Maya Skidmore

Ah, the Gold Coast. For decades, it's been synonymous with visions of flashy bikinis, wild things to do, pounding white surf and glittering skyscrapers. But these days, the tides are turning for the Gold Coast. Once dubbed Australia's answer to Las Vegas, the coastal city is carving a more polished, laid-back luxe identity – and nowhere is that shift more obvious than in the Gold Coast's emerging hotel scene. While you can still find plenty of (ahem) unsubtle gold decor and marble pillars on Queensland's flashiest coastline, a cheeky $1 billion off the back of the Australian Commonwealth Games has welcomed a fresh new world of transport, restaurants and accommodation. The result? A wave of new and reimagined Gold Coast hotels that range from beachfront resorts and boutique stays to stylish city hotels and budget-friendly options. To save you the legwork, we've rounded up the best hotels on the Gold Coast right now. You're welcome! Editors' favourite hotels on the Gold Coast: ☀️ Best new hotel: Mondrian Gold Coast ⭐️ Best luxury hotel: The Langham Gold Coast 🌊 Best family-friendly hotel: JW Marriott Gold Coast Resort and Spa ✨ The best things to do on the Gold Coast🍽️ The best restaurants on the Gold Coast Time Out makes a small commission from the affiliate links included in this article. These links have no influence on our editorial content, but they do help us to bring you more recommendations every week. For more information, see our affiliate guidelines.

Whether it’s the Orient Express, Hogwarts Express or even Thomas the Tank Engine, trains are the backdrop of some of our favourite fictional stories – but in real life, train travel in Australia offers an even more unforgettable adventure. If exploring Australia is on your bucket list (let’s face it, flights to Europe are exxy right now), you can’t miss the unique experience of a train journey, especially an overnight sleeper. Traversing every state and territory, this form of slow travel is suitable for both the young and young at heart. Plus, trains put less pressure on our environment and can allow you to hop off at your leisure (remember it’s the journey, not the destination). From scenic rides through The Whitsundays and adventures across the rugged outback, we’ve rounded up the best train journeys in Australia. Editors' favourite train journeys in Australia: Best overnight train journey: The Ghan Expedition Best short train ride: Kuranda Scenic Railway 🚘 The best road trips in Australia☀️ The best caravan parks in Australia

Australia may be one of the most geographically isolated countries in the world, but despite that, our academic rigour continues to be expansive, cutting-edge and world-class. Year on year, Australian universities continue to rank among the best tertiary education institutions worldwide, proving that Aussie education isn't something that should be slept on.  In 2026, ten universities have topped the Australian academic leaderboard, meaning prospective students should add them to their uni wish list. Most of these institutions are part of the prestigious ‘Group of Eight’, which comprises the country's most research-intensive universities. Not only do they pave the way for groundbreaking discoveries in Australia, but they all feature in the highly trusted Times Higher Education rankings list, as well as many of them appearing on the well-respected QS Global Top 100 Universities list. How’s that for gold star education at your doorstep?  Experts’ pick of the best universities in Australia: Times Higher Education: University of Melbourne QS Global Top 100: University of Melbourne Centre for World University Rankings: UNSW  🦘 The best places to visit in Australia🇦🇺 The top tourist attractions in Australia

Australia is a nation rich with incredible artists and mind-blowing exhibitions. Whether you favour sculpture, painting, photography or textiles, there’s something for every kind of artistic persuasion ready to pop off at Australia’s biggest art exhibitions in 2026. We've rounded up just a few Aussie wonders that have us pre-booking flights in eager anticipation.  A summer standout is Icelandic-Danish artist Olafur Eliasson's Presence at the Gallery of Modern Art in Brisbane, where huge, shimmering interactive installations reign supreme. We're also excited to peruse a never-seen-before-in-Australia glittering jewel collection from Cartier at the NGV in the winter months, and explore Rememory during the 25th Biennale of Sydney (which Time Out named the world's best exhibition to see this year). Scroll on for our pick of the best art exhibitions in Australia in 2026. Our editors will update this guide as new exhibitions are announced. 🖼️ The best art galleries in Australia👀 The best museums in Australia

Believe it or not, summer school holidays are here. And if the thought of keeping the kiddos entertained for the next two months sends you into a spiral, we've got you covered. There’s something here for the explorers, the budding scientists, the mini athletes, the musical prodigies, the artist and just about everyone in between. You'll find the ultimate round-up of activities and experiences happening in Sydney for kids and families this summer. 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 these kid-friendly restaurants in Sydney.

First Nations people in Australia have been custodians of this country for more than 50,000 years. The oldest living culture in the world is remarkable for so many reasons, and we celebrate the incredible fortitude and resilience of Australia’s many diverse Indigenous and Torres Strait Islander individuals and communities in the face of centuries of institutional racism, systemic oppression and stark inequality at the hands of white Australia. Today, it is paramount that every modern Australian does their bit to learn, acknowledge and support services that minimise everyday injustices and tear down institutionalised racism in our country, showing respect to the original inhabitants of this land that so many of us love. We’ve gathered together a list of some of the brands, charities and organisations supporting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander voices around the nation that you can get involved with. And if you aren’t in a position to help financially, there are still loads of other ways you can show your support.  Read on to see our list of the best First Nations organisations you can donate to, support or get involved with across Melbourne and Australia this year.  Looking for other ways to lend a hand? Here's where to volunteer in Melbourne.

Call us biased, but we reckon Australia is the most incredible and diverse country in the world. A sizeable place (you know, continent-sized), deciding where to go on your first, fifth or 50th trip can be overwhelming – 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 best places to visit in Australia. 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 natural wonders: Great Barrier Reef, QLD 😍 Best iconic landmarks: Uluru, NT 💎 Best hidden gem: Adelaide Hills, SA Jump to list:  QLD | NT | WA | NSW | SA | VIC | TAS 🇦🇺 The best tourist attractions in Australia🚘 Regional towns worth visiting

Sydney is often referred to as the Harbour City, but a better name might be the Town of a Hundred Beaches. There are countless golden stretches scattered along the length and breadth of Sydney’s many shores (exact figures vary based on who you ask, as some disappear with the tides or are all but impossible to reach). But such an array of sandy riches can make picking the right beach to visit a bit of a head-scratcher. To help you out, we’ve cast our discerning eyes across pretty much every beach in the city, awarding points for accessibility, natural beauty, range of facilities and unique charms. Here are 50 of the best beaches in Sydney. Grab those beach towels and dive right in. JUST REMEMBER: There have been a lot of drowning incidents at NSW beaches – if you swim at unpatrolled beaches, you put yourself at risk. You can search patrolled and unpatrolled beaches near you over here – as well as other surf safety issues. Hate crowds? Here's our guide to the best secret beaches in Sydney. The city also has a heap of fab harbour beaches – as well as dog-friendly beaches. Stay in the loop: sign up for our free Time Out Sydney newsletter for more news, straight to your inbox.

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.

Whether it’s a five-buck-number from your local servo or a smooth and silky scoop from an artisanal store, there’s no doubt about it, ice cream is happiness in one cool refreshing bite (or lick, because, well, sensitive teeth). On a balmy afternoon or evening, a scoop of gelato or ice cream brings pure simple joy to those that hold it, and Time Out Sydney’s food writers have rounded up the best in town. Cool down with a two-scoop cone and lap up this delicious, sweet treat. You deserve it. 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 cheap eats in Sydney right now Make a meal out of it: These are the finest fish and chips in town

So, you’ve finally decided to go on that bucket-list trip to Darwin. Whether you’re hiking the city's best trails, diving into rich Indigenous stories and art, planning swims in croc-free waterholes or chasing sunset sessions at Mindil Beach, a trip to the Top End is bound to be fun. Of course, between all the adventures, you’ll want a comfortable base to recharge – and that’s where choosing the best hotel in Darwin really matters. With its remote landscapes and rare natural wonders, having a solid home base in the Northern Territory is essential. We reckon Darwin is the perfect launch pad, offering easy access to Kakadu National Park, Litchfield National Park and all the Top End highlights. To help you lock in the perfect stay, Time Out Australia’s Travel & News Editor, Melissa Woodley, has teamed up with local expert writers to bring you this definitive guide to the best hotels in Darwin – from central city stays to great-value resorts that will make your trip north memorable. Editors' favourite hotels in Darwin: ⭐️ Best luxury stay: Hilton Darwin 📍 Best for central location: Courtyard by Marriott Darwin 🌳 Best value for money: Argus Apartments Darwin ☀️ All the best things to do in Darwin🍽️ The best restaurants in Darwin Time Out makes a small commission from the affiliate links included in this article. These links have no influence on our editorial content, but they do help us to bring you more recommendations every week. For more information, see our affiliate gu

Australia is home to some of the most incredible coastlines on the planet, and happily for those who prefer swimming sans swimmers, we’ve also got boundless nudist beaches to share. Although there are plenty of ‘unofficial’ nude beaches Down Under, we recommend sticking to the ones where you can’t get in trouble with the law for leaving your clothes at the door (or invisible sand barrier). Every state except Queensland has at least one beach where you can comfortably get your kit off without fear of being arrested.  Are you a nudist beach first-timer? Rest assured – Australia's nudist beaches are much like the rest of this sunburnt country – laid back, relaxed and lacking in high expectations. Just remember the cardinal nudist beach rules: don't stare, be respectful, no photos, bring sunscreen – and as always, swim at your own risk, because these beaches (for obvious reasons) aren't patrolled.  🌊 The best beaches in Australia🏄 Australia's top surf beaches

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

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

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

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

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. 

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

Field Day is a Sydney institution. Devotees of the sunny New Year’s Day event will likely be tucking themselves into bed just before the year ticks over on December 31, sober and ready for a wild day of music and festival madness. This popular festival is back for its 25th year on the decks, and it looks like it's going to be a particuarly fresh one.  Kicking off in the Domain on Monday, January 1, Field Day 2026 is exhibiting all signs of shaping up to be a really excellent party. International music arts and homegrown talent will both take to the main stage to sling high energy dance music to Sydney revellers. From young dancers to more seasoned party professionals, Field Day is an inclusive, dance-focused space where hydration is key, and good vibes are a must.  This year, there's an exciting new kid on the block. Enter: Camp Ground, a special stage that'll be solely dedicated to shining a (literal) light on Sydney's queer talent. Curated by, and for, Sydney's LGBTQIA+ communities, this new wing is set up to add an extra, bright dimmension to a legacy institution.  So who are the big names we’ll be holding out for? Start the New Year with Aussie icons and Aria winners, The Presets, 'Shooting Stars' duo Bag Raiders, rising producer STÜM, and Berlin-based techno power-house Patrick Mason. UK-grown talent includes London's BL3SS and the Irish Belters Only, while Aussies are represented by Atomic Kiss, Chase Zera and Djanaba, plus lots, lots more.  Remember to pack your water

In 2025, 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 newest exhibition, aptly titled Data Dreams: Art and AI, an immersive and first-of-its-kind art show that will sweep through a series of interconnected gallery spaces in the MCA from November 21, 2025 through to 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 for all of us confused, bumbling humans who have suddenly found ourselves thrust into the AI age. Through immersive installations, AI-films and hallucinatory imagery, the exhibition aims to make you really and truly question what it means to exist in the AI era, and what we can 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

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. 

Forget 3am kebabs followed by 10am regret. The culture around going out is shifting, with thoughtful and inclusive alternatives to clubbing becoming more popular – think run club parties and cafés hosting morning DJ sessions that blend wellness rituals, electronic music and community connection. And on February 7, Melbourne will welcome an exciting new event that leans heavily into those vibes, when Daybreaker takes over the Abbotsford Convent. After getting its wings in NYC and subsequently flying all over the globe, this world-renowned morning dance and wellness party is making its Aussie debut.  So what’s Daybreaker? It's a three-part morning ritual and immersive dance experience that’s all about getting you buzzing for the day – naturally, of course. The Melbourne edition will start with a guided movement session, then lead into an upbeat dance set led by DJ Katie Hill, before finally end with a grounding, communal breath and sound experience.  The end goal? Making you feel on top of the world, all before brunch.    Photograph: Supplied Daybreaker will take place in the spectacular heritage space of the Abbotsford’s Convent’s Oratory, from 8am-10am. Music, movement and community will make the space come alive, with snacks and beverages available and included in your ticket price.  This Melbourne event is the first one to take place in Australia, but we’re told that there are more to emerge on the horizon in the coming months (look out, Sydney and Brisbane).  Tickets sta

When Aussies begin retiring, it's a fairly classic move to forgo the high costs and fast pace of the city for a regional tree- or sea-change. But, in a nation that's positively overflowing with charming towns and incredible natural places, the only problem is deciding where exactly to go. Whether you're looking to retire imminently in Australia or just want to do a bit of forward planning, the choice has just been made a whole lot easier by travel publisher World Atlas, which has picked out the best places to retire in Australia, as of 2025. By assessing different Australian regional towns on factors like affordability, healthcare access, public transport, proximity to nature, community opportunities, cultural happenings, and (our personal favourite) how many cafés, restaurants and bustling things to do exist in town, they've come up with a comprehensive list of the best places in Australia for retirement. Here's their pick of the seven best regional areas to retire to in Australia (with a little extra commentary from us).  1. Port Macquarie, NSW From its sprawling pubs to its bustling beachside caravan park, its colourful breakwall to its fleet of barbecue boats, Port Macquarie is an Aussie holiday town as charmingly true blue as they come. With a whopping 17 pristine beaches lining the coastline, plenty of bustling cafés, bowling greens and beach activities that add to a cosy village feel, Port Macquarie is fairly idyllic as far as retiring in Australia is concerned. World

Snakes are one of Australia's more hardcore surprises. Our Great Southern Land plays host and native home to more than 210 snake species, with 100 of those being venomous, and just 12 of these considered to have poison that's potentially lethal for us humans. With Australia's natural abundance of arid desert, knobbly rock and dry grasslands (aka, snake heaven), it's clear that these slithery creatures are able to flourish across every corner of Australia. But, as it turns out, they're also quite fond of the water too. Sorry.  In a new study released by the folks over at World Atlas, the five most snake-infested bodies of water in Australia have been identified. So, consider this a PSA for your next great Aussie road trip.  1. Herdsman Lake, Perth, Western Australia This natural wetland in Perth is packed with a teeming population of tiger snakes. These highly venomous creatures can grow up to two meters in length and be identified by their brown, olive or black bodies that are striped (tiger-like) by pale white bands. They love the thick reeds, abundance of tiny frogs and small fish that live in Herdsman Lake, and are clearly an essential part of this vibrant ecosystem that's impressively able to operate near such an urban area.  2. Yanchep Lake, Western Australia Again, Western Australia comes through with its snakey prowess. This lake is found in Yanchep National Park, north of Perth, and is also brimming with a healthy tiger snake population. You can (from a safe distance)

When it comes to finding amazing accommodation, NSW has so much to offer that it can be hard to keep up. With our state's abundance of incredible campsites, hotels and amazingly unique accommodation, it's hard to narrow down the best place to book for your next getaway.  But, fret no further. The NSW Tourism Awards Winners have recently been announced, and with it, the confidence that your next NSW holiday itinerary won't be a miss.  Why should we listen to the overlords at the NSW Tourism Awards anyway? Well, after 30 years, they’re the state’s longest-running tourism honours – and the only way operators can land a spot in the Australian Tourism Awards. With 30 categories that span accomodation, experiences and sustainability, 2025's awards saw 78 winners selected from 125 finalists, making this a very competitive round. After a lot of careful consideration, 55 independent judges gave these finalists gold, silver and bronze awards for their efforts in the NSW tourism space. Accomodation was a big proponent of this, with the awards featuring 5-star accomodation to caravan parks.  Here's who took home gold for each category.  Photograph: Supplied | Mt Hay Retreat 1. 5 star accommodation gold went to dreamy Berry mountain-top escape, Mt Hay Retreat. Reviewed by us in 2023, we can attest that Mt Hay Retreat is worthy of its crown.  2. 4 to 4.5 star accommodation gold was awarded to Crowne Plaza Terrigal Pacific, which our Time Out editors also loved.  3. Best caravan park tit

Summer holidays usually mean one thing: a great Aussie road trip. Whether you’re speeding up the coast to visit family, heading across state lines or traversing one of Australia’s epic road trip routes for a bit of end-of-year R&R, it’s pretty classic for Aussies to explore some of our most remote motorways in the summer period (of which, in this colossal land, there are many).  While fun and spectacular, these roads also have the potential to be very dangerous. Long stretches between fuel stops, hazardous driving conditions and general remoteness make a number of Aussie roads genuinely threatening in the case of a breakdown.  Car rental company VroomVroomVroom has assessed Australia’s most popular road trips to identify the ten most dangerous places to break down. This list has been measured based on each route’s distance from fuel, healthcare services and mechanics, with summer heat and harsh conditions in the Australian outback making these factors considerably more important.  The most dangerous road trip route to break down (without proper survival supplies in the boot) is Western Australia's Gunbarrel Highway, a route that connects Wiluna in WA to Yulara, near Uluru, in the Northern Territory. This isolated stretch of highway is known for its incredible stargazing, rolling desert dunes and stark landscape, but it's also particularly formidable for anyone who isn't prepared if your car stops working. The nearest hospital is 294 kilometres away, repair services are 449 ki

The year is wrapping up, and so is pretty much everything around us (and no, we're not just talking about Spotify). The real estate experts at Domain have released their own end-of-year wrap, revealing some intriguing and valuable insights – including which Aussie suburbs ranked among the most popular in 2025.  The annual report relied on the analysis of a year's worth of site views on Domain's website, zooming in on the highest views per residential listing for apartments and houses across the country. This data is significant because it reveals the type of areas gaining momentum and harnessing the most interest for prospective buyers. Unsurprisingly, most of the top suburbs across Australia's major cities were wealthy and prestigious areas that are less interest rate sensitive. Domain chief of research and economics, Dr Nicola Powell, says that most buyers for these areas are looking to upgrade to their next property, and are determined to find their new home in a distinct suburb, refusing to stop looking until they do.  There are also a lot of people who are perusing property for a bit of fun (but may not be able to make the jump IRL, just yet), a factor that Dr Powell says will inevitably drive views to listings in places that she calls “the crème de la crème of Australia’s real estate”. Property dreamers, we see you.  Every major city in Australia had a call out of the top ten suburbs that garnered the most interest from property seekers over the course of 2025. However,

It's a universally acknowledged truth that Australians really, really like to travel. Our vast island home is obviously incredible, but given its geographic isolation, Aussies often get the itch to board a horrendously long flight and discover what else lies out there beyond the big, big blue. The question remains, though: Which countries do most Australians actually go to? And what are the ones we tend to stay away from?  An answer to this has finally come, courtesy of the federal Department of Home Affairs (DHA) and a lengthy, critical report created by Forward Travel. Analysing the DHA's records of the millions of overseas departures made by Australians over the past five years, Forward Travel has combed through and revealed an interesting story about what Aussies evidently look for, and what they don't, when picking a foreign nation for an international holiday. To boil it down, the travel data shows off the places where, if you go as an Aussie, you'll either feel like an iconic, rare superstar (hello, Caribbean) or just another tourist who may make someone sigh at the normalcy of it all (hi, Kuta). Either way is fine, but at least now, you know.  Australia's 10 most popular travel destinations from 2021-25 Indonesia Singapore New Zealand United Arab Emirates Fiji USA Japan Thailand Malaysia Vietnam   Australia's 10 least popular travel destinations from 2021-25  El Salvador  Jamaica, Moldova and Senegal Samoa Lithuania and Zambia Reunion Bhutan, Burundi, Guatemala, G

It's no secret to anyone that our lives are drenched in a sickening abundance of plastic. With microplastics causing far too many severe ecological and health issues in Australia and around the world, it's clear that changes have to be made by corporations and authorities to alleviate the weight of the plastic burden on the individual consumer. In good news for all NSW-dwelling people who care about their health and the environment, the NSW Plastic Plan has just added to its long list of tiny plastic products that will be banned in the state from 2026 onwards.  Businesses across Sydney and NSW will have to phase out the use of plastic bread tags and plastic pizza savers (the little round prong that stops your toppings stick to your pizza box lid) from 2027, and from 2026, it will also continue the phasing out of the tiny little fish soy sauce bottles that, despite being cute, cause havoc to our ecosystems.   Photograph: Troy Mayne From 2026, NSW will also join our sibling states in banning the release of lighter than air helium balloons, plastic bags with handles, plastic umbrella bags and non-compostable plastic fruit and veggie stickers. Takeaway food boxes will have to be redesigned under the NSW Plastic Plan to ensure that they can be safely recycled, changing up their current toxic chemical formula.  While this presents a moment of transition and change for many local businesses, it is welcome news for all the weary individuals trying to make green choices in a market

If you didn't know already, Australia is home to the most national parks out of any country in the world. Our incredible, protected national parks come in more than 600 shapes, sizes and landscape varieties, and can be found in every single state and territory across the Great Southern Land. But there's one park that's bigger than any other. Meet: The Munga-Thirri-Simpson Desert National Park, an immense stretch of wild and rolling desert, striking rock formations and natural springs that span across three Australian states. Home to the world's longest parallel dunes and packed with crimson sand, incredibly colourful wildflowers, massive starry skies and an abundance of native wildlife, this very special (and very big) place has been the traditional lands of the Wangkangurru Yarluyandi people for thousands of years. Cared for by First Nations custodians across three states, including the Arrernte and Karanguru people in the western, northern and eastern sides of the desert, it's rich with ancient history, culture and natural splendour that has to be seen to be believed.  Where is the Simpson Desert? The Simpson Desert covers hundreds of kilometres and stretches across three states, including Queensland, South Australia and the Northern Territory.  How big is the Simpson Desert? The Simpson Desert is the fourth-largest Australian desert, with the entire sandy expanse clocking in at 176,500 square kilometres. The Munga-Thirri-Simpson Desert National Park is located within the d

The year is wrapping up, and so is pretty much everything around us (and no, we're not just talking about Spotify). The real estate and property experts at Domain have released their own end of year wrap, revealing some intriguing and valuable insights – including which Aussie suburbs ranked among the most popular in 2025.  The annual report relied on the analysis of a year's worth of site views on domain.com.au, zoning in on the highest views per residential listing for apartments and houses across Australia. This data is significant, because it reveals the kinds of areas that are gaining momentum and harnessing the most amount of interest for prospective buyers, both in Melbourne and nationwide.  Unsurprisingly, most of the top suburbs across Australia's major cities were wealthy and prestigious areas that are less interest rate sensitive. Domain chief of research and economics, Dr Nicola Powell, says that most of the buyers for these areas are people looking to upgrade to their next property, and are determined to find their new home in a distinct suburb, refusing to stop looking until they do.  There's also a lot of people who are perusing property for a bit of fun (but may not be able to make the jump IRL, just yet), a factor that Dr Powell says will inevitably drive views to listings in places that she calls “the creme de la creme of Australia’s real estate”. Property dreamers, we see you.  Photograph: Visit Victoria | Albert Park In Melbourne, the results reflect exa

Buckle up folks, because Western Australia's very own Dwellingup Mountain Bike Trail has just finished stage two of construction, meaning that 68 kilometres of incredible mountain bike terrain are now officially open for business.  Located just an hour's drive from Perth, Dwellingup is a gorgeous town that's one of only two 'Accredited Trail Towns' in the state. With an abundance of soaring forests, curving rivers and wildlife, it's a renowned spot for outdoor adventure seekers from all over Australia looking for beautiful hikes, wild swimming holes and now, unparalleled mountain biking.  As part of the new, multimillion-dollar Dwellingup Adventure Trails initiative, a huge variety of mountain bike trails have been built in the region over the last three years, ranging from gentle 1.6-kilometre beginner tracks to a hardcore 18-kilometre trail for seasoned riders. These smooth, well-maintained trails are designed to maximise any mountain biking experience, taking adventurers through towering native forests and past gorgeous natural attractions, including Lane Poole Reserve (a section of the famous Bibbulmun Track) and along the pristine banks of the Murray River. Photograph: Tourism Western Australia On top of being a biking paradise, Dwellingup Adventure Trails has created an incredible series of bushwalks through this beautiful landscape, while also updating existing ones. There are also plenty of opportunities for kayaking and canoeing adventurers on the Murray, meaning

If there's one thing that transcends all human difference, it's the united exhaustion of waiting by a baggage claim after a flight. The endless pacing! The panicked rush! The deep horror! And, of course, the classic nightmare of waiting for your luggage, only to be met with an evil, empty baggage carousel and the sad realisation that your bag is actually headed somewhere far, far away. Like Perth, or Timbuktu. It is this particular scenario that makes Melbourne Airport's whopping half-a-billion dollar redevelopment of its baggage claim process so very welcome. Constructed over the course of the year amidst the chaos of an operational international airport, the new system is a wild 3.6 kilometres long – the same length as the airport's longest runway.  Testing is currently in process for this new, world-class baggage system that is said to be able to double the existing baggage system's capacity for travellers, bringing the total number of bags that can be processed in one hour up from a current 1,800 to a huge 4,000.   Photograph: Alexandr Podvalny/Pexels Better yet, it will feature state-of-the-art technology that will have the ability to provide airlines with the tracking and status of people's bags from the moment their luggage gets checked in. Goodbye, lost baggage mayhem.  With international arrivals to Melbourne at a record high, with 1,032,448 arrivals recorded in October 2025 alone, it is clear that a solid baggage system is a necessity for an airport that is only c