Alley Pascoe

Whoever said “nothing in life is free” clearly hasn’t been to Australia. Our Great Southern Land is full of bucket list experiences that won’t hurt or even touch your bank account. Hiking through some of the world’s most beautiful national parks? Free! Spotting fairy penguins on the beach? Free! Sampling your way through a world-class market? You guessed it – free! Our Travel and News Editor, Melissa Woodley, has backpacked all around the globe, so she knows a thing or two about savvy travel. With the help of her trusted team of Aussie travel writers, she’s curated this list of the best free things to do in Australia’s major cities. Whether you’re into soaking up the sun outdoors with swims, picnics and hikes, or cooling off inside with free exhibitions, chocolate tours and tram rides, there’s a budget-friendly activity to make you feel filthy rich with happiness.  🌊 All the best things to do in Australia🎢 The coolest things to do with kids⭐️ Tourist attractions in Australia that are worth it

When school’s out, the thought of keeping the kids entertained might have you ready to scream and shout. But don’t fear – Darwin’s got plenty of fun to go around. Like your little ones, the city makes up for its size in personality, offering plenty of boisterous indoor and outdoor adventures.  Make the most of the tropical year-round heat with water parks, a wave lagoon and fishing trips, or beat the sun with indoor experiences at Crocosaurus Cove or the MAGNT. Here’s our pick of the best things to do with kids in Darwin – tried, tested and guaranteed to burn off some energy. 🏝️ More of the best things to do in Darwin🥐 The best cafés to go with kids in Darwin🌳 Darwin's top parks for outdoor fun

Hello parents, babysitters and tech-savvy toddlers. Are you looking for a super fun weekend activity or planning an adventurous activity for your next family holiday in Australia? You’ve come to the right place. Australia is one of the best places in the world to be a kid, with a virtually endless stream of cool things to do – from parks and waterparks to free museums, theatre shows and zoos galore. We reached out to our network of talented writers, who are also parents, for their top recommendations of the best things to do with kids in each Australian capital city. No matter the age, budget and weather, there’s an activity to make the whole family happy. 🏝️ The best holiday destinations for families in Australia🦘 Where to see kangaroos and koalas🎡 All the best theme parks in Australia

Just dropped a chunk of change on a heart-pounding swim with a crocodile in the Cage of Death? Time to balance the budget with some top-tier free fun. Luckily, Darwin life happens outdoors, meaning there’s no shortage of incredible things to do for zero dollars.  You can tear down mountain bike trails at Charles Darwin National Park, step back in time at the old Fannie Bay Gaol or stake out the perfect picnic spot on a scenic walk. Take your pick from this list of the best free things to do in Darwin, as curated by our local expert writers. 🌳 More of the best things to do in Darwin🚗 All the best day trips from Darwin🥐 The best cafés in Darwin

As much as we love the hustle and bustle of city life, there are moments when you just need to hit pause and escape to the middle of nowhere. From the coast to the countryside and the outback, Australia offers up a wealth of picturesque towns where you are sure to find some peace and quiet.  At any of these adorable towns, you can trade crammed bus rides for refreshing nature walks, overcrowded beaches for secluded shores, and busy city parks for untouched pieces of paradise. Here are 12 charming towns that are anything but boring. 🌊 10 beach towns to visit in Australia (that aren't Byron Bay)🚘 The best day trips to take from every Aussie capital city😎 The 30 most incredible places to visit in Australia

Long gone are the days when caravan parking was reserved for the Aussiest of ockers. Caravan parks are having a bit of a revival with their swanky done-up cabins and powered sites for the humble mobile home. Whether camping beachfront is a little bit of you, or you’re looking for a scenic detour from your Great Ocean Road adventure, these caravan parks around Australia are pulling out all the stops. 🌞 The best family-friendly resorts in Australia🚘 All the best day trips to take from every capital city⛺️ The best and cheapest camping spots in Australia

The Northern Territory is the unofficial watering hole capital of Australia: literally, and alcoholically. After a day spent exploring the best natural swimming spots, Darwin is where the action is at for a nice cold bevvy and some good pub grub.  With the NT's capital boasting year-round warm weather and a stellar waterfront scene, it’s almost a crime not to kick back al fresco at one of the pubs. We’ve chosen the best of the bunch for their tasty specials boards, central location and snug atmosphere. 🍺 The best bars in Darwin🍔 Where to find Darwin's best burgers🍕 The best pizza joints in Darwin

As the old saying goes, ‘There’s no such thing as a bad pizza,’ because even when it’s average, it’s still a treat. This rings especially true for the pizzerias in Darwin, where every pizza is a slice of heaven.  We’ve rounded up the cheesiest, sauciest, tastiest pizzas in the city. From slices with a sea view at Nightcliff foreshore, to mouthfuls of flavour at the most authentic Italian restaurant in town, this list won’t let you down. In the same way, pizza will never disappoint you. 🍕 The best pizza in Australia🌳 The greatest things to do in Darwin🍽 Darwin's best restaurants

Finding a stellar steak in a country with almost 30 million cattle is no hard task. But claiming your favourite to be the absolute best? That’s sure to stir some serious beef. Whether you’re into rib eye or rump, medium rare or well-done, smothered in peppercorn or chimichurri sauce, and paired with chips or mash – the ways to enjoy a steak are as endless as they are delicious. Our local expert writers have sliced into the best steaks across every capital city to bring you this list of our favourite steaks in Australia. Now, go get up in their grills. 🍔 The best burgers in Australia🥧 Australia's best pies🌭 15 mouthwatering sausage rolls in Australia

The Top End is famous for its cattle stations; many of which are larger than some European countries. The stations are vast and the cattle are mighty. Look no further than the smash-hit Netflix series Territory for reference.  Brahman reign supreme in these parts, producing high-quality beef perfect for barbequing, smoking and searing. If your mouth is watering at the very thought, you’re in luck. We’ve rounded up the tastiest rumps to satiate the hungriest carnivores in Darwin. Dig in.  🍔 The best burgers in Darwin🍕 The best pizza joints in Darwin🍻 Darwin's top bars for a night out

A good burger is easily one of life’s greatest pleasures. Australia is teeming with top-notch options, most of which fall comfortably into that hits-the-spot territory. A burger’s simplicity – take a pillowy bun, place a juicy patty inside it, maybe add cheese or salad, drizzle over a sauce or two, then apply to face – makes it hard to stuff up. The flip side, however, is that it also makes finding the ultimate burger a bit of a challenge. Time Out’s hungry team of local Aussie writers have bravely put their jaws and stomachs on the line (in the name of Exceedingly Difficult Research, you understand) to compile this list of venues that are elevating time-honoured burger basics, one delicious mouthful at a time. Now it’s up to you to crown the true buns of glory.  🥧 Australia's best pies🌭 15 mouthwatering sausage rolls in Australia🍕 The best pizzas in Australia

Compiling a list of the best Indian restaurants in a city, let alone a country, is no easy task. Every region, city and family have their own specialties, offering a diverse line-up of comforting curries, crunchy pakoras, fluffy naan bread, tangy pickles and cooling lassis. Time Out Australia has enlisted its team of well-travelled editors and writers to bring you this list of must-try Indian restaurants in every capital city. In Melbourne, a tiny at-home restaurant presents one of Melbourne’s most singular degustations, taking diners on a journey through different regions and seasons. In Sydney, a vibrant late-night eatery serves up colourful curry plates and roti wraps until 2am on the weekends. Meanwhile, a beloved Adelaide institution has been dishing up crowd-favourite butter chicken and beef vindaloo curries for almost 50 years. Wherever you are, your next spice fix awaits. 🍽 All the best restaurants in Australia🍱 The best Japanese joints in Australia🍕Where to find the best pizza in Australia

From start (Nitmiluk Gorge) to finish (Leliyn, also known as Edith Falls), this hike has it all: cascading waterfalls, sandstone escarpments and monsoon forests. The Jatbula Trail along the western edge of the Arnhem Land plateau has long been walked by the Jawoyn people, and now it is open to a select number of people (15 a day) during the walking season (June to September). The trail starts at 17 Mile Creek, which can be reached by ferry from Nitmiluk Gorge. The scenic cruise sets the tone for the rest of the picturesque adventure. Expect to see ancient rock art, native red-tailed black cockatoos and crystal-clear water holes.  Drive time from Katherine: 22 mins to the drop-off area at Nitmiluk National Park Visitor Centre  Duration (one way): 61km (5–6 days)  Level of difficulty: Medium to hard

The Ridgetop Walk is a one-day hike that connects John Hayes Rockhole (Atneperrke) and Trephina Gorge (Alherrkentye). You can start the hike at either end, but locals suggest beginning at Trephina Gorge, walking to John Hayes Rockhole and then following the road back to the carpark at the Gorge. If you want to enjoy a night immersed in the East MacDonnell Ranges, then bring a tent as there are camping areas at both sites. Amongst the rock formations, River Redgums and spinifex, you might be lucky to see a Splendid Fairywren or Western Bowerbird. Come prepared for the conditions and make sure to bring enough water. Drive time from Alice Springs: 1 hr Duration (one way): 9km (5 hrs)  Level of difficulty: Medium to hard

To fully appreciate the beauty and history of the Yolŋu culture, one must walk in the footsteps of the Yolŋu people. Look no further than the Dhimurru Coastal Walking Trail, marked by three short walks from Binydjarŋa (Daliwuy Bay) to Garanhan (Macassan Beach), Ŋumuy (Turtle Beach) and Bariŋura (Little Bondi). The trail takes you from white sandy beaches to eucalypt woodland and paperbark swamp, showcasing the immense variety of land and sea resources in the area, as documented by the Traditional Owners who have provided interpretive material along the route. Experience East Arnhem Land in all its glory on the Dhimurru Coastal Walking Trail (with a visitor access permit from Dhimurru Aboriginal Corporation).  Drive time from Nhulunbuy: 40 mins Duration (one way): 7.2kms (3 hrs 45 mins) Level of difficulty: Easy

Over several days, hikers can dive into the wilderness (and plunge pools) of Litchfield National Park, an hour-and-a-half’s drive south of Darwin. The Tabletop Track is a triumphant trail through the bush, along creeks and to waterfalls. Prepare for water crossings, tall grass fields and rocky slopes. Reward yourself after a challenging day’s hike with a swim at Florence Falls, Greenant Creek, Wangi Falls and Walker Creek, which are all stops on the loop route. This is an adventurous trek for the wild at heart and the well-experienced walker. Go forth and get amongst it.  Drive time from Darwin: 1.5 hrs Duration (return): 39km (3–5 days) Level of difficulty: Medium to hard