Melissa Woodley

Australians have a love affair with art, and with incredible galleries dotted throughout the country, it’s also one of the top reasons we travel interstate. Every year, our nation welcomes blockbuster international exhibitions, along with major showings of our most colourful and creative local talents.  Whether it’s contemporary Aboriginal art in Alice Springs, delicate glassworks in Wagga Wagga, topical portraits in Canberra or 21st-century Chinese art in Sydney, these are the top public galleries worth visiting in Australia. The best part is that most offer free entry to the permanent galleries! As a bonus, our Arts & Culture Editor, Alannah Le Cross, along with Travel & News Editor, Melissa Woodley, have also put together a guide on the best art exhibitions to see in Australia right now. 🌳 The 20 top tourist attractions in Australia👀 Australia's finest museums☀️ The best things to do in Australia

Right now, it feels like a great time to celebrate our cities. What cities do best is bring people together – everything we love about urban life, from the galleries and bars to the neighbourhood parks, exists thanks to the communities that make it all happen.  That’s why, every year, we raise a toast to the city with our definitive annual ranking, created on the back of a comprehensive survey of city-dwellers worldwide. Our survey asks not only what people love about their cities – the food scene and nightlife, the shops and museums, the parks and people – but also how it feels to live there. We asked you about happiness, affordability and quality of life, among a variety of other criteria. And, in order to dig deeper into the everyday lives of locals, this year we expanded our survey to cover aspects like love, romance and community feel. Time Out’s Best Cities with Intrepid Travel spotlights the destinations that offer the best of both worlds: an endlessly exciting catalogue of reasons to visit, as well as all the good stuff that makes a place feel like home. The 50 cities that made the list this year did so thanks to the insights of more than 24,000 people across 150 cities worldwide. To determine the final Best Cities ranking for 2026, we combined their thousands of responses with the votes of more than 100 Time Out city experts. Then we tapped up our network of local writers to tell us exactly what makes their city worth a visit right now. The result? A rundown of the m

Sydneysiders love a roasted chook. Across the city, rotisseries slowly spin around, luring us with their smoky aroma, coaxing us to abandon all plans of cooking dinner at home and order a chicken and chips instead – with extra garlic sauce, of course. From long-time Lebanese legends to humble Portuguese flame-grilled specialists, our chicken shops have been perfecting the art of the charcoal chook for decades. And while every suburb swears that its neighbourhood gem is the best, we’ve done the delicious legwork to round up the chicken shops that consistently deliver golden, juicy birds with side dishes that hit just right. The only question is: is your local chook shop on the list? Stay in the loop: sign up for our free Time Out Sydney newsletter for more news and things to do, straight to your inbox. RECOMMENDED: Want more? Check out the Sydney's best restaurants right now. Looking to tighten your belt? Here's our list of the city's best cheap eats. 

Ah, food. Glorious, glorious food. If there’s one thing Australians will happily cross state lines (or book flights) for, it’s a very good meal – ideally paired with an equally excellent drink in hand. In 2026, the festival calendar is once again stacked. Nearly every state, city and regional town now has a signature food and drink celebration, many built around what grows best in their own backyards: cool-climate pinot in Victoria, seafood pulled straight from the ocean in Queensland, tropical flavours in the Top End and produce so fresh it barely makes it off the farm. These events bring together the country’s best chefs, winemakers, farmers, brewers and producers – often in places you’d happily plan a long weekend around anyway.  So, whether you’re a wine wanker, a seafood seeker, a beer buff or a truffle hunter, here are the food and drink festivals in Australia that turn a good weekend away into the whole point of the trip. Editors' favourite food and drink festivals in Australia: 🍷 Best for wine lovers: Orange F.O.O.D Week, NSW 🍽️ Best for serious foodies: Melbourne Food and Wine Festival, VIC 🍜 Best for something new: Darwin International Laksa Festival, NT 🍽️ The best restaurants in Australia🎸 The best music festivals in Australia

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, Australia's best bakeries 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, including big bakery fan Melissa Woodley, have narrowed it down to a handful of the best bakeries in Australia right now. NB: There are so many incredible bakeries scattered across the country, but this list focuses on highly-rated spots in Australia's major cities. We'll leave the hidden gems and regional favourites for you to discover for yourself. Want more? Here are the best bakeries in: Adelaide | Brisbane | Canberra | Darwin | Hobart | Melbourne | Sydney | Perth

Did you know Australia’s last-standing pub theatre is right here in Sydney? Found below Woolloomooloo's 150-year-old Old Fitzroy Hotel, the Old Fitz Theatre is the place for boundary-pushing shows from some of the city's most talented creatives. If you find a night free, and feel like something different – and supporting indie work! – check out what's on here.  Now, let’s dive into more theatrical fun currently on in Sydney. If you loved & Juliet and Six the Musical, then I reckon you’ll love Head Over Heels, now on at Hayes Theatre. From the makers of Hedwig and the Angry Inch, Avenue Q and Spring Awakening, this is a serotonin-spiking queer comedy musical with Shakespearean-style romance and ’80s hits. Get your tickets here. Afterglow is a striking new work, now playing at the Eternity Playhouse in Darlinghurst until March 22. The Broadway hit is said to be a “raw, funny and sensual exploration of polyamory, commitment and modern love.” Get your tickets here. In an exciting coup, the most awarded new American play of 2025, Purpose, is on now at STC's Wharf 1 Theatre. Our reviewer gave it five stars – you can read it here. The excellent Gatsby at The Green Light has returned to the Sydney Opera House until March 29, transforming the Studio into a 1920s-inspired club plucked from F. Scott Fitzgerald’s iconic world. Scroll on for the best musicals, plays and more to see in Sydney this month. RELATED READS: It’s guaranteed laughs galore at the Comedy Store Make Tuesdays more

France – the home of love, day drinking, red berets and impossibly stylish people. It’s also home to fine French fare: everything from soft cheeses and fresh baguettes to bouillabaisse bursting with the flavour of the sea. When your annual leave is all dried up, Francophiles can get their fix at one of Sydney’s many excellent French restaurants. Here are the best places to dine on French cuisine, from steak frites to silky crème brûlées, so you can feel oh-so French any day of the week. 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. While you're here, check out: These are the best Italian restaurants in Sydney Here's where to find the tastiest Greek food in Sydney Quench your thirst with our list of the best bars in the city

This list is from 2024. Our latest ranking for 2025 is live here. In 2024, what exactly makes a neighbourhood cool? Craft breweries, natty wine bars and street art are well and good, but the world’s best, most exciting and downright fun neighbourhoods are much more than identikit ‘hipster hubs’. They’re places that reflect the very best of their cities – its culture, community spirit, nightlife, food and drink – all condensed in one vibey, walkable district. To create our annual ranking, we went straight to the experts – our global team of on-the-ground writers and editors – and asked them what the coolest neighbourhood in their city is right now, and why. Then we narrowed down the selection and ranked the list using the insight and expertise of Time Out’s global editors, who vetted each neighbourhood against criteria including food, drink, arts, culture, street life, community and one-of-a-kind local flavour. The result? A list that celebrates the most unique and exciting pockets of our cities – and all their quirks. Yes, you’ll find some of those international hallmarks of ‘cool’. But in every neighbourhood on this list there’s something you won’t find anywhere else. Ever been to a photography museum that moonlights as a jazz club? Or a brewery with a library of Russian literature? How about a festival dedicated to fluff? When communities fiercely support and rally around their local businesses, even the most eccentric ideas can become a reality. And that, in our eyes, is

This list is from 2025. Our latest ranking for 2026 is live here. People who don’t live in cities will tell you they’re busy, lonely and expensive places. But there’s a reason so many people choose to live in them: with world-class art and culture, unbeatable food and nightlife, buzzing neighbourhoods and a dizzying amount of stuff to do and see, there’s simply no better place to be.  Every year, we take the pulse of city living by quizzing thousands of locals across the planet about life in their hometowns. This year, more than 18,500 city-dwellers shared their insights on everything from food, nightlife and culture to affordability, happiness and the overall city vibe. When urban living can sometimes feel isolating and costly, this year we wanted to get a sense of what, exactly, makes a city feel like home. Sure, the nightlife is great, but is the city safe and walkable? Is good quality food and art available at a reasonable price? Is it easy to make friends, find love, and access nature?  Livability was a key factor in our ranking this year. But a great city to live in is, naturally, a great city to visit. So, along with the thousands of responses from locals around the world, we asked Time Out’s global network of city experts to vote on the places they think are particularly exciting right now. After crunching all that data, here we are: Time Out’s definitive ranking of the world’s best cities in 2025. Read on to see how your hometown fared… RECOMMENDED:🛍️ The coolest n

We all know Sydney and Melbourne – they’re the go-to cities for any traveller touching down in Australia. But once you’ve ticked off all the bucket list items – we’re looking at you, Sydney Harbour Bridge and Opera House – where to next? Sure, you could continue adventuring along the Great Ocean Road to Adelaide, or wind your way up the coast to Brisbane – but why not shake things up? Our Travel & News Editor, Melissa Woodley, has handpicked ten underrated Aussie destinations that are packed with hidden natural wonders, incredible eateries and fascinating events. So, ditch the crowds and head to these lesser-known, yet equally awesome cities in Australia. Labelling a city as ‘underrated’ might ruffle a few feathers with the locals. For us, ‘underrated cities’ are those that sit in the shadow of their state’s capital, yet pack just as much awe and adventure. So, here’s our list of Australia’s most underrated cities at the moment. But fair warning – they might not stay under the radar for long. 🌈 All the best places to visit in Australia🚗 The best day trips in Australia

What are the best restaurants in Australia? With one of the world's most diverse and exciting dining scenes, narrowing down the very best is no easy task – but don't worry, we've done the hard work (and plenty of eating) for you. Our expert editors, including resident foodie Melissa Woodley, have tasted their way across the country to curate this list of the best restaurants Australia has to offer, from fine-dining institutions to hidden neighbourhood gems. So, what’s the secret recipe to an exceptional dining experience? When compiling Time Out’s list of the best restaurants in Australia, we considered a mix of ingredients: talented chefs, stylish decor, lively ambience, top-notch drinks and, of course, unforgettable food. Luckily, Australia’s restaurant scene is sizzling with spots that check all these boxes, plus so much more. Here are the best restaurants in Australia right now. Editor's favourite restaurants in Australia: ⭐️ Best bucket-list: Saint Peter, NSW 💎 Best hidden gem: Warrior Restaurant and Bar, QLD 🥂 Best for special occasions: Wildflower, WA 🌊 Best view: Rick Shores, QLD 🌍 Best sustainable: The Agrarian Kitchen, TAS Jump to list: NSW | VIC | QLD | WA | SA | TAS | ACT | NT For more about how we curate our reviews and guides, see our editorial guidelines. 🍹 The best bars in Australia⭐️ The best hotels in Australia

Noosa might be best known for its golden beaches and relaxed coastal charm, but it’s dining scene is just as impressive. The resort town has no shortage of excellent eateries that buzz with locals and travellers from dusk until well after dawn. Many of the trendiest restaurants line the iconic Hastings Street, with the fanciest spots sitting mere metres from the golden sands of Main Beach. Meanwhile, waterfront institutions in Noosaville showcase the region’s finest seafood, and Noosa Junction brings a laid-back mix of global flavours – from French crêpes and fluffy bao buns to woodfired pizzas. Our Travel & News Editor Melissa Woodley has visited Noosa multiple times and knows the perfect spot for every occasion – whether you’re after a romantic dinner, a breezy beachside lunch or a special occasion feast. Take your pick from this ultimate list of the best restaurants in Noosa. Editor's favourite restaurants in Noosa: 💎 Best for views: Season Restaurant ⭐️ Best new opening: Cibaria Noosa 🍽️ Best for groups: Light Years 🌊 The best things to do in Noosa🍽️ The best restaurants on the Sunshine Coast

You know that post-night-out buzz? The one after a really good date or wild night out with friends, where you’re smiling all the way home in the Uber, replaying the best moments in your head, before falling asleep in a dopamine haze. That’s the exact spell Head Over Heels cast on me. This gloriously camp, joy-filled queer musical is basically the recipe for a perfect night out: a wacky story, boppy tunes played live on stage, impressive costumes and props, and a cast where every member channels ‘main character’ energy. Brought to us by Hayes Theatre Company and Well Done Creative (the makers of Hedwig and the Angry Inch, Avenue Q and Spring Awakening), Head Over Heels is a brilliant reminder of just how vital and dazzling small theatre productions are in Sydney. As a humble theatre fan, I believe this show deserves to be a sell-out – so consider this your gentle nudge to snag a ticket before the season ends on March 22. What is Head Over Heels about? Combining Shakespearean-style romance with the iconic '80s pop anthems of The Go-Go’s, Head Over Heels is a joyous celebration of nonconformity. It’s set against the legendary all-woman band’s boppy tunes, like ‘We Got the Beat’ and ‘Our Lips Are Sealed’, with a side serve of Belinda Carlisle’s stratospheric solo career, including the anthemic ‘Heaven is a Place on Earth.' But if you’re expecting it to be a biopic about The Go-Go's rollicking adventures on the road, you might be in for a surprise. Head Over Heels is actually a lo

It’s 8am on a Sunday and I’m cruising down the streets of bustling Sydney. It’s hard to believe that in just under an hour, I’ll arrive at a serene wellness retreat that will be my sanctuary for the next two nights. Even 15 minutes out, I can hardly believe somewhere so private and peaceful could be hiding so close to the city – and yet, here it is. The moment I step out of my car, the pace of the world slows down. Sunlight filters through the gum trees, birdsong drifts on the morning breeze and the chaos of everyday life seems to disappear. This was exactly the vision for Billabong Retreat. Built from the ground up by Paul von Bergen, this tranquil oasis was designed as a healing place to reconnect with nature and recharge your mind, body and soul. For two days here, I swapped Wi-Fi for wellness workshops, notification pings for the hum of cicadas and screen time for baths under the stars. It was the dreamiest digital detox, made even better with calming yoga sessions, nourishing plant-based meals, opt-in meditations, luxe spa treatments and eco-comfort cabins for overnight stays (though day trips are also available from a very reasonable $125). Why stay at Billabong Retreat? Billabong is so much more than your average wellness retreat. It offers a rare chance to escape the city without actually leaving, swapping screens for yoga, meditation, bush walks and genuine human connection. The magic of Billabong lies in its simplicity and inclusivity – welcoming everyone from first

Broadway smash-hit musical Waitress is making its Melbourne (and Australian) debut in 2026, blending sweetness, sass and soulful songs in one heartwarming show. The Tony-nominated production is set to premiere at Her Majesty's Theatre in May 2026 for an exciting, month-long run.  As one of the world’s newer Broadway sensations, Waitress made its debut in New York in 2016, where it ran for four years. Based on the late Adrienne Shelly’s cult 2007 indie flick of the same name, the musical has been whipped into a moving tale of self-liberation against the odds. The show is brought to life by a trailblazing, female-led creative team, featuring a book by acclaimed screenwriter Jessie Nelson, an uplifting score by Grammy winner Sara Bareilles (including the showstopper anthem, ‘She Used to Be Mine’), and direction by Tony winner Diane Paulus. “It’s been a dream of mine to see Waitress (finally) find its way to Australia,” said Sara Bareilles. “This story is about dreams, friendship and the courage needed to learn to love oneself, which feels so universal and so timely.” As the name suggests, the story follows Jenna, a small-town waitress and seasoned pie maker who dreams of escaping her rocky marriage and starting fresh. When a baking contest and an unexpected new romance give her a taste of change, Jenna discovers that the secret ingredient to happiness might be closer than she thought. The Australian premiere of Waitress has been years in the baking – and we’re ready to have our

If paradise had a postcode, 2753 would be it – specifically Bowen Mountain, an adorable grassy town in the foothills of the Blue Mountains, just 80 minutes from Sydney CBD. The Blueys have long been my trusty escape from the hustle and bustle of the city, where the world melts into misty peaks, lush bush and the soft soundtrack of bird calls. But at Spicers Sangoma Retreat, that faraway feeling is taken to a whole new level. I had big expectations for this all-inclusive, eco-luxe lodge, which was one of just nine hotels to score two keys in Australia’s inaugural Michelin hotel awards. The phrase “all-inclusive” is a dream to most travellers – think all meals sorted, unlimited drinks and a complimentary minibar that’s restocked daily. Sure, those perks were appreciated – but in the end, it was the genuinely warm service, chef-hatted dining and premium amenities that made my stay memorable. Why stay at Spicers Sangoma Retreat? True to its name – the Zulu word for ‘healer’ – Sangoma feels like a serene, safari-style hideaway, complete with African-inspired interiors across its eight luxury bush suites. It’s the sort of place you escape to when you want to switch off completely, with hours spent roaming through the surrounding bushland, lazing by the solar-heated infinity pool, steaming in the sauna or sipping wine fireside. It’s also a swoon-worthy couples’ retreat, with two-person tubs overlooking the forest canopy, matching robes and slippers, complimentary Champagne and a bi

Despite being one of the world’s most isolated inhabited islands, Norfolk Island offers plenty of accommodation for visitors. The best part is that there are no five-star, skyscraper hotels to spoil the island’s charm. Every property here is boutique, with a homely feel that wraps you in the warmth of the island and lets you move at your own pace. Seascape Norfolk Island – a collection of four ocean-view cottages – embodies that perfectly. Set amid lush, flowering gardens just eight minutes from town, Seascape offers two- to four-bedroom villas ideal for both couples, families and larger groups. Each cottage is self-contained, giving you your own private slice of paradise, complete with a fully equipped kitchen, spacious lounge areas and an outdoor deck where you can breathe in the fresh air and admire the Pacific Ocean views. What is Seascape Norfolk Island like? A vase of pretty pink flowers, hand-picked from the garden, greets me on the table. In the kitchen, a bowl brims with fresh free-range eggs. My welcome pack even includes a gift card to the local coffee shop and a preloaded local mobile for use during my stay. It’s these thoughtful touches that make Seascape Norfolk Island feel genuinely special. This boutique collection of accommodations offers a pair of two-bedroom villas, the slightly larger two-bedroom Tern Cottage or the ultimate four-bedroom Horizon Cottage. Walking into Horizon Cottage – my base for my four-night stay on Norfolk Island – I immediately felt li

Queenstown is famous for its epic ski fields, dramatic mountains, pristine lakes and, of course, Fergburger. You truly appreciate its popularity when you spot the queue snaking down Shotover Street, which is exactly what I saw as I rolled into town. I arrived at lunchtime, AKA burger o’clock, which made finding a park rather stressful – but somehow I lucked out and pulled straight into the driveway at Crowne Plaza Queenstown by IHG. This shiny, white hotel sits right in the heart of town, directly opposite Lake Wakatipu and a five-minute walk from the legendary Fergburger. It’s arguably one of the town’s most convenient addresses, perfectly positioned just away from the bustle of Steamer Wharf, the mall and Main Town Pier. Beyond its top location, the hotel houses 139 bright rooms with stunning lake or mountain views. Whether you’re here for the ski season, an adventurous hike or a family getaway, Crowne Plaza Queenstown has everything you need for a comfortable stay. What are the rooms like at Crowne Plaza Queenstown? The views truly steal the show at Crowne Plaza Queenstown. The four-star hotel is home to 139 bright rooms, boasting vistas of Lake Wakatipu, the Remarkables mountain range or the private sunny courtyard. I’d recommend booking one of the lakeside rooms, where you can enjoy sweeping views of New Zealand’s longest lake and the surrounding dramatic mountain ranges from your own private balcony. Sunlight spilled into my spacious room, highlighting the natural colou

The three crystalline towers of The Langham Gold Coast are like jewels in the Surfers Paradise skyline, but it’s not just the exterior that brings diamonds to mind. This modern, five-star resort, complete with an award-winning day spa and health club, two swimming pools, six dining venues and panoramic ocean views, delivers an equally high-carat experience once you cross the threshold. When The Langham welcomed its first guests in June 2022, it marked the first luxury beachfront hotel debut on the Gold Coast in more than three decades. Three years on, we can confirm that it's still shining just as brightly as on day one. Why stay at The Langham Gold Coast? I caught my first glimpse of The Langham long before I arrived at its doorstep. Its three glistening towers stand loud and proud between Surfers Paradise and Broadbeach, with the two outer towers housing 170 ‘Jewel Residences’ (think luxury serviced apartments) and the tallest, central tower boasting 169 rooms and suites. But you’re paying for far more than just a place to sleep. This luxe hotel is home to six standout dining and drinking experiences, including a signature beachfront restaurant, a Michelin-starred Cantonese fine diner, a fancy high tea haven and a lively outdoor pool bar. Then there’s the luxurious wellness centre on level two, featuring an indoor magnesium pool, a multi-purpose health studio and a fancy day spa. Plus, with the beach just steps away, it doesn’t get much better than this. What are the rooms

If anyone ever complains about Canberra’s nightlife, just nod quietly and then laugh all the way up the stairs to Bar Rochford, where you will be enjoying a glass of the grippy, slightly volcanic Rami wine from COS in Sicily. This is undoubtedly the best little wine bar in the ACT, and once you’re here, you’ll never ever want to leave. You know how they talk about some venues being timeless? Well, this place is locationless. Once you’re up in the cosy confines of this first-floor bar, you could be in Melbourne, Berlin or deepest Darlinghurst. There’s a stack of records on the wall, a roll-down specials list on brown paper, early hip hop on the stereo and super lovely staff wearing vintage shirts. Big arched windows at one end let in light and brighten the space, but a real log fire keeps things toasty on a bracingly cold Canberra evening, and they have enlisted a team of excited young guns to run the joint. Let them guide you on a vinous adventure that traipses the world, but if you don’t order food too, it’s a lost opportunity. The $90 set menu isn’t a cop-out; it’s more like a tour of their latest and greatest seasonal hits. Think smoked beef tongue with anchovy mayo; lamb ribs (or cauliflower for vegos) with black bean and honey; and crème brûlée tart, if you’re shooting for the stars.  RECOMMENDED: The best restaurants in Canberra

Set inside a heritage confectionery shop – no larger than your average sauna – this cosy Liverpool Street diner is the latest venture from acclaimed chef Luke Burgess (ex-Garagistes). Scholé takes its name from the Greek word for leisure, which is fitting for a space that encourages creativity and conversation, all centred around a communal ten-seater table. The share-style menu sways with the seasons, featuring biodynamic and local produce in elegant snacks like steamed wild angasi oysters from St Helens with fresh wasabi oil and hemp seed froknäcke (cracker) topped with salt-cured pike and pink radish. Larger plates are seafood-centric, where you could enjoy anything from smoked eel and raw scallops to albacore tuna and grilled swordfish. Complete the experience with a natural wine, a considered cocktail or a pour of premium Japanese sake. Time Out tip: On Tuesday nights, Scholé transforms into a buzzy tachinomi – a casual Japanese-style standing bar serving a tight selection of snacks and drinks. It’s walk-in only, so rock up early to secure a spot.

First built in the 1830s as a flour mill and water supplier, this historical building at the mouth of Cataract Gorge has gone on to become Launceston's premier destination for fine dining and boutique accommodation. With a strong focus on sustainable local produce like Cape Grim beef, abalone and wallaby, it’s a firm local favourite as well as a national award winner. The hyper-seasonal menu evolves to hero the region's freshest local produce, and the wine list is considered one of the best in the state, featuring many gems from the cool climate Tamar Valley.  Time Out tip: The earlier you book, the better the view – seats with water views are given to those who book first. RECOMMENDED: The best things to do in Launceston

When it comes to Canberra’s best restaurant views, Lunetta takes the cake – or the torta, considering it’s Italian. After a dramatic three-year hiatus, this spaceship-like dome atop Red Hill Lookout has been reborn, with a young superstar chef, Tristan Rebbettes (ex-Mona Farm, Saint Peter, Café Paci), leading the charge. In true Italian style, you must start with spuntini – may we recommend the gnocco fritto with honey and pecorino? Then make way for woodfired flatbreads with antipasti, including a selection of cheeses, salumi and cured fish. For secondi, share baked vodka pasta, a rich duck ragu or a whole market fish with puttanesca sauce. Celebrating a special occasion? Go big with the one-kilogram bistecca alla fiorentina. A lovely little torta caprese with dark chocolate, crème fraîche and orange will finish your night off nicely.  Time Out tip: Swing by Lunette during aperitivo hour from 3pm to 6pm for $18 cocktails and snacks starting at $6.50.  RECOMMENDED: The best restaurants in Canberra

If the sweeping oceanic views haven’t already sold you, the food and finesse at Gibney surely will. This sophisticated brasserie ticks all the boxes, with plush banquette seating and a glam bar all softened by a coastal colour palette. With a menu that reads as a who’s who of Australia’s most premium producers, you can’t go wrong. Start with fresh seafood and snacks, before moving on to premium mains, including a grilled O’Connor 3+ sirloin, Shark Bay clam spaghetti and Fremantle swordfish cooked in cider beurre blanc – don’t forget to mop up the to-die-for sauce with a buttered slice of sourdough. Since its inception, Gibney has proven to be one of the best restaurants in Perth for both lunch and dinner services, seven days a week. Time Out tip: For ultimate comfort, book a booth for your group and sit back, relax, and let Gibney do the hard yakka, with a side of the Fremantle Doctor, of course. RECOMMENDED: The best restaurants in Perth

Will four-day workweeks soon become less of a pipe dream? You’d be hard-pressed to find an Aussie who wouldn’t hope so. Shorter workweeks aren’t just a win for employees (hello long weekends, every weekend); trials have shown they can boost productivity, improve job satisfaction and reduce stress across the board. If you’re on board for a four-day workweek, Australia’s major employee unions have your back. They’re pushing the federal government to legislate a shorter 30.4-hour week as part of a review of Australia’s national employment standards – the first in 13 years. As part of its submission, the Australian Services Union (ASU) – which represents more than 135,000 workers across industries like transport, social services, local government, airlines and the private legal sector – has called for a standardised four-day workweek, with no loss of pay. The union’s submission points to the growing complexity of modern working life, as well as the rise of AI, as reasons a four-day workweek is both necessary and achievable for businesses. The ASU’s proposal follows a separate submission from the Australian Council of Trade Unions (ACTU) – the peak union body representing around 2 million workers across all affiliated unions in Australia – urging the federal government to reduce maximum weekly hours from 38 to 35 and increase hourly rates by 8.5 per cent as an initial step towards a four-day workweek. The ACTU has also called for annual leave to be increased from four to five week

Update, March 2026: This month, many Middle Eastern countries have been added to Australia's 'do not travel' list due to the volatile security situation and military strikes, including Qatar, the United Arab Emirates and Bahrain. 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 2026. 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 31 countries across Africa, Asia, the Americas, Europe and the Middle East. Meanwhile, as of March 12, 2026, Aussies are also being advised to 'Reconsider their need to travel to' 12 destinations. Some of these inclusions are long-standing, such as Nigeria, Ethiopia and Pakistan, while others pop up momentarily due to unforeseen events, like political strikes. It’s worth checking the list frequently to stay up-to-date on any movers an

This one’s for the gals! Nike is taking its hugely popular After Dark Tour on the road again, and Sydney is one of seven lucky global stops. After the huge success of this exclusive, women-focused half marathon last year – with 50,000 runners taking part globally – it’s safe to say the series is gonna be a big hit in 2026. Nike's After Dark Tour has a long history in Australia, kicking off almost 14 years ago with its first-ever after-dark run for women – originally called Nike She Runs the Night – in Sydney. The series soon went global, lighting up major cities around the world until 2015. After a long hiatus, Nike relaunched its beloved After Dark Tour last year, bringing back a celebration of women’s running culture that’s all about empowerment, competition and community. Photograph: Supplied | Nike After Dark Tour Our Travel & News Editor Melissa Woodley was one of the 50,000 women who took to the streets worldwide, calling it her “most fun and feel-good race yet.” The 2025 Sydney race hosted 7,000 women alone, including Olympian Sinead Diver, Australian of the Year Grace Tame and champion Isobel Hume. But you don’t need to be a pro athlete to sign up for this empowering half marathon. It’s incredibly inclusive, and Nike helps you stay motivated by connecting with fellow participants in the lead-up. The 2026 event is set for the evening of Sunday, September 27. While the official course is yet to be revealed, epic post-race celebrations are guaranteed – think pumping li

Adelaide has long lived in the shadows of Melbourne and Sydney, but it’s finally being recognised alongside Australia's big cities. In Time Out’s newly released World’s Best Cities list for 2026, the South Australian capital was one of only three Aussie cities to land in the top 30. On the home front, it was a record-breaking year, with an Australian city topping the list for the very first time. Melbourne earned that top honour, while Sydney landed in a very honourable 21st place and Adelaide came in at 29th. We know you’re probably wondering how exactly this list is compiled. For Time Out’s tenth annual Best Cities series, we surveyed more than 24,000 city dwellers worldwide about life in their hometowns. We quizzed them on 44 different criteria, covering everything from food, nightlife and culture to affordability, happiness and the overall city vibe. The data was then combined with expertise from more than 100 Time Out city editors to create the official top 50 list. Adelaide’s 29th-place ranking is a big deal for South Australia, especially considering the capital didn’t even make last year’s Best Cities list. But we think its spot in the top 30 is very well deserved – here’s why. Photograph: South Australia Media | Liam PearsonGlenelg Beach, Adelaide Wedged between vine-laced hills and a wild stretch of coastline, this compact city delivers big on dining, culture and pretty landscapes. Our Travel & News Editor, Melissa Woodley, visits Adelaide multiple times a year an

Australia just landed the biggest claim to fame in Time Out’s hall of fame! For the first time in history, an Aussie city has taken the top spot on Time Out’s annual list of the 50 best cities in the world. Melbourne reigns supreme, while Sydney lands at 21st and Adelaide makes an appearance at 29th – ranking above the likes of Beijing, Amsterdam, Vancouver and San Francisco. So, how did Melbourne come to claim this top honour? For the tenth anniversary of Time Out's Best Cities series, we surveyed more than 24,000 city dwellers worldwide about life in their hometowns. We quizzed them on 44 different criteria, covering everything from food, nightlife and culture to affordability, happiness and the overall city vibe. This data was then combined with expertise from more than 100 Time Out city editors to create the official top 50 list. After finishing fourth last year, Melbourne climbed three spots to claim the title of the best city in the world for 2026 – edging out runners-up Shanghai, Edinburgh, London and New York. Melbourne locals gave their home town high marks across the board, particularly for factors relating to happiness. An impressive 94 per cent of Melburnians rate their food scene highly, 92 per cent praise the city’s arts and culture, and it ranks as the third-best city in the world for Gen Z. Phoograph: Josie Withers When asked what makes the city so great, Time Out Melbourne’s Managing Editor, Leah Glynn, says, “It’s a case of, ‘Where do we start?’ There’s th

When you think of iconic Aussie foods, you probably picture meat pies, pavlova, lamingtons and Vegemite. But there’s one icon missing from the list that many outside South Australia might never have heard of: the pie floater – a meat pie submerged in a bowl of mushy pea soup, topped with tomato sauce and vinegar. Can a dish that isn’t known nationwide really be considered an ‘icon’? Absolutely. The pie floater is so iconic that the National Trust of Australia officially recognised it as a South Australian Heritage Icon back in 2003. I’m ashamed to admit I went more than 25 years without ever trying one, so on a recent trip to Adelaide, I finally decided to see if it lived up to the hype. By looks alone, the pie floater isn’t exactly appealing. The traditional dish consists of a meat pie, typically beef, served upside down in a bowl of thick, mushy green pea soup, finished with tomato sauce and sometimes a splash of vinegar. But don’t judge this book by its cover… Photograph: Melissa Woodley for Time Out Pie floaters have been a late-night staple for South Australian revellers since the late 19th century. Originally, they were served from horse- and hand-drawn pie carts on the streets of Adelaide, most famously Balfour's Pie Cart outside the Railway Station on North Terrace. The dish is said to have been invented in Port Pirie by a baker called Ern ‘Shorty’ Bradley, who likely drew inspiration from England’s pie and pea soup suppers. While Adelaide’s last surviving regular p

Festival fever is an unofficial condition that spreads far and wide in Australia. Whether music and culture or food and drink, we're a nation of festival-lovin' peeps who’ll happily travel for a good time, great tunes and even better eats. If you're looking to bulk up your festival calendar in 2026, we've got an underrated gem to put on your radar – and it's just been crowned the best festival in Australia. This week, the Abbey Medieval Festival in Queensland's Moreton Bay won gold in the Festivals and Events category at the prestigious annual Qantas Australian Tourism Awards. More than 170 finalists vied for top honours across 26 categories, with winners decided through a rigorous national judging process featuring nominees from every state and territory. Despite being Australia’s biggest medieval celebration, there's a high chance you've never heard of this historic festival. Held each July just north of Brisbane, the 35-year-old festival transforms the grounds of the Abbey Museum of Art and Archaeology into a medieval village full of pomp and pageantry. Visitors, whose numbers have spiked to more than 20,000 attendees over the years, travel back in time to see knights in shining armour, jousting tournaments, medieval-style marketplaces and roaming minstrels. Thousands of performers and historical re-enactors recreate daily life from 600 to 1600 AD, turning the entire site into a living history experience where the sights, sounds and stories of the Middle Ages come to life.

If 2026 is your year for catching flights, not feelings, we’ve found a new adventure for you – striding down the tarmac at the brand-new Western Sydney International (Nancy-Bird Walton) Airport. You don’t need a boarding pass for this one, but some speedy race shoes might come in handy… For the first time ever, Sydneysiders will have the chance to run down Australia’s newest international runway before it welcomes its first passengers and planes in October 2026. This once-in-a-lifetime Runway Run/Walk event will turn the nearly-complete airport into a historic racecourse, with distances from a half-marathon to 14-kilometre, seven-kilometre and four-kilometre events. Photograph: Supplied | Runway Run/Walk The 3.7-kilometre runway loop might just be Sydney’s flattest racing course, with no hills, no traffic lights and no tight corners (AKA perfect for chasing a personal best). Half-marathon runners will loop the smooth, flat runway three times, enjoying long uninterrupted straights and a rare behind-the-scenes look at the airport. Photograph: Supplied | Runway Run/Walk Participants in the 14-kilometre event will complete two laps of the runway, while the seven-kilometre course is a single lap. The four-kilometre race is ideal for sprinters or families looking for a fun challenge. There’s also a family-friendly Community Runway Walk, but this event has already reached capacity with more than 10,000 walkers signed up. Entries for the half-marathon start from $110, while the 4

Few things make Aussie travellers more nervous than the moment the bill lands on the table in a foreign country. Suddenly, you’re doing mental maths, converting currencies and wondering how much the waiter will judge you if you leave the wrong amount. Australia isn’t exactly known for its tipping culture. Sure, we might add an extra ten per cent or round up the bill if we’ve had an exceptional meal or service, but tipping isn’t mandatory here like it is in other parts of the world. Given this, knowing how much to tip when overseas can be incredibly confusing. The travel experts at eShores revealed to us that tipping can add an extra 15 per cent to your overall holiday budget. To help you avoid unexpected expenses – and awkward moments – we’ve broken down exactly how much you should tip in five popular holiday destinations. How much to tip in the United States? Tipping is expected in the United States, and you will be judged if you skip it. The minimum wage for service workers is far lower than in Australia and many rely heavily on tips to make a living. In restaurants, it’s standard to leave around 20 to 25 per cent, while in bars it’s suggested to tip $1 to $2 per drink and around 20 per cent in taxis. How much to tip in Japan? It’s a completely different situation in Japan, where tipping isn’t expected and can even be considered rude. The Japanese pride themselves on great service, and leaving extra money may come across as implying that the staff aren’t paid fairly. How mu

It feels like the year has only just begun, yet somehow we’ve said sayonara to summer and hello to autumn. There’s a lot to love about the fresh season – cool air, colourful trees and a packed festival calendar, including the Melbourne International Comedy Festival and Melbourne Food and Wine Festival – but the one thing many of us are sad to see go is daylight saving. That’s right, Victorians will be saying goodbye to that extra hour of evening sunlight when daylight saving officially ends on Sunday, April 5. Now the all-important question: do we lose or gain an hour of sleep? Here’s everything you need to know about the end of daylight saving in Victoria in 2026. When does Victoria daylight savings end 2026? This year, daylight saving ends on Sunday, April 5, when the clocks wind back from 3am to 2am. Do you lose an hour of sleep when daylight savings ends? One good thing about daylight saving ending is that we gain an extra hour of sleep on the morning of April 5. With the shift, sunrise and sunset will happen one hour earlier, meaning brighter mornings but darker evenings. So, hooray for sunrise strolls, but boo for commuting home from the office in the dark.  When do clocks go back for daylight savings? Anyone who uses their smartphone as their alarm clock won’t have to worry about this one – it’ll automatically do the job for you. But if you’re kicking it old-school with an analogue clock or watch, you’ll need to wind it back by one hour in the morning on April 5. We su

Living in Australia’s cultural capital, we Melburnians very much appreciate a night at the cinema. Sure, streaming from the comfort of your own couch is tempting, but there’s something magical about seeing a film on the big screen – especially in one of the world’s finest theatres. In Melbourne, we’re spoiled for choice when it comes to picture palaces – from Art Deco institutions to boutique arthouses and mainstream multiplexes. And now, two of them have earned a spot among the world’s 100 greatest cinemas in a new ranking by Time Out. Global Film Editor Phil de Semlyen teamed up with local kino experts from around the globe to compile the list, spotlighting almost exclusively single-use picture houses that are still thriving. Photograph: Carmen Zammit Crowned Australia’s most beautiful theatre in 2025, St Kilda’s Astor Theatre cracked the global list of the greatest cinemas at number 61. Dating back to 1936, this grand Art Deco treasure is Melbourne’s oldest single-screen theatre and has survived several crises to earn heritage status. It’s a rep cinema haven, famous for legendary screenings like Talking Heads’ Stop Making Sense, while also hosting 75mm presentations of the latest blockbusters. The homemade choc tops are the icing on the cake. Photograph: Supplied On the other side of the city, the Sun Theatre in Yarraville also features on the global list, landing at number 72. The Sun has been shining in this corner of Melbourne since 1938, growing from a massive sing

A trip to the cinema is a nostalgic pastime for many Australians. The buttery smell of popcorn wafting through the foyer, retro signboards listing the day’s screenings, pleading with your parents for a choc-top and settling into a tufted red seat – just in time to watch the full 20 minutes of ads. These days, theatre dates are more of a novelty, with many of us opting to stream from the comfort of our own couch at the touch of a button. But there’s something magical about seeing a movie on the big screen, especially in one of the world’s finest theatres. To celebrate the movie meccas still thriving, Time Out’s Global Film Editor Phil de Semlyen teamed up with local kino experts from around the globe to put together a list of the 100 greatest cinemas on the planet right now. The list spotlights almost entirely single-use picture houses rather than venues that double up as theatres or gig venues – and six of them are right here in Australia. Photograph: Graham Denholm | Hayden Orpheum Picture Palace The highest-ranking Aussie cinema on the list is the spectacular Hayden Orpheum Picture Palace in Sydney’s Cremorne, landing at number 30. This 90-year-old Art Deco gem is a stunning step back in time, featuring six glitzy auditoria, each with its own colour scheme. However, the true star of the show is the 744-seat Orpheum, where a genuine Wurlitzer cinema organ rises from a stage pit on weekend evenings, complete with flashing lights and a grinning organist. Sydney’s small but p