Melissa Woodley

Dreaming of a tropical island getaway? Or waiting for fares to your favourite overseas destination to drop? We’re flying in to save the day with this ultimate guide to the best fare sales happening in Australia right now. Right now, you can score cheap flights to Tokyo from $329 or to Greece for less than $500. Get on it! When do flights go on sale? In Australia, flight sales happen every week – shout-out to Jetstar’s Friday Fare Frenzy and Virgin’s Happy Hour Sale. But for international carriers, those sales pop up at surprise times and last for only a super limited time. Don’t let them take off without you.  ✈️ The cheapest places to fly from Australia☀️ Australian travel destinations that feel like a European holiday🌎 All the best places to visit in Australia right now

If you’re looking for an easy way to make someone’s day, surprise them with a bunch of beautiful blooms. It’s one of the easiest and sweetest ways to earn a spot in their good books, especially if you’ve accidentally forgotten their special day (don’t worry, we’ve all been there). From birthdays and anniversaries to Valentine’s and Mother’s Day, we’ve rounded up all the best flower delivery services in Australia, all available for easy online ordering with same- or next-day delivery across the country. Pick from a fragrant range of fresh, seasonal and customisable bouquets, and add in locally sourced goodies, like candles, chocolate and wine, for extra brownie points. As long as you order by around midday, your flowers could be delivered around Australia that evening – so no one has to know it was a last-minute save. Want to really win them over? Here are the most romantic getaways in Australia This article includes affiliate links. These links have no influence on our editorial content. For more information, click here.

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

Finally settled on Chinese? Now, it's time to decide how fancy you want to get. Luckily, Canberra houses a full spectrum of Chinese restaurants to cover every craving and budget. Our local writers (who are seasoned dim sum, fried rice and Peking duck eaters) have rounded up the best spots, whether you're after an affordable weekday lunch or a grand festive feast. At a city-centre dumpling house, you can watch skilled chefs make wontons from scratch before demolishing a dozen all on your own. Meanwhile, at a special occasion banquet hall, you can feast like an emperor or empress on up to eight courses. Here's our pick of the best Chinese restaurants in Canberra right now. 🍝 The best Indian restaurants in Canberra🍜 Canberra's best Japanese food🍝 Where to go for the best Italian in Canberra

Sydney's love for breakfast knows no bounds – we’ll queue for ages, seek out the most photogenic dishes and fight for the corner spot of our favourite brunch spot. This is a city where the choices are many, but the following dishes are a cut above – think classics done right, new spins on eggs, coffee like liquid gold, menus that break new ground, and service that'll have you happy you rolled out of bed. Time Out's local food writers and breakfast enthusiasts, including Food & Drink Editor Avril Treasure, have hit the streets to bring you our guide to the best breakfasts in Sydney. Mornings have never looked (or tasted) so good. 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 READS: Want more? Check out our guide to the best cafés in Sydney here. More of a night owl? Check out the best spots in Sydney to grab a drink.

Whether you're a coffee connoisseur who loves a little latte art or simply someone who needs a strong cup of caffeine to kickstart your day, Hobart’s bean scene is sure to impress. Our local writers and fellow lava lovers have sipped their way through the city to bring you this list of the best places for coffee in Tasmania’s capital.   From cosy holes-in-the-wall to award-winning espresso bars or a café-meets-science lab, these Hobart joints are sure to put a pep in your step. All you have to do is choose how you like your brew. ☕️ Australia's best coffee roasters🥐 The best bakeries in Hobart🥑 Hobart's best cafés

Summer 2025 update: Whether you’re craving a rainbow brekkie plate after an early-morning ocean swim, a matcha during your walk, or a spot to relax on Sunday with hot coffee and buttery scrambled eggs, there’s a café here for you. Sydneysiders are café people. We're constantly on the hunt for the city's best coffee and we love nothing more than donning our finest sport-luxe activewear and catching up with mates on a weekend morning over eggs, fritters and crusty artisan sourdough. So, whether it's a reward for tackling one of Sydney's most beautiful walks, an indulgent hangover fix after a night at one of the city's best bars, or a workday coffee stop, these are the best Sydney cafés, according to our in-the-know Time Out Sydney writers, including Food & Drink Editor Avril Treasure. We'll have one B&E roll, please.  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. Is it lunch time? Check out our guide to Sydney's best restaurants right now.

Looking for a travel adventure that goes beyond typical sightseeing? Combining wild, untouched landscapes with ancient history and fascinating culture, Australia’s Indigenous tourism experiences are hard to beat. Imagine trekking with Custodians through lush rainforest, swimming with dugongs in the Kimberley or seeing ancient stories light up the sky over Uluru. We've pulled together a list of eye-opening First Nations tours that will take you deep into Australia's most pristine landscapes, while teaching you about the world’s oldest living culture. Warning: they may change the way you view the land Down Under. 🏞 The best national parks in Australia☀️ The greatest experiences you can have Down Under😍 The most beautiful places to explore in Australia

Among South Australia's many eclectic and exciting events, Adelaide Fringe stands proudly as the biggest festival of the calendar year, not to mention the largest arts festival in the Southern Hemisphere. In 2023, it made history as the first-ever Aussie festival to sell more than one million tickets, and has only gotten bigger since. Running from February 21 to March 23, the 2025 program will feature more than 6,000 global artists performing across 500 venues in an impressive 1,400-plus shows. Spanning from Whyalla across the state to Naracoorte and beyond, you can expect an incredible mix of cabaret, theatre, comedy, circus, music, visual arts, workshops and interactive experiences.  As always, The Garden of Unearthly Delights and Gluttony, will transform Adelaide’s eastern parklands into buzzing hubs full of food, music and eclectic energy. Crowd favourites from 2024, including Sleeps Hill Tunnel and The Dome, will also return for an extended season, while 2025 brings hundreds of new shows to discover. Lucky for you, we’ve found all the best ones for you to book at Adelaide Fringe this year. 🌳 All the best things to do in Adelaide🎉 Our guide to the festivals happening in Australia✨ Where to stay in Adelaide

Newsflash: summer is here! While it’s the happiest time of the year for many, it’s also one of the most expenny. Christmas presents, booze, holidays and even air conditioning – it all adds up. But we don’t want those feeling the pinch of the festive season to miss out on having epic summer adventures. That’s why we've enlisted the help of Reflections Holidays CEO, Nick Baker, to bring you this list of epic and cheap summer camping spots across the country. With sites from just $13 a night, you can still have a well-deserved holiday without breaking the bank. ⛺️ The best free campgrounds in Australia✨ Where to go glamping in Australia🚘 The most epic Australian road trips to do before you die

For far too long, South Australia has lived in the shadows of our nation’s more populous states. But with its world-class wineries, dazzling festivals and vibrant cultural scene, South Australia is now a must-visit on any trip Down Under. The state’s capital, Adelaide, is an obvious place to start your southern adventure, with the stunning McLaren Vale and Barossa Valley wine regions just a short drive away. A scenic road trip north will take you to underrated gems, like the Flinders Ranges or Coober Pedy. Alternatively, head south and ferry across to Kangaroo Island, our Travel & News Editor Melissa Woodley’s favourite South Australian spot. Better yet, why not tick off all the incredible destinations on our list of the best places to visit in South Australia? The world is your oyster (top tip: you’ll find the freshest ones in Coffin Bay). 😱 All the best places to visit in Australia🥾 Where you need to go in Tasmania🚘 Everywhere you need to travel in Western Australia

As much as we love the hustle and bustle of city life, there are moments when you just need to hit pause and escape to the middle of nowhere. From the coast to the countryside and the outback, Australia offers up a wealth of picturesque towns where you are sure to find some peace and quiet.  At any of these adorable towns, you can trade crammed bus rides for refreshing nature walks, overcrowded beaches for secluded shores, and busy city parks for untouched pieces of paradise. Here are 12 charming towns that are anything but boring. 🌊 10 beach towns to visit in Australia (that aren't Byron Bay)🚘 The best day trips to take from every Aussie capital city😎 The 30 most incredible places to visit in Australia

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 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

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

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.

King Street’s 'vegan mile' is like the Hollywood Boulevard of plant-based dining, with meat-free menus found on almost every corner. Sitting in good company between Vandal and Vina Vegan, Mina Maria has earned its place among the stars on the Walk of Fame, offering an impressive Euro-inspired menu that could convince even the most die-hard carnivores to ditch meat for the night. Long-time vegans will undoubtedly recognise Emma Langley and Adam Papastathopoulos, the powerhouse duo behind this restaurant, previously known as I Should Be Souvlaki. These trailblazers of Sydney’s plant-based scene started out in 2017 as a humble stall at the Sydney Vegan Markets, serving Greek souvlaki so authentic it could win Yia Yia’s seal of approval. In 2021, I Should Be Souvlaki made the leap from market stall to its first restaurant on King Street, bringing a fresh, playful twist to Greek street food. Now, the couple has reimagined their beloved eatery as Mina Maria, a heartfelt tribute to Papastathopoulos’s Yia Yia Asimina and Langley’s late great aunt Maria. While the name has evolved, their signature souvlaki is still available with 'chick’n', ‘lamb’ or marinated mushroom skewers. For those eager to see which is most realistic, the Mixed Skewer Platter for Two – served at both lunch and dinner – is a must-try, featuring all three options alongside Greek and cabbage salads, house-made 'tzatziki' and mini pitas. Regulars will breathe a sigh of relief to see their deceptively realistic salt

It’s a huge international affair at WOMADelaide – World of Music Arts and Dance – where artists from more than 30 countries grace the stage in Adelaide’s beautiful Botanic Gardens. Almost 100,000 festival-goers grooved among the trees at the 32nd edition, with the 2025 event set to feature heaps of global stars. The 33rd festival will kick off with an epic performance from Grammy-nominated UK multi-instrumentalist PJ Harvey, who’ll bring her full-band experience to the stage on opening night. WOMAdelaide will also feature exclusive Aussie performances from global icons, including Queen of Afropop Yemi Alade, Jamaican Grammy-nominated reggae/dancehall star Protoje and The Indiggnation, and legendary '90s US hip-hop trio Digable Planets. Other standout acts to look forward to include celebrated Berlin-based pianist and composer Nils Frahm and the renowned Portugal Fado singer Mariza.  The program also features a stellar line-up of local acts, like Bangarra Dance Theatre, Central Australian Aboriginal Women’s Choir, The Australian Art Orchestra in collaboration with the 12-piece Tatana Village Choir, and heaps more. You can check out the full line-up here. This festival isn’t just about the music though! Alongside electrifying concerts, it features a huge array of multicultural food and drink, a three-day conversational forum Planet Talks, a KidZone, and interactive art workshops for when you’re, you know, really feeling the music.

Newtown knows how to eat, it knows how to drink, and boy does it know how to party. Whether you’re a Newtowner or an out-of-towner, we suggest pulling up your party pants and getting down to this massive one-day street festival on Saturday, December 7. The whole of Eliza Street will be shut down from 1-8pm and transformed into a runway of colour and energy with live tunes, legendary burgers and ice-cold tinnies.   With two years under its belt, you can expect Newtown Street Party’s third edition to be an absolute riot. We have the beer juggernauts at Young Henrys and their best mates at the Courthouse to thank for this epic celebration, which will mark 12 years since the first schooner of Newtowner (Young Henrys’ first flagship brew) was poured at the hotel. You can toast the first week of summer with drinks flowing from multiple pop-up bars along the street, then fuel up with woodfired pizzas from the beloved Public House Petersham and porchetta rolls by The Bank Hotel.Throughout the afternoon, partygoers can jam out to a stacked line-up of all-star rock and indie artists including Caitlin Hartnett and the Pony Boys, Velvet Trip and a very special DJ set by the OG Red Wiggle, Murray Cook himself. Young Henrys’ co-founder Oscar Mcmahon says that the event is “all about bringing people together – good mates, great music, and cold beers right in the heart of our backyard.” The party is an entry-via-donation event with entry proceeds going to Newtown Neighbourhood Centre. You ca

Victoria has an abundance of walking and hiking trails winding through beautiful natural landscapes, and it turns out that despite there being a whopping 15,000 trails to compete with across the country, one of the top five most popular hikes is right here in Melbourne. The experts at AllTrails have released a list of the top trails across Australia in 2024, compiling data from throughout the year to determine which hikes were the best of the best. The data also revealed that Australia ranked third globally for the most time spent traversing trails in 2024, navigating an impressive 11 million kilometres on trails, so it's clear that Aussies know a thing or two about what makes a good hike. The third most popular trail in Australia for 2024 was the family-friendly Mount Lofty Loop in Melbourne’s Warrandyte State Park. This hike has a lot going for it – there are plenty of uphills to get the blood pumping, but you’ll be rewarded with stunning views of the Yarra Valley stretching all the way to the Dandenong Ranges. The trail spans a manageable five kilometres, and hikers often spot wildlife along the way. Plus, if you work up a bit of a sweat, you can even take a dip in the Yarra river to cool off.  The most popular hike in the country was the Grand Canyon Track, a challenging yet short hike through the lush rainforest of the World Heritage-listed Blue Mountains National Park, and NSW’s iconic Bondi to Coogee Beach Walk came in second place. Perth's Whistlepipe Gully and Lesm

If facing your fears is high on your 2025 bucket list – but jumping out of a plane feels a step too far – we’ve found just the thrill for you. A world-first cliff adventure park is set to open in one of Australia’s most beautiful national parks early this year, featuring not one but three of the country’s tallest ziplines.  The epic new Happitat Adventure Park will sit on the edge of a cliff in the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Lamington National Park, located in the Scenic Rim. Renowned for its lush subtropical rainforest, majestic waterfalls and diverse wildlife, this 20,000-hectare park is a wonder in its own right. But soon, you can take in all its breathtaking natural beauty while flying through the treetops just like Tarzan. Perched 400 metres above the valley floor, Happitat will boast Australia’s highest zipline, inviting the bravest of souls to soar 200 metres above Lamington National Park at lightning speed. Adventurers can choose between two heart-pounding zipline experiences: a one-hour ride across the cliff or a two-hour journey that combines all three of Happitat’s phase one ziplines with sections of their Via Ferrata mountaineering course. Translating to ‘iron way’ in Italian, the brand-new Via Ferrata cliff-face adventure will thrill with tightropes, timber log crossings and an 80-metre sky bridge. If that doesn’t make you want to quit your job, donate your wardrobe to Vinnies and move to the mountains, we’re not sure what will. The drive to Happitat through La

We’re all about soaking up the Aussie summer vibes, but the reality is that these golden days won’t last forever. Luckily, anyone who lives for beach days and blue skies can double up on their sunshine fix this year by locking in a Euro-summer escape. Need a sign to book? Here it is. Both Virgin Australia and Qatar Airways have launched huge flash sales to iconic European destinations, like Greece, Paris and London. Virgin Australia kicked off their sale just this morning (January 24), meaning those who act fast can swoop the best deals. Dreaming of summer in the city of love? You can score return economy flights to Paris starting at just $1,833 from Perth or $1,927 from Sydney. Been there, done that? There are also mega-discounted return flights to other European hotspots, including from Perth to Barcelona from $1,798 or Brisbane to Athens from $2,202.  Typically, sales like these exclude peak travel times – like Euro-summer – but Virgin’s sale is making your sun-drenched Euro-summer dreams a reality by offering slashed fares between June 17 and July 11, 2025.  Prefer to travel off-peak? Qatar Airways is also currently running an incredible flight sale, with special fares to European hotspots for less than $2,000. With travel dates available between January and March, April and June, or July and December, you can dodge the crowds while saving big. Qatar flies out of five Australian capital cities – including Adelaide, Brisbane, Melbourne, Perth and Sydney – with return fligh

‘Ridin’ solo' isn’t just a catchy tune you danced to at the club (or your year six disco) all those years ago. In fact, it’s set to be one of the biggest travel trends for 2025, with Australian travellers showing more interest in solo travel than any other country across the globe. Young Aussies are the most likely to ditch their mates, according to SiteMinder’s latest Changing Traveller Report 2025,  with one in four Gen Z travellers planning a solo escapade for their next trip. Events stand out as the biggest drawcard for these daring individuals, with more than half saying they’re more likely to travel for family gatherings and celebrations (31 per cent), concerts and music festivals (23 per cent) and sporting events (18 per cent), compared to last year. Lucky for them, Australia has something to tick all those boxes. If you’re keen to meet fellow free spirits while travelling, solo adventurers in Australia are mostly flocking to Queensland, New South Wales and Victoria. Meanwhile, the most popular international destinations for solo Aussie jet-setters are the UK, US, Canada, New Zealand, Thailand and Japan – not that there are any surprises there. Phootgraph: Tyson Mayr The Changing Traveller Report – the world’s largest survey on accommodation with insights from more than 12,000 travellers – also reveals glimpses into where Aussies plan to stay in 2025. Australians have overtaken French travellers as the most likely to camp while on holiday. However, this might be more

Life in Australia isn’t getting any cheaper. After paying all your bills – rent, food, petrol, you name it – there’s barely anything left for your piggy bank to gobble up for fun things like future travel. But don’t fear if you’re in dire need of an international holiday this year. There are plenty of epic, underrated spots where you can get more bang for your buck than ever before.  Global travel platform Skyscanner has crunched the numbers to reveal the ten cheapest international destinations to fly to from Australia in 2025. The rankings are based on the places that recorded the biggest airfare price drops in 2024, with the top ten featuring a mix of Aussie favourites and underrated gems. Australians have long been obsessed with Thailand, famous for its tropical beaches, ancient ruins, pristine beaches, crazy nightlife and, of course, delicious pad thai. While most Aussies head to hotspots like Bangkok, Phuket and Ko Samui, it’s worth setting your sights on the province of Krabi instead. This coastal gem earned the title of the most budget-friendly place to fly from Australia right now. Airfares have dropped by a mega 34 per cent in the past year, with the cheapest return flights currently going for less than $450 on Skyscanner. Once on land, you can spend your hard-earned dollars exploring the region’s breathtaking coral reefs, mystical underwater caves, lush mangrove forests and impressive limestone cliffs. Photograph: Korng Sok via Unsplash | Giant's Causeaway, Norther

With sun-kissed beaches, thrilling waterparks and dazzling rooftop bars, Australia shines as the ultimate summer destination. When the warmer months roll around, Aussies flock to their favourite coastal towns to soak up the very best of what our glorious country has to offer. But this summer, there’s a new holiday spot to put on your radar – and it’s hiding halfway between the Gold Coast and Byron Bay. If the name Tweed Heads rings a bell, it’s likely because you’ve spotted it on road signs while driving along Australia’s gorgeous East Coast. As the most northerly town in NSW, just ten minutes from Gold Coast Airport, this charming city has everything you need for a quintessential summer getaway. We’re talking 37 kilometres of golden beaches, lush rainforests and World Heritage-listed national parks. Now, fresh search data from Booking.com reveals that Tweed Heads has skyrocketed in popularity for domestic holidays across the warmer months. It climbed to become the 12th most-searched Aussie destination in the lead-up to summer, jumping 25 spots compared to the same period last year.  Photograph: Destination NSW | Mount Warning Given Tweed Heads sits on the edge of a time zone during Daylight Savings, holiday-goers can celebrate the New Year twice by hopping across the QLD and NSW border to Coolangatta just after midnight. You can also catch the first rays of sunlight to hit the Australian continent from the summit of Wollumbin/Mount Warning, which sits on one of the world’s

We may only be three weeks into the new year, but Western Australia is already stealing the spotlight. Covering a whopping 2.6 million square kilometres, this diverse state isn’t just Australia’s biggest – it’s home to the world’s largest fringing coral reef, longest straight railway track and the most isolated capital city on Earth. While these feats are all headline-worthy, this time, Western Australia is gaining global attention for landing a spot on BBC Travel’s inaugural list of the 25 best places to travel in 2025. This year, the travel gurus at BBC Travel set out to spotlight 25 underrated destinations that often fly under the radar yet welcome tourists with open arms. To finalise the list, they enlisted the help of the world’s leading sustainable travel experts, ensuring each spot champions tourism initiatives that support local communities, protect the environment and preserve their cultural heritage. Western Australia was the only Aussie destination to feature in the top 25 in 2025. While WA’s capital, Perth, often plays second fiddle to Melbourne and Sydney, it’s actually one of the easiest places for international travellers to visit in Australia. Perth offers the country’s only direct flights to Europe, along with new direct flights to Singapore, Phuket and Bangkok, making it a breeze to reach from all corners of the world.  Photograph: Tourism Western Australia There’s a whole lot going on outside the world’s most isolated big city too. BBC Travel journalist E

The phrase ‘your phone eats first’ takes on a whole new meaning at The Grounds of Alexandria. In 2024 and 2023, this viral all-day café in Sydney – famous for its sprawling alfresco area, enchanting installations and, yes, huge weekend crowds – was named the world’s most Instagrammed restaurant.  It’s been more than a decade since I last visited The Grounds. Back then, I had to convince my mum to drive me all the way across the Harbour Bridge for a pastry and, much to my shame, a photo op. Now, ten years later, I decided it was time for me to return and see if the café still lives up to the hype. Judging by its almost 400,000 Instagram followers, 123,000 posts tagged #TheGroundsOfAlexandria, and 5,600 Google Maps reviews averaging four stars, I got the gist that it was still going strong. Photograph: Zoe King for Time Out Australia One clear takeaway from my research was to avoid visiting The Grounds on the weekend, when crowds swarm in from all across Sydney – and the world, for that matter. Hoping for a quieter experience, I visited on a Monday morning, only to find the car park completely full by 10am. Those who enter through Bourke Road will first encounter The Grounds’ charming, rustic alfresco area, complete with a miniature animal farm. While I was disappointed to find that ‘Kevin Bacon’ (the café's infamous resident pig) was no longer there, his old pen is now home to two cheerful goats. Photograph: Zoe King for Time Out Australia Keep strolling past the animal f

Sure, we all love to moan about flight delays, lost luggage, cramped seats and questionable onboard meals – but at the end of the day, the most important part of any flight is making sure your plane stays in the air. Lucky for us Aussies, we’re in safe hands. A global ranking of the safest airlines for 2025 has been released, and two Australian carriers have soared into the top ten. Every year, AirlineRatings.com evaluates hundreds of airlines based on safety criteria, including fleet age and size, incident rates, fatalities, profitability and pilot training. In 2025, the site analysed 385 airlines before unveiling its list of the world’s top 25 safest airlines, divided into full-service and low-cost operators.  With just 1.5 points separating first and second place, Air New Zealand clinched the title of the world’s safest airline for 2025. Australia’s very own Qantas took the runner-up spot, narrowly missing out on the win due to its older fleet. This marks another victory for Air New Zealand, which also topped the rankings in 2024 and 2022, while Qantas proudly held the title in 2023.  Third place was a three-way tie between Cathay Pacific, Qatar Airways and Emirates. Meanwhile, Virgin Australia represented as the only other Aussie airline to make the top 25. It landed in an impressive fourth place, slipping only one position from its 2024 ranking.  In the low-cost airlines category, Qantas-owned Jetstar also just missed out on the win, ranking second behind Hong Kong Expre

You know that saying, “safety first”? When it comes to travel, it’s one of the best pieces of advice you can follow. Exploring an unfamiliar country is exciting, but can also be an overwhelming experience, so the last thing you want is to find yourself in a risky situation. To help keep your adventures stress-free this year, we’ve pulled together a handy guide on all the destinations Smarttraveller is warning Australian travellers to avoid in 2025. The Australian government's Smartraveller website is known for providing up-to-date travel advice for 178 destinations worldwide. Each country is assigned an ‘advice level’ that reflects the risk for Aussie travellers, ranging from ‘Level one: exercise normal safety precautions’ to ‘Level four: do not travel’.  Currently, Smarttraveller is urging Australians to steer clear of 22 countries across Africa, Asia, the Americas, Europe and the Middle East. Nine updated warnings have been issued in 2025 alone, including Venezuela (due to political and economic instability), Central African Republic and Chad (due to risks of terrorism, kidnapping and violent crime), and Lebanon (due to the volatile security situation).  As of January 17, 2025, Aussies are also being advised to "Reconsider their need to travel to" 11 destinations. Some of these inclusions are long-standing, such as Nigeria, Ethiopia and Pakistan, while others pop up momentarily due to unforeseen events, like political strikes. It’s worth checking the list frequently to stay

Australia is a country that never stands still. From long-awaited transport lines and luxe new hotels to modern cultural precincts and mammoth market spaces, we pour ludicrous amounts of money into transforming our cities’ landscapes for residents and tourists alike. While some of these projects might temporarily hide or hinder views of our most iconic landmarks, the promise of a fancier future is almost always worth the wait. In 2025, there are plenty of shiny new developments on the blueprint across Australia. Some projects, like the new Sydney Fish Market and Melbourne Metro Tunnel, have been in the pipeline for almost a decade, while others, like Tasmania’s New Bridgewater Bridge, are on the verge of being unveiled after a few fast years of construction. Let’s just hope all these developments stay on track for 2025. Melbourne’s Metro Tunnel, VIC Sydney just scored a fancy new metro system, but in 2025, it’s Melbourne’s turn. Penned as the biggest transformation of Melbourne's network in four decades, the Metro Tunnel will connect the busy Sunbury, Cranbourne and Pakenham train lines through twin tunnels under the city, with five new stations including Arden, Parkville, State Library, Town Hall and Anzac. This mammoth undertaking has been underway since 2016 – as every Melburnian knows all too well, thanks to years of roadworks and construction chaos. Render: Department of Transport New Bridgewater Bridge, TAS After almost two years of construction, Tasmania’s largest-

For Australians, coffee isn’t just a drink to start the day, it’s a way of life. Our love for the java juice runs deep, with three in four Aussies having at least one cup of liquid gold each day. And can you really judge the 28 per cent who drink three or more coffees a day? Our beans, brews and baristas are arguably the best in the world. While Melbourne and Sydney often steal the spotlight for having the nation’s best coffee, a new study has revealed Australia’s true coffee capitals – and the result might surprise you.  To identify Australia’s top coffee hotspots, the caffeine connoisseurs at Remitly analysed millions of reviews from major towns and cities nationwide. They specifically looked at the number of coffee shops, average customer ratings, number of reviews per shop and even Instagram posts for #coffee in each city. To create a level playing field, all the data was scaled according to population sizes. We don’t know if it’s a happy accident or fate that ‘coffee’ is almost hidden in the name of Australia’s coffee capital – Coffs Harbour. Yep, there’s more to this charming coastal town than just the Big Banana. With 149 coffee shops and an impressive average of 287 reviews per café, Coffs Harbour brewed its way to the top. Want to know the best spots for coffee in Coffs? Dark Arts Café and Bar has racked up almost 990 reviews on Google Maps with a spectacular 4.6 stars out of five – rivalling many cool inner-city haunts in Melbourne and Sydney. Then there’s Palate an