Australia pulses with energy from dawn to dusk, and in 2026, the country is set to unveil a wave of fresh, unforgettable experiences. Every corner—from vibrant city streets to remote wilderness—offers something new to explore, taste, or admire. As Travel and News Editor at Time Out, I’ve scoured every state and territory to spotlight the most exciting openings, launches, and adventures.
This year, Australia welcomes groundbreaking restaurants, boutique hotels, world-first hiking trails, immersive exhibitions, and cultural experiences that redefine exploration. Our definitive list captures the 26 best new things to do in Australia in 2026, curated to inspire your next adventure. How many will you experience first-hand?
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Sydney Fish Market, NSW
Nearly a decade in the making, the Sydney Fish Market—the largest in the Southern Hemisphere—is set to make a spectacular return at a brand-new waterfront location. The $836-million redevelopment, approved in 2020, officially opens on January 19, 2026.
Designed to welcome around six million visitors each year, the revamped market will feature 40 fresh dining and drinking venues, alongside a 50-metre public wharf that introduces a new ferry connection to Barangaroo. Combining world-class seafood, vibrant eateries, and seamless waterfront access, the new Sydney Fish Market promises to become an unmissable hub for locals and travelers alike.
Happitat Adventure Park, QLD
For thrill-seekers looking to push their limits without jumping from a plane, the Gold Coast Hinterland will debut a world-first cliffside adventure park in January 2026. Happitat Adventure Park will feature three of Australia’s tallest ziplines, including the country’s highest at 200 metres, perched 400 metres above the valley floor.
Visitors can also tackle a Via Ferrata mountaineering course, cross an 80-metre suspension bridge, explore forest trails, and cool off in natural swimming holes. Combining adrenaline-pumping experiences with breathtaking scenery, Happitat promises an unforgettable adventure for visitors seeking both excitement and immersion in Queensland’s rugged hinterland.
Uluṟu-Kata Tjuṯa Signature Walk, NT
Australia’s Red Centre is set to welcome a transformative new adventure in 2026 with the launch of the Uluṟu-Kata Tjuṯa Signature Walk. Beginning in April, this five-day trek will be the first to offer overnight stays inside Uluru-Kata Tjuṯa National Park, a World Heritage-listed landscape. Covering 54 kilometres of desert trails, native mulga woodlands, and sweeping red dunes, the hike culminates at the iconic Uluru.
Developed in partnership with the Anangu Traditional Owners, the experience is guided by the award-winning Tasmanian Walking Company. This immersive journey combines physical challenge, cultural insight, and breathtaking scenery, offering adventurers an unprecedented way to connect with one of Australia’s most sacred and spectacular landscapes.
Western Sydney Airport, NSW
Western Sydney International (Nancy-Bird Walton) Airport is poised to transform travel in New South Wales when it opens in late 2026. Years of planning, construction, and careful design have culminated in an architecturally striking terminal and fully completed airfield and landside facilities. Once operational, it will become Sydney’s largest airport, handling over 80 million passengers annually—comparable to global hubs like London Heathrow.
Strategically positioned to serve Western Sydney and beyond, the airport includes modern amenities, efficient flight paths, and expanded transport connections, ensuring seamless travel. This development is set to reshape the city’s aviation landscape while driving economic growth in the region.
Monet to Matisse: Defying Tradition, SA
From July 11 to November 8, 2026, Adelaide’s Art Gallery of South Australia will host Monet to Matisse: Defying Tradition, a landmark exhibition bringing together 57 masterpieces by renowned European and American artists of the 19th and 20th centuries. Featuring works by Monet, Matisse, Van Gogh, Degas, Cézanne, Picasso, and others,
The exhibition offers Australians an extraordinary chance to experience world-class art without leaving the country. Each painting reflects pivotal moments in artistic innovation, exploring the balance between tradition and creative rebellion. Curated to inspire and educate, the exhibition promises to be a highlight of Australia’s cultural calendar.
Avani Mooloolaba Beach Hotel, QLD
Opening in April 2026, Avani Mooloolaba Beach Hotel epitomizes Sunshine Coast luxury, situated just 100 metres from the surf and sand. The 180-room resort offers four distinctive dining venues, a rooftop pool bar with 180-degree ocean views, versatile event spaces, a fully equipped gym, and a kids’ club.
Designed for both leisure and business travellers, the hotel seamlessly combines modern sophistication with relaxed coastal charm. As Queensland prepares for the 2032 Olympics, Avani Mooloolaba will stand as a premier destination, providing a stylish retreat for families, couples, and corporate guests alike, while enhancing the region’s growing reputation as a luxury tourism hotspot.
AFC Women’s Asian Cup Australia 2026
From March 1–21, 2026, Australia will host the continent’s premier women’s football tournament, the AFC Women’s Asian Cup, bringing top teams including the Matildas, China, South Korea, Japan, and emerging squads from India, the Philippines, and Vietnam. Matches will take place across Sydney, Perth, and the Gold Coast, offering fans a chance to witness high-level competition in world-class stadiums.
Following the success of the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023, expectations are high for electrifying games, packed stands, and unforgettable sporting moments. This tournament promises to celebrate women’s football on an international stage while showcasing Australia’s passion for sport.
Ngaro Track, QLD
Launching in May 2026, the Ngaro Track in the Whitsundays offers a three-day, 32-kilometre hiking adventure from Whitehaven Beach to Hill Inlet. Named to honor the Ngaro People, the trail celebrates the Traditional Custodians of the land and sea while combining rainforest, coastal scenery, and pristine reefs.
Limited to 15 hikers per tour, participants can choose guided or self-guided options, staying overnight at two new eco-campsites along the route. This immersive experience blends adventure, cultural education, and environmental appreciation, providing hikers with a rare opportunity to explore one of Queensland’s most stunning regions while treading lightly on its delicate ecosystems.
Powerhouse Parramatta, NSW
Scheduled to open in late 2026, Powerhouse Parramatta represents NSW’s largest cultural investment since the Sydney Opera House, with a $915 million budget transforming the riverside site into Western Sydney’s first major cultural institution. Spanning 18,000 square metres, the museum will feature dynamic exhibition spaces, public areas, and a striking rooftop garden, designed to attract two million visitors in its first year.
Beyond art and innovation, the museum will serve as a community hub, combining educational programs, interactive exhibits, and immersive installations. Powerhouse Parramatta promises to be a landmark destination, redefining cultural engagement and creative exploration in one of Australia’s fastest-growing regions.
The Cliffs Kangaroo Island, SA
Set atop 30-million-year-old cliffs overlooking the Southern Ocean, The Cliffs Kangaroo Island is opening its 18-hole links golf course for preview play in mid-January 2026. Designed to harmonize with the island’s rugged coastline and native wildlife, the course offers dramatic ocean vistas and a world-class golfing experience.
Later in the year, 20 exclusive lodges, some with private spas and saunas, will welcome guests, providing luxury stays in breathtaking surroundings. The Cliffs aims to combine sporting excellence, ecological respect, and sophisticated hospitality, positioning itself as one of the world’s most iconic bucket-list destinations for golfers seeking both challenge and serenity.
Larrakia Cultural Centre, NT
Opening in 2026, the Larrakia Cultural Centre on Darwin’s waterfront will celebrate the history and traditions of the Larrakia people, Traditional Owners of the surrounding lands and waters. The $58.6 million facility, inspired by the form of a bird in flight, includes galleries, exhibition spaces, landscaped gardens, a signature restaurant, an outdoor auditorium, and arts studios for weaving, painting, and spear-making workshops.
By combining education, cultural preservation, and visitor engagement, the centre provides an immersive experience that honours Indigenous heritage while connecting audiences to Australia’s oldest continuous cultures in a contemporary, accessible setting.
The Lion King, NSW
Disney’s The Lion King returns to Sydney in April 2026 with a brand-new Australian staging, bringing Broadway’s acclaimed spectacle to a new generation of theatre-goers. Celebrating nearly 30 years of global success, the production combines iconic music, elaborate costumes, and innovative staging to recreate the beloved story of Simba and his journey.
Seen by over 112 million people worldwide, this musical promises an unforgettable live experience, merging artistry and storytelling at its finest. With more than a decade since the last Australian tour, fans can once again immerse themselves in a production that has become a global theatrical benchmark.
Lindeman Island Resort, QLD
Lindeman Island reopens in 2026 after a $583 million transformation, offering a five-star eco-resort experience in the Whitsundays. The redevelopment introduces 209 rooms and suites, multiple dining venues, a luxury spa and gym, event spaces, a solar farm, and a 50-metre jetty, completed in the first stage.
The resort blends sustainability, indulgence, and natural beauty, providing guests with an exclusive island escape. After more than a decade, Lindeman Island promises to redefine Whitsunday luxury travel, combining world-class amenities with environmental stewardship, spectacular ocean vistas, and an immersive coastal experience for families, couples, and eco-conscious travelers.
Restaurant Aptos, SA
Opening in April 2026, Restaurant Aptos by award-winning chef Justin James offers a unique 16-course degustation across three levels with just 14 seats. Housed in a former Adelaide Hills church that previously hosted Aptos Cruz Galleries, the restaurant highlights seasonal produce, native ingredients, and inventive culinary techniques.
Guests move through different spaces as the tasting menu unfolds, creating an immersive, sensory dining journey. With an emphasis on storytelling through food, Restaurant Aptos elevates Australian ingredients to a world-class experience, promising to become a must-visit destination for gastronomy enthusiasts seeking innovation, intimacy, and connection to the local terroir.
Berkeley River Lodge, WA
From May 2026, Berkeley River Lodge in the Kimberley Coast will reopen following a three-year transformation, offering an enhanced barefoot luxury experience. The lodge features upgraded villas atop coastal sand dunes, signature spa treatments, all-inclusive activities, scenic flight transfers, and unique wellness experiences like morning movement sessions and barefoot barbecues under the stars.
Open only four months a year, the lodge provides exclusivity, remoteness, and connection to nature, allowing guests to immerse themselves in one of Australia’s most pristine wilderness areas. Berkeley River Lodge continues to redefine remote luxury travel with tailored experiences and unparalleled Kimberley Coast vistas.
A Beautiful Noise: The Neil Diamond Musical, VIC
This August 2026, Melbourne’s Princess Theatre will host the Australian debut of A Beautiful Noise: The Neil Diamond Musical, celebrating the legendary singer’s life and career. Broadway star Will Swenson reprises his acclaimed role, performing classics like Sweet Caroline, Forever in Blue Jeans, and Cracklin’ Rosie.
The musical blends biography, live performance, and theatrical storytelling, inviting audiences to sing, dance, and relive iconic moments in Diamond’s career. With high production values, compelling narrative, and memorable music, the show promises an engaging and emotional experience, appealing to longtime fans and new audiences alike while highlighting the enduring global appeal of Neil Diamond’s artistry.
Serengeti Resort, NSW
Set to open in the second half of 2026 at Taronga Western Plains Zoo in Dubbo, Serengeti Resort spans 55 hectares and offers Australia’s largest African-style savannah experience. Guests can stay in luxury lodges, billabong campsites, and immersive accommodations overlooking roaming giraffes, zebras, and rhinos. The resort features a café-restaurant, infinity-edge pool, and sleek event spaces, combining adventure, wildlife observation, and comfort.
Serengeti Resort allows visitors to experience safari-style living in Australia, blending educational opportunities, family-friendly experiences, and unique wildlife encounters, making it a standout destination for animal lovers and travelers seeking immersive, luxury nature experiences.
Côte Basque, VIC
Melbourne welcomes Côte Basque in 2026, a new European bistro by acclaimed restaurateurs Andrew McConnell and Jo McGann. Located in the former Becco space on Crossley Street, the restaurant offers wood-fired cuisine inspired by northern Spain and southwest France. Expect bold coastal flavours, artisanal ingredients, and a relaxed yet sophisticated atmosphere.
Côte Basque combines innovative cooking with warm hospitality, promising a dining experience that celebrates European traditions while embracing local produce. This new hotspot is positioned to become a culinary highlight of Melbourne’s CBD, appealing to food enthusiasts seeking high-quality, immersive dining with a contemporary European flair.
Wineglass Bay Estate, TAS
Opening in June 2026, Wineglass Bay Estate offers a secluded luxury vineyard retreat overlooking Moulting Lagoon on Tasmania’s Freycinet Peninsula. Previously accessible only for day trips, the estate introduces accommodation, intimate cellar door experiences, and freshly planted vineyards, combining nature, wine, and relaxation.
Guests can enjoy serene views, boutique lodgings, and a connection to the local landscape while sampling estate wines. Wineglass Bay Estate promises a peaceful escape in one of Australia’s most iconic coastal regions, blending luxury hospitality with environmental sensitivity. It marks a transformative moment in Freycinet tourism, expanding opportunities for immersive, multi-day experiences in this pristine area.
Floating Sauna, Lake Burley Griffin, ACT
Arriving in late 2025 and continuing in 2026, Canberra’s floating sauna on Lake Burley Griffin offers a unique wellness experience inspired by Tasmania’s floating saunas. Situated near Yarralumla Beach East, the installation features two wood-fired sauna rooms with floor-to-ceiling windows, allowing guests to relax while enjoying water views.
The concept encourages immersion in nature and mindful relaxation, providing a distinctive way to counter winter chill. Combining architectural innovation with wellness and leisure, the floating sauna exemplifies Canberra’s creative approach to outdoor recreation, inviting locals and visitors to embrace a blend of traditional Finnish sauna culture and Australian natural beauty.
The Phantom of the Opera, NSW
Returning to Sydney Harbour in March 2026 for its 40th-anniversary season, The Phantom of the Opera promises one of the year’s most ambitious outdoor theatre experiences. Set against the Sydney Opera House and featuring a floating stage, exceptional orchestra, intricate costumes, and nightly fireworks, the production combines dramatic storytelling with visual spectacle.
Directed by Simon Phillips, the show revisits the tragic tale of a young singer and her mysterious admirer. Following its record-breaking premiere in 2022, this season offers audiences a unique opportunity to witness a world-class musical in an extraordinary setting, reaffirming Sydney Harbour as a premier venue for large-scale live performance.
Levantine Hill Hotel, VIC
Opening in early 2026, Levantine Hill Hotel introduces Victoria’s first suite-only luxury accommodation in the Yarra Valley wine region. The $20 million development blends seamlessly with surrounding vineyards and mountains, offering 33 bespoke suites, complimentary breakfast, indoor and outdoor exercise facilities, a sculpture walk, and wine tastings.
Designed to provide an intimate and immersive experience, the hotel appeals to couples, wine enthusiasts, and those seeking sophisticated countryside relaxation. Levantine Hill Hotel enhances the Yarra Valley’s reputation for premium hospitality while offering a serene retreat that complements its award-winning winery, combining comfort, luxury, and a strong connection to the landscape.
Ocean Dunes Golf Course, King Island, TAS
Opening in late 2026, Ocean Dunes Golf Course on King Island will elevate the region’s golfing profile with a new restaurant, clubhouse, and 64 on-course hotel rooms. Located less than an hour from mainland Tasmania or Melbourne, the remote course offers rugged coastal landscapes, challenging holes, and world-class play.
Recognized among Asia-Pacific’s best courses, it combines luxury accommodation and culinary offerings with exceptional sporting experiences. Ocean Dunes provides a unique destination for golfers seeking adventure, tranquility, and scenic beauty, complementing King Island’s reputation for fine food, natural landscapes, and exclusive tourism experiences.
Victoria Quay Aboriginal Food and Art Precinct, WA
By late 2026, Fremantle’s historic Victoria Quay will host Australia’s first Aboriginal immersive food and art precinct. Spanning 1,125 square metres, the precinct includes a café, retail stores, art and literature spaces, and an event venue. Led by Gather Hospitality Group, visitors can engage with state-of-the-art digital installations showcasing 60,000 years of Aboriginal heritage.
This cultural hub blends culinary experiences, arts, and education, providing an interactive platform for understanding Indigenous history and contemporary creativity. The precinct positions Fremantle as a destination for cultural tourism while celebrating and preserving Western Australia’s Aboriginal traditions in a modern, immersive setting.
Tropfest, NSW
Returning to Sydney in February 2026 after a six-year hiatus, Tropfest will once again showcase the world’s largest short film festival. Filmmakers are challenged to create new films under seven minutes, with finalists screened at a free outdoor event on February 22.
The festival celebrates local talent, creativity, and innovation in film, offering audiences a dynamic night under the stars. Tropfest combines entertainment, cultural engagement, and community participation, reinforcing Sydney’s reputation as a hub for arts and storytelling while inspiring the next generation of Australian filmmakers to push the boundaries of short-form cinema.
Wild Adventures Melbourne, VIC
Launching winter 2026, Wild Adventures Melbourne offers a five-day journey along the Great Alpine Road, combining skiing at Mount Hotham, surfing along the Gippsland coast, soaking in hot springs, and enjoying local gourmet produce. This adventure experience blends adrenaline, relaxation, and regional discovery, enabling participants to chase snow and surf in a single day.
Designed for thrill-seekers and nature lovers alike, Wild Adventures integrates diverse landscapes, curated activities, and high-quality local experiences, showcasing Victoria’s alpine and coastal beauty. It promises an immersive, multi-sport adventure, redefining winter tourism and outdoor recreation in the region.
Frequently Asked Questions
When do these new attractions and experiences open?
Opening dates vary by attraction. Major launches include Sydney Fish Market (January), AFC Women’s Asian Cup (March), Lindeman Island Resort (mid-2026), and Uluṟu-Kata Tjuṯa Signature Walk (April). Always check official websites or booking platforms for the latest updates.
Do I need to book in advance?
Yes. Many experiences, such as the Uluṟu-Kata Tjuṯa Signature Walk, Ngaro Track, and boutique lodges, have limited capacity. Early booking ensures availability and may offer special packages or discounts.
Are these activities family-friendly?
Most attractions cater to families, including Wild Adventures Melbourne, Serengeti Resort, and Avani Mooloolaba Beach Hotel. Some activities, like cliff ziplines at Happitat, are better suited for older children or adults due to safety restrictions.
How do I travel between these locations?
Australia is vast, so domestic flights are recommended for cross-country travel. Many destinations, such as King Island, the Whitsundays, and Kangaroo Island, are accessible via regional airports or ferry services.
Are these experiences suitable for international visitors?
Absolutely. Australia’s tourism infrastructure is highly developed, and most major attractions welcome international guests. Check visa requirements, travel advisories, and seasonal weather conditions when planning your trip.
What should I pack for outdoor adventures?
Depending on the activity, essentials may include sturdy hiking shoes, sun protection, swimwear, layered clothing, insect repellent, and reusable water bottles. Guided tours often provide additional safety gear for climbing, kayaking, or ziplining.
Conclusion
Australia in 2026 promises a year of unparalleled experiences, from thrilling outdoor adventures and world-class cultural exhibitions to luxury escapes and immersive wildlife encounters. Whether you’re seeking heart-pounding excitement, serene natural beauty, or unforgettable culinary and artistic journeys, there’s something new to discover in every state and territory.
