Alison Rodericks

Looking forward to the Easter long weekend? Us too. Chances are, we'll be in a food coma thanks to one too many choccy eggs, hot cross buns and seafood feasts. But if you're overcome with the quiet panic of “Wait, what’s actually open?” we're here to help. While many Melbourne venues take a well-deserved break, there are heaps of places that will keep their doors open. We've rounded up a list of Melbourne's finest restaurants that are ready to welcome you with their special Easter hours and offerings. Whether you're after a bougie brunch on Easter Sunday, a late-night snack on Good Friday or a cheeky drink with mates on Saturday arvo, here's where to go. Hop to it!  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 a sweet treat? These are the best hot cross buns in Melbourne.

I hope you’re having a happy and delicious April. I’ve been out non-stop checking out Sydney’s best new restaurants and bars to bring you this up-to-date list, including Turkish restaurant Hamsi Taverna by Somer Sivrioğlu, and Southeast Asian restaurant Lua by Luke Nguyen – both of which are now open at the new Sydney Fish Market. I really love affordable new Indo eatery Temu Kangen in Haymarket, and my favourite new bistro, South End in Newtown. Plus, there’s Las Palmas, a holiday-coded Mexican spot in Manly, a fancy British restaurant called The James, Besa, a hot new tapas bar from the Aalia team, and Vitelli's Upstairs, a New York-style Italian restaurant. We really do live in a delicious place, don’t we? (Yes, I’m full.) 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.

Autumn 2026 update: Enjoy the change of seasons at one of Sydney’s cracking pubs. From sun-dappled beer gardens to refreshing pints and heart-warming roasts, these pubs are warm, welcoming spaces built for a good time – and even better if they’re pokie-free. Below, we’ve rounded up the best of the best. There's a lot that goes into making a great pub. They need to furnish you with an excellent meal and friendly service, and a game of pool or darts doesn't go astray, and we're fans of weekly trivia. On a hot day, it's all about having a welcoming beer garden, and on a Sunday, it's all about a cracking roast. Top-notch drinks are a must, obvs. There are a lot of rock-solid pubs in this city, and these are our picks of the bunch, pulled together by Time Out Sydney's local writers. Cheers! Editor's picks: 🍠 Best for a Sunday roast: The Bat & Ball Hotel ☀️ Best for a sunny beer garden: Courthouse Hotel 🍽️ Best for top-notch feed: The Dry Dock 🎸 Best for live music: The Lord Gladstone 🔖 Best for mid-week trivia: The Golden Barley 🍻 Best for a post-surf beer: Harbord Hotel 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. For something a bit less pubby, a bit higher end, see our picks of the best bars in Sydney. Hungry? Check out our ultimate guide to Sydney's best restaurants. 

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. 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.

Did you know Australia’s last-standing pub theatre is right here in Sydney? Found below Woolloomooloo's 150-year-old Old Fitzroy Hotel, the Old Fitz Theatre is the place for boundary-pushing shows from some of the city's most talented creatives. If you find a night free, and feel like something different – and supporting indie work! – check out what's on here.  Scroll on for the best musicals, plays and more to see in Sydney this month. RELATED READS: It’s guaranteed laughs galore at the Comedy Store Make Tuesdays more fun with this affordable comedy show in the Inner West

Easter is just around the corner – and so also are the autumn school holidays. The burning question: how do you keep the kids busy for two whole weeks – without going crazy yourself? As luck would have it, we've just rounded up all the coolest kid-friendly events, festivals, shows and activities to ensure that you never have to hear the kids wail, "I'm borrrred". 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 Mummy and Daddy 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. 

Ah, Noosa. The Sunshine Coast destination is a mix of everything that is authentically (and wonderfully) Australian. It’s all sun, sand and surf along Noosa Heads, trendy eateries and boutiques down Hastings Street, hectares of gorgeous greenery at Noosa National Park, and that Aussie outback hospitality across the hinterland. When it comes to staying the week, we reckon your best bet is setting up camp right in Noosa Heads, where all the action is. We’ve chosen the area’s best hotels for their welcoming nature, light-filled coastal rooms and proximity to the beach – some even beachfront; everything your sunny holiday should be. Here are the best hotels to book in Noosa right now.  Editor's favourite hotels in Noosa: 💎 Best for luxury: Elysium Noosa Resort 📍 Best for location: Tingirana Noosa ⭐️ Best for families: RACV Noosa ☀️ The best things to do in Noosa🍹 The best restaurants in Noosa🌴 The best beaches in Noosa Time Out makes a small commission from the affiliate links included in this article. These links have no influence on our editorial content, but they do help us to bring you more recommendations every week. For more information, see our affiliate guidelines.

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. 

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.  

Get ready, art lovers and budding artists – the Art Gallery of New South Wales is set to host a major retrospective of Takashi Murakami, the renowned Japanese contemporary artist who founded the 'Superflat' movement.  Developed in close collaboration with the artist, the show brings together more than 150 works spanning more than 30 years – from his boundary-pushing pieces of the 1990s to new creations making their global debut. The exhibition will be an immersive mix of paintings, sculptures, video and large-scale installations, all unfolding across the Art Gallery’s striking Naala Badu building. So, what exactly is the ‘Superflat’ movement? It’s a bold collision of fine art, pop culture and commercial imagery that draws on everything from anime and manga to traditional Japanese painting. It breaks down the boundaries between high art and pop culture with its bold, flat visuals and critiques the “flatness” of consumer culture. Murakami’s work is instantly recognisable: think smiling flowers, vibrant colours and characters that are equal parts playful and unsettling.  Says Art Gallery of New South Wales director Maud Page, "Takashi Murakami’s singular vision has transformed how we understand contemporary visual culture, and this will be a rare opportunity to step directly inside his joyful creative universe to experience the full spectrum of his phenomenal work." Often compared to Andy Warhol, Murakami has shaped global visual art culture through high-profile collaborations w

For the first time in 15 years, the Billie Jean King Cup will be played in Melbourne, with the tournament taking over John Cain Arena in April – and it’s shaping up to be an absolute ace. Formerly known as the Federation Cup, the event was officially renamed in 2020 after Billie Jean King – one of the most influential tennis players in history. In this qualifying tie, Australia will go head-to-head with Great Britain on April 10 and 11, and the winning nation will then make their way into the elite eight-team finals in China this September. With Australia’s No.1 female tennis player Maya Joint leading the charge, Melbourne Park is set for a high-energy tennis showdown. At just 19, Joint is ready to step up to the challenge of representing Australia in front of a Melbourne crowd. She’ll be joined by doubles player Storm Hunter as well as Kimberly Birrell, rising star Talia Gibson and Ellen Perez. Eight-time Grand Slam champion Sam Stosur will captain the side. With no AFL happening that weekend, this is your chance to swap the footy for forehands and experience world-class tennis without the Australian Open price tag. Adult ticket prices start from just $23 and kids 12 years and under are free. Whether you’re a die-hard tennis fan or just keen for a fun day out, this is one sporting event you won’t want to miss. Find out more and get 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 mor

If you’ve ever had to wait at the Spit Bridge, watching it rise for boats to glide under, chances are, your gaze has drifted to the water’s edge where Ormeggio at the Spit sits within the d’Albora Marina. Since 2009, Alessandro and Anna Pavoni’s flagship restaurant has been a well-loved Sydney gem; and now, the Pavonis are steering it in a new direction. Under the direction of well-known chef-owner Alessandro Pavoni, alongside co-owner and executive chef Victor Moya and head chef Federico Caracci, the restaurant’s once seafood-forward menu has now evolved to include meat. And Ormeggio now also offers multiple ways to dine. Alongside the classic degustation, there’s a two-course primo and secondo menu ($98 per person), or a three-course option with dolce ($125 pp). "Fine dining doesn’t need to feel rigid anymore," says Alessandro Pavoni. "Guests still want beautiful food and great technique, but they also want choice and flexibility. Not every visit calls for a long degustation, so this menu allows people to experience Ormeggio in different ways depending on the occasion." You could sit on the terrazza and easily feel like you're somewhere along the Italian coast.  You could have drinks and snacks there, or enjoy it as a lead-in to your meal. Step inside the light-filled dining room and, beyond the glass facade, Middle Harbour glimmers with gently bobbing boats. The Italian vibes are deepened by the food, as well as thoughtful details: custom tableware, a striking marble cock

Only Coffee, Marrickville Pork Roll, Mary’s Burger, Top Impression Bakery, Dopa Donburi. And now, The Fold. It’s the latest café to join the growing list of gems in the buzzy VicX precinct. Created by Two Good Co – a social enterprise that that supports, empowers and employs women living in crisis, which also has an excellent café in Darlinghurst  – it’s located above the Victoria Cross metro in North Sydney. Equal parts cosy hangout, work-friendly oasis and seriously good brunch spot, it is anchored by a hero item: the folded sandwich – hence the name. Think charry flatbread folded around your choice of filling – lamb kofta, herbed chicken or smoky eggplant – and then given that zing thing with lemony slaw and house-made pickles. Speaking of pickles, the kitchen is led by Ayse Moonen, who honed her pickling techniques when she was at Cornersmith Picklery. They've also got a breakfast pita, smashed avocado, a Turkish bowl and cooling house-made sodas. What started out as a laneway coffee cart by Two Good Co in 2024 has now evolved into this café with a purpose. The Fold sits within The Landing, a large open-plan community space with plush seating, free wi-fi and a relaxed vibe that’s perfect for office-goers and North Sydney locals. Grab a yoghurt pot or pastry as you work on a presentation, sip on coffee from Single O as you have a chinwag with a mate, or take home a loaf of Baker Bleu bread. Given that The Fold is by Two Good Co, 50 per cent of its profits will be reinveste

Got plans for the Easter long weekend? How’s this for something a little bit spesh: the iconic Bondi Icebergs Dining Room and Bar is playing host to Icebergs Long Weekender, a series of magical meals brought to life overlooking Australia's most famous pool.Over four evenings, from April 2-5, the event will bring in three top-notch chefs for a series of one-night-only dining experiences. Think bold flavours, rich culinary storytelling and, of course, front-row seats to that iconic ocean view. Kicking things off on Thursday, April 2 is Nat Thaipun, chef, author, MasterChef winner and member of Melbourne’s Vue de Monde team. The Melbourne-based superstar will serve up a vibrant three-course menu that fuses her Thai tradition with global technique while the team from Maybe Sammy will shake and stir custom cocktails.  Friday, April 3 is set to be a very Good Friday, indeed. Billy Wong from Golden Century (now at Crown Sydney) and XOPP will take the reins with a seafood-forward Cantonese feast inspired by the Pacific – a love letter to precision, produce and his family’s renowned restaurant legacy. Saturday, April 4 brings the heart and soul of Lebanese cooking, courtesy of Jean-Paul “JP” El Tom, co-founder and executive chef of Marrickville beloved Baba's Place, Corner 75 and the new SIT Cafe. Expect dishes rooted in culture, community and seriously good flavour.  To celebrate Easter Sunday on April 5, a three-course menu curated by Icebergs culinary director Alex Prichard will br

The new Sydney Fish Market officially opened in January 2026, ushering in a fresh chapter for one of the city’s most delicious institutions. Still the largest fish market in the Southern Hemisphere, the sprawling 26,000-square-metre precinct brings together seafood retailers and wholesalers under its impressive wave-like roof. Many traders have crossed the bay from the old site in Pyrmont to Glebe, so regulars can still net the freshest fish, prawns and oysters – especially when the Good Friday and Christmas rushes hit. That said, fans of the scruffy old Fish Market 1.0 have complained that the take-home seafood isn't as affordable anymore. What you will find: a mix of different types of eateries (including an exciting new restaurant by star chef Luke Nguyen), plus shops selling deli goods, baked treats and gelato. Whether it’s takeaway fish and chips to enjoy al fresco, a long harbour-view lunch, or cooking classes at Sydney Seafood School, there’s something to suit every appetite.  The building, designed by 3XN GXN Architects with BVN and Aspect Studios, makes a statement with its sweeping roof that’s fitted with 400 solar panels. The wider precinct will open up new public spaces and will have a 15-kilometre promenade stretching from Rozelle Bay to Woolloomooloo. Bronze sculptures along the foreshore pay tribute to the Gadigal people, who have fished and gathered here for thousands of years. In summary – you win some (a shiny new market with exciting new venues), you lose s

Four venues. Four comedians. One fun afternoon. That’s what you get at the YCK Laneways Comedy Crawl, part of the always-hilarious Sydney Comedy Festival. Back for its second year, this crowd-fave takes comedy out of the theatre and into the heart of the CBD on May 2. In case you’re wondering what YCK refers to, it’s the buzzing area of small bars and restaurants in the city centre clustered around York, Kent and Clarence Streets – hence the name 'YKC Laneways'.  Part pub crawl, part comedy showcase, it's an initiative by the NSW government’s Office of the 24-Hour Economy Commissioner to connect districts, venues and major events.  Your ticket includes four comedy shows at four bars, with the session time indicating the start time for your group. Once you join a group, your host will guide through a trail of four small bars: Stitch Bar, Papa Gede's Bar, The Barber Shop and Since I Left You. Watch rising stars and festival favourite comedians do their thing – with plenty of chances to grab a drink, share laughs and discover a new favourite act (or bar) along the way. Attending with friends? Make sure you all book the same session to be the same group. Last year’s sessions sold out fast, so book your spot here.  If you can’t make it to the YKC Comedy Crawl, there’s more. This year, the concept is expanding beyond the CBD: there’s the Rozelle Crawl through craft breweries and pubs, the Queer Comedy Crawl through the City’s Rainbow Precinct, the Manly Comedy Crawl and The Rocks

As any horror fan will tell you – from Dracula to this year’s Oscar-winner Sinners – the art of bloodsucking is all about stealth. But the real masters of the craft? You’ll find them at the Australian Museum’s fascinating new exhibition, Bloodsuckers: Nature’s Vampires. Opening on April 2, this showcase dives into the fascinating world of creatures that live on blood – think mosquitoes, ticks, leeches, fleas, bed bugs, vampire bats and even those strange-looking ancient fish called lampreys. In fact, around 30,000 species on Earth are hematophagous i.e. they rely on blood to survive. Wild, right? Developed by the Royal Ontario Museum, Canada, this award-winning exhibition unpacks the science behind these often misunderstood creatures – and the myths they’ve inspired. Through immersive displays, you’ll discover how these animals have evolved to pierce, slice and slurp their way through the animal kingdom, plus the surprising role some play in modern medicine. You can get hands-on with interactive installations, microscopes and even a mozzie swarm simulator (yikes!). And if you’re feeling squeamish, don’t stress – there are no live animals or real blood involved. Equal parts creepy and captivating, it’s a must-see for curious minds aged eight and up. From April 2 to October 11, 2026 at the Australian Museum. Pre-booked tickets are priced lower than same-day bookings. Get all the details here.  Stay in the loop: sign up for our free Time Out Sydney newsletter for more news, str

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

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. 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 favourite sculpture in the popular People’s Choice Awards. We reckon it’s an excellent day out during the April school h

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

Daydreaming of being on 'island time'? Picturing palm trees, an ocean breeze and azure seas? In a world that’s always switched on, the appeal of truly going off-grid is so, so appealing. Think places so blissfully remote and so naturally stunning, they make you forget your constantly pinging inbox (they probably have sketchy Wi-Fi, too). A new report from luxury yacht charter company Goolets has revealed the best off-grid travel destinations for 2026 – and two Australian islands made the list, with one even claiming the top spot. To compile the rankings, the researchers analysed 25 remote locations around the world, measuring how far they are from major infrastructure, including airports, bus stops, train stations, roads, hotels and restaurants. Each destination was given an overall 'off-grid' score out of 100. Photograph: Supplied | Evan Fawell Our very own Lord Howe Island came in first, scoring 73 out of 100 on the 'off-grid index'. Located roughly 600 kilometres east off mainland Australia in the Tasman Sea, the tiny volcanic island can only be reached via a small flight from Sydney or Brisbane. The island famously caps visitor numbers at just 400 people at any one time – and that limited access is deliberately done to protect its pristine environment and unique biodiversity. According to the study, Lord Howe Island ranks first for the average distance to nearby airports, bus stops and hotels – meaning it’s genuinely remote by global standards. The island is tiny – j

Whether it’s a quick work trip or a long-haul escape, wedged into economy or stretched out in business class, there’s still something magical about cruising above the clouds at 35,000 feet. The only thing that can make it even better? Flying with one of the world’s best airlines. The prestigious World’s Best Airline Awards have just landed for 2026, and Australia had multiple winners across several categories. These awards are based on the in-flight product and passenger experience rather than on public votes, with airlines grouped into full-service, low-cost and hybrid categories. Let's see how Australia stacked up.  Budget Airlines Leading the charge for Australia is Jetstar Airways, which has been crowned the world’s second-best low-cost carrier for 2026. While HK Express took the overall top spot in the low-cost category, it primarily operates short-haul routes, making Jetstar the number one budget long-haul airline. Jetstar also placed second in last year's awards, while previous winner AirAsia Group slipped to third. Jetstar's growing long-haul network across the Asia-Pacific, powered by its Boeing 787 Dreamliners, continues to win points for low fares and optional add-ons like meals, baggage, seat selection and in-flight entertainment. These small upgrades make a big difference when you’re flying long distances on a budget. The world’s 10 best low-cost carriers for 2026 HK Express Jetstar AirAsia Group AirBaltic Scoot FlyNAS Breeze easyJet Wizz Air Vietjet Air Hybrid

If you’ve been driving to work or doing the school drop-off lately, chances are you heard 2DayFM show Breakfast with Nath & Emma running a very important debate: Which chicken shop makes the best charcoal chicken in Sydney? Over three glorious weeks of chicken-fuelled discussion, Sydneysiders were asked to vote for their ultimate chicken shop – from beloved neighbourhood gems to big name favourites. Of course, everybody had an opinion and, just like the charcoal chicken, things got fiery. Even famous names weighed in with their picks. While The Kid Laroi loved Clem’s Chicken in Newtown, Kelli Holiday declared The Char, Bondi as his fave, Guy Sebastian enjoyed Il Chooko in Maroubra and chef Matt Moran swore by The Rooster in Katoomba. Once the votes were counted, seven top contenders were locked in – and things got delicious. Radio hosts Nath and Emma recruited 30 2DayFM listeners (and self-confessed charcoal chicken fans) to hop onto a bus for the all-important 'Chicken Shop Showdown' – a taste-testing tour across Sydney. Their mission? Visit every finalist, eat their way through mountains of charcoal chicken, and then crown the chook champion. After a full day of chicken sampling (a tough job, but someone had to do it), the verdict was in. Char’d Chicken in Belfield took the crown, officially named Sydney’s best charcoal chicken live on air by 2Day FM. Says host Emma Chow, "It’s not a little bit better – it’s a 100 per cent better. It is the best chicken I’ve ever had." Ph

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-

Calling out: "Alexa, play my Spotify chill playlist and give me dinner ideas using leftover chicken"; prompting ChatGPT to help you write a speech; asking Gemini to create slides for a work presentation. Chances are, you outsource humdrum tasks to AI quite regularly. But now, your AI assistant might soon be doing more than just suggesting – it could be actually doing things on your behalf. That’s the future Mastercard is leaning into, with the rollout of something called "agentic commerce" in Australia. Agentic commerce is when AI agents act like you and for you online. Think of it as your AI assistant not just recommending things but actually clicking 'buy' for you. It operates and acts autonomously to complete multi-step, complex workflows, rather than being a passive tool. And while it might sound very sci-fi (and kinda freaky), it’s already happening. In an Australian first, Mastercard’s Agent Pay has successfully processed fully authenticated AI-led transactions on its network. One case involved an AI agent purchasing cinema tickets from Event Cinemas using a CBA debit card. Another saw an AI book accommodation in Thredbo using a Westpac credit card. And every step of the process was approved, visible and secure – no hidden bots. What's more, these were not experiments in a lab – they were real transactions on Mastercard’s network. Mastercard’s Agent Pay system makes sure AI agents are recognised participants in the payment process, meaning banks and businesses can see

Few Victorians can forget the utter devastation caused by the 2024-25 bushfires that ripped through the Grampians National Park. But here’s some good news: the Grampians Peaks Trail, one of Victoria's most spectacular multi-day hikes, has officially reopened. This autumn, seasoned adventurers and weekend wanderers can get back on track (literally) to experience the rugged landscape as the next chapter unfolds. Stretching 164 kilometres from Mount Zero (Mura Mura) in the north to Dunkeld in the south, the trail is once again fully accessible for the first time since the fires. If you’re thinking, “Didn’t the trail reopen last July?”, you’re not wrong. While parts reopened last year, significant damage to remote sections meant the central and southern stretches remained off-limits for overnight hikers – until now.  After months of careful restoration, five key hike-in campgrounds – Barri Yalug, Duwul, Durd Durd, Yarram and Wannon – are now open, making the full end-to-end adventure possible once more. Recovery efforts began as soon as possible following the fire, supported by $36 million funding from the Victorian and Commonwealth Governments. Work has focused on critical biodiversity protection and visitor site recovery, including repairs to roads, walking trails and campgrounds plus improvements to plumbing, phone charging and solar power systems.  Photograph: Visit Victoria You’ll notice the signs of recovery everywhere: fresh track work underfoot, newly installed steps gu

If your love language is carbs, clear your calendar and get ready to twirl your fork. Spaghetti Club is opening its doors this April 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 Sicilian roots and the kind of long, laughter-filled meals around his Nonno and Nonna’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: Supplied Think generous Italian cooking: handmade pasta, slow-cooked sauces and secondi designed for sharing. The kitchen will be led by head chef Michael Flemming (ex-Totti’s, Botanical Hotel and Press Food and Wine), whose menu leans into rustic dishes supported by top-quality olive oil, herbs and cheese, plus live-fire cooking for smoky depth of flavour.  At the heart of the restaurant is an open kitchen framed by copper pots and terracotta planters that give the space a warm, inviting feel. The drinks list keeps things Italian with Aperol Spritzes, Negronis, Birra Moretti on tap and perhaps a nip of Amaro 

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