New hotels

Melbourne Place, Melbourne, Victoria, opening October 2024

This slick new luxury hotel in the centre of  Melbourne's CBD (at 130 Russell Street) has created a lot of buzz.

Melbourne Place will feature a new eatery and bar from restaurateurs Ross and Sunny Lusted - Marmelo will be a vibrant dining room with 90 seats, and Mr Mills will be their basement bar and late night supper club. The menus in both will be influenced by the coastal cuisines of Portugal and Spain.

Melbourne Place will also be home to Midair, a Mediterranean eatery helmed by hatted chef Nick Deligiannis.

25Hours Hotel, Sydney, opening first quarter of 2025

Located in Paddington, Australia's inaugural hotel from the 25hours group will be called 'The Olympia' and will have 109 luxurious guest rooms spread over six floors, a rooftop bar, a tranquil central courtyard, eclectic restaurants and cafes, live music facilities, a wellness offering and ground floor retail.

The building itself was formerly a popular cinema, which opened in 1911 and now gives its name to the new hotel.

Rae's on Wategos is expanding 

The iconic Byron Bay hotel is expanding its footprint.

The second property, which is currently under construction, will be situated in the former Victoria’s at Wategos site. It will feature ten new suites, several indoor common areas with open log fireplaces, tropical landscaped gardens, and two impressive lap pools: a 16 x 3-metre pool with a waterfall on the western side, and a 12-metre solar-heated pool on the eastern side complete with a cabana and lounge area.

The Sundays - Hamilton Island, Queensland, opening August 18, 2025

Hamilton Island - Australia's favourite playground - is getting a schmick new property.

The Sundays will sit on the island's famous Catseye Beach with 59 rooms designed with families in mind.

There's a new beachside pool, restaurant/bar by the water, pickleball court so you can see what the fuss is all about and, as you'd expect views for days.

The Lodge Wadjemup, Rottnest Island, WA - rolling out summer '24/'25

The sprawling new resort on Rottnest Island - located behind the settlement, facing the iconic salt lakes and the iconic Wadjemup Lighthouse - will offer over 100 rooms for guests, plus an open dining bar space and a little kiosk to welcome all island visitors.

Wunderlich Lane precinct, Sydney

Set among the laneways that connect Sydney's Redfern with Surry Hills, this new laneway enclave is set to bring some fun new hospitality offerings to the area. 

As well as boutique shops, the precinct will showcase the shiny new EVE Hotel, complete with lavishly landscaped roof top deck and swimming pool.

Liquid & Larder, the hospitality group behind Bistecca, The Gidley, The Rover and Alfie’s will be the hotel's F&B partner. They will deliver a rooftop restaurant and bar, poolside dining, lobby bar and dining, and the in-room dining service.

The Wunderlich Lane precinct will also have two new venues from the House Made Hospitality Group - Island Radio (an eating house and noodle bar,) and cocktail tavern Baptist Street Rec Club.

Eco-lodges at Peninsula Hot Springs, Victoria - early November 2024

The popular wellness destination's new Eco Lodges have been crafted with sleep wellness at the core, offering "a haven where guests can focus on their mind, body and spirit".

Nestled in the bathing area and overlooking a private lake, the Eco Lodges connect with nature through thoughtful architecture and landscape design. Recognising sleep as one of the seven fundamental pillars of wellness, the Eco Lodges provide the perfect environment for rest and rejuvenation.

Andaz resort, Gold Coast, QLD, mid-2025

This sparkly new hotel will mark the debut of luxury lifestyle brand Andaz in Australia and the Pacific region.

Set in The Star Gold Coast, the hotel will feature 202 guest rooms and suites, a fitness centre and three food and beverage outlets. Overlooking Broadbeach, the outdoor pool deck on level six will feature a cocktail bar, a beach club with private cabanas and al fresco dining.

The Andaz Lounge will offer a relaxed and inviting all-day space for guests to enjoy a drink or snack.

The architecture by Australian design firm DBI Architects will be matched with contemporary interiors by award-winning Aussie design firm Hachem.

The Sanctuary at Alba Thermal Springs & Spa, Victoria - late 2024

Construction has commenced on The Sanctuary – luxury on-site accommodation for Alba guests, which will extend the wellness experience with the added indulgence of more time for relaxation and renewal. ‘The Sanctuary’ will comprise five stand-alone villas, plus two studio rooms within the property’s renovated homestead. 

Events, exhibitions and attractions

Billie Eilish Australia Tour - February 2025

Billie Eilish has announced Australian arena dates, produced by Live Nation and Frontier Touring, for her Hit Me Hard And Soft: The Tour.

Starting in North America in September 2024, Eilish will embark on an Australian leg in February 2025, ahead of her European shows.

Chihuly in the Botanic Garden, Adelaide, South Australia

Adelaide Botanic Garden hosts Chihuly in the Botanic Garden until 29 April 2025 - the first major outdoor exhibition in Australia of works by the world’s most celebrated contemporary glass artist, Dale Chihuly.

As the light changes throughout the day and seasons, visitors can experience these vibrant, large-scale sculptures in the beautiful botanical destination. 

Northern Territory Art Gallery, Darwin, NT - construction anticipated to be completed by the end of 2025

The new three-storey gallery in Darwin’s CBD will be "a high-quality cultural facility and striking architectural statement".

The gallery will provide world-class exhibition spaces to showcase the Territory’s art collections, including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander artworks and those from nearby neighbours in Southeast Asia. The gallery will also host national and international exhibitions and provide spaces for learning and community participation in art programs, special events and festivals.

Bluey's World, Brisbane, opening November 2024

This "one of a kind immersive experience" takes visitors into the Heeler family’s iconic Queenslander home, backyard and beyond.

The young and young-at-heart can explore multiple rooms and play games from Bluey, as you embark on an interactive adventure with your guide. This expansive, multi-sensory experience features real-life sets, recognisable scenes, and beloved characters and games from the hit TV show.

Reinvigorated Sydney Fish Markets - opening 2025

They're calling it "Sydney's most significant harbourside building since the Opera House".

The new facility - which has had a $750 million makeover - will be an authentic operating fish market, and a major food and dining attraction on Sydney’s inner harbour.

The design is set to be a world class piece of architecture, with a distinctive wave-shaped and scale-patterned roof that pays homage to the fishing industry.

Yayoi Kusama, NGV, Melbourne, Victoria - December 15, 2024 to April 21, 2025

Japan's Yayoi Kusama is one of the world’s most recognised artists working today. She has made indelible contributions to key art movements of the twentieth and twenty-first centuries, including minimalism, pop art, performance and feminist art, and is celebrated today for her instantly recognisable works of art incorporating pumpkin and polka-dot motifs.

Curated by the NGV in collaboration with the artist, the exhibition includes many works never-before-seen by local audiences as well as a diverse display of the artist’s popular immersive rooms, including the global unveiling of the artist’s most recent infinity mirror room work.

Comprising more than 180 works, the exhibition features painting, sculpture, collage, fashion, video and installation, showcasing the incredible breadth of Kusama’s multidisciplinary practice.

Pompeii, National Museum of Australia, Canberra - December '24 to May '25

Immerse yourself in the city of Pompeii's final days at the National Museum of Australia blockbuster exhibition.

The catastrophic volcanic eruption that destroyed Pompeii almost 2,000 years ago will immerse visitors in the famous city’s last moments as part of a powerful multisensory and first-of-its-kind blockbuster exhibition.

Murray River Paddlesteamers’ PS Australian Star, South Australia / Victoria - June 2025

The brand new PS Australian Star is set to redefine river cruising in Australia, offering year-round, all-inclusive, overnight experiences with 3, 4, and 7-night itineraries along the majestic Murray River, commencing in Echuca, Victoria.

The world’s only wood-fired 5-star accommodated vessel seamlessly blends heritage charm with contemporary opulence and will be the largest of its kind in the Southern Hemisphere.

Food and drink

Botanic Lodge, Adelaide - opening September 2024 

Chef Tom Tilbury is opening a new restaurant in the Adelaide Botanic Garden.

The Botanic Lodge will be a celebration of South Australian produce, focusing on sustainable and ethically sourced ingredients while delivering a touch of nostalgia - guests will be able to indulge in dishes such as Tommies in bread and butter with iceberg and mayonnaise, Nannygai, asparagus, lemon leaf, and white sauce, and a Lamington with quandong jam and coconut ice cream to finish.

Andrew McConnell to open new restaurant, Melbourne, Victoria - late 2025

Andrew McConnell is moving into one of Melbourne’s most iconic restaurant sites at 25 Crossley Street, Melbourne.

The address was formerly the site of Pellegrini’s Tavola Freddo Cantina and Becco, which opened in the space in 1996, and quickly established itself as one of Melbourne’s best - regarded as highly for its classic Italian food as for its polished service.

“This is one of the most important heritage restaurant sites in the city. The dining room has a beautiful soul that reflects its history and the incredible hospitality that has been offered here for over 70 years,” says McConnell. “We are excited to preserve and continue this legacy whilst bringing new energy to the space.”

Sydney based design studio ACME - who designed Gimlet and Apollo Inn - will design the new restaurant. In the meantime, their popular produce and grocery store, Morning Market will open in the space currently occupied by the Becco produce store. 

Carlotta, Canberra 

Restaurateur Chris Lucas of renowned Sydney and Melbourne dining institutions, including the famed Chin Chin, Grill Americano and Kisumé, is set to open his first restaurant in Canberra, a Mediterranean concept named Carlotta, in the heart of Canberra’s CBD late 2024.  Lucas is working with local producers and wine suppliers to create an all-encompassing restaurant experience bespoke for Canberra.

The International, Sydney - November 2024

The team behind Sydney's popular Shell House is set to open a new, multi-dimensional destination in Sydney’s CBD.

Elevated above Martin Place, The International will have three distinct spaces: The Wine Bar, The Grill and The Panorama Bar.

Owner and restaurateur Brett Robinson says "our approach will be simple: if it’s fun, delicious and exciting, it’s on the menu".

New journeys

The Ningaloo Odyssey Tour

Small group eco-touring company Exmouth Adventure Co has launched a new multi-day expedition tours,in partnership with Trek Ningaloo. The  Ningaloo Odyssey Tour is a four-day adventure through the wonders of the World Heritage-listed Ningaloo Marine Park, with two days of guided trekking in Cape Range National Park, followed by two days of guided sea kayaking over Ningaloo Reef. Explore rugged gorges and majestic landscapes, then traverse across coastal plains to swap trekking gear for a sea kayak and snorkelling equipment, all while camping under the stars. 

Jatbula Walk, Nitmiluk Gorge, NT, opening June 2025

In partnership with local traditional owners – the Jawoyn Association and Iconic Walks are collaborating to share an awe-inspiring walking experience along the iconic Jatbula Trail. Commencing at Nitmiluk (Katherine) Gorge in the Northern Territory, the Jatbula Walk is a 62 km journey that unfolds through the ancient terrain of Nitmiluk National Park, tracing the route travelled by generations of Jawoyn people from the gateway of Nitmiluk (Katherine) Gorge to Leliyn (Edith Falls).

Traversing the western edge of the Arnhem Land Escarpment, the Jatbula Walk leads through diverse landscapes including sandstone plateaus, scrubland, woodlands, open forests, sandstone monsoon forests, and riverine scenery. With the warm climate in mind, groups will set out early each day and pause for lunch at exclusive, fully-catered camps, and later in the afternoons unwind at nearby waterholes and crystalline springs.

Aboriginal Culture and Australian Highlights tour, AAT Kings - starting April 2025

This new 13-day guided holiday from Melbourne to Cairns invites guests to discover Australia's Aboriginal heritage through activities ranging from climbing bridges to creating paintings. You’ll also get to meet some of the individuals who nurture Indigenous culture and keep it alive for future generations.

Three Capes Adventure Walk, Tasmania - December 2024

Nine years after Tasmania's Three Capes Track first opened, Tasmanian Walking Company will knit together the final section of the track and present the guided Three Capes Adventure Walk, adding an additional night’s accommodation, a new trail, and most importantly, the final promontory to its Three Capes Signature Walk.

It will mark the first time that guests on a guided walk will be able to step foot on all three landmarks: Cape Pillar, Cape Hauy and Cape Raoul.

“Each day we’ll give visitors spectacular trails brimming with diversity and curious stories, and nights to recharge in private eco-accommodation with chef-inspired meals," explains Tasmanian Walking Company’s Heath Garrett.

"Warm showers and cosy beds are the baseline amenities. The walk also offers special treats like spa treatments, a yoga room, and a cold-bath plunge pool.” 

New Vintage Rail Journeys through NSW

A trip on this 1960s ex-Southern Aurora sleeper train provides guests with a unique journey through Australian rail history.

The carriages have been loving restored and offer three different itineraries immersing guests with the breathtaking landscape of NSW’s to the state’s Golden West, the Riverina Rail Tour into Australia’s ‘food bowl’, Northern NSW, as well as special event trips to the Elvis Festival in Parkes and the Bathurst 1000.

Off train experiences include a unique range of curated tours and experiences that tell stories and showcase the history, people and culture unique to the region.

And for the first time, guests aboard Vintage Rail will experience an all-inclusive journey with breakfast, lunch, dinner, and all beverages including beer, wine, and spirits included in the fare.

Wellness

Soak Bathhouse, Melbourne, Victoria - late 2024

Tucked behind Chapel Street in the heart of South Yarra’s shopping district, the 700m2 space will be transformed into an urban oasis featuring large mineral pools, hot spas, dry cedarwood saunas, steam rooms and a cold plunge. 

Sol Elements, Gold Coast - coming in 2025

A new wellness destination is coming to the Gold Coast hinterland. Sol Elements bath house will be nestled on Tamborine Mountain within the ancient green forests and inspired by nature’s four elements, earth, fire, water, and air.

Designed with the traditional Japanese Wabi Sabi philosophy in mind, communal elemental spaces include onsens, float therapy rooms, cold plunge pools, a Himalayan salt cave and infrared saunas, with the added touch of self- care rituals including breathwork and body clay applications.

New flight routes

Turkish Airlines eyes non-stop flights between Sydney and Istanbul

Turkish Airlines will launch their inaugural Sydney service in December 2024. With four flights per week, Sydney Airport will be Turkish Airlines’ largest port in Australia.

On December 5 it will kick off with flights via Malaysia four times per week. This service will go on to become a non-stop service to Istanbul, opening a fast and convenient new route between Europe and Australia.

Chinese airline expands its international network to Australia

Chinese carrier Juneyao Air plans to expand its international network by launching its first flights to Australia, connecting Shanghai with both Melbourne and Sydney.

The first of the two new routes will begin on December 17, 2024, with four flights per week between Shanghai Pudong International Airport and Sydney Airport. The airline will then launch three weekly flights between PVG and Melbourne Airport.

New Jetstar routes

Jetstar will expand its Gold Coast network next year, offering new direct flights to Hamilton and Dunedin in New Zealand from June 2025. 

Both new services will take off three times a week.

It will be the first time Jetstar has flown to the city of Hamilton, giving Queenslanders a second gateway to the North Island and convenient access to holiday hot spots like Rotorua, the Bay of Plenty and Hobbiton. 

The new service between the Gold Coast and Dunedin will boost access to the South Island’s second largest city and provide more options for people to road trip across New Zealand by flying into one part of the country and out of another on Jetstar’s network.