Melissa Woodley

With its golden sands and laid-back holiday vibe, the Gold Coast has always been a favourite destination for those seeking a relaxed seaside escape. However, this famous Queensland holiday spot offers more than just a day at the beach.  With its rich Indigenous heritage, vibrant markets, heart-pumping adrenaline activities and thriving live music scene, there is plenty to keep you entertained along the coastal strip. For a change of pace, head to the naturally beautiful Gold Coast hinterland where you’ll find an oasis of calm and stunning scenery. Bring your swimsuit and your sense of adventure. It’s time to discover a different side of the Gold Coast. RECOMMENDED: These are the most luxurious hotels and resorts on the Gold Coast.

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. Leave your towels at the door and dig in. RECOMMENDED: These are the best luxury hotels and resorts on the Gold Coast.

What’s the secret recipe for crafting an exceptional dining experience? In coming up with Time Out’s list of the best restaurants in Australia we considered a mix of ingredients. Talented chefs? Stylish decor? Lively ambience? Top-notch drinks? And of course, food that you can’t stop thinking about for days, months, or even years. Luckily, Australia’s restaurant scene is sizzling with spots that check all these boxes, plus so much more. Our nation’s top restaurants are a celebration of Australia’s native ingredients too. From an intimate 40-seat dining room cut into the rolling hills of Tasmania’s countryside to a 30-year-old institution overlooking Sydney’s sparkling Bondi Beach, these are the restaurants Time Out Australia’s team, including resident foodie Melissa Woodley, recommends for your next culinary adventure. RECOMMENDED: These are the best luxury hotels to book in Australia.

Potentially due to spiking rent prices on the mainland, chefs have flocked to Hobart in recent years to launch their restaurants. This influx of talent combined with Tasmania’s naturally bountiful fresh produce has led to Hobart becoming quite the destination for food lovers.  From tiny hole-in-the-wall bars with 20 seats to a bustling Tokyo-inspired eatery and a French restaurant that sits at the front of MONA, Hobart’s best restaurants are wildly varied and there’s a plate to suit every palate. Eating out is truly one of the best things to do in Hobart, so here’s our list of the best restaurants to score a reservation (or a walk-in table) at. RECOMMENDED: Here are the best things to do in Hobart right now.

Escape the crowds in Perth, Broome and Margaret River, and head to this lesser-known coastal gem in the Great Southern region of Western Australia. ‘Amazing Albany’ is one of WA’s best-kept secrets, home to many of Australia’s bluest beaches – including Middleton Beach, Emu Point and Little Beach – all just minutes from the CBD. Sun and sand aside, Albany’s rugged coastline is dotted with striking rock formations, peaceful nature trails and panoramic lookouts perfect for spotting whales in winter. While those looking to take it easy can explore its historic museums and sample local brews and bites.  Albany is just a 4.5-hour drive or one-hour flight from Perth and makes for a mean road trip. Don’t sleep on this coastal town any longer and start ticking off this list of the best things to do in Albany. RECOMMENDED: The best things to do in Exmouth.

For many of us in Australia, travelling to Europe – the land of high culture, orthopaedic sandals and artisan cheese – is fairly out of reach. You know, the economy, and all that. Thankfully, we've got a solution.  Enter: Travel destinations in Australia that look (almost) exactly like Europe. Imitation is the highest form of flattery, or something – right? Europe is obviously a land of diverse plenty, and as such, so is this list. We've raked together the best places Down Under that each hold a striking resemblance to a different European locale. From the high alpine ridges of the Norwegian Alps to the turquoise glitter of the Grecian Isles, this list is the low-cost, high-reward antidote to Instagram doom scrolls during the months of June and July. Australia, with fewer crowds and absolutely no Euros, this is all you need. Leave Europe to the Northern Hemisphere, and take your wanderlusting feet for a walk back home. Who knows what you'll find? Keen to stay local? Here are the most incredible places to visit in Australia.

Fish and chips are such a nostalgic meal for Australians that it’s easy to forget that they didn’t actually originate here. Sure, the Brits often get the credit for the dish (they do love their salt and vinegar), but it turns out that Portugal is the motherland of the ultimate takeaway food. Wherever it was invented, we’re just happy that it touched down in the land Down Under, and at just about every waterside location you can imagine. After all, it isn’t a salty summer by the beach if your hunger wasn’t satiated with some fish and chippies, right? So whether you're touring Australia's best beaches, or need a pit stop on your great Australian road trip, here are the best fish and chips shops in the land.  RECOMMENDED: These are the best pizzas in Australia.

When visiting a new city, it’s highly likely that, at some point, you’ll find yourself standing in front of a big and beautiful museum or gallery. Come rain, hail or shine, these brilliant buildings are the place to brush up on historical happenings and learn a thing or two about local heritage.  Inside you’ll find some of our country’s greatest treasures and a huge diversity of subject matters too, ranging from natural history and cultural artefacts to science marvels and sporting achievements. Don’t wait until the next rainy day to explore Australia’s best museums with this ultimate guide.  RECOMMENDED: The 18 best art galleries to explore in Australia.

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.

Whether you want to go all-in for transformative results or you're just in the market for brief spot of me-time, Sydney's palaces of self-rejuvenation have you covered. Spend a full day treating yo'self to the glow-up of a lifetime, or just duck in for a quick but life-giving massage. Either way, a much-needed dose of de-stressing bliss is your reward. If you feel the need to earn your extravagant spa day with some physical activity, sweat it out on Sydney's best walks or swim a few laps of the city's coolest ocean pools.Stay in the loop: sign up for our free Time Out Sydney newsletter for tips on making the most of the city, straight to your inbox. Take your day of pampering out bush at one of the best day spas in the Blue Mountains.

You know the landmarks and the laid-back culture, but there are plenty more things to do in  Australia than kissing koalas and yelling ‘g’day mate’. Australia is a nature lover’s paradise, with highly sought-after food experiences and impressive cultural heritage to boot. Whether you want to get amongst art parties in small coastal cities, see fairy penguins scurry across sandy beaches or watch the sunrise over Sydney Harbour from a kayak, there’s so much to explore across this incredible country. You’ll no doubt find something to inspire a holiday Down Under with our guide to all the best things you need to see right now in Australia. RECOMMENDED: The 20 top tourist attractions in Australia. Stay in the loop: sign up for our free Time Out Australia newsletter for more news, travel inspo and activity ideas, straight to your inbox. 

If you ask anyone living in Australia what Coffs Harbour is famous for, chances are they’ll say the Big Banana. This giant yellow sculpture has been a classic pit stop for families travelling between Sydney and Brisbane since the ‘60s – but you’re bananas if you think that’s all the picturesque coastal city has to offer. After capturing the perfect selfie in front of the big ‘nana, head to the jetty for a breezy beachside walk. Follow it up with fish and chips at sunset, or dine in style at one of Coffs’ spectacular seaside restaurants. Here are the best things to do in Coffs Harbour. RECOMMENDED: A guide to Australia’s best big things.

Let’s be frank – this restaurant might not shout for attention with its dimly lit facade, but its South American-style is anything but shy. Think fire-roasted oysters, whipped cod roe tostadas and the non-negotiable three cheese empanadas. Meats are fired over an asado grill, dressed in tangy salsas and best enjoyed with fried potatoes and a Pisco Sour.

At Frogmore Creek, “let the fruit do the talking.” This is your go-to for sampling Tasmania’s renowned, cool-climate wines, along with the freshest local produce. Sip a silky pinot noir at their gorgeous vineyard in the Coal River wine region, paired with hearty mains from the land, sea or garden. Alternatively, swing by their glamorous city wine bar for a crisp and zippy sauvignon blanc with hints of honey. Add on a local cheeseboard or share mains, including grilled octopus with chermoula, lamb meatballs with spiced potatoes, and mushroom arancini with truffle mayo.

“Look but don’t touch,” said no one ever at Faro Restaurant and Bar. Here, you’re encouraged to touch, play and even eat the artful creations plated by this fancy European-inspired restaurant at MONA. It’s the finest of the subversive art museum’s dining options, which also include an outdoor fire kitchen, underground cocktail bar and onsite winery. It’s a bit of a maze to find Faro, which is tucked in the triangular wing of MONA, jutting out over the River Derwent and providing serene water views through sparkingly floor-to-ceiling glass windows. The dining room is as extravagant as you’d expect from a MONA restaurant, with pink marble tables, velvet chairs, a sleek timber bar and the odd saxophonist or singer drifting by. At the heart of the room sits a large, white ball, one of three James Turrell artworks housed in and around the restaurant. Faro’s ‘platedropping’ menu is as experimental as its art, featuring wild-caught and feral meats, alongside local Tassie produce. Dishes are equally playful and delicious, with creations like ‘Carcass In Swamp,’ featuring cured and smoked wallaby, warrigal puree and salt-baked beetroot; and ‘Eat The Problem,’ which involves wild Tasmanian fallow deer, candy carrots, plus blackberry and coffee vino cotto. Given that the guy who owns MONA is vegetarian, you’ll find plenty of plant-based options as well, including ‘Meat is Murder,’ featuring rare mushrooms, hazelnut cream and Tassie winter truffles. You can pick your own adventure with à

Aboriginal art is no one thing – it’s as varied as the colours of a desert sunset, each creation holding its own cultural significance. Dot paintings and rock art are really just the tip of the iceberg, with the ancient stories of Australia’s Aboriginal and Torres Strait Island people also narrated through bark paintings, weavings, body art, wood carvings, printed fabrics and more. Taking place on Larrakia Country, the Telstra National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Art Awards (NATSIAA) celebrate the vibrant spirit and creativity of Australia’s most exceptional Indigenous artists. With a total prize pool of $190,000, you can expect to see diverse works from both well-known and emerging talents in what is now the longest-running and most significant award of its kind nationwide.  It’s been 41 years since the awards first launched at the Museum and Art Gallery of the Northern Territory (MAGNT), with each year unveiling fresh talent and fresh stories on the gallery walls. Almost 250 artists entered the 2024 Telstra NATSIAA awards, from which 72 finalists were selected. The Northern Territory is home to 31 of these talented artists, with 13 from Western Australia, 11 from South Australia, ten from Queensland, three from New South Wales, and two each from Tasmania and Victoria.  The biggest prize up for grabs at the awards ceremony on Friday, August 9 is the prestigious Telstra Art Award, valued at $100,000. Last year, Keith Wikmunea, a Thu’ Apalech man and artist from Auru

Take advantage of your East Coast jet lag by rising early (at least once) and embarking on the 7.7 kilometre trek from Cable Beach up to Gantheaume Point. The incredible red cliff rockface at the beach’s southern tip offers one of the best vistas in Broome. Get there in time for low tide to see the 120 million-year-old dinosaur prints, or visit during high tide for a glimpse of Anastasia's Pool. Rumour has it that this natural rock pool was created by the former lighthouse keeper for his wife who suffered from arthritis and believed in the healing properties of the saltwater that fills the pool.

It’s quite likely that you’ll let out an audible gasp after catching your first glimpse of Cable Beach. This sparkly 22km white sand beach earned bragging rights as the third best in the world, according to TripAdvisor’s 2023 Travellers’ Choice Awards. Like Venice with its gondolas, Broome has camels. At the end of the day, jump on a friendly camel and be guided along the shore to watch the sunset. This safari-type activity is a must for any Broome newcomer.

After a hard day of retail therapy in Chinatown, unwind at the town’s longest-standing hospitality venue with a cleansing pale ale. You’ll find an extensive range of tap beers and a lengthy list of pub grub, including parmis, barbecue pork ribs, steaks and pizza. The Roey is famous for its nightlife, especially with backpackers and locals. Head to the nearby outdoor Oasis Bar for live gigs, then end the night down the road at Skylla Lounge, which stays up until 3am.

What is it? Australia’s first floating beach club, featuring a fine dining restaurant, expansive bar and gorgeous pool surrounded by sun lounges, day beds and private cabanas. Why go? Ocean gazing meets Mediterranean-inspired grazing at this boho-luxe beach club on the glistening Marina Mirage. In winter, share mezze plates and local seafood at the heated alfresco Māre restaurant, overlooking the glistening water and sublime skyline. In summer, bask in the warm rays with a Spritz in hand, lounging on day beds or sun lounges to soulful melodies and soft grooves.

What is it? A home for native Australian animals – big, small, thriving and endangered – offering exciting daily talks and shows, behind-the-scenes tours and adorable animal encounters. Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary is also home to one of the world’s busiest wildlife hospitals, caring for more than 12,000 animals per year. Why go? Make friends with koalas, echidnas, capybaras, reptiles and more at the Gold Coast’s top wildlife sanctuary. Plan your adventure around the free experiences, including rainbow lorikeet feeding and free-flight bird shows. You can even slot in breakfast with the koalas, farmyard encounters or a twilight tour featuring traditional bush tea.

You'll find more than 100 surfboards dating from 1915 to the present at Surf World Gold Coast. This museum takes you back in time with its impressive array of boards, trophies, photographs, clothing and other memorabilia. Exhibitions and events change frequently so you'll never get board (oops, bored). Plus, the terrific gift shop is ideal for those seeking a souvenir that’s a little different. 

What is it? An ocean-facing natural headland featuring two scenic walking tracks through rainforest, mangroves, rocky foreshore and sand.  Why go? Stretch your legs on the leisurely and flat 1.2-kilometre Oceanview Track, which winds around the rocky headland, connecting Burleigh Head with Echo Beach and Tallebudgera Creek. For a bite more adventure, tackle the 2.3-kilometre Rainforest Circuit. This route rewards you with a climb to the 88-metre summit at Tumgun Lookout, where you can enjoy panoramic views stretching towards Snapper Rocks. Keep an eye out for humpback whales during winter and spring.

Find your ultimate state of zen with a sneaky session at Native State. Warm your insides with a ten to 15 minute session in the infrared sauna, steam room or traditional cedar sauna. Then transition between the heated 37-degree vitality pool and the ice-cold plunge pool. Native State also offers more than 35 weekly fitness and yoga classes for those who like to stay active on holiday, ranging from strength and circuit training to breathwork and meditation.  

It’s hard to believe that an Olympic year has rolled around yet again. In 2024, the world’s largest sporting event will bring together more than 10,500 athletes (5,250 women and 5,250 men) in a grand spectacle encompassing 329 medal events across 32 sports. Whether you're lucky enough to be travelling to Paris or tuning in from half way around the world, there are countless ways to get around the green and gold. Here’s everything you need to know about watching the 2024 Paris Summer Olympics.  Stay in the loop: sign up for our free Time Out Australia newsletter for more news, travel inspo and activity ideas, straight to your inbox.  Where are the 2024 Olympics? The Games will be hosted in Paris, France across 41 venues, with the surfing competition taking place in Teahupo’o, Tahiti. Arguably France’s most famous stadium, the Stade De France will host the athletics and rugby sevens competitions. The lawns of Champ de Mars, between the Eiffel Tower and the École Militaire, will transform into a pop-up arena for beach volleyball, judo and wrestling, while one of the city's most famous public squares at the eastern end of the Champs-Élyséess, Place De La Concorde, will turn into an urban park for the BMX freestyle, skateboarding, breaking and 3x3 basketball events. When do the 2024 Olympics start? The Olympic Games will kick off with a spectacular Opening Ceremony on Friday, July 26 and will continue for 19 days, ending with the Closing Ceremony on Sunday, August 11. The first ev

The 2024 Olympic Games is finally here! If you haven’t already wrapped your head around when they start and how to watch for free, let us help catch you up to speed.  For the first time in history, the Olympic Summer Games Opening Ceremony will take place outside a stadium. Instead, on July 26, around 100 boats carrying 10,500 athletes will sail down the river Seine, from east to west over six kilometres. Hip-hop legend Snoop Dogg has been named as the official Olympic torch bearer, with Celine Dion and Lady Gaga performing together on the night. Here’s everything you need to know about the 2024 Olympic Opening Ceremony. What time does the Paris 2024 Olympics Opening Ceremony start in Australia? The largest-ever Olympic Games Opening Ceremony will begin on Friday, July 26 at 7.30pm local time in Paris. The Summer Games will officially launch at 8.24pm local time, or 20.24 on a 24-hour clock. In Australia, the Opening Ceremony falls on Saturday, July 27. If you’re hoping to tune in, then be prepared for an early start at: 1.30am AWST – WA 3am ACST – NT, SA 3.30am AEST – ACT, QLD, NSW, VIC, TAS  How to watch the Olympics Opening Ceremony on TV in Australia? The 2024 Olympic Games will be broadcast in Australia on more than 40 free-to-air channels under the Nine Network, including Channel 9 and 9Gem. If you prefer a sleep-in, you can watch the Olympic Ceremony for free after it’s happened on the 9Now streaming platform. It can be accessed on your web browser or through your Sm

Call us biased, but we reckon Australia is the most incredible and diverse place to explore on Earth. Covering almost 770 million hectares, our Great Southern Land is filled with so many breathtakingly beautiful landmarks that knowing where to go first can be quite the challenge. Luckily, TIME magazine has just released its annual round-up of the 100 greatest places to visit in 2024, and three lesser-known Aussie destinations made the cut. Last year, Kangaroo Island and Brisbane were spotlighted on TIME’s 2023 list of the 50 greatest cities to visit on Earth. But for their sixth edition, the travel gurus shook things up by narrowing it down to the 50 greatest places to stay and 50 greatest places to visit. As you can imagine, compiling this list was no easy feat, with TIME collecting nominations of places from its international network of travel experts and through an application process, focusing on new and exciting experiences, including attractions, museums, parks, restaurants, hotels and cruises. So, which Aussie destinations earned a spot on the prestigious top 100 list? Photograph: Supplied | Sun Ranch A ’70s-inspired California ranch house in the rolling hills of Byron Bay was named Australia’s best place to stay in 2024. Dubbed the “Hotel of good times,” Sun Ranch is everything of your wildest dreams. Spread over 55 acres of regenerated farmland, the property offers adults-only pool suites, luxury off-grid barns and an ultimate private cowboy suite. Sun Ranch also d

Out of Australia’s 460 athletes competing at the 2024 Paris Olympic Games, the Matildas are easily among the top fan favourites. Our girls in green and gold have set their sights on a place on the Olympic podium, with three preliminary games standing between them and the quarter-finals – the first of which they'll play before the Opening Ceremony on July 25 (or the morning of July 26 in Australia). Sadly, the legendary Sam Kerr won't be on the field, after she suffered an ACL injury while training. But so many other fantastic players will be playing, so here's everything you need to know to get behind our gals.  When do the Matildas play at the Olympics?  We hate to break the news but all three of the Matildas preliminary matches will be played at 7pm Paris time, which falls in the very early hours of the morning here in Australia. This includes 1am AWST (WA), 2.30am ACST (NT, SA) and 3am AEST (ACT, QLD, NSW, VIC, TAS). Here are the key mornings to tune in and watch the Matildas preliminary matches in Australia: Friday, July 26: Australia vs. Germany  Monday, July 29: Australia vs. Zambia Thursday, August 1: Australia vs. USA  We have our fingers crossed that the Tillies will qualify for the following rounds, including: Saturday-Sunday, August 3-4: Quarter-finals Tuesday, August 7: Semi-finals Friday, August 9: Bronze medal match Sunday, August 11: Gold medal match Did the Matildas win their first Olympic match? Unfortunately, the Matildas were defeated by Germany three t

Think you’ve seen it all when it comes to art galleries? Roughly 70 kilometres off the coast of Townsville in the World Heritage-listed Great Barrier Reef is a museum that’s unlike anything in the Southern Hemisphere. Here, artworks don’t hang on walls but stand deep on the ocean floor, serving as both stunning sculptures and artificial reefs. Officially opened in 2020, the Museum of Underwater Art (MOUA) is a large-scale sculpture trail that’s the largest and oldest of its kind in Australia. With only 5,000 visitors each year, MOUA is undoubtedly one of the country's best-kept secrets and is completely free to explore – as long as you don’t mind getting a bit wet. Photograph: Cathy Finch Photography Renowned eco-sculptor Jason deCaires Taylor was tasked with creating the first installation, 'The Coral Greenhouse', which rests 16 metres below the surface in John Brewer Reef. This impressive 165-tonne structure, featuring 17 hyper-realistic human sculptures, holds the Guinness World Record for the largest underwater art structure on Earth – just another claim to add to the Great Barrier Reef’s trophy shelf. In 2021, MOUA introduced 'Ocean Siren', a striking, four-metre-high sculpture modelled on a young Indigenous girl from the Wulgurukaba tribe. Rising above the water, the sculpture changes colour in response to rising sea temperatures, serving as a real-time warning of the climate change challenges faced by the Great Barrier Reef.  Photograph: Supplied | Museum of Underwa

Darwin is usually cast as the backup dancer to Australia’s star capital cities, including Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane and Perth. But Australia’s smallest capital city is ready to steal the show after being named as the cultural capital of Australia. Round of applause!  This crown was awarded by language learning platform, Preply, which set out to determine the Australian capital city with the best cultural experiences per capita. We’re talking about the number of cultural tours, ‘hatted’ restaurants, cultural attractions, museums, theatre events, libraries, concerts/shows and markets available, with the data sourced from trusty sites like TripAdvisor and Booking.com.  As expected, Australia’s biggest capital cities had the highest number of cultural experiences overall, with Sydney tallying 535, Melbourne tallying 441 and Perth tallying 244. However, to level the playing field, the researchers divided the number of events by population size to determine the final rankings. Tiny but mighty, Darwin claimed the crown as Australia’s number one capital city for cultural experiences per capita. With 102 experiences overall, it boasts the second-highest number of concerts and shows (only behind Sydney), plus a rich line-up of cultural experiences where visitors can gain a deeper appreciation for Aboriginal art, spirituality and history. That’s not to mention Darwin’s many incredible restaurants, fascinating museums and galleries, plus stunning outdoor attractions, including the Worl

If you're keen for a night dancing along to Fremantle-formed legends San Cisco, here's your chance. Western Australia's (and potential the whole country's) favourite three-piece indie pop band has just announced it'll be hitting the road for a nation-wide tour including dates in Melbourne and regional Victorian dates – and it kicks off in just a few months.  It’s been more than a decade since San Cisco made it big on the airwaves with hits like the eternally sunny ‘Golden Revolver’ and the boppy ‘Awkward’. Since teaching us all to dance like Fred Astaire, the surf-twanging crew have since released four studio albums and are showing no signs of slowing down. In fact, they’re about to embark on a tour to celebrate their fifth studio album, Under The Light. Here’s everything you need to know about San Cisco’s 2024 Melbourne and Victorian tour. When is San Cisco going on its Melbourne, Victoria tour in 2024? After a run of shows across the UK and Europe, San Cisco is headed back Down Under for a national album tour that will hit Melbourne in late October. The band will play Forum Melbourne on Saturday, October 26.  The band will also play a series of regional shows as part of its Under the Light Regional Tour Pt 2, which follows on from a regional run across WA and SA earlier this year. The Victorian dates and destinations include: Western Port, San Remo – August 15 The Deck, Traralgon – August 16 Torquay Hotel, Torquay – August 17 Volta, Ballarat – August 18 When do tickets fo

​​When it comes to travel, the power really is in your hands. The Australian passport has just been ranked as one of the most powerful in the world – and it's cracked the top five for the very first time. In 2024, we proudly claim fifth place – tied with Portugal – thanks to our handy little travel documents that grant us visa-free access to 189 out of 227 destinations worldwide.  For the past 19 years, the Henley Passport Index has used data from the International Air Transport Authority to compare the visa-free access of 199 nations’ passports to 227 global locations. Last year, passports from six countries were named the joint most powerful in the world. However, Singapore was the only country to cling to the title in 2024, setting a new record with visa-free travel to 195 destinations. France, Germany, Italy, Japan and Spain followed in second place, with citizens free to travel to 192 global destinations without a visa.  Australia edged its way into the top five for the first time in the Index's 19-year history, climbing one spot from its sixth-place ranking in 2023, and eighth spot in 2022. Citizens in Australia – along with Portugal – can travel freely to 189 destinations worldwide, either without needing a visa, or being able to easily obtain a visa, visitor’s permit or electronic travel authority (ETA) upon arrival.  Aussies planning a one-week vacay can stay close to home with visa-free travel to hot spots in Oceania, like the Solomon Islands, New Caledonia and New

If you've been dreaming of dancing like Fred Astaire, here’s your chance. Australia’s very own three-piece indie pop band, San Cisco, has just announced it’ll be hitting the road for a national tour – and it kicks off in just a few months.  It’s been more than a decade since San Cisco made it big on the airwaves with hits like the eternally sunny ‘Golden Revolver’ and the boppy ‘Awkward’. Hailing from Fremantle in Western Australia, the surf-twanging crew have since released four studio albums and are showing no signs of slowing down. In fact, they’re about to embark on a tour to celebrate their fifth studio album, Under The Light. Here’s everything you need to know about San Cisco’s 2024 Australian tour. When is San Cisco going on its Australian tour in 2024? After a run of shows across the UK and Europe, San Cisco is headed back Down Under for a national album tour that will hit all the Aussie hot spots, including: Hindley Street Music Hall, Adelaide – October 25 The Forum, Melbourne – October 26 Shelter Brewing, Busselton – November 8 Fremantle Arts Centre, Fremantle – November 9 The Tivoli, Brisbane – November 14 Enmore Theatre, Sydney – November 16 The band will also play a series of regional shows as part of its Under the Light Regional Tour Pt 2, which follows on from a regional run across WA and SA earlier this year. The dates and destinations include: The Station Perisher – July 24 Beer Deluxe, Albury – July 25 UC Refectory, Canberra – July 26 Tilba Valley Winery,

Airports open the door to new adventures, but they often come with their fair share of stress. Lengthy check-in lines, nerve-wracking security screenings, regular flight delays and constant fear of lost luggage make for quite a heinous experience. But at which Aussie airport should you actually arrive three hours before take-off?  Make sure to pack a stress ball in your carry-on if you’re flying out of Brisbane, which has just been ranked as the most stressful airport in Australia. To come up with this ranking, holiday car rental website StressFreeCarRental.com scored the country’s ten busiest airports on five stress-inducing factors, including passenger numbers, distance from the city centre, number of flight destinations, cost of parking and overall airport satisfaction.  Photograph: Tourism and Events Queensland | Brisbane City Botanic Gardens Stress levels are high in Brisbane for a number of reasons, starting with the airport’s sky-high parking fees of $214 per week. Brisbane Airport also ranked as the third busiest, with almost 20 million travellers flying to 70 destinations in the last year. Tensions are high in the Gold Coast too, which ranked as the second most stressful airport, despite flying to only 15 places. You’ll need to allow an extra 40 minutes to get there from the CBD, which is the furthest away out of any city. If you’re hoping to stay cool, calm and collected then fly straight to Canberra. Our nation’s capital ranked as the best airport to fly to and f

We’ve all heard it before, “work hard, play hard” – but it seems Australians might be taking this mantra a bit too seriously. A new global study has unveiled the countries with the healthiest work-life balance in 2024, and the Aussie flag isn’t flying as high this year. For its second annual global work-life balance index, employment platform Remote looked at key factors, including minimum wage, sick leave, maternity leave, healthcare, public happiness, and LGBTQ+ inclusivity. They gathered this data from the world's top 60 GDP countries, assigning each a total 'work-life balance' score out of 100. Topping the rankings for the second year running was New Zealand, with an impressive score of 80.76. Our mates across the ditch fared particularly well for their minimum wage of around $20.83 per hour (which is actually $3.30 lower than Australia’s) and generous annual leave entitlement of 32 days.  This year, Australia got bumped out of the top five, dropping from fourth to eighth place. Our overall index score of 71.35 still keeps us included in the top 15 per cent of countries assessed, but we were overtaken by the likes of Ireland (2nd), Denmark (=3rd), Norway (=3rd), Canada (4th) and Germany (5th). Photograph: Destination NSW | Manly BeachCrowds enjoying a Summer's day at Manly Beach, Manly. On the bright side, Aussies benefit from the highest minimum wage among the top ten countries at $24.10 per hour. Australian workers also score a pretty sweet 30 days of annual leave, ju

Every travel writer has a bucket list – a list that’s likely ever-growing thanks to Australia’s incredible scrapbook of otherworldly destinations. From secluded swimming holes and majestic waterfalls to regional dining gems and picturesque wineries, there’s just too much to see, eat, drink and explore.  Want to know what tops our travel bucket list? We’ve rounded up the holiday spots in Australia that our editors at Time Out are itching to visit. Warning: Your personal bucket list is about to get a whole lot longer. RECOMMENDED: The most incredible places to visit in Australia.   Photograph: Rik Soderlund   The Cocos (Keeling) Islands If you haven't heard of the “Cocos”, you're not alone. This remote tropical island, just a five-hour flight from Perth, only welcomes 144 visitors at a time, making it the perfect off-grid escape from Sydney’s hustle and bustle. I can already picture myself dipping in the crystal-clear water, stretching out on the sugar-white sands and experiencing the local Cocos Malay cuisine. Island time, here I come.  Melissa Woodley, Travel & News Editor  Photograph: Luke Tscharke Tasmania  I had a little taster of Tassie earlier in the year – I’m talking eight hours in Hobart to smash out a visit to MONA, down a dozen oysters and grab a wine at Sonny (you know, the essentials) – but all it did was manage to whet my appetite for an even longer trip. I’m desperate to gorge on cheese, chocolate and wine on Bruny Island, take an (icy) dip in Wineglass Bay