Melissa Woodley

Combining seriously stylish design with access to abundant fresh produce from the surrounding wine regions, Adelaide’s restaurant scene has the best of both city and regional dining. Forward-thinking mod oz cuisine is informed by food traditions from across the world, which are also visible in everything from Afghan comfort food to Parisian classics and what might be Australia’s first pizza restaurant.  The accompanying wine lists are just as wide-ranging, encompassing powerful Barossa reds, spritzy natural wines and everything in between, all served by knowledgeable staff. And the best bit? Even the extended degustations sit at a price point that will come as a pleasant surprise to East Coast diners. Time Out’s expert local writers have curated this of the best restaurants in Adelaide for all your eating pleasure – tuck right in! 🍷 The best bars in Adelaide🍕 Adelaide's best pizza joints☕️ The best cafés 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! 🥐 The best bakeries in Perth🍱 Perth's top Japanese restaurants🍕 Where to get the best pizza in Perth

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 Food & Drink 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.

Autumn 2025 update: Thirst-quenching beers, sunny beer gardens and hearty feeds – how good are pubs? Whether you’re after a midweek meal, a trivia night or live music, Sydney’s best watering holes are sure to set the stage for good times. There's a lot that goes into making a great pub. They need to furnish you with an excellent meal and friendly service, and a game of pool or darts doesn't go astray. On a sunny day, it's all about having a welcoming beer garden, and on a Sunday, it's all about a cracking roast. There are a lot of rock-solid pubs in this city, and these are our picks of the bunch, pulled together by Time Out Sydney's local writers, including Food & Drink Editor Avril Treasure. Cheers! 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. For something a bit less pubby, a bit higher end, see our picks of the best bars in Sydney. Hungry? Check out our ultimate guide to Sydney's best restaurants. 

Sun and surf aside, the Gold Coast’s diverse dining scene shines just as bright as its world-class beaches. Whether it's a casual evening with fish and chips by the water, a barefoot bite at the beach club or a special occasion dinner at one of the Goldy’s award-winning restaurants, these are the places you want to be seen. We’ve done the hard yards and rounded up the best restaurants on the Gold Coast right now. You can check out the latest opening – a sleek, Italian bar in Miami – or dine at a long-time favourite, with plenty to pick from. Leave your towels at the door and dig in. 🌊 The best luxury hotels on the Gold Coast🏄🏻‍♀️ The best things to do on the Gold Coast

People who don’t live in cities will tell you they’re busy, lonely and expensive places. But there’s a reason so many people choose to live in them: with world-class art and culture, unbeatable food and nightlife, buzzing neighbourhoods and a dizzying amount of stuff to do and see, there’s simply no better place to be.  Every year, we take the pulse of city living by quizzing thousands of locals across the planet about life in their hometowns. This year, more than 18,500 city-dwellers shared their insights on everything from food, nightlife and culture to affordability, happiness and the overall city vibe. When urban living can sometimes feel isolating and costly, this year we wanted to get a sense of what, exactly, makes a city feel like home. Sure, the nightlife is great, but is the city safe and walkable? Is good quality food and art available at a reasonable price? Is it easy to make friends, find love, and access nature?  Livability was a key factor in our ranking this year. But a great city to live in is, naturally, a great city to visit. So, along with the thousands of responses from locals around the world, we asked Time Out’s global network of city experts to vote on the places they think are particularly exciting right now. After crunching all that data, here we are: Time Out’s definitive ranking of the world’s best cities in 2025. Read on to see how your hometown fared… RECOMMENDED:🛍️ The coolest neighbourhoods in the world right now🌎 The best things to do in the

When school’s out, the thought of keeping the kids entertained might have you ready to scream and shout. But don’t fear – Darwin’s got plenty of fun to go around. Like your little ones, the city makes up for its size in personality, offering plenty of boisterous indoor and outdoor adventures.  Make the most of the tropical year-round heat with water parks, a wave lagoon and fishing trips, or beat the sun with indoor experiences at Crocosaurus Cove or the MAGNT. Here’s our pick of the best things to do with kids in Darwin – tried, tested and guaranteed to burn off some energy. 🏝️ More of the best things to do in Darwin🥐 The best cafés to go with kids in Darwin🌳 Darwin's top parks for outdoor fun

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

It's no secret – the silver screen loves Australia. Our land Down Under is home to countless cinematic corners and dramatic vistas, and this is a fact that hasn't escaped the big dogs in Hollywood. It may surprise you to know just how many massive movies have actually been shot in Australia, but we're here to tell you that it's definitely more than you think.  From The Matrix to Mission Impossible, Australia has been the setting for some of the most major blockbuster hits of all time – as well as a whole bunch of beloved cinematic flicks that have a lot of us in an eternal chokehold. Ahem, Picnic at Hanging Rock. If you're a movie buff who wants to step where your favourite stars stood, we see you. In this list, we share the Australian movie locations that you can actually visit in real life. From the sweepingly obvious to the tiny and unassuming, we've got your next niche road trip covered. Movie location tour of Australia? Here you come.  Want more of this? Your ultimate guide to Australia's best 'Big Things'.

Autumn 2025 update: Summer may be over, but we say – let the good times roll. A good place to start is our handy guide to the city’s finest drinking establishments. Whether it’s a date or a catch-up with a mate on the cards, these spots are sure to deliver on fun. My current picks? The eternally sexy Double Deuce Lounge, dreamy wine bar Famellia, and the home of excellent Margs, Stowaway Bar. This list represents our picks of the best bars in Sydney right now, from fresh faces to tried-and-tested temples of great drinks, curated by our local editors, drink writers and fellow booze hounds, including Time Out Sydney's Food & Drink Editor Avril Treasure. We’re looking for quality above all, with fun, flavour, atmosphere, creativity and options at every price point. Cheers to you, Sydney. 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. After a watering hole that's a bit more casual? See our list of the best pubs in Sydney, here. After a meal? Check out our best restaurants here.

Anyone who’s experienced cherry blossom season in Japan knows just how enchanting it is. The sakura trees bloom for only two short weeks in spring – generally between March and April – making the pretty in pink floral display all the more special.  Luckily, you don’t have to fly to Japan during their busiest season to witness the magic of cherry blossoms. Australia’s cool-climate regions put on their own stunning pink showcase in spring, which happens in reverse to Japan, typically from late August to early October. Whether you’re after a romantic getaway or a family-friendly day trip, here are the best places to see cherry blossoms in Australia. 😍 Australia's most beautiful places to explore🌈 Follow the rainbow to Australia's most colourful landmarks🍌 A guide to Australia’s best big things

What is it? Located atop a multi-storey carpark in Northbridge, Rooftop Movies screens films of all genres nightly from October to March. Why go? Round up your mates for a movie night at the cinema with the best views in town. Rooftop Movies plays a diverse line-up of films, with everything from Oscar-winning flicks and throwbacks to blockbuster hits and new releases. Of course, there’s also a candy bar slinging buttery popcorn, local ice creams, juicy burgers and refreshing cocktails.

This century-old working winery is the birthplace of one of McLaren Vale’s most widely recognised wines – Wirra Wirra’s eternally popular all-rounder, Church Block. Ironically, it’s a blend (merlot/shiraz/cab sav), rather than a purist varietal – but when a blend is this palatable, there’s not much room for singular snobbery. Church Block is a stone-cold winner by any measure, but if you are after something more specific, Wirra Wirra does a classic McLaren Vale shiraz too (plus grenache, sauvignon blanc, riesling, chardonnay… all with a sustainable, biodynamic bias).  You could easily spend a whole day here, wandering the wine-stained bricks of the cellar and cavorting on the sun-dappled lawns. From just $40, you can explore the historic vaulted brick facilities (parts of which are 125 years old), gaining exclusive access to Trott’s Cellar and an opportunity to ring the three-quarter-tonne Angelus Bell (just be ready to put some muscle into it). But most folks come here to wine and dine. Tastings start at just $15, pouring some of McLaren Vale’s richest, most fulsome wines and decadent stickies. Directly across from the cellar door, Harry’s Deli offers a seasonally inspired modern Australian menu that you can enjoy inside by the wood-burning fireplace or out in the courtyard overlooking the gum trees. Share local cheeseboards with fine-cured meats and house focaccia, tuck into Harry’s famous Son of Trott Pie, or settle in for a long lunch with paired wines from Wirra Wirra’s

The name 2KW is shorthand for No. 2 King William St – but don’t go searching for it at street level. This iconic rooftop bar is eight floors above your head, atop one of Adelaide’s most historic buildings. Getting there is part of the fun, involving a mysterious double elevator ride to the top storey. However, a little effort goes a long way for the showstopping panoramic views stretching from North Terrace to Adelaide Oval and beyond. With gorgeous greenery and a stylish mix of low and high-top bar seating, the outdoor terrace bar is the perfect spot to soak in the stunning scenes. But if the ripper view isn’t enough to win you over, 2KW’s ace menu certainly will. The terrace bar serves up a full drinks menu alongside finger-food snacks, build-your-own cheese boards and hand-stretched sourdough pizza. Signature cocktails complete the journey, including the namesake 2KW – a refreshing blend of gin with notes of peach, pear, honey and lemon, plus a foamy finish. For a cool, calm and collected lunch, the indoor restaurant is designed for both intimate dates and group feasts. Executive chef Sam Christopher champions South Australia’s finest produce with a share-style menu designed to impress. Start with gildas and blue swimmer crab toast, before scooping up salt-baked beetroot tartare with fennel seed crackers or spreading creamy Vannella burrata over sourdough flatbread. When it comes to mains, choose from grilled market fish in a smoked eel beurre blanc, slow-cooked lamb shoul

If running a half marathon is on your 2025 bucket list, make sure your race ticks three key boxes: a beautiful location, a fun crowd and an empowering atmosphere that makes you feel unstoppable. Good news for Sydney gals – your search ends here, with the chance to run in Nike’s exclusive, women-only half marathon in Sydney on April 12. Between 2005 and 2018, Nike hosted a hugely popular series of women’s races in some of the most incredible places across the world. Now, the mega sports brand is bringing back its beloved After Dark Tour, with the first race kicking off right here in Australia.  The immersive 21.1-kilometre course will start in Sydney’s Inner West and offer epic views of the city skyline as runners race from White Bay to Jones Bay Wharf to Pyrmont Bridge. Upon crossing the finish line at Tumbalong Park, participants can run straight into an epic post-race celebration, pumping with live music, recovery stations and fierce female energy. You don’t need to be a pro runner to sign up for the late-night half marathon. First-timers can access an official training plan via the Nike Run Club app and stay motivated by connecting with other participants in the lead-up. Yeah the girls! Entry to the Nike After Dark Tour in Sydney is $100 and includes everything from a personalised sports bra fitting (you get to keep the bra) to a race t-shirt and post-race celebration access. Registrations close on February 11, so gather all your gal pals and sign up as a group pronto.  Fo

A magician never reveals their secrets, so I can only spill so much about Penn & Teller’s eight-night stint at the Sydney Opera House. But trust me, the famous pair’s 50th-anniversary tour goes far beyond the classic disappearing handkerchief routine. As the longest-running resident headliners in Las Vegas history, this dynamic duo strikes the perfect balance of traditional magic, unconventional trickery and quirky humour. Their 50th-anniversary extravaganza is ever-evolving, with a nightly rotation of fresh tricks and past hits. If you’re seated stage left, stay alert, audience participation is woven into almost every act: from crazy card tricks and coin illusions to some truly absurd stuff – think a gorilla drinking soup, and a giant squirrel sipping Champagne in a bathtub – the surprises keep coming. The real magic, however, lies in the fact that Penn & Teller have been dazzling audiences together for half a century. You simply have to see it to believe it.  January 11–18, Sydney Opera House, $79–$169. Find tickets & info over here. RECOMMENDED: Here's our guide to the best shows to see in Sydney this month Check out our running list of reviews from Sydney Festival

Adelaide’s dining scene rounded out 2024 with the opening of Station Road, a chic 250-seat French-inspired brasserie helmed by a former Vue de Monde chef. Balanced yet bold, the menu showcases premium local ingredients through refined French techniques, with highlights including Mayura Wagyu tartare, Southern Rock lobster cannelloni, Tasmanian sea urchin omelette sandwiches and a classic Paris Brest for dessert. Choose your vibe: perch at the central marble bar for relaxed drinks and nibbles, sample rare chardonnays in the intimate wine room, or people-watch while dining al fresco on Festival Plaza.

If the home is where the hygge is, then this petite Blue Mountains hideaway is bound to steal your heart. Tucked amidst its wild beauty is Tiny Astrid – a Nordic-inspired retreat blending Scandinavian simplicity with eco-friendly elegance. The journey to meet Astrid is all part of the adventure, designed with intention by the wellness warriors behind tiny home collective Into the Wild Escapes. Located just two hours from Sydney, the scenic drive winds through picturesque countryside to the charming city of Hampton. Staying true to its eco-conscious ethos, Into the Wild has partnered with Volvo Cars Australia, offering guests the chance to add the all-new Volvo EX30 to their getaway. This fully electric SUV not only ensures a smooth ride, but comes with Volvo’s smallest-ever carbon footprint, making your escape as eco-friendly as Astrid herself. It’s almost too easy to leave the hustle and bustle of city life in the boot, when you pull up to Tiny Astrid. This bespoke, off-grid tiny home seamlessly blends with its natural surroundings, creating a peaceful oasis for a full digital detox – something we think should be non-negotiable on everyone’s yearly agenda. The first thing to catch your eye will likely be the private hot tub, ready to be warmed up with complementary firewood so you can melt all your worries away. Just steps away, a campfire surrounded by deck chairs invites you to soak up the stunning views of the Blue Mountain by day and a glittering canopy of stars at night

It’s all about sunny days, sandy toes and blissful nights at ‘The Cat’. Originally built in the late 1960s, this roadside motel has been reimagined as a stylish surf shack, boasting six coastal-inspired queen rooms and a two-bedroom apartment. The Cat is perched just 200 metres from the pristine waters of Palm Beach, but you can also relax under shady umbrella trees in the motel’s communal courtyard or on sunbeds by the pool. With contactless check-in, free parking and rooms starting at just $275 per night, this really is the definition of lo-fi luxury.

Pulling up to Bells at Killcare, I can’t decide whether I’ve landed on the set of Grease or Mamma Mia. I can truly “hear the bells” thanks to a chorus of singing cicadas, while the scene before me feels like a slice of paradise you’d find in a Greek island movie – just reimagined with a splash of Hamptons sophistication.  Bells at Killcare is sure to, well, ring a bell for Aussies who appreciate the finer things in life. Nestled on the Bouddi Peninsula just outside Sydney, this coastal-luxe boutique hotel is a zippy 20-minute ferry trip from Palm Beach or 90 minutes by car. Since opening in 2007, Bells at Killcare has become synonymous with relaxed sophistication, best known for its 25 Hamptons-style seaside cottages, a farm-to-table restaurant boasting an award-winning wine list, and a luxurious day spa.  In February 2024, the resort unveiled four nature-inspired luxe lodges, tucked away in a private eco-bush sanctuary at the front of the property. I was fortunate enough to spend a long weekend in one of the three-storey standalone residences, and it surpassed all of my wildest dreams.  Unlike the Hamptons vibe of the white-and-blue main property, the eco-certified lodges blend into the surrounding native greenery with their earthy olive hues. Our lovely host, Anna, takes us on a detailed walk-through of the property, which is much-needed to appreciate all the special touches and inclusions.  Each lodge comfortably sleeps four people, with two identical king bedrooms that ca

Pulling up to Bells at Killcare, I can’t decide whether I’ve landed on the set of Grease or Mamma Mia. I can truly “hear the bells” thanks to a chorus of singing cicadas, while the scene before me feels like a slice of paradise you’d find in a Greek island movie – just reimagined with a splash of Hamptons sophistication.  Bells at Killcare is sure to, well, ring a bell for Aussies who appreciate the finer things in life. Nestled on the Bouddi Peninsula just outside Sydney, this coastal-luxe boutique hotel is a zippy 20-minute ferry trip from Palm Beach or 90 minutes by car. Since opening in 2007, Bells at Killcare has become synonymous with relaxed sophistication, best known for its 25 Hamptons-style seaside cottages, a farm-to-table restaurant boasting an award-winning wine list, and luxurious day spa.  In February 2024, the resort unveiled four nature-inspired luxe Lodges, tucked away in a private eco-bush sanctuary at the front of the property. I was fortunate enough to spend a long weekend in one of the three-storey standalone residences, and it surpassed all expectations of my wildest dreams.  Unlike the Hamptons vibe of the white-and-blue main property, the eco-certified lodges blend into the surrounding angophora canopy with their earthy olive hues. Our lovely host, Anna, takes us on a detailed walk-through of the property, which is much-needed to appreciate all of the special touches and inclusions.  Each lodge comfortably sleeps four people, with two identical king b

While many city slickers feel like they’ve left Sydney the moment they hit the upper North Shore, you haven’t officially left the city until you’re cruising down the motorway. Just after crossing the Mooney Mooney Bridge, it’s worth veering off the freeway to Mount White where you’ll find Saddles. This stunning 28-acre estate, less than half an hour from Hornsby, is home to a homestead restaurant channelling Americana ranch vibes and a cute kiosk serving house-baked goods. You can swing by for just a coffee and a fresh pie – the beef brisket with housemade tomato sauce is a real winner – and enjoy it at the shaded picnic tables overlooking the dam. But if you’ve got time to spare, it’s worth booking a table on the lakeside deck for a long, wine-fuelled lunch.  While you can order signature bakery treats like the pork and sage sausage roll or honey-wattleseed scones from the restaurant, a three-course meal makes the journey even more worthwhile. Saddles’ seasonally changing lunch menu heroes locally sourced ingredients – many grown on the property – while embracing the flavours from afar.  Settle in with freshly baked bread and smoked butter, before enjoying shared entrées like compressed melon and goat’s cheese bruschetta, or a vibrant beetroot-cured salmon gravlax. Native ingredients shine in the mains – think ricotta gnocchi basking in lemon myrtle beurre blanc, spatchcock sprinkled with warrigal gremolata and wattleseed popcorn, or a Wagyu eye fillet zhuzhed up with a Kaka

You'll find this newly refurbished boutique retreat in the spectacular Scenic Rim, just an hour’s drive from Brisbane or 25 minutes from the Gold Coast. The Tamborine features 23 boutique rooms, all boasting luxe king beds and private balconies or terraces with breathtaking mountain views. Guests will benefit from a heated mineral pool and spa, complimentary continental breakfast, Moda hydration station, local produce pantry, and central bar area serving aperitifs at ‘Peacock O’clock’. The Tamborine team also offers curated Tamborine Mountain itineraries for your stay.

There’s plenty to think about when choosing where to go on your next getaway. Sure, beautiful beaches, cool camping spots and scenic hikes matter, but nothing beats the peace of mind that comes with travelling somewhere safe. If you can look past our snakes and spiders (which, let’s be honest, aren’t as scary as they seem), Australia is one of the safest spots to live and travel. In fact, a recent study ranked Australia as the second safest place to visit in 2025. Each year, insurance company Berkshire Hathaway ranks the world's ten safest travel destinations by blending firsthand safety ratings from travellers over the past five years with data from global studies, like the Global Peace Index and the State Department’s travel safety ratings. For obvious reasons, these ratings can’t factor in unpredictable events like natural disasters or random terror attacks, and no country gets penalised for extreme weather, like the tropical cyclone currently brewing off our east coast. Photograph: Tourism NT | Shaana McNaught | Spectacular Jumping Crocodile Cruise Australia made leaps and bounds in 2025, jumping from tenth place in 2024 to claim the title of the world’s second safest country for travellers. Our traditionally low crime rates earned us top marks, but we lost points thanks to our lineup of wild locals – jellyfish, crocodiles, sharks, poisonous insects, snakes, you name it. That said, the study reassures visitors, “In general, a modicum of common sense goes a very long way

Move over pay rise, there’s a new work perk Aussies are chasing. Free brekkie? Office pups? On-site babysitters? While we’d say yes to them all, the real winner is work-life balance. Fresh research reveals that Australians are now prioritising flexible working conditions over a higher salary when picking an employer – and we’re all here for it. To gauge the global reach of this trend, Crowne Plaza by IHG and YouGov quizzed 12,000 people around the world about their priorities when picking a new job in 2025. While 53 per cent had their eyes on a bigger paycheck, non-financial perks were the real winners. Among Aussies, 59 per cent ranked a great team as their top priority, while 58 per cent valued flexible working hours and 31 per cent prioritised ‘blended travel’ – the freedom to work remotely and combine it with a leisure trip. Photograph: Supplied | Crowne Plaza Sydney Darling Harbour We predict that blended travel will be one of the biggest buzzwords of 2025, with two-thirds of global travellers seeing greater benefits and flexibility in it compared to five years ago. And how could you not? It’s a win-win for your work and your wellbeing. The top motivators for mixing work with pleasure travel are to explore new destinations (41 per cent), spend more time with family and friends (37 per cent), and increase happiness by making work more fun (35 per cent). We’re all about making work feel less like work. It’s not just about maximising your time – blended travel is a money-

Nothing says ‘summer in Australia’ like a greasy box of fish and chips by the beach. Chuck in some prawn cutlets, potato scallops, battered oysters and pineapple fritters, and you’ve reeled in the perfect feast. In Australia, you’re never too far from a seafood shop slinging the classic fish and chips combo. But what’s hotter than a batch of thick-cut chippies fresh out of the fryer? The sizzling debate over Australia’s best fish and chips shop. We’ve got the answer to that. The results come from a detailed data analysis by Google Maps, which ranked the most-reviewed fish and chips shops in Australia over the past 20 years. One Gold Coast fish and chips shop made the top spot, with 5,100 reviews and counting, plus an average 4.05-star rating. That honour goes to Charis Seafoods, a bustling takeaway joint and one of Queensland’s biggest seafood markets, located on the waterfront in Labrador. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Belly Explorer (@royeats) For more than 13 years, this family-run business has been scaling, battering and frying up the freshest seafood from Australia and beyond. Both locals and tourists swing by to pick up fresh fish, prawns, lobsters, oysters, crabs and sashimi, or grab a cooked-to-order fisherman’s basket to enjoy overlooking the water (just watch out for the cheeky seagulls). However, Charis Seafood is perhaps best known for its daily pelican feeding sessions. At 1.30pm, large crowds gather on the beach to watch the staf

No streaming service or fancy TV will ever replace that special feeling of an outing to the cinema, buying deliciously salty popcorn, excitedly settling into a plush recliner and trying not to eat all of said popcorn in the first ten minutes of the film.  Melburnians certainly have an appreciation for a good cinema, reflected in the many theatres across the city. Our cinemas are undoubtedly world-class, and it's not just us who think so. Our Global Film Editor has revamped Time Out’s list of the 50 most beautiful cinemas in the world – and one Melbourne cinema has been given a starring role in the top ten.   The Astor is Melbourne’s oldest single-screen theatre and the last of its kind in operation, and ranked seventh on the carefully considered list. Dating way back to 1936, this grand Art Deco gem has a past as dramatic as its popular double-bills. The Astor has been under threat of development for decades, but won its most recent reprieve in 2015, when indie chain Palace Cinemas took over the site. The giant auditorium, which seats about 1,600 people across two levels, preserves its old Hollywood-feel with lush red velvet curtains, geometric carpets, a grand piano, ’30s movie posters and euphemistically named ‘cloak rooms’.   Photograph: Carmen Zammit Also making the top 50 list was Sydney's Hayden Orpheum Picture Palace, claiming the 22nd spot on Time Out’s list of the world’s most beautiful cinemas. Dating back to 1935, this Art Deco theatre is a stunning step back in

Update – March 4, 2025: According to Parks Victoria, the permit for this event remains under consideration – we will update you as more info arises.    Melburnians always get around illuminated attractions, from Lightscape to Puffing Billy's magical Train of Lights, our city is often glowing with enchanting sights. This year, a brand-new event will light up our city, with the arrival of the magic of the viral Water Lantern Festival this autumn. Inspired by traditional lantern festivals in China, Thailand and Vietnam, the Water Lantern Festival is a mesmerising celebration of love, hope and community. Since its debut in 2018, it has enchanted more than 1 million people in the USA, and this year it will embark on its first-ever Aussie tour, coming to Melbourne on May 30, 31 and June 1.  Photograph: Supplied | Water Lantern Festival Every ticket holder will receive a floating lantern, an LED light and a marker to personalise their lantern with messages of love, hope and dreams. As the sun sets, everyone will gently launch their lanterns onto the water, creating a sparkling sea of light. Sustainability is a top priority for the festival, with each lantern crafted from a rice paper cover and a wooden base. To further minimise its environmental footprint, the festival reuses and recycles LED candles wherever possible, while the event team ensures every lantern is collected after the event.  The lantern festival will also illuminate other major cities across Australia on its natio

You’ve heard of Stonehenge in England, but did you know Australia has one too? Located 15,178 kilometres from the UK’s original megalithic structure, Esperance Stonehenge is the only full-size replica in the entire world. Weighing in at 2,500 tonnes, this Aussie dopplegänger is close to being a modern wonder of the world. Its natural amphitheatre makes for incredible acoustics, while its 137 colossal stones are a feast for the eyes. Here’s everything you should know about Esperance Stonehenge. Where is Esperance Stonehenge? Esperance Stonehenge sits on Western Australia's stunning south coast, just north of a town called Esperance (hence the name). You can reach it via a scenic 7.5-hour drive or a 1.5-hour flight from Perth. The tourist attraction stands on a sprawling estate that doubles as a working cattle farm with yards, a machinery shed and a river running through the property. When was Esperance Stonehenge built? Esperance Stonehenge was built in 2011, around 5,000 years after the original UNESCO World Heritage Site. It took ten months to construct from locally quarried pink granite stones, which were carefully arranged to replicate how the original Stonehenge would have looked when it was new. Photograph: Tourism Australia How big is Esperance Stonehenge? The mammoth 2,500-tonne structure is quite a sight to behold, built to match the original Stonehenge’s estimated size. At the core of its iconic circular formation is 19 freestanding blue stones, known as the Sarse

While most Aussies are struggling with the ongoing cost of living crisis, it turns out that our Lucky (if you can afford it) Country is home to some of the richest cities in the world. Our national wealth gets a serious boost from the growing population of billionaires living here, with fresh data from anti-poverty non-profit Oxfam revealing exactly how much they earn. Take a deep breath – the results will make your eyes pop. As everyday Aussies battled through another year of financial uncertainty in 2024, Australia’s billionaire wealth soared more than eight per cent to a staggering $28 billion. To break it down for your boggled minds, that’s $3.2 million per hour (yes, hour!), or a whopping $67,000 per hour for each of the country’s 47 billionaires. And if you’re still processing, that’s 1,300 times more than the average Aussie paycheck and 2,780 times the minimum wage of $24.10.  Oxfam’s global analysis also revealed that total billionaire wealth grew three times faster in 2024 than the previous year, with the richest one per cent now owning a staggering 45 per cent of all global wealth. In Australia, more than a third of this billionaire wealth is inherited, with the report citing “the historic and ongoing impacts of colonialism” as the second biggest driver of wealth accumulation among the nation’s billionaires. On the flip side, 3.5 billion people are currently living below the World Bank poverty line of $10.52 a day, representing 44 per cent of the global population.

Australia is home to more than its fair share of spectacular swimming spots: whether you’re chasing the perfect wave, ready for a cheeky nudie dash or seeking a secluded outdoor pool. With so many options, it’s no wonder everyone has their own opinion as to which one reigns supreme (we’ve compiled a list of our favourites here). But sometimes, it’s worth hearing what the masses think. Every year, Tripadvisor reveals a list of the top 25 beaches in the world based on those with the highest traveller reviews from the past year. In 2025, Manly and Bondi were the only Aussie beaches to make the list – and we have thoughts… As the highest-ranking Australian beach, Manly came in at number 15 on this year’s list – falling eight places from its position in seventh place back in 2024. While locals love Manly for its delightfully easy access to amazing eateries and boutique shops, Tripadvisor highlighted some other major drawcards: gentle waves for surfing, "shark safe" and lifeguarded swimming areas and the long walkway with “panoramic views”. Photograph: Destination NSW | Hamilton Lund Tripadvisor described Manly as “at the centre of everything – literally”, which isn't quite accurate (it's a 20 minute ferry ride from the CBD), but the close proximity to “shops, cafes and more” is true. While we can’t deny its beauty, finding a spacious patch of sand on a sunny day can be a real challenge. We’d instead make a case for travellers to visit the beaches nearby: with Shelly Beach (and i

We’ve sadly bid farewell to summer in Australia, and soon, we’ll have to say goodbye to the next best thing – daylight saving time. Since October last year, those of us in New South Wales, Victoria, South Australia, Tasmania and the ACT have been soaking up an extra hour of evening sunlight. But all good things must come to an end, with daylight saving officially wrapping up on Sunday, April 6. Here’s everything you need to know about the end of daylight saving in 2025, including when to turn your clocks back. When does daylight savings end 2025? Daylight saving time ends on the first Sunday in April at 3am local time. In 2025, this falls on April 6.  Do we lose or gain an hour when daylight savings ends? One good thing about daylight saving time ending is that we score a bonus hour of sleep on the morning of April 6, as the clocks wind back from 3am to 2am. With the shift, sunrise and sunset will happen one hour earlier, meaning brighter mornings but darker evenings. So, hooray for sunrise strolls, but boo for commuting home from the office in the dark.  Do I turn the clock back or forward when daylight savings ends in Australia? Anyone who uses their smartphone as their alarm clock won’t have to worry about this one – it’ll automatically do the job for you. But if you’re kicking it old-school with an analogue clock or watch, you’ll need to wind it back by one hour in the morning on April 6. We suggest doing it the night before so you don’t rock up an hour early to your Sund

Back before streaming platforms took over and “Netflix” became a verb, if you wanted to watch the latest blockbuster film, you had to actually leave your home. And while we love the comfort of streaming movies in bed, there’s something super special and nostalgic about catching a flick at the cinema. The super-sized screen, the plush reclining chairs, the obnoxious aircon and the irresistible scent of buttery popcorn – you just can’t beat it.Right in time for this Sunday’s Oscars, our Global Film Editor has revamped Time Out’s list of the 50 most beautiful cinemas in the world – and two Sydney cinemas have been given starring roles.Without doubt the grandest cinema in Sydney, the Hayden Orpheum Picture Palace in Cremorne claimed the 22nd spot on Time Out’s list of the world’s most beautiful cinemas. Dating back to 1935, this Art Deco theatre is a stunning step back in time, featuring six glitzy auditoria, each with its own colour scheme and decor. However, the true star of the show is the 744-seat Orpheum, where a genuine Wurlitzer cinema organ rises from a stage pit on weekend evenings, complete with flashing lights and a grinning organist.The other Sydney theatre to make Time Out’s list of the most beautiful picture palaces was Golden Age Cinema and Bar, located in Surry Hills, in position 36. Though it was only converted into a theatre in 2013, this 60-seat basement cinema is dressed like a character from the 1940s. With moss-green velvet, polished wood, and a raised stage

Remember back to the days when you actually had to leave your couch to catch the latest blockbuster film? While we love the comfort of streaming movies in bed, there’s something super special and nostalgic about catching a flick at the cinema. The super-sized screen, the plush reclining chairs, the obnoxious aircon and the irresistible scent of buttery popcorn – you just can’t beat it. Right in time for this Sunday’s Oscars, our Global Film Editor has revamped Time Out’s list of the 50 most beautiful cinemas in the world – and three Australian cinemas have been given starring roles. Photograph: Carmen ZammitThe Astor Theatre One of the most cherished institutions in Paris, Le Grand Rex, was the overall top pick – but we’d consider any theatre in the top ten worthy of a leading role. That includes The Astor, Melbourne’s oldest single-screen theatre and the last of its kind in operation, which ranked seventh on the carefully considered list. Dating way back to 1936, this grand Art Deco gem has a past as dramatic as its popular double-bills. The Astor has been under threat of development for decades, but won its most recent reprieve in 2015, when indie chain Palace Cinemas took over the site. The giant auditorium, which seats about 1,600 people across two levels, preserves its old Hollywood-feel with lush red velvet curtains, geometric carpets, a grand piano, ’30s movie posters and euphemistically named ‘cloak rooms’. Photograph: Hayden Orpheum Picture Palace Without doubt t

Picture yourself relaxing under a starry night sky while watching thousands of glowing lanterns drift across the water. Pretty romantic, right? You can soon become the main character in this movie-like setting by stepping into the magic of the viral Water Lantern Festival, which is set to light up cities around Australia this autumn. Inspired by traditional lantern festivals in China, Thailand and Vietnam, the Water Lantern Festival is a mesmerising celebration of love, hope and community. Since its debut in 2018, it has enchanted more than 1 million people in the USA, and this year, will embark on its first-ever Aussie tour. Sydneysiders can gather for two magical evenings on March 8 and 9, with future dates set for Newcastle on April 26, Adelaide on May 2, the Gold Coast on May 10, Brisbane on May 24 and 25, and Melbourne on May 30, 31 and June 1.  Photograph: Supplied | Water Lantern Festival Despite some media buzz over permits, the Georges River Council confirmed that the Sydney Water Lantern Festival has received approval to go ahead at Carss Bush Park on March 8 and 9. The festival organisers have also confirmed with Time Out that all future events across Australia have received the green light. Every ticket holder will receive a floating lantern, an LED light and a marker to personalise their lantern with messages of love, hope and dreams. As the sun sets, everyone will gently launch their lanterns onto the water, creating a sparkling sea of light. Sustainability is