a glass of wine. It's easily one of the best bottomless brunches in Sydney. What's the deal? $85 for a spritz on arrival, food and 90 minutes of bottomless mimosas and wine. When? Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays from midday. [caption id="attachment_671514" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Leticia Almeida[/caption] THE WINERY, SURRY HILLS If you're going to go anywhere for a bottomless brunch, The Winery in Surry Hills is a safe bet. Choose from peach, raspberry or lychee bottomless bellinis and the rest is done for you. Starting with olives, pita and chickpea dip to nibble on, the three-course menu ($79) has some standouts, including slow-braised beef cheek ragu, spiced chicken salad and a triple chocolate brownie. With limited capacity, the Crown Street venue fills up fast, so bookings are recommended — particularly on weekends. What's the deal? $85 for food and two hours of bellinis. When? Saturday at 11.30am, 2pm and 4.30pm, and Sundays at 11.30am and 2pm. THE ROYAL HOTEL, PADDINGTON The Royal Paddington has kept it classic when it comes to its brunch, pairing three courses of delicious breakfast fare with two hours of bottomless cocktails ($85), including mimosas, sparkling wine, bloody marys and 4 Pines pale ale. Covering off all your staples, you'll start with a peach, berry and mint salad, followed by the Summer Nourish Board, containing roasted sweet potato, grilled broccolini, zaatar crusted avocado, poached eggs and house-made falafels. Then, you'll end with a piece of rocky road slice. Bottomless watermelon seltzers ($10) can be added, as well as an extra hour of drinks ($30) if you're looking for a big weekend with one of the best bottomless brunches in Sydney. Showcasing sweeping city views from rooftop, the bottomless brunch is reminiscent of an inner city garden party, just a few floors up. What's the deal? $85 for three courses and two hours of bottomless cocktails. When? Saturday and Sunday, 11am–1pm. NOUR, SURRY HILLS The Crown Street palace of pastels and plants has a Sunday brunch offering with one of the best (and smokiest) bloody marys in the city, boundary-pushing Middle Eastern fare — and bottomless cocktails, of course. Two bottomless set menus are available (for $129 and $159), with optional bottomless premium cocktails add-ons available for both. Enjoy 90 minutes of endless rosé or beer while you feast on either the seven- or eight-course menu — including the likes of oysters, scallops, grilled octopus, beef short rib, roasted cauliflower and eggplant and a dessert ending for good measure. At this Sydney bottomless brunch destination, you get bottomless booze as well as a proper feast. What's the deal? $129 or $159 90 minutes of bottomless rosé or beer with either a seven- or eight-course set menu. When? Sunday, 10am–2.30pm. SONORA, POTTS POINT Potts Point newcomer Sonora, from the owners of Bondi's Mexican mainstays Taqiza and Carbon, has upped its weekend game and is serving up unlimited tacos and margaritas every Saturday and Sunday from 12–5pm. You can feast on endless plates of house-made tortillas topped with slow-cooked lamb, steak and avocado mousse, yucatan marinated chicken or roasted cauliflower. On top of the many many tacos, 90 minutes of bottomless booze is included as well. The endless drinks come in the form of classic margaritas, rosé and Tecate beer. And all of this will set you back just $89. It's a clear front-runner for the best bottomless brunch in Sydney. What's the deal? $89 for 90 minutes of bottomless tacos, margaritas, rosé and beer. When? Saturday and Sunday, 12–5pm. [caption id="attachment_741934" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Steven Woodburn[/caption] BABYLON, CBD Every Saturday and Sunday, head to this inner-city hideaway for unlimited mimosas and a selection of meze — all for just $68 per person. The rooftop Middle Eastern eatery is cooking up treats like woodfire shish tawook, kaddinbudu, tabbouleh and hummus. While the food is not bottomless, the drinks sure are — you'll be treated to 90 minutes of mimosas, poured to your heart's content. The deal is available from 11am–12:30pm every weekend — with no end in sight — and bookings can be made via the website. What's the deal? $68 for 90 minutes of bottomless mimosas and a selection of meze. When? Saturday and Sunday, 10.30am–12pm. Top image: Dead Ringer.
Inviting everyone over to enjoy your sun-drenched courtyard on a Friday evening seemed like a brilliant idea at the time — it's certainly more relaxed than cramming into a busy city rooftop bar and more summery than sipping cocktails in a dark, underground basement bar. But now that your friends are due round any moment, do you have your drinks repertoire ready? Here to help you, we've got five easy-to-make cocktail recipes that'll upgrade your home bar and hosting skills — and you won't have to spend all your time in the kitchen making them, either. Spruce up your evening get-together with the world's finest French vodka, Grey Goose, which we've partnered with to showcase three vodka cocktails and two non-alcoholic options that your friends and workmates will love. GREY GOOSE ESPRESSO MARTINI In 1983 a model sauntered into a London bar and uttered the phrase "I want something to wake me up and fuck me up", and the espresso martini was born. Thirty-six years later and the caffeinated cocktail has risen to cult status. To make things easier on you, this recipe uses cold drip coffee so you don't have to worry about making a fresh espresso for each round. — 30ml Grey Goose Original — 30ml De Kuyper Crème de Café coffee liqueur — 30ml cold drip coffee — 1 pinch of salt (serves one) Shake all the ingredients, hard, in Boston tins with lots of ice till the outside is frosty. Double strain into a martini glass. Garnish with coffee beans or chocolate dust. Everyone'll be pepped for the night ahead in no time. [caption id="attachment_750115" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Camille Vidal, La Maison Wellness[/caption] HEALTH YEAH Not everyone drinks alcohol — and having a non-boozy option makes you a considerate host. This refreshingly light iced tea needs a little pre-planning, so you'll have to batch-make the tea and syrup the night before. Then, come Friday afternoon, you can to knock one of these together in no time. — 120ml roobois tea — 80ml kombucha — 20ml turmeric honey syrup — 2 dashes of lemon essential oil (serves one) Use cold water to infuse the tea as it'll avoid bitterness and tannins; add ten grams of roobois tea for every one litre of mineral water and leave to infuse overnight. Strain and keep it in the fridge. To make the syrup, use three tablespoons of turmeric honey and one tablespoon of golden unrefined sugar with 350ml of water. Add all ingredients in a saucepan, bring to boiling point and stir for one-to-two minutes until dissolved. Remove from heat and allow syrup to cool. Build the cocktail over ice in a highball, give a gentle stir to mix ingredients and garnish with a lemon wedge. SPIKED ICE TEA Thought that last one sounded good? How about having an iced tea with an extra kick? Forget woeful Long Islands and upgrade to this delicious and balanced Grey Goose version which includes a fruity twist of apricot brandy. — 30ml Grey Goose Original — 20ml apricot brandy — 20ml lemon juice — 90ml cold earl grey tea — 10ml sugar syrup Just like the boozeless option above, prep the tea overnight and brew with cold water to avoid any bitter tannin taste. Build the cocktail over ice in a highball, give a gentle stir to mix ingredients and garnish with a lemon wedge. Easy peasy! BOOZELESS GINGER MOJITO Who said drinkers had to have all the fun and flavour? When you want to take time off the sauce, or cater for guests who do, opt for this gently spiced but super-fresh non-alcoholic mojito. As a bonus you can show off your muddling skills to impress your mates. — 22ml fresh lime juice — 15ml sugar syrup — 3 wedges of fresh lime — 2cm of fresh peeled ginger — 12 fresh mint leaves — top with soda water (serves one) Muddle lime wedges, mint leaves and ginger with the sugar syrup and lime juice. Add crushed ice and churn before topping with soda water. Look at you go! ROSE SPRITZ Make like you're in the south of France with this gently fizzy, and oh-so pink cocktail that practically begs to be sipped outdoors on a terrace surrounded by your besties. — 30ml Grey Goose Original — 20ml Martini Bianco — 10ml Monin watermelon syrup — 15ml lemon juice — 45ml soda (serves one) Build all the ingredients over ice in a collins glass and top with soda water. Garnish with a lemon wedge. Then upload a pic to Instagram to make sure everyone knows you can make such a fine looking drink. Upgrade your Friday night at home by choosing premium vodka Grey Goose. Each bottle is distilled in France, and the high quality vodka has a 100 percent traceable production process, from crop to cork.
Brunch cafes aren't typically the domain of fine-dining chefs, but Manteiga — from Bentley, Est. and Dinner by Heston alum Justin Martins — is rewriting that script. This Portuguese-inspired spot brings elevated daytime fare to a sunny Darlinghurst corner, framed by large arched windows and an inviting, timber-accented fitout that sets the stage for Martins' playful menu. On it, you'll find signatures like the Manteiga Muffin — daily stone-baked bolo lêvedo made to Martins' grandfather's recipe, served with fluffy eggs, American cheese, house sauce and your choice of double-smoked bacon or a sausage beef patty. Other highlights include the Iberian baked eggs, with Portuguese-style chorizo, salsa verde, golden capsicum and a fresh herb salad; and the signature ricotta pancakes, a cloud-like stack topped with strawberry gum compote, tonka bean and puffed grains. Come midday, you can tuck into the likes of a tempura fish burger on a soft milk bun, or the Summer Manteiga Bowl, a fresh soba noodle salad loaded with a veritable rainbow of veg, finished with pistachio dukkah and a zesty nam jim dressing. Wash it all down with Single O coffee or a house-made iced tea, poured in a room that's as bright and breezy as the menu. And while Manteiga is a purely daytime affair for now, Martins has plans for special pop-ups and intimate degustation dinners that'll showcase even more of his fine-dining pedigree.
Potts Points proudly welcomes Parisian-inspired Le Frérot. The all-day diner serves crisp croissants from first thing in the morning and slings midday salads and sandwiches before transforming into an elegant yet easy-going bistro come evening. Standing alongside its older sibling, Franca Brasserie, which you might save for a special occasion, Le Frérot is designed to be a casual and inviting space to be enjoyed seven days a week, for breakfast, lunch or dinner. Le Frérot is the latest venture from Rivage Hospitality, which follows the success of their upscale, elegant French brasserie Franca, serving reimagined French classics such as a chicken liver parfait eclair with hazelnut praline and a pumpkin tarte tatin with blue cheese. Andrew Becher, Managing Director of the group, says, "We're absolutely delighted to be opening Le Frérot in the heart of Potts Point. This new cafe, bar and bistro will bring a fresh French concept to the neighbourhood, right alongside our beloved Franca…Le Frérot gives our guests an all-day dining experience while adding an exciting new layer to what we offer across Franca and Armorica. It's a natural little brother to Franca, with familiar nods to what has made it so successful, but with its own unique character and energy." Taking the lead in the kitchen is José Saulog, Group Executive Chef, who brings classic technique and a creative vision to create a menu that is both luxe and accessible. Mornings are made easier with fresh boulangerie baked goods, woodfired tartines, as well as more lavish dishes such as steak and eggs, Moreton Bay bug benedict and spanner crab omelettes. Classy lunch options include a smoked duck salad or a classic tuna nicoise, as well as speedy sandwiches. Bottomless fries are the star of the show come evening. Served alongside mussels in white wine and kombu butter, pork cutlets, roast duck breast and Black Angus hanger steak, they'll keep coming, as long as you keep eating. Le Frérot has introduced a series of weeknight specials that are too good to pass up. Making Mondays more manageable is Le Frérot's M&M Mondays, where margaritas and martinis are available for just $10 each. At that price, expect a rough wake-up on Tuesday morning because you'll be hard-pressed to stop at just one. And if you're looking to make the mid-week grind a little more exciting, why not try Le Frérot's T Bone Tuesdays? Grab a whopping one-kilogram T-bone steak, served with bottomless fries, for just $99, (just be prepared for the meat sweats). Images: Supplied.
There are plenty of reasons to explore Sydney's CBD. From the cobbled laneways of The Rocks to the swish foreshore playground that is Barangaroo, our city streets are recognisable to — and frequented by — tourists and locals alike. And when it comes to shopping, the CBD delivers something for everyone (and every budget). But navigating past the hotspots to undercover the hidden gems isn't as easy as it might seem. Alongside the city's sparkling facade is a thriving community of independent makers, creators and providers championing offbeat designs and small-scale goods. To help you venture off the beaten track, we've curated your go-to guide for the best stores to shop small in the CBD and surrounds. Find the perfect memorable gift, nab a great bottle of vino and sharpen your look at these ten must-see Sydney shops.
Before the rise of the small bar, cocktail bars were the only place to be rewarded when one had a thirst for both tasty and trendy. The Different Drummer was an oasis in a desert of old-man pubs and soulless bars. The Different Drummer in Glebe has a special place in the heart of the inner west. Since ages past the Drummer has been serving scintillating cocktails with a happy-go-lucky list of patrons who don't hesitate to share their thoughts on why the Agwacello (agwa coco leaf liquor, limoncello & cloudy apple) is the best cocktail on the menu. Settle in downstairs amongst the bordello-like luxury for your birthday or girls-night, or take a date up to the roof for a breeze and a good view. The bar is well positioned on Glebe Point Road's restaurant strip to cater for both pre- and post-meal drinks. This is fortunate as their drinks far outshine their food. The menu is a touch pricey and seldom Spanish, but don't be put off by the food, a daily 2-for-1 happy hour from 6 till 7.30 is more than enough to get you through the door. Image: Destination NSW
The 2026 Sydney Comedy Festival is taking over Bondi Pavilion for two weeks of live comedy from Wednesday, May 6 to Sunday, May 17. Set against the iconic backdrop of Bondi Beach, this week-long showcase will transform the Pavilion's Level One Theatre, Seagull Room, Bar and Balcony into a dedicated comedy hub, complete with sets from international stars, rising local talent, and festival favourites. The lineup is stacked with comedy heavyweights, including Daniel Connell, Eloise Eftos, Takashi Wakasugi and Ally Morgan, along with a selection of hand-picked standouts in the Best of the Fest International and Sydney Comedy Festival Showcase events. Expect sharp wit, belly laughs, and unexpected punchlines from Tammy Hearder, Aboriginal Comedy All Stars, Schalk Bezuidenhout, Luke Heggie, Sean Woodland and Daniel Muggleton. Whether you're keen on razor-sharp satire, absurdist antics, or classic observational comedy, the Bondi Pavilion is the place to be this autumn. Grab your mates and swap Bondi's summer humidity for a seasonal lineup of art and culture. Secure your tickets now and get ready for two weeks of unmissable performances and non-stop laughs. Sydney Comedy Festival at Bondi Pavilion runs from Wednesday, May 6 to Sunday, May 17. For more information or to book your tickets, visit the website.
It's easy to write off Sydney's "touristy" spots. As a local, they're the kinds of destinations you seem to visit when you've got out-of-towners in tow. But some are definitely worth a revisit. Consider this your sign to work a little heritage back into your cultural rotation. One of the city's most beloved heritage landmarks is Sydney Observatory, part of the Powerhouse Museum. It sits on the highest natural point in Sydney Cove and is a place of deep cultural significance with a history of scientific research and astronomical discovery. The year-round destination is located in the heart of the city and offers panoramic views of Sydney Harbour. Intrigued? Here's a taste of the year-round program of experiences, guided tours, exhibitions and events you can experience at Sydney Observatory. Free Access Often, a day out in Sydney can come with a hefty price tag, but the Observatory grounds offer free daytime walk-up access. You can explore the heritage-listed site for free from Thursday to Saturday, 12-6 pm. Pack a picnic lunch, take in the views, and let your kids run off some steam on the free playground. Sydney Observatory is an inviting outdoor and cultural space for families, locals and tourists alike. Inside, there's also a free exhibition available to explore. I Put The Stars On The Ground honours the rich knowledge of First Nations Astronomy that has been shared through stories, art, songs and ceremonies. Featuring a selection of works and star maps by Gail Mabo (Eddie Mabo's daughter), as well as ceramic art by Bulthirrirri Wunuŋmurra and Songlines of Our Universe—an original soundscape by William Barton and Veronique Serret—this free exhibition will fill your cultural cup. Tours to Book in If the above has you itching for more, Sydney Observatory offers several tours and experiences to learn from. Sydney Observatory offers guided daytime tours of the grounds, letting you uncover stories from behind Fort Philip and the Signal Station. Explore the Observatory building, including its domes and telescopes, and archival objects from the Powerhouse Collection. Sydney Observatory has a rich history of meteorology, timekeeping and astronomy, so you and your family can learn something new and feel a deep sense of appreciation for the history of Gadigal land. If you have younger visitors, book into the Sydney Observatory Family Tours, designed for ages 6 and above. Want to use the Observatory to its full potential? In one of Sydney's most unique after-dark activities, you can embark on a guided tour under the cover of darkness. Once a month, Sydney Observatory opens its doors (and domes) to the public after dark for Astronomy Nights. Learn how astronomers read the sky through interactive night-sky talks and guided exhibition tours. You can discover the stories behind constellations and planets and observe the sky through the building's treasured telescopes. Through its blend of science and storytelling, you can learn more about the sky, stars and Sydney. Expand Your Mind Alongside its guided tours, Sydney Observatory also hosts workshops and courses. Once a month, photography fans can take part in a two-hour night photography workshop. Sydney Observatory might be the best place in the city to take shots of the panoramic views, the heritage building and (on a clear night) the stunning stars. While you're welcome to bring your own camera, the team at Sony Australia will provide the equipment you need and guide your practice. Whether you're already an astronomy fan or looking to add some culture and science back into your weekend diet, Sydney Observatory offers a range of accessible programs and activities for astronomers of all ages. Book a visit this season. Discover what's on at Sydney Observatory and plan your visit.
If you've noticed a bit of a chill in the air these last few days, in the rare respites from the humidity at least, you know that the colder months of the year are slowly starting to creep up. In Sydney, that means less beach crowds and more pub fireplaces a'roaring, but it also means the massive, luminous festivities of Vivid Sydney are returning — and this year the festival is quite literally seizing the day. While the night is where Vivid really shines, slowly illuminating the rooftops, walls, alleyways, plazas and parks of Sydney with all the colours of the rainbow, 2026 marks a bold new venture: events held before sundown. That's right, this year Vivid Sydney is going to run a selection of installations, talks and food experiences in the daylight hours. [caption id="attachment_1081401" align="aligncenter" width="1920"] Destination NSW[/caption] The full 23-day program is weighty, and divided into the four pillars of Vivid Light, Vivid Music, Vivid Minds and Vivid Food, with 80 percent of the festival available completely for free — especially the Vivid Light Walk, an unbroken six-and-a-half kilometre route boasting 43 installations and projections. This year, Vivid Light is led by two landmark installations. Molecule of Light is Vivid 2026's tallest installation at 23 metres, a laser and sound installation from British artist Chris Levine that fuses single‑frequency beams, geometric light patterns and a solfeggio soundscape inspired by ancient healing frequencies. Then there's Obstacle, one of the longest works in Vivid's history — a 45-metre high‑resolution LED corridor of colour and movement on Wulugul Walk. [caption id="attachment_1081399" align="aligncenter" width="1920"] 'As Water Falls' by Studio Iregular[/caption] French artist Yann Nguema will light up the sails of the Opera House with Opera Mund, while Sāmoan‑Australian artist Angela Tiatia projects Vaiola, a reflection on the life and power of water, onto the Museum of Contemporary Art. And the night sky down in Cockle Bay will be lit up by the nightly laser show, returning for its 16th year with four shows every hour. Vivid Minds is inviting filmmakers Sean Baker (Anora) and Chloé Zhao (Hamnet), music commentator Zane Lowe, Pulitzer Prize-winning art critic Jerry Saltz and bestselling author Roxane Gay for conversations on creative practice and cultural shifts. There'll also be rapid-fire keynotes in Midweek Minds, weekly talks on contemporary creativity featuring architects, designers, creatives and filmmakers. [caption id="attachment_1081398" align="aligncenter" width="1920"] 'Continuum' by Ilumaphonium[/caption] Vivid Food is going to deliver a whole table worth of flavour, with the likes of a regional shared table-style dinner series from Yotam Ottolenghi with guests Mindy Woods with Danielle Alvarez at the Sydney Opera House, Ben Devlin with Lennox Hastie at Firedoor, and Christine Manfield with Sander Nooij at Yellow. Vivid Fire Kitchen is also turning the heat back on in a new home at Barangaroo Reserve — featuring chef talent like Mark Best, Luke Mangan, Sharon Salloum and Annita Potter, and an expanded list of culinary personalities such as Julia Goodwin, Adriano Zumbo, Declan Cleary and Karima Hazim. And finally, Vivid Music, even just the tip of this particular iceberg is setting the stage for music from every genre you could imagine. The free live music series, Tumbalong Nights, alone has booked artists of Nigerian Afrobeat, Chinese rap, Japanese rap, Australian alt-rock and even opera. Over at City Recital Hall, you'll find British multi-disciplinary artist Kae Tempest, Palestinian-French performer Saint Levant and EDM producer Daniel Avery. Metro Theatre is hosting UK R&B singer Clara La San, and Oxford Art Factory has booked headline shows from RUBII and Chanel Beads. The 2026 festival is also the organisational debut of Vivid Sydney Festival Director Brett Sheehy AO, who said this year's program represents a bold new horizon for the event. "For 2026 we are expanding our program into new artforms including aerial performance, daytime public art, theatre and dance. These join our vast Vivid Minds, Light, Music and Food offerings to now make your Vivid Sydney one of the great comprehensive arts festivals of the world." "This year we invite you to go beyond your previous expectations of Vivid Sydney into a bold new festival designed to surprise, delight, challenge, entertain, and fill you with joy," Sheehy adds. "Whether you encounter Vivid Sydney as a happy observer, an eager participant, or someone keen to engage with one of our dozens of interactive opportunities, we can promise you a festival of a lifetime." Vivid Sydney will take place across the city from Friday, May 22 to Saturday, June 13. For more information, visit the website. Images: supplied. Like what you see? Subscribe to the Concrete Playground newsletter to get stories just like these straight to your inbox.
We've all heard that Christmas isn't about presents. It's about spending time with family, blood-related or otherwise. For others, it's a time to wind down after another year, to celebrate a certain person's birthday, or to tuck into an epic turkey feast. Whatever the story is, though, turning up to Christmas lunch empty handed is not something many of us are all too keen on. But what do you do for the person who already has pretty much everything imaginable? Well, you could give them the gift of experience — and make it one they're sure to remember for years to come. In partnership with Square, we've found nine unique Aussie experiences that'll make for great gifts — and you'll be buying from local legends who, after a pretty tough year, need your support. If you are a small business owner, Square has the tools you need to take payments and maximise your sales, including an ebook with tips to help you get started this holiday season. DOVECOTE FARM STAYS (FROM $1150) After a year that's seen us staring at our own four walls more than we'd like, why not gift your bestie, parents or partner an escape to the countryside? Located on the South Coast, just a two-hour drive from the city, is Dovecote. The property boasts 150 acres of oceanfront farmland and two private accommodation stays, both with private access to Werri Beach. The Range fits up to four guests, with two bedrooms, a bathroom, oceanside deck and a plunge pool. Otherwise, you can book in a stay at The Headland, which sleeps up to eight people and comes with a rumpus room, lush lawn, pool and firepit. SUNRISE HOT AIR BALLOON FLIGHT, BALLOON JOY ($300) Know someone who's always got their head in the clouds? Whether they're a hopeless romantic or just someone who dreams about reaching great new heights, giving them a hot air balloon flight will set you above the rest this Christmas. Aussie company Balloon Joy Flights offers both sunrise and sunset tours over the historic rural town of Canowindra. Or, you can book in an exclusive two-person hot air balloon ride if that's more your speed. Otherwise, simply purchase a gift voucher online, which is valid for up to three years. HAMILTON HOUSE STAY ($800 FOR TWO) If you want to treat your partner in crime to a next-level getaway, then consider a stay at this quirky house located at Emu Bay, Kangaroo Island. Sure, you'll be forking out for more than just a night here — you'll need to save up some cash for flights, as well as activities and dining out. But, as international travel is likely to be off the cards for a while to come, there's never been a better reason for Aussies to explore their own backyard. Hamilton House is set on 4000 square metres of land and is just a short walk from the white sandy shores of Emu Bay Beach. BURRATA & BOCCONCINI CLASS, OMNOM CHEESE ($79) We all know a hardcore cheese lover. Instead of simply buying them their one true cheesy love, get them a gift that'll let them feed their own gouda-loving gobs time after time: a cheese-making workshop. Rosebery cheese-making studio Omnom Cheese hosts a range of classes. We reckon the Burrata & Bocconcini class is the standout, where your mate will be making a whole kilogram of cheese. However, Omnom also offers haloumi and feta and ricotta classes. We recommend getting a voucher if your friend is particularly picky. [caption id="attachment_755511" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Unsplash; Kelsey Knight[/caption] FULL-DAY MUDGEE WINE TOUR, MUDGEE EXPLORER ($130) Naturally, after all this cheese talk, we're moving onto wine. It'd be rude not to, really. While bottles of wine make for a mighty fine pressie (in our opinion anyway), you can take it up a notch and buy your shiraz-loving grandad, sauvignon blanc-sipping aunt or pét-nat-popping bestie a ticket to a wine tour around Mudgee. The full-day tour will bus them about, covering five wineries and a leisurely lunch either at a local pub or yet another winery. It also includes pick-up (10am) and drop-off (4.30pm) and a photography service to capture all the fun wine times they'll be having. [caption id="attachment_791340" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Reuben Gibbs[/caption] EVENING TASTER CLASS, BONDI CLAY ($59) Like many of us, you probably have someone in your life who tested out a few new hobbies this year. If playing with clay is still on their list, then they're likely to love a class at eastern suburbs ceramic studio Bondi Clay. It offers a bunch of classes, from one-off wheel-throwing nights to month-long masterclasses. But, we think, the pick of the bunch is the Evening Taster Class, particularly for a newbie. Or, let your mate decide and give them a gift voucher. WINERY TOUR, BINET FAMILY WINES ($50) If you're keen to keep the wine party going, then buy your wannabe sommelier mate a tour around the Hunter Valley's award-winning Binet Family Wines. The winery, headed up by young gun Daniel Binet, is known for its exceptional drops, including semillon, verdelho, chardonnay and shiraz. The two-hour tour is led by winemakers, so your friend can expect to garner a lot of knowledge on all things terroir and tannins. It includes a walk around the picturesque vineyard, a barrel tasting and a seated tasting of Binet's wine ranges. [caption id="attachment_791348" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Destination NSW[/caption] SYDNEY HARBOUR BRIDGE CLIMB (FROM $198) Even though we live in Sydney, many of us give the activities you'd find on a backpacker's bucket list a miss. And that's fair enough. But, if you know a daredevil in your inner circle who's never climbed one of Australia's greatest engineering marvels, then we'd say this case is closed. Nab them a ticket to step up into the skies on the Sydney Harbour Bridge and it's sure to be a gift they won't forget. Better yet, Sydney Harbour Bridge Climb is currently offering climbs for less than $200, which is a whole lot cheaper than usual. And, it offers gift vouchers, valid for up to three years. [caption id="attachment_665014" align="alignnone" width="1920"] KOI[/caption] KOI SET DESSERT MENU ($95) If you have someone on your Christmas gift list who is a devout Masterchef Australia fan, then lucky you, you've just found the perfect pressie. KOI Dessert Bar is from the Masterchef wizard Reynold Poernomo and his brothers Arnold and Ronald. Treat your friend to a dessert degustation at its Chippendale outpost, where they'll be feasting on four decadent — and theatrically plated — dishes. Rather than the risky business of picking a date at random, though, opt for a KOI gift card. Find out how Square is supporting small businesses with the tools they need to grow, here. If you are a small business owner, Square has guidance on how best to maximise sales in the run up the Christmas holiday period in its ebook, found here. Top image: Sydney Harbour Bridge Climb, Destination NSW
News just in that Cronulla will land a new day-to-night music room, bar and bistro, from a hospo pair who are no strangers to the area. Meadow will mark the third venue for Adam and Kylie Micola, set to open in the former Papa J's cocktail bar site. This new operation is set to reinvigorate the evolving Cronulla hospo offering with a music-forward, drinks-led experience. It comes off the back of the Micola's success with popular local venues, Bobbys and Bangor Tavern. Alongside the opening of the third venue, the couple will launch their new hospitality group, Anyway Hospitality. "This venue is an exciting step for us, as a sister venue to Bobbys, Meadow will offer a place where sound, atmosphere and people meet without pretence. Launching Anyway Hospitality feels like a natural progression for us. The name really reflects our philosophy in creating places that give people a reason to go out, shape their mood and carry the moment. As we grow Anyway Hospitality, our intention is to create spaces that become more immersive, more memorable and harder to leave," says Adam Micola. Meadow's live music program will focus largely on vinyl records, and the restaurant will draw inspiration from approachable, neighbourhood French bistros for everything else. The menu, created by group executive chef Pablo Tordesillas, will feature dishes such as duck liver parfait with toasted baguette, Moreton Bay bug with rouille and frites, and a signature cheeseburger with Café de Paris butter. The complimentary beverage program focuses on quality cocktails, a strong selection of wines by the glass, and an emphasis on champagne. The space, with a capacity for 120 people, has been designed by Tom Mark Henry, channelling quiet sophistication, warmth and elegance, and easy day-to-night transitions. Images: Supplied. Like what you see? Subscribe to the Concrete Playground newsletter to get stories just like these straight to your inbox.
It might be sunny in Sydney more often than it's not, but that doesn't mean the city is blessed with beach weather all year round. Sometimes it's too cold to dip a toe in, let alone do a few laps. That's where heated facilities come in. If you're a swimmer, it can be tough to maintain the motivation to throw yourself into freezing cold water, but the right pool — specifically one that won't freeze the flesh off your bones — can make all the difference. While we're blessed with an abundance of ocean pools that are always ready and waiting for a quick plunge, there are a few man-made pools — both indoor and outdoor — that are nicely heated during winter. If you're after a dip, even when it's chilly outside, we recommend giving the best heated pools in Sydney a try. Recommended reads: The Best Spas in Sydney The Best Ocean Pools in Sydney The Best Natural Hot Springs in NSW PRINCE ALFRED PARK POOL, SURRY HILLS In the middle of the always-buzzing Prince Alfred Park, this outdoor heated pool is the perfect place for your next wintertime swim. The facility utilises energy efficient heating that's regulated by the complex's green rooftop of native grasses. The pool also has a storm-water harvesting and filtration system to further add to Prince Alfred's green-thumb mentality. At $7.20, you can go for a casual lap session in one of the 25-metre lanes — at the moment, the 50-metre pool has been subdivided to allow for 18 half-length lap lanes. And no bookings are required, either. Prince Alfred Park Pool is open from 6am–8pm Monday–Sunday. No bookings necessary. NORTH SYDNEY OLYMPIC POOL, NORTH SYDNEY If you're looking for a heated swim with a view, it's safe to say your search is over. For $8.50, take a dip in this heated outdoor pool and bask in the scenery that's dotted with famous landmarks like the Harbour Bridge and Luna Park. The Olympic pool is especially fit for workout laps. Plus, you can take inspiration from these very historical waters — almost 90 world records were broken in this pool. At the moment, sessions are by booking only and are limited to one-hour per day. But, with just three swimmers allowed in each lane, you won't be fighting for space. Head to the website for full details. North Sydney Olympic Pool is currently closed for major renovations, but is slated to return later in 2023. VICTORIA PARK POOL, CAMPERDOWN In the heart of nine-hectare Camperdown Park lies a classic outdoor heated pool in Sydney with seriously chill vibes. The 50-metre heated pool — set at a cosy 25 degrees — is perfect for getting your laps in, as well as for a more relaxing swim across the length of the pool. Revel in the toasty waters and ample space for just $7.50 per casual swim. While there are no bookings necessary, only 24 patrons (three per lane) are allowed in the pool at a time, so we suggest swimming during off-peak times here. For full details on pool availability and rules, head to the website. Victoria Park Pool is open from 6am–8pm Monday–Sunday. No bookings necessary. IAN THORPE AQUATIC CENTRE, ULTIMO With an innovative wave shape, this facility includes three heated indoor pools. The 50-metre lap pool is perfect for focusing on your stroke, while the program pool provides all kinds of aquatic classes (including aqua-aerobics) and the leisure pool is a place to chill. Temperatures range from 25 to 30 degrees, creating warm and welcoming waters. At $8.50, head to the aquatic centre for a casual swim and remind yourself that the cold of winter shall pass sooner rather than later. But maximum capacity is reduced to 12 during peak hours, so be sure to check the time table before heading over to one of the best heated pools in Sydney. Ian Thorpe Aquatic Centre 50-metre pool is open from 6am–8pm Monday–Sunday. Check the website for current program and leisure pool operating hours. DES RENFORD AQUATIC CENTRE, MAROUBRA Not sure whether you'd prefer an outdoor or indoor heated pool? This aquatic centre has one of each. You can work on your backstroke in the outdoor 50-metre pool, which sits at a tepid 26 degrees, or flaunt your stuff in the 25-metre indoor pool. But there is one catch — casual swims are not allowed at this time, so you'll have to purchase a minimum 10-visit swim pass to visit. Bookings during peak hours are also a must, and can be made separately for the Olympic and training pools over here. But this gorgeous Maroubra facility is worth the extra steps. Des Renford Aquatic Centre is open from 5:30am–10pm Monday–Thursday, 5:30am–8:30pm on Fridays and 7am–6pm on weekends. Pre-book for peak session times. COOK AND PHILLIP PARK AQUATIC CENTRE, CBD Close to the iconic St Mary's Cathedral, Cook and Phillip is home to three indoor heated pools with a spectrum of activities for you to dive into. At $8.50, you'll have access to a 50-metre lap pool, a leisure pool that includes a cool wave machine and a hydrotherapy pool built with ramp access — we expect you'll find any excuse to visit. Bookings are not necessary, but capacity limits are in place at both peak and off-peak hours. Luckily, the 50-metre heated lap pool has been cut into two 25-metre pools with a turning boom, so up to 48 patrons can swim at a time. Cook and Phillip Park Aquatic Centre 50-metre lap pool is open from 6am–8pm Monday–Sunday. Check the website for current leisure an hydrotherapy pool opening hours. ANNETTE KELLERMAN AQUATIC LEISURE CENTRE, MARRICKVILLE Located in leafy Enmore Park, this establishment has everything you could want in a heated swimming space. Whether you go through rounds of laps in the 50-metre indoor pool or leisurely drift through the heated program pool, you're guaranteed to get your swimming fix. The aquatic centre also has a learn-to-swim pool open to adults if you're keen on becoming a pro, or just want a more casual swimming experience. For $9.80, you'll have your pick of any of the three indoor heated pools, and no bookings are needed. Annette Kellerman Aquatic Leisure Centre is open from 6am–8.30pm Monday–Friday, 6am–6.30pm on Saturdays and 7am–6.30pm on Sundays. No bookings required but capacity limits are in place. OLYMPIC PARK AQUATIC CENTRE, OLYMPIC PARK As the name suggests, this facility provides for Olympic-level swimming. The indoor training and competition pools are currently open for lap swimming only and are suggested for competent swimmers. If you're already active in the water, this is the place to polish up on your stroke. You'll also see quite a few pros around, with squads regularly practicing here. Entry to the Sydney heated bool costs $9.30 while access to the steam and sauna facilities starts at only $14 per person. The indoor interactive pool is also great for kids (and for adults after more casual swims) — it boasts a waterslide, spray jets and five spas, great for a relaxing day in the water. Olympic Park Aquatic Centre is open from 5am–8pm on weekdays and 6am–8pm on weekends. Call ahead to check lane availability. LEICHHARDT PARK AQUATIC CENTRE, LEICHHARDT Leichhardt Pool boasts three indoor heated facilities to enjoy during winter for a $9.80 casual entry. Practice like a pro in the 50-metre Olympic pool which has seven lanes and is heated to a balmy 27 degrees. Or make a splash in the newly renovated program pool, which offers more casual lap swimming. Then there's the hyrdotherapy pool, with a walking-only lane and recreational lap swimming for adults. As no bookings are required, you can switch between each at your leisure (with capacity limits in place, of course). Though each heated pool has its own specific operating hours, so make sure to check the website before you visit. Leichhardt Park Aquatic Centre Olympic pool is open 6am–8pm daily. For all pool operating hours, visit the website. Top Image: Ian Thorpe Aquatic Centre, Jesse Jaco
The flavours and rhythm of Beirut have arrived in one of Sydney's most historic precincts. Now open in The Rocks, Sahtein has taken over the former home of The Dining Room within Argyle Street precinct The Collective, bringing the generous, familiar dishes found in homes and neighbourhood restaurants across the Lebanese capital. The menu stays close to tradition, spanning cold and hot mezze, charcoal-grilled meats and seafood, alongside housemade breads, dips and pickles designed to remain on the table throughout. Dishes arrive as they're ready, encouraging the lively, overlapping style of dining that defines meals in Beirut. [caption id="attachment_1075622" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Steven Woodburn[/caption] All produce is halal, and much of the cooking happens over wood fire and charcoal. Highlights to start include a classic kibbeh nayeh, fava bean falafel with zingy tarator and sawda djej — sautéed chicken livers with garlic and mulberry molasses. The grill gets fired up for dishes like shish lahm (date- and tamarind-glazed wagyu skewers), noss farrouj (deboned half chicken with toum and Aleppo honey) and the signature raqabat kharouf — a slow-cooked seven-spice lamb neck served with kafta-stuffed zucchini, riz bi sh'arieh (vermicelli rice), labneh and tabouleh. Desserts also take cues from teta's kitchen, like a fragrant mhalabieh (rose and orange milk pudding topped with pistachio), sfouf b'debs (carob molasses and semolina cake with spiced tahini) and classic baklawa. Overseeing the kitchen are Executive Chef Mike Flood (Felix, Firedoor, Quay), Head Chef Rifat Katranci (The Cut Bar & Grill, Jimmy's Falafel) and Hunter St. Hospitality Culinary Director Santiago Aristizabal, who travelled to Beirut last year to research how the city eats. Cocktails further explore Levantine flavours — try the za'atar martini with amontillado sherry and olive oil, or the Downtown Beirut, a West Asian riff on a manhattan infused with fig, date and cherry, served tableside. A Med-heavy wine list rounds things out, alongside a considered arak selection available by the glass, carafe or bottle. [caption id="attachment_1075619" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Steven Woodburn[/caption] Top images: Steven Woodburn.
