Winnie Stubbs

More hotels mean more excuses to pack a bag, right? From fancy five-star stays to design-led boutique properties, Australia's hotel scene is booming, giving travellers plenty of reason to test-drive the latest openings. After all, who doesn’t want to be the first to swan-dive into a crisp king bed or wrap themselves in a robe so fresh it hasn’t yet seen a room-service tray? In late 2025, Australia welcomed a wave of new coastal and city gems, including Elysium Noosa Resort, InterContinental Sydney Coogee Beach and Hannah St Hotel in Melbourne CBD. This year, our Travel & News Editor Melissa Woodley has her eyes set on Avani Mooloolaba Beach Hotel, the Sunshine Coast's first new hotel in almost 40 years, and the Hilton Palm Cove Cairns Resort & Spa, set to open in early 2026. Scroll on for the full roll call of Australia’s newest hotels – and the ones still teasing us from behind construction fences. 🌴 The best resorts and lodges in Australia⛺️ The best free campgrounds in Australia

Brimming with boutique studios, sprawling mega-chains and everything in between, Sydney is a gym junkie's paradise. But the amount of choice can be overwhelming. Luckily, our Editor-in-Chief Alice Ellis has worked in the fitness industry, so she knows what sets a mediocre, money-wasting gym apart from a gym that'll actually have you motivated to lace up those sneakers and head out the door. A good gym isn't necesarily the trendiest or most aesthetic one; it's the one you stick with so that you can achieve the results you're after (whether that's building strength, losing weight, getting your stress in check or trying out a new physical activity and connecting with community). Over the years, Time Out's team have covered a lot of ground when it comes to trying out Sydney gyms! So if you're ready to swipe that membership card and sweat, read on to find the right fit for you. Looking for a healthy feed? Here's our guide to healthy eateries that don't suck. Prefer to pound the pavements? These are the best run clubs in Sydney. Stay in the loop: sign up for our free Time Out Sydney newsletter for more news, things to do in Sydney, travel inspo, food and more, straight to your inbox.  

Call it what you will – the rainbow region, the Northern Rivers, the Byron hinterland – the Bundjalung Nation (the region around Byron Bay) holds a certain ineffable magic. I was once told – en route to a very-Byron tea ceremony on a rainy Wednesday evening – that the magic comes from the earth; that the ground beneath the hills, spiked with crystals from a nearby volcano, generates a uniquely healing energy. And though my limited geological understanding prevents me from verifying that fact, I’m confident that there’s something special about this stretch of sparkling coastline and rolling hills that the Arakwal, Minjungbal and Widjabul Wia-bal people call home. Byron Bay – undeniably the region’s most well-known town – has traditionally acted as a place for people to come together, known by the Arakwal people as 'Cavanbah' which translates to mean 'meeting place’. And while the gentrified hippie beach town on Australia’s easternmost point does have its perks – a stunning coastal walk that curls up over a beach-studded stretch of sparkling ocean, high-end hotels that blend sophisticated design with beachside nonchalance, and a restaurant scene to rival any Sydney suburb – we’re of the opinion that the true gems of the region lie outside of town. Whether you’re looking to follow in the footsteps of the the hemp-clad, Byron-dwelling hippie of yesteryear and wake up in a campervan by the ocean (Camplify has got you covered on that front) or glide from the blindingly bright shore

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. 

Sydney is home to some stunning cinemas and beautiful picture houses, but you know what's even better than sitting in a darkened room to watch a movie? Being outside under the stars! Feel like enjoying a film in the great outdoors? From blockbusters to tearjerkers, rom-coms to thrillers, you can catch them all in the open air across the city thanks to a proliferation of popcorn-offering spots across the city.  Bring a rug and some snacks (or buy them from handy pop-up eateries) and settle in with the fam, a mate, or a date – some cinemas will even let you bring your dog. 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.  While you're planning your summer adventures, organise a trek to these majestic waterfalls near Sydney or on one of the most beautiful walks around Sydney.

Sydney is often referred to as the Harbour City, but a better name might be the Town of a Hundred Beaches. There are countless golden stretches scattered along the length and breadth of Sydney’s many shores (exact figures vary based on who you ask, as some disappear with the tides or are all but impossible to reach). But such an array of sandy riches can make picking the right beach to visit a bit of a head-scratcher. To help you out, we’ve cast our discerning eyes across pretty much every beach in the city, awarding points for accessibility, natural beauty, range of facilities and unique charms. Here are 50 of the best beaches in Sydney. Grab those beach towels and dive right in. JUST REMEMBER: There have been a lot of drowning incidents at NSW beaches – if you swim at unpatrolled beaches, you put yourself at risk. You can search patrolled and unpatrolled beaches near you over here – as well as other surf safety issues. Conditions not ideal? Urbnsurf is Sydney's epic inland wave parkHate crowds? Here's our guide to the best secret beaches in Sydney. The city also has a heap of fab harbour beaches – as well as dog-friendly beaches. Stay in the loop: sign up for our free Time Out Sydney newsletter for more news, straight to your inbox.

Sometimes you just need to take a time out – and here at Time Out, we’re experts at doing just that. We’ve scoped out the very best health and wellness retreats in Australia, where you can soak away your worries and be pampered like absolute royalty. From an award-winning natural hot spring with 50 bathing experiences to the Southern Hemisphere’s largest spa with rare Somadome meditation pods, these places will cater to all your relaxing needs. Make a day trip of it or sneak off for a dedicated week-long detox – whatever you choose, you’ll leave feeling like a whole new person. These are the best health retreats in Australia right now. Editor's favourite wellness retreats in Australia: 🧘🏽‍♀️ Best yoga retreat: Billabong Retreat, NSW  ✨ Best luxury hot springs: Alba Thermal Springs & Spa, VIC 🥰 Best wellness experiences: Gwinganna Lifestyle Retreat, QLD JUMP TO:NSW | VIC | QLD | WA | TAS ✨ The best luxury hotels in Australia🌳 The best resorts and lodges in Australia

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

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.

Sydney’s sequin stores are rapidly running out of stock, which can mean only one thing: the city’s sparkliest night is just around the corner, The 48th annual Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras Parade will take over the city on Saturday, February bringing inclusive joy to Oxford Street and beyond. Although it's a guaranteed good time to be up close and personal at the parade, you don’t strictly need to be on Oxford Street to get amongst the Mardi magic. The rainbow will be shining all over Sydney, and there are plenty of venues throwing parties where you can watch the ABC’s live parade coverage on a big screen in the evening, and dance away into the small hours with DJs, drag stars and queer performers. Ready to celebrate LGBTQIA+ pride? These are the best parties popping up across the city on the big weekend (you can learn more about the full program over here).Need somewhere to recover? These are the best cafés in Sydney, and these are our fave yum cha spots in the city.  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 bars in Darlinghurst. Thesre are our favourite pubs across the city.And these are Sydney's best dancefloors.

As a city known for its healthy way of life, Sydney is unsurprisingly home to dozens of spas and skincare salons offering facial treatments to keep the signature sun-kissed glow alive even through the winter months. And while we can’t list them all, we can shine a light on a solid list of the top wellness sanctuaries offering fantastic skincare rituals to help you feel like your glowiest self, all year round – special mention has to go to Fayshell, whose membership option has totally changed the game (and improved my own skin immeasurably). Read on for our round-up of Sydney’s best facials. Need a new hair do? These are the best hair salons in Sydney.Want head-to-toe treatment outside of the city? These are the best day spas in the Blue Mountains. 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.

Whether you’re a visitor planning your very first visit to Singapore, or a Singaporean mapping out a special occasion in the city, choosing a hotel in Singapore is an important (and sometimes overwhelming) task. With so many spectacular stays to choose between – from the world-famous Raffles to new boutique stays like 21 Carpenter – it can be challenging to decide which is best for you. To help you determine which hotel to book for your next visit or staycation, our team of local editors (including Time Out Singapore Editor Cheryl Sekkappan, Regional Content Director for Time Out APAC Nicole-Marie Ng and local writer Dewi Nurjuwita) have tried and tested the city’s top-ranking hotels to determine which are worth your time.The list has been overseen by Winnie Stubbs, Travel and Hotels Editor APAC and self-confessed hotel obsessive. Each hotel has been chosen based on amenities, design and proximity to the city’s highlights – with many hotels on the list within walking distance of the best restaurants and bars in Singapore.Read on for our guide to the very best hotels in Singapore right now. Our Hotel Editor's picks for the best hotels in Singapore: Best boutique stay: QT SingaporeBest hotel for families: Mandarin Oriental SingaporeBest luxury hotel: Raffles Hotel SingaporeBest beachside stay: Capella Singapore RECOMMENDED: The best Singapore attractions to visitThe best rooftop bars in SingaporeAirport hotels in SingaporeThe best luxury hotels in Singapore At Time Out, all of

Sydney is a city known for its coastline, so it makes sense that Australia’s largest cultural and science event for the ocean would take place on our sparkly shores.  Running until the end of March, Sydney’s Ocean Lovers Festival is back with a month-long celebration of wellness, culture, food, film, art and outdoor adventures – and this year it’s not just taking over Bondi, it’s a Sydney-wide celebration of the sea. Whether you’re looking for a sunrise yoga session, a beach clean session, an ocean-related film premiere or a hands-on creative workshop, there’s a whole lot to dive into (pardon the pun), with most events free or low-cost. On Friday, 6 March, events are kicking off with a Women Making Waves Harbour Cruise, spotlighting women driving change in ocean science, sport and sustainability.The launch weekend fun will carry on in Manly, with sunrise yoga by the cove, breathwork, the Ocean Discovery Zone for kids, and the Big Manly Beach Clean (Sunday, March 8). The next week will keep encouraging Sydneysiders to get outdoors, with the Seabirds to Seascapes Cruise on March 11 taking curious ocean lovers on a harbour tour that blends wildlife education, conservation and v good coastal views. Keen to keep moving? Paddle into sunrise with the Eco Kayak Tour (March 14) by Sydney By Kayak, or join for the behind-the-scenes Living Seawalls Tour (March 15) showcasing Sydney’s innovative marine habitats. The Ocean Lovers Festival Bondi Weekend (March 21-22) will be packed with su

Sydney’s Powerhouse Museum (soon to be plural) might technically have its doors closed right now, but the programming team isn't letting up. From Sydney Observatory’s Sunset Variations lighting up Friday nights to a lunar celebration timed to a rare blood moon, they’ve brought a solid selection of gems to the city’s cultural calendar this summer – and now they’re adding a delightfully left-of-field photography exhibition to the mix. From March 3-26, Powerhouse and the Office of the 24-Hour Economy Commissioner will present NSW at Night, a punchy new photography exhibition lighting up Parliament House’s Fountain Court. The collection is formed of freshly commissioned works by four standout NSW photographers capturing the people, places and pulse that define life after dark – from inner-city Sydney to Western Sydney, Wollongong and the Northern Rivers. Six-time Walkley winner Andrew Quilty has turned his lens to Sydney’s train network, finding poetry in commuters suspended between where they’ve been and where they’re headed. Northern Rivers-based photographer Tajette O’Halloran has documented youth culture and rites of passage in the region, while Illawarra-based Anthony Rigby-Smith has deep dived into the sweat, camaraderie and endorphin highs of Wollongong’s evening run clubs. Meanwhile, Jade D’Amico has embedded themself in Sydney’s music and club scene, bottling the movement, colour and gorgeous chaos of a night out in the city. The result is an intimate, unfiltered portrai

Sydney’s fave foodie playground is about to step up its entertainment offering. The new Sydney Fish Market’s New Wave Concert Series kicks off this Feb, transforming the architecturally impressive foodie mecca into a harbourside stage for three golden-hour Saturdays. From 5pm-8pm for the next three Saturdays, visitors can pair fresh seafood with live performances from some of Australia’s brightest emerging talent. The best news? It’s completely free – meaning more cash left over for sashimi.RELATED READ: These are our fave waterfront restaurants in the city Across the three-night series, we can expect a mix of genres: February 21 brings big country-folk energy, February 28 leans into indie dream-pop, and the March 7 line-up will feature a fusion of R&B, jazz and indie pop. Headliners include powerhouse rock duo Big Wheels, disco-funk faves Bread Club, and indie-pop angel Yorke. Each gig will be steered by Ifeoma (Ify) Peace Obiegbu, the South West Sydney-based creative, poet and storyteller with a knack for making every mic moment feel electric (you might know her from her stint as host of FBi’s Up For It!, where she spent two years championing local talent).If you ask us, it’s the perfect excuse to eat oysters in the open air and people-watch as the sun drops over Blackwattle Bay. As you’d expect, there’s no need to book or register – just rock up with an appetite between 5 and 8pm.RELATED READ: These are our fave things to eat at the new Sydney Fish Market Stay in the loop:

It’s been a big few months for movies, with Sentimental Value, Marty Supreme and Wuthering Heights taking over Sydney’s big screens in a spectacular succession of cinematic treats, and open-air cinemas popping up all across the city. Now, after a six year break, the world’s largest short film festival is coming back to the Harbour City, returning to Centennial Park on Sunday, February 22 for one big celebration of cinema under the stars. Completely free and open to all, Tropfest is one of Sydney’s most beloved summer traditions – a sprawling picnic-friendly event where thousands of movie fans gather on the grass to watch the country’s most exciting emerging filmmakers premiere their work on the big screen. This year, 16 finalist short films will be screened across one electric evening, judged by a jury led by Australia’s golden girl Margot Robbie. Gates open at midday, with entertainment rolling throughout the afternoon. Expect festival energy, plenty of space to sprawl, and live music setting the tone before the main event. As the sun dips, the energy will ramp up with a live performance from Budjerah, before the official screenings kick off in the early evening. The main show will begin on centre stage as the finalist films screen from 7pm, with the trophy presentation scheduled for 10pm. Can’t make it to Centennial Park in person? You can still tune in via the livestream from home. You can find out more and register over here.Stay in the loop: sign up for our free Time Out

Occupying a 45-acre pocket of subtropical coastal rainforest on the southern edge of Byron Bay, Crystalbrook Byron feels a lot like a high-end Balinese beach resort – a very holiday-mode, everything-on-tap destination with an admirably progressive sustainable ethos. Formerly The Byron at Byron, the property used to attract an older clientele, but under the Crystalbrook brand it’s found a cooler, more community-focused rhythm. Unlike a lot of larger, resort-style stays, it’s got a tangible sense of soul – it’s something that’s hard to define, but it’s alive in the air and in the friendly, casually luxe atmosphere. Guests wander around the wooden boardwalks linking the resort barefoot and laughing, with pool towels slung over their shoulders, and with a huge pool, tennis courts, spa and a very good restaurant on site, plus almost-direct beach access (Tallow Beach is a few metres from the edge of the property), it’s the kind of place you really don’t need to leave. What are the rooms like at Crystalbrook Byron? Dotted around the property – hiding at the end of tree-shrouded boardwalks – you’ll find 92 suites. Ours was C75 – one of the light-flooded rainforest suites, home to a large bedroom and bathroom, a kitchen/sitting room and a glass-walled relaxation pod between the treetops. The decor is a little dated, but the rooms are super comfy and kitted out with everything you need to make this your base for a good few days (yep, even washing machines). Is there a restaurant at Cry

Believe it or not, we’re approaching the end of Feb, which means Sydney is getting a whole lot more glittery. This weekend, the Harbour City’s most joyful and inclusive picnic is coming back. On Sunday February 15, the Mardi Gras Fair Day will return to Victoria Park for a full-day, all-ages celebration of LGBTQIA+ pride – and it’s completely free. This beloved event is alfresco joy dialled all the way up: live music, drag royalty, more than 200 stalls, and a kaleidoscope of community groups coming together in one big, brilliant love-in. From glitter-covered families and pets in drag, to elders swapping stories and dancefloor friends reuniting in daylight, Fair Day feels like Sydney’s unofficial first dance of the season. Come hungry – the food trucks bring the goods – and stay for the performances that roll until sunset. It’s warm, welcoming and wonderfully extra, with a crowd that turns browsing into bonding. Whether you’re there to celebrate, connect or simply soak up the vibes, Fair Day is where Sydney shows up as its most colourful, generous self.Keen? Learn more over 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. RECOMMENDED:  These are the best gay bars and queer clubs in SydneyThese are the best things to do in Sydney this weekendAnd here’s a love letter to Sydney

If your summer calendar could use a little magic, this mesmerising event might be just the ticket. For two sparkly evenings this February – Saturday 21 and Sunday 22 – the Lakeside Lawn at the Australian Botanic Garden Mount Annan will be transformed into a shimmering field of light thanks to the return of the beloved Water Lantern Festival.From 5pm, gates will open to a relaxed, family-friendly atmosphere with food trucks, live music and plenty of space to sprawl out on a picnic rug. As the sun dips lower, guests will be invited to decorate their own eco-friendly lantern – writing messages, drawing symbols or illustrating moments of hope, healing, love or gratitude. Some mark milestones or personal wins, others honour memories or simply set intentions for what’s next.RELATED READ: Here's everything you need to know about Mount Annan Botanic Gardens As twilight settles in, the experience will reach its emotional peak. From 8pm, hundreds of softly glowing lanterns will be released onto the water, creating a moving, almost meditative spectacle as they drift across the lake. Each lantern is made from biodegradable materials and collected after the event, ensuring the garden’s precious environment remains protected. The Water Lantern Festival is an alcohol-free and deliberately inclusive event, making it a perfect summer outing for families. Visitors are encouraged to bring a camping chair or blanket, along with sunscreen, bug spray and weather-appropriate clothing – this is very

There are few Aussie festivals that manage to fuse art, landscape and electronic music with quite the same alchemy as Pitch Music & Arts. Since its debut in 2017, the boutique four-day festival has become a defining pilgrimage for the local dance music community – a divinely dusty, techno-fuelled utopia beneath the sweeping peaks of Gariwerd (the Grampians). In 2026, Pitch returns for its ninth edition from March 6-10, and it’s bringing its most anticipated line-up yet. Across four hedonistic days and nights, the Grampian Plains will once again transform into a technicolour playground of sound, light and play – anchored by a world-class program of international heavyweights and homegrown innovators. Headlining this year’s line-up is Charlotte de Witte, the Belgian techno powerhouse whose razor-sharp sets have cemented her as one of the genre’s most formidable figures. Joining Charlotte among the top-tier acts are Eris Drew & Octo Octa; Amsterdam’s MARRØN, who’ll make his Pitch debut with a sound steeped in deep, hypnotic grooves; and Girls Don’t Sync, a UK trio whose percussive, high-energy sets are rewriting what club culture will sound like in 2026. Returning favourites include Job Jobse (fresh from a beloved 2025 closing set) and Yung Singh, whose genre-spanning selections have made him one of dance music’s most compelling new voices. Rounding out the international bill are Ewan McVicar, Palms Trax, Sama’ Abdulhadi, DJ Nobu, and DESIREE – a roll call of global tastemake

There are some places in the world that need to be shared – pockets of magic so beautiful that it would seem like an injustice for them to be private properties. The 125-acre working cattle farm that’s home to The Brooklet is one of them: a ridiculously heavenly idyll with far-reaching views across the rolling hills. What is The Brooklet? The Brooklet is a collection of high-end adults-only villas hiding in the hinterland 20 minutes from Byron Bay. With a total of seven villas (three one-bedroom, three two-bedroom and one three-bedroom), it’s a dream spot for a big group getaway or a quiet escape with your number one person. What are the rooms like at The Brooklet? Perched on the bridge of the hill overlooking the bowl of the valley, each of the seven light-flooded villas is positioned for total privacy and knockout views of the surrounding hinterland. The vibe here is classic countryside luxury – oak floors, marble and brass-trimmed kitchens, freestanding tubs with hilltop outlooks and rainwater showers stocked with Sans Ceuticals toiletries. Each villa comes with a groaning snack cupboard and dual-climate wine fridge curated by award-winning sommelier Ian Trinkle, which feels less like a minibar, more like an absurdly well-stocked private cellar. Ours was villa five – the one-bedroom villa that was wildly spacious for a two-person room. With a fully equipped kitchen and vast open plan living area, it’s the kind of room you could happily call home for a couple of weeks – tho

There’s a very tangible magic to seeing a personal vision come to life – a magic that ignites the air in a space that’s so much more than an architect’s render in 3D form. That energy strikes you the moment you pull into the curling driveway at Sun Ranch, under the Cali-coded archway and along the gravel path to the wildly well-designed masterpiece that is the hotel’s main building. The 11-room boutique hotel – set on a tree-studded 55-acre estate in the hinterland around Byron Bay – was the passion project of a group of friends from various creative industries who wanted to open a hotel that reflects the energy of the area. With its effortlessly cool aesthetic and nourishingly high-end offering, Sun Ranch does exactly that and more. In late 2025, the project was taken on by James and Sophie Rapper, and though the DNA is evolving, the vision is very much the same. Sun Ranch is a hotel with a sense of self – a genuine gem of a property in a surreal corner of NSW. What is Sun Ranch? Sun Ranch is a boutique hotel with a uniquely community-focused ethos. Designed by a team of visionary creatives, the hotel takes a confidently casual approach to hospitality, and the result is something seriously special: a hotel that feels like a welcoming, impossibly beautiful designer home. “The founders set the tone, and it’s still the same energy – it’s a luxury hotel, but it’s also a place where locals come for vinyl nights or intimate gigs or open-air cinema screenings on the lawn,” Charlie

There are few hotels in Australia whose name is as synonymous with luxury as Raes. The seven-room stay on the shores of Byron Bay’s most picture-perfect beach has been setting the gold standard for aspirational coastal indulgence since it opened in 1960. For decades, Raes on Wategos has been the place for celebrities to share plates of fresh pasta away from the clicks of the paparazzi, and newlyweds to pop a bottle of Champagne in an ocean-view suite that they’ve been saving for since they first said I love you. But the appeal of Raes isn’t built on clout alone. The famous beachside institution – home to a swimming pool rumoured to have been designed by Salvador Dalí – is as note-perfect as its reputation would have you believe, and the same can be said for Raes Guesthouses, the elegant offshoot of the brand that opened its doors last year just a few sandy steps from the original. What are Raes Guesthouses? Occupying two Mediterranean-style villas just 75 metres from Raes Hotel, Raes Guesthouses is an intimate boutique hotel home to ten thoughtfully designed rooms and suites – the first extension of the brand since the original hotel first opened its doors more than thirty years ago. What are the rooms like at Raes Guesthouses? Set across two flawlessly restored buildings, the rooms here are made for honeymoons: breezy, immaculately designed spaces with huge linen-draped beds and ornate free-standing bathtubs. With ten rooms to choose between, it’s worth browsing each to pick

Fresh from a record-breaking New York season that turned the Park Avenue Armory into a 30,000-square-foot fantasy universe, this joy-fuelled, art-meets-play exhibition has arrived in Melbourne.Popping up at the MCEC at Melbourne’s South Wharf, Balloon Story is a fully immersive journey through time and imagination, where every room is built at cinematic scale using hundreds of thousands of biodegradable balloons. You’ll wander from prehistoric jungles and dinosaur-filled landscapes to ancient civilisations, underwater worlds and cosmic cities, all sculpted entirely from air and colour. For the Australian season, expect all-new local content too, with balloon-built tributes to some of our most iconic buildings, places and stories. Hailed overseas as “the most joyful exhibition of the year”, Balloon Story is designed to delight. It’s hugely photogenic and clearly engineered by people who take balloons very, very seriously (we’re talking an international team of creative directors, balloon engineers and immersive design pros). Keen? The team suggests that visitors allow around 60 to 90 minutes to explore the whole experience – though don’t be surprised if the kids hang around for longer trying to get the perfect shot. With no age restrictions and free entry for kids under three, it’s an easy win for families and friends tasked with looking after the little ones for a day.The exhibition is open from 9am to 8pm, Monday through Sunday, with adult tickets from  $44.90, and kids tick

Trail lovers of NSW, mark your cals: the Blue Mountains is about to welcome its most spectacularly scenic race yet. On Sunday, April 12 2026, the inaugural Grand Cliff Top Race will see runners and walkers tackle 17.5 kilometres of trail along the breathtaking Grand Cliff Top Walk, stretching from Wentworth Falls to Katoomba. It’s the first the iconic escarpment trail will host a fully organised race – and based on what we know of those views, it’s set to earn its place alongside the most exciting sporting events in NSW this year. Designed by Blue Mountains Tourism (BMT) to showcase the region, the event invites participants from across NSW to immerse themselves in ancient sandstone cliffs, shaded bush trails, and sweeping vistas over the Jamison Valley. The course kicks off at Charles Darwin Walk in Wentworth Falls and winds its way along the cliff line, concluding at the official end of the walk at Katoomba’s Scenic World. Photograph: Supplied | Blue Mountains Tourism   Compared to a lot of epic sporting events popping up in beautiful remote spots around the state, this one is pretty darn accessible. Competitors can hop on the Blue Mountains Line train from Syd to Wentworth Falls and finish in Katoomba without needing a car – a big bonus for sustainability-conscious athletes, and those keen to sink a few Mountain Culture beers post-race (it would sort of be rude not to). Staggered wave starts, beginner-friendly terrain, and a generous six-hour cut-off will ensure the race

Back in 2024, we reported on the big news that Southbank’s most divisive landmark was getting a glow-up. Now, we’ve got an update – the proposed designs for the Red Stairs 2.0 have been revealed. The City of Melbourne has unveiled draft concept designs to transform the Red Stairs in Queensbridge Square, promising to turn the ageing structure into a greener, safer and more inviting meeting place in the heart of the precinct. Originally commissioned in 2005 as part of the Sandridge Precinct Renewal and delivered ahead of the 2006 Commonwealth Games, the Red Stairs have long functioned as a casual perch for people-watching, pre-dinner hangs and the occasional impromptu dance performance. But after two decades of wear, tear and community feedback about safety and amenity issues, the city has decided it’s time for a reset. Photograph: City of Melbourne The proposed $1.7 million redesign will lower the structure by three metres, replacing the top tier with a new viewing platform and balustrades to improve sightlines (read: better views, fewer blind spots). The exterior will be reclad in higher-quality, lower-maintenance materials, shifting the vibe from tired civic infrastructure to something warmer and more tactile – think timber, stone and plenty of greenery. The draft plans include two new trees and an additional 40 square metres of landscaping for the area, softening the concrete-heavy square and giving it more of a natural feel. The aim is to create a space where you’d actua

Sydneysiders, your South Pacific daydream just got a whole lot easier to live out. For the first time ever, Air Tahiti Nui is launching a direct, non-stop service between Papeete and Sydney (and back) – meaning the impossibly blue lagoons, honeymoon-style overwater bungalows and palm-fringed peaks of Tahiti are now just one flight away. Eeek!Touching down on December 14, 2026, the inaugural service will operate twice weekly between Papeete (PPT) and Sydney (SYD), shaving off travel time and eliminating the need for stopovers via Auckland or beyond. Translation: less airport limbo, more time spent horizontal in a hammock. The first direct flight from Sydney to Tahiti will take off the following day (December 15). Photograph: Supplied | Air Tahiti Nui The new route marks a major milestone for Aussie travellers, creating a direct link between Australia and French Polynesia for the first time. Until now, getting to Tahiti typically meant a connection in New Zealand or the US – not on anyone’s dream layover list right now. This non-stop service changes the game, opening up one of the region’s most magical destinations as a far more seamless escape. According to the stats, the timing makes sense. French Polynesia welcomed a record-breaking 279,000 visitors in 2025, with Australians making up a growing slice of that pie. More than 8,000 Aussies made the journey last year – which is pretty impressive considering the logistical gymnastics previously required to get to this little p

There’s a whole lot of development going on in Sydney  – with Sydney Olympic Park due to grow by more than 400 per cent over the next four years, Parramatta scoring some major new developments and a whole new city being built on the doorstep of the new Western Sydney International Airport. Now, plans have been revealed to build a brand-new suburb rising straight out of the harbour. The NSW Government has today unveiled plans for Bays West, a mega new precinct that will deliver up to 8,500 homes directly above one of Sydney’s new metro stations (Bays West Metro Station). RELATED READ: Here’s where Sydney Metro will go once it’s complete The site – currently under-utilised government-owned port land at Glebe Island and White Bay – will be transformed into Sydney’s newest inner-city neighbourhood. It’s the first new suburb built in inner Sydney in decades, and at least ten per cent of homes will be set aside as affordable housing, including dedicated places for essential workers like nurses, teachers, paramedics, firefighters and police. Photograph: Supplied | NSW Government According to the plans, the site will house a lot more than just apartments – with public waterfront access, new parks and open space, and active transport links connecting Rozelle, Balmain and Glebe – including a future walking and cycling link across the Glebe Island Bridge. Ferries and metro connections will stitch the precinct into the rest of the city, positioning it as one of Sydney’s best-connected

If you’ve battled Melbourne Airport’s international departures hall at peak hour lately, you’re not imagining it – Melburnians are officially flying again. Thankfully, following its busiest summer for international travel on record, Melbourne Airport has unveiled official plans for the expansion of its international terminal. According to the team, more than 1.26 million international passengers passed through the airport in January alone – a new monthly record. As Melbourne’s population swells and our collective appetite for long-haul escapes rebounds, the airport is upping its capacity to help get us in the air. The intention to expand was announced last year, and now we've got extra details of the $4.5 billion project. The multi-stage expansion will see both the international check-in and baggage claim halls significantly expanded to better handle growing passenger numbers (and, ideally, ease those pre-flight queues). Five new gates will be added to the existing international pier, giving airlines more flexibility to schedule flights to more destinations at the times people actually want to travel. In practical terms: more options, fewer awkward layovers. Photograph: Supplied | Melbourne Airport There will also be five new aircraft stands – capable of accommodating either five wide-body or eight narrow-body aircraft – alongside expanded waiting areas, upgraded lounge facilities and improved shopping options. Arrivals aren’t being forgotten either, with extra baggage caro

Art enthusiasts, there’s a new reason to hit the M1. On Saturday, February 28, Newcastle Art Gallery officially reopened its doors to reveal a huge site-wide glow-up, officially transforming into the largest public art gallery in NSW (outside of Sydney).The gallery was born thanks to a generous art donation back in 1945, and the original concrete building was officially opened by Queen Elizabeth II in 1977. Ever since, the gallery has been punching well above its weight for a regional NSW city. But with more than 7,000 works valued at $145 million, the gallery and collection had outgrown its shell. Enter award-winning architects Clare Design (with Smith and Tzannes and Arup), who’ve more than doubled the footprint – adding 1,600 square metres of exhibition space, a café, retail shop, learning studio and an international-standard loading dock to help get the world-class works in and out. Photograph: Supplied The reopening exhibition, Iconic, Loved, Unexpected, lives up to its name. Almost 500 works from the nationally renowned collection line the reimagined building, from colonial-era painter Joseph Lycett to local legends William Dobell and Margaret Olley, and Aussie and international heavyweights including Emily Kam Kngwarray, Tracey Moffatt and Auguste Rodin. New commissions ensure that the initial collection isn’t just a greatest-hits reel. A four-metre-high spiralling school of aluminium fish by Shellie Smith and Julie Squires shimmers overhead; architectural-scale work

Update, Monday March 2: In response to huge demand, a third and final Sydney show has been added to Tame Impala's Australia tour – the band will perform at the Qudos Bank Arena for three consecutive nights from October 19 to October 21 2026.It’s been a big few weeks for Sydney’s left-of-centre music enthusiasts, with Geese fervour taking over the Harbour City in the wake of Laneway, and Ethel Cain bringing her haunting gothic ballads to the Hordern Pavilion for two atmospheric AF nights. Now, we’re getting back to our roots – with big news from one of Australia’s biggest-ever musical exports. Over the past ten-plus years, Tame Impala has borne the unofficial title of Australia’s synth-soaked gift to the global charts. Multi-talented artist and producer Kevin Parker’s bedroom psych project has morphed into a festival-headlining, arena-packing juggernaut, powered by euphoric synths and emotionally loaded hooks that have turned a whole generation of music lovers against Trevor (IYKYK). Since 2020’s The Slow Rush – which debuted at No. 1 in multiple territories, and saw a lot of us through the first lockdown – Parker has kept busy producing for everyone from pop royalty to rap heavyweights. Now he’s back with Deadbeat, his fifth studio album, released in late 2025 and led by singles ‘Loser’, ‘End of Summer’ (which just snagged him a Grammy for Best Dance/Electronic Recording) and ‘Dracula’, which landed at No. 3 in triple j’s Hottest 100. Sydney last saw Tame Impala on a full are

Just weeks after winning their second Grammy, Tame Impala – the invention of one of Australia’s biggest-ever musical exports – have announced they’re headed Down Under for a nationwide tour. They'll be hitting up four cities in October 2026, and if the North American sell-outs are anything to go by, you’ll want to move fast when tickets drop. Over the past ten-plus years, multi-talented artist and producer Kevin Parker’s bedroom psych project has morphed into a festival-headlining, arena-packing juggernaut, powered by euphoric synths and emotionally loaded hooks that have turned a whole generation of music lovers against Trevor (IYKYK). As a newly six-piece touring band, Tame Impala is returning to Australia this October with Deadbeat, their fifth studio album, led by singles ‘Loser’, ‘End of Summer’ (which just snagged him a Grammy for Best Dance/Electronic Recording) and ‘Dracula’, which landed at No. 3 in triple j’s Hottest 100. Here’s everything you need to know about getting tickets to Tame Impala’s Deadbeat tour in Australia. When is Tame Impala in Australia? Tame Impala will hit four cities this October, including: Brisbane Entertainment Centre – Friday, October 9; Saturday, October 10 and Sunday October, 11 Melbourne’s Rod Laver Arena – Wednesday, October 14; Thursday, October 15; Friday, October 16 and Saturday, October 17 Sydney’s Qudos Bank Arena – Monday, October 19; Tuesday, October 20 and Wednesday, October 21 Perth’s RAC Arena – Saturday, October 24 and Sunday

As plans stand right now, the Sydney Metro network is due to comprise 46 stations once it’s complete – with super fast lines connecting Tallawong to Bankstown, Chatswood to Sydenham, Westmead to the Sydney CBD, and St Marys to the new Western Sydney International Airport at Badgerys Creek. Yep, that's a lot – and one of the new lines (Sydney Metro West) just reached a major milestone. A tunnel boring machine has officially punched through the final metre of sandstone into the future Hunter Street station, marking the end of all tunnelling on the 24-kilometre Sydney Metro West line. It’s a milestone moment not just for Metro West, but for the entire Sydney Metro program. With this breakthrough, tunnelling has wrapped up across four mega-projects: Sydney Metro North West, Sydney Metro City and Southwest, Sydney Metro Western Sydney Airport and Metro West. Since works began back in 2014 between Epping and Bella Vista, a huge 14.7 million tonnes of rock have been excavated, with 19 tunnel boring machines carving out 128 kilometres of tunnel beneath the Harbour City. Photograph: Supplied | NSW Government | Rusty Goat Media According to the NSW Government, on Metro West alone, crews worked around the clock for two years and ten months to create twin tunnels linking the Sydney and Parramatta CBDs in just 20 minutes. When it opens (target date slated for 2032), the new line will slash travel times across the west: zipping Sydneysiders from Westmead to Hunter Street in 22 minutes,

Looking for an excuse to book a trip out of the city? Geelong’s newest hotel is reporting for duty – serving up handmade pasta, sky-high cocktails and top-tier views of Port Phillip. Last week, the doors swung open at Crowne Plaza Geelong, a $120 million waterfront newcomer sitting right on the edge of Corio Bay. The hotel has opened just as autumn weekenders and AFL fans pour into the region – giving holidaymakers and Cats devotees a shiny new base by the water. Photograph: Supplied | Crowne Plaza Geelong According to the team, there’s a thoughtful sense of place woven throughout the 200-room hotel, with rooms opening up onto far-reaching city outlooks or calming bay views, and specially commissioned artwork by local creative Kate Robertson lining the walls. Food and drink, naturally, are central to the experience. On the ground floor, Verde on Smythe is pouring Piazza Dora coffee for both guests and locals, and upstairs, Sociali Trattoria and Bar brings a warm, neighbourhood energy with handmade pasta, wood-fired pizzas and generous antipasti plates designed to be shared. But it’s level ten that’s likely to steal the spotlight. The Skyline Bar pairs panoramic bay views with seasonal small plates, local wines, craft beers and small-batch regional gins – custom built for sunset Spritzes. A well-equipped gym and indoor heated pool will keep you moving, and eight light-filled event spaces cater to everything from waterfront weddings to big team getaways and conferences by the

Over the past ten-plus years, Tame Impala has borne the unofficial title of Australia’s synth-soaked gift to the global charts. Multi-talented artist and producer Kevin Parker’s bedroom psych project has morphed into a festival-headlining, arena-packing juggernaut, powered by euphoric synths and emotionally loaded hooks that have turned a whole generation of music lovers against Trevor (IYKYK). Since 2020’s The Slow Rush – which debuted at No. 1 in multiple territories, and saw a lot of us through the first lockdown – Parker has kept busy producing for everyone from pop royalty to rap heavyweights. Now he’s back with Deadbeat, his fifth studio album, released in late 2025 and led by singles ‘Loser’, ‘End of Summer’ (which just snagged him a Grammy for Best Dance/Electronic Recording) and ‘Dracula’, which landed at No. 3 in Triple J’s Hottest 100. Melbourne last saw Tame Impala on a full arena run during The Slow Rush tour, and it’s safe to say Victorian fans have been waiting (impatiently, at times) ever since. Here’s everything you need to know about the Melbourne stop of the Deadbeat tour. When is Tame Impala in Melbourne? Tame Impala will play at Melbourne’s Rod Laver Arena for four massive shows on Wednesday, October 14; Thursday, October 15; Friday, October 16; and Saturday, October 17, 2026. When do Tame Impala Melbourne tickets go on sale? General release tickets go on sale at 11am on Friday, February 27, 2026 via Ticketek. When is the Tame Impala Melbourne presale? M

If your 2026 travel mood board reads “slow mornings, steamy mineral baths and mountain views”, we’ve got a new hotel to add to your hit list. The newly opened Hilton Quang Hanh Onsen Resort has officially welcomed its first guests, bringing a polished, onsen-style retreat to the lush Quang Hanh valley in northern Vietnam. Inspired by the rare mineral springs that punctuate the region, the resort marks the third Hilton property in Vietnam. Hidden in the mountains of Cam Pha, Quang Ninh province, the resort is just 30 minutes from Ha Long and about 2.5 hours by car from Hanoi. It’s also within easy reach of cultural heavyweights like Long Tien Pagoda, Bao Hai Linh Thong Pagoda and Sung Sot Cave – making it a pretty appealing base for travellers keen to pair wellness with a little sightseeing. But, let’s be honest: it’s an onsen hotel, so you’re here for the soak. Hilton Quang Hanh Onsen Resort features 178 villas and 38 rooms – and every single one comes with a private onsen and access to hot and cold saunas. Accommodation ranges from couple-friendly rooms and suites to sprawling two- to four-bedroom villas (110 to 550 square metres), complete with generous living and dining areas. Want to step up the luxe? The two 1,250-square-metre Presidential Villas each boast five bedrooms, private teppanyaki facilities, a karaoke room and even a wine cellar. Photograph: Supplied | Hilton Quang Hanh Onsen Resort As you’d imagine, the wellness offering extends beyond your private bath. Gu