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

No one does road trips like Australians. Make your journey perfect.

The humble road trip is a way of life in Australia, and it’s not the same here as it is anywhere else. Sure, you could fly, but then you’re missing out on the bonding time and priceless memories that get made along the way (good or bad, you’ll be sharing them for years to come). Not to mention, some of Australia’s most worthwhile and untouched places can only be accessed by road .

But how to ensure your road trip is quintessentially perfect? Why use this checklist, of course.

1. Start with the perfect vehicle

A woman sitting while reading inside Star RV Motorhomes spacious Polaris 6. — Relax with stunning views in a spacious motorhome. (Image: Demi Gavin)

I can tell you from experience, nothing will push even the most tight-knit group to devolve into chaos and fighting faster than a vehicle that isn’t up to the task of a proper road trip. Enter the premium options of Star RV Motorhomes.

They have a range of sizes to suit any group, from solo travellers and couples to families. And they’re designed to be easy to drive.

Take the Polaris 6 , for example. This light-filled sanctuary of comfort has plenty of space for bigger groups. Three double beds, a shower and toilet, and an extendable awning (with room to move between them all) make it perfect for exploring Australia.

Couples might prefer the Polaris 2 with a fully self-contained bathroom, kitchen and a bed for two that transforms into comfortable seating during the day. Both models are pet-friendly.

2. Pack the tastiest snacks

A couple having a picnic beside Star RV Motorhomes. — Make use of the spacious storage in your Star RV.

Road trip snacks are an Australian art. Some, you’ll need to pick up along the way. We’re talking the iconic Chico Roll, choccie milk and maybe a sneaky potato scallop (or several).

Others, you can pack ahead of time to save on time and, usually, money. Thankfully, Star RV Motorhomes all come with plenty of storage space, so your snacks can last as long as your road trip. Think fresh fruit and other supplies to cook lunch and dinner along the way. Plenty of lollies and maybe even some soft drinks and Red Bulls for the road.

Not to mention, many Star RV motorhomes have a kitchen onboard, complete with a full-size kitchen, so you won’t need to lug an esky around.

3. Bring your pet for the ride

A child and its pet inside Star RV Motorhomes. — Travel Australia with your four-legged co-pilot. (Image: Erin Bacchi)

Man’s best friend is essential for a truly Aussie road trip. Pet-friendly Star RV Motorhomes not only mean your dog (or cat, if they enjoy the open road more than mine do) can experience Australia with you, but that you save a small fortune on pet sitters or dog hotels.

4. Prepare the perfect soundtrack

Two people having coffee with a view. — Chase the journey and the destination.

No ifs, ands or buts, the perfect soundtrack can make or break a road trip. It’s really up to you, but we recommend plenty of Australian classics. Cold Chisel never hits quite the same as when you’re listening to it with only gumtrees and kangaroos for company.

Of course, this means you’ll also need a good sound system to listen to your carefully curated tunes on. Star RV motorhome sound systems allow you to connect your device and play your own music. Goodbye, spotty radio reception.

5. A spacious tent and camping gear

A woman sitting inside Star RV Motorhomes with a view of the lake in the background. — Enjoy soft linens and space to stretch. (Image: Cariund Hannes)

If there’s one thing that a road trip can guarantee, it’s a campsite or several. So you’d better source a good sturdy tent, sleeping back, and a camping mattress that probably won’t help much – but it’s better than the ground.

Or, just hire a motorhome so your vehicle is also your bed, and comfort is a priority (goodbye foam camp mattresses) with linens provided. And you’ll have room to unpack and move around. Heaven.

6. Plan your toilet breaks

Typically, an Aussie road trip means pulling over at a good bushy area or finding a horrific pit toilet on the side of the road – the smell of which will stay with you forevermore. If you’re planning to camp, better pack that handy shovel and find a good, bug-free place to dig your own loo hole.

To avoid that hassle (and smell), forgo the shovel and hire a motorhome with an onboard toilet. When the toilet comes with you, there are no emergency roadside stops. Plus, it’s a whole lot fresher.

7. Pick the ultimate destination

Aerial view of the Polaris 6 cruising along a coastal road with sweeping beach views. — Hit the road, Aussie-style. (Image: Matt Finch)

Of course, the journey is half the fun. But the other half is an incredible destination. With accommodation and transportation sorted out with one motorhome, you have the flexibility to choose a gorgeous view for the night (or several).

There are endless views to choose from, like the rugged cliff faces of Queensland’s Carnarvon Gorge National Park. Carnarvon Gorge camping area (near the visitor area) and the Big Bend walkers’ camp both have bushy surrounds and a trail to the gorge itself.

Or Lake Argyle, Western Australia‘s largest man-made freshwater reservoir. Find the only dedicated camping and caravan park at Lake Argyle Resort.

Meanwhile, Mount Buffalo National Park in Victoria is prolific for its wildlife. Wander through snow gum forests and keep an eye out for wombats, Australian kestrels and more. There are several camp options here.

Start planning your Australian road trip adventure (and get 15 per cent off on any Star RV motorhome rental in Australia) at starrv.com/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.