Dale Anninos-Carter

If there’s one thing good enough to convince winter lovers that Brisbane’s humid, subtropical climate is actually ideal, it’s the sublime rooftop bars scattered around the inner city. Sky-high sunsets are on the cards, whether you’re in Fortitude Valley, South Bank or the city centre – and usually with some awe-inspiring panoramas, too.  From chic poolside hang-outs and cool-as-a-cucumber breweries to Italian Riviera-inspired terraces, the best rooftop bars in Brisbane are waiting. Here are our top picks, as recommended by Brissy locals. 🍹 More of our favourite bars in Brisbane🌮 The best places to eat in Brisbane🌳 All the best things to do in Brisbane

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 is lively, with plenty of drinking holes for the curious and thirsty. From luxury dive bars like Manky Sally's and underground cocktail joints, namely Society Salamanca, to the age-old Cascade Brewery Bar among the greenery, no matter what kind of establishment you’re looking to pull up a stool at, you’ll find it in Hobart. 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 these 15 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🍕 Hobart's best pizzas🍣 Where to go for Japanese in Hobart

Don't let the designation of Australia's capital city fool you; there are plenty of diverse and exciting things to do in Canberra. It may be the seat of Australia’s political power, but the city’s reputation for being the Bush Capital is well-earned. Despite the museums and monuments, Canberra has much the look and feel of a country town, right down to the kangaroos that bound around the city’s abundant nature reserves. Over the last five years, the capital 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 on excursions, culture vultures drawn to the National Art Gallery and political wheelers and dealers, Canberra’s now a perfect weekend getaway spot, regardless of your interests. Our Travel and News Editor, Melissa Woodley, lived in Canberra for four years and has carefully curated this list of the best things to do on your next trip. 🍽️ The best restaurants in Canberra🥾 All the best hikes to conquer in the capital🖼️ Canberra's best museums and galleries

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. From amazing places to eat and drink, to family-friendly strawberry picking, via a quick stop at the zoo, our local writers have curated this list of the best things to do in Adelaide. Now, where to begin? 🍽️ Where to eat and drink in Adelaide🖼️ Adelaide's best galleries and museums⭐️ The best hotels in Adelaide

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 (located just half an hour from Perth) have put Western Australia’s capital city on the international radar. Our local writers have collated this mega guide on the best things to do during your stay in Perth. Happy exploring! 🍽️ The best restaurants in Perth right now🖼️ Perth's top museums and galleries⭐️ The best hotels in Perth

Whether you’re a coffee connoisseur or just a regular Joe in need of a boost, the best coffee shops in Adelaide brings some almighty cuppas to the table. From warehouse productions with on-site roasteries to neighbourhood joints highlighting interstate beans, there’s a cold-drip, batch-brew or pour-over out there for you. And if those are sounding a little too technical, rest assured that these are the best coffee spots in Adelaide – latte art and all. ☕️ All of the best coffee shops and roasters in Australia🥐 The best cafés in Adelaide right now🍷 Adelaide's best bars and breweries

Although it’s a known fact that The Beatles’ motto is ‘All you need is love’, sometimes a good old-fashioned cup of Joe is actually all you need – we don’t make the rules. Lucky for us Westies, there’s plenty of choice when it comes to great coffee in Perth. Whether you’re into filtered, cold brew, in-house roasted beans or those from afar, there’s quality liquid energy served from the seaside to the hillside. Here’s our pick of the best coffee shops in Perth right now. ☕️ The best coffee roasters in Australia😋 Perth's cutest cafés🥐 Where to find the best baked goods in Perth

We Aussies are a lucky bunch. You only need to drive an hour or so from any major Australian city to wind up in one of the most beautiful places on Earth. However, with so many options, picking which road to venture down first can be quite a challenge. To make life easier, our Travel & News Editor, Melissa Woodley, has cherry-picked a selection of the best day trips around Australia – many of which she's tried, tested and would happily do all over again (if only there were more days in the year). From heritage-listed towns and coastal hangouts to mountain escapes, Australia has something for every explorer. Now, all that’s left for you is to load the car and hit the open road. 😱 The most incredible places to visit in Australia🚘 Australia's most popular road trips🌳 Regional towns that you can tick off in a day

At many of the best hotels in Brisbane, you'll find evidence that the city's hotel scene is changing. The boutique revolution has well and truly hit town, with new operators looking to activate long-forgotten neighbourhoods, and the big chains inspired to produce tailored offerings for a more sophisticated clientele. The best hotels in Brisbane offer high-end experiences, laidback Aussie vibes and all the sun-kissed goodness of feeling like it’s summer all year round. The ultimate luxury stays are gushing with designer décor at The Constance, bespoke art at The Johnson and unmatched city, river and mountain views at The Star Grand Hotel. Can you see yourself emerging from an infinity pool overlooking Brisbane? Or how about rising from a relaxation pod, sipping a cocktail from an elevated piano bar, viewing bespoke author-inspired art or zip around in a Maserati? You can take part in these five-star experiences and more in Brisbane’s best hotels that have been hand-picked by Time Out Australia's Travel & News Editor, Melissa Woodley, along with our local expert writers. Check out which ones made the cut for the best hotels in Brisbane below. ✨ The best things to do in Brisbane🔥 Brisbane's cosiest Airbnbs⭐️ All the best hotels in Australia 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 aff

At the best hotels in Perth, you'll find proof that the West Coast's accom scene is exploding. More than 25 new or renovated hotels have opened around the city in recent years, with many taking full advantage of the sparkly, new Elizabeth Quay waterfront development.  This pedestrian and arts precinct's design pays homage to Perth's First Nations people, with large public works by Noongar artists like Laurel Nannup, and a curving, flowing sense of space by the Swan River. The world-renowned Ritz-Carlton and nearby, historic COMO The Treasury are prime examples of Perth hotels that are taking full advantage of the river-ting city. Meanwhile out in Fremantle, Tradewinds Hotel is the place to be for relishing the Indian Ocean coastline with ease. Having been in and out of Perth over the past ten-plus years, Time Out contributor and local travel enthusiast, Dale Anninos-Carter, keeps a keen eye on her hometown’s ever-expanding tourism scene. From witnessing the humble 1990s big-country-town vibes, to the now glossy cityscape that is Perth, she’s well equipped with knowledge of old faithfuls and flash new constructs that thicken the skyline. In addition, Time Out Australia’s Travel & News Editor Melissa Woodley has all the insider knowledge to point you in the right (and most comfortable) direction. Combined with never-before-seen luxury and late checkout times, you’re in for an exceptional stay. Here's our pick of the best hotels in Perth right now. 🌳 All the best things to do i

If you’re looking for an excuse to get all dolled up, why not explore Perth’s oh-so-sophisticated high tea scene? We’re talking scones with jam and cream, crisp cucumber sandwiches and dainty decorated cakes – honestly, what more could you want? The British tradition of high tea originated among England’s most affluent during the 1840s. It was during the latter part of the 19th century that the tradition was embraced by both the upper and middle classes. Fast-forward to this day and age, high teas have taken the city by storm and varied experiences await. Sit back and relax within Haven Lounge's sun-filled courtyard for a seasonally-themed affair, journey through regional Western Australia via Cape Arid Rooms' spread, and go for quite literally a high tea on C Restaurant's 33rd-floor dining room. Either way, here are Perth’s best high teas that are sure to make you feel fancy and festive, much like a character from Bridgerton taking tea in the drawing room. 🍽️ The coolest cafés in Perth🍝 Perth's top restaurants right now☕️ Where to find the best coffee in Perth

April 2025: Since our last update, we've added up-to-date opening hours, addresses and how much you should expect to pay at each spot, along with our top tip for each restaurant to ensure you have the best dining experience. What’s the secret recipe for crafting an exceptional dining experience? In coming up with Time Out’s list of the best restaurants in Australia, we considered a mix of ingredients. Talented chefs? Stylish decor? Lively ambience? Top-notch drinks? And of course, food that you can’t stop thinking about for days, months, or even years. Luckily, Australia’s restaurant scene is sizzling with spots that check all these boxes, plus so much more. Our nation’s top restaurants are a celebration of Australia’s native ingredients too. From an intimate 34-seat dining room cut into the rolling hills of South Australia's countryside to a 30-year-old institution overlooking Sydney’s sparkling Bondi Beach, these are the restaurants Time Out Australia’s team, including resident foodie Melissa Woodley, recommends for your next culinary adventure. 🍹 The best bars in Australia⭐️ Australia's most luxurious hotels🥐 The best bakeries Down Under For more about how we curate our reviews and guides, see our editorial guidelines.

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