Melissa Woodley

Tasmania’s capital city isn’t exactly heaving with activity after dark like its bustling mainland counterparts. But if you know where to look, Hobart’s bar scene delivers. From hidden cocktail bars and underground drinking dens to heritage pubs and waterfront watering holes, this guide rounds up the best bars in Hobart for every kind of night out. It helps that the local booze, like the food, is world-renowned – the beer, the wine, the whisky, the gin. Whatever your poison, it all adds up to a good time. So whether you're a Dirty Martini person or partial to a tinnie (or three), our expert writers, including Hobart local, Josie Rozenberg-Clarke, and Time Out Australia’s Travel & News Editor, Melissa Woodley, can both attest to every inclusion on this list of the best bars in Hobart. Bottoms up! For more about how we curate our reviews and guides, see our editorial guidelines. 🍽 The best restaurants in Hobart🍕 The best pizza in Hobart

Our Bush Capital might not always top the charts for nightlife fun, but you’ll be pleasantly surprised by the best bars in Canberra. Much of the good stuff is fermented right here in the region – from craft beers to cool-climate shiraz and Australia’s only locally produced bourbon – making Canberra the perfect base for a day of winery hopping and cellar door shopping.  But, within the city itself, there are buzzing wine bars like Bar Rochford; proudly Australian breweries, namely Capital Brewing Co; and even hidden basement whisky bars, more specifically, Hippo Co. Time Out Australia’s Travel & News Editor Melissa Woodley, dived head-first into Canberra's nightlife scene across four big years, where plenty of drinking and eating alike was done. So skip the guesswork and drink your way through our guide to the best bars in Canberra. For more about how we curate our reviews and guides, see our editorial guidelines. 🥘 The best Indian in Canberra🍕 The best pizza in Canberra

When you think about grabbing a drink in Darwin, you likely think ‘outback pub’ – but the Top End of Australia has far more going on. From relaxed breweries pouring local beers to tropical cocktail bars and hidden distilleries, the Darwin nightlife scene is packed with surprises. One thing is for certain: it’s always nice weather for a drink, and no one knows that more than our local expert writer, Kate Dinning, who has given the seal of approval to all of the best bars in Darwin. So, turn your clocks to island time and get ready to waste away again in Maragritaville (that's Darwin in our books). Here are the best bars in Darwin right now. For more about how we curate our reviews and guides, see our editorial guidelines. 🍺 The best pubs in Darwin🍔 The best burgers in Darwin

The idea that breakfast is the most important meal of the day may have been the result of a ridiculously successful marketing campaign to sell cereal and bacon in the 19th century, but the tagline holds true for the good people of Brisbane. It’s no secret that you lot love breakfast, from your piccolos to your pancakes. That’s why, when coming up with this list of the best breakfasts in Brisbane, we lost far more sleep deliberating over who and what to include than we’d rather say.  Our top breakfasts in Brisbane were picked using strict criteria, including flavour, innovation, freshness, ambience, service and presentation (to name a few). These are the Brisbane cafés you go to with friends visiting from out of town to show them just how ‘in the know’ you are, and the dishes you order time and time again, no matter what new additions grace the menu. From Hungarian-style meals reimagined for an Australian palate to aesthetically pleasing venues you’ll want to photograph for the ‘gram, this list of the best breakfasts in Brisbane proves once more that breakfast is the far superior meal of the day after all. ☕️ The best coffee in Brisbane🥐 The best bakeries in Brisbane

Summer update: Let the good times roll with our fresh guide to Sydney’s best bars – perfect for your summer sessions. From frosty Martinis to fun and fruity Piña Coladas, cold ales in sunny beer gardens and vinos in sexy wine bars – whatever you’re after, whatever the occasion, you’ll find it all here. This list represents our picks of the best bars in Sydney right now, from fresh faces to tried-and-tested temples of great drinks, curated by our local editors, drink writers and fellow booze hounds, including Time Out Sydney's Editor Avril Treasure. We’re looking for quality above all, with fun, flavour, atmosphere, creativity and options at every price point. Cheers to you, Sydney. Editor’s picks: 😎 Best for a vibey wine and snack: Famelia🥂 Best for bubbles with a view: Icebergs Dining Room and Bar🎸 Best for live music: Buddy's Bar 🍻 Best for a drink on a sunny rooftop: Monica🍹 Best for an excellent cocktail: PS40 Stay in the loop: sign up for our free Time Out Sydney newsletter for more news, food & drink inspo and activity ideas, straight to your inbox. After a watering hole that's a bit more casual? See our list of the best pubs in Sydney, here. After a meal? Check out our best restaurants here.

Don’t come to Adelaide if you don’t love birds. A zillion adorable alarm clocks will have you up at dawn in search of outstanding coffee, smashed avo and berry-studded pancakes in cafés tucked along tree-lined streets and parklands. Sure, any decent café worth its black lava salt can nail a perfect poached egg over sourdough with house-cured bacon – but where else can you sip an açai smoothie while a magpie serenades you or enjoy breakfast with native wildlife nearby? And if you’re outdoors, you’ll still get to enjoy the endeavours of chefs and cooks who celebrate exquisite, sustainably grown local produce. From chilli-spiced eggs in Highgate to breakfast pho in Woodville, here's a local's pick of the best breakfasts in Adelaide right now. 🥑 The best cafés in Adelaide☕️ The best coffee in Adelaide

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

Although it’s not a major capital city, Hobart can still be a pricey place to eat out if you don’t know where to go. Many visitors find themselves gravitating towards the river, which is lined with fancy waterfront eateries charging top dollar for a feed. But eating cheap in Hobart doesn’t just confine you to burger bars or far-flung suburbs. You can dine like royalty in Hobart – if you know where to look. And it just so happens that we do. Here are some of the best cheap eats in Hobart – meaning places that serve hearty mains for under $20 – in and around the glorious city centre. Pick between generous dumpling plates, fresh banh mi, hearty noodle soups and more. ✨ The best restaurants in Hobart🥐 The best bakeries in Hobart

Given Canberra is a city full of politicians and public servants, it checks out that the city is full of classy, fine-dining restaurants. But it’s also a student hub, full of ballers on a budget who want to stretch their dollars when eating out. Our Travel & News Editor Melissa Woodley spent four years attending university in the capital, so she’s got the inside scoop on where to go for the best cheap eats in Canberra. Like many locals, she loves going to the popular CBD Dumpling House for big group dinners, where 14 steaming dumplings cost just $15. But if you’re looking for the ultimate budget-friendly option, The Canberra Food Co-op’s $12.50 weekday lunches are hard to beat. Check out more of the best cheap eats in Canberra below. ✨ The best restaurants in Canberra🥐 The best bakeries in Canberra

We fully get that Australia is in the middle of a cost-of-living crisis, so we're here to help you on your journey to finding the best cheap eats in Adelaide. Here in the 20-minute city, we’re lucky enough to harbour a mammoth selection of multicultural cuisines, and some local haunts are more or less doing acts of God when it comes to sizable and heavenly feeds that won’t break the bank. Quaff down Vietnamese rolls, Chinese braises, Italian pizza pies and Mexican street food, to name a few hot deals and meals for under $20. Your taste buds are in for a treat. Here are the best cheap eats in Adelaide. ⭐️ The best restaurants in Adelaide🥐 The best bakeries in Adelaide

Whether you and your adventure buddy are chasing your next thrill or looking for a stunning spot to unwind, Australia is brimming with romantic getaways that lovers, well, love. Think long, long stretches of some of the world’s whitest sand, rolling vineyards that are the birthplace of your go-to date night drops, cosy cabins tucked in the mountains, and sunset locations that rival what you’ve seen on postcards. Our travel writers (and self-confessed romantics) have scoped the country to bring you this guide to the most romantic getaways in Australia, for everything from anniversary trips to babymoons. Cue 'Love Is In The Air'. ❤️ The best honeymoon destinations in Australia🌸 The best glamping spots for couples

After months (or even years) of stress leading up to the wedding, running away to a distant paradise with your newlywed love couldn’t sound sweeter. But for many couples, the big question (after the biggest question, obviously) persists: where the bloody hell should you go for your honeymoon in Australia?  Luckily, when it comes to honeymoon destinations in Australia, the potential for romantic escapism knows no bounds. Whether you're an outdoorsy kinda couple who lives for rugged 4WD adventures to remote beaches, a tropical island lounging pair or a set of metropolitan lovebirds who like fine dining and even better wine, there's a fairytale getaway waiting for you. Our well-travelled (and hopelessly romantic) editors have handpicked the best honeymoon destinations in Australia, with each option varied, diverse and most of all, abundant in their possibilities for romance. After this, it's all up to you.  💗 The most romantic getaways in Australia✈️ Where to travel solo Down Under

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Millbrook Restaurant's ever-evolving, seasonal menu takes its cues from the estate’s sprawling one-acre garden, where 100 varieties of heirloom vegetables are grown. Creativity and colour are served up lakeside, whether that’s on the deck or inside the stone walls of its grand cellar door – you’d almost mistake it for a vista across the Italian countryside. The winery restaurant's pretty plates sound a little like rump steak with confit eggplant, pan-seared market fish alongside a zucchini medley, plus a fresh plum tart atop lemon pastry cream, decorated with plum gel and meringue. There’s also a thoughtful vegan menu, too. Millbrook’s premium wines lean strongly on lesser-known grape varieties, such as viognier, tempranillo and a sublime GSM blend. Time Out tip: Millbrook Winery is located a 50-minute drive south of Perth, so it’s best to book a minibus with a designated driver to haul you around the region.  RECOMMENDED: The best restaurants in Perth

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

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

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

Hook, line and sinker, Madalenas is easily one of the best bars in Perth. The sun-filled boteco sources the freshest sustainably caught seafood from local suppliers at Fins Seafood and pairs it with seasonal goodness from their thriving kitchen garden. Madalenas' ever-changing menu sees the likes of Fremantle octopus with tamarind, chipotle and duck fat, as well as Abrolhos Islands red throat emperor with chamomile butter, and barbecued Albany sardines with parsley and capers - simple yet effective. Wind down on the weekend with a chardonnay off Madalenas' white marble bar or head upstairs for cocktails and fantastic sunsets over the Indian Ocean horizon. Time Out tip: Reservations are recommended if you’re after a bite to eat, but if you’re following your nose for an evening tipple, chances are you’re in the clear sans a booking. RECOMMENDED: The best restaurants in Perth

Ladies and gentlemen of the ton, we’ve just received the invite of the season… and yes, you’re on the guest list, too. To celebrate the highly-anticipated launch of Bridgerton season four, Netflix is bringing a whimsical Masquerade Parlour to Melbourne’s CBD – and it’s everything your fairytale dreams are made of (except, perhaps, a dashing duke or duchess). For one weekend only, you can become the belle of the ball with DIY and guided pampering stations, and a Regency-era photo set so you can capture the perfect portrait. Now, there’s lots to look forward to about Bridgerton’s latest season, especially with our very own Aussie star Yerin Ha taking the lead as Sophie Baek, aka the masked Lady in Silver. Released in two parts, the eight-episode season follows Benedict Bridgerton’s love story with Sophie after a fateful encounter at his mother’s masquerade ball.   Photograph: Supplied/Netflix Members of the Melbourne ton can celebrate with fellow fans and unmask their own fairytale at Netflix’s free Bridgerton Masquerade Parlour, popping up at 362 Little Collins Street on Saturday, January 31 and Sunday, February 1. First, you can explore the luxurious Regency-inspired store, complete with DIY and guided pampering stations to perfect your masquerade look. Then, strike a pose throughout the parlour and take home your own fairytale portrait (new Tinder profile, sorted). Bridgerton Season Four: Part One debuted on Netflix on January 29, followed by Part Two on February 26. Stay

Calling all K-pop fans: BTS is officially back! After years of waiting, the multi-award-winning band has confirmed dates for its massive 2026/27 world tour – and yes, Melbourne is on the list. Set to be the biggest global K-pop tour of all time, BTS will perform 79 shows across 34 regions, with two dates locked in for the Victorian regiment of the Aussie Army. It’s been almost a decade since the seven-member group – RM, Jin, Jimin, V, Suga, Jung Kook and J-hope – last came to Australia for their Wings Tour in 2017. After entering a four-year hiatus in 2022 to complete South Korea’s mandatory military service, BTS is set to make its highly anticipated return in Goyang in April 2026. Fans can expect new music, along with past hits like ‘Dynamite’ and ‘Butter’. Here’s everything we know about BTS’ Australian tour so far. When is BTS in Melbourne?  As part of their massive 79-show world tour, BTS will perform in two Aussie cities. The Grammy-winning group will kick things off with two Melbourne shows on Friday, February 12 and Saturday, February 13, 2027. Then they'll head to Sydney for back-to-back performances on Saturday, February 20 and Sunday, February 21. Venue details haven’t been announced yet, but we have no doubt they’ll be big stadium shows! When do BTS Melbourne tickets go on sale? The band’s team are yet to announce official timings, but we’ll update this story as soon as they do. You can sign up for the waitlist via Live Nation here. When is the BTS Melbourne pre-s

K-pop fans of the Harbour City, we’ve got good news. After years of waiting, the multi-award-winning band BTS has confirmed dates for its massive 2026/27 world tour – and yes, Sydney is on the list. Set to be the biggest global K-pop tour of all time, BTS will perform 79 shows across 34 regions, with two dates locked in for the NSW regiment of the Aussie Army. It’s been almost a decade since the seven-member group – RM, Jin, Jimin, V, Suga, Jung Kook and j-hope – last came to Australia for their Wings Tour in 2017. After entering a four-year hiatus in 2022 to complete South Korea’s mandatory military service, BTS is set to make its highly anticipated return in Goyang in April 2026. Fans can expect new music, along with the hope of hearing past hits like ‘Dynamite’ and ‘Butter’. Here’s everything we know about BTS’ Australian tour so far. When is BTS in Sydney?  As part of their massive 79-show world tour, BTS will perform in two Aussie cities. The Grammy-winning group will kick things off with two Melbourne shows on Friday, February 12 and Saturday, February 13, before heading to Sydney for back-to-back performances on Saturday, February 20 and Sunday, February 21. Venue details haven’t been announced yet, but we have no doubt they’ll be big stadium shows! When do BTS Sydney tickets go on sale? The band’s team are yet to announce official timings, but we’ll update this story as soon as they do. You can sign up for the waitlist via Live Nation here. When is the BTS Sydney pre

BTS is officially back! After years of waiting, the multi-award-winning global K-pop band has confirmed dates for its massive 2026/27 world tour – and yes, Australia’s on the list. Set to be the biggest global K-pop tour of all time, BTS will perform 79 shows across 34 regions, with four huge dates locked in for the Aussie Army. It’s been almost a decade since the seven-member group – RM, Jin, Jimin, V, Suga, Jung Kook and j-hope – last came to Australia for their Wings Tour in 2017. After entering a four-year hiatus in 2022 to complete South Korea’s mandatory military service, BTS is set to make its highly anticipated return in Goyang in April 2026. Fans can expect new music, along with the hope of hearing past hits like ‘Dynamite’ and ‘Butter’. Here’s everything we know about BTS’ Australian tour so far. When is BTS touring Australia? As part of their massive 79-show world tour, BTS will perform in two Aussie cities. The Grammy-winning group will kick things off with two Melbourne shows on Friday, February 12 and Saturday, February 13, before heading to Sydney for back-to-back performances on Saturday, February 20 and Sunday, February 21. Venue details haven’t been announced yet, but we have no doubt they’ll be big stadium shows! When do BTS tickets go on sale in Australia? The band’s team are yet to announce official timings, but we’ll update this story as soon as they do. You can sign up for the waitlist via Live Nation here. When is the BTS pre-sale in Australia? We have

Anyone who’s travelled to Japan can understand the withdrawals you experience after leaving 7-Eleven onigiri behind. At around $2 AUD a piece, these plump, stuffed rice balls are some of the best bites you’ll have – and that’s saying something in a country famous for ramen, gyoza, Wagyu and fluffy pancakes. But if you’re anything like me, you might not know that you can actually find Japanese onigiri at 7-Eleven stores right here in Australia. Even better, they’ve just released two new flavours that’ll have you sprinting to the servo ASAP. It turns out, I've been sleeping under a rock. 7-Eleven has actually been selling its cult-favourite Japanese-inspired onigiri in Australia for a few years, initially in Victoria, before rolling them out across states like NSW and Queensland in 2024. The original range featured three flavours: spicy tuna, chicken teriyaki and sweet chilli salmon, with tuna mayo and Korean BBQ beef added in 2025. This month, 7-Eleven has launched two new flavours – Japanese curry chicken and sweet and spicy Korean fried chicken – which are now available nationwide (excluding Far North Queensland). Ranging from $4 to $4.30 each, these nori-wrapped snacks are a tad more expensive than in Japan – but still way cheaper than an international flight. View this post on Instagram A post shared by NutthinnnbutaGthang (@nutthinnnbutagthang) But that’s not all… In response to raving fan reviews, the mega convenience store chain has expanded it

The older you get, the more wild it seems that so many of us are expected to make one of the biggest decisions of our lives – choosing which university to attend – at just 17 or 18 years old. At that age, most of us are still working out how to do our own laundry or nail a reverse park – so deciding what to study for the next three to eight years of your life feels like a jump. So if you’re prepping to make the big decision this year, Time Magazine has just revealed its first-ever ranking of the World’s Top Universities – and six Victorian universities made the top 500. Now, we know there are plenty of reputable university rankings out there, like Times Higher Education (THE) and QS World University Rankings. But Time Magazine’s inaugural list takes a fresh approach, measuring success by tangible student outcomes rather than traditional prestige – from patents filed and start-ups launched to leadership roles in business. Partnering with data analytics firm Statista, the study evaluated 500 universities globally across three key pillars – academic capacity and performance, innovation and economic impact, and global engagement – with scores aggregated to produce the final ranking. Mirroring THE’s 2026 ranking, the University of Oxford topped Time’s inaugural list with a score of 90.20, earning the title of the world’s best university. It was joined in the top five by four prestigious US institutions: Yale, Stanford, Massachusetts Institute of Technology and the University of C

If you ask us, the fact that many of us are expected to make one of the biggest decisions of our lives – choosing which university to attend – at just 17 or 18 years old is pretty damn wild. At that age, most of us are still working out how to do our own laundry or nail a reverse park, so choosing where to head to determine the rest of your life path feels like a pretty big jump. If you’re prepping to make the big decision this year, Time Magazine has just revealed its first-ever ranking of the World’s Top Universities – and 25 Australian universities made the top 500. Now, we know there are plenty of reputable university rankings out there, like Times Higher Education and QS World University Rankings. But Time Magazine’s inaugural list takes a fresh approach, measuring success by tangible student outcomes rather than traditional prestige – from patents filed and start-ups launched to leadership roles in business. Partnering with data analytics firm Statista, the study evaluated 500 universities globally across three key pillars – academic capacity and performance, innovation and economic impact, and global engagement – with scores aggregated to produce the final ranking. Mirroring THE’s 2026 ranking, the University of Oxford topped Time’s inaugural list with a score of 90.20, earning the title of the world’s best university. It was joined in the top five by prestigious US institutions, including Yale, Stanford, Massachusetts Institute of Technology and the University of Chic

Budget-friendly trips are a win-win for all sorts of travellers! They nudge you to discover unexpected destinations and often send you home with money left over for your next trip. At Time Out, we’re big fans of cheap-and-cheerful adventures, and we’re rallying for you to explore the world even if you’re doing it on a shoestring budget. We’ve got the lowdown on the most popular international destinations where the Aussie dollar will stretch the furthest in 2026 – so yes, now you have an excuse to book that flight. The latest Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) data reveals Aussies are increasingly being drawn to destinations where they can get more bang for their buck. Insights from international money transfer platform Wise show we’re cashing in on cheap flights to our closest neighbour, New Zealand, and taking advantage of favourable exchange rates in Asia more than ever before. So, what are the most budget-friendly international destinations to explore this year? Photograph: David Edelstein via Unsplash Japan In 2025, Australia hit a major milestone, with more than 1 million Aussie travellers visiting Japan in a single year for the very first time. That’s a 20 per cent jump on the previous year, which is unsurprising given the AUD’s nine per cent increase against the Japanese yen. With regular flight sales to Tokyo and Osaka, $2 onigiri from 7-Eleven, quirky capsule hostels and affordable trains, you don’t need to splash out to have a good time in Japan. New Zealand Th

It’s still wild to me that many of us are expected to make one of the biggest decisions of our lives – choosing which university to attend – at just 17 or 18 years old. At that age, most of us are still working out how to do our own laundry or nail a reverse park. If you’re prepping to make the big decision this year, Time Magazine has just revealed its first-ever ranking of the World’s Top Universities – and 25 Australian universities made the top 500. Now, we know there are plenty of reputable university rankings out there, like Times Higher Education and QS World University Rankings. But Time Magazine’s inaugural list takes a fresh approach, measuring success by tangible student outcomes rather than traditional prestige – from patents filed and start-ups launched to leadership roles in business. Partnering with data analytics firm Statista, the study evaluated 500 universities globally across three key pillars – academic capacity and performance, innovation and economic impact, and global engagement – with scores aggregated to produce the final ranking. Mirroring THE’s 2026 ranking, the University of Oxford topped Time’s inaugural list with a score of 90.20, earning the title of the world’s best university. It was joined in the top five by prestigious US institutions, including Yale, Stanford, Massachusetts Institute of Technology and the University of Chicago. In Australia, the University of Queensland was our nation’s highest-ranked institution for 2026, placing 28th glo

Running was all the rage in 2024, HYROX stole the spotlight in 2025, and we’re calling it: 2026 is the year of multi-day hiking adventures. Jumping on this trend is easy in Australia, given our island nation is dotted with some of the most spectacular walking trails on Earth. However, you’ll want to bump one much-loved coastal region in Western Australia to the top of your hiking bucket list, as it’s just been named one of the world’s must-visit hiking destinations for 2026. Margaret River may be best known for its gnarly surf breaks and world-class wineries, but AllTrails – the world’s most popular outdoor platform – has just recognised it as one of only eight destinations in its brand-new Travel-Worthy Trails guide. It was the only Aussie destination spotlighted for offering hiking experiences so incredible they’re worthy of building an entire trip around, alongside heavy hitters like Queenstown in New Zealand, the Julian Alps in Slovenia and Austria, and the USA’s Nantahala National Forest. Photograph: Tourism Western AustraliaYallingup, Margaret River The Margaret River Region – also encompassing Busselton, Dunsborough and Augusta – earned its place on the global list for its unique mix of ancient karri forests, limestone caves, seasonal wildflowers and ocean-hugging trails. Here, outdoor enthusiasts can surf at sunrise, hit the trails by day and sip in the views at a winery come sunset. For new and old hikers alike, the 140-kilometre Cape to Cape Track is the region’s

If there’s one universal complaint shared by people living in major cities around the world, it’s the rising cost of living. From rent and electricity bills to gas and groceries, it’s a constant stream of cash disappearing down the drain. But some cities are far tougher on your bank account than others, as revealed in the latest Cost of Living Index. Interested in seeing how Australia’s major cities stack up? Read on to find out. Published this week, Numbeo’s annual Cost of Living Index evaluates cities around the world by looking at the cost of rent, restaurants, groceries and local purchasing power. It then combines these factors to give us two separate cost of living rankings – one including rent and one without.  You might be wondering why there’s one without rent. For travellers, it’s actually pretty useful – it shows which cities are most expensive for day-to-day living, without the big-ticket housing costs skewing the picture. Switzerland’s reputation for being expensive is well earned, with Swiss cities claiming the top six spots on the Cost of Living Index (without rent). Once again, Zurich leads the pack (and comes second after New York when rent is factored in), with an overall cost of living score of 118.5. This puts it just ahead of Geneva, Basel, Lausanne, Lugano and Bern. Two Australian cities rank in the top 100 most expensive for day-to-day living in 2026 – but that number increases to four once rent is factored in. Sydney is the priciest in both categories,

Update Saturday, January 24: Early this week, Earth was hit by the strongest solar radiation storm since 2003, lighting up skies across the country with spectacular Aurora Australis sightings from January 20 to 23. The dancing lights were most prominently spotted in Tasmania and along the Victorian coast – from Werribee South Beach to Port Phillip and the Mornington Peninsula. The Aurora was also visible at Stanwell Tops and the Blue Mountains in NSW, Aldinga and Sellicks Beaches in South Australia, and even as far inland as Kalgoorlie in Western Australia, among many other locations. Late last night, the Australian Space Weather Forecasting Centre (ASWFC) issued another alert confirming the geomagnetic storm is still in progress. According to the alert, the "Aurora may be observed during local nighttime hours in good observing conditions at high latitudes." The best chance to spot the lights is after dark (if skies are clear), with most sightings just before midnight. Bright, beautiful and bedazzling, the Aurora Borealis is a big-ticket bucket list item for pretty much everyone on Earth. Only those who have witnessed the Northern Lights with their naked eyes can truly understand its ethereal magic. But you don’t need to fork out on a ticket to Scandinavia to see the dramatic natural light display IRL. Australia has its very own version, called the Aurora Australis or Southern Lights – and this year, we could be in for the brightest display in 20 years. Here’s everything you