Liv Condous

Melbourne comes alive on the weekend, so be sure to leave some room in your schedule to get out and experience the best of it! To help you make the most of your Friday, Saturday and Sunday, we've gathered all the hottest events, shows, gigs, exhibitions, openings and pop-up activations in one easy spot – you're welcome! It's another long weekend, so make the most of it! If you're stumped, here are some suggestions of how to enjoy the extra day off. Experience some truly weird and wonderful events (as well as a stacked music line-up) with the return of Rising. Check out our guide to the best of the fest if you need help choosing from the massive program. St Kilda Film Festival is back for a landmark 41st year of showing Australian short films. Or for some theatrics, Beetlejuice the Musical (yes, a stage show based on the cult classic movie) and acclaimed musical Hadestown are both playing in Melbourne now. If you're up for a regional getaway, Woodend Winter Arts Festival will make for a wholesome, music-filled weekend.  When in doubt, you can always rely on our catch-all lists of Melbourne's best bars, restaurants, museums, parks and galleries, or consult our bucket list of 100 things to do in Melbourne before you die.   Looking for more ways to fill up your calendar? Plan a trip around our beautiful state with our handy travel guides.

There's always something happening in this fair city of ours, so don't let the week pass you by without popping a few fun events into your social calendar. To help you plan, we've rounded up all the best activities happening this week, so all you have to do is scroll, pick and embark on your adventure. Winter has officially arrived in Melbourne, and with it comes a stacked schedule of events. The massive after-dark festival Rising returns this week, with a weird and wonderful program. Plus, Melbourne's stages are packed with top-notch productions, with the latest opening of Beetlejuice the Musical making for a raucous theatre outing. The Queen Victoria Night Market will once again warm up winter evenings every Wednesday. Also, if you can feel that the force is strong in Melbourne, it's because of the mind-boggling Lego Star Wars: the Exhibition at Melbourne Museum.  When in doubt, you can always rely on our catch-all lists of Melbourne's best bars, restaurants, museums, parks and galleries, or consult our bucket list of 100 things to do in Melbourne before you die.   Looking for more ways to fill up your calendar? Plan a trip around our beautiful state with our handy travel guides.

While the temperature is getting colder, the events line-up in Melbourne is red-hot this month. Our city has a knack for making the most of winter's moody vibes with plenty of after-dark events, including dazzling light shows. The beloved Lightscape returns this month, and stay tuned as more illuminated events will inevitably be announced in the coming days. If you're the type who doesn't mind embracing the chill for the sake of a good time, Melbourne is the place to be – our city doesn't hibernate in winter, with heaps of exciting winter festivals to keep you cosy. Rising will take over the CBD once again, with a stacked program of weird and wonderful events. If we could only pick one event to go to, we wouldn't miss playing quirky mini-golf in the Flinders Street Station ballroom.  Plus, Melbourne's stages are filled with world-class productions right now, with Beetlejuice the Musical and Hadestown our top picks of the theatre shows that are truly worth seeing.  If all else fails, we've got you sorted with this full list of free things, art exhibitions, theatre shows, festivals and more happening in June.  Miserable weather? Here's what to do in Melbourne when it rains. Keen to embrace the cold? Check out our comprehensive guide to Victoria's snow season.

Ah, food. Glorious, glorious food. There’s nothing more we’d rather travel around the country for. Almost every state, city and even town in Australia has its own foodie festival, bringing together the best chefs, farmers, producers and suppliers. Our Sydney Food & Drink Editor, Avril Treasure, raves about Orange F.O.O.D Week, our Melbourne Editor, Lauren Dinse, loves Pinot Palooza, and our Travel & News Editor, Melissa Woodley, dreams of experiencing Darwin International Laksa Festival. So, whether you’re a wine wanker, a seafood seeker, a beer buff or a truffle hunter, here are the best food and drink festivals in Australia worth travelling for. 🍽️ The best restaurants in Australia🎸 Australia's grooviest music and arts festival🍷 The best bars in Australia

If you’re seeking awe-inspiring natural surroundings and breathtaking hikes, the Grampians region is the place to be in Victoria. It’s known as one of the state’s best spots for a nature escape, with a majestic mountain range making for stunning sights. The spectacle of the beautiful natural attractions has plenty of substance, too – the Grampians is an area rich with history, as the home to one of the biggest collections of Indigenous rock art sites in southeastern Australia.  But did you know that the Grampians is also a thriving wine region? It hosts some of Victoria’s finest wineries, as well as some truly top-notch eateries. If you're planning a visit, the natural wonders are an obvious must-see – but you'd be remiss not to spend some time eating and drinking your way through the region's renowned local produce and cool-climate wines.  To help you plan your next weekend getaway, we've laid out the best things to see, do, eat and drink while you're here. And if you're looking for more Victorian escapes, check out our guide to the Mornington Peninsula, the High Country and the Great Ocean Road.  Can't get away for the weekend? No stress – here are the best things happening across Melbourne this week.

If your idea of a good time involves flying down mountains, powering through puddles and chasing that adrenaline rush, this guide’s for you. Australia is full of thrill-seeking adventures for mountain biking enthusiasts, ranging from the country’s longest off-road cycling trail in the west to one of the world’s top downhill runs in the south.  We’ve mapped out the best mountain biking trails in Australia, with options for every skill level – from biking beginners to seasoned pros. Just don’t forget to pump your tyres and strap on a helmet... safety first, legends! 🎾 The best sporting events in Australia🏃🏿‍♂️ All the best marathons in Australia🥾 Australia's best hikes and trails

When visiting a new city, it’s highly likely that, at some point, you’ll find yourself standing in front of a big and beautiful museum or gallery. Come rain, hail or shine, these brilliant buildings are the place to brush up on historical happenings and learn a thing or two about local heritage.  Inside Australia's best museums, you’ll find some of our country’s greatest treasures and a huge diversity of subject matters too, ranging from natural history and cultural artefacts to science marvels and sporting achievements. Don’t wait until the next rainy day to explore Australia’s best museums with this ultimate guide, curated by our very own local experts (including Travel & News Editor Melissa Woodley and Arts & Culture Editor Alannah Le Cross). 🖼️ The best art galleries to explore in Australia🎶 All the biggest musicals touring Australia right now👀 The coolest art exhibitions to see in Australia

Australia is packed with many incredible natural landmarks, gorgeous sightseeing spots and once-in-a-lifetime experiences. But with so much choice, it's hard knowing which ones live up to the hype. Our Travel and News Editor, Melissa Woodley, has drawn on her adventures across every state and territory to curate this list of Australia’s top tourist attractions, spanning from the east coast to the west.  While the Big Banana didn’t make the cut this time around, you’re sure to be amazed by these spectacular sights, including the world’s largest coral reef, the oldest continually surviving rainforest, and the best sunset-watching location on Earth. Start compiling your great Australian bucket list from these top attractions. 😱 The best places to visit in Australia right now🌈 All the most beautiful places to explore Down Under🌊 Australia's best beaches

Wondering what to do in Melbourne this May? We've got you sorted with this list of free things, art exhibitions, stage shows, festivals and more. Get up your calendar and start planning. It's a huge month on Melbourne's theatrical stages, with the opening of two much-anticipated productions in our city: thrilling musical Hadestown and Beetlejuice: the Musical. Plus, the exciting Les Misérables The Arena Spectacular will take over Rod Laver Arena for a 15-show run. And Jesus Christ Superstar continues its run at the Princess Theatre.  Yirramboi Festival returns with a stacked program of groundbreaking performances and events led by First Nations creatives. And if you've felt the force getting stronger, that could be because the mind-boggling Lego Star Wars: the Exhibition opens this month.  When in doubt, you can always rely on our catch-all lists of Melbourne's best bars, restaurants, museums, parks and galleries, or consult our bucket list of 100 things to do in Melbourne before you die.   Looking for more ways to fill up your calendar? Plan a trip around our beautiful state with our handy travel guides.   RECOMMENDED: What to do in Melbourne when it rains. 

The beloved Melbourne International Comedy Festival is well and truly in full swing, with more than 680 shows lighting up venues across the city. Phew, our abs are hurting already! With so many comedians to see and not enough time, we have sent out a batch of reviewers to dig deep and suss out the best of the fest this year. Whether it's a weird and wonderful show, a national treasure or a rising star, check out our reviews and see what tickles your fancy.  Want to review the show over a drink? Check out the best late-night bars in Melbourne.  

The arrival of autumn means Easter is around the corner, and so are the term one school holidays. In Victoria, kids get to have a break until from April 5 to April 21. So if you don't want bored children on your hands, you'll need a few ideas up your sleeve for how to keep them entertained. But fear not, we've put together a list of the best family friendly things to do, so you won't have stir-crazy kids running around the house. Looking for more things to do? Here’s what’s happening across Melbourne this week. 

Wondering what to do in Melbourne this April? We've got you covered with our list of events, festivals, exhibitions and more happening around town.  It's a laugh a minute in April, with the Melbourne International Comedy Festival keeping us entertained. It's your last chance to see the blockbuster exhibition Yayoi Kusama, and also NGV Friday Nights wraps up this month, so get your after-dark fix of art and tunes while you can. Or for a touch of retail therapy, the Makers and Shakers Market returns for one weekend featuring one-of-a-kind wares. Plus, an electrifying production of Jesus Christ Superstar is on at the Princess Theatre, and Beauty and the Beast will take its final bow this month. For a colourful day trip, frolic through fields of blooms at the Tesselaar KaBloom Festival. RECOMMENDED: The best places to see autumn leaves in Victoria.

Whack on something dazzling and dust off your dancing shoes as the much-loved NGV Friday Nights returns to warm Melburnians up this winter. The popular event returns for 18 weeks during the NGV International's latest winter masterpieces exhibition, French Impressionism.  The new exhibition showcases more than 100 works by some of the greatest impressionist artists of all time, such as Claude Monet, Pierre-Auguste Renoir, Camille Pissarro, Édouard Manet, Edgar Degas and more. French Impressionism will take visitors on a journey through the evolution of Impressionism and Post-Impressionism in late nineteenth-century France, experiencing firsthand the radical vision of avant-garde artists who challenged tradition to forge a new artistic path. From June 6 until October 3, you can take an after-dark journey through late nineteenth-century France, and exploring the evolution of this art form that was once considered radical and avant-garde. But in addition to the art, spend your Friday evening enjoying a night out at one of Melbourne's most beloved attractions. Grab a tipple from one of the multiple bars (including the Moët and Chandon Champagne Bar and the Yering Station Wine Bar), or enjoy a set winter menu at the NGV Garden Restaurant. The trendy tunes are another key drawcard of NGV Friday nights, with musicians performing in the Great Hall every night. There'll be live music performances spanning genres including jazz, contemporary classical, R&B, neo-soul and electronic, fro

While Melbourne has plenty of illuminated events across the city this chilly season, regional Victoria is also lighting up with glowing sights and cosy winter festivals. Bendigo is one of the many regional cities with an illuminated offering this winter, with a huge, immersive sound and light event taking over the town centre during the school holidays. Located in Rosalind Park, Electric Wonderland will return this year due to popular demand, with a brand new program and glowing installations, as well as all of the best bits from last year's event.   It will feature thousands of fairy lights, flowers that seemingly fall from the sky, a dazzling mirrorball laser alley, a pixelated sound and light show, and much more, making for a magical winter evening. Plus, there'll be a 40-metre-tall replica of Bendigo’s Sacred Heart Cathedral, completely covered in lights. To find out more and buy tickets, head to the website.  Looking for more glowing experiences? Here is where you can find magical winter lights in regional Victoria

Forget about needing to fly thousands of kilometres to the other side of the world to see Les Miserablés – an epic production of the iconic musical has landed right here in our city, providing the chance to experience the magic of a performance from the crème de la crème of London’s famed West End. Les Miserablés is celebrating its 40th anniversary with a mega arena-sized version of the beloved show, filling Melbourne’s Rod Laver Arena with soaring songs for a limited time.  For the uninitiated, Les Miserablés is a musical adaptation of an 1800s novel by Victor Hugo, which was picked up by prolific West End producer Sir Cameron Mackintosh in the 1980s to become the production audiences know and love today. Set in 19th century France, it follows the life of Jean Valjean (played by Alfie Boe and alternate Killian Donnelly), a man striving to build a new life after he’s freed from imprisonment, but who breaks his parole to escape the trappings of a cruel justice system.  An act of pure kindness from a caring bishop (Earl Carpenter) spurs Valjean to transform his life and become a reputable figure, striving to give back to those in need. But the shadow of his past follows him, and he’s constantly evading the pursuit of tyrannous inspector Javert (Michael Ball). Set against the backdrop of the French Revolution, the story dips into the lives of a series of characters he encounters, each facing the trials of love and survival. While this summary sounds serious, the story is sung th

Before you enter full hibernation mode ahead of the cooler months, commit to one last outdoor hurrah with the return of the Great Ocean Road Running Festival on May 17-18. Take in sweeping coastal views while enjoying this rare opportunity to traverse the famous winding road on foot.  It's also the running festival's 20th anniversary, and with more than 11,000 runners expected to take part, this year’s milestone event is set to be the most unforgettable yet. For the running purists amongst us, there are a number of events on offer, including the ultra (60 kilometres), full (44 kilometres) and half marathons (23 kilometres), along with shorter options for those who just want to jog or walk.  And if you've got little ones, encourage them to get up and about for the 1.5-kilometre Kids’ Gallop. If that still sounds a little too athletic, consider getting involved in the Kite Festival, the Pub to Pub Waiter’s Race (which involves carrying a tray of beer from the Apollo Bay Hotel to the Great Ocean Road Brewhouse and back), or check out the live music all weekend long in Apollo Bay. There are plenty of other events and races on offer, so for more information be sure to check out the website.  Looking for more things to do? Check out our round-up of the best things happening in Melbourne this week.

Join thousands of veterans, their descendants, and current serving personnel to pay respect to the ANZACs at the Shrine of Remembrance on ANZAC Day. The Dawn Service is a tradition that came out of the military practice of 'standing to' at dawn, a time when troops are vulnerable to attacks. Each year, the event draws thousands to the Shrine of Remembrance while millions more around the world follow the ceremony on television and radio.  This year, the Dawn Service will commence at 5.30am, followed by the ANZAC Day March at 9am. After the march concludes, a commemorative service will be held. All are welcome to attend, and no tickets or bookings are required. If you're unable to make it in person, the service and march will also be streamed live here. You can also commemorate from home by donating to the ANZAC Appeal to support the veteran community.  Looking to take part in more traditions? Here's where you can play two-up, a gambling game that is only legal on ANZAC Day.

Nestled in the foothills of surrounding mountain ranges, the Grampians Grape Escape is taking over the beloved regional town of Halls Gap with a weekend-long program of world-class wines, gourmet food and live music.  It all kicks off with a 'feel-good Friday' session before the festival fully opens on Saturday, a night celebrating local music talent from with a line-up of all homegrown bands like The Settlement and No Mistake. The weekend program will feature more than 90 exhibitors, including wineries, food trucks, creators and makers. There will be cooking demonstrations and masterclasses by guest chefs like MasterChef Australia favourites Dani Venn and Justine Schofield, plus a wine auction (with funds raised to be put back into the local community) and tastings from more than 30 local wineries and entertainment. If you're bringing the kiddos along, there will be plenty of activities to keep them going including rock climbing, herb and flower planting, and more. And you'll be able to shop up a storm with stalls showcasing everything from candles and jewellery to art and condiments. After the region was devastated by severe bushfires over summer, this event is the perfect way to support the local community and its small businesses to recover with a much-needed economic boost.  There are a variety of ticketing options available now (including single and multi-day passes), and you can find out more at the Grampians Grape Escape website.  Exploring the Grampians? Check out

Get your wands at the ready, because Melbourne is set to play host to the Australian premiere of Harry Potter: The Exhibition. This behind-the-scenes extravaganza will leave Potterheads spellbound, and features interactive recreations of famous film scenes, props and costumes from the Broadway production of Harry Potter and the Cursed Child, a multimedia experience featuring the Whomping Willow, dementors, the Marauder's Map and the chance to conjure a Patronus charm. Budding witches and wizards will be sorted into Hogwarts houses and earn points as they explore the exhibition – it could be through a potions class, predicting the future à la Professor Trelawney in Divination or defeating a boggart in Defence Against the Dark Arts. There will also be opportunities to practice spell casting and Quidditch skills, plus win golden snitch medallions to become a model student. Each experience comes with plenty of photo ops and, of course, magical interactive moments. There's even a recreation of the Great Hall for visitors to enjoy in all its splendour, complete with floating candles.  This official Harry Potter exhibition is part of a global tour, previously selling out in cities like Boston and Madrid. It will be apparating into Melbourne on April 4, with tickets on sale now. You can find out more about this enchanting experience via the website.  Looking for more family-friendly things to do? Here's our guide to the best activities for kids in Melbourne. 

Feast on borek, gozleme and Turkish delights this April when the Turkish Pazar festival returns to Queen Victoria Market. This year marks the 17th year the Pazar rolls into town to celebrate Turkey's rich culture.  The festival replicates the atmosphere of an authentic Turkish bazaar right in the middle of Melbourne, to celebrate the end of Ramadan. At the pazar you'll discover the vibrant tastes, colours and sounds of Turkey through food, music, arts and crafts and cultural displays. Numerous food stalls will entice taste buds - with delicious plates of gozleme and kebabs as well as sweet treats like Turkish Delight and like baklava, plus authentic Turkish coffee.  There'll be live acts and traditional entertainment, including The Australian Ottoman Marching Band performing on the second day. During the weekend you can also browse Turkish arts and handicrafts, plus learn more about Turkish culture from stallholders. There will even be ebru demonstrations – the art of paper marbling.  You can visit the Turkish Pazar at the Queen Victoria Markets on April 12 and 13 from 9am to 4pm. All ages are welcome and entry is free. Looking for more things to do in Melbourne? Here's our guide to what's on this week. 

Lovers of gyros, halloumi and the zorba, listen up. A huge one-day celebration of Greek culture is returning to the Preston Market in Melbourne's north, with a fun-filled, free event.  On Sunday, April 6, Greek Day will transform the market into a Hellenic paradise, with loads of specialty food, live music, dance entertainment, kids' activities and more. It's a day for celebrating cultural diversity, with a chance for everyone to come together and experience Greek culture in all its glory. Running from 10am to 3pm, the northside market will become a vibrant Greek party, with renowned Greek band Anagennisi and beloved singer Valia Gianiska taking to the stage. Plus, Manasis School of Greek Dance and Culture will put on energetic performances of traditional moves with authentic folk costumes.  Of course, don't forget the delicious Greek food on offer. Event attendees can expect a raft of exciting food and market pop-up stalls, including St. Gerry’s Greek Donuts for tasty loukoumades. Plus, to keep the little ones entertained, a variety of kids activities will be running from 11am to 1pm.  It's set to be a delightful day out and best of all, it's totally free to attend. Find out more on the website.  Can't get enough of Hellenic cuisine? Here are the best Greek restaurants in Melbourne. 

It felt like something was brewing at the 17th edition of Golden Plains festival. The event has always been well-loved, as the little sister to the ever increasingly popular Meredith, but this year the last-minute demand for tickets was intense and unprecedented. A concoction of factors – another major Victorian music festival suffering a shock cancellation, the masterfully programmed line-up with a mix of exciting new artists hitting their peak and musical greats, and probably an unwillingness to let go of another festival season when it seems local events are dwindling by the year – meant the hype felt like Golden Plains was the place to be for the Labour Day long weekend.  At the heart of this revered annual gathering is the music. Incredible music, and lots of it. Pretty much every act on the program is praised by someone as a highlight – such is the quality of the line-up, and the skillful programming that means there really is something for everyone.  On the first afternoon, Skeleten’s ethereal yet bouncy sounds drew dancers towards the ‘Sup (nicknamed after its full title, the Supernatural Amphitheatre), followed by beautifully sincere folk music from Bonny Light Horseman that felt like the first special moment of the festival. As the sun set, the legendary Sun Ra Arkestra lifted the energy to prime punters for the evening ahead.  The musical programming on the Friday night was a classic demonstration of the diversity of genres typically heard on the festival’s single

Melburnians know and love the Finders Keepers Market for creating the opportunity to shop from our city's most creative makers and designers – but this iteration of the biannual event is something fresh. As part of Melbourne Food and Wine Festival, the market is holding a special foodie edition, where you can shop everything from hot sauce and kombucha to cookies and locally brewed beer. More than 50 local, independent makers will come together at North Melbourne's Meat Market for the two-day pop-up event, in a celebration of the food community. The market is designed to promote thoughtful, intention buying as part of the slow food movement. The aim is that shoppers leave not only with some delicious new treats to take home, but with a feeling of connection to the people that carefully crafted them. You can find the full list of all the stallholders here.  But it's not just a shopping experience – there'll be a special market menu using ingredients from stallholders, tablescapes with pieces from vendors for hosting inspo, a food art gallery, a collaborative mindfulness mural and a gin masterclass from Molly Rose Brewing.  The Finders Keepers Food Market will run from 9am to 4pm on Saturday, March 22 and Sunday, March 23. Tickets are $7 and children under 13 can enter for free. Find out more about the event here.  Hungry for more foodie events? Melbourne Food and Wine Festival has stacks to satiate your appetite. 

CERES Community Environment Park is celebrating all things earthy at its Harvest Festival on Saturday, March 29. The Harvest Festival is jam-packed with events across the day, with plenty of activities for kids, including a scarecrow building competion. Plus, there'll be a range of entertainment such as live music from local musos and cultural performances. The festival will bring a taste of country living to the city and showcase some of the most loved local merchants and food stalls with a massive market, as well as the CERES Home Harvest Awards, which invites attendees to show off their cooking or gardening prowess. There'll also be farm tours and talks, so you can get to know this beloved community space on a deeper level.  Kids under 12 are free and there's tiered ticketing options, so you can pay for entry as you feel, ranging from $5-$30. Tickets are available online here.  Looking for more things to do in Melbourne? Check out what's on this week. 

While we will always be Melbourne's biggest advocates, we can understand that the hustle and bustle of a big city isn't for everyone. Sure, the allure of world-class restaurants and scintillating stage shows is undeniable, but there is also an appealing side to the slower life away from bright lights and traffic jams.  So when a quieter lifestyle calls, where are people choosing to live? Well, it turns out there has been a huge surge in city dwellers opting for Melbourne's smaller sibling, the regional town of Geelong. So much so that the Greater Geelong area has been reported as the top destination in Australia for regional migration from capital cities.  This intel comes from the latest edition of Regional Australia Institute’s quarterly Regional Movers Index (RMI), which in partnership with the Commonwealth Bank, used relocation data from its customer base of 14.3 million people to determine the stats.  The RMI began after a big trend in people moving away from capital cities emerged during the Covid-19 pandemic, with the average level of regional migration since then remaining consistently around 20.5 per cent higher than pre-pandemic times. Geelong was the most popular place in the country for people wanting a tree change during the 12 months to March 2025, seeing a 116 per cent increase in migration inflow from the same period the previous year.  Other top regions across the country were the Sunshine Coast in Queensland, Lake Macquarie in New South Wales, Moorabool in V

A chill has settled over Melbourne as winter has arrived, but we don't think that means doom and gloom. There are lots of things to enjoy about winter, like evenings in pubs with crackling fireplaces and getaways in cosy cabins. But one particularly beautiful thing about the colder months is the spectacular splashes that punctuate the ocean thanks to the annual whale migration. Keen to catch a sight of one of the ocean’s gentle giants? Read on. When is whale-watching season in Victoria? For Victorians, the prime whale watching season is roughly from May to October each year. Migrating from Antarctica, they pass by Victoria before heading up the east coast of Australia, returning a few months later. During their northbound migration, the whales travel closer to the coast, so it’s worth getting in early. What is the best time for whale watching in Victoria? Expert opinions on the best time to see whales in vary, with some claiming that whales are more active early in the morning, and others stating that you’re more likely to spot the breaching creatures between 11am and 3pm (though this might be more due to visibility, as these are the hours when the sun is directly overhead). Your best bet for prime viewing time is to check the forecast to know when the weather will be calm and the ocean waters flat.  Which month is the best for whale watching in Victoria? While theoretically you can spot migrating whales from May through to October, you’re most likely to catch sight of one du

If you saw a photo of this sprawling playground, you'd be forgiven for assuming it was actually an illustration from a fairytale book. But no, it's a real-life adventure wonderland that's opened in Melbourne's outer west, delighting families from near and far with a magical place for the young and young at heart to explore.  Hazelwood Park is a just-opened nature-inspired playground in Aintree, in the western suburbs. The massive park spans 8,000 square metres, and is located within Woodlea Estate. Among its many drawcards, it's been carefully designed to cater to all ages and abilities, making it a community space that's truly for everyone.  Photograph: Woodlea Estate The expansive, colourful park features everything a kid could want from a playground, with slides, climbing nets, elevated towers, seesaws, swings and a shaded billabong-inspired waterplay area.  It has been designed to blend in with the surrounding nature, as the playground is nestled among river red gum trees and sprawling wetlands, and hundreds of indigenous plants and wildflowers have been planted to attract local wildlife. The playground also incorporates sculptural elements inspired by native flora and fauna, like giant dragonflies and flowers. Plus, there are whimsical hidden features for kids to discover to inspire their imagination, like tiny magic fairy doors dotted around the park.  Photograph: Woodlea Estate The playground is totally inclusive, so everyone from the littlest of kids to grandparen

The huge moon face on St Kilda Esplanade, aka the entrance to the beloved Luna Park, is one of Melbourne's most iconic sights. It's been there since 1912, making the theme park the oldest in the country – so it makes sense that it's in need of some TLC.  Thankfully, the century-old site is set to get a glow-up with a $22 million upgrade. The restoration works will target the Luna Palace, a building inside the park that's been there from the beginning. Once upon a time, it hosted the Dodgem cars and the Penny Arcade. But after falling into disrepair, it was closed to the public for safety reasons.   Fortunately, the park is now undergoing heritage repairs to bring it back to life so that it can be enjoyed by visitors once again. The palace will even get an expansion, creating the capacity to host exciting events.  Luna Park's entrance towers will also benefit from a makeover to revitalise the facade, with a fresh coat of paint and revamped lighting.  The restoration works are already underway, with the park able to stay open throughout. The revamped Luna Palace is expected to be ready to open in November 2025.  To recognise the value of this heritage attraction, the state government has contributed $5 million in funding through the latest budget. Victorian minister for environment Steve Dimopoulos said Luna Park was an important part of Melbourne's history.  “With the help of this funding it can not only return to its former glory but grow and thrill new generations,’’ Dimopo

When it was announced that Victorians would have access to free camping, we were all for it. It was supposed to be a cost of living helping hand to get people into the great outdoors – what could go wrong? It turns out, a few things. After the change didn't go according to plan, the state government has announced camping will no longer be free of charge.  The state government brought in the switch to make campsites across Victoria fee-free at the beginning of December 2024. This included all sites managed by Parks Victoria, 131 campgrounds in total, many of them within beloved state and national parks like the Great Otway National Park, Wilson's Promontory National Park, and many more. Typically, to camp at one of the most popular Victorian camping spots like Tidal River, you'd pay around $40 per night.   The free camping was initially flagged as a temporary change, with an end date of June 30 this year, and now the state government has confirmed it won't be extended. Instead, it announced that campsites will be available at half-price until June 2027. Hey, we'll take it! Several news outlets have reported that the period of free campsites actually caused more harm than good for regional tourism, due to many people not showing up for reservations at fully-booked campgrounds. So here's hoping that this half-price change won't cause the same problems.  To manage the high-demand for cheap camping, bookings will be staggered by location, with the most popular campsites becoming

Among its many draw cards, (like world-class wineries and relaxing hot springs) our state is home to some world-class skiing spots. Whether you just want to see snow IRL or you're ready to learn how to take to the slopes like a pro, there are plenty of ways to enjoy the snow in Victoria this winter. We've compiled a comprehensive guide on what you should know if you're keen to plan a trip, including how to choose which mountain to visit and how to prepare. Tear up the slopes, go for a toboggan and, of course, enjoy aprés fun afterward.  When is the snow season in Victoria? If you’re a local, you’ll know that Victoria’s weather can sometimes be unpredictable. Although winter is from June to August, unfortunately, there’s no definite timeline for when our state's mountains have snow. In 2024, Victoria’s snow season is projected to kick off around June 7 (just in time for the King's Birthday long weekend). Typically, ski resorts open gradually throughout June each year, providing updates on exact dates via their respective websites. Victoria's resorts even have live ‘snow cam’ feeds online, so you can check the conditions for yourself. According to weather forecasters, snowfall in Australia is expected to peak for 2025 around the start of August. But snowfall is unpredictable, so hopefully it will be sooner, so you can hit the slopes.   Where can you see snow in Victoria? On our frostiest winter mornings, it can actually snow (small amounts) right across the state. But if you wa

Update – May 22, 2025: The location for the Melbourne edition of this event has been confirmed as Queens Park in Moonee Ponds.  Melburnians always get around illuminated attractions, from Lightscape to Puffing Billy's magical Train of Lights, our city is often glowing with enchanting sights. This year, a brand-new event will light up our city, with the magic arrival of the viral Water Lantern Festival this autumn. Inspired by traditional lantern festivals in China, Thailand and Vietnam, the Water Lantern Festival is a mesmerising celebration of love, hope and community. Since its debut in 2018, it has enchanted more than 1 million people in the USA, and this year it will embark on its first-ever Aussie tour, coming to Melbourne on May 30, 31 and June 1. The event was originally planned to be held at Albert Park Lake, but has since changed location to the picturesque Queens Park in Moonee Ponds.  Photograph: Supplied | Water Lantern Festival The family-friendly event will kick off at 2:30pm, with attendees encouraged to come down early and enjoy food trucks, music and fun ambience. Then, every ticket holder will receive a floating lantern, an LED light and a marker to personalise their lantern with messages of love, hope and dreams. As the sun sets, everyone will gently launch their lanterns onto the water, creating a sparkling sea of light. Sustainability is a top priority for the festival, with each lantern crafted from a rice paper cover and a wooden base. To further mini

It's no secret that whenever Melbourne makes it onto any global list, we love to shout it from the rooftops. Now, Melbourne has claimed another achievement that's truly worth celebrating, ranking in the top ten on a worldwide list of the best cities. You don't need to tell us that our city is among the best of the best – but it's lovely to be reminded.  The 2025 Global Cities Index assesses 1,000 of the largest cities worldwide in determining the rankings, and Melbourne was named sixth in the whole wide world. Our city jumped up from ninth place in 2024, proving that it continues to go from strength to strength.  To compile the rankings, researchers at Oxford Economics scored each city on 27 indicators across five categories, including Economics, Human Capital, Quality of Life, Environment and Governance. Cities were scored under each of these pillars, then the results were combined to reveal the world’s top-performing cities overall. Melbourne once again took the crown as the highest-ranking Australian city and overtook heavyweights like San Francisco, Los Angeles and Tokyo. The Victorian capital truly shone in the Human Capital category, where it ranked 12th globally – largely thanks to its high-quality universities and fast-growing economy that’s attracted many foreign workers. Melbourne also secured a spot in the top 20 cities for Economics, ranked in the top ten per cent for Environment and tied with Sydney as Australia’s highest-ranked city for Governance in 15th place.

If you're one of the rare Melburnians who hasn't visited the land of sushi and sake – now is your chance to change that. Jetstar has launched some crazy bargain airfares to Japan this week as part of a limited time sale, with one-way flights as cheap as $377. That's cheaper than a flight to Perth! If you've been tossing up whether it's finally time to make a trip to Tokyo, here's your sign to make it happen.  Jetstar’s Sashimi Rollin’ Sale runs from Monday, May 19 until Friday, May 23 at 11.59pm AEST (unless sold out prior). This sale is perfect if you haven't sorted your holiday plans for this year – the sale airfares available from October 6 to November 15, 2025.  Photograph: Melissa Woodley Melburnians can fly to Osaka for as little as $377, and to Tokyo for just $407. When you add in the return airfare, you're looking at a price tag starting from $729. For an overseas holiday to a destination that's as popular as Japan is right now, that's an absolute steal.  These flights will be snapped up pretty quick, so don't sleep on this chance to nab your ticket to a holiday filled with omakase and onsens. You can find out more about Jetstar’s Sashimi Rollin’ Sale here. Stay in the loop: sign up for our free Time Out Melbourne newsletter for the best of the city, straight to your inbox. RECOMMENDED:  Yes! All public transport is officially free for kids in Victoria from next year Construction has kicked off on Melbourne's Suburban Rail Loop, a massive new 90km rail line acr

Public transport is a contentious topic, especially in Melbourne. It's not unusual for the topic to spark a heated debate – just the mention of the Airport Rail Link will make any Melburnian's blood pressure rise. But now, the state government has made an announcement that we're sure everyone will agree is good news: public transport in Victoria is being made free for kids.  There's no caveat here – this change will apply to anyone under 18 across the whole state, on all forms of public transport. It'll come into effect on January 1, 2026 – which aligns with around the time that bank card payments will start being used on public transport, with new compatible Myki readers currently being installed around Melbourne.  The move was announced as a teaser for the latest state budget, which is set to be fully revealed on May 20. For it to become a long-term change, the Labour government will need to be reelected in the Victorian election later next year. It's an effort from the government to ease the pressure of the relentlessly rising cost of living for Victorian families, as it's estimated that public transport fares can cost around $1,000 a year per child.  A new youth Myki will be introduced as part of the changes, so that children can still tap on through ticket gates at train stations. The youth Myki will stay valid until the child turns 18. Young Victorians living in regional and rural areas where Mykis aren't used will also be able to use public transport for free.  Plus, V

There are plenty of reasons to smile about living in Melbourne right now – from world-class dining to exciting new stage productions. But in news that doesn't make us feel like smiling, apparently Melburnians are much unhappier than they were last year, according to the 2025 Happy City Index. It seems we need to turn our frowns upside down.  Now in its sixth year, the Happy City Index ranks 200 cities around the world using 82 indicators across six categories: governance, environment, economy, mobility, citizen wellbeing and health. These cities are then awarded gold, silver or bronze status based on their overall ranking.  In the last 12 months, Melbourne's happy city ranking has dropped drastically. And unfortunately, it wasn't that high to begin with. In 2024, Melbourne ranked 41st on the Happy City Index. Now, our city has dropped to equal 67th place on the list. Ouch.  The factors Melbourne ranked lowest for were economy and mobility (the efficiency and quality of public transport). But on the positive side, Melbourne still claimed a silver medal, and our city ranked as the third happiest in Australia. We fell behind Adelaide, which placed 29th, and Canberra which placed 51st on the global list. According to the index, Sydney is the 75th happiest city worldwide, and Brisbane is the 78th. So as far as Aussie cities go, Melbourne definitely isn't the saddest place to be.  So which cities across the whole wide world are the happiest? Copenhagen in Denmark was named as the t

If you never got over the R'n'B era of the early 2000s, now's your time to shine. The man who is arguably the king of the genre is coming to Melbourne for a run of arena shows – yes, the one and only Usher is gracing us with his presence. OMG!  As part of his Past Present Future world tour, Usher has announced 12 (!!!) Aussie shows in Melbourne and Sydney later this year. It's a long-awaited return Down Under for the 'Love in this Club' singer, who hasn't performed on our shores since his first solo headline tour, the OMG tour, in 2011. All we can say is, yeah! The tour is essentially a victory lap for the iconic artist, who is performing in celebration of his incredible 30-year career, singing all his hits like 'DJ Got Us Fallin' In Love', 'Burn' and heaps more. Currently touring around the world, Usher is already creating lots of hype among his fans, particularly with some viral clips of him feeding women in his audience cherries. Clearly, he's still got it. So if you've got it bad for the king of R'n'B, here's everything you need to know about Usher's Melbourne shows for the 2025 Past Present Future tour. When is Usher performing in Melbourne for his 2025 Australia tour? Usher will perform six (yes, really!) shows at Rod Laver Arena in 2025 on Wednesday, November 19; Thursday, November 20; Saturday, November 22; Sunday, November 23; Tuesday, November 25; and Wednesday, November 26. When do Usher Melbourne tickets go on sale? General sale kicks off on Friday, May 16 at 12pm