Melissa Woodley

Hobart has enjoyed a long love affair with pubs. In 1803, it boasted 50 of them… that’s one pub for every 200 residents. Fast forward 200-odd years and Hobart’s pub scene is bursting with charm, craft drinks and great food.  With live music, heritage beer gardens and laneway hideaways, Hobart’s pub scene ticks all the boxes. Whether you're after a hearty pub meal, a craft beer or a cosy corner by the fire, these standout spots promise good times and great vibes. 🍷 Hobart's best bars🍽️ The best restaurants in Hobart🍔 Hobart's best burgers for a late-night feed

Just because the skies are falling, doesn't mean you have to sit around doing nothing until the weather lets up. Here at Time Out, we think that rainy days can be the best type of days so we've rounded up our favorite things to do in Sydney, from movie marathons and indoor climbing centres to our favourite pubs with fireplaces and cheap and cheerful eateries. Don't let the rain get you down. Here are our top etiquette tips for being a good Sydneysider when the heavens open.

We're all about a secret underground dive bar or two – but in a city as beautiful as Sydney, it seems like a damn shame to retreat into the depths for every tipple. From a sundowner by the harbour to a sunny rooftop in the Inner West, our town is awash with sky-high watering holes. So we've rounded up the best spots in the city to sip a cold one under a gorgeous open sky. But drinkers beware: Sydney's rooftop bars play host to some of the most contested seats in the city, so get in early for a spot in the sun.  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 more al fresco drinking try one of Sydney's best beer gardens. Looking for another top-notch watering hole? Check out the best bars in Sydney.

There’s never been a quiet year for theatre in Australia. From the bright lights of Broadway and West End to our very own stages in Australia, we’re lucky to play host to some of the world’s biggest and best musicals. We’re also a hotbed for homegrown gems, with fresh and experimental shows lighting up stages across the country every month.  From an Australian debut musical inspired by a much-loved fantasy show to the grand return of a British “mega-musical” starring cats, this year’s theatre line-up is shaping up to be one of the most exciting yet. Here are all the biggest musicals currently playing in Australia or headed Down Under in the next year or so. 🖼 The best Australian art galleries🔍 Australia's greatest museums 👀 The best art exhibitions to see in Australia this year

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

The Emerald City is peppered with a whole host of stellar accommodation that each carry their own little slice of je ne sais quoi – making it difficult to whittle down a concise list of the best hotels in Sydney. Whether you’re in town for one night, want a longer stay, are flitting through for business, we have you covered with everything from five-star luxury rooms complete with views of the Opera House to boutique boltholes with rooftop pools.  Having earned our stripes reviewing hotels across the country, our team of writers (including Lifestyle Writer Winnie Stubbs and Travel and News Editor Melissa Woodley) have shared their top picks for the best places to stay in Sydney – along with top tips on how to make the most of your stay. RECOMMENDED:Find the best glamping sites in NSWThe best camping near SydneyThe best budget hotels in SydneyThe best low-cost luxury hotels in Sydney Who makes the cut? While we might not stay in every hotel featured below, we've based our list on top reviews and amenities to find you the best stays. This article includes affiliate links. These links have no influence on our editorial content. For more information, see our affiliate guidelines.

Spring 2024 update: Let the good (spring)times roll with Time Out’s guide to the very best bars in town. Whether you’re looking for a sexy first-date bar, searching for a watering hole for a team knockoff, or heading out for a bender, you’ve come to the right place. This list represents our picks of the best bars in Sydney right now, from fresh faces to tried-and-tested temples of great drinks, ranked 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.

It's one of the first places you'll visit as a tourist, a pre-theatre go-to, and home to some of the most iconic views in the world – but being a tourist hotspot means Circular Quay is not without its pitfalls. Thankfully, apart from the over-priced tourist traps, there’s still great eating and drinking to be had in the area if you know where to look. Living in Sydney – and working as a professional eater and drinker – I’ve spent my fair share of time in Circular Quay. Below, I’ve rounded up the best restaurants and bars in and around the harbour, from flash fine diners like Quay and Aria to Basque-inspired wine bar Deux Frères, cheap-and-cheerful spots like Mary's and Belles Hot Chicken, and top-notch watering holes Opera Bar and Apollonia. There’s a mix of price points and cuisines, but they’re all ace (unlike the annoying seagulls) – and somewhere you'd want to bring your mates from overseas. 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 restaurants in other parts of Sydney's city? Check out our guide to the best restaurants in the CBD. Want more? Check out our ultimate guide to the best restaurants in Sydney here.

A good burger is easily one of life’s greatest pleasures. Australia is teeming with top-notch options, most of which fall comfortably into that hits-the-spot territory. A burger’s simplicity – take a pillowy bun, place a juicy patty inside it, maybe add cheese or salad, drizzle over a sauce or two, then apply to face – makes it hard to stuff up. The flip side, however, is that it also makes finding the ultimate burger a bit of a challenge. Time Out’s hungry team of local Aussie writers have bravely put their jaws and stomachs on the line (in the name of Exceedingly Difficult Research, you understand) to compile this list of venues that are elevating time-honoured burger basics, one delicious mouthful at a time. Now it’s up to you to crown the true buns of glory.  🥧 Australia's best pies🌭 15 mouthwatering sausage rolls in Australia🍕 The best pizzas in Australia

Ah, food. Glorious, glorious food. There’s nothing more we’d rather travel around the world for.  Almost every state, city and even town in Australia has its own food and drink bash, bringing together the best chefs, farmers, producers and suppliers around the country. Whether you’re a wine wanker, a seafood seeker, a beer buff or a truffle hunter, there food and drink festivals in Australia are well worth the journey. 🍽️ The best restaurants in Australia🎸 Australia's grooviest music and arts festival🍷 The best bars in Australia

If there's one sure-fire way of injecting joy into your year – it's festivals. Gathering with like-minded people in rainbow-festooned palaces full of amazing music, glittering performances and zesty food sounds like utopia to us – which is why it's a blessing that Australia has an incredible array of festivals on offer, one for every season of the year. In this list, we round up the best festivals that we reckon you should check out Down Under this year. Starting with those that are on earliest in the year and ending with those at the end, each of these festivals has been selected for its scale, its astonishing visuals, and its commitment to seriously good times. From music to comedy, to wild light displays in the Outback, you can rest assured that going to any of these incredible Aussie festivals will be a bloody good time indeed.  🎭 The best musical and theatre shows in Australia🎨 Australia's best art galleries🍔 The best food festivals in Australia

When most people think about visiting Darwin, food likely isn’t the main motivating factor. But with steaming bowls of laksa and uniquely Territorian bites, Larrakia land gives plenty of reasons to linger. By day, you’ll come across intimate cafés with creative cross-cultural fare and bustling weekend markets serving some of the nation’s best noodle soups. As the sun sets, Darwin’s dining scene heats up with harbour-front restaurants showcasing tropical fruits and upscale pubs featuring local wildlife, like crocodiles and kangaroos. Our expert local writers have curated this list of the best restaurants in Darwin – now, all that’s left for you to do is eat up. 🍕 The best pizza joints in Darwin🌳 The 17 best things to do in Darwin🍻 Darwin's best bars for a night out

Australia’s dusty red desert is set to sparkle more than ever in 2025 thanks to the return of our nation’s biggest light and art spectacular – Parrtjima, A Festival in Light – from April 4 to 13. It’s not too early to submit those leave requests and start planning your trip, as registrations for this must-see First Nations celebration are already open. And the best part? Entry is completely free.  Parrtjima (pronounced Par-chee-ma) takes its name from the Arrernte word Parrtjima, which means ‘lighting up’ in two ways – both illuminating an object and shedding light on a subject. Billed as the only Aboriginal light festival of its kind in the world, Parrtjima shares timeless stories of the world’s oldest continuous culture through innovative art installations and large-scale projections. This all ties into the festival’s tenth-anniversary theme,  ‘Timelessness’, which will celebrate the enduring connection between generations through sound and storytelling. Shining bright under the starry skies of Alice Springs (Mparntwe), curator Rhoda Roberts AO is set to bring back crowd-favourite installations, including the MacDonnell Ranges Light Show, which illuminates almost two kilometres of the 300-million-year-old MacDonnell Ranges. Also returning is the interactive Grounded installation, which projects animated artwork onto the red sand of Alice Springs Desert Park with a spectacular accompanying soundscape.  In 2025, Parrtjima will host its first-ever orchestral performance, set t

Basq House is Byron’s ultimate beauty queen, complete with rosy cheeks and a sun-kissed glow. As you pull up to her doorstep, hidden down a quiet laneway in the heart of town, it’s impossible not to be captivated by her effortless charm. Basq House is the latest addition to Byron’s collection of five-star hotel openings, offering an oasis of calm and sophistication for travellers who love a touch of luxury. Designed to feel like a home away from home, this free-flowing retreat features 32 light-filled rooms and plenty of communal spaces, where days seamlessly slip into nights – and before you know it, a weekend’s washed away.  Upon entering this house-style sanctuary, I instantly forgot that Byron Bay’s bustling main drag is just a stone’s throw away. The lobby radiates a calm sophistication, combining the charm of an eclectic art gallery with the cosy vibes of your best friend’s living room. While my room gets its finishing touches, I'm invited to take a seat and enjoy a complimentary welcome drink and nibble on snacks from the self-service bar. I've scored a Pool Room, fittingly named for its views of the shimmering magnesium pool below – a serene centrepiece inspired by the tranquil vibes of a traditional Moroccan riad. The calming waters, I'm told, are perfect for melting away stress and soothing sore muscles. Say no more... Our room may be minimalistic and compact, but thanks to high ceilings and a breezy balcony, it feels spacious and airy. The blush-toned colour palett

A balmy breeze kisses my skin as I lounge by the infinity pool, mesmerised by the flickering flames of the bonfire and the soothing strum of a live guitar. Earth, water, air, fire – all the elements in perfect harmony. It’s hard to avoid sounding cliché, but I was very much in my element from the moment I arrived at Elements of Byron. This stunning $100 million beachfront resort has long been on my radar, having been a hot spot for A-list celebrities and influencers since its debut in 2016. After a short but sweet stay, I’m happy to report that it truly lives up to the hype. Elements of Byron is sprawled across 50 acres of lush beachfront land, just 2.5 kilometres from the heart of town and a short stroll from Belongil Beach. Don’t plan on leaving the resort during your stay because it has all the amenities you could wish for (plus some you didn’t even know you wanted) – with complimentary golf buggy rides to whisk you from point A to B. Element’s 202 solar-powered villas are inspired by the four ecological zones found throughout the property: sand dunes, eucalypts, wetlands and rainforest. I was lucky to stay in a standalone rainforest pod, where I woke up to the twitter of birds and drifted off to the soothing crash of waves. Our villa had everything I could’ve asked for and more – a cushiony king bed, a little kitchenette, an ensuite bathroom and a gorgeous balcony just steps away from the rainforest. Rather than going for over-the-top glitz and glamour, the decor feature

Chris Lucas, the acclaimed hospitality mastermind behind Chin Chin and Kisumé, has turned his attention to the capital with the launch of Carlotta. Drawing inspiration from the charming trattorias dotting the European coast, this Mediterranean restaurant sets the stage for long, leisurely lunches that effortlessly roll into aperitivo sessions and beyond. Kick off your evening here with a signature Sorrento Fizz at the long marble-topped bar, where you can take in the lively scene of the open kitchen. As food envy kicks in, feast on rosemary and sea salt focaccia, baked to perfection in a custom wood-fired oven from Naples, and complement it with a premium selection of Italian mozzarella and salumi. The pasta is made fresh daily and coated in slow-cooked beef ragu, lobster oil and chilli, and classic tomato sugo. Pair your pasta with showstopping meat and seafood mains, which are cooked over coals and designed for sharing. 

Sydney has a growing list of once-neglected heritage buildings that have been transformed into trendy eateries (Brasserie 1930, Prince of York and the Fenwick, to name a few). Parramatta North's Havenstone is another on this list, set in a lovingly restored sandstone building from 1888. Once upon a time, it was the Female Factory – a place that housed female convicts who arrived in New South Wales in the 1820s and '30s.  Good news: the Australian government is currently seeking to have the Parramatta Female Factory added to the World Heritage List, which would make it only the second standalone site in Sydney – along with the Sydney Opera House – to receive that honour. Not-so-good news: heritage advocates and a federal Labor MP are arguing that plans for apartment blocks up to 22 storeys near the building could put the Heritage status at risk. Regardless, now part of this historic building and its sunny surroundings create a peaceful backdrop for all-day breakfast and lunch. Locals can cosy up inside the light-filled café, which was the Factory’s old hospital boiler room and dining area, refurbished with exposed brick pillars, a sparkling white barista machine, and pots and vases in all shades of cream and green. The kitchen brings a contemporary twist to classic flavours. On weekends, bring your four-legged friends for a leisurely outdoor lunch with family and friends. Havenstone sits in the heart of a big urban renewal project taking place in Parramatta North, which is all

You may know the name of this designer hotel chain from its outposts in Melbourne and Sydney, but Ovolo Nishi has swiftly become a firm favourite for both Canberrans and travellers alike. Taking over the bones of the former arty establishment Hotel Hotel in 2018, Ovolo Nishi is a true guest-first hotel. Lap it up in one of Ovolo’s 68 stylish rooms, individually furnished with timber, concrete, eucalypt and salvaged Tasmanian tree ferns. Then, max out on the perks, including complimentary continental breakfast, a 24-hour gym, a fully vegetarian restaurant, and maybe most importantly, a free in-room mini bar for those midnight treats. It’s worth shouting out Ovolo’s world-first Hair Service Menu, which allows guests to order complimentary, personalised TRESemmé haircare straight to their hotel door. You won’t have to settle for the classic one-size-fits-all hotel shampoo and condition, but can pamper your locks with products to suit all hair types – yes, even you, curly girlies. Time Out tip: Ovolo Nishi is home to Canberra’s only cutting-edge vegetarian dining experience, Monster Bar and Kitchen, where locally sourced, sustainable ingredients shine. You can order select snacks and share plates to your room, along with seasonal cocktails for that nightcap.

Alex sits in the middle of Northbridge’s evolving small bar and slow fashion scene. Eateries and stores stocking designer and local wares are right outside the door, and you can take it all in from the hotel's trendy, street-facing Lobby Bar. It makes sense that Alex has adopted sustainable practices throughout its rooms and dining venues, from its sprawling indoor greenery to its farm-to-table cooking and refillable toilet amenities. Guests are encouraged to make themselves at home in the communal area, which includes complimentary coffee, breakfast or a glass of wine from the bar. Time Out tip: Make use of the cosy love seats in the communal area, perfect for a pre-PICA show nap or meditation.

It’s the most expensive hotel ever built in Australia and it shows. Perth's Crown Towers is the place to stay for a true five-star (some even say six-star) hotel experience. Luxurious finishes, attentive staff and fancy décor greet you, as do the seven-metre woven ceilings in the lobby. From Nobu to Rockpool, you'll find plenty of places for a world-class meal, including buffet breakfast at the Epicurean, which is considered the best in Perth. Splash out during your stay by booking a super-luxe massage or facial at the onsite day spa.   Time Out tip: Take a dip in the lagoon-style pool no matter what the weather, it’s heated to 30 degrees all year round.

Play and stay to your heart’s content at this boutique, Art Nouveau-inspired hotel in the heart of Adelaide’s arts, cultural and entertainment precinct. The Playford facade is a North Terrace icon, recognisable for its curving balconies, vine-etched facades and a row of burgundy umbrellas that line the street. All rooms and suites were designed to ‘be timeless, featuring plush bathrobes and slippers, luxury Appelles amenities, heated towel rails and a customisable pillow menu at your fingertips. Guest parking and 24-hour access to the health club, including a heated indoor pool, spa, sauna and gym, earn The Playford bonus points, as does its award-winning Luma Restaurant and Bar. Time Out tip: Start your morning with a creamy latte and a pastry from Luma Restaurant and Bar. The pastries are baked fresh daily using local South Australian ingredients and can be delivered straight to your door for the ultimate breakfast in bed.

Experience the best of the west at one of Perth’s newest five-star hotels. Like any of its sister venues, The Westin nails the balance of sophistication and comfort, with 368 spacious rooms and suites. Natural light sprawls through the floor-to-ceiling windows and shines a spotlight on the 2,000-plus pieces of Australian art that decorate the hotel walls. For the full R&R experience, pamper yourself with a treatment at Bodhi Spa or ask the dedicated ‘Run Concierge’ to show you the best running routes in Perth. There’s only one way to cap off the night, and that’s with a Roman-style feast at Garum by Guy Grossi; the renowned chef’s first restaurant outside of Victoria. Time Out tip: Step out of the city chaos and into elegance with high tea at the Westin’s Haven Lounge. Featuring bespoke cocktails and a seasonally inspired menu, this afternoon tea is all kinds of heavenly.

This one is sure to put a pep in your step. Founder of award-winning Local Sauce Tours Justin Steele reckons Aussies are the best in the world at going on tours when we travel – just not when we're in our own country. And he’s out to change that. In 2018, Steele started hosting small-group cultural experiences that brought locals and tourists together to discover the city from new perspectives. Now, Steele’s returned to his hometown to launch two tours showcasing Brisbane’s vibrant nightlife, hidden laneways, public art and untold stories of the city’s past – aka the stuff you won’t find in a guidebook. 

Spread your wings and soar high above it all at this spacious open-air rooftop bar in Perth’s CBD. Decked out with lush greenery and shady umbrellas, The Aviary is your go-to for bottomless brunch, sunset sessions, date nights and everything in between. You can sip on a fruity cocktail, WA cider, low-alc beer or fancy wine from France while taking in sweeping views of the city skyline. The rooftop buzzes during happy hour from 4.30 to 5.30pm daily, while Sundays go off with epic DJ beats from 4pm, $30 cocktail jugs and $15 pizzas.

For those who weren't paying attention earlier this year, four Australian suburbs scored spots on Time Out’s annual list of the coolest neighbourhoods in the whole world. Sydney’s small yet spunky inner-city suburb of Chippendale ranked seventh, with Melbourne’s effortlessly cool Windsor in tenth. And for the first time ever, trendy suburbs in Perth and Adelaide also made the cut. Want to roll with the cool kids? Well, Domain has done the maths on what it’ll cost you to call these suburbs home. Take a squiz. Photograph: Cassandra Hannagan Chippendale, Sydney Ranked as the seventh coolest neighbourhood in the world, “Chippo” has transformed from an industrial area into a hip hub filled with creative spaces, boutique stores, trendy eateries and a community vibe. Given its young population of students (due to its proximity to UTS and Sydney Uni) and up-and-coming professionals, most of Chippendale's residents are renters.  The median weekly rent is $1,095 for a house or $820 for an apartment. The median unit price is $850,000, with studio apartments coming in relatively cheap – by Sydney standards – at around $500,000 to $600,000. Sounds like a lot, but – despite its proximity to the city, and the cool factor – it's a fair bit cheaper than nearby Surry Hills, where the median unit price is $70,000 more to buy.  Photograph: Mark Lobo Windsor, Melbourne This buzzing pocket in Melbourne's inner south is a go-to for curious foodies, thrift shoppers and art collectors, earning it

Cost of living is a phrase that pops up in our office conversation at Time Out pretty frequently these days. Casual chats about the eye-watering price of an iced coffee, tips on how reduce our spend on our weekly supermarket shop or whether to splurge on buying lunch have become the norm in recent years. With many of us feeling the pinch from rising transport, property and food prices, it will probably come as a bit of a shock to learn that our city has just been named in the top ten most cost-effective places to live globally. We’re as surprised as you are. Though it may be hard to believe, we can’t argue with the stats, which come from Compare the Market’s Cost-of-Living Cities Index 2024. To compile the ranking, the data experts compared 42 economically developed capital cities around the world on 11 key factors, including the cash rate, annual average wage and unemployment rate, alongside the average price for everyday essentials like bread, milk, rent, electricity, fuel and public transport.  Melbourne ranked seventh on the list, scoring 5.67 out of a possible 10 points. According to the rankings data, Melbourne scored well for average price of fuel at $1.68 per litre, but scored poorly for the typical public transport one-way fare ($5.30). Our city was one of three Aussie locations to make it into the top 15 on the list, with Brisbane taking out the second spot globally, largely because of its cheap public transport (take notes, PTV), and Sydney coming in at number 15. 

Australia’s best restaurants and pubs are a celebration of our country’s rich diversity, exceptional produce and talented chefs. From a fancy waterfront eatery by a world-class chef and a charming farm-to-table bistro in a regional town, to a laid-back outback pub that makes the road trip worthwhile, these are the places Time Out recommends for an unforgettable culinary adventure in Australia. Check out these Time Out Australia Recommended Restaurants and Pubs for 2024. (Time Out Recommends 2024 is presented in partnership with Tyro.) Best Restaurants Beltana Farm, ACT Inka, ACT Raku, ACT Such and Such, ACT Bistro Molines, NSW Quay Restaurant, NSW Rick Stein at Bannisters, NSW Saint Peter, NSW Ella by Minoli, NT Tali Wiru, NT Agnes Restaurant, QLD Exhibition Restaurant, QLD Odyssey Bistro, QLD Rick Shores, QLD Roastbeef and the Frog at The Overflow Estate 1895, QLD Arkhé, SA Fino Vino, SA Penfolds Magill Estate Restaurant, SA Restaurant Botanic, SA Aloft, TAS Faro, TAS The Agrarian Kitchen, TAS Brae, VIC Gimlet, VIC O.My, VIC Vue de Monde, VIC Madalenas Bar, WA Millbrook Restaurant, WA Wildflower, WA Yarri Restaurant and Bar, WA Best Pubs Edgar's Inn, ACT The Old Canberra Inn, ACT Hotel Palisade, NSW The Eltham Hotel, NSW The Glenmore Hotel, NSW Daly Waters Pub, NT Outback BBQ and Bar, NT Birdsville Hotel, QLD The Brunswick Hotel, QLD Walkabout Creek Hotel, QLD Exeter Hotel, SA The Crafers Hotel, SA Hope and Anchor Hotel, TAS Shipwrights Arms Hotel, TAS Builders Arms Hote

Australia is hard to beat when it comes to natural landmarks, iconic attractions and epic experiences. Yet, with so many options, it’s hard knowing which ones are actually worth your time. To help you create the ultimate bucket list for your next Aussie adventure, we’ve hand-picked 50 of the best things to do in every state and territory.  Check out these Time Out Australia Recommended Things To Do for 2024. (Time Out Recommends 2024 is presented in partnership with Tyro.) ACT Australian War Memorial GoBoat Canberra National Arboretum Canberra NSW Jervis Bay Stargazing Scenic World Sydney By Kayak Sydney Opera House Backstage Tour The Banya Woebegone Freedive NT Cyaround Australia Tours Mindil Beach Sunset Market Wintjiri Wiru Yellow Water Cruises SA Adelaide Central Market Bike About Tours Experience Coffin Bay Oyster Farm Tours Seal Bay Conservation Park Taste the Barossa Umpherston Sinkhole TAS Bridestowe Lavender Estate Cataract Gorge Reserve Cradle Mountain Mona – Museum of Old and New Art Port Arthur Historic Site Salamanca Market Three Capes Track QLD HOTA, Home of the Arts Jellurgal Aboriginal Cultural Centre K'gari Explorer Tours Mossman Gorge Cultural Centre Paronella Park QAGOMA Reef Magic SkyPoint Climb Whalesong Cruises Hervey Bay VIC Alba Thermal Springs and Spa Budj Bim Cultural Landscape Global Ballooning Great Ocean Road Phillip Island Penguin Parade Puffing Billy Railway WA Broome Camel Safaris Busselton Jetty Fremantle Prison Horizontal Fall

Australia’s best hotels make the most of our country’s greatest assets – world-class dining, immersive cultural experiences and stunning views that showcase the breathtaking beauty of our natural landscapes. This year, we’re spotlighting 50 of Australia’s greatest hotels, covering every state and territory, and every category from blowout luxury to bucket-list-worthy and budget-friendly. Check out these Time Out Australia Recommended Hotels for 2024. (Time Out Recommends 2024 is presented in partnership with Tyro.) Best Luxury Hotels Hyatt Hotel Canberra, ACT Ovolo Nishi, ACT Capella Hotel, NSW Park Hyatt Sydney, NSW Raes on Wategos, NSW Sails in the Desert, NT Crystalbrook Riley, QLD Emporium Hotel South Bank, QLD Ovolo The Valley, QLD The Calile Hotel, QLD The Langham Gold Coast, QLD Mayfair Hotel, SA The Playford Adelaide, SA MACq 01, TAS The Tasman, TAS The Henry Jones Art Hotel, TAS QT Melbourne, VIC W Melbourne, VIC Como The Treasury, WA Crown Towers Perth, WA InterContinental Perth City Centre, WA The Westin Perth, WA Best Bucket List Hotels Jamala Wildlife Lodge, ACT Blackbird Byron, NSW Osborn House, NSW Paperbark Camp, NSW Wildlife Retreat at Taronga, NSW Longitude 131º, NT Lady Elliot Island Eco Resort, QLD Qualia, QLD Silky Oaks Lodge, QLD Wander in the Scenic Rim, QLD Mount Lofty House Estate Adelaide Hills, SA Pumphouse Point, TAS Saffire Freycinet, TAS Jackalope Hotel, VIC Lon Retreat, VIC Peninsula Hot Springs, VIC Berkeley River Lodge, WA Sal Salis, WA B

Looking for an excuse to book that dream holiday? Black Friday has your back. While the big day isn’t officially until November 29, most brands are kicking off the sales early – and you should too! Did someone say early Christmas present? We’ve rounded up all the craziest airline, hotel and tour sales happening right now. Take a peek – you’d be silly not to cash in on these epic discounts. Need inspiration on where to go? Here are the best places to travel in Australia in 2025. Booking.com Score up to 35 per cent off global stays, 25 per cent off rental cars and 20 per cent off select attractions between November 21, 2024 and December 31, 2025 here. Offer available from: November 21 - December 4 Expedia Members can score 30 per cent off or more on hotels in the hottest destinations worldwide, along with all-inclusive hotel deals and last-minute getaways. The Black Friday offers go live on November 22 here. Offer available from: November 22 – December 4 Camplify Score $100 off November caravan, motorhome and camper rentals this November with the code BLACKFRI here. Why not follow our lead and go on a solo campervan trip around Kangaroo Island? Offer available from: November 1-30 Contiki Score up to 25 per cent off trips across all six continents for travel between January 1 and December 31, 2025 here. Offer available from: November 1 - December 5 G Adventures Score up to 30 per cent off global small-group tours departing before April 30, 2025 here.  Offer available from: Octob

While we’re big advocates of exploring our big, beautiful backyard here in Australia, there are times when we Aussies need to see what the world has to offer beyond our sparkling shores. Luckily, our Australian passports give us the power to travel (almost) anywhere around the globe, often with little to no entry requirements. Now, the real question is: how long do you have and how far are you willing to go? Earlier this year, the Australian passport was ranked as the fifth most powerful in the world. However, as of November, 2024, real-time data from the Arton Capital Passport Index places Australia in seventh position, tied with the United Kingdom, Japan, Lithuania and Latvia.  Our trusty little blue travel books allow us to travel to 113 different countries visa-free, with most letting Aussies stay for between 30 and 180 days. After the limit is reached, you’ll need to head back home to Australia for a few months before you can return. Additionally, 54 countries welcome Australians with a visa on arrival, while six countries – including the US and Canada – require an ETA. Only 25 countries still require a visa to be secured before you touch down, including Bhutan, Chile, Myanmar and North Korea. If you want to jet-set stat, we’ve simplified things for you with this full list of countries where Aussie passport holders can travel visa-free. Take your pick! Countries that allow Australian passport holders to travel visa-free: Albania 90 daysAndorra 90 daysAngola 30 daysAntigu

Any pet parents will know all too well the bittersweet tug-of-war of packing for a holiday. One side pulls you towards thrilling adventures and beautiful beaches, while the other tugs at your heart with those big, watery puppy dog eyes. As a travel writer, I’ve faced this guilt more times than I can count. So, when an offer popped up to bring my dog along for the ride, you can bet I said yes.  I’d always been curious about what it would be like staying at a hotel with a pet – let alone a fancy, five-star boutique spot like the Crystalbrook Albion in Surry Hills, Sydney. While excited, I did have my fears, as any responsible pet parent would understand. What if she started barking at 2am? What if she decided the carpet was her new chew toy? And what if she had a little accident? There was only one way to find out. Photograph: Supplied | Melissa Woodley Before we get started, let me introduce my four-legged friend, Lia. Despite looking and acting like a two-year-old, my 15-year-old cockalier has quite the resume. In her early days, she was a puppy model and musical theatre star, even landing a role in the 2012 production of Chitty Chitty Bang Bang at Sydney’s Capitol Theatre. The moment Lia set paw inside Sydney’s Crystalbrook Albion, she was taken right back to her glory days as a true VIP – very important pooch, of course. After a flurry of cuddles (for Lia only), the welcoming receptionist took us on a brief tour of the charming heritage building, which was originally cons

Cost of living is a phrase that pops up in our office conversation at Time Out almost daily. It’s so embedded in our nation’s vocabulary that Macquarie Dictionary even named ‘cozzie livs’ as its 2023 Word of the Year. With the majority of Aussies feeling the pinch from rising transport, property and food prices, it might come as a surprise to learn that one Australian city has just been named as the second most cost-effective place to live globally. We’re as shocked as you are, but we can’t argue with the stats, which come from Compare the Market’s Cost-of-Living Cities Index 2024. To compile the ranking, the data experts compared 42 economically developed capital cities around the world on 11 key factors, including the cash rate, annual average wage and unemployment rate, alongside the average price for everyday essentials like bread, milk, rent, electricity, fuel and public transport.  Digging into the data, it becomes clear why Brisbane was named as the second-most cost-of-living friendly city worldwide, trailing only behind Seoul in South Korea. It’s largely thanks to Queensland’s game-changing 50-cent public transport fare, which was introduced by the state government in August 2024 to help ease cost-of-living pressures. This flat, one-way fare – currently running as a trial until February 2025 – is the third lowest of all cities included on the index, and is far below the average cost for public transport in Melbourne at $5.30 and Sydney at $5.  Photograph: John Robert

School’s almost out for yet another year, which means that the stressful period when Australia’s year 12 graduates start receiving university offers is fast approaching. While many students have a clear idea of where they want to study for the next three or so years of their lives, a new ranking of the best universities in Australia might sway their minds. Now in its second year, the Australian Financial Review’s (AFR) 2024 Best Universities Ranking has evaluated the performance of 40 universities across four key pillars, including teaching, research, career impact and equity. It’s the first ranking of its kind in Australia, combining traditional measures of excellence, such as research and career outcomes, with wellbeing measures, like student satisfaction and equity, to determine its final rankings.  For the second year running, the University of Queensland (UQ) has scooped up first place as Australia’s best university for 2024. With between 55,000 and 60,000 students enrolled annually, it received distinctions across all four pillars, ranking fourth in the country for career, teaching and research, and eighth for equity. Talk about a high achiever! UQ beat the Australian National University (ANU) in Canberra by a margin, while the University of New South Wales (UNSW) and Melbourne’s Monash University tied for third place. Who doesn't love a bit of friendly interstate rivalry? All Australian universities in the top eight of the AFR ranking were also among the highest in th

We’re big fans of local recommendations here at Time Out. There's no better way to discover where to go, what to do and how to live it up than by asking those who breathe the local air. Sure, Byron Bay and the Gold Coast might steal the spotlight with visiting A-listers, but Australia’s got plenty more hidden gems. We asked our favourite Aussie celebs to share their ideal holiday spots around the country. Read on to find out where they love to unwind. Photograph: Supplied | Remy Hii Remy Hii – Malaysian-Australian actor from Marco Polo, Neighbours and Crazy Rich Asians “If you’re up for a road trip and have some friends that can chip in for petrol and won’t hog the aux cord, a trip to Lake Mungo is an absolute must before you die. Lake Mungo is home to enormous sand dunes, epic sunsets, wild emus and it also happens to be the site of the oldest ritual burial sites in the world. Book a tour with an Indigenous guide (the only way to access these prehistoric sites) and be awed by the Martian desert landscapes and the significance of the land to our First Nations people.” Guy Sebastian – ARIA-winning singer-songwriter and winner of Australian Idol “Definitely Gerroa, NSW. It’s got the stunning Seven Mile Beach, a rare position on the East Coast where the sun sets over the beach. There’s also great fishing, surfing and golf courses (Gerringong, Shoalhaven and Kangaroo Valley), plus it’s just ten minutes to picturesque Berry. Such a top spot.” Photograph: Leigh via Unsplash Gra

In case you missed the Santa-themed decorations filling the supermarket shelves, the holiday season is fast approaching, and if you’re planning on heading to Sydney Airport to travel interstate or overseas, you’ll want to read this before booking. We’ve been alerted to the cheapest and most expensive days to book flights over the festive period – and it could save you hundreds of dollars. Travel insurance company Compare the Market used Skyscanner to gather data on one-way fares from Australia’s three biggest airports to major cities nationwide. The results found that flights out of Sydney were on average cheapest between December 3rd and 5th, and again from December 10th to 13th. During this time, you can save up to $71 on flights from Sydney to Brisbane, with major savings on most domestic routes out of and into the Harbour City. Compared to last year – when the best deals were between December 11th and 17th – this year’s cheapest flights have shifted even earlier in December. Could this be your cue to clock off a week early and dip into that annual leave? We think yes! If you’re hoping to avoid those Christmas price hikes, the researchers also revealed the most expensive days to book a one-way ticket in Australia. Unsurprisingly, the priciest days to fly fall just before Christmas, from December 20th to 22nd, or right after, from December 26th to 29th.  During this peak period, flights from Sydney to Perth can cost you more than $300 – which is realistically the price of a