• News

    This Just In: The World's Largest Ever Cruise Ship Has Officially Set Sail on Its Maiden Mediterranean Voyage

    Royal Caribbean's newest ship has overtaken its Icon Class sisters to become the largest cruise ship in the world, kicking off seven-night Mediterranean sailings from Barcelona and Rome this month.

  • News

    Rest Up: Your Weekend Escape Just Got Extended For Free, with Mudgee Offering Visitors a Third Night on the House

    Turns out the secret to a truly relaxing holiday isn't heading away more often — it's staying an extra night for free.

  • Feature

    The Best Winter Weekend Getaways in Australia

    Bypassing peak-season summer crowds has its perks. We have tracked down Australia’s premier cold-weather sanctuaries, packing in architectural eco-lodges, hyperlocal vineyard dining, and the best places to thaw out by a roaring open fire.

  • Feature

    Dark Arts, Hedonism and Exploration: A Weekender's Guide to Visiting Hobart for Dark Mofo

    Dark Mofo bathes Hobart in red light, fire and ritual every winter solstice. Here's where to stay, what to eat and how to do the long nights properly — from the Winter Feast to Night Mass.

  • Feature

    The Luxury Traveller's Guide to Brisbane to Inspire Your Next Indulgent Escape

    From helicopter wine tours to luxury hotel stays, there are plenty of ways to live the high life in Brisbane.

  • Feature

    Your Essential Guide to Memphis, Tennessee

    Memphis is a veritable playground for music fans. It's not only the home of blues and soul music but also the birthplace of rock 'n' roll.

  • Feature

    Nine Luxury Experiences in Tropical North Queensland That Are Also Environmentally Responsible

    Head north for an eco-friendly escape that doesn't skimp on luxury.

  • Feature

    Into the Wild: Go off the Beaten Path at These Fascinating Regional Destinations

    Get out of town — literally — and do your weekend differently.

  • Feature

    Green Playground

    Tropical North Queensland is the destination that should be perched at the top of your responsible travel hit list.

  • Feature

    Taste of Tasmania: Discover the Delicious Charm of the Apple Isle

    Australia's island state boasts the perfect conditions for producing top-quality, flavour-filled produce — and an exceptionally talented roll call of passionate people doing spectacular things with it.

  • Feature

    Taste of Tasmania: Discover the Delicious Charm of the Apple Isle

    Australia's island state boasts the perfect conditions for producing top-quality, flavour-filled produce — and an exceptionally talented roll call of passionate people doing spectacular things with it.

  • Feature

    Taste of Tasmania: Discover the Delicious Charm of the Apple Isle

    Australia's island state boasts the perfect conditions for producing top-quality, flavour-filled produce — and an exceptionally talented roll call of passionate people doing spectacular things with it.

  • Feature

    Taste of Tasmania: Discover the Delicious Charm of the Apple Isle

    Australia's island state boasts the perfect conditions for producing top-quality, flavour-filled produce — and an exceptionally talented roll call of passionate people doing spectacular things with it.

  • News

    A Weekender's Guide to Byron Bay

    Where to stay, eat, drink and play around one of Australia's most-loved coastal towns.

  • News

    Gastronomy, Festivities and Frivolity: A Weekender's Guide to Adelaide During Mad March

    Heading to Adelaide for Mad March? Here’s how to spend a weekend during Fringe and WOMADelaide — including where to stay, eat, drink, play and wander.

  • News

    A Weekender's Guide To Queenscliff and Point Lonsdale

    Less than two hours from Melbourne, whisky bars, mineral baths, coastal hikes and a huge art festival await.

  • News

    A Weekender's Guide to Kangaroo Island

    The South Australian island's wineries, beaches, oyster farms and accommodation are as beautiful as ever.

  • News

    A Weekender's Guide to Queensland's Bundaberg Region

    Watch baby turtles hatch, swim at the Southern Great Barrier Reef, then sample award-winning local gin and rum.

  • Hotel

    The Calile Hotel

    48 James Street, Fortitude Valley

    A Fortitude Valley stay that pairs resort-style living with one of Brisbane’s best dining and shopping precincts.

  • Guide

    The Ten Best Hotels in Brisbane

    From resort-style pools and design-led suites to heritage stays and boutique hideaways, these hotels prove that a great stay in Brisbane can be as much about atmosphere as it is about location.

  • Hotel

    Grand Hyatt Melbourne

    123 Collins Street, Melbourne

    A Collins Street landmark since 1986, the Grand Hyatt Melbourne continues to balance old-world grandeur with skyline views, updated dining, and classic five-star amenities.

  • Hotel

    The StandardX

    62 Rose Street, Fitzroy

    Fitzroy's The StandardX boasts 125 luxury rooms, a rooftop bar and a contemporary restaurant with rotating chefs in residency.

  • News

    The Best Glamping Sites Around Australia

    Stay in luxury tents scattered among remote deserts, lush rainforests and tropical islands at these Australian glamping sites.

  • News

    Ten of the Most-Unique and Relaxing Stays You Can Book Around Auckland

    From sprawling rainforest escapes to chic inner-city lofts, Auckland's Airbnb game is set to impress.

Travel

Get Concrete Playground's take on the latest travel news, events, places and trips
  • Travel & Leisure

    Queensland's Translink Public Transport Fares Have Been Slashed to 50 Cents Until February 2025

    Whether you catch trains, buses, CityCats or ferries, this is excellent news for your bank balance for six months.

  • Travel & Leisure

    The New City and Southwest Metro Line Will No Longer Open on Sunday, August 4, As Planned

    It's frustrating news for Sydney commuters as the Office of the National Rail Safety Regulator is yet to give the new Metro line the green light to open.

  • Travel & Leisure

    First Look: StandardX Is Fitzroy's Sleek New Boutique Hotel From Global Accommodation Chain The Standard 

    The new StandardX will have a private rooftop venue as well as a contemporary Thai diner that's open to the public.

  • Travel & Leisure

    First Look: Barangaroo Metro Station's Sprawling Waterfront Precinct Is Now Open to the Public

    Visitors to the new public space can expect hundreds of new plants, a monument to a unique piece of Sydney history and a range of easy onward-travel options.

  • Travel & Leisure

    Sights of the Rising Sun: Where to Find Japan's Gorgeous Natural Gems

    From magical sakura groves to mountains that split the sky, Japan's natural beauty is unbeatable. Start exploring with this guide.

  • Travel & Leisure

    We're Looking for a Roving Reporter to Join a Once-in-a-Lifetime Guided Tour Across Vietnam

    If you've got a nose for adventure and an eye for what makes a great video, this is the giveaway for you.

  • Travel & Leisure

    Qantas' Midwinter Flight Sale Boasts Over One Million Discounted Domestic Fares — with 40-Plus Routes Under $160

    Start planning your next getaway, whether you want to head from Sydney to Byron Bay for $109, Melbourne to the Gold Coast from $129 or Brisbane to the Whitsunday Coast from $119.

  • Travel & Leisure

    Australian Landscape-Inspired Lighting Will Help Fight Jetlag on Qantas' Direct East Coast Flights to London and NYC

    First announced in 2017, the Aussie airline's ultra long-haul Project Sunrise flights are set to launch from Sydney in mid-2026.

  • Travel & Leisure

    Stock Your Camper and Meet the Artisans on the Central Coast Makers Trail This Winter

    Learn to shuck fresh oysters, join a cocktail-making workshop or try your hand at creating ceramics.

  • Travel & Leisure

    Western Sydney's New Light Rail Route Is Getting Ready to Welcome Its First Passengers

    The new public transport system has entered its final phase of testing ahead of the 12-kilometre, 16-stop line coming online within weeks.

  • Travel & Leisure

    Qantas Is Now Flying Direct From Australia to Paris to Make Getting to Your Next French Holiday Even Quicker

    Taking 17 hours and 20 minutes from Perth, this brand-new route is the longest non-stop flight to France from anywhere across the globe.

  • Travel & Leisure

    Making the Most of the Coast: Where to Play and Eat in Noosa

    Roller coasters, swimming with whales and an intimate seasonal dining experience — discover a new side to Noosa.

  • Travel & Leisure

    Beyond the Blowhole: Top Spots to Eat, Stay and Play in and Around Kiama for a Wonderful Winter Long Weekend

    At only a two-hour drive south of Sydney, Kiama combines idyllic landscapes with charming local flavour.

  • Travel & Leisure

    Noosa Nights: Eight Accommodation Options for Every Kind of Traveller

    Sparkling water views, beachfront pools, deluxe spa treatments and private jetties — these stellar hotels and holiday homes have it all.

  • The Official Opening Date of Sydney Metro's New City and Southwest Line Has Been Announced

    It's taken years of construction, but one of the most ambitious transport infrastructure projects in the city’s history is finally ready to welcome passengers.

  • First Look: Transport for NSW Has Revealed Several New Metro Stations as the New Rail Fleet Begins Testing

    Following 11,000 hours of trials, the first phase of Sydney Metro's City and Southwest line will open in August.

  • Travel & Leisure

    Virgin Is Kicking Off July with a Flight Sale on One-Million-Plus International and Domestic Fares Starting at $49

    Start booking your getaways for the next year, including to Tokyo, Bali, Fiji, Hamilton Island, Hobart and more.

  • Travel & Leisure

    Public Transport Fares Across New South Wales Are Increasing From July 1, 2024

    While the average price of a rail, bus and ferry journey is set to rise, the weekly fare cap, reduced rates on Fridays and transfer discounts will remain unchanged.

  • Travel & Leisure

    Coming Soon: The Lavish New Marina Mirage Gold Coast Hotel with a Rooftop Bar and Pool Will Open in 2027

    Marriott International's first-ever Luxury Collection resort on Australia's mainland will boast 122 rooms, a signature restaurant and a day spa.

  • Food & Drink
    Ulladulla

    This Luxury Wine Estate Is Offering a Bunch of Sweet Perks on Overnight Stays for a Limited Time Only

    Treat your special someone to the ultimate wine and dine escape on the NSW South Coast.

  • Travel & Leisure

    Qantas Has Dropped One Million Discounted Fares — Including 30-Plus Domestic Routes for Under $150

    Get from Sydney to the Gold Coast for $109, Brisbane to the Whitsunday Coast from $129 and Melbourne to Hobart from $149.

  • Travel & Leisure

    Coming Soon: The CBD's New Boutique Hotel Melbourne Place Will Boast a Sleek Basement Bar and Rooftop Restaurant

    The 14-storey hotel has brought on hatted Young Chef of the Year Nicholas Deligiannis to run the culinary program.

  • Travel & Leisure

    The Ultimate Playground

    From the wild Pacific coast to the jaw-dropping Sierra Nevada Mountains, there's no shortage of memories to be made in California.

  • Travel & Leisure

    The Top Food and Drinks Stops to Make on a California Road Trip

    Taste your way through the Golden State by following one of these epic routes.

  • Travel & Leisure

    Find Out Why California Is the Ultimate Playground, No Matter How You Like To Travel

    Whatever kind of traveller you are, California is the playground for you.

  • Travel & Leisure

    Lights, Camera, Roadtrip: Ten California Filming Locations That Are Worth a Detour

    California is the home of cinema, so be sure to step foot inside some of your favourite movies at these Hollywood destinations.

  • Travel & Leisure

    Cruising the Coast: Six Stunning Seaside Stops For a California Roadtrip

    Few coastlines are as iconic as that of the Golden State.

  • Travel & Leisure

    From Towering Redwoods to Vast Salt Plains, Here Are the Must-See Natural Wonders on a California Road Trip

    The Golden State specialises in all things natural beauty with record-setting, jaw-dropping wonders everywhere you look.

  • Travel & Leisure

    Travel Guides: Europe

    It may feel like everyone you know is heading to Europe, and if you plan to join them, we have the destinations for you.

  • Travel & Leisure

    Virgin's Latest Flight Sale Has Dropped 300,000-Plus Domestic Fares From $45 for Getaways This Winter

    Add a holiday to Hamilton Island, Byron Bay, Cairns, Hobart, Darwin, the Gold Coast or the Sunshine Coast to your plans.

  • Travel & Leisure

    Travel Guide: Monaco

    The glitz and glamour of the French Riviera is exemplified in this small but mighty principality.

  • Travel & Leisure

    Travel Guide: Budapest

    The Hungarian capital is a treasure trove of modern and ancient history.

  • Travel & Leisure

    Virgin Is Slinging Cheap Fares to Celebrate Its First Direct Routes to Uluru From Melbourne and Brisbane

    The Melbourne–Uluru and Brisbane–Uluru routes are both taking off to start June — and discounted flights begin at $119.

  • Travel & Leisure

    Travel Guide: Crete

    Journey from the mythical labyrinths of Knossos to sun-drenched beaches that kiss the shores of this olive oil paradise.

  • Travel & Leisure

    Airtrain Fares Aren't Dropping to 50 Cents — But They Will Be Half Price for the Same Six-Month Period 

    The most you'll pay is $11 each way if you're travelling to and from Brisbane Airport from Monday, August 5, 2024 under the Queensland Government's under cost-of-living relief measures.

  • Travel & Leisure

    Travel Guide: Sardinia

    Whether seeking a relaxing beach holiday or an action-packed adventure, you'll be spoiled for choice in Sardinia.

  • Travel & Leisure

    Travel Guide: Paris

    France's capital is on the bucket list of most Aussies — and is set to be the top European destination of 2024 with the Summer Olympics on its roster.

  • Travel & Leisure

    Travel Guide: Malta

    Uncover a treasure trove of history along sun-kissed shores of this Mediterranean island nation.

  • Travel & Leisure

    Now Open: Australia's First LyLo Has Brought Its Budget-Friendly Sleeping Pods to Brisbane's Former Limes Hotel

    The hotel chain first launched in New Zealand — and now it has opened its first Aussie site, where you can stay in a private sleeping pod from $69 per night.

  • Travel & Leisure
    Bathurst

    Rest at BoxGrove

    Unwind and breathe in the fresh countryside air at this luxe sustainable cabin retreat outside Bathurst.

Tap and select Add to Home Screen to access Concrete Playground easily next time. x