Alison Rodericks

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.

Noosa might be best known for its golden beaches and relaxed coastal charm, but it’s dining scene is just as impressive. The resort town has no shortage of excellent eateries that buzz with locals and travellers from dusk until well after dawn. Many of the trendiest restaurants line the iconic Hastings Street, with the fanciest spots sitting mere metres from the golden sands of Main Beach. Meanwhile, waterfront institutions in Noosaville showcase the region’s finest seafood, and Noosa Junction brings a laid-back mix of global flavours – from French crêpes and fluffy bao buns to woodfired pizzas. Our Travel & News Editor Melissa Woodley has visited Noosa multiple times and knows the perfect spot for every occasion – whether you’re after a romantic dinner, a breezy beachside lunch or a special occasion feast. Take your pick from this ultimate list of the best restaurants in Noosa. Editor's favourite restaurants in Noosa: 💎 Best for views: Season Restaurant ⭐️ Best new opening: Cibaria Noosa 🍽️ Best for groups: Light Years 🌊 The best things to do in Noosa🍽️ The best restaurants on the Sunshine Coast

There’s always time for tea – especially when it arrives on a tiered stand brimming with delectable bites. Whether you’re in it for warm scones piled with jam and cream (or cream and jam), delicate finger sandwiches, Champagne top-ups or pastries that look almost too pretty to eat, Sydney knows how to elevate the high tea experience. From heritage mansions and five-star hotels to hidden garden retreats and waterfront venues, the city serves up high tea in every style imaginable. Some stay true to timeless British tradition, while others put a distinctly modern spin on the ritual with bold flavours and playful themes. Time Out Sydney's writers and dedicated tea-lovers have sipped and sampled their way across the city to bring you the very best high teas in Sydney. Whether you're celebrating a birthday, spoiling Mum or catching up with friends, these are the high teas worth raising your pinky for. Cucumber sandwich, anyone? 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. WANT MORE? Eat your way around Sydney's best cafés Wet your whistle at Sydney's best bars  Keep cosy at these Sydney pubs with fireplaces

Sometimes the best escapes are closer than you think. Beyond Canberra's roundabouts and national institutions is a whole heap of charming country towns waiting to be explored. It’s where locals greet you with a smile and the main street bustles with cosy cafés, antique stores and historic pubs (or wineries – hello, Clonakilla). The best bit? These picturesque towns are all an easy drive from Canberra. Some are foodie favourites, others are packed with history, and many are perfect for when you just want to slow down. Just ask our Editor Melissa Woodley, who has road-tested almost all of these gorgeous adventures – hey, it’s a hard job, but somebody’s got to do it. Fuel up the car and get your road trip playlist ready: here are the best day trips from Canberra. Editor’s favourite day trips from Canberra 🏞️ Best for beach: Batemans Bay 🍷 Best for wine: Murrumbateman 🍰 Best for boutique shopping: Southern Highlands   🌳 The best things to do in Canberra🥐 The best bakeries in Canberra

Beyond its beautiful beaches, the Gold Coast is home to some of Queensland's best cafés – but where should you start? From breezy waterside gems and lush garden eateries to trendy bakeries and boozy brunch spots, the city has a café to suit every taste – all of them, thankfully, have seriously good coffee. Our Travel & News Editor, Melissa Woodley, has combined her personal favourites with insider picks from locals to create this ultimate guide to the best cafés on the Gold Coast. Whether you want to watch the crashing waves at Mermaid Beach with an almond croissant or dive into an Asian-inspired avo toast with a Vietnamese iced coffee, these are the best places for brunch, coffee and all-day bites on the Gold Coast. Editor's favourite cafés on the Gold Coast: 🥑 Best brunch: Elk Espresso 🥐 Best bakery: Tarte Bakery and Café 🌮 Best bottomless brunch: The Winey Cow 🥤 Best smoothies: House of Hälsa 🌱 Best vegan: Blendlove 🌮 The best restaurants on the Gold Coast🏄🏻‍♀️ The best things to do on the Gold Coast

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.

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. 

Movie nights are fun. Movie nights with front-row seats overlooking Sydney Harbour? Now we're talking. Pier One Sydney Harbour is giving movies a decadent glow-up with Harbourside Cinema by Pier One – a private open-air cinema set on its Sunset Balcony Suite. Available until September 30, the experience transforms the suite's waterfront terrace into your own luxe outdoor cinema, complete with a cosy love seat, blankets and a projector screen framed by our spectacular harbour. You pick the movie – whether it’s a rom-com or an action-packed adventure – then settle in as the Sydney Harbour Bridge and Luna Park provide a stunning backdrop. Getting to the all-important movie snacks: a dedicated Ultimate Movie Night trolley rolls up to your suite loaded with buttery popcorn and DIY Yo-Chi frozen yoghurt, complete with toppings. Feeling hungrier? Order everything from loaded fries and Wagyu cheeseburgers to baked brie and artisan cheeseboards from the Pier Bar food and drink menu which is sent straight to your room. Harbourside Cinema by Pier One costs $150 per experience on top of the nightly suite rate, so this is definitely a treat-yourself experience. Additional guests are $50 per person, with a maximum capacity of eight guests per booking. Once you book the Harbourside Cinema package, their team will be in touch to organise any additional guests, movie night trolley timings, plus food and drink pre-orders. All you need to do is pick the movie. Find out more here.  Stay in the

Beautiful things are (nearly) blooming in Marrickville. Following the delightfully offbeat success of The Grocery Store – an exhibition of wonderfully inedible everyday goods – Voluptuary Ceramics is transforming its warehouse yet again, this time into an enchanting, otherworldly garden. Running from July 25 to August 30, The Garden is an immersive exhibition featuring garden-inspired ceramics, sculptures, paintings, textiles and tactile objects by more than 50 Australian artists, designers and makers. Each artist has been busy as a proverbial bee in their own studio, cultivating creations of garden-themed artwork and now they'll come together to display and sell their wares. Think hand-felted wool creations of mushrooms and moss; detailed paintings of ferns, fungi and flowers; metal sculptures of butterflies and bees; and whimsical ceramic blooms. From bold and bright to intricate and delicate, The Garden invites you to wander and wonder at nature’s bounty – and perhaps take home a little piece of this wonderfully imagined world. The Garden is on at Voluptuary World, Marrickville from July 25 to August 30. Find out more via their Instagram page.  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 best markets in Sydney for farm-fresh produce or arts and crafts 25 fun (and delicious) things to do in Sydney for under $25  Have you had a bite at Eat Ozzo Marrickville yet?

Returning for its fifth year, Aēsop's Queer Library is once again transforming the skincare brand's Flinders Lane store into a pop-up library from July 15-19, celebrating LGBTQIA+ voices through the power of storytelling. Visitors can take home a complimentary book by a queer author – no purchase required – while stocks last.  This year's theme, Body of Work, explores the body as a bridge between our private selves and the wider world, spotlighting writing that challenges assumptions and celebrates queer experiences. Expect titles from authors like Rose Dommu, Seán Hewitt, Shell Rowe and Ocean Vuong among others. Better still, the Aēsop Foundation will also make a donation to Minus18, supporting LGBTQIA+ young people across Australia. For the full catalogue of titles and authors that will be on offer, head to the Aesop website. 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? These are the best things to do in Melbourne this week.

Sax in the city? Yes, please. The Melbourne International Jazz Festival (MIJF) returns from October 16–25, bringing world-class jazz to venues across the city. Since 1998, MIJF has championed contemporary jazz – from cutting-edge improvisers to legendary names – with more than a third of performances free to attend. The 2026 program has been just updated and includes these acclaimed jazz artists: The Teskey Brothers: Sidney Myer Music Bowl, October 17 Beloved Australian band The Teskey Brothers will headline the MIJF launch with a special tenth anniversary performance of their breakthrough album Half Mile Harvest, bringing their signature blend of soul, blues and vintage sounds to the stage. Returning to their Melbourne roots, the band will perform the album in full, plus favourites spanning the band’s acclaimed catalogue. Joining them will be trombonist legend Fred Wesley backed by The New JBs, plus ARIA Award-winning artist Emily Wurramara. Rebirth Brass Band: 170 Russell, October 18 Bringing the unmistakable spirit of New Orleans to Melbourne, Grammy Award-winning Rebirth Brass Band will make their Australian debut at MIJF. Hailed as a “New Orleans institution” by The New York Times, the band blends second-line rhythms with jazz, funk, soul and R&B for a high-energy sound that gets crowds moving. From the streets of the French Quarter to stages around the world, Rebirth Brass Band has become a defining force in New Orleans music, delivering joyful, brass-powered perform

As Jane Austen wrote in Northanger Abbey, “The person, be it gentleman or lady, who has not pleasure in a good novel, must be intolerably stupid.” So bookworms and bibliophiles, this one's for you. World of the Book, Australia’s largest and longest-running rare book exhibition, returns to State Library Victoria with more than 300 extraordinary works spanning from around 2000 BCE to the present day. This year's exhibition shines a spotlight on some of literature's most influential women writers. We're talking rare and remarkable editions by Jane Austen, Agatha Christie, Octavia E. Butler, Virginia Woolf and the Brontë sisters, including a newly acquired first edition of Jane Austen's Emma (1816) in its original Regency-era binding. You'll also be able to admire special versions of Austen's Pride and Prejudice, Sense and Sensibility and Persuasion, alongside rare editions of Agatha Christie's best-loved mysteries featuring her legendary detectives, Miss Marple and Hercule Poirot. Head to the beautiful domed La Trobe Reading Room to check out everything from intricate miniature books to Australian punk music fanzines, early comic books and centuries-old treasures. One must-see is The Mystery of a Hansom Cab (1886) – Melbourne's first publishing blockbuster, which famously outsold Sherlock Holmes. “The Fund’s first ever purchase, A Room of One’s Own by Virginia Woolf, will be displayed in a space intentionally designed to celebrate extraordinary women writers,” said State Libra

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 or see a live show. 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, cinema and more entertainment.  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-million transformation of Sydne

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.

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’

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 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 three hour

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

There’s a delicious new reason to wander the cobblestone streets of The Rocks. Lebanese restaurant Sahtein brings the generous, everyday cooking of Beirut to Sydney, inviting diners to settle in and stay a while. Led by executive chef Mike Flood (ex-Felix, Firedoor and Quay) alongside head chef Rifat Katranci (ex-Jimmy’s Falafel, The Cut Bar and Grill), with oversight from Hunter St. Hospitality culinary director Santiago Aristizabal, the kitchen takes its cues directly from Lebanon’s vibrant food culture. Sahtein serves the kind of dishes you’d find on dining tables across Beirut, where the conversation flows over a family feast. The seasonal menu is designed for sharing and uses halal produce throughout. Small plates, charcoal-grilled meats and traditional desserts sit alongside zesty sides and house-made breads. Cold mezze includes herb-laced salads, hummus, labneh, salt-baked beetroot with pistachio and kibbeh nayeh (finely pounded raw mince). Hot plates centre around favourites like balila (warm chickpeas), crispy falafel, sautéed chicken livers with mulberry molasses and halloumi with fresh fig. Cooked over the charcoal grill are shish lahm (spiced Wagyu skewers), smoky lamb kafta and chicken with toum (garlic sauce) and Aleppo honey – this dish was one of our favourite things we tried. The centrepiece is the signature raqabat kharouf – lamb neck that’s slow-cooked, richly spiced and served with rice, zucchini stuffed with mince, labneh and pickles. They also have show-

When you hear the word "Dalmatian", you probably think of black and white spotty dogs, don't you? But Dalmatia is also the name of Croatia’s stunning Adriatic coastline and islands, including the cities of Dubrovnik, Zadar and Split. And that’s exactly the spirit captured at St Blaise, a charming Dalmatian bistro hidden in a little arcade in Matraville. Owned and operated by Dubrovnik-born chef Vedran Perojevic, the restaurant draws inspiration from the coastal cooking of southern Croatia. On the menu? Adriatic seafood, slow-cooked meats, traditional pasta dishes and the kind of unhurried hospitality that defines the region. With its intimate dining room, open kitchen, outdoor courtyard and warm hospitality, St Blaise feels much like a traditional Dalmatian konoba – a rustic tavern where locals gather over grilled fish, cured meats, local wine and long conversations. As for its name, St Blaise is the patron saint of Dubrovnik, who is said to have saved the city from a Venetian attack in the 10th century. While the menu takes a more modern approach, the cooking remains deeply rooted in tradition. Sauces are slow-cooked, seafood is prepared fresh to order, and the bread is baked in-house daily. In fact, word about the unlimited house-made focaccia-style bread has spread among locals – and yes, it’s complimentary. Signature dishes include black cuttlefish risotto, Adriatic seafood brodet (stew) with polenta, Dalmatian octopus salad, whipped salt cod pâté, Pag Island-style lamb r

Remember those REDcycle bins that used to sit near the entrance of your local supermarket? After the scheme collapsed in 2022, many Australians were left wondering what to do with their bread bags, chip packets and cling wrap. The good news? A new national soft plastics recycling scheme is now rolling out across Australia, with more than 700 collection points already operating in supermarkets across NSW, Victoria, Queensland, South Australia and the ACT. The program is being overseen by Soft Plastics Stewardship Australia (SPSA), which says the system can process more than 20,000 tonnes of soft plastics each year – almost three times REDcycle's peak capacity. Recent research from waste management company Cleanaway found that nearly half of Aussies are still putting soft plastics in their household recycling bins – a big no-no since most kerbside recycling systems can't process them. The report also found that many Australians find plastic recycling confusing, with almost two-thirds saying they've been misled by packaging that appears recyclable but isn't. Here's a handy guide to help with your soft-plastic recycling.  What are soft plastics? Soft plastics are lightweight, flexible plastics that can easily be scrunched into a ball. Unlike hard plastics, they become tangled in recycling machinery, so they should never go into your yellow-lid recycling bin. Common examples include plastic shopping bags, chip and biscuit packets, snack and lolly wrappers, etc. A simple rule of th

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