Your ultimate guide to Australia

Looking to live it up on your next Aussie getaway? We’ve got you covered. Our country is practically swimming in great hotels, from new boutique stays with heated infinity pools to revamped classics boasting five-star rooftop bars. Whether you’re a local looking for a gram-worthy staycation or a tourist eager to be in the heart of the action, here are our picks of Australia’s top hotels. Who makes the cut? While we might not stay in every hotel or accommodation offering featured, we've based our list on top reviews, hosts and amenities to find you the best stays. This article includes affiliate links. These links have no influence on our editorial content. For more information, see our affiliate guidelines.

Whether it’s a home among the gum trees or a beachfront base, you’ll be spoiled for choice with Australia’s campgrounds, and they even upped the game by making them free. You may not have access to showers or flushing toilets, but hey, we’ll take it if it means a front-row seat to some of the country’s most gorgeous coastlines or extraordinary national parks. There are a couple of variables between the sites like what amenities are available, if they need to be booked in advance, if they're caravan/tent friendly and if you require a national park pass, so be sure to call or look up your desired destination in advance to avoid disappointment. Above all, keep these campsites clean so we get to experience them in all their beauty for years to come. But without further ado, here’s our roundup of the best free campsites Down Under. RECOMMENDED: The 9 most epic Australian road trips to do before you die.

Dreaming of your next island getaway? Check-in and fully check out by booking a stay at one of Australia’s most dreamy resorts and lodges. These postcard-worthy destinations offer more than just a place to stay; they’re where you can connect with the very best of Australian culture, take in our country’s most stunning landscapes and embark on some of the nation’s top bucket list experiences. You can soak up the scenes from an outdoor bathtub in the Kimberley wilderness, get up close to wildlife from a fancy suite at Canberra’s zoo, relax at a secluded hilltop escape on the Tasmanian coast, or swim in crystal clear waters at a private island resort on the Great Barrier Reef. Here are all the resorts and lodges to book for your next Australian getaway.  Who makes the cut? While we might not stay in every hotel or accommodation offering featured, we've based our list on top reviews, hosts and amenities to find you the best stays. This article includes affiliate links. These links have no influence on our editorial content. For more information, see our affiliate guidelines.

In a country as ridiculously vast as Australia, the only way to really see everything is to do it on your own set of four wheels. The humble road trip is kind of a quintessential Aussie cultural practice, with our nation's abundance of gorgeously scenic drives, bizarre roadside curios and secret nature spots making any kind of long road trip more than the average drive. We've rounded up the nine most epic Australian road trips that you should drive away on at least once in your life. From sweeping coastal drives full of fresh oysters to rugged voyages through the Outback, these routes are tried, tested and certifiably excellent.  Whether you're after a wholesome day trip from Sydney, a week-long adventure or a multi-week trek that'll make you feel like an intrepid National Geographic explorer, there's something on this list for everyone. Now, all that's left to do is pack snacks, download some podcasts and let yourself loose on the open road.  Want more? Drive to one of the 8 most beautiful places in Australia. PSA: Some of these road trips take you through vast, isolated landscapes where there is no service or facilities. Make sure that you and your vehicle are prepared when heading into the wilderness. That means packing plenty of water, provisions and a satellite phone – and, if you're going somewhere rugged, only driving a car that tackles tricky terrain. 

Australia is the biggest island on Earth. With our nation's borders being made out of 100 per cent seawater, it's kind of go figure that we've got a speckling of smaller islands fringing our biggest one – 8,222 of them, to be exact.  It would take you a bloody long time to hop around to them all, so, to save you the trouble, we've rounded up the eight most spectacular, interesting and downright delightful Australian islands that we reckon you need to put on your bucket list. From a far-flung tropical paradise that you've probably never heard of, to wildife sancturies, to a fresh cheese oasis, we've found a diverse range of Aussie islands that will appeal to pretty much every kind of person who likes the sound of escaping the mainland.  Island time? We're ready for you.  RECOMMENDED: The 8 most incredible beaches to dip in Down Under.

Whether a saltwater plunge or a stroll by the bay, water has this uncanny ability to quiet a busy mind and restore calm to the soul. A good surf, a morning on the water or a good game of beach cricket with sand in between your toes all evoke a liveliness that makes you forget, even momentarily, about the work or stress that may be waiting upon the opening of your laptop. So clock off, pack your (beach) bags and dig out the cossies, because these are the best beach towns in Australia that you really don’t want to miss out on. Want to know where you should be getting sandy in Straya? Look no further than the best beaches in Australia.  

You know the landmarks and the laid-back culture, but there are plenty more things to do in  Australia than kissing koalas and yelling ‘g’day mate’. Australia is a nature lover’s paradise, with highly sought after food experiences and impressive cultural heritage to boot. Whether you want to get amongst art parties in small coastal cities, see fairy penguins scurry across sandy beaches or watch the sunrise over Sydney Harbour from a kayak, there’s so much to explore across this incredible country. You’ll no doubt find something to inspire a holiday Down Under with our guide to all the best things you need to see right now in Australia. Find out more about how Time Out selects the very best things to do all over the world.

Australia is packed with many incredible natural landmarks, gorgeous sightseeing spots and once-in-a-lifetime experiences. But with so much choice, it's hard knowing which Australian tourist sights live up to the hype. Our Travel and News Editor, Melissa Woodley, has drawn on her adventures across every state and territory to curate this list of the top tourist places in Australia, spanning from the east coast to the west.  While the Big Banana didn’t make the cut this time around, you’re sure to be amazed by these spectacular sights, including the world’s largest coral reef, the oldest continually surviving rainforest, and the best sunset-watching location on Earth. Start compiling your great Australian bucket list from these top tourist attractions. 😱 The best places to visit in Australia right now🌈 All the most beautiful places to explore Down Under🌊 Australia's best beaches

If you didn’t know already, Australia is home to some of the most incredible hikes on the planet. From week-long treks through red deserts and green mountains, to easy day hikes through rainforests and across secret beaches, the land Down Under has every possible kind of walk imaginable – and trust us, they’re all bloody good.  If you’re looking at lacing up your hiking boots this year, we’ve got you covered with our pick of the eight best hikes and walks to do in Australia.  Using the age-old philosophy of variety being the best spice, this list has a little bit of everything. From self-guided kid-friendly day walks to life-changing multi-day treks that can be done independently or in a guided group, we’ve rounded up the most beautiful hikes in Australia, just for you. RECOMMENDED: The world’s most epic trails have been revealed and four are in Australia.

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 and prettiest 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, safe swimming conditioning (read: you won't see anywhere with saltwater crocs on this list), and proximity to other incredible activities, so your adventure out doesn't end with just one dip. Some of these picks have been richly awarded in the past, while others are less mainstream – but rest easy knowing that every single one of them is well worth their salt, in more ways than one. Now, all that's left is for you to find out for yourself. 🌊 The best nudist beaches in Australia🏄 Australia's top surf beaches🌈 All the best places to visit in Australia

Feeling inspired to run a marathon after watching the Sydney Marathon – Australia’s first World Marathon Major – in 2025? Don’t sweat, as there are plenty more opportunities to pound the pavement (or sand) for 42.195 kilometres in 2026.  From the nation’s flattest marathon on the Gold Coast to the slightly hilly yet scenic Great Ocean Road race, and even a bucket-list run at Uluru, these are all of the best marathons Australia has to offer. Run, don’t walk, to sign up for your next race – many of these marathons sell out in days. 🎾 The best sporting events in Australia🏄🏾 Australia's best beaches to catch a wave🏆 Everything to know about the 2026 Commonwealth Games

Saturday sleep-ins are great, but nothing beats a weekend amble to the local farmers market. A mandatory stop on almost any regional holiday, these outdoor marketplaces buzz with local producers selling the freshest flowers, most seasonal produce and tastiest street food.  You've undoubtedly heard of the big players (hello Queen Victoria Market and Adelaide Central Market), but there are plenty of smaller (and equally spectacular) markets waiting for you to explore. Our round-up of the best markets in Australia covers them all – from the big names to the charming regional treasures. RECOMMENDED: The 9 most epic Australian road trips to do before you die.

What’s the secret recipe for crafting an exceptional dining experience? In coming up with Time Out’s list of the best restaurants in Australia we considered a mix of ingredients. Talented chefs? Stylish decor? Lively ambience? Top-notch drinks? And of course, food that you can’t stop thinking about for days, months, or even years. Luckily, Australia’s restaurant scene is sizzling with spots that check all these boxes, plus so much more. Our nation’s top restaurants are a celebration of Australia’s native ingredients too. From an intimate 40-seat dining room cut into the rolling hills of Tasmania’s countryside to a 30-year-old institution overlooking Sydney’s sparkling Bondi Beach, these are the restaurants Time Out Australia’s team, including resident foodie Melissa Woodley, recommends for your next culinary adventure. RECOMMENDED: These are the best luxury hotels to book in Australia.

There’s always time for a tipple when you’re travelling around Australia. Our thirsty country is swimming in stellar watering holes that are loved by locals and tourists alike. We’ve even got a handful of contenders on the World’s 50 Best Bars list to back us up. Whether you’re looking for the best spot for cleverly crafted cocktails or a natural wine bar with superb snacks, drink your way through our selection of the best bars in Australia. After a meal? Check out the best restaurants in Australia here.

Looking for a top-notch café while travelling around Australia? Boy, you’re in luck. Australians know how to cook up a damn good brunch, and we roast – arguably – the world’s best coffee to wash it all down. Whether you’re craving a big brekkie with a batch brew, corn fritters with an iced chai, smashed avo with a smoothie, or buttermilk pancakes with a Bloody Mary, these are just a handful of the best cafés to visit in Australia's capital cities. Of course, we couldn't include them all – so our local food writers have handpicked a few personal favourites. Time Out Australia’s Travel and News Editor, Melissa Woodley, especially loves Piña in Sydney, Two Before Ten in Canberra, Naïm in Brisbane, Laneway Specialty Coffee in Darwin and Hamlet in Hobart. What's first on your list? For more about how we curate our reviews and guides, see our editorial guidelines. 🍽️ The best restaurants in Australia🥐 The best bakeries in Australia☕️ The best coffee in Australia

Australia’s charming climates and picturesque landscapes are a recipe for some of the world’s finest wines. You’ll find more than 100 grapes grown across our leading wine regions, which are concentrated in South Australia’s Barossa Valley and McLaren Vale, NSW’s Hunter Valley, Victoria’s Yarra Valley and beyond. You could spend weeks jumping between cellar doors in each region, sipping fine wines all day long – but that’s probably not entirely sensible. Why not start with our 30 top picks, and take it from there? Whether you opt to journey as part of a group or embark on an impromptu self-guided tour, these are the wineries to uncork. RECOMMENDED: Plan your winery tour around a meal at one of Australia’s best restaurants.

No matter where you live in Australia, we take our baked goods very seriously. Between our sourdough-centred meals, we all need a little sweet treat (trust us, you deserve one). Luckily for us, Australian bakers are giving Parisian pâtissiers a run for their money, creating their own takes on classic baked goods to create one-of-a-kind products.  You’ve undoubtedly heard of the big players (hello Lune Croissanterie), but there are plenty of neighbourhood gems to spend your hard-earned dough. While we wish we could shower love on every flaky, buttery layer of pastry, we’ve narrowed it down to a few of our favourite bakeries in Australia. 🥧 The best pies in Australia☕️ Australia's greatest coffee shops and roasters🥪 The best cafés in Australia

The nostalgia of biting into a piping hot pie by the roadside is a common bond shared by many Aussies. Whether you like yours with ketchup (correct choice), barbecue sauce (we’re judging) or loaded up with gravy and mushy peas, these hot pockets hit those comfort cravings in all the right places.  Our nation’s love affair with pies is so strong that tourists now consider them one of our ‘signature dishes’. From classic beef and curried scallops to lasagne and palak paneer, here are the ones worth hunting down. RECOMMENDED: If you’re looking for the best slice, we’ve got you covered with the top pizzas in Australia.  

From musicals based on much-loved and seriously messed up kids’ TV shows to gothic horror reimagined via icons returning to the stage after decades away, this year in theatre is shaping up to be one of the strongest we’ve seen in quite some time.Here are a few shows we know you’ll want to catch before it’s too late to say you were there. RECOMMENDED: Culture vultures, come and get your fix at these top Australian art galleries. Stay in the loop: sign up for our free Time Out Australia newsletter for more news, travel inspo and activity ideas, straight to your inbox. 

Australians have a love affair with art, and with incredible galleries dotted throughout the country, it’s also one of the top reasons we travel interstate. Every year, our nation welcomes blockbuster international exhibitions, along with major showings of our most colourful and creative local talents.  Whether it’s contemporary Aboriginal art in Alice Springs, delicate glassworks in Wagga Wagga, topical portraits in Canberra or 21st-century Chinese art in Sydney, these are the best public galleries worth visiting in Australia.  RECOMMENDED: These are the 20 top tourist attractions in Australia.

When visiting a new city, it’s highly likely that, at some point, you’ll find yourself standing in front of a big and beautiful museum or gallery. Come rain, hail or shine, these brilliant buildings are the place to brush up on historical happenings and learn a thing or two about local heritage.  Inside you’ll find some of our country’s greatest treasures and a huge diversity of subject matters too, ranging from natural history and cultural artefacts to science marvels and sporting achievements. Don’t wait until the next rainy day to explore Australia’s best museums with this ultimate guide.  RECOMMENDED: The 18 best art galleries to explore in Australia.

If there's one sure-fire way of injecting joy into your year – it's festivals. Gathering with like-minded people in rainbow-festooned palaces full of amazing music, glittering performances and zesty food sounds like utopia to us – which is why it's a blessing that Australia has an incredible array of festivals on offer, one for every season of the year. In this list, we round up the eight best festivals that we reckon you should check out Down Under in 2024. Starting with those that are on earliest in the year and ending with those at the end, each of these festivals has been selected for its scale, its astonishing visuals, and its commitment to seriously good times. From music to comedy, to wild light displays in the Outback, you can rest assured that going to any of these incredible Aussie festivals will be a bloody good time indeed.