10 things every airport needs

Ever wondered how long you’ve wasted just waiting around at airports: in transit, delayed or just turned up too early? Steve Madgwick has…

But as the waiting is (to a certain extent) inevitable, the peops at Australian Traveller started wondering what new services could Australian airports have that would help melt away those wasted hours constructively (or otherwise). Some airports already have them, some need them and some will likely never get them, but here are 10 services that we think all airports should have!

1. Sleep capsules

Thinly padded waiting lounges or pulling up your own patch of carpet no longer cuts it, we want sleeping pods, like the ones in Abu Dhabi Airport. The by-the-hour chairs have a shutter over the top and, most importantly, fold completely flat.

2. Nail bar

Instead of having to worry about finding someone to buff and polish you at your destination, why not check in and have them done instead of staring at the departures board. Saves you having the “nail file isn’t a weapon" argument going through security too.

3. Showers

First and business class aren’t the only jets setters that deserve a proper freshen-up. We mean real, sparklingly clean showers with proper vestibules where your carry-on won’t get saturated. Fresh towels are a must too (because who carries around a spare Missoni in their hand luggage) so be prepared to pay a few dollars for the experience.

4. Running Track/Gym/golf driving range

All that space and all that plane food means the couple of hours’ delay might be a sound time for a couple of laps around the terminal. In-terminal by-the-minute gym equipment would also be good way to help prevent deep vein thrombosis onset. Obviously, must be used in conjunction with the posh showers mentioned above.

5. Personal cinemas

Sick of staring at the 24 news feed on the terminal television monitors? What about intimate, one-person rooms where you can pay a little spare change for a variety of shows, tailored to your length of wait? Plane coming soon: An episode of The Big Bang. Long delay: Start with one episode of Game of Thrones and work you way through as required.

6. Masseuses

Some airports in Australia already have massage shops, such as Mandarin Massage at Sydney Airport , but we believe that they are must – and the more choice the better value (theoretically at least). Nothing calms you down for a long-haul flight like a good shoulder rub (matched with a nice glass of Sémillon as well).

7. Segways

Last-minute purchase at the other end of the ridiculously long terminal? No problem, jump on your complimentary Segway (stand-up electric scooter). We suggest designated Segway-only lanes to prevent Seg-and-runs.

8. Local produce restaurants

Airports worldwide can feel generic, sterile and lacking in local flavour. We think that Cooper’s Alehouse at Adelaide airport is setting a great example of showcasing truly local products. Restaurants serving regional wines and locally grown produce should be mandatory, perhaps displacing a few of the overpriced multinational takeaways along the way.

9. Funpark for the kids

Some airports, such as Singapore’s Changi, cater for kids, with its four-storey slide, but we think airports should go one step further. Long delay and the kids are screaming? Jump on the in-terminal roller coaster and scare the wait out of them.

10. Hairdresser/barber

We think the guys would feel oh-so practical using their delay time to get a trim from a good ol’ fashioned (reasonably priced) barber. Not sure how women’s hairdresser would go though – a couple of hours is not quite long enough to build up that ‘special’ trust.

From cycling and comedy to boating and begonia appreciation, there’s an event in regional Victoria that’s sure to have you circling dates on your calendar.

1. Festival of Sails

the Melbourne to Geelong passage race, Festival of Sails 2025 — The Melbourne to Geelong passage race will be held for its 183rd year. (Image: Salty Dingo)

When: 24–26 January
Where: Melbourne and Geelong

This five-day regatta of sailing and onshore entertainment at Geelong’s waterfront includes Australia’s oldest sporting event, the Melbourne to Geelong passage race which, in 2026, will be held for its 183rd year. But you don’t have to be a yachtie, sailor or boat-enthusiast to enjoy the nautical excitement; there’s also a three-day line-up of entertainment, food and live music, including the anchoring of tall ships – ever a firm family favourite.

2. Cadel Evans Great Ocean Road Race

cyclists during the Cadel Evans Great Ocean Road Race — Catch the best cyclists as they wind through Victoria’s coastal towns. (Image: Visit Victoria)

When: 31 January – 1 February
Where: The Bellarine Peninsula

Meandering (at pace) along the Bellarine Peninsula and the Surf Coast is this annual cycling event that welcomes everyone from families to serious athletes. Since its beginnings in 2015, the race has become a huge hit with spectators flocking along to cheer on Lycra-clad competitors. Starting and finishing in Geelong’s Velo Village, this is the hub of the non-race activity with food and drink, roaming performers, lawn games and face painting.

3. Riverboats Music Festival

the performers at Riverboats Music Festival, Murray River — The annual music festival is staged under majestic red gums by the Murray River.

When: 13–15 February
Where: Echuca–Moama

Get along to bop and sway under the canopy of red gums at this annual music festival . Hosted by the twin towns of Echuca–Moama, the stage is set for Murray River-adjacent revelling as historic paddlesteamers peacefully chug alongside the event. As well as music, there’s dancing, food trucks and plenty of atmosphere to absorb.

4. Neerim ArtsFest

the Neerim ArtsFest south sculptures — Admire stunning works at Neerim ArtsFest. (Image: Nicky Cawood)

When: 28 February – 15 March
Where: Gippsland

This biennial Gippsland festival celebrates sculptural artists with an esteemed award in two categories, large outdoor and small indoor. The public is invited to enjoy the works over the exhibition period as they’re placed throughout Neerim South and surrounding venues. For 2026, the theme ‘The Spirit Soars’ leads artists to create stunning pieces that explore the expression of freedom in a thrilling visual capacity.

5. ChillOut Festival

a street parade during the LGBTQIA+ ChillOut Festival — Think colourful street parades and burlesque performances.

When: 5–9 March
Where: Daylesford

Pride in the country has been cheered on every March in Daylesford since 1997 with the riotous annual LGBTQIA+ ChillOut Festival . This colourful regional spectacle is an inclusive celebration of diversity that plays out across a vibrant parade, burlesque performances, a bush dance and a carnival. Get bedazzled, find a wig and stick on the false eyelashes for this fun party.

6. Port Fairy Folk Festival

Missy Higgins at the Port Fairy Folk Festival — Celebrate folk music at the Port Fairy Folk Festival. (Image: Lucinda Goodwin)

When: 6–9 March
Where: Port Fairy

In 2026, this beloved festival will be one year shy of its 50th anniversary. From folk fans to festival-lovers, this long-running event brings plenty of good vibes to guarantee an incredible experience. While music is at the heart of the festival, there’s also a range of workshops, exhibitions and family entertainment across dance, film and folk art. For its 49th year, the line-up so far includes Blair Dunlop, Elephant Sessions, and the musical duo Felicity Urquhart and Josh Cunningham.

7. The Ballarat Begonia Festival

a woman admiring flowers at The Ballarat Begonia Festival — Gasp at delicate blooms at The Ballarat Begonia Festival.

When: 7–9 March
Where: Ballarat

In bloom since 1953, this horticultural event places a collection of rare begonias at the centre of festivities, honouring the flower’s presence in Ballarat since the 1800s. During its history, the event has been visited by Queen Elizabeth II and, in 2015, it featured the launch of the largest outdoor Lego flower. Apart from a display of around 500 species of the flower of the moment, there’s also a begonia parade, entertainment, live music, food and presentations.

8. The Bendigo Easter Festival

Chinese dragon Dai Gum Loong dance at The Bendigo Easter Festival — The majestic Chinese dragon Dai Gum Loong dance is an annual tradition at The Bendigo Easter Festival.

When: 3–6 April
Where: Bendigo

Held in the city’s Rosalind Park, the annual Easter Festival has been a highlight of Bendigo’s calendar of events since 1871. A carnival of colourful activity, the festival welcomes everyone and rolls out the good times with everything from a Good Friday Easter egg hunt to live music and performances, a Rotary market and Gala Parade. Don’t miss the world’s longest imperial dragon rhythmically roaming the historic streets as part of the Easter Sunday festivities.

9. Grape Escape

a glass of wine at the Grampians Grape Escape — Enjoy a wine tasting experience. (Image: Anthony Evans Photography)

When: 1–3 May
Where: The Grampians

Backdropped by gorgeous Grampians/Gariwerd National Park, this much-loved bacchanalian-inspired festival of food, wine and music is a high-priority for gourmands. Held at Halls Gap Reserve, a Tasting Ticket includes a tumbler that unlocks free wine, beer and cider tastings and, if you are partaking, there’s a shuttle bus to get you back to your digs afterwards. Be sure to book your accommodation early for this one – its popularity is undisputed.

10. Comedy in the Vines

Comedy in the Vines at Cherryhill Orchards — Get the good times rolling at Cherryhill Orchards. (Image: Saige Prime)

When: 24–26 October
Where: Yarra Valley

The premise of Yarra Valley’s Comedy in the Vines , held at Cherryhill Orchards, is that wine and laughs pair well. Few arguments can be made, so get along this month (or next year), to have a giggle and a gamay. This year, taking the stage is the likes of Merrick Watts, Tommy Little, Ray O’Leary and Takashi Wakasugi. There are also masterclasses, a riesling and oyster shot bar, and plenty of food and music between gigs.

Top 10 services all airports must have