Your ultimate guide to Australia

Whether it’s the Orient Express, Hogwarts Express or even Thomas the Tank Engine, trains are the backdrop of some of our favourite fictional stories – but they make for an even more impressive travel setting IRL. If exploring Australia is on your bucket list (let’s face it, flights to Europe are exxy right now), you can’t miss the unique experience of an overnight sleeper train. Traversing every state and territory, this form of slow travel is suitable for both the young and young at heart. Plus, trains put less pressure on our environment and can allow you to hop off at your leisure (remember it’s the journey, not the destination).  From winding through the Whitsundays and exploring the rugged red outback to getting from Melbourne to Sydney in style, we’ve rounded up the best train journeys in Australia. Love PT? Here are the best carless day trips from Melbourne. 

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. 

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.

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.

Sometimes you just need to take a time out – and here at Time Out Australia, we’re the experts at doing just that. We’ve scoped out the very best wellness retreats around Australia, where you can soak away your worries and be pampered like absolute royalty. From an award-winning natural hot spring with 50 bathing experiences to the Southern Hemisphere’s largest spa with one of only two Somadome meditation pods in Australia, these places will cater to all your relaxing desires. Make a day trip of it or sneak off for a dedicated week-long detox – whatever you choose, you’ll leave feeling like a whole new person. These are the best wellness retreats in Australia right now. ✨ The top luxury hotels in Australia🌳 Australia's most magical rainforests🥾 The most epic hikes to do in Australia

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.

Pets – and their humans – have never had it so good in Australia. More hotels are loosening their pet-friendly policies, meaning you and your four-legged friend can travel to more places than ever before. From pooch-approved minibars and gourmet room-service menus to complimentary treats and toys, these hotels are sure to give your beloved pet the VIP (very important pet) treatment they deserve.  Keep in mind that each hotel has its own pet policy, covering weight limits, pet types and the number of pets per room – so it’s worth calling ahead to check. Now, go forth and plan your next road trip or staycation around the best pet-friendly hotels in Australia.  🐶 I stayed at a five-star hotel with my dog☀️ All the best caravan parks to stay at⛺️ The cheapest camping spots in Australia

Camping isn't for everyone – but we reckon maybe glamping is.  While a dream of sleeping beneath unpolluted starry skies, swimming on secluded beaches and snuggling by a campfire sounds pretty good to all of us, the thought of battling spiders, dirt floors and zero showers can shatter it real quick. Enter: Glamping – your solution.  In Australia, the opportunities are truly endless for all those who like their wild nature escapes with a side of fluffy luxury. Whether it's reclining in a private bubble bath beneath a rainforest canopy, dipping into a rainwater plunge pool next to Uluru, or sleeping in clean sheets next to one of the world's most remote coral reefs, the dreamy glamping spots Down Under are both epic and aplenty. All you've gotta do is hit the road.  Want to keep it a little more basic? Here are the 8 best caravan parks to hit up in Australia.

Long gone are the days when caravan parking was reserved for the Aussiest of ockers. What was once the domain of tinnies, thongs and tinned spaghetti has quietly become one of the country’s best ways to holiday. Across the country, the humble holiday park has seen a new wave of revival – from luxe glamping tents and beachfront tiny homes to full-blown waterparks that make the kids lose their tiny minds.  And who better to steer you than Time Out’s roving contributors, a crew of expert wanderers who’ve clocked more kilometres (and mozzie bites) than most people. From coast to desert and everywhere in between, they’ve rounded up the best caravan parks in Australia worth unhooking the van for.  Editor’s favourite caravan parks in Australia 👪 Best for families: Big4 Adventure Whitsunday Resort, QLD 🐶 Best pet-friendly: Aspen Holidays Darwin FreeSpirit, NT 💲 Best budget: Alivio Tourist Park, ACT  QLD | NSW | VIC | SA | TAS | WA | NT | ACT 🌞 The best family-friendly resorts in Australia🚘 The best day trips in Australia ⛺️ The best camping spots in Australia

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.  

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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

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.

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.

Surfing is one of the most quintessentially Australian pastimes, and for good reason. On the world's largest island where there are literally more beaches than one human could explore in a lifetime, surf breaks are beautiful, world-class and borderline endless.  No matter if you've never stood on a surfboard in your life (but really want to), are a fresh grom just starting out, are an advanced kinda surfer, or a legitimate world champion – there's a beach and a break Down Under for everyone.  RECOMMENDED: Here are the 8 best beaches for swimming, chilling and sunbathing in Australia. We've picked out the eight best surf beaches in Australia. Chosen for their consistently quality waves and stunning locations, you'll find a neat mix of beaches that suit a whole range of different levels, spread out across every corner of our Great Southern Land.  Now, all that's left to do is go forth, surf and prosper — the Aussie ocean's your oyster.  PSA: Remember to always proceed with caution when you go into the open ocean, and ensure that you only tackle waves that fit your abilities. Ocean conditions can change rapidly and can be potentially fatal, so make sure you always respect the conditions and put your safety first. Want more? Strip down at the 8 most incredible (and legal) nudist beaches Down Under.

You know what’s finally trending in 2024? Self-care. While a warm bubble bath or 15-minute face mask is a nice pick-me-up, nothing beats a full-on pamper session at the spa. And boy does Australia have some pretty phenomenal pamper palaces that’ll leave you glowing from head to toe. Whether you’re treating yourself to a five-star massage while on holiday or searching for a local bathhouse to add to your weekly routine, we think you should add these spa days to the top of your to-do list. Here are the most luxurious day spas in Australia. RECOMMENDED: The best health and wellness retreats in Australia.

Not that we're biased, but there's no denying Australia's got a lot going for it: where else in the world can you snorkel with rainbow fish, ski down snowy mountains, buggy across sand dunes and bounce across the high ropes of a rainforest canopy, all within the geographical bounds of one country? All this considered, it should come as no surprise that Australia’s options for a natural dip range right from naturally formed ocean rock pools along the island’s perimeter, to gorges and waterfalls deep among the outback. Whether it’s escaping the infamous chlorine-green hue that plagues the blondies or getting over that nagging feeling that a shark is circling in the depths of the deep blue sea, these natural swimming spots hold their own as a pretty decent substitution for the traditional swimming pool and a change of scenery from sandy shores. As fun as it is exploring Australia's natural wonders, be sure to check national park websites for the best time of day and conditions to visit these swimming spots so you're not caught out in any rising tides.  🌊 The best beaches in Australia🔥 Australia's dreamiest hot springs🏄 The top surf beaches Down Under

Australia is home to thousands of very special waterfalls that we reckon everyone should go and chase at least once. However, if you don't have endless waterfall-seekin' time on hand, we understand. To make things easier, we've picked out the eight most incredible waterfalls that you should visit in Australia in your lifetime. Whether it's marvelling at a thundering plume of water that's hundreds of meters tall, frolicking beneath a silver sparkly cascade, or getting a free shoulder massage in the middle of the wilderness, we can promise that you won't be bored.  Now all you've got to do is blast some TLC and hit the road.  Want more like this? Check out the 15 dreamiest natural hot springs Down Under.

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.

Not to toot our own horn, but Australia’s coffee scene is unbeatable. Our laid-back culture is underpinned by vast caffeine consumption, with nine in ten of us saying we enjoy a cup of Joe. Our thriving industry of roasters and baristas earns international acclaim year after year, and Sydney and Melbourne have been named among the top ten cities for coffee worldwide.  We have curated this list of Australian roasters who excel in every part of the process: from sourcing and roasting beans to ultimately brewing them expertly. Check out the best coffee roasters in Australia. Prefer the hard stuff? Get your liquid fix at the best bars 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

Croissants are arguably the greatest pastry of all time. Golden, flaky and loaded with layers of buttery goodness, there’s no bad morning this classic pastry can’t save. If you’re on a quest to hunt down the best croissant in Australia, you’ve come to the right place. You can find croissants at nearly every café, bakery or service station across the country – but not all are worth the bite. We’ve curated this list of the best croissants in Australia based on local recommendations from pastry enthusiasts around the country who are just as passionate about their flaky morning treat as we are. While a fresh-from-the-oven plain croissant sets the bar, many of these bakeries also offer incredible twists, from timeless classics like ham and cheese or almond to viral sensations layered with pandan, yuzu and Nutella. Here are the best bakeries to hit up for your next croissant crusade. 🥖 The best bakeries in Australia right now🌭 Where to find Australia's greatest sausage rolls🥧 All the best pies to try in Australia

Fish and chips are such a nostalgic meal for Australians that it’s easy to forget that they didn’t actually originate here. Sure, the Brits often get the credit for the dish (they do love their salt and vinegar), but it turns out that Portugal is the motherland of the ultimate takeaway food. Wherever it was invented, we’re just happy that it touched down in the land Down Under, and at just about every waterside location you can imagine. After all, it isn’t a salty summer by the beach if your hunger wasn’t satiated with some fish and chippies, right? So whether you're touring Australia's best beaches, or need a pit stop on your great Australian road trip, here are the best fish and chips shops in the land.  🍽 Australia’s finest and fanciest restaurants🍕 The best pizzas in Australia🥧 Australia's greatest pies

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.  

The humble sausage roll is as Australian as a Bunnings snag on a Saturday. Whether it’s from your school tuck shop, the local servo or a fancy neighbourhood bakery, there’s never a bad time to chomp into one. If you’re a fellow fan of juicy, spiced logs of meat wrapped in flaky, buttery jackets of pastry, then you’ve landed in the right place. We’ve quizzed foodies around Australia to bring you a list of incredible sausage rolls worth travelling for. No beef here – we’re not calling them the ‘best’, just ones that absolutely won’t disappoint. Get rolling! 🥧 Where to find the best pies in Australia🍕 Australia’s best slices of pizza🐟 Our favourite spots for fish and chips 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.