With stylish new stays, vibrant creative scenes, world-class dining and fabulous festivals, our cities set the stage for a great escape.

1. A midwinter dalliance at Dark Mofo, Tas

Travelling with: Imogen Eveson

A staple of our cultural calendar for more than a decade, Dark Mofo returns to Hobart in full force this year. Gorge yourself on Tassie produce at the decadent Winter Feast. Have your mind and ears blown by its progressive live music and arts program. Celebrate winter solstice by plunging naked into the chilly River Derwent. Get in touch with your inner pagan at the burning of the Ogoh-Ogoh. Or all of the above. There’s no other festival like it in Australia.

2. Choose your own cultural adventure in Canberra, ACT

Travelling with: Carla Grossetti

Canberra has been thrust into the limelight over the past few decades due to the world-class exhibitions on show at landmark attractions such as the National Museum of Australia. You must visit the Australian War Memorial at least once, as the reimagined institution continues to evolve and expand to tell Australian stories of service and sacrifice. There’s also plenty to keep food-focused travellers in Canberra with its plethora of award-winning restaurants, cafes, bars and vineyards.

3. Hike a 100-km loop around Adelaide, SA

Travelling with: Carla Grossetti

Take your visit to Adelaide one step further along the new Adelaide100. The trail loops around the SA capital for more than 100 kilometres, taking in its coastline, waterways and hills. Its founder Jim McLean took more than a decade to develop the trail, inspired by the 100 square-mile parcels of land that were marked out during the city’s founding in the 1800s. Tackle short sections or walk the entire Adelaide100 in about six days.

4. Experience the all-new Melbourne Place, Vic

Travelling with: Katie Carlin

Melbourne Place has become the new must-stay hotel since throwing open its doors at the end of 2024. Sandwiched between the urban delights of Bourke and Little Collins streets, the 14-storey hotel on Russell Street rivals the world-class dining on its doorstep with three onsite hospitality venues: Med-inspired terrace restaurant Mid Air, Portuguese diner Marmelo and late-night basement bar Mr Mills. Inside, rooms are drenched in soothing colour palettes of burnt orange, rose and moss, embellished with bouclé armchairs, brass fixtures and floor-to-ceiling wraparound windows.

5. Test your fitness in Brisbane, Qld

Travelling with: Carla Grossetti

Fitness tourism is on the rise around Australia and the Queensland capital is streaking ahead with its packed sporting calendar. Running over the Gateway Bridge in Brisbane gives visitors the chance to view the city as they’ve never seen it before. Start training now for the annual Bridge to Brisbane fun run held in September, which has five-kilometre and 10-kilometre race options. Once you’ve crossed the finish line at Brisbane Showground, make your way to the King Street precinct to refuel with a Kuhl-Cher coffee or big-ass burger at Super Combo.

6. Find out why Perth is topping global must-visit lists, WA

Travelling with: Fleur Bainger

Singled out by TIME, BBC Travel and New York Times in their respective best places to travel in 2025 lists, Perth is sizzling – and not just with sunshine. The WA capital will soon welcome a host of new hotels, including Australia’s first Hyde Hotel, Garde Hotel in the UNESCO-listed Fremantle Prison Heritage Precinct and The Elizabeth Hotel and Residences, which will seriously up the luxury stakes at Elizabeth Quay. There’s also a new yoga experience at Perth Zoo, a kooky beachside cafe called Magic Apple doing bentonite clay and sea buckthorn-packed smoothies, and the first Light Years Asian Bar & Diner to open on the West Coast.

7. Embrace nocturnal tourism in Sydney, NSW

Travelling with: Imogen Eveson

Sydney is synonymous with summer but shines just as bright in winter. Sparkling days transition into colourful nights during Vivid Sydney, which illuminates Sydney Opera House and other landmark buildings around the city. This festival runs each year in autumn and includes talks, live music and foodie events designed to spark ideas and inspiration. Check into Park Hyatt Sydney on the edge of the harbour to stay in the heart of the action.

8. Tick off Darwin’s coolest openings, NT

Travelling with: Carla Grossetti

Darwin’s emergence as a cool urban getaway has been gradual. But as the gateway to the wonders of the Top End, it was only a matter of time before the city became a destination unto itself. Have a cocktail at The Trader Bar, shop at the House of Darwin flagship store, visit Laundry Gallery in hip hood Parap and time your visit to coincide with Darwin Festival in August. Return for the 2026 opening of the Northern Territory Art Gallery.