Melissa Woodley

Standing in a McLaren Vale vineyard on a hot summer afternoon, gazing across the vines to the shimmering Gulf St Vincent, this place could be Tuscany... But that’s just the wine-tasting talking. McLaren Vale is definitively South Australian – and at just 45 minutes south of Adelaide, it’s also one of the most easily accessible wine regions in the country. Backed by the rippling topography of the Willunga Scarp, McLaren Vale’s agrarian landscape is a gorgeous patchwork of vineyards that was, at one stage, nominated for a World Heritage listing. Shiraz grows ridiculously well in the Vale’s deep terra rossa limestone soils – but with 80-plus cellar doors to visit, you’ll also find grenache, sangiovese, fiano, vermentino and other Med styles with which to blur your afternoon. Grab a map at the visitor centre, get someone else to drive, and start tasting. 🍷 Best wineries in Australia🍇 Best wineries in the Barossa Valley🌳 Best wineries in Clare Valley

Just a tick over 64km north of Adelaide, the compact Barossa Valley is one of the world’s great wine regions. This is traditional Peramangk and Ngadjuri country, with baking hot summers, cool winters and mineral-rich soils – perfect conditions for producing big, beefy red wines. Shiraz is the local hero, with some mighty fine rieslings emerging from the slightly higher, slightly cooler Eden Valley sub-region, just over the rise. There are more than 150 wineries in the Barossa, and an astonishing 80-plus cellar doors. You could spend weeks going between them, sipping fine wines all day long – but that’s probably not entirely sensible. Why not start with our top picks, and take it from there? RECOMMENDED:🍷 Best wineries in Australia🍇 Best wineries in the McLaren Vale🌳 Best wineries in Clare Valley

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

South Australia is the gift that keeps on giving. From the Barossa Valley and McLaren Vale to the Flinders Ranges and Eyre Peninsula, it’s full of gorgeous getaways, all just a road trip away from Adelaide. But perhaps the closest day trip, and one of the most underrated, is the beautiful Adelaide Hills. Located just 20 minutes by car from the city centre, this cool climate region is full of charming villages, world-class wineries, lush forests and five-star stays. Every season justifies another visit – whether you’re picking strawberries at Beerenberg Farm in summer, strolling through fiery foliage at Mount Lofty Botanic Garden in autumn, sipping red wine by the fire in winter, or having a picnic amongst the vineyards in spring. After a recent visit, our Travel & News Editor, Melissa Woodley, has compiled a list of the best things to do in the Adelaide Hills. 🚘 The best day trips from Adelaide⭐️ All the best things to do in Adelaide🍷 Australia's best wineries to visit

Happily wedged between two UNESCO World Heritage icons (the Great Barrier Reef and Wet Tropics of Queensland rainforest), this Australian city is no shrinking violet when it comes to showing visitors a good time, and the best things to do in Cairns prove just that. A sunny tropical city with a laidback vibe, Cairns is all about outdoor adventures, whether on land or sea. What’s more, the beautiful regions of Port Douglas, Palm Cove and the Atherton Tablelands are all easy day-trip hotspots. Here are the 20 best things to do in Cairns and the surrounding Tropical North Queensland regions. RECOMMENDED: These are the best places to visit in Queensland. 

You know the landmarks and the laid-back culture, but there are plenty more top things to do in Australia than kissing koalas and yelling ‘g’day mate’. We're a nature lover’s paradise, with highly sought-after food experiences and an impressive cultural heritage to boot. Our team (including Travel & News Editor Melissa Woodley) have sifted through every attraction, experience, event and landmark our nation has to offer and put together the only Aussie bucket list you'll ever need. Whether you want to get amongst art parties in small coastal cities, see fairy penguins scurry across sandy beaches or watch the sunrise over Sydney Harbour from a kayak, there’s so much to explore across this incredible country. Here's our guide to all the best things to do in Australia right now. 🇦🇺 The top tourist attractions in Australia🌈 Australia's most beautiful destinations🌊 The best beaches in Australia

Winter 2025 update: Chuck on a coat and beanie and embrace the cool weather with a hot coffee and a yum brekkie at one of our favourite Sydney cafés. My current picks include the new Room Ten in Potts Point, Parra’s Middle Eastern-inspired go-to Circa Espresso, and for a Filipino feast, head to Tita Carinderia in Marrickville. 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 Food & Drink 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.

Australia is packed with many incredible natural landmarks, gorgeous sightseeing spots and once-in-a-lifetime experiences. But with so much choice, it's hard knowing which Australian tourist sights live up to the hype. Our Travel and News Editor, Melissa Woodley, has drawn on her adventures across every state and territory to curate this list of the top tourist places in Australia, spanning from the east coast to the west.  While the Big Banana didn’t make the cut this time around, you’re sure to be amazed by these spectacular sights, including the world’s largest coral reef, the oldest continually surviving rainforest, and the best sunset-watching location on Earth. Start compiling your great Australian bucket list from these top tourist attractions. 😱 The best places to visit in Australia right now🌈 All the most beautiful places to explore Down Under🌊 Australia's best beaches

Winter 2025 update: Let the good times roll with our handy guide to the city’s finest drinking establishments. Whether it’s a date night or a catch-up with a mate, these spots are sure to deliver on fun. My current picks? The hot new Negroni den Herbs Taverne, Parramatta’s sky-high cocktail lounge Nick & Nora's, and my fave wine bar in town, Bar Copains. This list represents our picks of the best bars in Sydney right now, from fresh faces to tried-and-tested temples of great drinks, curated by our local editors, drink writers and fellow booze hounds, including Time Out Sydney's Food & Drink Editor Avril Treasure. We’re looking for quality above all, with fun, flavour, atmosphere, creativity and options at every price point. Cheers to you, Sydney. Stay in the loop: sign up for our free Time Out Sydney newsletter for more news, food & drink inspo and activity ideas, straight to your inbox. After a watering hole that's a bit more casual? See our list of the best pubs in Sydney, here. After a meal? Check out our best restaurants here.

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. 🍌 A guide to Australia’s best big things🚘 The best road trips in Australia🌊 Australia's best beach towns

If you’re gearing up for a trip to Australia or planning on exploring your own backyard, it’s worth putting these public holidays on your radar. We’ve broken it down, starting with public holidays celebrated across the nation and then those observed only by certain states and territories. Just plan ahead for these dates to secure the best hotel rooms and free camping spots before they’re all booked.  When is the next public holiday in Australia? The next national public holiday is Christmas Day (Thursday, December 25, 2025). When are the national public holidays in Australia in 2025? New Year’s Day: Wednesday, January 1 Australia Day/Invasion Day: Monday, January 26 Good Friday: Friday, April 18 Easter Saturday: Saturday, April 19 (except TAS and WA) Easter Sunday: Sunday, April 20 (except TAS) Easter Monday: Monday, April 21 Anzac Day: Friday, April 25 Christmas Day: Thursday, December 25 Boxing Day: Friday, December 26 Which Australian state/territory has the most public holidays in 2025? The ACT and Victoria benefit from the most full-day public holidays in Australia, with 13 days off in 2025. The NT and SA both have 12 days off, with additional part holidays on Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve. What are the different public holidays in each state and territory? Australian Capital Territory (ACT) Canberra Day: Monday, March 10 Reconciliation Day: Monday, June 2 King’s Birthday: Monday, June 9 Labour Day: Monday, October 6 New South Wales (NSW) King’s Birthday: Monday

Winter 2025 update: Two things that are true right now: sh*t’s expensive and it’s cold outside. The good news? You can still enjoy a delicious meal on a shoestring if you know where to look. Keep this guide handy next time you’re catching up with a mate. My current picks? Biang Biang Noodles in Haymarket (go for the lamb and cumin); Banh Cuon Ba Oanh in Marrickville (head there when it opens or in the late arvo); and Bar Italia – it’s Albo’s fave, too. Going out for a meal is sometimes a big occasion, worth the splurge. But it doesn't have to be that way. From banh mi to tonkotsu ramen, biang biang noodles to vegan burgers, and pretty much everything else in between, some of Sydney's greatest culinary hits are the cheapest. Time Out Sydney's local food writers, including Food & Drink Editor Avril Treasure, have eaten their way around town to bring you this list, and while cheap isn't what it used to be, there are still lots of excellent affordable venues to check out. These are the ones well worth their salt. 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. Want to spend less at the big-ticket players? Check out our cheap fine-dining hacks.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

  The Daintree Rainforest steals the spotlight as the crown jewel of Australia's rainforest scene, but it also holds a world record – it's the oldest tropical rainforest on Earth. Located in the high, emerald tropics of Far North Queensland, this living wonder has more than 180 million years of history waiting to be uncovered. As the largest tropical rainforest in Australia, it spans a staggering 1,200 square kilometres and is home to more tree species in just one hectare than in all of the United Kingdom. Here’s everything you need to know about visiting the Daintree Rainforest. Where is the Daintree Rainforest? The Daintree Rainforest is located in Far North Queensland, just a two-hour drive from Cairns or a quick 45-minute trip from Port Douglas. It’s located within the Daintree National Park, which is part of the broader World Heritage-listed Wet Tropics region, stretching from Townsville to Cookstown. This spectacular rainforest borders some of Australia’s most stunning beaches, serving as a gateway to the Great Barrier Reef. In fact, it’s one of the only places on Earth where a thriving rainforest exists so close to a living reef ecosystem. How big is the Daintree Rainforest? The Daintree Rainforest region covers approximately 1,200 square kilometres, stretching from the Daintree River to Cooktown to the Great Divide. This vast area represents the largest continuous block of tropical rainforest in Australia. How old is the Daintree Rainfo

What is it? Located atop a multi-storey carpark in Northbridge, Rooftop Movies screens films of all genres nightly from October to March. Why go? Round up your mates for a movie night at the cinema with the best views in town. Rooftop Movies plays a diverse line-up of films, with everything from Oscar-winning flicks and throwbacks to blockbuster hits and new releases. Of course, there’s also a candy bar slinging buttery popcorn, local ice creams, juicy burgers and refreshing cocktails.

The name 2KW is shorthand for No. 2 King William St – but don’t go searching for it at street level. This iconic rooftop bar is eight floors above your head, atop one of Adelaide’s most historic buildings. Getting there is part of the fun, involving a mysterious double elevator ride to the top storey. However, a little effort goes a long way for the showstopping panoramic views stretching from North Terrace to Adelaide Oval and beyond. With gorgeous greenery and a stylish mix of low and high-top bar seating, the outdoor terrace bar is the perfect spot to soak in the stunning scenes. But if the ripper view isn’t enough to win you over, 2KW’s ace menu certainly will. The terrace bar serves up a full drinks menu alongside finger-food snacks, build-your-own cheese boards and hand-stretched sourdough pizza. Signature cocktails complete the journey, including the namesake 2KW – a refreshing blend of gin with notes of peach, pear, honey and lemon, plus a foamy finish. For a cool, calm and collected lunch, the indoor restaurant is designed for both intimate dates and group feasts. Executive chef Sam Christopher champions South Australia’s finest produce with a share-style menu designed to impress. Start with gildas and blue swimmer crab toast, before scooping up salt-baked beetroot tartare with fennel seed crackers or spreading creamy Vannella burrata over sourdough flatbread. When it comes to mains, choose from grilled market fish in a smoked eel beurre blanc, slow-cooked lamb shoul

If running a half marathon is on your 2025 bucket list, make sure your race ticks three key boxes: a beautiful location, a fun crowd and an empowering atmosphere that makes you feel unstoppable. Good news for Sydney gals – your search ends here, with the chance to run in Nike’s exclusive, women-only half marathon in Sydney on April 12. Between 2005 and 2018, Nike hosted a hugely popular series of women’s races in some of the most incredible places across the world. Now, the mega sports brand is bringing back its beloved After Dark Tour, with the first race kicking off right here in Australia.  The immersive 21.1-kilometre course will start in Sydney’s Inner West and offer epic views of the city skyline as runners race from White Bay to Jones Bay Wharf to Pyrmont Bridge. Upon crossing the finish line at Tumbalong Park, participants can run straight into an epic post-race celebration, pumping with live music, recovery stations and fierce female energy. You don’t need to be a pro runner to sign up for the late-night half marathon. First-timers can access an official training plan via the Nike Run Club app and stay motivated by connecting with other participants in the lead-up. Yeah the girls! Entry to the Nike After Dark Tour in Sydney is $100 and includes everything from a personalised sports bra fitting (you get to keep the bra) to a race t-shirt and post-race celebration access. Registrations close on February 11, so gather all your gal pals and sign up as a group pronto.  Fo

A magician never reveals their secrets, so I can only spill so much about Penn & Teller’s eight-night stint at the Sydney Opera House. But trust me, the famous pair’s 50th-anniversary tour goes far beyond the classic disappearing handkerchief routine. As the longest-running resident headliners in Las Vegas history, this dynamic duo strikes the perfect balance of traditional magic, unconventional trickery and quirky humour. Their 50th-anniversary extravaganza is ever-evolving, with a nightly rotation of fresh tricks and past hits. If you’re seated stage left, stay alert, audience participation is woven into almost every act: from crazy card tricks and coin illusions to some truly absurd stuff – think a gorilla drinking soup, and a giant squirrel sipping Champagne in a bathtub – the surprises keep coming. The real magic, however, lies in the fact that Penn & Teller have been dazzling audiences together for half a century. You simply have to see it to believe it.  January 11–18, Sydney Opera House, $79–$169. Find tickets & info over here. RECOMMENDED: Here's our guide to the best shows to see in Sydney this month Check out our running list of reviews from Sydney Festival

In Australia, you’re never more than 1,000 kilometres from the coast – so it’s not rare to feel the sea calling you. Mother Nature might summon you for a swim in one of our nation’s beautiful beaches. But she could also convince you to spend some time in nature, adventuring along seaside cliffs, across squeaky sands and over slippery rock pools. With so many epic coastal walks covering all three terrains, choosing the absolute best is no easy feat. That’s why we passed the baton to one of Australia’s top hiking pros – here’s what they had to say. The best coastal walk in Australia is the Great Ocean Walk, according to hiking enthusiast and author of Great Coastal Walks, Brent McKean – who’s completed more than 20 of the country’s biggest coastal treks. While everyone’s heard of the popular road trip that goes by the same name, this stunning 104-kilometre coastal walk is arguably more spectacular as you get to experience all the sights up close.  McKean says, “If you were in a car, you wouldn’t even know the walk was there. And from the track, you can’t see or hear the traffic above.” Photograph: Visit Victoria Just like the famous drive, the Great Ocean Walk hugs the coastline from Apollo Bay to the Twelve Apostles, and can be tackled as a series of day walks or as a multi-day hike that typically takes five to six days to complete.  McKean advises, “You can walk it independently using the public campsites along the way (they all include a dining shelter), or do it self-guid

The River City is gunning for gold in Australia’s dining scene, with a slew of world-class restaurants opening in recent months. But Brisbane’s latest claim to fame? One of the city’s newest riverside eateries, Supernormal Brisbane, was just named among the world’s best new restaurants of the past year. And the city's culinary scene is showing no signs of slowing down, welcoming its latest dining venue, The Summit Restaurant, atop Mt Coot-tha last month. Perched on the edge of Brisbane’s highest peak, The Summit Restaurant boasts some of the most sublime views of the city skyline out to Moreton Bay. The multi-million-dollar revitalisation of the heritage-listed venue – including a refined dining room, a vibrant brewpub-style public bar and an expansive verandah – has been brought to life by Mantle Group, whose resume includes The Charming Squire, The Sound Garden, Babylon and Tai Tai. Photograph: Markus Ravik At the kitchen’s helm is Queensland hospo legend Kym Machin, who brings more than 30 years of culinary experience from top venues, such as Urbane, Bare Bones Society and Same Same But Different. Sustainability and seasonality are at the heart of the menu, which traverses Queensland’s diverse climates, regions and native ingredients. Diners are encouraged to journey through themed sections titled Sea, Air, Land, Earth and Garden, with small plates to start and sweets to round out the experience. Machin said, “When you’re standing at The Summit, you can see for miles – f

Update, Saturday June 14: The Aurora Australis lit up the sky on the night of Friday, June 13 and was visible to the naked eye from parts of southern Australia, particularly Tasmania.  Bright, beautiful and bedazzling, the Aurora Borealis is a big-ticket bucket list item for pretty much everyone on Earth. Only those who have witnessed the Northern Lights with their naked eyes can truly understand its ethereal magic. But you don’t need to fork out on a ticket to Scandinavia to see the dramatic natural light display IRL. Australia has its very own version, called the Aurora Australis or Southern Lights – and this year, we could be in for the brightest display in 20 years. Here’s everything you need to know about seeing the Aurora Australis in Australia. Will the Aurora Australis be visible tonight? Australia’s first big Aurora Australis of the season was visible on Sunday, June 1 and Monday, June 2, sparked by a severe geomagnetic storm. While the storm is expected to weaken over the coming days, there’s still a chance of catching the light display on Tuesday night (June 3) in parts of southern Australia. The Bureau of Meteorology’s (BOM) Australian Space Weather Forecasting Centre has issued a geomagnetic warning that predicts increased activity will drop off after June 3. To stay updated, you can subscribe to their geomagnetic storm alerts here, track Aurora activity using this real-time map, or join this Facebook group for posts about the most recent sightings around Austral

Earlier this month, a new study named Canberra as the best place in Australia to raise a family. But many of our readers weren’t sold on the capital for one main reason: the cold. Aussies are almost immune to winter temperatures, which in some states are warmer than Scandinavia’s summer. But if you think Canberra is cold, you’ll want to pack extra woollies when visiting Hobart – which just took the title of Australia’s coldest city this winter. To identify where people experience the chilliest winters, the team at Alliance Climate Control analysed Australia’s 100 most populated areas on seven metrics: latitude, elevation, temperature, humidity, wind, daily solar exposure, tree canopy and average heating costs. They then weighed the scores and gave each place a total out of 100, with higher scores equating to colder conditions. Photograph: Tourism Australia | Graham Freeman Given that it’s Australia’s closest capital to Antarctica, it makes sense that Hobart tops the list as Australia’s chilliest place to live in winter. Despite not being the coldest based on temperature alone – the average dry bulb temperature sits at 8.94 degrees –  Hobart’s southern latitude and low elevation of 19 metres contribute to its frost factor. Add in high tree canopy coverage (44.1 per cent), limited sun exposure and low moisture levels, and you get a city that feels especially chilly and damp. The ACT LGA, which includes Canberra, ranks as the second-frostiest city in Australia. Due to sitting

Oh buoy – it’s time to start saving for your dream island getaway. One of the world’s most famous yachting events is returning to the Whitsundays for its 40th year, and it’s one you won’t want to miss. Along with super-chef long lunches, candlelit degustations and intimate concerts, this year’s Hamilton Island Race Week is throwing a superyacht party at the world’s best beach. Race you there? Every August, thousands of sailors and spectators from around the globe travel to the Whitsundays for Hamilton Island Race Week, Australia’s largest offshore keelboat regatta. What started as a niche sailing event in 1984 has grown into a week-long festival that will celebrate its 40th anniversary in 2025 from August 16 to 23. Photograph: Salty Dingo While the regatta is the main event – with races for everything from fast-cruising yachts and sports boats to bareboats, maxi yachts and Grand Prix contenders – Race Week is by no means just for sailors. The 2025 festival features a world-class line-up of on- and offshore events, all set against the stunning backdrop of the Whitsundays. Spectators can cheer on their favourite crews from the buzzing hubs at Hamilton Island Yacht Club and Marina, but the festivities stretch well beyond the docks. Highlights from the 2025 program include a starlit dinner on Catseye Beach prepared by chef Alanna Sapwell-Stone; a Champagne Spectator Cruise aboard a 130-foot luxury yacht; an indulgent Italian feast on the shores of Pebble Beach by OTTO Brisbane’

First, Aussies were obsessed with music festivals. Then, food and drink fests took over the scene. Now, a new type of festival is marching into town… Debuting this September, Perth Hills WanderFest is a first-of-its-kind hiking festival offering nature enthusiasts the chance to experience the beauty of Western Australia in spring. You don’t have to be a hardcore hiker to join the adventure. WanderFest’s inaugural program features five wildly different guided walks tailored for beginners, pros, youth, seniors and people with accessibility needs. Led by local experts, these hikes are also extremely inclusive in terms of price, with all tickets available for just $30. Never been hiking before? This is your sign to start. The beginner-friendly three-kilometre F.R. Berry Reserve walk in Gidgegannup winds through woodlands and past wildflowers to a stunning waterfall, revealing one of Perth Hills' most underrated pockets of wilderness. Consider yourself a hiking pro? You can take on the advanced 16-kilometre Kitty’s Gorge trek in Jarrahdale. Warning: your legs will burn, but the breathtaking views of Serpentine Falls at the end will make every step worth it. Photograph: Tourism Western Australia | Russell OrdSerpentine Falls Little adventurers can join the family-friendly, 3.4-kilometre Piesse Brook return hike in Kalamunda; seniors can take it easy on the gentle five-kilometre Armadale Settlers Common loop in Bedfordale; and those with accessibility needs can sign up for the mos

We gon’ be alright. Actually, we gon’ be more than alright because Kendrick Lamar is bringing his sold-out Grand National Tour to Australia in December. When Spilt Milk dropped the impressive line-up for its 2025 comeback, Kendrick fans across the nation went wild. The multi-Grammy-winning rapper will hit the stage with global superstars like Doechii, Dominic Fike and Schoolboy Q as the festival tours the country. Then, he’ll perform solo shows in Sydney and Melbourne – woohoo! Here’s everything you need to know about getting Kendrick Lamar tickets. When is Kendrick Lamar’s Australian tour? It’s time to get wild on a Wednesday! The rap icon will bring his Grand National Tour to two Aussie cities: Melbourne’s AAMI Park – Wednesday, December 3 Sydney’s Allianz Stadium on Wednesday, December 10 This will mark the first time Lamar has performed in Australia since his 2022 The Big Steppers Tour. When do Kendrick Lamar Australia tickets go on sale? The general sale kicks off on Monday, June 16 via Ticketek at 9am local time in Sydney and 11am in Melbourne. Is there a Kendrick Lamar pre-sale for Australia? For a legend like Lamar, you'd better believe it! The Vodafone pre-sale goes live on Thursday, June 12 at 9am in Sydney and 11am in Melbourne. Not a Vodafone customer? Several other pre-sales go live on Friday, June 13, with options for Visa holders, Live Nation members and My Ticketek members. How much are Kendrick Lamar tickets in Australia? Exact ticket prices are yet to be r

Brisbane’s pink and white banners are flying once again, signalling the return of the country’s biggest international arts festival. Spanning 23 gloriously jam-packed days from September 5 to 27, Brisbane Festival 2025 will offer a smorgasbord of 1,000-plus performances, featuring more than 500 free events and 21 world premieres. Wowza! There’s heaps to get hyped about this year, starting with Riverfire, when the city’s biggest firework spectacular explodes over the Brisbane River. We’re also super excited for the return of First Nations-designed drone show Skylore, plus the transformation of three of Brisbane’s most popular pedestrian bridges into a spectacular open-air art trail, featuring inflatable installations and colourful projections designed by internationally renowned Aussie artists Craig & Karl.  Photograph: JD Lin'Skylore' This year, Brisbane Festival has secured four Australian exclusives, including Gems – a world premiere dance trilogy by internationally renowned choreographer Benjamin Millepied and LA Dance Project, and 100 Guitars – an immersive sound experience featuring 100 electric guitarists from around the city. But the world premiere we’re absolutely stocked for is Afterglow – a mesmerising journey through a dreamscape of fire sculpture, candlelit artworks and live performances in the City Botanic Gardens. Sounds lit, right? Theatre lovers can look forward to a joyous Tina Turner tribute by drag icon Miss Ellaneous (Ben Graetz), the reawakening of Twel

The start of winter was action-packed up in the skies above Victoria, with a spectacular light display by nature (the Aurora Australis) sparkling over the state on the very first day of the season. Now, we'll be treated to another celestial sight, with this month’s Strawberry Moon set to be the highest full moon over Australia since 2006. Here’s how you can catch the final full moon before the winter solstice in June. When is the Strawberry Moon in Victoria 2025? The Strawberry Moon will reach its full peak on Wednesday, June 11 at 5.43pm, Melbourne time. While it technically peaks in the early evening, we expect viewing will be best after sunset – so rug up, head outside and admire the bright glow of the moon late into the night. You can find the exact time the full moon will peak where you live here. What is a Strawberry Moon? A Strawberry Moon is the name given to the full moon that happens in June each year. Despite the name, the moon doesn’t actually glow pink or red. The name originates from Native American traditions, where the June full moon signalled the start of wild strawberry harvest season in parts of North America. The 2025 Strawberry Moon is getting extra attention thanks to a rare astronomical event called the major lunar standstill. This event happens once every 18.6 years and causes the moonrise and moonset to occur at the most extreme northern and southernmost points. In the Northern Hemisphere, the moon will appear unusually close to the horizon over the d

Despite sky-high house prices, many Aussies can’t let go of the dream of owning a home one day – even if it’s just a shoebox with good natural light. The unfortunate news is that aspiring home buyers in almost every capital city now need to earn almost double what they did in pre-pandemic times to afford a house. In March this year, the ABS revealed that the average price of residential dwellings in Australia passed $1 million for the first time ever. Eeek! If you’re still holding onto hope, a new Canstar analysis has unveiled the minimum annual salary you need to comfortably buy a median-priced house (defined as spending less than a third of your household income on mortgage repayments). As expected, Sydneysiders top the list when it comes to the income required to buy a home. With the city’s median price jumping from $950,000 in 2020 to a whopping $1,460,000 in 2025, purchasing a house is now only realistic for those earning a gross household income of $272,737. That’s $150,000 more pay than you would have needed five years ago (gulp). The Sunshine State follows close behind, with Queenslanders now needing to earn around $100,000 more a year than they did before the pandemic to afford a typical home. The study reveals that to buy a median-priced house ($920,000) in Brisbane, you’d need an annual income of $171,862 – a huge jump from $72,628 back in 2020. Like Queensland, Melbourne buyers now need to earn nearly $100,000 more per year – bringing the total to $160,000 – to co

Update, Tuesday June 10: Due to popular demand, Illuminate Adelaide’s exclusive stadium spectacular, Horizons, will now offer a second show on Friday, July 18. The first performance will commence at 6pm, with a second show added at 8.30pm.  One thing’s clear about Adelaide lately: the city is gunning to equal Melbourne and Sydney’s status as year-round cultural capitals of Australia. And what better way to cement that status than by hosting an after-dark winter festival to rival those on the East Coast.  Illuminate Adelaide is set to literally and figuratively light up the South Australian capital from July 2 to 20 in its fifth year, with 134 free and ticketed events. The 2025 program features nine world premieres and 23 Aussie exclusives, including a new immersive journey at Adelaide Botanic Garden, a debut drone show over Adelaide Oval, an electrifying 12-hour music festival and an all-new culinary program. Photograph: Tyr Liang | 'Night Visions' If you’re after some free, after-dark fun, Illuminate Adelaide has got you covered with its annual City Lights display. More than 40 projections and installations will light up the CBD from July 4 to 20, switching on at 5.30pm every night. Each large-scale projection will showcase the talents of local and international artists, brightening landmarks like the Art Gallery of South Australia, State Library and Adelaide Railway Station. Once you’ve worked up an appetite, head over to Base Camp at Lot Fourteen, the festival’s central

If you’re gunning for the prize of favourite child this year, then forgetting Father’s Day is simply not an option. It’s the one day when you should put in a little extra effort to make your dad, stepdad, grandpa or any father figure in your life remember just how much you appreciate them. Here’s everything you need to know about Father’s Day in Australia in 2025. When is Father’s Day in Australia 2025? Father's Day in Australia is always celebrated on the first Sunday in September. In 2025, this falls on September 7. Don’t get confused with the other countries’ dates, as the United States and the United Kingdom both mark the occasion in June. Why is Father’s Day different in Australia? There’s no official reason why Australia celebrates Father’s Day three months after the US and UK, but a popular theory is that it helps space things out from Mother’s Day in May. Plus, this gives Aussie businesses another chance to promote gifts and throw some epic sales. Is Father’s Day a public holiday in Australia? As much as dad might wish otherwise, Father’s Day isn’t a public holiday in Australia – so most shops, cafés and businesses will be open as usual. What is the history of Father’s Day? Father’s Day originated in the United States, thanks to Civil War veteran and single mum, Sonora Smart Dodd. Inspired by the growing popularity of Mother’s Day, she pushed for a special day to honour the hard work of dads around the world. The day was first celebrated in 1910, it became an officia