Melissa Woodley

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

Looking to live it up on your next Aussie getaway? We’ve got you covered. Australia is practically swimming in great hotels, from new boutique stays with heated infinity pools to revamped classics boasting five-star rooftop bars and close proximity to our country's best attractions. But with so many options, choosing where to stay can be a bit of a challenge. That's where we come in – our expert travel writers have slept their way across every state and territory to bring you the ultimate list of Australia's best hotels. Whether you’re a local looking for a gram-worthy staycation or a tourist eager to be in the heart of the action, here are our top picks for a luxury stay in Australia right now. ☀️ Australia’s most incredible resorts🤩 The best things to do Down Under🌏 All the best places to visit in Australia Time Out makes a small commission from the affiliate links included in this article. These links have no influence on our editorial content, but they do allow us to bring you more recommendations every week. For more information, see our affiliate guidelines.

There’s never been a quiet year for theatre in Australia. From the bright lights of Broadway and West End to our very own stages in Australia, we’re lucky to play host to some of the world’s biggest and best musicals. We’re also a hotbed for homegrown gems, with fresh and experimental shows lighting up stages across the country every month.  From the grand return of a British “mega-musical” starring cats to the Aussie premiere of a musical based on Pretty Woman, this year’s theatre line-up is shaping up to be one of the most exciting yet. We highly recommend nabbing tickets to The Book of Mormon, which just opened in Sydney and will hopefully announce more cities soon. Or, hold out for tickets to Broadway hit Anastasia, which is making its long-awaited Aussie debut in Melbourne this December. Here are all the biggest musicals playing in Australia – in order of when they hit/are hitting the stage. 🖼 The best Australian art galleries🔍 Australia's greatest museums 👀 The best art exhibitions in Australia

Pets – and their humans – have never had it so good in Australia. More hotels are loosening their pet-friendly policies, meaning you and your four-legged friend can travel to more places than ever before. From pooch-approved minibars and gourmet room-service menus to complimentary treats and toys, these hotels are sure to give your beloved pet the VIP (very important pet) treatment they deserve.  Keep in mind that each hotel has its own pet policy, covering weight limits, pet types and the number of pets per room – so it’s worth calling ahead to check. Now, go forth and plan your next road trip or staycation around the best pet-friendly hotels in Australia.  🐶 I stayed at a five-star hotel with my dog☀️ All the best caravan parks to stay at⛺️ The cheapest camping spots in Australia

Call us biased, but we think Australia is the most incredible and diverse country 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 our expert travel writers come in. From turquoise beaches and ancient rainforests, to flaming red deserts and buzzy metropolitan cities, our Travel & News Editor Melissa Woodley (who has visited every Aussie state and territory) has picked out the top places to visit in Australia right now. First-timers should start with iconic destinations, like the Great Barrier Reef, Uluru and Whitsundays, while seasoned travellers can uncover hidden treasures in the Scenic Rim, Kangaroo Island and Ningaloo Reef. 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. Here's your official guide to the best places to visit in Australia. Jump to list:  QLD | NT | WA | NSW | SA | VIC | TAS 🇦🇺 Top tourist attractions in Australia🌈 Australia's most beautiful places🚘 Regional towns worth visiting

If there's one thing that Australia does right, it's really beautiful beaches – and a lot of them, to be precise. With a whopping 12,000 fringing our island continent, it would take you a wild 32 years to see them all – if you tackled one beach per day. Assuming that your 32-year plan doesn't singularly involve beach hopping around Australia (although we can of course dream), we've put together a list of the best beaches in Australia that you should visit this year – or at least once in your life. Each beach on this list has been selected for its remarkable beauty, prime swimming conditions (read: you won't see anywhere with saltwater crocs on this list), and proximity to other incredible activities, so your adventure doesn't end with just one dip. Take the breathtaking Bay of Fires, crowned Tourism Australia's best beach for 2025; the picturesque Whitehaven Beach, recently named the world's best; or the blindingly white Hyams Beach, our Travel & News Editor Melissa Woodley's personal favourite. Now, all that’s left is for you to discover the best beaches in Australia for yourself. 🌊 The best nudist beaches in Australia🏄 Australia's top surf beaches🌈 The best places to visit in Australia

Finally settled on Chinese? Now, it's time to decide how fancy you want to get. Luckily, Canberra houses a full spectrum of Chinese restaurants to cover every craving and every budget. Expert foodie and MasterChef alumni Mimi Wong, who loves her dim sum and Peking duck, has rounded up the best spots, whether you're after an affordable weekday lunch or a festive spread. At CBD Dumpling House, you can watch skilled chefs make wontons from scratch before demolishing a dozen all on your own. For something totally different, go to Au Lac Dickson, where the offerings are all vegan (hello, soy 'pork' dry noodles). Want to go fancy? A fine dining Nonya-style feast awaits at Lanterne Rooms. Here's our pick of the best Chinese restaurants in Canberra right now. For more about how we curate our reviews and guides, see our editorial guidelines. 🍝 The best Indian in Canberra🍜 Canberra's best Japanese food🍝 The best Italian in Canberra

It feels a little lazy to say that eating yourself silly is one of the best things to do in Perth, but it would be disingenuous to suggest otherwise. The culinary scene here is exquisite, with each eatery bringing its own quirks and flavours to the table. And you're in safe hands when it comes to choosing one of the best restaurants in Perth to dine at – our contributing food enthusiast and writer, Dale Anninos-Carter, has lived in The West for 17 years and keeps a keen eye on the hospitality scene for all your devouring needs. She's teamed up with our Travel & News Editor, Melissa Woodley, who regularly visits the WA capital, to bring you this list of the best restaurants in Perth. From a charming European bistro tucked inside a heritage hotel to Australia’s very first Hokkaido soup curry house hidden down a laneway, these restaurants are well worth visiting. So, put that appetite of yours to good use and get feasting. For more about how we curate our reviews and guides, see our editorial guidelines. 🍷 The best bars in Perth🍝 Perth's best Italian restaurants☕️ The best cafés in Perth

Whether it’s a morning pick-me-up, a lazy weekend brunch or just a cup of joe, Perth folks are no strangers to our local cafés. As lovers of coffee and daytime dining, we’re known for trying out new spots all around the city and are always eager to find the next best café in Perth. For city workers, that might mean Howard’s Groove, for southsiders, it’s likely Timber Café, and for those out west, Good Things is no doubt frequented.  We’ve relied on our Perth contributing writers and local eatin’ enthusiasts, Emma Ruben and Dale Anninos-Carter, to create this guide on the best cafés in Perth – so trust that there’s some good eggs and equally as good coffee on the table. Keep reading to find the elite brews and brunch bites to match your tastes. For more about how we curate our reviews and guides, see our editorial guidelines.  🍽️ The best restaurants in Perth🥐 Perth's best bakeries☕️ The best coffee in Perth

Craving a taste of la dolce vita in Hobart? You’re in luck. Hobart’s Italian dining scene serves up a delicious blend of traditional and contemporary dishes, celebrating not just pasta and pizza, but hearty mains and delish desserts. Local chefs hero the freshest Tassie produce while putting that inimitable Italian spin on each dish, of course.   Our local foodie and Tassie writer Madeleine Gasparinatos has curated a list of must-try spots for the best pizza, pasta and Spritz. At Peppina, it’s all about having a feast; think generous portions, a sun-lit interior and a wine list that makes you want to linger all evening. Then there’s Don Camillo, one of the oldest restaurants in town, still serving soulful Italian fare. And don’t miss Sonny, the intimate Italian wine bar in the CBD where communal dining and buzzing good vibes go together. From classic pizzerias to fine dining, here's our list of the best Italian restaurants in Hobart. Buon appetito! For more about how we curate our reviews and guides, see our editorial guidelines.  🍽 The best restaurants in Hobart🍕 Hobart’s best pizzerias🍣 The best Japanese in Hobart

There’s no doubt about it, Sydneysiders can’t get enough of Italian food. And who can blame us? There’s something about a bowl of perfectly al dente pasta paired with a luscious, rich ragu that just hits the spot. And while Italian cuisine differs throughout the 20 incredible regions – broadly speaking, the northern regions eat more rice and polenta, while down south they feast more on seafood – Italians share a love of beautiful, seasonal produce; they choose simplicity rather than overcomplicating dishes and cook with soul. No wonder we love it so much. Luckily, there are plenty of excellent options for Italian dining in Sydney. Time Out’s food writers and editors – including Editor Avril Treasure, who has eaten her way through Sicily, Sorrento, Rome and Florence – have picked our favourite eateries, covering all bases. The only catch? They just need to provide a feel-good environment and dishes you’ll want to come back for. From casual red-sauce joints and classic pizzerias to fine-dining restaurants, you’ll find them all here. Stay in the loop: sign up for our free Time Out Sydney newsletter for more news, food & drink inspo and activity ideas, straight to your inbox. Not in the mood for pasta? Here are our picks of the best spots for Greek and French food in Sydney.

Spring update: Let the good times roll with our fresh guide to Sydney’s best bars – perfect for your springtime soirée. Two new Enmore Road spots have been added (hello, Deadwax and Silver’s Motel). Is the sun out? Head to Paradise or Old Mate’s Place to soak up the warmth. And the Negronis go down a treat at Herbs Taverne. This list represents our picks of the best bars in Sydney right now, from fresh faces to tried-and-tested temples of great drinks, curated by our local editors, drink writers and fellow booze hounds, including Time Out Sydney's Editor Avril Treasure. We’re looking for quality above all, with fun, flavour, atmosphere, creativity and options at every price point. Cheers to you, Sydney. 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.

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 Wednesday and 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,

Fremantle has a lot going for it right now. In the same week it was crowned Australia’s Top Tourism Town 2025, the city welcomed a brand-new boutique hotel: Garde. The name nods to the building’s past life as Fremantle’s old police headquarters, and just its former occupants, the hotel positions itself as the new ‘guardian’ of the city. RECOMMENDED: I visited Australia's best tourism town for 2025 – here’s the verdict I stayed at Garde during its opening week in September and got a glimpse of life beyond the historic limestone walls. While the wellness retreat and signature restaurant, Anglesea, were still being put through their final touches, it was clear that this boutique hotel is set to become a standout addition to Fremantle. Why you should stay at Garde Hotel? Surrounded by Fremantle’s best eateries and bars, the Heritage-listed Fremantle Prison and the popular Fremantle Markets, Garde really puts you right on the doorstep of the city’s top attractions. It’s technically part of the burgeoning Convict Quarter precinct, with every detail designed to honour Fremantle’s past, while looking into the future. Garde is the perfect base for first-time visitors to Fremantle, but equally ideal for Perth locals seeking a stylish staycation. I loved having everything within walking distance and could’ve spent hours unwinding in the in-house wellness space, featuring a sauna and ice shower – ideal for anyone in need of a little rest and relaxation. What are the rooms like at Garde H

If I asked someone to name Australia’s most luxurious hotel, they’d probably pick somewhere in Sydney, the Gold Coast or perhaps Hamilton Island. But here’s the thing – they’d be wrong. I’m officially handing that crown to a boutique hotel in Perth, run by a brand that most East Coasters haven’t even heard of. Housed within the 19th-century State Buildings – which formerly served as a post office, land titles office and treasury – COMO The Treasury is the epitome of urban luxury. In 2015, these three historic buildings were seamlessly merged into a single grand hotel, featuring just 48 rooms and suites, a luxurious spa, a heated indoor pool, a gym, and a collection of swish restaurants, bars and independent shops. As the first and only COMO property in Australia, the hotel perfectly blends old-world grandeur with the Singapore-born COMO's signature minimalist style. I lucked out with some torrential rain and winds during my time in Perth – but honestly, there’s nowhere I’d rather be stuck indoors, giving me the perfect excuse to luxuriate in my room and explore all the State Building’s stellar dining options. What stay at COMO The Treasury? As my taxi pulls into a small side street off St Georges Terrace, I almost feel like I’ve stepped into a Victorian-era fairytale. The grand redbrick façade of the State Buildings feels old, yet new – a mere taster of the grandeur that awaits inside. The rain is pounding down, so I’m quickly ushered into the warmth of the arrivals lounge f

The first thing that strikes me when I enter SO/ Auckland’s lobby is a glossy black sofa, tipped sideways. It’s fun, yet fully functional – just a taster of the hotel’s playful personality that I’m about to spend the next three nights getting to know. This avant-garde, indoor playground, which doubles as a sleek hotel, was the perfect urban base for exploring Auckland City on my first trip to New Zealand. But it’s not just for tourists – it’s a hip, central stay for business travellers or locals craving a staycation. Once the Reserve Bank of New Zealand, the building sits right in the heart of the action – just two blocks from the waterfront and a short stroll from Queen Street, Auckland Art Gallery, the iconic Sky Tower and many of the city’s most popular eateries – including Giapo, where the world-famous hokey pokey gelato is made just across the road. But you don’t need to leave the hotel for top-notch food and drinks, as SO/ Auckland has a Parisian-inspired café, stylish lobby bar, fifteen-storey restaurant and one of the city's hottest rooftop bars. Ride the elevator in the other direction, and you’ll discover an underground spa, heated indoor pool, jacuzzi and 24-hour fitness centre. We haven’t even mentioned the rooms yet – but its amenities are enough to sell us on a stay. Why stay at SO/ Auckland? Views, views, views! SO/ Auckland’s 130 design-led rooms and suites stretch across 14 floors, each offering striking vistas of Auckland City or Waitematā Harbour. After soa

I’ve stayed at countless luxury hotels and adults-only retreats across Australia, but this might just be my new favourite. I had high hopes for The Crocodile Hunter Lodge – Australia Zoo’s luxe accommodation offering tucked in native bushland on Queensland’s stunning Sunshine Coast. It’s won countless awards, including World’s Best Nature Hotel 2024 and Best Boutique Lodge in Oceania 2025 – and after a quick one-night stay, I can confirm it exceeded all expectations. Inspired by Steve Irwin’s life, legacy and love of the wild, The Crocodile Hunter Lodge is the ultimate tribute to the ‘Crocodile Hunter’ himself. Terri, Bondi and Robert opened this remote wilderness retreat in his honour in 2022, unveiling four new double-storey cabins late last year. The Lodge isn’t just a haven for humans, but a vital sanctuary for both beloved Aussie animals and critically endangered plant species. Its conservation efforts earn serious bonus points, as do unlimited entry to Australia Zoo, a heated infinity pool, and the award-winning Warrior Restaurant and Bar, where guests are treated to complimentary breakfast each day. Trust me, this is the wild side of luxury at its very best. Why stay at The Crocodile Hunter Lodge? Tucked away in native bushland between Queensland’s breathtaking Glass House Mountains and the Sunshine Coast’s stunning beaches, this wilderness hideaway strikes the perfect balance of nature and nurture. An icon in its own right, The Crocodile Hunter Lodge pays tribute to t

Life in Townsville is very much set on the waterfront. With 180 kilometres of coastline extending out to the heritage-listed Great Barrier Reef, it makes total sense that most of the city’s hotels and resorts offer views of the sparkling Coral Sea. But if you want to match those five-star vistas with five-star service, Ardo is the place to be. Having welcomed its first guests in December 2023, Ardo is the newest luxury resort to open in Townsville. And when we say luxury, we’re talking about the city's first and only five-star hotel. Staying here was the thing I was most excited about on my first-ever trip to Townsville. Tucked a little away from The Strand – a hub of waterfront shops, restaurants and parks – it almost felt like I was checking into a private island resort. From the eighth-floor rooftop, you can soak in sweeping views of the city skyline and Coral Sea. Plus, you won’t need to leave the hotel, which houses two chef-hatted restaurants, the town’s only rooftop infinity pool, a dazzling day spa and an impressive rooftop bar with views that will stop you in your tracks. Why stay at Ardo? If you’re craving private island resort vibes without the thousand-dollar price tag, Ardo is your go-to. Right by the water’s edge and on the cusp of the Great Barrier Reef, this five-star stay brings a new level of luxury to Townsville. Perfectly positioned just a five-minute walk from the Sealink Terminal for ferries to Magnetic Island and the Breakwater Marina, where boats head

In a harbour full of skyscrapers and chain hotels, Pier One Sydney Harbour is somewhat of a gem. There’s a high chance you’ve passed this enviably positioned waterfront hotel, located in the shadow of the Harbour Bridge overlooking Walsh Bay – whether on your way from Circular Quay to Barangaroo or while heading to see a show at the Sydney Theatre Company. But don’t let its understated Hickson Road façade fool you – step inside and you’ll discover a stylish boutique stay with character in spades. Strictly speaking, Pier One is part of Marriott’s Autograph Collection – but there’s nothing remotely chain-ish about this boutique-vibe establishment. From the intimate lobby and hidden waterfront bar to the local-first approach of its top-shelf amenities and maritime-inspired decor, every aspect of Pier One has been crafted to celebrate the venue’s location and heritage, while creating a bespoke experience quite unlike anything else available so close to Sydney’s biggest attractions. Why stay at Pier One Sydney Harbour? Originally constructed as a cargo store and passenger terminal for the growing Sydney Harbour precinct, this wharfside warehouse was transformed into a hotel in the late ‘90s. But it wasn’t until Marriott acquired the hotel in 2014 that it underwent a stunning top-to-bottom refurbishment, with further 2019 renos adding a contemporary twist to the historic finger-wharf building. As you enter the timber-clad lobby, Pier One’s distinctive mingling of wrought maritime h

The weather is looking mighty fine this weekend – dare we say, it’s even beach-trip worthy. If you’re heading Bondi way, make sure to hit up Glory Days for the cutest matcha and flower pop-up. This beachside café has teamed up with Petal & Pup – the tastemakers of all things pretty – for a one-weekend-only collab, happening on Saturday, July 19 and Sunday, July 20. Swing by from 8am to 1pm for a limited-edition pink matcha (or just a good old cup of coffee) and enjoy it while overlooking the glorious, famed stretch of sand. The best part is that every matcha or coffee purchase comes with a free bunch of blooms – absolutely adorable! Stay in the loop: sign up for our free Time Out Sydney newsletter for more news, food & drink inspo and activity ideas, straight to your inbox. RECOMMENDED READS: In the area? Check out Bondi’s best restaurants. Feel like a drink? Check out our guide to Bondi's best bars. Up for more adventures? Here are the coolest things to do in Bondi.

For a city of its size, Hobart has more than its fair share of impressive hotels. There’s the sleek waterfront MACq01, the boutique adults-only Islington Hotel and Australia’s first dedicated art hotel, the Henry Jones. But it’s The Tasman that continues to turn heads – one of only two Aussie venues to make the World’s 50 Best Hotels list in 2024. You can imagine how giddy I was when I found out I’d be spending a night at The Tasman during a winter trip in Hobart. Although just for one night, I was excited to experience the luxury that’s earned this hotel global acclaim – and it absolutely delivered. Why stay at The Tasman? Anchored on Hobart’s buzzing waterfront, this charming historic hotel was well worth the six-year wait. The original sandstone facade houses 152 rooms spread across three buildings of starkly different eras: Heritage (1840s), Art Deco (1940s) and Pavilion (2020s). The Tasman doesn’t just impress with its award-winning design — it also delivers on dining, thanks to its acclaimed Italian restaurant Peppina and the moody, intimate cocktail bar Mary Mary. Plus, the hotel’s central locale is hard to beat, with the Derwent Harbour, Salamanca Place, Battery Point and Hobart’s CBD on your doorstep. What are the rooms like at The Tasman? The Tasman celebrates Hobart’s maritime heritage with 152 rooms and suites spread across three architecturally distinct buildings, spanning from the 1840s to the present day. I checked into one of the incredibly quaint Heritage r

Come face-to-face with our country’s most topical and trending Australian characters at the nation’s only portrait gallery. From Archie Roach and Adam Goodes to Carla Zampatti and Cate Blanchett, these are the people and artists who have shaped our Australian identity. You can take a squiz at the hundreds of portraits, before popping just across the road to the National Gallery of Australia, Questacon or Old Parliament House.  Time Out tip: Can't make it to Canberra just yet? You can explore the gallery's impressive collection of notorious and glorious portraits online. Address: King Edward Terrace, Parkes Price: Free (excl. some special exhibitions)

At the start of the year, I predicted The Eve Hotel would be one of Australia’s most exciting openings of 2025 – and it looks like I wasn’t wrong. After earning a spot on Travel + Leisure’s list of the 100 Best New Hotels of the Year, I was itching to check in. Two blissful nights later, I can confirm: this boutique beauty lives up to the hype. Opened in February, The Eve is one of the newest kids on the block in the trendy Wunderlich Lane precinct, rubbing shoulders with some of Sydney’s hottest new restaurants, including Bar Julius, Lottie, Olympus and Island Radio. While the hotel has everything you need at your fingertips – from a heated rooftop pool to a luxe spa – it also makes a perfect launchpad for exploring the best of Sydney's inner city suburbs.  What’s The Eve Hotel like? Entering the art-filled lobby from Baptist Street, I almost felt like I’d accidentally stumbled into a contemporary gallery. Designed as a dream collaboration between SJB’s Adam Haddow and 360 Degrees’ Daniel Baffsky, the hotel is both a transporting urban oasis and a delightfully Sydney-centric celebration of place. Soft, organic curves and natural materials set the scene, while pops of colour from custom-made artwork by local artists bring the space to life. The Eve undoubtedly boasts one of Australia’s most stylish lobbies, complete with striking blue couches, burgundy wool banquettes, soothing natural stone walls and eclectic art. Two standout pieces particularly caught my eye: a shimmering

Anyone who knows good hotels knows the Shangri-La. The renowned hotel brand is synonymous with bringing a touch of luxury and peace to urban sanctuaries in more than 20 countries around the world – and the Shangri-La Sydney is no exception. It’s one of only two Shangri-La properties in Australia (the other’s in Cairns), with a third Melbourne hotel in the works. I know I live in one of the most beautiful harbourfront cities in the world, but sometimes it takes watching the sunset on the 36th floor of a famous hotel to remind me just how incredible Sydney really is. The Shangri-La’s biggest selling point is its unobstructed 270-degree views of Sydney’s glittering jewels – the Sydney Harbour Bridge and Opera House. But the panorama doesn’t stop there – it extends from the Blue Mountains in the west all the way to the Pacific Ocean in the east, meaning you can watch both sunrise and sunset without leaving your window (if you’re in one of the Horizon Club Premier Sydney Harbour Rooms). Why stay at Shangri-La Sydney? The unparalleled views of the Sydney Harbour Bridge and Sydney Opera House are a good place to start. You can admire them from the sophisticated Horizon Club guest lounge on level 30, the top-floor bar and restaurant (which is also open to walk-ins), or from one of the harbour-facing rooms and suites. These are some of the biggest in Sydney, complete with every five-star luxury you could ask for. The hotel also houses a heated indoor pool, health club and one of the f

It’s hard to fathom how we ever holidayed without Airbnb. Not being able to stay in a hobbit hole, a shipping container, a UFO-shaped yurt or an old bus turned bougie retreat? Absolutely tragic! Luckily, the age of boring hotel rooms and dodgy motels is over – Australia has so many cool and cosy Airbnbs, with the very best stays just crowned in the 2025 Australian Host Awards. Now in its fifth year, these awards “recognise hosts who go above and beyond, welcoming guests with warmth, thoughtful design and local flavour.” Winners are crowned across six categories, such as Best Design Stay and Best Family-Friendly Stay, with three NSW winners making the cut in 2025. The coolest category, in our humble opinion, is the Best Nature Stay, spotlighting the Airbnb that best showcases Australia’s stunning natural landscape. And if Mother Nature had an Airbnb wishlist, ‘Ligo’ – a dreamy tiny home just outside of Sydney – would be right at the top. Photograph: Rachael Tagg Hidden on a 100-acre property in the Wolgan Valley and surrounded by the UNESCO-listed Blue Mountains National Park, this off-grid retreat is the perfect place to reconnect with the wild beauty of the Australian bush. Hosts Eddie and Ange designed the tiny home using reclaimed materials salvaged from bushfires and floods, offering expansive views of the surrounding bushland, mountains and riverbank. You’re pretty much forced (in a good way) to go off-grid here, with no Wi-Fi, television or mobile phone reception. The

It’s wild to think there was a time when your only accommodation options when travelling were ridiculously expensive hotels, crusty motels or questionable hostels. Now, thanks to Airbnb, you can stay in castles, caves, lighthouses and even giant wine barrels. If you’re in the mood for a funky getaway, Airbnb has just revealed the winners of its 2025 Australian Host Awards – and there are plenty of hidden gems. Now in its fifth year, these awards “recognise hosts who go above and beyond, welcoming guests with warmth, thoughtful design and local flavour.” Winners are crowned across six categories, such as Best Design Stay and Best Family-Friendly Stay, and you can take a peek at the winning Airbnbs below. Best Design Stay: Banksia House, QLD Photograph: Tara Lee Photography Sitting on prime real estate in the Sunshine Coast, this striking coastal headland retreat is the ultimate holiday home for rest and relaxation. It’s one of the few Airbnbs in the area with a pool (a magnesium pool, no less), and also boasts a bocce court, two fireplaces, lush gardens and a lustworthy outdoor bath. Add it to the wishlist! Best Nature Stay: Ligo, NSW Photograph: Rachael Tagg If Mother Nature had an Airbnb wishlist, this dreamy tiny home just outside of Sydney would be right at the top. Hidden on a 100-acre property in the Blue Mountains, this off-grid retreat is the perfect place to reconnect with the wild beauty of the Australian bush. We’re particularly crushing on the private outdoor t

Every so often, you eat something so good it lives rent-free in your brain for years to come. This week, I had one of those moments – but it wasn’t just a single dish, it was a multi-course meal cooked by two of Australia’s top chefs: rising young star KyongHo Daniel Choi and his mentor, the legendary Josh Niland of Saint Peter – Australia’s only entry in The World's 50 Best Restaurants. It was a bucket-list experience to say the least, and I’m here to give you a little look at everything they cooked. To start, how did I end up at a lunch hosted by two award-winning chefs? Earlier this year, Choi won the Pacific Region chapter of the S.Pellegrino Young Chef Academy Competition (SPYCA) 2024/25. In October, he’ll head to Milan to go head-to-head with 14 other rising stars under 30 for the title of the world’s best young chef. To mark the milestone, Choi’s mentor, Josh Niland, hosted a special lunch at Saint Peter – where we got to taste both Choi’s award-winning dish and a selection of Niland’s signature creations. First course: Fish Butchery Charcuterie Photograph: Melissa Woodley for Time Out Niland is best known for his revolutionary fin-to-tail approach to seafood, and that’s most apparent in his inventive fish charcuterie. At Fish Butchery in Waterloo, his team transform lesser-known fish cuts – like tuna heart, fish eyes and kingfish collar – into meat-like delicacies. This starter featured a skewer of swordfish belly bacon, Murray cod chorizo and striped marlin ham, am

It's official: the Pink Pony Club is riding into town, and we are so HOT TO GO! Laneway Festival has just dropped its 2026 line-up, with the Chappell Roan headlining the one-day fest on her first-ever national tour. For its milestone 21st birthday, the summer music party has pulled together its biggest line-up yet, featuring 35 per cent more artists (a third making their Aussie debut). Joining the femininomenon are big-name exclusives, Role Model, PinkPantheress and Wolf Alice, alongside homegrown heroes, Teen Jesus and the Jean Teasers, Blusher, Shady Nasty and more. Another sold-out summer is on the cards, so here’s everything you need to know about getting tickets to the Melbourne edition of Laneway Festival 2026. Good luck, babes! Is Chappell Roan coming to Melbourne? It’s the news we’ve been waiting for! Following Charli xcx’s brat summer earlier this year, Laneway is bringing another pop girlie to headline the festival in 2026. Yep, Chappell Roan is leading the line-up, returning to Melbourne for her first visit since her Midwest Princess Tour in 2023. When is Laneway Festival coming to Melbourne? The 2026 edition of Laneway is coming to Melbourne's Flemington Park on Friday, February 13.  Where else is Laneway Festival happening in Australia? In 2026, Laneway Festival is also heading to: Gold Coast – Saturday, February 7 Sydney – Sunday, February 8 Adelaide – Saturday, February 14 Perth – Sunday, February 15 Who’s on the line-up for Laneway Festival in Melbourne?

Strap in, Sydney! Laneway Festival has just dropped its 2026 line-up, and Midwest Princess Chappell Roan has been announced as the headline act. To celebrate its 21st milestone, the one-day summer music fest is pulling out all the stops with its biggest line-up ever. It'll feature 35 per cent more artists than before, with a third making their Aussie debut. Joining the ‘HOT TO GO!’ line-up are big-name exclusives Role Model, PinkPantheress and Wolf Alice, alongside homegrown heroes, Teen Jesus and the Jean Teasers, Blusher, Shady Nasty and more. Another sold-out summer is on the cards, so here’s everything you need to know about getting tickets to Laneway Festival in Sydney. Good luck, babes! Is Chappell Roan coming to Sydney? The rumours are true! Following Charli xcx’s brat summer earlier this year, Laneway is bringing another pop girlie to headline the festival in 2026. Yep, Chappell Roan is leading the line-up, returning to Australian shores for her first visit since her Midwest Princess Tour in 2023. When is Laneway Festival in Sydney? Laneway Festival returns to Sydney's Centennial Park on Sunday, February 8, 2026. Next year will also see the festival make its debut on the Gold Coast, with other dates in Melbourne, Adelaide and Perth.  Who’s on the line-up for Laneway Festival? Saddle up, Australia – the 2026 line-up is hotter than ever! Of course, Midwest Princess Chappell Roan is headlining the festival across all five Australian cities, joined by big names like UK po

It’s a big day for the girls, the gays, the theys – and basically anyone who loves music in Australia! Laneway Festival has just dropped its 2026 line-up, with the Chappell Roan headlining the one-day fest on her first-ever national tour. For its milestone 21st birthday, the summer music party has pulled together its biggest line-up yet, featuring 35 per cent more artists (a third making their Aussie debut) and a brand-new East Coast venue. Joining the ‘HOT TO GO!’ line-up are big-name exclusives Role Model, PinkPantheress and Wolf Alice, alongside homegrown heroes, Teen Jesus and the Jean Teasers, Blusher, Shady Nasty and more. Another sold-out summer is on the cards, so here’s everything you need to know about getting tickets to Laneway Festival 2026. Good luck, babes! Is Chappell Roan coming to Australia? It’s the news we’ve been waiting for! Following Charli xcx’s brat summer earlier this year, Laneway is bringing another pop girlie to headline the festival in 2026. Yep, Chappell Roan is leading the line-up, returning to Australian shores for her first visit since her Midwest Princess Tour in 2023. When is Laneway Festival? In 2026, Laneway Festival is heading to: Gold Coast – Saturday, February 7 Sydney – Sunday, February 8 Melbourne – Friday, February 13 Adelaide – Saturday, February 14 Perth – Sunday, February 15 Where is Laneway Festival? Laneway Festival is shaking things up in 2026, returning to only two of its former venues: Centennial Park in Sydney and Flemingt

Still obsessed with the Metro? Us too! And fellow transport tragics, we have good news: the multibillion-dollar line linking Westmead and the CBD just hit a major milestone. This week, the NSW Government confirmed the tunnel is officially complete, meaning it’s one step closer to transporting millions of Western Sydney commuters to the city daily in record time. When finished, the game-changing Metro West will feature shiny new stations at Westmead, Parramatta, Sydney Olympic Park, North Strathfield, Burwood North, Five Dock, The Bays, Pyrmont and Hunter Street in the city. On track to open in 2032, the end-to-end trip will take just 22 minutes and double the rail capacity between Western Sydney and the city. Photograph: Supplied | NSW Government | Justin Sanson For the past two years, the tunnel boring machine “Betty” – named after Olympic sprint champion Betty Cuthbert – has been on the grind, chewing through around 200 metres of earth to build the nine-kilometre tunnel. During that time, she’s dug through 790,000 tonnes of Earth – enough to fill a whopping 130 Olympic swimming pools – and lined the tunnel walls with 30,000 concrete segments. In a major milestone, Betty has finally broken through into the future Westmead station cavern – the Metro West line’s deepest station, stretching 500 metres and reaching up to 39 metres below ground. The Westmead metro station will be within walking distance of the suburb's four major hospitals, five world-leading medical research i

Get your pawsports ready! Virgin Australia has just announced that next month, travellers can finally take their pets in the plane cabin on flights out of Melbourne. Pet parents have been waiting 18 months since the airline first revealed its plans to become the first Australian airline to offer onboard pet-friendly flights — and now it’s all systems go! Trial flights will launch on Thursday, October 16, from Melbourne to the Gold Coast and Sunshine Coast, with tickets on sale now for $149 per pet. Photograph: Supplied | Virgin Australia During the testing phase, Virgin will gather customer feedback before rolling out the service across its broader domestic network in 2026. Virgin Australia group chief executive officer, Dave Emerson, said, “With almost 70 per cent of households owning a pet, we expect the service to be embraced by pet lovers all around the country. Beyond convenience for pet owners, the service is also set to boost the pet-friendly travel sector, including hotels and tourism operators.” So, what pets are welcome onboard? Small dogs and cats can fly in-cabin on Melbourne to Sunshine Coast flights, while only small dogs are permitted on Melbourne to Gold Coast routes. All pets must weigh under eight kilograms, including their carrier, and pets with certain health conditions – such as those that are pregnant, recovering from surgery or injury, between eight and 12 weeks old, more than 12 years old, or of a brachycephalic (short, flat-faced) breed – require a

It’s time to let the dogs (and cats) out! Today, Virgin Australia has officially announced that from October 2025, travellers can fly with their pets in the plane cabin on select domestic flights. It’s been just over 18 months since the airline initially revealed its plans to become Australia’s first airline to welcome pets onboard – and tickets are on sale now. Get your pawsports ready! This isn’t the first time Virgin has led the pack, being the first Aussie airline to offer online check-in and baggage tracking. Now, it’s bringing a model that’s proven successful in the US and Europe to Australia. The Australian-first service will launch as a trial on flights from Melbourne to the Gold Coast and Sunshine Coast, with the inaugural journey taking off on Thursday, October 16. During the trial phase, Virgin will gather customer feedback before rolling out the service across its broader domestic network in 2026. Virgin Australia group chief executive officer, Dave Emerson, said, “With almost 70 per cent of households owning a pet, we expect the service to be embraced by pet lovers all around the country. Beyond convenience for pet owners, the service is also set to boost the pet-friendly travel sector, including hotels and tourism operators.” Photograph: Supplied | Virgin Australia What pets are allowed onboard? Small dogs or cats will be welcome on flights between Melbourne and the Sunshine Coast, while only small dogs will be permitted on flights from Melbourne to the Gold C

It’s kind of ironic that many travellers return from their holidays feeling more exhausted than when they left. But we totally get it – there’s a certain guilt that comes with splurging on a big trip, making you feel like you have to see and do everything to get your money’s worth. If you’re ready to give up the guilt and book a getaway to actually relax, you’re in the right spot. New research from Travelbag has revealed the world’s most tranquil destinations for 2025. The long-haul specialists analysed 36 popular destinations, ranking them across four key factors: noise and light pollution, cleanliness, quality of green spaces and congestion levels. After tallying the scores, Queenstown in New Zealand claims the title of the ultimate destination for a tranquil escape. Just a three-hour flight from Australia’s east coast, this outdoorsy paradise is the cleanest city, boasting the second-lowest levels of noise and light pollution. It also achieved an almost-perfect green space quality score of 94.4, offering countless pristine nature spaces to unwind. Picnic in the park, anyone? Three Australian destinations were named among the world’s ten most relaxing spots, including Cairns in third place. This tropical Queensland city matches Queenstown with its low noise and light pollution levels, and also scores strongly for cleanliness and green space quality. However, it’s far more congested than both Queenstown and Seychelles, the island paradise in the Indian Ocean that claimed sec

Who doesn’t love a cheeky long weekend? We thought so! In big news for Western Australia, the state government has announced a major shake-up of its public holiday calendar, with the introduction of two new days off, plus three date changes. Time to start planning those long weekends! Currently, Western Australia has the joint fewest public holidays in Australia at just 11 days off per year. But that’s about to change: this week, the WA Government will introduce the Public and Bank Holidays Amendment Bill 2025, which will take effect from 2028. The two-year lead time is designed to give businesses, schools and communities time to prepare. The first big change is a brand-new public holiday: Show Day, celebrating the Perth Royal Show. It’ll fall on the first Monday of the September/October school holidays, giving everyone an extra long weekend to enjoy the festivities. In addition, Western Australia will officially recognise Easter Saturday as a public holiday, bringing the state in line with all other Australian mainland states (except Tasmania). The new bill also proposes shifting the dates of three existing public holidays to better align WA with other states and territories. One of these is the King’s Birthday, which most Australian states celebrate on June 9 – except WA and Queensland. Currently, WA marks the occasion on the fourth weekend of September to space it out from WA Day on the first Monday in June. This has sparked debate, with West Coasters arguing that it doesn

Forget Willy Wonka – Australia is about to score its very own chocolate factory fantasy. Last week, plans were unveiled for a massive $150 million project that will reimagine Australia’s original Cadbury factory into “the world’s most extraordinary chocolate experience.” Set to open in 2027, this choccy wonderland is everything your sweet dreams are made of – think an interactive cacao forest, a build-your-own bar studio, a hands-on masterclass kitchen and a chocolate emporium (AKA free samples galore). Many Aussies are surprised to discover that Cadbury's century-long Aussie story actually began in Tasmania. Back in 1922, the British confectionery giant picked Claremont, just outside Hobart, as an ideal spot for its international expansion thanks to its riverside location and close access to top-quality dairy farms. Photograph: Supplied | Cadbury Chocolate Experience For decades, the factory doubled as a tourist attraction, giving visitors a behind-the-scenes look at the chocolate-making process, plus plenty of free samples. The tours were discontinued in 2015 due to technology upgrades and health and safety concerns – but Aussies will have a new way to see how their favourite treats are made when The Chocolate Experience opens right next door to Tasmania’s historic Cadbury factory site. It’s been years in the making, but plans for the $150 million chocolate-themed experience will soon be lodged with Glenorchy City Council. If approved, the attraction is expected to draw m