Royal Botanic Gardens Victoria

It's officially that time of year again when the Moonlight Cinema returns to Melbourne for the summer. There's just something special about snuggling into a bean bag and catching a film under the stars in the Royal Botanic Gardens – with an ice cream or wine in hand, of course.  Australia's favourite outdoor cinema has dropped its summer screening schedule, with blockbusters, nostalgic favourites and comedies on the program. Highlights include Gladiator II, The Substance, Better Man, A Complete Unknown and Wicked (and yes, there's even a sing-along session). Starting from February 11 to coincide with Valentine's Day, there will be a string of romcoms that are guaranteed to warm your heart. Grab your beloved or your bestie and catch everything from classics like Notting Hill and The Notebook to new releases We Live in Time and Bridget Jones: Mad About the Boy.  Those looking to splurge can opt for either the Platinum Experience, which includes a deluxe double bean bed (including a blanket you can take home!) for two with waiter service or the Singapore Airlines Gold Grass, with a prime position in front of the screen and an exclusive menu of delicious treats. The Official Aperol Spritz Bar is also returning, so you can sip on that iconic orange cocktail all summer long. Screenings kick off at sundown and even your pooch is welcome. Tickets are now available via the website. Want more fun in the sun? Here are the best things to do in Melbourne this December.

They say you should never speak 'Macbeth' while in a theatre, lest you invite tragedy. The cast of the Australian Shakespeare Company's latest foray into the Scottish Play need not worry about that particular superstition, however, as they will be performing William Shakespeare's Macbeth outside in the Royal Botanic Gardens this summer. From January 31 until February 28, Melburnians are invited into the gardens to see the Shakespearean tragedy unfold among the trees. Steeped in witchcraft, murder and the lust for power, Macbeth has become something of a timeless, cautionary tale for those who would blindly and ruthlessly chase ambition.   The Australian Shakespeare Company's production stars Hugh Sexton as Macbeth and Nicole Nabout as the real power behind the throne, Lady Macbeth. Macbeth is being held at night on the Royal Botanic Gardens' Southern Cross Lawn, to take advantage of the balmy summer evenings.  In the words of Australian Shakespeare Company artistic director Glenn Elston, Macbeth’s “themes of power, politics, and corruption remain as prevalent today as they did 400 years ago”. The play runs for an hour and 50 minutes, including an intermission. You’re encouraged to make yourself comfortable by bringing blankets, cushions, beanbags or camping chairs. Limited chair hire is also available for $5, while A reserve tickets come with pre-allocated low-rise chairs. Find out more and get tickets over at the Australian Shakespeare Company website. After more...

We can picture it now – the sun is shining, we’ve got a bev in hand, and we’re at the glorious Royal Botanic Gardens ready to enjoy some live music. It’s an idyllic daydream, but it’s one that could soon become a reality. All you have to do is snap up tickets. Live at the Gardens is a brand new gig series popping up in Melbourne, where the lush, expansive lawns of the Royal Botanic Gardens hosts up to 5,000 people for an eclectic mix of musical acts. The first round of concerts kicked off across two weekends in November and now a new set of gigs has been announced for March. On Sunday, March 9 English electronic legends Groove Armada will play a high-energy DJ set, with special guests still to be announced. The next weekend on Saturday, March 15, five-piece pop outfit Lake Street Dive will take over the gardens, with support from Playlunch and Batts.  For more info and to grab your tickets before they sell out, mosey on over here. Craving more music? Get your fix with the best gigs happening in Melbourne this month.