Maya Skidmore

There are few things on Earth more exciting than stumbling across a chaotic blooming of rainbow wildflowers somewhere unexpected. Despite a popular belief held overseas that Australia is 98 per cent arid outback (with a tiny slice of Bondi Beach thrown into the mix), our land Down Under is actually home to a veritable abundance of stunningly beautiful wildflowers that you have to see to believe.  One of the coolest ways (in our humble opinion) to create an Australian travel itinerary is to do it in tune with the wildflower seasons. To help you out, we've picked the best spots to see wildflowers in Australia, and tell you exactly when to go. Our top recommendation is Western Australia, which is home to one of the world's largest wildflower collections, with 60 per cent of its species found nowhere else on Earth. But the floral magic doesn’t stop there – we’ve also included hidden gems from outback Queensland and regional Victoria to blooming trails just outside Sydney. 🌈 Australia’s most colourful landmarks😍 The most beautiful places in Australia✅ Aussie tourist attractions that don't suck

Scuba diving is possibly the closest thing we humans have to a) flying, b) space and c) entering a new and magical reality where the mystical reigns supreme. If you're in Australia, and looking to escape a cold, hard reality standing on solid ground – you're in luck. Down Under is home to countless scuba diving locations that are guaranteed to blow anyone's socks (or flippers) off – including the incredible Great Barrier Reef, one of the seven natural wonders of the world. With so much choice for scuba spots, it can be a little overwhelming knowing where to start.  To help you out, our travel writers have pulled together a list of the best places to scuba dive in Australia. It covers most states across the country (other than the NT, where the saltwater crocs rule the seas), from Agincourt Reef in Tropical North Queensland to the temperate conditions of Bicheno in Tasmania. So no matter where you travel in the Great Southern Land, you're in for a deep-sea treat.  🏝️ The most beautiful islands in Australia🪂 The best places to go skydiving in Australia

Looking for a travel adventure that goes beyond typical sightseeing? Combining wild, untouched landscapes with ancient history and fascinating culture, Australia’s Indigenous tourism experiences are hard to beat. They share the stories of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples who have lived on this land for more than 65,000 years – a diverse tapestry of hundreds of nations and language groups, each with their own Dreaming stories, ceremonies and deep cultural knowledge. Our Travel & News Editor Melissa Woodley and experienced travel writer Rosamund Brennan have pulled together a list of eye-opening First Nations tours that'll take you deep into Australia's most pristine landscapes, all while teaching you about the world’s oldest living culture. From trekking with Custodians through the lush Daintree Rainforest and swimming with dugongs in the Kimberley to seeing ancient stories light up the sky over Uluru, these experiences may change the way you view the land Down Under. 🏞 The best national parks in Australia☀️ The greatest things to do Down Under😍 The most beautiful places in Australia

When city life feels a little too full-on, it’s natural to crave a moment in nature. To drink a glass of wine from a bath beneath the stars and wake up to the sound of birdsong. The tiny home movement is responding to that need, with architecturally beautiful tiny homes and cabins popping up all across the state – waiting to welcome you for a weekend (or weekday) reset. From six-person cabins on the outskirts of the city to cosy retreats for two hidden in the mountains, we’ve rounded up the most beautiful tiny homes and cabins close (and close-ish) to Sydney. Most are home to alfresco hot tubs or baths, and many are pet-friendly, so you can bring your doggo to frolic with you in the fields.  Want more? Check out our list of the best winter getaways you can take from Sydney. Stay in the loop: sign up for our free Time Out Sydney newsletter for more news, event listings and travel inspo, straight to your inbox.

Rottnest Island is one of those incredibly rare places on Earth that looks even better IRL than it does in glossy travel magazines. Also known by its local Aboriginal name, Wadjemup, and ‘Rotto’ by locals, it’s an essential addition to any WA itinerary. Out-of-towners might know Rottnest for its friendly population of quokkas, but the island's also home to the most incredible azure blue waters you’ll come across, and nowadays, it has a selection of top-notch eateries and luxe accommodation, as well as camping grounds and low-key restaurants for the budget-conscious. Our Travel & News Editor, Melissa Woodley, recently took a day trip and spent five hours riding around the entire island, stopping for swims at all the beautiful beaches along the way. Here's her pick of the best things to see and do on Rottnest Island. 🏝️ The most beautiful islands in Australia🌳 Everything to do in Perth🚘 The best day trips from Perth

Escape the crowds in Perth, Broome and Margaret River, and head to this lesser-known coastal gem in the Great Southern region of Western Australia. ‘Amazing Albany’ is one of WA’s best-kept secrets, home to many of Australia’s bluest beaches – including Middleton Beach, Emu Point and Little Beach – all just minutes from the CBD. Sun and sand aside, Albany’s rugged coastline is dotted with striking rock formations, peaceful nature trails and panoramic lookouts perfect for spotting whales in winter. Plus, those looking to take it easy can explore its historic museums and sample local brews and bites. Don’t sleep on this coastal town any longer and start ticking off this list of the best things to do in Albany. How to get to Albany?  Albany is just a one-hour flight from Perth or a 4.5-hour drive (which makes for an incredibly scenic road trip).  When is the best time to visit Albany? Wildflower season in spring (September to November) is a popular time to visit Albany, perfect for hiking the Bibbulmun Track and catching the end of whale-watching season (May to October). Meanwhile, the weather from March to May is ideal for beach days and bushwalks along the coast without the summer crowds. How long to spend in Albany? We recommend spending two to three days in Albany to take in all the major sights. However, allow an extra few days if you plan to explore more of the 1,003-kilometre Bibbulun Track.  ☀️ Where to visit in Western Australia🌊 The best things to do in Exmouth😍 What

The Emerald City is peppered with a whole host of dreamy stays – from boutique boltholes with rooftop pools overlooking trendy city suburbs to sky-high towers with uninterrupted views of the Opera House. To help you choose which is right for you, our team of writers (including Lifestyle Writer Winnie Stubbs and Travel and News Editor Melissa Woodley) have shared their top picks for the best places to stay in Sydney – along with tips on how to make the most of your stay. Stay in the loop: sign up for our free Time Out Sydney newsletter for more news, travel inspo and activity ideas, straight to your inbox. RECOMMENDED: These are the best glamping sites in NSW. These are the best camping sites near Sydney. And these are the best spots for a weekend away if you’re keen to get out of town. Who makes the cut? While we might not stay in every hotel featured below, we've based our list on top reviews and amenities to find you the best stays. This article includes affiliate links. These links have no influence on our editorial content. For more information, see our affiliate guidelines.

When it comes to special places to stay, NSW boasts a dizzying range of options. You can stay in boutique hotels and reimagined motels, beachside villas and winery thrillers, cute campgrounds and flashy glampgrounds, five-star resorts and places with tennis courts. What we’re trying to say is, you’re spoilt for choice.  But what if you’re looking for a more out-of-the-ordinary place to lay your head? We’re here to help. Here's our carefully curated selection of the kookiest, coolest, most whimsically odd places you can stay in NSW – from a pimped-out treehouse to a bonafide movie set. So, where will you book first? Stay in the loop: sign up for our free Time Out Sydney newsletter for more news, things to do and travel inspo, straight to your inbox. RECOMMENDED: Ready to flash some cash on your next trip? Head to one of the most luxurious places to stay in NSW.Want to get cosy? These are the best cabins and tiny homes in NSW. On a budget? These are the best coastal campsites in NSW.

Ah, the sunrise – a gentle, daily reminder that the days start coming and they simply do not stop coming. It’s as certain as the sun rising in the east and setting in the west. That being said, Australia is a wonderland for sensational cracks of dawn along the eastern and western seaboards alike.  Peep Brisbane’s Mount Coot-tha for altitudinous urban views, take Pinky Beach in the west for ground-floor spectaculars or even watch the sunrise from a kayak on Sydney Harbour. Wherever you may be, these are the best sunrises in Australia that'll have you saying ‘top of the mornin’ to ya’, indubitably. 🌅 The best sunsets in Australia😍 The most beautiful places in Australia✨ Where to go stargazing in Australia

Australia is widely regarded as one of the world's best places for adrenaline-fuelled adventures – and that's not just because of our abundance of spicy wildlife. With our huge swathes of empty space, massive skies and countless incredible landscapes, it just makes sense to skydive when you're Down Under. In this list, we've found the most spectacular (and safe) places you can solo or tandem skydive in Australia. From free-falling over the Great Barrier Reef to soaring over green vineyards and ending your jump with a wine tasting, each location has something pretty incredible to offer. So, whether you're an adrenaline junkie who lives for throwing yourself out of tiny planes – or kind of terrified of skydiving but keen to do it anyway, we see you – and we've got your back. Now, all you've got to do is jump.   😱 The most incredible things to do in Australia🥾 The coolest hikes in Australia☀️ More epic attractions in Australia

Call us biased, but we think Australia is one of the most incredible and diverse places on the planet. A sizeable place (you know, continent-sized), it can be overwhelming to decide where to go on your first, fifth or 50th trip – but that's where we come in. From turquoise beaches and ancient rainforests, to flaming red deserts and buzzy metropolitan cities, our Travel and News Editor Melissa Woodley (who has visited every Aussie state and territory) has picked out the most breathtaking places you should visit in Australia right now. No matter who you are, or what you like – be it art, wine, sports or festivals – rest assured, there's something on this list for everyone.  Jump to list:  QLD | NT | WA | NSW | SA | VIC | TAS 🇦🇺 The 20 top tourist attractions in Australia🌈 Australia's most beautiful places to explore🚘 Regional towns worth visiting in Australia

If you ask anyone living in Australia what Coffs Harbour is famous for, chances are they’ll say the Big Banana. This giant yellow sculpture has been a classic pit stop for families travelling between Sydney and Brisbane since the ‘60s – but you’re bananas if you think that’s all the picturesque coastal city has to offer. After capturing the perfect selfie in front of the big ‘nana, head to the jetty for a breezy beachside walk. Follow it up with fish and chips at sunset, or dine in style at one of Coffs’ spectacular seaside restaurants. Here are the best things to do in Coffs Harbour. When is the best time to visit Coffs Harbour? Spring (September to November) is a magical time to visit Coffs Harbour. The weather’s warm without the sticky humidity, the jacarandas are blooming, you’ll catch the tail-end of whale watching season and you'll beat the peak summer crowds. That said, with warm weather year-round, there’s really no bad time to soak up this coastal gem. How long do you need in Coffs Harbour? One to two nights in Coffs Harbour is enough to hit the highlights without feeling rushed. But if you’ve got the time, stay a little longer to soak up the laid-back coastal vibe and take a few day trips inland to Dorrigo or along the Waterfall Way.  🍌 A guide to Australia’s best big things🚘 The best road trips in Australia🌊 Australia's best beach towns

Congratulations to Julia, which took out the People's Choice Favourite Play, and Justine Clarke, who was awarded the Favourite Performance in a Play for her role as Julia Gillard, at the 2025 Time Out Melbourne Arts & Culture Awards, presented in partnership with the Australian Cultural Fund. Due to popular demand and following a sold-out national tour in 2024, Julia is returning to Melbourne for an encore season from June 25 to July 19 at Arts Centre Melbourne. This production from Sydney Theatre Company and Canberra Theatre Centre documents one of the most pivotal moments in Australian political history: former Prime Minister Julia Gillard's famous 2012 'Misogyny Speech'. If you missed out the first time Julia was in town, consider this your second chance to catch it – head to the website to secure your tickets. Time Out Sydney reviewed Julia when it played at the Opera House in 2023. Read on for that four-star review. *** When Julia Gillard’s distinctive ocker voice first emerged from Justine Clarke’s mouth on Opening Night of Sydney Theatre Company’s production of Julia, the audience literally gasp-screamed. It was, without mincing words, pretty freaky.  STC’s production of Julia is a long-awaited response to one of the most iconic (and spicy) speeches made in Australian history. Written by Joanna Murray Smith, directed by Sarah Goodes, and starring national treasure Justine Clarke as Julia Gillard herself, this deeply Australian story is an amorphous re-imagining of all

What if we told you that every month or so, a women-only strip club pops up in Sydney. Well, that’s exactly what we’re telling you. Now, listen up. Strip Her: The Pop Up is a sensual show with a twist. Instead of going to see a strip show as a voyeur, everyone that rocks up to this event will actually become the show instead. Before you worry, there’s absolutely nothing sleazy or sordid about this, and it’s designed with utmost inclusivity at heart, meaning that regardless of your sexual orientation, you’re welcome to come through and get down in a supportive space that’s built on powering up your individual sensuality.  This is all the brainchild of Caitlin Erica, a stripper, birth doula and teacher who works to help women let go of internalised shame and step into their full "divine feminine power" in safe spaces that entirely support them. The night will flow along these exact lines, with participants invited to express their sensuality for nobody except themselves.  This show is a bit of a revolutionary concept, with the stage open to any woman willing to strip down in a free-flowing dance that’s premised on you having as much fun as possible. The event creators seem very keen on labelling this as a ‘safe space’, which we reckon is a green flag for something that obviously has the potential to be pretty scary for those who aren’t used to it.  Want to know more? We chatted to Caitlin Erica about sex, stripping, what made her start 'Strip Her' and her hottest things to do

If the idea of a chilly European-style Christmas market really gets you going, then boy, do we have the marché for you. From Friday, December 13 to Saturday, December 22, the organisers of the epic Bastille Festival are back with their European-themed extravaganza’s Christmas edition – falling snow included. Le Jolly Market – a classic European winter market, complete with wooden chalets, melted cheese stations and a glimmering Christmas tree – is popping up this year in a sparkly new super-central location.The annual festive affair will be bringing a whole heap of European charm to Belmore Park – an often overlooked pocket of green in the heart of the city. You’ll find Belmore Park just opposite the Eddy Avenue exit of Central Station, and from December 13 until December 22, it will be transformed into a Christmas-themed wonderland.  Guests can expect food stalls slinging all the European favourites: fresh crepes, cheese fondue and – naturally – a whole lot of wine. Other foodie highlights include escargot, moules frites and cute-as-anything Christmas pastries. With five wine bars and 40 food stalls, plus 35 stalls offering everything from handmade ceramics to locally-crafted spirits, this is your one-stop-shop for a dose of festive cheer. Plus, you’ll find a whole heap of gifts for less than $20 – an affordable way to add a little affordable European charm to your Christmas haul. Le Jolly Market will be open to the public from 5pm until 10.30pm every evening from December 1

✍️ Time Out Sydney never writes starred restaurant and bar reviews from hosted experiences – Time Out covers restaurant and bar bills, and anonymously reviews, so that readers can trust our critique. Find out more, here. When I walk into Tida with my mum and cousins, it’s like being plunged into a sweet saffron sea that makes me want to cry (in a good way, I promise). As a second-generation Iranian-Australian, I grew up going to Iranian restaurants run by friends of my grandparents on Sydney’s north shore. These restaurants were old-school formal palaces, made for the older generation who’d recently arrived in Australia. But when I walk into Tida, it’s a fresher, younger Iranian world that I recognise, and it makes me feel emotional. Tida (whose name translates to “daughter of the sun” in old Persian) is a new-ish introduction to North Willoughby’s high street – an intimate space with a handful of communal tables and warm, hand-painted golden-yellow walls. Its young owners wanted their restaurant to look and feel like a dining room in an Iranian home, because, as they tell me, “we can’t go back to ours”. Every part of Tida has been lovingly created by a friend, from the thoughtful scattered artworks to the homey display cabinets. There’s a real sense of love and care here, and it extends to the patrons who sit comfortably in long, languorous conversations around the small white tables, sipping black tea and forgetting they’re in a restaurant on the side of a major road. It’s

If the late-December dash to buy Christmas presents isn't your bag, you might be keen to start your gift finding mission in November – and you can do exactly that at the ‘Sydney Made Art & Design Markets’, which are back in a big way for the 2024 season. As a not-for-profit organisation dedicated to supporting Sydney’s creative scene, this market is all about peddling art and design treasures hand-made by Sydneysiders in the beautiful Town Hall.   This one-day-only mega market will run from 10am to 5pm on Saturday, November 23, and will be showcasing the curated wares of more than 76 makers and designers from all across Sydney. Shoppers will be able to peruse photography, slow fashion, natural skincare, ceramics, jewellery, bespoke stationery and art pieces, among many other curious treasures. The historic space will also be filled with live music acts throughout the day, and entry is by donation, which will go towards supporting an entirely volunteer-run community event.  You can stay up to date with all the happenings with the Sydney Made Art & Design Markets on their Facebook page and via their website.Stay in the loop: sign up for our free Time Out Sydney newsletter for more news, straight to your inbox. Craving more market action? Check out our list of the best markets in Sydney that happen all year-round.

If you love Christmas, meeting rescue puppies and frolicking with fellow dog people and their dogs in the sunshine, you need to pop the aptly named ‘Santa Paws’ event into your calendar, stat. On Sunday, November 17, this one-day event in Centennial Park is a big, canine extravaganza that’s all about raising funds for rescue dog charity, Ozzie Tails of Hope. All dollars raised on the day will go straight to animal rescue charities across Australia. Last year, over $20,000 was raised – a figure we reckon we can up, this time round. The goodness of the cause isn’t the only sweet thing on the cards at Santa Paws. You can meet rescue dogs and puppies who are up for adoption, take part in doggy yoga, snaffle snacks from food trucks, tick off your Christmas pet photography needs (you know you’re interested) – and even take part in a ‘Strike-a-Paws’ contest (with prizes for the best dressed). It starts at 8am, and runs until 1pm – and it's all going down on at Centennial Park's dog park (at the corner of Grand Drive and Loch Avenue) on the Bondi Junction side. Best of all, this festival is totally free, and open to everyone. You can pre-register yourself and your pooch for the many fabulous contests and activities that’ll be popping on the day by clicking right here. Whether you walk away with a permanent new furry friend, a festive pet portrait – or just get the chance to downward dog with a particularly adorable poodle-cross, Santa Paws is the perfect way for every pooch fan to la

It's a universally acknowledged truth that a heady swig of gin makes for a jolly good time. The wonders of this diverse and delicious liquor are known to many of us, but when it comes to finding out where the very best joints in Sydneytown to swill ’em actually are, we can often come up lost. That is, however, until now.  Enter: Gin Journey – the sauced-up baby of British-born Leon Dalloway, Gin Journey founder and all-around lord of all things liquor, who has been charming fans of the devil’s drop with his educational bar crawls from London to Sydney since 2013.  Gin Journey is Dalloway’s original invention, with this tried and tested explorative experience taking you on a guided tour of Sydney’s boutique distilleries and hidden gin bars, including Young Henrys, Ester Spirits and Unexpected Guest Distillery. A gin flight is included at each stop, along with an artisan gin cocktail to smooth its way.  Throughout the tasting tour, Dalloway will share fun facts about the popular tipple's fascinating history, from its checkered days as ‘mother’s ruin’ to its present-day ascendancy and the botanical bonanza of contemporary Aussie gins. Expect good chat, delicious (and extremely high quality) gin moments, and to leave at the end of the day feeling more than pleasantly buzzed.  Margarita Journey is the latest addition to Sydney’s boozy block, following the exact same base model as its gin-heavy sister, but with an obvious tequila-esque twist. In three hours, you’ll tick off hot spo

If you really, really love jacarandas and don’t mind a bit of a trek to see them at their bloomin' best, the Grafton Jacaranda Festival might be just the thing you’re looking for.  Kicking off on Friday, October 25 and running until Sunday, November 3, this purple blossom explosion is perfect for everyone who wants a maximum level of jacarandas in their lives. Grafton is a 6.5-hours drive north of Sydney, and it's home to an abundance of jacaranda trees. With more than 2,000 of the lilac flowering trees calling this Northern Rivers town home, you’re in for a big, fat, flowery time.  Running every year, this festival is somewhat of an institution, and in 2024, it’s looking like it’ll be quite the event. With 12 days of festivities planned, visitors can expect some blockbuster blossoming fun. Whether it’s a Venetian carnival, a ‘50s and ‘60s ‘Retrofest’, highland dancers (in tartan, obviously), a jacaranda fun and colour run, or a spectacular jacaranda float parade, this festival looks like a pretty good time.  With food trucks galore, the chance to wander through purple sweet-smelling lanes at night, and getting to (allegedly) meet the royal family amongst vivid lilac blooms, it looks like this festival is a definite crowd pleaser, no matter who you are, or what you like doing with your time. You can check out the whole program right here. Head up for the most wholesome spring break, some sweet small town vibes, and plenty of purple. You won’t regret it. Stay in the loop: sign

Does the thought of standing behind a tumbling, enchanted waterfall while surrounded by twinkling glow worms sound like a fairytale to you? For all us Sydney and NSW dwellers, this dream is also very much in reach. Horseshoe Falls is a waterfall tucked away in Hazelbrook in the Blue Mountains. (There is a shortage of parking, so you're best off coming via public transport.) There's a track with four main waterfalls to explore, but our top tips are checking out Horseshore and Glow Worm Nook Falls. Follow the path towards the waterfalls, and the first one you'll reach, within about 15 minutes, is Horseshoe Falls, which has a horseshoe-shaped cave overhang. Keep walking for another 15 minutes or so, and you'll reach Glow Worm Nook Falls, where you can explore behind the waterfall looking for glow worms. Both these sections of track are suitable for kids, too.  If you want to maximise your glow worm action, there are loads to see at the first stop, Horseshoe Falls, if you head there in the dark – a daunting prospect that's best left to the more adventurous among us who own powerful torches to light the way on the walk there (but, and this is very important, not inside the glow worm cave itself), good walking boots to minimise slipping, and perhaps even a safety beacon. When the sun goes down, the cave behind the waterfall is said to come alive with a veritable galaxy of thousands and thousands of glow worms.  More warnings: It is absolutely vital that you do not touch the glow

Cooinda Lodge’s on-site restaurant, this cosy timber paradise is full of golden light and good times. In the morning, you can get stuck into a succulent breakfast buffet and swill back delicious barista-made coffees in ‘Mimi’s Restaurant’, while at lunch you can snaffle down a proper pub lunch, with all the classics up for grabs, alongside ice-cold schooners. For dinner, get involved with barramundi ceviche, smoked buffalo, crab and prawn linguine, and fries with Kakadu plum salt. Keep the night rolling with drinks under the fairy lights at Barra Bar and Bistro. 

A ten-minute drive from Cooinda Lodge, this incredible river cruise on the Yellow Water Billabong along the heritage-listed South Alligator River takes dreamy adventure to a whole new level. There are six departures per day, and the most popular times are sunrise and sunset, this being the best time to see wildlife. We recommend going at dawn when the air is soft and oceanic and all the animals are starting their day. See colossal crocs swimming through fields of pink water lilies, sea eagles diving for fish, and tiny bird lovers hopping across gigantic floating lily pads. With one of the dynamic and hilarious Yellow Water guides driving the boat, you can be confident that not a single animal fact, sneaky croc or colourful story will pass by unaccounted for.

An oasis of glamping tents, cabins and shady lush campground, this village-like property is tucked away right by the Yellow Water Billabong. In a national park as vast as Kakadu, the need for petrol, food, water and shelter is more pressing than most. At Cooinda Lodge, you can find all of the above in one space, and there is a variety of accommodation options available. Whether you glamp in one of the elevated outback retreats, sleep in one of the luxe air-conditioned lodge rooms that accommodate up to four people (and come with a mini-fridge, squishy pillows and TV) or camp in a luxury tent, you’re in for a simply gorgeous time. 

Attention celestial sighting enthusiasts! May has an exciting spectacle in store for stargazers. Melbourne's skies are set to sparkle with a super bright meteor shower called Eta Aquarid, described as “the second best meteor shower of the year for Australian sky watchers” by astronomy experts. The annual meteor shower – which is formed from debris from Halley’s comet – will light up the sky above Australia this week, peaking in the early hours of Wednesday, May 7. The Eta Aquarid shower is a fast-moving and notoriously unpredictable show, with their high speed also making them appear brighter to the naked eye.  If you're keen to see these scintillating sights for yourself, here's what you need to know.  How can I see the Eta Aquarids meteor shower from Melbourne?  Melbourne stargazers will have their best chance at seeing the Eta Aquarids between 2am and 5.40am local time from Monday, May 5 to Wednesday, May 7. The meteor shower is set to reach its maximum around 2am on May 7. The best way to see them is to scan the northern horizon near the point of the Aquarius constellation, where the meteors are set to emerge from. You’ll know you’re looking in the right place if you're looking at a spot where there's not much else to see except Saturn, which will also be particularly bright. Importantly, you'll need a cloud-free sky and quite a lot of patience, as meteor sightings can be quite sporadic.  When will the Eta Aquarids meteor shower be at its peak? Though the meteor shower i

Cancel your plans and beeline for the east. After years of delays, one of Sydney's most beautiful harbour beaches has finally reopened to the public. Sitting on the edge of national parkland on the banks of Sydney’s sparkling harbour, Shark Beach at Nielsen Park has long been one of the Eastern Suburb’s most treasured swimming spots. But since March 2022 it has been tightly closed to the public, inciting mass frustration among locals who desperately want to dive back into their favourite turquoise cove as warmer days approach.   In glorious news for swimmers, the stunning harbour cove – and its onsite café – has just reopened.  Photograph: Supplied | NSW National Parks and Wildlife Getting to this point of completion hasn’t been as easy ride. Reconstruction work was originally meant to be completed by December, 2022 – but the wettest Sydney year on record, contractual delays and the discovery (and removal) of a hefty 3,600 tonnes of asbestos put big delays on progress. The construction work that’s been taking place over the past few years has involved improving accessibility to the beach – with a new wheelchair accessible pedestrian ramp and a separate ramp to allow maintenance vehicle access to the beach, plus additional seating along the promenade. The sea wall was raised by 50 centimetres, with wave deflectors integrated to protect the park  (and recently renovated kiosk) from sea level changes. Now, the beach is back welcoming visitors, though we expect these first few

For many of us in Sydney, the thought of travelling up into the Red Centre feels like a magical stretch of possibility and wild adventure. Now, the siren’s call of the great red north has become even louder, with the introduction of the Red Centre Light Trail, an amazing six-day road trip from Uluru to Alice Springs via Kings Canyon that is full of glittering light shows, installations and sparkly experiences that all look set to enthral, awe and light up an already very spectacular place.  We all know Vivid in Sydneytown, but the thought of gazing at wild light projections in the middle of a desert is something else entirely. The vast distances between Alice Springs, Uluru and Kings Canyon are usually marked by long, arid stretches of land with very little breaking the landscape up. Now, travellers will get a whole extra dimension added to an already epic adventure.  The installations will pop up on the way as you drive the main tourist loop between these iconic Australian locations, however there are some special highlights that look particularly notable.  Photograph: Getty Images/ Voyages Indigenous Tourism AustraliaAnangu share the Mala story, from Kaltukatjara to Uluru, through a drone, sound and light show designed and produced by RAMUS At Uluru, you will be able to see Wintjiri Wiru, a choreographed drone show that uses lasers and light projections to a re-telling of ancient Anangu stories. Made in close collaboration with the local Anangu community, this reflection

Whether you’re one for a teeny-weeny boutique stay in the mountains or a glitzy suite in a city-centre skyscraper, Australia is full of some pretty jaw-dropping hotels. In news that has us brimming with pride, two of our nation’s very best have just been honoured on this year's World’s 50 Best Hotels list. Brisbane property The Calile Hotel took out the title of the Best Hotel in Oceania for the second year running, while Hobart’s The Tasman made its top 50 debut. Stacking up against some seriously impressive resorts, hotels, palaces(!) and chalets around the globe, The Calile, which you'll find in Brisbane’s Fortitude Valley, scored an outstanding 25th place in the line-up. This is a drop from its 12th-place ranking in the inaugural World’s 50 Best Hotels list in 2023, with the rankings voted on by 600 industry leaders, including hoteliers, travel journalists and luxury travellers. Photograph: Sean Fennessy While you might not immediately associate Brissie with luxury (no shade, guys), The Calile Hotel has made its mark since opening in 2018, drawing in well-heeled clientele from all over the world to the River City. There’s a lot to love about the Calile, with its distinct architecture that perfectly marries curved concrete with pops of tropical lushness. You’ll find a palm tree perched against sleek brickwork at every turn, courtesy of the genius design acumen of firm Richards and Spence. Not to mention that 30-metre pool you would have seen on Instagram, or Hellenika, t

She’s baaack! After a whirlwind, sell-out Australian tour in 2023, Abbie Chatfield returns with The Trauma Dump Tour…Goes Regional – so strap yourself in, because it’s sure to be a wild ride. The TV star, podcaster, radio host, ambassador and entrepreneur is doing a 13-city tour that starts in Hobart this October and wraps up in Darwin at the end of November. So what, exactly, will Chatfield be speaking about on stage? She'll be sharing stories about her own past relationships, as well as conversing with the crowd. Spoiler alert: you can read our review of her Melbourne show here. When is Abbie Chatfield going on her regional Australian tour in 2024? Following a sell-out series of shows in 2023, Abbie will take The Trauma Dump Tour...Goes Regional to 13 cities across Australia including: Odeon Theatre, Hobart – October 11 Canberra Theatre, Canberra – October 18 Anita’s Theatre, Thirroul – October 19 The Events Centre, Caloundra – October 23 The Star Theatre, Gold Coast – October 24 West Gippsland Arts Centre, Warragul – November 1 Costa Hall, Geelong – November 2 Civic Hall, Ballarat – November 8 Ulumbarra Theatre, Bendigo – November 9 Newcastle Civic Theatre, Newcastle – November 16 Glasshouse Port Macquarie – November 17 Cairns Performing Arts Centre, Cairns – November 22 Darwin Entertainment Centre, Darwin – November 23 When do Abbie Chatfield tickets go on sale in Australia? Tickets for what could be a potentially scandalous show go on sale from noon / 12pm local time o

If you’ve ever dreamt of exploring the land before time (friendly dinosaur babies not guaranteed), boy, is there a place out there for you: Kakadu National Park. Tucked into the Top End of the Northern Territory, this World Heritage-listed park has been home to the Bininj and Mungguy people, the keepers of the oldest continuous living culture on Earth, for 65,000 years.  A trip to Kakadu is one that makes you fall deep, and it will stay firmly with you long after you leave. Here’s your ultimate guide to prepare for the trip.  Where is Kakadu National Park? Kakadu National Park is located in the Top End of the Northern Territory, around 171 kilometres east of Darwin.  How far is Kakadu from Darwin? The drive from Darwin City to Kakadu National Park’s northern entrance takes around one hour and 45 minutes, while reaching Jabiru, the main township, takes around two hours and 45 minutes. Travelling in a 4WD (four-wheel drive) is highly recommended, as the park’s terrain can be rugged and challenging, especially during the wet season. How big is Kakadu National Park?  Kakadu is the second largest national park in Australia, behind the Munga-Thirri-Simpson Desert National Park in Queensland. It covers 19,804 square kilometres, stretching almost 200 kilometres long and more than 100 kilometres wide. To put it in perspective, Kakadu is half the size of South Korea, nearly twice the size of Switzerland or Belgium, and four times the size of Yellowstone National Park. How old is Kakadu

Could this *finally* be the moment all Aussie Beyoncé fans have been waiting for? Ever since our queen and saviour dropped her country album, Cowboy Carter, on March 29, there's been a renewed interest in her tour plans. And now, rumours are swirling that suggest Queen B could bring her concert experience back to Australia, a country she last graced with her stratospheric stage presence back in 2013. A break in the Melbourne sporting calendar has sparked rumours that the global megastar could be taking to the Melbourne Cricket Ground in October, while a pause in Qudos Bank Arena's major events line-up from October 5-17 points to potential Sydney shows (excuse us while we go clear our schedules). For now, it's all part of the whisper network, but you know we'll bring you the latest info as it comes to light. Please, Bey, don’t break our souls.  What are the next dates on Beyoncé's World Tour? The superstar wrapped her Renaissance World Tour in Kansas City, Missouri, on October 1, 2023. There don't appear to be any other dates on the Renaissance World Tour site, but the word "World" has always hinted at the fact that she'll be hitting up other continents sooner or later.  When is Beyoncé touring Australia? This is everything we know: Beyoncé has not yet announced dates for Australia, however, tour promoters have previously hinted there will be Australian dates, with shows in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Adelaide and Perth, as well as New Zealand. The star has teased a potential

Could this *finally* be the moment all Aussie Beyoncé fans have been waiting for? Ever since our queen and saviour dropped her country album, Cowboy Carter, on March 29, there's been a renewed interest in her tour plans. And now, rumours are swirling that suggest Queen B could bring her concert experience back to Sydney, a city she last graced with her stratospheric stage presence back in 2013. With the break in the Melbourne sporting calendar sparking rumours that the global megastar could be taking to the MCG in October, Sydney-based fans are asking what this means for us. A pause in the Qudos Bank Arena major events line-up between October 5 and October 17 (when Olivia Rodrigo will be taking to the stage) points to potential Sydney shows (excuse us while we go clear our schedules). For now, it's all part of the whisper network, but you know we'll bring you the latest info as it comes to light. Please, Bey, don’t break our souls.  What are the next dates on Beyoncé's World Tour? The superstar wrapped her Renaissance World Tour in Kansas City, Missouri, on October 1, 2023. There don't appear to be any other dates on the Renaissance World Tour site, but the word "World" has always hinted at the fact that she'll be hitting up other continents sooner or later. And with the huge global fascination with her genre-bending album Cowboy Carter, fans are hopeful that another world tour will be on the cards. When is Beyoncé touring Australia? This is everything we know: Beyoncé has no

Update May 21, 2024: Could this *finally* be the moment all Aussie Beyoncé fans have been waiting for? Ever since our queen and saviour dropped her country album, Cowboy Carter, on March 29, there's been a renewed interest in her tour plans. And now, rumours are swirling that suggest Queen B could bring her concert experience to the MCG – which would see her join the ranks of Ed Sheeran and Taylor Swift who have both recently played sold-out shows at the iconic stadium. With the AFL Grand Final taking place on the last Saturday in September and the cricket season firing up in early November, it leaves October wide open for a potential gig (excuse us while we go clear our schedules). For now, it's all part of the whisper network, but you know we'll bring you the latest info as it comes to light.  Please, Bey, don’t break our souls.  What are the next dates on Beyoncé's World Tour? The superstar wrapped her Renaissance World Tour in Kansas City, Missouri, on October 1, 2023. There don't appear to be any other dates on the Renaissance World Tour site, but the word "World" has always hinted at the fact that she'll be hitting up other continents sooner or later.  When is Beyoncé touring Australia? This is everything we know: Beyoncé has not yet announced dates for Australia, however tour promoters have previously hinted there will be Australian dates, with shows in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Adelaide and Perth, as well as New Zealand. The star has teased at a potential Sydney t

The 2023 World Happiness Index has just been released, and this year, Australia came out on (sort of) top.  Every year, Gallup, a consultancy and market research firm, in association with the Wellbeing Research Centre at the University of Oxford (UN), release a World Happiness Report, which ranks more than 140 nations from most to least happy. They gather data by asking people from each country to rate their life satisfaction over the previous three years on a scale from one to ten.  2023’s ranking results were drawn from 2020, 2021 and 2022 (all quite grim years, really), and are indicative of how people all over the world experienced the pandemic.  Which country is the happiest in the world? For the sixth year in a row, Finland took out first place for the world’s happiest country. The small northern European nation has long been heralded as one of the cheeriest places in the world. They are followed by Denmark in 2nd place, Iceland in 3rd and Israel in 4th.  Where did Australia rank in the happiest countries list?  Our great southern land ranked 12th on the list this year. This is the same as it was in 2022, but we dropped down from our position of 11th in 2020. The highest we’ve been in the last decade was in 2016, when we were ranked 9th globally. This year, we were (damnit) just beaten by New Zealand and Austria in 10th place and 11th place, while Canada followed behind us in 13th.  How do they decide which country is happiest?  The World Happiness Report uses six indi

January 2024 update: GOOD NEWS! The platypuses reintroduced into the Royal National Park seven months ago are well and truly thriving in their new habitat. Ten platypuses were released into the area in May, after being locally extinct for 50 years. Each of the creatures carries an acoustic tag that pings listening receivers up and down the rivers of the Park – the latest data confirms that nine of the ten animals are adapting well to their environment. The tenth platypus has gone a bit rogue, venturing beyond the team’s tracking capabilities – the team says she's done this before, and they're confident she's exploring further-away creeks she has previously visited. Visitors to the Royal National Park are now regularly reporting platypus sightings. The team will continue to track the creatures, including measuring breeding success. ***** Platypuses are one of Australia’s most ridiculously adorable residents. With their duck bills, little flippers and all-round slightly magical quality, the sighting of one of them in the wild is, these days, akin to a small miracle (which is why the recent news of their discovery in Sydney's Hills District is so incredibly remarkable). Now, however, the chance of Sydneysiders getting to see one of these cuties IRL has suddenly become (marginally) more likely. The curious sight of this iconic semi-aquatic monotreme was once a common occurrence in the rivers of the Royal National Park on the traditional lands of the Dharawal. However, following a

Sydney commuters – we've been hearing for so long about the upcoming new underground metro; it's hard to believe that it'll ever actually open. But the time is actually coming, for real. Speed testing in the tunnels under Sydney Harbour has proved the metro trains can travel twice the speed of our regular trains, accelerating from a standstill to a speed of 100 kilometres per hour within about 15 seconds.  Next year, the turn-up-and-go metro trains will get you from the massive new Victoria Cross underground station at North Sydney to Barangaroo in three minutes. Two minutes later, the tester train pulls up at another new station at Martin Place. “Extensive testing has been underway on the City and Southwest metro line since April 2023," says NSW Minister for Transport, Jo Haylen. "So far more than 2,500 hours and 12,500 kilometres of testing has been completed as we countdown to the opening of the next exciting stage of metro.”   Photograph: SuppliedSydney Metro workers at new station There are six new, accessible city stations that will open in 2024. One of the other newbies is Waterloo Metro Station, which is now 95 per cent done. From Waterloo, passengers will be able to get to Central in two minutes, Barangaroo in eight, and North Sydney in eleven.  At the moment, lifts, escalators and station signs are all being finalised at Waterloo.   RECOMMENDED: This new Sydney CBD metro station has been named in recognition of the land's traditional custodians Declaring itself