Australia is a country that never stands still. From long-awaited transport lines and luxe new hotels to modern cultural precincts and mammoth market spaces, we pour ludicrous amounts of money into transforming our cities’ landscapes for residents and tourists alike. While some of these projects might temporarily hide or hinder views of our most iconic landmarks, the promise of a fancier future is almost always worth the wait.
In 2025, there are plenty of shiny new developments on the blueprint across Australia. Some projects, like the new Sydney Fish Market and Melbourne Metro Tunnel, have been in the pipeline for almost a decade, while others, like Tasmania’s New Bridgewater Bridge, are on the verge of being unveiled after a few fast years of construction. Let’s just hope all these developments stay on track for 2025.
Melbourne’s Metro Tunnel, VIC
Sydney just scored a fancy new metro system, but in 2025, it’s Melbourne’s turn. Penned as the biggest transformation of Melbourne's network in four decades, the Metro Tunnel will connect the busy Sunbury, Cranbourne and Pakenham train lines through twin tunnels under the city, with five new stations including Arden, Parkville, State Library, Town Hall and Anzac. This mammoth undertaking has been underway since 2016 – as every Melburnian knows all too well, thanks to years of roadworks and construction chaos.
New Bridgewater Bridge, TAS
After almost two years of construction, Tasmania’s largest-ever transport infrastructure project is preparing to welcome traffic by mid-2025. Spanning one kilometre across the River Derwent, the four-lane bridge will feature two lanes of traffic in each direction, along with a shared path for cyclists and pedestrians, and clearance for boats. The New Bridgwater Bridge will replace the existing lift-span bridge built in the 1940s, cutting travel times for the 22,000 daily commuters who rely on this vital route.
New Sydney Fish Market, NSW
Almost a decade ago, the NSW government announced plans to relocate the Sydney Fish Market – the world’s third-largest fish market – to a sparkly new waterfront site just around the corner. The $836-million upgrade project was given the green light back in 2020, and is on track to open in late 2025. The world-class market is expected to attract 6 million visitors annually, featuring fresh dining options, 300 new homes, enhanced cycling links, a huge waterfront park and a stunning 15-kilometre boardwalk winding around Sydney Harbour. Plus, a 50-metre wharf will support a new ferry route connecting the market to Circular Quay.
1 Hotel Melbourne, VIC
Get excited for a future staycay, because Melbourne is about to gain a waterfront luxury hotel that's both swanky and sustainable – right on the banks of the Yarra River. Set to open in May (after its originally planned 2022 debut was delayed due to the pandemic), 1 Hotel Melbourne will feature 280 dazzling guest suites, a state-of-the-art wellness centre, a 1,000-seat function centre, a sleek lobby cocktail bar and multiple dining venues. Built using recycled materials and brimming with native greenery, the hotel will make up part of the $600 million 'Seafarers' development on the banks of the Yarra, which will also include 114 residential apartments and a 3,500sqm public park.
Northern Territory Art Gallery, NT
In late 2025, Darwin will unveil the new Northern Territory Art Gallery – a striking three-storey art space in the heart of the city. Designed to work in harmony with the Top End’s tropical climate, the contemporary building will feature a fly roof, large awnings, a shaded colonnade and expansive shade screens, with a landscaped courtyard and plenty of green spaces. Construction is set to wrap up at the end of 2025, with the following six months dedicated to building and installing exhibitions across four large galleries. These spaces will feature Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander artworks and pieces from its near neighbours of Southeast Asia, spotlighting the region’s rich creative heritage.
Powerhouse Parramatta, NSW
Sydney’s flagship cultural museum, Powerhouse Ultimo, closed its doors in 2024 for a once-in-a-century $300-million refurbishment. While we eagerly await its 2027 reopening, Australians can look forward to the unveiling of Powerhouse’s new $915 million sister museum on the Parramatta riverside later this year. Powerhouse Parramatta marks the largest NSW Government investment in cultural architecture since the Sydney Opera House was built more than 50 years ago, and will become the first major cultural institution to be established in Western Sydney. Slated to welcome 2 million visitors through its doors in the first year, the museum will offer 18,000sqm of exhibition and public space, including a breathtaking rooftop garden.
Ningaloo Reef Resort, WA
A bucket-list holiday to the Ningaloo Reef – one of the world’s only places where you can swim with whale sharks – will soon be more accessible when it welcomes a newly transformed $70 million accommodation offering. Having been demolished in early 2024, the new state-of-the-art Ningaloo Reef Resort will increase its capacity from 160 to 270 people, expanding from 34 to 90 units. The upgraded resort will also feature a new ‘clubhouse’, complete with a restaurant, bar and function space.
Sydney Metro Southwest Link, NSW
In late 2024, Sydney’s transport system scored a major upgrade with the extension of Sydney Metro, now zooming under the city at speeds of up to 100 kilometres per house – stretching for 51.5 kilometres from Chatswood to Sydenham. Come late 2025, the Southwest Link between Sydenham and Bankstown will further enhance connectivity, giving Bankstown residents easier access to Sydney Train services, bus services and metro train services, running every four minutes during peak hours.