Melissa Woodley

There’s no doubt about it, Sydneysiders can’t get enough of Italian food. And who can blame us? There’s something about a bowl of perfectly al dente pasta paired with a luscious, rich ragu that just hits the spot. And while Italian cuisine differs throughout the 20 incredible regions – broadly speaking, the northern regions eat more rice and polenta, while down south they feast more on seafood – Italians share a love of beautiful, seasonal produce; they choose simplicity rather than overcomplicating dishes and cook with soul. No wonder we love it so much. Luckily, there are plenty of excellent options for Italian dining in Sydney. Time Out’s food writers and editors – including Editor Avril Treasure, who has eaten her way through Sicily, Sorrento, Rome and Florence – have picked our favourite eateries, covering all bases. The only catch? They just need to provide a feel-good environment and dishes you’ll want to come back for. From casual red-sauce joints and classic pizzerias to fine-dining restaurants, you’ll find them all here. 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. Not in the mood for pasta? Here are our picks of the best spots for Greek and French food in Sydney.

You might come to Perth for its breathtaking sunsets and beautiful beaches, but the city's food scene will convince you to extend your stay. The best restaurants in Perth showcase world-class Western Australian seafood, prized Manjimup truffles and award-winning wines from nearby regions like Margaret River and the Swan Valley.  Picking where to eat in Perth isn't easy – the city spoils you with everything from cool coastal eateries to charming European bistros and hidden laneway curry houses. Luckily, you're in safe hands. Our Editor, Melissa Woodley, has teamed up with local writers to bring you this list of the best restaurants in Perth. So, put that appetite of yours to good use and get feasting. Editors' favourite restaurants in Perth: ✨ Best for special occasions: Wildflower 🍹 Best for seafood and spritzes: Madalenas ⚡️ Best for groups: Light Years For more about how we curate our reviews and guides, see our editorial guidelines. 🍷 The best bars in Perth☕️ The best cafés in Perth

Planning a trip Down Under? You've come to the right place. For almost six decades, Time Out has been inspiring people to get off the couch and discover the world's best experiences – and Australia is packed with them. Sure, you know the land Down Under for its pristine beaches and laid-back culture, but there's so much more to do beyond kissing koalas and yelling ‘g’day mate’. To help you plan the ultimate trip, our team (including Australian Editor Melissa Woodley) have curated the ultimate Aussie bucket list. It covers must-see attractions, experiences, events and landmarks across the country, tried and tested by our team. So, whether you’re chasing art and nightlife in the city, spotting native wildlife on secluded beaches or hiking in remote national parks, here's your guide to the best things to do in Australia. Editor's favourite things to do in Australia: ⭐️ Best city landmark: BridgeClimb, NSW 🖼️ Best for culture: MONA, TAS 🍷 Best food + drink: Adelaide Central Market, SA 🌊 Best outdoor adventure: Whitehaven Beach, QLD 🐿️ Best wildlife encounter: Rottnest Island, WA Jump to list: Landmarks | Outdoor Adventures | Culture | Food & Drink | Wildlife 🇦🇺 The best tourist attractions in Australia🌊 The best beaches in Australia

There’s never been a quiet year for theatre in Australia. From the bright lights of Broadway and the West End to our very own stages, Australia is lucky to host some of the world’s most spectacular 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 the world’s #1 musical, The Lion King, to the Aussie premieres of A Beautiful Noise: The Neil Diamond Musical and Fiddler on the Roof, this year’s theatre line-up is shaping up to be one of the most exciting yet. Here are all the biggest and best shows to see in Australia, listed in order of what's currently showing/hitting the stage next. 👀 The best art exhibitions in Australia🎉 The most exciting events of 2026

This list is from 2024. Read our 2025 ranking or check out our latest ranking for 2026 here. In 2024, what exactly makes a neighbourhood cool? Craft breweries, natty wine bars and street art are well and good, but the world’s best, most exciting and downright fun neighbourhoods are much more than identikit ‘hipster hubs’. They’re places that reflect the very best of their cities – its culture, community spirit, nightlife, food and drink – all condensed in one vibey, walkable district. To create our annual ranking, we went straight to the experts – our global team of on-the-ground writers and editors – and asked them what the coolest neighbourhood in their city is right now, and why. Then we narrowed down the selection and ranked the list using the insight and expertise of Time Out’s global editors, who vetted each neighbourhood against criteria including food, drink, arts, culture, street life, community and one-of-a-kind local flavour. The result? A list that celebrates the most unique and exciting pockets of our cities – and all their quirks. Yes, you’ll find some of those international hallmarks of ‘cool’. But in every neighbourhood on this list there’s something you won’t find anywhere else. Ever been to a photography museum that moonlights as a jazz club? Or a brewery with a library of Russian literature? How about a festival dedicated to fluff? When communities fiercely support and rally around their local businesses, even the most eccentric ideas can become a reality.

Want to witness Australia’s rarest natural wonders? Beyond our iconic beaches lies a world of bucket-list phenomena – from the mystical Aurora Australis and the world's largest wildflower show to the giant red crab migration and bioluminescent plankton. When you're caught up in living the city life, it's easy to forget the unmistakable jolt of electricity you feel when encountering these otherworldly landscapes and events. In this guide, we've mapped out some of Australia's best natural phenomena that are worth travelling to the far corners of our country for. But be warned: natural phenomena are fickle and they don't play by the human calendar. So, you'll have to let go and give in to the universe's mysterious natural rhythms – surely that's part of what makes seeing them so incredibly special? Editor's favourite natural phenomena in Australia: 🌊 Best for adrenaline: Horizontal Falls, WA ✨ Best for stargazers: Aurora Australis 😱 Best for illusions: Staircase to the Moon, WA 🦀 Best for wildlife: Red Crab Migration, Christmas Island 🌅 The most spectacular sunsets in Australia✨ Where to go stargazing in Australia

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, and we're fans of weekly trivia. 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! Editor's picks: 🍠 Best for a Sunday roast: The Bat & Ball ☀️ Best for a sunny beer garden: Courthouse Hotel 🍽️ Best for a delicious feed: The Dry Dock 🎸 Best for live music: The Duke of Enmore 🔖 Best for mid-week trivia: The Lord Gladstone 🍻 Best for a Sunday jazz : The Old Fitz 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. Want more? These are the best steaks in Sydney for $25 and under. Hungry? Check out our ultimate guide to Sydney's best restaurants. 

No shocker here, but Australia is home to some of the most spectacular walking trails on the planet. From multi-day treks through red deserts and family-friendly coastal day walks and lush rainforest hikes, the land Down Under offers every kind of landscape imaginable – and trust us, they’re all bloody good.  If you’re ready to lace up your boots, we’ve rounded up the best hikes in Australia to tackle this year. We've categorised them by state, complete with distance breakdowns, trail difficulty ratings and expert local tips. See you on the trails! Editor's favourite hikes in Australia: 🥾 Best multi-day trek: Larapinta Trail, NT 🌊 Best for incredible views: Three Capes Track, TAS 😍 Best hidden gem: Scenic Rim Walk, QLD ❤️ Best outback adventure: Ormiston Pound Walk, NT 🌳 Best for serious hikers: Thorsborne Trail, QLD JUMP TO:NT | NSW | TAS | QLD | WA | VIC | SA | ACT 🥾 The best national parks in Australia🌊 The best coastal walks in Australia

If there was any lingering doubt that Brisbane is a world city, it was put to rest the moment we scored the 2032 Olympics. Since then, the River City's been named one of the world's trendiest travel destinations and one of the friendliest places to live. Whether you're a local or just passing through, our editors have compiled the ultimate guide to the best things to do in Brisbane right now. In QAGOMA, the city has two of the best-designed art galleries on the planet, and blockbuster art to show in them. Sure, we've got great barbecue spots, but you'll also find some seriously impressive fine dining experiences and rooftop bars, too. Add in that year-round sunny climate (though slip, slop, slap please) and a great set of river walkways and public transport connections, and you’ve got yourself a city that’s a dream to explore. Start ticking off this list of the best things to do in Brisbane. Editors' favourite things to do in Brisbane: 🐶 Best for families: Bluey's World 😋 Best for culture: QAGOMA 🧺 Best for locals: West End Markets 🌳 The best free things to do in Brisbane🚗 The best day trips from Brisbane🥐 The best bakeries in Brisbane

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) OMG Hotels AU Pty Ltd ABN 14 626 442 073 Ovolo Woolloomooloo, 6 Cowper Wharf Roadway, Woolloomooloo, NSW, 2011 WHAT’S THE PRIZE? An eGift voucher for a two (2) night stay for two (2) people in a standard room type (and a complimentary room upgrade on arrival subject to availability) at any Ovolo Hotels in Australia, including Ovolo Canberra, Ovolo Melbourne, Ovolo Brisbane and Ovolo Sydney. The eGift voucher cannot be redeemed at Ovolo Hotels outside of Australia. The stay will include breakfast for two (2) people each morning (2), plus a $100 dining voucher to spend on food and beverages at the hotel during their stay, Apero hour each day (including two complimentary drinks each evening and a snack selected by our chef) and late check-out. The prize is valid from September XX, 2026 to September XX, 2027. The value of the prize is up to $1,458. This prize is referred to as the Prize Package in these rules. 👉  The Prize Package is subject to the Prize Provider’s terms and conditions available at: https://ovolohotels.com/ovolo/privacy-policy/ 👉  There are a few additional conditions from the Prize Provider which apply to this Competition and Prize Package: The eGift voucher can be used on two consecutive nights from September 27, 2026 to October 6, 2027

Whether you’re a Sydneysider planning a special-occasion staycation, or a visitor mapping out your first trip to the Emerald City, finding the right hotel in Sydney is a very important task. If you’re looking to book a stay that’s extra indulgent – willing to splash the cash on a high-end experience – choosing the right spot is even more crucial. Luckily for you, we’ve got a team of hotel aficionados who are committed to trying and testing the very best luxury stays in the city, and deciding which ones are worth your hard-earned cash (it’s a tough job, but somebody’s got to do it). Our expert team includes connoisseur of fine things Time Out Sydney Editor Avril Treasure and Sydney-based travel whizz Melissa Woodley (Time Out Australia’s News and Travel Editor). Each hotel has been checked for its luxe credentials by Time Out Sydney's Travel and News Editor (and self-confessed hotel obsessive) Winnie Stubbs. From a celeb-approved harbourside palace (Park Hyatt Sydney) to a stunning beachside stay with a rooftop magnesium pool (Elysium Manly), these are the best luxury hotels in Sydney for a super-special stay. Editor's quick picks: Best for beach lovers: Elysium Manly Best for harbour views: Park Hyatt Sydney  Best for indulgent spa breaks: Capella Sydney Best dog-friendly luxury stay: Pier One 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. RECOMMENDED:Want more options? Here's

Hobart’s Japanese dining scene punches far above its weight, blending Tassie’s fresh seafood and exceptional local produce with traditional techniques. From ultra-intimate, multi-course omakase counter seats to late-night izakayas and hidden suburban gems serving crispy karaage and rich ramen, the island capital has a table for every craving. Here are the best Japanese restaurants in Hobart to book right now, thanks to recommendations from our local foodie experts. Kanpai! Editor's favourite Japanese restaurants in Hobart: 🍣 Best for dinner & drinks: Bar Wa Izakaya 🍜 Best for fine dining: Omotenashi  🍱 Best for ramen: Ranita Ramen For more about how we curate our reviews and guides, see our editorial guidelines. 🍕 The best pizza in Hobart🍽 The best restaurants in Hobart

Set right on the edge of the sparkling Swan River at Elizabeth Quay, this ritzy, five-star stay puts Perth’s best dining and drinking right at your doorstep – but trust us, you’ll barely want to leave the grounds. The Ritz-Carlton, Perth opened with a bang in 2019, making its mark as the luxury hotel brand’s 100th property globally. The lobby is as impressive as any Australian art gallery, featuring 10,000 pieces of Kimberley sandstone and a 13-metre-high chandelier with 275 hand-blown, tubular lights. It sets a high standard for what lies above. Up on the fifth floor, the heated infinity pool overlooking the city skyline and Elizabeth Quay is pretty spectacular, trumped only by the panoramic waterfront views from the level 17 and 18 suites. Where is The Ritz-Carlton Perth? This 18-storey tower is situated on the edge of Perth’s CBD at Elizabeth Quay, overlooking the calming waters of the Swan River and The Bell Tower – one of the world’s largest musical instruments. The Ritz-Carlton, Perth is a short stroll from Elizabeth Quay train and bus station, connecting you to all of the city’s coolest neighbourhoods and cultural landmarks. Plus, getting to Rottnest Island is a breeze, with the Barrack Street Ferry Terminal just seconds from the lobby. What are the rooms like at The Ritz-Carlton Perth? Standing 18 floors high, The Ritz-Carlton’s shiny glass facade ensures every single one of the 205 rooms and suites captures a view – whether it’s the city skyline, the Swan River, Eliz

Broome is arguably most famous for one landmark: Cable Beach, and this sprawling 26-hectare resort occupies its best real estate. As the only accommodation directly fronting the iconic beach, it delivers front-row seats to Western Australia’s famous sunsets.  First opened in May 1988, Cable Beach Club Resort & Spa trades snobby high-gloss luxury for laid-back, character-rich charm – and comes loaded with an adults-only pool, lush tropical gardens, a breezy ocean-facing bar and a luxe day spa. It's an architectural ode to Broome’s multicultural roots, with East-meets-West design paying tribute to the town’s deep Asian and colonial heritage. Chinese lions guard the entrance and stone horse statues act as maps, while green and red accents, lattice balconies and polished jarrah floors nod to Broome’s historic pearlers’ cottages. Where is Cable Beach Club Resort & Spa? Located just a two-minute stroll from the northern end of Cable Beach, this resort commands the best real estate in town. It’s roughly a ten-minute drive to both Chinatown and Broome International Airport, with a public bus stop outside for those without a car. What are the rooms like at Cable Beach Club Resort? Given its sheer size, finding your room at Cable Beach Club feels like a mini treasure hunt. There are roughly 225 rooms, suites, bungalows and villas spread across the property’s lush grounds, catering equally to solo explorers, romantic getaways and big family trips. I stayed in one of the Pool View Studi

Picture a classic Aussie outback holiday, and your mind likely envisions campervans cruising down red-dirt tracks, swags set up under star-studded skies, instant noodles on repeat and drop toilets you’d rather erase from memory. Arkaba Homestead is one of a few boutique outback properties in Australia rewriting that narrative. Travellers who make the 4.5-hour journey from Adelaide to this all-inclusive retreat managed by Stay Intrepid come for many reasons: to disconnect in nature, sleep under star-filled skies, spot native wildlife on twice-daily safaris, and witness real conservation in action. Many also come to explore these ancient landscapes on the three-day Arkaba Walk – one of the 15 Great Walks of Australia that culminates right here at the homestead. No matter how you spend your time, this isn't just an outback getaway; it's a bucket-list trip that stays with you long after the dust settles. Where is Arkaba Homestead? Arkaba Homestead offers one of the most accessible – and luxurious – ways to experience the Ikara-Flinders Ranges, an ancient 430-kilometre mountain range in South Australia that earned a spot in Lonely Planet’s hotlist of the 25 best places to visit in 2026. It’s a scenic 4.5- to five-hour drive north from Adelaide to Arkaba via the Clare Valley wine region or Port Augusta, though guests can also opt for a 90-minute charter flight direct from Adelaide's General Aviation Terminal. What is included in a stay at Arkaba? A stay at Arkaba includes everythin

“I would argue that this is the most significant hotel opening in Australia this year,” a Sunshine Coast local tells me about the new Avani Mooloolaba Beach Hotel. At 13 storeys high, it might not be the largest in scale, but its opening sure is a landmark event for one of Queensland’s most unpretentious beach towns, marking the region’s first internationally branded hotel to launch in almost four decades. Given that reaction, I check in with high expectations – and 48 hours later, I can confirm this new five-star stay is well worth the wait. Set just a block back from the shimmering shores of Mooloolaba’s main beach, this 180-key property isn’t trying to steal the spotlight from its natural surroundings. Instead, its rippled, greenery-draped facade mirrors the waves, setting the tone for a slow-paced getaway where everything worth doing and seeing is just a stroll away. That said, you could happily spend hours hiding upstairs: stretched out on a daybed by the infinity pool, lapping up the coastal breeze from your private balcony, melting your stress away in the private sauna, or sipping sundowner cocktails at the stylish rooftop bar. Avani is both the place to be seen and not be seen – and it feels like the missing piece in Mooloolaba’s puzzle to becoming Australia's next coastal hot spot. Where is Avani Mooloolaba Beach Hotel? The Avani is tucked away on a side street just one block back from Mooloolaba Beach, and a short stroll from the esplanade’s buzzing restaurant and s

Forget worrying about check-in times. While you can officially unlock your room at the Mövenpick Hotel Hobart from 2pm, the only clock that actually matters is the one ticking down to 3.30pm. That’s when the hotel’s famous free daily ‘Chocolate Hour’ begins, where all guests can enjoy exclusive, house-baked cocoa-infused desserts. Making its grand debut in 2021, the Mövenpick Hotel Hobart officially marked the brand’s first opening in Australia. If the name rings a bell, you’re likely thinking of the gourmet ice cream brand. The two businesses share the same sweet DNA, both created by Swiss entrepreneur Ueli Prager in the mid-1900s, though they operate as independent brands today. As the city’s third-tallest building, the hotel’s sweeping views are serious postcard material, or perhaps Insta-worthy, in this day and age. It sits on the fringe of the CBD, right near the Tasmanian Museum and Art Gallery and steps from the waterfront precinct – ideal if you’re all about that city life. But if you’re planning on staying in, Mövenpick has you covered with a fitness centre, a vibrant Italian restaurant – Tesoro – where you can expect tableside cheese-wheel pasta, afternoon antipasti and an excellent hot breakfast offering. What are the rooms like at Mövenpick Hotel Hobart? All of the hotel’s 221 deluxe rooms make the most of the building’s height with floor-to-ceiling windows – some impressing with guaranteed water views. Inside, each room is designed for comfort with plush beds, l

Had I woken from an afternoon nap at Jamala Wildlife Lodge without context, I could easily have believed I was lost in a dream at a South African safari retreat. Two giraffes grazed quietly outside my room, while lions, cheetahs, zebras and rhinos all wandered nearby. The only giveaway that I was actually in Canberra was the faint silhouette of Black Mountain Tower in the distance. Tucked away in the heart of Australia’s capital at the National Zoo and Aquarium, Jamala Wildlife Lodge is without a doubt Canberra’s most unique accommodation – an award it’s won eight times, in fact. Here, the luxury bungalows and suites are dispersed within the animal enclosures, offering you the chance to sleep, dine and even bathe next to some of the world’s most dangerous and endangered species. Think cheetahs, lions, sun bears and giraffes! While the animals are naturally the headline act of any Jamala stay, the five-star luxury of the accommodation is a very close second. Paired with fine dining, private zoo tours and intimate animal encounters, it’s honestly one of the most immersive and incredible safari experiences you can find outside of Africa. Where is Jamala Wildlife Lodge? Jamala Wildlife Lodge is located inside the National Zoo & Aquarium in Canberra, close to the banks of the Molonglo River. It’s just a ten-minute drive from the CBD and 15-minutes from the Canberra Airport. Reachable via an easy three-hour drive from Sydney or a short flight from Melbourne, Adelaide or Brisbane, J

There is magic in both the old and new, and the secret is to find a way to unite the two. Adina Apartment Hotel Brisbane has done exactly that with its beautifully restored heritage-listed building, constructed almost a century ago. Over four years, the incredibly caring Adina team transformed the former George Street banking chamber into a grand 220-room hotel. The ground floor strikes the perfect balance of cool and classic, celebrating the building’s Art Deco origins with chequered marble floors, timber doorways and glistening chandeliers. As you ascend to your abode – ranging from studios to three-bedroom apartments – you’ll find all the modern comforts of home. There’s also a ground-floor gym and swimming pool, plus on-site parking for $30 per day – a rare gem in the city! What are the rooms like at Adina Brisbane? Inside the artfully restored Adina Brisbane, you’ll find 220 spacious apartments, ranging from sleek studios to one-, two- or three-bedroom apartments. Each abode is designed to feel like a home away from home, complete with a fully-equipped kitchen, laundry and separate lounge/dining areas. The pièce de résistance is the premier balcony rooms, which boast sweeping views of the Brisbane River just a short stroll away. I recommend cooking up a feast or ordering room service, then settling on the balcony for golden hour with a bottle of bubbles (when in Brisvegas, right?). When it’s time to switch off, you’ll easily drift into a slumber thanks to plush king beds

Once you set foot onto Rottnest Island, you simply won’t want to leave – so you might as well stay a couple of nights. The eco-glamping tents at Discovery Resorts are a total dream for anyone who loves the idea of camping but doesn’t want to give up all the comforts of a luxe hotel. While the property is a short one-kilometre stroll or cycle from the ferry jetty, the team will deliver your bags straight to your accommodation. That means you can literally head straight to the golden sands of Pinky Beach. When it’s time to check in, simply follow the boardwalk past the sand dunes to the 83 eco-tents that will become your temporary home for the next few blissful days. Even the Standard Tents here come fitted with all the creature comforts you actually want – think an ensuite bathroom, pillow-topped bed, fly-screened windows and a furnished deck. If you’re travelling with kids or friends, the Duplex Family Tents can sleep up to ten guests, featuring a shared barbecue, kitchenette and massive outdoor deck. But the absolute crème de la crème has to be the adults-only Deluxe Oceanside Tents, boasting romantic sunset views stretching across the Indian Ocean. Waking up to the sound of waves and falling asleep (almost) under the stars are bound to be core memories. Once you’ve had enough DIY barbecues, you can hit up Pinky Rottnest Island for relaxed pub fare. Expect seaside favourites such as fish and chips, burgers, steaks and seafood salads, alongside local wine and classic cocktail

Choo choo! The Train of Lights is back on the tracks for 2026 and ready to captivate passengers with a magical winter journey through the Dandenong Ranges for a fifith year. Australia’s favourite steam train Puffing Billy will be your conductor for this trip that illuminates the natural beauty of the region with thousands of dazzling lights. But if you want to join this glowing journey, you'll have to be quick – tickets sell out quickly every year. Here's everything you need to know to secure your spot. When is Puffing Billy Train of Lights on for 2026? This enchanting winter journey is on from June 26 to July 19, 2026.  What to expect for Puffing Billy Train of Lights? The whole experience is a two-and-a-half hour round trip. Departing from Lakeside Station, you’ll be immersed in a spectacle of neon colours that brighten up the countryside with sparkles, rainbows and hypnotic patterns. The historic train will also be adorned with stunning visual effects, which will light up the trees, tracks and passing towns along the way.  Puffing Billy will chug along the historic narrow-gauge track to Gembrook Station where guests will disembark for a 55-minute stopover. Here, you can warm up by the crackling open firepits with hot chocolate and live acoustic music, and enjoy a sausage sizzle by the Emerald and Gembrook CFA (with all money going towards their respective brigades).  How to get tickets for Pufffing Billy Train of Lights 2026? Tickets go on sale at 10am on Thursday, May 28

With minimal light pollution and high elevation, Alice Springs offers some of the best, darkest night skies on Earth. You can witness the wonders of the incredible cosmos at Earth Sanctuary, an award-winning astronomy park run by Joe Falzon and his three sons. Their engaging 90-minute Astro Tour is a perfect taster for budding stargazers, where you’ll marvel at the moon through powerful telescopes, learn to find your zodiac in the eclipse, hear celestial stories about the Milky Way, and maybe even catch a shooting star. Given Alice Springs is located in one of Australia’s darkest regions, you may never see so many stars again. For the ultimate outback night out, Earth Sanctuary also serves up an award-winning dinner experience where you can tuck into a home-cooked gourmet barbecue as the sun dips below the majestic Eastern MacDonnell Ranges. Better yet? You can even stay until sunrise by booking one of their futuristic, intergalactic-style geodesic glamping domes.  RECOMMENDED: The best things to do in Alice Springs

You can imagine how giddy I was when I found out I’d be escaping to Australia’s most famous private island resort. InterContinental Hayman Island Great Barrier Reef sits on a 294-hectare island right in the heart of The Whitsundays, reachable only via private charter, luxury boat or a helicopter ride from Hamilton Island Airport. The moment you touch down, you’re fully cut off from the real world – in the best kind of way. This ultra-luxe resort is everything your dreams are made of – and trust me, it delivers. During my stay, I swam in the Southern Hemisphere’s largest pool, took advantage of complimentary morning beach activities and melted away my stress with a deep tissue massage before eating my way through the resort’s top-tier restaurants. But if you want to do absolutely nothing? Say no more. You’re on island time now. What are the rooms like at InterContinental Hayman Great Barrier Reef? After suffering damage from Cyclone Debbie in 2017, the resort underwent a major $135 million redevelopment before reopening as the InterContinental Hayman Great Barrier Reef in 2019. Now, more than seven decades since it launched, the high-end property is home to 182 uber-fancy guest rooms split across four wings – each boasting incredible views of the rainforest, beach, lagoon or pool. Some rooms, like the Pool Ocean View Suite I’m staying in, even offer direct swim-out access to the iconic Hayman pool from a private beach-facing balcony. As I stepped into my room, the lights slowl

There’s no better way to soak up the magic of Mooloolaba than with a Sunset Cruise aboard Saltwater Eco Tours’ beautifully restored 114-year-old sailing vessel. As you glide along the glistening Mooloolah River, local artists set the mood with live acoustic tunes. When the sun begins to dip below the horizon, you’ll be treated to a seasonal grazing box featuring native bush tucker ingredients, while cocktails and Champagne are available from the bar across the two-hour voyage. If you’re keen to sample more native ingredients, Saltwater Eco Tours’ Bushtucker Cruise serves up native bush tucker-inspired canapés that beautifully connect culture to coast. Think fresh oysters with finger limes, creamy bunya dip with native flatbread and a wattleseed brownie. For a deeper connection to Country, the relaxed 1.5-hour River Cruise weaves in fascinating commentary on local First Nations history, local ecology, and river ecosystems. Meanwhile, the Saltwater Canoe Tour, led by a First Nations guide, lets you uncover the secrets of Mooloolah River beyond the main channel. RECOMMENDED: The best things to do on the Sunshine Coast

Need a good kick in the pants to start your spring clean-out? Well, it’s time to roll up those sleeves. On Saturday, October 17, Uber will pick up your pre-loved clothes and deliver them to the Australian Red Cross for free. It’s a win-win for everyone. Your wardrobe will get a mini Marie Kondo makeover, while you help the Red Cross raise funds for those in need. If your room is filled with mounds of clothes you haven’t touched in months, you’re not alone. Research conducted by Uber and Red Cross Australia last year revealed there is around $25 billion worth of unused clothing – or 231 million pieces –gathering dust in Aussie wardrobes. That’s billions, with a B, folks! Last year, the donation drive (get it?) collected almost 125,000 kilograms in a single day – enough shop-quality donations to stock five Red Cross Shops for an entire year.  Before you start shoving all your bits and bobs into bags, you’ll need to make sure that your clothes and accessories meet the donation criteria. The Red Cross doesn’t want your stretched undies, stained jumpers or that shirt you wore paintballing last year. Nor will they accept homewares, electronics or children’s clothes. The charity is on the lookout for high-quality, vintage, retro and designer pieces to resell in their op shops. This year, they're especially looking for well-looked-after women’s jackets, knitwear and tops. As a rule of thumb, if it’s something you’d feel great about giving to a friend, then it’s perfect to donate. You

Long before you were old enough to crack open a cold pint at the pub or sip a Spritz on a sun-drenched rooftop, a humble scoop of ice cream was the ultimate summer reward. To be fair, it’s still the top choice for many Aussies wanting to cool down after a long day at the beach. And with summer on the horizon, we’re here to introduce you to Australia’s best gelato for 2026. This week, the Melbourne Royal Australian Food Awards crowned the nation’s top artisan goods and produce across dozens of categories. Among them was the best gelato, with industry experts blind-judging every scoop on flavour profile, body and texture, condition and melting. After tallying the results, South Australia’s Hokey Pokey was awarded Best in Class Gelato 2026 for its rich Belgian dark chocolate stracciatella. Tucked away on Stirling’s leafy main street in the Adelaide Hills, this small family-run ice creamery takes no shortcuts when churning out its award-winning gelatos. “This award is just such a lovely acknowledgement of all the hard work that goes into everything we do,” said Hokey Pokey owners Tim and Helen McNamara. “We do everything traditionally and make everything we use by hand, even roasting and grinding our own nuts. This is not as quick or as cost-effective as the methods many use, but we believe it makes the best product, and these awards absolutely validate this.” Photograph: Supplied | Hokey PokeyFelix and Tim McNamara Hokey Pokey’s small-batch gelatos and ice creams are made usin

Try to find me someone who doesn’t love a public holiday. For the majority of us, it means a glorious, guilt-free day off work – and usually a long weekend to match. For casual staff and shift workers, it means scoring double-time-and-a-half penalty rates. Half of Australia is about to head into a Labour Day long weekend, but I suspect you probably don’t actually know why we get the day off in the first place, or why states mark the occasion in different months. Here are all your questions, answered… What is Labour Day? Labour Day commemorates the labour movement’s historic fight for the eight-hour workday – a reform that changed life as we know it. On April 21, 1856, stonemasons working on the University of Melbourne put down their tools and marched from the campus to Parliament House, demanding “eight hours labour, eight hours recreation, eight hours rest”. Remarkably, they won – without losing pay. And at a time when 14-hour days and six-day working weeks were common (with zero sick leave or job security), this was revolutionary stuff. It wasn’t until 60 years later that the Eight Hours Act was passed in Victoria and NSW. Much, much later, in 1948, Australia's Commonwealth Arbitration Court approved a 40-hour, five-day working week for all Aussies. What is the 888 principle? The philosophy behind the eight-hour workday is that it gives people the ability to split the 24-hour day into three eight-hour periods: 8 hours for sleeping 8 hours working 8 hours playing, eating an

If you needed another reason to book an interstate getaway this summer, here it is: Australia was just ranked the fourth-best country in the world for travel and tourism. We jumped two places since the World Economic Forum's last global report, placing us right behind hotspots Japan, the United States and Spain. Unlike standard travel reports that focus solely on visitor numbers or spending, the World Economic Forum’s biennial Travel & Tourism Development Index draws on nearly two decades of data to paint the complete picture. It measures how effectively a destination can attract, support and sustain travel in ways that genuinely benefit local communities and economies, looking at everything from price competitiveness and transport infrastructure to cultural resources and environmental sustainability. In news that will surprise no one, Japan topped this year’s global rankings, with the country welcoming a record 42.7 million international travellers. It climbed two places since the 2024 index, overtaking both the United States and Spain for the top spot. Photograph: Destination NSW | Ben SavageManly Foreshore, Sydney Australia also rose two places to fourth position in 2026, showing strong demand across the Asia-Pacific region. In doing so, we overtook European hotspots France and Germany. Even more impressive? We cracked the top ten without actually having one of the ten largest travel economies – a feat pulled off only by us and Switzerland. Australia particularly excelle

Update Friday, October 2: Don’t forget to set your clocks forward! Daylight Saving officially begins this Sunday, October 4. While the spring equinox on September 23 has already given us longer days, this weekend’s clock change is the ultimate sign that summer is right around the corner. Find out when exactly to change your clocks below.  Ahh, we’ve officially made it to spring. Across much of Australia, the days are warming up, the evenings are stretching out and life is starting to feel that extra bit sunnier. Even brighter days are ahead too, with daylight savings starting next month for those in NSW, Victoria, South Australia, Tasmania and the ACT (sorry to our friends in the NT, QLD and WA). Wondering how much longer you have to wait for that extra hour of evening sunlight? Here’s everything you need to know about the start of daylight savings in Australia, including when to turn your clocks forward. And yes, we know it’s technically ‘daylight saving’ – but let’s be real, most of us add an ‘s’ on the end in everyday conversation, so don't come at us. When does daylight savings start in Australia in 2026? Daylight savings kicks off on the first Sunday of October at 2am local time. In 2026, this falls on Sunday, October 4 – so you'll lose an hour of sleep that night when our clocks wind forward, with 2am AEST turning into 3am AEDT. However, we’d trade losing an hour of sleep for an extra hour of evening sunlight any day of the week. Bring on the post-work swims and sunset

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. Bookmark this public holiday cheat sheet, pick your next getaway and get those leave requests in before your coworkers do. January: Australia Day Take four days of annual leave and score nine days off between January 23 and 31. January 23-24: Weekend January 25: Annual leave January 26: Australia Day public holiday January 27-29: Annual leave January 30-31: Weekend Annual leave used: four daysTotal time off: nine days March: Easter Take four days of annual leave and score 10 days off over the Easter long weekend. March 26: Good Friday public holiday March 27: Easter Saturday public holiday March 28: Easter Sunday public holiday March 29: Easter Monday public holiday March 30-April 2: Annual leave April 3-4: Weekend Annual leave used: four daysTotal time off: 10 days Photograph: Supplied | Destination NSWhills of NSW   April: Anzac Day Here’s an especially handy one for NSW in 2027. Anzac Day falls on Sunday, April 25, and the NSW Government has confirmed an additional public holiday on Monday, April 26.  Take four days of annual leave and scor

We don’t believe it either, but it’s true: we’re already well on our way through 2026, which means it’s time to start plotting those 2027 holidays. If maximising your time OOO is high on your priority list, we’ve got some good news: with a little strategic annual leave planning, you can turn 28 days of annual leave into 66 days off in Victoria. The trick is to make the most of Victoria’s public holidays, from Labour Day and the King’s Birthday to the AFL Grand Final Friday and Melbourne Cup Day. There are also some particularly generous Christmas and Easter configurations in 2027. Bookmark this cheat sheet, pick your next long-weekend escape and get those leave requests in before your coworkers do. January: Australia Day Take one day of annual leave on Monday, January 25 and you’ll get four days off from January 23 to 26. January 23-24: Weekend January 25: Annual leave January 26: Australia Day public holiday If you want to stretch this one further, you can take January 27-29 off too, giving you nine days off for four days of annual leave, from January 23-31. March: Labour Day Victoria’s Labour Day falls on Monday, March 8, making this one of the easiest long weekends to stretch. Take four days of annual leave from March 9-12 and you’ll get nine days off from March 6-14. March 6-7: Weekend March 8: Labour Day public holiday March 9-12: Annual leave March 13-14: Weekend March-April: Easter Easter is already a four-day weekend in Victoria, thanks to Good Friday, Easter Satu

Love laksa? Well, stop slurping your noods and book a trip to Australia’s Laksa Capital pronto. The Darwin International Laksa Festival has returned for the entire month of October, dishing up a record-breaking 220 laksa-inspired creations. We’re talking everything from laksa-flavoured cold foam coffees and vanilla slices to bánh mì, pavlova and even shio pan. Flying to the Northern Territory for a steaming bowl of spicy noodle soup might sound unhinged – especially when the temperatures up there sit in the mid-30s. But that doesn’t stop the locals, who happily slurp it up for breakfast, lunch and dinner, rain or shine. Photograph: SuppliedFood Hall at Darwin International Laksa Festival, 2025 So, where exactly can you find the Territory’s best laksa? That hotly debated question will be settled at Darwin’s eighth Laksa Festival Grand Finale on Saturday, October 31. Throughout the month, secret judges will visit participating venues to select the top three laksas, which will then battle it out for the ultimate Golden Bowl award. Frontrunners include last year’s champion Kopi Stop, 2024 joint winners Bamboo Lounge and Chow!, and 2022 champ Chok’s Place. Laksa lovers can vote for their favourite dishes in the highly contested People’s Choice categories, with the most popular laksa and laksa-inspired creations also crowned at the finale. More than 100 venues are serving up 220 individual laksa-flavoured dishes, with more than a third of them making their festival debut. Photog

Every year, Time Out crowns the world’s best cities based on what local dwellers actually think – rating everything from nightlife and culture to walkability and green spaces. But now it’s time to turn our attention to the annual Oxford Economics Global Cities Index, which factors in hard data like economic power, governance quality and rental prices.  This year, while Melbourne still cracked the top 20 cities in the world, it's slipped from seventh place last year to 16th place. Sixteen out of 1,000 cities – still fairly high. The Oxford Economics Global Cities Index crunches the numbers across the world’s 1,000 most populous cities, looking at 27 indicators across five categories: Economics, Human Capital, Quality of Life, Environment and Governance. The scores are then tallied to reveal how the world’s biggest cities stack up. Seven Aussie cities cracked the global top 100 in 2026, with Sydney actually trumping us in 13th place. At the very top of the list, it’s a familiar trio: New York, London and Paris have once again claimed the top three spots, while rising metropolises like Dublin, Tokyo, Boston and Zurich made it into the top 10.  Photograph: Pexels | Kyle VermeulenAerial view of Melbourne Here’s how Melbourne performed across Oxford Economics’ five categories: Economics: 17thMelbourne scores strongly here, thanks to its diverse and resilient economy and its status as a major global city. Human Capital: 68thThe city’s impressive universities and its appeal to mi

There’s no time like the present, especially when it comes to buying real estate. Wait 12 months, and that suburb you had your heart set on could be half a million dollars more expensive. New data from realestate.com.au has revealed 14 suburbs across Australia where median house prices increased by more than $500,000 in the past 12 months. That’s at least $1,400 per day – almost four times what the average full-time adult worker earns. Suburbs in New South Wales and Western Australia recorded the biggest price jumps, though for different reasons. "In Sydney, many of the biggest gains are in already high-value prestige markets,” explains realestate.com.au senior economist Eleanor Creagh. "When you are dealing with multi-million-dollar markets, even modest percentage movements can translate into substantial changes in dollar terms.” Dover Heights in Sydney’s Eastern Suburbs saw the biggest one-year jump, with median house prices surging by $1.55 million over the past 12 months to an eye-popping $8.5 million. Neighbouring suburbs Rose Bay and Clovelly also saw increases of more than $1 million, bumping median house prices into the $6 million club. Meanwhile, Luddenham – a semi-rural suburb just a five-minute drive from the new Western Sydney International Airport – saw a $1.05 million change over 12 months, pushing its median house price to $3.1 million. Over on the West Coast, many of Perth’s priciest suburbs experienced significant 12-month house price growth. This includes co

Golf is a rather strange sport. You spend hours battling the elements to hit a tiny white ball across hectares of manicured grass, only to realise you've picked the single most expensive sport in Australia as your go-to hobby. Well, if you’re looking to splash some more cash on your next golfing getaway, Australian Golf Digest’s biennial ranking of the Top 100 Golf Courses for 2026/27 is here to inspire. This year, 271 avid golfers evaluated 824 courses – more than half of Australia’s 1,600-odd courses – across seven criteria: shot options, challenge, layout variety, distinctiveness, character, aesthetics and conditioning. To calculate the final score, category totals were averaged, with double points awarded to shot options. Photograph: Visit Victoria | Gary LisbonWest Course at Royal Melbourne Golf Club In the milestone 20th-edition ranking, Royal Melbourne (West) reclaimed its crown as Australia’s number one golf course – a title it’s held for all but two rankings in history. It was momentarily demoted to second place in 2024/25, but earned back the top spot thanks to its excellent topography, supreme conditioning and world-class design by legendary architect Alister MacKenzie. It was also named 'Best for Shot Options,' with virtually every hole providing multiple risk-reward routes. Victorian golf courses claimed 37 of the top 100 spots, including Kingston Heath Golf Club in second place – a one-position jump from the previous list. The Melbourne Sandbelt icon also earn

Reality check: we’re already three-quarters of the way through the year, which means it’s time to start plotting your 2027 holidays. If maximising time OOO is top of your priority list, we’ve got good news: with a little planning, you can turn 23 days of annual leave into 56 days off. Hectic! Bookmark this public holiday cheat sheet, pick your next long weekend destination, and lock in that annual leave before your coworkers do (#sorrynotsorry). January Take four days of annual leave and score nine days off between January 23 and 31: January 23-24: Weekend January 25: Annual leave January 26: Public holiday (Australia Day/Invasion Day) January 27-29: Annual leave January 30-31: Weekend March/April: Easter Take four days of annual leave and score ten days off from March 26 to April 4: March 26: Public holiday (Good Friday) March 27-28: Weekend March 29: Public holiday (Easter Monday) March 30-April 2: Annual leave April 3-4: Weekend April/May: ANZAC Day Take four days of annual leave and score nine days off between April 23 and 26 (all states except SA, TAS and VIC): April 24-25: Weekend April 26: Public holiday (ANZAC Day observance) April 27-30: Annual leave May 1-2: Weekend June: King’s Birthday Take four days of annual leave and score nine days off between June 12 and 20 (all states except QLD and WA): June 12-13: Weekend June 14: Public holiday (King’s Birthday) June 15-18: Annual leave June 19-20: Weekend In Western Australia, the King’s Birthday falls on Septem