Melissa Woodley

When it comes to once-in-a-lifetime experiences, it’s hard to beat those on offer in Uluṟu, AKA Australia’s Red Centre. This magical stretch of the Aussie outback is full of endless possibilities and wild adventures, all centred around one of our nation’s most recognisable and sacred landmarks, Uluṟu (previously known as Ayers Rock).  Set on the ancestral lands of the Anangu people, Uluṟu holds deep spiritual importance for Australia's First Nations people. By day, explore the rock’s vast ten-kilometre base on foot, where you’ll uncover fascinating geological facts and learn Tjutkurpa (creation stories) shared by the Traditional Owners. As night falls, the landscape transforms with magical drone shows, light projections and star-lit dinners. Here’s our guide on the best things to do in Uluṟu-Kata Tjuṯa National Park. When is the best time to visit Uluṟu? The best time to visit Uluṟu is during the coolest months from May to September, when daytime temperatures are a comfortable 18 to 25 degrees – perfect for hiking and exploring. Warning: summer is scorching in the Red Centre, with temps soaring up to a sweltering 45 degrees. Editor's favourite things to do in Uluṟu: 🥾 Best outdoor adventure: Uluṟu Base Walk ⭐️ Best cultural experience: Wintjiri Wiru 🌈 Best bucket-list experience: Field of Light 🌅 The best places to visit in the Northern Territory🌳 The best things to do in Alice Springs

Ah, food. Glorious, glorious food. If there’s one thing Australians will happily cross state lines (or book flights) for, it’s a very good meal – ideally paired with an equally excellent drink in hand. In 2026, the festival calendar is once again stacked. Nearly every state, city and regional town now has a signature food and drink celebration, many built around what grows best in their own backyards: cool-climate pinot in Victoria, seafood pulled straight from the ocean in Queensland, tropical flavours in the Top End and produce so fresh it barely makes it off the farm. These events bring together the country’s best chefs, winemakers, farmers, brewers and producers – often in places you’d happily plan a long weekend around anyway.  So, whether you’re a wine wanker, a seafood seeker, a beer buff or a truffle hunter, here are the food and drink festivals in Australia that turn a good weekend away into the whole point of the trip. Editors' favourite food and drink festivals in Australia: 🍷 Best for wine lovers: Orange F.O.O.D Week, NSW 🍽️ Best for serious foodies: Melbourne Food and Wine Festival, VIC 🍜 Best for something new: Darwin International Laksa Festival, NT 🍽️ The best restaurants in Australia🎸 The best music festivals in Australia

Autumn 2026 update: Enjoy the change of seasons at one of Sydney’s cracking pubs. From sun-dappled beer gardens to refreshing pints and heart-warming roasts, these pubs are warm, welcoming spaces built for a good time – and even better if they’re pokie-free. Below, we’ve rounded up the best of the best. There's a lot that goes into making a great pub. They need to furnish you with an excellent meal and friendly service, and a game of pool or darts doesn't go astray, and we're fans of weekly trivia. On a hot day, it's all about having a welcoming beer garden, and on a Sunday, it's all about a cracking roast. Top-notch drinks are a must, obvs. There are a lot of rock-solid pubs in this city, and these are our picks of the bunch, pulled together by Time Out Sydney's local writers. Cheers! Editor's picks: 🍠 Best for a Sunday roast: The Bat & Ball Hotel ☀️ Best for a sunny beer garden: Courthouse Hotel 🍽️ Best for top-notch feed: The Dry Dock 🎸 Best for live music: The Lord Gladstone 🔖 Best for mid-week trivia: The Golden Barley 🍻 Best for a post-surf beer: Harbord Hotel 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. For something a bit less pubby, a bit higher end, see our picks of the best bars in Sydney. Hungry? Check out our ultimate guide to Sydney's best restaurants. 

The word sustainability gets thrown around a lot – and so it should. We know our oceans are filled with plastic, the Earth is warming each day, and weather conditions are becoming more and more destructive. The good news is that Sydney’s restaurants, bars and cafés are taking sustainability seriously – not just talking the talk by posting an Instagram tile, but doing the hard, often more costly and time-consuming work to do their bit to care for our planet. From cutting down on emissions to drastically reducing waste, reusing water, working with local suppliers, cooking with whole animals and using biodegradable packaging, Sydney’s top spots are paving the way for a greener future. Below, you’ll find some of our favourite sustainable venues in Sydney. 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 READ: These are the best vegetarian restaurants in Sydney.

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

2026 means a full calendar year of incredible Aussie festivals. Every corner of our country is slated to come alive with a sparkly array of live music and phenomenal culture-packed moments, with something special happening no matter the season. In this list, Time Out's editors have rounded up the best festivals that we reckon you should check out Down Under in 2026. Starting with those that are on the earliest in the year and ending with those at the end, each of these festivals has been selected for its scale, its astonishing visuals and its commitment to seriously good times. From music to comedy to wild light displays in the Outback, rest assured that going to any of these incredible Aussie festivals will be a bloody good time indeed.  🎭 The best musicals in Australia🍔 The best food festivals in Australia

Australia’s wildlife is one of its biggest drawcards – and for many travellers, seeing iconic animals up close is an experience you simply can’t skip. We totally get it – you can't really beat seeing a koala joey in the flesh by much.  In this guide to the best zoos and wildlife parks in Australia, we’ve rounded up top-rated, ethical zoos and wildlife sanctuaries where you can see both native and exotic animals. Each location has been selected for its strong commitment to animal welfare, conservation efforts and work protecting endangered species, both in captivity and in the wild. Because getting up close with these wondrous creatures isn’t just unforgettable – it's a powerful reminder of why protecting Australia's wildlife is more important now than ever.  Editor's favourite zoos and wildlife parks in Australia: 🐊 Best for families: Australia Zoo, QLD 🐨 Best wildlife park: Cleland Wildlife Park, SA 🦘 Best natural animal reserve: Kangaroo Island, SA 🦘 Where to see kangaroos and koalas in Australia🐳 Where to go whale watching in Australia 🐧 Where to go birdwatching in Australia

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

Long gone are the days when mushroom risotto was the only option on Sydney menus for vegetarians. Okay, so a few places are still championing that veggo staple, but if you know where to go you don't need to set eyes on it again. Not all of these restaurants are exclusively vegetarian, but every place on this list is serving the kind of exciting, delicious vegetable-based fare that will make you reconsider meat in favour of a whole head of roasted cauliflower, a perfect puffy pizza or a totally plant-based degustation. 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. If you're a dedicated herbivore, you can find Sydney's best vegan restaurants. Want more? Check out our guide to Sydney's best restaurants here.

If you’re gearing up for a trip to Australia or planning on exploring your own backyard, it’s worth putting these public holidays on your radar. We’ve broken it down, starting with public holidays celebrated across the nation and then those observed only by certain states and territories. Just plan ahead for these dates to secure the best hotel rooms and free camping spots before they’re all booked.  When is the next public holiday in Australia? The next nationwide public holiday in Australia is January 26, 2026. When are the national public holidays in Australia in 2026? New Year’s Day: Thursday, January 1 Australia Day/Invasion Day: Monday, January 26 Good Friday: Friday, April 3 Easter Saturday: Saturday, April 4 (except Tasmania and WA) Easter Sunday: Sunday, April 5 (except Tasmania) Easter Monday: Monday, April 6 Anzac Day: Saturday, April 25 (observed in ACT, NSW and WA on Monday, April 27) Christmas Day: Friday, December 25 Boxing Day: Saturday, December 26 (except Tasmania) Boxing Day observation: Monday, December 28 What are the different public holidays in each state and territory? Australian Capital Territory (ACT) Canberra Day: Monday, March 9 Anzac Day observation: Monday, April 27 Reconciliation Day: Monday, June 1 King’s Birthday: Monday, June 8 Labour Day: Monday, October 5 New South Wales (NSW) Anzac Day observation: Monday, April 27 King’s Birthday: Monday, June 8 Labour Day: Monday, October 5 Northern Territory (NT) May Day: Monday, May 4 King’s B

They say relaxing is sometimes the most productive thing you can do – and we couldn’t agree more. Luckily, Australia is the world’s ultimate relaxation destination (yes, there’s legit research to back us up), with everything from sun-soaked beaches and luxury spa retreats to tropical winter escapes and world-class wine regions. To help you truly unwind, our editors have curated the ultimate list of the most relaxing destinations in Australia. Whether you’re after a beachside escape, a vineyard getaway or a wellness retreat, these destinations promise the perfect dose of calm and serenity – with scenery that makes you forget what you were stressing about in the first place. Editor's favourite relaxing getaways in Australia: ☀️ Best for a digital detox: Lord Howe Island, NSW 💎 Best for spa indulgence: Daylesford, VIC 🌳 Best for nature immersion: Blue Mountains, NSW 🌊 Best for beach bliss: The Whitsundays, QLD 🍷 Best for wine lovers: Barossa Valley, SA 😍 The most beautiful places in Australia🌈 The best bucket-list destinations in Australia

Hobart may be tucked all the way down the bottom of Australia, but it’s a destination not to be slept on. Tasmania’s capital city is blessed with natural beauty, featuring the glittering waters of the River Derwent on one side and the rugged peak of kunanyi/Mount Wellington on the other – and there’s plenty to do both outside and inside. Whether you’re headed to this waterfront town for a quick weekend getaway or you’ve got time on your side, our expert writers have rounded up the best things to do in Hobart. From mountain walks and self-guided history tours to top-tier restaurants and the incomparable MONA, everyone will find something to do on this list. Our Travel & News Editor Melissa Woodley's perfect Hobart day starts with pastries from Pigeon Whole Bakers, a sauna boat experience and a trip to the underrated Farm Gate Market. Happy exploring! Editors' favourite things to do in Hobart: 🖼️ Best for culture: MONA 🧺 Best for food: Farm Gate Market 💦 Best for something different: Kuuma Sauna 🍽️ The best restaurants in Hobart🖼️ The best museums and galleries in Hobart🚗 The best day trips from Hobart

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Update Friday, April 3: The latest alert from the Australian Space Weather Forecasting Centre (ASWFC) today confirms a geomagnetic storm is in progress. According to the alert, the "Aurora may be observed during local nighttime hours in good observing conditions at high altitudes." The best chance to spot the lights is 60 to 75 minutes after sunset, with likely spotting in Tasmania and Victoria, plus parts of South Australia, Western Australia, the ACT and NSW. However, the brightness of the full moon may overpower visibility. 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 last year, we experienced the brightest display in 20 years. Here’s everything you need to know about seeing the Aurora Australis in Australia. Will the Aurora Australis be visible tonight? The Aurora Australis has been visible in Australia multiple times this year, mostly in the southern parts of the country. To stay updated, you can subscribe to their geomagnetic storm alerts here, track Aurora activity using this real-time map, or join this Facebook group for posts about the most recent sightings around Australia.  What is the A

There’s a lot to love about autumn – cool air, colourful trees and a packed festival calendar, including the Melbourne International Comedy Festival and Melbourne Food and Wine Festival – but one thing many of us are sad to see go is daylight saving. Victorians will be saying goodbye to that extra hour of evening sunlight when daylight saving officially ends this Sunday, April 5 (Easter Sunday). But it also comes with benefits, including lighter mornings, which make it easier to wake up. Now, the all-important question: do we lose or gain an hour of sleep? Here’s everything you need to know about the end of daylight savings in Victoria in 2026. When does Victoria daylight savings end? This year, daylight saving ends this week, on Sunday, April 5. At 3am, the clocks wind back to 2am. Do you lose or gain an hour of sleep when daylight savings ends? Another good thing about daylight saving ending is that we gain an extra hour of sleep this Sunday, April 5 (Easter Sunday). We're not sure how this affects the Easter Bunny's schedule – and parents will be all too aware that kids' circadian rhythms will take a while to adjust, so they'll still be hopping out of bed at the old time for a while.  When do clocks go back for daylight savings? Anyone who uses their smartphone as their alarm clock won’t have to worry about this one – it’ll automatically do the job for you. But if you’re kicking it old-school with an analogue clock or watch, you’ll need to wind it back by one hour in the m

There’s never a quiet day in Melbourne’s CBD – and that’s exactly what helped it become the best city in the world for 2026. From line-out-the-door bakeries to cool pop-up stores and groovy late-night bars, you’ll always find somewhere to soak up the city buzz – and new spots are opening constantly. In fact, new data from NAB shows that postcode 3000 is the most entrepreneurial neighbourhood in Australia, with the most business account openings for the year ending September 2025. The data proves that Australia’s city centres have reclaimed their place as economic hubs after years of pandemic-related setbacks. Leading the way, Melbourne CBD was the fastest-growing postcode for new businesses, with Sydney’s CBD close behind and Brisbane’s CBD also featuring in the top ten. Photograph: Hugh Davies The proof is in the pudding, too! Last August, Mecca opened its largest-ever beauty destination – one of the biggest standalone stores in the world – on Bourke Street. This came just a month after Pop Mart unveiled its biggest store to date in the Melbourne Walk precinct, drawing crowds out the door. A major $50 million redevelopment of Collins Arcade has also brought a slew of exciting new openings, including everything from big-name fashion brands like Tommy Hilfiger and Saba to beloved dessert spot Le Yeahllow, specialty coffee newcomer Attakai, bar-and-grill-meets-games-den Kingpin, and the first Melbourne outpost of cult fave Sydney sauna studio Xtra Clubs. Besides retail and ho

Update Thursday, April 2: In major news for wave chasers, construction on Perth Surf Park is officially underway. The first waves are expected in spring 2027, ahead of its public opening later that year. Once complete, the Southern Hemisphere's largest surf park is expected to inject more than $300 million into the Western Australian economy. Membership waitlists are now open – find out all you need to know below. Surf’s up, folks! In big news for groms and grommets across the country, Perth has just started building what’s slated to be the biggest surf park in the Southern Hemisphere. Set to make a splash in late 2027, the $120 million proposal will feature a super high-tech 2.2-hectare surfing lagoon (with more than 25 types of waves), rooftop glamping accommodation, a bougie health and wellness centre, a beach club and more – all just 20 minutes from Perth CBD. Popping up in Cockburn Central (adjacent to the train station), Perth Surf Park will be the city’s first major tourism attraction to open in 25 years. It’s expected to welcome up to 1 million guests per year, meaning it’s a win-win for surfing fans and the local economy alike.  Photograph: Supplied | Aventuur Australia is currently the only country in the world with two man-made surf parks, including Urbnsurf Melbourne and Urbnsurf Sydney. But when it came to Perth, Urbnsurf’s proposal was outpaced by a $120 million bid from Aventuur – a global surf park development team backed by Aussie surf stars Molly Picklum,

Update Thursday, April 2: Monarto Safari Resort has unveiled a new tier of luxury accommodation, the Safari Lodge, featuring 20 glamping tents with private outdoor decks bordering the park's Wild Africa precinct. The all-inclusive experience includes all meals and beverages, plus zoo entry and safari adventures. Want to see elephants roaming in the wild but can’t quite make it to Africa? Your dreams are closer than you think. Australia is in fact home to the world’s largest open-range safari park, where a mighty herd of elephants and plenty of endangered species roam free. Spanning more than 1,500 hectares, Monarto Safari Park is so huge that you could fit every major Aussie zoo inside it and still have room to spare. Pretty wild! The park houses more than 500 exotic and native animals, with heaps of epic experiences that’ll make you feel like you’re on your very own African safari. Plus, you can even stay at the park’s brand-new luxury safari resort, which welcomed its first guests in late May 2025. Here’s everything you need to know about visiting Monarto Safari Park. Where is Monarto Safari Park? Monarto Safari Park is located in the small South Australian town of Monarto, just an hour’s drive east of Adelaide CBD. For those without a car, LinkSA runs direct buses to Monarto Safari Park on weekdays, departing from Adelaide CBD in the morning and returning in the mid-afternoon. Photograph: Tourism Australia | South Australian Tourism Commission How big is Monarto Safari P

Come October, Aussies will officially say goodbye to debit and credit surcharges under a reform from the Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA). The new rules will force businesses to remove added fees on Mastercard, Visa and EFTPOS payments – a move expected to save consumers $1.6 billion in surcharging fees annually. But it’s not all good news. Rewards programs are likely to weaken, while small businesses will face a choice of either absorbing the merchant fees or passing them on to customers. The change follows an 18-month consultation with major banks, businesses and industry groups, replacing the previous 2003 surcharge reform. Australian treasurer Jim Chalmers said the move is aimed at easing the pressure of the rising cost of living, with the new rules coming into play on October 1, 2026. In addition to letting consumers use their debit and credit cards without extra fees, the reform will lower the caps on interchange fees that businesses pay to customers’ banks. For domestic-issued consumer credit cards, the cap will drop from 0.8 per cent to 0.3 per cent, saving businesses an estimated $910 million per year. Debit card fee limits will be reduced from 0.2 per cent to 0.16 per cent, while the cap for commercial credit cards will remain at 0.8 per cent. Interchange fees for foreign cards will follow six months later, starting on April 1, 2027, with a one per cent cap. What impact will it have? The reality is that payment systems still come with costs, and businesses will still

Update Thursday, April 2: Looking for a lunch break activity? The pink moon will officially rise at midday, with peak visibility tonight – offering one of the brightest full moons of the year. For the best view, head outside just after sunset and look toward the eastern horizon as it climbs. You might've heard whispers about possible Aurora Australis sightings across Australia this week, but the brightness of today's full moon will make it almost impossible to spot the aurora with the naked eye. It’s time to think pink! Last month’s blood moon dazzled Aussies as it took on a dramatic red glow during the rare total lunar eclipse. If you missed the celestial spectacle, don’t worry – another lunar show is on the way. Today (Thursday, April 2), the pink moon (or paschal moon) will rise over Australia. Despite the name, the moon itself won’t actually look rosy – it'll glow in its usual silvery brilliance. Here’s everything you need to know about seeing the pink moon in Australia. What is a pink moon? The pink moon is named after native pink wildflowers (ground phlox) that bloom across North America in early spring, coinciding with the April full moon. Despite its name, the moon itself won’t actually look pink – it will shine with its usual silvery glow. That said, it can take on a subtle rosy hue if there’s dust or pollution in the atmosphere. When is the pink moon? The pink moon will officially rise on Thursday, April 2, around midday. While it peaks at lunchtime, it will appea

Update Wednesday, April 1: Due to overwhelming demand, Leonardo da Vinci – 500 Years of Genius has been extended until April 12, giving Aussies extra time to experience the world-renowned exhibition in Canberra. Long weekend here you come? Five centuries after his death, Leonardo da Vinci is still celebrated as one of the most brilliant, versatile and influential minds of all time. The Italian artist, engineer, scientist and philosopher created works that many Aussies have never have the chance to see in person – until now. One of the world’s most celebrated immersive exhibitions, Leonardo da Vinci – 500 Years of Genius, has arrived in Canberra for a super-exclusive season. After debuting in Melbourne in 2024, the capital becomes the second Australian city to host this remarkable exhibition, featuring masterpieces like the ‘Mona Lisa’ and ‘The Last Supper’. Projected across the Federation Centenary Fountain precinct adjacent to Parkes Place lawns, these sky-high projections bring da Vinci’s breathtaking Renaissance paintings to life – offering an experience far more accessible than a trip to the Louvre.  Photograph: Supplied | 'Leonardo da Vinci – 500 Years of Genius' Beyond his intricate works of art, the exhibition also celebrates da Vinci’s genius as an inventor with ideas far ahead of his time. You can marvel at full-scale recreations of groundbreaking inventions from his notebooks, alongside original pages of his sketches and writings refracted through light, scale and

It’s an unofficial rule that waving to your neighbours, saying hello to fellow walkers, smiling at your barista and thanking the bus driver will set you up for a good day. Yep, friendliness does wonders for the soul, but it also leaves a lasting impact on others, especially those new in town. That’s why financial services provider Remitly has done some research into the friendliest countries on the planet – and it’s good news for Aussies. Beyond our beautiful beaches and diverse wildlife, Australia has long earned a reputation for its laid-back and friendly nature – so it’s no surprise that we’re viewed as one of the world’s friendliest nations. The researchers surveyed almost 5,000 people from 26 different countries, asking where they believe the friendliest people live. It’s a major compliment that Australia was the top choice for 5.1 per cent of respondents, which puts us in third place behind Canada (10.5 per cent) and Brazil (7.96 per cent). Interestingly, Australia ranked just ahead of Japan (4.94 per cent) – a nation widely regarded as one of the most welcoming on Earth. Anyone who’s travelled through the Land of the Rising Sun knows just how polite, respectful and deeply hospitable the Japanese are. Perhaps the difference comes down to style, with Australians tending to be more outgoing, chatty and openly social.  Regardless, we’re just happy to be in such good company in the top ten, which you can view below. The 10 friendliest countries in the world, according to Re

As a child, I always dreamed of finding that prized golden ticket in Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. I wanted to spend my days floating down chocolate rivers, making friends with Oompa-Loompas, riding the Wonkavator, and of course, eating my weight in the sugary stuff. This year, I finally had my Willy Wonka moment at Tasmania’s iconic Cadbury factory – the oldest chocolate factory in Australia. Here, they produce a whopping 57,000 tonnes of chocolate per year – or more than 200 million blocks! Photograph: Melissa Woodley Located just north of Hobart, Cadbury's chocolate factory in Claremont was officially opened in 1922. Yep, that makes it much older than the Tasman Bridge or even the Sydney Opera House! Australia was the British brand’s first overseas outpost, with Tasmania chosen for its cool climate (ideal for chocolate making), affordable hydro-electric power and plentiful supply of high-quality fresh milk. On a recent trip to Tassie, I had the chance to meet the legendary Cadbury team in Claremont – where the average tenure of its 700-strong team is 12 years – and get a behind-the-scenes look at chocolate-making magic. Spoiler: it’s a Willy Wonka dream come to life and has me even more excited for Cadbury’s new Chocolate Experience, set to open by the end of next year. My tour guide for the day was site production manager Jamie Salter, a third-generation employee who’s been with the company for almost 40 years. If you ask me, that’s just as iconic as a Cherry Ripe.

They call Uluṟu the heart of Australia for a reason. Geographically, it sits in the centre of the continent, but its significance runs far deeper than coordinates on a map. Uluṟu has been a deeply spiritual place for the local Anangu people for tens of thousands of years, and its ancient stories and timeless landscapes stir something deep in your soul. But there’s one experience that casts the sacred monolith in a whole new light – and it’s just been extended for another three years, giving you more time to tick it off your bucket list. Photograph: Melissa Woodley   Originally intended to be a one‑year exclusive, Uluṟu’s iconic Field of Light has become one of outback Australia’s most breathtaking and beloved art experiences. Inspired by desert wildflowers bursting to life after rain, it features 50,000 solar-powered glass spindles illuminating an area the size of seven football fields. Talk about big in size and even bigger on wow factor. The mastermind behind the magic is renowned British light artist Bruce Munro, who spent 24 years developing the artwork in consultation with the Anangu people. Fittingly, the light installation is named Tili Wiru Tjuta Nyakutjaku in the local Pitjantjatjara language, meaning ‘looking at lots of beautiful lights’ – and trust us, it more than lives up to the name. Since launching in 2016, the long-standing installation has drawn more than 750,000 people to Australia’s Red Centre – and now, Ayers Rock Resort has confirmed it will shine on un

Update Tuesday, March 31: The World’s 101 Best Steak Restaurants for 2026 have just been revealed, and 22 Australian venues made the global list. Big congrats to Neil Perry's Margaret in Sydney, which claimed an incredible second overall! A further 11 Aussie steak houses ranked in the top 50, including Firedoor (11), Aalia (14), Arkhé (16), Agnes (20), Gran Torino (27), Steer Dining Room (29), Victor Churchill (31), The Grill at The International (33), Porteño (34), Rockpool Bar & Grill (38), and The Gidley (48). You can see the full top 100 here. Calling the shots on Australia’s best steak is bound to stir some serious beef. Everyone has their favourites – whether it’s a medium-rare rib-eye with creamy peppercorn sauce and fries or a well-done porterhouse with chimichurri and a side of mash. While we’ve rounded up the country’s top-tier steakhouses recommended by local experts, it’s always fascinating to see which spots the global experts rate. In the lead-up to unveiling the World’s 101 Best Steak Restaurants for 2026, the prestigious global guide has teased Australia’s 30 top spots on Instagram. The list has plenty of crossover with our own list of the country’s finest steaks, with the majority in Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane, plus one standout in Adelaide. Photograph: Petrina Tinslay A whopping 15 Sydney steak restaurants made the cut, with Neil Perry’s flagship restaurant, Margaret, claiming the top spot. Serving premium beef from local Aussie farmers, this Double Ba