Two Aussie neighbourhoods made the world's top 10 cool list

Time Out’s coolest neighbourhoods list

Every year Time Out quizzes its global network of travel writers and editors to vote on the neighbourhoods they believe capture the essence of cool. According to the team the list takes into consideration “culture, community spirit, nightlife, food and drink – all condensed in one vibey, walkable district." Last year, Laureles in Medellín, Colombia was crowned the top spot.

City view of the vibrant neighbourhood Laureles. (Image: Getty Images)

Taking out the top spot in this year’s list is the artistic district of Notre-Dame du Mont in Marseille, France. The French attitude toward life—often seen as fashionable and laid-back—is exemplified here. This rebellious, art-led hub in the sixth arrondissement features colourful streets swathed in graffiti, a thriving nightlife, a vibrant dining scene, a charming blend of historic architecture, and lively community life. The suburb was praised by Time Out for having the “jovial, laidback feel of a local market."

Notre-Dame du Mont is adorned in colourful graffiti. (Image: Flickr/Luca Di Gaetano)

No.2 takes us to culturally rich Morocco, with Mers Sultan in Casablanca exuding its allure. A mix of urban energy and creative charm, Mers Sultan is known for its Art Deco architecture, lively street markets, youthful spirit, and growing arts scene.

Which Aussie neighbourhoods made the list

Last year, Brunswick East in Melbourne came in at no.6 on the list and Enmore in Sydney took out the 17th spot. This year Sydney and Melbourne suburbs have once again featured at the top of the list.

Coming in at no.7 is the much-loved Chippendale in Sydney. Once a semi-industrial hub, the inner-city suburb is now a buzzing food and arts centre that combines convenience, cultural diversity, and community.

Chippendale features a mix of historic and modern architecture. (Image: Destination NSW)

Old warehouses and historic buildings have been sensitively transformed into art galleries such as the contemporary White Rabbit Gallery, or design-led boutique hotels like The Old Clare Hotel. Popular restaurants like Ester reside here alongside Asian hawker fare at Spice Ally and the multi-level late-night haunt The Abercrombie.

The White Rabbit Gallery showcases Chinese contemporary art. (Image: Destination NSW)

Melbourne’s Windsor also made the list, coming in at no.10. For a long time this charming suburb has been overlooked due to neighbouring suburbs Prahran and South Yarra, but the inner suburb is gaining attention for its dynamic and growing cultural scene. Victorian terraces, vintage stores, cool cafes and bars make it a fascinating place to live and socialise. Foodies are spoilt for choice with venues like Japanese restaurant Mr Miyagi and Italian restaurant Studio Amaro, while film lovers can enjoy everything from arthouse films to cult classics at the charming Art Deco Astor Theatre.

(Image: Visit Victoria)

Planning a holiday soon? Be inspired by this year’s list of the coolest suburbs.

Time Out’s list of the top 10 coolest neighbourhoods in the world

Notre-Dame du Mont, Marseille, France

Mers Sultan, Casablanca, Morocco

Pererenan, Bali, Indonesia

Seongsu-dong, Seoul, South Korea

Kerns, Portland, USA

Stokes Croft & St Paul’s, Bristol, UK

Chippendale, Sydney, Australia

Principe Real, Lisbon, Portugal

Glória, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

Windsor, Melbourne, Australia

Aussies might think they know what Port Stephens is all about – but it’s time to take another look.

You might’ve driven through this NSW coast town. Maybe even stopped for fish and chips or a quick dip. But spend a long weekend in the new Port Stephens , and you’ll seriously regret not doing it sooner. We’re talking treks across beaches, reef dives and up-close time with rescued koalas.

All in all? It only takes a day before you see Port Stephens in a whole new light, and not much longer until it’s locked in as your favourite family destination.

1. Stockton Sand Dunes

Port Stephens incredible Stockton Sand Dunes are the largest moving sand mass in the Southern Hemisphere. They shift like an endless magic trick across the Worimi Conservation Lands , a 4200-hectare coastal co-managed by the Traditional Owners.

Tear over them in a 4WD. Rev through valleys soft as melting ice cream on a quad. Carve down 30-metre slopes on a sandboard. However you choose to cross them, you’re guaranteed a seriously wild ride.

Four rugged 4WDs kick up trails of golden dust as they charge across the sweeping desert landscape. — Chase thrills across shifting sands. (Image: Destination NSW)

2. Scale Tomaree Head Summit Walk

A short climb through bushland opens up to the coastal drama of Tomaree Head . Spot Zenith, Wreck and Box Beaches. See the Fingal Island lighthouse and offshore rookeries where Australia’s rarest seabird, the Gould’s petrel, nests.

History buffs can’t miss the WWII gun emplacements. And if you’re hiking between May and November, bring binoculars. Travelling whales might just be breaching below.

Friends enjoying a scenic walk along the Tomaree Head Summit Walk in Tomaree National Park, Port Stephens. — Climb Tomaree Head for jaw-dropping coastal views. (Image: Destination NSW)

3. Watch out for whales

You’ve seen the spouts of migrating humpbacks and southern right whales from shore. Set sail from Nelson Bay to see them up close. Cruise straight into the action, with tail-slaps, barrel rolls and all.

And they’ve got competition from the local show-offs. Port Stephens bottlenose dolphins leap and play. Some tours even spot pudgy fur seals, spending lazy days soaking up the sun on Cabbage Tree Island.

A whale’s tail on the sea’s surface. — Watch for ocean tails. (Image: Destination NSW)

4. Port Stephens Koala Sanctuary

Pop into the Port Stephens Koala Sanctuary to learn about the rescued koalas who climb, nap, snack and heal in this natural patch of bushland. Wander the immersive Sanctuary Story Walk to discover more about their habits, then head to the SKYwalk – a treetop platform constructed for spotting these eucalyptus-loving locals. Peek into the hospital’s viewing window, where sick or injured koalas may be resting in their recovery enclosures.

Not enough time around these adorable marsupials? Stay overnight in silk-lined glamping tents.

Koala sleeping in a tree at Port Stephens Koala Sanctuary, One Mile — See koalas in their natural habitat. (Image: Destination NSW)

5. Diving Port Stephens

Port Stephens has some of NSW’s best dive spots. At Fly Point, float through sponge gardens and coral castles thick with nudibranchs (AKA sea slugs). Halifax Park has blue gropers and crimson-banded wrasse, while Shoal Bay’s seagrass meadows hide pipefish, cuttlefish and octopus.

Accessible only by boat, Broughton Island is home to a vast array of marine (and bird) life. Snorkel with blue devilfish and stingrays at sites like The Looking Glass and North Rock. More experienced divers can head out with one of the many PADI-certified operators.

At nearby Cabbage Tree Island, expect to see shaggy-faced wobbegongs cruising along.

A couple suited up and ready to dive into adventure. — Suit up and dive into Port Stephens’ vibrant marine life. (Image: Destination NSW)

6. Irukandji Shark and Ray Encounters

Not quite ready to dive in? Irukandji Shark and Ray Encounters is the perfect way to spot local marine life without getting too deep. But there’s no obnoxious glass tank tapping here. Instead, this interactive aquarium allows guests to wade into natural-style lagoons that mimic the real thing.

Gently pat Port Jackson and bamboo sharks, hand-feed rays, and feel their sandpapery skin with your fingertips. It is all under expert guidance. If you want to go deeper, pop on a wetsuit and swim alongside tawny nurse sharks, white-tipped reef sharks and zebra sharks in the lagoon.

Family enjoying an animal feeding experience at Irukandji Shark and Ray Encounters, Anna Bay. — Meet the ocean’s friendliest faces at Irukandji. (Image: Destination NSW)

7. Fish the estuaries

Fishing fanatics will fall for Port Stephens hook, line and sinker. Here, one of the largest estuary systems in the whole state sees tidal rivers and mangrove ecosystems. Waterfronts are thick with oysters, and residential fish that might include anything from bream, whiting and flathead, to blue swimmer crabs, kingfish and longtail tuna.

If you prefer to choose your own adventure and fish offshore, you can hire a boat from one of the marinas and set your own course.

three men fishing on a boat in port stephens — Join a tour or chart your own fishing trip. (Image: Destination NSW)

8. Taste new Port Stephens flavours

With plenty of activity to fill your days, refuelling on delectable cuisine becomes equally important. And Port Stephens answers the call.

Pop into Holbert’s Oyster Farm for fresh-farmed Port Stephens rock oysters and Pacific oysters, Australian king and tiger prawns, as well as a variety of tasty sauces to try them with.

Take a group to Atmos for an authentic Greek experience over large shared dishes and Greek-inspired cocktails. Or feast on sea-to-plate, modern Australian dishes at the pet-friendly Restaurant 2317.

A plate of fresh oysters. — Slurp your way through the region’s best oysters. (Image: Destination NSW)

Start planning your Port Stephens getaway at portstephens.org.au .

These two Aussie neighbourhoods made the world’s top 10 cool list

Time Out’s list of the coolest neighbourhoods in the world for 2024 has highlighted the street-cred of two Australian suburbs.