Latest news with #AvrilTreasure
Time Out
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Time Out
The 8 best things to see and do at Vivid Sydney 2025, according to locals
Vivid Sydney kicked off in spectacular style last Friday – turning the Harbour City technicolour for the 15th time. Every year, Vivid's light displays get a little more out-there: transforming famous landmarks and hidden corners of the city into luminous wonderlands and interactive light shows. And although it might seem like things have been toned down a little this year – with two huge, immersive installations Dark Spectrum and Lightscape removed from the program, along with the dazzling drone show – Vivid Sydney 2025 is even sparklier than ever. The trick? Knowing where to look. Thankfully, we've got people on the ground doing the hard yards for you, so you can get out and explore the very best bits of Vivid Sydney 2025. These are the best things to see and do at Vivid Sydney 2025 1. Neon Dreams, Darling Harbour "What do you get when you combine plant-based queen Shannon Martinez, a rollerskating rink and a 1950's diner? You get Neon Dreams, a brand-new addition to this year's Vivid line-up. Found under the Pier Street underpass in Darling Harbour, Neon Dreams is a retro pop-up serving up (vegan) American diner favourites – think juicy burgers, creamy mac and cheese and jelly donuts. And we weren't kidding about rollerskating – you can lace up and skate around the roller rink (pros and newbies are welcome). The venue is fully accessible for wheelchairs and mobility aids, too." Avril Treasure, Food and Drink Editor 2. Bloom, The Rocks "I spent an evening exploring The Rocks – it's worth giving yourself a few hours to explore this corner of the city because there are so many cute bars and old pubs to stop at. My favourite installation was Bloom – it's at the Argyle Cut and it's a tunnel that gets lit up and displays visuals of nature blossoming. It's very vibrant and the sounds are so calming, it was by far my fave installation in The Rocks." Rebecca Hegedus, Video Editor 3. Night Picnic Under the Bridge "One of the most contestable points each year Vivid rolls around is where the best perch is to watch Sydney light up. This year, my money's on Night Picnic Under the Bridge. Dawes Point Park in The Rocks has transformed into a gorgeous setup under the Sydney Harbour Bridge so you get epic vistas of Sydney Opera House while being right next to The Rocks Markets. Best part is the blankets and cushions are already there. Cosy on up." Caitlyn Todoroski, Branded Content Writer 4. Lighting of the Sails, Sydney Opera House "It might be cliché, but I can't go past Lighting of the Sails at the Sydney Opera House. I've been to Vivid every year since it started back in 2009, and still couldn't help but squeal when the sails exploded into a riot of colour at 6pm. This year's animation, Kiss of Light, honours the late Australian visionary, David McDiarmid, and celebrates diversity and creativity in every shade of the rainbow. Standing under those glowing sails to take it all in – with the Harbour Bridge shining behind – has to be one of my favourite memories of the year so far." 5. Cygnus, Barangaroo "There's a lot going on at Barangaroo for Vivid this this year. A multi-sensory display of light, sound, and fog has transformed Nawi Garden into a surreal, otherworldly realm. A gorgeous, glowing full moon sits in front of a swing. And a huge canopy of lights – formed by six kilometres of LED light rods – suspended above the Stargazer Lawn has become a mesmerising artwork that responds to your movements. But I'm a simple girl, and I don't think there's anything prettier than the way light dances on water. Cygnus is a simple light display formed by 12 life-like, luminous animatronic swans that glide in an enchanting dance across the mirrored water of Nawi Cove. I could watch them weave over the water for hours, and the soundtrack makes the whole experience even more mesmeric." Winnie Stubbs, Lifestyle Writer 6. Vivid Sydney Skywalk, Sydney Tower "I've done Vivid on foot more times than I can count, but seeing the lights from 268 metres above the city? That's a whole new kind of magic. I did the Vivid Sydney Skywalk at Sydney Tower Eye just as the lights flicked on across the city. You're out on this open-air platform, harnessed in and looking out over the skyline, when everything below starts to glow. The Harbour, the Bridge, all the little pockets of installations – it's like the city's dressed up for the night. It's calm, a bit surreal, and just a really lovely way to take it all in." Kate Breytenbach, Account Manager 7. House of Romance: Dream Collide, Customs House "The façade of Customs House has been the canvas for some of Vivid's most spectacular projections over the years, including a heartfelt tribute to Ken Done (2022), a mesmerising dive beneath the Harbour (2019) and a love letter to Australia's flora and fauna (2015). The 2025 iteration, House of Romance: Dream Collide, is one of its best yet. Celebrating the 20th anniversary of Sydney fashion label Romance Was Born, the installation is a kaleidoscope of colour, couture and creative joy, portraying their most iconic looks from the past two decades. One of my favourite parts was the high-energy soundtrack by Heckler Sound that made it all the more magical." 8. Fire Kitchen, The Goods Line "I know Vivid is all about the lights – and I'm a fan of them too! – but for me, it's really about the delicious eats. You'll find plenty at the flame-fuelled Vivid Fire Kitchen, which is back again along The Goods Line in Ultimo (just a few minutes' walk from Central). My picks? The aromatic butter chicken jaffle with melted cheese, and the crème brûlée churro cone, which is as brilliant and as ridiculous as it sounds." These are the best places to eat during Vivid. Here's what's on for Vivid Music. And here are all of your Vivid FAQs, answered.
Time Out
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Time Out
The 7 best things to see and do at Vivid Sydney 2025, according to locals
Vivid Sydney kicked off in spectacular style last Friday – turning the Harbour City technicolour for the 15th time. Every year, Vivid's light displays get a little more out-there: transforming famous landmarks and hidden corners of the city into luminous wonderlands and interactive light shows. And although it might seem like things have been toned down a little this year – with two huge, immersive installations Dark Spectrum and Lightscape removed from the program, along with the dazzling drone show – Vivid Sydney 2025 is even sparklier than ever. The trick? Knowing where to look. Thankfully, we've got people on the ground doing the hard yards for you, so you can get out and explore the very best bits of Vivid Sydney 2025. These are the best things to see and do at Vivid Sydney 2025 Neon Dreams, Darling Harbour "What do you get when you combine plant-based queen Shannon Martinez, a rollerskating rink and a 1950's diner? You get Neon Dreams, a brand-new addition to this year's Vivid line-up. Found under the Pier Street underpass in Darling Harbour, Neon Dreams is a retro pop-up serving up (vegan) American diner favourites – think juicy burgers, creamy mac and cheese and jelly donuts. And we weren't kidding about rollerskating – you can lace up and skate around the roller rink (pros and newbies are welcome). The venue is fully accessible for wheelchairs and mobility aids, too." Avril Treasure, Food and Drink Editor 2. Bloom, The Rocks "I spent an evening exploring The Rocks – it's worth giving yourself a few hours to explore this corner of the city because there are so many cute bars and old pubs to stop at. My favourite installation was Bloom – it's at the Argyle Cut and it's a tunnel that gets lit up and displays visuals of nature blossoming. It's very vibrant and the sounds are so calming, it was by far my fave installation in The Rocks." Rebecca Hegedus, Video Editor 3. Night Picnic Under the Bridge "One of the most contestable points each year Vivid rolls around is where the best perch is to watch Sydney light up. This year, my money's on Night Picnic Under the Bridge. Dawes Point Park in The Rocks has transformed into a gorgeous setup under the Sydney Harbour Bridge so you get epic vistas of Sydney Opera House while being right next to The Rocks Markets. Best part is the blankets and cushions are already there. Cosy on up." Caitlyn Todoroski, Branded Content Writer 4. Lighting of the Sails, Sydney Opera House "It might be cliché, but I can't go past Lighting of the Sails at the Sydney Opera House. I've been to Vivid every year since it started back in 2009, and still couldn't help but squeal when the sails exploded into a riot of colour at 6pm. This year's animation, Kiss of Light, honours the late Australian visionary, David McDiarmid, and celebrates diversity and creativity in every shade of the rainbow. Standing under those glowing sails to take it all in – with the Harbour Bridge shining behind – has to be one of my favourite memories of the year so far." 5. Cygnus, Barangaroo "There's a lot going on at Barangaroo for Vivid this this year. A multi-sensory display of light, sound, and fog has transformed Nawi Garden into a surreal, otherworldly realm. A gorgeous, glowing full moon sits in front of a swing. And a huge canopy of lights – formed by six kilometres of LED light rods – suspended above the Stargazer Lawn has become a mesmerising artwork that responds to your movements. But I'm a simple girl, and I don't think there's anything prettier than the way light dances on water. Cygnus is a simple light display formed by 12 life-like, luminous animatronic swans that glide in an enchanting dance across the mirrored water of Nawi Cove. I could watch them weave over the water for hours, and the soundtrack makes the whole experience even more mesmeric." Winnie Stubbs, Lifestyle Writer 6. Vivid Sydney Skywalk, Sydney Tower "I've done Vivid on foot more times than I can count, but seeing the lights from 268 metres above the city? That's a whole new kind of magic. I did the Vivid Sydney Skywalk at Sydney Tower Eye just as the lights flicked on across the city. You're out on this open-air platform, harnessed in and looking out over the skyline, when everything below starts to glow. The Harbour, the Bridge, all the little pockets of installations – it's like the city's dressed up for the night. It's calm, a bit surreal, and just a really lovely way to take it all in." Kate Breytenbach, Account Manager 7. House of Romance: Dream Collide "The façade of Customs House has been the canvas for some of Vivid's most spectacular projections over the years, including a heartfelt tribute to Ken Done (2022), a mesmerising dive beneath the Harbour (2019) and a love letter to Australia's flora and fauna (2015). The 2025 iteration, House of Romance: Dream Collide, is one of its best yet. Celebrating the 20th anniversary of Sydney fashion label Romance Was Born, the installation is a kaleidoscope of colour, couture and creative joy, portraying their most iconic looks from the past two decades. One of my favourite parts was the high-energy soundtrack by Heckler Sound that made it all the more magical." These are the best places to eat during Vivid. Here's what's on for Vivid Music.
Time Out
15-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Time Out
Sáng by Mabasa
Update: Sáng by Mabasa is one of Sydney's best Korean restaurants. Found on Fitzroy Street in Surry Hills, this small, family-run eatery specialises in modern Korean dishes. The lunch menu is affordable and delicious – the crisp kimchi pancake, bulgogi and fried chicken wings are our picks. At night, there's an ace set menu for $85 per person, too. - Avril Treasure Read on for our previous review by Emily Lloyd-Tait. ***** A cabbage pancake sounds like a weighty, Northern Hemisphere winter buster, but in the hands of the chef Seung Kee Son at a modern Korean diner in Surry Hills it's so light it borders on whimsical. A single, perfect leaf of wombok is dipped in batter and fried, sprinkled with red and green chilli, and presented without further comment to be dipped in a sauce of soy, sesame and vinegar. There're chubby dumplings packed with tofu, potato glass noodles, bean sprouts, shallots and garlic chives, or pork for a meaty version, and for a Korean snack broken down to the cuisine's component parts: a block of steamed tofu and kimchi tousling between mild and intense. Banchan takes on a different life here. Gu jeol pan is traditionally a dish served on royal tables because it's so pretty, but any average Josephine can order it here. Eight perfect little vegetable barrows of seasoned carrot, zucchini, shiitake, cucumber, and beetroot join beef and egg, surrounding a pile of fresh steamed pancakes dyed pink with beetroot juice. It's the painter's palette you can eat. Sang by Mabasa is the second venue for Chef Son and his family, who are all involved in the business. The original Mabasa clocked up eight years in Balmain before they moved to Surry Hills, with chef Son's wife Jin Sun Son joining him in the kitchen, son Kenny Son on front of house, and Kenny's wife Youmee Jeon handling the pickling, desserts and graphic design. The aim was to modernise a lot of traditional Korean fare, but not by fusing it with other culinary traditions. It's still authentically Korean, but presentation is styled with the Instagram generation in mind. Skewers of scotch fillet and green onion are textbook: juicy, meaty, and slightly sweet from the marinade. But for something that will tickle all your texture receptors order the sweet and sour eggplant. Deep fried wedges provide a crunchy scaffold to the soft core of the veg, which you are going to need as a vehicle for the bright and sticky sea of sauce made from vinegar and soy. Potato starch is what gives it its unique glutinous quality, almost like a very tacky jelly with chopped carrot, onion and garlic in suspension like a French aspic. The table next to us spends ten full minutes delighting in the fact that they've never tasted anything like it before. They're having a very good time, you should too. There's Korean triple-fried chicken on the specials menu, but we opt for the excellent bibimbap served in a stone dolsot bowl so it achieves that perfect crunchy coating on the rice that touches its surface. Somehow, a bowl of shredded veg, rice, egg and chilli sauce wouldn't be as fun in any other context. This is a lovely, relaxed space to be in, tucked along Fitzroy Street next to a French Bakery and a few doors down from a Colombian café and the Cricketers Arms Hotel. It's compact, so you'll likely be sharing your table with extremely well dressed students, people in marketing, and the kind of snack hunters who prowls Surry Hills for the newest dinner. Given eating out is basically a competitive sport in these parts, places serving up an impressively veg-heavy menu and nailing the casual dining vibes without dipping into cheap eats territory is a season-winning goal.
Time Out
05-05-2025
- Time Out
Six NSW hotels were just crowned the best in Australia, including one hidden gem
Sydney has no shortage of stellar hotels. We've got our favourites, and so do you, with millions of travellers rating their top picks in Tripadvisor's annual Travellers' Choice: Best of the Best Hotel Awards. The 2025 rankings have just dropped, and 25 Aussie hotels scored a shout-out, with six of them right here in New South Wales. In exciting news, one charming regional gem in Orange even took out the win this year! To compile its best hotel rankings, Tripadvisor sifts through millions of traveller reviews from the platform's 1.6 million listings over the past 12 months. It also ranks the top picks in categories, including luxury, boutique, B&Bs, family-friendly, pet-friendly and all-inclusive. Leading the way as Australia's highest-rated overall hotel for 2025 is Quest Orange, which currently has a stellar 4.9-star rating from more than 440 reviews. Time Out Sydney's Food & Drink Editor, Avril Treasure, recently stayed at this regional gem during Orange Food Week – Australia's longest-running regional food festival – and gave it her stamp of approval. Treasure says, 'Quest Orange has 77 room options, ranging from studios to one-, two- and three-bedroom apartments – making it an ideal and affordable option whether you're travelling solo for fun or work, on a friend's trip, or away with the gang on a family holiday. 'It's walking distance to the centre of town, so the only driving you'll need to do is to the nearby wineries. Got a furry best friend? Quest also lets you bring your dog – just be sure to let them know when booking. As well as the modern, clean and light-filled rooms, I'm also a fan of the complimentary fruit and tea on arrival.' (Heading to Orange? We recommend hitting up Hey Rosey – winner of Time Out Sydney's Best Destination Award 2025 – while you're there.) Recently crowned one of the most beautiful places on Earth, Lord Howe Island is home to NSW's second-highest-rated hotel and the seventh best in Australia. With an impressive 4.9-star rating, Pinetree Lodge is loved by travellers for its easy beach access, lush walkways and beautiful cottages. Other NSW hotels to crack the top 25 include Quest North Sydney (11th), Black Gold Motel in the Blue Mountains (14th), Quest Bella Vista (21st) and The Grace Sydney (25th). You can find the full list of highest-rated Aussie hotels below, or browse through the other categories here. These are the 25 best hotels in Australia, according to TripAdvisor Quest Orange, NSW MACq 01 Hotel, TAS The Reef House Adults Retreat Palm Cove, QLD Quest South Perth Foreshore, WA Mount Lofty House and Estate Adelaide Hills, SA Emporium Hotel South Bank, QLD Pinetrees Lodge, Lord Howe Island, NSW Quest Perth Ascot, WA Treasury On Collins, VIC Royal Mail Hotel, VIC Quest North Sydney, NSW Zagame's House, VIC Kingsford Smith Motel, QLD Black Gold Motel, NSW Quest on Dorcas, VIC The Henry Jones Art Hotel, TAS Deco Hotel Canberra, ACT Goonoo Goonoo Station, VIC Laneways By Ovolo, VIC Avani Broadbeach Gold Coast Residences, QLD Quest Bella Vista, NSW East Hotel, ACT Quest Echuca, VIC Element on Coolum Beach, QLD The Grace Sydney, NSW
Time Out
01-05-2025
- Time Out
A surprising regional gem just claimed the title of Australia's best hotel for 2025
Australia's highest-rated hotel isn't in Sydney or Melbourne – or even Perth, Brisbane, the Gold Coast or any major city, for that matter. It's tucked away in Orange, a charming regional gem in New South Wales known for its fine wine, fresh air and stunning scenery. The ranking comes straight from millions of real travellers who voted in Tripadvisor's 2025 Travellers' Choice: Best of the Best Hotel Awards. These annual awards spotlight properties that received the highest number of "above-and-beyond" customer reviews across the platform's 1.6 million listings over the past 12 months, and also rank the best in categories, including luxury, boutique, B&Bs, family-friendly, pet-friendly and all-inclusive. Leading the way as Australia's highest-rated overall hotel is Quest Orange, which currently has a stellar 4.9-star rating from more than 440 reviews. Time Out Sydney's Food & Drink Editor, Avril Treasure, recently stayed at this regional gem during Orange Food Week – Australia's longest-running regional food festival – and gave it her stamp of approval. Treasure says, 'Quest Orange has 77 room options, ranging from studios to one-, two- and three-bedroom apartments – making it an ideal and affordable option whether you're travelling solo for fun or work, on a friend's trip, or away with the gang on a family holiday. 'It's walking distance to the centre of town, so the only driving you'll need to do is to the nearby wineries. Got a furry best friend? Quest also lets you bring your dog – just be sure to let them know when booking. As well as the modern, clean and light-filled rooms, I'm also a fan of the complimentary fruit and tea on arrival.' (Heading to Orange? We recommend hitting up Hey Rosey – winner of Time Out Sydney's Best Destination Award 2025 – while you're there.) Australia's second-highest-rated hotel in the Tripadvisor awards is the spectacular MACq01, which sits on prime real estate in Hobart's stunning waterfront district. It boasts an impressive 4.8-star rating from more than 3,200 reviews, and I also awarded it five stars after my stay in mid-2024. MACq 01 is proud to be Australia's first 'storytelling' hotel and immerses you in its narrative from the moment you arrive. The hotel's 114 rooms and suites are each named after a prominent Tasmanian personality, sharing stories of Hobart's colourful past to the present day. Guests particularly love MACq 01's seafood-focused Old Wharf Restaurant and award-winning Evolve Spirits Bar, which doubles as a fascinating fossil museum. Rounding out the top three was The Reef House Adults Retreat Palm Cove, which was recently crowned the country's top luxury hotel in the Australian Tourism Awards. It was also voted Tripadvisor's best hotel in Australia and the South Pacific in 2024. Want to see which other Aussie hotels cracked the top 25 this year? Check out the full Australian list below, or browse through the other categories here. These are the 25 best hotels in Australia, according to TripAdvisor Quest Orange, NSW MACq 01 Hotel, TAS The Reef House Adults Retreat Palm Cove, QLD Quest South Perth Foreshore, WA Mount Lofty House and Estate Adelaide Hills, SA Emporium Hotel South Bank, QLD Pinetrees Lodge, Lord Howe Island, NSW Quest Perth Ascot, WA Treasury On Collins, VIC Royal Mail Hotel, VIC Quest North Sydney, NSW Zagame's House, VIC Kingsford Smith Motel, QLD Black Gold Motel, NSW Quest on Dorcas, VIC The Henry Jones Art Hotel, TAS Deco Hotel Canberra, ACT Goonoo Goonoo Station, VIC Laneways By Ovolo, VIC Avani Broadbeach Gold Coast Residences, QLD Quest Bella Vista, NSW East Hotel, ACT Quest Echuca, VIC Element on Coolum Beach, QLD The Grace Sydney, NSW
