Melissa Woodley

Australia’s world-famous beach town has blown up in recent years – morphing from hippie haven into certified celebrity playground. And amid its sparkling shores, rolling hinterland and dreamy waterfalls, you’ll now find a mix of luxe hotels, rejuvenating retreats and trendy boutiques that attract everyone from locals on staycation to Hollywood A-listers searching for the ultimate Aussie escape. Holidaying in Byron is a breeze for Aussies, with regular Jetstar flights from cities like Sydney and Melbourne to Ballina-Byron airport – or even to the Gold Coast, which is just a zippy 40-minute drive away. You can score one-way tickets for less than $100, meaning you’ll have more to splurge on hotels dripping with luxurious facilities, world-class dining and decadent pampering. We’ve cherry-picked some of our favourite luxury hotels in Byron Bay where you can live the high life, if only for a few opulent days. After all, you’re in Byron baby! 🍽️ All the best restaurants in Byron Bay🌴 Australia’s most incredible resorts and lodges✨ The hottest new hotel openings this year

Planning the best family holidays in Australia are one of the greatest gifts you can give your kids, leaving them with memories to last a lifetime. But let's be real: planning the actual trip can be so stressful that you often leave booking until the last minute... only to find the most popular kid-friendly resorts already snapped up.  Whether you're bringing the youngsters on a bucket-list overseas trip or simply wanting to travel around your home country with your little ones, we've got you covered with our round-up of the best family-friendly resorts in Australia. From beachfront resorts with waterslides and aquariums to magical castle- and crocodile-themed stays, there's something on this list for every kid – and their adults too. Here is your ultimate guide to the best family resorts in Australia. Editor's favourite family-friendly resorts in Australia: 🏝️ Best for beach babies: Daydream Island Resort, QLD 🦁 Best for animal lovers: Jamala Wildlife Lodge, ACT 🔮 Best for storybook adventures: Kryal Castle, VIC 👧🏻 The best things to do with kids in Australia🏝️ The best family holiday destinations in Australia

We Aussies are a lucky bunch. You only need to drive an hour or so from any major Australian city to wind up in some of the most beautiful places on earth. However, with so many of the best day trips in Australia, picking which road to venture down can be quite a challenge. To make life easier, our Travel & News Editor, Melissa Woodley, has cherry-picked a selection of the best day trips from Australia's capital cities – many of which she's tried, tested and would happily do all over again (if only there were more days in the year). From heritage-listed towns and coastal hangouts to mountain escapes, Australia has something for every explorer. Now, all that’s left for you to do is to load the car and hit the open road. Editors' favourite day trips in Australia: 🌊 Best West Coast day trip: Perth to Rottnest Island 🌳 Best East Coast day trip: Sydney to Blue Mountains ☀️ Best Top End day trip: Darwin to Litchfield National Park JUMP TO: Sydney | Melbourne | Adelaide | Perth | Brisbane | Canberra | Hobart | Darwin  🚘 The best road trips in Australia🌳 The best regional towns you can tick off in a day

You’ll have plenty of reasons to rise and shine in Brisbane. With an array of the Sunshine State’s finest cafés and some of Australia’s highest calibre coffee roasters, choosing where to go first is an unexpected (but fun) challenge.  To help you find your new favourite, our local food writers and Time Out's Travel & News Editor, Melissa Woodley, have collated this guide to Brisbane’s best cafés, tried and tested. From hidden laneway gems and suburban corner stores to quirky Vietnamese spots, we've got you covered. All that’s left for you to do is eat your way through it. Editor's favourite cafés in Brisbane: 🥑 Best CBD brunch spot:  Felix for Goodness 😋 Best for fusion brunch: Café Disco ☕️ Best for specialty drinks: Kin For more about how we curate our reviews and guides, see our editorial guidelines.  🍽 Best restaurants in Brisbane🥐 Brisbane's best bakeries☕️ Brisbane's top coffee spots

Looking for the best places to visit in Australia? Call us biased, but we reckon our nation 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 cities, our Travel & News Editor Melissa Woodley (who has visited every Aussie state and territory) has curated this ultimate guide to 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 wonder: Great Barrier Reef, Queensland 😍 Best iconic landmark: Uluṟu, Central Australia 🌊 Best city break: Hobart, Tasmania 🌈 Best island escape: K'gari (Fraser Island), Queensland 💎 Best hidden gem: Adelaide Hills, South Australia Jump to list: QLD | NT | WA | NSW | SA | VIC | TAS 🇦🇺 The best tourist attractions in Australia🚘 The best regional towns in Australia

Australia is packed with many incredible natural landmarks, gorgeous sightseeing spots and once-in-a-lifetime experiences – but with so much choice, it's hard knowing which Australian icons are actually worth your time. Our Travel and News Editor, Melissa Woodley, has drawn on her adventures across every state and territory to curate this list of the best tourist attractions in Australia. We've skipped the tourist traps (sorry, Bondi Beach and the Big Banana) to bring you the ultimate hit list of sights that live up to the hype. From the world’s largest coral reef to the oldest continually surviving rainforest and the best sunset-watching location on Earth, these are the definitive experiences for your great Australian bucket list. Editor's favourite tourist attractions in Australia: Best urban landmark: Sydney Opera House Best outdoor icon: Great Barrier Reef Best cultural sight: Uluṟu Best art institution: MONA (Museum of Old and New Art) Best hidden gem: Port Arthur Historic Site 😱 The best places to visit in Australia🌊 The best beaches in Australia

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

We're saying it loud and clear: Darwin is one of Australia’s best-kept secrets. It’s that far northern city where people put ice in their beer, dodge cyclones and take their lives into their hands if they ever step into the sea. And while there's something a little untamed about Australia’s northernmost capital city, that’s what makes it so much fun to visit.  Whether you’re here to access the majesty of Kakadu and Litchfield National Parks, check out the incredible international food scene or just planning to kick back by the water in this tropical paradise while the rest of the country shivers through winter, there’s something in Darwin for everyone. Our expert writers (including Time Out's Travel & News Editor, Melissa Woodley) have curated the ultimate guide on the best things to do in Darwin for your next trip. Editors' favourite things to do in Darwin: 🎬 Best for families: Deckchair Cinema 🍜 Best for foodies: Mindil Beach Sunset Market ☀️ Best for a hot day: Museum and Art Gallery of the Northern Territory (MAGNT) When is the best time to visit Darwin? We recommend visiting Darwin during the dry season (May to October). Sunny days, clear blue skies and low humidity are ideal for exploring the city and nearby national parks. However, there are still plenty of fun things for locals and visitors to do during the shoulder and wet seasons, like visiting the MAGNT and Crocosaurus Cove. 🍽️ The best restaurants in Darwin🚗 The best day trips from Darwin🍸 The best bars in

Darwin's best cafés have seriously stepped up their game in recent years, and now we’re spoiled for choice with brunches and barista brews that are anything but basic. Narrowing down the best spots is no easy feat, but someone’s gotta do it. Luckily, our local writers, along with Time Out’s Travel and News Editor, Melissa Woodley, have chomped and sipped their way through the city's café scene to bring you the best recs. Whether you need a quick caffeination station on the way to work, are hunting for a relaxed brunch spot while on holiday or simply need some breakfast laksa, the Top End's growing café scene has you well and truly covered. Here are the best cafés in Darwin right now. Editor's favourite cafés in Darwin: 🍜 Best for breakfast laksa: Kopi Stop 🥑 Best for all-day brunch: Laneway Coffee ☕️ Best for coffee: Coffee Man For more about how we curate our reviews and guides, see our editorial guidelines. 🍽 Darwin's best restaurants🥐 The best bakeries in Darwin☕️ The best cafés 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

When you think ‘safari’, what springs to mind? Red-dusty plains, sweltering heat, exotic animals and perhaps a roofless Jeep. As it turns out, there’s a little more to the word than meets the eye. In Swahili, a language spoken widely across East Africa, safari means ‘expedition’ or ‘journey’ – and plenty of those are waiting for you Down Under. Australia's best safaris feature a range of adventures, from classic animal encounters to snorkelling, sandboarding and swimming with whales. For the adrenaline junkies, we’ve tracked down all the coolest ones that you have to add to your bucket list. Now, what to tick off first? Editor's favourite safaris in Australia: 🦒 Best wildlife safari: Werribee Open Range Zoo Sunset Safari 🐋 Best water safari: Ningaloo Discovery Whale Shark Swim ⭐️ Best overnight safari: Jamala Wildlife Lodge 🦘 The best zoos and wildlife reserves in Australia🤿 The best places to go scuba diving Down Under

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.

African cuisine isn’t super common in Australia’s dining scene, but award-winning South African-born chef Duncan Welgemoed’s Africola is nothing short of legendary. It’s one of those restaurants that makes you consider booking a flight to Adelaide just for dinner. The super buzzy restaurant serves South African-style barbecue with the addition of North African flavours and ingredients, like pickled vegetables, hummus and flatbreads. The meat comes from animals bred and raised exclusively for the restaurant, which is then rubbed in aromatic spices and grilled or smoked in a woodfire oven. Good times are guaranteed! Time Out tip: Try to nab bar seats so you can watch the open kitchen in action.  RECOMMENDED: The best restaurants in Adelaide

At Adelaide’s first open-flame restaurant, main character energy comes from a three-and-a-half-tonne wood-burning oven that sizzles everything from local figs and spiced cauliflower to Murray cod with sweet corn sauce, as well as the dry-aged wagyu T-bone. Michelin-trained chef Jake Kellie heads this sleek barbecue restaurant, which is housed inside a heritage-listed sandstone building. You can dine à la carte from Arkhé’s seasonally-driven menu, or try for a seat at the exclusive chef’s table, located in the heart of the restaurant. Sip on enticing cocktails with the likes of a Wattleseed Negroni and Watermelon Fizz, which sit atop Arkhé’s extensive drinks list. Time Out tip: We quite like the seating at the very back of the restaurant, which backs onto a leafy courtyard – it’s like you’re outside but you’re inside all at the same time. There’s something rather calming about it. RECOMMENDED: The best restaurants in Adelaide

Named after a Japanese style of pottery, Raku blurs the lines between art and sustenance. The menu is extensive, showcasing seafood in all its rainbow glory. You can have it raw in the kingfish served with truffle yuzu, cold in a spanner crab sushi roll, or hot as king prawns doused in XO butter. Masters of the blades, the chefs expertly slice up fresh snapper, tuna belly and scallops into sashimi or nigiri; add crunch with popcorn shrimp on the tempura menu; and grill high-grade Wagyu on a robata charcoal grill. The carefully adorned plates are a spectacle in themselves, never mind the super sleek, monochrome fit-out to boot. From the $60 express lunch to the $170 royal tasting degustation, Raku will leave you wishing you had the moolah to dine here daily – or maybe you do, but that’s none of our business. Time Out tip: Gluten-free, gang, rejoice. There’s a five-page menu dedicated to you, featuring treats like chargrilled cauliflower with miso-butter mayonnaise and soft shell crab tempura. RECOMMENDED: The best restaurants in Canberra

Though it’s only 15 minutes from Adelaide’s city centre, Penfolds’ Magill Estate Restaurant is set high enough among the foothills to offer stellar views back over the CBD. They’re matched by seriously sophisticated food; Chef Scott Huggins works with the finest South Australian produce in an innovative degustation menu that can be paired with predictably brilliant wines (go all out and order some Grange – you know you want to). “It is my honour to create dishes that are a combination of refinement, magic and flavour. So that every guest leaves with a sense of bewilderment, and that lingering question...how?” That's what Chef Huggins stands by, and we’re here to tell you that we wholeheartedly agree that bewilderment is what you shall get from the delicate dishes. The fire and coals play a big part in this, mind you. Magill Estate Restaurant only accommodates 34 diners at any given time, so bookings are recommended to avoid any disappointment. Time Out tip: For a more laid-back dining experience with the same dreamy views, head next door to the newly revamped Magill Estate Kitchen. Here, you can enjoy classic fish sandos and Mayura Station rump cap bresaola for under $20, or indulge with the all-new grill menu featuring dry-aged tomahawk by the kilo, half lobsters with béarnaise and freshly made pasta. RECOMMENDED: The best restaurants in Adelaide

Pack the picnic blanket, a tea thermos and a pair of binoculars. In early May, Australian skies will come alive with an extremely bright meteor shower that goes by the name of the Eta Aquarids. You’re going to want to set those alarms, rug up and head outside, because it's not every night that you get to bear witness to a 2,000-year-old celestial show. At its absolute peak, you can expect to see up to 50 fast-moving meteors per hour! Here’s everything you need to know about catching the Eta Aquarids in Australia during their peak from May 6 to 7. What is the Eta Aquarids meteor shower? The Eta Aquarid shower is a fast-moving and notoriously unpredictable celestial show that occurs when the Earth passes through the debris left behind by the better-known Halley’s Comet. What makes the Eta Aquarid particularly spectacular is its speed, with the meteors travelling at around 50 kilometres per second.  Every year, the Eta Aquarids typically light up the skies between April 19 and May 28, with peak activity usually occurring in early to mid-May. When is the Eta Aquarids meteor shower in Australia?  Stargazers in Australia will have their best chance at seeing the Eta Aquarids when they peak on the night between Wednesday, May 6 and Thursday, May 7. In the past, they've been particularly active from 2am to 6am local time. During these hours, look to the eastern skies and you should begin to see a sporadic smattering of meteors lighting up the sky. The keyword here is sporadic: meteor

Sydney’s recent chilly spell got you dreaming of a tropical escape? We hear you. And thankfully, there are two new getaway options that comes without the Bali-style crowds. From this autumn onwards, Sydneysiders can fly directly into two of Indonesia’s most underrated destinations – and for a seriously affordable price. This May and June, Singaporean low-cost airline Scoot will launch Australia’s first flights to Belitung and Pontianak. Never heard of these destinations? Neither had we – but one look at the photos and we’re basically packing our bags.First up: Belitung. Tucked off the eastern coast of Sumatra, this tropical gem is known for its giant granite boulders scattered across white-sand beaches, crystal-clear snorkelling spots and little offshore islands you can hop between. Life here moves at a much slower pace than bustling Bali, making it perfect for those in need of some serious R&R. From May 3, Scoot will launch twice-weekly flights from Perth, Sydney and Melbourne to Belitung via Singapore, with one-way fares starting at $233. Photograph: Dwi Damarnesia via Unsplash Next up: Pontianak. Sitting right on the equator, this culturally rich city is home to the Equator Monument, where you can literally stand between the northern and southern hemispheres. Wild! It’s also set along Indonesia’s longest river, the Kapuas River, where boat rides and floating markets are part of daily life. From June 29, Scoot will operate three flights per week from Australia via Singapo

Update Thursday, April 23: 7 Paintings has just announced an exclusive six-month residency at Crowne Plaza Adelaide Mawson Lakes, running until September 2026.  Fine dining is an art form in itself. Plates become palettes for smears of gel and puree, ribboned vegetables, finely sliced meats and a confetti of condiments, creating an edible masterpiece that looks too good to eat – almost. Now, a brand-new multisensory dining experience is launching in Brisbane, Melbourne and Adelaide, bringing art and gastronomy together in a whole new way. You can quite literally dine alongside seven of the world’s most famous artists, with their masterpieces projected across the table and mirrored on your plate. Originating in Dubai and having wowed diners all across Europe, 7 Paintings is far from your average dinner date. State-of-the-art projection mapping will transform each table into a living canvas for the world’s most iconic masterpieces, meaning you can admire them and eat them at the same time. Talk about dinner and a show! Photograph: Supplied | 7 Paintings   As diners move through the seven courses, they’ll travel across centuries – from a delicate olive, stracciatella and charcoal tartlet echoing the refined drama of Michelangelo, to a bold, edible vegetable painting recreating Jackson Pollock's iconic drip technique, and a playful crème brûlée inspired by the dreamlike surrealism of Salvador Dalí. Throughout the experience, guests can expect to paint, solve riddles and fully i

Dreaming of a tropical escape but don’t want to deal with the Bali crowds? We’ve got you. From this autumn onwards, Melburnians can fly directly into two of Indonesia’s most underrated destinations – and for a seriously affordable price. This May and June, Singaporean low-cost airline Scoot will launch Australia’s first flights to Belitung and Pontianak. Never heard of these destinations? Neither had we – but one look at the photos and we’re basically packing our bags.First up: Belitung. Tucked off the eastern coast of Sumatra, this tropical gem is known for its giant granite boulders scattered across white-sand beaches, crystal-clear snorkelling spots and little offshore islands you can hop between. Life here moves at a much slower pace than bustling Bali, making it perfect for those in need of some serious R&R. From May 3, Scoot will launch twice-weekly flights from Perth, Sydney and Melbourne to Belitung via Singapore, with one-way fares starting at $233. Photograph: Dwi Damarnesia via Unsplash   Next up: Pontianak. Sitting right on the equator, this culturally rich city is home to the Equator Monument, where you can literally stand between the northern and southern hemispheres. Wild! It’s also set along Indonesia’s longest river, the Kapuas River, where boat rides and floating markets are part of daily life. From June 29, Scoot will operate three flights per week from Australia via Singapore, starting at just $277. You can explore travel dates here.Stay in the loop: sig

Update Thursday, April 23: The first completed Qantas A350 rolled out of the hangar in France on April 12, with two months of flight testing to follow. The new and improved planes will feature the world's first in-flight ‘wellbeing zones’, with on-screen exercise programs, sculpted handrails and a self-serve refreshment bar. You can read more about it here. 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 up to 22 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 up to 22 hours across 17,015 kilometres. The direct services will cut up to four hours off total travel time, compared with one-stop services today. Qantas has named i

There’s nothing fun about an ultra-long-haul flight – except maybe the chance to binge on movies and drink free alcohol 30,000 feet in the sky. But if you’re planning to trek it from Sydney to New York or London in the near future, we have good news for you. Qantas will soon add 12 new and improved A350-1000ULR aircraft to its fleet, featuring the world's first in-flight ‘wellbeing zones’.  Launching in early 2027, these planes are the backbone of Project Sunrise – the world’s longest routes, flying non-stop from Sydney to London or New York, with an air time of up to 22 hours. The first completed Airbus rolled out of the hangar in France on April 12, with two months of flight testing to follow. Photograph: Supplied | Qantas By reducing aircraft capacity from 300 to 238 seats, Qantas has carved out space for these sophisticated wellbeing zones. They'll be located between the economy and premium cabins, utilising acoustic panelling and soft, ambient lighting to create a calm sanctuary above the clouds. Image: Qantas To encourage passengers to get up, stretch and reset, the wellness zones will also be fitted with on-screen exercise programs featuring digital instructors, sculpted handrails specifically made for stretching, and a healthy, self-service refreshment station with snacks and hydration beverages. The best part is that the wellness zones are totally free for all passengers! Those living the (quite literal) high life in business class can look forward to a two-metr

Get ready, green thumbs! Australia’s floral capital is set to out-bloom itself in 2026 with the biggest Toowoomba Carnival of Flowers to date. For its 77th milestone, the country's longest-running flower festival is expected to welcome half a million visitors from around the globe to the Garden City. Over four spectacular spring weekends, more than 80 events will take root, headlined by the return of the iconic Grand Central Floral Parade and an expanded lineup of signature foodie experiences. While the Toowoomba Carnival of Flowers is still months away, the council has already sown the seeds for more than 40 million petals set to splash colour across the city’s major parks like confetti. As always, this year’s major displays are in the Queens Park Botanic Gardens and Laurel Bank Park – both open daily and free to explore. But wandering pretty much anywhere around the city will take you past a photogenic curation of blooms. Photograph: Supplied | Toowoomba Carnival of Flowers The official carnival runs across four weekends – from Friday, September 18 to Monday, October 5 – but the main shebang happens on Saturday, September 19. That’s when more than 30 floral floats will wind their way from Herries and Hume Streets, along Margaret Street and into Queens Park for the beloved Grand Central Floral Parade. With the 2026 festival theme set as ‘Spring Adventures’, both parade entrants and spectators are encouraged to go all out with colourful, imaginative floral designs. This yea

For anyone who loves the ultimate trio of carbs, tomato sauce and cheese, Australia is a slice of heaven. Yep, our nation’s top chefs proudly make some of the best pizza in the world, regularly securing spots on the elite 50 Top Pizzas list. Now, the Australian dough scene has scored another accolade, with Brisbane-based chef Stefano Spataro having been crowned the second-best classic pizza chef in the entire world at the 2026 Campionato Mondiale della Pizza (World Pizza Championship). Hosted annually in Parma, Italy, this annual competition is pretty much the Olympics of pizza making. The 2026 edition drew a massive field of almost 800 pizzaiolos from 55 countries, all battling it out for glory across categories ranging from traditional Neapolitan and Roman to gluten-free and freestyle. Across three high-pressure days, Stefano Spataro went head-to-head in the classic, gluten-free and Neapolitan categories. The Sicilian-born, Brisbane-based chef not only placed in the top 40 across all three events, but bagged the silver medal in the classic category, outshining more than 350 other competitors. Rooted in Sicilian tradition with a modern twist, Spataro’s pizza – the Marea Siciliana – featured a thin crust, topped with fresh tomato sauce, whipped sheep ricotta, Mediterranean anchovies, capers, black olives, and a drizzle of wild fennel and parsley olive oil. He described it as “a harmonious balance of savoury and salty notes,” and the judges were clearly impressed. Photograph:

Love an office with a view? We may have just found the coolest one! The Whitsundays – easily one of the most beautiful places on Earth – is officially recruiting for what they’ve dubbed 'the best job in Australia’. Stepping into the role of Chief Icon Officer, the lucky candidate has one clear mission: to find out what makes The Whitsundays so iconic. A pretty easy job, if you ask me! Valued at $10,000, this ten-day contract role includes return domestic flights, accommodation, food and experiences. From snorkelling the Great Barrier Reef and swimming at Whitehaven Beach to hiking, mountain biking and reviewing the local dining scene, all you need to do is document it all on The Whitsundays’ social media channels. Oh, and you get to bring an ‘executive assistant’, with all their expenses covered too. Sounds like the ultimate ‘bring your bestie to work’ day. Photograph: Shannyn Higgins To apply, simply post a video on TikTok or Instagram with the #iconofficer hashtag, answering one of these three questions: show the Tourism Whitsundays team why you're an icon, showcase your favourite local icon (a person, place or thing), or tell them what makes something iconic. There’s also a short form you’ll need to fill out here. Applications are open now and close on May 8, with the role starting sometime between May and July, 2026. Best job ever! Stay in the loop: sign up for our free Time Out Australia newsletter for more news, travel inspo and activity ideas, straight to your inbox

Calling all star-gazers! If you're in the mood for a dose of awe, mark your calendars. An exciting celestial spectacle will light up the skies above Victoria this month – flying at lightning speed, a torrent of meteors will whizz across the sky and burn up in the atmosphere to create beautiful, sparkling flashes of light. The annual astronomical event happens around the world from mid-to-late April each year, here's everything you need to know about the 2026 Lyrid meteor shower.  When can you see the Lyrid meteor shower in Melbourne? Every April, the Lyrid meteor shower is visible for about a two week period. This year, the Lyrid meteors will be at their most active between April 16 to 25, and are expected to peak just after midnight on Wednesday, April 22 or in the early hours of the morning on Thursday, April 23.  On these days, you can expect to witness up to 20 shooting stars per hour shooting through the sky, with sporadic flashes of light visible at night throughout the two-week period. This helpful interactive map will tell you exactly when to look up based on your location.  What is the Lyrid meteor shower? This astronomical spectacle is created when the Earth makes its annual journey through the dust trail left by comet Thatcher (C/1861 G1). When the small chunks of debris collide with our atmosphere, they disintegrate, forming fiery streaks in the sky that look like shooting stars when viewed from Earth. Lyrids are one of the world’s oldest meteor showers, with th

We’ve all been there. It’s 3pm on Hump Day and all you can think about is inhaling a block of chocolate. What do you reach for? A gooey Turkish Delight, a crumbly Flake, a nutty Picnic or a classic Dairy Milk? Perhaps all four, if you’re feeling cheeky. If Australia had a superpower, eating chocolate would definitely be one of them. Aussies are among the world’s biggest chocoholics, consuming roughly six kilograms of the sweet stuff per person each year. We have Cadbury to thank for a chunk of this. The brand produces a whopping 57,000 tonnes of chocolate every year – more than any other chocolate brand in Australia. I was lucky enough to go behind the scenes at Cadbury’s massive factory in Claremont, Tasmania, which has been operating for more than 100 years and produces roughly 200 different products. Not only did I get a peek at how all the magic happens (it really is a Willy Wonka dream), but I also got to taste a whole bunch of chocolate blocks myself. Naturally, I have my favourites… which got me thinking: what are the most popular Cadbury chocolate bars in Australia? I asked the chocolate gods to spill the (cocoa) beans and here are the results… Photograph: Melissa Woodley Topping the list in 2025 is the Cadbury Twirl, a delicate, melt-in-your-mouth treat made from thin ripples of chocolate, with each bar featuring its own unique swirl. At the Tassie factory, they make more than 4,000 tonnes of Twirl products per year, equivalent to more than 110 million bars! Fun fa

Let’s face it: right now, travel ain't cheap. But just when we thought flight prices were only going up, Qantas has decided to surprise us with a massive nationwide sale. Starting today, the airline's latest domestic sale features more than 2 million discounted fares across Australia’s top cities and regional routes, with flights starting from just $99. The one-week-only sale kicks off today (April 21) and ends at 11.59pm (AEST) on April 28, unless sold out prior. You won’t even have to travel during dud dates, with fares available through to March 2027. This includes the upcoming June long weekend and the busy winter school holidays – music to the ears of parents everywhere. Whether you’re dreaming of a tropical beach escape, a fast-paced city break or a quiet regional retreat, Qantas’ sale fares likely have you covered. The cheapest one-way flights start at $99, with flights to Melbourne from Launceston, Devonport or Burnie all for less than a hundred dollars a pop. And for less than $140, you can also score seats from Melbs to the Gold Coast or Sydney. Photograph: Destination NSWSydney Harbour aerial at dawn with Royal Botanic Gardens, Opera House and Sydney CBD All fares include checked baggage and complimentary food and drinks (score!), with business class sale fares also up for grabs from $299. You can explore all the sale routes and travel dates here.Stay in the loop: sign up for our free Time Out Melbourne newsletter for the best of the city, straight to your inbox.