• 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

    MONA's Ambitious Giant Five-Star Hotel Is One Step Closer to Becoming a Reality

    David Walsh's plans for Motown hotel include indoor and outdoor theatres, a giant library and a spa designed by James Turrell.

  • Travel & Leisure

    Buses Will Replace Trains on a Heap of Melbourne's Train Lines in January

    Parts of the rail network will be closed throughout the month to complete upgrades for the Metro Tunnel and a new fleet of high-capacity trains.

  • Travel & Leisure

    Five Outdoor Adventures to Plan in the Philippines

    Get out and explore the vibrant natural tapestry of this Southeast Asian wonderland.

  • Travel & Leisure

    Ten Things to Eat, See and Do on a Long Weekend in Perth

    From a secret speakeasy to an epic rooftop cinema.

  • Travel & Leisure

    Muji's First Japanese Hotel Is Set to Open in 2019

    The Tokyo site joins the company's existing hotels in Shenzhen and Beijing in China.

  • Travel & Leisure

    A Heap of Brisbane Train Stations Will be Closed Over the Christmas Period

    If you're travelling in Brisbane's west or through the inner city, take note.

  • Travel & Leisure

    Mere Muggles Can Now Spend the Night at Hogwarts Thanks to This New Wizards Suite

    The magical room at Melbourne's Hotel Windsor coincides with the Aussie run of 'Harry Potter and the Cursed Child'.

  • Travel & Leisure

    The NSW Government's Proposed High-Speed Rail Network Would Get You to Canberra in One Hour

    The Fast Rail Network Strategy aims to better connect Sydney with regional cities.

  • Travel & Leisure

    The Auchenflower Stretch of Coronation Drive Is Closed Due to a Police Incident

    Bus detours are in place, ferries aren't stopping along the river — and it's recommended that you avoid the area.

  • Travel & Leisure

    Luxe New Brisbane Hotel Ovolo The Valley Has Just Opened Its Rockstar-Inspired Doors

    The old Emporium hotel site has had a $55 million, design-led facelift.

  • Travel & Leisure

    Here's What You Need to Know for Your Wet Sydney Commute Home Tonight

    Severe rainfall is supposed to return imminently — so it's best you scoot home as soon as you can.

  • Travel & Leisure

    Brisbane's New Riverside Art Series Hotel Is Inspired By Famed Aussie Painter Vincent Fantauzzo

    And it's being built into the cliff underneath the Story Bridge.

  • Travel & Leisure

    Public Transport Delays and Road Closures Are Happening Across Sydney as Heavy Rain Continues

    Commuters should expect a slow and wet trip to work this morning.

  • Travel & Leisure

    Sydney Is About to Cop Another Onslaught of Rain So Prepare Your Brollies

    And parts of the state are expected to experience some flooding, too.

  • Travel & Leisure

    The Whitsundays' Whitehaven Beach Has Been Named One of the Best in the World

    Six Australian beaches have made FlightNetwork list of the top 50 best beaches in the world.

  • Travel & Leisure

    You Can Now (Finally) Ditch Your Opal Card When Catching Sydney Trains

    Smartphone, smartwatch and bank card payments can now be used to pay for your fare on Sydney trains.

  • Travel & Leisure

    This New 80-Kilometre Coastal Track Will Stretch from Manly to Bondi

    Once complete, the multi-day hike will pass secluded coves, spectacular lookouts and legendary landmarks.

  • Travel & Leisure

    The Impressive Geminids Meteor Shower Will Be Visible in Australia Tonight

    The spectacular starry event only happens once a year.

  • Travel & Leisure

    A New Luxury Cross-Country Train Will Soon be Making Its Way Across Australia

    It'll travel from Adelaide to Brisbane over three days — and make the reverse journey across four.

  • Travel & Leisure
    Brisbane City

    W Brisbane

    A five-star hotel that brings colour, cocktails and maximalist design to the CBD waterfront.

  • Travel & Leisure

    The Big Melon Is Australia's Newest Giant-Sized Tourist Attraction

    Joining the ranks of the Big Pineapple and Big Banana, this newcomer has made its home in the QLD town of Chinchilla: the melon capital of Australia

  • Travel & Leisure

    Trams Are Currently Not Running Down Swanston and Bourke Streets Due to a Police Incident

    It's recommended that you avoid the area and, if possible, catch the train home.

  • Travel & Leisure

    A Fancy New Double-Decker CityCat Will Soon Be Cruising the Brisbane River

    It's set to hit the water in late 2019 — and come 2020, it'll also stop at Brisbane's newest inner-city terminal.

  • Travel & Leisure

    Brisbane's Westin Hotel Opens This Week with the City's First Swim-Up Pool Bar

    The 299-room hotel features not only the impressive pool, but a restaurant, a jazz bar, a fitness studio and luxury spa.

  • Travel & Leisure

    You Can Now Escape to a Luxury Dome Tent in the Middle of the NSW Bush

    This two-person stay is located on a sprawling property and totally secluded, with stunning views and minimal carbon footprint.

  • Travel & Leisure

    Sri Lanka Has Been Named the Number One Country to Visit in 2019 by Lonely Planet

    The island nation has taken the top spot on the annual travel destination list.

  • Travel & Leisure

    MONA Wants to Fly You and Your Mates to Its Summer Festival for Free on Its New Airline Air Mofo

    It's giving away Mona Foma festival tickets and airfares for you and five mates — and it won't be an ordinary flight, either.

  • Travel & Leisure

    NSW Will Be Getting an Extra 43,000 Hectares of National Park

    Starting with 4500 hectares of koala habitat and rainforest in the Upper Hunter.

  • Travel & Leisure

    Six Alternative Ideas to Help You Get Out of Town Over New Year's Eve

    If you don't feel like joining the crowds in the city or sweating it out at a festival this year, ring in 2019 from Tassie, a yoga treehouse or a secluded west coast beach.

  • Travel & Leisure

    Your Happy Space: Winter

  • Travel & Leisure

    The Calile Is Fortitude Valley's New Resort-Style Hotel with Cabanas, Poolside Dining and an All-Day Bar

    The new 175-room spot is calling itself 'Australia's first urban resort'.

  • Travel & Leisure

    A Union Rally of 150,000 Protestors Expected to Shutdown Melbourne's CBD This Morning

    There'll be a slew of road closures and limited trams from 9.30am during the Australian Council of Trade Unions' Change the Rules rally

  • Travel & Leisure

    Campbell Point House Is the Bellarine Peninsula's Incredible New Luxury Hotel

    The opulent hotel boasts an infinity pool, tennis court, day spa and private jetty, with room for just 30 guests at once.

  • Travel & Leisure

    Victoria Has Scored a New Glamping Retreat on a Winery with Its Own Private Beach

    And the decked-out bell tents are a very reasonable $200 a night (or $100 if you split it).

  • Travel & Leisure

    The Royal Itinerary Is Actually Useful for the Next Time Your Mates Come to Australia

    Don't worry, you won't need a royal's budget.

  • Travel & Leisure
    Soldiers Point

    Bannisters Port Stephens

    Featuring 80 stunning rooms with views of the river or bushland, and a restaurant from an acclaimed chef.

  • Arts & Entertainment

    We're Giving Away an Arty Escape to Ballarat for this Australian Art Festival

    Enjoy the ultimate art lover's escape, including a mini Victorian version of Dark Mofo, on us.

  • Travel & Leisure

    Five Romantic Things to Do on a Loved-Up Weekend Away in the Southern Highlands

    From chasing waterfalls to sitting by a wood fire, here's how to make sparks fly.

  • Travel & Leisure

    Sydney's Luxury New Skye Suites Hotel Has Just Opened Its Futuristic Doors

    Complete with 73 suites and an ice cave-themed pool — and a work-in-progress food precinct.

  • Travel & Leisure

    Seven New Openings in Regional Victoria to Visit This Spring

    Including a luxe new retreat and not one but two authentic Japanese eateries.

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