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Our Bush Capital might not always top the charts for nightlife fun, but you’ll be pleasantly surprised by the best bars in Canberra. Much of the good stuff is fermented right here in the region – from craft beers to cool-climate shiraz and Australia’s only locally produced bourbon – making Canberra the perfect base for a day of winery hopping and cellar door shopping.  But within the city itself, there are buzzing wine bars like Bar Rochford; proudly Australian breweries, namely Capital Brewing Co; and even hidden basement whisky bars, more specifically, Hippo Co. Time Out Australia’s Editor Melissa Woodley, dived head-first into Canberra's nightlife scene across four big years, where plenty of drinking and eating alike was done. So skip the guesswork and drink your way through our guide to the best bars in Canberra. Editor's favourite bars in Canberra: ⭐️ Best new opening: Devil You Don't 🍹 Best for vibey cocktails: Molly's 🌅 Best for top-notch snacks: Bar Rochford 🎶 Best for views: The Howling Moon For more about how we curate our reviews and guides, see our editorial guidelines. 🥘 The best Indian in Canberra🍕 The best pizza in Canberra

Perth prove time and time again that it's a city for world-class bars. Here, neighbourhood wine joints and rustic beer houses offer so much more than their humble exteriors suggest. Behind the doors, you'll find extensive and thoughtful drinks lists, gourmet tapas and aperitivo bites, and creative collaborations that make going out exciting in every season. Our guide to the best bars in Perth highlights the coolest places to grab a cocktail, a glass of wine or a cold beer. Whichever you choose, know that you're in the safe hands of expert local writers, who have given these brilliant bars their seal of approval. Where to first? Editor's favourite bars in Perth: 🍷 Best for wine & snacks: Madalenas Bar 🍹 Best for cocktails: Mechanics Institute ⭐️ Best for a casual drink: Mr Chapple For more about how we curate our reviews and guides, see our editorial guidelines. 🍹 The best rooftop bars in Perth🍽️ The best restaurants in Perth

Forget the ‘City of Churches’ nickname – Adelaide should be just as famous for its thriving pub and bar scene. Thanks to changes in licensing laws that allow small bars to serve alcohol without food, the South Australian capital has experienced a serious nightlife boom. Today, the best bars in Adelaide range from cosy neighbourhood craft beer haunts to slick cocktail lounges and hidden speakeasies. The 'big country town' is also a UNESCO ‘City of Music’, so expect to hear some live jazz, an acoustic troubadour or at least a DJ spinning rock classics while you quench your thirst. Oh, and don’t forget the wine. Given that South Australia is the nation’s wine-producing heartland, you can anticipate nothing but top bottles here. Without further ado, here are the best bars in Adelaide as chosen by our local expert writers. Editor's favourite bars in Adelaide: ❤️ Best for date night: Maybe Mae 🕺 Best for views: 2KW 🍷 Best for aperitivo: Latteria 🥰 Best neighbourhood bar: Lune Bar and Eatery For more about how we curate our reviews and guides, see our editorial guidelines. 🍺 The best pubs in Adelaide🍹 The best rooftop bars in Adelaide

When you think about grabbing a drink in Darwin, you likely think ‘outback pub’ – but the Top End of Australia has far more going on. From relaxed breweries pouring local beers to tropical cocktail bars and hidden distilleries, the Darwin nightlife scene is packed with surprises. One thing is for certain: it’s always nice weather for a drink, and no one knows that more than our local expert writers who have given the seal of approval to all of the best bars in Darwin. So, turn your clocks to island time and get ready to waste away again in Maragritaville (that's Darwin in our books). Here are the best bars in Darwin right now. Editor's favourite bars in Darwin: 🍹 Best for drinks and snacks: Charlie's of Darwin 🌅 Best rooftop bar: Zen Rooftop Lounge 🎶 Best for live music: Sweethearts For more about how we curate our reviews and guides, see our editorial guidelines. 🍺 The best pubs in Darwin🍔 The best burgers in Darwin

We're calling it: Adelaide is one of the most underrated cities in the country. The South Australian capital punches well above its weight with its stunning walks, top-notch wineries and unexpected water adventures. Whether you're visiting for a quick weekend away or an extended stay, you'll leave wishing you'd booked a few extra nights. Our expert writers are here to help you plan the perfect trip with this list of the best things to do in Adelaide. We've got activities for foodies, families, hikers, day trippers and everyone in between. So, where to begin? Editors' favourite things to do in Adelaide: 🍎 Best for foodies: Adelaide Central Market 🌳 Best day trip: Mount Lofty Botanic Gardens 🍫 Best for culture: Art Gallery of South Australia 🍽️ The best restaurants in Adelaide🖼️ The best galleries and museums in Adelaide⭐️ The best hotels in Adelaide

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 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

If there was any lingering doubt that Brisbane is a world city, it was put to rest the moment we scored the 2032 Olympics. Since then, the River City's been named one of the world's trendiest travel destinations and one of the friendliest places to live. Whether you're a local or just passing through, our editors have compiled the ultimate guide to the best things to do in Brisbane right now. In QAGOMA, the city has two of the best-designed art galleries on the planet, and blockbuster art to show in them. Sure, we've got great barbecue spots, but you'll also find some seriously impressive fine dining experiences and rooftop bars, too. Add in that year-round sunny climate (though slip, slop, slap please) and a great set of river walkways and public transport connections, and you’ve got yourself a city that’s a dream to explore. Start ticking off this list of the best things to do in Brisbane. Editors' favourite things to do in Brisbane: 🐶 Best for families: Bluey's World 😋 Best for culture: QAGOMA 🧺 Best for locals: West End Markets 🌳 The best free things to do in Brisbane🚗 The best day trips from Brisbane🥐 The best bakeries in Brisbane

Adelaide’s restaurant scene offers the best of both city and regional charm, pairing seriously stylish design with abundant fresh produce from South Australia's world-famous wine regions. The city's forward-thinking mod-Oz cuisine draws on global influences, with everything from Afghan comfort food and Parisian classics to what might be Australia’s first pizza restaurant. Adelaide's wine lists are just as impressive, featuring powerful Barossa reds, spritzy natural wines and boutique SA labels. The best part? Even extended degustation menus sit at a price point that will pleasantly surprise East Coast diners. Time Out Australia’s Editor, Melissa Woodley, has joined forces with local writers to bring you the ultimate guide to the best restaurants in Adelaide. Whatever you’re craving, you’ll find it here! Editors' favourite restaurants in Adelaide: 😱 Best new venue: Omada Bar & Grill 🫶🏾 Best affordable eat: Parwana Afghan Kitchen ✨ Best fine dining: Magill Estate Restaurant 💛 Best for groups: Golden Boy ❤️ Best for dates: Osteria Oggi For more about how we curate our reviews and guides, see our editorial guidelines. 🍷 The best bars in Adelaide☕️ The best cafés in Adelaide

Hobart’s food scene is undoubtedly one of the best in Australia, and the locals will happily back that up. As will Time Out Australia’s Editor, Melissa Woodley, who, after dining across every state and territory, can confidently say the best restaurants in Hobart rival those in Sydney and Melbourne. There are plenty of reasons Hobart has become a must-visit destination for food lovers. In recent years, a wave of acclaimed chefs has swapped the high-pressure kitchens of the mainland for Hobart’s relaxed, produce-driven lifestyle. This influx of talent, paired with Tasmania’s exceptional seafood, cool-climate wines and farm-fresh ingredients, has transformed the Hobart dining scene into one of the country’s most exciting. From intimate ten-seater bars and waterside fine diners to world-famous museum restaurants, here are the best restaurants in Hobart to score a reservation (or a walk-in table) at. Editors' favourite restaurants in Hobart: 😍 Best for views: Faro Bar + Restaurant 🌱 Best for special occasions: The Agrarian Kitchen 🍹 Best for snacks and spritzes: Restaurant Maria 💕 Best for date night: Pitzi Pasta Bar For more about how we curate our reviews and guides, see our editorial guidelines. 🍷 The best bars in Hobart☕️ The best cafés in Hobart

You might come to Perth for its breathtaking sunsets and beautiful beaches, but the city's food scene will convince you to extend your stay. The best restaurants in Perth showcase world-class Western Australian seafood, prized Manjimup truffles and award-winning wines from nearby regions like Margaret River and the Swan Valley.  Picking where to eat in Perth isn't easy – the city spoils you with everything from cool coastal eateries to charming European bistros and hidden laneway curry houses. Luckily, you're in safe hands. Our Editor, Melissa Woodley, has teamed up with local writers to bring you this list of the best restaurants in Perth. So, put that appetite of yours to good use and get feasting. Editors' favourite restaurants in Perth: ✨ Best for special occasions: Wildflower 🍹 Best for seafood and spritzes: Madalenas ⚡️ Best for groups: Light Years For more about how we curate our reviews and guides, see our editorial guidelines. 🍷 The best bars in Perth☕️ The best cafés in Perth

Perth might feel like it's in a world of its own, but anyone who's been there will tell you it's absolutely worth the trip (which is a little over four hours by plane from Sydney or Melbourne). Once solely known for its pristine beaches and perfect weather, Perth’s booming restaurant and culture scenes, and its trendy sister city, Fremantle (just 30 minutes from Perth), have put Western Australia’s capital city on the international radar. Our expert writers, including Time Out's Editor, Melissa Woodley, have collated this mega guide on the best things to do in Perth. From a breezy stroll through Kings Park to a dip at the stunning Cottesloe Beach, the essentials are all here. We also reckon day trips to Fremantle and Rottnest Island are absolute musts. Happy exploring! Editors' favourite things to do in Perth: Best for a sunny day: Cottesloe Beach Best for families: Picnic in Kings Park Best for an adventure: Kitty's Gorge Walk  🍽️ The best restaurants in Perth🖼️ The best museums and galleries in Perth⭐️ The best hotels in Perth

Gold rush history. A giant open-cut mine. Outback pubs. Put them together, and you get Kalgoorlie – Australia's largest outback town. Officially known as Kalgoorlie-Boulder, it’s located more than 600 kilometres east of Perth in Western Australia's Goldfields region, and quite unlike anywhere else in the country. Founded after the discovery of gold in 1893, Kalgoorlie still proudly wears its frontier spirit. It’s a place where century-old heritage buildings line the streets, the iconic Super Pit stretches to the edge of town and mining continues to shape everyday life. So, what do you do when you get to Kalgoorlie? Spend your days exploring fascinating museums, descending underground, trying your luck at gold fossicking and experiencing the unique character that has made Kalgoorlie what it is today. Here are the best things to do in Kalgoorlie. When is the best time to visit Kalgoorlie? The best time to visit Kalgoorlie is between April and October, when days are pleasant and ideal for exploring the Super Pit, heritage streets and nearby towns. Avoid summer (December to February) when temperatures regularly climb above 35 degrees, making sightseeing rather uncomfortable. If you can, plan your visit around the annual Kalgoorlie-Boulder Race Round in September, when the city comes alive with festivities. Editor’s favourite things to do in Kalgoorlie: 🔱 Best lookout: The Super Pit 🏰 Best outdoor adventure: Hammond Park ⏳ Best history site: Museum of the Goldfields 🌳 The b

Nothing can beat a great curry, and few chefs can outdo Minoli De Silva’s jaggery lamb with spiced tomato salsa. The former MasterChef contestant has set up a city centre establishment that marries creativity with reverence for traditional Sri Lankan ingredients. Fill the table with spice-cured kangaroo tartare, spiced lamb ribs that are slow-cooked for 18 hours, and twice-cooked eggplant moju (a kind of relish-y curry). The plates are pretty and the product placement is thoughtful, accompanied by verdant sauces that dance around the dish, with a symphony that concludes in your mouth. The choice is only made harder by the wafting (and sensational) aromas that linger around the contemporary dining room. Top it all off with a zingy cocktail from Ella’s extensive list, where ingredients like kaffir limes, cardamom and pandan steal the spotlight. The Kiwi Bay not only leaves you refreshed, but it changes colour too. Time Out tip: Nab a seat in West Lane Arcade – the alfresco atmosphere only adds to the Ella by Minoli experience with Darwin’s tropical weather. RECOMMENDED: The best restaurants in Darwin

This intimate three-tiered restaurant takes things up a notch with its European fare, along with its thoughtful wine list to match any dish that takes your fancy. By no means is Le Rebelle a burger bar; however, we’d go there for Le Burger alone. It bleeds two types of French cheese in all their glossy glory, a punchy tomato relish, and features a melt-in-the-mouth wagyu patty that seeps with its grilled juices – rebellious by nature, and indeed one of the best burgers in Perth.  Other classic mains include glazed whole duck with bearnaise sauce, saffron cavatelli complemented by potato, broccoli and espelette, plus poisson du jour (fish of the day). The house baguette is a non-negotiable too, and the same goes for a glass of red. Time Out tip: Big on cheese? Oh, sorry, we meant ‘fromage’. Well, Le Rebelle is the place to be with the separate fromage menu of local and international choices. RECOMMENDED: The best restaurants in Perth

Six levels above Fortitude Valley’s The Constance hotel lies Dirty Sultan, an urban oasis that welcomes you upstairs for a taste of Istanbul nightlife and dining. The Turkish-style hang-out is a multifaceted hub that takes claim to Brisbane’s first rooftop shisha lounge title, all while dishing up polished street food that’ll take you straight to flavourtown, along with a weekend DJ that never fails to get the party started. In a wise move by Dirty Sultan, the shisha lounge is separate from the dining room and bar. Here, you can tuck into plates with the likes of slow-cooked lamb ribs, roast cauliflower and artichoke with buckwheat, and harissa-roasted half chicken, too. Artful cocktails are a Dirty Sultan mainstay, including the Musa of brandy, white crème de cacao liqueur, roasted macadamia and wattleseed liqueur with a hint of orange. 

One of the newest additions to Adelaide’s day spa scene is Davaar House along South Terrace’s leafy hive. The 19th-century mansion has been transformed into a truly luxurious sanctuary where the city sounds are a distant memory. Complete with original fireplaces and yesteryear finishes, Davaar House gives formal minimalism. Along with the usual day spa suspects, this wellness institute serves up downright cutting-edge treatments. Stimulate your cells with mild hyperbaric oxygen therapy, tingle in an anti-inflammatory ice bath, breathe easily during salt therapy, and regenerate upon a red light therapy bed. They also offer reiki, sound healing, yoga and naturopathic consultations, plus healthy bites, coffee and smoothies at the beautiful café.

Sit back and relax – or float, more like it – at Hyde Park and Fulham Gardens’ Blue Lagoon Float and Spa outposts. The award-winning Roman-inspired bath houses flaunt bath-side columns, timeless archways and a distinctly reflective shade of blue that does wonders for the senses. Among Blue Lagoon’s restorative massages, nourishing facials, body treatments and sauna offerings, the day spas are all the rage for their inviting, flotation therapy amenities. Leave that concept of gravity at the door and experience weightlessness upon a dense bath of epsom salt. Release tensions of the mind, body and soul; drift through the realms of relaxation; and maybe even astral project to Ancient Rome. Queue the mood lighting.

Would you believe us if we told you that one of the best urban spas in Australasia is located right here in Adelaide? Well, truth be told, Ione Spa and Wellness along the pristine West Lakes waterfront takes claim to just that, having won runner-up honours at the prestigious 2023 Australasian Spa and Wellness Awards. Forget no-frills, Ione has all of the frills with its organic skin products, Swiss vichy jet shower and lakefront lounge with refreshments on the house. The building itself is even constructed with non-toxic materials and incorporates a crystal grid in the foundation for maximum energy healing. May we recommend the whopping 3.5-hour spruce-up? Essentially, you will be reborn. It’s no surprise Ione Spa and Wellness is one of the best day spas in Adelaide.

Coming in hot (or pleasantly warm in this scenario) is Temple Day Spa over in Unley – where an earthy facade of wood-clad walls and greenery suspended from the rafters entices that sweet inner peace. With a multitude of awards under its belt across 11 years, it’s safe to say that Temple’s therapists know a thing or two about self-care. Circling back to the ‘hot’ thing, Temple Day Spa does actually offer an ever-so-soothing hot stone massage – your discs will thank you later. But if that’s a little too much Mother Earth for your liking, opt for a full-body exfoliation, a hydrotherapy shower or an infrared sauna session. Oh, and to those up in the north-western suburbs, you’ll be pleased to know Temple Day Spa Semaphore is officially open for your pampering desires.

First things first: skin is the top priority at First Skin and Body. Having collected a slew of awards over the years and boasting 15 different skin-specific treatments, First is set on helping you feel your absolute best. Located inside one of Adelaide’s finest gyms, Next Gen Memorial Drive, this day spa is well-versed when it comes to the latest newfangled technology and procedures. As for the more so day spa side of things, we are all about the organic rehydrating honey and cocoa body wrap, where you’ll be lathered in papaya cream and walnut exfoliant, cocooned in French clay, and left to marinate and tenderise, leaving you oh so fresh and clean. 

There’s much more to Australia’s architectural landscape than just our poster child Sydney Opera House. While its striking white sails are easy on the eyes, our nation is home to many other remarkable buildings that double as picture-perfect backdrops. Rocket-like structures take to the sky, grand domes command attention and ancient pavilions whisper stories of the past – not to mention a bizarre UFO-like dome in Canberra that looks like it landed from another planet. After exploring every Australian state and territory, our Travel and News Editor Melissa Woodley has scoped out the coolest architectural buildings in Australia you need to see with your own eyes at least once. Don’t forget to look up. The Bell Tower, Perth Is it a rocket ship? A towering crystal shard? Or a futuristic shield protecting the city? No, it’s The Bell Tower – Perth City’s landmark pride and joy, chiming sweet melodies across the Swan River. Standing 82.5 metres tall and complete with 18 bells, this striking glass and copper spire is one of the largest musical instruments in the world. It’s a sight to behold from below, but the sixth-level vistas across the mighty river are pretty epic too. Photograph: Robert Seba Royal Exhibition Building, Melbourne What do Melbourne’s Royal Exhibition Building and Paris’ Eiffel Tower have in common? Both were built for World Fairs (or World Expos) – global gatherings of the most creative minds that happen every five years. Our very own Carlton Gardens masterpiece