Winnie Stubbs

Sitting pretty 600 kilometres off the NSW coast, World Heritage-listed Lord Howe Island is undeniably one of the most beautiful places on Earth. Sir David Attenborough famously described this tiny speck in the Tasman Sea as “so extraordinary it is almost unbelievable”, and we reckon you need to witness its beauty for yourself.  Part of Lord Howe’s magic comes from its exclusivity – only 400 visitors are allowed on the island at any one time, so you can soak in the scenery and serenity without the crowds. The rest of the enchantment lies in its mesmerising natural beauty, featuring vibrant coral reefs, glassy blue waters, lush forest and ancient volcanic peaks. Our Travel Editors Melissa Woodley and Winnie Stubbs spent a honeymoon-style week exploring the island and have rounded up their favourite things to do, including beaches, walks, eateries and resorts. Dive in! Editors’ favourite things to do on Lord Howe Island ⛰️ Best hike: Goat House 🤿 Best water activity: Snorkelling with Galapagos sharks 🐠 Best for kids: Fish feeding at Ned’s Beach When is the best time to visit Lord Howe Island? The best time to visit Lord Howe Island is between September and May, as many lodges and tour operators close during the winter months. We visited in November and thought it was the perfect time – the mild temperatures were ideal for hiking, while the weather was still warm enough for swimming and snorkelling. Best of all, we got to enjoy the island without the summer crowds. How to get

Australia really does like to show off. Few places on Earth can pull off such variety – where else in the world can you snorkel with rainbow fish, ski down snowy mountains, buggy across sand dunes and bounce across the high ropes of a rainforest canopy, all within the geographical bounds of one country? It’s a continent that was practically designed for the outdoors – and when it comes to cooling off from all of that fun, we simply don’t do average. From the ocean-carved rock spas of the southwest to the waterfall-fed gorges of the Kimberley and the emerald plunge pools tucked deep in Kakadu, Australia's natural swimming holes are as spectacular as the landscapes that cradle them. Our editors have rounded up the best natural swimming spots in Australia, so all that's left for you is to take the plunge!  Remember that there are always risks involved with swimming, especially at unpatrolled places. Always take care to check things such as depth and currents before swimming or jumping into water, and confirm that others you’re swimming with are confident in the water before entering any swimming spot. If you're not a confident, experienced swimmer, avoid unpatrolled swimming spots altogether. Editors’ favourite natural pools in Australia  💧 Best for waterfall swims: Maguk, NT 🌿 Best for rainforest immersion: Josephine Falls, QLD 🧘🏻‍♀️ Best for photogenic serenity: Figure Eight Pools, NSW 🌊 The best beaches in Australia🔥 Australia's dreamiest hot springs🏄 The top surf

Dreaming of sleeping beneath unpolluted starry skies, swimming on secluded beaches and snuggling by a campfire – but without the spiders, dirt floors and lack of showers? Enter glamping – the perfect way to experience Australia’s wild side with a touch of luxury... Whether it's reclining in a private bubble bath beneath a rainforest canopy, dipping into a rainwater plunge pool next to Uluru, or sleeping in clean sheets next to one of the world's most remote coral reefs, the best glamping spots in Australia are both epic and aplenty. All you've gotta do is hit the road.  Editors' favourite glamping spots in Australia: 💕 Best couples retreat: Sal Salis Ningaloo Reef, WA ☀️ Best for families: Ingenia Holidays Byron Bay, NSW 💎 Best luxury: Longitude 131, NT ✅ The best caravan parks in Australia⛺️ The best free campsites in Australia🚘 The most epic Aussie road trips

Spring 2025 update: From sunny beer gardens to refreshing pints, make the most of the cracking spring weather with our guide to Sydney’s best pubs. What do they all have in common? Great vibes, great drinks and ace food. Bring your mates. 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. On a hot day, it's all about having a welcoming beer garden, and on a Sunday, it's all about a cracking roast. 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! 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. 

Bali is bustling with hotel options - seriously, it’s kind of overwhelming. From luxurious beachside resorts, perfect for honeymoon escapes, to secluded hilltop retreats with all the necessities for a solo traveller, the options are as diverse as the island itself. If you’re feeling adventurous, you could book multiple Bali hotels and explore different vibes throughout your stay. Sure, it takes a bit of planning, but trust us, it’s worth it.  Basically, what we’re trying to say is that no matter where you land, Bali’s got you covered with stunning rice terraces, wild jungle escapades, and those Instagram-worthy white sandy beaches. The only thing that might outnumber the amazing hotels here is the list of fantastic things to do. To help you plan the perfect adventure, our team of local editors and travellers have handpicked our top Bali hotels. Whether you’re eyeing the surfers’ paradise, Canggu, discovering tranquillity in Ubud, or diving into Seminyak’s vibrant scene, we’ve narrowed down the choices to save you valuable time. So, pack your bags, soak up the sun, and get ready to experience the unique blend of natural beauty and culture that Bali offers.  RECOMMENDED: ☀️ Click here to learn the 19 best things to do in Bali🏠 Check out the best Airbnbs in Bali🌴 Discover the best hotels in Ubud🏖️ Explore the best hotels in Seminyak Where to stay in Bali Who makes the cut? While we might not stay in every hotel featured below, we've based our list on top reviews and ameniti

The spooky season is upon us, and with it, Sydney is reanimating with a whole bunch of freakishly good times. With Halloween (October 31) falling on a Friday this year, the freaky happenings are prime for Sydneysiders who like a bit of dark fun, with the Emerald City turning on the horror show all weekend long.  Whether your particular poison is dancing in a nightclub turned haunted asylum, walking with ghosts on a twisted tour, or simply sipping an extravagant themed cocktail in peace, we have you covered on all the best things to do in Sydney for Halloween in 2025. Now, do you dare?  Stay in the loop: sign up for our free Time Out Sydney newsletter for more Sydney news and things to do, straight to your inbox.   Make sure you are dressed to kill with a trip to one of Sydney's very best costume shops. These are the most haunted sites you can visit in Sydney. 

Singapore has a reputation as one of the most expensive cities in the world – and it’s a fair accusation. But despite the city’s many high-end offerings, this bustling metropolis is also home to its fair share of affordable places to stay. Whether you’re a Singaporean looking to book an overnight stay in the heart of the city, or a visitor keen to save your holiday money for the hawker markets, it helps to find a good hotel that won’t break the bank. Luckily for you, we’ve got a team of local writers who know the best spots for a budget-friendly break – with bargain hotels ranging from chic, Nordic-inspired guest houses like Lloyds Inn to lively, neon-trimmed apartments like those you’ll find at lyf Funan Singapore. To help you determine which affordable hotel to book for your next visit or staycation, our team of local writers (including Time Out Singapore Editor Cheryl Sekkappan) have tried and tested the city’s best budget 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.Read on for our guide to the best cheap hotels in Singapore for a budget-friendly city break. RECOMMENDED:These are the best Singapore attractions to visitThese are the best rooftop bars in SingaporeAnd here’s our pick of the best luxury hotels in the city At Time Out, all of our travel guides are written by local writers who know their cities inside out. For more about how we curate, see our editori

Melbourne is home to its fair share of super-luxe hotels, but there are also hidden gems in every corner of the city where you can rest your head for less than $200 a night. From super central sky-high towers like Oaks on Collins to charming stays on the fringe of the city like The Plough Hotel, Melbourne's budget hotels prove that you don't have to drop 500 bucks a night to enjoy a good night's sleep within striking distance of Melbourne’s best bits. To help you find your best affordable stay, our team of local editors (including Time Out Melbourne Editor Leah Glynn) have tried and tested Melbourne’s most well-located low-cost hotels, and Time Out Travel and Hotels Editor Winnie Stubbs has checked the list over to make sure it delivers.For an even more affordable night in the city, share a room with friends (and try to book at least a few weeks in advance). Another top tip from Time Out Melbourne’s team of local editors? Don't be afraid to trade space for location – you're only sleeping, after all. Read on for our guide to the best budget hotels in Melbourne.  Editor's quick picks: Best fully equipped home-away-from-home: Oaks on Collins Best for making new friends: YHA Melbourne Central Best boutique city stay: Brady Hotels Central Melbourne  Best quirky neighbourhood stay: The Plough Hotel Stay in the loop: sign up for our free Time Out Melbourne newsletter for the best of the city, straight to your inbox. RECOMMENDED:  These are the best places to go camping near Mel

Whether you’re a visitor mapping out your first trip to the Emerald City, or a Sydneysider planning a special-occasion staycation, finding the right hotel in Sydney is an important, sometimes overwhelming task. If you’re looking to book a stay that’s extra indulgent – willing to splash the cash on a high-end experience – choosing the right spot is even more important. Luckily for you, we’ve got a team of hotel aficionados who are committed to trying and testing the very best luxury stays in the city, and deciding which ones are worth your hard-earned cash (it’s a tough job, but somebody’s got to do it). Our expert team includes connoisseur of fine things Time Out Sydney Editor Avril Treasure and Sydney-based travel whizz Melissa Woodley (Time Out Australia’s News and Travel Editor). Each hotel has been checked for its luxe credentials by Time Out Sydney's Travel and Hotels Editor, Winnie Stubbs. From a celeb-approved harbourside palace (Park Hyatt Sydney) to a stunning beachside stay with a rooftop magnesium pool (Manly Pacific), these are the best luxury hotels in Sydney for a super-special stay. Editor's quick picks: Best for beach lovers: Manly Pacific  Best for harbour views: Park Hyatt Sydney  Best for indulgent spa breaks: Capella Sydney Best dog-friendly luxury stay: Pier One   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:Want more options? Here's our full

Sun and surf aside, the Gold Coast’s diverse dining scene shines just as bright as its world-class beaches. Whether it's a casual evening with fish and chips by the water, a barefoot bite at the beach club or a special occasion dinner at one of the Goldy’s award-winning restaurants, these are the places you want to be seen. Our Travel & News Editor, Melissa Woodley, has done the hard yards and rounded up the best restaurants on the Gold Coast right now. We've included options everywhere from Surfers Paradise and Broadbeach to Burleigh Heads and Coolangatta. So, leave your towels at the door and dig into this list of our favourite places to drink and dine. Editor's favourite restaurants on the Gold Coast: 🌊 Best views: The Tropic ⭐️ Best for special occasions: Kōst Bar and Grill 🌮 Best cheap and cheerful: Costa Taco 🌊 Best hotels on the Gold Coast🏄🏻‍♀️ Best things to do on the Gold Coast

We're all about a secret underground dive bar or two – but in a city as beautiful as Sydney, it seems like a damn shame to retreat into the depths for every tipple. From a sundowner by the harbour to a sunny rooftop in the Inner West, our town is awash with sky-high watering holes. So we've rounded up the best spots in the city to sip a cold one under a gorgeous open sky. But drinkers beware: Sydney's rooftop bars play host to some of the most contested seats in the city, so get in early for a spot in the sun.  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 more al fresco drinking try one of Sydney's best beer gardens. Looking for another top-notch watering hole? Check out the best bars in Sydney.

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. 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 our travel guides are written by local writers who know their cities inside out. For more about how we curate, see our editorial guidelines. While we might not stay in every hotel featured below, we've based our list on to

Looking to start building your art collection without going bankrupt? We’ve got you. The Affordable Art Fair is on right now in Sydney for its fourth year – this time taking over the cavernous halls of Carriageworks and marking the start of the progressive arts precinct’s Summer Program. From now until Sunday, November 9 2025, more than 65 galleries – representing hundreds of local and international artists – will gather under one roof for four days of creative inspiration. Whether you’re a first-time buyer or a dedicated collector, you’re pretty much guaranteed to find something to fall in love with, with original works priced between $100 and $10,000. At the new Carriageworks location, expect an upgraded layout, more space to browse, and refreshed dining options – plus plenty of spots to linger, swirl a glass of Bird in Hand pinot like a seasoned critic. The 2025 line-up is packed with newcomers and fan favourites. Sydney’s N Smith Gallery joins the Fair for the first time, bringing works by Claire Healy and Sean Cordeiro, Sally Scales, Louise Zhang and more. Paddington’s Art2Muse Gallery, Pyrmont’s Audrey Fine Art, and Woolloomooloo’s Frances Keevil Gallery will also make their hometown debuts. From further afield, Tyger Gallery (Yass) and Corner Store Gallery (Orange) will be showing colourful, textural pieces. Returning exhibitors include Woollahra’s Project Gallery, Day Gallery from the Blue Mountains, and the ever-eclectic Jumbled from Orange. Also back are the crowd-p

Golden hour is a uniquely magical time in Sydney, when the sun begins to drop below the mountains and casts a honey golden glow across the city. And while golden hour is beautiful anywhere in the city, Barangaroo – Sydney’s buzzy west-facing waterside precinct – offers one of the best. After a successful launch event back in autumn, Barangaroo is bringing its Aperol-fuelled Golden Hour series back – and this time, the deals run all day long.   Throughout the month of November, one of Sydney’s prime sunset spots will be upping the ante with its golden hour offering; with live entertainment, affordable foodie offerings and ice-cold goblets of (appropriately golden) Aperol Spritz.Brought to life by the Bars of Barangaroo District, in partnership with everyone’s favourite orange aperitif, Golden Hours Barangaroo is a month-long event series designed to get people outside and enjoying springtime’s golden light.Throughout the duration of the event, 25 venues across Barangaroo will be serving up two Aperols for $30 (that’s $15 per drink), with excellent food offerings across the precinct and a varied line-up of live entertainment. Inspired by the Italian ritual of aperitivo, Barangaroo favourites including Gina, Zushi, Love.fish, Barangaroo House and Crown Sydney's Woodcut will be offering early evening treats to complement your Spritz.Plus, on Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays throughout the event, we can expect DJ sets from local tastemakers and roaming entertainment inclu

If there’s one venue that really knows how to nail a Sydney sunset, it’s Watsons Bay Hotel. Perched on the edge of the harbour with the kind of postcard-perfect views that make you fall in love with the city all over again, the historic hotel has been serving up good times by the water since 1937, and it’s just unveiled a $3 million transformation of its Top and Mid Decks. Before we get into the renovations, it’s worth covering WBH’s core offering: casual alfresco fun with five-star Sydney views. Often dismissed by locals as something of a tourist trap, there’s a reason why this multi-level institution is on every visitor’s bucket list. There are very few places where you can watch the sun set over a world-famous harbour with a glass of Veuve in one hand, and a stacked beef burger in the other. Under the stewardship of the same Sydney family (the Laundys) for more than a decade, the team has perfected the art of harbourside fun: good drinks, good food and an easy, summery atmosphere. The renovation has levelled up the offering – adding more weatherproof dining space for those occasional days when the Sydney skies open, and cementing the venue as one of Sydney’s best event spaces. RECOMMENDED READ: Here's our review of Watsons Bay's beach house-style hotel rooms The revamp – led by Danielle and Shane Richardson of Laundy Hotels and the design wizards at Etic Design – has breathed fresh life into one of the most overlooked corners of the building. The Top Deck, now home to a w

Just when we thought it wasn't possible for the Mornington Peninsula to further cement itself as a renowned wellness destination, a brand new bathhouse has opened – and it's got everything you need for a soothing self-care sesh.  Pond Bathhouse is housed in a building that’s thought to be one of the first constructed in the Mornington area – a heritage-listed former vicarage dating back to 1863. Lovingly restored to maintain and celebrate the heritage of the building, the calming, plant-shrouded space features a stunning glass roof, elegant brass fixtures and a luxe relaxation room flooded with natural light.  Between vintage wooden beams and soft, earthy-toned seating spaces, you’ll find a magnesium bath, ice plunges, infrared and traditional saunas, and a spacious steam room. Bathhouse sessions start at $75.95, and give you access to the space for a dreamy two hours. With a focus on slow self care, it has a limited capacity of 16 people per session, so you can take things at your own pace without feeling overwhelmed by other guests. If you’re keen to elevate your wellness, you can book a treatment with one of the talented on-site therapists – with relaxation or deep tissue massages available to book pre- or post-soak.  Pond Bathhouse is the brainchild of local GP Dr Sally Shaw, who established the beloved tourism attraction Enchanted Adventure in Arthurs Seat, and operated it alongside her medical clinics for 25 years. Now, Dr Shaw is combining both of her professional p

If you’ve ever wished your luxury getaway could come with a side of community impact, this one’s for you. The Bungalows at Coogee, a new high-end accommodation offering from impact-driven development company The Yellow House Group, has officially opened its doors – offering feel-good stays in one of Sydney’s most beloved beachside suburbs. Just 150 steps from the sand (yep, we’ve counted), The Bungalows is a collection of six beautifully finished apartments and one private beach house, each meticulously styled with designer furniture, original Aussie artworks, and the kind of premium features that your average Airbnb might miss. Outdoors, you’ll find a palm-shrouded private garden crafted by the landscape legends at Wyer & Co, complete with Moroccan-style outdoor shower.RELATED READ: These are the best hotels in SydneyFully self-catered, The Bungalows offer a high-end Eastern Suburbs stay without the pretense – the kind of place where you can rinse off the salt in a freestanding tub, pour yourself a glass of something chilled, and still feel part of the local rhythm outside the door. And while the design and location would be reason enough to add The Bungalows to your Sydney staycation hit list, it’s the ethos that really sets this place apart. Every cent of profit made goes straight back into the Coogee community, supporting local charities and projects that help the area thrive. It’s a model The Yellow House Group has already proven works, following the success of their sis

Sydney’s dance scene isn’t one homogenous entity. There are the weekly clubbers – those who spend their Saturday nights in sleek, sexy inner-city haunts like Sussudio and Carousel – and there are the warehouse ravers, whose weekend invites are likely to contain the words “secret Inner West location”. If there’s one event that unites them all, it’s Summer Dance: an annual event series that brings some of the biggest names in electronic music to a sun-soaked Sydney location.Presented by Astral People – one of Australia’s key culture-shaping music companies – the series has become a staple in Sydney/ Gadigal’s cultural calendar; a place where international tastemakers and homegrown faves meet under the same pulsing bassline, fuelled by big summer energy.In excellent news for the city’s dance fans, Summer Dance is back for 2025. Launching on November 29 at Liberty Hall, the beloved day-to-night party is set to transform the venue’s courtyard into an open-air celebration of sound, community and summer heat, before the energy moves indoors for 'After Dark'. Based on what we know so far, this year’s opening lineup sets the bar sky-high. First up, Eora’s own Club Angel will be leading the charge with a high-octane mix of UK speed garage, jungle and anthemic bass. Joining him is Naarm-based Crÿbaby, whose genre-bending sets splice Global Club, Dembow and Hard Dance into something irresistibly fun. Rounding out the daytime line-up is Bryson Hill, the Gadigal-born, London-honed DJ whose

Sydney has no shortage of sexy, low-lit restaurants – paired back venues following a tried-and-tested minimalist aesthetic. But if you’re looking for something different – a light-flooded, maximalist space where the food is just as exceptional (and entirely gluten-free) – we’ve got just the ticket. Housed in a glass-fronted, plant-shrouded building on Sydney’s South Head peninsula, The Botanica Vaucluse opened its doors back in 2018, serving modern-Australian dishes in an ultra-femme, pink-hued setting flanked by award-winning gardens. This spring, the Insta-famous venue has announced a new direction – with co-head chefs from some of Sydney’s top kitchens (Quay and Bentley) curating a refreshed seasonal menu that’s entirely gluten-free.  Certified coeliac-friendly, the menu is an evolution of the venue’s signature style – with organic, locally sourced produce and playful techniques (decorative canapés arrive in curious wooden boxes, and sauces are served at your table with a masterful flourish).   When we visited for a sun-soaked springtime lunch, our hero dishes included the whipped tarama canapé (served on a rectangle of fried potato and crowned with trout roe), the creamy stracciatella with charred greens and leek oil, a divine serving of dry-aged duck crowned in a halo of blueberry and black tea sauce, and the wood-fired focaccia so fluffy it could easily convince any die-hard gluten-advocate.  While the venue has always focused on offering gluten-free menus, this evoluti

Looking for a low-key, affordable spa in Sydney? We’ve got you. Hidden in a quiet residential corner of the Inner West, The Serenity Bungalow is exactly what its name promises: a soothing little sanctuary where the pace of city life finally slows. The boutique wellness studio takes a holistic approach to recovery and relaxation, blending advanced massage techniques with restorative rituals like contrast therapy to have you feeling your best, inside and out. Plus, it's way more affordable than most of the city's high-end day spas. Just off one of Drumoyne’s sun-drenched streets, natural light filters through linen curtains, bouncing gently off timber panelling and rattan pendants. The colour palette – all soft neutrals and warm textures – feels calm without trying too hard. Thoughtful details like hot towels, low lighting and a post-treatment herbal tea turn each visit into a personal, unrushed and deeply restorative escape. Each treatment at The Serenity Bungalow is intentionally designed, delivered by experienced therapists who use premium oils and organic products, and balance expertise with intuition. Among the studio’s signature treatments is the Lymphatic Massage, a sculpting-style technique that stimulates circulation and encourages detoxification, leaving you feeling lighter and re-energised. Expect long, rhythmic strokes that follow the body’s natural flow – the kind of treatment that lets you float out of the door. For expectant mothers, the Pregnancy Massage offers

Springtime in Sydney’s Eastern Suburbs is marked every year by the heady scent of jasmine lacing the air, and gridlock on the Bondi to Tamarama coastal walk. The reason for the uptick in coastal walkers? Sculpture by the Sea: the world’s largest outdoor sculpture exhibition, which will light up the iconic coastal corner of the city until Monday, November 3. Stretching along the clifftop path from Bondi to Tamarama, the 27th edition features more than 90 sculptures from artists across 13 countries – including Japan, Denmark, China and India – and promises a spectacle of creativity set against those unbeatable ocean views. This year, 36 artists are exhibiting for the first time, with 64 Aussie artists on the line-up – reaffirming the event’s reputation as both a global showcase and a proud celebration of homegrown talent. The standout pieces this year include Siren’s Song by James Rogers (a conceptual piece which won the $70,000 Aqualand Sculpture Award), i by WA artist Jina Lee (which won the Waverley Council Mayor’s Award) and Splotcher by Archibald-winning artist Tim Storried AM. In a special milestone, Japanese artist Keizo Ushio is celebrating his 25th consecutive Sculpture by the Sea exhibition – a feat that places him firmly in the event’s Double Decade Club, alongside six other long-serving artists including Ron Gomboc, Stephen King and Philip Spelman. Two more Japanese artists, Koichi Ogino and Haruyuki Uchida, join the 'Decade Club' this year for their tenth showing.

Standing with marble-trimmed grandeur in the heart of one of Sydney’s most expensive harbourside suburbs, InterContinental Double Bay occupies one of the city’s most historic hotel sites. Formerly home to the Ritz-Carlton, then the Stamford, the six-storey building has served as the base for some of Sydney’s most famous visitors, from Elton John to Madonna. In 2014, the doors opened at the InterContinental Double Bay, a hotel that has deliberately maintained the classic, Champagne-fuelled approach to hospitality. Well-heeled valets wait at the entrance to park your car, a grand piano stands in the lobby, and the opulent hotel bar is draped in deep red velvet. This is a “hotel”-style hotel – a place to check in for old-school indulgence. What are the rooms like at InterContinental Double Bay? Ranging from entry-level ‘Classic’ rooms to a palatial 155-square-metre ‘Royal Suite’, the hotel’s 140 rooms all benefit from either vast arched windows or glass-walled balconies, flooding them with natural light and welcoming in the gentle harbour breeze. Choose between views of the sparkling harbour, leafy village or the hotel’s French provincial courtyard, and wake up to the sound of Australian magpies singing from the treetops. Ours was one of the smaller rooms but had everything we needed, including a spacious bathroom (with an excellent double-head shower as well as a bathtub) and an adorable balcony overlooking the bay. Which are the best restaurants at InterContinental Double Bay?

Perched on the edge of a dramatic clifftop on Bali’s Bukit Peninsula, with lush grounds punctuated by infinity pools that melt into the Indian Ocean, the Ungasan is a picture-perfect beach resort, the kind of stay that appears to have been plucked straight from the pages of a travel mag. And while the boutique coastal hotel offers luxury in spades – architecturally stunning accommodation with private butlers on hand to attend to your every whim – this is the kind of place where you can really breathe deep. It’s indulgent, yes, but there’s a laid-back, barefoot feel to the place, an energy that makes you feel totally at home. What are the rooms like at The Ungasan Clifftop Resort? Formed of seven independently owned five-bedroom villas, the Ungasan has been designed as the ultimate base for multi-generational holidays, combining the privacy of a private residence with the service (and on-site beach club, restaurant, etc.) of a high-end hotel. The Ungasan’s status as a member of Small Luxury Hotels of the World – a global network of some of the world’s most beautiful boutique hotels – is a sure-fire guarantee that you’re in for something special. That being said, nothing could quite prepare me for the White Lotus-level extravagance of the private villa that I called home during my stay. Each architecturally-stunning villa is home to five separate bedrooms, as well as expansive, airy sitting rooms and sprawling grounds dotted with frangipani trees that drop their flowers like co

There’s always a lot going on at Sydney’s favourite house. So much so that it can be hard to keep track – with new headliners dropping every other week, and huge events taking over the various venues seemingly out of nowhere.  Keen to go to a show under the sails over the next few months? We’ve rounded up a few top picks in the Sydney Opera House winter to spring season:  Badu Gili: Healing Spirit, a stunning illumination of the sails This dynamic projection will light up the Eastern Bennelong sails with First Nations artwork five times a night, every night until Friday, December 12.Dates: DailyTickets: Free Backstage tours, a peek behind the curtain Explore the inner workings of Australia's most famous buildings on one of these expert-led tours. Dates: DailyTickets: From $48 On The Steps, open-air summer shows The magical On The Steps open-air performance program is set to bring 50,000 music lovers to the Opera House forecourt for two magical weeks this summer. Highlights from this year’s line-up include Franz Ferdinand, Loyle Carner, Parcels and Boy & Bear. Dates: From December 2 - December 15Tickets: From $81.50 Gatsby at the Green Light, Martini-fuelled cabaret Back by popular demand, Gatsby at The Green Light is as close as you’ll come to West Egg without leaving the country. The raucous interactive show will transform the Studio into a 1920s inspired nightclub once again, complete with fully functional bar. Think of this production as a sort of live concept album – feat

Reasons to add Japan to your travel bucket list are pretty never-ending – from its world-class ski resorts to super futuristic cities (and, of course, incredible markets). For nature lovers, we’ve got another addition to the list: a stunning, a UNESCO-listed mountain range stretching across a stunning forested island. Where is the Kii Mountain Range? Stretching across Japan’s Honshu Island, the Kii Mountain Range sprawls through the prefectures of Wakayama, Nara and Mie, just south of Osaka. It’s part of the Kii Peninsula – a lush, forested region where forested peaks, ancient shrines and sacred pilgrimage trails meet the Pacific Ocean. What is the Kii Mountain Range like? Imagine a landscape plucked straight from a Studio Ghibli film: dense cedar forests cloaked in fog, waterfalls tumbling into jade-green rivers, and winding trails lined with centuries-old stone lanterns. The Kii Mountains are a place where spirituality and nature intertwine – a serene, otherworldly escape that feels worlds away from Japan’s buzzing cities. Why did the Kii Mountain Range gain UNESCO World Heritage status? The Kii Mountain Range was inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage site in 2004 for its unique blend of natural beauty and spiritual heritage. It’s home to three of Japan’s most sacred sites – Yoshino and Omine, Kumano Sanzan, and Koyasan – connected by a network of pilgrimage routes that have been walked by monks, emperors and pilgrims for more than a thousand years. Photograph: Pexels | Tom

Sydney skygazers, we’ve got news. As if last night’s supermoon wasn’t enough of a celestial spectacle, today, the Australian Space Weather Forecasting Centre (ASWFC) issued an Aurora alert confirming a geomagnetic storm is currently in progress. According to the alert, the "Aurora may be observed during local nighttime hours in good observing conditions at high latitudes." The last time the ASWFC issued an alert (October 30), sightings were reported around midnight in Tasmania, Victoria, NSW and South Australia. Here’s everything you need to know about seeing the Southern Lights from Victoria. Where in the world can you see the Aurora? 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 from NSW tonight? Australia’s first big Aurora Australis of the season occurred on Sunday, June 1, sparked by a severe geomagnetic storm. Another recent storm was visible from Australia (including here in Victoria) on October 30, and it’s loo

As if last night’s supermoon wasn’t enough of a celestial spectacle, today, the Australian Space Weather Forecasting Centre (ASWFC) issued an Aurora alert confirming a geomagnetic storm is currently in progress. According to the alert, the "Aurora may be observed during local nighttime hours in good observing conditions at high latitudes." The last time the ASWFC issued an alert (October 30), sightings were reported around midnight in Tasmania, Victoria, NSW and South Australia. Here’s everything you need to know about seeing the Southern Lights from Victoria. Where in the world can you see the Aurora? 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 from Victoria? Australia’s first big Aurora Australis of the season occurred on Sunday, June 1, sparked by a severe geomagnetic storm. Another recent storm was visible from Australia (including here in Victoria) on October 30, and it’s looking like we could be in luck

The summer heat is finally easing, which means breezy days outside in nature are coming up. Not sure where to head? We’ve got you. To help Hongkongers make the most of the autumn sunshine, we’ve put together a guide to five of the best country parks within easy reach from the city.  Aberdeen Country Park Aberdeen Country Park is one of Hong Kong’s oldest country parks. Hidden in a quiet valley behind Wan Chai Gap and Aberdeen, it’s home to scenic walking trails around two beautiful reservoirs. Distance from Hong Kong: 7-12 kilometres How to get there: You’ll find the park on the south side of Hong Kong Island, just inland from Aberdeen and Wan Chai Gap. From Central, it takes around 35 to 40 minutes on public transport, or 15 to 20 minutes by car or taxi.  Photograph: Shutterstock Tai Tam Country Park One of Hong Kong Island’s largest protected green spaces, Tai Tam Country Park is home to dense forests, lush hills, and a series of historic Victorian-era reservoirs. With its many well-marked trails and far-reaching views of the South China Sea, this one’s a popular spot for hiking enthusiasts. Distance from Hong Kong: 8-10 kilometres How to get there: The journey from Central via public transport takes between 30 to 40 minutes – take the MTR to Quarry Bay or Chai Wan, then hop onto a bus or minibus into the park area. If you’re driving, it will take around 20 minutes (depending on traffic).  Sai Kung East Country Park Famed for its dramatic volcanic rock formations, white-s

As Time Out Sydney’s resident wellness enthusiast (though notably less actually well than our marathon-running Travel and News Editor – I blame my Martini addiction), I’m lucky enough to have hopped my way around a good portion of the city’s day spas and self-care studios. So when the invite came through to be frozen to -140°C in the name of health, I jumped at the chance.Cryo Stay Young, the athlete-approved cryotherapy brand, operates five studios in Sydney, bringing the world’s only TGA-approved cryotherapy equipment to the Harbour City. I find the Double Bay outpost up a set of stairs in an unassuming back street, and am greeted warmly by the studio manager Ana, who’s living out her life’s calling helping people to feel their best.“I had bad skin when I was younger, and just don’t want anyone to have to feel the way I did – I love helping people feel good about themselves, it just makes me so happy,” she explains as she shows me around the studio. Each sparkling white-washed room is home to a different futuristic set-up: from infrared saunas and sculpting machines to hyperbaric chambers, a red light therapy bed and even an incontinence chair to help people rebuild their pelvic floor after birth, surgery or sickness. I’m there for the headline experience, so change into the cryo kit (smurf-blue shorts, vest, socks and gloves) and prepare to be frozen. If you’re new to the trend, cryotherapy is essentially controlled freezing of the body. The treatment – thought to boost re

Turns out, the rumours are true: Tasmania might just be Australia’s most underrated surfing paradise. And this time, it’s not just gung-ho locals saying so – there's solid science to back it up.Talking to ABC News, Tasmanian meteorologist Luke Johnston from the Bureau of Meteorology (BoM) broke down exactly why the island state is a wave-chaser’s dream. He said Tassie’s appeal comes down to a mix of factors that read like a surfer’s wish list: consistent offshore winds, powerful Southern Ocean swells, warm(ish) currents and short distances between surf spots. Let's break it down. In Tasmania, the prevailing westerly and north-westerly winds often mean the east and south-east coasts get the smoothest, most surfable faces. “Little to no wind can create glassy waves," Johnston told the ABC. "Too strong and it can push surfers out to sea.”  Then there’s the swell. BoM data shows that wave heights often hit between four and eight metres off Tassie's west and south coasts, with occasional monsters reaching ten metres or higher. The east coast is gentler, with regular one- to two-metre sets – ideal for beginners or longboarders chasing something cruisy. As for water temps? Don’t let the island’s chilly reputation scare you off. Thanks to the East Australian Current, the east coast can reach a balmy 20 degrees in summer, dropping only to the low teens in winter. That’s practically tropical by Bells Beach standards. Photograph: Supplied | Tourism Tasmania | Stu Gibson Where are th

City infrastructure enthusiasts, this one’s for you. After years in the works (the project was initially announced back in 2017) the NSW Government has just ticked off a major milestone in the creation of the Western Harbour Tunnel, the city’s first new road harbour crossing in almost 30 years.This week, construction crews finished carving out two (huge) underground caverns at Birchgrove. The twin caverns – each large enough to hold 22 Olympic swimming pools or six Emerald-class Sydney ferries – will soon house two colossal tunnel boring machines (TBMs). Together, the machines will burrow a 1.5-kilometre path beneath Sydney Harbour, up to 50 metres below the water’s surface, connecting Birchgrove to Waverton as part of the game-changing Western Harbour Tunnel. When it opens in 2028, the Western Harbour Tunnel will provide a 6.5-kilometre link between the Warringah Freeway and the Rozelle Interchange – slashing travel times, reducing congestion, and taking pressure off some of Sydney’s busiest roads. According to the NSW Government, Sydneysiders should expect to see a 35 per cent drop in traffic on the Western Distributor, 20 per cent fewer cars in the Harbour Tunnel, and a 17 per cent drop in traffic on the Harbour Bridge. Photograph: Mohamad Ibrahim | Unsplash The stats sound impressive, and the machinery behind it is pretty mind-blowing too. Each TBM is 137 metres long and weighs more than 4,300 tonnes – that’s the equivalent of 88 double-decker buses – making them the la

When the most recent extension of Sydney Metro opened back in August 2024, Sydneysiders went a little wild – stoked not just by the speed of the new transport network, but by its aesthetic appeal. Ascending the escalator at Martin Place beneath the alien-like sculpture suspended in the ceiling, or following the golden footprints along the wall at Waterloo, it’s easy to convince yourself that you’re in an art gallery rather than a train station. All that's to say – it’s no surprise that one of our city’s shiny new stations has been recognised for its beauty on the global stage. A subterranean symphony of sandstone and steel hiding beneath Sydney’s CBD, Gadigal Station is a stunner –  with the Prix Versailles just naming it one of the World’s Most Beautiful Passenger Stations for 2025 The Prix Versailles, an international design prize celebrating innovation, sustainability and cultural impact, praised Gadigal Station as the “epitome of absolute modernity”. From the six colossal columns rising from Park Street – each one 25 metres tall and weighing 168 tonnes – to the 1,700 sandstone wall panels lining the escalator shafts (sourced from the NSW Central Coast), the design is a colourful but considered ode to Country. With accessibility in mind (Sydney Metro is Australia’s first fully-accessible railway), the design also champions accessibility and functionality, with platform screen doors, custom aluminium panels that optimise acoustics, and Australian spotted gum benches offerin

If you’ve been craving an escape into nature but your bank account is saying no, this might be the news you were waiting for. For a limited time, you can score 20 per cent off some of the most magical rental properties in NSW –  from adorable cottages in the mountains to heritage-listed homesteads with far-reaching river views, all dotted around the state’s national parks. The offer has been launched by the good people at NSW National Parks, to encourage Sydneysiders (and visitors) to get outside and make the most of springtime in the state. Wondering where to go on your pre-summer escape? Read on.Down south in the Snowy Mountains, there’s a lodge, cottage or homestead for every kind of nature enthusiast. Hidden in the valley between Jindabyne and Charlotte Pass, Numbananga Lodge is the ultimate base for hiking a stretch of the Snowies Alpine Walk, cycling historic hut trails or casting a line in alpine streams. With room for six and a cosy, mountain-lodge vibe, it’s perfect for families or groups keen to explore Australia’s high country. Photograph: Supplied | NSW National Parks and Wildlife Prefer lakeside views? Creel Bay Cottages near Jindabyne offer tranquil outlooks and easy access to bushwalking, biking and trout fishing. Each self-contained three-bedroom cottage sleeps six and comes with certified-holiday “sit on the verandah with a cuppa and just breathe” energy. Up in the Yarrangobilly area, Yarrangobilly Caves House (circa 1901) is a heritage charmer where you ca

Making the move to Asia is appealing to people of any age – from digital nomads to young families and professionals keen to get amongst the business buzz of Singapore, Hong Kong and Asia’s other leading city hubs. And it turns out, two Asian countries are also among the most desirable destinations for the older generation, too, with Bali and Thailand catching the eyes of American retirees ready to swap suburban lawns for tropical landscapes. According to a 2025 article in Forbes, Thailand and Bali have made the cut on the magazine’s list of The Best Places to Retire Abroad, and it’s easy to see why. Thailand, with its lush jungles, palm-fringed beaches, and vibrant cities, offers retirees a lifestyle that’s both affordable and surprisingly comfortable. From the cultural charms of Chiang Mai to the bustling streets of Bangkok, or the sun-soaked islands of Phuket and Koh Samui, the cost of living is reportedly less than half of U.S. averages, while healthcare is not only excellent but inexpensive. According to Forbes, Thailand’s O-X retirement visa is straightforward for those showing about $24,000 annual income per couple, and a tax treaty prevents double taxation on Social Security and pensions. Add low crime rates, political stability, and a culture that warmly welcomes foreigners, and it’s no wonder Americans are packing their bags for the Land of Smiles.The island destination of Bali offers a different sort of tropical retirement idyll. Popular destinations include Ubud, S

Melbourne is home to its fair share of excellent walking trails and urban meanders, but if you’re looking for a totally magical hike to explore this springtime, it’s worth heading out of town. Around two hours from Melbourne, in the magical town of Marysville, this 6-kilometre trail will take you past one of Victoria’s highest waterfalls, then downstream to a dreamy shaded swimming spot. Where is the Steavenson Falls to the Duck Inn Swimming Hole hike? This lush, waterfall-flanked trail winds through the outskirts of the pretty alpine town of Marysville, around two hours’ drive northeast of Melbourne. Curving beneath towering mountain ash and fern gullies in the foothills of the Yarra Ranges, the walk connects Steavenson Falls (an incredible, 84-metre waterfall) to a tranquil natural swimming hole known as the Duck Inn Hole – a local favourite for a post-hike dip. How long is the Steavenson Falls to the Duck Inn Swimming Hole hike? The return walk clocks in at roughly five to six kilometres, depending on which path you take. It’s a comfortable two-hour wander if you’re strolling and stopping to take in the scenery (which, frankly, you should). Photograph: Supplied | Visit Victoria Is the Steavenson Falls to the Duck Inn Swimming Hole hike difficult? Not at all. This is one of those rare hikes that’s easy on the knees but still delivers big on views. The terrain is mostly gentle and well-graded, with a few short inclines near the falls and a bit of uneven ground along the cr

Lunar lovers of NSW, we’ve got news. Moon-gazers in the Harbour City are in for a dazzling celestial show this week, as the biggest and brightest supermoon of the year is set to light up our skies (and the forecast is looking clear). Known as the Beaver Moon, it's the second in a rare trio of 2025 supermoons, following the Hunter’s Moon in October and ahead of December’s Cold Moon. Coming within 356,980 kilometres of Earth, this month’s moon is the closest of the bunch. When is the November full moon in NSW? Australia’s next supermoon, the Beaver Moon, lights up the sky on the night of Wednesday, November 5. It will start rising just before sunset, however, the peak of the full moon will happen around midnight (the exact timing varies depending on your location in Australia). When is the best time to view the supermoon in NSW? On Wednesday, November 5, the supermoon will rise in Sydney at 7.14pm. Not in the city? You can find the scheduled moonrise time for your location here. How to watch the supermoon in NSW? Astrophysicist and associate professor Kamath says, “The best way to experience a supermoon is at moonrise, when it climbs above the eastern horizon just after sunset. At this moment, the moon illusion makes it look especially large, and setting it against trees, buildings or a skyline adds to the drama.” When it comes to fully appreciating the supermoon, the darker the area you're in, the better. You can find our top spots in this handy guide to the best stargazing sp