Your ultimate guide to Australia

Looking to live it up on your next Aussie getaway? We’ve got you covered. Our country is practically swimming in great hotels, from new boutique stays with heated infinity pools to revamped classics boasting five-star rooftop bars. 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 picks of Australia’s top hotels. Who makes the cut? While we might not stay in every hotel or accommodation offering featured, we've based our list on top reviews, hosts and amenities to find you the best stays. This article includes affiliate links. These links have no influence on our editorial content. For more information, see our affiliate guidelines.

Whether it’s a home among the gum trees or a beachfront base, you’ll be spoiled for choice with Australia’s campgrounds, and they even upped the game by making them free. You may not have access to showers or flushing toilets, but hey, we’ll take it if it means a front-row seat to some of the country’s most gorgeous coastlines or extraordinary national parks. There are a couple of variables between the sites like what amenities are available, if they need to be booked in advance, if they're caravan/tent friendly and if you require a national park pass, so be sure to call or look up your desired destination in advance to avoid disappointment. Above all, keep these campsites clean so we get to experience them in all their beauty for years to come. But without further ado, here’s our roundup of the best free campsites Down Under. RECOMMENDED: The 9 most epic Australian road trips to do before you die.

In a country as ridiculously vast as Australia, the only way to really see everything is to do it on your own set of four wheels. The humble road trip is kind of a quintessential Aussie cultural practice, with our nation's abundance of gorgeously scenic drives, bizarre roadside curios and secret nature spots making any kind of long road trip more than the average drive. We've rounded up the nine most epic Australian road trips that you should drive away on at least once in your life. From sweeping coastal drives full of fresh oysters to rugged voyages through the Outback, these routes are tried, tested and certifiably excellent.  Whether you're after a wholesome day trip from Sydney, a week-long adventure or a multi-week trek that'll make you feel like an intrepid National Geographic explorer, there's something on this list for everyone. Now, all that's left to do is pack snacks, download some podcasts and let yourself loose on the open road.  Want more? Drive to one of the 8 most beautiful places in Australia. PSA: Some of these road trips take you through vast, isolated landscapes where there is no service or facilities. Make sure that you and your vehicle are prepared when heading into the wilderness. That means packing plenty of water, provisions and a satellite phone – and, if you're going somewhere rugged, only driving a car that tackles tricky terrain. 

Dreaming of your next island getaway? Check-in and fully check out by booking a stay at one of Australia’s most dreamy 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 top bucket list experiences. You can soak up the scenes from an outdoor bathtub in the Kimberley wilderness, get up close to wildlife from a fancy suite at Canberra’s zoo, relax at a secluded hilltop escape on the Tasmanian coast, or swim in crystal clear waters at a private island resort on the Great Barrier Reef. Here are all the resorts and lodges to book for your next Australian getaway.  Who makes the cut? While we might not stay in every hotel or accommodation offering featured, we've based our list on top reviews, hosts and amenities to find you the best stays. This article includes affiliate links. These links have no influence on our editorial content. For more information, see our affiliate guidelines.

Whether a saltwater plunge or a stroll by the bay, water has this uncanny ability to quiet a busy mind and restore calm to the soul. A good surf, a morning on the water or a good game of beach cricket with sand in between your toes all evoke a liveliness that makes you forget, even momentarily, about the work or stress that may be waiting upon the opening of your laptop. So clock off, pack your (beach) bags and dig out the cossies, because these are the best beach towns in Australia that you really don’t want to miss out on. Want to know where you should be getting sandy in Straya? Look no further than the best beaches in Australia.  

Australia is pretty hard to beat when it comes to natural landmarks and epic experiences. However, it’s hard knowing which ones live up to the hype. We’ve done the hard yards and compiled a list of the top tourist attractions 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. And if you’re looking for a bit more travel inspiration, check out the best places to visit in Australia right now. RECOMMENDED: The most exciting events happening in Australia in 2024. Stay in the loop: sign up for our free Time Out Australia newsletter for more news, travel inspo and activity ideas, straight to your inbox. 

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 and prettiest 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, safe swimming conditioning (read: you won't see anywhere with saltwater crocs on this list), and proximity to other incredible activities, so your adventure out doesn't end with just one dip. Some of these picks have been richly awarded in the past, while others are less mainstream – but rest easy knowing that every single one of them is well worth their salt, in more ways than one. Now, all that's left is for you to find out for yourself. 🌊 The best nudist beaches in Australia🏄 Australia's top surf beaches🌈 All the best places to visit in Australia

As it turns out, the land of sun and good weather also doubles as a hotspot for world-class sporting events. Year-round, we welcome the world’s top tennis players, race car drivers, runners, sailors and sporting superstars to play on our glorious home turf. While Australia's winter sports are a far cry from Canada’s frozen hockey or England’s Premier League, our national leagues like the AFL and the NRL, still pack out pubs and have put Australia on the international sports map. But it’s in summer that Australia's sporting scene truly shines with the likes of The Ashes, the Australian Open and the Sydney Hobart Yacht Race. So even if being sporty isn’t your thing, strap in for some premium entertainment at one of Australia’s best sporting events. 🏄🏾 Australia's best beaches to catch a wave🏆 Everything to know about the 2026 Commonwealth Games🎾 Australia ranks as one of the world’s sportiest countries

Saturday sleep-ins are great, but nothing beats a weekend amble to the local farmers market. A mandatory stop on almost any regional holiday, these outdoor marketplaces buzz with local producers selling the freshest flowers, most seasonal produce and tastiest street food.  You've undoubtedly heard of the big players (hello Queen Victoria Market and Adelaide Central Market), but there are plenty of smaller (and equally spectacular) markets waiting for you to explore. Our round-up of the best markets in Australia covers them all – from the big names to the charming regional treasures. RECOMMENDED: The 9 most epic Australian road trips to do before you die.

If you didn’t know already, Australia is home to some of the most incredible hikes on the planet. From week-long treks through red deserts and green mountains, to easy day hikes through rainforests and across secret beaches, the land Down Under has every possible kind of walk imaginable – and trust us, they’re all bloody good.  If you’re looking at lacing up your hiking boots this year, we’ve got you covered with our pick of the eight best hikes and walks to do in Australia.  Using the age-old philosophy of variety being the best spice, this list has a little bit of everything. From self-guided kid-friendly day walks to life-changing multi-day treks that can be done independently or in a guided group, we’ve rounded up the most beautiful hikes in Australia, just for you. RECOMMENDED: The world’s most epic trails have been revealed and four are in Australia.

You know what’s finally trending in 2024? Self-care. While a warm bubble bath or 15-minute face mask is a nice pick-me-up, nothing beats a full-on pamper session at the spa. And boy does Australia have some pretty phenomenal pamper palaces that’ll leave you glowing from head to toe. Whether you’re treating yourself to a five-star massage while on holiday or searching for a local bathhouse to add to your weekly routine, we think you should add these spa days to the top of your to-do list. Here are the most luxurious day spas in Australia. RECOMMENDED: The best health and wellness retreats in Australia.

If there's one sure-fire way of injecting joy into your year – it's festivals. Gathering with like-minded people in rainbow-festooned palaces full of amazing music, glittering performances and zesty food sounds like utopia to us – which is why it's a blessing that Australia has an incredible array of festivals on offer, one for every season of the year. In this list, we round up the best festivals that we reckon you should check out Down Under this year. Starting with those that are on earliest in the year and ending with those at the end, each of these festivals has been selected for its scale, its astonishing visuals, and its commitment to seriously good times. From music to comedy, to wild light displays in the Outback, you can rest assured that going to any of these incredible Aussie festivals will be a bloody good time indeed.  🎭 The best musical and theatre shows in Australia🎨 Australia's best art galleries🍔 The best food festivals in Australia

There’s just something superior about sipping an Aperol Spritz high in the sky rather than on solid ground. Maybe it’s the stellar skyline views and the magic of golden hour, or perhaps it’s just the alcohol talking – either way, we can’t resist the temptation of a top-notch rooftop bar. Luckily, Australia is spoiled for choice with spectacular spots to drink and dine in the sky. Our expert local writers have risen (quite literally) to the occasion to bring you this list of the best rooftop bars across the country. From a trendy terrace with an infinity pool to an open-air oasis with 360-degree skyline views, these are the trendiest spots to be seen or not be seen by the revellers down below. 🍹 The best bars in Australia🍺 Australia's greatest pubs for a pint🍷 The best wineries to visit Down Under

The humble sausage roll is as Australian as a Bunnings snag on a Saturday. Whether it’s from your school tuck shop, the local servo or a fancy neighbourhood bakery, there’s never a bad time to chomp into one. If you’re a fellow fan of juicy, spiced logs of meat wrapped in flaky, buttery jackets of pastry, then you’ve landed in the right place. We’ve quizzed foodies around Australia to bring you a list of incredible sausage rolls worth travelling for. No beef here – we’re not calling them the ‘best’, just ones that absolutely won’t disappoint. Get rolling! 🥧 Where to find the best pies in Australia🍕 Australia’s best slices of pizza🐟 Our favourite spots for fish and chips in Australia

There ain’t no party like a pizza party, and we’ve got plenty of places worth celebrating Down Under. Whether you’re a slave to the traditional Neapolitan and Sicilian-style slices or crave the carby goodness of a deep dish or New York-style slab, Australia pumps out some of the best pizzas in the world (a close second to Italy, of course). In no particular order, here are the pizzerias that we reckon are a cut above the rest in Australia. RECOMMENDED: Plan your trip around a meal at one of Australia’s finest and fanciest restaurants.

No matter where you live in Australia, we take our baked goods very seriously. Between our sourdough-centred meals, we all need a little sweet treat (trust us, you deserve one). Luckily for us, Australian bakers are giving Parisian pâtissiers a run for their money, creating their own takes on classic baked goods to create one-of-a-kind products.  You’ve undoubtedly heard of the big players (hello Lune Croissanterie), but there are plenty of neighbourhood gems to spend your hard-earned dough. While we wish we could shower love on every flaky, buttery layer of pastry, we’ve narrowed it down to a few of our favourite bakeries in Australia. 🥧 The best pies in Australia☕️ Australia's greatest coffee shops and roasters🥪 The best cafés in Australia

Australia’s charming climates and picturesque landscapes are a recipe for some of the world’s finest wines. You’ll find more than 100 grapes grown across our leading wine regions, which are concentrated in South Australia’s Barossa Valley and McLaren Vale, NSW’s Hunter Valley, Victoria’s Yarra Valley and beyond. You could spend weeks jumping between cellar doors in each region, sipping fine wines all day long – but that’s probably not entirely sensible. Why not start with our 30 top picks, and take it from there? Whether you opt to journey as part of a group or embark on an impromptu self-guided tour, these are the wineries to uncork. RECOMMENDED: Plan your winery tour around a meal at one of Australia’s best restaurants.

Fish and chips are such a nostalgic meal for Australians that it’s easy to forget that they didn’t actually originate here. Sure, the Brits often get the credit for the dish (they do love their salt and vinegar), but it turns out that Portugal is the motherland of the ultimate takeaway food. Wherever it was invented, we’re just happy that it touched down in the land Down Under, and at just about every waterside location you can imagine. After all, it isn’t a salty summer by the beach if your hunger wasn’t satiated with some fish and chippies, right? So whether you're touring Australia's best beaches, or need a pit stop on your great Australian road trip, here are the best fish and chips shops in the land.  🍽 Australia’s finest and fanciest restaurants🍕 The best pizzas in Australia🥧 Australia's greatest pies

When visiting a new city, it’s highly likely that, at some point, you’ll find yourself standing in front of a big and beautiful museum or gallery. Come rain, hail or shine, these brilliant buildings are the place to brush up on historical happenings and learn a thing or two about local heritage.  Inside you’ll find some of our country’s greatest treasures and a huge diversity of subject matters too, ranging from natural history and cultural artefacts to science marvels and sporting achievements. Don’t wait until the next rainy day to explore Australia’s best museums with this ultimate guide.  RECOMMENDED: The 18 best art galleries to explore in Australia.

Australians have a love affair with art, and with incredible galleries dotted throughout the country, it’s also one of the top reasons we travel interstate. Every year, our nation welcomes blockbuster international exhibitions, along with major showings of our most colourful and creative local talents.  Whether it’s contemporary Aboriginal art in Alice Springs, delicate glassworks in Wagga Wagga, topical portraits in Canberra or 21st-century Chinese art in Sydney, these are the best public galleries worth visiting in Australia.  RECOMMENDED: These are the 20 top tourist attractions in Australia.

From musicals based on much-loved and seriously messed up kids’ TV shows to gothic horror reimagined via icons returning to the stage after decades away, this year in theatre is shaping up to be one of the strongest we’ve seen in quite some time.Here are a few shows we know you’ll want to catch before it’s too late to say you were there. RECOMMENDED: Culture vultures, come and get your fix at these top Australian art galleries. Stay in the loop: sign up for our free Time Out Australia newsletter for more news, travel inspo and activity ideas, straight to your inbox. 

If there's one sure-fire way of injecting joy into your year – it's festivals. Gathering with like-minded people in rainbow-festooned palaces full of amazing music, glittering performances and zesty food sounds like utopia to us – which is why it's a blessing that Australia has an incredible array of festivals on offer, one for every season of the year. In this list, we round up the eight best festivals that we reckon you should check out Down Under in 2024. Starting with those that are on earliest in the year and ending with those at the end, each of these festivals has been selected for its scale, its astonishing visuals, and its commitment to seriously good times. From music to comedy, to wild light displays in the Outback, you can rest assured that going to any of these incredible Aussie festivals will be a bloody good time indeed.