Melissa Woodley

When most people think about visiting Darwin, food likely isn’t the main motivating factor. But with steaming bowls of laksa and uniquely Territorian bites, Larrakia land gives plenty of reasons to linger. By day, you’ll come across cosy cafés with creative cross-cultural fare and bustling markets serving some of the nation’s best noodle soups. As the sun sets, Darwin’s dining scene heats up with harbourfront restaurants showcasing tropical fruits and upscale pubs featuring local wildlife, like crocodiles and kangaroos. Our Travel and News Editor, Melissa Woodley, along with NT-based contributing writer, Leah McLennan, keep a weather eye on every nook and cranny of the wee but mighty city – and have curated this list of the best restaurants in Darwin right now. Now, all that’s left for you to do is eat up. Editors' favourite restaurants in Darwin: ✨ Best for special occasions: Ella by Minoli 😍 Best for views: Pee Wee's at the Point 🐠 Best for seafood: Fin & Tonic For more about how we curate our reviews and guides, see our editorial guidelines. 🍕 The best pizza in Darwin🌳 The best things to do in Darwin🍻 The best bars in Darwin

Canberra's dining has had a huge glow-up in the past five years, with Aussies finally giving our capital the credit it deserves for its top-tier restaurants that rival those in Sydney and Melbourne. The star of the show is the region’s local produce – including truffles, smoked meats, cool-climate wines and stone fruits – which are fired, flamed, fermented and fried into all sorts of culinary creations. Time Out Australia’s Travel & News Editor Melissa Woodley spent four years immersed in Canberra’s dining scene before moving back to Sydney, and she can vouch that its newest openings are right up there with the Emerald City’s. Whether you’re dining at the Italian spot in Braddon, vying for a table at an award-winning French fine diner, or making friends at one of the city’s funkiest pan-Asian eateries, these are the best Canberra restaurants you want to be hittin' up. Update summer 2025: Three new restaurants have stolen the spotlight in 2025, already earning a reputation as some of Canberra's best – Lunetta Trattoria perched atop Red Hill, Azuma Den at East Hotel, and Shaw Estate Restaurant in the Murrumbateman wine region.  For more about how we curate our reviews and guides, see our editorial guidelines. 🍹 The best bars in Canberra☕️ Canberra's coolest cafés🍣 The best Japanese in Canberra

Adelaide’s restaurant scene has the best of both city and regional dining, combining seriously stylish design with access to abundant fresh produce from the surrounding wine regions. Forward-thinking mod-Oz cuisine is informed by food traditions from across the world, which are visible in everything from Afghan comfort food to Parisian classics and what might be Australia’s first pizza restaurant. The accompanying wine lists are just as wide-ranging, encompassing powerful Barossa reds, spritzy natural wines and everything in between. The best part? Even the extended degustations sit at a price point that will pleasantly surprise East Coast diners. Time Out’s Travel & News Editor, Melissa Woodley, has joined forces with 11-year Adelaide local and passionate food writer, Dale Anninos-Carter, to bring you the ultimate guide to the best restaurants in Adelaide. Whatever you’re craving, you’ll find it here! Editors' favourite restaurants in Adelaide: ✨ Best for special occasions: Magill Estate Restaurant 🫶🏾 Best for wholesome vibes: Parwana Afghan Kitchen 💛 Best for groups: Golden Boy For more about how we curate our reviews and guides, see our editorial guidelines. 🍷 The best bars in Adelaide🍕 Adelaide's best pizza joints☕️ The best cafés in Adelaide

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. With world-class seafood, truffle farms and wine regions on its doorstep, we reckon the culinary scene here is one of Australia's most underrated. 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 when it comes to choosing the best restaurants in Perth to dine at. Our contributing food writer, Dale Anninos-Carter, who lived in the west for 17 years, 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 Italian 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 vouch for it.  Tasmania’s food scene is spectacular for a number of reasons. In recent years, a wave of talented chefs has traded the high‑pressure kitchens of the mainland for Hobart’s relaxed, slow‑food lifestyle. This influx of talent, combined with Tasmania’s naturally bountiful fresh produce, has turned Hobart into quite the destination for food lovers. You'll find everything from intimate ten-seater bars and waterside fine diners to showstopping museum restaurants and everything in between. Here’s our list of 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🌳 The best things to do in Hobart

Western Australia is one of the most spectacular and varied places on the planet. Spanning 2.5 million square kilometres, it’s packed with dreamy beach towns, isolated wine regions and jaw-dropping islands that you have to see to believe. But with so much ground to cover, creating the perfect travel plan can be a bit overwhelming. That’s where our Travel & News Editor Melissa Woodley steps in to share her top tips on the best places to visit in Western Australia. Short on time? Spend a few days soaking up the buzz of Perth, exploring its hip neighbour Fremantle (Australia's top tourism town for 2025), and taking a day trip to the iconic Rottnest Island. For the ultimate Western Australia adventure – think swimming with whale sharks and sunset camel rides on the beach – a month-long road trip is the way to go. Be sure to tick off all the destinations included below. Editors' favourite places to visit in Western Australia: 🌊 Best for beaches: Rottnest Island 🌳 Best for outdoor adventures: Ningaloo Reef 🍷 Best for food and drink: Margaret River 😱 The best places to visit in Australia🥾 The best things to do in Perth

For far too long, South Australia has lived in the shadows of our nation’s more populous states. But with its world-class wineries, dazzling festivals and vibrant cultural scene, South Australia is now a must-visit on any trip Down Under. The state’s capital, Adelaide, is an obvious place to start your southern adventure, with the stunning McLaren Vale and Barossa Valley wine regions just a short drive away. A scenic road trip north will take you to underrated gems, like the Flinders Ranges or Coober Pedy. Alternatively, head south and ferry across to Kangaroo Island, our Travel & News Editor Melissa Woodley’s favourite South Australian spot. Better yet, why not tick off all the incredible destinations on our list of the best places to visit in South Australia? The world is your oyster (top tip: you’ll find the freshest ones in Coffin Bay). Editors' favourite places to visit in South Australia: 🌈 Best for arts and culture: Adelaide 🌊 Best for hiking and swimming: Kangaroo Island 🍷 Best for food and drink: Barossa Valley 😱 The best places to visit in Australia🥾 The best things to do in Adelaide

The Northern Territory is absolutely brimming with natural wonders, including countless natural pools, beautiful bushwalks, breathtaking mountain ranges and rugged coasts. Full of adventures, this outback territory is also brimming with knowledge, thanks to the many Aboriginal people who call the land home.  There's so much to learn about their ancient culture – one of the oldest in the world – whether it’s through listening to a Dreamtime story or learning how to respect the land we’re lucky to walk on. Fuel up the 4WD, dust off those hiking boots and get ready for an adventure like no other with our guide to the best places to visit in the Northern Territory. Editors' favourite places in the Northern Territory: 🌈 Best for cultural experiences: Uluru 🌳 Best for hiking and swimming: Litchfield National Park ☀️ Best for adventure: Kakadu 🌳 Your ultimate guide to Litchfield National Park☀️ Everything you need to do in Uluru🌅 The best things to do in Darwin

Hobart’s got a rep for having one of the best food scenes in Australia, and it’s not limited to fine dining and wine bars. When you’re up and at ‘em early, ready for a day of exploring Tassie’s capital and surrounds, you’ll find plenty of cafés serving great coffee alongside breakfast menus ripe with local produce. There are well-known staples and places hidden at the end of laneways behind secondhand bookshops, namely Dandy Lane Café, as well as newcomers like Lēoht and Erda, bringing a breath of fresh air to the city. Luckily, you have our local writer, Josie Rozenberg-Clarke, and Time Out Australia’s Travel & News Editor, Melissa Woodley, to round up the best cafés in Hobart right now. All you have to decide is: which one to hit first.  For more about how we curate our reviews and guides, see our editorial guidelines. 🍝 The best restaurants in Hobart🥐 The best bakeries in Hobart🍕 The best pizza in Hobart

​​No one’s accusing Sydney of being cheap, but that doesn’t mean there aren’t a few budget-friendly hotels to be found in this sparkling diamond of a city. To find the best affordable hotels in Sydney, we’ve done some digging – and have put together this guide based on location, vibe, comfort and, naturally, cost. Our team of writers (including long-time Sydney local Alannah Sue) have tried and tested each stay to make sure the low cost doesn’t mean you’re compromising on quality. Hotel obsessive (Time Out Sydney’s Travel and Hotels Editor Winnie Stubbs) has triple checked the list to make sure it’s up to scratch.   From an off-the-beaten-track four-star secret (Cremorne Point Manor, we’re looking at you) to a fun youth hostel right on the harbour, these are the very best affordable stays in the city.  NB: Be warned, peak season in Sydney has dizzying highs and even the most reasonably priced accommodation can spike over the New Year’s Eve period. So, shop around if you're looking for a place to lay your head over the holidays. Editor's quick picks: Best for sunset views: YHA Sydney HarbourBest for a socially impactful stay: Song Hotel SydneyBest affordable beachside stay: Coogee Bay HotelBest airport accommodation: Moxy Sydney Airport 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:Can’t stretch to that? Pack your tent and check out the best camping spots near Sydney.

What could be more romantic than a hamper packed for two and sweeping harbour views? Where else could you organise a long, lazy lunch for a group of friends? Or an impromptu dinner date, al fresco? For all this, and more head to one of Sydney's very best picnic spots. And don't worry, we've done the research on if there’s parking, toilets and barbecues available. All you've got to do is pop the champers, sit back and have a right good picnicking time.  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: We also have you covered for where to find Sydney's best parks.  Don't go past Sydney's best National Parks either. 

As much as we love the bright lights and late nights of the city, sometimes you just need to slam the laptop shut, toss a weekender bag in the boot and disappear somewhere that feels off-the-grid and untouched. Australia does 'the middle of nowhere' better than almost anywhere – except our version often comes with farm-to-table wineries, designer boutique stays and blissfully empty beaches.  Time Out's editors have crisscrossed the country (and then some), chasing sunsets in Broome, surf breaks in Yamba and long lunches in Margaret River. Between us, we’ve eaten, sipped and road-tripped our way through more small towns than we can count – so when we say these are the best regional towns in Australia, we really mean it. Each of Australia's most charming towns is proof that slowing down doesn’t have to mean missing out.  Editors' favourite regional towns in Australia:  ⭐️ Best for relaxation: Daylesford, VIC 🍷 Best for food and wine: Margaret River, WA 🌊 Best for coast and nature: Robe, SA NSW | VIC | QLD | WA | SA | TAS | NT 🌊 The beach towns to visit in Australia🚘 The best day trips in Australia😎 The best places to visit in Australia

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

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

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

The shiniest new jewel in the Gold Coast crown of restaurants, Kōst impresses in more ways than one. For starters, there’s the extremely attentive staff and incredibly luxurious space, featuring glamorous indoor booths, bar dining, outdoor pavilion stools and a private dining room. That’s not to mention the purpose-built dry-aged cool room and Australia’s first two-metre Mibrasa charcoal grill and oven. Kōst’s rather extensive menu splits share plates between the ocean, land and earth, with heroes like their fire-kissed yellowfin tuna, steak tartare with crisps, dry-aged cut cooked over embers and an extravagant seafood tower. Did we mention the caviar trolley? Time Out tip: Head to Kōst between 3pm to 5pm daily for a taster of their Mini Kōst menu, featuring $11 cocktails and signature bar snacks. RECOMMENDED: The best restaurants in the Gold Coast

Ondeen is a love letter to farm-to-table dining, marrying locally-sourced ingredients with botanicals foraged from the property’s very own garden. The super sustainable restaurant is housed in a former 1850s homestead, located just three minutes from Hahndorf and 25 minutes from Adelaide CBD. Culinary director Kane Pollard and head chef Julian Peek source 95 per cent of ingredients from South Australia, serving them fresh or briefly kissed by charcoal. Expect housemade focaccia served with living cheese and brined green tomatoes, whole pork terrine cooked over fire, ash-rolled chicken with malted-grain mushroom risotto, and hearth-baked pies topped with fresh herbs and flowers from the garden. Time Out tip: Bookend your feast with a visit to the adjacent wine room, featuring four small-batch, cool-climate wines from Artis, Jericho, Silver Lining and Turon. RECOMMENDED: The best restaurants in Adelaide

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

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

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

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

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

Shimmy on down to Such and Such for a fun, fresh and flavoursome feast that you’ll be raving to friends about for the rest of the year. You could mistake the bright and bold dining room for an art gallery, where the walls pop with artworks, ceramics and sculptures by local artists. Once you’ve had a good old-fashioned peruse around the intriguing and/or inspiring dining room, make your way across the terrazzo floor to a cool, cushioned booth or timber tabletop where you’ll be equally as enticed by the fare. Each dish is a playful masterpiece with the super seasonal menu featuring contemporary takes on nostalgic snacks and share plates. Think: a soupy sensation of fish in ‘crazy water’ with mussels and white beans, as well as pasta perfection of orecchiette in pistachio pesto – try saying that fast, three times. Don’t take things too seriously and add on a glass (or three) of lo-fi, organic wines from both local makers and faraway places. Time Out tip: If you’re after a quick in-and-out lunch, it’s hard to go past the $55 one-hour menu, which will get you two snacks and a salad (to share) as well as a main dish, plus dessert if there’s room post-savouries (there always is). RECOMMENDED: The best restaurants in Canberra

For a little bar, Maker certainly packs a big punch. Tucked away down South Brisbane’s ever-so-cool pedestrian laneway of eateries and drinkeries, Fish Lane, Maker makes its appearance. Perhaps more-so hidden in plain sight, the wee 20-seater den is camouflaged with its black minimalist fit-out and decor, and located unassumingly next to a car park’s entryway. Although small, the mighty bar delivers the goods, shaking and stirring a rotating list of cocktails, each presented like a true work of art. Think square ice cubes that freeze mushrooms in time. Stick with something from the seasonal menu or be bold with a bespoke number – just tell the bartenders what you’re in the mood for. We’re never not thinking about Maker’s take on a Margarita with tequila, pineapple, coriander, jalapeno and lime rimmed with tajin (red chilli, lime and sea salt). Pair your libation with bar snacks that you absolutely won’t find elsewhere in town. There’s a reason Maker has laid claim to an award or so. Time Out tip: Maker only accepts walk-ins, so if you’re extra keen on a seat, we recommend getting in early for a tipple you’ll likely not regret. RECOMMENDED: The best bars in Brisbane

Moving across the country is one of the biggest life decisions you’ll ever make – but picking where exactly to settle down can be even trickier. This year, millions of people around the world have been weighing up their options, and new research reveals where they’re dreaming of moving. If Australia tops your list, you’re in good company. Our sun-kissed continent is currently the second-most desirable country to relocate to, coming just behind Canada. To determine the world’s most desirable spots to move, 1st Move International analysed Google searches for terms like ‘moving to’, ‘living in’ and ‘emigrating to’ across 157 countries. Just like last year, Canada is the number one spot people want to move to, attracting more than 269,000 annual relocation searches. Photograph: Alison Rodericks for Time Out Australia follows closely behind, with 207,900 searches globally in the past year, and is the top relocation choice in 43 countries. Our sunny climate, strong economy and laid-back lifestyle are big drawcards, while world-class healthcare, diverse career opportunities and excellent education systems make it especially appealing to families and professionals. That said, life Down Under comes at a price, with Australia being one of the most expensive places to live. Interestingly, one of Australia’s most popular relocation hotspots, the United Kingdom, didn’t rank in the top ten. Meanwhile, Japan, Canada and New Zealand all did – the three countries Australians searched for th

Update November 2025: Great Walks of Australia has expanded its portfolio this year, with two epic new adventures – one on Kangaroo Island and the other at Uluṟu-Kata Tjuṯa. The Kangaroo Island trek is already running, while the Uluṟu walk launches in April 2026. We’re spoiled for choice when it comes to beautiful hikes in Australia. Whether trekking through tropical rainforests, summiting sand dunes in the outback or snaking along our stunning coastline, there are trails to amaze every kind of explorer. But if you’re looking for a challenge beyond a few loops of your local park, look no further than the 15 Great Walks of Australia.  This iconic collection of multi-day hikes showcases our nation’s diverse landscapes, with each trail having earned its place on the list through rigorous selection criteria. Above all, every route spotlights a spectacular location and service that you won’t find anywhere else – and we’ve got the full list of Great Walks of Australia for your next hiking adventure. Photograph: Tourism AustraliaThe Maria Island Walk Spanning four to seven days and covering distances of 24 to 72 kilometres, these fully guided hikes are much more than just a walk in the park, offering luxury lodges or safari-style tents, ecotourism credentials, gourmet dining and more. The Great Walks of Australia are spread across six states and one island, with Tasmania leading the pack. Our only island state is home to six of the 13 breathtaking trails, including the Flinders Is

Famous for its incredibly scenic beachside setting, the Gold Coast boasts the flattest and fastest marathon course in Australia. In fact, 60 per cent of runners set a new personal best each year. Entries for the 2026 ASICS Gold Coast Marathon are opening soon – but be warned, spots sell out fast. Here’s everything you need to know about entering the Gold Coast Marathon, including dates, entries and where to stay. RECOMMENDED: The best things to do in the Gold Coast When is the Gold Coast Marathon? The Gold Coast Marathon and Wheelchair Marathon are locked in for Sunday, July 5, 2026. The day before – Saturday, July 4 – runners can take part in the Gold Coast Half Marathon, 10km Run, Wheelchair 10km, Airport 5km and the 2km Junior Dash. Where does the Gold Coast Marathon start? The Gold Coast Marathon starts at 6.15am from the Race Precinct at Broadwater Parklands on Marine Parade in Southport. This is also where runners cross the finish line. How long is the Gold Coast Marathon? Like any marathon, the Gold Coast route is 42.195 kilometres. The official 2026 course will be confirmed in early 2026, but runners can expect to trace the city’s iconic surf beaches, including Main Beach, Surfers Paradise and Broadbeach. Photograph: Supplied | Gold Coast Marathon How many people run in the Gold Coast Marathon? In 2025, more than 39,000 participants competed across eight events, ranging from the marathon to the 2km Junior Dash. The marathon itself attracted 15,000 runners, while the

What is Australia’s national dish? It’s a question that’s been debated for decades. Meat pies, fish and chips, avocado toast and lamingtons are all cultural staples, but new delivery data reveals hot chips reign supreme. That’s right – we’re a nation powered by potatoes and salt, with fries topping the Uber Eats charts in four Australian states this year. Uber Eats’ annual Cravings Report reveals Aussies have done a LOT of eating in 2025, officially hitting 1 billion deliveries. So, what were Aussies really craving? Hot chips have claimed the crown as Australia’s unofficial national dish, topping orders in Queensland, Victoria, Tasmania and Western Australia. Salt was the number one add-on, shaken onto more than 13 million of these orders. Chicken salt FTW! Photograph: Pexels | Ready Made Our love of fast food doesn’t stop there – ten-piece nuggets and burgers were the most popular combo of 2025, proving comfort food knows no limits. And let’s be honest, you probably needed a side of fries with that. Interestingly, a ten-pack of nuggets also topped orders on both Mother’s Day and Father’s Day – because nothing says “thanks for raising me” like sharing a pack of nuggs.  While Aussies know how to feast, healthier choices are also on the rise. Zero-sugar soft drink orders more than doubled from 2024, with acai bowl deliveries doubling and matcha orders jumping 217 per cent in the last two years. More on drinks: Aussies can’t get enough of their coffee, with millions of cuppas

Students, rejoice! This week, Australians have started having their HECS-HELP debts slashed in the nation’s largest-ever student debt cut. In total, 3 million Aussies will have 20 per cent of their debt wiped, adding up to a massive $16 billion. The Australian Taxation Office (ATO) began sending out text and email notifications on Saturday, November 22, alerting 100,000 Australians that their debt had been reduced. Another 1.5 million will receive the same message this week, with a further 1.5 million set to be notified the following week. How much will my student debt be cut by? With the average HECS debt around $27,600, the average reduction will be around $5,520. You can use the government's estimator tool to see your exact reduction and calculate your compulsory repayments. How does the student debt cut work? The 20 per cent student debt reduction will be automatically applied to your loan balance and backdated to June 1, 2025, before indexation. You don't need to do anything to receive the reduction. The ATO says, “We’ll let you know when we’ve reduced your debt through SMS, email or a message to your myGov inbox. You can view your study loan account in the ATO app or on your ATO Online account through myGov.” Who will benefit from the HECS debt reduction? The reduction will apply to: HELP loans (HECS-HELP, FEE-HELP, STARTUP-HELP, SA-HELP, OS-HELP) VET Student Loans Australian Apprenticeship Support Loans Student Start-up Loans Student Financial Supplement Scheme When

Looking for an excuse to book that next getaway? Black Friday has your back. While the big day isn’t officially until Friday, November 28, most brands are kicking off the sales early – and you should too! Did someone say early Christmas present? We’ve rounded up all the craziest airline, hotel and tour sales happening right now. Take a peek – you’d be silly not to cash in on these epic discounts. Need inspiration on where to go? Here are the best places to travel in Australia in 2025. What is Black Friday? Black Friday is basically a massive sale day, with retailers offering huge discounts on everything from fashion and electronics to home goods and, our favourite, travel. It happens the day after Thanksgiving in the US, but it has become huge worldwide, including in Australia. When is Black Friday in Australia? In 2025, Black Friday falls on Friday, November 28. It’s the same day as in the US, but Aussies often see the sales kick off a few weeks prior and extend through the weekend into Cyber Monday (December 1). Photograph: Supplied | Intrepid The best tour and holiday deals: AAT Kings Score up to 20 per cent off on selected AAT Kings classic and small group tours across Australia and New Zealand here. Available from: November 4 to December 1 Booking.com Score up to 40 per cent off select accommodations worldwide, up to 25 per cent off select car rentals, up to 20 per cent off selected attractions and up to 15 per cent off select flights. These deals are valid from travel

If there were an Oscars of the wine world, it would be the Halliday Wine Companion. Every year, Australia’s most trusted wine guide reveals its Top 100 Wineries, celebrating standout producers from Margaret River and the Hunter Valley to McLaren Vale and the Yarra. The 2025 results are in, and the top ten is packed with A-lister vineyards every wine lover should know. To be selected as a Top 100 Winery, Halliday's expert tasting team must have reviewed each producer's wines within the last 12 months. In 2025, the initial longlist of 1,100 wineries was narrowed down to 450 contenders – with the winners decided based on factors including wine quality across an entire range, industry impact, mentorship among peers and sustainable practices. It’s time to raise a glass to Vasse Felix – considered the foundational winery of today’s Margaret River – which took the number one spot in 2025. This news comes just months after the family-owned winery took out a triple win at the latest Halliday Wine Companion Awards. Chief winemaker Virginia Willcock – who’s been at the helm of the business for almost 20 years – was crowned Winemaker of the Year, Vasse Felix’s flagship wine Tom Cullity celebrates its tenth vintage, and the 2023 Heytesbury Chardonnay was named Chardonnay of the Year and White Wine of the Year, scoring an outstanding 99 points. Photograph: Tourism Western AustraliaVasse Felix, Margaret River Coming in at a close second is the Hunter Valley’s Brokenwood, which was also na

Something sweet is coming to Australia… and it’s not a new dessert pop-up. Broadway smash-hit musical Waitress is making its national debut in 2026, blending sweetness, sass and soulful songs in one heartwarming show. The Tony-nominated musical is set to premiere in Melbourne next May, followed by a Sydney season from August. As one of the world’s newer Broadway sensations, Waitress made its debut in New York in 2016, where it ran for four fantastic 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 h

They say good things come in threes, and this year, the universe is delivering once again! Australians are in for a rare trio of supermoons, kicking off with the Hunter’s Moon on Tuesday, October 7, peaking with the Beaver Moon on November 5 (the biggest and brightest of the year) and concluding with the Cold Moon on December 5.  Supermoons themselves aren’t rare, but the October one was special, marking the start of three consecutive celestial events. For Australian sky-watchers, this year’s series is extra exciting as the moons will rise in the early evening, making them easily visible. Here’s everything you need to know about spotting the next supermoon across Australia. What is a supermoon? A full moon is dubbed a supermoon when it’s at the closest point to Earth during its orbit. At this time, the moon appears bigger and brighter than usual in the night sky. How big is a supermoon? A supermoon can appear up to 14 per cent larger and up to 30 per cent brighter than your standard full moon. We suspect you'll have no problem spotting it! When is the next supermoon in Australia? The next supermoon, the Cold Moon, is happening on Friday, December 5, just after sunset. It’s especially exciting because it's the third in a rare trio of consecutive supermoons in 2025: following the Hunter’s Moon on October 7 and the Beaver Moon on November 5. Astrophysicist and associate professor Devika Kamath explains, “Supermoons themselves aren’t rare – they happen three to four times a year

Australia is a big place, with loads of diversity – we have everything from coral reefs and deserts to rainforests, mountains, and charming coastal cities. So the bucket list of must-do Aussie experiences is huge. At Time Out, it’s our job to help you discover the best of Australia and our cities, so we’ve named 49 experiences that Time Out editors truly love – a mix of hugely popular as well as lesser-known gems across all the states and territories. Keen to explore this incredible country? Start planning visits to these top Time Out Australia Recommended Things to Do activities for 2025:  ACTAustralian War MemorialNational Arboretum CanberraNational Gallery of AustraliaNational Portrait GalleryWine Hopper NSWArt Gallery of New South WalesBridgeClimb SydneyBundanon Art GalleryCarriageworks MarketsKangaroo Valley Adventure CompanyScenic WorldSydney Opera House: The Backstage TourWhite Rabbit Gallery NTAraluen Arts CentreDeckchair CinemaMuseum and Art Gallery of the Northern TerritoryStandley ChasmThe Kangaroo Sanctuary QLDAustralia ZooBluey's World BrisbaneBrisbane PowerhouseHOTA, Home of the ArtsMossman Gorge Cultural CentreMt Coot-thaQueensland Art Gallery and Gallery of Modern ArtSOL Elements BathhouseStory Bridge Adventure Climb SAAdelaide Central MarketBeerenberg FarmMonarto Safari ParkMount Lofty Botanic GardenSeppeltsfield Winery and Estate TASCallington Mill Distillery, OatlandsCataract Gorge ReserveKuuma - Nature SaunaMONA – Museum of Old and New ArtPort Arthur Histo

At Time Out, it’s our job to know the best things to eat, drink, see and do in all the coolest cities across the world. Our global network puts that insight to good use every year to rank the coolest streets in the world – AKA the go-to spots for experiencing the best of a city if you only have one day. The 2025 list has just dropped, and we’re stoked that two Aussie streets made the list, including an edgy Brisbane road in the top ten. Go Brissy! To rank the coolest streets in the world, our global network of editors and writers considers key factors like walkability, connectivity, ace food and drink offerings, nightlife, culture, fun and community spirit. Montague Road in Brisbane offers all that, and then some, rising to claim the title of Australia’s coolest street for 2025 and the sixth coolest globally. That puts it just behind funky strips in Rio de Janeiro, Osaka, Porto, Chengdu and Montreal (and you can see the full list below). RECOMMENDED: This popular Richmond strip has just been named one of the coolest streets in the world. Photograph: Supplied | Hansen YunckenThomas Dixon Centre Sitting on the river-facing side of West End, this once-sleepy industrial strip has reinvented itself as the creative backbone of Brisbane’s most eclectic, free-spirited neighbourhood. The street is anchored by culture: at the river end, the beautifully restored Thomas Dixon Centre houses the Queensland Ballet, while closer to the city, Queensland Theatre Company draws crowds with bol

Bring on the jingle bells and the jet lag! Christmas is officially one month away, ushering in a festive frenzy and a flurry of last-minute travel plans. This year, thousands of lucky Australians are heading overseas for the silly season, trading traditional beach holidays for cultural hotspots like Vietnam, Morocco and India. However, our nation's top ten international Christmas destinations feature some adventurous wildcards. Christmas in Costa Rica, anyone? The data revealing the most popular Christmas destinations comes from Intrepid Travel, which analysed thousands of Australian bookings over the peak festive season. While Intrepid offers small group trips to more than 100 countries across all seven continents, the results point to one overwhelming favourite: Asia, claiming a massive seven out of the top ten spots. Vietnam is the undisputed favourite, claiming 26.1 per cent of all Christmas bookings, with high demand for express southbound trips and family-friendly itineraries. There’s a lot to love about Vietnam: it offers great value, thanks to a favourable exchange rate and cheaper flights than long-haul routes to the US or Europe. Add in pleasant weather and rich cultural experiences, and you’ve got a relaxing yet enriching festive getaway. Photograph: Supplied | Intrepid Travel Asia’s popularity extends to tropical favourites like Sri Lanka (14.1 per cent) and Thailand (7.7 per cent), proving that beachy holidays still hold some appeal. But many Aussies are swappi