Maxim Boon

Cities are great 'n all, but every now and then, it feels good to slow down, escape the urban hustle and get back to nature. And in Sydney, you don't have to travel very far at all to find yourself surrounded by verdant greenery on a bush trail as you explore one of many national parks that can be found on city's fringes. Next time you need a break from the pace of life in the concrete jungle, we suggest you take a trip to one of these lush and leafy retreats within 100km of the CBD. Looking to venture further afield? Take one of the best road trips from Sydney and discover more of the state, or make home wherever you pitch your tent at the best campgrounds near Sydney.

When you can’t choose between the beach and a swimming pool, these salty swimming spots deliver the best of both worlds. Dive in as the sun rises and you’ll have the baths to yourself, or wade in at high tide for a thrilling swell as waves crash against the walls. Here, we've made a list of Sydney's 11 best ocean pools for all your salty needs. You're welcome.  If you want more of a wave-fighting challenge, head to the city's best beaches or, if you'd prefer to swap sand for seclusion, check out these beautiful bushland swimming holes.  Enjoy a less salty splash at one of Sydney's best outdoor pools.

If you're after a trip to Sydney and unsure where to stay, consider booking a few nights in a boutique hotel for a more unique experience of the city. Boutique hotels offer a delicate balance between creatively luxe interiors and intimate (and often innovative) spaces. They tend to feel more homely and local than major chains and can provide the home away from home you might be looking for.  You'll feel right at home in a residential suburb, surrounded by local bars and cute cafés but still within striking distance of the city’s most exciting dining and entertainment hubs. We've tried and tested the best boutique venues Sydney has to offer, found in the central business district and as far out as the city’s beach suburbs. We've done the hard bit for you, you're welcome.  Looking for a fancier guestroom? Check out our pick of the finest luxury hotels in the city. Who makes the cut? While we might not stay in every Airbnb featured, we've based our list on top reviews, hosts and amenities to find you the best stays. This article includes affiliate links. These links have no influence on our editorial content. For more information, see our affiliate guidelines. 

Winter 2023 update: Forget 'Winter Is Coming' – it’s well and truly here, folks. And yes, the evenings are dark. And it is chilly. But we reckon Sydney is magic at this time of year. And so too are the city’s stellar restaurants. So, rug up, head out, and eat and drink well from our curated list below. Feast on.  Here's our list of Time Out's best restaurants in Sydney right now, from hot newcomers to time-honoured institutions, ranked by our expert local editors who have tasted their way through Sydney. How did we narrow it down to the very best? When ranking, we considered fun, flavour, creativity and value for money. So yes, of course, you’ll find a fine diner inside the Sydney Opera House here, but you’ll also find neighbourhood pasta, hole-in-the-wall Thai and spots right by the sea. Bon appétit. After a drink? Check out our favourite bars in Sydney. Or: Our list of the best cheap eats.

Winter 2023 update: Leave the cold behind and head inside for a tipple (or three) at one of the finest watering holes that Sydneytown has to offer. There really are a heck of a lot of great ones, but thankfully, there are plenty of days in the week to check them all out. Below, you’ll find the very best bars, curated by Time Out Sydney editors and fellow booze hounds.  This list represents our picks for the best bars in Sydney right now, from fresh faces to tried-and-tested temples of great booze, ranked by our local editors. We’re looking for quality above all, with fun, flavour, atmosphere, creativity, and options at every price point. Cheers to you, Sydney. After a watering hole that's a bit more casual? See our list of the best pubs in Sydney, here. After a meal? Check out our best restaurants here.

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. 

The awe-worthy landscapes of New South Wales are a playground for hardcore hikers, where they can test their mettle against some of the most challenging and untamed wilderness in the country. But what if you’re a less seasoned explorer who's not quite ready to go full bush? Fortunately, there are still plenty of opportunities near Sydney for novice hikers to experience the great outdoors without trekking too far from civilisation. In the national parks that sit on the city’s fringes, you'll find several wonderful hikes and bush walks that are perfect for those who prefer a relaxed amble to a major expedition. Lace-up those boots, grab a fistful of trail mix, top up your water bottle and head out on one of these easy day hikes and bush walks near Sydney. Want more? See the sights from behind the wheel on these scenic drives near Sydney, and then bust out of town to see one of these stunning natural wonders that are worth leaving the city for. 

From specialty Sichuan spots to hot Cantonese kitchens, Sydney has some seriously great Chinese restaurants. Whether you want to go all out and explore regional cuisines, sit down for yum cha, grab some takeaway barbecue duck or hand-thrown noodles, these are the best Chinese restaurants Sydney has to offer. We're hungry just thinking about them.  Recommended: Here are the tastiest cheap eats in Sydney right now Check out the best Italian joints in Sydneytown Here are the top bars in the city for when you want to hit the town  

Who needs far-flung destinations when you can have world-class staycations right here at home? You don't need to leave Sydney to find astonishing accommodation where you can get your glam on for an evening or two. To guide you in your search for the high life, we’ve road-tested five-star spa hotels overlooking the city and boutique offerings that provide proximity to a wild night on the town and the city's best attractions. Want a rustic retreat without slumming it? Sleep under the fanciest canvas in these luxury glamping locations. Who makes the cut? While we might not stay in every Airbnb featured, we've based our list on top reviews, hosts and amenities to find you the best stays. This article includes affiliate links. These links have no influence on our editorial content. For more information, see our affiliate guidelines.

Good things come in small packages, so the saying goes, and if the tiny-house phenomenon has taught us anything, it’s that you don’t need acres of floorspace for somewhere to feel surprisingly luxe. The popularity of these pint-sized holiday lets has soared in recent years, with cabins and tiny homes available to hire popping up all over the Sunshine State. Not only do they pack a whole heap of creature comforts into a compact space, but they also offer the chance to go off-grid, unplug from the urban hustle, and relax in unspoiled nature (yet not too far from the mod cons you know and love). Here are some of our favourite tiny homes near Brisbane, that you can book right now. Prefer a more old-school approach to going off-grid? Check out these top campsites near Brisbane.

Winter 2023 update: Whether you like sunny fried eggs, bacon and avo, fluffy ricotta pancakes with honeycomb butter, or a full English fry-up for brekky, we’ve rounded up the best places in Sydney where you can warm up and get your morning fix. Two thing these places all have in common? Killer food – and coffee. Chuck on a beanie, catch up with your friends for brunch and get stuck in.  Sydneysiders are café people. We're constantly on the hunt for the city's best coffee, we won't bat an eyelid over shelling out $30+ a head for brunch, and we love nothing more than donning our finest sport-luxe activewear and catching up with mates on a weekend morning over eggs, fritters and crusty artisan sourdough. But cafés aren't just for weekends. This is a city powered by caffeine and many a Sydney worker depends on a reliable go-to barista for a double shot and a bacon sanger to set them up right on the daily. So, whether it's a reward for tackling one of Sydney's most beautiful walks, a quick caffeinated catch-up, an indulgent hangover fix after a night at one of the city's best bars, or a workday coffee stop, these are the best Sydney cafés, according to our in-the-know Time Out Sydney editors.

You work hard for your money, so you deserve to enjoy it when vacay time rolls around. If you’re looking to spoil yourself silly and go full-out baller on your next holiday, save on the flights and spend those extra dollars on a stay at these ridiculously luxurious resorts where you can live the high life without ever leaving the Sunshine State. Pimp your getaway at one of the best luxury hotels on the Gold Coast.

Set against the rugged wilderness of the Queensland outback is a hidden gem for those seeking an authentic Australian experience with luxury finesse. Situated on a sprawling cattle station, this secluded retreat offers a perfect blend of adventure, tranquility and natural beauty. Guests at Gilberton are treated to an immersive outback experience, surrounded by sweeping landscapes, ancient gorges, and pristine rivers. The retreat offers a range of accommodation options, from charming heritage-listed cottages to luxurious glamping tents, all designed to provide five-star comfort while embracing the rustic charm of the location. From exploring the rugged terrain on guided hikes and 4WD tours to discovering the rich Aboriginal heritage of the area, there’s no shortage of opportunities to connect with nature and learn about the region's history. Fishing enthusiasts can try their luck at catching barramundi in the nearby rivers, while stargazers can marvel at the brilliance of the night sky undisturbed by city lights. Gilberton also prides itself on providing exceptional hospitality and personal service, ensuring that guests feel welcomed and well taken care of throughout their stay. The retreat's commitment to sustainability and conservation adds an extra layer of appreciation for the natural wonders on its doorstep.

Nestled in the heart of the Whitsundays, this jaw-dropping resort is a true paradise for luxury seekers and nature enthusiasts alike. With its breathtaking location on Hamilton Island, Qualia offers serenity and natural beauty in spades, packaged with an understated luxe vibe that doesn’t brag about its five-star credentials. The resort's architecture and design seamlessly blend with the surrounding landscape, creating a harmonious atmosphere of tranquility. Each of the 60 private pavilions boasts stunning views of the Coral Sea and lush tropical gardens, ensuring a sense of A-lister exclusivity. At Qualia, guests can indulge in world-class amenities, including an infinity pool, a state-of-the-art spa, and gourmet dining options that showcase the finest local produce. The resort also offers a range of activities, from snorkeling and diving in the pristine reef to exploring the nearby Whitehaven Beach, consistently ranked among the world's most beautiful sandy shores.

Set against the rugged wilderness of the Queensland outback is a hidden gem for those seeking an authentic Australian experience with luxury finesse. Situated on a sprawling cattle station, this secluded retreat offers a perfect blend of adventure, tranquility and natural beauty. Guests at Gilberton are treated to an immersive outback experience, surrounded by sweeping landscapes, ancient gorges, and pristine rivers. The retreat offers a range of accommodation options, from charming heritage-listed cottages to luxurious glamping tents, all designed to provide five-star comfort while embracing the rustic charm of the location. From exploring the rugged terrain on guided hikes and 4WD tours to discovering the rich Aboriginal heritage of the area, there’s no shortage of opportunities to connect with nature and learn about the region's history. Fishing enthusiasts can try their luck at catching barramundi in the nearby rivers, while stargazers can marvel at the brilliance of the night sky undisturbed by city lights. Gilberton also prides itself on providing exceptional hospitality and personal service, ensuring that guests feel welcomed and well taken care of throughout their stay. The retreat's commitment to sustainability and conservation adds an extra layer of appreciation for the natural wonders on its doorstep.

Found in the spectacular Whitsunday Islands, this is a tropical paradise that certainly lives up to its name. This stunning island retreat offers a perfect blend of natural beauty, luxury, and adventure that you’ll be wistfully pondering for years after your trip. With its pristine beaches, crystal-clear waters, and lush tropical gardens, Daydream Island is a haven for beach lovers and water enthusiasts. Guests can snorkel and dive amidst vibrant coral reefs, embark on sailing adventures, or simply unwind on the soft sandy shores. The resort's remarkable Living Reef, an expansive outdoor aquarium, allows visitors to get up close and personal with a variety of marine life. Accommodation options at Daydream Island range from stylishly appointed rooms to spacious suites, all featuring modern amenities and stunning views of the surrounding landscapes. The resort also boasts an array of dining options, from casual beachfront eateries to fine dining restaurants, ensuring that every culinary desire is met. For those seeking relaxation, the Daydream Island Spa offers a range of indulgent treatments and therapies, while the resort's swimming pools and private cabanas provide the perfect setting for ultimate relaxation. Families are also well catered to, with a dedicated kids club and a host of activities and entertainment options for children. The resort's quiet commitment to sustainability and eco-friendly practices is also a bonus for those more environmentally-minded travellers.

In a city that’s far from shy about showing off its natural beauty, it’s a surprise that one of its prettiest corners may well be one of its best-kept secrets. Adjacent to Ku-Ring-Gai Chase National Park in Sydney’s North, there’s a whopping 123 hectares of wildflower gardens surrounded by Sydney sandstone bushland. Every plant found here is native, although not necessarily local – these colourful blooms have been sourced from across Australia, including 18 threatened species of flora. The gardens were first planted in 1968 as a sanctuary for Indigenous plants and animals. Today, in addition to their array of floral delights, the gardens also feature running paths, fitness areas, picnic spots, and the charming, heritage-listed Caley’s Pavillion and patio, although this is currently closed for renovations. There’s also a wildflower nursery where you can pick up some beautiful Australian plants to take home, and a visitor centre where you can learn more about the garden’s history and get information on guided bushwalks and other events.

The great shutdown of 2020 was a particularly bitter pill to swallow for the team at Estate, the three-in-one venue occupying the ground floor of the Crowne Plaza Hotel in Coogee. Its owners had only just unveiled the venue's multimillion-dollar refurbishment nine days before the sprawling beachside haunt was shuttered. So it’s a credit to the vision of head chef and creative director Matthew Butcher, that the split-personality concept behind Estate’s latest incarnation has emerged just as savvy post-lockdown, as the fragile new normal of going out in Sydney continues to evolve.  Not unlike its nearby neighbour, the Coogee Pavillion, Estate has maximised its appeal by having differently styled spaces geared to the needs of very different crowds. Making the most of its beachside location, the alfresco Terrace is pitched at a younger, casual clientele, who can kick back with friends, vodka soda in hand, as evening moves in over the Coogee sands just across the street. This leafy courtyard has its own dedicated bar, housed in a gleaming stainless steel Airstream-style trailer, and laidback, Coachella vibes that effortlessly transition to an after-dark party atmosphere with live music, DJ sets, a projector screening beachy flicks and twinkling bistro lights strung overhead. On the opposite end of the property, take a trip south of the border. The Taqueria is an eye-popping space channeling a cartoonish brand of Mexicana – all zesty tones, Aztec patterns, decorative cacti and Mach

For many remote Australian communities, the pub is the local gathering point. In Lightning Ridge, however, folk get together for a dip. Located on the fringes of this opal mining town, these pleasant pools are considered to be some of the finest of the state’s naturally heated baths. Which makes the fact that they are both free to access and open 24 hours a day even more remarkable. Percolating through the area’s unique geology (one of only a handful of places in the world where black opals can be found), the water in these bore baths takes almost two million years to reach the surface, fed by the aquifers of Artesian basin that feeds the majority of the hot springs in NSW. Once it bubbles up, it emerges at a blissful temperature of 40 degrees, rich in minerals and salts. A dip after dark is a particularly popular local pastime, so we suggest, when in Lightning Ridge, do as the Lightning Ridgians do.  Keep perusing hot springs with our round-up of the best ones in NSW

If you’ve ever wished you could step through the silver screen and into the thrills and spills of your favourite action movie, a trip to Warner Bros. Movie World might just be the next best thing. Inspired by the cinematic adventures of the eponymous film studio, this theme park is packed with white-knuckle attractions, just as you might expect from a theme park, but also a roving troop of live performers bringing beloved film characters – including Batman, Catwoman and the Joker – to interactive life.  The park is divided into five zones: Main Street, Kids’ WB Fun Zone, the Wild West, DC Comics Super-Villains Unleashed and the CD Comics Superhero Hub. Both live-action and animated filmmaking underpins every adrenaline-filled, edge-of-your-seat experience in the park, from the Scooby-Doo Spooky Coaster to the Hollywood Stunt Driver show.  There are gentler rides for younger fun-seekers, such as the Looney Tunes Carousel and Yosemite Sam’s Railroad, but if it’s scream-inducing excitement you crave, then the heroes and villains of the DC Universe are ready to raise your pulse. The DC Rivals HyperCoaster is the tallest, longest and fasted ride in the Southern Hemisphere, featuring a near-vertical 89-degree plunge into the dastardly lair of Batman’s arch nemesis, the Joker, as well as the world’s first non-inverted loops. If there is any serotonin left in your system after that, you can stop your heart once more on the Green Lantern Coaster, which has the steepest inverted drop i

This splashtastic attraction is not only the largest water park in Australia, it’s also perennially ranked amongst the ten most visited parks of its type in the world. Unlike other water parks, Wet’N’Wild is accessible year-round, even during the winter months, courtesy of Queensland’s famously mild climate. There are aqua attractions of every kind, from water play areas perfect for little kids to slides so extreme, even the bravest of thrill seekers would be wise to pack a second pair of trunks. But don't worry if you prefer your dips a little more relaxing. Between its four pools, 17 slides and two dedicated children’s areas, visitors of every age are well-catered for at Wet'N'Wild. The park is open daily from 10am until 5pm, and an adult day pass will cost you $74.

In Australia’s kingdom of giant theme parks, this one wears the crown. The largest theme park on the Gold Coast (and that’s really saying something) is home to a dizzying variety of rides as well as live performances, interactive shows and animal attractions including Tiger Island, where you can come face-to-face with some of the world’s rarest big cats. While its nearby neighbour Warner Bros. Movie World may boast a few record-setting coasters, Dreamworld pips it to the post with the sheer number of attractions. Adrenaline addicts can put their tonsils to the test on scream-worthy rides like The Giant Drop, the world’s tallest vertical free-fall tower ride, or BuzzSaw, an open carriage coaster that proudly boasts that its single waist harness restraint leaves riders “with little to cling on to”. If terror is not your drug of choice, then there are plenty of rides with a lower fear factor, such as the Rocky Hollow Log Ride as well as 11 rides dedicated to smaller children, including the Bananas in Pyjamas Maze and the Dorothy’s Rosy Tea Cup Ride.

Built to resemble the kind of rustic taverna that has stood for generations under the Tuscan sun, this charming winery, with its warm umber walls and terracotta tiles, is a dead ringer for the real deal. The driveway is even lined with fruiting olive trees - a relatively common crop in the Hunter, but here it adds to the Mediterranean theatre of the place. Once you’re settled in on the terrace overlooking the vines, you can enjoy a sommelier guided tasting as you imagine yourself far away in the heart of the Med.

In the north of the state, deep within the New England Highlands, you’ll find Australia’s very own Celtic Country. Gaelic connections run deep here, dating back to the first European frontiersmen who explored this region in the early 1800s. While they may not boast quite the same ancient provenance as their British inspiration, the mystical ring of standing stones erected here in 1992 is nonetheless a declaration of how thoroughly the spirit of the Celts resonates in these parts.

When tourist attractions began closing in 2020 due to the pandemic, zoos and animal parks all over the world, including in Sydney, turned to live streaming to share their animal antics online, a gambit that has proven to be wildly successful. Taronga Zoo upped the ante with the launch of Taronga TV, a digital platform streaming animal enclosures, behind-the-scenes 'sneak peeks’ and after-hours footage revealing what the keepers and animals get up to when the park is closed to the public. On days at home, you can keep the kids (or yourself) occupied with educational video talks featuring the likes of yellow bellied gliders and squirrel monkey babies. Or chuck on live feeds from the elephant enclosure, the lion's den or the tiger's lair to lighten up your work-from-home days.  Alongside this streaming content, there is also an archive of online resources for teachers – or parents looking for school holidays distractions – featuring fun yet educational materials about exotic wildlife, local fauna and the natural world. Click through to Taronga TV here. Want to get out of the house? Here's our guide to the best easy day hikes in and around Sydney.

Update, March 2023: Construction is underway on Urbnsurf Sydney, and it will open in 2024.  Sure, Sydney has a helluva lot of surfable shoreline, but before too long, Sydneysiders will be able to get their surf on, day or night, even when Mother Nature’s waves aren’t up to the task, at Sydney Olympic Park. Following in the footsteps of Australia’s first urban surf park, which opened in Melbourne back in December 2019 and is pictured above, Sydney’s very own Urbnsurf will be a similarly state-of-the-art facility, using Wavegarden’s innovative ‘cove tech’ to generate surfable waves every eight seconds. When operational, it will be fitted out with LED lighting that will allow punters to make use of the steady supply of surf after dark, and there will be areas suitable for all forms of boarding, from shortboards to longboards, bodyboards to kneeboards, and even bodysurfing. Best of all, the controlled environment makes Urbnsurf the ideal place for surf noobs to cut their teeth without the risk of being slammed by a surprise wipeout. In addition to the surfing pools, the Urbnsurf complex, which will be located across 3.6 hectares near Sydney Olympic Park, will also sport a high-performance centre, working spaces, a leisure pool for families, a skate park and a new surf academy with expert coaches. It’ll also be a great destination for relaxing, complete with beach cabanas, a hot tub, a café and even a rooftop bar. Prefer your surf experiences au naturale? Check out our rundown of

Just six years shy of its centenary, the Bondi Pavilion has been brought into the 21st-century. Following a two-year, $48-million restoration, the venue overlooking Australia’s most famous beach is preparing to welcome back the public to its modernised and upgraded facilities from September 21. Photograph: Supplied This top-to-bottom glow up includes an art gallery, flexible cultural spaces for events and performances, a welcome centre and box office, an enlarged pottery studio, and renovated changing facilities and bathrooms. The Bondi Story Room is an all-new digital heritage space featuring state-of-the-art amenities that will ensure the pavilion will be a thriving arts and culture hub fit for 2022. Visitors can also enjoy two new dining venues, a restaurant and a café, as well as inviting outdoor spaces, such as the landscaped internal courtyards and new grand entrance on the north face of the pavilion.  Restorations have been made to heritage features, such as the original terracotta roof tiles that were first installed in 1928, but these sit side by side with important innovations such as a suite of 220 solar panels that will ensure 70 per cent of the building’s energy needs will come from renewable sources. The lead architect on the ambitious project, Peter Tonkin of Tonkin Zulaikha Greer Architects, ensured that a combination of historical respect and dynamic modern design for today’s communities was essential to the development process. “The Bondi Pavilion is a fin

In the latest in a series of major public works announced by premier Dominic Perrottet, a new public square named in honour of Queen Elizabeth II is to be built in the heart of Sydney's CBD. Parts of the NSW Registrar-General’s building on Macquarie Street will be demolished to make way for the outdoor space which will also create more direct access to the Domain parklands from the CBD. Within the square there will be a monument to the late monarch, who died on September 10, aged 96, after reigning over Commonwealth countries including Australia for 70 years.  “We will have this great plaza opened up for the people of New South Wales to enjoy, to appreciate, but most importantly, to remember the service and dedication of Queen Elizabeth to the great people of New South Wales.” The new square is part of plans to revitalise the heritage-listed precinct where some of the very earliest surviving parts of Sydney can be found, between the Domain and the CBD, running parallel with the Botanic Gardens all the way to Bennelong Point and the Opera House. Extensions to some parts of the historically important buildings were added in the 1970s and “should never have been built in the first place,” according to Perrottet. Despite his publicly known position on Australia becoming a republic, prime minister Anthony Albanese hailed the new Queen Elizabeth II square as a “visionary project”, adding that it was “an appropriate and fitting tribute.” The prime minister also made clear earlier th

While Australians slept on the night of September 8, Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II died peacefully surrounded by her family at Balmoral Castle in Scotland. She was the longest-ever reigning monarch, serving 70 years on the throne. In the past, major events in the lives of the British royal family have been marked with a public holiday or bank holiday in Commonwealth countries. So, will there be a day of national mourning in Australia?According to leaked plans of the Queen’s funeral arrangements, known as ‘Operation London Bridge', there will be an official day of mourning. The plans, leaked by Politico last year, suggest the funeral will take place at Westminster Abbey in London in ten days, and a commonwealth-wide two-minute silence will be held at noon Greenwich Meantime, 9pm AEST. It has now been officially confirmed that the funeral will take place on September 19. However, Australia's official ‘day of mourning’ will take place on September 22, and a national public holiday has been announced to coincide with this. There may also be another day off to mark the coronation of the Queen's successor, His Majesty King Charles III. While there will already be detailed plans in place for the coronation, it will not be a hurried ceremony and will almost certainly take place early next year. The globe-trotting queen: here are the 117 countries visited by Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II during her lifetime.

On the morning of September 9, Australians woke to the news that Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II's 70-year reign had come to a close. The Queen passed away surrounded by her family at Balmoral Castle in Scotland, after several months of declining health. She was aged 96. There will now follow a number of formalities in Commonwealth countries including Australia to memorialise and mourn the late Head of State. Firstly, the Australian parliament will be suspended for 15 days as a mark of respect, echoing similar moves by the UK and Canadian governments as well as other Commonwealth countries and territories. Unlike the UK, however, which will now observe two weeks of national mourning, Australia will only mark a single day of mourning, with a memorial service on September 22 and a national public holiday has been announced by the prime minister to coincide with this. Australians can expect to see flags on monuments, landmarks and political buildings across Australia fly at half-mast until the day after the Queen’s funeral, which is scheduled to take place in London on September 19.  The monarchy’s representative in Australia, governor-general David Hurley, will address the nation at 6.55pm on September 9 to acknowledge the Queen’s passing on behalf of her Australian subjects. Prime minister Anthony Albanese, along with Hurley and the acting commissioner to the UK Lynette Wood, will make the journey to London in the next week or so to see the Queen lying in state, attend the stat

Prime minister Anthony Albanese has announced that there will be a national public holiday on September 22 to mark the death of the Queen. The day off will coincide with a national memorial service to be held in Canberra following the Queen’s funeral service in London on September 19. Despite his pro-republic stance, the prime minister said that “now is not the time” to discuss Australia breaking with the crown, adding that he recognised many Australians would be grieving the loss of the Queen. “This is a time of national mourning that we’re engaged with and Thursday the 22nd will be an opportunity for the nation to come together,” Albanese said at a press briefing on September 11. Here are all the details of how the queen is being memorialised in Australia.

One of the quintessential flavours of Sydney is under threat and it could have major impacts on supply for years to come. The entire stock of Sydney rock oysters in Port Stephens, just north of Newcastle, has been lost to the QX disease, a parasite that specifically targets Sydney rock oysters. Instances of the parasite were first seen in the Port Stephens oyster farms in August 2021, but it has spread more persistently during 2022, leading to the loss of 100 per cent of the region's oysters – numbering in the hundreds of thousands of individual oysters – which accounts for 16 per cent of nation’s supply. The impacts of this mass die-off could be felt by consumers for years, as it is likely to take that long for the oyster beds in this area to recover. In addition to the loss of Sydney rock oysters, Pacific oyster yields in Port Stephens have been smaller than usual over the past year due to unexplained mortality unrelated to the QX disease but possibly linked to repeated flooding in the area. The impacts of the QX outbreak have already resulted in a number of oyster farms in Port Stephens closing down, and more are likely to fold as it could take more than a year before they can begin supplying restaurants again. While QX disease is deadly for oysters, it has no impact on human health. A survey by NSW Primary Industries indicates that the QX outbreak is currently contained to Port Stephens, which will be a relief to the state’s largest oyster farms on the South Coast around

Hopes were raised in June when the Bureau of Meteorology declared that the whopping multi-year La Niña weather event, responsible for soaking Sydney for two consecutive summers, was finally weakening. However, any optimism about a return to sunny skies was dampened just one month later in July, when early indications hinted that another rain-inducing weather event, the Indian Ocean Dipole, could send yet more downpours Australia’s way. BoM has now confirmed its summer forecast, and not only are we likely to have another soggy summer, but devastating floods are also highly likely in some parts of northern NSW. The north coast around Byron Bay and Lismore is likely to see yet more floods, with the BoM issuing a warning that this region is likely to experience severe storms in the coming months and throughout the summer. The alarming forecast prompted federal emergency management minister Murray Watt to urge residents of NSW to “be prepared”, adding assurances that the Albanese government would be accelerating its efforts to install mitigation methods that could control the danger of flooding in the most at-risk areas.  During a press briefing at Parliament House on August 31, the BoM also warned that intense rainfall and the possibility of damaging storms and giant hail were likely across the East Coast of Australia. After almost three years of above-average rainfall, with a new 60-year record set in Sydney in late August, groundwater levels are already saturated. BoM climatolo

If you didn’t know it already, you do now. According to Time Out's annual global survey of the very best of urban life, Enmore Road, the pumping heart of the Inner West, has just been named the coolest street in Sydney for 2022. Tucked snugly between Newtown and Marrickville, Enmore Road is the beating culture highway that gives the Inner West its trendy name. No matter the time of day, this street is abuzz with a rainbow of diverse people, sparkling shows and fabulous food and drink, with this street a place where nothing is the same twice.  On a jaunt down Enmore Road, you’ll find yourself on an adventure that rolls from day to late night. Hard hitting coffee can be had at Cafe Shenkin, while jaw-dropping breakfasts are to be inhaled at Saga, where exotic and brilliant pastry concoctions reign supreme. Throughout the day, explore a whole host of epic shops, including the perennially dreamy Swop, and, for all those that like fringed suede jackets; travel to the wild West over at Route 66.  All this is hungry work, which is good, because Enmore Road knows how to deliver when it comes to grub. Whether it be lunch or dinner, you have the opportunity to dance between multiple countries on one street, with epic Egyptian falafels to be had at Cairo Takeaway, legendary Lebanese on offer at Emma’s Snack Bar, and succulent Nigerian going off at Little Lagos. Also, no meal on Enmore Road is complete without a scoop of groundbreaking gelato from Cow and Moon. Obviously.  Along with din

In our modern world of ubiquitous smart devices and 5G connection speeds, you may well have found yourself wondering, who the heck uses payphones anymore? And yet, these relics of yesteryear’s communication conveniences have remained a steadfast staple of most Aussie streets.  Telstra has now announced that it will drag Australia’s payphones into the 21st century by making them Wi-Fi hotspots, and what’s more, connecting will be free to access. While the majority of the nation’s 12,000 Telstra payphones will remain regular ol’ telephones for now, from today 3,000 will be offering Wi-Fi, with the aim of making the entire network Wi-Fi enabled within a year. Telstra payphones have previously offered Wi-Fi to Telstra customers as a plan inclusion, but since offering unlimited data on its contracts, that perk has become redundant, leading the telco to think altruistically rather than retiring the feature altogether. You can find the payphones that are now Wi-Fi enabled via the Telstra website. Want less Wi-Fi, not more? Check out this national network of 'Zero-G' off-the-grid holiday spots.

It’s a favourite saying of estate agents that the most precious commodity in the world is land – it’s the one thing they’re not making any more of. But just try telling that to the brains behind ambitious new plans to conjure an expansion to the CBD with the creation of a ‘floating island’ of skyscrapers, constructed over several of the currently open-air platforms of Central Station. The $11-billion development will transform the skyline at the southern end of the CBD extending into Chippendale with a space of more than 24 hectares featuring towers as tall as 34 storeys. Render: NSW Government Under the plans, an expansive deck will be constructed over the regional and intercity rail lines departing from the main Central Station terminal (city circle and local lines will remain outdoors), with a footprint large enough to accommodate 15 large buildings. A 24-metre pedestrian avenue, three new footbridges spanning the rail corridor separating Chippendale and Prince Alfred Park, and two new squares to be named Central Square and Central Green will also create public spaces that are likely to prove valuable to the residents of the four suburbs – Surry Hills, Redfern, Chippendale and the CBD – that will border the development. An extension will also be made to the Goods Line, extending from Railway Square all the way to the historic Mortuary Station. Render: NSW Government The plans are part of the long-term efforts to establish the area around Central Station as Sydney’s ver