Melissa Woodley

Planning your travels for the new year? You should absolutely factor in those long-standing bucket list entries, but if you’re looking for some fresh inspiration, 2026 promises a world of brand-new travel experiences.  From sleeping over in an open-air museum to journeying through ancient landscapes on e-bikes, ziplining over glorious wildlife reserves and partying through a solar eclipse – yes, really – there’s a shedload of off-the-beaten-track, out-of-the-box stuff happening over the next 12 months. Scroll on for our handpicked selection of the 26 coolest, weirdest and most exciting things to do in 2026.  RECOMMENDED:🛍️ The coolest streets in the world🏘️ The coolest neighbourhoods in the world🌃 The best cities in the world right now Stay in the loop: sign up to our free Time Out Travel newsletter for all the latest travel news and best stuff happening across the world.

In a country that buzzes from sunrise to sunset, you’re guaranteed to find new and exciting things happening no matter where you wake up (or wind down) – and 2026 is shaping up to be a blockbuster year for Australia. As Time Out's Travel and News Editor, it’s my job to hunt down all the newest happenings across every Australian state and territory. From highly anticipated restaurants and hot new hotels to world-first hikes and blockbuster exhibitions, here’s our ultimate list of the 26 best new things to do in Australia in 2026. How many will you tick off? Editors' top picks for 2026: 🥾 Best new hike: Uluṟu-Kata Tjuṯa Signature Walk, NT 🦁 Best new show: The Lion King, NSW 🖼️ Best new exhibition: Monet to Matisse: Defying Tradition, SA 🦘 The best places to visit in Australia🇦🇺 The top tourist attractions in Australia

Believe it or not, summer school holidays are here. And if the thought of keeping the kiddos entertained for the next two months sends you into a spiral, we've got you covered. There’s something here for the explorers, the budding scientists, the mini athletes, the musical prodigies, the artist and just about everyone in between. You'll find the ultimate round-up of activities and experiences happening in Sydney for kids and families this summer. Stay in the loop: sign up for our free Time Out Sydney newsletter for more news, food & drink inspo and activity ideas, straight to your inbox. Looking for somewhere affordable to eat out with the kids? Check out our guide to the best cheap eats in Sydney. Or visit these kid-friendly restaurants in Sydney.

Summer 2025 update: From fun beer gardens to cold beers and hearty meals, Sydney’s pubs are where it’s at. Below, we’ve rounded up the best of the best. Bonus points if they’ve got air-con to keep you cool this summer. There's a lot that goes into making a great pub. They need to furnish you with an excellent meal and friendly service, and a game of pool or darts doesn't go astray. On a hot day, it's all about having a welcoming beer garden, and on a Sunday, it's all about a cracking roast. Top-notch drinks are a must, obvs. There are a lot of rock-solid pubs in this city, and these are our picks of the bunch, pulled together by Time Out Sydney's local writers. Cheers! Stay in the loop: sign up for our free Time Out Sydney newsletter for more news, food & drink inspo and activity ideas, straight to your inbox. For something a bit less pubby, a bit higher end, see our picks of the best bars in Sydney. Hungry? Check out our ultimate guide to Sydney's best restaurants. 

Summer update: Let the good times roll with our fresh guide to Sydney’s best bars – perfect for your summer sessions. From frosty Martinis to fun and fruity Piña Coladas, cold ales in sunny beer gardens and vinos in sexy wine bars – whatever you’re after, whatever the occasion, you’ll find it all here. This list represents our picks of the best bars in Sydney right now, from fresh faces to tried-and-tested temples of great drinks, curated by our local editors, drink writers and fellow booze hounds, including Time Out Sydney's Editor Avril Treasure. We’re looking for quality above all, with fun, flavour, atmosphere, creativity and options at every price point. Cheers to you, Sydney. Editor’s picks: 😎 Best for a vibey drink and a snack: Paradise🥂 Best for bubbles with a view: Nick & Nora's🍓 Best for a non-awkward first date: Arcadia Liquors💥 Best for when you wanna impress: Henry Deane🍻 Best for beer on a sunny rooftop: Old Mate’s Place🍹 Best for an excellent cocktail: Silver’s Motel Stay in the loop: sign up for our free Time Out Sydney newsletter for more news, food & drink inspo and activity ideas, straight to your inbox. 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.

Adelaide’s earned its moniker of being 'rad' for many reasons: world-renowned wine country, an astonishing amount of arts and culture festivals and a seriously impressive dining scene. But one of the South Australian capital's biggest drawcards is its collection of stunning shorelines that can’t be missed. The title of the best beach in Adelaide is sure to spark different answers amongst locals, but our local writers have picked the most beautiful and spectacular of the bunch. Each offers crystal-clear waters and a vibrant mix of attractions, eateries and bars just steps from the sand. Here’s your guide to the best beaches in Adelaide for some salty relaxation. Editors' favourite beaches in Adelaide: 😍 Most nude beach: Maslin Beach ☀️ Most family-friendly beach: Glenelg 🤫 Most dive beach: Port Noarlunga PSA: Ocean and beach conditions can change rapidly. Swimming at an unpatrolled beach is not recommended. Enter the water at your own risk and be aware of your swimming abilities. ☀️ The best things to do in Adelaide🏄 Australia's all-time best beaches

A hidden paradise in the South Pacific Ocean, Norfolk Island is one of the most isolated inhabited communities, located 1,400 kilometres east of the mainland. It’s just a 2.5-hour flight from Sydney or Brisbane, but feels world’s away with its historic charm, uncrowded beaches and unspoilt natural beauty. Whatever pace you’re after, Norfolk Island delivers: you can stroll through World Heritage-listed convict ruins, hike in peaceful pine forests, uncover the island’s fascinating Pitcairn past or swim at pristine beaches – including Emily Bay Lagoon, crowned Australia’s third-best beach in 2025. Our Travel & News Editor, Melissa Woodley, spent four blissful days exploring Norfolk Island and can confirm that this external Australian territory is one of the country’s best-kept secrets. It’s far from just a retiree retreat, too – perfect for honeymoons, family getaways and solo escapes. Here are our top picks for the best things to do on Norfolk Island. Editors' favourite things to do on Norfolk Island: 🌊 Best beach: Emily Bay Lagoon 🥾 Best hike: Bridle Track ⭐️ Best dining: The Homestead Restaurant When is the best time to visit Norfolk Island? I visited Norfolk Island in November and found it ideal – with few tourists around, I often had the trails and beaches to myself. The summer months (December to February) bring even warmer weather, ranging from 22 to 28 degrees. Other popular times to visit include Thanksgiving (November 26) – Norfolk Island is one of the few places o

If there's one thing that Australia does right, it's really beautiful beaches – and a lot of them, to be precise. With a whopping 12,000 fringing our island continent, it would take you a wild 32 years to see them all – if you tackled one beach per day. Assuming that your 32-year plan doesn't singularly involve beach hopping around Australia (although we can of course dream), we've put together a list of the best beaches in Australia that you should visit this year – or at least once in your life. Each beach on this list has been selected for its remarkable beauty, prime swimming conditions (read: you won't see anywhere with saltwater crocs on this list), and proximity to other incredible activities, so your adventure doesn't end with just one dip. Take the breathtaking Bay of Fires, crowned Tourism Australia's best beach for 2025; the picturesque Whitehaven Beach, recently named the world's best; or the blindingly white Hyams Beach, our Travel & News Editor Melissa Woodley's personal favourite. Now, all that’s left is for you to discover the best beaches in Australia for yourself. 🌊 The best nudist beaches in Australia🏄 Australia's top surf beaches🌈 The best places to visit in Australia

More hotels mean more excuses to pack a bag, right? With fancy five-star stays and design-led boutique properties cropping up all over town, you’d be remiss not to test-drive a few. After all, who doesn’t want to be the first to swan-dive into a crisp king bed or wrap themselves in a robe so fresh it hasn’t yet seen a room-service tray? This year, our Travel & News Editor Melissa Woodley has checked into two of the country's most exciting new arrivals: Hamilton Island’s first new stay in nearly 17 years, The Sundays, and Sydney’s most anticipated inner-city stay, The Eve Hotel – both earning glowing five-star reviews. Next, we have our eyes on the African-inspired Monarto Safari Resort in South Australia and the coastal-luxe Mondrian Gold Coast. Scroll on for the full roll call of Australia’s newest hotels – and the ones still teasing us from behind construction fences. 🌴 Australia’s best resorts and lodges⛺️ The best free campgrounds in Australia

There’s never been a quiet year for theatre in Australia. From the bright lights of Broadway and West End to our very own stages in Australia, we’re lucky to play host to some of the world’s biggest and best musicals. We’re also a hotbed for homegrown gems, with fresh and experimental shows lighting up stages across the country every month.  From the grand return of a British “mega-musical” starring cats to the Aussie premiere of a musical based on Pretty Woman, this year’s theatre line-up is shaping up to be one of the most exciting yet. We highly recommend nabbing tickets to The Book of Mormon, which just opened in Sydney and will hopefully announce more cities soon. Or, nab tickets to Broadway hit Anastasia, which is making its long-awaited Aussie debut in Melbourne this December. Here are all the biggest musicals playing in Australia – in order of when they hit/are hitting the stage. 🖼 The best Australian art galleries🔍 Australia's greatest museums 👀 The best art exhibitions in Australia

Don't let the political reputation of Australia's capital city fool you; there are plenty of diverse and exciting things to do in Canberra. Over the last five years, the city has undergone a hospitality glow-up, with world-class wine bars, trendy restaurants and stylish boutique hotels opening in the rapidly developing cultural precincts of New Acton and Braddon. Although once only visited by eye-rolling schoolkids, political wheelers and culture vultures, Canberra is now a perfect weekend getaway spot, regardless of your interests. Our Travel and News Editor, Melissa Woodley, lived in the capital for four years and has carefully curated this list of the best things to do in Canberra. Her ideal weekend here involves catching up with friends over a lap of Lake Burley Griffin, a big wander in the National Portrait Gallery, hunting for pastries at the Capital Region Farmers Market, and of course, watching the sunset from the top of Mount Ainslie – a non-negotiable too.  Editors' favourite things to do in Canberra: 🌳 Best hidden gem: National Arboretum ☀️ Best outdoor adventure: Mount Ainslie Lookout 🖼️ Best for a hot day: National Portrait Gallery 🍽️ The best restaurants in Canberra🥾 The best hikes in Canberra🖼️ The best museums and galleries in Canberra

When most people think about visiting Darwin, food likely isn’t the main motivating factor. But with steaming bowls of laksa and uniquely Territorian bites, Larrakia land gives plenty of reasons to linger. By day, you’ll come across cosy cafés with creative cross-cultural fare and bustling markets serving some of the nation’s best noodle soups. As the sun sets, Darwin’s dining scene heats up with harbourfront restaurants showcasing tropical fruits and upscale pubs featuring local wildlife, like crocodiles and kangaroos. Our Travel and News Editor, Melissa Woodley, along with NT-based contributing writer, Leah McLennan, keep a weather eye on every nook and cranny of the wee but mighty city – and have curated this list of the best restaurants in Darwin right now. Now, all that’s left for you to do is eat up. Editors' favourite restaurants in Darwin: ✨ Best for special occasions: Ella by Minoli 😍 Best for views: Pee Wee's at the Point 🐠 Best for seafood: Fin & Tonic For more about how we curate our reviews and guides, see our editorial guidelines. 🍕 The best pizza in Darwin🌳 The best things to do in Darwin🍻 The best bars in Darwin

Broadway smash-hit musical Waitress is making its Melbourne (and Australian) debut in 2026, blending sweetness, sass and soulful songs in one heartwarming show. The Tony-nominated musical is set to premiere in Melbourne in May 2026 for an exciting, month-long run.  As one of the world’s newer Broadway sensations, Waitress made its debut in New York in 2016, where it ran for four fantastic years. Based on the late Adrienne Shelly’s cult 2007 indie flick of the same name, the musical has been whipped into a moving tale of self-liberation against the odds. The show is brought to life by a trailblazing, female-led creative team, featuring a book by acclaimed screenwriter Jessie Nelson, an uplifting score by Grammy winner Sara Bareilles, including the showstopper anthem, ‘She Used to Be Mine’, and direction by Tony winner Diane Paulus. “It’s been a dream of mine to see Waitress (finally) find its way to Australia,” said Sara Bareilles. “This story is about dreams, friendship and the courage needed to learn to love oneself, which feels so universal and so timely.” As the name suggests, the story follows Jenna, a small-town waitress and seasoned pie maker who dreams of escaping her rocky marriage and starting fresh. When a baking contest and an unexpected new romance give her a taste of change, Jenna discovers that the secret ingredient to happiness might be closer than she thought. The Australian premiere of Waitress has been years in the baking – and we’re ready to have our pie an

Despite being one of the world’s most isolated inhabited islands, Norfolk Island offers plenty of accommodation for visitors. The best part is that there are no five-star, skyscraper hotels to spoil the island’s charm. Every property here is boutique, with a homely feel that wraps you in the warmth of the island and lets you move at your own pace. Seascape Norfolk Island – a collection of four ocean-view cottages – embodies that perfectly. Set amid lush, flowering gardens just eight minutes from town, Seascape offers two- to four-bedroom villas ideal for both couples, families and larger groups. Each cottage is self-contained, giving you your own private slice of paradise, complete with a fully equipped kitchen, spacious lounge areas and an outdoor deck where you can breathe in the fresh air and admire the Pacific Ocean views. What is Seascape Norfolk Island like? A vase of pretty pink flowers, hand-picked from the garden, greets me on the table. In the kitchen, a bowl brims with fresh free-range eggs. My welcome pack even includes a gift card to the local coffee shop and a preloaded local mobile for use during my stay. It’s these thoughtful touches that make Seascape Norfolk Island feel genuinely special. This boutique collection of accommodations offers a pair of two-bedroom villas, the slightly larger two-bedroom Tern Cottage or the ultimate four-bedroom Horizon Cottage. Walking into Horizon Cottage – my base for my four-night stay on Norfolk Island – I immediately felt li

The three crystalline towers of The Langham Gold Coast are like jewels in the Surfers Paradise skyline, but it’s not just the exterior that brings diamonds to mind. This modern, five-star resort, complete with an award-winning day spa and health club, two swimming pools, six dining venues and panoramic ocean views, delivers an equally high-carat experience once you cross the threshold. When The Langham welcomed its first guests in June 2022, it marked the first luxury beachfront hotel debut on the Gold Coast in more than three decades. Three years on, we can confirm that it's still shining just as brightly as on day one. Why stay at The Langham Gold Coast? I caught my first glimpse of The Langham long before I arrived at its doorstep. Its three glistening towers stand loud and proud between Surfers Paradise and Broadbeach, with the two outer towers housing 170 ‘Jewel Residences’ (think luxury serviced apartments) and the tallest, central tower boasting 169 rooms and suites. But you’re paying for far more than just a place to sleep. This luxe hotel is home to six standout dining and drinking experiences, including a signature beachfront restaurant, a Michelin-starred Cantonese fine diner, a fancy high tea haven and a lively outdoor pool bar. Then there’s the luxurious wellness centre on level two, featuring an indoor magnesium pool, a multi-purpose health studio and a fancy day spa. Plus, with the beach just steps away, it doesn’t get much better than this. What are the rooms

Queenstown is famous for its epic ski fields, dramatic mountains, pristine lakes and, of course, Fergburger. You truly appreciate its popularity when you spot the queue snaking down Shotover Street, which is exactly what I saw as I rolled into town. I arrived at lunchtime, AKA burger o’clock, which made finding a park rather stressful – but somehow I lucked out and pulled straight into the driveway at Crowne Plaza Queenstown by IHG. This shiny, white hotel sits right in the heart of town, directly opposite Lake Wakatipu and a five-minute walk from the legendary Fergburger. It’s arguably one of the town’s most convenient addresses, perfectly positioned just away from the bustle of Steamer Wharf, the mall and Main Town Pier. Beyond its top location, the hotel houses 139 bright rooms with stunning lake or mountain views. Whether you’re here for the ski season, an adventurous hike or a family getaway, Crowne Plaza Queenstown has everything you need for a comfortable stay. What are the rooms like at Crowne Plaza Queenstown? The views truly steal the show at Crowne Plaza Queenstown. The four-star hotel is home to 139 bright rooms, boasting vistas of Lake Wakatipu, the Remarkables mountain range or the private sunny courtyard. I’d recommend booking one of the lakeside rooms, where you can enjoy sweeping views of New Zealand’s longest lake and the surrounding dramatic mountain ranges from your own private balcony. Sunlight spilled into my spacious room, highlighting the natural colou

Every city should be so lucky as to have a bistro like Gerard's. The new-look restaurant offers a beguiling mash-up of Middle Eastern and modern Australian cuisines, with dishes designed to share. The game plan is simple: breads and dips, raw and fermented plates, seafood and meat mains, then desserts. You could also easily opt for one of Gerard's set menus, featuring signatures like the fresh barbari bread with a side of goat's curd, the crisp 'awamat' savoury doughnut with green mango, and the hero Margra lamb collar with special spices. And it ain’t just whacked on the plate either – Gerard’s artful kitchen staff carefully curate each dish with love, and heaps of verdant and vermillion coloured ingredients too. Think cute little tarts, stacked desserts, silky sauces, and beds of yoghurt. Wines are in focus at Gerard’s Bistro too, hailing from every corner of the world, like the white Domaine Disznoko Dry Furmint from Hungary, the orange Radikon Ribolla from Italy, and the red Alain Graillot ‘Syrocco’ Syrah from Morocco. Seasonal cocktails are a huge hit too. As for Gerard’s ambience, the rustic-contemporary dining room is licked with earthy tones and the overhead lighting radiates softly through a mega perspex – they’ve even won awards for the design. There's also an open kitchen for all your perusing needs.  Time Out tip: Gerard’s Bistro gives big date night energy – it’s sleek, it’s sexy and the food is equally as divine. RECOMMENDED: The best restaurants in Brisbane

The shiniest new jewel in the Gold Coast crown of restaurants, Kōst impresses in more ways than one. For starters, there’s the extremely attentive staff and incredibly luxurious space, featuring glamorous indoor booths, bar dining, outdoor pavilion stools and a private dining room. That’s not to mention the purpose-built dry-aged cool room and Australia’s first two-metre Mibrasa charcoal grill and oven. Kōst’s rather extensive menu splits share plates between the ocean, land and earth, with heroes like their fire-kissed yellowfin tuna, steak tartare with crisps, dry-aged cut cooked over embers and an extravagant seafood tower. Did we mention the caviar trolley? Time Out tip: Head to Kōst between 3pm to 5pm daily for a taster of their Mini Kōst menu, featuring $11 cocktails and signature bar snacks. RECOMMENDED: The best restaurants in the Gold Coast

Wildflower’s innovative fare is headed by the Indigenous culinary calendar, meaning ingredients are harvested and foraged according to the Noongar six seasons. As your dining experience unfolds over a four-, six- or eight-course degustation dinner, you can discover pockets of Swan River views between the city’s highrises, along with a bird's eye perspective over the neighbouring cathedral. More importantly, the transitional menu never fails to delight curious diners and you can expect to come across dishes with the likes of the Manjimup marron with bush tomato, dhashi and coastal succulents, as well as the Berkshire pork with cauliflower, Geraldton wax and black pudding – both peculiar and inspiring, if you ask us. It’s worth playing with Wildflower’s cocktail list too, where native Australian ingredients steal the spotlight, including Davidson plum, strawberry gum, fingerlime and quandong. Time Out tip: A floor-to-ceiling window seat offers a tableside dramatic drop if you’re down for elevating your Wildflower experience even further. RECOMMENDED: The best restaurants in Perth

If anyone ever complains about Canberra’s nightlife, just nod quietly and then laugh all the way up the stairs to Bar Rochford, where you will be enjoying a glass of the grippy, slightly volcanic Rami wine from COS in Sicily. This is undoubtedly the best little wine bar in the ACT, and once you’re here, you’ll never ever want to leave. You know how they talk about some venues being timeless? Well, this place is locationless. Once you’re up in the cosy confines of this first-floor bar, you could be in Melbourne, Berlin or deepest Darlinghurst. There’s a stack of records on the wall, a roll-down specials list on brown paper, early hip hop on the stereo and super lovely staff wearing vintage shirts. Big arched windows at one end let in light and brighten the space, but a real log fire keeps things toasty on a bracingly cold Canberra evening, and they have enlisted a team of excited young guns to run the joint. Let them guide you on a vinous adventure that traipses the world, but if you don’t order food too, it’s a lost opportunity. The $90 set menu isn’t a cop-out; it’s more like a tour of their latest and greatest seasonal hits. Think smoked beef tongue with anchovy mayo; lamb ribs (or cauliflower for vegos) with black bean and honey; and crème brûlée tart, if you’re shooting for the stars.  RECOMMENDED: The best restaurants in Canberra

Set inside a heritage confectionery shop – no larger than your average sauna – this cosy Liverpool Street diner is the latest venture from acclaimed chef Luke Burgess (ex-Garagistes). Scholé takes its name from the Greek word for leisure, which is fitting for a space that encourages creativity and conversation, all centred around a communal ten-seater table. The share-style menu sways with the seasons, featuring biodynamic and local produce in elegant snacks like steamed wild angasi oysters from St Helens with fresh wasabi oil and hemp seed froknäcke (cracker) topped with salt-cured pike and pink radish. Larger plates are seafood-centric, where you could enjoy anything from smoked eel and raw scallops to albacore tuna and grilled swordfish. Complete the experience with a natural wine, a considered cocktail or a pour of premium Japanese sake. Time Out tip: On Tuesday nights, Scholé transforms into a buzzy tachinomi – a casual Japanese-style standing bar serving a tight selection of snacks and drinks. It’s walk-in only, so rock up early to secure a spot.

First built in the 1830s as a flour mill and water supplier, this historical building at the mouth of Cataract Gorge has gone on to become Launceston's premier destination for fine dining and boutique accommodation. With a strong focus on sustainable local produce like Cape Grim beef, abalone and wallaby, it’s a firm local favourite as well as a national award winner. The hyper-seasonal menu evolves to hero the region's freshest local produce, and the wine list is considered one of the best in the state, featuring many gems from the cool climate Tamar Valley.  Time Out tip: The earlier you book, the better the view – seats with water views are given to those who book first. RECOMMENDED: The best things to do in Launceston

When it comes to Canberra’s best restaurant views, Lunetta takes the cake – or the torta, considering it’s Italian. After a dramatic three-year hiatus, this spaceship-like dome atop Red Hill Lookout has been reborn, with a young superstar chef, Tristan Rebbettes (ex-Mona Farm, Saint Peter, Café Paci), leading the charge. In true Italian style, you must start with spuntini – may we recommend the gnocco fritto with honey and pecorino? Then make way for woodfired flatbreads with antipasti, including a selection of cheeses, salumi and cured fish. For secondi, share baked vodka pasta, a rich duck ragu or a whole market fish with puttanesca sauce. Celebrating a special occasion? Go big with the one-kilogram bistecca alla fiorentina. A lovely little torta caprese with dark chocolate, crème fraîche and orange will finish your night off nicely.  Time Out tip: Swing by Lunette during aperitivo hour from 3pm to 6pm for $18 cocktails and snacks starting at $6.50.  RECOMMENDED: The best restaurants in Canberra

If the sweeping oceanic views haven’t already sold you, the food and finesse at Gibney surely will. This sophisticated brasserie ticks all the boxes, with plush banquette seating and a glam bar all softened by a coastal colour palette. With a menu that reads as a who’s who of Australia’s most premium producers, you can’t go wrong. Start with fresh seafood and snacks, before moving on to premium mains, including a grilled O’Connor 3+ sirloin, Shark Bay clam spaghetti and Fremantle swordfish cooked in cider beurre blanc – don’t forget to mop up the to-die-for sauce with a buttered slice of sourdough. Since its inception, Gibney has proven to be one of the best restaurants in Perth for both lunch and dinner services, seven days a week. Time Out tip: For ultimate comfort, book a booth for your group and sit back, relax, and let Gibney do the hard yakka, with a side of the Fremantle Doctor, of course. RECOMMENDED: The best restaurants in Perth

As 2025 draws to a close, so too does this year's dazzling supermoon season. Skygazers have already been wowed by the first two in a rare trio of consecutive supermoons, with last month showcasing the brightest and biggest of the past 12 months. Now, the Cold Moon is on its way, offering the perfect chance to manifest all your hopes and dreams for the year ahead. Even better, the December full moon is paving the way for a fourth consecutive supermoon in early January 2026. Here’s everything you need to know about spotting the next full moon in Australian skies. When is the next supermoon in Australia? Australia’s next supermoon, the Cold Moon, lights up the sky on the night of Friday, December 5. It will start rising just after sunset; however, the peak of the full moon will happen around midnight (the exact timing varies depending on your location in Australia). When is the best time to see the supermoon in Australia? On December 5, the supermoon will rise across Australia just after sunset. Local moonrise times include: Brisbane – 7.07pm  Darwin – 7.31pm  Perth – 7.57pm  Sydney – 8.35pm  Canberra – 8.49pm Adelaide – 9.02pm  Melbourne – 9.16pm  Hobart – 9.28pm You can find the scheduled moonrise time for your location here.  How to see the supermoon in Australia? Professor Kamath says, “The best way to experience a supermoon is at moonrise, when it climbs above the eastern horizon just after sunset. At this moment, the moon illusion makes it look especially large, and sett

The ‘work smarter, not harder’ motto is a good one to live by, and if it’s one you’re keen to have guide your 2026, take note. We’ve figured out how to stretch your annual leave, essentially doubling your time out of the office. Take out your diary and study this Victoria-specific public holiday cheat sheet to lock in your leave, asap – and before your colleagues beat you to it. Australia Day – January 26Take four days of annual leave and score nine days off between January 24 and February 1: January 24-25: Weekend January 26: Public holiday (Australia Day) January 27-30: Annual leave January 31-February 1: Weekend Labour Day – March 9Take five days of annual leave and score nine days off between March 7 and 15: March 7-8: Weekend March 9: Public holiday (Labour Day) March 10-14: Annual leave March 15-15: Weekend Good Friday & Easter Monday – April 3 & 6Take eight days of annual leave and score 16 days off between March 28 and April 12: March 28-29: Weekend March 30-April 2: Annual leave April 3: Public holiday (Good Friday) April 4-5: Weekend April 6: Public holiday (Easter Monday) April 7-10: Annual leave April 11-12: Weekend King’s Birthday – June 8Take four days of annual leave and score nine days off between June 6 and 14: June 6-7: Weekend June 8: Public holiday (King’s Birthday) June 9-12: Annual leave June 13-14: Weekend Friday before the AFL Grand Final – September 25 (TBC subject to AFL schedule) Take four days of annual leave and score nine days off between

If we all looked back at our Google search history from the past 12 months, it would jog a lot of memories. Is Easter Saturday a public holiday? What should I do on Lord Howe Island? What does 6 7 mean? These are just a few of the queries that filled my 2025 searches – but I’m not alone. Google has just released its Year in Search report, highlighting the news, people and trends that captured Australians’ curiosity this year. Before we dive in, it’s worth acknowledging that the report doesn’t just focus on the most popular queries – otherwise, we’d probably only get weather updates. Instead, it highlights the news stories, recipes, definitions, people and travel trends that saw a spike in traffic throughout 2025. Photograph: Supplied | Google This year, Australians were eager to stay up to date with global and local events shaping their world. ‘Cyclone Alfred’ topped the overall trending searches, while ‘how to prepare for a cyclone’ ranked among the most searched-for questions. Aussies also kept a close eye on politics, with ‘Australian federal election 2025’ coming in as our third overall trending search and ‘how to vote’ topping the list of questions. While 2025 was a year of big changes, some trends remained constant. Searches for ‘DIY car maintenance’ and ‘St. Patrick's Day’ only increased, along with the all-important question, ‘how to talk to women’ – a query that also made the 2024 Year in Search list. Photograph: Melissa Woodley for Time Out On the travel front,

When I told people I was travelling to Norfolk Island, they responded in one of three ways: blank stares, jokes about retirees or a nod to its colonial past. After four days exploring this often-overlooked external Australian territory, I’m ready to bust the myths and show why Norfolk Island deserves a spot on every traveller’s radar – no matter your age. Located 1,400 kilometres from the mainland, Norfolk is one of Australia’s most isolated communities and one of its oldest territories, having been settled six weeks after Sydney. The island is just a 2.5-hour flight from the NSW capital, or two hours from Brisbane, but it feels like a world away. Despite boasting Australia’s third-best beach for 2025, a UNESCO-listed heritage area and plenty of unspoilt natural beauty, Norfolk Island is often overlooked in favour of Lord Howe or the Whitsundays. After visiting, I can confirm it’s one of the Pacific's best-kept secrets – and here are 11 things that surprised me. 1. Norfolk Island is the only Pacific Island Australians can visit without a passport Norfolk is technically part of Australia; it’s one of our seven external territories. However, flights depart from the international airport. Instead of the usual e-gates, you’ll go through a separate immigration section – and Australian citizens can use any valid drivers license, no passport required. 2. It’s one of the world’s most remote inhabited islands – with a unique ancestry Home to just 2,188 people (ABS 2021), Norfolk Islan

With its sparkling blue waters and golden sands, the Whitsundays is without a doubt one of the most sought-after destinations in all of Australia. But if you needed another reason to plan a trip, this is it: Queensland’s most famous island group is set to launch a brand-new multi-day hiking experience in 2026 – and bookings are already open. The breathtaking new Ngaro Track will be limited to just 15 hikers per day, so you’ll want to secure a spot fast. Named in honour of the Ngaro People, the Traditional Custodians of the land and sea, the 32-kilometre, three-day walking adventure takes hikers on a journey from rainforest to reef. The track starts at the world-famous Whitehaven Beach, regularly ranked the best on Earth, and ends at one of the region’s most stunning lookouts, Hill Inlet. Across the three days, walkers will venture into the lush rainforest, cross the Whitsundays’ only mangrove boardwalk and summit one of the islands’ highest peaks, Whitsunday Craig. Photograph: Matt Horspool The 32-kilometre track has been created in partnership with the Ngaro People, with their stories interwoven throughout the journey. Hikers will have a unique opportunity to connect with the rich cultural heritage and enduring custodianship of this breathtaking seascape. Feeling adventurous? You can tackle the hike on a guided tour with World Expeditions — either in comfort or with the full-pack option — or go at your own pace on a self-guided walk. The trail is limited to just 15 hikers

Anyone who loves eating out in Australia will know OpenTable. Even if you don’t think you know it, you’ve probably used it to book a table – whether at your local go-to or the city’s hottest new bar. But OpenTable is more than just a booking tool; it also reveals the trends and habits shaping how Australians eat and drink when dining out. Each year, OpenTable gathers data from thousands of venue reviews, plus reservation and search metrics, to come up with an intriguing set of reports. The latest? A definitive list of the top 50 restaurants in Australia for 2025, based on data from almost 200,000 diner reviews. This year, Victoria takes the crown as the state with the highest number of restaurants on the list at 17, while Queensland has 14 and New South Wales comes in third with 12.  Photograph: Supplied | Fiore at Down The Rabbit Hole Wines Let's take a look at the restaurants Aussies are loving right now – at least if five-star reviews and repeat bookings are anything to go by. The top 50 includes plenty of spots on our very own list of the best restaurants in Australia, including Time Out Sydney’s Restaurant of the Year Neptune’s Grotto and beloved Melbourne fine diner Vue de Monde. But it also spotlights hidden and regional gems, from the intimate 14-seat Humble on Duke in Sunshine Beach to Fiore at Down The Rabbit Hole Wines in the McLaren Vale. You can check out the full list below, listed in alphabetical order by state/territory. The top 50 restaurants on OpenTable f

For outdoor enthusiasts, nothing beats days spent deep in the wilderness, fuelled by instant noodles, sleeping under a million stars and tracing the ancient footpaths of those who came before us. Fortunately, Australia’s diverse landscapes are home to some of the most incredible hikes on Earth, spanning from breathtaking coastline to lush rainforests and arid deserts. If a few hours on the track just isn't cutting it anymore, AllTrails has just revealed the ten most popular overnight hikes in Australia. Pack the tent, dust off those boots and stock up on that freeze-dried risotto. It’s time to go hiking! Photograph: Destination NSW 1. Snowies Alpine Walk: Main Range Walk, NSW The ridiculously scenic 24-kilometre hike serves as the second leg of the four-day Snowies Alpine Walk. It takes you to the top of Mount Kosciuszko – Australia’s highest mountain, no less – with side treks to Blue Lake and Mount Townsend’s summit. Distance: 24.1 kilometresDuration: 7.5-8 hoursDifficulty: Challenging Photograph: David Kirkland 2. Mount Feathertop via The Razorback, VIC This spectacular journey starts deep within the Alpine National Park, aiming straight for Mount Feathertop – Victoria’s impressive second-highest peak, standing tall at 1,922 metres. You’ll gain 896 metres of elevation while traversing the famous Razorback, a dramatic, exposed rocky spine joining Mount Feathertop to Mount Hotham. Distance: 22.7 kilometresDuration: 7.5-8 hoursDifficulty: Challenging Photograph: Supplied

The old ‘work smarter, not harder’ motto is a good one to live by, and if you’re keen to embody it in 2026, we’re here to help. We’ve figured out how to maximise your annual leave for longer holidays in 2026, essentially doubling your time out of the office. Study this NSW public holiday cheat sheet and lock in your leave fast – before your colleagues beat you to it. January 26 (Australia Day) Take four days of annual leave and score nine days off between January 24 and February 1: Jan 24–25: Weekend Jan 26: Public holiday Jan 27–30: Annual leave Jan 31–Feb 1: Weekend Easter (Good Friday + Easter Monday) Take eight days of annual leave and score 16 days off between March 28 and April 12: Mar 28–29: Weekend Mar 30–Apr 2: Annual leave Apr 3: Public holiday (Good Friday) Apr 4–5: Weekend Apr 6: Public holiday (Easter Monday) Apr 7–10: Annual leave Apr 11–12: Weekend King’s Birthday (NSW) Take four days of annual leave and score nine days off between June 6 and 14: Jun 6–7: Weekend Jun 8: Public holiday (King’s Birthday) Jun 9–12: Annual leave Jun 13–14: Weekend Labour Day (NSW) Take four days of annual leave and score nine days off between October 3 and 11: Oct 3–4: Weekend Oct 5: Public holiday (Labour Day) Oct 6–9: Annual leave Oct 10–11: Weekend Photograph: Destination NSW Christmas and New Year’s Take seven days of annual leave and score 16 days off between December 19 and January 3: Dec 19–20: Weekend Dec 21–24: Annual leave Dec 25: Public holiday (Christmas Da

It’s time to dust off those air guitars and warm up your vocal cords (just say “Foo Fighters” five times fast), because one of the most legendary rock bands is heading Down Under in 2026. On Monday, news began circulating that the Foo Fighters were about to announce the Australian leg of their Take Cover world tour. Frontier Touring planted the initial seeds, sharing an image of a billboard with the band’s logo atop The Winston pub in Hobart on social media. The caption included a link (frontiertouring.com/ff) teasing: “Big news incoming,” with a countdown ending at 6am AEDT on Wednesday, December 3. Today, the news has finally been confirmed, but there’s only one chance to see them in Tasmania. It'll be the Foo Fighters' first live show in Tassie since 2015, their first ever time in Launceston and their first Aussie tour with drummer Ilan Rubin (formerly of Nine Inch Nails). Here's everything you need to know about getting tickets. When are the Foo Fighters coming to Australia? The Foo Fighters are performing a one-off show at the University of Tasmania Stadium in Launceston on Saturday, January 24. The choice of location won’t go unnoticed by locals, as the Apple Isle was skipped on the Foo Fighters’ last Australian tour. No other Australian dates have been announced.  Who is the support act for the Foo Fighters in Australia? The Launceston gig will feature Brisbane rockers The Full Flower Moon Band and Tasmanian psych-rock trio Spooky Eyes. When do Foo Fighters tickets go

‘Work smarter, not harder’ was my motto heading into 2025 – and it’s one I’m keen to carry into the new year. If you’re on the same wavelength, pay attention: we’ve figured out how to maximise your annual leave for longer holidays in 2026, essentially doubling your time out of the office. Study this public holiday cheat sheet and lock in your leave fast – before your colleagues beat you to it. January 26 Take four days of annual leave and score nine days off between January 24 and February 1: January 24-25: Weekend January 26: Public holiday January 27-30: Annual leave January 30-February 1: Weekend Easter Take eight days of annual leave and score 16 days off between March 28 and April 12: March 28-29: Weekend March 30-April 2: Annual leave April 3: Public holiday (Good Friday) April 4-5: Weekend April 6: Public holiday (Easter Monday) April 7-10: Annual leave April 11-12: Weekend King’s Birthday Take four days of annual leave and score nine days off between June 6 and 14 (all states excluding QLD and WA): June 6-7: Weekend June 8: Public holiday (King’s Birthday) June 9-12: Annual leave June 13-14: Weekend In Western Australia, the King’s Birthday falls on September 28 – so take four days of annual leave from September 29 to October 2 to enjoy nine days off between September 26 and October 4. Queenslanders can see how to maximise leave around their King’s Birthday public holiday on October 5 below. Labour Day Take four days of annual leave and score nine days off betwe

2025 is drawing to a close, and with it, this year’s super rare supermoon season. Skygazers have already been wowed by the first two in a rare trio of consecutive supermoons, with November showcasing the brightest and biggest of the past 12 months. Now, the Cold Moon is on its way, offering the perfect chance to manifest all your hopes and dreams for the year ahead. Thankfully, the lunar delights don’t stop there – the December full moon is paving the way for a fourth consecutive supermoon in early January 2026. Here’s everything you need to know about spotting the next full moon in Victoria. When is the next supermoon in Melbourne and Victoria? Australia’s next supermoon, the Cold Moon, will light up Victorian skies on the night of Friday, December 5.  When is the best time to see the December supermoon in Melbourne and Victoria? On December 5, the supermoon will rise in Melbourne at 9.16pm. Not in the city? You can find the scheduled moonrise time for your location here.  How to see the supermoon in Melbourne and Victoria? Professor Kamath, Astrophysicist and Lecturer at Macquarie University, shared her tips on getting the best of the supermoon, explaining: “The best way to experience a supermoon is at moonrise, when it climbs above the eastern horizon just after sunset. At this moment, the moon illusion makes it look especially large, and setting it against trees, buildings or a skyline adds to the drama.” When it comes to fully appreciating the supermoon, the darker the a

If paradise had a postcode, 4877 would be it. It might look like a random number now, but you’ll be seeing a whole lot more of it next year. Why? Because the tropical town behind those digits – Port Douglas – has just landed a spot in Booking.com’s top ten trending destinations in the world for 2026. Wedged between two World Heritage-listed wonders, this slice of paradise in Far North Queensland was the only Aussie destination to make the list – and you’ll want to visit before the rest of the world catches on. Now in its tenth year, Booking.com’s Travel Predictions report used data from January to August 2025 to highlight the destinations seeing the biggest year-on-year search spikes. Drawing on insights from nearly 30,000 travellers across 33 countries, the experts also forecast the trends set to shape how we explore the world in 2026. One of the report’s standout trends is wellness travel, with 80 per cent of global travellers saying they’d be interested in trying out at least one beauty or wellness treatment while on holiday. Enter Port Douglas: just the spot to dive into all things wellness. Photograph: Tourism and Events Queensland | Back Country Bliss Perfectly placed between two UNESCO World Heritage wonders – the historic Daintree Rainforest and the breathtaking Great Barrier Reef – this tropical Queensland town offers plenty of places to pamper yourself. Beyond beauty treatments, you can find inner peace by simply soaking in the region’s natural beauty, or supercha