Maya Skidmore

Australia really does like to show off. Few places on Earth can pull off such variety – where else in the world can you snorkel with rainbow fish, ski down snowy mountains, buggy across sand dunes and bounce across the high ropes of a rainforest canopy, all within the geographical bounds of one country? It’s a continent that was practically designed for the outdoors – and when it comes to cooling off from all of that fun, we simply don’t do average. From the ocean-carved rock spas of the southwest to the waterfall-fed gorges of the Kimberley and the emerald plunge pools tucked deep in Kakadu, Australia's natural swimming holes are as spectacular as the landscapes that cradle them. Our editors have rounded up the best natural swimming spots in Australia, so all that's left for you is to take the plunge!  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. Editors’ favourite natural pools in Australia  💧 Best for waterfall swims: Maguk, NT 🌿 Best for rainforest immersion: Josephine Falls, QLD 🧘🏻‍♀️ Best for photogenic serenity: Figure Eight Pools, NSW 🌊 The best beaches in Australia🔥 Australia's dreamiest hot springs🏄 The top surf

There's nothing more quintessentially Aussie than surfing, and there's a reason for that. With thousands of pristine beaches fringing our gigantic, island coastline, you could literally visit a beach a day and still not see them all in one human lifetime. Surfers from all over the world flock Down Under for its countless amazing waves, and on the ground, surfing is akin to a kind of Aussie religion, just within itself.  No matter if you've never stood on a surfboard in your life (but really want to), are a fresh grom just starting out, are an advanced kinda surfer or a legitimate world champion, there's a beach and a break Down Under for everyone. We've picked out the best surf beaches in Australia. Chosen for their consistently quality waves and stunning locations, you'll find a neat mix of beaches that suit a whole range of different levels, spread out across every corner of our Great Southern Land.  PSA: Remember to always proceed with caution when you go into the open ocean, and ensure that you only tackle waves that fit your abilities. Ocean conditions can change rapidly and can be potentially fatal, so make sure you always respect the conditions and put your safety first. Editor's favourite surf beaches in Australia: 🌊 Best for beginners: Noosa Main Beach, QLD 🏄 Best for pros: Margaret River, WA 💎 Best hidden gem: Angourie Point, NSW  🏄 Australia's all-time best beaches🌊 The best nudist beaches in Australia🌈 The best places to visit in Australia

Looking for the best weekend getaways across Australia? Look no further. When you're exploring the Great Southern Land but have limited time, you're going to want to keep it short, sweet and close to a major city. Our experienced travel writers have picked ten amazing weekend getaways from every state and territory in Australia that each offer up something different. From world-class wineries to cute country towns to World Heritage wilderness, these are the best places for a weekend mini break.  Editor's favourite weekend getaways in Australia: 🌊 Best beach getaway: Rottnest Island, WA 🐮 Best country escape: Southern Highlands, ACT ☀️ Best family-friendly escape: Central Coast, NSW 😱 The best places to visit in Australia🚘 The most epic Aussie roadtrips☀️ The best day trips in Australia

Whether you've lived in Sydney all your life or you're a transplant from elsewhere, there are a few subtle ways you can tell if you've become a true Sydneysider at heart. Here are the tell-tale signs. 1. You’ve accepted activewear as your weekend uniform.2. You think it’s completely reasonable to spend 25 minutes finding a glory park rather than park a 10-minute walk away from your destination.3. You see no reason you should have to cross the bridge, whichever side of it you live on. The massive body of water separating the two is a sign.4. You think Bondi Beach is the worst, and you proudly wear this relatively popular opinion as a mark of your individuality.5. You've sprinted to a bottle shop at 10.45pm.6. You still think there's a chance you'll start surfing.7. You mourn the demise of independent business when another local pub is taken over by a hospitality conglomerate – and then feel guilty for kinda loving the new décor 8. You know that the best dumplings in the city are from the place with the grapes on the ceiling in Haymarket. No, not that place, the other one that looks exactly the same.9. You've lined up for hot cream puffs from that hole-in-the-wall in Chinatown.10. You’ve finished two podcasts and started untangling a complex moral dilemma in your life by the time the 370 bus has made its way up King Street.11. You can correctly pronounce Wynyard, Coogee, Woolloomooloo and Kogarah and know that there are two hs in Leichhardt.12. You have lived in a falling-down

Dreaming of sleeping beneath unpolluted starry skies, swimming on secluded beaches and snuggling by a campfire – but without the spiders, dirt floors and lack of showers? Enter glamping – the perfect way to experience Australia’s wild side with a touch of luxury... Whether it's reclining in a private bubble bath beneath a rainforest canopy, dipping into a rainwater plunge pool next to Uluru, or sleeping in clean sheets next to one of the world's most remote coral reefs, the best glamping spots in Australia are both epic and aplenty. All you've gotta do is hit the road.  Editors' favourite glamping spots in Australia: 💕 Best couples retreat: Sal Salis Ningaloo Reef, WA ☀️ Best for families: Ingenia Holidays Byron Bay, NSW 💎 Best luxury: Longitude 131, NT ✅ The best caravan parks in Australia⛺️ The best free campsites in Australia🚘 The most epic Aussie road trips

Nothing beats the refreshing touch of an ocean breeze after a good workout, and Australia’s coastline is packed with incredible hikes that deliver just that. From beautiful beaches to jaw-dropping cliffs, the country is home to some of the most breathtaking coastal hikes in the world. The best part? When you get a little too hot and bothered, you can take a break at one of the numerous beaches dotted along the shore. Time Out Australia's Travel & News Editor, Melissa Woodley, has explored countless trails up and down the coast, and she knows exactly which walks are worth your time. Whether you’ve got a couple of days to spare or want to break them down into smaller legs, these are the best coastal walks in Australia.  Editors’ favourite coastal walks in Australia: 🥾 Best short hike: Burleigh Head National Park Walk, QLD ⛺️ Best multi-day hike: Great Ocean Walk, VIC 🌊 Best accessible hike: Witton Bluff Base Trail, SA 🌊 The best beaches in Australia🏄 Australia's top surf beaches🌈 The best places to visit in Australia

Spring 2025 update: From sunny beer gardens to refreshing pints, make the most of the cracking spring weather with our guide to Sydney’s best pubs. What do they all have in common? Great vibes, great drinks and ace food. Bring your mates. 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. On a hot day, it's all about having a welcoming beer garden, and on a Sunday, it's all about a cracking roast. 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! 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. 

The spooky season is upon us, and with it, Sydney is reanimating with a whole bunch of freakishly good times. With Halloween (October 31) falling on a Friday this year, the freaky happenings are prime for Sydneysiders who like a bit of dark fun, with the Emerald City turning on the horror show all weekend long.  Whether your particular poison is dancing in a nightclub turned haunted asylum, walking with ghosts on a twisted tour, or simply sipping an extravagant themed cocktail in peace, we have you covered on all the best things to do in Sydney for Halloween in 2025. Now, do you dare?  Stay in the loop: sign up for our free Time Out Sydney newsletter for more Sydney news and things to do, straight to your inbox.   Make sure you are dressed to kill with a trip to one of Sydney's very best costume shops. These are the most haunted sites you can visit in Sydney. 

Spring 2025 update: Spring has sprung so heading out early in the morning for a yum brekkie feels less chilly and more fun. Our current fave picks include sandwich and coffee spot Angus Marrickville, Potts Point's Room Ten, and Parramatta’s Middle Eastern-inspired go-to Circa Espresso (it's the people's fave, too – it took the title of People's Choice Favourite Café in this year's Time Out Sydney Food & Drink Awards). 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.

Believe it or not, school holidays is on right now in NSW. And if the thought of keeping the kiddos entertained for the next two weeks sends you into a spiral, we have you covered. Below, you'll find the ultimate round-up of activities and experiences happening in Sydney for kids and families this spring. When is the spring school holidays in NSW?  The spring school holidays for 2025 run from Monday, September 29 to Friday, October 10 –this applies to both the Eastern and Western divisions of NSW. What to do in Sydney in the school holidays? There’s something here for the explorers, the budding scientists, the mini-athletes, the musical prodigies and just about everyone in between. Stay in the loop: sign up for our free Time Out Sydney newsletter for more news, food & drink inspo and activity ideas, straight to your inbox. Looking for somewhere affordable to eat out with the kids? Check out our guide to the best cheap eats in Sydney. Or visit the best kid-friendly restaurants in Sydney.

Call us biased, but we think Australia is the most incredible and diverse country on the planet. A sizeable place (you know, continent-sized), it can be overwhelming to decide where to go on your first, fifth or 50th trip – but that's where our expert travel writers come in. From turquoise beaches and ancient rainforests, to flaming red deserts and buzzy metropolitan cities, our Travel & News Editor Melissa Woodley (who has visited every Aussie state and territory) has picked out the top places to visit in Australia right now. First-timers should start with iconic destinations, like the Great Barrier Reef, Uluru and Whitsundays, while seasoned travellers can uncover hidden treasures in the Scenic Rim, Kangaroo Island and Ningaloo Reef. No matter who you are or what you like – be it art, wine, sports or festivals – rest assured, there's something on this list for everyone. Here's your official guide to the best places to visit in Australia. Editor's favourite places in Australia: 🌊 Best for beaches: Rottnest Island, WA 🪸 Best for natural wonders: Great Barrier Reef, QLD 😍 Best for iconic landmarks: Uluru, NT 🏝️ Best island escape: Whitsundays, QLD 💎 Best hidden gem: Adelaide Hills, SA Jump to list:  QLD | NT | WA | NSW | SA | VIC | TAS 🇦🇺 Top tourist attractions in Australia🌈 Australia's most beautiful places🚘 Regional towns worth visiting

Choosing the best hotel to book in Sydney is a delicate art – whether you’re a visitor experiencing the Emerald City for the very first time or a local on a weekend staycation. With so many options to choose between – from beachside boltholes (like the boutique hotel overlooking Watsons Bay) to a trendy converted brewery with a rooftop pool – it can be tricky to decide which hotel is right for you. At Time Out Sydney, we’ve dedicated a good few years to making that task a little easier – picking out the very best hotels in the city based on location, design creds, facilities and that undefinable something that can take a hotel from good to great. Whether you’re looking for a sky-high tower with uninterrupted views of the Opera House, an intimate escape by the beach, or an old-school luxury palace that will have you feeling like a princess, our team of writers (including Editor-in-Chief Alice Ellis and Sydney Editor Avril Treasure) have tried and tested the best hotels in Sydney. To confirm that they should make the cut, this list has been carefully edited by self-confessed hotel addict Winnie Stubbs, Travel and Hotels Editor APAC for Time Out. Read on for our definitive guide to the best hotels in Sydney. 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: These are the best glamping sites in NSW. These are the best camping sites near Sydney. And these are the best spots for a

If you're looking for a wellness hub that's tailormade for the future, you can't look past Therapy Wellness Center in Eltham.  Having freshly opened its doors in 2025, Therapy is a cutting-edge holistic health facility that hosts an impressive service menu, ranging from cryotherapy, neurofeedback and hyperbaric oxygen to sound healing, psychology, IV drips and EMDR therapy. This is definitely a level-up from sipping bad green tea and tepid spa water.  In keeping with the futuristic wellness theme, all treatments at Therapy are totally personalised to you through the centre's signature 'Brain-Body Diagonistic' service, meaning you can expect properly healing personal attention. Hop through Therapy for a series of avant garde treatments usually reserved for LA influencers, dine like a proboiotic-friendly queen at resident Therapy Kitchen (where gut-friendly meals, adaptogen elixirs and therapeutic teas are the mainstay) and generally invest in your wellness in a way you likely haven't before. Your body will thank you for it. For more info and to book in for a treatment, head to the website. Want more wellness and spa action in Melbourne? Here's our top picks. 

If you're looking for a wellness hub that's tailormade for the future, you can't look past Therapy Wellness Center in Eltham.  Having freshly opened its doors in 2025, Therapy is a cutting-edge holistic health facility that hosts an impressive service menu, ranging from cryotherapy, neurofeedback and hyperbaric oxygen to sound healing, psychology, IV drips and EMDR therapy. This is definitely a level-up from sipping bad green tea and tepid spa water.  In keeping with the futuristic wellness theme, all treatments at Therapy are totally personalised to you through the centre's signature 'Brain-Body Diagonistic' service, meaning you can expect properly healing personal attention. Hop through Therapy for a series of avant garde treatments usually reserved for L.A. influencers, dine like a proboiotic-friendly queen at resident 'Therapy Kitchen' (where we're told gut-friendly meals, adaptogen elixirs and therapeutic teas are the mainstay) and generally invest in your wellness in a way you likely haven't before. It's definitely worth it.  Want more wellness and spa action in Melbourne? Here's our top picks. 

The Potter has been at the forefront of the Australian art scene for over fifty years. Opened in 1972, and undergoing an extensive renovation between 2018 and 2024, The Potter has just freshly reopened to the public in 2025, and it's looking pretty good. One of the imprtant homes of the University of Melbourne's vast art collection, The Potter is located in a building on Swanston Street in Carlton, and is home to an impressive, 18,000 strong collection of First Nations, modern Australian and international art and historical artefacts. This new-and-improved iteration of the gallery continues to hold onto its established status as one of Australia's leading art collections. In 2025, it is home to a continuing roladex of exhibitions, public programs and arts fellowships that are aimed at elevating the work of artists, curators and students at the University of Melbourne, and far beyond.  Admission is free.        

Step back in time when you take a ride on Puffing Billy – a perfectly preserved steam train – as it chugs through the Dandenong Ranges from Belgrave to Lakeside, Gembrook and Menzies Creek. It may not be the speediest journey (once a year you can actually race the train on foot – and win, if you're quick enough), but ol' Billy will take you through the lush forest setting in style. Puffing Billy offers a range of experiences, including a full-day journey to Lakeside or Gembrook, to shorter trips to Menzies Creek which comes with entry to the Menzies Creek Museum. The museum is home to over 80 exhibition pieces and gives visitors a glimpse of the past including rare operational railway artefacts. Don't miss the time-honoured tradition of dangling your arms and legs over the sills of the open carriage on a train ride. No matter how old you are, this is a thrill that's hard to top. To check the train timetable and book your spot, head to their site. All aboard! Check out our unofficial guide to Melbourne's best (and worst!) train stations.

If you're a razor-sharp competitive at heart, or just really love sports, billiards and throwing darts while guzzling a coupla' cold ones, you can't go past Club9 in North Strathfield.  This epic sports bar has been generating waves for its array of a whopping 34 tournament-grade pool tables, two competition-level shuffleboards and four precision dart boards, providing a sporty haven for all kinds of game players.  Come for the fresh pizzas, craft beers and signature cocktails, and stay for a day (and night) of friendly competition with old mates, knowing that in this social space, you're bound to make some new ones.  It doesn't matter if you're a pro or just looking for a fun night out that involves more than just sitting round a table at a pub. Club9's got it all.  Stay in the loop: sign up for our free Time Out Sydney newsletter for more news, food & drink inspo and activity ideas, straight to your inbox. RECOMMENDED READS: These are the best pubs in Sydney right now. Get around the best things to do in Sydney this weekend.  

If you've ever wondered what would happen if a kid's drawing of their wildest dream utopia suddenly came off the page and into real life, you're in luck, because that's pretty much what's happening right now beneath the Art Gallery of NSW.  Artist and professional disruptor Mike Hewson has taken over the weird subterranean world of The Tank with his one-of-a-kind new exhibition, Mike Hewson: The Key's Under the Mat, where for the first time ever, all the main lights in the normally pitch-dark Tank will be switched on, revealing a weird wonderland of interactive art pieces and play equipment that have to be seen to be believed. We're talking: A steam room with stained glass windows that you can actually sit in, a functioning sauna with bespoke church pews, five actual operating public barbeques that you can cook on, rushing water to play in (seriously, bring your swimmers), a working laundry,  and a free-to-use recording studio, plus a whole plethora of bright and delightful surprises that are all about getting community together, to do cool stuff, for free. Basically, break your imagination and delete all adult expectations. This is unlike anything we've ever seen.  Kids who aren't afraid of some risk are also one of Hewson's big targets with this show (although parents, rest easy, the floor is specially made out of recycled soft rubber that's rated for use in public playgrounds), with the space also home to a wild children's playground. Intrepid kidlets can test their courag

In this age of rapid development, it's never been so important to appreciate and hold onto the gems of the past. Petersham Bowling Club is one such gem.  Established way back in 1897, the folks at Petersham Bowlo have been slinging quality local and emerging music acts, a micro-brew bar line up, wholesome bistro grub and nostalgic lawn bowls in the same, dependable way since 2007. Also, you won't find any pokies here.  Hyper local, this beloved community stalwart has been a watering hole for Sydney's Inner West crowd for decades, with their shiniest light being their commitment to spotlighting live music acts from our city's emerging stars.  Sip a cold one in the sun, listen to live tunes and comfortably kick back inside a pub whose decor hasn't (thankfully) changed in 50 years. You won't regret it.  Want more? Check out our guide to Sydney's best live music venues.

  Sydneysiders from all over have been deeply devoted to this Enmore gem since 2010, and for good reason. Nowdays, they've got locations in the revamped Sydney Fish Markets and Wollongong, but Enmore is their OG stomping ground.  This family-run gelateria has won multiple awards and even more hearts for their consistently delicious and inventive gelatos and extravagant ice cream cake creations. Open from morning 'til late, Cow and the Moon is the perfect destination for a breakfast dessert, post-lunch pick-me-up or the starry highlight of an after dinner stroll on a balmy evening.  No matter whether you see yourself as a traditionalist or high brow ice cream connoisseur, Cow and the Moon have something perfect on deck, just for you. From a citrusy creamy yuzu white chocolate to a Neopolitian ice cream cake inspired by retro days of old, you're in for a vivid array of fruity sorbets, creamy concoctions and striking frozen treats that'll make your day just that little bit better.  While you're at it, check out our guide to the best food in Enmore. 

The Museum of Old and New Art (MONA) in Hobart, Tasmania, is one of the few places on Earth where you can feel like you’re actually in the first ring of hell – but in a really incredible, positive and life-altering kinda way.  MONA is a place that defies most explanations. If this story was in MONA, it would probably stop right here and then leave you to work the rest out yourself. Thankfully, we aren’t a mammoth fever dream created by a professional gambler, so we’ll tell you what you need to know.  This colossal and futuristic alien space is stuffed with the weirdest, most dazzling and generally horrifying things you’ve probably ever seen. The beauty of a privately-owned gallery is that, really, anything goes. Whether it's the classical wall of ceramic vaginas, an intricate glass machine that produces legitimate faeces, or the wax head of an Italian man from the 17th century, MONA is all about art – but it doesn’t discriminate as to what real art really is.  MONA began after founder David Walsh made a tiny museum of antiquities on a lonely peninsula off Hobart. When nobody turned up (in his words), he decided to expand, creating the Batmobile-like museum that we all know and love today. Full of sex, death and mystery, this subversive space is full of labyrinth-like corners, hidden oases of intrigue, and a mind-boggling mix of ancient, contemporary and classic art from all over the world and human history.  These days, you can ogle the legitimate mixing desk from Abbey Road

The Hilton Darwin is (like Hiltons everywhere) a bougie white space full of luxe hotel finishes that will work for you if you like high-end living. In primo location smack-bang in the middle of Darwin city, the Hilton offers an open-air pool (a necessity when holidaying in the tropical locale), 233 spacious rooms and suites, silky robes and stretching ocean views across Darwin's azure harbour. For all those who like the bougie side, this one's for you. And it doesn’t stop there. Hilton Darwin is home to one of the best restaurants in the city, PepperBerry. The award-winning eatery brings native ingredients to the forefront of its mod-Oz offerings, thus attracting holiday-makers and locals alike to flashy hotel. Follow it up with a fine wine at the very plush Palm Court Bar and Lounge – you never know who you might run into. But if escaping your hotel’s confines is a high priority, Hilton Darwin’s location couldn't be more central to the town’s buzz, with Smith Street Mall a mere two-minute walk from the lobby. Time Out tip: Whether you’re settling for a guest room or executive suite, radiating oceanic vistas will delight. Book a west-facing room if you want to catch one of the best sunsets in Australia. Address: 32 Mitchell Street, Darwin Price: From $167 per night Closest Transport: Bus at Mitchell Street Hilton Hotel (Stop ID: 179) RECOMMENDED: The best hotels in Darwin

What if we told you that a women-only pop-up strip club is coming to Melbourne for one night only, and if you’re female-identifying, you’re invited? Well, that’s exactly what we’re telling you. Whether this idea excites or intimidates you, read on.  Strip Her: The Pop Up is a sensual show with a twist. Instead of going to see a strip show as a voyeur, everyone that rocks up to this event will actually become the show instead. Before you worry, there’s absolutely nothing sleazy or sordid about this, and it’s designed with utmost inclusivity at heart, meaning that regardless of your sexual orientation, you’re welcome to come through and get down in a supportive space that’s built on powering up your individual sensuality.  The event took Melbourne by storm last year, and it's all the brainchild of Caitlin Erica, a stripper, birth doula and teacher. She's dedicated herself to helping women let go of internalised shame and step into their full “divine feminine power” in safe spaces that entirely support them. The night will flow along these exact lines, with participants invited to express their sensuality for nobody except themselves.  This show is a bit of a revolutionary concept, with the stage open to any woman willing to strip down in a free-flowing dance that’s premised on you having as much fun as possible. The event creators are very keen on labelling this as a safe space, which we reckon is a green flag for something that obviously has the potential to be pretty scary fo

What if we told you that every month or so, a women-only strip club pops up in Sydney. Well, that’s exactly what we’re telling you. Now, listen up. Strip Her: The Pop Up is a sensual show with a twist. Instead of going to see a strip show as a voyeur, everyone that rocks up to this event will actually become the show instead. Before you worry, there’s absolutely nothing sleazy or sordid about this, and it’s designed with utmost inclusivity at heart, meaning that regardless of your sexual orientation, you’re welcome to come through and get down in a supportive space that’s built on powering up your individual sensuality.  This is all the brainchild of Caitlin Erica, a stripper, birth doula and teacher who works to help women let go of internalised shame and step into their full "divine feminine power" in safe spaces that entirely support them. The night will flow along these exact lines, with participants invited to express their sensuality for nobody except themselves.  This show is a bit of a revolutionary concept, with the stage open to any woman willing to strip down in a free-flowing dance that’s premised on you having as much fun as possible. The event creators seem very keen on labelling this as a ‘safe space’, which we reckon is a green flag for something that obviously has the potential to be pretty scary for those who aren’t used to it.  Want to know more? We chatted to Caitlin Erica about sex, stripping, what made her start 'Strip Her' and her hottest things to do

It's a truth universally acknowledged that NSW is home to some bloody good wine, and after the 2025 NSW Wine Awards that just went down, it's more clear than ever.   For everyone who likes a good drop, you'll be pleased to know that NSW's extensive wine community recently gathered together at the ICC Sydney for a big, splashy night of wine awards that were all about turning the spotlight onto the very best of NSW's winemakers.  A whopping 21 trophies were handed out to 13 different wineries, with wines from five different regions taking home prizes. Orange and the Canberra district were awarded five each, Riverina got two and Mudgee went home with one, but the top dogs in 2025 were unequivocally the Hunter Valley, taking home a wild eight trophies on the night.  The Hunter Valley has long been lauded as one of Australia's greatest wine regions, and on brand, it was the Hunter's own First Creek Wines who was awarded the top prize in 2025.  Photograph: Avril Treasure So, what's NSW's best wine, you may ask? None other than the 2023 Single Vineyard Wills Hill Road Chardonnay, created by First Creek Wines – a family-owned and operated winery in Pokolbin – led by the current 2025 Halliday Winemaker of the Year, Liz Silkman. This drop was received enormously well, with wine chair judge Adam Walls describing this chardy as “standing alongside the best Chardonnays in Australia and one that captures all that is great about modern-day NSW Chardonnay". High praise indeed. First Creek

In breaking news, beloved national treasure Uluṟu-Kata Tjuṯa National Park has just been selected by National Geographic as one of the best places to visit in the world in 2026, making it the only Australian mention in the well-renowned list.  In their annual Best of the World feature, National Geographic's team of editors, photographers and travel writers thoughtfully pull together the most colourful, obscure and dreamy destinations across the globe that they think are worth exploring in the new year. For 2026, the list is popping with wild and far-flung destinations from every corner of the planet, all the way from a sperm whale reserve in Dominica to the Black Sea Coast in Turkey.  In exciting news for Australians, our very own magnificent Uluru made the cut – and we're obviously not surprised. Chosen by National Geographic because of its immense Indigenous significance and ability to viscerally connect you with the world's oldest living culture, Uluṟu-Kata Tjuṯa is a unique and deeply special place that has been sacred to the Anangu people for at least 30,000 years.   Photograph: Supplied | Tourism Australia Adding to the excitement, in 2026, visitors will get the first-ever chance to sleep inside the national park overnight. While people have always been able to camp *near* Uluru, it's been heavily prohibited to pitch a tent within the park bounds. Now, through a collaboration between Anangu Traditional Owners and Tasmanian Walking Company, there's an amazing opportuni

In case you’ve been living under a rock (or couch surfing because the housing market is insane), nailing down a place to live in Sydney is notoriously hellish. But for the first time in what feels like forever, Sydney renters have something to celebrate: rental price increases for both houses and units have finally stalled. According to Domain’s September 2025 Rental Report, for the first time in six years, Sydney’s house rents haven’t risen for five straight quarters. This is the longest period of stability Sydney’s seen in almost a decade, with the average weekly house rent price holding strong at $780 since June 2025. This is just a $10 increase from the average price of $770 in September 2024.  The September 2025 report reveals that although rents remain at record levels across most capital cities, growth has plateaued, with year-on-year growth slowing to 3.2 per cent – the weakest since 2021.  While house rents were the first to stabilise, unit rents are finally catching up, with the median Sydney unit rental price sitting at $750 per week. However unlike Melbourne and Adelaide where rent costs have totally flattened, Sydney apartments are still seeing minor quarterly increases.  Despite this good news, it’s clear to anyone renting in Sydney right now that the housing affordability crisis is far from over, with Sydney continuing to take the lead as the most expensive place to rent in Australia.  For comparison, this is how Sydney compares to the rest of the nation. How m

When it comes to Sydney’s housing affordability crisis, things tend to get contentious.  Whether you’re feeling worn out by Saturday mornings spent traipsing around dingy apartments with rents that make you want to cry, given up on the dream of ever buying because you can barely afford a car spot, or, as some members of the Inner West community are feeling, enraged at the prospect of your neighbourhood changing forever because of a major new development, you can probably agree on one thing: Sydney’s housing situation is less than ideal.  In an effort to address this, Inner West Council recently passed ‘Our Fairer Future’ plan, which aims to deliver 20,000 to 30,000 new homes to the Inner West over the next 15 years. This decision was met with significant community backlash in the Inner West, with local residents concerned that the ‘Fairer Future Plan’ would eradicate a sense of community, hurt heritage institutions and businesses, and fail to provide adequate green and park space.  As a result of the community protests, the plan underwent significant amendments, with the most notable being the reduction of 5,000 proposed homes in Marrickville, Dulwich Hill and Ashfield.  Inner West Mayor Darcy Byrne noted that some of those homes would be redistributed to the Parramatta Road corridor, which will accept a total of 8,000 new homes as part of a partnership between the Council and the NSW Government. Photograph: Wikimedia Commons | Bidgee “Our Fairer Future Plan will stop the e

Attention celestial sighting enthusiasts! May has an exciting spectacle in store for stargazers. Melbourne's skies are set to sparkle with a super bright meteor shower called Eta Aquarid, described as “the second best meteor shower of the year for Australian sky watchers” by astronomy experts. The annual meteor shower – which is formed from debris from Halley’s comet – will light up the sky above Australia this week, peaking in the early hours of Wednesday, May 7. The Eta Aquarid shower is a fast-moving and notoriously unpredictable show, with their high speed also making them appear brighter to the naked eye.  If you're keen to see these scintillating sights for yourself, here's what you need to know.  How can I see the Eta Aquarids meteor shower from Melbourne?  Melbourne stargazers will have their best chance at seeing the Eta Aquarids between 2am and 5.40am local time from Monday, May 5 to Wednesday, May 7. The meteor shower is set to reach its maximum around 2am on May 7. The best way to see them is to scan the northern horizon near the point of the Aquarius constellation, where the meteors are set to emerge from. You’ll know you’re looking in the right place if you're looking at a spot where there's not much else to see except Saturn, which will also be particularly bright. Importantly, you'll need a cloud-free sky and quite a lot of patience, as meteor sightings can be quite sporadic.  When will the Eta Aquarids meteor shower be at its peak? Though the meteor shower i

Cancel your plans and beeline for the east. After years of delays, one of Sydney's most beautiful harbour beaches has finally reopened to the public. Sitting on the edge of national parkland on the banks of Sydney’s sparkling harbour, Shark Beach at Nielsen Park has long been one of the Eastern Suburb’s most treasured swimming spots. But since March 2022 it has been tightly closed to the public, inciting mass frustration among locals who desperately want to dive back into their favourite turquoise cove as warmer days approach.   In glorious news for swimmers, the stunning harbour cove – and its onsite café – has just reopened.  Photograph: Supplied | NSW National Parks and Wildlife Getting to this point of completion hasn’t been as easy ride. Reconstruction work was originally meant to be completed by December, 2022 – but the wettest Sydney year on record, contractual delays and the discovery (and removal) of a hefty 3,600 tonnes of asbestos put big delays on progress. The construction work that’s been taking place over the past few years has involved improving accessibility to the beach – with a new wheelchair accessible pedestrian ramp and a separate ramp to allow maintenance vehicle access to the beach, plus additional seating along the promenade. The sea wall was raised by 50 centimetres, with wave deflectors integrated to protect the park  (and recently renovated kiosk) from sea level changes. Now, the beach is back welcoming visitors, though we expect these first few

For many of us in Sydney, the thought of travelling up into the Red Centre feels like a magical stretch of possibility and wild adventure. Now, the siren’s call of the great red north has become even louder, with the introduction of the Red Centre Light Trail, an amazing six-day road trip from Uluru to Alice Springs via Kings Canyon that is full of glittering light shows, installations and sparkly experiences that all look set to enthral, awe and light up an already very spectacular place.  We all know Vivid in Sydneytown, but the thought of gazing at wild light projections in the middle of a desert is something else entirely. The vast distances between Alice Springs, Uluru and Kings Canyon are usually marked by long, arid stretches of land with very little breaking the landscape up. Now, travellers will get a whole extra dimension added to an already epic adventure.  The installations will pop up on the way as you drive the main tourist loop between these iconic Australian locations, however there are some special highlights that look particularly notable.  Photograph: Getty Images/ Voyages Indigenous Tourism AustraliaAnangu share the Mala story, from Kaltukatjara to Uluru, through a drone, sound and light show designed and produced by RAMUS At Uluru, you will be able to see Wintjiri Wiru, a choreographed drone show that uses lasers and light projections to a re-telling of ancient Anangu stories. Made in close collaboration with the local Anangu community, this reflection

Whether you’re one for a teeny-weeny boutique stay in the mountains or a glitzy suite in a city-centre skyscraper, Australia is full of some pretty jaw-dropping hotels. In news that has us brimming with pride, two of our nation’s very best have just been honoured on this year's World’s 50 Best Hotels list. Brisbane property The Calile Hotel took out the title of the Best Hotel in Oceania for the second year running, while Hobart’s The Tasman made its top 50 debut. Stacking up against some seriously impressive resorts, hotels, palaces(!) and chalets around the globe, The Calile, which you'll find in Brisbane’s Fortitude Valley, scored an outstanding 25th place in the line-up. This is a drop from its 12th-place ranking in the inaugural World’s 50 Best Hotels list in 2023, with the rankings voted on by 600 industry leaders, including hoteliers, travel journalists and luxury travellers. Photograph: Sean Fennessy While you might not immediately associate Brissie with luxury (no shade, guys), The Calile Hotel has made its mark since opening in 2018, drawing in well-heeled clientele from all over the world to the River City. There’s a lot to love about the Calile, with its distinct architecture that perfectly marries curved concrete with pops of tropical lushness. You’ll find a palm tree perched against sleek brickwork at every turn, courtesy of the genius design acumen of firm Richards and Spence. Not to mention that 30-metre pool you would have seen on Instagram, or Hellenika, t

She’s baaack! After a whirlwind, sell-out Australian tour in 2023, Abbie Chatfield returns with The Trauma Dump Tour…Goes Regional – so strap yourself in, because it’s sure to be a wild ride. The TV star, podcaster, radio host, ambassador and entrepreneur is doing a 13-city tour that starts in Hobart this October and wraps up in Darwin at the end of November. So what, exactly, will Chatfield be speaking about on stage? She'll be sharing stories about her own past relationships, as well as conversing with the crowd. Spoiler alert: you can read our review of her Melbourne show here. When is Abbie Chatfield going on her regional Australian tour in 2024? Following a sell-out series of shows in 2023, Abbie will take The Trauma Dump Tour...Goes Regional to 13 cities across Australia including: Odeon Theatre, Hobart – October 11 Canberra Theatre, Canberra – October 18 Anita’s Theatre, Thirroul – October 19 The Events Centre, Caloundra – October 23 The Star Theatre, Gold Coast – October 24 West Gippsland Arts Centre, Warragul – November 1 Costa Hall, Geelong – November 2 Civic Hall, Ballarat – November 8 Ulumbarra Theatre, Bendigo – November 9 Newcastle Civic Theatre, Newcastle – November 16 Glasshouse Port Macquarie – November 17 Cairns Performing Arts Centre, Cairns – November 22 Darwin Entertainment Centre, Darwin – November 23 When do Abbie Chatfield tickets go on sale in Australia? Tickets for what could be a potentially scandalous show go on sale from noon / 12pm local time o

If you’ve ever dreamt of exploring the land before time (friendly dinosaur babies not guaranteed), boy, is there a place out there for you: Kakadu National Park. Tucked into the Top End of the Northern Territory, this World Heritage-listed park has been home to the Bininj and Mungguy people, the keepers of the oldest continuous living culture on Earth, for 65,000 years.  A trip to Kakadu is one that makes you fall deep, and it will stay firmly with you long after you leave. Here’s your ultimate guide to prepare for the trip.  Where is Kakadu National Park? Kakadu National Park is located in the Top End of the Northern Territory, around 171 kilometres east of Darwin.  How far is Kakadu from Darwin? The drive from Darwin City to Kakadu National Park’s northern entrance takes around one hour and 45 minutes, while reaching Jabiru, the main township, takes around two hours and 45 minutes. Travelling in a 4WD (four-wheel drive) is highly recommended, as the park’s terrain can be rugged and challenging, especially during the wet season. How big is Kakadu National Park?  Kakadu is the second largest national park in Australia, behind the Munga-Thirri-Simpson Desert National Park in Queensland. It covers 19,804 square kilometres, stretching almost 200 kilometres long and more than 100 kilometres wide. To put it in perspective, Kakadu is half the size of South Korea, nearly twice the size of Switzerland or Belgium, and four times the size of Yellowstone National Park. How old is Kakadu

Could this *finally* be the moment all Aussie Beyoncé fans have been waiting for? Ever since our queen and saviour dropped her country album, Cowboy Carter, on March 29, there's been a renewed interest in her tour plans. And now, rumours are swirling that suggest Queen B could bring her concert experience back to Australia, a country she last graced with her stratospheric stage presence back in 2013. A break in the Melbourne sporting calendar has sparked rumours that the global megastar could be taking to the Melbourne Cricket Ground in October, while a pause in Qudos Bank Arena's major events line-up from October 5-17 points to potential Sydney shows (excuse us while we go clear our schedules). For now, it's all part of the whisper network, but you know we'll bring you the latest info as it comes to light. Please, Bey, don’t break our souls.  What are the next dates on Beyoncé's World Tour? The superstar wrapped her Renaissance World Tour in Kansas City, Missouri, on October 1, 2023. There don't appear to be any other dates on the Renaissance World Tour site, but the word "World" has always hinted at the fact that she'll be hitting up other continents sooner or later.  When is Beyoncé touring Australia? This is everything we know: Beyoncé has not yet announced dates for Australia, however, tour promoters have previously hinted there will be Australian dates, with shows in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Adelaide and Perth, as well as New Zealand. The star has teased a potential

Could this *finally* be the moment all Aussie Beyoncé fans have been waiting for? Ever since our queen and saviour dropped her country album, Cowboy Carter, on March 29, there's been a renewed interest in her tour plans. And now, rumours are swirling that suggest Queen B could bring her concert experience back to Sydney, a city she last graced with her stratospheric stage presence back in 2013. With the break in the Melbourne sporting calendar sparking rumours that the global megastar could be taking to the MCG in October, Sydney-based fans are asking what this means for us. A pause in the Qudos Bank Arena major events line-up between October 5 and October 17 (when Olivia Rodrigo will be taking to the stage) points to potential Sydney shows (excuse us while we go clear our schedules). For now, it's all part of the whisper network, but you know we'll bring you the latest info as it comes to light. Please, Bey, don’t break our souls.  What are the next dates on Beyoncé's World Tour? The superstar wrapped her Renaissance World Tour in Kansas City, Missouri, on October 1, 2023. There don't appear to be any other dates on the Renaissance World Tour site, but the word "World" has always hinted at the fact that she'll be hitting up other continents sooner or later. And with the huge global fascination with her genre-bending album Cowboy Carter, fans are hopeful that another world tour will be on the cards. When is Beyoncé touring Australia? This is everything we know: Beyoncé has no