Maya Skidmore

The day of inflated flower prices, oversized plushies and high expectations is almost upon us. However you may feel about Valentine's Day (Hollywood-esque love, deep, anti-capitalist contempt, cold apathy), know that there are plenty of ways you can authentically celebrate love in Sydney right now – whether that's the love you have for your date, a mate, or your own fine self. From singles to coupled-up sweethearts, there’s something delightful for everyone to do in Sydney on February 14 (which falls on a Saturday this year), as well as in the lead-up to and fallout after the big day. We've also rounded up the sexiest date-night spots in Sydney and the best fun (and free) outings – so you're all set for Cupid's Big Day. With love,  Time Out Sydney. Stay in the loop: sign up for our free Time Out Sydney newsletter for more news, travel inspo and activity ideas, straight to your inbox. RECOMMENDED:Want fun now? Here’s what’s on in Sydney this weekend.And here’s our guide to things to do this February.

If you haven't yet experienced the pure joy of solo travel in Australia, consider this your sign. From avoiding heated debates over where to eat (you want the French steak, they want vegan ramen) to leaving the house without waiting for someone else to find their shoes, the freedom of solo travel is something that everyone should experience at least once. In Australia, there are plenty of safe, beautiful and accessible destinations for solo travellers. Whether you're an arty, wine-guzzling sort who enjoys wandering around all day or a more intrepid adventurer who thrives off coasting down highways alone, we've found the best solo travel spots in Australia. After all, solitude is where it's at. Editors' favourite solo travel destinations in Australia: 🙋🏻‍♀️ Best for females: Byron Bay 🌊 Best for your 20s: Tasmania ⭐️ Best for over 50s: Barossa Valley 🥾 The best hikes in Australia🤿 The best things to do in Australia

Australia is home to thousands of incredible waterfalls that we reckon everyone should go and chase at least once. But if you don't have unlimited time to go waterfall-seekin' across the country, we understand. To make things easier, we've picked out the best waterfalls in Australia that you should visit at least once in your life. Whether it's marvelling at a thundering plume of water that's hundreds of meters tall, frolicking beneath a silver sparkly cascade or getting a free shoulder massage in the middle of the wilderness, we can promise that you won't be bored. Now, all you've got to do is blast some TLC and hit the road. Here are the best waterfalls in Australia. ☀️ The best hot springs in Australia👙 The best natural pools in Australia

Not everything described as iconic deserves the title, but the double-ended ferries that shuttle between Circular Quay, past the heads and into Manly Cove are truly icons of the beachside suburb. The most visited Northern Beaches suburb is known for its surfing history, rows of Norfolk Island pine trees and busy thoroughfare of shops, cafés and sprawling pubs, but look beyond the well-trodden Corso and you’ll find tiny dive bars, indie boutiques and never-ending ways to make the most of the relaxed, outdoor lifestyle. Before Manly became a popular escape from Sydney’s CBD, it was home to the Gamaragal people, who were custodians of the land on the North Shore of Sydney Harbour. Jump to a section: EAT DRINK COFFEE THINGS TO DO SHOPPING What’s Manly known for? Just how many beaches are too manly for one suburb to have? Well, Manly has eight, which explains why water defines pretty much every aspect of life in this desirable suburb on the Northern Beaches of Sydney. People come here for surfing, sunshine, skateboarding, swimming, snorkelling, kayaking, hiking and beach volleyball. What's so good about Manly? “You live in Manly for the lifestyle. It’s the kind of place where your mum always had beach towels in the boot so you could meet her for a swim after school during summer, and your weekends consisted of nippers in the morning followed by a pink iced doughnut from the local bakery” says Alice Donaldson, who grew up in Manly. Once she got older it was all about waterfront d

Sure, going for a run or ticking something off on your to-do list will dial up your dopamine levels. But do you know what else will (and that's heaps more fun)? Rounding up your silliest mates, sinking a bevvy or two and singing your little heart out at the karaoke bar! Time Out Editor Alice Ellis is a long-time fan of karaoke, so she's done her fair share of scouting Sydney's sing spots to discern for you the best spots around the city. The judging criteria that we've taken into account? The room, the sound system, the song list and that special something – we call it 'the K-Factor'. And if you want to keep the party going, kick on at Sydney's very best dance floors, nick off for a cheeky night cap at one of Sydney's best bars, and then sober up at one of these solid late night eateries. Time to warm up those singing chops, Sydney, we've got a long night ahead.  Want more late-night entertainment? These Sydney bars and pubs are actually open till the wee hours.

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

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

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

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

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

Summer 2026 update: Whether you’re looking for a coffee and feed post hot girl walk, picking up a B&E after your swim or catching up with friends over a sweet treat, Sydney’s best cafés will have you covered. Sydneysiders are café people. We're constantly on the hunt for the city's best coffee and we love nothing more than donning our finest sport-luxe activewear and catching up with mates on a weekend morning over eggs, fritters and crusty artisan sourdough. So, whether it's a reward for tackling one of Sydney's most beautiful walks, an indulgent hangover fix after a night at one of the city's best bars, or a workday coffee stop, these are the best Sydney cafés, according to our in-the-know Time Out Sydney writers, including Editor Avril Treasure. We'll have one B&E roll, please.  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. Is it lunch time? Check out our guide to Sydney's best restaurants right now.

Dining out? In this economy? Miraculously, Brisbane still has spots where you can eat exceptionally well without having to sell a kidney (i.e. for under $20). If you’re in the mood for a bougie sandwich that feels like a payday treat, a sushi fix that won’t disappoint or late-night pancakes that taste like redemption, our savvy food writers have tried and tested all of the best cheap eats in Brisbane to bring you this ultimate list. No sad desk lunches. No reheated regret. Just really good food that won’t require an existential crisis at the cash register. ☕️ The best cafés in Brisbane🍽 The best restaurants in Brisbane

Merri-bek dwellers are spoiled for choice when it comes to musical talent, and never more than during the annual Brunswick Music Festival, when international and local acts come together for a celebration of great music. 2026 marks the 38th year of the festival, and you can look forward to eight jam-packed days, featuring more than 40 gigs across the suburb and surrounds. Everything kicks off with the famous Sydney Road Street Party on Sunday, March 1. This free one-day festival takes over Brunswick’s main road  – which happens to be the longest continuous shopping strip in the southern hemisphere. Expect roving performers, amazing beats and pop-up acoustic sets, with rhythm happening everywhere you turn. The festival is also bringing in a whole lot of international headliners, with each one providing a special something. From French disco lord François K and Cretan sibling-duo Xylourides to Japanese hip-hop powerhouse DJ Krush, the globe is well represented.  You can also expect to get down with a heap of homegrown talent, dance to the uproarious bellow of Horns of Leroy's big brass brand, and hop through a series of epic, special sets at some of Brunswick's best live music locales, including Howler, the Retreat and Jazzlab.  This year, there'll also be an exciting return of the Merri-Bek 'Neighbourhood Noise' program. Creative spaces like Brunswick Library, Next Wave, Balam Balam Place and Blak Dot Gallery are all set to fling open their doors and become home to live perfo

When a festival has been running for 45 years straight, you know something's being done right. In 2026, the legendary free and all-ages St Kilda Festival is returning with its classic community force, and a 100-strong line-up that features some pretty epic headliners. Running across February 14 and 15, this year's event is expected to draw in a wild 350,000 attendees, setting itself up to be bigger and better than ever before.  On Saturday, February 14, you can tune in for the 20th edition of First Peoples First, an amazing celebration of Indigenous art, music and culture that'll pop off across two stages. On the main stage, acts include R'n'B superstar and recent ARIA winner Barkaa and six piece rock band Selve from the Gold Coast, with Jabirr Jabirr frontman Loki Liddle.  Over at the Optus Stage, you can expect to get down with Bunhungura Alternative artist Drifting Clouds, the amazing and bilingual (Pitjantjatjara and English) Utju band from the Top End, James Range Band, Ruby Mae and Ngiyampaa folk artist Pirritu – plus many others.  Other than the tunes, come through on Saturday for community workshops, cool markets and the Kummargii Yulendji Gadabah Sunset Ceremony, led by N’Arwee’t Carolyn Briggs of the Boon Wurrung Land and Sea Council. On Sunday, February 15, the stage switches over to Big Festival Sunday. Australian sweetheart Jessica Mauboy is headlining, with the multiple ARIA winner and all-time legend set to belt out her classic R'n'B hits. You'll also get to se

Get ready to dive into the hottest season of the year at Le Splash – the swanky, Euro-inspired pool bar at Le Méridien Melbourne. Formerly only open to the five-star hotel's guests, for the second year running Le Splash will welcome the public onto its stunning rooftop for a swim this summer.  With a 28-degree heated pool, sun-soaked lounge deck and 360-degree views of the prettiest corner of the CBD, Le Méridien offers a perfectly elevated swimming experience that'll have you feeling like you've been transported to a swish hotel on the Côte d'Azur.  The Le Splash Pool Passes are available from Monday to Thursday all summer long, and you'll be able to choose between either a morning or sunset pass, with both options giving you hours of swimming, sunning and lounging time. They cost $85 per person.  The morning sesh is for early birds who like a slower start. Open from 8am to noon, you get full pool access, a free scoop of Le Méridien's famous gelato and a beverage of your choosing. The sunset pass is for those who like the idea of swimming above the city from 6pm to 9pm. The soundtrack will become more vibey, rosé and Champagne will be poured and golden hour pics will be a focal point. Also included is a complimentary gelato scoop and drink.  But that's not all! On Friday and Saturday nights, you can get involved in a bougie sunset dinner and drinks at the Le Splash rooftop bar. The service runs from 5-9pm, and includes the option to dine on a thoughtful, Mediterranean-inspir

In 2026, Fed Square is coming alive like never before. Enter Open Air at the Square, a vibrant, multidimmensional sound, art and movie bonanza that'll be filling up every Melburnian's proverbial cup this summer.  From Feburary 2-28, an amazing line-up of world-class music, peformers and activations are set to take to the main stage. And the best bit? It's totally free.  This mammoth program is all about bringing some special spice to Melbourne's summer nights. First up, we're keen to get stuck into some epic homegrown talent at a Candlelight Concert Series that'll include Tina Arena, Folk Bitch Trio and First Nations R'n'B legend Dean Brady.  The music doesn't end there though. There'll be a Beatles-inspired DJ set from the Beatles Dub Club, an incredible Afro Caribbean Carnival featuring Jamaican dancehall legend Sister Nancy (who Beyonce sampled once) and General Levy, a UK-based jungle, drum and bass icon. Plus, keep your eyes tuned for an appearance from New Orleans superstar Big Freedia, whose performance will be a delightful explosion of queer joy and New Orleans magic.  But that's not all! Fed Square's amazing outdoor cinema will be continue to roost until summer's end this year, with a whole new program of film titles set to blare on the silver screen. From a silent cinema with a live music score experience (where you'll get to see vintage films alongside a special orchestra peformance) to heaps of great flicks for families, cinephiles and everyone in between, there's

Forget saccharine sweet Christmas cabarets. Meet: C***ty, a wildly interactive and very funny festive show with a saucy little twist. This one's for the grinch-inclined, the clown-enthusiasts and anyone who wants to see a colourful array of acclaimed Sydney queer and female talent battle (via song, dance and the odd bit of pole dancing) to become the North Pole’s next top Santa Claus. Because, as you'll be asked to imagine beforehand, the OG Santa is (sadly) dead. Running on December 18 for one special festive show at Surry Hills' Two280 Cabaret, the C**nty Christmas Cabaret promises to be a force of tinsel-toned entertainment that's guaranteed to get Scrooge himself into some kind of Christmas spirit. Designed and hosted by Australian comedian Joshua Hauville (Melbourne International Comedy Festival, London, NYC, Amsterdam, Paris, Sydney), who has just returned from a sparkly year spent running cabaret and comedy shows in Paris, this festive show is crafted in his signature over-the-top, surprise-packed (and occasionally a little explicit) style that's garnered big laughs all over the world.  What can you expect? This is a wild and deeply interactive show where the audience gets to direct the action. Packed with big cackles, weird surprises and a fair bit of stripping, you'll get to see a vibrant lineup line up of incredible Sydney-based comedians, sexy clowns, pole dancers, drag kings, drag queens and magicians create their own unique brand of Christmas magic.  With a speci

Whack on something striking and dust off your dancing shoes as the much-loved NGV Friday Nights returns to dazzle Melburnians this summer. Every Friday night, the NGV will open its doors after hours to show off the gallery's coolest new kid: Westwood | Kawakubo, an epic exhibition tracing five decades of radical self expression through the eyes of two of fashion's most trailblazing designers: Vivienne Westwood and Rei Kawakubo, the visionary behind Comme des Garçons.  Westwood | Kawakubo is a showcase of more than 140 boundary-breaking designs. Many are drawn from the NGV’s own holdings – an extraordinary cache of 300-plus Kawakubo pieces and more than 100 by Westwood – making this one of the most important showcases of their work anywhere in the world.  The exhibition is arranged thematically, moving from punk’s anarchic spirit in the 1970s to the avant-garde silhouettes of today. Expect explorations of their shared obsessions with historical dress, radical cutting techniques and subversions of gender norms, alongside rare runway footage, archival photography and film. Grab a bubbly from the Moët and Chandon Champagne Bar, sink a signature summery cocktail at the Four Pillars Bar, or taste a Yarra Valley wine from the Yering Station Wine Bar. There will also be share-style snacks floating around, and a pop-up Häagen-Dazs Ice Cream Cart, because, obviously. Eclectic live music and epic performances will also be popping off in the gallery, with renowned Aussie DJs like Bre

Alert! The Queen Victoria Summer Night Market is back, and believe it or not, this year marks its 25th anniversary – making it the longest-running night market in Melbourne's history. Running every Wednesday night, the beloved institution has returned in its full, summery glory. You're invited to wander through open-air stalls, feast on an incredible selection of global street food and drinks, purchase gorgeous goodies and just soak up the good vibes. This year, more than 100 shops, stalls and bars will light up the market sheds across a bumper 15-week season. Foodie highlights include Sri Lankan street eats favourite and 25-year icon, Drums Sri Lankan Street Food; gourmet meatball subs from Mr Baller; charcoal-grilled lamb, chicken and halloumi-stuffed pita pockets from the Cypriot Kitchen; popcorn prawns and fried oysters from George the Fishmonger; flame-grilled Brazillian meats from Braz Oz Brazilian BBQ; and crispy bubble waffles and towering soft serves from Oz Waffle.  When you get thirsty, head to the Traditional Lemonade Stand for nostalgic fresh-pressed citrus, or for something stronger, to Brick Lane Brewing Co., for locally brewed beers and Mojito slushies. You can also grab a Blood Orange Spritz from Compa Tequila or a Limoncello Drop from Bella Spritz. As always, you can expect roving performers, pop-up fruit and veggie stalls, and a rotating line-up of homegrown talent playing live music on the market's main stage. After sipping and snacking, be sure to explore

There's nothing quite like frolicking through a vibey night market on a balmy summer evening. Enter: Coburg Night Market, a beloved institution that's returning in 2025 for three sweet days. Free to enter, dog-friendly and bursting with artisan goodies, mouth-watering food and amazing live music, it's a guaranteed good time. Running from December 11-13, the Coburg Night Market will pop off at Bridges Reserve on Bell Street, courtesy of Merri-bek City Council. With amazing food trucks, local makers and free live music and entertainment going until late, there's no better way to get your Christmas shopping done, all while simultaneously adding sparkle to your end of week.  This year, you can expect to dance to an epic music program curated by local respected DJ and creative producer MzRizk. There will be an extensive line-up of impressive local talent from the city's north taking to the main stage all weekend, including the soulful vocals of Miss Katalyna and Kee’Ahn on Thursday night, DJ General Feelings opening on Friday, and Saturday wrapping up with colourful Latin dance beats by way of Amaru Tribe – plus many, many more. On Thursday and Friday the doors open from 5pm to 10pm, and kids will especially enjoy attending on Saturday, with the market open from noon to 10pm. There will be heaps of family-friendly creative activities going on, including Counihan Gallery putting on a postcard-sized drawing sesh that'll get displayed in its windows in January, and a DIY jewellery wo

Driving around the neighbourhood hunting festively adorned houses is a Christmas tradition for many families, but you can take things to a whole new level with a visit to Adventure Park’s Christmas Festival of Lights. If you think suburban streets hung with festoons are impressive, your jaw will be on the floor when you behold more than 3.3 million twinkling lights. Until December 24, Adventure Park will sparkle to life with Victoria’s largest Christmas lights display. In 2025, there are six new installations, live entertainment a refreshed Santa's Village and plenty more to amaze the little ones. This year, the new Santa's Village will include two big zones packed with glowy gingerbread houses, singing reindeer and dancing polar bears. These are in addition to six spectacular new light displays that will glitter around the lake, including glowing lunar lanterns and an amazing interactive piano feature. As always, Santa will be in attendance, ready to star in professional family photos and supervise the kids as they post letters destined for the North Pole. And if your senses are still looking for more stimulation, simply jump on one of the eight on-site theme park rides, including the classic tea cups and ferris wheel. You can book in for the weekends in early December, and from Thursday, December 18, right through to Christmas Eve. Find out more here to secure your slice of the Christmas fun. Looking for more things to do? Check out our guide to what's on this week. 

Field Day is a Sydney institution. Devotees of the sunny New Year’s Day event will likely be tucking themselves into bed just before the year ticks over on December 31, sober and ready for a wild day of music and festival madness. This popular festival is back for its 25th year on the decks, and it looks like it's going to be a particuarly fresh one.  Kicking off in the Domain on Monday, January 1, Field Day 2026 is exhibiting all signs of shaping up to be a really excellent party. International music arts and homegrown talent will both take to the main stage to sling high energy dance music to Sydney revellers. From young dancers to more seasoned party professionals, Field Day is an inclusive, dance-focused space where hydration is key, and good vibes are a must.  This year, there's an exciting new kid on the block. Enter: Camp Ground, a special stage that'll be solely dedicated to shining a (literal) light on Sydney's queer talent. Curated by, and for, Sydney's LGBTQIA+ communities, this new wing is set up to add an extra, bright dimmension to a legacy institution.  So who are the big names we’ll be holding out for? Start the New Year with Aussie icons and Aria winners, The Presets, 'Shooting Stars' duo Bag Raiders, rising producer STÜM, and Berlin-based techno power-house Patrick Mason. UK-grown talent includes London's BL3SS and the Irish Belters Only, while Aussies are represented by Atomic Kiss, Chase Zera and Djanaba, plus lots, lots more.  Remember to pack your water

Summer is here, and to celebrate the first Saturday of the silly season, the City of Sydney is throwing a pool-centric extravaganza that's almost too good to be true. For the entire day of Saturday, December 6, you can enter all of the City of Sydney's amazing pools for free. That's right. $0. Also, they're slinging free gelato too. This is not a drill.  The Summer Open Day will pop off at six pools and world-class aquatic centres across the City of Sydney, from 6am to 8pm. With free gelato scoops getting slung at select pools from 11am to 2pm, and free icy poles at others all day (while stocks last), you can bet your bottom dollar that this is one Saturday where you're in for a treat.  Plus, to add to the fun, all the pools on the roster have some kind of fun activation, activities, games and special deals that will be running all day. From lawn games and a hammer challenge, to an ultimate Zumba party, there's no end to the summery surprises and all-round good times to be had on December 6, 2025.  The Summer Open Day is also an exciting opportunity for Sydneysiders to have a peek into the newly renovated Andrew (Boy) Charlton Pool, which is finally ready for swimming business. A gelato cart, games and one-day only specials on memberships and swim lessons will all be available at what is arguably Sydney's snazziest swimming pool.  Participating pools are: Andrew (Boy) Charlton Pool, The Domain Prince Alfred Park Pool, Surry Hills Ian Thorpe Aquatic Centre, Ultimo Victoria Pa

In 2025, we're all rolling around in the screen-fuelled dystopia of the AI-verse, and things are feeling pretty weird. Strangely convincing videos and eerily-real (yet not quite) photos have taken over the internet, and with it, our collective perception of reality. Whether it's the current US President or your mum, there are few folks on the planet today who aren't grappling with the inane and mysterious powers of artificial intelligence. It is this truth that has launched the MCA's newest exhibition, aptly titled Data Dreams: Art and AI, an immersive and first-of-its-kind art show that will sweep through a series of interconnected gallery spaces in the MCA from November 21, 2025 through to April 27, 2026. Featuring the groundbreaking works of ten otherwordly artists from all around the world, Data Dreams is setting itself up to be a guide for all of us confused, bumbling humans who have suddenly found ourselves thrust into the AI age. Through immersive installations, AI-films and hallucinatory imagery, the exhibition aims to make you really and truly question what it means to exist in the AI era, and what we can expect from the years to come.  You'll be pointed through Big Questions, like how technology influences power, how our algorithims are shaping each of our individual world views, and how to navigate an illusory "reality".  The artists asking you to expand your mind come from all over, and each of them have something very fascinating to say. From palawa artist Angie

If there's one thing for sure, it's that Australia is home to some of the most incredible, awe-inspiring and genuinely excellent walks in the world. With thousands to choose from, it's difficult knowing which trails to prioritise when you're keen for a bit of a nature stroll in the Land Down Under. So, to launch off 2026, the hiking gurus over at AllTrails have crunched their 2025 numbers and released a list of the top walking tracks that had Aussies in a chokehold last year. Their '2025 Year on the Trails' list has uncovered a number of cool things, including the fact that in 2025, Aussies traversed their way through a whopping 28 million kilometres of trails (which is the same distance as driving to the Moon and back more than 35 times!). It also showed that Australians rank fourth in the world for the most time spent on a trail, per member, while long-distance backpacking style hikes saw the highest growth in popularity among Australian hikers.  Photograph: Luke O'Brien Photography Cool facts aside, however, one of the most exciting revelations from the AllTrails' 2025 round-up was the reveal of the highest-rated walking tracks in Australia. Unsurprisingly, Tasmania led the nation in the most trail activity growth, with three Tassie walks ranking in the top ten highest-rated walks.  Australia's highest-rated trail in 2025 was the scenic and relatively short Crater Lake, Marions Lookout, Lake Lilla, Dove Lake Loop. This 9.2-kilometre hike in Tasmania's Cradle Mountain-Lak

There are loads of movies filmed in Australia, but arguably, there's no movie more distinctly Aussie than Crocodile Dundee. Putting Australia, but more specifically Kakadu National Park and the Northern Territory, on the world map, Paul Hogan's 1986 masterpiece is personally responsible for every non-Australian dweller asking us in a nervous voice about animals that may or may not kill them. While the lore of Crocodile Dundee has stayed strong in popular culture for what has been 40 years now, it may surprise some to know that you, yes, you, can easily visit multiple locations featured in the film when you travel to the astounding beauty of Kakadu National Park.  To celebrate its 40th anniversary, Kakadu Tourism have pulled out the stops and released a Crocodile Dundee-inspired tour route of Kakadu that you can do entirely on your own. This self-guided tour has been pinned for intrepid fans on Google Maps and takes you on a five-hour loop route to some of the most dramatic landscapes and locations that star in the film. Here's the route, broken down just for you.   1. Ubirr Rock Art Site Starting off where Mick Dundee famously climbs up to the top of the ridge and says "This is my backyard", pointing across the dramatic sweep of the flood plain, Ubirr is special for more than just this Paul Hogan appearance. Home to ancient rock art that includes a thylacine and a musket from the 1800s, this is an incredibly sacred site for the local Bininj people. Go at sunset for stunning

It's high time that a whimsical, fairy-themed bar with a rock'n'roll edge came to Melbourne's CBD. And even higher time (no pun intended) that our drinks were delivered to us by way of zipline. Enter: Arcane Fairies, a strange, theatrical and all-together otherworldly late-night bar that's just fluttered down onto Lonsdale Street. With giant, red-hued fairy folk suspended from the ceiling, medieval-looking decor and an abundance of quirky touches that promise to momentarily transport you out of the cold, hard reality of 21st century Melbourne, this magical watering hole does not come quietly. Created by director Steve Thomas, Arcane Fairies is full of deep crimson colours, curious corners and a generally immersive, playful energy. It's like if a NYC speakeasy entered a fantasy dimension. There's a fairy chest bar with Guinness on tap, glowing bottles and rare spirits, and, if you look carefully, a hidden key that will reveal a secret surprise within the venue itself.   Photographed: Supplied by Arcane FairiesArcane Fairies burger Tapping into this kind of rebellious fairy spirit, the menu sings with classics like wicked ribs (chicken ribs with honey-stung chilli, lemon and masago), a lobster doughnut (with smoked tomato and a curry emulsion) and fairy crack fries (fries with arcane spice and fried onion mayo), amongst an abundance of other spellbinding bites. The menu has been carefully conjured up by renowned celebrity chef Jake Warhurst, who has served as a personal chef

If there's one thing that never goes out of style, it's drinking a crisp beverage while sitting in a rooftop garden with your mates, high above the city skyline (and preferably, at sunset). Thankfully for Melburnians, this precise thing is currently on its way to Garden State Hotel. After opening in 2016, the CBD stalwart has made a name as a go-to spot for guaranteed good times. Buzzing on Flinders Lane, Garden State has its floral hooks in Melbourne's vast population of after-work pub perusers, group hang organisers and those look for a cute date spot – and for good reason. Great cocktails, cool ambience and multiple levels make this a venue that's well suited to any and all kinds of booze hounds, no matter the occasion. And now, it's levelling up again (literally).   Construction is currently underway on a 300-seat rooftop garden. Designed by Melbourne-based architect Telha Clarke, this new addition will include a whole lot of layered greenery and plants, soft lighting and a bunch of banquette seating. Excitingly, this rooftop will also come with a bespoke retractable roof, meaning this open-air space can be enjoyed by revellers in every season (very important in Melbourne).  Photograph: Supplied by Garden State HotelGarden State Hotel Render On top of the open-air garden space, a snazzy mezzanine level will be added above the rest of the bar. This upper level is there for anybody who wants to rent out a cool and luxe space for private events, and provides the perfect ca

Forget 3am kebabs followed by 10am regret. The culture around going out is shifting, with thoughtful and inclusive alternatives to clubbing becoming more popular – think run club parties and cafés hosting morning DJ sessions that blend wellness rituals, electronic music and community connection. And on February 7, Melbourne will welcome an exciting new event that leans heavily into those vibes, when Daybreaker takes over the Abbotsford Convent. After getting its wings in NYC and subsequently flying all over the globe, this world-renowned morning dance and wellness party is making its Aussie debut.  So what’s Daybreaker? It's a three-part morning ritual and immersive dance experience that’s all about getting you buzzing for the day – naturally, of course. The Melbourne edition will start with a guided movement session, then lead into an upbeat dance set led by DJ Katie Hill, before finally end with a grounding, communal breath and sound experience.  The end goal? Making you feel on top of the world, all before brunch.    Photograph: Supplied Daybreaker will take place in the spectacular heritage space of the Abbotsford’s Convent’s Oratory, from 8am-10am. Music, movement and community will make the space come alive, with snacks and beverages available and included in your ticket price.  This Melbourne event is the first one to take place in Australia, but we’re told that there are more to emerge on the horizon in the coming months (look out, Sydney and Brisbane).  Tickets sta

When Aussies begin retiring, it's a fairly classic move to forgo the high costs and fast pace of the city for a regional tree- or sea-change. But, in a nation that's positively overflowing with charming towns and incredible natural places, the only problem is deciding where exactly to go. Whether you're looking to retire imminently in Australia or just want to do a bit of forward planning, the choice has just been made a whole lot easier by travel publisher World Atlas, which has picked out the best places to retire in Australia, as of 2025. By assessing different Australian regional towns on factors like affordability, healthcare access, public transport, proximity to nature, community opportunities, cultural happenings, and (our personal favourite) how many cafés, restaurants and bustling things to do exist in town, they've come up with a comprehensive list of the best places in Australia for retirement. Here's their pick of the seven best regional areas to retire to in Australia (with a little extra commentary from us).  1. Port Macquarie, NSW From its sprawling pubs to its bustling beachside caravan park, its colourful breakwall to its fleet of barbecue boats, Port Macquarie is an Aussie holiday town as charmingly true blue as they come. With a whopping 17 pristine beaches lining the coastline, plenty of bustling cafés, bowling greens and beach activities that add to a cosy village feel, Port Macquarie is fairly idyllic as far as retiring in Australia is concerned. World

Snakes are one of Australia's more hardcore surprises. Our Great Southern Land plays host and native home to more than 210 snake species, with 100 of those being venomous, and just 12 of these considered to have poison that's potentially lethal for us humans. With Australia's natural abundance of arid desert, knobbly rock and dry grasslands (aka, snake heaven), it's clear that these slithery creatures are able to flourish across every corner of Australia. But, as it turns out, they're also quite fond of the water too. Sorry.  In a new study released by the folks over at World Atlas, the five most snake-infested bodies of water in Australia have been identified. So, consider this a PSA for your next great Aussie road trip.  1. Herdsman Lake, Perth, Western Australia This natural wetland in Perth is packed with a teeming population of tiger snakes. These highly venomous creatures can grow up to two meters in length and be identified by their brown, olive or black bodies that are striped (tiger-like) by pale white bands. They love the thick reeds, abundance of tiny frogs and small fish that live in Herdsman Lake, and are clearly an essential part of this vibrant ecosystem that's impressively able to operate near such an urban area.  2. Yanchep Lake, Western Australia Again, Western Australia comes through with its snakey prowess. This lake is found in Yanchep National Park, north of Perth, and is also brimming with a healthy tiger snake population. You can (from a safe distance)

When it comes to finding amazing accommodation, NSW has so much to offer that it can be hard to keep up. With our state's abundance of incredible campsites, hotels and amazingly unique accommodation, it's hard to narrow down the best place to book for your next getaway.  But, fret no further. The NSW Tourism Awards Winners have recently been announced, and with it, the confidence that your next NSW holiday itinerary won't be a miss.  Why should we listen to the overlords at the NSW Tourism Awards anyway? Well, after 30 years, they’re the state’s longest-running tourism honours – and the only way operators can land a spot in the Australian Tourism Awards. With 30 categories that span accomodation, experiences and sustainability, 2025's awards saw 78 winners selected from 125 finalists, making this a very competitive round. After a lot of careful consideration, 55 independent judges gave these finalists gold, silver and bronze awards for their efforts in the NSW tourism space. Accomodation was a big proponent of this, with the awards featuring 5-star accomodation to caravan parks.  Here's who took home gold for each category.  Photograph: Supplied | Mt Hay Retreat 1. 5 star accommodation gold went to dreamy Berry mountain-top escape, Mt Hay Retreat. Reviewed by us in 2023, we can attest that Mt Hay Retreat is worthy of its crown.  2. 4 to 4.5 star accommodation gold was awarded to Crowne Plaza Terrigal Pacific, which our Time Out editors also loved.  3. Best caravan park tit

Summer holidays usually mean one thing: a great Aussie road trip. Whether you’re speeding up the coast to visit family, heading across state lines or traversing one of Australia’s epic road trip routes for a bit of end-of-year R&R, it’s pretty classic for Aussies to explore some of our most remote motorways in the summer period (of which, in this colossal land, there are many).  While fun and spectacular, these roads also have the potential to be very dangerous. Long stretches between fuel stops, hazardous driving conditions and general remoteness make a number of Aussie roads genuinely threatening in the case of a breakdown.  Car rental company VroomVroomVroom has assessed Australia’s most popular road trips to identify the ten most dangerous places to break down. This list has been measured based on each route’s distance from fuel, healthcare services and mechanics, with summer heat and harsh conditions in the Australian outback making these factors considerably more important.  The most dangerous road trip route to break down (without proper survival supplies in the boot) is Western Australia's Gunbarrel Highway, a route that connects Wiluna in WA to Yulara, near Uluru, in the Northern Territory. This isolated stretch of highway is known for its incredible stargazing, rolling desert dunes and stark landscape, but it's also particularly formidable for anyone who isn't prepared if your car stops working. The nearest hospital is 294 kilometres away, repair services are 449 ki

The year is wrapping up, and so is pretty much everything around us (and no, we're not just talking about Spotify). The real estate experts at Domain have released their own end-of-year wrap, revealing some intriguing and valuable insights – including which Aussie suburbs ranked among the most popular in 2025.  The annual report relied on the analysis of a year's worth of site views on Domain's website, zooming in on the highest views per residential listing for apartments and houses across the country. This data is significant because it reveals the type of areas gaining momentum and harnessing the most interest for prospective buyers. Unsurprisingly, most of the top suburbs across Australia's major cities were wealthy and prestigious areas that are less interest rate sensitive. Domain chief of research and economics, Dr Nicola Powell, says that most buyers for these areas are looking to upgrade to their next property, and are determined to find their new home in a distinct suburb, refusing to stop looking until they do.  There are also a lot of people who are perusing property for a bit of fun (but may not be able to make the jump IRL, just yet), a factor that Dr Powell says will inevitably drive views to listings in places that she calls “the crème de la crème of Australia’s real estate”. Property dreamers, we see you.  Every major city in Australia had a call out of the top ten suburbs that garnered the most interest from property seekers over the course of 2025. However,

It's a universally acknowledged truth that Australians really, really like to travel. Our vast island home is obviously incredible, but given its geographic isolation, Aussies often get the itch to board a horrendously long flight and discover what else lies out there beyond the big, big blue. The question remains, though: Which countries do most Australians actually go to? And what are the ones we tend to stay away from?  An answer to this has finally come, courtesy of the federal Department of Home Affairs (DHA) and a lengthy, critical report created by Forward Travel. Analysing the DHA's records of the millions of overseas departures made by Australians over the past five years, Forward Travel has combed through and revealed an interesting story about what Aussies evidently look for, and what they don't, when picking a foreign nation for an international holiday. To boil it down, the travel data shows off the places where, if you go as an Aussie, you'll either feel like an iconic, rare superstar (hello, Caribbean) or just another tourist who may make someone sigh at the normalcy of it all (hi, Kuta). Either way is fine, but at least now, you know.  Australia's 10 most popular travel destinations from 2021-25 Indonesia Singapore New Zealand United Arab Emirates Fiji USA Japan Thailand Malaysia Vietnam   Australia's 10 least popular travel destinations from 2021-25  El Salvador  Jamaica, Moldova and Senegal Samoa Lithuania and Zambia Reunion Bhutan, Burundi, Guatemala, G

It's no secret to anyone that our lives are drenched in a sickening abundance of plastic. With microplastics causing far too many severe ecological and health issues in Australia and around the world, it's clear that changes have to be made by corporations and authorities to alleviate the weight of the plastic burden on the individual consumer. In good news for all NSW-dwelling people who care about their health and the environment, the NSW Plastic Plan has just added to its long list of tiny plastic products that will be banned in the state from 2026 onwards.  Businesses across Sydney and NSW will have to phase out the use of plastic bread tags and plastic pizza savers (the little round prong that stops your toppings stick to your pizza box lid) from 2027, and from 2026, it will also continue the phasing out of the tiny little fish soy sauce bottles that, despite being cute, cause havoc to our ecosystems.   Photograph: Troy Mayne From 2026, NSW will also join our sibling states in banning the release of lighter than air helium balloons, plastic bags with handles, plastic umbrella bags and non-compostable plastic fruit and veggie stickers. Takeaway food boxes will have to be redesigned under the NSW Plastic Plan to ensure that they can be safely recycled, changing up their current toxic chemical formula.  While this presents a moment of transition and change for many local businesses, it is welcome news for all the weary individuals trying to make green choices in a market