Melissa Woodley

The coastal strip that makes up Coogee, Clovelly and Maroubra is best known for its beaches, but there are a lot of excellent eats to enjoy in these Sydney suburbs, too. Coogee has huge range – from fine diners to wine bars – while Clovelly and Maroubra are better known for their more relaxed cheap eats, takeaways and cafes.  Dive in to this guide for our editors' top picks. 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.  

The nostalgia of pulling over at a roadside bakery and biting into the best meat pie you've ever had is an experience shared by many Aussies. Whether you like yours with ketchup (the correct choice), barbecue sauce (we’re judging), or loaded up with gravy and mushy peas, these golden pastry pockets hit those comfort cravings in all the right places.  Australia's love affair with the humble bakery staple is so strong that tourists now consider it one of our ‘signature dishes’. We even have multiple dedicated national competitions to crown the best of the best. To help you plan your next culinary road trip, our Travel & News Editor, Melissa Woodley, has compiled the ultimate pastry bucket list, featuring insider recommendations from fellow pie lovers around the country. From classic beef and curried scallops to lasagne and palak paneer, here are the best pies in Australia worth travelling for. 🥖 The best bakeries in Australia🌭 The best sausage rolls in Australia 🥐 The best croissants in Australia

Sydney is no slacker when it comes to Italian food (just take a look at all these red-hot places here). And our pasta game is very strong. But when it comes to our pizza restaurants, we reckon they may be a slice above the rest. Whether you're a sucker for traditional Neapolitan pizzas cooked in a wood-fired oven and topped with beautiful produce, get around NY-style slabs so big you can fold them in three, or you're hungry for a Sicilian-style slice with a thick and fluffy crust, Time Out Sydney's local food writers, including Sydney Editor Avril Treasure, have pulled together the best places to get your fix – and these are the venues that are topping the class. 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. Hungry for more? Here's our pick of the very best restaurants in Sydney right now. Love Greek food food? Us too. Check out the finest Greek eateries in Sydney.

Randwick, Kingsford and Kensington form one of Sydney’s most densely packed and diverse food corridors, stretching along Anzac Parade and anchored by local hubs like The Spot and the surrounds of UNSW. The area is shaped by its student population, hospital precincts and long-standing migrant communities, which has led to a strong concentration of Italian as well as Asian restaurants (you'll find particularly excellent Indonesian eats) alongside cafés, pubs and casual neighbourhood eateries.  Take a tour of our editors' favourite restaurants in the area – from cheap and quick eats to buzzing restaurants that make the perfect spot for a meal or a cocktail before a film at The Ritz cinema. Happy eating! Stay in the loop: sign up for our free Time Out Sydney newsletter for more news, food & drink inspo and activity ideas, straight to your inbox. 

Looking to stay in style on your next Australian getaway? You've come to the right place. Our Great Southern Land is packed with exceptional stays, from new boutique hotels with heated infinity pools to revamped classics boasting buzzing rooftop bars and close proximity to our country's best attractions. But with so many options, finding the best hotels in Australia requires a bit of insider knowledge. That's where we come in. Our expert team of travel writers, including Time Out Australia's Travel & News Editor Melissa Woodley, have visited every state and territory to bring you this ultimate guide to the best places to stay in Australia. Whether you’re looking for a photogenic city staycation or a coastal resort away from the crowds, these are the top-rated hotels to book in Australia right now. Editors' favourite hotels in Australia: 😱 Best new hotel: Mondrian Gold Coast, QLD ⭐️ Best hidden gem: COMO The Treasury, WA 🌊 Best bucket-list hotel: InterContinental Hayman Great Barrier Reef, QLD JUMP TO:Sydney | Byron Bay | Perth | Melbourne | Gold Coast | Brisbane | Adelaide | Hobart ☀️ The best resorts and lodges in Australia🤩 The best things to do in Australia🌏 The best places to visit 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 allow us to bring you more recommendations every week. For more information, see our affiliate guidelines.

Looking for the best coffee in Brisbane? You don't have to go far. The River City has got it all: cool inner-city haunts, highly awarded local roasters, chic espresso bars, coffee-tasting experiences, plus enough espresso and cold brew to power the city. In fact, the best coffee shops in Brisbane are without a doubt among the greatest in Australia – led by icons like Coffee Anthology, which has been named on the World's 100 Best Coffee Shops list for two years running. Our expert local writers know a thing or two about what’s good across the city and have given these haunts the stamp of approval for the best coffee in Brisbane. Go on, check out the jitter juice for yourself. Editor's favourite coffee spots in Brisbane: 🏆 Best award-winning café: Coffee Anthology ☕️ Best local roaster: Bellissimo Coffee 😋 Best CBD coffee spot: John Mills Himself For more about how we curate our reviews and guides, see our editorial guidelines. 🥐 The best bakeries in Brisbane☕️ The best cafés in Brisbane

Travelling with your four-legged best friend has never been easier. As more hotels loosen their pet-friendly policies, you and your four-legged friend can travel to more places than ever before. From pooch-approved minibars and gourmet room-service menus to complimentary treats and toys, dog-friendly hotels in Australia are sure to give your beloved pet the VIP (very important pet) treatment they deserve.  Keep in mind that each pet-friendly accommodation has its own house rules regarding weight limits, breeds and the number of pets per room – so it’s worth calling ahead to check. Now, go forth and plan your next road trip or staycation around the best pet-friendly hotels in Australia.  ☀️ The best caravan parks in Australia⛺️ The cheapest camping spots in Australia

For devotees of genuine Mexican fare, it's a great relief that Sydney is no longer only served by the tacky Tex-Mex, stand-and-stuff, burrito-centric eateries that were once the sole expression of the cuisine readily available here. There's now an exciting new wave of Mexican diners sweeping Sydney, with nary a pinata, sombrero or lucha libre mask in sight. We're not saying there isn't a time and a place for a bowl of liquid queso and a dorito or two – there really is – but with a culture and cuisine that spans thousands of years and dozens of regions, it's a crime to assume that Old El Paso and a cartoonishly large frozen Margarita is anything close to 'authentic'. Prime your palate for the true flavours of Mexico with our guide to the best Mexican eateries in Sydney, curated by Time Out Sydney's local food writers, including Editor and Mexico-lover, Avril Treasure. Stay in the loop: sign up for our free Time Out Sydney newsletter for more news, food & drink inspo and activity ideas, straight to your inbox. RECOMMENDED READS: Keen to get around some killer spots for an arvo tequila or two? Check out Sydney's best rooftop bars Love spice? Check out our guide to Sydney's hottest Thai restaurants Thirsty? Have a look at the best bars in Sydney right now

Finding a stellar steak in a country with almost 30 million cattle is no hard task. But claiming one particular spot to be the absolute best steakhouse in Australia? That’s sure to stir some serious beef. Whether your order is a perfectly marbled rib eye, a robust sirloin or a classic rump – cooked medium-rare or well-done, smothered in peppercorn or chimichurri sauce, and paired with chips or mash – the ways to enjoy a steak are as endless as they are delicious. To help you find the best steak restaurants in Australia, we've compiled recommendations from local expert writers across every capital city to curate this ultimate list. Many of these steakhouses even feature on the World's 101 Best Steak Restaurants ranking, which is a pretty meaty deal. Now, go get up in their grills. 🍔 The best burgers in Australia🥧 The best pies in Australia

Canberra’s café scene has levelled up big time in recent years. From north to south, you’ll find plenty of places to grab your morning cup of joe with a side of avo toast, eggs benny or pancakes with all the fixings. These aren’t your run-of-the-mill cafés either. They’re brewing some of Australia’s best coffee while showcasing local producers and suppliers from the ACT region. From the leafy streets of the Inner North to the bustling Southside, the options for Canberra's best café are endless. Luckily for you, our Time Out Australia Travel & News Editor, Melissa Woodley, lived in the capital for four years and has handpicked the best cafés in Canberra for this list. Where are you headed first? Editor's favourite cafés in Canberra: ☕️ Best CBD café: The Cupping Room 🥐 Best local favourite: Intra PRVN 🫶🏽 Best hidden gem: Café Stepping Stone For more about how we curate our reviews and guides, see our editorial guidelines. 🍽️ The best restaurants in Canberra🥐 The best bakeries in Canberra☕️ The best coffee in Canberra

Canberra has come a long way in recent years, with cocktail dens, hip restaurants and swish galleries popping up across the capital. Alongside this cultural glow-up, the city has also welcomed a wave of new hotel openings and major refurbishments, meaning Australia’s capital now boasts some of the best hotels in the country – from sleek city stays to wildly unique lodges.  Time Out Australia’s Travel & News Editor Melissa Woodley spent four years exploring the inland capital before returning to Sydney, and knows exactly what makes a Canberra stay worth booking. From boutique favourites to standout luxury hotels, here's our pick of the best hotels in Canberra right now.  Editors' favourite hotels in Canberra: ⭐️ Best luxury stay: Jamala Wildlife Lodge 📍 Best for central location: Midnight Hotel 😍 Best value for money: Hotel Realm 🌳 All the best things to do in Canberra🍽️ The best restaurants in Canberra Time Out makes a small commission from the affiliate links included in this article. These links have no influence on our editorial content, but they do help us to bring you more recommendations every week. For more information, see our affiliate guidelines.

Whether you’re a visitor mapping out your first trip to the Emerald City, or a Sydneysider planning a special-occasion staycation, finding the right hotel in Sydney is an important, sometimes overwhelming task. If you’re looking to book a stay that’s extra indulgent – willing to splash the cash on a high-end experience – choosing the right spot is even more crucial. Luckily for you, we’ve got a team of hotel aficionados who are committed to trying and testing the very best luxury stays in the city, and deciding which ones are worth your hard-earned cash (it’s a tough job, but somebody’s got to do it). Our expert team includes connoisseur of fine things Time Out Sydney Editor Avril Treasure and Sydney-based travel whizz Melissa Woodley (Time Out Australia’s News and Travel Editor). Each hotel has been checked for its luxe credentials by Time Out Sydney's Travel and Hotels Editor, Winnie Stubbs. From a celeb-approved harbourside palace (Park Hyatt Sydney) to a stunning beachside stay with a rooftop magnesium pool (Manly Pacific), these are the best luxury hotels in Sydney for a super-special stay. Editor's quick picks: Best for beach lovers: Manly Pacific  Best for harbour views: Park Hyatt Sydney  Best for indulgent spa breaks: Capella Sydney Best dog-friendly luxury stay: Pier One Stay in the loop: sign up for our free Time Out Sydney newsletter for more news, food & drink inspo and activity ideas, straight to your inbox. RECOMMENDED:Want more options? Here's our full guid

Had I woken from an afternoon nap at Jamala Wildlife Lodge without context, I could easily have believed I was lost in a dream at a South African safari retreat. Two giraffes grazed quietly outside my room, while lions, cheetahs, zebras and rhinos all wandered nearby. The only giveaway that I was actually in Canberra was the faint silhouette of Black Mountain Tower in the distance. Tucked away in the heart of Australia’s capital at the National Zoo and Aquarium, Jamala Wildlife Lodge is without a doubt Canberra’s most unique accommodation – an award it’s won eight times, in fact. Here, the luxury bungalows and suites are dispersed within the animal enclosures, offering you the chance to sleep, dine and even bathe next to some of the world’s most dangerous and endangered species. Think cheetahs, lions, sun bears and giraffes! While the animals are naturally the headline act of any Jamala stay, the five-star luxury of the accommodation is a very close second. Paired with fine dining, private zoo tours and intimate animal encounters, it’s honestly one of the most immersive and incredible safari experiences you can find outside of Africa. Where is Jamala Wildlife Lodge? Jamala Wildlife Lodge is located inside the National Zoo & Aquarium in Canberra, close to the banks of the Molonglo River. It’s just a ten-minute drive from the CBD and 15-minutes from the Canberra Airport. Reachable via an easy three-hour drive from Sydney or a short flight from Melbourne, Adelaide or Brisbane, J

There is magic in both the old and new, and the secret is to find a way to unite the two. Adina Apartment Hotel Brisbane has done exactly that with its beautifully restored heritage-listed building, constructed almost a century ago. Over four years, the incredibly caring Adina team transformed the former George Street banking chamber into a grand 220-room hotel. The ground floor strikes the perfect balance of cool and classic, celebrating the building’s Art Deco origins with chequered marble floors, timber doorways and glistening chandeliers. As you ascend to your abode – ranging from studios to three-bedroom apartments – you’ll find all the modern comforts of home. There’s also a ground-floor gym and swimming pool, plus on-site parking for $30 per day – a rare gem in the city! What are the rooms like at Adina Brisbane? Inside the artfully restored Adina Brisbane, you’ll find 220 spacious apartments, ranging from sleek studios to one-, two- or three-bedroom apartments. Each abode is designed to feel like a home away from home, complete with a fully-equipped kitchen, laundry and separate lounge/dining areas. The pièce de résistance is the premier balcony rooms, which boast sweeping views of the Brisbane River just a short stroll away. I recommend cooking up a feast or ordering room service, then settling on the balcony for golden hour with a bottle of bubbles (when in Brisvegas, right?). When it’s time to switch off, you’ll easily drift into a slumber thanks to plush king beds

Choo choo! The Train of Lights is back on the tracks for 2026 and ready to captivate passengers with a magical winter journey through the Dandenong Ranges for a fifith year. Australia’s favourite steam train Puffing Billy will be your conductor for this trip that illuminates the natural beauty of the region with thousands of dazzling lights. But if you want to join this glowing journey, you'll have to be quick – tickets sell out quickly every year. Here's everything you need to know to secure your spot. When is Puffing Billy Train of Lights on for 2026? This enchanting winter journey is on from June 26 to July 19, 2026.  What to expect for Puffing Billy Train of Lights? The whole experience is a two-and-a-half hour round trip. Departing from Lakeside Station, you’ll be immersed in a spectacle of neon colours that brighten up the countryside with sparkles, rainbows and hypnotic patterns. The historic train will also be adorned with stunning visual effects, which will light up the trees, tracks and passing towns along the way.  Puffing Billy will chug along the historic narrow-gauge track to Gembrook Station where guests will disembark for a 55-minute stopover. Here, you can warm up by the crackling open firepits with hot chocolate and live acoustic music, and enjoy a sausage sizzle by the Emerald and Gembrook CFA (with all money going towards their respective brigades).  How to get tickets for Pufffing Billy Train of Lights 2026? Tickets go on sale at 10am on Thursday, May 28

Once you set foot onto Rottnest Island, you simply won’t want to leave – so you might as well stay a couple of nights. The eco-glamping tents at Discovery Resorts are a total dream for anyone who loves the idea of camping but doesn’t want to give up all the comforts of a luxe hotel. While the property is a short one-kilometre stroll or cycle from the ferry jetty, the team will deliver your bags straight to your accommodation. That means you can literally head straight to the golden sands of Pinky Beach. When it’s time to check in, simply follow the boardwalk past the sand dunes to the 83 eco-tents that will become your temporary home for the next few blissful days. Even the Standard Tents here come fitted with all the creature comforts you actually want – think an ensuite bathroom, pillow-topped bed, fly-screened windows and a furnished deck. If you’re travelling with kids or friends, the Duplex Family Tents can sleep up to ten guests, featuring a shared barbecue, kitchenette and massive outdoor deck. But the absolute crème de la crème has to be the adults-only Deluxe Oceanside Tents, boasting romantic sunset views stretching across the Indian Ocean. Waking up to the sound of waves and falling asleep (almost) under the stars are bound to be core memories. Once you’ve had enough DIY barbecues, you can hit up Pinky Rottnest Island for relaxed pub fare. Expect seaside favourites such as fish and chips, burgers, steaks and seafood salads, alongside local wine and classic cocktail

It didn't take long for me to fall for the Alex Hotel, a groovy boutique stay sitting just a hop, skip and a jump (actually, more like just a hop) from Perth’s Cultural Centre in Northbridge. This independent stay is easily one of the city’s best budget-friendly bases for exploring its vibrant arts scene, with heaps of trendy drinking and dining spots just a short stroll away. Inside, the hotel leans into clever sustainable practices – think sprawling indoor greenery, farm-to-table ingredients and eco-friendly amenities. It was incredibly easy to make myself at home in the communal lounge with complimentary morning coffee and pastries. I also loved the lazy midday check-out, free bicycles, stellar rooftop terrace and adjoining Shadow Bar & Kitchen. What are the rooms like at the Alex Hotel? Boutique by nature, the Alex Hotel features 74 rooms, ranging from intimate, solo pads to light-filled rooms with private balconies and spacious family suites. Each abode leans into an ultra-minimalist aesthetic that’s easy on the eyes, while sage-green and coral-coloured walls soothe the soul. Super comfy king beds, opening windows, blackout curtains and walk-in rain showers aid in the relaxation game. Just keep in mind that the street-facing rooms can get a bit rowdy over the weekend due to the buzzing nightlife on James Street. I recommend requesting a room on a higher floor when booking or picking up complimentary earbuds from the reception. Where to eat/drink near the Alex Hotel? You

You can imagine how giddy I was when I found out I’d be escaping to Australia’s most famous private island resort. InterContinental Hayman Island Great Barrier Reef sits on a 294-hectare island right in the heart of The Whitsundays, reachable only via private charter, luxury boat or a helicopter ride from Hamilton Island Airport. The moment you touch down, you’re fully cut off from the real world – in the best kind of way. This ultra-luxe resort is everything your dreams are made of – and trust me, it delivers. During my stay, I swam in the Southern Hemisphere’s largest pool, took advantage of complimentary morning beach activities and melted away my stress with a deep tissue massage before eating my way through the resort’s top-tier restaurants. But if you want to do absolutely nothing? Say no more. You’re on island time now. What are the rooms like at InterContinental Hayman Great Barrier Reef? After suffering damage from Cyclone Debbie in 2017, the resort underwent a major $135 million redevelopment before reopening as the InterContinental Hayman Great Barrier Reef in 2019. Now, more than seven decades since it launched, the high-end property is home to 182 uber-fancy guest rooms split across four wings – each boasting incredible views of the rainforest, beach, lagoon or pool. Some rooms, like the Pool Ocean View Suite I’m staying in, even offer direct swim-out access to the iconic Hayman pool from a private beach-facing balcony. As I stepped into my room, the lights slowl

With minimal light pollution and high elevation, Alice Springs offers some of the best, darkest night skies on Earth. You can witness the wonders of the incredible cosmos at Earth Sanctuary, an award-winning astronomy park run by Joe Falzon and his three sons. Their engaging 90-minute Astro Tour is a perfect taster for budding stargazers, where you’ll marvel at the moon through powerful telescopes, learn to find your zodiac in the eclipse, hear celestial stories about the Milky Way, and maybe even catch a shooting star. Given Alice Springs is located in one of Australia’s darkest regions, you may never see so many stars again. For the ultimate outback night out, Earth Sanctuary also serves up an award-winning dinner experience where you can tuck into a home-cooked gourmet barbecue as the sun dips below the majestic Eastern MacDonnell Ranges. Better yet? You can even stay until sunrise by booking one of their futuristic, intergalactic-style geodesic glamping domes.  RECOMMENDED: The best things to do in Alice Springs

There’s no better way to soak up the magic of Mooloolaba than with a Sunset Cruise aboard Saltwater Eco Tours’ beautifully restored 114-year-old sailing vessel. As you glide along the glistening Mooloolah River, local artists set the mood with live acoustic tunes. When the sun begins to dip below the horizon, you’ll be treated to a seasonal grazing box featuring native bush tucker ingredients, while cocktails and Champagne are available from the bar across the two-hour voyage. If you’re keen to sample more native ingredients, Saltwater Eco Tours’ Bushtucker Cruise serves up native bush tucker-inspired canapés that beautifully connect culture to coast. Think fresh oysters with finger limes, creamy bunya dip with native flatbread and a wattleseed brownie. For a deeper connection to Country, the relaxed 1.5-hour River Cruise weaves in fascinating commentary on local First Nations history, local ecology, and river ecosystems. Meanwhile, the Saltwater Canoe Tour, led by a First Nations guide, lets you uncover the secrets of Mooloolah River beyond the main channel. RECOMMENDED: The best things to do on the Sunshine Coast

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

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

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

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

Contrary to popular belief, Queensland is far more than just one endless coastline. While the rest of the world pictures a state where everyone surfs before work, lives in swimmers and glows with a year-round tan, Queensland hides a massive, rugged interior where dust and dirt replace sea and sand. If you’ve never considered venturing west of the highway, this is your sign: Outback Queensland has just launched a brand-new road trip looping through three of its most charming inland towns. True to its name, the Big Sky Drive is an epic 380-kilometre journey from Cloncurry to Mount Isa and Camooweal under some of Australia’s most expansive outback skies. This newly mapped route is designed to be covered over four nights, but can be easily extended to eight if you like to take it slow. You can easily join the loop from the Northern Territory border at Camooweal via the Barkly Highway, or use Cloncurry as your gateway straight from Queensland’s Overlanders Way. Whichever direction you choose to tackle it, make sure to tune into the Big Sky Drive's immersive, geolocation audio guide. Offering more than three hours of local storytelling, history and insider tips that sync with your GPS coordinates, it’s the perfect way to break up your road trip playlist. Photograph: Supplied | The Comms. PeopleBig Sky Drive So, what does this road trip have in store? The Big Sky Drive kicks off in Cloncurry, or ‘The Curry’ to locals, which is a 2.5-hour flight from Brisbane. The first two days ar

Imagine buying a one-of-a-kind artwork by an Archibald Prize winner for just $100. This is likely your only chance to pull it off – if you can spot it. Australia’s biggest and most inclusive art show is back for 2026, showcasing more than 40,000 anonymous works from award-winning artists and amateur creatives side by side. It’s all for a good cause, with every piece going for a fixed price of $100 a pop. The only catch? All the art is unnamed, meaning you will only find out who created it after you buy it.   Now in its sixth year, the Incognito Art Show is expanding from one to three locations across Australia's east coast, including Sydney, Brisbane and Townsville. More than 15,000 creators from around the country – and even some internationally – took part in this year’s event. Each contributor could submit up to three works, which will be randomly distributed across the three cities. Photograph: Chris GrundyIncognito Art Show, Sydney The Sydney exhibition is the biggest, featuring a massive 20,000 original works by everyone from school children to recent Archibald Prize winners, like Laura Jones, Julia Gutman and Blak Douglas. The first three days of the event (June 24–26) are reserved for viewing only – AKA the ultimate time for scoping out those award-winning pieces – before the in-person sale takes over Carriageworks from June 27 to July 5.  The Incognito Art Show will then make its Brisbane debut from July 21 to 26, featuring 12,000 artworks, followed by its regional

Fresh data released by the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) has revealed the nation’s wealthiest suburbs – and a coastal Victorian postcode has snatched the crown from Sydney’s eastern suburbs for the very first time. Home to 787 residents, the stunning seaside suburb of Portsea on Victoria’s Mornington Peninsula, recorded Australia’s highest average taxable income at $321,988 in 2023-24. That's more than four times the national average income of $74,727 in the same financial year. Photograph: Haydn via UnsplashPortsea Another wealthy Victorian postcode, 3142 – encompassing Toorak and Hawksburn – ranks as Australia’s second richest place to live. Home to 9,933 residents, the leafy neighbourhood recorded an average income of $277,708. This marks only the second time that a NSW postcode hasn't ranked first, with the list typically topped by harbourside giants in Sydney. Despite losing out on the top spot, NSW still dominated the leaderboard, claiming seven of the top ten postcodes. Five of them are in Sydney’s eastern suburbs, including Bellevue Hill in third with an average income of $250,899, then the 2030 postcode (Vaucluse, Dover Heights, Rose Bay and Watsons Bay) in fourth at $246,732. Meanwhile, postcode 2027 (Darling Point, Point Piper and Edgecliff) slipped to sixth place after topping the national rankings just a year earlier. Western Australia was the only other Australian state to make the list, with the 6011 postcode (Cottesloe and Peppermint Grove), landing in fi

Whitehaven Beach is no stranger to the spotlight. Featuring in almost every reputable global “best beaches” ranking, it proudly sets the bar high for beachy goodness in Australia. But its accolades don’t stop at the shoreline – new research reveals Whitehaven is in fact the number-one tourist attraction in all of Oz, outranking national landmarks like Uluru, the Great Ocean Road and the Sydney Opera House. To determine the rankings, the team at Iglu Cruise calculated the percentage of five-star Tripadvisor reviews for Australia’s top 40 attractions. Whitehaven Beach claimed the undisputed crown, boasting an incredible 85.3 per cent five-star rating from global travellers. Located off the Queensland coast, this slice of paradise sits within the World Heritage-listed Great Barrier Reef Marine Park on Whitsunday Island. It is globally renowned for its seven-kilometre stretch of swirling silica sands and crystal-clear turquoise waters, which hover at an inviting 26 degrees Celsius year-round. Bliss! Photograph: Reuben NuttAerial view of Hill Inlet, Whitsunday Island The best way for travellers to witness the wonders of Whitehaven is on a boat trip from Airlie Beach, while a scenic flight gives you the very best views from up above.  Those looking to escape the daytime crowds can pitch a tent at the remote bush campsite hidden just behind the southern dunes (bookings required). For the ultimate adventure, there’s also the new Ngaro Track – a beautiful 32-kilometre two-night walk

The classic meat pie is a deeply cherished Aussie staple – typically a chunky beef number encased in a golden, flaky shell with a drizzle of tomato sauce. And as such an important part of our national identity, it makes perfect sense that we have annual competitions dedicated to finding the best of the best. One of the biggest among them is the Baking Association of Australia’s Best Pie and Pastie Competition, which crowns local winners in pastry-related categories, ranging from vegetarian and seafood to gourmet and gluten-free. But there's one award that competing bakeries want to get their flour-dusted hands on the most: the highly coveted title of Australia's Best Pie. This year, that sacred title was awarded to a bakery right here in Victoria. Across three fierce days of competition on the Gold Coast, hundreds of entries face a double-evaluation by a well-respected industry panel. First, each pastry is assessed as a cold entry to inspect the bake, then heated and tasted again while hot – with the combined scores deciding who walks away with the title of Australia’s Best Pie and Best Pastie. Drumroll, please… For 2026, Victoria’s legendary Country Cob Bakery has once again come out on top – marking its incredible fifth national title since the business opened in 2016. With locations in Kyneton, Boronia and Springvale, the regional powerhouse is famous for both its classic and innovative bakes. Their traditional plain meat pie won the Best Pie crown an incredible three year

We Aussies can’t get enough of a classic meat pie – typically a chunky beef number encased in a golden, flaky shell with a drizzle of tomato sauce. Therefore, it makes perfect sense that we have annual competitions dedicated to finding the best of the best. One of the biggest among them is the Baking Association of Australia’s Best Pie and Pastie Competition, which crowns local winners in pastry-related categories, ranging from vegetarian and seafood to gourmet and gluten-free. But there's one award that competing bakeries want to get their flour-dusted hands on the most: the highly coveted title of Australia's Best Pie. Across three fierce days of competition on the Gold Coast, hundreds of entries face a double-evaluation by a well-respected industry panel. First, each pastry is assessed as a cold entry to inspect the bake, then heated and tasted again while hot – with the combined scores deciding who walks away with the title of Australia’s Best Pie and Best Pastie. Drumroll, please… For 2026, Victoria’s legendary Country Cob Bakery has once again come out on top – marking its incredible fifth national title since the business opened in 2016. With locations in Kyneton, Boronia and Springvale, the regional powerhouse is famous for both its classic and innovative bakes. Their traditional plain meat pie won the Best Pie crown an incredible three years in a row (2018–2020), while their Cambodian-style fish amok pie made history in 2023 as the first seafood-based gourmet flavour

Update Thursday, June 18: Earlier this month, the first Airbus A350-1000ULR destined for Qantas' Project Sunrise routes – that will directly connect Australia's east coast to London and New York – completed its inaugural test flight. The successful flight kicks off a two-month testing period, with Qantas having just announced the world-first non-stop services between Sydney and London will take off in October 2027. This will mark the very first time the Kangaroo Route has ever been flown without stops from Australia's east coast. If you’ve ever been lucky enough to fly to Europe’s sparkling shores, you’ll also have been brave enough to have endured the heinously long, multi-stage journey time to get there. But thanks to Qantas, the Sydney to London passage is set to get a whole lot smoother over the next few years. Almost eight years ago, Qantas announced its ambitious plan to launch direct flights from Sydney to London and New York. Clocking in at just over 20 hours, the Sydney to London route 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 after new supply chain hiccups, take-off of the first route is now expected in October 2027.  Photograph: Supplied/QantasInside “project sunrise” Airbus A350-1000 jet Currently, the world’s longest flight is Singapore Airlines’ direct service from Singapore to New York, which covers around 15,300 kilometres in rou

Update Thursday, June 18: Earlier this month, the first Airbus A350-1000ULR destined for Qantas' Project Sunrise routes – that will directly connect Australia's east coast to London and New York – completed its inaugural test flight. The successful flight kicks off a two-month testing period, with Qantas having just announced the world-first non-stop services between Sydney and London will take off in October 2027. This will mark the very first time the Kangaroo Route has ever been flown without stops from Australia's east coast. 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, this mammoth route will officially 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 after a few more supply chain hiccups, the inaugural take-off has now been confirmed for October 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 H

We all know a late-night Kmart run is the ultimate slippery slope. You go with the intention of buying a simple storage basket or a pair of socks, and come home with a popcorn-scented candle, a DIY sushi kit and Disney-themed pyjamas. Well, you’ll have to practise some serious self-control on your next Kmart trip, because the discount retailer is opening its first-ever dedicated homewares outlet in Australia this June – and it’s gonna be massive. At 3,800 square metres, Kmart’s new K Home concept store – set to open at Box Hill South in Melbourne – will take on the likes of Ikea, Amart Furniture and Freedom. The layout will adopt a similar showroom experience to its competitors, featuring an extended range of its budget-friendly Anko home-brand furniture, storage and decor products – all displayed in stylised room settings. Photograph: Supplied | SDP MediaK Home From couches and mattresses to shelving units and bookcases, K Home will largely stock big-ticket items you won’t find in a regular Kmart store. In the past, these bulkier items have been online exclusives – but the new outlet changes the game, allowing you to see how they look in real life while serving up plenty of home styling inspo along the way. Photograph: Supplied | SDP MediaK Home Of course, Kmart is staying true to its “Low prices for life” promise. Affordability will remain at the core of its new offering, proving that you never have to sacrifice style to be savvy. K Home will officially open at Box Hill

Update, June 2026: The Australian Government has just downgraded its travel advice for Middle Eastern countries, including Bahrain, Israel, Kuwait, Qatar and the UAE, from 'Level four: Do Not Travel' to 'Level three: Reconsider your need to travel.'  You know that saying, “safety first”? When it comes to travel, it’s one of the best pieces of advice you can follow. Exploring an unfamiliar country is exciting, but can also be an overwhelming experience, so the last thing you want is to find yourself in a risky situation. To help keep your adventures stress-free this year, we’ve pulled together a handy guide on all the destinations Smarttraveller is warning Australian travellers to avoid in 2026. The Australian government's Smartraveller website is known for providing up-to-date travel advice for 178 destinations worldwide. Each country is assigned an ‘advice level’ that reflects the risk for Aussie travellers, ranging from ‘Level one: Exercise normal safety precautions’ to ‘Level four: Do not travel.'  Currently, Smarttraveller is urging Australians to steer clear of 24 countries across Africa, Asia, the Americas, Europe and the Middle East. Meanwhile, as of June 17, 2026, Aussies are also being advised to 'Reconsider their need to travel to' 16 destinations. Some of these inclusions are long-standing, such as Nigeria, Ethiopia and Pakistan, while others pop up momentarily due to unforeseen events, like political strikes. It’s worth checking the list frequently to stay up-to-d

Everyone knows the seven wonders of the world. From Machu Picchu and the Great Wall of China to the Colosseum and Taj Mahal, these iconic monuments collectively draw tens of millions of visitors every year. However, this immense popularity has fueled a global overtourism crisis, putting pressure on local communities and ecosystems. Fortunately, the planet is packed with lesser-known natural wonders waiting to be discovered instead – offering pristine landscapes with a fraction of the crowds. Inspired by this, Icewear conducted a study to determine which global natural wonders are really worth the trip. The researchers analysed more than 54,000 Google reviews across 75 of the world’s most recognised natural wonders, parsing the data for 30 positive keywords, like "relaxing," "amazing" and "beautiful." From here, they separated the most overhyped spots from the ones that deserve more attention. Photograph: Tourism AustraliaLumineer Adventure Tours, The Pinnacles Claiming the number-eight spot is Western Australia’s otherworldly Pinnacles Desert. Located inside Nambung National Park, roughly 2.5 hours north of Perth, this striking golden landscape is home to thousands of ancient limestone rock formations, with some pillars soaring up to 3.5 metres high. Formed between 25,000 and 30,000 years ago, the desert looks like a scene straight out of a sci-fi film. Not only are 56.6 per cent of Google reviews for the Pinnacles positive, but the analysis crowned them the most “amazing”

Whale, whale, whale – if it isn’t another whale-watching enthusiast keen to cash in on migration season. You’ve likely clicked into this article because, like us, you are super excited for Australia's epic whale-watching season to come to life along the NSW coastline. Every winter, thousands of these gentle giants journey north along our legendary 'Humpback Highway' to breed in warmer waters. Peak sightings usually happen between late June and early July, when the whales swim closest to our beautiful shoreline. But if you miss that fast-paced northbound journey, mothers and calves make the return trip south, extending the season from August to November. We’re blessed to have around 60 per cent of the global whale population migrating through Australian waters, meaning your odds of spotting one are pretty high. However, to truly guarantee front-row seats, you need to target the ultimate hotspots on the whale circuit – as revealed by new research from the travel insurance specialists at AllClear. They analysed more than 63,000 whale sighting records from the Ocean Biodiversity Information System across Australia's most popular whale-watching destinations to reveal which locations have the highest number of recorded sightings. NSW claimed four of the top ten spots for the most whale sightings, with beautiful Cape Byron – Australia’s most easterly point – rounding out the top three. It currently has more than 6,000 recorded sightings, with the best land-based viewing from Cape By