Dale Anninos-Carter

Canberra's dining has had a huge glow-up in the past five years, with Aussies finally giving our capital the credit it deserves for its top-tier restaurants that rival those in Sydney and Melbourne. The star of the show is the region’s local produce – including truffles, smoked meats, cool-climate wines and stone fruits – which are fired, flamed, fermented and fried into all sorts of culinary creations. Time Out Australia’s Travel & News Editor Melissa Woodley spent four years immersed in Canberra’s dining scene before moving back to Sydney, and she can vouch that its newest openings are right up there with the Emerald City’s. Whether you’re dining at the Italian spot in Braddon, vying for a table at an award-winning French fine diner, or making friends at one of the city’s funkiest pan-Asian eateries, these are the best Canberra restaurants you want to be hittin' up. Update summer 2025: Three new restaurants have stolen the spotlight in 2025, already earning a reputation as some of Canberra's best – Lunetta Trattoria perched atop Red Hill, Azuma Den at East Hotel, and Shaw Estate Restaurant in the Murrumbateman wine region.  For more about how we curate our reviews and guides, see our editorial guidelines. 🍹 The best bars in Canberra☕️ Canberra's coolest cafés🍣 The best Japanese 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 foodies: Eat Street Northshore 🧺 Best for locals: West End Markets 🌳 Free things to do in Brisbane🚗 The best day trips from Brisbane🥐 Brisbane's best bakeries

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’s Travel & News Editor, Melissa Woodley, has joined forces with 11-year Adelaide local and passionate food writer, Dale Anninos-Carter, 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 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

Tasmania’s capital city isn’t exactly heaving with activity after dark like its bustling mainland counterparts. But if you know where to look, Hobart’s bar scene delivers. From hidden cocktail bars and underground drinking dens to heritage pubs and waterfront watering holes, this guide rounds up the best bars in Hobart for every kind of night out. It helps that the local booze, like the food, is world-renowned – the beer, the wine, the whisky, the gin. Whatever your poison, it all adds up to a good time. So whether you're a Dirty Martini person or partial to a tinnie (or three), our expert writers, including Hobart local, Josie Rozenberg-Clarke, and Time Out Australia’s Travel & News Editor, Melissa Woodley, can both attest to every inclusion on this list of the best bars in Hobart. Bottoms up! For more about how we curate our reviews and guides, see our editorial guidelines. 🍽 The best restaurants in Hobart🍕 The best pizza in Hobart

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 Travel & News 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. For more about how we curate our reviews and guides, see our editorial guidelines. 🥘 The best Indian in Canberra🍕 The best pizza in Canberra

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 writer, Kate Dinning, who has 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. For more about how we curate our reviews and guides, see our editorial guidelines. 🍺 The best pubs in Darwin🍔 The best burgers in Darwin

Perth’s sunny mornings and mild climate make it one of Australia’s best cities for alfresco dining, especially when it comes to breakfast. Couple that with the city's obsession for great coffee, and it’s no wonder that the best breakfasts in Perth are plentiful, creative and delicious. From north-of-the-river hotspots to south-of-the-stream gems, Perth's breakfast scene has something for every early riser. Whether you’re chasing flaky pastries, perfectly poached eggs or a standout flat white, the best breakfasts in Perth deliver every time. Now all that’s left to do is plan your next meal (brunch, obviously). ☕️ The coolest cafés in Perth🥐 The best bakeries in Perth

If you’re looking for an excuse to get all dolled up, Perth’s oh-so-sophisticated high tea scene is calling. From fluffy scones with jam and cream to crisp cucumber finger sandwiches and dainty decorated cakes, high tea in Perth is the ultimate indulgent afternoon ritual. High tea originated in 1840s England, when it was first enjoyed by the upper classes before becoming a much-loved tradition across society. Fast-forward to today, Perth has well and truly embraced the ritual, offering everything from classic towers to creative, seasonal twists. No matter your vibe, these are the best high teas in Perth that are sure to make you feel fancy and festive, much like a character from Bridgerton taking tea in the drawing room. 🍽️ The best cafés in Perth☕️ The best coffee in Perth

We fully get that Australia is in the middle of a cost-of-living crisis, so we're here to help you on your journey to finding the best cheap eats in Adelaide. Here in the 20-minute city, we’re lucky enough to harbour a mammoth selection of multicultural cuisines, and some local haunts are more or less doing acts of God when it comes to sizable and heavenly feeds that won’t break the bank. Quaff down Vietnamese rolls, Chinese braises, Italian pizza pies and Mexican street food, to name a few hot deals and meals for under $20. Your taste buds are in for a treat. Here are the best cheap eats in Adelaide. ⭐️ The best restaurants in Adelaide🥐 The best bakeries in Adelaide

Reality check: Australia is in the middle of a cost-of-living crisis – and for us, this means helping you on your journey to finding the best cheap eats in Perth. Here in the west, we’re fortunate enough to satisfy our cravings with an array of multicultural cuisines, and some of them are doing God’s work when it comes to substantial and downright delicious feeds that won’t pinch your pockets.  Polish off Vietnamese rolls, Chinese noodle soups, Middle Eastern pitas, Indian curries and Greek street food, to name a few hot deals and meals for under $20 in Perth. We hope you’re hungry! Here are the best cheap eats in Perth. 🥐 The best bakeries in Perth🍕 Where to get the best pizza in Perth

Tasmania is arguably Australia's most underrated destination when it comes to adventure. The small southernmost state's rugged landscapes, crystal-clear seas, fresh farm produce and cool-climate wine regions make it a must-visit for nature lovers, thrill-seekers and foodies alike. Beyond extraordinary dining experiences and the world-famous Museum of Old and New Art, 40 per cent of Tasmania's land is reserved as national parks and World Heritage wilderness. A zippy 20-minute drive from any of the state’s major cities, Hobart and Launceston, will see you walking in the bush, biking down a spectacular mountain trail or lounging on a secluded beach. Here's our pick of the best things to do on your next trip to Tasmania. Editors' favourite things to do in Tasmania: 🏔️ Best for adventure: Cradle Mountain 🚞 Best for relaxation: West Coast Wilderness Railway 🍄 Best for foodies: Mushroom foraging at Tunnel Hill 🌎 The best places to visit in Tasmania🚗 The best day trips from Hobart

Canberra has come a long way in recent years, with cocktail dens, hip restaurants and swish galleries popping up across the capital. Alongside this cultural glow-up, the city has also welcomed a wave of new hotel openings and major refurbishments, meaning Australia’s capital now boasts some of the best hotels in the country – from sleek city stays to wildly unique lodges.  Time Out Australia’s Travel & News Editor Melissa Woodley spent four years exploring the inland capital before returning to Sydney, and knows exactly what makes a Canberra stay worth booking. From boutique favourites to standout luxury hotels, here's our pick of the best hotels in Canberra right now.  Editors' favourite hotels in Canberra: ⭐️ Best luxury stay: Jamala Wildlife Lodge 📍 Best for central location: Midnight Hotel 😍 Best value for money: Hotel Realm 🌳 All the best things to do in Canberra🍽️ The best restaurants in Canberra 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.

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