Maya Skidmore

There’s no doubt about it, Sydneysiders can’t get enough of Italian food. And who can blame us? There’s something about a bowl of perfectly al dente pasta paired with a luscious, rich ragu that just hits the spot. And while Italian cuisine differs throughout the 20 incredible regions – broadly speaking, the northern regions eat more rice and polenta, while down south they feast more on seafood – Italians share a love of beautiful, seasonal produce; they choose simplicity rather than overcomplicating dishes and cook with soul. No wonder we love it so much. Luckily, there are plenty of excellent options for Italian dining in Sydney. Time Out’s food writers and editors – including Editor Avril Treasure, who has eaten her way through Sicily, Sorrento, Rome and Florence – have picked our favourite eateries, covering all bases. The only catch? They just need to provide a feel-good environment and dishes you’ll want to come back for. From casual red-sauce joints and classic pizzerias to fine-dining restaurants, you’ll find them all here. Stay in the loop: sign up for our free Time Out Sydney newsletter for more news, food & drink inspo and activity ideas, straight to your inbox. Not in the mood for pasta? Here are our picks of the best spots for Greek and French food in Sydney.

Australia is home to some of the most incredible coastlines on the planet, and happily for those who prefer swimming sans swimmers, we’ve also got boundless nudist beaches to share. Although there are plenty of ‘unofficial’ nude beaches Down Under, we recommend sticking to the ones where you can’t get in trouble with the law for leaving your clothes at the door (or invisible sand barrier). Every state except Queensland has at least one beach where you can comfortably get your kit off without fear of being arrested.  Are you a nudist beach first-timer? Rest assured – Australia's nudist beaches are much like the rest of this sunburnt country – laid back, relaxed and lacking in high expectations. Just remember the cardinal nudist beach rules: don't stare, be respectful, no photos, bring sunscreen – and as always, swim at your own risk, because these beaches (for obvious reasons) aren't patrolled.  🌊 The best beaches in Australia🏄 Australia's top surf beaches

Anyone who’s been to Exmouth will tell you it’s one of the most stunning coastal towns in all of Australia. Located about 1,270 kilometres north of Perth – around a 13-hour drive or two-hour flight to nearby Learmouth Airport – this remote gem is a nature lover’s playground, cradled between the rugged beauty of Cape Range National Park and the drop-dead gorgeous Ningaloo Reef. Our Travel & News Editor, Melissa Woodley, recently visited Exmouth – and she hasn't stopped raving about it since. In fact, it could be her favourite Aussie destination of the year. While there, she did a bucket list swim with whale sharks (the world's largest fish), searched for black-footed rock wallabies at Yardie Creek, and hiked through the fossil-crusted Mandu Mandu Gorge, a place that's been inhabited by humans for about 30,000 years. Here's her guide on the best things to do in Exmouth, including where to eat and stay. 🌳 All the best places to visit in Western Australia🐋 Everything to know about whale sharks🌊 Your ultimate guide to Rottnest Island // var axel = Math.random() + ""; var a = axel * 10000000000000; document.write(''); //

For many Sydneysiders, it's an undeniable truth that the weekend market is one of our most beloved cultural institutions. However, when looking for the most amazing market to hit up in Sydney, it can be hard to know where to begin.   Our city has a whole lot of options for the market-savvy explorer. Whether it's walking away with farm-fresh produce, unearthing vintage and antique treasures, snaffling fried brunchy fare on the grass, or jiving to a live saxophone player before 10am, this city has something for everyone.  A market jaunt is an affordable way to have a great time in this city. With our round-up of the city's best, we have you covered on where to go, where to look, and when to do it when the craving calls.  Happy hunting.  Mapping out your Friday to Monday? Find out what's on with our guide of things to do in Sydney this weekend, or keep it simple and take your market finds to one of our city's best beaches. Stay in the loop: sign up for our free Time Out Sydney newsletter for more news, straight to your inbox.

Choosing the best hotel to book in Sydney is a delicate art – whether you’re a visitor experiencing the Emerald City for the very first time or a local on a weekend staycation. With so many options to choose between – from beachside boltholes (like the boutique hotel overlooking Watsons Bay) to a trendy converted brewery with a rooftop pool – it can be tricky to decide which hotel is right for you. At Time Out Sydney, we’ve dedicated a good few years to making that task a little easier – picking out the very best hotels in the city based on location, design creds, facilities and that undefinable something that can take a hotel from good to great. Whether you’re looking for a celeb-approved stay with uninterrupted views of the Opera House, an easy breezy escape by the beach, or an old-school luxury palace that will have you feeling like a princess, our team of writers (including Editor-in-Chief Alice Ellis and Sydney Editor Avril Treasure) have tried and tested the best hotels in Sydney. To confirm that they should make the cut, this list has been carefully edited by self-confessed hotel addict Winnie Stubbs, Travel and Hotels Editor APAC for Time Out. Read on for our definitive guide to the best hotels in Sydney. Stay in the loop: sign up for our free Time Out Sydney newsletter for more news, travel inspo and activity ideas, straight to your inbox. RECOMMENDED: These are the best glamping sites in NSW. These are the best camping sites near Sydney. And these are the best spot

What could be more romantic than a hamper packed for two and sweeping harbour views? Where else could you organise a long, lazy lunch for a group of friends? Or an impromptu dinner date, al fresco? For all this, and more head to one of Sydney's very best picnic spots. And don't worry, we've done the research on if there’s parking, toilets and barbecues available. All you've got to do is pop the champers, sit back and have a right good picnicking time.  Stay in the loop: sign up for our free Time Out Sydney newsletter for more news, food & drink inspo and activity ideas, straight to your inbox. RECOMMENDED: We also have you covered for where to find Sydney's best parks.  Don't go past Sydney's best National Parks either. 

When it comes to once-in-a-lifetime experiences, it’s hard to beat those on offer in Australia’s Red Centre. This magical stretch of the Australian outback is full of endless possibilities and wild adventures, all centred around one of our nation’s most recognisable and sacred landmarks, Uluru (Ayers Rock).  On the ancestral lands of the Anangu people, Uluru has immense spiritual importance for Australia's First Nations people. During the day, walk around the rock’s vast ten-kilometre base, where you’ll uncover fascinating geological facts and learn Tjutkurpa (creation stories) shared by the Traditional Owners. At night, magical drone shows, lasers and light projections illuminate Uluru’s wildest corners, bringing an extra layer of magic to an already extraordinary place. Here’s our guide on the best things to do in Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park. 🌳 Your guide to Kakadu National Park🌅 The best things to do in Darwin🌲 Australia's most beautiful national parks

Litchfield National Park is a lush and verdant corner of the Northern Territory that's often forgotten. Located just 1.5 hours from Darwin city, this national park is overflowing with thundering waterfalls, crystal pools and vivid greenery that has to be seen to be believed. In a part of the world where pretty much all bodies of water are to be heavily avoided at all costs (read: saltwater crocs), Litchfield is a special oasis for swimmers and weary travellers alike. As the traditional lands of the Marrathiel, Marranunggu, Werat, Warray and Koongurrukun people (amongst many others), Litchfield is a deeply ancient and sacred place that's been protected by its people for millennia. After memorable trips, our Travel & News Editor Melissa Woodley and contributing writer Maya Skimore have put together this guide to the best things to do in Litchfield, where sacred beauty and natural wonders await at every turn. When is the best time to visit Litchfield National Park? The park's wild beauty, profound peacefulness and awe-inspiring views can be experienced year-round – but for swimming, camping and hiking, the best time to head there is the dry season (May to October). During the wet season (November to April), you can still visit the park, but expect heavy monsoon rains to shut access to some swimming holes.  How long do you need at Litchfield National Park? You'll need at least one full day to tick off Litchfield's major highlights, but two to three days is ideal if you want to sw

We're saying it loud and clear: Darwin is one of Australia’s best-kept secrets. It’s that far northern city where people put ice in their beer, dodge cyclones and take their lives into their hands if they ever step into the sea. And while there's something a little untamed about Australia’s northernmost capital city, that’s what makes it so much fun to visit.  Whether you’re here to access the majesty of Kakadu and Litchfield National Parks, check out the incredible international food scene or just planning to kick back by the water in this tropical paradise while the rest of the country shivers through winter, there’s something in Darwin for everyone. Our expert writers (including Time Out's Travel & News Editor, Melissa Woodley) have curated the ultimate guide on the best things to do in Darwin for your next trip. Editors' favourite things to do in Darwin: 🎬 Best for families: Deckchair Cinema 🍜 Best for foodies: Mindil Beach Sunset Market ☀️ Best for a hot day: Museum and Art Gallery of the Northern Territory (MAGNT) When is the best time to visit Darwin? We recommend visiting Darwin during the dry season (May to October). Sunny days, clear blue skies and low humidity are ideal for exploring the city and nearby national parks. However, there are still plenty of fun things for locals and visitors to do during the shoulder and wet seasons, like visiting the MAGNT and Crocosaurus Cove. 🍽️ The best restaurants in Darwin🚗 All the best day trips from Darwin🍸 Where to go f

Sydney is often referred to as the Harbour City, but a better name might be the Town of a Hundred Beaches. There are countless golden stretches scattered along the length and breadth of Sydney’s many shores (exact figures vary based on who you ask, as some disappear with the tides or are all but impossible to reach). But such an array of sandy riches can make picking the right beach to visit a bit of a head-scratcher. To help you out, we’ve cast our discerning eyes across pretty much every beach in the city, awarding points for accessibility, natural beauty, range of facilities and unique charms. We’ve tallied the results, tabulated the scores and can now reveal our definitive rankings of the 47 best beaches in Sydney. Grab those beach towels and dive right in. JUST REMEMBER: There have been a lot of drowning incidents at NSW beaches – if you swim at unpatrolled beaches, you put yourself at risk. You can search patrolled and unpatrolled beaches near you over here – as well as other surf safety issues. Hate crowds? Here's our guide to the best secret beaches in Sydney. The city also has a heap of fab harbour beaches – as well as dog-friendly beaches. Stay in the loop: sign up for our free Time Out Sydney newsletter for more news, straight to your inbox.

Rottnest Island is one of those incredibly rare places on Earth that looks even better IRL than it does in glossy travel magazines. Also known by its local Aboriginal name, Wadjemup, and ‘Rotto’ by locals, it’s an essential addition to any WA itinerary. Out-of-towners might know Rottnest for its friendly population of quokkas, but the island's also home to the most incredible azure blue waters you’ll come across, and nowadays, it has a selection of top-notch eateries and luxe accommodation, as well as camping grounds and low-key restaurants for the budget-conscious. Our Travel & News Editor, Melissa Woodley, recently took a day trip and spent five hours riding around the entire island, stopping for swims at all the beautiful beaches along the way. Here's her pick of the best things to see and do on Rottnest Island. 🏝️ The most beautiful islands in Australia🌳 Everything to do in Perth🚘 The best day trips from Perth

Ah, the sunrise – a gentle, daily reminder that the days start coming and they simply do not stop coming. It’s as certain as the sun rising in the east and setting in the west. That being said, Australia is a wonderland for sensational cracks of dawn along the eastern and western seaboards alike.  Peep Brisbane’s Mount Coot-tha for altitudinous urban views, take Pinky Beach in the west for ground-floor spectaculars or even watch the sunrise from a kayak on Sydney Harbour. Wherever you may be, these are the best sunrises in Australia that'll have you saying ‘top of the mornin’ to ya’, indubitably. 🌅 The best sunsets in Australia😍 The most beautiful places in Australia✨ Where to go stargazing in Australia

Forget saccharine sweet Christmas cabarets. Meet: C***ty, a wildly interactive and very funny festive show with a saucy little twist. This one's for the grinch-inclined, the clown-enthusiasts and anyone who wants to see a colourful array of acclaimed Sydney queer and female talent battle (via song, dance and the odd bit of pole dancing) to become the North Pole’s next top Santa Claus. Because, as you'll be asked to imagine beforehand, the OG Santa is (sadly) dead. Running on December 18 for one special festive show at Surry Hills' Two280 Cabaret, the C**nty Christmas Cabaret promises to be a force of tinsel-toned entertainment that's guaranteed to get Scrooge himself into some kind of Christmas spirit. Designed and hosted by Australian comedian Joshua Hauville (Melbourne International Comedy Festival, London, NYC, Amsterdam, Paris, Sydney), who has just returned from a sparkly year spent running cabaret and comedy shows in Paris, this festive show is crafted in his signature over-the-top, surprise-packed (and occasionally a little explicit) style that's garnered big laughs all over the world.  What can you expect? This is a wild and deeply interactive show where the audience gets to direct the action. Packed with big cackles, weird surprises and a fair bit of stripping, you'll get to see a vibrant lineup line up of incredible Sydney-based comedians, sexy clowns, pole dancers, drag kings, drag queens and magicians create their own unique brand of Christmas magic.  With a speci

Whack on something striking and dust off your dancing shoes as the much-loved NGV Friday Nights returns to dazzle Melburnians this summer. Every Friday night, the NGV will open its doors after hours to show off the gallery's coolest new kid: Westwood | Kawakubo, an epic exhibition tracing five decades of radical self expression through the eyes of two of fashion's most trailblazing designers: Vivienne Westwood and Rei Kawakubo, the visionary behind Comme des Garçons.  Westwood | Kawakubo is a showcase of more than 140 boundary-breaking designs. Many are drawn from the NGV’s own holdings – an extraordinary cache of 300-plus Kawakubo pieces and more than 100 by Westwood – making this one of the most important showcases of their work anywhere in the world.  The exhibition is arranged thematically, moving from punk’s anarchic spirit in the 1970s to the avant-garde silhouettes of today. Expect explorations of their shared obsessions with historical dress, radical cutting techniques and subversions of gender norms, alongside rare runway footage, archival photography and film. Grab a bubbly from the Moët and Chandon Champagne Bar, sink a signature summery cocktail at the Four Pillars Bar, or taste a Yarra Valley wine from the Yering Station Wine Bar. There will also be share-style snacks floating around, and a pop-up Häagen-Dazs Ice Cream Cart, because, obviously. Eclectic live music and epic performances will also be popping off in the gallery, with renowned Aussie DJs like Bre

Alert! The Queen Victoria Summer Night Market is back, and believe it or not, this year marks its 25th anniversary – making it the longest-running night market in Melbourne's history. Running every Wednesday night, the beloved institution has returned in its full, summery glory. You're invited to wander through open-air stalls, feast on an incredible selection of global street food and drinks, purchase gorgeous goodies and just soak up the good vibes. This year, more than 100 shops, stalls and bars will light up the market sheds across a bumper 15-week season. Foodie highlights include Sri Lankan street eats favourite and 25-year icon, Drums Sri Lankan Street Food; gourmet meatball subs from Mr Baller; charcoal-grilled lamb, chicken and halloumi-stuffed pita pockets from the Cypriot Kitchen; popcorn prawns and fried oysters from George the Fishmonger; flame-grilled Brazillian meats from Braz Oz Brazilian BBQ; and crispy bubble waffles and towering soft serves from Oz Waffle.  When you get thirsty, head to the Traditional Lemonade Stand for nostalgic fresh-pressed citrus, or for something stronger, to Brick Lane Brewing Co., for locally brewed beers and Mojito slushies. You can also grab a Blood Orange Spritz from Compa Tequila or a Limoncello Drop from Bella Spritz. As always, you can expect roving performers, pop-up fruit and veggie stalls, and a rotating line-up of homegrown talent playing live music on the market's main stage. After sipping and snacking, be sure to explore

There's nothing quite like frolicking through a vibey night market on a balmy summer evening. Enter: Coburg Night Market, a beloved institution that's returning in 2025 for three sweet days. Free to enter, dog-friendly and bursting with artisan goodies, mouth-watering food and amazing live music, it's a guaranteed good time. Running from December 11-13, the Coburg Night Market will pop off at Bridges Reserve on Bell Street, courtesy of Merri-bek City Council. With amazing food trucks, local makers and free live music and entertainment going until late, there's no better way to get your Christmas shopping done, all while simultaneously adding sparkle to your end of week.  This year, you can expect to dance to an epic music program curated by local respected DJ and creative producer MzRizk. There will be an extensive line-up of impressive local talent from the city's north taking to the main stage all weekend, including the soulful vocals of Miss Katalyna and Kee’Ahn on Thursday night, DJ General Feelings opening on Friday, and Saturday wrapping up with colourful Latin dance beats by way of Amaru Tribe – plus many, many more. On Thursday and Friday the doors open from 5pm to 10pm, and kids will especially enjoy attending on Saturday, with the market open from noon to 10pm. There will be heaps of family-friendly creative activities going on, including Counihan Gallery putting on a postcard-sized drawing sesh that'll get displayed in its windows in January, and a DIY jewellery wo

Driving around the neighbourhood hunting festively adorned houses is a Christmas tradition for many families, but you can take things to a whole new level with a visit to Adventure Park’s Christmas Festival of Lights. If you think suburban streets hung with festoons are impressive, your jaw will be on the floor when you behold more than 3.3 million twinkling lights. Until December 24, Adventure Park will sparkle to life with Victoria’s largest Christmas lights display. In 2025, there are six new installations, live entertainment a refreshed Santa's Village and plenty more to amaze the little ones. This year, the new Santa's Village will include two big zones packed with glowy gingerbread houses, singing reindeer and dancing polar bears. These are in addition to six spectacular new light displays that will glitter around the lake, including glowing lunar lanterns and an amazing interactive piano feature. As always, Santa will be in attendance, ready to star in professional family photos and supervise the kids as they post letters destined for the North Pole. And if your senses are still looking for more stimulation, simply jump on one of the eight on-site theme park rides, including the classic tea cups and ferris wheel. You can book in for the weekends in early December, and from Thursday, December 18, right through to Christmas Eve. Find out more here to secure your slice of the Christmas fun. Looking for more things to do? Check out our guide to what's on this week. 

Summer is here, and to celebrate the first Saturday of the silly season, the City of Sydney is throwing a pool-centric extravaganza that's almost too good to be true. For the entire day of Saturday, December 6, you can enter all of the City of Sydney's amazing pools for free. That's right. $0. Also, they're slinging free gelato too. This is not a drill.  The Summer Open Day will pop off at six pools and world-class aquatic centres across the City of Sydney, from 6am to 8pm. With free gelato scoops getting slung at select pools from 11am to 2pm, and free icy poles at others all day (while stocks last), you can bet your bottom dollar that this is one Saturday where you're in for a treat.  Plus, to add to the fun, all the pools on the roster have some kind of fun activation, activities, games and special deals that will be running all day. From lawn games and a hammer challenge, to an ultimate Zumba party, there's no end to the summery surprises and all-round good times to be had on December 6, 2025.  The Summer Open Day is also an exciting opportunity for Sydneysiders to have a peek into the newly renovated Andrew (Boy) Charlton Pool, which is finally ready for swimming business. A gelato cart, games and one-day only specials on memberships and swim lessons will all be available at what is arguably Sydney's snazziest swimming pool.  Participating pools are: Andrew (Boy) Charlton Pool, The Domain Prince Alfred Park Pool, Surry Hills Ian Thorpe Aquatic Centre, Ultimo Victoria Pa

Field Day is a Sydney institution. Devotees of the sunny New Year’s Day event will likely be tucking themselves into bed just before the year ticks over on December 31, sober and ready for a wild day of music and festival madness. This popular festival is back for its 25th year on the decks, and it looks like it's going to be a particuarly fresh one.  Kicking off in the Domain on Monday, January 1, Field Day 2026 is exhibiting all signs of shaping up to be a really excellent party. International music arts and homegrown talent will both take to the main stage to sling high energy dance music to Sydney revellers. From young dancers to more seasoned party professionals, Field Day is an inclusive, dance-focused space where hydration is key, and good vibes are a must.  This year, there's an exciting new kid on the block. Enter: Camp Ground, a special stage that'll be solely dedicated to shining a (literal) light on Sydney's queer talent. Curated by, and for, Sydney's LGBTQIA+ communities, this new wing is set up to add an extra, bright dimmension to a legacy institution.  So who are the big names we’ll be holding out for? Start the New Year with Aussie icons and Aria winners, The Presets, 'Shooting Stars' duo Bag Raiders, rising producer STÜM, and Berlin-based techno power-house Patrick Mason. UK-grown talent includes London's BL3SS and the Irish Belters Only, while Aussies are represented by Atomic Kiss, Chase Zera and Djanaba, plus lots, lots more.  Remember to pack your water

In 2025, we're all rolling around in the screen-fuelled dystopia of the AI-verse, and things are feeling pretty weird. Strangely convincing videos and eerily-real (yet not quite) photos have taken over the internet, and with it, our collective perception of reality. Whether it's the current US President or your mum, there are few folks on the planet today who aren't grappling with the inane and mysterious powers of artificial intelligence. It is this truth that has launched the MCA's newest exhibition, aptly titled Data Dreams: Art and AI, an immersive and first-of-its-kind art show that will sweep through a series of interconnected gallery spaces in the MCA from November 21, 2025 through to April 27, 2026. Featuring the groundbreaking works of ten otherwordly artists from all around the world, Data Dreams is setting itself up to be a guide for all of us confused, bumbling humans who have suddenly found ourselves thrust into the AI age. Through immersive installations, AI-films and hallucinatory imagery, the exhibition aims to make you really and truly question what it means to exist in the AI era, and what we can expect from the years to come.  You'll be pointed through Big Questions, like how technology influences power, how our algorithims are shaping each of our individual world views, and how to navigate an illusory "reality".  The artists asking you to expand your mind come from all over, and each of them have something very fascinating to say. From palawa artist Angie

Step back in time when you take a ride on Puffing Billy – a perfectly preserved steam train – as it chugs through the Dandenong Ranges from Belgrave to Lakeside, Gembrook and Menzies Creek. It may not be the speediest journey (once a year you can actually race the train on foot – and win, if you're quick enough), but ol' Billy will take you through the lush forest setting in style. Puffing Billy offers a range of experiences, including a full-day journey to Lakeside or Gembrook, to shorter trips to Menzies Creek which comes with entry to the Menzies Creek Museum. The museum is home to over 80 exhibition pieces and gives visitors a glimpse of the past including rare operational railway artefacts. Don't miss the time-honoured tradition of dangling your arms and legs over the sills of the open carriage on a train ride. No matter how old you are, this is a thrill that's hard to top. To check the train timetable and book your spot, head to their site. All aboard! Check out our unofficial guide to Melbourne's best (and worst!) train stations.

If you're looking for a wellness hub that's tailormade for the future, you can't look past Therapy Wellness Center in Eltham.  Having freshly opened its doors in 2025, Therapy is a cutting-edge holistic health facility that hosts an impressive service menu, ranging from cryotherapy, neurofeedback and hyperbaric oxygen to sound healing, psychology, IV drips and EMDR therapy. This is definitely a level-up from sipping bad green tea and tepid spa water.  In keeping with the futuristic wellness theme, all treatments at Therapy are totally personalised to you through the centre's signature 'Brain-Body Diagonistic' service, meaning you can expect properly healing personal attention. Hop through Therapy for a series of avant garde treatments usually reserved for L.A. influencers, dine like a proboiotic-friendly queen at resident 'Therapy Kitchen' (where we're told gut-friendly meals, adaptogen elixirs and therapeutic teas are the mainstay) and generally invest in your wellness in a way you likely haven't before. It's definitely worth it.  Want more wellness and spa action in Melbourne? Here's our top picks. 

The Potter has been at the forefront of the Australian art scene for over fifty years. Opened in 1972, and undergoing an extensive renovation between 2018 and 2024, The Potter has just freshly reopened to the public in 2025, and it's looking pretty good. One of the imprtant homes of the University of Melbourne's vast art collection, The Potter is located in a building on Swanston Street in Carlton, and is home to an impressive, 18,000 strong collection of First Nations, modern Australian and international art and historical artefacts. This new-and-improved iteration of the gallery continues to hold onto its established status as one of Australia's leading art collections. In 2025, it is home to a continuing roladex of exhibitions, public programs and arts fellowships that are aimed at elevating the work of artists, curators and students at the University of Melbourne, and far beyond.  Admission is free.        

If you're looking for a wellness hub that's tailormade for the future, you can't look past Therapy Wellness Center in Eltham.  Having freshly opened its doors in 2025, Therapy is a cutting-edge holistic health facility that hosts an impressive service menu, ranging from cryotherapy, neurofeedback and hyperbaric oxygen to sound healing, psychology, IV drips and EMDR therapy. This is definitely a level-up from sipping bad green tea and tepid spa water.  In keeping with the futuristic wellness theme, all treatments at Therapy are totally personalised to you through the centre's signature 'Brain-Body Diagonistic' service, meaning you can expect properly healing personal attention. Hop through Therapy for a series of avant garde treatments usually reserved for LA influencers, dine like a proboiotic-friendly queen at resident Therapy Kitchen (where gut-friendly meals, adaptogen elixirs and therapeutic teas are the mainstay) and generally invest in your wellness in a way you likely haven't before. Your body will thank you for it. For more info and to book in for a treatment, head to the website. Want more wellness and spa action in Melbourne? Here's our top picks. 

Snakes are one of Australia's more hardcore surprises. Our Great Southern Land plays host and native home to more than 210 snake species, with 100 of those being venomous, and just 12 of these considered to have poison that's potentially lethal for us humans. With Australia's natural abundance of arid desert, knobbly rock and dry grasslands (aka, snake heaven), it's clear that these slithery creatures are able to flourish across every corner of Australia. But, as it turns out, they're also quite fond of the water too. Sorry.  In a new study released by the folks over at World Atlas, the five most snake-infested bodies of water in Australia have been identified. So, consider this a PSA for your next great Aussie road trip.  1. Herdsman Lake, Perth, Western Australia This natural wetland in Perth is packed with a teeming population of tiger snakes. These highly venomous creatures can grow up to two meters in length and be identified by their brown, olive or black bodies that are striped (tiger-like) by pale white bands. They love the thick reeds, abundance of tiny frogs and small fish that live in Herdsman Lake, and are clearly an essential part of this vibrant ecosystem that's impressively able to operate near such an urban area.  2. Yanchep Lake, Western Australia Again, Western Australia comes through with its snakey prowess. This lake is found in Yanchep National Park, north of Perth, and is also brimming with a healthy tiger snake population. You can (from a safe distance)

When it comes to finding amazing accommodation, NSW has so much to offer that it can be hard to keep up. With our state's abundance of incredible campsites, hotels and amazingly unique accommodation, it's hard to narrow down the best place to book for your next getaway.  But, fret no further. The NSW Tourism Awards Winners have recently been announced, and with it, the confidence that your next NSW holiday itinerary won't be a miss.  Why should we listen to the overlords at the NSW Tourism Awards anyway? Well, after 30 years, they’re the state’s longest-running tourism honours – and the only way operators can land a spot in the Australian Tourism Awards. With 30 categories that span accomodation, experiences and sustainability, 2025's awards saw 78 winners selected from 125 finalists, making this a very competitive round. After a lot of careful consideration, 55 independent judges gave these finalists gold, silver and bronze awards for their efforts in the NSW tourism space. Accomodation was a big proponent of this, with the awards featuring 5-star accomodation to caravan parks.  Here's who took home gold for each category.  Photograph: Supplied | Mt Hay Retreat 1. 5 star accommodation gold went to dreamy Berry mountain-top escape, Mt Hay Retreat. Reviewed by us in 2023, we can attest that Mt Hay Retreat is worthy of its crown.  2. 4 to 4.5 star accommodation gold was awarded to Crowne Plaza Terrigal Pacific, which our Time Out editors also loved.  3. Best caravan park tit

Summer holidays usually mean one thing: a great Aussie road trip. Whether you’re speeding up the coast to visit family, heading across state lines or traversing one of Australia’s epic road trip routes for a bit of end-of-year R&R, it’s pretty classic for Aussies to explore some of our most remote motorways in the summer period (of which, in this colossal land, there are many).  While fun and spectacular, these roads also have the potential to be very dangerous. Long stretches between fuel stops, hazardous driving conditions and general remoteness make a number of Aussie roads genuinely threatening in the case of a breakdown.  Car rental company VroomVroomVroom has assessed Australia’s most popular road trips to identify the ten most dangerous places to break down. This list has been measured based on each route’s distance from fuel, healthcare services and mechanics, with summer heat and harsh conditions in the Australian outback making these factors considerably more important.  The most dangerous road trip route to break down (without proper survival supplies in the boot) is Western Australia's Gunbarrel Highway, a route that connects Wiluna in WA to Yulara, near Uluru, in the Northern Territory. This isolated stretch of highway is known for its incredible stargazing, rolling desert dunes and stark landscape, but it's also particularly formidable for anyone who isn't prepared if your car stops working. The nearest hospital is 294 kilometres away, repair services are 449 ki

The year is wrapping up, and so is pretty much everything around us (and no, we're not just talking about Spotify). The real estate experts at Domain have released their own end-of-year wrap, revealing some intriguing and valuable insights – including which Aussie suburbs ranked among the most popular in 2025.  The annual report relied on the analysis of a year's worth of site views on Domain's website, zooming in on the highest views per residential listing for apartments and houses across the country. This data is significant because it reveals the type of areas gaining momentum and harnessing the most interest for prospective buyers. Unsurprisingly, most of the top suburbs across Australia's major cities were wealthy and prestigious areas that are less interest rate sensitive. Domain chief of research and economics, Dr Nicola Powell, says that most buyers for these areas are looking to upgrade to their next property, and are determined to find their new home in a distinct suburb, refusing to stop looking until they do.  There are also a lot of people who are perusing property for a bit of fun (but may not be able to make the jump IRL, just yet), a factor that Dr Powell says will inevitably drive views to listings in places that she calls “the crème de la crème of Australia’s real estate”. Property dreamers, we see you.  Every major city in Australia had a call out of the top ten suburbs that garnered the most interest from property seekers over the course of 2025. However,

It's a universally acknowledged truth that Australians really, really like to travel. Our vast island home is obviously incredible, but given its geographic isolation, Aussies often get the itch to board a horrendously long flight and discover what else lies out there beyond the big, big blue. The question remains, though: Which countries do most Australians actually go to? And what are the ones we tend to stay away from?  An answer to this has finally come, courtesy of the federal Department of Home Affairs (DHA) and a lengthy, critical report created by Forward Travel. Analysing the DHA's records of the millions of overseas departures made by Australians over the past five years, Forward Travel has combed through and revealed an interesting story about what Aussies evidently look for, and what they don't, when picking a foreign nation for an international holiday. To boil it down, the travel data shows off the places where, if you go as an Aussie, you'll either feel like an iconic, rare superstar (hello, Caribbean) or just another tourist who may make someone sigh at the normalcy of it all (hi, Kuta). Either way is fine, but at least now, you know.  Australia's 10 most popular travel destinations from 2021-25 Indonesia Singapore New Zealand United Arab Emirates Fiji USA Japan Thailand Malaysia Vietnam   Australia's 10 least popular travel destinations from 2021-25  El Salvador  Jamaica, Moldova and Senegal Samoa Lithuania and Zambia Reunion Bhutan, Burundi, Guatemala, G

It's no secret to anyone that our lives are drenched in a sickening abundance of plastic. With microplastics causing far too many severe ecological and health issues in Australia and around the world, it's clear that changes have to be made by corporations and authorities to alleviate the weight of the plastic burden on the individual consumer. In good news for all NSW-dwelling people who care about their health and the environment, the NSW Plastic Plan has just added to its long list of tiny plastic products that will be banned in the state from 2026 onwards.  Businesses across Sydney and NSW will have to phase out the use of plastic bread tags and plastic pizza savers (the little round prong that stops your toppings stick to your pizza box lid) from 2027, and from 2026, it will also continue the phasing out of the tiny little fish soy sauce bottles that, despite being cute, cause havoc to our ecosystems.   Photograph: Troy Mayne From 2026, NSW will also join our sibling states in banning the release of lighter than air helium balloons, plastic bags with handles, plastic umbrella bags and non-compostable plastic fruit and veggie stickers. Takeaway food boxes will have to be redesigned under the NSW Plastic Plan to ensure that they can be safely recycled, changing up their current toxic chemical formula.  While this presents a moment of transition and change for many local businesses, it is welcome news for all the weary individuals trying to make green choices in a market

If you didn't know already, Australia is home to the most national parks out of any country in the world. Our incredible, protected national parks come in more than 600 shapes, sizes and landscape varieties, and can be found in every single state and territory across the Great Southern Land. But there's one park that's bigger than any other. Meet: The Munga-Thirri-Simpson Desert National Park, an immense stretch of wild and rolling desert, striking rock formations and natural springs that span across three Australian states. Home to the world's longest parallel dunes and packed with crimson sand, incredibly colourful wildflowers, massive starry skies and an abundance of native wildlife, this very special (and very big) place has been the traditional lands of the Wangkangurru Yarluyandi people for thousands of years. Cared for by First Nations custodians across three states, including the Arrernte and Karanguru people in the western, northern and eastern sides of the desert, it's rich with ancient history, culture and natural splendour that has to be seen to be believed.  Where is the Simpson Desert? The Simpson Desert covers hundreds of kilometres and stretches across three states, including Queensland, South Australia and the Northern Territory.  How big is the Simpson Desert? The Simpson Desert is the fourth-largest Australian desert, with the entire sandy expanse clocking in at 176,500 square kilometres. The Munga-Thirri-Simpson Desert National Park is located within the d

The year is wrapping up, and so is pretty much everything around us (and no, we're not just talking about Spotify). The real estate and property experts at Domain have released their own end of year wrap, revealing some intriguing and valuable insights – including which Aussie suburbs ranked among the most popular in 2025.  The annual report relied on the analysis of a year's worth of site views on domain.com.au, zoning in on the highest views per residential listing for apartments and houses across Australia. This data is significant, because it reveals the kinds of areas that are gaining momentum and harnessing the most amount of interest for prospective buyers, both in Melbourne and nationwide.  Unsurprisingly, most of the top suburbs across Australia's major cities were wealthy and prestigious areas that are less interest rate sensitive. Domain chief of research and economics, Dr Nicola Powell, says that most of the buyers for these areas are people looking to upgrade to their next property, and are determined to find their new home in a distinct suburb, refusing to stop looking until they do.  There's also a lot of people who are perusing property for a bit of fun (but may not be able to make the jump IRL, just yet), a factor that Dr Powell says will inevitably drive views to listings in places that she calls “the creme de la creme of Australia’s real estate”. Property dreamers, we see you.  Photograph: Visit Victoria | Albert Park In Melbourne, the results reflect exa

Buckle up folks, because Western Australia's very own Dwellingup Mountain Bike Trail has just finished stage two of construction, meaning that 68 kilometres of incredible mountain bike terrain are now officially open for business.  Located just an hour's drive from Perth, Dwellingup is a gorgeous town that's one of only two 'Accredited Trail Towns' in the state. With an abundance of soaring forests, curving rivers and wildlife, it's a renowned spot for outdoor adventure seekers from all over Australia looking for beautiful hikes, wild swimming holes and now, unparalleled mountain biking.  As part of the new, multimillion-dollar Dwellingup Adventure Trails initiative, a huge variety of mountain bike trails have been built in the region over the last three years, ranging from gentle 1.6-kilometre beginner tracks to a hardcore 18-kilometre trail for seasoned riders. These smooth, well-maintained trails are designed to maximise any mountain biking experience, taking adventurers through towering native forests and past gorgeous natural attractions, including Lane Poole Reserve (a section of the famous Bibbulmun Track) and along the pristine banks of the Murray River. Photograph: Tourism Western Australia On top of being a biking paradise, Dwellingup Adventure Trails has created an incredible series of bushwalks through this beautiful landscape, while also updating existing ones. There are also plenty of opportunities for kayaking and canoeing adventurers on the Murray, meaning

If there's one thing that transcends all human difference, it's the united exhaustion of waiting by a baggage claim after a flight. The endless pacing! The panicked rush! The deep horror! And, of course, the classic nightmare of waiting for your luggage, only to be met with an evil, empty baggage carousel and the sad realisation that your bag is actually headed somewhere far, far away. Like Perth, or Timbuktu. It is this particular scenario that makes Melbourne Airport's whopping half-a-billion dollar redevelopment of its baggage claim process so very welcome. Constructed over the course of the year amidst the chaos of an operational international airport, the new system is a wild 3.6 kilometres long – the same length as the airport's longest runway.  Testing is currently in process for this new, world-class baggage system that is said to be able to double the existing baggage system's capacity for travellers, bringing the total number of bags that can be processed in one hour up from a current 1,800 to a huge 4,000.   Photograph: Alexandr Podvalny/Pexels Better yet, it will feature state-of-the-art technology that will have the ability to provide airlines with the tracking and status of people's bags from the moment their luggage gets checked in. Goodbye, lost baggage mayhem.  With international arrivals to Melbourne at a record high, with 1,032,448 arrivals recorded in October 2025 alone, it is clear that a solid baggage system is a necessity for an airport that is only c

There's nothing quite like The Ghan. Known for its iconic northbound travel route that curves through the ochre sands of outback South Australia and up into the crimson heart of the Red Centre, The Ghan railway has made a respected name for itself as one of the most prestigious and deeply Australian travel experiences on Earth. In 2025, it was ranked among the world’s best luxury train journeys – and now, it’s taking the experience to an entirely new level. Photograph: Journey Beyond | The Ghan In 2027, The Ghan's northbound itinerary is set to expand for the first time from its usual two-night offering to a three-night, four-day experience that speeds up from Adelaide to the tropical wonders of the Top End. This new offering is designed to get people moving slowly and intentionally through the magic of Australia's heartland country, immersing themselves deeply in the wild and dreamy beauty of the landscapes that stretch from South Australia to the Northern Territory. What's in the new 2027 itinerary? For the first time ever, Journey Beyond Rail has announced a new route, titled 'The Legendary Ghan 2027'. Kicking off in Adelaide and ending in Darwin, this one is made for travellers who want to soak up as much time as possible in the Red Centre, but still luxuriate within the glam lap of The Ghan. The 2027 route begins with a bougie dinner in an acclaimed South Australian wine region. Afterwards comes the big star moment, a full day exploring the 600-million-year-old landsca

In exciting news for Canberran thespians and culture vultures everywhere, the grand design for the incoming Canberra Lyric Theatre has just been made public. And, it looks pretty bloody good.  The ACT Government has allocated $28 million to the design and enabling works for a state-of-the-art new Lyric Theatre that will be added to the existing Canberra Theatre Centre precinct. This epic cultural venue was designed through a collaboration between COX Architecture, First Nations designer Yerrabingin, Charcoal Blue theatre consultants and Arcadia Landscape Architecture, with construction underway from November 2025. After extensive engagement with First Nations, LGBTQIA+ and local community groups, this reimagined theatre has Country and community rooted firmly at its innermost heart. The theatre is slated to become a living extension of Country, blending all of Canberra's diverse worlds and peoples together into one dynamic physical space.   Photograph: Supplied | COXCanberra Lyric Theatre render “As a project of national significance, it was vital that the design harmonise with Canberra’s civic fabric while also affirming the role of cultural infrastructure in shaping a shared identity – one that’s shaped by our First Nations heritage as well as the diversity of contemporary Australia", said Joe Agius, COX director and project lead.  The soaring and sculpted architectural design is set to be a totally sustainable, Green Star build that has been carefully crafted to frame v