Maya Skidmore

We're calling it – Darwin is one of Australia’s best kept secrets. A florid tropical paradise that sits in summer year-round, this city is full of mammoth frangipani trees, rainbow birds and zesty food. It's been shaped by the vibrant influence of the local Larrakia people, combined with a vivid mix of cultures from all over the world. If you’re looking at heading up the Top End way for a few days, but aren’t sure what the best things to do, eat and see in Darwin are – we have you covered. Whether you’re going for a 24-hour stopover or a week-long adventure, this guide is designed to help you get the most bang for buck.  So, get up, get to it and get north. Take it from us, you won’t regret it.  What’s the best time of year to go to Darwin?  The best (and busiest) time to go to Darwin is during the dry season, from May to October, because the southern summer months often mean a whole lot of tropical storms and humid heat for our northern compatriots. August is the glittering month in Darwin’s crown – it’s the time when you’ll experience the world-famous Darwin Festival; perfect summery weather; and easy access to river cruises, (croc-free) waterholes, and pristine gorges that disappear during the wet. That being said, the wet season (November to April) is full of its own sparkling drama, with wild rains and tropical storms making for thundering rivers, tumbling waterfalls and striking green landscapes. Also, travel and accommodation during the wet is a whole lot cheaper and l

Sydney, we stand before you empty-lunged and sweaty-browed. We've hit up Sydney's karaoke dens to discern for you the best spots around the city to bust a lung and break hearts on the private dancefloor. The criteria? The room, the sound system, the song list and that special something – we'll call it k-factor. But the fun doesn't stop there: keep the night going on Sydney's very best dance floors, trot off for a cleansing night cap at one of Sydney's best bars, and then head out to one of these epic late night eateries for a sobering snack.  Want more of the good stuff, for cheap? Check out our top picks of Sydney's best free nightlife. 

Litchfield National Park is a lush and verdant corner of the Northern Territory that often gets forgotten. Located just 60 minutes from Darwin, this national park is overflowing with thundering waterfalls, crystal pools and vivid greenery that has to be seen to be believed. In a part of the world where pretty much all bodies of water are to be heavily avoided at all costs (read: saltwater crocs), Litchfield is a special oasis for swimmers and weary travellers alike. RECOMMENDED: Your ultimate guide to Darwin for 24 hours (or more) As the traditional lands of the Marrathiel, Marranunggu, Werat, Warray and Koongurrukun people (amongst many others), Litchfield is a deeply ancient and sacred place that has been protected by its people for millennia. Its wild beauty, profound peacefulness and awe-inspiring views can be experienced year-round – but for swimming, camping and hiking, the best time to head there is the dry season (May to October). During the wet (November to April), you can still visit the park, but expect heavy monsoon rains to shut access to some swimming holes. While less swimmable, the wet season in Litchfield is the best time to see waterfalls at their thundering best, and the green landscape at its absolute lushest.  So, if you’re headed to Darwin and want to feel like you’re living in a Tourism Australia ad, you should one hundred per cent do a day (or several days) trip to Litchfield. Whether you’re more of a luxe livin’ type, a budget camper, or just someone

Thinking of starting or adding to your collection of house plants? These plant shops, nurseries and foliage delivery services have everything you need from on-trend indoor foliage and low-maintenance greenery to nourishing soil and pots that double as decoration. If you've got a case of the black thumb, the knowledgeable staff at these nurseries are your best resource for plant care know-how. Also, if you can't get out and about to buy them for yourself, we've found out which one of these do delivery so you don't have to.  RECOMMENDED: If you want to skip the gardening altogether and decorate with blooms from the best flower delivery services in Sydney. If this has got you in the mood for some plants 'in the wild' why not check out the best public gardens you can visit in and around Sydney. Want to green up your life, without stress? Check out these seven low-maintenance indoor plants that you probably won't kill.

This weekend, there is so much popping off in Sydney that it's hard to know where to start. We'll be starting things off with a trip to the National Indigenous Art Fair, where a two-day festival of First Nations art, design, music and food will be going down at the Overseas Passenger Terminal. You'll be able to grab art from remote Indigenous communities from all over Australia, join workshops, and meet the makers in person. All very spectacular.  After that, we'll be gliding across an outdoor ice skate at Bondi Festival, then heading out of town to Moama Lights for a sparkly, glowy fix. We'll then be slurping up a storm at the Sydney Ramen Festival and watching a magic show inside one of the pylons at the Harbour Bridge (because, obviously).  We'll also be kicking back with some nostalgic magic at Beauty and the Beast, eating oodles of cheese and chocolate fondue at this dreamy winter wonderland, and getting freaked out for the very last time at Darkfield (think a seance, a flight disaster and a lot of fear inside a shipping container).  To cap it all off, we'll be checking out an incredible new exhibition all about Marilyn Monroe, heading to Aida for a spectacular opera experience, and then kicking back in a pink pop-up glass igloo (while snaffling a bottomless chef-prepared feast) suspended above Sydney Harbour.  This weekend, make it count.  Sick of the city? Do one of these epic (and easy) day hikes in Sydney.

This week in our Harbour City there is so much to do, see and taste that it's hard to know where to start. It's getting chillier, but that doesn't mean that the good times aren't heating up. To kick it all off, we'll be ice skating at Bondi as part of their annual (and fabulous) Bondi Festival. You can expect carnvival rides, music and a whole lot of wild shows and interactive performance art. After this, to (get over the end of Vivid), we will be keeping the sparkles alive at Borealis in the Vines(with it ending this Friday), and then heading underground for the last bedazzled moments of Dark Spectrum.  We will be keeping the winter magic alive and kicking with a trip to the East Village Sydney Winter Garden, where cheese and chocolate fondue reign supreme. We'll also be combating chilly work nights with a trip to the Sydney Ramen Festival, where all the city's best ramen joints are joining forces for a soupy extravaganza that deserves everyone's attention.  We will also be seeing a magic show in a pylon in the Harbour Bridge, kicking back at the magnificence of The Poison of Polygamy and guzzling champers while watching acrobats at Blanc de Blanc Encore. We will also be making sure we freak ourselves out with a (potential) plane disaster and/or witchy seance at Darkfield and wandering through the Archibald.  All in all, this week's looking like a pretty great one.  Want more this week? How about you eat at one of the best restaurants in Sydney right now, and then get stuck

We know what they say about chasing waterfalls, but what about chasing rainbows? You’ll find some spectacularly bright rainbow crossings, paths and walkways if you go looking in Sydney. At the end of the day, these colourful installations are symbols of LGBTQIA+ equality and solidarity and a reminder that love wins. They’re perfect places to reflect on how far we’ve come in the fight for equality, how far we have to go yet – and, of course, get your smize on for a selfie. Looking for places to connect on common ground? Check out the best queer pubs and clubs in Sydney or cool off at Sydney’s best gay-friendly beaches

On clear nights, you may be able to spot a few stars in central Sydney, but like most big cities, light pollution will keep the full celestial wonders of the night sky obscured. Fortunately, you don't have to travel very far out of the city to improve your view. Here, we have created a list of the six best spots for stargazing in, and near Sydney. So, grab your crew, your binoculars and a zest for starry-eyed adventuring. It's time to look up.  Why not spend a few nights under the stars at one of the best campgrounds near Sydney?  Want more gorgeous natural action? Check out our list of the best national parks you can explore in and around Sydney. 

It's no secret that Vivid is usually quite overwhelming. With the pumping crowds, winter chill, and intense sensory overload of massive immersive light shows, the whole experience has the potential of making you feel more than a little lost.  This year, we've put together a list of all the best free and moderately priced activities, events and illuminations you can get around this Vivid season. Whether it's remarkable glowing things you can gaze at, mind-blowing talks, or getting to see Sydney turn rainbow from far, far  above, we have you covered.  The one thing that's for sure? You won't get bored.  Stay in the Vivid-know with our ultimate guide to where to eat, drink and sleep during Sydney's shiniest time of year.

Listen up, thrifty folk – if you’re on the hunt for the best op shops in Sydney, look no further.  If you're feeling overwhelmed by the rising cost of living and growing climate anxiety, shopping secondhand is the perfect place for you to be. Affordable, fresh and always surprising, op shopping is better for your wallet, better for the Earth, and (arguably) better for your style.  That said, it's tough to decipher which op shops in Sydney are worth the trip or best to skip. Between just Salvos and Vinnies alone, there are more than a thousand stores across the country, and with one or the other on most high streets, it’s hard to know where to start.  The question remains: where are the best op shops in Sydney?  Whether you're coming from the north, south, east or west, we have you covered with our comprehensive guide to the best Vinnies, Red Cross and Salvos stores in Sydney city that you may (or may not) have heard of. Picked by an expert for their cheap prices and quality clothes and furniture offerings, all of these op shops are stacked with treasures that you've got to see to believe.  Whether you’re after secondhand furniture, vintage threads, or a brand-new wardrobe for beautiful prices, peruse our pick of the ten best op shops Sydney has to offer.  After all, as Peter Allen once sang, everything old is new again.  Stay thrifty with our guide to the best cheap eats in Sydney right now and then keep in an ethical state of mind with a trip to one of the coolest independen

It’s official: June is here, and we couldn’t be more chuffed about it. With the biggest and brightest iteration of Vivid yet landing in town, this month is set to be filled with a glittering array of fantastical events, installations and experiences that we know we don’t want to miss. Whether it’s exploring the abandoned tunnels under Wynyard that are full of robots and lasers, eating our way through glowing food experiences at Vivid Food, or getting down at one of these incredible parties and gigs popping up across town, this year’s shine fest is looking like a mighty good one.  On top of all the Vivid action, we will be losing ourselves in the wonders of the Sydney Film Festival, blowing our minds open at Remix, heading to Bowral to see the Northern Lights shine in a vineyard, and making sure we catch all the absolute best theatre and musicals showing this month.  As we walk into the first chilly month of winter, we reckon that everything actually feels quite toasty. June, we’re ready for you. Make the most of this crisp time of year and adventure to one of these incredible natural hot springs in NSW, and then make sure you head on one of these glorious winter getaways close to Sydneytown.

Let’s face it: while New South Wales has some spectacular ski resorts and snow fields, taking a trip to the snow isn’t the cheapest of holidays. Mostly, that’s because we have a much shorter snow season than our European cousins. However, that doesn’t mean you need to be rolling in dough to hit the slopes; many alpine destinations offer sweet deals during the winter months. We've rounded up everything from accommodation packages to majorly reduced day passes and student specials. Check out our ultimate snow-on-a-budget guide before you hit up the slopes this winter.  Want more winter getaway action? Check out our list of the best trips you can take to warm up your life this chilly season. 

It's fair to say it's been a whirlwind couple of months for Aussie Swifties. First, there was speculation she was coming Down Under, and then it was finally confirmed: Tay Tay was locked in for three shows in Melbourne at the MCG. And while trying to score a ticket has been a total (bad) bloodbath, there's still some fun to be had for those who missed out (and even those lucky ones who didn't). Enter the Taylor Swift Themed Brunch Experience. This very unofficial event will go down over two days at 480 Collins Street in Melbourne's CBD on November 4 and 5 – and it's promising to be quite the Swiftie extravaganza. You’ll get to snaffle down a bunch of brunchy foods that are allegedly going to be curated around an 'Enchanted' theme, all while the queen of pop's classic hits play on high volume.  On top of the brunch, the songs and you getting a free drink on arrival, there will be trivia, lip-sync battles and prizes for the best dressed – so we reckon get sparkly and sequined in the most Taylor-like way possible.  Tickets will set you back $55 a pop (unlike the actual concert) and you can absolutely book yourself in right now. Want more? Here's what's popping off right now: Is Beyoncé coming to Melbourne? Here's everything we know. Melbourne is getting a $20 million Monopoly theme park. The red-hot musical Chicago is set to give Her Majesty’s Theatre the ol’razzle-dazzle in 2024.

We speculated, we saw, she confirmed – Taylor Swift is coming to Sydney, and if the rest of the world’s recent experience is anything to go by, getting tickets to one of her shows is already shaping up to be a full-on bloodbath. With T-Swiz putting on four shows in Sydney, there will be ample tickets going around (with general release going on June 30 (at 10am Australian Eastern Standard Time to be exact – you can try your luck by clicking here). However, there’s still a sad, and fairly large possibility that a lot of hopeful Swifties may have to miss out.   For all of the poor, unfortunate souls who don’t get in on the action, there may be a consolation prize for you. Enter: the Taylor Swift Themed Experience. Spoiler: It's brunch.  This very un-official Taylor Swift themed moment will go down over two days at 4 Cross Street, Double Bay on November 11 and November 12 this year, and is promising to be quite the Swiftie extravaganza. You’ll get to snaffle down a bunch of brunchy foods that are allegedly going to be themed after Taylor’s ‘Enchanted’ album, all while the songstress’ classic hits play on high volume.  On top of the brunch, the songs and you getting a free drink on arrival, there will be trivia, lip-sync battles, and prizes for the best dressed – so we reckon get sparkly and sequined in the most Taylor-like way possible.  Tickets will set you back $55 a pop (unlike Taylor’s actual concert) and you can absolutely book yourself in right now. Who needs the Accor Stad

The Auriga Spa is Sydney’s lushest (and bougiest) new wellness addition that’s arrived at the five-star Capella Hotel, and it looks like everything our most luxurious White Lotus dreams are made of – just without the weird guests and/or murder sub-plot (hopefully). The only catch is that (much like in White Lotus) this spa is currently extremely exclusive and only available to in-house guests – though this may change in the future.  Set deep within the heritage walls of the Capella Hotel in the centre of Sydney, the Auriga is awash with low-lit moody corners, white marble, an immense 20-metre heated pool, and massages that are tailor-made to reflect the changing cycles of the new and full moon. Quite transcendent, if you ask us.  While the Auriga Spa is synonymous with the Capella brand all over the world, this new Sydney iteration is distinctly Australian, and it taps into Sydney history, being built off an intentional synergy with the heritage-listed former Department of Education building that Capella Sydney has taken over. From bespoke aromatic skincare products made by Synthesis Organics in Byron Bay, to heated stones gathered from remote corners of Australia, to native botanical facials and wellness journeys that draw on connecting to country as a ground base, Auriga is centred on working with what we’ve naturally got. This is also obvious in the spa’s careful consideration of the historical legacy of the building that it’s housed in. We’re told that the teams from Make

Snuggly Christmas jumpers, crackling fires and melted cheese fondue aren’t the usual markers of an Aussie Christmas, but that doesn’t stop most of us dreaming of them. For everyone Down Under who feels cheated out of a wintery Yuletide fest, look no further than this Xmas in July festival going down in Australia’s answer to a freezing European village – Canberra.  Kicking off from Thursday, June 29 and running until Sunday, July 2, ‘Xmas in July 2023’ will bring a gorgeous array of torched marshmallows and (boozy) hot chocolates, melted French cheeses, more than 80 pop-up French and European food stalls, fire pits, a mulled wine garden, free French cabaret shows and all-round Christmas market vibes (complete with legit falling 'snow') to Canberra’s Parkes Place lawn. And it's free entry. Joyeux Noël.  Festival-goers can expect to wander through an open-air market peppered with stalls selling gorgeous homewares, French saucisson, truffle oils, artisan chocolate and (did we mention this?) a lot of cheese, in a whole lot of delicious and different forms. You’ll also get the chance to get properly festive with live DJs, a free cabaret show on Thursday, June 29 at 6pm, and live music that’ll be going all day long.  If you like the idea of celebrating Christmas twice in one year, eating your body weight in hot French cheese, twirling beneath fairy lights and basically having a jolly good time, you may want to think about travelling down south for this four-day festival of food, win

The Museum of Old and New Art (MONA) in Hobart, Tasmania, is one of the few places on Earth where you can feel like you’re actually in the first ring of hell – but in a really incredible, positive and life-altering kinda way.  MONA is a place that defies most explanations. If this story was in MONA, it would probably stop right here and then leave you to work the rest out yourself. Thankfully, we aren’t a mammoth fever dream created by a professional gambler, so we’ll tell you what you need to know.  This colossal and futuristic alien space is stuffed with the weirdest, most dazzling and generally horrifying things you’ve probably ever seen. The beauty of a privately-owned gallery is that really, anything goes. Whether it's the classical wall of ceramic vaginas, an intricate glass machine that produces legitimate faeces, or the wax head of an Italian man from the 17th century, MONA is all about art – but it doesn’t discriminate as to what real art really is.  MONA began after founder David Walsh made a tiny museum of antiquities on a lonely peninsula off Hobart. When nobody turned up (in his words), he decided to expand, creating the Batmobile-like museum that we all know and love today. Full of sex, death and mystery, this subversive space is full of labyrinth-like corners, hidden oases of intrigue, and a mind-boggling mix of ancient, contemporary and classic art from all over the world and human history.  These days, you can ogle the legitimate mixing desk from Abbey Road (

OK, everyone stop what you’re doing right now. Solange (yes, as in the Solange of the Beyoncé bloodline) is coming to the Art Gallery of NSW, and this is not a drill.  In breaking news, the AGNSW has announced the arrival of an epic music, film and performance festival called ‘Volume’ that will bring a collection of starry, big-name talent to the gallery’s awe-inspiring new contemporary wing.  Spoiler: The gnarly subterranean WW2 tank is going to turn into a performance space. You heard it here first.  The likes of Sampa the Great, Mount Eerie and Sonya Holowell (plus a myriad of intriguing, alternative and wild-sounding acts) will be taking to the gallery’s many gorgeous spaces to sing, perform and generally twist all of our minds into fantastic new shapes, from September 22 to October 8. This 17-day festival is unlike anything the gallery has put on before, and the fact that they have nabbed Solange (we’re saying it one more time for the people in the back) is indicative that we’re all in for a pretty cool time.  Every night from Tuesday to Sunday during ‘Volume’, the Art Gallery of NSW will be wide open for all those who like a bit of late-night artistic revelry. During the day, all those who prefer the sun will also get a slice of the action, with both the north and south buildings of the gallery offering up free live music, workshops and performances.  One of the coolest bits of this festival is the use of the infamous Tank. Set deep beneath the ground, this rediscovered

Nobody is immune to Marilyn Monroe. The irrepressible charm and intrigue of the most famous blonde to ever live hasn’t faded, with her brilliance standing strong 61 years after her death. Whether it’s the diamonds, the hair, the billowing white skirt, or the tragic past,  Marilyn’s story is one that has entranced, fascinated and intoxicated people for decades.  Now, for everyone in Sydney who feels this way about Marilyn, things are about to level up in a seriously big way. Enter: Marilyn: The Woman Behind the Icon.  This incredible new exhibition and retrospective will arrive at Sydney Town Hall on July 1, 2023 and will bring Sydney a sparkly variety of Marilyn’s personal possessions, clothes (including the infamous dress that Kim Kardashian wore to the Met Gala), handwritten letters and other treasured objects that don’t normally see the light of day – particularly in Australia.  Running until September 24, this show is all about exploring who Marilyn really was away from the glitz and glam of the Hollywood spotlight. You can expect to see vestiges of her childhood, movie memorabilia from the ‘50s and ‘60s, and a whole lot of insights into her own private world.  Tickets are available for purchase now, and you can book yourself in by clicking right here.  Want more? The most magnificent art exhibitions you should check out in Sydney this month A $20 million Monopoly theme park is coming to Australia  Want to live inside a Wes Anderson movie? These Airbnbs will make you do j

Can all the singles that dream of a 90s’ rom-com meet-cute and/or the grisly death of internet dating, please put your hands up. Your day has arrived.  It is a universal truth that trying to find love via an app can be a soul-destroying process that makes many of us question our will to live. Now, for all lucky (and single) Sydneysiders, the Emerald City cupids have come together to create an IRL dating event called ‘No Swipes’, that, in their words, is all about “giving dating apps the middle finger”.  Only accepting 200 men and 200 women, this ‘singles club’ promises to be a major event at the Randwick Race Course. Think a real life sex coach, tarot reading, matchmaking games, live DJs, and (of course) all day access to the stables. It sounds like a real extravaganza, and definitely a whole lot more fun than a dubious Tinder date at your local.  The love baby of community groups Swanned, Bondi Beach Babes and Lost and Found in Sydney, ‘No Swipes’ is designed to connect a whole lot of like-minded singletons together in one, unconventional party space that’s all about good times, great, classic hits and (hopefully) a whole lot of sparkly, romantic connections.  Entry is via waitlist only, so you’ll want to get in quick if you’re keen on a ‘meet-cute’ story that will probably make people exclaim loudly at parties. You can pop your name down right here, and if you’re successful, an email with your precious tickets will come flying into your inbox with the speed and velocity of

If the thought of kicking back in an igloo-like glass room perched on the edge of the harbour, dipping into a cedar hot tub, and snaffling gourmet food and bevs among opulent red cushions sounds like your thing, you’re in luck.  Despite sounding very much like a fever dream, Pier One’s fresh new pop-up is anything but. Coming in hot to the balcony at Pier One’s luxury balcony suites, the Glass Room is for anyone who's in the mood for something a li'l different this winter.  If you decide to book this experience in, you can expect to hang out with 12 of your closest mates in a glass room with sweeping views of the water. A cedar hot tub will be set up right next to you (it fits five people at a time), and you’ll have full access to Pier One’s bougie Balcony Suite room, meaning that everyone is in for a good time.   Designed by maximalist colour queen Alyce Tran, the interiors of this cute little moment are made with a dopamine hit in mind, with wavy mirrors, vibrant warm shades and comfy round seats setting the scene for a seriously good time. You’ll get a veritable feast of food delivered to you throughout your three-hour experience, including the likes of Sydney rock oysters, hot breaded brie, an extravagant grazing board and a whole lot of yummy hot food. Drinks will also be free flowing as part of your package, with wine and a signature Champagne Margarita cocktail all on offer – plus a whole lot more.  If you’re in the mood to be a little more baller, you can also book th

Finders keepers, losers weepers used to be a well-known singing refrain in every Aussie school yard, but at the Hordern Pavilion from June 16 until June 18, nobody (we hope) will be crying, because the Finders Keepers Markets are returning to Sydney and, frankly, the whole thing looks downright delightful.  From Friday, June 16 to Sunday, June 18, 2023 (for the first time in 15 years), the Hordern Pavilion will house Australia’s most consciously-curated markets, with Sydney playing host to more than 150 small creative businesses from NSW and across the country. This three-day market is all about celebrating creative local business, with punters able to pick up hand-made ceramics, slow fashion, jewellery, homewares, original art and much, much more from the huge market’s array of stalls.  Visitors will also be able to join hands-on workshops with our ol’ pottery favourites over at Clay Sydney, where it's free to create (and then recycle) your clay bounty back for others to make something new. Plus, if you really vibe your masterpiece, Clay Sydney will get it glazed and fired for you at their studio for 45 bucks.  There will also be a fabulous Bush to Bowl program run by the Finders Keepers Indigenous Program, running all weekend for kids and adults alike. Drop in and do one of their creative workshops, and then take home one of the many native plants, seedlings and bush tucker produce offerings.   The markets will be open from 4pm to 9pm on Friday, and from 10am to 5pm on Satu

Each morning between 9 and 11am, Wayside offer a breakfast program for Sydney’s homeless. The city’s street lifers aren’t cooked for but there’s a fully operational kitchen so they can help themselves to coffee and cereal. There are always volunteers around to hang out with or chew the fat with. On Saturdays and Sundays, community volunteers serve porridge, toast, eggs and cereal. Wayside Chapel invites anyone who needs it to come in and have a feed – whether it’s the homeless or folks just down on their luck, they don’t ask questions. If you'd like to volunteer, you can get more information right here.  Head next to door to get some threads at the Wayside Op Shop.

If you’ve ever heard talk of secret tunnels and winding labyrinths from World War II that lie forgotten beneath Sydney city, you’re not alone. Well, it turns out, the rumours are true. And the best bit? Finally, we are allowed to see them with our own eyes. Better yet – they’re going to be filled with a wild light show, laser beams and robots. Yes. This is real life.  The entrance to this secret tunnel is hidden in plain sight in one of Sydney’s busiest train station thoroughfares. If you’ve ever grabbed something from the Wynyard Coles, you may not have ever paid too much attention to the emergency access door that’s situated right next to it. Unbeknownst to most of us, this nondescript door has long been the entrance to a series of secret tunnels that lie beneath Wynyard Station. For the last century, these tunnels were the abandoned relics of a city engineer’s grand plans to build a train line between Mosman and the Northern Beaches, but (as it is with many things), this plan fell to the wayside, and into decades of obscurity.  Now, in a move that’s been in the works for a long, long time, ‘Dark Spectrum’ will be taking over this historical subterranean network during Vivid, 2023.  Kicking off on May 26, and running until July 16, this wild and immersive light show will take visitors through 900 metres of the tunnel system, where they will be taken through eight underground rooms that will each be decked out in a vibrant variety of lights, robots, animations and laser show

If you know, you know already – but now, everybody else does too. In breaking news from the folks over at Business NSW, Newcastle has taken out gold as the ‘Top Tourism Town in Australia’ for 2023, and if you’re a Newy local, you’re probably not surprised.  Newcastle has long been a well-kept secret for its sandy footed locals. With its abundance of pristine beaches and excellent surf, along with its blossoming food, drink and culture scene, this increasingly vibey coastal town is definitely worth its salt when it comes to being a) a great place for a holiday and b) just a bloody good time.  Photograph: Shutterstock Newcastle has really come up in the last few years, with it becoming home to a variety of vibrant boozers and eateries that all deserve a lil’ trip up north, just for themselves alone. With everything within easy walking distance from one another, we loved grabbing a coffee and sandwich at Arno Deli, an excellent dinner at Flotilla, Jana and Humbug, and then getting to sleep overnight in the world-class funky hotels of QT Newcastle and Crystalbrook Kingsley.  Newcastle feels like an Australian coastal small town –but with a distinctly metropolitan twist. Newcastle is also home to an abundance of ocean-swept nature that calls for a proper explore. Whether it's getting to dip in the crystal waters of Nobby’s and Mereweather beaches, seeing whales coast by from the 360 degree viewpoint of the ANZAC walk, or watching annual world surf comps from the shore, Newcastle

Sydney, you may or may not be aware of the massive train delays that are currently at work across our entire city's rail network. Disclaimer: it’s big, and it’s looking like it’s going to be our reality for the next 12 months (at least), with an estimated 600,000 commuters set to be affected. We're set to spend more time on those things we know a little too well – train replacement buses.  This is clearly a bit of a shit time, so we are answering everything you may want to know about Sydney's latest train issues.  What’s happening with Sydney trains right now?  The Minns NSW Labor government is currently in the middle of a massive $97 billion railway maintenance blitz that has been described as the “biggest ever” rail fix in Sydney. This is happening in the wake of a review that showed a massive amount of backlogged maintenance issues with Sydney’s century-old rail network after years of neglect. To try and get our trains up and running to a standard of efficiency befitting of a major urban city (and to prevent further issues), these repairs reportedly have to go ahead. That doesn’t mean that it doesn’t suck though. When are the delays happening on Sydney trains? And which trains lines are affected?  Track work will shut down a number of major rail lines from midnight Friday to midnight Sunday on many weekends for the next year. This means that, often, instead of getting trains on the weekend, you might be on a train replacement bus. We know. We’re sorry. The rail lines that

We’ve already been told that we are one of the best places in the world to live, but now that’s been even more confirmed with the drop of the The Economist Intelligence Unit’s Global Liveability Index, where Sydney has done us proud – ranking the fourth most liveable city in the world.  The EIU’s liveability index list happens every year, but as of 2023, Sydney’s ranking has shot up to 4th, levelling up from 13th place in 2022. This year, Sydney and Melbourne (who got third place) have claimed top global spots previously held by Frankfurt and Amsterdam, proving that Australia is truly on its way up in the world. Plus, strong rankings were shared right across the country, with Perth and Adelaide at equal 12th (up from 32nd and 30th) and Brisbane 16th (up from 27th). The reason for this shift? After a few years of horrible pandemic vibes, Sydney has been able to bounce back, with our healthcare category scores improving since last year. Sydney scored 95 for stability, 100 for healthcare, 94.4 for culture and environment, 100 for education, and 100 for infrastructure, with us totalling in at a hefty 97.4 overall.    Photograph: Destination NSW The ten most liveable cities are: Vienna, Austria Copenhagen, Denmark Melbourne, Australia Sydney, Australia Vancouver, Canada Zurich, Switzerland Calgary, Canada Geneva, Switzerland Toronto, Canada Osaka, Japan Although we acknowledge that Sydney isn't as lushly liveable for everyone (here's looking at you, cost of living...), there

Getting a free ride through life doesn’t happen that often – but now, for all go gettin’ Sydneysiders who like car-share services, this can now be a reality for more than just nepo babies. Right now, the orange car share folks over at DiDi are giving away a massive bunch of free rides in Sydney – every one of us has the chance to grab a zero-cost trip once a week for the entire 12-week giveaway period. It’s literally a free ride, and we’re all about it.  Running from right now until September 10, all new and existing DiDi users will each get a trip worth $20 once per week. If you already have Didi, you can only cash in on this freebie if you book a ride from Monday to Wednesday between 9am and midnight; new users can ride free at any time of the day, on any day of the week. Sydney roads are your oyster.  How do you get a free Didi ride?  First up, this is a deal of one ride per person, per week. You can redeem a free trip by punching in ‘FREERIDE20’ in the ‘Promotions’ section of the app.  With the ‘biggest ever’ rail repair meant to be going down on Sydney’s rail network this year under the new NSW government, and with the rapidly rising cost of living, this free transport offer is definitely coming at the right time.   Want more good news?  This NSW town has just been named the most liveable in Australia  Platypuses have arrived back in the Royal National Park after being extinct from the area for 50 years A $20 million Monopoly theme park is heading Down Under

First, we lost Starburst. Then it was Arnott's Classic Assortment variety pack. And now, in sad news for snack lovers and lolly fanatics everywhere, it's just been announced that Allens is discontinuing Fantales forever.  After being in production Down Under for a hefty 93 years, the iconic teeth-testing chocolate-caramel lolly will be, in Allen’s words, “deleted” from our shelves from July 2023. Ooft, that's way harsh.  Allens released a statement via Facebook acknowledging how nostalgic Fantales are for so many Australians, with these little chewy blocks of extremely sweet confectionery having long been an edible component of so many road trips, movie sessions and general jolliness. The experience of unwrapping those tiny little trivia sheets doesn’t get (that) old, despite the answers almost 9 times out of 10 being a) Hugh Jackman, b) Kylie Minogue or c) Nicole Kidman. Variety is the spice of life. Allens and manufacturer Nestlé have said that they are ditching the ‘tales due to a lack of sales and the fact that the equipment used to make them is starting to malfunction, which makes sense – but just because it makes sense, it doesn’t mean it doesn’t hurt. They have reiterated that they will continue producing classics like Red Frogs, Snakes, Party Mix and Minties (why Minties get to stay is beyond us). But for all Fantales fans, we have until the end of July to stock up on as many packets as our vehicles, hands and loved ones can carry.  At the end of the day, the chocol

In what is arguably some of the saddest news in Australia today, Allens has officially announced that they will be discontinuing Fantales forever, and honestly, how did we end up in a place like this?  After being in production Down Under for a hefty 93 years, the iconic teeth-testing chocolate-caramel lolly will be, in Allen’s words, “deleted” from our shelves from July 2023. We know, it’s too soon.  It is heart wrenching to say the least, but after these Starbursts got discontinued, it’s clear that anything goes in the cruel march of progress.  Allens released a statement on their Facebook acknowledging how nostalgic Fantales are for so many Australians, with these little chewy blocks of extremely, extremely sweet confectionery having long been an edible component of so many road trips, movie sessions and general jolliness for people Down Under for almost 100 years. The experience of unwrapping those tiny little trivia sheets doesn’t get (that) old, despite the answers almost 9 times out of 10 being a) Hugh Jackman, b) Kylie Minogue or c) Nicole Kidman. Variety is the spice of life. Allens and manufacturer Nestlé have said that they are ditching the ‘tales due to a lack of sales and the fact that the equipment used to make them is starting to malfunction, which makes sense – but just because it makes sense, it doesn’t mean it doesn’t hurt. They have reiterated that they will continue producing classics like Red Frogs, Snakes, Party Mix, and Minties (why Minties get to stay

If you’re in Sydney right now – (or anywhere in Australia for that matter, except maybe Darwin), you’re probably feeling pretty chilly right now. Turns out, this is just the start of it.  According to the Bureau of Meteorology, much of southern Australia has been hit with a freezing cold front that looks like it’s here to stay in towns across the nation for the rest of the week. For all of us in Sydney, Wednesday morning is shaping up to be particularly cold, however the coldest temperature recorded in Australia since Monday was in Richmond, an hour northwest of Sydney, where people woke up to a frosty -6.4 degrees celsius.  It’s looking like the average max daily temp will hover between 16 and 18 degrees celsius with a minimum of 5 in Sydney for the rest of this week – but across NSW, temperatures will dip below freezing overnight. Penrith is in for a possible 1 degree night on Wednesday evening, while the rest of the Emerald City will be facing a chance of rain, frosty mornings and general wintery vibes for the rest of the week.    Photograph: Supplied/DNSW All of these chilly temps are due to a high pressure cold front moving down the south eastern side of Australia, with light winds and clear skies across the country solidifying the freeze. This cold front has dumped snow across much of Australia's alpine region, with the NSW Snowy Mountains getting an extra 115 cm of snow over the weekend, kicking off the ski season. Meanwhile, the Northern Territory just recorded its

In what is (almost definitely) the most ground-breaking news to hit Sydney in the last 12 hours, a 3.1 magnitude earthquake, and then another light 1.5 magnitude earthquake were recorded hitting Appin in the city’s south-west. Earthquakes and Sydney don’t generally occur together in the same sentence, meaning that most of us in the city are left wondering what exactly happened, and how likely it is for another earthquake to happen again.    So, what did happen with Sydney’s earthquake?  At 2pm on Sunday afternoon, a selection of residents in the Appin region felt the Earth tremble when a 3.1 magnitude earthquake hit 3 kilometres beneath the surface of the ground. This wasn’t a major earthquake by any means, but a few residents in Douglas Park took to social media to say they heard a large bang, while others said they felt their house shake and the ground shudder. No buildings were damaged, and many other people throughout the region also reported that they didn’t feel a thing. Now, as of Monday, June 19, another light earthquake was recorded hitting the same area 4 kilometres below ground in the early hours of the morning – but by the sounds of it, this one was less perceptible.    How likely is it that Sydney will get an earthquake again?  Geoscience Australia has reported that this region of Sydney actually already experiences an average of 48 earthquakes every year, with Appin getting hit by a 3.9 magnitude earthquake back in 2017. Despite Sydney not being on a faultline,

If you’ve been on the internet recently, you may be aware of the whole ‘pretending your life is a Wes Anderson movie’ movement. Millions of people (perhaps, you included) have been posting tiny clips of them bopping around obscure, dreamy places to a cute, bell-like beat that looks exactly like the ethereal king (aka: Wes Anderson) directed them himself.  It’s all quite lovely, mysterious and magnificent – and now, all Wes Anderson fans have the chance to seriously level it up. One clue? It’s all about location, location, location.  Ahead of the release of Wes’ latest flick – Asteroid City (we know, this marketing team is bloody good), Airbnb and Universal Pictures have released a list of the most Wes-Anderson-y Airbnbs that all of us can book (or dream of booking) worldwide. While many of these mystical-looking bad boys aren’t in fact in Australia (tragic), they are in fact real, and you can, further, sleep in them. Read on, and weep. And then book them. Life’s short.    Want a tiny red cabin on a private and isolated Norwegian island for you and eight of your closest friends and/or new and curious acquaintances? Same.    Photograph: Annie Back/ Airbnb Want something little, pink and (kinda) close to home? This retro caravan is near Auckland, so it's just across the ditch.    Photograph: Annie Back/ Airbnb The thought of staying in a tree-house-like tower high above Oregon appeal to you? It's off grid. It has a spring-fed hot tub. It looks like it's almost always booked

In breaking weather news, it looks like this winter in Sydneytown (and across the whole country) is going to be warm, dry and pretty damn fine.  In what is arguably the dream combo, the Bureau of Meteorology has forecast that we can expect temperate days, clear skies and overnight cold snaps this chilly season, with it looking to be a far drier winter than average.  We still don’t have confirmation that La Niña’s angry brother, El Niño, will be making an appearance this year, but meteorologists are saying that we have a 50 per cent chance of it being a radically hotter and drier year than the ones we’ve just left behind – not that that would be that challenging.  We can thank a ‘positive’ Indian dipole on the western side of Australia for a more liveable winter than usual. This weather pattern stops cold fronts and moisture from forming. The results? Clear skies, which in winter leads to cold nights with the occasional frost.  Right now, we're still on El Niño watch, but until we find out for sure, you’ll find us getting out and about in Sydney in the winter sunshine, and then snuggling down at night.  Winter, you’re doing it right. Make the most of this weather news and get out and about on one of Sydney's best (and easiest) day hikes. After that, head on one of these gorgeous winter getaways, and then take a dip in one of these stunning natural hot springs across NSW. 

For many of us in Sydney, the thought of travelling up into the Red Centre feels like a magical stretch of possibility and wild adventure. Now, the siren’s call of the great red north has become even louder, with the introduction of the Red Centre Light Trail, an amazing six-day road trip from Uluru to Alice Springs via Kings Canyon that is full of glittering light shows, installations and sparkly experiences that all look set to enthral, awe and light up an already very spectacular place.  We all know Vivid in Sydneytown, but the thought of gazing at wild light projections in the middle of a desert is something else entirely. The vast distances between Alice Springs, Uluru and Kings Canyon are usually marked by long, arid stretches of land with very little breaking the landscape up. Now, travellers will get a whole extra dimension added to an already epic adventure.  The installations will pop up on the way as you drive the main tourist loop between these iconic Australian locations, however there are some special highlights that look particularly notable.  Photograph: Getty Images/ Voyages Indigenous Tourism AustraliaAnangu share the Mala story, from Kaltukatjara to Uluru, through a drone, sound and light show designed and produced by RAMUS At Uluru, you will be able to see Wintjiri Wiru, a choreographed drone show that uses lasers and light projections to a re-telling of ancient Anangu stories. Made in close collaboration with the local Anangu community, this reflection

As if we needed further proof that Australia really is the lucky country, a secluded beach in Western Australia has just been named the very best on Earth – not that we're really surprised. According to a recent list based on the votes of an array of travel influencers, journalists, editors and agents, the sun-safe folks over at Banana Boat have released a list of the 50 Best Beaches in the World – and Lucky Bay in WA was ranked at the very top.  Lucky Bay is a slice of paradise that’s tucked away in the Cape Le Grand National Park in the Goldfields-Esperance region. Known for its blindingly white sand and bright turquoise water, this hidden beach took out the top spot for being a wildlife sanctuary, a dreamy swimming spot and an overall pristine beach that deserves a visit.    Photograph: Tourism Western Australia Lucky Bay wasn’t the only Aussie beach to crack the list. Crowd favourite Whitehaven in the Whitsundays ranked at number four, Turquoise Bay in Exmouth came in at number 17, and finally, Little Hellfire Bay (also in WA – there must be something in the water) landed at a healthy number 28. Not bad, Australia.  RECOMMENDED: these are the best beaches in Melbourne. The beaches were selected based on a five-step criteria of remoteness, untouched nature and wilderness, how swimmable they are, average days of sunshine, and annual average temperature.  The 50 best beaches are:  Lucky Bay, Australia Source D'Argent, the Seychelles Hidden Beach, the Philippines Whitehave