Melissa Woodley

Not to toot our own horn, but Australia’s coffee culture is world-class. In 2025, an Aussie café was named the best coffee shop on Earth, and this year, six more exceptional coffee spots joined it on the highly anticipated list.  To help you find the best coffee in Australia, we've tapped into the wisdom of our most devoted coffee drinkers and writers around the country. From sourcing and roasting the finest beans to crafting flawless espresso and filter brews, these roasters and cafés are masters of the craft. Now, go grab yourself a hot coffee and start reading through the list of the best coffee in Australia. For more about how we curate our reviews and guides, see our editorial guidelines. 🥐 The best croissants in Australia🍹 The best bars in Australia

With its stunning beaches and glorious gardens, Sydney is a city with nature therapy on tap. And while a walk in the park or a splash in the ocean can be a good fix for all manner of ills, sometimes what you really need is an all-out indulgent spa day.  Thankfully, the Harbour City is home to some of the most incredible day spas in the country – palaces of rejuvenation ranging from a super-affordable communal bathhouse to a luxe harbourside spa in one of the city’s most high-end hotels.  Our editors – including self-care enthusiast Winnie Stubbs – have valiantly volunteered to try out Sydney’s leading spas, and have put together this list based on how revitalised we felt as we stepped back into the real world. Every few months, we hunt down a new gem to add to the list – Sydney’s wellness game is on the up, and it’s our job to shout from the rooftops about the places that will make you feel like the best version of you.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:  Keen to head further afield? These are the best spas in the Blue Mountains. And these are the best facials in Sydney.Planning a mum-and-daughter day? These are the best afternoon teas in Sydney.

Update Tuesday, February 17: Following a sold-out Australian tour that wrapped up in February 2024, Moulin Rouge! The Musical is set to strut back into Sydney in 2027. The ten-time Tony Award-winning show’s arrival in Australia is a homecoming of sorts; it is of course based on Baz Luhrmann’s 2001 film, which was filmed here. There’s never been a quiet year for theatre in Australia. From the bright lights of Broadway and the West End to our very own stages, Australia is lucky to host some of the world’s most spectacular musicals. We’re also a hotbed for homegrown gems, with fresh and experimental shows lighting up stages across the country every month.  From the grand return of the world’s #1 musical, The Lion King, and the spectacular outdoor harbour production of Phantom of the Opera to the Aussie premieres of Waitress and Anastasia, this year’s theatre line-up is shaping up to be one of the most exciting yet. Here are all the biggest and best musicals to see in Australia, listed in order of what's currently showing/hitting the stage next. 👀 The best art exhibitions in Australia🎉 The most exciting events of 2026

Hobart's nightlife isn’t exactly heaving with activity after dark like its bustling mainland counterparts, but the city punches above its weight when it comes to bars. From hidden cocktail lounges and underground drinking dens to heritage pubs and waterfront watering holes, this guide rounds up the best bars in Hobart for every kind of night out. It helps that the local booze, like the food, is world-renowned – the beer, the wine, the whisky, the gin. Whatever your poison, it all adds up to a good time. So whether you're a Dirty Martini person or partial to a tinnie (or three), our expert writers, including Hobart local Josie Rozenberg-Clarke and Time Out Australia’s Travel & News Editor Melissa Woodley, can both attest to every inclusion on this list of the best bars in Hobart. Bottoms up! Editor's favourite bars in Hobart: 🍹 Best for cocktails and snacks: Sonny 🌅 Best for date night: Lucinda Wine Bar 🎶 Best beer garden: Preachers For more about how we curate our reviews and guides, see our editorial guidelines. 🍽 The best restaurants in Hobart🍕 The best pizza in Hobart

You might come to Perth for its breathtaking sunsets and beautiful beaches, but the city's food scene will convince you to extend your stay. The best restaurants in Perth showcase world-class Western Australian seafood, prized Manjimup truffles and award-winning wines from nearby regions like Margaret River and the Swan Valley.  Picking where to eat in Perth isn't easy – the city spoils you with everything from cool coastal eateries to charming European bistros and hidden laneway curry houses. Luckily, you're in safe hands. Our contributing food writer, Dale Anninos-Carter, has teamed up with Time Out's Travel & News Editor, Melissa Woodley, a regular visitor to the WA capital, to bring you this list of the best restaurants in Perth. So, put that appetite of yours to good use and get feasting. Editors' favourite restaurants in Perth: ✨ Best for special occasions: Wildflower 🍹 Best for seafood and spritzes: Madalenas ⚡️ Best for groups: Light Years For more about how we curate our reviews and guides, see our editorial guidelines. 🍷 The best bars in Perth☕️ The best cafés in Perth

Hobart’s food scene is undoubtedly one of the best in Australia, and the locals will happily back that up. As will Time Out Australia’s Travel & News Editor, Melissa Woodley, who after dining across every state and territory, can confidently say the best restaurants in Hobart rival those in Sydney and Melbourne. There are plenty of reasons Hobart has become a must-visit destination for food lovers. In recent years, a wave of acclaimed chefs has swapped the high-pressure kitchens of the mainland for Hobart’s relaxed, produce-driven lifestyle. This influx of talent, paired with Tasmania’s exceptional seafood, cool-climate wines and farm-fresh ingredients, has transformed the Hobart dining scene into one of the country’s most exciting. From intimate ten-seater bars and waterside fine diners to world-famous museum restaurants, here are the best restaurants in Hobart to score a reservation (or a walk-in table) at. Editors' favourite restaurants in Hobart: 😍 Best for views: Faro Bar and Restaurant 🌱 Best for special occasions: The Agrarian Kitchen 🍹 Best for snacks and spritzes: Restaurant Maria For more about how we curate our reviews and guides, see our editorial guidelines. 🍷 The best bars in Hobart☕️ The best cafés in Hobart

Dreaming of your next luxury getaway? It's time to check in – and fully check out – at one of the best luxury resorts and lodges in Australia. Whether you’re planning a romantic getaway, a once-in-a-lifetime honeymoon or a milestone family holiday, Australia’s top resorts deliver unforgettable experiences in every corner of the country. There, you can connect with the very best of Aussie culture, take in the most stunning landscapes and embark on some of the nation’s most bucket-list experiences. Our Travel & News Editor, Melissa Woodley, has been lucky enough to stay at some of these five-star properties and has rounded up all the ones to add to your bucket list. Here are all the best resorts and lodges in Australia for your next getaway.  Editors' favourite resorts in Australia: 🌊 Best for views: Southern Ocean Lodge, SA 🏝️ Best for privacy: Lizard Island Resort, QLD ⭐️ Best for families: Jamala Wildlife Lodge, ACT QLD | NSW | VIC | SA | TAS | WA | NT | ACT ✨ The best luxury hotels in Australia🤩 The hottest new hotel openings in Australia Time Out makes a small commission from the affiliate links included in this article. These links have no influence on our editorial content, but they do help us to bring you more recommendations every week. For more information, see our affiliate guidelines.

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

More hotels mean more excuses to pack a bag, right? From fancy five-star stays to design-led boutique properties, Australia's hotel scene is booming, giving travellers plenty of reason to test-drive the latest openings. After all, who doesn’t want to be the first to swan-dive into a crisp king bed or wrap themselves in a robe so fresh it hasn’t yet seen a room-service tray? In late 2025, Australia welcomed a wave of new coastal and city gems, including Elysium Noosa Resort, InterContinental Sydney Coogee Beach and Hannah St Hotel in Melbourne CBD. This year, our Travel & News Editor Melissa Woodley has her eyes set on Avani Mooloolaba Beach Hotel, the Sunshine Coast's first new hotel in almost 40 years, and the Hilton Palm Cove Cairns Resort & Spa, set to open in early 2026. Scroll on for the full roll call of Australia’s newest hotels – and the ones still teasing us from behind construction fences. 🌴 The best resorts and lodges in Australia⛺️ The best free campgrounds in Australia

It's one of the first places you'll visit as a tourist, a pre-theatre go-to, and home to some of the most iconic views in the world – but being a tourist hotspot means Circular Quay is not without its pitfalls. Thankfully, apart from the over-priced tourist traps, there’s still great eating and drinking to be had in the area if you know where to look. Living in Sydney – and working as a professional eater and drinker – I’ve spent my fair share of time in Circular Quay. Below, I’ve rounded up the best restaurants and bars in and around the harbour, from flash fine diners like Quay and Aria to Basque-inspired wine bar Deux Frères, cheap-and-cheerful spots like Mary's and Belles Hot Chicken, and top-notch watering holes Opera Bar and Apollonia. There’s a mix of price points and cuisines, but they’re all ace (unlike the annoying seagulls) – and somewhere you'd want to bring your mates from overseas. 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. After restaurants in other parts of Sydney's city? Check out our guide to the best restaurants in the CBD. Want more? Check out our ultimate guide to the best restaurants in Sydney here.

If there was any lingering doubt that Brisbane is a world city, it was put to rest the moment we scored the 2032 Olympics. Since then, the River City's been named one of the world's trendiest travel destinations and one of the friendliest places to live. Whether you're a local or just passing through, our editors have compiled the ultimate guide to the best things to do in Brisbane right now. In QAGOMA, the city has two of the best-designed art galleries on the planet, and blockbuster art to show in them. Sure, we've got great barbecue spots, but you'll also find some seriously impressive fine dining experiences and rooftop bars, too. Add in that year-round sunny climate (though slip, slop, slap please) and a great set of river walkways and public transport connections, and you’ve got yourself a city that’s a dream to explore. Start ticking off this list of the best things to do in Brisbane. Editors' favourite things to do in Brisbane: 🐶 Best for families: Bluey's World 😋 Best for foodies: Eat Street Northshore 🧺 Best for locals: West End Markets 🌳 Free things to do in Brisbane🚗 The best day trips from Brisbane🥐 Brisbane's best bakeries

It’s a truth universally acknowledged that Australia is home to some of the most beautiful beaches in the world. With a whopping 12,000 beaches fringing our island continent, it would take a wild 32 years to see them all – if you tackle one per day. Assuming that your 32-year plan doesn't singularly involve beach hopping around Australia (although we can, of course, dream), we've put together a list of the best beaches in Australia that you should visit at least once in your life. This list of Australia's best beaches, curated by our Travel & News Editor Melissa Woodley, showcases destinations that aren’t just stunning to look at but genuinely brilliant to experience. Each is known for its remarkable beauty, prime swimming conditions (read: you won't see a beach with saltwater crocs on this list) and proximity to other incredible activities, so your adventure doesn't end with just one dip. So grab your swimmers, pack the sunscreen and start planning. Here are the best beaches in Australia to visit at least once in your life. Editors' favourite beaches in Australia: 💙 Best of all time: Whitehaven Beach, QLD 🤍 Best hidden gem: Stokes Bay, SA 💚 Best views: Wineglass Bay, TAS QLD | NSW | WA | TAS | VIC | SA  🌊 The best nudist beaches in Australia🏄 The best surf beaches in Australia

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

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

Every city should be so lucky as to have a bistro like Gerard's. The new-look restaurant offers a beguiling mash-up of Middle Eastern and modern Australian cuisines, with dishes designed to share. The game plan is simple: breads and dips, raw and fermented plates, seafood and meat mains, then desserts. You could also easily opt for one of Gerard's set menus, featuring signatures like the fresh barbari bread with a side of goat's curd, the crisp 'awamat' savoury doughnut with green mango, and the hero Margra lamb collar with special spices. And it ain’t just whacked on the plate either – Gerard’s artful kitchen staff carefully curate each dish with love, and heaps of verdant and vermillion coloured ingredients too. Think cute little tarts, stacked desserts, silky sauces, and beds of yoghurt. Wines are in focus at Gerard’s Bistro too, hailing from every corner of the world, like the white Domaine Disznoko Dry Furmint from Hungary, the orange Radikon Ribolla from Italy, and the red Alain Graillot ‘Syrocco’ Syrah from Morocco. Seasonal cocktails are a huge hit too. As for Gerard’s ambience, the rustic-contemporary dining room is licked with earthy tones and the overhead lighting radiates softly through a mega perspex – they’ve even won awards for the design. There's also an open kitchen for all your perusing needs.  Time Out tip: Gerard’s Bistro gives big date night energy – it’s sleek, it’s sexy and the food is equally as divine. RECOMMENDED: The best restaurants in Brisbane

Wildflower’s innovative fare is headed by the Indigenous culinary calendar, meaning ingredients are harvested and foraged according to the Noongar six seasons. As your dining experience unfolds over a four-, six- or eight-course degustation dinner, you can discover pockets of Swan River views between the city’s highrises, along with a bird's eye perspective over the neighbouring cathedral. More importantly, the transitional menu never fails to delight curious diners and you can expect to come across dishes with the likes of the Manjimup marron with bush tomato, dhashi and coastal succulents, as well as the Berkshire pork with cauliflower, Geraldton wax and black pudding – both peculiar and inspiring, if you ask us. It’s worth playing with Wildflower’s cocktail list too, where native Australian ingredients steal the spotlight, including Davidson plum, strawberry gum, fingerlime and quandong. Time Out tip: A floor-to-ceiling window seat offers a tableside dramatic drop if you’re down for elevating your Wildflower experience even further. RECOMMENDED: The best restaurants in Perth

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.

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

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

Just as Melbourne’s Lunar New Year celebrations begin to wrap up, another moon-related treat is heading our way – and March's ‘blood moon’ will be anything but ordinary. Also known as a total lunar eclipse, this rare celestial event is set to paint Melbourne’s skies in an eerie reddish glow for 58 mystical minutes on the evening of Tuesday, March 3. This total lunar eclipse is a big deal: not only is it the first of the year, but it's also the last one visible from everywhere on Earth until 2028. Here’s everything you need to know about spotting the blood moon in Victoria this March. What is a total lunar eclipse? A total lunar eclipse occurs when the sun, Earth and moon are aligned perfectly in space during a full moon (this doesn’t happen every month because it depends on the moon’s orbital tilt). When Earth passes directly between the sun and the moon, it blocks all direct sunlight, resulting in the moon taking on a reddish glow. That haunting hue is what’s earned it the name ‘blood moon’. When is the total lunar eclipse in Victoria? The total lunar eclipse – or blood moon – will take place on the night of Tuesday, March 3. It will be visible in every state and territory in Australia, although the highly anticipated phase of totality (lasting 58 minutes) will occur at slightly different times depending on time zones. In Melbourne, it's expected to occur from 10.04pm to 11.02pm (peaking at 10.33pm).  How to see the total lunar eclipse in Victoria? Unlike other celestial eve

The Year of the Fire Horse is off to a flying start, and just as Lunar New Year celebrations begin to wrap up, another moon-related treat is heading our way – March's ‘blood moon’ will be anything but ordinary. Also known as a total lunar eclipse, this rare celestial event is set to paint Sydney’s skies in an eerie reddish glow for 58 mystical minutes on the evening of Tuesday, March 3. This total lunar eclipse is a big deal: not only is it the first of the year, but it's also the last one visible from everywhere on Earth until 2028. Here’s everything you need to know about spotting the blood moon in NSW this March. What is a total lunar eclipse? A total lunar eclipse occurs when the sun, Earth and moon are aligned perfectly in space during a full moon (this doesn’t happen every month because it depends on the moon’s orbital tilt). When Earth passes directly between the sun and the moon, it blocks all direct sunlight, resulting in the moon taking on an eerie reddish glow. That haunting hue is what’s earned it the name ‘blood moon’. When is the total lunar eclipse in NSW/ Sydney? The total lunar eclipse – or blood moon – will take place on the night of Tuesday, March 3. It will be visible in every state and territory in Australia, although the highly anticipated phase of totality (lasting 58 minutes) will occur at slightly different times depending on time zones – expected to occur from 10.04pm to 11.02pm in Sydney (peaking at 10.33pm).  How to see the total lunar eclipse in S

Every year, Darwin heralds in a perfect storm of sequins, disco balls and world-class talent for BASSINTHEGRASS – the Northern Territory’s biggest and longest-running music festival. Now entering its 23rd year, this one-day extravaganza is set to light up Darwin’s famous Mindil Beach on Saturday, May 16. With the festival selling out every year from 2021 to 2025, you’ll want to grab your tickets for the 2026 event ASAP. Here's everything you need to know about BASSINTHEGRASS, including the line-up. When is BASSINTHEGRASS 2026? The one-day festival is happening on Saturday, May 16 in 2026, with live music kicking off at 2pm and continuing until midnight.  Where is BASSINTHEGRASS? BASSINTHEGRASS is held on the magical Mindil Beach on Larrakia Land in Darwin – likely the only spot in Australia where you can find a beachside festival in a tropical climate, just a few minutes' drive from the city centre. There are always plenty of free buses running to and from the event.  Darwin’s weather is wonderfully predictable, so you can expect somewhere around 32 degrees – perfect for debuting a stylish festival fit. Better yet, Darwin only has two seasons: wet and dry. BASSINTHEGRASS falls in the dry season, so there will be none of those annoying plastic ponchos in sight. Instead, there’ll be palm trees gently waving over you as you revel in the mosh pit. Photograph: Supplied | BASSINTHEGRASS Who’s performing at BASSINTHEGRASS? The BASSINTHEGRASS crew always put together a cracker line

Another month, another full moon – but March's ‘blood moon’ is anything but ordinary. Also known as a total lunar eclipse, this rare celestial event will paint Australian skies in an eerie reddish glow for 58 mystical minutes on the evening of Tuesday, March 3. This total lunar eclipse is a big deal: not only is it the first of the year, but it's also the last one visible from everywhere on Earth until 2028. Here’s everything you need to know about spotting the blood moon in Australia this March. What is a total lunar eclipse? A total lunar eclipse occurs when the sun, Earth and moon are aligned perfectly in space during a full moon (this doesn’t happen every month because it depends on the moon’s orbital tilt). When Earth passes directly between the sun and the moon, it blocks all direct sunlight, resulting in the moon taking on an eerie reddish glow. That haunting hue is what’s earned it the name ‘blood moon’. When is the total lunar eclipse in Australia? The total lunar eclipse – or blood moon – will take place on the night of Tuesday, March 3. It will be visible in every state and territory in Australia, although the highly anticipated phase of totality (lasting 58 minutes) will occur at slightly different times depending on time zones. Here’s when full totality will start and end in Australia’s capital cities: Adelaide – 9.34pm to 10.32pm (peaks at 10.03pm) Brisbane – 9.04pm to 10.02pm (peaks at 9.33pm) Canberra – 10.04pm to 11.02pm (peaks at 10.33pm) Darwin – 8.34pm

Aussies love a bit of heated rivalry – and we’re not talking that Canadian hockey romance. We mean the endless debates over which state has the best coffee, sports teams, nightlife and beaches. While New South Wales and Victoria often steal the spotlight, Queensland is set to take centre stage in 2026. New research by Webjet reveals it’s the number one state Australians are most excited to visit this year. For Webjet’s first-ever Travel Trends Report, the booking platform surveyed more than 2,000 Australians to find out what’s got us excited to hit the road, skies or seas over the next 12 months. The results are clear: Aussies are obsessed with travel, with half saying a trip is what they’re most looking forward to this year – even more than buying a new car, getting a pay rise, or celebrating a birthday or anniversary. The excitement is translating into action, with almost half of Aussies (45 per cent) planning to travel more in 2026 than they did last year. Of these, 86 per cent are keen to explore their own backyard with a domestic trip, driven largely by the chance to rest and recharge (48 per cent). So, where are Aussies keen to explore in 2026? Queensland tops the leaderboard as the state travellers are most excited to visit. The Sunshine State truly offers up something for everyone: incredible beaches, lush rainforest hikes, thrilling theme parks, luxe accommodation and beautiful weather year-round. Add in the flurry of new developments ahead of the 2032 Brisbane Olymp

Lily Allen fans, you won't want to sleepwalk through this announcement! Earlier this week, British pop superstar Lily Allen hinted in a radio interview with Triple J that she might be visiting Down Under before the end of the year – and now we finally have confirmation. Allen is heading to Australia this spring for six mega shows across the country, including two in Melbourne. After seven long years without new music, the British icon returned to the airwaves in late October with West End Girl, a 44-minute-long chronicle of her marriage breakdown to David Harbour (aka Jim Hopper in Stranger Things). Appropriately, the tour is titled Lily Allen performs West End Girl – and she’ll be playing the entire album front-to-back, exactly as it appears on the record. Yes, we can already predict that seeing 'Pussy Palace' IRL is going to change our lives. We're also crossing our fingers she’ll perform some old-school bangers, like ‘The Fear’, ‘Smile’ and ‘Not Fair’. Keen to grab a ticket? Here’s everything you need to know about getting tickets to Lily Allen’s Melbourne shows. When is Lily Allen in Melbourne? Allen will perform at Rod Laver Arena on Wednesday, October 28 and Thursday, October 29, 2026. When do Lily Allen Melbourne tickets go on sale? Tickets for all of Allen’s Australian shows (including the Melbourne ones) go on sale at 1pm local time on Monday, February 9 via Frontier Touring. When is the Lily Allen Melbourne presale? Telstra Plus members get first dibs on ticket

Australia is home to more than 10,000 breathtaking beaches – yet no two are quite the same. From the rusty red sands of Roebuck Bay to the blinding white shores of Hyams Beach and the swirling silica banks of Whitehaven, our coastline is packed with landscapes you won’t find anywhere else on Earth. Now, thanks to Tripadvisor, another rare beach has landed on our radar – a hidden gem in Western Australia, made entirely of shells. Tripadvisor just released its annual Travellers’ Choice Awards ‘Best of the Best’ Beaches list, highlighting the world’s most-loved stretches of coastline that achieved a staggering number of excellent reviews over the past 12 months. This year, the travel platform went a step further, spotlighting 14 one-of-a-kind beaches around the world that are worth travelling for. Photograph: Nick Thake Photo Video Formed from trillions of tiny white shells, Shell Beach in WA’s Shark Bay World Heritage Area was the only Australian inclusion on the list. What makes this aptly named beach so special is that it isn’t made of sand. Instead, sun-bleached shells blanket the shoreline for more than 70 kilometres, with deposits reaching up to ten metres deep. Tripadvisor said, “From afar, the beach looks like it's covered in white petals, and up close, it's even more stunning.” Photograph: Nick Thake Photo Video Shell Beach is one of only two beaches in the entire world made entirely of shells, formed from a single species, the fragum cockle. The bay’s hypersaline w

When the Foo Fighters performed a one-off concert in the quiet Tassie city of Launceston last month, it's safe to say fans around the country felt pretty jealous. Well, now the Rock and Roll Hall of Famers – Dave Grohl, Nate Mendel, Chris Shiflett, Pat Smear, Rami Jaffee and Ilan Rubin – have announced they are returning, bringing their Take Cover tour to seven Aussie cities. And yes, Melbourne has made the cut! Here's everything you need to know about getting tickets to the Foo Fighters when they head to Australia this November. When are the Foo Fighters coming to Melbourne? The Foo Fighters will take to Marvel Stadium for one huge show on Saturday, November 14, 2026. When do Foo Fighters tickets go on sale in Melbourne? General public tickets go on sale on Wednesday, February 25 at 11am local time. Grab yours via the Frontier Touring website here. Is there a Foo Fighters presale? There always is! Telstra Plus Members score first dibs on tickets, with a presale kicking off on Friday, February 20 at 12pm local time via telstra.com.au/plus. A second presale for Frontier Members starts on Monday, February 23 at 12pm local time, and you can sign up for that one here. How much are tickets to the Foo Fighters in Melbourne? There are multiple ticket options, ranging from $99.90 for D reserve seating to $249 for A reserve seating and $249.90 for front general admission standing. Who is the support act for the Foo Fighters in Melbourne? The Foo Fighters will be joined by different sp

It’s time to dust off those air guitars and warm up your vocal cords (just say “Foo Fighters” five times fast), because one of the most legendary rock bands is returning Down Under in summer 2026/27. In January, the Foo Fighters performed a one-off concert in Launceston, marking their first-ever show in the quiet Tassie city.  Now, the Rock and Roll Hall of Famers – Dave Grohl, Nate Mendel, Chris Shiflett, Pat Smear, Rami Jaffee and Ilan Rubin – have announced a massive national tour, hitting seven Aussie cities across November 2026 and January 2027. Here's everything you need to know about getting tickets to the Foo Fighters in Australia. When are the Foo Fighters coming to Australia? The Foo Fighters have announced seven stops on their Australian tour, including: Brisbane: Suncorp Stadium – Thursday, November 5 Townsville: Queensland Country Bank Stadium – Saturday, November 7 Sydney: Accor Stadium – Tuesday, November 10 Newcastle: McDonalds Jones Stadium – Thursday, November 12 Melbourne: Marvel Stadium – Saturday, November 14 Adelaide: Coopers Stadium – Thursday, November 17 Perth: HBF Park – Monday, January 25 Since the band performed a one-off show at Launceston's University of Tasmania Stadium in January, Tasmania won't be on the itinerary for their upcoming Aussie tour.    When do Foo Fighters tickets go on sale in Australia? General public tickets go on sale on Wednesday, February 25 at 12pm local time in all cities, except Melbourne, where sales start at 11am. Gr

Trends come and go, but travel is forever. Still, every year has its hotspots – and 2026 is full of diversity. Expedia has just unveiled the top ten trending overseas destinations Australians are searching for this year, spanning everywhere from Vietnam and Palau to Greece, Hungary and beyond. Now in its tenth year, Expedia’s Air Hacks Report draws on millions of data points and consumer research to reveal how Aussies are taking to the skies.  Sure, Australia’s most popular destinations are easy to guess, including the likes of Bali, Tokyo, Bangkok, Auckland and Singapore. But it’s the rising stars – the destinations climbing fastest in popularity – that we’re most interested in. Photograph: Denis Volkov via Unsplash Topping the list in 2026 is the coastal resort city of Nha Trang in southern Vietnam. This sun-soaked beachy escape is famed for its long, palm-fringed main beach overlooking a stunning bay scattered with 19 islands and islets – a dream for snorkellers and scuba divers. It’s no surprise Australians are taking notice: Nha Trang recorded a mega 140 per cent year-on-year increase in searches, firmly cementing its status as the year’s top trending destination. Coming in second is Malaysia’s vibrant capital city, Kuala Lumpur, which saw a 95 per cent year-on-year increase in searches. Aussies are no longer seeing it as just a convenient stopover en route to Europe, South Asia or the Middle East, but as a destination in its own right that's both affordable and easy t

Australians couldn’t have been prouder last year when Sydney café powerhouse, Toby’s Estate, was crowned the best coffee shop in the entire world. We all know our beans and brews are elite, and sometimes it just takes a global ranking – or a sobering flat white overseas – to remind us just how good we’ve got it. Now, the World’s 100 Best Coffee Shops list for 2026 has dropped – and while we no longer have the top spot, seven Australian cafés are still enjoying their moment in the global spotlight. To the surprise of many Aussie coffee snobs, an American café, Onyx Coffee Lab, from Rogers, Arkansas – runner-up to Toby’s Estate in 2025 – has officially clinched the crown in 2026. This viral coffee mecca is the whole shebang – on top of a full production roastery and a state-of-the-art coffee bar, it houses a bakery, a taqueria and a mezcal bar, a 20-seat tasting restaurant and a high-end cocktail bar. Espresso Martini, anyone? Now, America being named home of the world's best coffee shop might raise a few eyebrows – so let’s unpack how the winners were decided. According to the competition’s website, rankings were determined by a combination of 350,000 public votes (accounting for 30 per cent) and scores from an expert panel of 800 judges (making up the remaining 70 per cent). The panel assesses more than 15,000 coffee shops on eight factors, including coffee quality, barista experience, customer service, innovation, ambience, sustainability practices, food offerings and consis

Sydneysiders have long been told our café culture plays second fiddle to Melbourne – but it looks like our coffee scene is actually supreme. Last year, Toby’s Estate flagship café in Chippendale was crowned the world’s very best coffee shop, outshining thousands of cafés from all across the globe. Now, the World’s 100 Best Coffee Shops list for 2026 has dropped – and four Sydney gems made the cut, alongside two in Melbourne and one in Brisbane. To the surprise of many Aussie coffee snobs, an American café, Onyx Coffee Lab, from Rogers, Arkansas – runner-up to Toby’s Estate in 2025 – has officially clinched the crown in 2026. This viral coffee mecca is the whole shebang – on top of a full production roastery and a state-of-the-art coffee bar, it houses a bakery, a taqueria and a mezcal bar, a 20-seat tasting restaurant and a high-end cocktail bar. Espresso Martini, anyone? Now, an American coffee shop taking out the top accolade might raise a few eyebrows. So let’s unpack how the winners are decided. According to the competition’s website, rankings were determined by a combination of 350,000 public votes (accounting for 30 per cent) and scores from an expert panel of 800 judges (making up the remaining 70 per cent). The panel assesses more than 15,000 coffee shops on eight factors, including coffee quality, barista experience, customer service, innovation, ambience, sustainability practices, food offerings and consistency. Photograph: Supplied | Only Coffee Project This year