We are thrilled to introduce you to the brand-new Australian Traveller website.
We have been quietly toiling away behind the scenes since the start of 2025 to bring you a new website. But we haven’t just given it a facelift – we’ve completely reimagined the user experience to make planning your next holiday in Australia easier than ever before.
Ask AT – 20 years of travel expertise at your fingertips
At the heart of the new user experience is Ask AT – an Australian owned, human-powered AI travel tool that will plan your ultimate domestic Aussie holiday for you. Now you can search more than 150 detailed Australian destination guides to give you personalised recommendations in seconds. You can read more about Ask AT here, including how to use it, why we think it is a world first, why it’s different from other AI tools, including why you can trust it.
What else is new?
When we started this journey, you – the reader – were the focus. We wanted to build you a website that allows you to consume expert, tried and tested travel content any way you want. Here is a taste of what else you can find…
Safari in SA? Yep. But not South Africa… South Australia. Get up close with giraffes, rhinos, cheetahs and more – all right here in Australia.
New user features
It’s mobile-first, so searching AustralianTraveller.com on the go will be incredibly easy – and fast!
We’ve simplified the navigation – you can now search the website via Ask AT or the more traditional drop-down menu.
You can explore by experience, destination, accommodation or even “surprise me" if you just want to be inspired.
Australian Traveller’s annual Top 100 lists are now easier to read, with a dedicated index page for all previous lists as well as improved navigation through the 100.
We continue to spotlight our award-winning travel magazine, Australian Traveller, with a dedicated section on the homepage showcasing the latest edition and new travel narratives.
You can manage your subscriptions online – a dedicated spot to easily sign in to your account and manage your print and digital subscriptions.
The dune viewing area at Kata Tjuta in the Northern Territory. (Image: Dom Nuttall & Jesso Coleman /Tourism NT)
Spot whales in Queensland's Hervey Bay in mid-July to late October. (Image: Visit Fraser Coast)
The Pink Cliffs Geological Reserve in Heathcote, Victoria. (Image: Visit Victoria)
Iconic views of the Blue Mountains, New South Wales. (Image: Filippo Rivetti Photography)
Witness the Bungle Bungle Range in all its glory in Western Australia. (Image: Tourism Western Australia)
Drink in views of Tasmania's Wineglass Bay. (Image: Tourism Tasmania/Scott Sporleder)
The Sugarloaf, a fascinating geological formation, in South Australia. (Image: Cale Matthews/South Australian Tourism Commission)
The Members’ Hall at the centre of Parliament House in Canberra. (Image: Visit Canberra/Lean Timms)
We will be progressively rolling out a series of new columns. The first will be Hotel Addict, a monthly column profiling the best hotels in Australia, written by our Evergreen Editor Rachael Thompson – a self-confessed hotel addict (she’s already stayed at 20 hotels in Sydney in the past 12 months).
You’ll also have continued access to the same great Australia-wide travel content, written by the team at Australian Travellerand expert contributorson more than 150+ destinations across Australia. If you haven’t already, join our travel community of over 90,000 subscribers and get the latest stories direct to your inbox weekly. Find the link in our footer to sign up.
Enjoy planning your next Aussie getaway on the new and improved AustralianTraveller.com. We hope you love it as much as we do.
Katie Carlin,Head of Content, Australian Traveller Media
Weekly travel news, experiences insider tips, offers, and more.
Katie Carlin is Australian Traveller's Head of Content and when she’s not travelling or behind her computer, she’s hosting a dinner party (likely cooking an Alison Roman recipe), at brunch, working on extending her running k’s, or has her nose buried in a book.
She joined Australian Traveller in 2018 and is responsible for leading the editorial team across print, digital, social, email and native content. Her job is to make sure we create content that connects readers to incredible experiences in Australia and beyond. In addition to sharing her expertise on travel through industry speaking engagements, Katie appears onToday, A Current Affair and various radio segments.
With a BA in Communications majoring in Journalism and a career that has spanned roles at Fairfax Media and Are Media writing for titles such as The Sydney Morning Herald, The Age, and various lifestyle brands, she brings a wealth of experience to her role. Her most impactful trip to date has been swimming with whale sharks on Ningaloo Reef. For her next trip she is longing to experience the romance of train travel – hopefully on The Ghan or Indian Pacific.
In recent years, Ballarat has emerged as one of Victoria’s most dynamic and daring cities. And, this spring, two unexpected creative showcases will take over the town.
No matter the season, it’s always a good time to visit Ballarat – but spring might be the most ideal. The weather is warmer, the skies are clearer, the flowers across its botanical landscapes are in bloom. And events in Ballarat transform the city into a playground of creativity.
This year, Ballarat will welcome both new and returning artistic events, best paired with a jaunt through the city’s eclectic array of things to eat, drink and explore. Here’s how to spend a spring weekend in this cool cultural hub.
The events
Two of the most exciting events hitting Ballarat this spring are the 2025 Ballarat International Foto Biennale and the inaugural edition of Sunnyside, a captivating and immersive art extravaganza.
Ballarat International Foto Biennale
Discover powerful stories through the lens at Ballarat International Foto Biennale. (Image: Astrid Mulder)
Whether you’re a photography enthusiast or simply curious, the Ballarat International Foto Biennale is a must. The event permeates the entire city, with works by over 360 local and international photographers adorning over 100 buildings, businesses, streets and public spaces.
This year marks the 11th chapter and will centre on ‘Lifeforce’ – a theme that’s all about humanity and connection. Among the many talents on show, the headline artist is Campbell Addy, a British-Ghanaian creative who explores roots and identity. Be sure to visit before it ends in 2025 on 19 October.
Sunnyside
Explore 17 days of bold art at Sunnyside. (Image: Nice To Meet You Again, Morag Myerscough 2023. Photographer: Gareth Gardner)
Sunnyside is making its debut this year, introducing a brand-new celebration of colour, creativity and community to Ballarat. The 17-day celebration, from 6 to 23 November, will feature immersive installations and experiences, talks, a vibrant opening night gala, and workshops covering everything from crochet to neon block printing.
Internationally acclaimed London-based artist Morag Myerscough will lead the celebration and convert Ballarat’s historic Mining Exchange – a gold rush era trading hall – and the city’s streets into a multi-sensory art spectacle.
While you’re there
Don’t miss out on everything else Ballarat has to offer. Here’s where to eat, drink, see and stay in the city.
Where to eat
Savour bold Latin American dishes at Pancho. (Image: Einwick)
For daytime dining, you’re spoiled for choice. Johnny Alloo does contemporary cafe fare in a warm and inviting space, while Hydrant Food Hall is a popular pick for breakfast and lunch classics. Eclectic Tastes makes seasonal dishes that incorporate plenty of local produce, giving you a great opportunity to taste the region’s flavours.
At night, head to Roy Hammond for delicious cocktails and contemporary Asian-inspired eats or Pancho for vibrant (and very good) Latin American food in fun surrounds. At Hop Temple, you’ll find an incredible selection of craft beers (more than 200, to be exact) and punchy pub fare, or you can head slightly out of town for tasty bistro classics at the historic and character-filled Buninyong Hotel .
In the mood for something fancy? Visit one of Ballarat’s many hatted restaurants, like Babae (produce-driven fine dining inspired by regional Victoria), Mr Jones (modern Asian by a chef with a Michelin pedigree) and Underbar (an ultra-exclusive spot doing ultra-refined tasting menus).
Where to drink
Relax over wine at Blue Pyrenees Estate. (Image: Visit Victoria)
No matter your poison, you’ll find a venue to suit in Ballarat. Aunty Jacks is a local institution, serving a generous line-up of beers made in the on-site brewery. Renard is perfect for a pre-dinner drink or nightcap, with a menu that spans creative signature cocktails, locally produced wines and Australian spirits.
Try some of Ballarat’s finest creations at one of its many boutique distilleries, includingGrainery Lane and Itinerant Spirits. The former specialises in gin and vodka, while the latter offers gin, vodka and craft whiskey. Buy a bottle from either as a memento of your trip.
You can also venture a little further afield to one of the area’s renowned wineries and cellar doors. There are 25 scattered around the Pyrenees (Ballarat’s very own surrounding wine region), including Dalwhinnie, Summerfield and Blue Pyrenees Estate. Eastern Peake – a family-owned winery led by Young Gun of Wine 2025, Owen Latta – is also a must-visit.
What to see
Meet a koala at Ballarat Wildlife Park. (Image: Visit Victoria)
If you’ve got time to spare after the thrill of the spring festivities, there’s lots to see and do. More art can be found in the city’s streets and laneways, with local street artists transforming the walls with impressive murals and installations.
Ballarat is equally renowned for its heritage architecture, much of which flourished during the gold rush. Notable buildings include Ballarat Town Hall, Her Majesty’s Theatre and Craig’s Royal Hotel, all located centrally and within walking distance of one another.
Travelling with kids? Head to Sovereign Hill for a living-history adventure or Ballarat Wildlife Park to meet koalas, reptiles and free-roaming kangaroos.
Where to stay
Enjoy all-out luxury at Hotel Vera. (Image: Visit Victoria)
If you’re venturing to the city by train and want to stay somewhere central, Quest Ballarat Station is an excellent pick. The modern serviced apartments are situated just 250m from the station and a short stroll from downtown Ballarat, making coming, going and exploring the city incredibly easy. There’s also an on-site gym, barbecue area and accessible rooms available.
For a touch of French luxe in regional Victoria, The Provincial Hotel is a standout choice, with gorgeously appointed rooms and suites in a restored heritage-listed building. The hotel is also conveniently located on Lydiard Street, which is lined with grand historic architecture.
If you’re after something truly luxe, book a few nights at Hotel Vera. The exclusive collection of only seven suites presents all-out opulence: think lush linens, designer furniture, works by notable artists and gilded touches. It also happens to house fine-dining favourite Babae, making it an optimal stay if you’re keen to try the restaurant.
Getting there
Turn your Ballarat visit into a memorable weekend. (Image: Einwick)
One of the best things about Ballarat is its proximity to Melbourne. It’s only 90 minutes away by car – an easy journey down the Western Freeway – or can be easily reached by rail. The train from Southern Cross to Ballarat Station takes less than 90 minutes and drops you right in the centre of town.
