Melissa Woodley

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

A planear as suas viagens para o novo ano? Deve, sem dúvida, contar com aqueles clássicos da bucket list, mas se procura inspiração fresca, 2026 promete um mundo de experiências totalmente novas. Desde dormir num museu ao ar livre até percorrer paisagens ancestrais em e-bikes, fazer zipline sobre magníficas reservas naturais e festejar durante um eclipse solar – sim, a sério – há dezenas de experiências fora do circuito habitual e fora da caixa a acontecer nos próximos 12 meses. Pelos quatro cantos do mundo, a Time Out escolheu as 26 coisas mais incríveis, surpreendentes e emocionantes para fazer em 2026. Recomendado: Podes vir, 2026. Temos as melhores agendas para planear o novo ano

There’s a whole load of cool stuff happening across the world in 2026, but if you’re after some outstanding art to add to your bucket list for the year, Time Out has you covered. We’ve called on our international network of editors and writers, and dug around the ‘upcoming’ sections of galleries across the planet, to curate our very own list of all the art and culture worth travelling for in 2026. From retrospectives of greats like Raphael and Matisse to city-wide biennales and beautifully crafted fashion retrospectives, read on for all the very best exhibitions taking place across the planet in 2026. RECOMMENDED:🎪 The world’s best music festivals for 2026🛍️ The coolest streets in the world🏘️ The coolest neighbourhoods in the world🌍 The best new things to do in the world in 2026 Stay in the loop: sign up to our free Time Out Travel newsletter for all the latest travel news and best stuff happening across the world.

They might be tucked away in CBD parks, or a stone's throw from our beautiful harbour, or in quiet suburban parks. We're talking about outdoor pools around the city that have got your back(stroke). Many are open under strict "swim and go" rules, meaning lap swimmers will be happy, but loungers and sunbathers will need to look elsewhere to make a splash, like one of Sydney's fab beaches. If you’re not one for sand or waves, Sydney’s ocean pools will keep the high tide swell at bay. Take the plunge and make a splash at best outdoor pools in Sydney this summer.    Stay in the loop: sign up for our free Time Out Sydney newsletter for more news, straight to your inbox. RECOMMENDED: These are the best secret swimming spots in SydneyStaying dry? These are the best things to do indoors 

With its stunning beaches and glorious gardens, Sydney is a city with nature therapy on tap. And while a walk in the park or a splash in the ocean can be a good fix for all manner of ills, sometimes what you really need is an all-out indulgent spa day.  Thankfully, the Harbour City is home to some of the most incredible day spas in the country – palaces of rejuvenation ranging from a super-affordable communal bathhouse to a luxe harbourside spa in one of the city’s most high-end hotels.  Our editors – including self-care enthusiast Winnie Stubbs – have valiantly volunteered to try out Sydney’s leading spas, and have put together this list based on how revitalised we felt as we stepped back into the real world. Every few months, we hunt down a new gem to add to the list – Sydney’s wellness game is on the up, and it’s our job to shout from the rooftops about the places that will make you feel like the best version of you.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:  Keen to head further afield? These are the best spas in the Blue Mountains. And these are the best facials in Sydney.Planning a mum-and-daughter day? These are the best afternoon teas in Sydney.

Among South Australia's many eclectic and exciting events, Adelaide Fringe stands proudly as the biggest festival of the calendar year, not to mention the largest arts festival in the Southern Hemisphere. In 2023, it made history as the first-ever Aussie festival to sell more than one million tickets, and has only gotten bigger since. Running from February 20 to March 22, the 2026 program features more than 8,000 global artists performing across 500 venues in an impressive 1,500-plus shows. Spanning from Whyalla across the state to Naracoorte and beyond, you can expect an incredible mix of cabaret, theatre, comedy, circus, music, visual arts, workshops and interactive experiences.  As always, The Garden of Unearthly Delights and Gluttony, will transform Adelaide’s eastern parklands into buzzing hubs full of food, music and eclectic energy. Crowd favourites from 2025, including La Ronde and The LadyBoys of Bangkok, will also return for an extended season, while 2026 brings hundreds of new shows to discover. Lucky for you, we’ve found all the best shows to book at Adelaide Fringe.

Don't let the political reputation of Australia's capital city fool you; there are plenty of diverse and exciting things to do in Canberra. Over the last five years, the city has undergone a hospitality glow-up, with world-class wine bars, trendy restaurants and stylish boutique hotels opening in the rapidly developing cultural precincts of New Acton and Braddon. Although once only visited by eye-rolling schoolkids, political wheelers and culture vultures, Canberra is now a perfect weekend getaway spot, regardless of your interests. Our Travel and News Editor, Melissa Woodley, lived in the capital for four years and has carefully curated this list of the best things to do in Canberra. Her ideal weekend here involves catching up with friends over a lap of Lake Burley Griffin, a big wander in the National Portrait Gallery, hunting for pastries at the Capital Region Farmers Market, and of course, watching the sunset from the top of Mount Ainslie – a non-negotiable too.  Editors' favourite things to do in Canberra: 🌳 Best hidden gem: National Arboretum ☀️ Best outdoor adventure: Mount Ainslie Lookout 🖼️ Best for a hot day: National Portrait Gallery 🍽️ The best restaurants in Canberra🥾 The best hikes in Canberra🖼️ The best museums and galleries in Canberra

In a country that buzzes from sunrise to sunset, you’re guaranteed to find new and exciting things happening no matter where you wake up (or wind down) – and 2026 is shaping up to be a blockbuster year for Australia. As Time Out's Travel and News Editor, it’s my job to hunt down all the newest happenings across every Australian state and territory. From highly anticipated restaurants and hot new hotels to world-first hikes and blockbuster exhibitions, here’s our ultimate list of the 26 best new things to do in Australia in 2026. How many will you tick off? Editors' top picks for 2026: 🥾 Best new hike: Uluṟu-Kata Tjuṯa Signature Walk, NT 🦁 Best new show: The Lion King, NSW 🖼️ Best new exhibition: Monet to Matisse: Defying Tradition, SA 🦘 The best places to visit in Australia🇦🇺 The top tourist attractions in Australia

Buckle up, mates! Australia is set to rock 2026 with a jam-packed schedule of music festivals, cultural celebrations, food fiestas and sporting events. Our Travel and News Editor, Melissa Woodley, has handpicked the ultimate list of the biggest and most exciting events happening across the country in 2026. From sizzling summer food feasts and dazzling winter light displays to vibrant spring flower festivals, there’s something worth travelling for in every state and territory. Start submitting those leave requests and planning your next getaway around these key events across Australia in 2026. Editors' favourite events in Australia in 2026: 🎶 Best for music: Party in the Paddock, TAS ⚽️ Best for sport: AFC Women's Asian Cup  🍷 Best for food and drink: Pair'd Margaret River, WA 😱 The best new things to do in 2026🌎 The best places to visit in Australia

We Aussies are a lucky bunch. You only need to drive an hour or so from any major Australian city to wind up in some of the most beautiful places on earth. However, with so many options, picking which road to venture down can be quite a challenge. To make life easier, our Travel & News Editor, Melissa Woodley, has cherry-picked a selection of the best day trips around Australia – many of which she's tried, tested and would happily do all over again (if only there were more days in the year). From heritage-listed towns and coastal hangouts to mountain escapes, Australia has something for every explorer. Now, all that’s left for you to do is to load the car and hit the open road. Editors' favourite day trips in Australia: 🌊 Best for beach: Perth to Rottnest Island 🌳 Best for nature: Sydney to Blue Mountains ☀️ Best for peace and quiet: Brisbane to Scenic Rim Go to: Sydney | Melbourne | Adelaide | Perth | Brisbane | Canberra | Hobart | Darwin  🚘 Australia's most popular road trips🌳 Regional towns that you can tick off in a day

Dreaming of your next getaway? Check in and fully check out by booking a stay at one of Australia’s most luxurious resorts and lodges. These postcard-worthy destinations offer more than just a place to stay; they’re where you can connect with the very best of Australian culture, take in our country’s most stunning landscapes and embark on some of the nation’s most incredible experiences. Our Travel & News Editor, Melissa Woodley, has been lucky enough to stay at some of these five-star properties and has rounded up all the ones to add to your bucket list. Here are all the best resorts and lodges in Australia for your next getaway.  Editors' favourite resorts in Australia: 🌊 Best for views: Southern Ocean Lodge, SA 🏝️ Best for seclusion: Lizard Island Resort, QLD ⭐️ Best for families: Jamala Wildlife Lodge, ACT QLD | NSW | VIC | SA | TAS | WA | NT | ACT ✨ The best luxury hotels in Australia🤩 Australia's hottest new hotel openings 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 help us to bring you more recommendations every week. For more information, see our affiliate guidelines.

Looking to live it up on your next Aussie getaway? We’ve got you covered. Australia is teeming with 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 stayed at accommodation across every state and territory to bring you the ultimate list of the best hotels in Australia. 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. Editors' favourite hotels in Australia: 😱 Best for views: Park Hyatt Sydney, NSW ⭐️ Best hidden gem: COMO The Treasury, WA 🌊 Best for location: The Langham Gold Coast, QLD Sydney | Byron Bay | Perth | Melbourne | Gold Coast | Brisbane | Adelaide | Hobart ☀️ Australia’s most incredible resorts🤩 The best things to do Down Under🌏 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.

If paradise had a postcode, 2753 would be it – specifically Bowen Mountain, an adorable grassy town in the foothills of the Blue Mountains, just 80 minutes from Sydney CBD. The Blueys have long been my trusty escape from the hustle and bustle of the city, where the world melts into misty peaks, lush bush and the soft soundtrack of bird calls. But at Spicers Sangoma Retreat, that faraway feeling is taken to a whole new level. I had big expectations for this all-inclusive, eco-luxe lodge, which was one of just nine hotels to score two keys in Australia’s inaugural Michelin hotel awards. The phrase “all-inclusive” is a dream to most travellers – think all meals sorted, unlimited drinks and a complimentary minibar that’s restocked daily. Sure, those perks were appreciated – but in the end, it was the genuinely warm service, chef-hatted dining and premium amenities that made my stay memorable. Why stay at Spicers Sangoma Retreat? True to its name – the Zulu word for ‘healer’ – Sangoma feels like a serene, safari-style hideaway, complete with African-inspired interiors across its eight luxury bush suites. It’s the sort of place you escape to when you want to switch off completely, with hours spent roaming through the surrounding bushland, lazing by the solar-heated infinity pool, steaming in the sauna or sipping wine fireside. It’s also a swoon-worthy couples’ retreat, with two-person tubs overlooking the forest canopy, matching robes and slippers, complimentary Champagne and a bi

Broadway smash-hit musical Waitress is making its Melbourne (and Australian) debut in 2026, blending sweetness, sass and soulful songs in one heartwarming show. The Tony-nominated production is set to premiere at Her Majesty's Theatre in May 2026 for an exciting, month-long run.  As one of the world’s newer Broadway sensations, Waitress made its debut in New York in 2016, where it ran for four years. Based on the late Adrienne Shelly’s cult 2007 indie flick of the same name, the musical has been whipped into a moving tale of self-liberation against the odds. The show is brought to life by a trailblazing, female-led creative team, featuring a book by acclaimed screenwriter Jessie Nelson, an uplifting score by Grammy winner Sara Bareilles (including the showstopper anthem, ‘She Used to Be Mine’), and direction by Tony winner Diane Paulus. “It’s been a dream of mine to see Waitress (finally) find its way to Australia,” said Sara Bareilles. “This story is about dreams, friendship and the courage needed to learn to love oneself, which feels so universal and so timely.” As the name suggests, the story follows Jenna, a small-town waitress and seasoned pie maker who dreams of escaping her rocky marriage and starting fresh. When a baking contest and an unexpected new romance give her a taste of change, Jenna discovers that the secret ingredient to happiness might be closer than she thought. The Australian premiere of Waitress has been years in the baking – and we’re ready to have our

Despite being one of the world’s most isolated inhabited islands, Norfolk Island offers plenty of accommodation for visitors. The best part is that there are no five-star, skyscraper hotels to spoil the island’s charm. Every property here is boutique, with a homely feel that wraps you in the warmth of the island and lets you move at your own pace. Seascape Norfolk Island – a collection of four ocean-view cottages – embodies that perfectly. Set amid lush, flowering gardens just eight minutes from town, Seascape offers two- to four-bedroom villas ideal for both couples, families and larger groups. Each cottage is self-contained, giving you your own private slice of paradise, complete with a fully equipped kitchen, spacious lounge areas and an outdoor deck where you can breathe in the fresh air and admire the Pacific Ocean views. What is Seascape Norfolk Island like? A vase of pretty pink flowers, hand-picked from the garden, greets me on the table. In the kitchen, a bowl brims with fresh free-range eggs. My welcome pack even includes a gift card to the local coffee shop and a preloaded local mobile for use during my stay. It’s these thoughtful touches that make Seascape Norfolk Island feel genuinely special. This boutique collection of accommodations offers a pair of two-bedroom villas, the slightly larger two-bedroom Tern Cottage or the ultimate four-bedroom Horizon Cottage. Walking into Horizon Cottage – my base for my four-night stay on Norfolk Island – I immediately felt li

Queenstown is famous for its epic ski fields, dramatic mountains, pristine lakes and, of course, Fergburger. You truly appreciate its popularity when you spot the queue snaking down Shotover Street, which is exactly what I saw as I rolled into town. I arrived at lunchtime, AKA burger o’clock, which made finding a park rather stressful – but somehow I lucked out and pulled straight into the driveway at Crowne Plaza Queenstown by IHG. This shiny, white hotel sits right in the heart of town, directly opposite Lake Wakatipu and a five-minute walk from the legendary Fergburger. It’s arguably one of the town’s most convenient addresses, perfectly positioned just away from the bustle of Steamer Wharf, the mall and Main Town Pier. Beyond its top location, the hotel houses 139 bright rooms with stunning lake or mountain views. Whether you’re here for the ski season, an adventurous hike or a family getaway, Crowne Plaza Queenstown has everything you need for a comfortable stay. What are the rooms like at Crowne Plaza Queenstown? The views truly steal the show at Crowne Plaza Queenstown. The four-star hotel is home to 139 bright rooms, boasting vistas of Lake Wakatipu, the Remarkables mountain range or the private sunny courtyard. I’d recommend booking one of the lakeside rooms, where you can enjoy sweeping views of New Zealand’s longest lake and the surrounding dramatic mountain ranges from your own private balcony. Sunlight spilled into my spacious room, highlighting the natural colou

The three crystalline towers of The Langham Gold Coast are like jewels in the Surfers Paradise skyline, but it’s not just the exterior that brings diamonds to mind. This modern, five-star resort, complete with an award-winning day spa and health club, two swimming pools, six dining venues and panoramic ocean views, delivers an equally high-carat experience once you cross the threshold. When The Langham welcomed its first guests in June 2022, it marked the first luxury beachfront hotel debut on the Gold Coast in more than three decades. Three years on, we can confirm that it's still shining just as brightly as on day one. Why stay at The Langham Gold Coast? I caught my first glimpse of The Langham long before I arrived at its doorstep. Its three glistening towers stand loud and proud between Surfers Paradise and Broadbeach, with the two outer towers housing 170 ‘Jewel Residences’ (think luxury serviced apartments) and the tallest, central tower boasting 169 rooms and suites. But you’re paying for far more than just a place to sleep. This luxe hotel is home to six standout dining and drinking experiences, including a signature beachfront restaurant, a Michelin-starred Cantonese fine diner, a fancy high tea haven and a lively outdoor pool bar. Then there’s the luxurious wellness centre on level two, featuring an indoor magnesium pool, a multi-purpose health studio and a fancy day spa. Plus, with the beach just steps away, it doesn’t get much better than this. What are the rooms

Set inside a heritage confectionery shop – no larger than your average sauna – this cosy Liverpool Street diner is the latest venture from acclaimed chef Luke Burgess (ex-Garagistes). Scholé takes its name from the Greek word for leisure, which is fitting for a space that encourages creativity and conversation, all centred around a communal ten-seater table. The share-style menu sways with the seasons, featuring biodynamic and local produce in elegant snacks like steamed wild angasi oysters from St Helens with fresh wasabi oil and hemp seed froknäcke (cracker) topped with salt-cured pike and pink radish. Larger plates are seafood-centric, where you could enjoy anything from smoked eel and raw scallops to albacore tuna and grilled swordfish. Complete the experience with a natural wine, a considered cocktail or a pour of premium Japanese sake. Time Out tip: On Tuesday nights, Scholé transforms into a buzzy tachinomi – a casual Japanese-style standing bar serving a tight selection of snacks and drinks. It’s walk-in only, so rock up early to secure a spot.

First built in the 1830s as a flour mill and water supplier, this historical building at the mouth of Cataract Gorge has gone on to become Launceston's premier destination for fine dining and boutique accommodation. With a strong focus on sustainable local produce like Cape Grim beef, abalone and wallaby, it’s a firm local favourite as well as a national award winner. The hyper-seasonal menu evolves to hero the region's freshest local produce, and the wine list is considered one of the best in the state, featuring many gems from the cool climate Tamar Valley.  Time Out tip: The earlier you book, the better the view – seats with water views are given to those who book first. RECOMMENDED: The best things to do in Launceston

When it comes to Canberra’s best restaurant views, Lunetta takes the cake – or the torta, considering it’s Italian. After a dramatic three-year hiatus, this spaceship-like dome atop Red Hill Lookout has been reborn, with a young superstar chef, Tristan Rebbettes (ex-Mona Farm, Saint Peter, Café Paci), leading the charge. In true Italian style, you must start with spuntini – may we recommend the gnocco fritto with honey and pecorino? Then make way for woodfired flatbreads with antipasti, including a selection of cheeses, salumi and cured fish. For secondi, share baked vodka pasta, a rich duck ragu or a whole market fish with puttanesca sauce. Celebrating a special occasion? Go big with the one-kilogram bistecca alla fiorentina. A lovely little torta caprese with dark chocolate, crème fraîche and orange will finish your night off nicely.  Time Out tip: Swing by Lunette during aperitivo hour from 3pm to 6pm for $18 cocktails and snacks starting at $6.50.  RECOMMENDED: The best restaurants in Canberra

If the sweeping oceanic views haven’t already sold you, the food and finesse at Gibney surely will. This sophisticated brasserie ticks all the boxes, with plush banquette seating and a glam bar all softened by a coastal colour palette. With a menu that reads as a who’s who of Australia’s most premium producers, you can’t go wrong. Start with fresh seafood and snacks, before moving on to premium mains, including a grilled O’Connor 3+ sirloin, Shark Bay clam spaghetti and Fremantle swordfish cooked in cider beurre blanc – don’t forget to mop up the to-die-for sauce with a buttered slice of sourdough. Since its inception, Gibney has proven to be one of the best restaurants in Perth for both lunch and dinner services, seven days a week. Time Out tip: For ultimate comfort, book a booth for your group and sit back, relax, and let Gibney do the hard yakka, with a side of the Fremantle Doctor, of course. RECOMMENDED: The best restaurants in Perth

Ondeen is a love letter to farm-to-table dining, marrying locally-sourced ingredients with botanicals foraged from the property’s very own garden. The super sustainable restaurant is housed in a former 1850s homestead, located just three minutes from Hahndorf and 25 minutes from Adelaide CBD. Culinary director Kane Pollard and head chef Julian Peek source 95 per cent of ingredients from South Australia, serving them fresh or briefly kissed by charcoal. Expect housemade focaccia served with living cheese and brined green tomatoes, whole pork terrine cooked over fire, ash-rolled chicken with malted-grain mushroom risotto, and hearth-baked pies topped with fresh herbs and flowers from the garden. Time Out tip: Bookend your feast with a visit to the adjacent wine room, featuring four small-batch, cool-climate wines from Artis, Jericho, Silver Lining and Turon. RECOMMENDED: The best restaurants in Adelaide

At Adelaide’s first open-flame restaurant, main character energy comes from a three-and-a-half-tonne wood-burning oven that sizzles everything from local figs and spiced cauliflower to Murray cod with sweet corn sauce, as well as the dry-aged wagyu T-bone. Michelin-trained chef Jake Kellie heads this sleek barbecue restaurant, which is housed inside a heritage-listed sandstone building. You can dine à la carte from Arkhé’s seasonally-driven menu, or try for a seat at the exclusive chef’s table, located in the heart of the restaurant. Sip on enticing cocktails with the likes of a Wattleseed Negroni and Watermelon Fizz, which sit atop Arkhé’s extensive drinks list. Time Out tip: We quite like the seating at the very back of the restaurant, which backs onto a leafy courtyard – it’s like you’re outside but you’re inside all at the same time. There’s something rather calming about it. RECOMMENDED: The best restaurants in Adelaide

Named after a Japanese style of pottery, Raku blurs the lines between art and sustenance. The menu is extensive, showcasing seafood in all its rainbow glory. You can have it raw in the kingfish served with truffle yuzu, cold in a spanner crab sushi roll, or hot as king prawns doused in XO butter. Masters of the blades, the chefs expertly slice up fresh snapper, tuna belly and scallops into sashimi or nigiri; add crunch with popcorn shrimp on the tempura menu; and grill high-grade Wagyu on a robata charcoal grill. The carefully adorned plates are a spectacle in themselves, never mind the super sleek, monochrome fit-out to boot. From the $60 express lunch to the $170 royal tasting degustation, Raku will leave you wishing you had the moolah to dine here daily – or maybe you do, but that’s none of our business. Time Out tip: Gluten-free, gang, rejoice. There’s a five-page menu dedicated to you, featuring treats like chargrilled cauliflower with miso-butter mayonnaise and soft shell crab tempura. RECOMMENDED: The best restaurants in Canberra

As a travel writer, I’ve spent more hours than I’d like to admit waiting for delayed flights. I know Sydney’s domestic airports better than my local Woolies layout, and I’ve probably walked a half-marathon pacing up and down the terminals. All the waiting has given me plenty of time to ponder which airline is most likely to delay my flight – and it looks like my guess (Qantas) is spot on. The Flying Kangaroo has just landed on a new list of the world’s ten most delayed airlines for 2025. To compile the ranking, flight tracking app Flighty analysed data from 22 million flights, covering a mega 78 million hours of air travel. Planes were considered delayed if they arrived 15 minutes or more past their scheduled ETA, with travellers collectively spending 1.4 million hours waiting around for late take-offs. Overall, Ryanair, Air France and easyJet topped the list as the most-delayed airlines of 2025, all with almost one-third of flights (29 per cent) departing late. American carrier Frontier Airlines followed closely behind, with 28 per cent of flights taking off after the 15-minute mark, while German airline Lufthansa rounded out the top five at 26 per cent. Photograph: Supplied | Qantas Only one Aussie airline made the global top ten, with Qantas coming in sixth after 26 per cent of flights were delayed between January and November 2025. That's only slightly above the industry standard, where delayed flights average 22 per cent and global wait times sit at around 23 minutes. 

We're officially two weeks out from Christmas Day! Will it rain? That’s the million-dollar question on everyone’s lips right now. In recent years, Australia’s Christmas weather has been a mixed bag, with the skies delivering everything from downpours to bushfires. But it looks like we’re finally in Santa’s good books, with some ripper temperatures expected across the country on Christmas Day in 2025. That said, you might want to pack an umbrella with their pavlova, since most cities are looking at a slight chance of rain throughout the day. It goes without saying that the weather is incredibly hard to predict, and these long-range forecasts (courtesy of AccuWeather) are likely to change as we near Christmas. Regardless, here’s the current forecast for Christmas Day in 2025 in Australia. We’ll keep you updated closer to the big day.  What is the weather in Adelaide on Christmas Day? Temperature: High of 24°C, low of 10°C. Weather: Nice with some clouds, then sunshine. Intense UV rays. Zero chance of rain. What is the weather in Brisbane on Christmas Day? Temperature: High of 35°C, low of 22°C. Weather: Warmer with bright periods; humid in the morning, then breezy in the afternoon. 25 per cent chance of rain. What is the weather in Canberra on Christmas Day? Temperature: High of 26°C, low of 7°C. Weather: Partly to mostly sunny and pleasant; breezy in the afternoon. Very low chance of rain. What is the weather in Darwin on Christmas Day? Temperature: High of 31°C, low

After 35 flights, 21 cities and countless delays, my 2025 travel diary is officially closed. In my role as Time Out Australia’s Travel Editor, I’ve had so many pinch-me moments this year. From swimming with whale sharks in the Ningaloo Reef to flying over The Whitsundays’ famous Heart Reef, I’ve ticked off epic experiences I didn’t even know existed. To provide you with some inspiration for your 2026 adventures, I’ve rounded up all the most incredible things I did in Australia this year. Do yourself a favour and add them to your own Aussie bucket list.  Photograph: Melissa Woodley for Time Out 1. Flying over Heart Reef in The Whitsundays Heart Reef is easily one of Australia’s most Instagram-worthy landmarks, and yes, it now has a permanent spot on my feed. As part of my stay at the Intercontinental Hayman Island Great Barrier Reef, I was lucky enough to go on a helicopter ride over the famous heart-shaped reef. Trust me: those aqua swirls of powder-blue sea and white silica sand are just as beautiful as you’d imagine. It’s a total blow-out experience, but it’s absolutely worth it. Photograph: Melissa WoodleyRainbow Valley, Alice Springs 2. Watching the sunset at Rainbow Valley near Alice Springs Just outside of Alice Springs, Rainbow Valley is one of those rare places that truly took my breath away. Known as Wurre to the Upper Southern Arrernte Traditional Owners, this conservation area is home to many significant archaeological sites and ancient Aboriginal artefacts. I

Queensland is Australia’s ultimate summer destination, and it’s only getting hotter as the state gears up for the 2032 Brisbane Olympic Games. With new hotels, stadiums and restaurants transforming the landscape, the Sunshine State is shedding its old clichés of sunburnt tourists and souvenir shops. Before the next wave of transformation arrives, let’s rewind and see how Queensland’s iconic attractions and destinations have evolved over time. Photograph: Tourism and Events Queensland Lady Elliot Island: 1970s vs 2025 Did you know Lady Elliot Island was once a barren island and is now one of the world’s leading ecological resorts? Photograph: Tourism and Events Queensland Streets Beach, South Bank, Brisbane: 1992 vs 2024 Did you know Streets Beach in Brisbane is Australia’s only inner-city, man-made beach? Photograph: Supplied | Australia Zoo Australia Zoo, Sunshine Coast: 2004 vs 2019 Did you know Australia Zoo, made famous by Steve Irwin, started as a small reptile park in 1970 with just a few crocs? Now, it houses more than 1,200 animals from around the world. Photograph: Tourism and Events Queensland Sea World, Gold Coast: 2006 vs 2025 Did you know Sea World opened in 1971 with just a handful of dolphin and seal exhibits? Now, the park spans 50 hectares and features rollercoasters, shows, aquariums and penguins. Photograph: Daryl Jones & Tourism and Events Queensland Abell Point Marina (now Coral Sea Marina), The Whitsundays: 1985-95 vs 2025 Did you know 80 per 

Pinch me! It feels like we were only just ringing in the New Year – yet somehow, 12 months have flown by and we’re gearing up to do it all again. The summer break is a wonderful time to relax, reset and start plotting your goals for 2026 – and naturally, your next getaway. If you’re looking for some inspo, Time Out has you covered with our fresh list of the 26 best things to do in the world in 2026 – and the fourth-best experience is right here in Australia. From sleeping in an open-air museum to e-biking through ancient landscapes and partying through a solar eclipse, 2026 is stacked with seriously off-the-beaten-track experiences. Closer to home, all eyes are on the Gold Coast Hinterland – 1.5 hours from Brisbane – which is set to score the world’s first cliff park, complete with Australia’s highest zipline. Queensland’s 20,000-hectare Lamington National Park, with its lush subtropical forests, majestic waterfalls and ancient trees, is perhaps best explored on foot via its 40-odd hiking trails. Or is it? Well, thanks to the opening of the world-first Happitat Adventure Park, which sits on a cliff edge in the UNESCO World Heritage site, you can see for yourself.  Photograph: Supplied | Happitat Adventure Park Officially welcoming visitors from January 10, Happitat is billed as the world’s first all-encompassing cliff park, combining ziplines, suspension bridges, via ferrata climbs, rainforest walks and swimming holes. “In a single day, visitors can experience climbs and ac

There are countless ways to travel – by plane, cruise ship, train, horseback, or in this case, on two wheels. Cycling holidays are one of the most underrated and sustainable ways to explore the world – and we predict this method of travel is set to surge in popularity in 2026. If you’re keen to saddle up, there’s no better place to start than our very own backyard. Australia’s wildly diverse landscapes offer something for every type of rider – from gentle rail trails and family-friendly forest paths to epic multi-day adventures where you’ll really feel the burn (in the best way). To get the wheels turning, we asked the gurus at Australian Cycle Tours to round up the ten most popular cycling holidays across the country. From solo rides to guided journeys, there’s something here for every pace and pedal power. Photograph: The Edit Suite   1. Brisbane Valley Rail Trail, QLD Stretching 161 kilometres between Wulkuraka and Yarraman in southern Queensland, this is Australia’s longest rail trail, tracing the former Brisbane Valley rail line built over 29 years between 1884 and 1913. Completed in 2018, the mostly flat and vehicle-free cycle path is ideal for cruisy rides, with plenty of chances to refuel in historic country towns along the way. Distance: 161 kilometresDays: Four daysDifficulty: Moderate Photograph: Supplied | Australian Cycle Tours 2. Murray to Mountains Rail Trail, VIC Head to Victoria’s High Country for the ride of your life. In 2024, the beloved Murray to Moun

If the three-day heatwave we've just experienced is any indication, Melbourne's summer is officially in full swing – and we couldn't be happier about the extra sunshine. So if you’re also a fan the long, warm days and balmy nights, you’ll want to mark your calendar for the summer solstice – aka the longest day of the year – which is happening on Sunday, December 21.This year in Melbourne, the summer solstice is set to bless us with 14 hours and 47 minutes of sunshine. Here’s a rundown of how long the daylight will last and the exact timings of sunrise and sunset. What is the summer solstice? The summer solstice marks the longest day of the year, bringing the most daylight hours between sunrise and sunset. In the Southern Hemisphere, this happens when our side of Earth is tilted closest to the sun. As a result, the sun's rays hit the Earth more directly, leading to extended daylight hours and the sun appearing higher in the sky. At the same time, the Northern Hemisphere will experience the winter solstice, due to the North Pole being at its farthest tilt away from the sun. Photograph: Mitchell Luo via Unsplash When is the summer solstice in Melbourne 2025? The summer solstice occurs annually across the Southern Hemisphere between December 21 and 23. In 2025, Melbourne’s longest day falls on Sunday, December 21, with 8.41pm marking the exact time of the solstice. From December 22, our days will gradually become shorter than our nights until the winter solstice in Australia on

Update Friday, December 19: Qantas has released a first look at its inaugural Project Sunrise aircraft, now in the final stage of preparation before an extensive test flight program begins in 2026. The aircraft will be capable of flying up to 22 hours non-stop, thanks to an additional 20,000 litre fuel tank. If you’ve ever been lucky enough to fly to Europe’s sparkling shores, you’ll also have been brave enough to have endured the heinously long, multi-stage journey time to get there. But thanks to Qantas, the Sydney to London passage is set to get a whole lot smoother over the next few years. Almost eight years ago, Qantas announced its ambitious plan to launch direct flights from Sydney to London. Clocking in at just over 20 hours, it will claim the title of the longest non-stop passenger flight in the world. The initial 2025 launch was pushed back due to technical issues and pandemic-related delays, but now a new launch date has been announced for the first half of 2027. Currently, the world’s longest flight is Singapore Airlines’ direct service from Singapore to New York, which covers around 15,300 kilometres in roughly 18.5 hours. Qantas’ 17.5-hour journey from Perth to London is the world’s third longest, while the 17-hour Perth to Paris route and the 16-hour Melbourne to Dallas flight follow close behind.  Once the Sydney to London Heathrow flight launches, it will surpass them all, with an air time of around 20 hours across 17,015 kilometres. Qantas has named it Proje

Update, December 2025: Since our last update in May 2025, Palestine has been added to the 'do not travel' list, while Lebanon has been moved down a security level to the 'Reconsider your need to travel' list. You know that saying, “safety first”? When it comes to travel, it’s one of the best pieces of advice you can follow. Exploring an unfamiliar country is exciting, but can also be an overwhelming experience, so the last thing you want is to find yourself in a risky situation. To help keep your adventures stress-free this year, we’ve pulled together a handy guide on all the destinations Smarttraveller is warning Australian travellers to avoid in 2026. The Australian government's Smartraveller website is known for providing up-to-date travel advice for 178 destinations worldwide. Each country is assigned an ‘advice level’ that reflects the risk for Aussie travellers, ranging from ‘Level one: exercise normal safety precautions’ to ‘Level four: do not travel’.  Currently, Smarttraveller is urging Australians to steer clear of 23 countries across Africa, Asia, the Americas, Europe and the Middle East. Four updated warnings have been issued in December 2025 alone, including the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Venezuela, Myanmar and North Korea – due to dangerous security situations. As of December 19, 2025, Aussies are also being advised to "Reconsider their need to travel to" 11 destinations. Some of these inclusions are long-standing, such as Nigeria, Ethiopia and Pakistan,

With one of the longest coastlines in the entire world – covering up to 60,000 kilometres – Australia has no shortage of places to cool off. But sometimes, you want to swap sand and crowds for the calm, convenience and privacy of your very own pool. The good news? You don’t need to own one to live the dream, thanks to Swimply – a handy app that lets you book private pools across Australia by the hour. We like to think of Swimply as an Airbnb for pools, connecting hosts keen to earn some extra cash with pool-less Aussies chasing a sunny place to splash around. From city rooftop pools to big backyard oases, there are hundreds of options across Australia, ranging from just $25 to $300 per hour. Photograph: Supplied | Swimply The app's search function makes it easy to find exactly what you’re after – whether that’s a pet-friendly pool, a party-friendly setup, a spacious spot for a family barbecue or a luxe villa for a photoshoot. The highest-rated pools offer bar fridges, sun lounges, Bluetooth speakers, pool toys and bathroom facilities, while some hosts offer extras for a small fee, including barbecues, fire pits and gyms. If the idea of splashing around in some random’s pool feels a little strange, don’t overthink it – more than 4 million people have used Swimply worldwide. Once you’ve picked the perfect pool, you’ll get clear arrival instructions and can then relax in full privacy for as long as you book. Swimply currently has pools listed in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, th

Australia’s hot girl summer is officially in full swing, meaning the sunnies, bucket hats and short shorts have come out to play. If you’re hoping to soak up the warmer days and balmy summer nights, you’ll want to mark your calendar for the 2025 summer solstice on Sunday, December 21 – aka the longest day of the year. In Australia, the summer solstice is set to bless us with between 13 and 15.5 hours of daylight, depending on which city you’re in. Here’s a rundown of the exact timings of sunrise and sunset.  When is the summer solstice in Australia? The summer solstice occurs annually across the Southern Hemisphere between December 21 and 23. In 2025, Australia’s longest day falls on Sunday, December 21. From then on, our days will gradually become shorter than our nights until the winter solstice in Australia on Sunday, June 21, 2026. What is the summer solstice? The summer solstice marks the longest day of the year, bringing the most daylight hours between sunrise and sunset. In the Southern Hemisphere, this happens when our side of Earth is tilted closest to the sun. As a result, the sun's rays hit the Earth more directly, leading to extended daylight hours and the sun appearing higher in the sky. At the same time, the Northern Hemisphere will experience the winter solstice, due to the North Pole being at its farthest tilt away from the Sun.  How long does the summer solstice last?  On December 21, Australia will bask in between 13 and 15.5 hours of daylight. Here are the

Santas are soaring across rooftops. Nativity scenes are occupying front porches. Inflatable reindeer are perched on garages. Laser lights are dancing to Christmas carols. A bajillion fairy lights are twinkling across the city. Yep, Sydney is turning technicolour for the festive season.Sure, the city does Christmas beautifully (hello, Martin Place and the QVB), but there’s something magical about suburban streets where neighbours get together and go all out for the love of Chrissie. Whether you’re heading to the North Shore, Northern Beaches, Hills District or further afield, Sydney’s Christmas light trails are all about community-minded festive cheer. Photograph: Supplied | Scott Ehler   Our tips? Park on a nearby side street and walk around – it’s safer and lets you soak up the atmosphere. Have some gold coins handy – many homes of raise funds for awesome charities. Wear comfortable walking shoes and a jumper in case it gets chilly. If you’re hoping to see something more than just a lonely string of fairy lights, then Christmas Light Search is here to save the day. The massive interactive site has mapped out all the best Christmas lights across Australia, so there are bound to be some local gems within driving distance. All you have to do is type in your suburb or postcode, and you’ll be presented with a map of houses to add to your trail.  The best Christmas light displays in Sydney for 2025: Regentville Rd, Glenmore Park Challenger St, Gregory Hills Murrumba Pl, Castle