Josie Rozenberg-Clarke

Australians are constantly in a heavenly food coma, courtesy of Italian cuisine. This is thanks to the huge influx of Italian immigrants who arrived on our shores after World War II, bringing not just a suitcase of dreams, but a whole lot of pasta, pizza and parmesan. Whether you’re craving fresh antipasti straight from The Boot, hand-rolled pappardelle with rich ragu, wood-fired sourdough pizza or boozy tiramisu made just like nonna, we’ve scoured out the best Italian restaurants in Australia for every occasion. Our team of expert local writers has independently chosen these spots for their authentic flavours, prime locations, buzzing ambience and signature Italian hospitality. In Sydney, a cheery waterfront spot has been serving classic Italian hits for more than a decade. In Brisbane, live lobster is plucked from tanks and tossed through house-made spaghetti. And in Hobart, a tiny CBD wine bar keeps the vibes flowing with vinyl records all night. Take your pick! 🍽️ All the best restaurants in Australia right now🍕 The best pizzas in Australia🍔 Where to find the best burgers

Despite its small size, Hobart is big on activities – and we’re talking fun for the whole family, not just bougie restaurants and gin distilleries. In fact, whether you’re visiting the Tasmanian capital or you’re a full-time Hobartian, you’ll never be at a loss for things to do with kids in Hobart. Even if your kids are balls of constant energy, with nature on all sides of this waterfront town there’s almost too much great outdoors to explore. And luckily there’s plenty of culture and history to soak in on a rainy day, too. We’ve rounded up the best things to do with kids in Hobart, so grab your extended team and dive right in. 🌳 More fun things to do in Hobart🖼️ Hobart's best museums and galleries🚗 The coolest day trips from Hobart

Sandwiched between kunyani/Mt Wellington and the River Derwent, Hobart’s breathtaking landscape sets the stage for budget-friendly adventures– but that’s just the tip of the iceberg. From peaceful picnics and urban art walks to historic neighbourhoods, here’s our wrap of the best free things to do in Hobart. You might break a sweat but you won’t break the bank. ☕️ The best cafés in Hobart🖼️ Hobart's best museums and galleries🚗 The coolest day trips from Hobart

Weirdly, there’s nothing more Aussie than a good Chinese restaurant. For decades we’ve flocked to local takeaway shops and yum cha joints seeking the tangy, satisfying flavours of Chinese cuisine and the communal experience of sharing plates or plastic boxes among family and friends. At Hobart’s many Chinese restaurants, chefs make the most of Tasmania’s abundant produce, using locally sourced chicken, pork, beef, seafood and just-harvested vegetables to full and delicious effect. There are upscale eateries, no-fuss local haunts, dumpling bars and even one much-loved suburban spot that looks like it’s been transported from 1980. No matter what mood you’re in, you’ll find a meal that satisfies – so here’s our roundup of the best Chinese restaurants in Hobart. 🥘 The best Indian food in Hobart🍣 Where to go for Japanese food in Hobart🍕 Hobart's best pizzas

Given how close we are to China, good Chinese food isn’t hard to come by in Australia. But great Chinese food? That’s where local knowledge makes all the difference. Our Travel & News Editor, Melissa Woodley, grew up eating congee for breakfast, barbecue pork buns for school lunch and Sunday yum cha as a weekly tradition. She and her team of expert local writers across the country have curated this list of Australia’s best Chinese restaurants, so no matter which capital city you’re in, you can feast on the finest flavours. At Australia’s top Chinese restaurants, you won’t just find wonton noodle soups or prawn har gow (though we’re big fans of both). Prepare to be wowed by live lobsters dressed in spicy Sichuan sauce, Peking duck expertly carved tableside and crystal-clear prawn dumplings so good you wish you didn’t have to share. Here’s our pick of the best places for Chinese food in Australia right now. 🥘 Must-try Indian restaurants in Australia🍣 Australia's best Japanese restaurants🍽 All the best restaurants in Australia

If there's one thing that Australia does right, it's really beautiful beaches – and a lot of them, to be precise. With a whopping 12,000 fringing our island continent, it would take you a wild 32 years to see them all – if you tackled one beach per day. Assuming that your 32-year plan doesn't singularly involve beach hopping around Australia (although, we can of course, dream), we've put together a list of the best and prettiest beaches in Australia that you should visit this year – or at least once in your life. Each beach on this list has been selected for its remarkable beauty, safe swimming conditioning (read: you won't see anywhere with saltwater crocs on this list), and proximity to other incredible activities, so your adventure out doesn't end with just one dip. Some of these picks have been richly awarded in the past, while others are less mainstream – but rest easy knowing that every single one of them is well worth their salt, in more ways than one. Now, all that's left is for you to find out for yourself. 🌊 The best nudist beaches in Australia🏄 Australia's top surf beaches🌈 All the best places to visit in Australia

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

There’s always time for a tipple when you’re travelling around Australia. Our thirsty country is swimming in stellar watering holes that are loved by locals and tourists alike. We’ve even got a handful of contenders on the World’s 50 Best Bars list to back us up. Whether you’re looking for a fancy spot for cleverly crafted cocktails or a natural wine bar with superb snacks, our local Australian editors and drink writers have curated this list of all the best bars in Australia right now. Start drinking your way through it! 🍽️ The best restaurants in Australia🍷 Australia's best wineries☕️ Where to find the best coffee in Australia

For such a small state, Tasmania delivers big on epic travel experiences. Australia’s only island state is often hailed as one of the most underrated destinations in the country – and our Travel and News Editor, Melissa Woodley, couldn’t agree more. Hobart is the hub of all major activity, where you’ll find award-winning waterfront restaurants and the iconic Museum of Old and New Art. But venture beyond the city and you’ll run into breathtaking beaches fringed by lush national parks, cool-climate wine regions within reach of the CBD, and peaceful islands just a quick ferry ride away. In this guide to the best places to visit in Tasmania, we’ve also highlighted a few hidden gems that are worthy of a stop on any Tassie road trip. 🛶 All the best things to do in Tasmania🚙 The best day trips from Hobart🏖️ Australia's must-visit destinations

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. 🚗 The best day trips from Hobart🏔️ Everything to tick off in Cradle Mountain🏝️ What to do on Bruny Island 

Call us biased, but we think Australia is one of the most incredible and diverse places on the planet. A sizeable place (you know, continent-sized), it can be overwhelming to decide where to go on your first, fifth or 50th trip – but that's where we come in. From turquoise beaches and ancient rainforests, to flaming red deserts and buzzy metropolitan cities, our Travel and News Editor (who has visited every Aussie state and territory) has picked out the most breathtaking places you should visit in Australia right now. No matter who you are, or what you like – be it art, wine, sports or festivals – rest assured, there's something on this list for everyone.  🇦🇺 The 20 top tourist attractions in Australia🌈 Australia's most beautiful places to explore🚘 Regional towns worth visiting in Australia

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 dive bars to underground cocktail joints, the upscale to the casual, 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), cheers to our list of the best bars in Hobart, as picked by our local expert drinkers and writers. 🍽 The best restaurants in Hobart🍕 Hobart's best pizzas🍣 Where to go for Japanese in Hobart

Another local favourite café that gives itself away with a line of folks outside, Island Espresso clearly makes good coffee – given the fact that city workers brave the morning cold to wait for their pre-work takeaways outside. But if you pop in for a sit-down breakfast, you’ll find not only top-notch caffeine and a friendly family-run vibe, but also hash brown fries (with housemade tomato relish) on the menu. It’s a scientific fact that hash browns complement every breakfast dish and make your day infinitely better, so for that reason, Island Espresso will always hold a special, deep-fried place in our hearts.

Not to be confused with Pigeon Whole Bakers (a great place to grab a takeaway coffee and pastry, not so much an actual café), Pigeon Hole is a must-visit Hobart café, especially if you’re a paddock-to-plate foodie type. Everything at Pigeon Hole is locally sourced, right down to the chairs that diners sit on – made by a craftsman in the Derwent Valley. Food-wise, the owners of Pigeon Hole also own Weston Farm, which provides plenty of the menu’s fresh produce. Any dish with honey, apples, veggies, pickles and preserves is likely to be sourced from the farm, and anything the farm hasn’t provided comes from local producers. It’s a true Tassie brunch experience.

A stalwart of Salamanca Square, this bright and welcoming spot has been serving the people of Hobart for decades. A must-visit for breakfast, it’s especially pleasant to take refuge in this brightly-coloured, retro-tinged space when the Tassie weather is at its most bleak. If the decor isn’t soul-warming enough, the hearty breakfasts – like chunky sourdough heaped with avocado and perfectly squeaky halloumi, or the breakfast chicken cassoulet with a fried egg – certainly will. And yep, you can literally do a load of laundry here at the coin-operated machines.

A sister café of long-standing inner-city staple Machine Laundry, Plain Jane has been bringing cheerful vintage goodness to the northern suburb of Moonah for a couple of years now. Locals flock here for the top-tier coffee, huge takeaway three-cheese toasties, and plentiful indoor and outdoor seating for those dining in. The tunes are always good, the decor is pure joy and so are Nonna’s baked eggs on the menu. Bellissimo.

Tucked in a narrow one-way side street in Hobart’s CBD, this café is a favourite with locals, but a very badly kept secret given it’s always packed with diners spilling out onto the footpath seating. We challenge you to walk past on your way to the Elizabeth Street Mall shops without gazing longingly at someone’s stack of corn fritters heaped with avocado smash and popping in to try your luck at a free table. The super-friendly staff will always do their best to find you a spot, and trust us, the food makes any kind of wait worth it.

Pilgrim is one of the best cafés in Hobart CBD for brunch, with a commitment to pouring the best coffee in the city, as well as serving the kind of obscenely good food you’ll feel mildly guilty for indulging in (before your enjoyment takes over). Think four types of toasties stuffed full of goodness, sloppy joes, crispy potatoes, a quesadilla stack and more. With the space’s exposed brick, exposed light bulbs and exposed floorboards, the upscale industrial feel teamed with the expert-level brunch menu will make you feel like you woke up in Brooklyn rather than Hobart.

On the other side of the Tasman Bridge is Bellerive’s Marla Singer, named for the character in Fight Club. But the name is where the similarities end, as this Eastern Shore eatery is as far from chaotic as you could get. Situated in a quiet waterfront suburb, this cool yet welcoming café serves up brunch treats like housemade crumpets with whipped ricotta and preserved fruit, pecorino omelette, nduja baked beans, and the muffuletta – a New Orleans-style breakfast sandwich layered with meat, pickles and cheese.

The definition of hidden gem, Dandy Lane is one of Hobart’s best cafés and best-kept secrets. You’ll find it down the end of a pedestrian laneway called Collins Court, serving all-day brunch with a hefty side of Tassie friendliness from the staff. Treat yourself to French toast, fried chicken benny or the baby Dutch pancake served in its own little cast iron pan. All of it pairs perfectly with Dandy Lane’s excellent coffee and warm, welcoming atmosphere. It’s tough to brave the winter air after brunch at this place.

Not to be overlooked, the southeast of the state offers up some beaut beaches to visit, too. There’s a bunch of lovely little spots dotted around the Tasman Peninsula – Pirates Bay Beach and Lagoon Beach are highlights – but if you’re an outdoorsy type, add Fortescue Bay to your list. Tucked within Tasman National Park, this remote spot is bordered by towering forests but is worth the hike – or drive – to get there. You can camp nearby, or simply stop off for a dip as you navigate the popular Three Capes Walk. Good for: Adventuring, kayaking, camping, walking.

The waters on the wild West Coast of Tasmania aren’t the most ideal for a safe swimming session, but that’s not why you visit Ocean Beach. A trip to see this majestic landmark is all about taking in its rugged beauty – a huge 40km stretch of sand, some of the biggest waves you’ll see in Tassie, and the howling winds of the Roaring Forties. Plus, you’ll experience something you won’t find if you’re from the East Coast of Australia: a sunset over the ocean. Good for: Long (and we mean long) walks along the beach, marvelling at giant waves, sunset watching.

Surfers love Clifton Beach, as its south-facing position brings in some decent swells. It’s not just for hanging ten, though. The shallows are perfect for a paddle and a splash – watch out for rips near the rocks – and the cliffs provide lots of shelter for all-day beach hangs and picnics. It’s patrolled on weekends and public holidays, and can be busy with locals in the warmer months as they defrost post-winter. Good for: Surfing, picnics, beachcombing in the sand dunes.

Up in the north-east of Tasmania are the calm, clear waters of Waterhouse Point. Just east of the popular holiday town of Bridport, the beaches around Waterhouse Point are hugely popular with Taswegians who enjoy fishing and family beach holidays. Camping around the area is free, and lots of locals and tourists take advantage of not only this, but the perfect swimming and snorkelling conditions. Check out Waterhouse Point, Croppies Beach and the beautiful and secluded Ransons Beach. Good for: Fishing, rockpools, snorkelling, family beach holidays.