2025's new restaurants, hotels, and experiences you won't want to miss

New openings 2025: The restaurants, hotels, and experiences to look forward to

A new year means a host of fresh openings around the country to get excited about. And 2025 promises a fantastic blend of culinary innovation, artistic brilliance, and immersive experiences to keep you entertained.

From flashy hotels to interactive art exhibitions, these are the openings to put in your diaries this year.

Accommodation

The Sundays

The first hotel to open on Hamilton Island since 2007, The Sundays will be the hottest new luxury destination in The Whitsundays. Opening in autumn at the northern end of Catseye Beach, the 59-room luxury accommodation boasts Coral Reef views and has been designed to deliver an elevated holiday experience, particularly for families. This includes a kid-friendly restaurant from Josh and Julie Niland from the seafood institution Saint Peter, practical room amenities like microwaves and freestanding baths, a swimming pool, and an Ice Cream Happy Hour.

The Lodge Wadjemup

Rottnest Island draws in visitors for its idyllic beaches and bays and its adorable resident quokkas. The newest spot to base yourself during your stay is set to be The Lodge Wadjemup. Named after the traditional owners’ name for Rottnest Island, the resort has received a $40 million redevelopment with 46 new boutique-style rooms and 56 refurbished rooms. The sleek lakeside resort will also feature a new restaurant, cafe, gelato bar, community space and two pools. The Courtyard and Lake Rooms are available now to book and the Stage Two (Poolside Rooms) are set to open by mid-2025.

The EVE Hotel Sydney

Redfern is getting a stylish upgrade on February 13th thanks to the arrival of boutique hotel The EVE in the lifestyle precinct, Wunderlich Lane. Conceived by SJB’s Adam Haddow, 360 Degrees’ Daniel Baffsky and Interior Architect George Levissianis, the accommodation is an oasis in the inner city. Think: a lush Palms Springs rooftop pool area, ultra-chic rooms with earthy tones, and a host of dining venues. Talk about this hotel has been particularly buzzworthy in Sydney for the last few months, as it will be opened by the hoteliers behind Brisbane’s Calile.

The EVE Hotel in Sydney's rooftop pool. — The rooftop pool area transports guests to Palm Springs.

Six Senses Burnham Beeches

The Six Senses group has a unique focus on wellness, sustainability, and meaningful experiences, and their first Australian outpost is slated to open mid-year in the Dandenong Ranges. This 22-hectare heritage-listed property will become a wellness and gastronomic haven with 43 luxurious guest accommodations across the mansion’s three main wings. The facilities here are impressive: a Six Senses Spa, library bar, plant-covered rooftop terrace, and a restaurant showcasing produce from the on-site farm and gardens.

Need tips, more detail or itinerary ideas tailored to you? Ask AT.

Mondrian Gold Coast

Mondrian Gold Coast is the first Australian property from the renowned lifestyle hotel brand that has accommodations everywhere from Miami to Ibiza. The property is slated to open in early 2025 in Burleigh Heads with 208 design-led rooms, suites, Beach Houses and a Sky House all of which offer spectacular views of the Pacific Ocean. The modern coastal accommodation will also house a pool club and restaurant celebrating coastal Italian cuisine.

1 Hotel Melbourne

One of the world’s most sustainable luxury hotel brands, 1 Hotels is arriving in Australia in Melbourne this May on the banks of the Yarra River. The sensitively designed 277 guest rooms and 114 residences will be enveloped within a nature-inspired, eco-conscious architectural framework. This pet-friendly accommodation will boast several dining options, a waterfront lobby bar, a Bamford Wellness spa, and an indoor pool.

25hours Hotel The Olympia

Sydney’s boutique hotel landscape is set to become even stronger with the highly anticipated arrival of the 25hours Hotel The Olympia, a cinematic-inspired sanctuary nestled in Paddington. The hotel is a reimagining of the historic West Olympia Theatre site and will offer 109 luxurious guest rooms, a rooftop bar, a central courtyard, a range of restaurants and cafes, live music facilities, a wellness offering and retail spaces.

Restaurants

Barragunda Estate

Opening in February, Barragunda Estate is a 40-seat restaurant set on a thousand acres from Bushrangers Bay to Green’s Bush on the Mornington Peninsula. Helmed by executive chef Simone Watts, the menu is centred on 100 per cent estate-grown produce, with all of the farming done with a regenerative approach. From their tables, diners can see the market gardens where the produce for their dishes was produced. The property also features an orchard with over 800 mature fruit trees and livestock including Wilitpoll sheep and Black Angus beef.

Golden Century at The Crown

To many diner’s dismay, the iconic Golden Century restaurant shut its Sussex Street doors in 2021. But the much-loved dining venue is set to make a triumphant return in January, relocating to the Crown Sydney. Diners can expect the restaurant’s signature Cantonese dishes including XO pippies, abalone steamboat, Peking duck, and salt and pepper squid all while taking in Sydney Harbour views.

Sydney Fish Market

After a complete waterfront transformation on Blackwattle Bay, the long-awaited refreshed Sydney Fish Market is set to open mid-year. The ultra-modern building will house a bevvy of retail and dining venues including a flagship venue from Luke Nguyen, a Cow and the Moon gelateria, and an outpost of Ho Jiak. At 90,000 square metres, it’s the largest fish market of its kind in the world and is expected to attract at least six million people every year.

Weekly travel news, experiences
insider tips, offers, and more.

Experiences

Dark Mofo

The news of Dark Mofo’s cancellation last year came as a shock to many of the festival’s loyalists. The closure was part of the team’s efforts to develop a renewed vision for the future. But the good news is, that future is now here! 2025 will see the festival make a full return, running from June 5th-15th, plus the solstice swim on 21 June. The full program will be revealed in April, but festivalgoers can expect the usual much-loved events including the Night Mass, the Winter Feast, the Ogoh-Ogoh, and the Nude Solstice Swim.

Sydney Marathon

If ever there was a year for Aussies to tick off the bucket list item of running a marathon, 2025 is it. That’s because the Sydney Marathon has been added as the 7th member of the prestigious Abbott World Marathon Majors, joining the iconic Tokyo Marathon, Boston Marathon, TCS London Marathon, BMW-Berlin Marathon, Bank of America Chicago Marathon, and the TCS New York City Marathon. The event will take place on Sunday 31 August so start your training ASAP.

PS Australian Star Murray River cruises

Australia’s first five-star overnight riverboat and the largest paddle steamer in the Southern Hemisphere is set to launch this June. Cruises on the Murray River will run over 3, 4, or 7 nights passing through historic towns and showcasing beautiful natural scenery, including lush riverbanks, ancient cliffs, and serene waters. The boat itself features serene, modern interiors with 19 luxury staterooms, a restaurant, a bar, and outdoor seating areas.

Astra Illumina at Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary

Light shows have become increasingly popular in Australia, and from February 2025, 27 hectares of rainforest at Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary will glow for the Gold Coast’s first permanent light spectacular. The Astra Illumina project will see visitors go on an immersive night walk where light, audio, and projection technologies create a multi-sensory experience.

Which new opening will you be trying first? Let us know in the comments below.

More than just a stopover, Albury Wodonga is an elevated city escape immersed in nature.

Perhaps best known as a road trip stop between Sydney and Melbourne, Albury Wodonga offers a combination of natural beauty, cultural experiences and a vibrant food scene that make it well worth its own journey.

Nestled on the banks of the mighty Murray River and surrounded by famed wine and gold rush regions, this riverside town packs a broad punch. Discover how best to spend your days on the border.

Exploring the Murray River

1. The Crossing Place Trail

woman looking at sculpture along Crossing Place Trail loop — Admire sculptural works from local Indigenous artists.

Head to the original crossing places of the Murray River since 1848 – at the junctions of Bungambrawatha Creek and Oddies Creek. Today, these crossings are still used by cars and cattle, but the five-kilometre Crossing Place Trail loop connects the two bridges for bike riders and walkers.

Wander through gum trees, and maybe even spot local platypus and birdlife. Stop along the way to admire sculptural works from local Indigenous artists, see evidence of a scar tree and learn about the importance of this billabong environment to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

2. Canoe The Murray

two people kayaking along the murray river at Noreuil Park — Hire canoes or kayaks and get out on the river.

What better way to get a feel for the Murray River than by getting out on its waters? Hire canoes or kayaks from Canoe the Murray, then explore solo or join one of the offered tours. Get up early for a Sunrise and coffee tour, watch the sun dip below the water on a sunset tour or choose one of several daytime trips.

Stand-up paddleboard hire and other water sports, fishing and swimming are also available to river explorers.

3. Noreuil Park Foreshore

aerial of Noreuil Park albury wodonga — Cool off at Noreuil Park Foreshore. (Image: Visit Victoria)

Just outside Albury’s CBD, the riverside Noreuil Park becomes a hub of activity as the weather heats up. Set up on picnic tables under shady trees, use the public barbecues (or pop into the nearby cafe) and cool off with a float down the river.

4. Mungabareena Reserve and Water Works

Mungabareena Reserve albury wodonga — Spend time at Mungabareena Reserve. (Image: Visit Albury Wodonga)

Delve into nature and culture at the beautiful Mungabareena Reserve. Recognised by state law as a ‘Declared Aboriginal Place’, it was once a historical meeting point for trade and journeys to Mount Bogong for the local Wiradjuri people and still holds deep significance.

It’s another popular spot for fishing, swimming and picnics, while the nearby Water Works area is a great place for spotting wildlife. Try your luck seeing platypuses, wood ducks or rainbow bee-eaters.

Adventuring on Lake Hume

1. Walk the dam wall

parent and child look at the view from the damn wall walk at lake hume — Enjoy the view from the dam wall. (Image: Visit Albury Wodonga)

The majestic Lake Hume – a massive man-made reservoir on the Murray River – was once the largest dam in the Southern Hemisphere.

A great way to get acquainted is by walking along the dam wall, taking in views of outflows, electricity turbines and the transmission plant from above. Not to mention vistas of the lake and the Murray. It’s a particularly gorgeous spot for sunsets and sunrises.

A wide sealed walkway gives easy access to the wall, and informative signs and displays along the way educate on the dam’s construction.

2. The High Country Rail Trail

This 44-kilometre trail hugs the shoreline. Stop along the way at the historic town of Tallangatta, relocated to its current position in the 1950s after its original location was flooded. Cross the lake over the bright red Sandy Creek Bridge. Enjoy a lakeside picnic or go for a swim at Ebden, Ludlow’s or Huon Reserve.

3. Water sports

two people watching SUP boarders and a boat our on the water at lake hume — Dive into water sports on Lake Hume.

Lake Hume is a popular local spot for boating, fishing, and swimming. Drop a line or dive right into the clear waters.

Sip and Savour

1. Dux Albury

two people sitting at counter drinking wine inside Dux Albury — Sit down to delicious meals and wine at Dux.

Those looking for a high-end dining experience need to book a table at Dux Albury in the heart of Albury Wodonga. Sit down for curated wine lists, cocktails and share plates. Think starters like burrata with beetroot, chervil, caper berry and sherry, mains like Wagyu sirloin with Café De Paris, red wine and caramelised onions and all manner of fresh seafood.

2. Murray Towns Brewing Co.

people being served lunch at Murray Brewing Co. — Recharge at Murray Brewing Co.

Perched on the banks of the river, Murray Towns Brewing Co. has come a long way since two mates started experimenting in their backyard chook shed. With all beer brewed onsite and a sun-drenched beer garden to drink them in, it’s a perfect stop along a bike ride or walk.

3. Temperance and General

Step into Albury’s original laneway bar, Temperance and General. Set inside a historic building, but offering a modern vibe, the bar is locally famous for its cocktail list. Stop in before or after dinner for a creative tipple.

4. BeanStation Cafe

two people drinking coffee at Bean Station albury wodonga — Dine on a modern Australian menu.

Dine on a modern Australian menu, inside the historic Wodonga train station building, dating back to 1873. Pop over in the morning and line up with the locals for great coffee and all-day brekkie, or head over after midday to swap the beans for local wines and Aussie boutique beers.

5. River Deck Cafe

waiter holding two dishes at Riverdeck Cafe albury wodonga — Soak in views and good food at Riverdeck Cafe. (Image: Visit Victoria)

Another dining destination next to the Murray, the award-winning River Deck Cafe provides a large deck covered in dappled sunlight that makes for the ideal long lunch spot. Here, menus focus on natural, native and local ingredients sourced from regional farmers and producers across Albury Wodonga and surrounds.

Museums, murals and more

1. Albury Wodonga Public Art Trail

Gain a sense of Albury Wodonga’s vibrant arts community while wandering the Public Art Trail. Works range from sculptures and murals to wrapped infrastructure. Be sure to check the council map before you head out, so you don’t miss a thing.

2. Murray Art Museum Albury (MAMA)

couple admiring the art at Murray Art Gallery — Stop into one of the most visited galleries outside of Sydney. (Image: Visit Albury Wodonga)

MAMA forms the heart of art and culture in Albury Wodonga, some may say the entire Murray region. In fact, it’s one of the most visited galleries outside of Sydney. What makes it so lauded? The museum has earned a reputation for curating innovative, original exhibitions from some of the best contemporary Australian and international artists.

3. HotHouse Theatre

Originally built in 1928 as the Butter Factory Theatre, HotHouse Theatre has been a home of performance since 1997. Stop by to see the best of new Australian theatre. Continue to explore unique architecture on the Historic Building Walking Tour of Albury, the perfect way to round out your stay.

Start planning your Albury Wodonga getaway at visitalburywodonga.com.