Melissa Woodley

Hobart has enjoyed a long love affair with pubs. In 1803, it boasted 50 of them… that’s one pub for every 200 residents. Fast forward 200-odd years, and the city's pub scene is bursting with charm, craft drinks and great food.  Our local writers devised this list of Hobart's best pubs, including places where you’ll not only find perfect pints, but golden schnitties, cosy fireplaces and live tunes, too. From old-school legends like the Shipwrights Arms and the Hope and Anchor to newer favourites like the revamped Moonah Hotel and Preachers’ beloved beer garden, these are the best pubs in Hobart for good times and laidback vibes. 🍷 Hobart's best bars🍽️ The best restaurants in Hobart🍔 Hobart's best burgers

Not to toot our own horn, but Australia’s coffee scene is unbeatable. In 2025, an Aussie café was voted the best coffee shop in the entire world, and the year before, Sydney and Melbourne were named among the top ten cities for coffee globally. We've tapped into the wisdom of our most devoted coffee drinkers and writers around the country to bring you this list of Australia's best coffee roasters. These masters of the craft excel in every part of the process: from sourcing and roasting beans to ultimately brewing them expertly. Whether you're a fan of Ona and Industry Beans, or swear by Sample and Single O, here's our pick of the best coffee in Australia right now. 🥐 The best croissants in Australia🍹 All the best bars for a boozy night🥖 Our favourite bakeries in Australia right now

If there’s ever a time to unleash your weird and wacky side, it’s during the Sydney Fringe Festival. Bright pink banners start generating excitement mid-year for New South Wales’ largest independent arts fest, which takes over the city every September (with select events popping up in the lead-up).  The gloriously jam-packed 2025 program features more than 460 events and almost 3,000 across 80-plus venues. While most of the action is centred around the CBD and Inner West, the festival stretches far and wide – from Parramatta and Fairfield to Lane Cove and Bondi – with gigs, theatre and workshops popping up all over. It’s worth sifting through the full program, but in the meantime, here are our top picks for the best shows to see at Sydney Fringe 2025.

More hotels mean more holidays, right? With fancy five-star stays and groovy boutique properties popping up all around town, you’d be silly not to experience them all for yourself. We mean, who wouldn’t want to be the first to sink into a plump king bed or wrap themselves in a fresh white bathrobe at a brand-new hotel? We recently checked into two of Australia’s most exciting new hotel openings: Hamilton Island’s first new stay in nearly 17 years, The Sundays, and Sydney’s most anticipated inner-city stay, The Eve Hotel – both earning glowing five-star reviews. Next, we have our eyes on the African-inspired Monarto Safari Resort in South Australia and the coastal-luxe Mondrian Gold Coast. Keep scrolling to see our full round-up of the best new hotels in Australia, along with the ones to watch out for in the months (and years) to come. 🌴 Australia’s most incredible resorts and lodges⛺️ The best free campgrounds in Australia🧖🏾‍♀️ The most luxe day spas in Australia

There’s no doubt about it, Sydneysiders can’t get enough of Italian food. And who can blame us? There’s something about a bowl of perfectly al dente pasta paired with a luscious, rich ragu that just hits the spot. And while Italian cuisine differs throughout the 20 incredible regions – broadly speaking, the northern regions eat more rice and polenta, while down south they feast more on seafood – Italians share a love of beautiful, seasonal produce; they choose simplicity rather than overcomplicating dishes and cook with soul. No wonder we love it so much. Luckily, there are plenty of excellent options for Italian dining in Sydney. Time Out’s food writers and editors – including Food & Drink Editor Avril Treasure, who has eaten her way through Sicily, Sorrento, Rome and Florence – have picked our favourite eateries, covering all bases. The only catch? They just need to provide a feel-good environment and dishes you’ll want to come back for. From casual red-sauce joints and classic pizzerias to fine-dining restaurants, you’ll find them all here. 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. Not in the mood for pasta? Here are our picks of the best spots for Greek and French food in Sydney.

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, halloumi, smashed avo, crumpets and berry-studded pancakes in cafés on the leafy streets and in parks. Any café worth its black lava salt can do a perfect poached egg over sourdough and house-cured bacon, but is there a potoroo snuggled at your feet, or a chortling maggie praising your bed-head while you sip your açai smoothie? 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. 🥑 The best cafés in Adelaide☕️ Adelaide's best coffee shops🥐 The best bakeries in Adelaide

Just a tick over 64km north of Adelaide, the compact Barossa Valley is one of the world’s greatest regions for the best wineries. This is traditional Peramangk and Ngadjuri country, with baking hot summers, cool winters and mineral-rich soils – perfect conditions for producing big, beefy red wines. Shiraz is the local hero, with some mighty fine rieslings emerging from the slightly higher, slightly cooler Eden Valley sub-region, just over the rise. There are more than 150 wineries in the Barossa, and an astonishing 80-plus cellar doors. You could spend weeks going between them, sipping fine wines all day long – but that’s probably not entirely sensible. Why not start with our top picks? Our local wine expert Charles Rawlings-Way recommends visiting the world's oldest shiraz vineyard at Langmeil Winery, settling in for a long lunch and garden wander at Jacob’s Creek, trying bold, fruit-forward drops at Two Hands Wines in Marananga, or soaking up the rustic charm (and regional tasting platters) at David Franz. Here are the best Barossa wineries. 🍷 Best things to do in the Barossa Valley🍇 Best wineries in the McLaren Vale🌳 Best wineries in Clare Valley

Looking for a top-notch café while travelling around Australia? Boy, you’re in luck. Australians know how to cook up a damn good brunch, and we roast – arguably – the world’s best coffee to wash it all down. Whether you’re craving a big brekkie with a batch brew, corn fritters with an iced chai, smashed avo with a smoothie, or buttermilk pancakes with a Bloody Mary, these are just a handful of the best cafés to visit in Australia's capital cities. Of course, we couldn't include them all – so our local food writers have handpicked a few personal favourites. Time Out Australia’s Travel and News Editor, Melissa Woodley, especially loves Piña in Sydney, Two Before Ten in Canberra, Naïm in Brisbane, Laneway Specialty Coffee in Darwin and Hamlet in Hobart. What's first on your list? For more about how we curate our reviews and guides, see our editorial guidelines. 🍽️ The best restaurants in Australia🥐 The best bakeries in Australia☕️ The best coffee in Australia

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

There’s always time for a tipple when you’re travelling around Australia. Our thirsty country is swimming in stellar watering holes that are loved by locals and tourists alike. We’ve even got a handful of contenders on the World’s 50 Best Bars list to back us up. Whether you’re looking for a fancy spot for cleverly crafted cocktails or a natural wine bar with superb snacks, our local Australian editors and drink writers have curated this list of all the best bars in Australia right now. Of course, Sydney and Melbourne's Bar of the Year winners from Time Out's Food & Drink Awards 2025 – Pleasure Club and Caretaker's Cottage – made the list. But there are so many more gems to explore! 🍽️ The best restaurants in Australia🍷 Australia's best wineries☕️ Where to find the best coffee in Australia

Brisbane may be renowned for its sprawling pubs and beer gardens, where you can settle in for a laid-back session and soak up the year-round sunshine – but these days there’s a whole lot more to the river city’s booze scene than meets the eye.  If you’re looking for a trendy spot with cleverly crafted cocktails, then Maker is well worth a suss. Or perhaps a dive bar where you can drink with your dog is way more up your alley, namely The Scratch Bar. How about an oasis like Sunsets Rooftop to take the edge off? Whatever it may be, sip away knowing that our local food writer, Morag Kobez, has selected these Brisbane bars for a reason, in collusion with Time Out Australia's Travel & News Editor, Melissa Woodley. Cheers to that! For more about how we curate our reviews and guides, see our editorial guidelines. 🌮 The best places to eat in Brisbane🍷 Australia's greatest bars for a tipple🌳 All the best things to do in Brisbane

Don't let the political reputation of Australia's capital city fool you; there are plenty of diverse and exciting things to do in Canberra. Over the last five years, the city has undergone a hospitality glow-up, with world-class wine bars, trendy restaurants and stylish boutique hotels opening in the rapidly developing cultural precincts of New Acton and Braddon. Although once only visited by eye-rolling schoolkids, culture vultures drawn to the National Art Gallery and political wheelers, Canberra’s now a perfect weekend getaway spot, regardless of your interests. Our Travel and News Editor, Melissa Woodley, lived in the capital for four years and has carefully curated this list of the best things to do in Canberra. Her ideal weekend here involves catching up with friends over a lap of Lake Burley Griffin, a big wander in the National Portrait Gallery, hunting for pastries at the Capital Region Farmers Market, and of course, watching the sunset from the top of Mount Ainslie – a non-negotiable too.  🍽️ The best restaurants in Canberra🥾 All the best hikes to conquer in the capital🖼️ Canberra's best museums and galleries

Come face-to-face with our country’s most topical and trending Australian characters at the nation’s only portrait gallery. From Archie Roach and Adam Goodes to Carla Zampatti and Cate Blanchett, these are the people and artists who have shaped our Australian identity. You can take a squiz at the hundreds of portraits, before popping just across the road to the National Gallery of Australia, Questacon or Old Parliament House.  Time Out tip: Can't make it to Canberra just yet? You can explore the gallery's impressive collection of notorious and glorious portraits online. Address: King Edward Terrace, Parkes Price: Free (excl. some special exhibitions)

At the start of the year, I predicted The Eve Hotel would be one of Australia’s most exciting openings of 2025 – and it looks like I wasn’t wrong. After earning a spot on Travel + Leisure’s list of the 100 Best New Hotels of the Year, I was itching to check in. Two blissful nights later, I can confirm: this boutique beauty lives up to the hype. Opened in February, The Eve is one of the newest kids on the block in the trendy Wunderlich Lane precinct, rubbing shoulders with some of Sydney’s hottest new restaurants, including Bar Julius, Lottie, Olympus and Island Radio. While the hotel has everything you need at your fingertips – from a heated rooftop pool to a luxe spa – it also makes a perfect launchpad for exploring the best of Sydney's inner city suburbs.  What’s The Eve Hotel like? Entering the art-filled lobby from Baptist Street, I almost felt like I’d accidentally stumbled into a contemporary gallery. Designed as a dream collaboration between SJB’s Adam Haddow and 360 Degrees’ Daniel Baffsky, the hotel is both a transporting urban oasis and a delightfully Sydney-centric celebration of place. Soft, organic curves and natural materials set the scene, while pops of colour from custom-made artwork by local artists bring the space to life. The Eve undoubtedly boasts one of Australia’s most stylish lobbies, complete with striking blue couches, burgundy wool banquettes, soothing natural stone walls and eclectic art. Two standout pieces particularly caught my eye: a shimmering

Anyone who knows good hotels knows the Shangri-La. The renowned hotel brand is synonymous with bringing a touch of luxury and peace to urban sanctuaries in more than 20 countries around the world – and the Shangri-La Sydney is no exception. It’s one of only two Shangri-La properties in Australia (the other’s in Cairns), with a third Melbourne hotel in the works. I know I live in one of the most beautiful harbourfront cities in the world, but sometimes it takes watching the sunset on the 36th floor of a famous hotel to remind me just how incredible Sydney really is. The Shangri-La’s biggest selling point is its unobstructed 270-degree views of Sydney’s glittering jewels – the Sydney Harbour Bridge and Opera House. But the panorama doesn’t stop there – it extends from the Blue Mountains in the west all the way to the Pacific Ocean in the east, meaning you can watch both sunrise and sunset without leaving your window (if you’re in one of the Horizon Club Premier Sydney Harbour Rooms). Why stay at Shangri-La Sydney? The unparalleled views of the Sydney Harbour Bridge and Sydney Opera House are a good place to start. You can admire them from the sophisticated Horizon Club guest lounge on level 30, the top-floor bar and restaurant (which is also open to walk-ins), or from one of the harbour-facing rooms and suites. These are some of the biggest in Sydney, complete with every five-star luxury you could ask for. The hotel also houses a heated indoor pool, health club and one of the f

Update, May 2025: You can score up to 50 per cent off Noi’s signature three-course menu, featuring a starter, pasta, main and sides – all for just $59 per person. The menu rotates regularly and is available daily from June 1 to August 31. We may have found the cutest dining room in Sydney, and it goes by the name Noi. Tucked away in Petersham, this adorable neighbourhood restaurant comes to us from the same family behind Ormeggio at the Spit, Postino Osteria, Sails and the recently opened Akti – all of which are leaders in the ‘fancy-but-welcoming’ subcategory of Sydney dining. And while Noi is no black sheep, it definitely feels like a stand-alone project from owner Anastasia Drakopoulos (ex-LuMi) and chefs Alessandro Intini (ex-Aqua) and Federica Costa. Noi translates to ‘we’ or ‘us’ in Italian, and true to its name, the space strikes a perfect balance between intimate and communal. It’s the kind of dining room that makes you feel like you could wander up next to the pans and start chatting with the chef, or lean over to your neighbour and pour them a glass of wine. The long dining room is beautifully arranged, with clever lighting and the type of decor that feels effortlessly eclectic, yet you know every detail has been chosen with care. The menu is nice and tight, featuring playful spins on all sorts of Italian classics. Take the cacio e pepe ‘chips and dips’, or the housemade focaccia that stakes its claim on the bar counter. Entrées typically spotlight a single hero cut

Outback station stays aren’t a big thing where I’m from (yep, I’m a NSW kid). But after experiencing one for the first time in rural Western Australia, I finally understand the hype. There's a type of magic here that makes people drive thousands of kilometres to sleep under a sky full of stars, far from just about everything. Among WA’s many outback stays, Bullara Station is one of the most famous. In fact, I’d say it’s one of the most spectacular places to camp or glamp across the country. Bullara’s remote location is one of its biggest drawcards, located 1,170 kilometres from Perth and 90 kilometres from Exmouth. One minute you could be swimming with whale sharks in the Ningaloo Reef, the next you’re at camp, eating burgers with fellow travellers while watching one of the most surreal sunsets you’ll ever see. To beat the scorching summer heat, Bullara only opens from early April to mid-October. During the season, you’re bound to cross paths with all sorts of true-blue travellers – from those road tripping along the coast to folks doing a great big lap of Australia. Pair this with some of the warmest outback hospitality and food that seriously slaps (we’re talking contenders for Australia’s best beef burger), and you’ll never want to leave. What is the camping like at Bullara Station Stay? Camping is where the Bullara story began, and remains the heart and soul of the station stay experience. There are more than 150 powered and non-powered sites spread across this quarter-mi

June 5 update: Surprise! Tickets to this event suddenly went on sale on the morning of June 5. Get in quick to nab yours via the website.  Choo choo! The Train of Lights is back on the tracks for 2025 and ready to captivate passengers with a magical winter journey through the Dandenong Ranges for a fourth year. Australia’s favourite steam train Puffing Billy will be your conductor for this trip that illuminates the natural beauty of the region with thousands of dazzling lights. When is Puffing Billy Train of Lights on for 2025? This enchanting winter journey is only on for just over two weeks from July 4 to July 20.  What to expect for Puffing Billy Train of Lights? The whole experience is a two-and-a-half hour round trip. Departing from Lakeside Station, you’ll be immersed in a spectacle of neon colours as acclaimed lighting specialists Resolution X (White Night, Melbourne Fashion Festival) brighten up the countryside with sparkles, rainbows and hypnotic patterns. The historic train will also be adorned with stunning visual effects, which will light up the trees, tracks and passing towns along the way.  Puffing Billy will chug along the historic narrow-gauge track to Gembrook Station where guests will disembark for a 55-minute stopover. Here, you can warm up by the crackling open firepits with hot chocolate and live acoustic music, and enjoy a sausage sizzle by the Rotary Club of Emerald and District. Make your night even more magical by pre-ordering a Puffing Billy picnic

Sunday is probably my favourite day of the week. If I’m not travelling, it’s my self-care day to do all the things that make me happy – trail runs, ocean dips, lazy brunches and, of course, a cheeky arvo nap before the work week begins (something I kind of look forward to because I love my job). Hamilton Island’s newest boutique escape, The Sundays, has taken everything that I adore about Sundays and turned it into an everyday vibe. Located in the heart of the Great Barrier Reef, The Sundays is easily one of the most anticipated hotel openings of 2025 – and after staying there, I can confirm it’s worth the hype. The $35 million price tag is just a hint of what to expect at this boutique beach hotel by the team behind The Whitsundays’ most iconic luxury resort, Qualia. It’s the first new hotel to open on Hamilton Island in more than 17 years and brings a fresh, family-friendly energy to the island. Foodies will be enticed by the Catseye Pool Club, the hotel’s waterside restaurant led by celebrated chef Josh Niland of Saint Peter. Here’s why you should pay The Sundays a visit. Why stay at The Sundays? A literal piece of paradise on an island paradise, The Sundays feels worlds away from the hustle and bustle of daily life. Yet, it’s actually just a few hours’ flight from Australia’s east coast (with direct flights from Brisbane, Sydney and Melbourne) or a breezy boat ride from Airlie Beach. All guests at The Sundays enjoy complimentary return transfers from the airport or marina

If you’re after more than just a space to work out or squeeze in a physio session, Power Potential is for you. This swish, new wellness sanctuary inside The Mill (just next door to The Grounds of Alexandria) offers high-tech treatments for both recovery and relaxation – think infrared saunas, contrast plunge pools, reformer pilates and remedial massages. The philosophy at Power Potential is simple: to combine the power of medical science with the depth of traditional wellness. The result? A two-for-one destination where you can receive treatment and recharge all under the one stylish roof.  What sets Power Potential apart from your run-of-the-mill gym or bathhouse is that every journey starts with a full body scan. From there, their integrative health professionals will create a personalised wellness program for your body’s individual needs. Talk about VIP treatment! While the state-of-the-art facility covers all the bases – physiotherapy, orthopaedic and exercise therapy – its unexpectedly luxe wellness and recovery space really steals the spotlight. Whether you’re an elite athlete seeking muscle relief or a busy journalist looking for stress relief (guilty!), you’ll leave Power Potential feeling so zen that buying a one-way ticket to India and starting a new life as a sunrise-loving yogi is a seriously tempting reality. The luxe wellness space features a three-way infrared sauna, with settings for detoxification, relaxation, recovery and circulation – all with customisable

You don’t need to book a trip to Bordeaux when South Australia has its own world-class food and wine scene. While the Barossa Valley and McLaren Vale are the state’s most well-known wine regions, the Adelaide Hills is perhaps its most underrated. Located just 20 minutes from the city centre, this cool climate region is home to charming villages, world-class wineries, lush forests and five-star stays. One such gem is Sequoia Lodge – an exclusive adults-only lodge, sitting atop the misty Adelaide Hills.  Why stay at Sequoia Lodge? This ultra-luxe property is everything your adult dreams are made of. The 14 plush suites boast a large bathtub with panoramic views of the valley, a spacious private balcony, a sunken lounge room with a toasty fireplace, and a moon window for stargazing before bed. Your luxury getaway also includes 32 complimentary perks, like daily breakfast, a fully stocked mini bar, an inviting infinity pool, an artesian hot pool experience and morning yoga. Say no more! What are the rooms like at Sequoia Lodge? Each of Sequoia Lodge’s 14 suites is identical, meaning you’ll experience luxury at its finest, no matter what your room number. The moment I stepped into my suite, I was immediately struck by the panoramic views overlooking the fiery foliage of Piccadilly Valley below. Whether I was lounging on the plush king bed, relaxing on the comfy L-shaped sofa, stretching out on the expansive daybed outside, or soaking in the bathtub (after retracting the Chromecast

The phrase ‘your phone eats first’ takes on a whole new meaning at The Grounds of Alexandria. In 2024 and 2023, this viral all-day café in Sydney – famous for its sprawling alfresco area, enchanting installations and, yes, huge weekend crowds – was named the world’s most Instagrammed café.  It’s been more than a decade since I last visited The Grounds. Back then, I had to convince my mum to drive me all the way across the Harbour Bridge for a pastry and, much to my shame, a photo op. Now, ten years later, I decided it was time for me to return and see if the café still lives up to the hype. Judging by its almost 400,000 Instagram followers, 123,000 posts tagged #TheGroundsOfAlexandria, and 5,600 Google Maps reviews averaging four stars, I got the gist that it was still going strong. One clear takeaway from my research was to avoid visiting The Grounds on the weekend, when crowds swarm in from all across Sydney – and the world, for that matter. Hoping for a quieter experience, I visited on a Monday morning, only to find the car park completely full by 10am. Those who enter through Bourke Road will first encounter The Grounds’ charming, rustic alfresco area, complete with a miniature animal farm. While I was disappointed to find that ‘Kevin Bacon’ (the café's infamous resident pig) was no longer there, his old pen is now home to two cheerful goats.  Keep strolling past the animal farm, and you’ll eventually find yourself in the gorgeous Garden Bar and BBQ. Here, chandeliers han

When it comes to sustainable dining, Refettorio OzHarvest is in a league of its own. By day, the not-for-profit café serves nourishing three-course lunches to Sydney’s vulnerable communities, free of charge. But every Thursday night, ‘the Ref’ opens its doors to the public for Pay It Forward Dinners, where every ticket pays for four people in need, to dine the following day. If that's not enough, the gourmet meals are completely vegetarian and zero-waste, made using up to 95 per cent rescued produce. It's a win-win-win for your palate, the planet and those in need. The Refettorio, which takes its name from the Latin word meaning "to re-make" or "restore," is a first-of-its-kind social impact collaboration in Australia, brought to us by the food waste warriors at OzHarvest and celebrated Italian chef Massimo Bottura’s not-for-profit organisation Food for Soul. Unlike Bottura's three Michelin-star restaurant, Osteria Francescana, the Ref opens its doors to folks facing food insecurity, serving around 500 guests each week. Talk about a delicious way to make a difference. Part of the Ref’s charm is not knowing what’s on the menu until you’re comfortably seated. Head chef Jez Wick keeps things exciting by changing the three-course menu on a weekly (or sometimes even daily) basis, embracing wonky vegetables and imperfect produce, which have been donated or rescued from local suppliers, supermarkets and farms. Not a scrap goes to waste – any leftover food is fermented, pickled, pres

This century-old working winery is the birthplace of one of McLaren Vale’s most widely recognised wines – Wirra Wirra’s eternally popular all-rounder, Church Block. Ironically, it’s a blend (merlot/shiraz/cab sav), rather than a purist varietal – but when a blend is this palatable, there’s not much room for singular snobbery. Church Block is a stone-cold winner by any measure, but if you are after something more specific, Wirra Wirra does a classic McLaren Vale shiraz too (plus grenache, sauvignon blanc, riesling, chardonnay… all with a sustainable, biodynamic bias).  You could easily spend a whole day here, wandering the wine-stained bricks of the cellar and cavorting on the sun-dappled lawns. From just $40, you can explore the historic vaulted brick facilities (parts of which are 125 years old), gaining exclusive access to Trott’s Cellar and an opportunity to ring the three-quarter-tonne Angelus Bell (just be ready to put some muscle into it). But most folks come here to wine and dine. Tastings start at just $15, pouring some of McLaren Vale’s richest, most fulsome wines and decadent stickies. Directly across from the cellar door, Harry’s Deli offers a seasonally inspired modern Australian menu that you can enjoy inside by the wood-burning fireplace or out in the courtyard overlooking the gum trees. Share local cheeseboards with fine-cured meats and house focaccia, tuck into Harry’s famous Son of Trott Pie, or settle in for a long lunch designed by head chef Taiaha Ngawiki

Australia is full of natural wonders that stop you in your tracks and make you reflect on how amazing the world is. And while Mother Nature is a force to be reckoned with, we also deserve some credit. Human hands have shaped some of our country’s most recognisable landmarks – places so striking that people travel across the world just to snap a photo. The Sydney Harbour Bridge and Opera House might come to mind first, but a bold Tasmanian museum has just been named one of the world’s most beautiful buildings in a new Time Out list. All 24 buildings featured on Time Out’s latest global ranking are a feast for the eyes – many of them with equally enchanting stories. Only one Australian landmark made the list, which is a big deal when you’re listed alongside icons like the Taj Mahal, the Pantheon and the Sagrada Familia. Photograph: MONA | Jesse Hunniford That beauty sash goes to Tasmania’s Museum of Old and New Art (MONA) – a building that’s not only one of the most beautiful, but one of the most fascinating too. Carved into the Triassic-period sandstone cliffs of the Berriedale peninsula, this architectural wonder is an incredibly scenic 40-minute ferry ride from Hobart along the Derwent River. It’s framed by water, vineyards and hills that make it as stunning from a distance as it is up close. The story of MONA is quite remarkable. Founder David Walsh initially opened a tiny museum of antiquities on the lonely peninsula – but when nobody turned up (in his words), he decided

Thinking of moving to Australia? We don’t blame you. Our Great Southern Land really is great, and it’s not just us who think so. A recent study ranked Australia as the second-happiest place to relocate, only behind Switzerland. If you’re considering the move though, you need to be aware of these major changes to visa requirements that took effect on July 1, 2025. Skilled Visas As of July 1, skilled visa income thresholds have increased by 4.6 per cent, requiring employers to pay new visa applicants a higher minimum salary to match wage growth for Aussie workers. The Core Skills and Temporary Skilled Migration thresholds have risen from $73,150 to $76,515, while the Specialist Skills threshold has been increased from $135,000 to $141,210. Visa Application Fees In line with the Consumer Price Index (CPI), application fees for most visa subclasses have risen by three per cent. For instance, the Employer Nomination Scheme and Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional fees have increased from $4,770 to $4,910, the Training Visa fee has gone up from $415 to $430, and the Partner Visa has risen from $9,095 to $9,365. Student Visas As part of the new federal government scheme, student visa application fees have seen a sharp rise, increasing by 25 per cent from $1,600 to $2,000 – well above the standard 3 per cent CPI adjustment. Additionally, prospective international students are now required to submit a valid Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE), with offer letters no longer accepted. There a

It's the news Lewis Capaldi fans have been waiting a loooong time for: the chart-topping Scottish singer and master of tear-jerking ballads has just announced he's heading Down Under, with a massive show scheduled for Melbourne. Incredibly, it’s been five years since the Capaldi last graced Aussie stages at Falls Festival, and two years since he heartbreakingly had to cancel his 2023 Australian tour due to the impact of his Tourette’s. But after an emotional surprise return at Glastonbury Festival over the weekend, the superstar has announced his long-awaited Aussie comeback. Brace your heartstrings, as the setlist is bound to hit you right in the feels with favourites like ‘Before You Go’, ‘Hold Me While You Wait’, ‘Bruises’, ‘Forget Me’, his latest release ‘Survive’ and, of course, the global smash hit, ‘Someone You Loved’ – which is the world’s fourth most streamed song in history. Want to cry-sing to these hits live? Here’s everything you need to know about getting tickets to Lewis Capaldi’s Melbourne show. When is Lewis Capaldi going on his Melbourne, Australian tour 2025? So far, Capaldi has only announced one show in Melbourne, at Rod Laver Arena on Friday, December 12. But looking at the rest of his tour – he'll also be performing in Brisbane, Sydney, Adelaide and Perth – there is plenty of time for some extra shows. Watch this space. When do Lewis Capaldi Melbourne tickets go on sale? General tickets for Lewis Capaldi’s Australian tour go on sale on Monday, July 14

Australia doesn’t claim to be the city that never sleeps. We’re proud to have one of the world’s best work-life balances, where travellers can pack their days with epic experiences, then crash in style at one of our top-notch hotels. This year, Australia has seen a burst of stylish new hotels opening their doors, with plenty more on track to launch by the end of 2025. From a secluded safari escape to a luxury island getaway and a sustainable city stay, here are seven of the hottest new hotel openings so far. Photograph: Justin Nicholas   Mondrian Gold Coast Arguably the Gold Coast’s most luxurious hotel to date, this 24-storey coastal-luxe beach house marks the Australian debut of LA’s innovative Mondrian group. The five-star hotel sits mere metres from Burleigh Beach, with 208 studios, suites and homes boasting breathtaking views across the Pacific Ocean and out to the Hinterlands. Guests can unwind in the magnesium plunge pool, 24-metre resort-style pool, or wellness space and spa. There’s also a chic terrace eatery, an oceanfront restaurant and a pool club.  Photograph: Supplied | 1 Hotel Melbourne   1 Hotel Melbourne In June, Melbourne gained a new, waterfront hotel that's both swanky and sustainable. Perched right on the banks of the Yarra River, this nature-inspired property marks 1 Hotel’s long-anticipated debut in Australia. The sleek 277-room hotel was built using recycled materials, is draped in native greenery and heroes hyper-local produce in its signature res

Sydneysiders, the time has come to fall for ‘Someone You Loved’ all over again. Lewis Capaldi is heading to Sydney later this year – and we’ve got the lowdown. It’s been five years since the Scottish superstar last graced Aussie stages at Falls Festival, and two years since he heartbreakingly had to cancel his 2023 Australian tour due to the impact of his Tourette’s. But after an emotional surprise return at Glastonbury Festival over the weekend, Capaldi has announced his long-awaited Australian comeback this December. Brace your heartstrings, as the setlist is bound to hit you right in the feels with favourites like ‘Before You Go’, ‘Hold Me While You Wait’, ‘Bruises’, ‘Forget Me’, his latest release ‘Survive’ and of course, the global smash hit, ‘Someone You Loved’ – which is the world’s fourth most streamed song in history. Want to cry-sing to these hits live? Here’s everything you need to know about getting tickets to Lewis Capaldi’s Australian tour. When is Lewis Capaldi’s 2025 Sydney show?  So far, Lewis Capaldi has announced just one Sydney show – he’ll be lighting up the Qudos Bank Arena on Saturday, December 6 (we’ll keep you posted if more dates are announced). When do Lewis Capaldi Sydney tickets go on sale? General tickets for Lewis Capaldi’s Australian tour go on sale on Monday, July 14 at 12pm / noon Sydney time via Secret Sounds. Is there a Lewis Capaldi pre-sale? Of course there is – it’s Lewis Capaldi! Fans who had tickets to the singer's cancelled 2023 tour

I don’t think I’d ever seen a truly dark sky until a trip to Exmouth this year. As I stared up into the deep, dark space above, I felt completely awestruck – not just by the blanket of stars, but at the reminder of how I’m just a mere speck in this wildly massive universe of ours. Growing up in Sydney, it’s easy to forget just how magnificent our night sky really is. The glow of streetlights and skyscrapers drowns out the stars, blocking our ability to spot planets, galaxies and maybe even the odd spaceship. But after a recent trip to Exmouth, I’ll never look at the sky the same way. Stargazing there, under what might be the best night sky on the planet, made me feel like I was seeing the universe properly for the first time. Tucked away on Western Australia’s North West Cape, Exmouth offers crystal-clear skies, minimal light pollution and breathtaking views of the Milky Way. Surrounded by the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Ningaloo Reef and Cape Range National Park, the region is far from major cities or towns, meaning the skies are much darker and clearer. Add in a high number of cloudless nights, and it’s the ideal spot for stargazing year-round. I was lucky enough to join Paul and Hannah Woods from Ningaloo Stars for a guided astronomy tour at the Milyering Discovery Centre – one of the darkest locations for stargazing on Earth. Paul explains, “There’s a darkness scale called the Bortle Dark Sky Scale that ranges from one (the darkest possible) to nine (which is like being

Australia, get ready to fall for someone you loved all over again – because Lewis Capaldi is heading Down Under! It’s been five years since the Scottish superstar last graced Aussie stages at Falls Festival, and two years since he heartbreakingly had to cancel his 2023 Australian tour due to the impact of his Tourette’s. But after an emotional surprise return at Glastonbury Festival over the weekend, Capaldi has announced his long-awaited Australian comeback this December. Brace your heartstrings, as the setlist is bound to hit you right in the feels with favourites like ‘Before You Go’, ‘Hold Me While You Wait’, ‘Bruises’, ‘Forget Me’, his latest release ‘Survive’ and of course, the global smash hit, ‘Someone You Loved’ – which is the world’s fourth most streamed song in history. Want to cry-sing to these hits live? Here’s everything you need to know about getting tickets to Lewis Capaldi’s Australian tour. When and where is Lewis Capaldi’s 2025 Australian tour? So far, Lewis Capaldi has announced five massive shows across five different Australian cities, including: Brisbane’s Entertainment Centre – Thursday, December 4 Sydney’s Qudos Bank Arena – Saturday, December 6 Melbourne’s Rod Laver Arena – Friday, December 12 Adelaide’s Entertainment Centre – Monday, December 15 Perth’s RAC Arena – Wednesday, December 17 When do Lewis Capaldi Australia tickets go on sale? General tickets for Lewis Capaldi’s Australian tour go on sale on Monday, July 14 at 12pm / noon local time vi

The humble road trip is kind of a quintessential Aussie cultural practice. While some travellers plan their route around the coolest Airbnbs in the country, others hit the road in search of beachfront campsites where they can fall asleep under the stars. Sure, summer is the most popular time for campervan adventures in Australia, but new data shows Aussies are chasing the sun this winter, with a fresh list of the top trending road trip destinations. The cool cats at Camplify gathered data from more than 1,700 caravan bookings for between June and August 2025 to determine the ten most popular winter road trip spots across the country. It’s clear we Aussies are dreaming of sunnier days, with our sun-soaked West Coast dominating the top ten. More than one in four Aussies are road-tripping in Western Australia this winter, with the stunning coastal town of Exmouth claiming the top spot. It accounted for almost ten per cent of all winter bookings on Camplify – and with average temps sitting at a balmy 24 degrees from June to August, it’s not hard to see why. Our Travel & News Editor, Melissa Woodley, recently visited Exmouth – and she hasn't stopped raving about it since. In fact, it could be her favourite Aussie destination of the year. While there, she ticked off a bucket list swim with whale sharks (the world's largest fish), searched for black-footed rock wallabies at Yardie Creek, and hiked through the fossil-crusted Mandu Mandu Gorge, a place that's been inhabited by humans

School’s out in the northern hemisphere, which means university ranking season is officially in session. And so far, Australia’s report card is looking pretty sharp for 2025 – with six of our unis making the esteemed Times Higher Education top 100 and two cracking the latest QS World University Rankings top 20. But don’t pack your bags just yet – there’s another major ranking to add to the study pile. The Centre for World University Rankings recently released its 2025 Global 2,000 list, assessing almost 21,500 institutions on four key pillars: quality of education, alumni employment, quality of faculty and research performance. This year, 39 Australian universities were included in the top 2,000 – and impressively, 28 of them ranked within the top five per cent of all higher education institutions globally. According to the quantitative academic ranking, Australia’s number one for 2025 was the University of New South Wales (UNSW), which climbed to 52nd globally – putting it in the top 0.3 per cent worldwide. UNSW earned an overall score of 84.6, largely thanks to its solar cell technology research, which helped boost it’s ranking from 99 in 2024. The University of Melbourne landed second in Australia, claiming the 64th spot globally with an overall score of 83.8 and an exceptional research ranking of 30. Also placing within the top 0.5 per cent of tertiary institutions around the world were the Australian National University (90th), University of Sydney (94th) and University

Naming a child isn’t a decision to make lightly. We’re not being dramatic, but in a way, it’s a life and death situation, given that your child is stuck with it until the end of time. While most parents aim to avoid names that teachers might struggle to pronounce at school or that classmates could turn into unfortunate nicknames, some names go beyond awkward – they’re actually ‘illegal’ in Australia! Under Australian naming laws, more than 80 names are currently banned nationwide. While each state and territory has its own Births, Deaths and Marriages Registration Act, the rules are fairly consistent across the country and are put in place to ensure your child's name doesn’t become a source of embarrassment or is not offensive or misleading in any way. RECOMMENDED: These 20 baby names could disappear from Australia by the next generation The first big no-no when it comes to naming a child is using an official title or rank across royal, political, religious, military and judicial roles – so you won’t meet any little Dukes, Prime Ministers, Gods or Commanders in Australia. In a similar vein, names that go against public interest or could be misleading are also off-limits. This includes anything that promotes social disharmony, infringes on trademarks or refers to administrative processes – for example, Adolf Hitler, the Socceroos, Facebook, Passport, you get the idea. Under Australian law, names that are obscene or offensive are also prohibited, including swear words, descript

Naming a baby is one of the most monumental decisions you’ll have to make in life. As long as you avoid Australia’s list of banned baby names, the options are endless. Parents these days are naming their kids after everything from celebrities and cities to flowers, family members and even food (looking at you, little Kale). While the top baby names in Australia vary slightly each year, some once-popular classics have taken a serious nosedive – and are at risk of vanishing from the next generation. McCrindle’s latest ranking of the most popular baby names in Australia was extra special as it marked the final chapter of Generation Alpha (born 2010-2024). To close the chapter, the research firm has dug into the longer-term data to reveal which names have seen the biggest decrease in popularity over the past 15 years. Chances are, you’ve met a Jake or Jessica at some point – but those two names have seen the largest drop in popularity from 2010 to 2025, slipping 276 and 270 places respectively. Other boys’ names that have also seen a big decline in rank include Tyler, Matthew, Hayden, Mitchell, Blake, Dylan, Connor, Nicholas and Luke. Meanwhile, that list also includes Chelsea, Alyssa, Tahlia, Sarah, Holly, Madison, Maddison, Hayley, Lilly and Lara for girls. Baby names tend to follow generational cycles, and many of the names at risk of disappearing were hugely popular in the 1990s and early 2000s – which explains why your school roll had at least three Matthews and a couple of

Update, Monday, June 2: Winter’s first Aurora Australis lit up the sky on Sunday, June 1. It was visible to the naked eye from parts of the ACT, NSW, VIC, SA and TAS – even lighting up the night sky as far north as Tamworth in NSW. 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 need to know about seeing the Aurora Australis in Australia. Will the Aurora Australis be visible tonight? Australia’s first big Aurora Australis of the season occurred on Sunday, June 1, sparked by a severe geomagnetic storm. 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 Aurora Australis? The Aurora Australis is a breathtaking natural light display that glows across the southern skies, also referred to as the Southern Hemisphere’s equivalent of the Aurora Borealis (Northern Lights). It occurs when charged electrons from the sun collide with gas molecules in the Eart