Eels Blogs

BLOODY HELL! 

For a long time, Sydney’s CBD has gotten all the front-page glory, largely thanks to that sparkling harbour and famous white sails. But times are changing – and if it’s been a while since your last visit to Western Sydney, we reckon it’s about time you got a wriggle on.

For a long time, Sydney’s CBD has gotten all the front-page glory, largely thanks to that sparkling harbour and famous white sails. But times are changing – and if it’s been a while since your last visit to Western Sydney, we reckon it’s about time you got a wriggle on.

And we’re not the only ones. Global publisher Condé Nast has named Parramatta – Sydney’s “second city” – as one of the hottest places to visit in Oceania in 2026.

When compiling the list of the best places to experience across New Zealand, the Pacific and our sunburnt country, the expert team of globe-trotters highlighted "places that already feel familiar and yet are being imbued with fresh life… where the region’s most compelling stories are increasingly urban, local and unexpected."

The best places to go in Australia in 2026, according to Condé Nast

• Adelaide, SA\Darwin, NT
• King Island, TAS
• Margaret River, WA
• Parramatta, Sydney, NSW
• Perth, WA
• Port Stephens, NSW
• Uluru, NT

Photograph: Supplied | City of Parramatta

There’s a heck of a lot going on in the pumping Parramatta ’hood, kicking off with the soon-to-open Powerhouse Parramatta – said to be the largest museum in NSW when it opens in late 2026. Then there’s Parra’s cutting-edge and bold architecture, as well as its seriously diverse and delicious dining scene, in particular along Church Street and Harris Park, Sydney’s own Little India. We’re also big fans of Parra’s annual city-wide street festival, Parramatta Lanes, celebrating eats, music and art over four fun and delicious days.

And that’s not all. With the opening of the new Western Sydney International Airport, set to eventually be on par with London’s Heathrow, accommodating 80-million passengers every year, plus swish new hotel openings, including QT and InterContinental, Parramatta is rightfully putting itself on the global map.

Condé Nast added: “Sydney's hip second centre is getting its time in the sun with the arrival of Australia's largest museum and an enviable restaurant scene.”

Parramatta wasn’t the only NSW spot to make the list, with the laid-pack town of Port Stephens also being named as a go-to travel destination for 2026. The classic Aussie holiday is loved for its barefoot days, dolphin sightings and beaches that stretch on for miles, but is becoming more popular thanks to its new top-notch bars, restaurants and lush stays.

Suss the best places to go in Oceania in 2026 here.

Check out the full list of Condé Nast’s Best Places to Go in 2026 here.

The best places to go in Australia in 2026, according to Condé Nast

• Adelaide, SA\Darwin, NT
• King Island, TAS
• Margaret River, WA
• Parramatta, Sydney, NSW
• Perth, WA
• Port Stephens, NSW
• Uluru, NT