Maya Skidmore

From rugged outback deserts to lush tropical rainforests, Australian national parks protect some of the most spectacular, pristine wilderness on Earth. Fortunately, our nation takes its environmental preservation super seriously, ranking among the top five countries globally on the Nature Conservation Index. During the cooler months, road trip along the east coast to uncover emerald rainforests sitting on tropical coral reefs. When summer rolls around, look south to Tasmania's wild coastline, where you can camp alongside the iconic Bay of Fires – crowned Australia's best beach in 2025. No matter the season, here are the best national parks in Australia you should visit at least once in your life.  Editor's favourite national parks in Australia: 🥾 Best for hiking: Freycinet National Park, TAS ⛺️ Best for camping: Grampians National Park, VIC 👙 Best for wild swimming: Litchfield National Park, NT 🥾 The best hikes to do in Australia🌊 The best beaches in Australia

For many of us Aussies, jetting off to Europe – the land of high culture, orthopaedic sandals and artisan cheese – is fairly out of reach. You know, the current cost of living, and all that. Fortunately, you don’t need a passport to live out your continental dreams. Enter: Travel destinations in Australia that look and feel (almost) exactly like a European holiday. Imitation is the highest form of flattery or something, right? Because Europe is famously diverse, this bucket list follows suit. We've rounded up the most incredible places in Australia, each bearing a striking resemblance to a different European locale. From the high alpine ridges of the Norwegian Alps to the turquoise glitter of the Greek Isles, this list is the low-cost, high-reward antidote to Instagram doom scrolls from June to August. So, leave Europe to the Northern Hemisphere and take your wanderlusting feet for a walk back home. 🌈 The best places to visit in Australia✈️ The cheapest places to fly from Australia

Long before the arrival of the First Fleet in 1788, Sydney was home to the world’s oldest living culture. The Gadigal people of the Eora Nation were the original custodians of the land that stretches along the southern shores of Port Jackson – now known as Sydney Harbour – from South Head to Petersham. Across the wider Sydney region, around 29 clan groups made up the Eora Nation, living by the harbour, rivers and coastline for tens of thousands of years. While colonisation dramatically changed the landscape and lives of Aboriginal communities, culture, connection to Country and storytelling have endured. Today, Sydneysiders and visitors can experience Sydney's indigenous heritage through a deeper lens by joining any of these Aboriginal-led tours that share ancient knowledge, Dreamtime stories, bush tucker traditions and the enduring spiritual connection First Nations peoples have with this land. 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: Want to learn more? These are things you'd know if you're an Aboriginal cultural tour guide. Plus, where to see Aboriginal art in Sydney.

Cosmic chasers, this one's for you! When you combine vast stretches of national park, clear dark night skies and zero light pollution, you've got the perfect conditions for stargazing in Australia. From tracking the Milky Way in the outback to visiting world-class dark sky reserves, the Aussie night sky is unmatched. Our Travel & News Editor Melissa Woodley reckons Exmouth's Cape Range National Park has the best night sky on the planet, and she'd love to go stargazing at South Australia's Arkaroola – the country's first internationally recognised dark sky sanctuary. Here's your ultimate guide to the best stargazing spots in Australia. When is the best time to go stargazing in Australia?  Generally, the experts say winter for the crispest air and sharpest visuals. That being said, anytime from February to October should deliver the goods in any of the spots we've listed across the nation.  ☀️ The best places to watch the sunrise in Australia🌅 The best sunsets in Australia

A thermal dip in one of the best natural hot springs in Australia can solve (almost) all your problems! The healing powers of these mineral-rich geothermal pools have been celebrated, worshipped and enjoyed by humans across the world for millennia. Today, this ancient tradition is more popular than ever, with travellers seeking out hidden oases to relax, recharge and connect with nature.  From the turquoise thermal pools of the Northern Territory to the luxury mineral bathhouses of Victoria, the Land Down Under is home to some of the most incredible geothermal wonders on Earth. In this list, we've rounded up the best hot springs in Australia – and tell you exactly where to find them. Pack your towel, your togs and your sense of adventure! 💙 The best natural pools in Australia😱 The best waterfalls in Australia Remember that there are always risks involved with swimming, especially at unpatrolled places. Always take care to check things such as depth and currents before swimming or jumping into water, and confirm that others you’re swimming with are confident in the water before entering any swimming spot. If you're not a confident, experienced swimmer, avoid unpatrolled swimming spots altogether.

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. 

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

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.

Situated right in the physical and spiritual heart of Australia, Alice Springs is nothing short of magical. Known as Mparntwe to the Traditional Arrernte Land Owners, this remote Northern Territory town offers a unique blend of rich Aboriginal culture, impressive natural wonders and adventurous community spirit.  Whether you’re looking for things to do in Alice Springs for a weekend or planning an epic Red Centre Way road trip, reaching the desert is easier than you might think. You can catch a direct Qantas flight from most Australian capital cities, taking just two to three hours. Our Travel and News Editor, Melissa Woodley, has curated this expert guide on the best things to do in Alice Springs. From watching the sunset at Simpsons Gap and swimming in Ellery Creek Big Hole to trekking the world-renowned Larapinta Trail, these are the unforgettable moments waiting for you in Central Australia. When is the best time to visit Alice Springs? It's best to visit during the cooler months from April to October, with this period offering milder daytime temperatures and cooler nights. Be mindful that summer (November to March) is incredibly hot, with temperatures often soaring above 40 degrees.  Editor's favourite things to do in Alice Springs: 🥾 Best for adventure: Larapinta Trail 🎨 Best for culture: Araluen Arts Centre 🦘 Best for wildlife: The Kangaroo Sanctuary ☀️ The best things to do in Uluru🌅 The best things to do in Darwin

Melburnians are almost as passionate about their cocktails as they are about their coffee. What's the proper way to make a Martini? Gin or Vodka Gimlet? And should a cocky ever be on tap? Though if there's anything we love more than these heated debates about drinks, it's putting an end to all that nonsense and simply enjoying them – whether alone, with friends or sitting opposite a lovely date. Wondering where to try next? We've sipped our way around this great city to find the bars with the best atmosphere, the most creative (or at least, the most welcoming) bartenders and of course, the finest drinks. Go forth, dear readers – you may just discover your new signature tipple.  If you're keen on exploring the world of vino instead, head to Melbourne's best wine bars. 

Let’s face it: while New South Wales has some spectacular ski resorts and snow fields (including the biggest in the Southern Hemisphere), taking a trip to the snow is never gonna qualify as a cheap holiday. Mostly, that’s because we have a much shorter snow season than our European cousins – and scarily, Australia’s snow seasons are getting shorter. All that being said, you need to be rolling in dough to hit the slopes; many alpine destinations offer sweet deals during the winter months, you just need to know where to look.We've rounded up everything from accommodation packages to majorly reduced day passes and student specials. Check out our ultimate snow-on-a-budget guide before you hit up the slopes this winter. Stay in the loop: sign up for our free Time Out Sydney newsletter for more news, food & drink inspo and activity ideas, straight to your inbox. Want more winter getaway action? Check out our list of the best trips you can take to warm up your life this chilly season.Craving something super cosy? These are the best tiny homes and cabins in NSW.

Sydney can be a pretty exxy place to live, but if you keep your bargain hunting eyes open, you’ll find heaps of free and cheap things to do on any day of the year. Some of the best things in life really are free. Here's where you can find them in Sydney. Stay thrifty with one of these 25 fun (and delicious) things to do in Sydney for under $25. Looking for cheap places to eat? Here's our pick of the best cheap eats in Sydney.

If you've ever come face to face with an Atong Atem photograph, there's probably still a part of your brain that remembers it. These vibrant self-portraits vibrate with technicolour hues and often showcase her South Sudanese culture, seamlessly blending history, heritage and a vivid transendence that genuinely stops you in your tracks. Using her own body as the ultimate canvas, Atem morphs herself into a kind of mythological storyteller, creating rich worlds that sing with memory, myth and political commentary, always underpinned by a celebration of the beauty of her Dinka Bor culture and Melbourne's African diaspora. It's wildly colourful, deeply thought provoking and utterly unexpected.  Atong Atem's work has made waves all over the world, but now, in an exciting world premiere, the NGV is set to stage her first-ever major solo exhibition in the city she calls home. Opening on October 30, Passage: The Art of Atong Atem will showcase bespoke works, as well as a number of other series that are getting either their Australian or world debut moment. We're talking more than 65 pieces all up, which will be the most comprehensive collection of Atem's art on record.  Running until May next year, the exhibition will center around the theme of journeys and movement. This is a personal exploration for Atem, who was born to South Sudanese parents in Ethiopia, immigrating with her family to Australia in 1997. Atem's work taps deeply into the memories and mythologies of migration amidst

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 23-26, running for four days over the ANZAC Day 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 6,000 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,” said Perkin. “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.” “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 Premier’s Lit

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

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

Summer is here, and to celebrate the first Saturday of the silly season, the City of Sydney is throwing a pool-centric extravaganza that's almost too good to be true. For the entire day of Saturday, December 6, you can enter all of the City of Sydney's amazing pools for free. That's right. $0. Also, they're slinging free gelato too. This is not a drill.  The Summer Open Day will pop off at six pools and world-class aquatic centres across the City of Sydney, from 6am to 8pm. With free gelato scoops getting slung at select pools from 11am to 2pm, and free icy poles at others all day (while stocks last), you can bet your bottom dollar that this is one Saturday where you're in for a treat.  Plus, to add to the fun, all the pools on the roster have some kind of fun activation, activities, games and special deals that will be running all day. From lawn games and a hammer challenge, to an ultimate Zumba party, there's no end to the summery surprises and all-round good times to be had on December 6, 2025.  The Summer Open Day is also an exciting opportunity for Sydneysiders to have a peek into the newly renovated Andrew (Boy) Charlton Pool, which is finally ready for swimming business. A gelato cart, games and one-day only specials on memberships and swim lessons will all be available at what is arguably Sydney's snazziest swimming pool.  Participating pools are: Andrew (Boy) Charlton Pool, The Domain Prince Alfred Park Pool, Surry Hills Ian Thorpe Aquatic Centre, Ultimo Victoria Pa

Long before anyone else, First Nations Australians were expert astronomers. The world's longest living culture bore witness to celestial events and happenings that history has long forgotten, while also looking to the night sky to glean invaluable information about seasonal changes and animal and plant cycles. It has also been used as a means of knowing and sharing ancient histories. They call it Sky Country, with the heavens being a land all of their own. And now, you've been invited to visit it, too.  In Healesville Sanctuary's Coranderrk Bushland (a rarely accessible part of the park), the new Sky Country Tours are being run by Gomeroi astrophysicist Krystal De Napoli. Join her on a walk through the bush at night, learning all about Indigenous ancient stories, histories and practical uses stored in the stars above. This stargazing experience follows a path that winds through hefty old gum trees and a vast, glassy lake, guided by the gentle glow of the night sky.  You'll be guided through the interconnectedness of First Nations astronomy, learning about how the stars can be used for navigation, understanding the changing of the seasons and food supplies, and how it impacts native wildlife. And as per the night sky's ever-changing face, every tour is a little bit different. It's also an opportunity to explore the ecological impacts of light pollution and discover how protecting dark skies supports the health of native species. Photograph: Jo Howell, Zoos VictoriaCoranderrk

Update Thursday, May 21: Ahead of the launch of 'Monet to Matisse: Defying Tradition' on July 11, the AGSA has just announced its electric winter program, featuring weekly Friday Night events with live music, after-hours exhibition access, a Champagne bar and French-inspired snacks. Kicking off on July 24, the line-up includes DJ duo ebonyplusdylan, Adelaide-based beat producer Oisima, trumpet and piano duo After Words, ambient electronica musician Georgia Oatley, former ABC Jazz artist-in-residence Ciara Ferguson (21 August), and flute and piano virtuosos Fleur Green and Melanie Walters Duo.  It's not every day that Adelaide becomes home to world-famous pieces of priceless art, but come July 2026, things are changing. For the first time ever, Australians will get the chance to see 57 incredible paintings by giants of American and European art in the 19th and 20th centuries on home soil. We're talking the likes of Monet, Matisse, Van Gogh, Degas, Cezanne and Picasso, plus many prolific others, all coming together in one mammoth exhibition at the Art Gallery of South Australia (AGSA).  Titled: Monet to Matisse: Defying Tradition, this wild exhibition will showcase works that usually live at the Toledo Museum of Art in Ohio, charting the development of modern art in Europe and North America. Starting at the beginning of the 20th Century, art-gazers will get to feast their eyes on a striking visual story showing the evolution of art as we know it, from the early days of Impressi

If there’s one thing most of us can agree on, it’s how cool it is to gaze up in wonder at a brilliant night sky unobstructed by light pollution. The power of the galaxies has had humans spellbound for millennia, but with the continued growth of cities, it’s becoming increasingly rare to find genuine Dark Sky zones where stars can be seen in all their true, sparkling glory.  It’s for this reason that the efforts of Winton – a tiny town in outback Queensland with a population of just 1,134 residents – are so important. Though small in size, Winton is packed with mighty surprises: it's the birthplace of fan-favourite Aussie national anthem ‘Waltzing Matilda’, home to Australia’s largest dinosaur fossil collection, and most excitingly, it boasts some of Australia's darkest night skies. Photograph: Steve Lippis In March 2025, after three years of petitioning, Winton was officially recognised as an International Dark Sky Community. It's proudly the first township in Queensland to earn this title, and only the second nationwide, alongside Carrickalinga in South Australia. This accolade is the result of a massive grassroots effort. The Winton Shire Council teamed up with local businesses and community groups to implement responsible outdoor lighting guidelines, conduct lighting audits and retrofits, and launch community education programs on light pollution. Residents and visitors also participated in nighttime events to measure sky quality and raise awareness about protecting the

With the cost of living skyrocketing in Australia (and everywhere, let's be real), it's hard to believe that Australia may be one of the cheapest places in the world for something. And that something? Car ownership, so it turns out.  In a study conducted by Scrap Car Comparison, it was found that out of 98 countries, Australia is wildly the second-cheapest country to own a car. The researchers came to this conclusion by looking specifically at two popular car models – the Volkswagen Golf and the Toyota Corolla – and then analysing different costs per country associated with car ownership, including the average cost of the vehicle, fuel, insurance, repairs and breakdown cover options. They then broke the total sum down as a percentage of each country's national salary. The figures revealed that for Aussies, buying and running a new Volkswagen Golf or Toyota Corolla takes approximately 61.8 per cent of the average Australian yearly salary. According to the Bureau of Statistics, the average full-time Aussie salary is $102,741, which is influenced by some higher earners in society, with a more realistic median wage being $72,592.   Photograph: James Lauritz | Transport for NSW To double check this accuracy, drive.com analysed a number of Aussie car costs against this median wage figure, looking at the average cost of these car models in different states, average fuel costs and servicing. The final number for how much it costs to own and run one of these cars in Australia came t

It's no secret that Australians know how to come together. Our country operates off a strong sense of community, shared appreciation of kindness and, of course, the most eternally Aussie principle of all – giving everyone a fair go.  It's fitting then that a new global study by Remitly ranks Australia among the top ten most generous nations in the world. To reach this conclusion, the digital finance company surveyed 4,500 people from 25 countries, assessing individuals with ten questions drawn from the Interpersonal Generosity Scale. This psychological tool measures how generous and selfless individuals are, with higher scores equating to more generosity. Remitly calculated the average score of people from each nation they looked at, coming up with a final 'generosity' score for each country. Rather than focusing on how willing people are to donate their material wealth, this scale is centred on how generosity is reflected in social behaviour. It touches on empathy, kindness, patience, emotional support and how willing people are to put their needs second when the situation calls for it.  Australia ranked ninth on the list, scoring 47.3 out of 60. Our country's village feel, strong community values and emphasis on a 'fair go' contribute to us placing in the top ten of all the other nations on Earth. In first place was South Africa, scoring 51.57 out of 60, with most respondents agreeing with statements that reflected high levels of empathy and putting others first. In second

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