Time Out Sydney

Sydney’s shiny new international airport is seconds away from opening. And if you’re hesitant about booking because of the whole how-to-get-there situation, we’ve got updates. The team at Western Sydney International have confirmed that they’ll be offering an express electric shuttle service from Sydney’s CBD – launching when passenger flights take off later this month.

If you think there are a heck of a lot of moths across Sydney right now, you’d be right. New South Wales is currently being swarmed with huge numbers of bogong moths, a furry brown endangered species – and there’s a lot more to them than fluttering wings. Each spring, bogong moths make their annual migration south to the Australian Alps, where they spend the summer in cool caves and rocky crevices to escape the heat.

We can’t believe it either, but we’re officially in October – and summer is literally seconds from bursting onto the scene. Along with the sweet sweet scent of jasmine and purple pops of jacardana flowers punctuating our suburbs, one of the best things about almost summer in Sydney is daylight saving. And good news for post-work picnic fiends: it starts this weekend. From Sunday, October 4, Sydney’s evenings are about to get a whole lot lighter. Here’s what you need to know.

Believe it or not, we’re already three-quarters of the way through the year, which means it’s time to start plotting your 2027 holidays. If maximising your time OOO is high on your priority list, we’ve got good news: with a little strategic annual leave, you can turn 23 days of leave into 56 days off in NSW. From Easter long weekends to a very generous Christmas break, 2027 has plenty of opportunities to stretch your annual leave.

Let's be honest: everyone loves a public holiday. But do you really know why NSW gets a long weekend in October? If the answer is no, you're not alone – a lot of New South Welshmen have no idea what Labour Day actually is. So whether you’re curious about why we have this day off, or you want to know what’s happening over the long weekend, read on. Here are all your FAQs, answered… When is the Labour Day NSW public holiday in 2026?

COMPETITION RULES THIS COMPETITION IS ORGANISED BY… Time Out: (the Organiser) Print and Digital Publishing Pty Ltd (ABN 50 125 441 812) 121 Sussex St, Sydney, NSW, 2000 In association with: (the Prize Provider) Sierra Escape 1345 Lower Piambong Rd, Piambong NSW 2850 WHAT’S THE PRIZE? A two (2) night stay for two (2) adults from Monday to Thursday in one of Sierra Escape’s premium glamping tents in Mudgee, NSW.

Directly overlooking the beach stands this homey deli-style beach house. It’s a triple threat of smug real estate, consistently good service and a menu that says you’re in for something special. Start with charcuterie, pate, terrine or tapas, all rustically presented on wooden boards and ideal for sharing. Manly is proud of its seafood and you’re in capable hands for yellowfin tuna with artichokes and goats cheese, or lemon sole almondine with rosemary and olives.

There's no denying that Sydney has well and truly embraced the bathhouse boom. From steamy social saunas to hyper-luxe wellness hubs, it seems every corner of the city has signed up to the hot-and-cold therapy club – and I’m a card-carrying member. Now, the Harbour City’s bathhouse obsession has hit the Hawkesbury – and this one comes with a Champagne bar and option to stay the night. Sign us up.

Let’s be honest – when you’re feeling a little low, there’s nothing quite like a spa day to totally re-set you. Whether you’re getting your glow back with a facial, soaking away any stress in a steaming thermal pool or treating yourself to a luxury hotel staycation, a little self-care does wonders. And while we reckon you don’t strictly need an excuse to book a pamper session, if you are looking for one, this might just be it.

Good news, gig-goers: the future of live music in New South Wales just got a little brighter. The Minns Labor Government has passed the Contemporary Music Act 2026, introducing new protections for music venues, concerts and music festivals across the state. This legislation is part of the NSW Government’s ten-year contemporary music strategy and aims to make it easier for venues to host live music, while giving local artists and the industry more support.