Melissa Woodley

If there was any lingering doubt that Queensland's capital is a world city, it was put to rest with the announcement that the 2032 Olympics would be hosted right here in Brisvegas. And truth be told, for a long time the River City has been much more than just a pit-stop on the way to the Gold Coast. In QAGOMA, the city has two of the best-designed art galleries anywhere in the world, and blockbuster art to show in them. We have great barbecue spots, sure, but there are also some great high-end, fine dining experiences too. With an incredible climate (although slip, slop, slap please, we implore you) and a great set of river walkways and public transport connections, it’s also easier than ever to get around. Whether it’s a family adventure, a romantic weekend or a spare 24 hours at the end of a business trip – our local writers have rounded up the best things to do in Brisbane right now. 🌳 Here are the best free things to do in Brisbane🚗 The coolest day trips from Brisbane🥐 Where to find Brisbane's top bakeries

Call us biased, but we think Australia is one of the most incredible and diverse places 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 we come in. From turquoise beaches and ancient rainforests, to flaming red deserts and buzzy metropolitan cities, our Travel and News Editor Melissa Woodley (who has visited every Aussie state and territory) has picked out the most breathtaking places you should visit in Australia right now. 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.  Jump to list:  QLD | NT | WA | NSW | SA | VIC | TAS 🇦🇺 The 20 top tourist attractions in Australia🌈 Australia's most beautiful places to explore🚘 Regional towns worth visiting in Australia

We love our bread, we love our butter, but most of all, we love our croissants, cruffins, caramel slice… It’s hard to pick a favourite child from Perth’s brilliant baked goods scene. Whether you’re after a fresh-out-of-the-oven pastry for your morning commute, a crusty baguette for a lunchtime picnic, or a piping hot curry pie to cure your nighttime cravings, Perth has got your back.  Here are the best bakeries in Perth and beyond, as recommended by locals. If you're looking for somewhere to start, head to North Street Store for cinnamon scrolls or Miller + Baker for a morning bun. See you in line! 🍽️ Best cafés in Perth☕️ Best coffee shops in Perth🍷 Best restaurants in Perth right now

Bakeries provide comfort and certainty in an increasingly hectic world. They know that if you mix flour, water, salt and yeast, you’ll get a loaf of goodness to carry you through the working week. Our food writers have tasted their way through the city to scope out the best bakeries in Adelaide right now. Whether you’re looking for a sourdough loaf to make epic sandwiches or a doughnut to get you through the afternoon, these bakers are always there for you. Start working your way through the list. 🥐 Australia’s greatest bakeries🍽️ The best cafés in Adelaide☕️ Adelaide's best coffee shops

Coles croissants and supermarket sourdough might do the trick, but nothing beats the irresistible smell of freshly baked bread and warm, buttery pastries. Canberra is home to an impressive array of bakeries that rise to the occasion early each morning to craft some of the finest baked goodies in the country. Our Travel & News Editor, Melissa Woodley, spent four years searching for the best baked goods in the capital. The cardamom buns from Under Bakery still live rent-free in her mind, and she always grabs a pack of bake at home croissants from Three Mills for the road home. Start eating your way through her list of the best bakeries in Canberra.  🍽️ The best cafés in Canberra☕️ Canberra's best coffee shops🥐 Australia's best bakeries

Calling all sweet tooths and savoury fans alike. Brisbane is bursting with innovative, tastebud-popping pastry sensations to make your heart go boom. From the sea breezy streets of Cleveland to the buzzy charm of New Farm, the zeitgeist of Zillmere to the greenery of Ashgrove, the pulsing Brisbane City to the sunbeams of Sunnybank, you are absolutely covered. All across this beating city are artisan bakers, pastry chefs and traditional treat makers ready to serve up fresh flavours that will leave you wanting more. Moreish is the word to describe what’s on offer in our metropolis, and you, my friend, have been warned – you won’t be able to stop at just one serving. Here are the best bakeries in Brisbane. ☕️ Brisbane's best coffee shops🍽 The best cafés in Brisbane🥐 Australia's best bakeries

Darwin is a colourful melting pot of cuisines, offering everything from crocodile croquettes and kangaroo burgers to creamy laksa, tropical smoothie bowls and bush tucker treats. Yet, sometimes only a classic Aussie meat pie or sausage roll will get you through the day. Luckily, Darwin is home to a mix of old-school bakeries and bread-centric cafés, where you can curb your carb cravings year-round. Here are the best bakeries in Darwin, as recommended by locals. 🥐 The best cafés in Darwin🌳 What to do in Darwin🍽 Darwin’s greatest restaurants

All rise! Hobart’s best bakeries cook up some of the most buttery and flaky pastries our nation has ever seen. You’ll experience love at first bite with perfectly golden croissants, pies, quiches, scrolls and danishes, plus bread in all shapes and sizes. Many of Hobart’s greatest bakeries have been filling the hearts of carb lovers for more than a decade, collecting a loyal following along the way. Take local favourite, Pigeon Whole Bakers, which has been slinging sourdough since 2011, or Jackman and McRoss, a beloved Battery Point bakery and café that's been up and running since 1998. Whether you’re a long-time fan or just popping into town, here are the best bakeries in Hobart. ☕️ Hobart's best cafés🌳 The best things to do in Hobart🍽 Hobart's greatest restaurants

It feels a little lazy to say that eating yourself silly is one of the best things to do in Perth, but it would be disingenuous to suggest otherwise. The culinary scene here is exquisite, with each eatery bringing its own quirks and flavours to the table. And you're in safe hands when it comes to choosing one of the best restaurants in Perth to dine at – our contributing food enthusiast and writer, Dale Anninos-Carter, has lived in The West for 17 years and keeps a keen eye on the hospitality scene for all your devouring needs. She's given these 22 spots the seal of approval, too. From a charming European bistro tucked inside a heritage hotel to Australia’s very first Hokkaido soup curry house hidden down a laneway, our expert local writers have scoured out the best dining spots in Perth that are well worth visiting. So, put that appetite of yours to good use and get feasting. For more about how we curate our reviews and guides, see our editorial guidelines. 🍷 The best bars in Perth🍝 Perth's top Italian restaurants☕️ The coolest cafés in Perth

Whether you're a coffee connoisseur who loves a little latte art or simply someone who needs a strong cup of caffeine to kickstart your day, Hobart’s bean scene is sure to impress. From quaint Battery Point hideouts like Lēoht and award-winning espresso bars such as Pilgrim Coffee, to a café-meets-science lab by the name of Somewhere Coffee Bar, these joints are sure to put a pep in your step. All you have to do is choose how you like your brew. Time Out's contributing writers and coffee enthusiasts know a thing or two about even greater coffee. We can wholeheartedly confirm that the cuppas are just as bang on with the mainland counterparts. Here are our top picks for the best coffee shops in Hobart. Happy sipping! For more about how we curate our reviews and guides, see our editorial guidelines. ☕️ Australia's best coffee roasters🥐 The best bakeries in Hobart🥑 Hobart's best cafés

Australia takes its baked goods very seriously. Between our sourdough-centred meals, we all need a little sweet treat (trust us, you deserve one). Luckily, Aussie bakers are giving Parisian pâtissiers a run for their money, creating their own takes on classic baked goods that taste as good as they look. You’ve undoubtedly heard of the big players (hello Lune Croissanterie), but there are plenty of neighbourhood gems to spend your hard-earned dough. While we wish we could shower love on every flaky croissant, pie and sausage roll, our expert food writers have narrowed it down to 30 of the best bakeries in Australia right now. Find the best bakeries in:Adelaide | Brisbane | Canberra | Darwin | Hobart | Melbourne | Sydney | Perth

If you haven't been to Redfern lately, you need to. The inner-city suburb is bursting with tasty eats, lush green parks and killer bars. From ramen to pasta, vego dishes and share plates that will make you not want to share, the 2016 postcode has got it going on. When it comes to where to eat in Redfern, these are the chart-toppers – pulled together by Time Out Sydney's local food writers, including Food & Drink Editor Avril Treasure (who once called Redfern home). Stay in the loop: sign up for our free Time Out Sydney newsletter for more news, food & drink inspo and activity ideas, straight to your inbox.  Want to go on a cocktail adventure? Check out our guide to Sydney's finest bars. ALSO RECOMMENDED: The absolute best restaurants in Sydney.

Sunday is probably my favourite day of the week. If I’m not travelling, it’s my self-care day to do all the things that make me happy – trail runs, ocean dips, lazy brunches and, of course, a cheeky arvo nap before the work week begins (something I kind of look forward to because I love my job). Hamilton Island’s newest boutique escape, The Sundays, has taken everything that I adore about Sundays and turned it into an everyday vibe. Located in the heart of the Great Barrier Reef, The Sundays is easily one of the most anticipated hotel openings of 2025 – and after staying there, I can confirm it’s worth the hype. The $35 million price tag is just a hint of what to expect at this boutique beach hotel by the team behind The Whitsundays’ most iconic luxury resort, Qualia. It’s the first new hotel to open on Hamilton Island in more than 17 years and brings a fresh, family-friendly energy to the island. Foodies will be enticed by the Catseye Pool Club, the hotel’s waterside restaurant led by celebrated chef Josh Niland of Saint Peter. Here’s why you should pay The Sundays a visit. Why stay at The Sundays? A literal piece of paradise on an island paradise, The Sundays feels worlds away from the hustle and bustle of daily life. Yet, it’s actually just a few hours’ flight from Australia’s east coast (with direct flights from Brisbane, Sydney and Melbourne) or a breezy boat ride from Airlie Beach. All guests at The Sundays enjoy complimentary return transfers from the airport or marina

If you’re after more than just a space to work out or squeeze in a physio session, Power Potential is for you. This swish, new wellness sanctuary inside The Mill (just next door to The Grounds of Alexandria) offers high-tech treatments for both recovery and relaxation – think infrared saunas, contrast plunge pools, reformer pilates and remedial massages. The philosophy at Power Potential is simple: to combine the power of medical science with the depth of traditional wellness. The result? A two-for-one destination where you can receive treatment and recharge all under the one stylish roof.  What sets Power Potential apart from your run-of-the-mill gym or bathhouse is that every journey starts with a full body scan. From there, their integrative health professionals will create a personalised wellness program for your body’s individual needs. Talk about VIP treatment! While the state-of-the-art facility covers all the bases – physiotherapy, orthopaedic and exercise therapy – its unexpectedly luxe wellness and recovery space really steals the spotlight. Whether you’re an elite athlete seeking muscle relief or a busy journalist looking for stress relief (guilty!), you’ll leave Power Potential feeling so zen that buying a one-way ticket to India and starting a new life as a sunrise-loving yogi is a seriously tempting reality. The luxe wellness space features a three-way infrared sauna, with settings for detoxification, relaxation, recovery and circulation – all with customisable

You don’t need to book a trip to Bordeaux when South Australia has its own world-class food and wine scene. While the Barossa Valley and McLaren Vale are the state’s most well-known wine regions, the Adelaide Hills is perhaps its most underrated. Located just 20 minutes from the city centre, this cool climate region is home to charming villages, world-class wineries, lush forests and five-star stays. One such gem is Sequoia Lodge – an exclusive adults-only lodge, sitting atop the misty Adelaide Hills.  Why stay at Sequoia Lodge? This ultra-luxe property is everything your adult dreams are made of. The 14 plush suites boast a large bathtub with panoramic views of the valley, a spacious private balcony, a sunken lounge room with a toasty fireplace, and a moon window for stargazing before bed. Your luxury getaway also includes 32 complimentary perks, like daily breakfast, a fully stocked mini bar, an inviting infinity pool, an artesian hot pool experience and morning yoga. Say no more! What are the rooms like at Sequoia Lodge? Each of Sequoia Lodge’s 14 suites is identical, meaning you’ll experience luxury at its finest, no matter what your room number. The moment I stepped into my suite, I was immediately struck by the panoramic views overlooking the fiery foliage of Piccadilly Valley below. Whether I was lounging on the plush king bed, relaxing on the comfy L-shaped sofa, stretching out on the expansive daybed outside, or soaking in the bathtub (after retracting the Chromecast

The phrase ‘your phone eats first’ takes on a whole new meaning at The Grounds of Alexandria. In 2024 and 2023, this viral all-day café in Sydney – famous for its sprawling alfresco area, enchanting installations and, yes, huge weekend crowds – was named the world’s most Instagrammed café.  It’s been more than a decade since I last visited The Grounds. Back then, I had to convince my mum to drive me all the way across the Harbour Bridge for a pastry and, much to my shame, a photo op. Now, ten years later, I decided it was time for me to return and see if the café still lives up to the hype. Judging by its almost 400,000 Instagram followers, 123,000 posts tagged #TheGroundsOfAlexandria, and 5,600 Google Maps reviews averaging four stars, I got the gist that it was still going strong. One clear takeaway from my research was to avoid visiting The Grounds on the weekend, when crowds swarm in from all across Sydney – and the world, for that matter. Hoping for a quieter experience, I visited on a Monday morning, only to find the car park completely full by 10am. Those who enter through Bourke Road will first encounter The Grounds’ charming, rustic alfresco area, complete with a miniature animal farm. While I was disappointed to find that ‘Kevin Bacon’ (the café's infamous resident pig) was no longer there, his old pen is now home to two cheerful goats.  Keep strolling past the animal farm, and you’ll eventually find yourself in the gorgeous Garden Bar and BBQ. Here, chandeliers han

When it comes to sustainable dining, Refettorio OzHarvest is in a league of its own. By day, the not-for-profit café serves nourishing three-course lunches to Sydney’s vulnerable communities, free of charge. But every Thursday night, ‘the Ref’ opens its doors to the public for Pay It Forward Dinners, where every ticket pays for four people in need, to dine the following day. If that's not enough, the gourmet meals are completely vegetarian and zero-waste, made using up to 95 per cent rescued produce. It's a win-win-win for your palate, the planet and those in need. The Refettorio, which takes its name from the Latin word meaning "to re-make" or "restore," is a first-of-its-kind social impact collaboration in Australia, brought to us by the food waste warriors at OzHarvest and celebrated Italian chef Massimo Bottura’s not-for-profit organisation Food for Soul. Unlike Bottura's three Michelin-star restaurant, Osteria Francescana, the Ref opens its doors to folks facing food insecurity, serving around 500 guests each week. Talk about a delicious way to make a difference. Part of the Ref’s charm is not knowing what’s on the menu until you’re comfortably seated. Head chef Jez Wick keeps things exciting by changing the three-course menu on a weekly (or sometimes even daily) basis, embracing wonky vegetables and imperfect produce, which have been donated or rescued from local suppliers, supermarkets and farms. Not a scrap goes to waste – any leftover food is fermented, pickled, pres

This century-old working winery is the birthplace of one of McLaren Vale’s most widely recognised wines – Wirra Wirra’s eternally popular all-rounder, Church Block. Ironically, it’s a blend (merlot/shiraz/cab sav), rather than a purist varietal – but when a blend is this palatable, there’s not much room for singular snobbery. Church Block is a stone-cold winner by any measure, but if you are after something more specific, Wirra Wirra does a classic McLaren Vale shiraz too (plus grenache, sauvignon blanc, riesling, chardonnay… all with a sustainable, biodynamic bias).  You could easily spend a whole day here, wandering the wine-stained bricks of the cellar and cavorting on the sun-dappled lawns. From just $40, you can explore the historic vaulted brick facilities (parts of which are 125 years old), gaining exclusive access to Trott’s Cellar and an opportunity to ring the three-quarter-tonne Angelus Bell (just be ready to put some muscle into it). But most folks come here to wine and dine. Tastings start at just $15, pouring some of McLaren Vale’s richest, most fulsome wines and decadent stickies. Directly across from the cellar door, Harry’s Deli offers a seasonally inspired modern Australian menu that you can enjoy inside by the wood-burning fireplace or out in the courtyard overlooking the gum trees. Share local cheeseboards with fine-cured meats and house focaccia, tuck into Harry’s famous Son of Trott Pie, or settle in for a long lunch designed by head chef Taiaha Ngawiki

  The Daintree Rainforest steals the spotlight as the crown jewel of Australia's rainforest scene, but it also holds a world record – it's the oldest tropical rainforest on Earth. Located in the high, emerald tropics of Far North Queensland, this living wonder has more than 180 million years of history waiting to be uncovered. As the largest tropical rainforest in Australia, it spans a staggering 1,200 square kilometres and is home to more tree species in just one hectare than in all of the United Kingdom. Here’s everything you need to know about visiting the Daintree Rainforest. Where is the Daintree Rainforest? The Daintree Rainforest is located in Far North Queensland, just a two-hour drive from Cairns or a quick 45-minute trip from Port Douglas. It’s located within the Daintree National Park, which is part of the broader World Heritage-listed Wet Tropics region, stretching from Townsville to Cookstown. This spectacular rainforest borders some of Australia’s most stunning beaches, serving as a gateway to the Great Barrier Reef. In fact, it’s one of the only places on Earth where a thriving rainforest exists so close to a living reef ecosystem. How big is the Daintree Rainforest? The Daintree Rainforest region covers approximately 1,200 square kilometres, stretching from the Daintree River to Cooktown to the Great Divide. This vast area represents the largest continuous block of tropical rainforest in Australia. How old is the Daintree Rainfo

What is it? Located atop a multi-storey carpark in Northbridge, Rooftop Movies screens films of all genres nightly from October to March. Why go? Round up your mates for a movie night at the cinema with the best views in town. Rooftop Movies plays a diverse line-up of films, with everything from Oscar-winning flicks and throwbacks to blockbuster hits and new releases. Of course, there’s also a candy bar slinging buttery popcorn, local ice creams, juicy burgers and refreshing cocktails.

The name 2KW is shorthand for No. 2 King William St – but don’t go searching for it at street level. This iconic rooftop bar is eight floors above your head, atop one of Adelaide’s most historic buildings. Getting there is part of the fun, involving a mysterious double elevator ride to the top storey. However, a little effort goes a long way for the showstopping panoramic views stretching from North Terrace to Adelaide Oval and beyond. With gorgeous greenery and a stylish mix of low and high-top bar seating, the outdoor terrace bar is the perfect spot to soak in the stunning scenes. But if the ripper view isn’t enough to win you over, 2KW’s ace menu certainly will. The terrace bar serves up a full drinks menu alongside finger-food snacks, build-your-own cheese boards and hand-stretched sourdough pizza. Signature cocktails complete the journey, including the namesake 2KW – a refreshing blend of gin with notes of peach, pear, honey and lemon, plus a foamy finish. For a cool, calm and collected lunch, the indoor restaurant is designed for both intimate dates and group feasts. Executive chef Sam Christopher champions South Australia’s finest produce with a share-style menu designed to impress. Start with gildas and blue swimmer crab toast, before scooping up salt-baked beetroot tartare with fennel seed crackers or spreading creamy Vannella burrata over sourdough flatbread. When it comes to mains, choose from grilled market fish in a smoked eel beurre blanc, slow-cooked lamb shoul

If running a half marathon is on your 2025 bucket list, make sure your race ticks three key boxes: a beautiful location, a fun crowd and an empowering atmosphere that makes you feel unstoppable. Good news for Sydney gals – your search ends here, with the chance to run in Nike’s exclusive, women-only half marathon in Sydney on April 12. Between 2005 and 2018, Nike hosted a hugely popular series of women’s races in some of the most incredible places across the world. Now, the mega sports brand is bringing back its beloved After Dark Tour, with the first race kicking off right here in Australia.  The immersive 21.1-kilometre course will start in Sydney’s Inner West and offer epic views of the city skyline as runners race from White Bay to Jones Bay Wharf to Pyrmont Bridge. Upon crossing the finish line at Tumbalong Park, participants can run straight into an epic post-race celebration, pumping with live music, recovery stations and fierce female energy. You don’t need to be a pro runner to sign up for the late-night half marathon. First-timers can access an official training plan via the Nike Run Club app and stay motivated by connecting with other participants in the lead-up. Yeah the girls! Entry to the Nike After Dark Tour in Sydney is $100 and includes everything from a personalised sports bra fitting (you get to keep the bra) to a race t-shirt and post-race celebration access. Registrations close on February 11, so gather all your gal pals and sign up as a group pronto.  Fo

A magician never reveals their secrets, so I can only spill so much about Penn & Teller’s eight-night stint at the Sydney Opera House. But trust me, the famous pair’s 50th-anniversary tour goes far beyond the classic disappearing handkerchief routine. As the longest-running resident headliners in Las Vegas history, this dynamic duo strikes the perfect balance of traditional magic, unconventional trickery and quirky humour. Their 50th-anniversary extravaganza is ever-evolving, with a nightly rotation of fresh tricks and past hits. If you’re seated stage left, stay alert, audience participation is woven into almost every act: from crazy card tricks and coin illusions to some truly absurd stuff – think a gorilla drinking soup, and a giant squirrel sipping Champagne in a bathtub – the surprises keep coming. The real magic, however, lies in the fact that Penn & Teller have been dazzling audiences together for half a century. You simply have to see it to believe it.  January 11–18, Sydney Opera House, $79–$169. Find tickets & info over here. RECOMMENDED: Here's our guide to the best shows to see in Sydney this month Check out our running list of reviews from Sydney Festival

Adelaide’s dining scene rounded out 2024 with the opening of Station Road, a chic 250-seat French-inspired brasserie helmed by a former Vue de Monde chef. Balanced yet bold, the menu showcases premium local ingredients through refined French techniques, with highlights including Mayura Wagyu tartare, Southern Rock lobster cannelloni, Tasmanian sea urchin omelette sandwiches and a classic Paris Brest for dessert. Choose your vibe: perch at the central marble bar for relaxed drinks and nibbles, sample rare chardonnays in the intimate wine room, or people-watch while dining al fresco on Festival Plaza.

It's no secret that whenever Melbourne makes it onto any global list, we love to shout it from the rooftops. Now, Melbourne has claimed another achievement that's truly worth celebrating, ranking in the top ten on a worldwide list of the best cities. You don't need to tell us that our city is among the best of the best – but it's lovely to be reminded.  The 2025 Global Cities Index assesses 1,000 of the largest cities worldwide in determining the rankings, and Melbourne was named sixth in the whole wide world. Our city jumped up from ninth place in 2024, proving that it continues to go from strength to strength.  To compile the rankings, researchers at Oxford Economics scored each city on 27 indicators across five categories, including Economics, Human Capital, Quality of Life, Environment and Governance. Cities were scored under each of these pillars, then the results were combined to reveal the world’s top-performing cities overall. Melbourne once again took the crown as the highest-ranking Australian city and overtook heavyweights like San Francisco, Los Angeles and Tokyo. The Victorian capital truly shone in the Human Capital category, where it ranked 12th globally – largely thanks to its high-quality universities and fast-growing economy that’s attracted many foreign workers. Melbourne also secured a spot in the top 20 cities for Economics, ranked in the top ten per cent for Environment and tied with Sydney as Australia’s highest-ranked city for Governance in 15th place.

You’d be hard-pressed to find a Sydneysider who hasn’t watched, let alone played, a game of sport. Whether a Test Match at the SCG, an A-League tournament at Accor Stadium, or an NRL final at your local sports bar, cheering on our top athletes is just part of daily life Down Under. And it looks like Sydney is the best place to rally around your favourite sports team, with a new study crowning Sydney as Australia’s best city for a ‘sportcation’.  Sports travel has exploded in recent years, which Skyscanner’s 2025 Travel Trends report largely credits to the rise of ‘behind-the-scenes’ sports shows like Netflix’s Drive to Survive, Break Point and Full Swing. In 2023, Sydney hosted more than 600,000 football fans for the FIFA Women’s World Cup, with thousands more set to take on our city in the inaugural Sydney World Major Marathon this August. On top of that, the report reveals that more than a quarter of Aussies plan to travel either domestically or internationally to see a sporting event in 2025. And honestly, we totally get it. Nothing beats the buzz of watching the action live, joining a Mexican wave, and maybe even having a cheeky tiff with the opposing team. While Melbourne has long held the unofficial title of Australia’s sporting capital, a new study by Compare The Market has handed the baton to its rival, Sydney – crowning it as the best city for a sportcation. To determine the ranking, the travel insurance site pitted the cities against each other on seven factors, inc

We know, it seems like a new ‘greatest cities in the world’ ranking is published every other week. This time around, two Australian cities are being spotlighted (as they should be!) for their impressive ranking in the 2025 Global Cities Index. Both Melbourne and Sydney claimed spots in the top ten, which is an impressive feat, considering they were up against 1,000 of the largest cities worldwide. To compile the rankings, researchers at Oxford Economics scored each city on 27 indicators across five categories, including Economics, Human Capital, Quality of Life, Environment and Governance. Cities were scored under each of these pillars, then the results were combined to reveal the world’s top-performing cities overall. In 2025, Melbourne once again took the crown as the highest-ranking Australian city, and placed sixth worldwide. It climbed three spots from ninth in 2024, overtaking heavyweights like San Francisco, Los Angeles and Tokyo. The Victorian capital truly shone in the Human Capital category, where it ranked 12th globally – largely thanks to its high-quality universities and fast-growing economy that’s attracted many foreign workers. Melbourne also secured a spot in the top 20 cities for Economics, ranked in the top ten per cent for Environment and tied with Sydney as Australia’s highest-ranked city for Governance in 15th place.  Photograph: Visit Victoria | Rob BlackburnView of Southbank and Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre (MCEC) from Seafarer’s Bridge,

Every month, it feels like a new city is crowned ‘the best in the world’. Sydney’s no stranger to the spotlight, most recently ranking as the fifth best city for culture globally. But now, for the very first time, Sydney has cracked the top ten in the Global Cities Index – an impressive achievement, given it was up against the 1,000 largest cities worldwide. In the inaugural 2024 Global Cities Index by Oxford Economics, Sydney came in at 16th best in the world. But this year, it was one of only two new cities (alongside Boston) to enter the top ten, landing in an incredible seventh place. We ranked just behind Melbourne and overtook global heavyweights like Tokyo, San Francisco, Los Angeles, Dublin and Copenhagen, securing a spot in the top one per cent of cities worldwide. So, how does the Global Cities Index work? To compile the rankings, researchers at Oxford Economics assessed each city using 27 indicators across five categories, including Economics, Human Capital, Quality of Life, Environment and Governance. Cities were scored under each of these pillars, then the results were combined to reveal the world’s top-performing cities overall. Photograph: Supplied | Sydney by Kayak Sydney truly shone in the Human Capital category, ranking tenth globally and first in Australia – largely thanks to its world-class universities, high concentration of company headquarters and a fast-growing economy with the country’s largest population of foreign workers. We also thrived in the E

Update, May 20: One new destination, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, has been added since our last update in January 2025. You know that saying, “safety first”? When it comes to travel, it’s one of the best pieces of advice you can follow. Exploring an unfamiliar country is exciting, but can also be an overwhelming experience, so the last thing you want is to find yourself in a risky situation. To help keep your adventures stress-free this year, we’ve pulled together a handy guide on all the destinations Smarttraveller is warning Australian travellers to avoid in 2025. The Australian government's Smartraveller website is known for providing up-to-date travel advice for 178 destinations worldwide. Each country is assigned an ‘advice level’ that reflects the risk for Aussie travellers, ranging from ‘Level one: exercise normal safety precautions’ to ‘Level four: do not travel’.  Currently, Smarttraveller is urging Australians to steer clear of 23 countries across Africa, Asia, the Americas, Europe and the Middle East. Nine updated warnings have been issued in 2025 alone, including Venezuela (due to political and economic instability), Central African Republic and Chad (due to risks of terrorism, kidnapping and violent crime), and Lebanon (due to the volatile security situation).  As of May 20, 2025, Aussies are also being advised to "Reconsider their need to travel to" ten destinations. Some of these inclusions are long-standing, such as Nigeria, Ethiopia and Pakistan, whi

If you're one of the rare Melburnians who hasn't visited the land of sushi and sake – now is your chance to change that. Jetstar has launched some crazy bargain airfares to Japan this week as part of a limited time sale, with one-way flights as cheap as $377. That's cheaper than a flight to Perth! If you've been tossing up whether it's finally time to make a trip to Tokyo, here's your sign to make it happen.  Jetstar’s Sashimi Rollin’ Sale runs from Monday, May 19 until Friday, May 23 at 11.59pm AEST (unless sold out prior). This sale is perfect if you haven't sorted your holiday plans for this year – the sale airfares available from October 6 to November 15, 2025.  Photograph: Melissa Woodley Melburnians can fly to Osaka for as little as $377, and to Tokyo for just $407. When you add in the return airfare, you're looking at a price tag starting from $729. For an overseas holiday to a destination that's as popular as Japan is right now, that's an absolute steal.  These flights will be snapped up pretty quick, so don't sleep on this chance to nab your ticket to a holiday filled with omakase and onsens. You can find out more about Jetstar’s Sashimi Rollin’ Sale here. Stay in the loop: sign up for our free Time Out Melbourne newsletter for the best of the city, straight to your inbox. RECOMMENDED:  Yes! All public transport is officially free for kids in Victoria from next year Construction has kicked off on Melbourne's Suburban Rail Loop, a massive new 90km rail line acr

Happiness is one of those things that’s incredibly hard to measure. Our moods vary daily, even hourly, with no two people experiencing the same highs and lows. Thus, ranking a country on its happiness level is no easy task. That hasn’t stopped anyone from trying, though. Earlier this year, Australia landed 11th in the World Happiness Report and Adelaide cracked the top 30 in the Happy City Index. Now, a fresh study has ranked the happiest places to live for people moving abroad – and we’re chuffed with Australia’s placement. The 2025 ranking by William Russell combined data from both the World Happiness Index and the Happy City Index with factors like quality of life, GDP per capita and average life expectancy considered. We were pretty pleased to see Australia land second on the overall ranking – making it one of the happiest countries for expats to live, just behind Switzerland.  Despite missing out on first place, Australia managed to climb two spots from fourth in 2024. So, why is Australia such a happy place for expats? Let’s start with our culture. The researchers called out Australia’s strong mix of migrant and Indigenous influences, which fosters a diverse, inclusive community where newcomers can feel right at home. They also praised our ‘work hard, play hard’ mentality, backed by our generous working conditions, where full-time employees get four weeks of paid leave annually.  Australia consistently ranks near the top of the leaderboards for quality of life, life sat

It’s almost time for take off! Almost eight years ago, Qantas announced its ambitious plan to launch direct flights from Sydney to London. Clocking in at just over 20 hours, it will claim the title of the longest non-stop passenger flight in the world. The initial 2025 launch was pushed back due to technical issues and pandemic-related delays, but now a new launch date has been announced for the first half of 2027. RECOMMENDED: Three of the world’s longest flights depart from Australia – but a new record-breaker is on its way Currently, the world’s longest flight is Singapore Airlines’ direct service from Singapore to New York, which covers around 15,300 kilometres in roughly 18.5 hours. Qantas’ 17.5-hour journey from Perth to London is the world’s third longest, while the 17-hour Perth to Paris route and the 16-hour Melbourne to Dallas flight follow close behind.  Once the Sydney to London Heathrow flight launches, it will surpass them all, with an air time of around 20 hours across 17,015 kilometres. Qantas has named it Project Sunrise – a nod to the fact that passengers will witness two sunrises while onboard a single flight – surreal stuff! Photograph: Supplied Spending 20 hours in the sky sounds daunting, but the airline is pulling out all the stops to make the mega journey as comfortable as possible. Qantas will unveil 12 brand-new Airbus A350-1000s for the service, reducing the usual capacity of 300 travellers to 238 to create extra legroom and make space for ‘wellne

Whatever destination you’re looking at, Time Out’s ‘best things to do’ lists almost always feature a must-see museum. These cultural institutions hold the secrets of our favourite cities, preserving treasures from centuries past while offering glimpses of what our planet could look like in the future. To mark International Museum Day (May 18), Time Out’s editors shared some of their favourite underrated museums around the world that often hide in the shadows of their bigger counterparts. Three Australian museums feature on the list, and we think they’re well worth adding to the itinerary for your next city break. Chau Chak Wing Museum, Sydney Photograph: Supplied | Chau Chak Wing Museum | The Nicholson Collection at the Chau Chak Wing Museum ‘Hidden in the grounds of the University of Sydney, this treasure trove of a museum hasn't been around all that long (it opened in late 2020), but it has been generations in the making. The curation is more poetic than analytical – bringing together diverse artefacts from archives of art, historic antiquities, and scientific specimens – offering visitors a fresh perspective, and challenging colonial narratives.’ – Alannah Le Cross, Time Out Sydney Arts & Culture Editor MOD, Adelaide  Photograph: South Australian Tourism Commission | MOD ‘This free, futuristic museum is like no other in the country, blending art and science in a super interactive way. Across the museum’s seven interactive spaces, you’ll find all sorts of touchscreens,

While most people wouldn’t sign up to be stuck on a plane for 20 hours, you’re clearly interested in the news that the world’s longest flight is set to take off from Australia in 2027. Qantas’ ambitious plan to launch a direct 20-hour flight between Sydney and London has quickly become one of our most-read stories of the year. But given how far-flung our island continent is from the rest of the world, many of the longest flights actually already depart from Australia. Let’s take a look at the current top ten. As of 2025, the world’s longest flight is the 18-hour 50-minute journey between New York City and Singapore. First launched by Singapore Airlines in 2020, this 15,349-kilometre route is operated on an Airbus A350, which features 67 business class seats and just 94 premium economy seats (there are no standard economy seats on board). In that time, you could binge-watch all eight Harry Potter movies and still have one minute to spare. Jeepers! Singapore Airlines also runs the second-longest flight on Earth, an 18-hour and 45-minute journey spanning 15,344 kilometres from Newark, New Jersey to Singapore. If we’re measuring by distance, Qatar Airways’ Doha to Auckland route is the next longest, covering 14,535 kilometres in roughly 17 hours and 35 minutes. But if we’re going off estimated flight duration, Qantas’ Perth to London route takes the bronze, with the 14,499-kilometre journey taking around 17 hours and 45 minutes.  The fifth and sixth longest flights in the world b

If you’re one of the last remaining Sydneysiders who hasn’t explored the land of onsens, omakase and origami, take this as your sign. Jetstar has just launched a massive Japan sale, with one-way fares starting from $339. Yep, that’s cheaper than a flight from Sydney to Perth! We have no doubt these flights will disappear faster than cherry blossoms in full bloom, so fire up the group chat and start planning your trip ASAP.  RECOMMENDED: Big changes are coming for Aussie travellers headed to Japan from mid-2025, and they’ll cost you Jetstar’s Sashimi Rollin’ Sale kicks off today (Monday, May 19) at midnight AEST – definitely worth staying up for – and ends on Friday, May 23 at 11.59pm AEST (unless sold out prior). Club Jetstar members score exclusive early access to the sale from midday today, and it only costs $65 to join, which you’ll make up for with the huge savings on flights.  Photograph: Melissa Woodley Sydney travellers can fly to Japan for less than $400, with one-way fares to Osaka (Kansai) from $339 and to Tokyo (Narita) from $394. You’ll just have to make a scenic pit stop in Cairns en route to Tokyo. There are also super cheap flights available from Cairns, Brisbane, Melbourne and Adelaide from as little as $249!   You won’t have to wait long to set foot in the Land of the Rising Sun, as travel dates are available between early October and mid-December 2025. You can find out more about Jetstar’s Sashimi Rollin’ Sale here. Stay in the loop: sign up for our free 

From backyard cricket to local footy matches and tennis grand slams, sport is just part of daily life Down Under. And there’s no doubt Australia is one of the best places in the world for live sports. We’re the only country in the Southern Hemisphere to have hosted the Summer Olympics twice, have hosted more Commonwealth Games than any other nation, and have our own annual line-up of homegrown tournaments. Now, with more Aussie travellers switching into sports mode, we’re spotlighting the top destinations to catch the action. According to Skyscanner, our growing obsession with sports travel is largely thanks to the rise of ‘behind-the-scenes’ sports shows like Netflix’s Drive to Survive, Break Point and Full Swing. Their 2025 Travel Trends report reveals that more than a quarter of Aussies plan to travel either domestically or internationally to see a sporting event in 2025. And honestly, we totally get it. Nothing beats the buzz of watching the action live, joining a Mexican wave and maybe even having a cheeky tiffle with the opposing team.  While Melbourne has long held the unofficial title of Australia’s sporting capital, a new study by Compare The Market has dubbed its rival, Sydney, as the best city for a sportcation. The travel insurance site pitted the cities against each other on seven factors, including the number of sports teams, stadiums, bars, camps and parks. Photograph: Destination NSW Sydney took home gold as the ultimate city for sports spectators, with the