Maya Skidmore

2026 means a full calendar year of incredible Aussie festivals. Every corner of our country is slated to come alive with a sparkly array of live music and phenomenal culture-packed moments, with something special happening no matter the season. In this list, Time Out's editors have rounded up the best festivals that we reckon you should check out Down Under in 2026. Starting with those that are on the earliest in the year and ending with those at the end, each of these festivals has been selected for its scale, its astonishing visuals and its commitment to seriously good times. From music to comedy to wild light displays in the Outback, rest assured that going to any of these incredible Aussie festivals will be a bloody good time indeed.  🎭 The best musicals in Australia🍔 The best food festivals in Australia

Australia’s wildlife is one of its biggest drawcards – and for many travellers, seeing iconic animals up close is an experience you simply can’t skip. We totally get it – you can't really beat seeing a koala joey in the flesh by much.  In this guide to the best zoos and wildlife parks in Australia, we’ve rounded up top-rated, ethical zoos and wildlife sanctuaries where you can see both native and exotic animals. Each location has been selected for its strong commitment to animal welfare, conservation efforts and work protecting endangered species, both in captivity and in the wild. Because getting up close with these wondrous creatures isn’t just unforgettable – it's a powerful reminder of why protecting Australia's wildlife is more important now than ever.  Editor's favourite zoos and wildlife parks in Australia: 🐊 Best for families: Australia Zoo, QLD 🐨 Best wildlife park: Cleland Wildlife Park, SA 🦘 Best natural animal reserve: Kangaroo Island, SA 🦘 Where to see kangaroos and koalas in Australia🐳 Where to go whale watching in Australia 🐧 Where to go birdwatching in Australia

With its stunning beaches and glorious gardens, Sydney is a city with nature therapy on tap. And while a walk in the park or a splash in the ocean can be a good fix for all manner of ills, sometimes what you really need is an all-out indulgent spa day.  Thankfully, the Harbour City is home to some of the most incredible day spas in the country – palaces of rejuvenation ranging from a super-affordable communal bathhouse to a luxe harbourside spa in one of the city’s most high-end hotels.  Our editors – including self-care enthusiast Winnie Stubbs – have valiantly volunteered to try out Sydney’s leading spas, and have put together this list based on how revitalised we felt as we stepped back into the real world. Every few months, we hunt down a new gem to add to the list – Sydney’s wellness game is on the up, and it’s our job to shout from the rooftops about the places that will make you feel like the best version of you.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:  Keen to head further afield? These are the best spas in the Blue Mountains. And these are the best facials in Sydney.Planning a mum-and-daughter day? These are the best afternoon teas in Sydney.

There’s no doubt about it, Sydneysiders can’t get enough of Italian food. And who can blame us? There’s something about a bowl of perfectly al dente pasta paired with a luscious, rich ragu that just hits the spot. And while Italian cuisine differs throughout the 20 incredible regions – broadly speaking, the northern regions eat more rice and polenta, while down south they feast more on seafood – Italians share a love of beautiful, seasonal produce; they choose simplicity rather than overcomplicating dishes and cook with soul. No wonder we love it so much. Luckily, there are plenty of excellent options for Italian dining in Sydney. Time Out’s food writers and editors – including Editor Avril Treasure, who has eaten her way through Sicily, Sorrento, Rome and Florence – have picked our favourite eateries, covering all bases. The only catch? They just need to provide a feel-good environment and dishes you’ll want to come back for. From casual red-sauce joints and classic pizzerias to fine-dining restaurants, you’ll find them all here. 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. Not in the mood for pasta? Here are our picks of the best spots for Greek and French food in Sydney.

There’s no doubt that sunsets in Australia are dang beautiful. In our humble opinion, they’re unmatched anywhere else on the planet. You’ll find island utopias with panoramic sights that look even better in person than on Instagram, along with cityscape vistas and awe-inspiring inland scenes that spark joy close to home. Our Travel News and Editor Melissa Woodley reckons Darwin takes the crown for the best sunsets in Australia – especially from Mindil Beach – but golden hour at Uluru and Cottesloe Beach definitely give it a run for its money. Wherever you end up, here's our pick of the best sunset spots in Australia, covering every state and territory. Don't forget to arrive at least ten minutes before the scheduled time to see the full spectacle. What time is sunset in Australia? In summer, the East Coast enjoys late sunsets thanks to daylight saving. Cities like Sydney, Melbourne and Hobart see the sun dip between 8.00pm and 8.30pm, while Brisbane (which doesn’t observe daylight saving) sees sunset around 6.30 pm. Over on the west coast, Perth experiences summer sunsets around 7.30pm, while up north in Darwin, sunset is far more consistent year-round, around 7pm. In winter, the sunset shifts slightly earlier across Australia, typically between 5pm and 5.30pm. Darwin stays relatively steady, with winter sunsets landing from 6.30pm to 7pm, meaning the Top End avoids the super-early nightfall that southern cities experience.  🌅 The best sunrises in Australia😍 The most beauti

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 is often referred to as the Harbour City, but a better name might be the Town of a Hundred Beaches. There are countless golden stretches scattered along the length and breadth of Sydney’s many shores (exact figures vary based on who you ask, as some disappear with the tides or are all but impossible to reach). But such an array of sandy riches can make picking the right beach to visit a bit of a head-scratcher. To help you out, we’ve cast our discerning eyes across pretty much every beach in the city, awarding points for accessibility, natural beauty, range of facilities and unique charms. Here are 50 of the best beaches in Sydney. Grab those beach towels and dive right in. JUST REMEMBER: There have been a lot of drowning incidents at NSW beaches – if you swim at unpatrolled beaches, you put yourself at risk. You can search patrolled and unpatrolled beaches near you over here – as well as other surf safety issues. Conditions not ideal? Urbnsurf is Sydney's epic inland wave parkHate crowds? Here's our guide to the best secret beaches in Sydney. The city also has a heap of fab harbour beaches – as well as dog-friendly beaches. Stay in the loop: sign up for our free Time Out Sydney newsletter for more news, straight to your inbox.

The crown jewel of Australia's best rainforest scene is undoubtedly the Daintree Rainforest, and it’s not hard to see why. This 120,000-hectare wonderland is the oldest tropical rainforest in the entire world, with 180 million years of history waiting to be uncovered. But Australia’s lush, green wonderlands don’t stop there. From the tropical canopies of Queensland’s humid north to the misty, cool-climate forests of Tasmania’s south, rainforests weave their magic across the country. We’ve rounded up the best rainforests in Australia for your adventuring pleasure – whether you're into hiking, birdwatching, waterfall chasing, wild swimming and trail running. See you in the bush! Editor's favourite rainforests in Australia: 🌳 Best for hiking: Gondwana Rainforests of Australia, NSW/QLD 🐨 Best for wildlife spotting: Daintree Rainforest, QLD 🌊 Best for waterfall chasing: Great Otway National Park, VIC 🌳 The best national parks in Australia🥾 The best hikes to do in Australia

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.

Update Tuesday, February 17: Following a sold-out Australian tour that wrapped up in February 2024, Moulin Rouge! The Musical is set to strut back into Sydney in 2027. The ten-time Tony Award-winning show’s arrival in Australia is a homecoming of sorts; it is of course based on Baz Luhrmann’s 2001 film, which was filmed here. There’s never been a quiet year for theatre in Australia. From the bright lights of Broadway and the West End to our very own stages, Australia is lucky to host some of the world’s most spectacular musicals. We’re also a hotbed for homegrown gems, with fresh and experimental shows lighting up stages across the country every month.  From the grand return of the world’s #1 musical, The Lion King, and the spectacular outdoor harbour production of Phantom of the Opera to the Aussie premieres of Waitress and Anastasia, this year’s theatre line-up is shaping up to be one of the most exciting yet. Here are all the biggest and best musicals to see in Australia, listed in order of what's currently showing/hitting the stage next. 👀 The best art exhibitions in Australia🎉 The most exciting events of 2026

Hobart's nightlife isn’t exactly heaving with activity after dark like its bustling mainland counterparts, but the city punches above its weight when it comes to bars. From hidden cocktail lounges and underground drinking dens to heritage pubs and waterfront watering holes, this guide rounds up the best bars in Hobart for every kind of night out. It helps that the local booze, like the food, is world-renowned – the beer, the wine, the whisky, the gin. Whatever your poison, it all adds up to a good time. So whether you're a Dirty Martini person or partial to a tinnie (or three), our expert writers, including Hobart local Josie Rozenberg-Clarke and Time Out Australia’s Travel & News Editor Melissa Woodley, can both attest to every inclusion on this list of the best bars in Hobart. Bottoms up! Editor's favourite bars in Hobart: 🍹 Best for cocktails and snacks: Sonny 🌅 Best for date night: Lucinda Wine Bar 🎶 Best beer garden: Preachers For more about how we curate our reviews and guides, see our editorial guidelines. 🍽 The best restaurants in Hobart🍕 The best pizza in Hobart

Not everything described as iconic deserves the title, but the double-ended ferries that shuttle between Circular Quay, past the heads and into Manly Cove are truly icons of the beachside suburb. The most visited Northern Beaches suburb is known for its surfing history, rows of Norfolk Island pine trees and busy thoroughfare of shops, cafés and sprawling pubs, but look beyond the well-trodden Corso and you’ll find tiny dive bars, indie boutiques and never-ending ways to make the most of the relaxed, outdoor lifestyle. Before Manly became a popular escape from Sydney’s CBD, it was home to the Gamaragal people, who were custodians of the land on the North Shore of Sydney Harbour. Jump to a section: EAT DRINK COFFEE THINGS TO DO SHOPPING What’s Manly known for? Just how many beaches are too manly for one suburb to have? Well, Manly has eight, which explains why water defines pretty much every aspect of life in this desirable suburb on the Northern Beaches of Sydney. People come here for surfing, sunshine, skateboarding, swimming, snorkelling, kayaking, hiking and beach volleyball. What's so good about Manly? “You live in Manly for the lifestyle. It’s the kind of place where your mum always had beach towels in the boot so you could meet her for a swim after school during summer, and your weekends consisted of nippers in the morning followed by a pink iced doughnut from the local bakery” says Alice Donaldson, who grew up in Manly. Once she got older it was all about waterfront d

What's that? A charming writerly festival by the sea? Sorrento Writers Festival is returning in 2026 for the fourth year in a row, and we're pretty excited about it.  The Mornington Peninsula is set to undergo a literary rush from April 23 to 26, running for four days over the ANZAC Day long weekend. In Sorrento and Portsea, 200 authors, journalists, academics, playwrights and big thinkers are ready to come together for more than 150 sessions celebrating the magical powers of storytelling and critical thinking. In the last few years, Sorrento has taken off in a major way, surpassing all other Aussie Writer Festivals to become the second-biggest in Australia, bringing in 6000 visitors in 2025. The brainchild of award-winning journalist, podcaster, former bookshop owner and director Corrie Perkin, the festival is now the largest literary event in Victoria and includes author meet-and-greets, keynote speeches, panel discussions and even musical performances.  “In recent months, we’ve seen arts festivals around the world grapple with controversy, threats and upheaval. This motivates us to stay focused. Now, more than ever, we want audiences to feel empowered and inspired, and we want them to be reminded of the positive impact of deep thinking and long-form conversation", Perkin said.  “I truly believe right now there is no better catalyst for community connectedness than a writers festival.” She continued.  This year's stacked program features the likes of: 2026 Victorian Premie

Forget about booking a trip to the French Alps for an authentic and cosy winter experience. Come mid-May, Fed Square is once again set to transform into a charming alpine village, complete with wooden chalets, fire pits and, most importantly, bubbling cauldrons of cheese and chocolate – need we say more? From May 14 to June 28, the Fondue Chalet pop-up invites you to gather your mates, get rounds of mulled wine to keep warm and indulge in an après-ski French village experience without ever having to leave the city.  Brought to you by the team behind the wildly popular Raclette Igloo pop-up, this foodie extravaganza is all about indulgence – there's no such thing as 'too much'.  Step inside your own cute chalet, designed for groups of six to eight, and dive into a traditional Savoie-style cheese fondue with imported French cheeses like Beaufort, Emmental, and Vacherin. Tear apart crusty bread, swirl it through the velvety, wine-infused pot, and enjoy the charcuterie boards and curated selection of French wines that come with it. Yum. And just when you think it couldn't get any better or that you can't eat another bite, dessert arrives – a decadent chocolate fondue, ready for dunking with seasonal fruits and sweet treats.  To keep the merriment going after dinner, there's the après-ski bar. Exclusively for fondue diners, the spot serves up French winter cocktails, mulled wine and warming digestifs. With fire pits, music and flowing drinks, Fondue Chalet is an escape that will

In the current online climate, we're all rolling around in the screen-fuelled dystopia of the AI-verse, and things are feeling pretty weird. Strangely convincing videos and eerily-real (yet not quite) photos have taken over the internet, and with it, our collective perception of reality. Whether it's the current US President or your mum, there are few folks on the planet today who aren't grappling with the inane and mysterious powers of artificial intelligence. It is this truth that has launched the MCA's groundbreaking exhibition, aptly titled Data Dreams: Art and AI, an immersive and first-of-its-kind art show that is sweeping through a series of interconnected gallery spaces in the MCA until April 27, 2026. Featuring the groundbreaking works of ten otherwordly artists from all around the world, Data Dreams is setting itself up to be a guide to cut through the misinformation and brainrot so frequently associated with AI. Through immersive installations, AI-films and hallucinatory imagery, the exhibition aims to spark your curiosity, challenge your thinking and ponder what to expect from the years to come.  You'll be pointed through Big Questions, like how technology influences power, how our algorithims are shaping each of our individual world views, and how to navigate an illusory "reality".  The artists asking you to expand your mind come from all over, and each of them have something very fascinating to say. From palawa artist Angie Abdilla's work 'Meditation on Country'

Merri-bek dwellers are spoiled for choice when it comes to musical talent, and never more than during the annual Brunswick Music Festival, when international and local acts come together for a celebration of great music. 2026 marks the 38th year of the festival, and you can look forward to eight jam-packed days, featuring more than 40 gigs across the suburb and surrounds. Everything kicks off with the famous Sydney Road Street Party on Sunday, March 1. This free one-day festival takes over Brunswick’s main road  – which happens to be the longest continuous shopping strip in the southern hemisphere. Expect roving performers, amazing beats and pop-up acoustic sets, with rhythm happening everywhere you turn. The festival is also bringing in a whole lot of international headliners, with each one providing a special something. From French disco lord François K and Cretan sibling-duo Xylourides to Japanese hip-hop powerhouse DJ Krush, the globe is well represented.  You can also expect to get down with a heap of homegrown talent, dance to the uproarious bellow of Horns of Leroy's big brass brand, and hop through a series of epic, special sets at some of Brunswick's best live music locales, including Howler, the Retreat and Jazzlab.  This year, there'll also be an exciting return of the Merri-Bek 'Neighbourhood Noise' program. Creative spaces like Brunswick Library, Next Wave, Balam Balam Place and Blak Dot Gallery are all set to fling open their doors and become home to live perfo

Get ready to dive into the hottest season of the year at Le Splash – the swanky, Euro-inspired pool bar at Le Méridien Melbourne. Formerly only open to the five-star hotel's guests, for the second year running Le Splash will welcome the public onto its stunning rooftop for a swim this summer.  With a 28-degree heated pool, sun-soaked lounge deck and 360-degree views of the prettiest corner of the CBD, Le Méridien offers a perfectly elevated swimming experience that'll have you feeling like you've been transported to a swish hotel on the Côte d'Azur.  The Le Splash Pool Passes are available from Monday to Thursday all summer long, and you'll be able to choose between either a morning or sunset pass, with both options giving you hours of swimming, sunning and lounging time. They cost $85 per person.  The morning sesh is for early birds who like a slower start. Open from 8am to noon, you get full pool access, a free scoop of Le Méridien's famous gelato and a beverage of your choosing. The sunset pass is for those who like the idea of swimming above the city from 6pm to 9pm. The soundtrack will become more vibey, rosé and Champagne will be poured and golden hour pics will be a focal point. Also included is a complimentary gelato scoop and drink.  But that's not all! On Friday and Saturday nights, you can get involved in a bougie sunset dinner and drinks at the Le Splash rooftop bar. The service runs from 5-9pm, and includes the option to dine on a thoughtful, Mediterranean-inspir

When a festival has been running for 45 years straight, you know something's being done right. In 2026, the legendary free and all-ages St Kilda Festival is returning with its classic community force, and a 100-strong line-up that features some pretty epic headliners. Running across February 14 and 15, this year's event is expected to draw in a wild 350,000 attendees, setting itself up to be bigger and better than ever before.  On Saturday, February 14, you can tune in for the 20th edition of First Peoples First, an amazing celebration of Indigenous art, music and culture that'll pop off across two stages. On the main stage, acts include R'n'B superstar and recent ARIA winner Barkaa and six piece rock band Selve from the Gold Coast, with Jabirr Jabirr frontman Loki Liddle.  Over at the Optus Stage, you can expect to get down with Bunhungura Alternative artist Drifting Clouds, the amazing and bilingual (Pitjantjatjara and English) Utju band from the Top End, James Range Band, Ruby Mae and Ngiyampaa folk artist Pirritu – plus many others.  Other than the tunes, come through on Saturday for community workshops, cool markets and the Kummargii Yulendji Gadabah Sunset Ceremony, led by N’Arwee’t Carolyn Briggs of the Boon Wurrung Land and Sea Council. On Sunday, February 15, the stage switches over to Big Festival Sunday. Australian sweetheart Jessica Mauboy is headlining, with the multiple ARIA winner and all-time legend set to belt out her classic R'n'B hits. You'll also get to se

In 2026, Fed Square is coming alive like never before. Enter Open Air at the Square, a vibrant, multidimmensional sound, art and movie bonanza that'll be filling up every Melburnian's proverbial cup this summer.  From Feburary 2-28, an amazing line-up of world-class music, peformers and activations are set to take to the main stage. And the best bit? It's totally free.  This mammoth program is all about bringing some special spice to Melbourne's summer nights. First up, we're keen to get stuck into some epic homegrown talent at a Candlelight Concert Series that'll include Tina Arena, Folk Bitch Trio and First Nations R'n'B legend Dean Brady.  The music doesn't end there though. There'll be a Beatles-inspired DJ set from the Beatles Dub Club, an incredible Afro Caribbean Carnival featuring Jamaican dancehall legend Sister Nancy (who Beyonce sampled once) and General Levy, a UK-based jungle, drum and bass icon. Plus, keep your eyes tuned for an appearance from New Orleans superstar Big Freedia, whose performance will be a delightful explosion of queer joy and New Orleans magic.  But that's not all! Fed Square's amazing outdoor cinema will be continue to roost until summer's end this year, with a whole new program of film titles set to blare on the silver screen. From a silent cinema with a live music score experience (where you'll get to see vintage films alongside a special orchestra peformance) to heaps of great flicks for families, cinephiles and everyone in between, there's

Forget saccharine sweet Christmas cabarets. Meet: C***ty, a wildly interactive and very funny festive show with a saucy little twist. This one's for the grinch-inclined, the clown-enthusiasts and anyone who wants to see a colourful array of acclaimed Sydney queer and female talent battle (via song, dance and the odd bit of pole dancing) to become the North Pole’s next top Santa Claus. Because, as you'll be asked to imagine beforehand, the OG Santa is (sadly) dead. Running on December 18 for one special festive show at Surry Hills' Two280 Cabaret, the C**nty Christmas Cabaret promises to be a force of tinsel-toned entertainment that's guaranteed to get Scrooge himself into some kind of Christmas spirit. Designed and hosted by Australian comedian Joshua Hauville (Melbourne International Comedy Festival, London, NYC, Amsterdam, Paris, Sydney), who has just returned from a sparkly year spent running cabaret and comedy shows in Paris, this festive show is crafted in his signature over-the-top, surprise-packed (and occasionally a little explicit) style that's garnered big laughs all over the world.  What can you expect? This is a wild and deeply interactive show where the audience gets to direct the action. Packed with big cackles, weird surprises and a fair bit of stripping, you'll get to see a vibrant lineup line up of incredible Sydney-based comedians, sexy clowns, pole dancers, drag kings, drag queens and magicians create their own unique brand of Christmas magic.  With a speci

Whack on something striking and dust off your dancing shoes as the much-loved NGV Friday Nights returns to dazzle Melburnians this summer. Every Friday night, the NGV will open its doors after hours to show off the gallery's coolest new kid: Westwood | Kawakubo, an epic exhibition tracing five decades of radical self expression through the eyes of two of fashion's most trailblazing designers: Vivienne Westwood and Rei Kawakubo, the visionary behind Comme des Garçons.  Westwood | Kawakubo is a showcase of more than 140 boundary-breaking designs. Many are drawn from the NGV’s own holdings – an extraordinary cache of 300-plus Kawakubo pieces and more than 100 by Westwood – making this one of the most important showcases of their work anywhere in the world.  The exhibition is arranged thematically, moving from punk’s anarchic spirit in the 1970s to the avant-garde silhouettes of today. Expect explorations of their shared obsessions with historical dress, radical cutting techniques and subversions of gender norms, alongside rare runway footage, archival photography and film. Grab a bubbly from the Moët and Chandon Champagne Bar, sink a signature summery cocktail at the Four Pillars Bar, or taste a Yarra Valley wine from the Yering Station Wine Bar. There will also be share-style snacks floating around, and a pop-up Häagen-Dazs Ice Cream Cart, because, obviously. Eclectic live music and epic performances will also be popping off in the gallery, with renowned Aussie DJs like Bre

Alert! The Queen Victoria Summer Night Market is back, and believe it or not, this year marks its 25th anniversary – making it the longest-running night market in Melbourne's history. Running every Wednesday night, the beloved institution has returned in its full, summery glory. You're invited to wander through open-air stalls, feast on an incredible selection of global street food and drinks, purchase gorgeous goodies and just soak up the good vibes. This year, more than 100 shops, stalls and bars will light up the market sheds across a bumper 15-week season. Foodie highlights include Sri Lankan street eats favourite and 25-year icon, Drums Sri Lankan Street Food; gourmet meatball subs from Mr Baller; charcoal-grilled lamb, chicken and halloumi-stuffed pita pockets from the Cypriot Kitchen; popcorn prawns and fried oysters from George the Fishmonger; flame-grilled Brazillian meats from Braz Oz Brazilian BBQ; and crispy bubble waffles and towering soft serves from Oz Waffle.  When you get thirsty, head to the Traditional Lemonade Stand for nostalgic fresh-pressed citrus, or for something stronger, to Brick Lane Brewing Co., for locally brewed beers and Mojito slushies. You can also grab a Blood Orange Spritz from Compa Tequila or a Limoncello Drop from Bella Spritz. As always, you can expect roving performers, pop-up fruit and veggie stalls, and a rotating line-up of homegrown talent playing live music on the market's main stage. After sipping and snacking, be sure to explore

Driving around the neighbourhood hunting festively adorned houses is a Christmas tradition for many families, but you can take things to a whole new level with a visit to Adventure Park’s Christmas Festival of Lights. If you think suburban streets hung with festoons are impressive, your jaw will be on the floor when you behold more than 3.3 million twinkling lights. Until December 24, Adventure Park will sparkle to life with Victoria’s largest Christmas lights display. In 2025, there are six new installations, live entertainment a refreshed Santa's Village and plenty more to amaze the little ones. This year, the new Santa's Village will include two big zones packed with glowy gingerbread houses, singing reindeer and dancing polar bears. These are in addition to six spectacular new light displays that will glitter around the lake, including glowing lunar lanterns and an amazing interactive piano feature. As always, Santa will be in attendance, ready to star in professional family photos and supervise the kids as they post letters destined for the North Pole. And if your senses are still looking for more stimulation, simply jump on one of the eight on-site theme park rides, including the classic tea cups and ferris wheel. You can book in for the weekends in early December, and from Thursday, December 18, right through to Christmas Eve. Find out more here to secure your slice of the Christmas fun. Looking for more things to do? Check out our guide to what's on this week. 

There's nothing quite like frolicking through a vibey night market on a balmy summer evening. Enter: Coburg Night Market, a beloved institution that's returning in 2025 for three sweet days. Free to enter, dog-friendly and bursting with artisan goodies, mouth-watering food and amazing live music, it's a guaranteed good time. Running from December 11-13, the Coburg Night Market will pop off at Bridges Reserve on Bell Street, courtesy of Merri-bek City Council. With amazing food trucks, local makers and free live music and entertainment going until late, there's no better way to get your Christmas shopping done, all while simultaneously adding sparkle to your end of week.  This year, you can expect to dance to an epic music program curated by local respected DJ and creative producer MzRizk. There will be an extensive line-up of impressive local talent from the city's north taking to the main stage all weekend, including the soulful vocals of Miss Katalyna and Kee’Ahn on Thursday night, DJ General Feelings opening on Friday, and Saturday wrapping up with colourful Latin dance beats by way of Amaru Tribe – plus many, many more. On Thursday and Friday the doors open from 5pm to 10pm, and kids will especially enjoy attending on Saturday, with the market open from noon to 10pm. There will be heaps of family-friendly creative activities going on, including Counihan Gallery putting on a postcard-sized drawing sesh that'll get displayed in its windows in January, and a DIY jewellery wo

With the Metro Tunnel completed – aka the biggest overhaul of the Melbourne's public transport system in 40 years – attention has turned to the next big rail development that the city is crying out for: a train line to the airport. And after lots of planning, discussions and chatter about whether it will actually happen or not, it's finally been confirmed that work to build the Melbourne Airport Rail link is officially underway. The Victorian and Australian governments have joined forces to dedicate funds of $4.1 billion into a transport revitalisation that includes building a fast, reliable and direct airport line, turning Sunshine Station into a major transport superhub – ultimately, changing the way people travel through Melbourne's west.  The first stage will focus on upgrading the line between West Footscray and Albion, which will eradicate bottlenecks and streamline airport access. This will be done by untangling the complicated rail junction that currently exists, delivering a whopping six kilometres of fresh line, creating new tracks specially for regional trains, and making space for the Metro's incoming electric Melton services.   Image: Victoria's Big Build   Meanwhile, early designs for the Sunshine Station superhub have dropped, revealing a brand-new extended concourse, two new platforms, a pedestrian and cycling path, upgraded bus interchange and a station forecourt with open space on either side.    But that's not all! A total redevelopment of Tottenham Stat

If catching a heart-stopping glimpse of an endangered native bird is something that gets you going, we see you. Australia is a haven for hard-core twitchers and old-fashioned bird appreciators, and word on the wire is that there’s a world-class birdwatching paradise lying just 30 minutes from the Gold Coast and an hour from Brisbane. Meet: The Scenic Rim.  This lush expanse of emerald hills and sparkling waterfalls is best known as home to the World Heritage-listed Gondwana Rainforest, six national parks – including the Lamington and Tambourine National Parks – and a series of ancient mountain ranges. Rich with volcanic soil and innumerable stunning waterholes, trees and vistas, this sprawling landscape is also a sanctuary for rare native birds found nowhere else on the planet.  Photograph: Neale Maynard With the rise of younger twitchers (definition: deeply determined bird watchers who travel long distances to ‘tick’ rare birds off their watch list, opposed to more casual 'birdwatchers') taking off on social media, birdwatching has become a cultural and tourism phenomenon in the last few years, bringing in a whopping $636 million to the Australian economy in 2024.  Queensland’s vast Scenic Rim region has become a hotspot for twitchers eager to spot rare species, including the critically endangered eastern bristlebird, red-tailed glossy black cockatoo, flamboyant regent bowerbird and Albert’s lyrebird.  Photograph: Alexander WoottenBinna Burra park tour, Lamington National

Since late 2024, the Museum of Desire has been inviting people to let loose and get a little raunchy. This adults-only, multi-sensory museum dedicated to love, desire and sex has brought in a wild 55,000 visitors since its inception, ranked as one of the most underrated museums in the world, and won Time Out's Favourite Museum Exhibition and the Impact Award at the 2025 Time Out Melbourne Arts & Culture Awards – all in the name of flirty fun and switching up social norms around sexuality. But sadly, all good things must come to an end.  Unlike the permanent brick and mortar institutions we generally associate with museums worldwide, the Museum of Desire is made of more fleeting stuff. Initially beginning as a six-month experiment, this large-scale venue on Rupert Street in Collingwood was created to be here for a good time, not a long time. But, after word spread about the museum's 25 interactive rooms, wild curios and epic installation pieces – including a boob ball pit and a kissing booth, the fun has ultimately kept flowing for the last 18 months.  Many rowdy parties, burlesque performances, shibari workshops, live art and expert talks later, the museum has proved itself to be a vibrant cultural presence in Melbourne that's generated a heap of opportunity for local artists and makers, and provided ample fodder for expansive thinkers who want to explore the depths of what modern desire and sex look like in 2026.    Photograph: Supplied In tune with its commitment to the p

In a nation that’s borderline spiritually committed to schooners and flat whites, it’s a little surprising to learn that another kind of beverage entirely has Australians leading the world in terms of consumption. Enter: Wine.  According to data drawn from the International Organisation of Vine and Wine, plus 15 years' worth of population stats from the World Bank, it's been revealed that Aussies drink a staggering 24.5 litres of wine per person each year. This ranks Australia as number six out of the top ten countries in the world for wine consumption on a per-person basis, placing us just behind European heavyweights like Portugal, Italy, France and Switzerland. Australia was the only non-European country to crack the global top ten, revealing that despite our comparatively smaller population size, Aussies consume such a significant amount of wine per capita that we beat out nations like the USA, United Kingdom, China and Spain. Cheers to that. Photograph: Supplied | Pair’d Margaret River Region Why is this? It doesn’t hurt that some of the world’s most amazing wine is produced right here on Aussie soil. From Margaret River being declared the world’s best wine region in 2025 to our diverse array of top-tier vineyards, it’s clear that Australia is home to a thriving wine industry and dynamic drinking culture that’s quietly interwoven into the fabric of our social and cultural life.  Australian wines have made a solid name for themselves on multiple international wine lists

It's pretty common practice for hotels, venues and travel sites (like us, look! we're breaking the fourth wall!) to use the term 'city centre' fairly casually. The heart of a city is an oft' overhyped place that nobody really can put their precise finger on. Is it in the CBD, surrounded by towering skyscrapers? Is it an obscure square with some old statues and pigeons sitting in it? Is it that one really cool street where everyone likes to shop and eat and make merry? Where is it, really? How can we truly know? When it comes to seeking out the heart of a place, there really are so many questions.  Fortunately for you, a new study by hotel chain Premier Inn has done all the grunt work for you, revealing the genuine, precise centre of six major Australian cities. By using precise coordinate points and cutting-edge mapping software, these researchers have found the exact geometric centre of cities around Australia and Oceania, and in doing so, revealed some pretty funny findings that may shift the way you look at the place you live.  Photograph: Tourism Australia | Tim Campbell/Two Palms Perth It's good to start strong. This study revealed that Perth's true centre is, believe it or not, none other than the Heirisson Island Kangaroo Sanctuary, an urban oasis that's home to a strong and small population of western grey kangaroos. This tiny island in the middle of the city is tucked between East Perth and Victoria Park on the Swan River, and is an important Indigenous site. The N

We love a nostalgic, feel-good musical here in Melbourne – hello, Anastasia, Mary Poppins and Beauty and the Beast – and now we've received news that a blockbuster production that's heavy on both the nostalgia and feel-good vibes is heading Down Under for the very first time. Yep, hold onto your saucepan lids, folks – the musical adaptation of Mrs Doubtfire is coming to Melbourne after spreading joy to audiences overseas. Based on the 1993 cinematic masterpiece starring Robin Williams and Sally Field, this warm, hilarious and high energy live show is directed by four-time Tony Award winner Jerry Zaks. It's been delighting sold-out crowds in London's West End for the last two years, has a Broadway season tucked under its belt, and has also toured across the United States, South Korea and Brazil since its inception.   Photographed: Supplied by Mrs Doubtfire the MusicalMrs Doubtfire the Musical Opening at the Princess Theatre in November, Mrs Doubtfire is an epic, family-friendly musical that's rooted in the movie we all know and love, but with a few extra surprises that are tailor-made for the live stage (think catchy songs, dazzling dance sequences and plenty of goofy gags). You can expect to fall back into the wild exploits of divorced, out-of-work-actor dad Daniel Hillard, who, after losing custody of his kids, creates the showstopping alter ego of Scottish nanny Euphegenia Doubtfire. And as any fan of the movie knows, what follows is pretty damn hilarious.  Casting is yet

What's Australia without our animals? Answer: Too sad to contemplate.  Endlessly iconic and the source of about 87 per cent of our overseas reputation, Australia is home to a wealth of native wildlife that doesn't exist anywhere else on the planet. And now, a new data index released by wildlife travel experts Go2Africa proves it all beyond a shadow of a doubt. Australia is one of the best places on Earth for wildlife-seeking travellers. Fourth-best, to be precise.  To get to this conclusion, Go2Africa created a comprehensive Wildlife Index that compared countries around the world for their offering of wildlife experiences. They utilised seven different data metrics, including the number of: Indigenous protected areas, national parks, wildlife species and endangered species, protected natural areas, megafauna conservation efforts and general natural environment quality. The countries were then sorted into a top ten list, based on the number of points they got for each data category.  Photograph: Shutterstock Wildlife travel is a huge thing, with millions of animal-loving people across the world keen to explore places where the natural environment is protected enough to allow for the authentic flourishing of native species out in the wild.  Go2's Wildlife Index ranked Australia as the fourth-best place for wildlife-centric travel in the world, scoring Australia a whopping 82.1 per cent for having the most national parks out of any country. With 685 protected areas dedicated t

Obviously libraries are pretty essential parts of any well-functioning society, and thankfully, Melbourne has plenty of amazing ones. But sometimes, the time comes for a library to level up.  If you haven't already heard, Maribyrnong City Council is currently seeking feedback from the community regarding current plans to transform the existing Footscray Library and adjoining car park into a massive new cultural hub. This development proposal joins the recent opening of the new Footscray Community Arts space on the banks of the Maribyrnong River. Footscray Library 2.0 will include a new and improved library (rest easy, the books are staying), plus a performing arts venue and public park, with facilitating community connection and cultural celebration in the western suburbs at the core of the proposal.  Dubbed ‘Creative West’, the development is being driven by Maribyrnong City Council, with Melbourne-based firm Architectus leading the project, alongside design partners GLAS and Public Realm Lab. The federal government is on board too, pledging $5 million to the initiative under the Urban Precincts and Partnerships Program. The council has matched this amount, bringing the total funds for the detailed planning and design phase allocated up to a fairly significant $10 million. Maribyrnong council mayor Mohamed Semra said that the project is all about “revitalising Footscray”, with the aim being to “strengthen Footscray's reputation as a creative neighbourhood... (and) also suppo

The month of love is upon us, and that can only mean one thing: romance. And what's more romantic than a beautiful dinner? Not much, if you ask us. Luckily, Australia is known for its world-class dining scene, with a mind-boggling abundance of genuinely incredible restaurants. It's this fact that can make it exceedingly hard to decide which restaurant to choose for a special occasion – particularly when that special occasion is a hot date.  Our editors have rounded up their pick of the best restaurants in Australia in 2026, but it seems like many of our selections are favoured by more than just us. New data released from global restaurant booking platform OpenTable has revealed the 50 most romantic restaurants across Australia in 2026, with a huge mix of city favourites and regional gems. Photograph: Supplied OpenTable reported that in 2025, Valentine's Day was the biggest dining day of the year in Australia, followed by Mother's and Father's Day. It also showed dining increased by a wild 65 per cent year on year on V Day, with a nine per cent increase in average spend.  The consumer research also unveiled some interesting truths about the way Aussies dine out around this time of year, revealing that 22 per cent say they'll be eating out on Valentine's Day itself, and another 16 per cent say that they'll be making a reservation for the Valentine's Day weekend instead. Overall, the numbers are clear – Aussies like to celebrate love by going out and eating delicious food.  To

It's February, aka the official month of love, which means one thing and one thing only: romance. And what's more romantic than a beautiful dinner? Not much, if you ask us.  Luckily, Melbourne is a city known for its world-class dining scene, with a mind-boggling abundance of genuinely incredible restaurants. It's this fact that can make it exceedingly difficult to decide which restaurant to choose for a special occasion – particularly when that special occasion is a hot date.  Our editors have rounded up their pick of the best romantic restaurants in Melbourne in 2026, but it seems like many of our selections are favoured by more than just us. New data released from global restaurant tech company OpenTable has revealed the most romantic restaurants across Australia in 2026, with Victoria landing a whopping 18 representations on the 50-strong list.  OpenTable reported that in 2025, Valentine's Day was the biggest dining day of the year in Australia, followed by Mother's and Father's Day. It also showed dining increased by a wild 65 per cent year on year on Valentine's Day, with a nine per cent increase in average spend.  Photograph: Supplied / Yugen The consumer research also unveiled some interesting truths about the way Aussies dine out around this time of year, revealing that 22 per cent say they'll be eating out on Valentine's Day itself, and another 16 per cent saying that they'll be making a reservation for the Valentine's Day weekend instead. Overall, the numbers are

There's nothing quite like a moment of quiet luxury. Whether it's lighting the ‘good candle’, popping a bottle of fancy wine or treating yourself to a bougie stay somewhere like the Sanctuary at Alba Thermal Springs and Spa, it's these simple pleasures that make all the drudgery of normal life kind of worthwhile.  And it's this precise experience above that has been awarded by the ultimate boss of luxury itself – Michelin. This year, Michelin has added 14 Aussie hotels to its world-respected 'Selections' list for 2026, with the Sanctuary landing a coveted spot. Plus, it's also been awarded a Michelin Key, which is the equivalent of a Michelin Star for restaurants. Having managed to crack both of these incredibly competitive benchmarks, we can safely say the Sanctuary deserves it. Tucked away in a sprawl of native bush on the Mornington Peninsula, this gorgeous accommodation is the newest addition to the wider Alba complex, setting a new standard of luxury for spa stays and experiences in both Australia and around the world. Photograph: Leah Glynn Located in the tiny town of Fingal, not far from Sorrento, it's comprised of five villas and two studios, all of which are thoughtfully designed to sing in harmony with the natural landscape around them.  But the real star of the Sanctuary is the all-inclusive access you get to the incredible natural spring-fed bathhouse complex at Alba. Boasting a mix of geothermal, botanical and cold plunge pools overlooking the bush, there is

Lune is basically the stuff of national folklore at this point. Mathematically perfect croissants? 43 per cent premium French butter? Endless lines? A seemingly permanent spotlight in the Australian pastry zeitgeist? Lune does it all. And now, it's levelling up once again.  After outgrowing the Fitzroy location, Lune has just opened the doors to a hugely ambitious – and genuinely massive – store on Lonsdale Street. Aptly, this edition's been dubbed: Lune Lonsdale, aka ‘Maxi Lune’.  This is the second CBD location (and fourth one in Melbourne overall), and it can be found tucked under the Ritz-Carlton. A wild 418-square metres, this expansive space has been designed to seat 50 people, all while providing adequate space for the production team to churn out the vast number of orders that come through each day.  Supplied: Lune LonsdaleLune Lonsdale Lune's Melbourne croissants were previously made at the Fitzroy site, but over-demand meant that the dedicated team of pastry makers weren't able to keep up. Now, Lune Lonsdale is ready to change everything.   Designed by Melbourne-based architecture firm In Addition, the new space is distinctly Melbourne in its structural essence. With paired-back concrete minimalist features, black mirrored glass and a bluestone tile floor that's inspired by the NGV, this new iteration of Lune is gallery-esque, and has been created to focus on the resident works of art – the handcrafted croissants. With a huge concrete table, a glass cube that you