• Guide

    The 16 Best Hotels In Melbourne for 2025

    Whether you're vacationing or staycationing, this lineup of the best hotels in Melbourne will help you live your best life — fine restaurants, premium spas, rooftop pools and pillow menus await.

  • News

    Qantas Is Launching Direct Flights From Australia to Sapporo So You Can Get to Japan's Snowfields Quicker

    The new route flies out of Sydney and will launch this coming December, ready for the 2025–26 snow season.

  • News

    The Five Best Rivers for Swimming in Near Brisbane

    Skip the surf and overcrowded sands of Queensland's beaches in favour of floating upstream at these nearby rivers.

  • News

    In Pictures: Sydney Has Been Thrashed by Severe Thunderstorms with More Wild Weather on the Way

    Forget Sydney's NYE fireworks — Mother Nature has put them to shame with an epic light show in the skies above the Harbour City.

  • 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

    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 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.

  • News

    A Weekender's Guide to Port Stephens

    Slurp local oysters, ride through the dunes and unearth 'Mad Max' sets on the coast.

  • News

    A Weekender's Guide To Bowral and the Southern Highlands

    Stay at a country estate, taste locally produced wine and whisky, peruse a whole heap of art and feast at a hatted restaurant — all in just one weekend.

  • News

    The Essential Spring Long Weekender's Guide to Hobart

    For New Zealanders in search of epic adventures, incredible scenery, delicious gastronomy and damn good wine, you don't have to travel far.

  • Guide

    The 16 Best Hotels In Melbourne for 2025

    Whether you're vacationing or staycationing, this lineup of the best hotels in Melbourne will help you live your best life — fine restaurants, premium spas, rooftop pools and pillow menus await.

  • Hotel

    The StandardX

    62 Rose Street, Fitzroy

    Fitzroy's The StandardX boasts 125 luxury rooms, a rooftop bar and a contemporary Thai restaurant.

  • News

    The Most-Beautiful Coastal Stays That You Can Book in Noosa

    Beach sessions, rainforest treks and breezy holiday vibes await you on Queensland's Sunshine Coast.

  • News

    The Eight Best Places to Go Glamping in Victoria

    All these luxury Victorian glamping experiences are under two hours away from the Melbourne CBD — so you can easily have your weekend wilderness adventure and goose-feather down quilt, too.

  • News

    Ten Treehouses Around Australia You Can Book for an Immersive Nature Getaway

    Book a stay deep in the Blue Mountains or a stone's throw away from the Great Barrier Reef.

  • News

    Ten of the Most-Secluded Waterfront Getaways You Can Book on the Northern Beaches

    You can't jump on a plane to the Riviera, but you can escape the city for a tranquil weekend on Pittwater.

Travel

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

    Rock of Dunamase

    Walk the paths of this ruined fortress that has hosted early Christians, Viking pillagers and Norman warriors.

  • Travel & Leisure
    Duckett's Grove

    Duckett's Grove

    Once a glorious estate, these impressive ruins and walled gardens can be explored on a free guided tour.

  • Travel & Leisure
    Cobh

    Spike Island

    This island has a storied history that spans 1000 years, from an early Christian monastery to a notorious prison.

  • Travel & Leisure
    Cashel

    Rock of Cashel

    Perched on a hill, this important landmark was home to high kings and patron saints.

  • Travel & Leisure
    Donore

    Boyne Valley (Brú na Bóinne) Complexes

    Step into history from Neolithic passage tombs to fifth-century monastic settlements and medieval castles.

  • 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

    The Eight Best Coastal Spots for Whale Watching Across Australia

    Catch these majestic mammals frolicking along the coast on their annual migration.

  • 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

    Spiddal (An Spidéal)

    A small village west of Galway city and the gateway to the largest Gaeltacht (Irish-speaking region).

  • Travel & Leisure

    Westport

    Stop a while at this stunning town before trekking up Croagh Patrick or heading out to explore Clew Bay.

  • Travel & Leisure

    Sligo

    From a cracking food scene to great arts festivals and jaw-dropping landscapes, this town has something for everyone.

  • Travel & Leisure
    Kinsale

    Kinsale

    This coastal town is renowned for its brightly-coloured buildings and culinary expertise.

  • Travel & Leisure
    Daingean Uí Chúis

    Dingle

    Heart-stirring scenery awaits at this scenic town along the Kerry coastline.

  • Travel & Leisure
    Ballintra

    Lough Mardal Lodge

    A grass-roofed lodge and luxury skydome yurts await at this eco-friendly stay.

  • Travel & Leisure
    Connemara

    Ballynahinch Castle

    This 14th-century castle in the heart of Connemara boasts views of the Twelve Bens mountains.

  • Travel & Leisure
    Inishmaan

    Inis Meáin Island Stays

    Experience island living in this remarkable stay on an island in Galway Bay.

  • Travel & Leisure
    Mayo

    Clare Island Lighthouse

    An historical lighthouse on a remote island in Clew Bay with views of Achill Island and the Atlantic Ocean.

  • Travel & Leisure
    Clonmany

    Glenevin Waterfall

    Hike a short walk up to these stunning cascades passing by picturesque picnic spots and footbridges.

  • Travel & Leisure
    Westport Quay

    Cycle the Great Western Greenway

    Get those calves burning and hire a bike to cycle the 49-kilometre stretch from Westport to Achill Island.

  • Travel & Leisure
    Westport

    Sea Kayaking in Clew Bay

    Meander around the tiny islands that rise gently from this bay in Mayo.

  • Travel & Leisure

    Self-Bike Tour Around Inishmore

    Hire a bike and cycle around the largest of the three Aran Islands and be sure to stop in at Dun Aengus (Dún Aonghasa).

  • Travel & Leisure

    Mullaghmore Head Surfing

    Ireland's ultimate big wave surfing spot attracts surfers from across the globe.

  • Travel & Leisure
    Roxborough

    Skellig Michael

    A dramatic two-island crag thrusting out of the Atlantic Ocean that was once home to a remote monastery.

  • Travel & Leisure
    Kilfenora

    The Burren

    Explore this ethereal landscape home to unique flora and a rocky landscape of limestone swirls.

  • Travel & Leisure

    Delphi Valley

    If you like adventure and luxury, head to Delphi Valley and enjoy luxe stays and mucky escapades.

  • Travel & Leisure

    Dún Briste Sea Stack

    Jutting out of the churning Atlantic Ocean, this natural landmark has lent itself to local myths and legends.

  • 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
    Teelin

    Slieve League (Sliabh Liag)

    If you're keen on dramatic vistas, they don't get more majestic than these sea cliffs in Donegal.

  • Travel & Leisure
    Oughterard

    Wild Atlantic Bus

    If you're looking for an offbeat stay in Galway, this retro-fitted double-decker bus should be on your list.

  • 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.

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