Three Aussie neighbourhoods named among the coolest in the world
The world’s coolest collection of postcodes has been named, and Australia made the grade with a trio of suburbs in the top 40.
New Farm in Brisbane was ranked 29th on Time Out’s 2026 Coolest Neighbourhoods role call, with North Hobart coming in at number 32 and South Melbourne at number 39.
First place on the global checklist went to South Korea’s Jongno 3-ga neighbourhood in Seoul, second was l’Ocean district in Rabat, Morroco and the third in line was Greece’s Neos Kosmos in Athens.
Time Out has been ranking the world’s coolest spots since 2018 and for the first time since its inception, Sydney didn’t make the cut.
Melbourne has always found a place on the list, however Fortitude Valley was Brisbane’s first and only other appearance back in 2022.
While the compilation is seen as a guide to help holidaymakers know where to hang, the stamp of approval can highlight in-demand areas on the rise.
No. 29 – New Farm, QLD
A riverside Brisbane suburb with walking and cycling paths linking it to the CBD, as well as a growing arts and food scene, New Farm is having its moment.
The bustling ‘burb is home to the Brisbane Powerhouse performance space and Riverwalk linking to the the Howard Smith Wharves dining precinct beneath Story Bridge, as well as James St’s retail hub bordering former “coolest” suburb, Fortitude Valley.
New Farm features multimillion-dollar homes close to Brisbane’s CBD. Picture: realestate.com.au/sold
Matt Lancashire, principal of Ray White New Farm and local resident, said the James St quarter and wharves transformation put the neighbourhood on the map.
“You suddenly had people from every other suburb going down there,” he said, adding that New Farm’s unique peninsula-like position gives it rare real estate appeal.
“The good thing about New Farm, is that there’s just shy of 2000 houses upon that peninsula shared with Newstead and Teneriffe,” he said.
“When you’re in New Farm, you don’t need to leave because you can walk to all the restaurants, bars, shops – it’s all at your doorstep. That’s a big advantage.”
The Howard Smith Wharves was redeveloped into dining precinct in 2018. Picture: Getty
Over the 12 months to August’s end, median house prices in New Farm increased by 1.4% to $3.55 million, according to realestate.com.au figures. Apartments went up 13.5% to $1.05 million.
One headline-making New Farm home sold late last year for $25 million, setting the suburb price record. The unrenovated riverside residence at 17 Julius St was owned by Graya co-founder Rob Gray and Meghan Kim Gray who’d submitted plans for a five-level boutique apartment project on the site, which Brisbane City Council ultimately rejected.
Home to some multimillion-dollar homes, Lancashire explained that New Farm appeals to a wide range of buyers.
This New Farm triplex with a DA for conversion to a spacious five-bedroom home in sold for $5.515 million in May. Picture: realestate.com.au/sold
“I call it an eclectic mix of people. You’ve got from some of the wealthiest people in our country living in New Farm – billionaires – and then you’ve got low cost housing and students. Everyone’s integrated,” he explained.
“The competition is strong because once you get into New Farm, you tend not to leave. It’s very hard to replace.”
No. 32 – North Hobart, TAS
Named one of the world’s top 10 Destinations of the Year in 2026 by Expedia, North Hobart has been turning heads of late.
Also known as “NoHo” North Hobart is the cool kid of the Tassie capital. Elizabeth St’s vibrant strip of restaurants, late-night bars, cafes, galleries and independent shops all inject a sense of indie flair and the State Cinema adds an arts-and-culture flavour.
North Hobart is a short walk from the city’s CBD. Picture: realestate.com.au/sold
The charming heritage architecture and designer updates of some North Hobart homes give the suburb loads of character and ample choice for house hunters looking for an address with walkability to the CBD.
North Hobart’s 12-month median price for houses fell slightly in the year to August 30, down 0.6% to $850,000. Apartments slipped by 4% to $720,000.
North Hobart is known for its cafes and restaurants, heritage homes and warehouse conversions. Picture: realestate.com.au/sold
Real estate agent Harry Coomer of Peterswald said North Hobart’s history and nostalgia is appealing to a wide range of buyers.
“It’s quite cultured with the State Cinema and there are a couple of really well known shops and restaurants there that have been around for a while. One of those is the Renown milk bar that every kid remembers going to after school. That’s been there for as long as I can remember,” he said.
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“North Hobart borders central Hobart, which in comparison to other cities is quite small. So I guess the appeal in North Hobart is you’re buying in a suburb that has quite a strong social and cultural scene, but you can still walk to the city in 10 minutes.”
No. 39 – South Melbourne, Melbourne
South Melbourne has the kind of old-meets-new energy that cool neighbourhoods have in droves.
Just south of the CBD, the 3205 postcode still has a vintage village vibe, but also embraces modern living.
South Melboure Markets have been operating for almost 160 years. Picture: realestate.com.au/sold
The historic 1860s South Melbourne Market remains the beating heart of the suburb on Wednesdays, Fridays and weekends, while Clarendon, Coventry and York streets feature a steady stream of cafes, restaurants and independent boutiques. The wellness wave is also catered for with meditation sanctuary EQ, Else Bathhouse and Soak all in the neighbourhood.
Buyers seeking a sense of architectural character can choose from Victorian-era cottages and terraces sitting alongside contemporary apartment blocks.
Prices in the suburb had a 12-month rise with houses up 3.2% to $1.548 million and units increasing by 1.4% to $607,500.
A two-bedroom house at 34 Little Boundary St, South Melbourne sold in June for $1.315 million. Picture: realestate.com.au/sold
Gary Ormrod, selling agent with Kay & Burton, said the neighbourhood caters to every lifestyle.
“South Melbourne has evolved into one of Melbourne’s most sought-after lifestyle precincts, attracting a new generation of young professionals drawn to its enviable proximity to the CBD, sporting precinct, Albert Park Lake and surrounding parklands,” he said.
“Despite its enviable proximity to all the action, the neighbourhood retains a peaceful and relaxed atmosphere, offering the ideal balance of tranquillity, convenience and access to everything Melbourne has to offer.”
