Alison Rodericks

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

Sydneysiders love a roasted chook. Across the city, rotisseries slowly spin around, luring us with their smoky aroma, coaxing us to abandon all plans of cooking dinner at home and order a chicken and chips instead – with extra garlic sauce, of course. From long-time Lebanese legends to humble Portuguese flame-grilled specialists, our chicken shops have been perfecting the art of the charcoal chook for decades. And while every suburb swears that its neighbourhood gem is the best, we’ve done the delicious legwork to round up the chicken shops that consistently deliver golden, juicy birds with side dishes that hit just right. The only question is: is your local chook shop on the list? Stay in the loop: sign up for our free Time Out Sydney newsletter for more news and things to do, straight to your inbox. RECOMMENDED: Want more? Check out the Sydney's best restaurants right now. Looking to tighten your belt? Here's our list of the city's best cheap eats. 

Hello! There’s a heck of a lot of hot new spots to check out – for all occasions. Like Appizza, a new pizza spot from the AP Bakery team slinging excellent New Haven-inspired slices. I’m loving Temu Kangen – a cheerful Indonesian eatery in Haymarket and sibling to Medan Ciak, serving street food favourites. And South End in Newtown is a beautiful little bistro, home to one of my favourite meals in a long time. Enjoy. 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.

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 🌮 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 and cheerful: Costa Taco 🌊 Best hotels on the Gold Coast🏄🏻‍♀️ Best things to do on the Gold Coast

Didn’t we just ring in 2026? Somehow, the Labour Day long weekend is already racing towards us and Melbourne is gearing up for a seriously big weekend. We've got the ever-iconic Moomba Festival, the F1 Australian Grand Prix roaring into town and the opening round of the AFL season kicking off – things are bound to be busy, busy, busy. Whether you’re keen to fill every minute with festivals, sport and celebrations, or you’d rather escape the crowds to unwind, we’ve rounded up the very best things to do from March 7 to 9. 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 fun? These are the best things happening in Melbourne this month.  

Sydney is home to some stunning cinemas and beautiful picture houses, but you know what's even better than sitting in a darkened room to watch a movie? Being outside under the stars! Feel like enjoying a film in the great outdoors? From blockbusters to tearjerkers, rom-coms to thrillers, you can catch them all in the open air across the city thanks to a proliferation of popcorn-offering spots across the city.  Bring a rug and some snacks (or buy them from handy pop-up eateries) and settle in with the fam, a mate, or a date – some cinemas will even let you bring your dog. 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.  While you're planning your summer adventures, organise a trek to these majestic waterfalls near Sydney or on one of the most beautiful walks around Sydney.

Summer 2026 update: Whether you’re looking for a coffee and feed post hot girl walk, picking up a B&E after your swim or catching up with friends over a sweet treat, Sydney’s best cafés will have you covered. Sydneysiders are café people. We're constantly on the hunt for the city's best coffee and we love nothing more than donning our finest sport-luxe activewear and catching up with mates on a weekend morning over eggs, fritters and crusty artisan sourdough. So, whether it's a reward for tackling one of Sydney's most beautiful walks, an indulgent hangover fix after a night at one of the city's best bars, or a workday coffee stop, these are the best Sydney cafés, according to our in-the-know Time Out Sydney writers, including Editor Avril Treasure. We'll have one B&E roll, please.  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. Is it lunch time? Check out our guide to Sydney's best restaurants right now.

In 2026, Lunar New Year starts on February 17, ushering in the Year of the Fire Horse – it’s the seventh sign in the Chinese zodiac, associated with intense energy, freedom, ambition and passion. It's also a celebration for many cultures represented in Melbourne, including the city's Chinese, Vietnamese, Thai and Korean communities. Before the festivities begin, families do a thorough clean of their homes to sweep away bad luck, followed by decorating it in red lanterns and spring couplets for prosperity. They then get together for a reunion dinner, followed by wishing loved ones good fortune and a prosperous year ahead – cue red envelopes filled with cash given to children. Sounds like fun? We've rounded up some of the best Lunar New Year events, festivals and feasts on offer to everyone across Melbourne, so book ahead to ensure you don't miss out. Gōng xǐ fā cái! Stay in the loop: sign up for our free Time Out Melbourne newsletter for the best of the city, straight to your inbox. Lunar New Year is a great time to explore the best Chinese restaurants in Melbourne and the best dumpling spots in town. 

From specialty Sichuan spots to hot Cantonese kitchens, Sydney has some seriously great Chinese restaurants. Time Out Sydney's local food writers have eaten their way around town to bring you this curated and up-to-date list. So whether you want to go all out and explore regional cuisines, sit down for yum cha, grab some takeaway barbecue duck or hand-thrown noodles, you'll find your spot here. These are the best Chinese restaurants Sydney has to offer – we're hungry just thinking about them. 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: Here are the tastiest cheap eats in Sydney right now Check out the best Italian joints in Sydney town

Whether you're coupled up, hoping to date, happily single or eager to spend Valentine's Day with your friends instead of moping alone at home, there's something for everyone to do in Melbourne around February 14. From romantic dinners to bougie hotel stays, this city will be leaning into love, no matter what form it comes in. Heaps of our city's most beloved attractions will be hosting special V-Day events, so there'll be plenty of ways to feel the love. Have a read of these lovely-dovey ways to spend Valentine's Day and say "I do" to a few. Stay in the loop: sign up for our free Time Out Melbourne newsletter for the best of the city, straight to your inbox. Hungry for love? Here are the most romantic restaurants in Melbourne.

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 $20. We didn’t include many bakeries or cafés in the list, but you can find more affordable eats in our list of best bakeries in Sydney and best cafés in Sydney. 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.

Four hundred tonnes of sand. Fifteen solo sculptures. One colossal 50-tonne hero masterpiece. Get set for the spectacular Australian Sand Sculpting Championships, taking place from March 28 to April 26. It will transform the Frankston Waterfront into a magical open-air gallery of sand and storytelling. This year’s theme ‘The Enchanted Realm’ invites visitors into a world where fairytale castles, dragons and other mythical creatures rise from the sand. Presented by Sandstorm Events and supported by Frankston City Council, the 2026 championships will run over eight days.  The line-up includes ten Aussie and five international artists who will use nothing but sand and water to craft their creations. This puts the spotlight firmly on individual artistry as each competitor battles for the prestigious Aidan J Graham Australian Champion title. Visitors will also marvel at a 50-tonne hero sculpture, a 25-tonne interactive sculpture designed for hands-on family fun, and a 15-tonne entry sculpture welcoming guests to the enchanted exhibition. For the first time ever, all sculptures will be completed before opening day. Beyond the sculptures, expect artist talks offering behind-the-scenes insights, delicious bites from food trucks and a dazzling daily light show that will transform the beach into an illuminated wonderland.  Over Easter, the festival atmosphere ramps up with special family activities, including the much-loved Sandsational Easter Egg Hunt. Visitors can also vote for their

Colour and creativity will burst into bloom when the Melbourne International Flower and Garden Show returns to the lush surrounds of the Royal Exhibition Building and Carlton Gardens in Melbourne from March 25-29. Just like this year’s theme 'Kaleidoscope', visitors will enter a world of shifting patterns and perspectives, and are invited to look at gardens from fresh angles of design and sustainability. From intimate urban retreats to immersive landscapes, the five-day event showcases how gardens continue to evolve as places of connection and creative expression. A major drawcard is the Show Garden Competition, where acclaimed designers transform ideas into living landscapes. Visitors can wander through these breathtaking installations before casting their vote for the coveted People’s Choice Award. This year's finalists include landscaping icon Jamie Durie with a visionary garden focused on sustainability, Matt York’s immersive native garden, Emma Doman’s resort-style retreat and Jason Hodges’ purpose-built wedding garden among others. Inside the Royal Exhibition Building, the breathtaking Great Hall of Flowers will once again bloom beneath the grand dome, transforming the historic space into a floral gallery. New for 2026, Growers Avenue will celebrate Australian-grown flowers while The Petal Project will hero a single flower through striking installations. The new Wildplace Children’s Garden offers an imaginative playground inspired by Indigenous perspectives to reconnect

Melbourne Design Week will be back to celebrate its 10th birthday from May 14-24. Across 11 days of exhibitions, talks and workshops – yes, that's more than 400 events – Australia’s largest annual design event will showcase the future of food, fitness, furniture and more. With a call to action to 'design the world you want’, the 2026 program spans everything from experimental furniture and architecture to food design, sportswear and robotics. Events will take place in some of Melbourne’s most iconic cultural spaces, including the National Communication Museum, Melbourne School of Design, Abbotsford Convent and, of course, NGV International. A stellar line-up will take to the stage throughout the festival. Japanese industrial designer Shunji Yamanaka will deliver a lecture exploring his boundary-pushing work with robotics and prosthetics, while renowned architect, while Tom Kundig will discuss designing homes that forge deeper connections with nature. Australian design icon Mary Featherston will also appear in conversation with Grand Designs Australia presenter Anthony Burke, reflecting on the mid-century interiors she created with her late husband Grant. Food and design meet in a series of delicious events. One highlight pairs celebrated chef Hugh Allen with architect John Wardle to explore the craft behind Melbourne’s new fine-dining restaurant Yiaga. Elsewhere, exhibitions delve into the artistry of tableware, chocolate inspired by architecture and the design that shapes

Always longed to see the russet reds, burnt oranges and golden ochres of autumn foliage? Get to the Macedon Ranges this April for the month-long Macedon Ranges Autumn Festival. From April 1-30, nine charming villages across this picture-postcard region will transform into a playground for foodies, wine lovers and weekend wanderers with more than 50 events on the line-up. Come hungry, because the Autumn Pie and Tart Trail is reason enough to make the trip. Think flaky, buttery perfection in every bite – from rich beef and dark ale or lamb shank if you like your pies savoury, to sweet apple or fig and pistachio creations. Map out your own delicious road trip between country bakeries and don’t forget a picnic rug to sit among the fallen leaves. Plant-based eaters are also in for a treat with the Edgy Veg Trail, where 31 local pubs, cafés and restaurants are serving up creative plant-based dishes that go well beyond the usual fare. And, yes, there’s plenty to drink. The Tipple Trail brings together 37 venues pouring exclusive festival creations – from craft beer and cider to cool-climate wines and small-batch gin. So make sure to have a designated driver. Better yet, stay a few nights – accommodation ranges from affordable caravan parks to lux country cottages. For a taste of nature at her resplendent best, the Mount Macedon Autumn Garden Trail opens the gates to three gorgeous gardens: Duneira Estate, Forest Glade Gardens and Viewfield – all ablaze with autumn colour and conveni

The Dunnstown Sunflower Field is back in bloom for 2026 and it’s a sight to behold. Spanning an incredible 50 acres, millions of sunflowers are standing tall and turning their sunny faces towards the sky, creating a spectacular sea of yellow. Cameras at the ready – this is the kind of place that was made for the ’gram. Owned and operated by the Britt family, the farm is just 15 minutes from Ballarat and about 90 minutes from Melbourne, making it a fun day trip. Stretching row after row, the sunflower fields are perfect for wandering, snapping photos and breathing in that fresh country air. If you want to pick your own blooms ($2 per stem), bring your own secateurs (or hire a pair for $5) and a bucket to carry your sunny haul. While Eftpos is available, farm wi-fi can be sketchy, so carrying cash is a good idea. The fields are also a haven for busy bees, and the uneven paddock means sturdy shoes are recommended. Children under five enter free but should stay close to adults. New for 2026 is a giant hay bale maze, guaranteed to delight kids. The much-loved animal farm also returns, offering plenty of hands-on fun for younger visitors. Opening days and times are weather-dependent, so check the website or social media before visiting. Sunflower season only lasts a few magical weeks, so plan your trip here.  Stay in the loop: sign up for our free Time Out Melbourne newsletter for the best of the city, straight to your inbox. Melbourne has a new floral emblem that’s captured our

With all the doom and gloom in the world today, we sure could use a belly laugh. Good news – the Sydney Comedy Festival is turning 21 and you're invited to the celebrations from April 13 to May 17, 2026. That’s five glorious weeks and more than 400 shows that guarantee plenty of LOLs.  SCF has two exclusives this year: Star power shines through the likes of Tiffany Haddish who brings her stand-up to the State Theatre on April 25 and the Enmore Theatre on April 26. And, if you loved the 2024 Netflix hit Baby Reindeer, catch its creator Richard Gadd for a special in-conversation event at the Sydney Opera House on May 11. Consider your funny bone officially tickled. We’re super happy to report that the Sydney Comedy Festival Comedy Crawl is back with six offerings across top-notch bars. Led by a stellar host, you will join a group and proceed to sip and laugh your way from one bar to the next for bite-sized comedy sets. All sessions sold out in 2025, so get in quick.  Love seeing multiple acts in one night? The Comedy Gala is for you – with a massive show at the Sydney Opera House and the closing event at Enmore Theatre. Also returning is Comedy Gala on the Green at Darling Harbour's Tumbalong Park on April 18, with global superstars and the delightful Guy Montgomery as host. Make sure to return the very next day for the outdoor comedy showcase Great Laugh in the Park (April 19). Kids will get a hoot out of seeing ABC Kids' Giggle and Hoot host Jimmy Rees OAM and their fave blu

Roll up, roll up! The 2026 Sydney Royal Easter Show is back from April 2-13 with all the old-time favourites and some new treats. Get ready for woodchopping contests, livestock competitions, showbags galore, roller coaster rides, stunt cars, fresh fruit and vegetable displays, cake decorating comps and fireworks at 8.50pm nightly. Whether it’s your first time or a long-standing family tradition, it’s time to make your way to Sydney Showground. Did you know that the Easter Show dates back to 1823? Hosted by the Royal Agricultural Society of NSW (RAS), it celebrates the hard work of our NSW farmers and producers and gives us city folk a chance to see farmyard animals and fresh produce up close and personal.  Make sure you line up to see the cutest baby animals, catch those cowboys at the rodeo and marvel at world-class show jumping. There's sheep and alpaca shearing, dog shows, tractor rides and panning for gold, plus more than 400 different breeds in the livestock competitions.  There’s also the carnival area with thrilling rides like the Cliff Hanger, Crazy Cars, Extreme Speed, Rebel Coaster and more. Prefer something more nostalgic? Take a spin on the classic Helter Skelter, dodgem cars or the carousel.  Make time to check out the incredible entries in photography, art, woodworking, pottery, and the most beautifully decorated cakes you’ve ever seen at The Arts and Crafts Pavilion. You also can’t go past the Woolworths Fresh Food Dome for all the freshest fruit and veg displ

Thought-provoking. Boundary-pushing. Unapologetically disruptive. The elusive yet world-famous street artist Banksy has another exhibition coming to Sydney. If you missed the chance to see The Art of Banksy: Without Limits at Sydney Town Hall in 2024, you’re in luck. Banksy Limitless opens at The Rocks (155 George Street) on April 1, 2026 for a limited season, following a sold-out run in London.  This new showcase features more than 250 works, large-scale installations, sculptures, digital displays – plus an impressive state-of-the-art hologram experience. Visitors can uncover untold stories behind iconic works including Cinderella at Dismaland, London Zoo and Ice Cream Van, while immersive rooms and bold visual storytelling invite audiences to step inside Banksy’s provocative universe. Renowned for his sharp wit and unflinching social commentary, Banksy continues to challenge perspectives on politics, culture and human rights. In keeping with his humanitarian ethos, a portion of proceeds from Banksy Limitless will support the M.V. Louise Michel, an independent high-speed lifeboat rescuing migrants in distress. So much more than a traditional exhibition, Banksy Limitless is a powerful, multi-sensory experience that will pull you in. Don't miss it.  Ticket prices are from $42 for adults, $30 for children. Get your tickets 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:

Haven't locked in plans for the Labour Day weekend yet? Make your way to the Moomba Festival from March 5-9 for five fun-filled days by the Yarra. As Australia’s largest free community festival, Moomba brings you carnival rides, live music, dance workshops, kids’ activities, food trucks, watersports, skate comps and plenty more. What's new this year? How about two Moomba Monarchs in the form of our favourite Melburnians, Caterina Mete (yep, she's the Red Wiggle) and the immensely talented comedian and broadcaster, Sammy J. Families will love the carnival precinct at Birrarung Marr with tons of thrilling rides, face painting and an inflatable maze. Feeling peckish? With 35 food trucks around, you don't have to choose between a dagwood dog or dumplings – have both! Palms Lawn is where you go for live music and high-energy dance workshops ranging from from K-Pop and Bollywood to line dancing. Nab a prime riverside viewing spot on the Yarra for the iconic Birdman Rally on March 8. From 11am, 13 brave (and bonkers) "pilots" – including Monarch Sammy J – will attempt to soar across the river in homemade flying machines, all in the name of charity. On March 9, the much-loved Moomba Parade kicks off at 11am from the Shrine of Remembrance, filling the streets with fantastic floats, giant puppets, marching bands, dance troupes and more than 1,800 people from different cultural groups. Other top-notch activities include the Moomba Masters water sports competition, and the Moomba Skate

Ready to laugh until you cry? The Melbourne International Comedy Festival (MICF) is back from March 25 to April 19, serving up nearly a month of punchlines and pure joy in venues across the city. Since its inception in 1987, the festival has grown to become Australia's largest cultural ticketed event – and the third-largest comedy festival in the world, behind Montreal’s Just for Laughs and the Edinburgh Fringe, luring the funniest peeps from around Australia and across the globe. The 2026 program opens on March 25 with the Comedy Allstars Supershow at the Palais Theatre. Get ready to LOL with homegrown faves like Celia Pacquola, Dilruk Jayasinha, Jenny Tian, Josie Long, Nazeem Hussain as well as international talent like Sam Jay (USA), Phil Wang (UK/Malaysia) and David O’Doherty (Ireland). From stand-up and sketch to improv, musical comedy and even film, this year’s line-up is stacked with hilarious heavyweights – think Josh Thomas, Gillian Cosgriff, Lizzy Hoo, Nat Harris, Wil Anderson, Lano & Woodley, Hannah Gadsby, Denise Scott, Urzila Carlson, Matt Okine and Sammy J, plus plenty more international acts. Championing First Nations storytelling remains front and centre, with a shows featuring Leon Filewood, Elaine Crombie, Steph Tisdell, Dale Woodbridge-Brown, Dane Simpson, Kevin Kropinyeri and Tarsh Jago. Beloved annual events also return like The 36th Annual Great Debate featuring six comedy superstars and one fearless moderator; Upfront featuring a line-up of the funnie

The Biennale of Sydney returns for its 25th edition from March 14 to June 14, 2026 – and, as always, it’s completely free. Titled Rememory, this year’s festival is curated by internationally renowned artistic director Hoor Al Qasimi. Inspired by the writing of Toni Morrison, the theme explores how memory and history shape who we are. Through powerful artworks from Australia and around the world, artists reflect on their roots to connect with communities by telling their stories. At its heart, Rememory shines a light on voices that haven’t always been heard. It highlights First Nations stories, diverse diasporas and the layered histories that have shaped Australia.  As Australia’s largest contemporary art event, the Biennale stretches across five major venues: White Bay Power Station, Art Gallery of New South Wales, Chau Chak Wing Museum at the University of Sydney, Campbelltown Arts Centre and Lewers: Penrith Regional Gallery. Extra talks, performances and events will pop up across Greater Sydney, with a big opening night concert, Lights On, kicking things off at White Bay Power Station on March 13. This year's festival features 83 collaborations from artists across 37 countries, including Australia, New Zealand, India, Lebanon, Argentina and Ethiopia. Expect large-scale installations, immersive works and site-specific pieces from both international and Australian artists. A major highlight is the Ngurrara Canvas II at the Art Gallery of NSW – an 80-square-metre masterpiece

A dazzling blood moon eclipse is coming our way on Tuesday, March 3 – and the Sydney Observatory is inviting you to its watch party. From 8-11.30pm, the Observatory will host a stellar (get it?) event: Lunar Eclipse Live: Sydney to Nagoya. In a very cool international collaboration, our Powerhouse Museum is teaming up with Nagoya City Science Museum in Japan to livestream the eclipse. You’ll be able to compare Sydney’s view with Nagoya’s in real time – and, yes, the moon really does look a little different depending on where you’re located. You’ll get a chance to peer through telescopes at the Observatory to watch the moon slip into Earth’s shadow and turn a dramatic shade of red for 58 mesmerising minutes. Peak eclipse is set to hit at 10.33pm, when the moon will glow its deepest crimson above Sydney Harbour. This is the last total lunar eclipse until December 2028 – so it’s kind of a big deal. It's your chance to chat with the legends from the Sydney City Skywatchers and professional astronomers. It’s relaxed, it’s outdoors and it’s completely free. Bring a picnic blanket or camping chair, rug up and settle in for a cosmic show. Just keep an eye on the forecast – if the clouds roll in, the moon might play hide and seek. While the event is free, you do need to book your spot 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: Love nature? Check out these cool camping s

If you've never been to Tassie, trust us when we say you need to plan a trip sometime in June or beyond. Not only has Hobart’s Museum of Old and New Art (MONA) unveiled the first phase of a striking new $100 million wing, it's also preparing to launch a major exhibition by French-Swiss artist Julian Charrière. Soft-launched in late 2025, the striking new wing at MONA marks a major expansion of the already labyrinthine institution founded by David Walsh. Four years in the making, the new space has been purpose-built to house Elektra, an imposing work by celebrated German artist Anselm Kiefer. The monumental installation is an exact replica of a large-scale artwork by Kiefer: a multi-level concrete amphitheatre modelled on La Ribaute, the artist’s vast studio-museum complex in southern France. Walsh first visited the site in 2007, an experience that would ultimately inspire MONA’s new architectural addition. The wing forms the first stage of the museum's latest development, with a second phase – Walsh’s long-anticipated private library – expected to open later this year. Photograph: Supplied | MONA | VG Bild-Kunst, Bonn, Germany'Controlled Burn' by Julian Charrière, 2022 (video still) Also in the works for 2026 is a must-see exhibition by Julian Charrière, titled Hard Core, which will explore geological time and the immense natural forces that shape our planet. Opening on June 6, 2026 and running until March 29, 2027, it will mark the French-Swiss artist's first solo exhibiti

Festival fever is an unofficial condition that spreads far and wide in Australia. Whether music and culture or food and drink, we're a nation of festival-lovin' peeps who’ll happily travel for a good time, great tunes and even better eats. If you're looking to bulk up your festival calendar in 2026, we've got an underrated gem to put on your radar – and it's just been crowned the best festival in Australia. This week, the Abbey Medieval Festival in Queensland's Moreton Bay won gold in the Festivals and Events category at the prestigious annual Qantas Australian Tourism Awards. More than 170 finalists vied for top honours across 26 categories, with winners decided through a rigorous national judging process featuring nominees from every state and territory. Despite being Australia’s biggest medieval celebration, there's a high chance you've never heard of this historic festival. Held each July just north of Brisbane, the 35-year-old festival transforms the grounds of the Abbey Museum of Art and Archaeology into a medieval village full of pomp and pageantry. Visitors, whose numbers have spiked to more than 20,000 attendees over the years, travel back in time to see knights in shining armour, jousting tournaments, medieval-style marketplaces and roaming minstrels. Thousands of performers and historical re-enactors recreate daily life from 600 to 1600 AD, turning the entire site into a living history experience where the sights, sounds and stories of the Middle Ages come to life.

Rising, Melbourne’s flagship festival of new art, music and performance is turning up the heat as the weather starts to chill. From May 27 to June 8, our city will be turned into a sprawling stage of bold ideas, immersive performances and electric shows across theatres, halls, galleries and public spaces. The 2026 program has just dropped, and one of the biggest highlights is set to be an appearance by hip-hop icon Lil’ Kim, whose rap performances celebrate the legacy of the genre. Over at Arts Centre Melbourne, visionary European director Florentina Holzinger presents her explosive new work A Year Without Summer – a genre-bending musical comedy that tackles medical science, mortality and our obsession with progress. Dance also takes centre stage. The globally renowned Royal Family Dance Crew will stage an arena-sized takeover of Hamer Hall, followed by a free public dance event at Fed Square packed with their signature high-voltage Polyswagg choreography. Meanwhile, the historic Flinders Street Ballroom will reopen as a lively participatory dance academy. As part of the multi-room music marathon The Land of 1000 Dances, festivalgoers can step onto the floor for classes on everything from jazz and jive to Bollywood and ballet. Rising’s “festival within a festival”, Day Tripper, features a stellar line-up including Kae Tempest, Saul Williams and Kahil El'Zabar. The Vinyl Factory: Reverb at ACMI is a multi-sensory journey into sound and vinyl culture, while Voiceless Mass by Pu

We’ve said it before and we’ll say it again: Australia is spoilt for choice when it comes to beautiful beaches. Think sand so white it squeaks beneath your feet, water so impossibly blue it looks like you’ve used a filter and vistas so gorgeous they don’t need editing. After spotlighting Australia's most remote beaches recently (we’re still dreaming about Turquoise Bay in WA), it’s time to turn our attention to the most photogenic beaches. The list was compiled by a group of Lonely Planet writers and leading influencers based on what they saw as the most Insta-worthy stretches of sand and sea. Yes, they’re the ones that stop you mid-scroll. And honestly? If they’re good enough for the ’gram, they are bloody good.  Photograph: As We Wander 1. Vivionne Bay, Kangaroo Island, SA On the southern end of Kangaroo Island lies Vivonne Bay – a sweep of white sand against the deep blues of the Southern Ocean. This beach was Lonely Planet's top pick for the most Insta-worthy beach in Australia. We love how wonderfully remote it feels – scrub‐topped dunes at your back, a quiet settlement nearby and the sea that shifts from calm to churning. Swim in the sheltered southern corner by the jetty or watch surfers catch a wave up north (BYO board).  Photograph: Wikimedia Commons 2. Hyams Beach, Jervis Bay NSW  You might remember when Hyams Beach hit the headlines in 2019 – so many people flocked there over Christmas that the Shoalhaven City Council brought in traffic controllers to manage th

All hail Melbourne’s new floral emblem – the swamp everlasting – a bloom that’s captured our hearts and our votes. This golden paper daisy, Xerochrysum palustre (from the Greek words xero = dry and chrysos = gold, and the Latin palus = swamp), will now shine as a symbol of our garden city. After nearly 25,000 Melburnians cast their vote in an enthusiastic community campaign, the swamp everlasting overtook the billy button after trailing for most of the count, winning by a margin of just 200 votes. The swamp everlasting will become a flower that instantly says ‘Melbourne’ as it gets woven into the city’s identity. Plantings will roll out across parks and gardens, and when in flower, it will feature in planter boxes outside Melbourne Town Hall. Seasonal community planting days will help this native flower re-establish itself. The bloom will also appear in paint, in print and perhaps even on Melbourne merch – a golden emblem of the city. Highly endangered yet remarkably resilient, this wetland wonder is more than a beautiful bloom – it’s a powerful reminder to care for our habitat. Flowering from November to March, the swamp everlasting provides a vital food source for native bees and butterflies. Its layered yellow bracts – often mistaken for petals – give the paper daisy its signature ‘everlasting’ quality. At the centre, tiny florets open gradually over many days, creating a feast for pollinators. It’s also beloved as a cut flower; picked fresh, the blooms retain their vibran

Start your engines, Melbourne! The F1 Australian Grand Prix has roared back into Albert Park, transforming our city into a high-octane playground of speed and sound. If you weren't lucky enough to score a grandstand ticket, just head to Fed Square for the F1 Fan Festival (previously held at Melbourne Park Oval).  Open today until Sunday, March 8, from 10am to 10pm, this free, three-day festival brings the thrills of Formula 1 right into the heart of the city. Think big screens broadcasting every race of Formula 1, Formula 2, Formula 3 and Supercars; live crosses direct from the circuit; and driver interviews with hometown hero Oscar Piastri and his McLaren teammate Lando Norris. “The Formula 1 Grand Prix doesn’t just create excitement, it supports local businesses, hotels and jobs,” said Minister for Tourism, Sport and Major Events, Steve Dimopoulos. “The free fan festival is a fantastic opportunity for Victorians to soak up the atmosphere of this iconic event, right here in their own backyard.”   Between races, there’s plenty to keep you entertained: racing simulators, F1 team merch and podium photo ops thanks to a virtual F1 Driver Selfie activation. Plus, for the first time, a chance to get up close to a next-gen F1 show car. Hungry? No worries. There’ll be food and drink options on-site to keep you fuelled. Whether you’re lucky enough to be trackside at Albert Park for the races or camped out at Fed Square with thousands of fans, one thing’s certain: when Formula 1 hits

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-

Are you anxious about flying? Do you feel overwhelmed by airport procedures and security checks? Or are you managing a disability or health condition that makes travel more challenging? Buckle up, because this one’s for you.   Virgin Australia and Adelaide Airport have officially launched the ‘Try Before You Fly’ (TBYF) program to make air travel more inclusive and accessible. This free program offers a practical, hands-on way to experience the airport journey before taking a real trip. An Australian first, Try Before You Fly has already supported more than 150 participants during its trial phase and is now inviting anyone interested to get on board. Each session will guide you through a realistic, step-by-step simulation of the travel process. You’ll practise checking in at a real airline counter, move through security screening with guidance, walk to the departure gate and board an actual Virgin Australia aircraft. Once on board, you can sit in the cabin, listen to announcements and ask questions – all while the plane remains safely at the gate (no, you will not take off).  Virgin Australia chief risk officer Stuart Aggs said, “Of the previous round participants, 47 per cent have since chosen to travel by air, so we know the transformative power that programs like this can have in fostering inclusion and look forward to exploring new ways to remove barriers to flying.” Try Before You Fly is open to anyone who finds air travel overwhelming, including autistic and neurodive

Remember Covid times? In addition to surviving lockdowns, testing positive and homeschooling, Australians also got a chance to reimagine what home could look like. Many made 'tree changes' to leafy regional towns or 'sea changes' to coastal communities. Now, in a post-Covid world, those lifestyle-led decisions aren’t slowing down – they’re becoming more intentional and more common. According to an analysis done by Muval, Aussies across our country are looking beyond capital city postcodes in search of affordability and a stronger sense of community. But where are they heading? The removal experts analysed data from more than 200,000 national relocation enquiries between January 2023 and early 2026 to reveal Australia's hottest suburbs over the past three years. From coastal New South Wales to regional Victoria, the suburbs topping the list share common threads: attainable property prices, growing infrastructure and communities where neighbours still know each other’s names. Photograph: Destination NSW Leading the charge is Port Macquarie West, a coastal city located four hours north of Sydney, which recorded a 0.055 per cent increase in relocations. It might sound like a tiny percentage, but let's be real – people don't actually pack up and move that often. Next up is Hobart, which saw 0.046 per cent growth, followed by Bendigo at 0.043 per cent. Families, professionals and retirees alike are moving to these towns for factors such as lifestyle, a vibrant arts scene, strong

Fact: Trees help reduce urban heat and create cooler, more liveable communities and boost biodiversity. In great news, NSW neighbourhoods are about to get a whole lot greener. The Minns Labor Government has announced that it is investing almost $10 million to plant around 24,000 trees across Greater Sydney, the Illawarra-Shoalhaven, the Hunter and Central Coast. Delivered through the latest round of the Greening our City grants, 28 projects will be funded to provide more shade in parks, greener streets and public spaces that feel noticeably cooler in summer. Research shows shaded surfaces can be 11-25°C cooler than unshaded areas – a big difference during our summer heatwaves. Importantly, most trees will be planted in suburbs with low existing canopy cover. In fact, three-quarters of plantings will go into areas with just 10-20 per cent coverage, ensuring the benefits are felt where they’re needed most. Across Greater Sydney, nearly 12,000 trees and 35,000 square metres of understorey planting – the lower level of shrubs, grasses and vegetation below the tall canopy of trees – are on the way. Highlights include new green corridors in Cumberland, and a planting project of native plants and trees at Tahmoor Park in Wollondilly. Beyond Greater Sydney, seven regional projects will be sharing more than $2.4 million. From cooling Shoalhaven’s carparks and Lake Macquarie’s heat hotspots to tree planting in Wollongong and expanded canopy in Cessnock, communities across NSW will soon

There's no denying we love an ice-cold froff on a weekend arvo, and now the historic Queen of the West resto-pub has just raised the bar (get it?), opening a 700-square-metre beer garden that’s officially the largest in Geelong. Following an extensive reno, the 170-year-old Pakington Street pub has had a glow-up at the back. It now sports a light-filled, all-weather enclosed space designed for long lunches and day-to-night hangs with no worries about bad weather raining on its parade.   The spanking new space can host up to 450 people standing (250 seated), making it a great addition to the Geelong hospitality scene. It’s got the charm of a modern beer garden – think soaring seven-metre ceilings, generous eastern windows streaming in natural light and tons of greenery – and is sure to attract locals (not to mention some thirsty folk from Melbourne). On the food front, a wood-fired pizza oven anchors the Italian-inspired menu, while an Argentinian-style parrilla grill serves up asado barbecue. Behind the bar, you’ll find 12 taps pouring local and imported brews, plus a cool cocktail list and wines from regional producers. Operated by Geelong Hospitality Group, the expansion reflects a pub revival we’re seeing across Melbourne. Open Tuesday to Sunday from 12pm until late, the Queen will soon lean into DJs, live music and sporting events that stretch from afternoon into the night. Get there for a cold pint and pizzas done right. Stay in the loop: sign up for our free Time Out M

In the not-so-distant past, renting for pet owners often meant hiding Buddy’s dog bowl or Coco’s litter tray before your bi-annual property inspection. Today, across Australia, pet-friendly rentals are no longer a bonus – they’re fast becoming a deciding factor in where people choose to live. New data from Domain shows the rental market has shifted into a lifestyle-led era. Features once considered 'nice to have', like an on-site gym, pool and pet-friendly policies, are now powerful drivers of demand. For many renters, especially those who adopted pets during the Covid years (remember those?), finding a rental that suits both human and furry family members is essential. The top 5 pet-friendly suburbs in Australia for renters Phillip, Canberra Wentworth Point, Sydney South Brisbane Braddon, Canberra Belconnen, Canberra Canberra claimed three of the top five spots for pet-friendly rental suburbs in Australia, proving you don’t have to sacrifice city living to have a furry friend. Phillip, Braddon and Belconnon all offer green space, convenience and contemporary developments designed to accommodate pets. Meanwhile, Sydney's Wentworth Point and South Brisbane highlight how high-rise living can also cater to pet owners, with a strong supply of apartments that openly welcome four-legged residents. State rental laws play a big role in how often properties are marketed as pet-friendly. In Victoria and Queensland, landlords must have a valid reason to refuse a pet, so tenants have c