Culture

From a colour-changing figure warning of warming seas to a sunken skeletal greenhouse encrusted with coral, a new museum of underwater art in Australia’s Great Barrier Reef marine park aims to raise awareness of the threatened ecosystem – and rehabilitate parts of the reef.

From Australian national treasures to French impressionists, the Rainbow Serpent to generations of royals, there is a plethora of amazing art on show this year across the country. If you’re a portrait person, there’s work by contemporary Australian painter Ben Quilty as well as a special exhibition of portraits of the Royal Family dating back to the 16th century. And don’t forget the Archibald Prize – always a favourite.

If ever there was a city that didn’t need any extra help to look beautiful, it’s Sydney… but that hasn’t stopped a growing community of street artists adding a colourful coat of paint to the Harbour City’s urban walls. Murals are popping up all over Sydney and these are the best places to find them.