Alison Rodericks

Sun and surf aside, the Gold Coast’s diverse dining scene shines just as bright as its world-class beaches. From casual fish and chips by the water and barefoot bites at the beach club to special-occasion dinners at one of the Goldy’s award-winning restaurants, these are the places you want to be seen. Our Travel & News Editor, Melissa Woodley, has eaten her way around the city and rounded up the best restaurants on the Gold Coast right now. She's included spots stretching from Surfers Paradise and Broadbeach to Burleigh Heads and Coolangatta, covering all the coolest places to eat, drink and soak up the relaxed GC vibes. So, leave your towels at the door and dig into this list of the Gold Coast's best restaurants.  Editor's favourite restaurants on the Gold Coast: 🌊 Best views: The Tropic ⭐️ Best for special occasions: Kōst Bar and Grill 🌮 Best cheap & cheerful: Costa Taco 🌊 Best hotels on the Gold Coast🏄🏻‍♀️ Best things to do on the Gold Coast

When winter makes its presence felt, there's always the temptation to cancel plans and burrow under the doona. But there's a much better way to warm up. Some of Sydney's best pubs come complete with crackling fireplaces that are made for this time of year. Picture a roaring fire, a glass of red (or a smoky whisky) and some hearty pub grub. From heritage pubs serving comforting Sunday roasts to hidden bars brimming with old world charm, these cosy watering holes prove winter is something to embrace, not escape. So round up your mates, head to your local, order a few pints and settle in by the fire. To help you find the perfect spot, we've compiled the best pubs in Sydney with fireplaces to keep you warm and toasty all winter long. Stay in the loop: sign up for our free Time Out Sydney newsletter for more news, travel inspo and activity ideas, straight to your inbox. RECOMMENDED: The 32 best wine bars in Sydney The best bars and pubs in Sydney for live music The best things to do in Sydney when it rains

NAIDOC Week is one of Australia's most important annual celebrations, bringing Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians together to recognise the rich histories, cultures and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. In 2026, NAIDOC Week officially runs from Sunday, July 5 to Sunday, July 12, marking a particularly significant milestone: 50 years of NAIDOC Week. NAIDOC stands for the National Aborigines and Islanders Day Observance Committee. The week traces its origins back to the 1938 Day of Mourning protests and was formally established in 1956 as a national observance celebrating First Nations culture while advocating for the rights and recognition of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. What is the 2026 NAIDOC Week theme? This year's theme is '50 Years of Deadly', celebrating five decades of NAIDOC Week and recognising the people, communities and movements that have shaped its legacy. It's a chance to reflect on the strength, resilience and cultural pride of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, while honouring the achievements of the past and looking towards the future. Stay in the loop: sign up for our free Time Out Sydney newsletter for more news, straight to your inbox. RECOMMENDED:Here's what's on in Sydney this weekHow does the head of Bangarra keep the fire burning? Read our interview with Frances Rings. 

Hobart is the kind of city where your morning can start with a mountain summit, your afternoon can end beside a waterfall, and your evening can finish with a local pinot and a plate of fresh oysters. Surrounded by lush landscapes, it's a dream destination for hikers of all abilities, boasting plenty of trails within easy reach of the CBD. Whether you're keen to wander through ancient rainforest, scramble over dramatic dolerite cliffs, spot native wildlife or soak up sweeping views across the River Derwent, there's a trail to suit every kind of adventurer. So lace up your walking shoes, zip up your warm puffer jacket and get on track to discover the best hikes in Hobart. Editor's favourite hikes in Hobart: 🐸 Best for wildlife: Knocklofty Reserve Summit Loop ⛰️ Best for spectacular views of kunanyi: Sphinx Rock 🏞️ Best for platypus spotting: Hobart Rivulet Walk  ❦ Best for urban landscapes: Battery Point Sculpture Trail 🌳 The best hikes in Australia🌊 The best beaches in Tasmania🥐 The best cafés in Hobart

Whether you're in the mood for a breezy coastal stroll, a leafy nature walk or a calf-burning climb with spectacular views, Adelaide has a trail to match every kind of adventurer. Within the city, you'll find picturesque riverside paths, parklands and beaches, while a short drive opens up a world of rugged gorges, cascading waterfalls and rolling hills.  Our writers have rounded up the very best hikes in Adelaide and its surrounds, with options for every adventuring ability. Lace up, and we'll see you on the tracks! Editor's favourite hikes in Adelaide: 💦 Best for waterfall views: Three Falls Grand Hike 🐚 Best for a coastal trek: Coast Park Path 📵 Best for a digital detox: Deep Creek Circuit 🦘 Best for Aussie animals: Aldgate Valley Nature Walk ☕️ The best cafés in Adelaide🥾 The best hikes in Australia

Sydney has a bewildering range of eateries and cuisines, with almost every style of restaurant and region of the world represented. Many of them are looking to serve you and the people of Sydney for the cheapest price possible, you just need to know where to look. Choosing the best cheap eats is like picking the greatest songs ever made, there are countless options, and everyone will have a different opinion. Compiled by a team of local Time Out experts, this list brings together eateries from all regions of Sydney, with each pick being an outstanding option for that cuisine or style of eating. It’s not the cheapest meals in Sydney, but the best affordable options. We’ve tried, as best as possible, to include only venues where you can get a meal for one for under $25. 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. Want to spend less at the big-ticket players? Check out our cheap fine-dining hacks.

There’s plenty of delicious reasons to get outside this winter – and Sydney’s hot new bars and restaurants are high on my list. Recently, I’ve been blown away by Ca Phe Mai in Double Bay – it’s a Vietnamese café and wine bar and you should order the juicy lemongrass pork and egg muffin. A cracking new pizza-by-the-slice shop has opened in Darlinghurst from the founder of Bourke St Bakery called Paulie’s Pizza, and Manly has a new underground Irish-inspired bar called The Gopher with black pudding Scotch eggs, open until 3am. Stay in the loop: sign up for our free Time Out Sydney newsletter for more news, food & drink inspo and activity ideas, straight to your inbox. Looking for something to wash it all down with? These are our favourite bars in Sydney right now. Keen to eat your way around the city? These are the best restaurants in Sydney, from hot newcomers to the OGs.

Term two is officially done; now it's time to have some fun! Yep, the winter school holidays are here and the only question racing through every parents' mind is: "How do I keep the kids busy without going crazy myself?" As luck would have it, we've just rounded up all the coolest child-friendly events, festivals, shows and activities to ensure that you never have to hear the kids complain about being bored. If and when the sun comes out to play, grab your chance to visit some of Melbourne's best playgrounds and then swing by the best kid-friendly pubs in Melbourne – for when Mum and Dad need a break. You're welcome. Stay in the loop: sign up for our free Time Out Melbourne newsletter for the best of the city, straight to your inbox. Looking for more fun? Here's everything happening around Melbourne this weekend. 

Believe it or not, Term 2 is done and the winter school holidays are almost here. And if the thought of hearing the constant refrain of "I'm borrrred!" sends you into a spiral, we've got you covered. If the cold makes you want to stay indoors, we've listed plenty of options to do just that (hello, museums, hobby centres and indoor play zones). But if you're keen to embrace the chill, there's heaps to do around our Harbour City, so grab your puffer jacket and get ready to tick things off from our list of activities and experiences to do this winter.   Stay in the loop: sign up for our free Time Out Sydney newsletter for more news, food & drink inspo and activity ideas, straight to your inbox. Looking for somewhere affordable to eat out with the kids? Check out our guide to the best cheap eats in Sydney. Or visit these kid-friendly restaurants in Sydney.

If you missed out on seeing the powerful and deeply moving play, The Jungle and the Sea in 2022, it returns to Belvoir St Theatre from July 11 to August 2. Created by S. Shakthidharan and Eamon Flack, the creative team behind Counting and Cracking, the production tells the story of one family caught in the devastating Sri Lankan civil war, which raged between the Sinhalese-majority government and the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) from 1983 to 2009, leaving unimaginable death and destruction in its wake. At the heart of the story is Gowrie, a mother desperately trying to reunite her family as violence engulfs her homeland. After an act of destruction tears her loved ones apart, she takes a radical vow of defiance, blindfolding herself and refusing to see the world again until her family is reunited. While she sends her husband and one daughter to Australia for safety, she and her other two daughters search through the jungles of northern Sri Lanka for her estranged son.  Drawn from real-life testimonies and woven with elements of the Mahābhārata and Antigone, the play is both grand in scale and deeply human. Featuring live Carnatic music with a stellar cast including including Bharathanatyam dancer Anandavalli, plus Prakash Belawadi, Nadie Kammallaweera and Shiv Palekar, The Jungle and the Sea is a stirring tale of love and loss in the face of war. The Jungle and the Sea runs from July 11 to August 2 at Belvoir St Theatre. Student tickets from $53; Under 30s from $66

Sydney: the city of blue skies, ocean swims, alfresco living and sun-soaked times in the great outdoors, right? Well, hold on a second. That may be the case for a majority of the year thanks to our sunny Aussie climate, but the Harbour City also gets its share of super-rainy days. Don’t want to spend all of your indoors-time hunkering down at home? We’re here to help. Take shelter in style with our guide to the most fun things to do in Sydney within four walls. Whether you're in search of a crafternoon, a cultural adventure, or a cocktail with a view, there's something for everyone on our list of fun venues and activities where you can stay warm and dry, all year round. Stay in the loop: sign up for our free Time Out Sydney newsletter for more news, travel inspo and activity ideas, straight to your inbox.  RECOMMENDED:  On a budget? These are the best things to do in Sydney for $25 or less.And these are the best walks in the city if you're keen to get out there and explore. 

Yes, Canberra is the place to be for politics and perfectly planned roundabouts, but Australia’s capital does know how to switch into holiday mode. Whether you’re after a swish city stay, a cosy lakeside cottage or a luxe countryside retreat (close to wine country), there’s an Airbnb to suit every kind of getaway. Spend your days gallery- and museum-hopping, exploring local wineries and restaurants, or cycling around Lake Burley Griffin, then return to a stay that's all about rest and relaxation. Here are the best Airbnbs in Canberra for your next capital escape. ⭐️ The best hotels in Canberra🌳 The best things to do in Canberra

Beat the winter blues at the Cronulla Winter Market. Returning to Don Lucas Reserve on July 25 and 26, this vibrant two-day market transforms the beachfront venue into a bustling hub of shopping, food and family fun. Spend the day browsing boutique fashion, locally made art, ceramics, trinkets and treasures, with plenty of unique finds from talented makers. Feeling peckish? There’s a whole heap of gourmet food stalls, desserts and drinks to keep you fuelled as you wander around. The little ones are well catered for with rides, face painting and entertainment galore. And, if you've always been meaning to try pickleball, head over to the demonstration court hosted by The Picklr Cronulla and have a go. Whether you're searching for a one-of-a-kind gift or simply want a fun day out by the beach, the Cronulla Winter Market delivers the perfect mix of coastal charm and community spirit. Entry is free – all you need to bring is your sunny personality.  The Cronulla Winter Market is on Saturday, July 25 and Sunday, July 26 from 9am–3pm at the Don Lucas Reserve, Cronulla. Get the details here. Stay in the loop: sign up for our free Time Out Sydney newsletter for more news, travel inspo and activity ideas, straight to your inbox. RECOMMENDED: The 20 best markets in Sydney The best restaurants in Cronulla Have you done the Hungry Point Reserve Cliff Top Walk?

You've probably been to the Entertainment Quarter to catch a movie, browse the weekend markets, see a live show or squeeze in some pre-dinner shopping. But here's one more reason to visit the EQ in Moore Park: for a bit of well-earned R&R. Within the EQ precinct is P3 Recovery, a modern recovery and wellbeing centre where you can hit pause after a busy week, a tough gym sesh or simply when life calls for a reset. The sleek space offers a range of science-backed recovery experiences. Think ice baths, contrast therapy, infrared and traditional saunas, Normatec compression, red light therapy, hyperbaric oxygen therapy and IV drip therapy. If you think this sounds like something reserved for professional athletes, think again. While selected services do require a consultation before booking, anyone can avail of them. Yes, athletes and high-performance fitness folk, but also busy professionals and anyone looking to prioritise their wellbeing. After all, your recovery is just as important as your workout. Better still, once you've finished your session, you're only steps away from the EQ's restaurants, cinemas and shopping. P3 Recovery at Moore Park is open, with casual sessions from $30 and memberships from $49 per week (pricing varies by service). Make a booking via the P3 Recovery website or app. Find out more here. Stay in the loop: sign up for our free Time Out Sydney newsletter for more news, travel inspo and activity ideas, straight to your inbox. RECOMMENDED: The $50-millio

If there’s one place that defines Sydney’s Portuguese-style charcoal chicken scene, it’s Frango’s Petersham. This family-run institution has been serving its famous Portuguese-Angolan charcoal chicken since opening its first store in 1989, right in the heart of Sydney’s Portuguese community. What started as a small family business has now grown into 12 locations across Sydney, from Concord to Cammeray.   Fun fact: frango means "chicken" in Portuguese – and that's what you're here for. Expect butterflied chicken that's marinated in spicy mix (shh! it's a closely guarded family recipe) cooked over glowing charcoal and slathered in the restaurant’s iconic chilli sauce. Regulars also flock here for the original Portuguese chicken burger, barbecued pork belly/lamb and tomato rice. Save space for some Portuguese tarts as dessert. Yes, you can dine-in – the décor is old-school – or you can order takeaway. The queues out the door prove that Frango’s charcoal chicken is still a crowd-puller.  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: Other favourite charcoal chicken shops to try Have you had the Portuguese tarts at Tuga Pastries? These are the best restaurants in Sydney right now

Melburnians, this news is Big. Huge. Pretty Woman: The Musical is coming to town. The beloved Broadway and West End hit will land at the Regent Theatre from July. Directed and choreographed by Tony Award winner Jerry Mitchell (Kinky Boots, Legally Blonde, Hairspray), with music by Bryan Adams and Jim Vallance, this adaptation of the iconic Julia Roberts–Richard Gere romance brings Vivian Ward and Edward Lewis to life on stage. Aussie singer, songwriter and actress Samantha Jade will star as Vivian while Ben Hall (Neighbours, Better Man) will be Edward, joined by Michelle Brasier and Tim Omaji in key roles. There's wit, there's glamour and there's all the unforgettable lines you know and love. Expect a toe-tapping score, excellent choreography and, of course, a heartwarming rags-to-riches story.  Pretty Woman: The Musical promises a dazzling night out in the city that loves its musicals. You can grab your tickets here.  Stay in the loop: sign up for our free Time Out Melbourne newsletter for the best of the city, straight to your inbox. Want more? Discover the best of Melbourne theatre and musicals this month.

If you missed out on seeing the powerful and deeply moving play, The Jungle and the Sea in 2022, it returns to Belvoir St Theatre from July 11 to August 2. Created by S. Shakthidharan and Eamon Flack, the creative team behind Counting and Cracking, the production tells the story of one family caught in the devastating Sri Lankan civil war, which raged between the Sinhalese-majority government and the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) from 1983 to 2009, leaving unimaginable death and destruction in its wake. At the heart of the story is Gowrie, a mother desperately trying to reunite her family as violence engulfs her homeland. After an act of destruction tears her loved ones apart, she takes a radical vow of defiance, blindfolding herself and refusing to see the world again until her family is reunited. While she sends her husband and one daughter to Australia for safety, she and her other two daughters search through the jungles of northern Sri Lanka for her estranged son.  Drawn from real-life testimonies and woven with elements of the Mahabharata and Antigone, the play is both grand in scale and deeply human. Featuring live Carnatic music with a stellar cast including including Bharathanatyam dancer Anandavalli, plus Prakash Belawadi, Nadie Kammallaweera and Shiv Palekar, The Jungle and the Sea is a stirring tale of love and loss in the face of war. The Jungle and the Sea runs from July 11 to August 2 at Belvoir St Theatre's Upstairs Theatre with a run time of almost

This year, the National Indigenous Art Fair (NIAF) has found a new home at The Cutaway in Barangaroo. Coinciding with NAIDOC Week, the seventh edition of NIAF is on from July 3–5 and brings together more than 30 Indigenous Art Centres from across Australia. NIAF is your opportunity to connect directly with artists from some of the country’s most remote communities. Presented by First Hand Solutions Aboriginal Corporation, more than 100 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander artists will travel to Sydney for the event, presenting everything from painting, weaving and sculpture to fashion, dance, live music and large-scale installations.  Some of the art centres include Merrepen, Durrmu Arts, Jilamara Arts and Craft, and Artists of Ampilatwatja. As for prices, expect to pay anything between $100 to $30,000 for works by artists like Kieren Karritpul, Karen Rogers, Agnes Donnelly, Valerie Brumby, Joseph Williams, Mary Gibson, Rachel Luckan, Joey Nganjmirra, Rekeshia Goodwin and Stefan Smith, to name a few. Curated by a team of leading First Nations creatives, the 2026 program expands beyond art – make sure to take in some of the exhibitions, workshops, talks and performances celebrating Blak excellence and culture. Highlights include a Friday Opening Night on Friday, July 3, featuring live music, a fashion parade and dance. Importantly, no commission or stall fees are charged, ensuring that 100 per cent of the profits go directly back to remote Indigenous art centres. Whether you’

For 13 glorious years, the Builders Arms Hotel has been paying tribute to the humble snag. And this winter, the beloved Sausage Fest returns with six menu offerings dedicated to all things sausage – and it's bound to be a banger. Geddit? Running until June 28 from noon, expect everything from a spicy Merguez sausage paired with oysters and a mignonette dressing to a woodfired duck neck snag served with pork, pistachio and a rich jus. Other highlights include a Manchester Scotch egg with black pudding, a choucroute garnie loaded with smoked frankfurters and pork belly, a saucisson brioche, and a classic Spotted Dick with warm vanilla and brandy custard. Our tip: come in a group, order all six dishes and you'll score a limited-edition tote bag. The fun doesn't stop at the menu. On Wednesday, June 24, test your knowledge at sausage-themed trivia hosted by Cam Smith from 6pm onwards, with prizes including a Meatsmith sausage tray up for grabs. Snag your spot here. Stay in the loop: sign up for our free Time Out Melbourne newsletter for the best of the city, straight to your inbox. Want more? Check out the best things happening in Melbourne this week.  

Every year, the Yarra City Council puts on a beloved music festival focused on showcasing and supporting local artists and venues during the quieter winter season. It’s no secret that things are tough for musicians at the moment, so this year’s festival is a great opportunity to get out and support Melbourne's musos, venues, DJs and music producers. This year, the Leaps and Bounds Music Festival is taking place across ten massive days and nights from July 16–26. Anticipate parties and performances to suit all ages and budgets, including plentiful free and family-friendly gigs. It's all happening in Fitzroy, Collingwood, Abbotsford and Richmond. Some of the standout moments include major venue takeovers like In Motion as part of High Ground, which brings a rotating line-up to the Night Cat, the Evelyn Hotel and the Punters Club. Over in Collingwood, the converted train carriage venue Trainscendence hosts Loco Motion – a weekend-long mash-up of music, arts and creative culture. Elsewhere, the Gem’s free Stone Fest Sunday session and Equaliser: A Disability Pride Party at the Leadbeater Hotel add to the festival’s inclusive, community-driven feel. From Afrofusion to First Nations storytelling and experimental club nights, the festival leans into music as a shared language. You’ll also find punk showcases, live radio broadcasts and immersive AV parties dotted throughout the program, reflecting the diversity of Melbourne’s independent music scene. As always, the Leaps and Bounds

Think art galleries are all hushed whispers and serious faces? Think again. On Friday, June 26, the Art Gallery of NSW is swapping its "quiet, please" signs for pumping beats as the Archie Party 2026 takes over for one huge night of art, music, food and dancing. So book your tickets and get into the groove in one of Sydney's most beautiful cultural spaces.  Now in its fifth year, this after-hours extravaganza is co-produced by Sitara Tanglaw – a new artist collective founded by Parramatta-based visual artist Marikit Santiago and Western Sydney hip-hop star L-Fresh The Lion. From 7pm, the Naala Nura building will come alive with a line-up of live music by L-Fresh The Lion (featuring The Browns) and R&B favourite Jess Jade, plus DJ sets by Nicole Tania and aywy to keep everyone on the dancefloor. Another plus: your ticket also includes access to the Archibald, Wynne and Sulman Prizes 2026, so you can have a look at some of Australia's most talked-about artworks between dance breaks. Outside in the forecourt, things get competitive from 6.30pm onwards. Meet players from the Sydney Kings and Sydney Flames and shoot some hoops in a three-point challenge. Or watch a basketball showcase from Warriors Basketball from Western Sydney, all set to beats by DJ ULTMT. And you won’t go hungry – there are pop-up bars with tasty treats from Messina, Plate It Forward, Crafted by Matt Moran and more, plus artist talks, workshops and behind-the-scenes insights from Archibald finalists throughout

Love the snow but not so keen on the seven-hour drive to go skiing in Perisher or Thredbo? Take the car to the Hunter Valley to get your winter fix at Snow Time in the Garden. Returning to Hunter Valley Gardens from June 27 to July 26, it transforms wine country into a winter wonderland packed with family-friendly fun. For one glorious month, the Gardens are covered in snow, complete with an ice-skating rink, a giant ice toboggan, amusement rides and plenty of winter-themed entertainment. The star attraction – yes, it’s back – is the 45-metre giant ice toboggan. Grab a tube, hold on tight and squeal as you whoosh downhill – it's guaranteed to get the heart pumping. Or head to the Snow Play Zone, where you can build a snowman and play in the snow. What’s new, you ask? DJ Jeff's Glacial Grooves turns the ever-popular ice-skating rink into a winter party, spinning tunes while skaters spin around (or try not to face-plant). Kids can join Glacier Guy for interactive snow games and target challenges, while adventurous souls can tackle the Abominable Adventure, a garden-wide quest to help free the Frozen Yeti by completing a series of challenges. Plus, there are plenty of rides to enjoy. Take in sweeping views from the Ferris Wheel, race down the Superslide, or hop aboard the gorgeous Venetian Carousel and Spinning Tea Cups. Keep an eye out for roaming characters like a polar bear, a penguin and an Abominable Snowman who'll be wandering around the Gardens, so get snap happy. Hungry

Institution versus intuition. Power versus prejudice. Bias versus belief. It’s all laid bare in the stage production of Doubt: A Parable, coming to the Sydney Theatre Company from June 30 onwards. Sam Reid (The Newsreader, Interview with the Vampire) stars opposite Pamela Rabe (Wentworth) in John Patrick Shanley’s Pulitzer Prize and Tony Award-winning play that’s directed by Australian theatre great, Marion Potts. The production also features Zindzi Okenyo (director of Purpose) and Shannen Alyce Quan (The Dictionary of Lost Words), bringing together a stellar cast for this engrossing 90-minute drama. Set in a Catholic school in the Bronx, New York in 1964, Doubt centres on a shocking accusation that blurs the lines between suspicion and truth. Sister Aloysius (Rabe), the rigid headmistress of St. Nicholas Church School suspects the charismatic Father Flynn (Reid) of inappropriate sexual behaviour towards the school’s sole black student, Donald Muller. If the plot sounds familiar, it’s perhaps because you’ve watched the 2008 film adaptation, starring Meryl Streep and the late Philip Seymour Hoffman.  Provocative and deeply unsettling, the play asks audiences to question everything – and is as relevant now as when it made its Broadway debut about 20 years ago. As the evidence remains frustratingly inconclusive, audiences are left to wrestle with their own assumptions long after the final curtain falls. Doubt: A Parable is at the Sydney Theatre Company’s Roslyn Packer Theatre fr

Inner Westies, rejoice – King Street Crawl is back on July 12, so get ready for this music-fuelled festival across Newtown, Enmore and Erskineville. The 2026 Crawl promises more than 250 artists performing across 40 venues and stages. From punk and indie rock to hip-hop, jazz, funk and electronic beats, there’s something happening around every corner – and most of it is free. For the first time ever, the legendary Enmore Theatre will join the action as a ticketed headline stage, hosting an all-star lineup featuring Tropical F*ck Storm, Winston Surfshirt, Miss Kaninna, Human Movement, Body Type, Djanaba and more. Tickets start from just $50 and double as a Priority Pass, helping you skip the queues at selected venues throughout the day. Prefer a street party vibe? Head to Eliza Street for free live music performances all day, plus drinks from local favourites like Young Henrys and Doomjuice and food by Volkswurst.  Families are catered for too, with dedicated all-ages spaces at the Inner West Pride Centre and St Georges Hall at Newtown Performing High for music and more. The beauty of King Street Crawl is that there’s no set path. Wander between pubs, bars, breweries, cafes and pop-up stages, discover your next favourite band and soak up the atmosphere that makes Sydney’s Inner West music scene so special. Our tip: wear comfortable shoes. Get all the deets here. Stay in the loop: sign up for our free Time Out Sydney newsletter for more news, travel inspo and activity ideas, s

Love travelling around the world, but find the whole check-in process like a form of slow torture? Great news – Virgin Australia has rolled out some major changes to its digital and airport experience, and it’s promising to cut check-in times by up to 50 per cent across ten major Australian domestic airports. Translation: less queueing, more time at the gate bar. Years in the making, the project sees Virgin Australia's app upgraded with new features previously only available to guests via the airline’s call centre or at the airport. Here are the major ones you should know about. Fly ahead and fly later If you’re a Velocity Gold, Platinum or Platinum Plus member, you can now request an earlier same-day flight straight from the app (on eligible fares). Platinum Plus members also get the option to shift to a later flight. Fly earlier (complimentary) If there's room on the plane, Virgin will now allow passengers travelling on an Economy Flex fare to move to an earlier flight on the day of travel for free. Yep, no change fees or fare differences! You don’t even have to ask – the app will ping you if you’re in luck. Perfect for when meetings finish early, plans change or you just can’t be bothered waiting around the terminal. Photograph: Supplied | Virgin AustraliaCheck-In & App Upgrades Seating upgrades Want to stretch out and go a bit fancy without committing upfront? Virgin's app now lets guests bid for Business Class or Economy X extra legroom seats. A tad competitive, but v

Just in time for tax season, the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) has released its latest data on Australia's top-paying occupations – and there’s one job that brings home an eye-watering average salary of $520,000 per year. While most Aussies are feeling the pinch of the cost-of-living crisis, this rarified group of professionals are earning several times the national average income. Sigh. This ATO data revealing Australia's ten highest-paid jobs is based on tax returns lodged for the 2023-24 financial year. The figures show the average taxable income for Aussies climbed to $78,127 in the financial year ending June 2024, up from $74,240 the previous year. Keep in mind this is different to the median taxable income – often considered a more accurate reflection of what a typical worker earns – which rose from $55,868 to $58,739. So, which professions are making the big bucks? If you're thinking medicine, finance, law and mining, you're spot on. Surgeons once again claimed the crown as Australia's highest-paid workers, earning an average taxable income of $519,998 per year. That's an increase of $47,523 compared to the previous year, when surgeons were paid an average of $472,475. To put that into perspective, surgeons now earn more than six times the average Aussie. In news that will surprise nobody, medical professionals continue to dominate the rankings, occupying five of the top ten spots. Anaesthetists retained second place with average earnings of $475,455, while internal

Australia is a nation of coffee drinkers and café lovers. While the unrelenting cost-of-living crisis might suggest we’d be forced to give up our daily macchiato, our spending habits tell another story. Despite household budgets feeling the pinch, new NAB data reveals Australians are still finding room for life's little pleasures. Spending at cafés, restaurants and pubs rose 7.6 per cent over the past year, with hospitality now accounting for one in every $10 spent nationwide. It's welcome news for hospitality businesses navigating rising operating costs, and proof that even during tougher times, Australians support their local dining and drinking holes. And it's not surprising. When eating out at a fancy-schmaltzy fine diner feels a little out of reach, it's often the smaller – more affordable – pleasures that Australians are willing to splurge on.  Photograph: SuppliedVeneziano Coffee   So, which states are leading Australia's dining-out boom? Western Australia takes out the top spot, recording the strongest annual growth in café, restaurant and pub spending at 8.5 per cent. The Northern Territory follows closely behind at 7.8 per cent, while New South Wales and the ACT share third place with growth of 7.1 per cent. The appetite for dining out shows no signs of slowing either. Café and restaurant spending rose 2.9 per cent in May 2026, outpacing overall consumer spending growth of 1.1 per cent. NAB Head of Small Business Victoria Dario Medugorac says businesses that can a

Dreaming of sipping wine under a Tuscan sun? How about hiking (and, ahem, yodelling) through the Swiss Alps? Or perhaps island hopping from Corfu to Crete in Greece? Same. But with the cozzie livs biting, a European holiday feels out of reach for many of us. There's good news – you don't need a passport to channel those Euro vibes. From French-inspired farm stays and Swiss-style chalets to beachside retreats that could pass for the Greek islands, Airbnb has spotlighted some incredible Australian destinations that deliver all the holiday feels without the long-haul flight. Take a look at these local stays that prove a Euro summer can be found right here in Australia. Photograph: SuppliedGrindelwald Holiday Cottage Grindelwald, Tasmania Reminds you of: SwitzerlandAirbnb: Grindelwald Holiday Cottage Nestled in Tasmania's Swiss-inspired village of Grindelwald, this spacious chalet-style cottage looks like it's been plucked straight from the Alps. Think mountain views, manicured gardens and cosy nights indoors. Photograph: Supplied | AirbnbLakefront Suite & Barn Gloucester Tops, New South Wales Reminds you of: SwitzerlandAirbnb: Lakefront Suite & Barn Set on a sprawling lakeside estate, this dreamy escape features a barrel sauna, private jetty, yoga pavilion and organic gardens. Add sunset views across the water, and you've got peak European countryside energy.  Photograph: SuppliedThe beach outside Seagrass Retreat Hamelin Bay, Western Australia Reminds you of: GreeceAirbnb

Fun fact: In English, the letter Q is always followed by the letter U – but not necessarily in non-Latin languages. Case in point: Qatar. Here's another fun fact (hello, trivia night): Qatar Airways' Privilege Club has just been named Australia's Best Frequent Flyer Program of the Year for the second year running. The Doha-based airline's loyalty program, called ‘Privilege Club’, took out the top honour – again – at the WeMoney Travel Awards 2026. They evaluated the nation's leading airlines on earning opportunities, redemption flexibility, benefits, partner networks and overall value. Each category was scored on a scale of zero to ten, with consideration given to customer experience, lounge access and member perks. Qatar Airways Privilege Club came out on top, cementing its position as one of Australia's most rewarding frequent flyer programs. So, if you’re heading overseas for a Euro summer or often travel to the US, the Middle East and Asia on work trips, Qatar’s frequent flyer program offers plenty of reasons to sign up. The airline flies out of six Australian cities – Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth, Adelaide and Canberra – making it super accessible for Aussie travellers. Plus, you're in for a comfy ride, with Qatar having won the ‘World’s Best Airline’ title for an unprecedented ninth time at Skytrax's 2025 World Airline Awards. What do members actually get when they sign up? Privilege Club is powered by points called Avios, allowing travellers to earn and redeem po

Long before roads cut through Australia’s Red Centre and travellers set out on dusty Outback adventures, the Finke River had already carved its way through the heart of Australia. Known as Larapinta to the Arrernte people (meaning 'salty river'), this remarkable waterway is believed to be one of the oldest river systems on Earth. Scientists estimate it dates back more than 300 million years, making it older than dinosaurs. If you’re picturing a river that’s gushing and flowing through the rugged landscapes of Central Australia, think again. For much of the year, the Finke River runs dry; it looks more like a sandy bed dotted with permanent waterholes. But after heavy rains, it magically transforms the arid landscape, surging through ancient gorges and valleys and sustaining wildlife in one of the country's harshest environments. The river runs through the stunning Finke Gorge National Park, around 140 kilometres west of Alice Springs, and if you want to reach it, you’ll need a powerful 4WD. Whether you’re exploring its towering gorges or swimming in its waterholes, the Finke River offers a glimpse into a landscape that has existed for hundreds of millions of years. How old is the Finke River? The Finke River is believed to be more than 300 million years old, making it one of the oldest river systems on Earth. Scientists think the river once flowed through a much wetter and greener Australia, before massive geological and climate changes transformed the continent into the dry

Question: What’s Australia’s most famous building? If your mind immediately jumps to the Sydney Opera House, you’re not wrong. But while Jørn Utzon’s iconic white sails have captivated locals and visitors alike for decades, Australia is packed with architectural wonders that deserve their own moment in the spotlight. A recent list published by Traveller has spotlighted the country’s greatest buildings, with the top 50 decided upon by an expert panel of esteemed Aussie architects, authors, editors and interior designers. Some monuments are instantly recognisable, like Melbourne's Federation Square and Hobart's MONA. Meanwhile, others are unexpected gems, including the atmospheric Cobar Sound Chapel in outback NSW, the remote Bowali Visitor Centre in Kakadu and the spaceship-like Shine Dome in Canberra. Photograph: Tourism AustraliaMONA (Museum of Old and New Art) on the banks of the Derwent River, Hobart These architectural marvels span the length and breadth of our Great Southern Land, covering a breadth of categories. Think sporting arenas like the beautifully redeveloped Adelaide Oval, striking galleries like the brutalist National Gallery of Australia, tertiary institutions like Frank Gehry’s (in)famous "crumpled paper bag" UTS Business School, music stadiums like the mega Myer Music Bowl, hospitality hubs like Brisbane's upmarket James Street precinct, and beloved public spaces like Sydney's Prince Alfred Park Public Pool. Above all, each place tells a story of creativi

Get ready to twirl your fork because Spaghetti Club has opened its doors on Richmond’s Swan Street. This new Southern Italian trattoria is the eighth venue from Melbourne’s ever-buzzy Mamas Dining Group – the team behind Disuko, Hochi Mama, Straight Outta Saigon and Suzie Q. The vibe? Eat spaghetti; no regretti. Inspired by co-owner Lucas Gugliandolo’s Italian roots and the kind of long, laughter-filled meals around his Nonno’s table, Spaghetti Club is all about big flavours and big gatherings. “Our family's spaghetti tradition is a love letter to my Nonno's legacy,” says Gugliandolo. “Every Monday, he'd gather us around with his trusty orange recipe book, passing down a taste of Italy. Now, we're carrying it on at Spaghetti Club – every sauce is a nod to the man who started it all.” Photograph: Salt HouseSpaghetti Club's Thai Ho and Lucas Gugliandolo Inside, amber lighting, dark timber, stained glass and crisp white tablecloths nod to Nonna and Nonno’s home, while marble finishes, cosy booths and candlelit tables bring the relaxed charm of a modern trattoria. The kitchen is led by head chef Michael Flemming (ex-Totti’s, Botanical Hotel and Press Food and Wine) whose menu blends Italian tradition with Aussie nostalgia. “It’s not about replicating the dishes exactly,” says Flemming. “It’s more about preserving the feeling of their generosity, simplicity and food that naturally brings people together around a table.” Think cacio e pepe arancini with black garlic aioli; spaghe

As the famous Latin proverb goes, ‘in vino veritas’ – in wine, there is truth. And if the 2026 NSW Sommelier Wine List Awards are anything to go by, the truth is that New South Wales is producing some seriously exceptional vino. Since 2019, the NSW Wine Industry Association has been celebrating the sommeliers, beverage managers and venue owners who showcase the diversity and quality of NSW wines through its Sommelier's Wine List Awards.  From tiny neighbourhood wine bars and regional gems to bustling pubs and top-notch restaurants, an impressive number of venues from across the state submitted their curated wine lists for 2026. After much deliberation, a panel of judges whittled down the list to 44 finalists who truly embodied the spirit of NSW wine. And on June 2, the winners were announced at NSW Parliament House. Hosted in partnership with Destination NSW, the awards shine a spotlight on venues that champion local producers and the state's diverse wine regions. Taking out the coveted 2026 NSW Sommelier's Wine List of the Year was Shun Eto from Altitude Restaurant at the Shangri-La Hotel. Says NSW Wine Industry Association President Mark Bourne, "Shun Eto at Altitude Restaurant has delivered a list that recognises and promotes great wines from NSW, and from producers large, small, unknown to the highly regarded." 2026 NSW Sommelier Wine List Awards Winners: NSW Sommelier's Wine List of the YearShun Eto, Altitude Restaurant Best NSW Wine List in a Sydney Venue (>60 seats)Shu

Ever gone scuba diving in search of weedy seadragons at Portsea Pier? Or perhaps you’ve cast a line for snapper as rays glide beneath the water’s surface? Locals and visitors alike have long enjoyed exploring this coastal landmark on the Mornington Peninsula. Located at Portsea Front Beach, within the sheltered sands of Weeroona Bay, it’s a favourite spot for diving, snorkelling, fishing or simply soaking up the views across Port Phillip Bay.  You may remember that this wooden pier, made up of two platforms, was badly damaged by a massive storm in 2024. While emergency repairs were carried out afterwards, this was only a short-term solution. But thankfully, Portsea Pier is finally set to undergo major maintenance, safety and strengthening works, beginning this July.  Works will begin at the pier entrance and be completed in stages, with the entire structure closed to the public while construction is underway. It needs substantial upgrades to protect it from future weather events and ensure it can continue to be enjoyed for years to come.  A marine exclusion zone will also be in place to keep visitors safe. As the works progress, some sections of the pier might reopen for licensed tour operators. Parks Victoria expects the upgrades to be completed before summer 2026, weather permitting, of course. While Portsea Pier is temporarily closed, you can still head to Sorrento Pier and Rye Pier for your fix of fishing, snorkelling and water views. Stay in the loop: sign up for our fr

Where do you see yourself when retirement finally rolls around? Will you be pottering in your garden, strolling along a beach, joining a local book (or wine) club, or looking after the grandkids? For many Victorians, retirement is the beginning of a lifestyle they've been planning for years. And more Australians are looking beyond the major cities and embracing a sea change or tree change in a place that will give them affordable homes, good access to healthcare and an escape from the rat-race of life.  To uncover Victoria's best retirement destinations, Citro has paired data from its 300,000-strong community with insights from experts in housing, economics and demographics to spotlight the best coastal retirement locations in Australia. Its Australia's Top 50 Retirement Locations guide analysed towns and suburbs across five key pillars: housing affordability, housing availability, access to healthcare, transport infrastructure and lifestyle opportunities.  Within Victoria, the result is a diverse mix of coastal favourites, historic country towns and well-connected suburban pockets that offer plenty to look forward to in the years ahead. Of course, some locations featured on the list are for those with a substantial nest egg – think Melbourne’s premium suburb Brighton, where median house prices averaged $2.07 million in 2025. But there are plenty of under-the-radar, small town communities offering something authentic and affordable like Victoria’s boating capital, Paynesvill

Melbourne's public transport network has once again become a moving art gallery, with six striking new First Peoples art trams hitting the tracks as part of this year's Rising. Launching on June 2, the latest edition of this public art project transforms six trams into vibrant canvases celebrating First Peoples culture, storytelling and creativity. These trams will travel across the city's network for the next 12 months, bringing contemporary Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander art to commuters. Curated by Taungurung woman Kate ten Buuren, the 2026 program explores the power of Blak imagination. Each tram showcases the work of an Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander artist with connections to Victoria, creating an exhibition on wheels that glides daily through Melbourne's streets. Leading this year's line-up is the prestigious Legacy Tram, created by Wadawurrung elder and senior artist Aunty Marlene Gilson OAM. Renowned for her richly detailed multi-figure paintings, Gilson's work reclaims and reframes histories of Country, weaving cultural knowledge, memory and storytelling into the public realm. Her acclaimed practice has been exhibited everywhere from Ballarat to the Venice Biennale, and her contribution brings a powerful intergenerational perspective to this year's project. Joining Gilson are five other celebrated artists: Natasha Carter (Dja Dja Wurrung, Yorta Yorta and Jaru), Mitch Mahoney (Boonwurrung and Barkindji), Jenna Mayilema Lee (Larrakia, KarraJarri and Warda