Adena Maier

You know what’s finally trending in 2025? Self-care. While a warm bubble bath or 15-minute face mask is a nice pick-me-up, nothing beats a full-on pamper session at the spa. And boy does Australia have some pretty phenomenal pamper palaces that’ll leave you glowing from head to toe. Whether you’re treating yourself to a five-star massage while on holiday or searching for a local bathhouse to add to your weekly routine, we think you should add these day spas to the top of your to-do list. Here are the best and most luxurious day spas in Australia right now. ⭐️ Australia's best health and wellness retreats🌳 Here are all the best things to do in Australia🖼️ Art exhibitions you need to see this year

Is there anything better than getting a parcel in the mail? Surprise presents are the best presents, and if they come by post, even better. Whether there’s a birthday on the horizon, you're in need of a Secret Santa gift or maybe you’ve noticed a friend has been feeling a little down, one of the below packages should do the trick. And hey, there’s no one saying you can’t send one to yourself, too!  Prefer IRL retail therapy? Pay a visit to Melbourne's best gift shops. Plus, these iconic Melbourne experiences make amazing presents.

If you're not familiar with the amazing concept of a cat café, it's basically a magical place where cat lovers can get their feline and caffeine fixes at the same time. There are very few joys in life greater than sipping a hot cuppa while petting a purring furball, so we've rounded up a couple of cafés in Melbourne to help you on your quest for a purrfect afternoon.  And if you thought it couldn't get any better than that, most of these spots have adopted their fleet of cats from a shelter or operate as shelters themselves. Fall in love with a particular furball? Take them home and let them be your fur-ever friend.  More of a dog person? Hit up one of Melbourne's pooch-friendly pubs. Looking to take care of a cute creature in need? Here's where you can adopt a pet in Melbourne.

Saturday sleep-ins are great, but nothing beats a weekend amble to the farmers market. A mandatory stop on almost any regional holiday, these outdoor marketplaces buzz with local producers selling the freshest flowers, most seasonal produce and tastiest street food.  You've undoubtedly heard of the big players (hello Queen Victoria Market and Adelaide Central Market), but there are plenty of smaller (and equally spectacular) markets waiting for you to explore. Our Travel & News Editor Melissa Woodley has ticked off almost every market on this guide to the best markets in Australia – from the big names to the charming regional treasures. Visit your locale or find a new favourite around Oz! 🚘 The most epic Australian road trips to do before you die🍔 The best food and drink festivals in Australia🎨 Australia's best art galleries

Can we tempt you with a smoked salmon and cucumber sandwich? How about a mini cupcake while a tea sommelier helps you choose from a list of 20-plus different varieties of tea? One of the best things about taking high tea is the undeniable feeling of old-world luxury – not to mention justifying a meal comprised mainly of cakes. Melbourne loves an afternoon tea, so we road-tested the best to find out where you should get your fresh scone fix. For more special occasion dining ideas, try one of Melbourne's best restaurants. Or for something a little more low key, how about breakfast at one of these excellent cafés? 

Australia’s charming climates and picturesque landscapes are a recipe for some of the world’s finest wines. You’ll find more than 100 grapes grown across our leading wine regions, which are concentrated in South Australia’s Barossa Valley and McLaren Vale, NSW’s Hunter Valley, Victoria’s Yarra Valley, Western Australia's Margaret River, and beyond. You could spend weeks jumping between cellar doors in each region, sipping fine wines all day long – but that’s probably not entirely sensible. Why not start with our 30 top picks, and take it from there? Whether you opt to journey as part of a group or embark on an impromptu self-guided tour, these are the wineries to uncork. 🍽️ The best restaurants in Australia🍹 Australia's top bars for a tipple☕️ Where to find the best coffee in Australia

Sydney: the city of blue skies, ocean swims, alfresco living and sun-soaked times in the great outdoors, right? Well, hold on a second. That may be the case for a majority of the year thanks to our sunny Aussie climate, but the Harbour City also gets its share of super-rainy (and unbearably sticky) days. Don’t want to spend all of your indoors-time hunkering down at home? We’re here to help. Take shelter in style with our guide to the most fun things to do in Sydney within four walls. Whether you're in search of a crafternoon, a cultural adventure, or a cocktail with a view, there's something for everyone on our list of fun venues and activities where you can stay warm (or cool) and dry, all year round. Stay in the loop: sign up for our free Time Out Sydney newsletter for more news, travel inspo and activity ideas, straight to your inbox.  RECOMMENDED:  On a budget? These are the best things to do in Sydney for $25 or less.And these are the best walks in the city if you're keen to get out there and explore. 

Whether you're a first-time visitor to Melbourne or have lived here all your life, there are some absolute must-do Melbourne bucket list items that just can't be missed. And yes, we may be slightly biased in saying that Melbourne might be the greatest city on Earth – but we have the stats to back us up, with Melbourne consistently ranked among the world's most livable cities.  Melbourne's food, drink, coffee, art, theatre and sport culture are among the best in the world, and we reckon you should try to experience every single one of them at least once before you die. So here is our ultimate bucket list: 100 amazing things to do in Melbourne right now, plus attractions, great restaurants, bars, fun festivals and everything in between. Enjoy, and thank us later. For a deeper look into two of our greatest pastimes – eating and drinking – browse our guides to Melbourne's best restaurants and best bars. Need somewhere to stay? Check out Melbourne's best Airbnbs, or Melbourne's best hotels.

It feels like 2025 just began, but somehow the Labour Day long weekend is around the corner. Whether you're looking to pack your weekend full of activities, hit up one of the many festivals or simply eager to find a quiet place to put your feet up for a bit, we've rounded up our top picks of the best things to do from March 8 to 10.  Looking to take your dog along for the ride? Here are some of our favourite dog-friendly getaways from Melbourne.

People bang on about the Northern Lights a lot, and who could blame them? The Aurora Borealis, a natural light display that happens in the Earth’s sky, is pretty spectacular. But you don’t have to head to Scandinavia to see this dramatic light display IRL. Australia has its own version, called the Aurora Australis or Southern Lights. OK then, what gives? Why aren’t the Southern Lights as popular as the Northern Lights? Well, it’s got a lot to do with land. In the north around the Arctic Circle, you’ll be able to see the Aurora Borealis from Greenland, Iceland, northern Canada, Norway and Russia. But due to the location of land down south, there are fewer places that reach down low enough to Antarctica to offer good Southern Lights viewing spots – it’s mostly just water. But if you’re not keen on stealing a ship and setting sail for the ocean past Tasmania, there are some less tricky viewing spots. Where can I see the Aurora Australis in Melbourne? Your best chance at witnessing the Aurora Australis is to be as far south as possible. Tasmania is the obvious choice, and you’ll want to aim for places away from city lights. Mount Wellington, Bruny Island, Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park, the Huon Valley, the Central Highlands and Tasmania’s South Arm all offer great horizon views down south. Photograph: seabirdnz/Flickr But it’s not all bad news for mainland dwellers: Victoria, southern New South Wales and the southernmost parts of South Australia and Western Austra

Since its inaugural celebration more than a century ago, International Women's Day has become an annual rallying point for women around the world to come together in solidarity. It's a day to celebrate the social, economic, cultural and political achievements of women, but also to recognise the challenges that women continue to face to this day.  This year, the theme is Accelerate Action – because, at the current rate, it will take until 2158 (which is roughly five generations from now) to reach full gender parity, according to data from the World Economic Forum. It is hugely important that swift action and decisive steps are taken now to achieve gender equality, and this theme calls for increased momentum to address the barriers and biases that face women in both their personal and professional worlds. To help you celebrate and support female-identifying persons in our community and worldwide, we've selected our pick of the best businesses to shop at, seminars to catch and events to attend. Looking to read empowering stories about women in Melbourne? Check out our chats with Flex Mami, Chantelle Otten and Kic founders Laura Henshaw and Steph Claire Smith.

The Asylum Seeker Resource Centre's (ASRC) Feast for Freedom is back from March 31 to April 30 this year.  Now in its seventh year, the Feast gives you the chance to cook a cuisine you mightn’t have experimented with before, and the excuse to host your loved ones for a meal all in the name of raising funds for the ASRC. Recipes for the Feast are generously gifted by refugees and local chefs. This year's Feast will feature recipes by Jane, a Malaysian-Tamil local who'll share her family's delicious Indian recipes and Lidys and Jose from Colombia, who together are bringing rich, vibrant Colombian flavours to Aussie tables.  The initiative also welcomes two exciting guests this year: chef Kishwar Chowdhury (who you might recognize from Masterchef Australia) and Kon Karapanagiotidis OAM, ASRC’s CEO and founder, who'll be respectively sprinkling some Bangladeshi and Greek recipes into the mix. We're ready to cook up a storm! You can register to host a feast via the website. The ASRC will email you a personal fundraising page and send you a hosting kit that includes all of the recipes and the stories of the chefs behind them. All that's left to do is plan your dishes, invite your guests and host your Feast for Freedom.  The funds raised will enable the ASRC to provide food, shelter, healthcare and other vital services to over 7,000 people seeking asylum every year. Since 2019, more than 4,500 people across Australia have hosted a Feast for Freedom raising over $2 million. Find

In America, the way you like your pizza says more about you than pretty much anything else. Thin crust or deep dish? Eaten flat, folded in half, with a knife and fork or dipped in sauce? And as this video demonstrates, it can be a very contentious topic. Thankfully, we're not in America, and at this spot on Brunswick Street, you can eat your 'za however you like, sans judgement.  Deep End is a family-run eatery by American-born chef Paul Kasten and his Melburnian wife Kate Paterson. It specialises in three of the most distinct types of American-style pizzas: New York-style thin crust, Detroit-style square crust and Chicago-style deep dish. Choose between classics like cheese or pepperoni, or opt for variations with toppings like clams, pine mushrooms, brussels sprouts and roast spinach.  To amp up the heat, get some chilli salt on the side – heat levels go from level two with jalapeño to level five with Carolina reaper, for those who relish the pain. And if you like to dip your pizza in sauce – don't knock it 'til you try it – you can get ramekins of ranch, blue cheese and pepperoni sauce.  While the pizzas here are the main drawcard, you can start your night with small plates like oven-roasted chicken wings, cheesy garlic focaccia or an iceberg wedge salad. Since the deep dish pizzas require a 30-minute bake time, they're the perfect way to whet your appetite while you wait.  Deep End also boasts a drinks menu loaded with local beers, wine and cocktails, so you have plenty o

While there are far easier places in Australia to grow wine than in the wild, windy eastern coast of Tasmania, ease doesn't often result in interesting wines. At Devil's Corner, the winemaking team prides itself on harnessing the challenging aspects of the landscape and bottling the resulting intense flavours.  The Apslawn winery and its cellar door is a frequent pitstop for travellers on their way to Cole's Bay and Freycinet, but if you're hankering for a trip, it's worth a visit in its own right. Journey down the Tasman Highway until you see the famous Cherry Tree Hill Lookout – a shipping container attached to a vertical observation post – set against sprawling vineyards, the Moulting Lagoon wetlands and the Hazards Range. RECOMMENDED READ: This award-winning Tasmanian winery has now launched a dreamy cellar door experience. The winery is home to Hazards Tasting Room, a top-notch space for immersive wine experiences and the Devil's Den, an underground cellar and space for masterclasses and functions. Long-term food partners The Fishers and Tombolo continue to offer up fresh local seafood and made-to-order wood-fired pizzas, but with new and improved kitchens and seating areas.  With winemaker Tom Wallace at the helm, the Hazards range and the Resolution range have both picked up a slew of awards. Taste your way through the ranges with either a self-guided tasting paddle for $25 per person or a premium hosted tasting at $30 per person. Or, you can choose to keep things simp

Australia's largest free festival is back this Labour Day weekend, and it's the perfect opportunity to make the most of Melbourne's still-warm March weather. From March 6 to 10, enjoy a jam-packed and mostly free program of family-friendly fun, including events like dance workshops, skate competitions, face painting and so much more.  Across the whole five epic days of festivities, stacked program of events will include the much-loved Moomba Parade; the hilarious Birdman Rally, where competitors hurtle themselves over the Yarra River in homemade flying devices; the Moomba Masters water sports competition; the Moomba Carnival; the Moomba Skate Park Program; and a variety of entertainers, performers, play zones, feature films and food and drinks experiences, plus so much more. There are more than 30 thrilling carnival rides this year, including one that launches riders 60 metres into the air. Plus, more than 60 performers and entertainers will keep the good vibes going all weeend. Top it all off with nightly fireworks across the Melbourne skyline and you've got yourself one helluva party.  To find out more, visit the Moomba website.  Planning out your weekend? Here's our guide to things to do over the Labour Day long weekend.

Australia’s second-ever Mövenpick Hotel has landed in the Melbourne CBD, and it comes with heaps of perks that will ensure your stay is chock-full of delights from start to finish. It’s conveniently located just across the street from Southern Cross Station, making it the perfect stay for those keen on exploring the city and beyond.  The main entryway is through the foyer of the striking 78-storey Premier Tower development, and the friendly staff will be at the ready to assist you with check-in. The concierge area opens up into a grand room featuring heaps of seating and the Mövenpick Café which serves a selection of decadent desserts. The lobby is also where guests can partake in the daily chocolate happy hour from 2pm to 3pm. Indulge in the chef's complimentry chocolate-themed creations, with a rotating selection of treats. For serious sweet tooths, you can elevate your experience with a dessert from the café. The menu is loaded with tantalising options including a molten-centred chocolate fondant, light-as-air soufflé or brownie ice cream sandwich. Yum! The hotel hallways and each room are dotted with works from local photographers like Steve Scalone and Sean Mcdonald, giving the space a vibrant and artsy feel. There's an understated elegance about the decor, with marbled black and white floors and countertops accentuated by vibrant pops of turquoise, orange and purple via throw pillows and couches. For those planning a staycation, be sure to book the suite: the bathroom

The chances are high that you saw heaps of videos of this fantastical games room splashed across your Instagram and TikTok feeds when it first opened. From the madcap minds of the Funlab team, which is behind mini-golf chain Holey Moley and late-night bowling spot Strike Bowling, this venue offers myriad 'challenge rooms' that are also a feast for the eyes.  Not familiar with the Hijinx? Well, let’s start by saying it’s not like your regular hotel. In fact, it’s not a hotel at all. More so, an extravagant, magical, and fully immersive experience where games and challenges rule supreme and fun is pretty much guaranteed. Oh, and there’s delicious food and ‘grammable cocktails, too. Upon entering, you and your fellow game players will step into what looks like a fabulous and quirky New York Hotel, complete with hilarious artworks, statement lighting and theatrical design (are the framed pictures real?!). There, you’ll adventure through a series of ten hotel rooms which house quick-play immersive games. Expect to find everything and anything in the nostalgia-inspired rooms from a ball pit to a massive piano and your favourite cartoon characters. The rooms are designed for between two and six players – so you can bring your mates or go with the family for a day out – and you’ll work together to complete and score points on a leaderboard. Though be warned: Hijinx Hotel will test and challenge your mind, sanity and quite frankly, your relationships. While we don’t want to give too

Curtin House is frankly ridiculous, brimming over as it is with a host of outstanding bars and club spaces. The Toff (formerly the Toff in Town) is one of the buzziest joints in the building. Climb the stairs and you'll find a private booth bar to the left (when we say private, we mean very private) and the excellent band and events space to the right.  This cosy little red-curtained room has hosted a wealth of talent, both from home and from far away. It's a decadent haunt and one that reeks of character in an already vibrant Melbourne scene. Get right up and sweaty at the foot of the stage or sit back and sample their menu of delicious snacks and the extensive range of drinks on offer.  On any given week there are plenty of gigs where you can get down on the d-floor, from live jazz every Tuesday night to DJs on Saturday nights – and often entry is free or pretty cheap.  Keen for a boogie? Here is a list of the best bars for dancing in Melbourne. 

The Bellarine Peninsula is chock-full of award-winning wineries, but after the closure of Corio Distillery in the 1980s, not a single distillery called this region home. This was remedied in 2015 when Bellarine Distillery was established and the Whiskery cellar door popped up on the former site of a chicken farm. Since then, all spirits have been produced on-site, and the space has been churning out a range of award-winning gins and single malt whiskies  The exterior landscaping has created a lush, fairytale beer garden complete with grassy picnic pods, and in the cooler months, there are blanket-filled baskets scattered about. The cellar door exudes a rustic farmhouse vibe, making for a warm, unpretentious atmosphere for sipping spirits. During winter, the best spot in the house is by the crackling fireplace where you can sink into large leather armchairs.  There are several cocktails on offer, including the refreshing Teddy Bears Picnic (made with Teddy and the Fox gin, ginger, strawberry, cucumber and lime), but you'd be remiss not to start with a gin tasting paddle. It's the best way to get to know this special range of gins, and if you're not so fond of neat spirits, try this special trick for tasting like a professional.  At the time of writing, the permanent range of gins consists of five offerings: the zesty, citrus-forward Teddy and the Fox; the Scotchmans Hill pinot noir barrel-aged Rosey and the Rabbits; the savoury and navy-strength Old Dodger; the sweet and choco

The Victorian Pride Centre is the first purpose-built centre for Australia's LGBTQIA+ communities. Located in St Kilda, the space was first supported by State Government in 2016, with construction completed in 2021. The building's design was the result of a competition and pays homage to St Kilda's architectural heritage, with a Moorish influence. When you visit, you'll notice the space is filled with cylindrical shapes and patterns reminiscent of a beehive, reminiscent of a behave and a reflection of how it's a hub of activity. Inside, you'll find everything from co-working spaces and a theatrette to the offices of major LGBTIQ+ resident organisations.  When you enter, you can choose to either approach the volunteer-run concierge desk for assistance or use a handy digital screen that's loaded with helpful information like a directory and event listings. As visitors make their way through the ground floor, they'll also be able to check out a rotating series of exhibitions, areas to lounge and work, café and the Hares and Hyenas bookstore.  There are bookable spaces throughout the centre, including a multipurpose theatrette with soundproofed cork ceilings, an activity room for Rainbow families, meeting rooms, co-working desks and more. Accessibility has also been a major consideration, and you'll find features like a wheelchair-accessible stage, desks with adjustable heights and elevators that allow plenty of time for passengers to board.  The most eye-catching design aspect o

We’re pretty lucky having a river running through our city – mostly because it means we get to do things like paddle a kayak along it and observe Melbourne’s skyline from an extra special vantage point. The crew at Kayak Melbourne specialises in guided kayak tours that take you along the Yarra River between Victoria Harbour and Melbourne Park. You can choose to soak up the sunshine with the afternoon City Sights Kayak Tour or you can explore our waterway by night with the Moonlight Kayak Tour. The nighttime tours include an on-water dining experience, and you'll be able to get some Instagram-worthy shots of our gorgeous city as the sun goes down.  There's even sunrise tour that includes a short yoga session to limber you up before you hit the water. The tours are an opportunity to see some of our city's beautiful landmarks, like the Bolte Bridge and Flinders Street Station, from a totally different perspective. The best part? Kayak Melbourne uses stable double kayaks that are easy to paddle, so you don't have to work up too much of a sweat.  To find out more and make a booking, visit the Kayak Melbourne website. Prefer to remain on dry land? These are the best parks in Melbourne.

After two Aussies set up an axe-throwing warehouse in St Peters in 2015, it quickly took off and sparked a chain of Maniax locations around Australia. Then the Marrickville location opened – the largest Maniax yet, catering to up to 350 wannabe Vikings at a time.  Step through the large roller door and you'll be transported to a Viking's paradise with an interior littered with antler chandeliers, furs and hides, crude weaponry and chalet-style fireplaces. They also serve up food and drinks to fuel your axe mania. When you're ready to bury the hatchet, Maniax's staff will guide you through safe axe-throwing practices before letting you hit the ground running. You can choose from private or group sessions, and those confident in their swing can take part in a tournament-style competition. And for those still not sold, you can try a one-hour 'quick chuck' session to give it a whirl before committing to a longer session. Walk-ins are welcome. Stay in the loop: sign up for our free Time Out Sydney newsletter for more news, things to do in Sydney, travel inspo, food and more, straight to your inbox.  Looking for more to do in the city? We've got the low-down on the best things happening in Sydney this week.

Since opening in 2016, the QT Melbourne has made quite a splash in the city. It can be hard to secure a booking at one of its 188 rooms – so if you've got your heard set on staying, make sure to organise in advance. The building has a grand entrance – all soaring ceilings, wood panels and marble. There's even a giant colour-coordinated bookshelf that needs to be seen to be believed. You'll find a large selection of mostly digital art flickering throughout the hotel, and the rooms boast an edgy-meets-industrial vibe, with slick designer finishes. You can expect timber floorboards, glamorous en suites, pops of colour and QT's signature “please-don’t-make-me-get-up-I-don’t-want-to-get-up” gel-topped beds.  Book into a suite and you could find yourself in a freestanding bathtub, set on an enclosed pavilion overlooking one of Melbourne’s hipper rooftop bars. As far as people watching goes, it’s an extreme experience. This being a posh joint, you’ll find high spec designer tech, free Wi-Fi and fresh new release movies, with valet parking, 24-hour room service and an on-site gym being the cherries on top of this fashionable Melbourne sundae. The Rooftop at QT has also recently undergone a major transformation, entering a bold new era. The fresh Mediterranean-inspired menu has been designed to be shared with friends, while the refreshed cocktail offerings balance elements of nostalgia and bold ingredients. As for the vibes, be prepared for a mix of boogie, soul and vintage disco with

Strap on your lederhosen and practise your best danke schön because Melbourne’s fave and original German restaurant Hofbrauhaus has announced the return of Oktoberfest for its 56th year. From September 21 to October 26, join the beloved beer hall for a vibrant celebration featuring traditional Oktoberfest fare, imported German premium bier and an electric atmosphere of live music and exciting competitions.  Drinking authentic German beer is a must at Oktoberfest, and there are 16-plus varieties to choose from. Of course, you’ll also be spoiled for choice with plenty of delectable German dishes like schnitzel and bratwurst to soak up all the bevvies. Head to Hofbrauhaus on Thursday and Friday nights from 6.30pm to celebrate Oktoberfest with your co-workers, or swing by on Saturdays from 12.30pm for a day party that can easily turn into an all-nighter. For families wanting to join in on the Oktoberfest fun, Sundays from 6pm is the best option for a more chill atmosphere.  Throughout the Oktoberfest period, patrons can test their strength in stein-holding competitions, with winners scoring free beer for a whole year. Plus, if you’re celebrating a birthday in September or October, book a function package with a minimum of four guests and you can enjoy a complimentary stein of bier and a round of schnaps for your table. If letting loose to German tunes tickles your fancy, make sure to book a table on Friday and Saturday nights for a special performance from an Oktoberfest band. Da

If you've already done your fair share of cross-country road trips, perhaps it's time to take to the water and experience Australia from an entirely new vantage point: the Murray River. It's been a long time coming, but the first ever luxury river cruise will officially debut later this year, departing from regional Victoria.  The winding 2,508-kilometre river will soon be home to a luxury 20-cabin vessel offering sightseeing cruises for 38 passengers at a time. The cruises will set off from the Port of Echuca, which was once Australia’s largest inland port and now is home to the world’s largest collection of paddlesteamers.  Currently in the final stages of construction, the PS Australian Star will stretch 35 metres, with a design that fuses heritage charm with contemporary luxury. And besides being Australia's first five-star river cruise experience, it'll also be the largest paddlesteamer in the Southern Hemisphere and the only wood-fired, five-star accommodated paddlesteamer in the world.  The paddlesteamer will be powered by a 9.5-tonne, refurbished wood-fired steam engine that's more than 100 years old, made back in 1907 by Richard Garrett & Sons.   "Australians love cruising, and they love the Murray River – but they want comfort and facilities akin to those on European rivers," says Craig Burgess, the Murray River Paddlesteamers director.  The 20 cabins will be a mix of both queen and king suites and queen and twin bed cabins, and all accommodations will open up to a

If you're an avid stargazer, we've got some exciting news for you. One of the best annual meteor showers will light up our skies very soon and it's looking like it'll be quite a magical display. The Geminids meteor shower is one of the final celestial spectacles for the year, and it's one worth seeing.  What is the Geminid meteor shower? While most meteor showers are the result of a comet, the Geminids come from debris shed by 3,200 Phaethon, a five-kilometre-wide asteroid that discards matter as it moves past Earth in space.  It first appeared in the mid-1800s, but it wasn't considered particularly notable at the time, offering just ten to 20 meteors per hour at its peak. The Geminids have grown considerably in scale across the centuries, today offering upwards of 150 meteors per hour in perfect conditions. This particular starry display is considered one of the best and most reliable annual meteor showers, according to NASA. When is the best time to see the Geminid meteor shower in Melbourne? This year, the Geminids will be gracing our skies from December 4 to 20. However, mark your calendars for December 14 – that’s when the meteor shower is set to peak in Melbourne. Up to 150 meteors will streak across the sky every hour, and the prime viewing window will be in the hours just before dawn.  How to see the Geminid meteor shower in Melbourne? Meteor visibility varies based on factors like moonlight and weather, and with the moon shining brightly over the weekend of Decemb

Calling all Sydney stargazers: the biggest meteor shower of the year will be lighting up the sky on the night of Saturday, December 14 and the morning of Saturday, December 15, with 150 meteors shooting above us when the meteor shower is at its peak. The Geminids meteor shower is one of the final celestial spectacles for the year and it's one worth seeing. Sydney is home to some pretty spectacular stargazing spots, but if you want to get the most out of the Geminids – get to the Blue Mountains to watch it with an astronomer by your side.While most meteor showers are the result of a comet, the Geminids come from debris shed by 3,200 Phaethon, a five-kilometre-wide asteroid that discards matter as it moves past Earth in space. It first appeared in the mid-1800s, but it wasn't considered particularly notable at the time, offering just ten to 20 meteors per hour at its peak. The Geminids have grown considerably in scale across the centuries, today offering upwards of 120 meteors per hour in perfect conditions. This particular starry display is considered one of the best and most reliable annual meteor showers, according to NASA.  This year, the Geminids will be visible in Sydney from around December 4 until December 20, with a peak set to occur on the night of December 14 to the morning of December 15. The visibility of the meteors can vary based on moonlight and weather, and since the moon will be relatively bright on the weekend of December 14, we’re not looking at prime condit

Grammy Award-winning electronic group Rüfüs Du Sol has come a long way since forming in Sydney more than a decade ago. Over the years, the trio has experimented with almost every sound texture imaginable, amassing a huge global following along the way. From the light and ethereal Atlas (2013), the house-inflected and synth-y Bloom (2016), the darker and more melodic Solace (2018) and the hypnotic and trancey Surrender (2021), it's easy to see how the group's diverse influences have propelled them from Australia to the world stage.  Now, Rüfüs Du Sol is returning Down Under to celebrate the release of its fifth studio album Inhale / Exhale, with several immersive shows planned across Australia in 2025. Here’s everything you need to know about getting tickets. When and where is Rüfus Du Sol playing on its Australia tour in 2025? Rüfus Du Sol is sharing the love with five concerts in the group's homeland, including: Perth’s RAC Arena on November 7 Adelaide Entertainment Centre on November 11 Melbourne’s Rod Laver Arena on November 13 Sydney’s Qudos Bank Arena on November 20 Brisbane Entertainment Centre on November 25 When do Rüfus Du Sol tickets go on sale in Australia? The battle for tickets officially begins at 10am local time on Thursday, October 24 via this link. Is there a Rüfus Du Sol presale? Isn’t there always? Mastercard cardholders will have access to a special Aussie presale, kicking off at 10am local time on Tuesday, October 22. How much are tickets to Rüfus Du So

For the past few years, Zoë Foster Blake's cult skincare brand Go-To has collaborated with Four Pillars to create a limited-edition peachy gin. And in a surprise to absolutely no one, getting your hands on a bottle has been pretty damn hard. Well, if you've missed out in the past, we've got good news: it's back just in time for G&T season.  The 2023 version of 'My New Go-To Gin' is peachier and fancier than ever, and features flavours of yuzu, lime, coriander seeds and lemon myrtle. And to add that extra zing, it has been infused with quandong, a native peach from Western Australia. Yum! It's the perfect base for everything from a classic G&T to a bubbly Bellini or a tart Peach Bramble.  Keen to sip on peachy beverages all summer long? The gin will be available from the Four Pillars website from November 22 – but hurry, we have a feeling it's not going to stick around for long. It will retail at $85 for a 700mL bottle and there is a limit of three per purchase.  RECOMMENDED: The world's best cities have been revealed and we think Melbourne should have been higher This is the annual income you need to be happy in Australia, a new study claims Melbourne has been declared the third most mispronounced place in Australia  

If you’re a stargazing fan and find the majesty of shooting stars amazing, prepare to have your mind blown by the annual Lyrid meteor shower – which should be visible above Sydney next month. Every April, a torrent of meteors whizz through the sky and burn up in the atmosphere to create beautiful, sparkling flashes of light. The celestial event, which is visible across skies worldwide, is expected to take place this year from April 14 to 30, and will reach its peak on April 22 and 23.  The fireballs are created by debris from the comet Thatcher. The Lyrids are actually one of the oldest recorded meteor showers, with some historical Chinese texts mentioning the shower more than 2,500 years ago. At their most active, you can expect to see around 20 shooting stars per hour. But even outside those key hours, you're likely to see the occasional flash of light or cluster of shooting stars. This year, the meteors are expected to be peak around 1am AEST on April 23, so bundle up for a late night of stargazing. This interactive map can tell you exactly where to look. The best part? You don’t need any special equipment or astronomical skills to view this meteor shower – just make sure to give your eyes enough time to adjust to the darkness. Keep in mind that Lyrid meteors are relatively fast, but on the plus side they are surprisingly bright. If you need to scope out a good viewing point, head to one of these stargazing spots across Sydney.   Happy star spotting! Stay in the loop: sig

With the current state of Sydney's real estate market, playing a round of Monopoly is probably also the only chance most of us have at owning any property. But instead of dwelling on that, pack your bags and book your trip to Melbourne because a $20 million, 1650-square-metre Monopoly-themed indoor park has just opened in the southern state. After much anticipation, the $20-million dollar, 1650-square-metre indoor park is officially open at Melbourne Central, with tickets on sale now.  It's only the second of its kind in the world, and it's twice the size of the original location that landed in Hong Kong back in 2019. After passing go at the entrance, visitors will get to explore two distinct areas: Monopoly City and Monopoly Mansion.  Across the two zones, which are inspired by Melbourne and feature trams and street art, there will be a total of 15 attractions including a 4D theatre and a chance wheel. Punters can win Monopoly money that can then be spent at the park's café or retail store.  General admission tickets start at $38.50.  RECOMMENDED: While you're travelling, head to the NT for this amazing Red Centre Light Trail

Does talking about Monopoly simultaneously elicit feelings of rage while also bringing back fond childhood memories? If so, you're not alone. The bestselling board game critiquing the follies of capitalism has been the main character at countless family game nights over the years – and we'd wager at least half of those sessions have ended with a table being flipped over in a fit of rage.  With the current state of the real estate market, playing a round of Monopoly is probably also the only chance most of us have at owning any property. But instead of dwelling on that, focus on the good news: a $20-million dollar, 1650-square-metre Monopoly-themed indoor park is opening in Melbourne Central on November 15, 2023.  Photograph: Supplied It's only the second of its kind in the world, and it'll be twice the size of the original location that landed in Hong Kong back in 2019. After passing go at the entrance, visitors will get to explore two distinct areas: Monopoly City and Monopoly Mansion.  “The keys to Monopoly City and Mr. Monopoly’s Mansion are due for handover in September 2023," said Mark Connolly, general manager of Monopoly Dreams Melbourne. "We are excited to be able to officially give Aussies an opening day for the most anticipated attraction of 2023." Across the two zones, which are inspired by Melbourne and feature trams and street art, there will be a total of 15 attractions including a 4D theatre and a chance wheel. Punters can win Monopoly money that can then be

「モノポリー」と聞くと、子どもの頃の懐かしい思い出がよみがえると同時に、怒りの感情が湧き上がってくることはないだろうか？　もしそうだったとしても大丈夫、あなただけではない。 資本主義の愚行を批評するこのボードゲームのベストセラーは、何年にもわたり数え切れないほどプレーされてきた。そのうちの少なくとも半分は、きっと怒りに任せてボードがひっくり返されて終わっているに違いない。 多くの大都市の不動産市場の現状を思うと、ほとんどの人にとって不動産を「所有」できる唯一の機会は、モノポリーで遊ぶ時となっているのが悲しいところではある。しかし、それであればむしろオーストラリアのメルボルンへ行き、思いっ切りモノポリーで遊んでみるのはどうだろうか。 2023年9月、メルボルン・セントラルにモノポリーをテーマにした広大な屋内パーク「Monopoly Dreams」がオープンするのだ。 同テーマパークは2019年に香港で初めてオープン。メルボルンのパークは世界2カ所目で、香港の2倍の広さになる。エントランスを通過した後、来場者は「Monopoly City」と「Mr. Monopoly’s Mansion」という2つの異なるゾーンの探検が楽しめる。 メルボルンをイメージした路面電車やストリートアートが描かれた各ゾーンでは、4Dシアターやチャンスホイールを含む合計15のアトラクションが設置される。獲得した「モノポリーマネー」は施設内のカフェや売店で使うことができるという。 「これらの2つのゾーンへの鍵は、9月に引き渡されます。2023年に最も待ち望まれていたアトラクションのオープンを、正式にオーストラリアの皆さまへお知らせできることに興奮しています」と、Monopoly Dreams Melbourneのジェネラルマネジャー、マーク・コノリーは述べている。Monopoly Dreamsのオープンは、9月1日（金）で、チケットは30AUドル（約2,875円）からとなっている。 関連記事 『A $20 million Monopoly theme park is coming to Australia（原文）』 『メルボルン、2031年までにシドニーを抜き豪で人口が最大に』 『世界で最も過小評価されている14の旅行先』 『ファッションのテーマパーク「木更津コンセプトストア」でしかできない5のこと』 『東京、ベストテーマパーク4選』 『2023年に行くべき新施設とイベント10選』 東京の最新情報をタイムアウト東京のメールマガジンでチェックしよう。登録はこちら  

The House of Mouses's famous family-friendly cruises have been setting sail across the globe for decades now, and they're finally slated for a run in Australia.  The first season of Disney Magic at Sea (which sets sail this October) was so popular that Disney Cruise Line has now announced a new season of cruises departing Australia and New Zealand in 2024 and through to 2025. You'll be able to embark on two to seven-day cruises filled with Disney magic, and hang out with characters like Captain Mickey Mouse, Captain Minnie Mouse, Goofy and Pluto, as well as characters from the Star Wars and Marvel universes. As you'd expect with Disney, there will be plenty of entertainment, including musical performances and original theatrical shows. Of course, there will be plenty for small Disney fans, with the Disney Oceaneer Club taking small sailors on a Frozen-themed adventure. Kids can also play in a multi-level replica of Andy's room from Toy Story or learn to save the world at the Marvel Super Hero Academy. And while the kids are busy, adults can relax in the adults-only Quiet Cove pool, get pampered at the Senses Spa and Salon or enjoy fine dining (and adult conversation) at Palo restaurant.  The first of these magical cruises will set sail from Sydney Harbour on October 28, 2023. Bookings are now open for the 2024-25 season, which will visit ports in Noumea, Hobart and Eden. We recommend getting in quick, considering how far in advance the first season sold.  For more info or t

Sydney. If getting starstruck by celestial happenings is your thing, prepare to have your mind blown by the annual Lyrid meteor shower that’s coming at us in April 2023. In April every year, a torrent of blazing meteors whiz across the sky and burn in the atmosphere, creating otherworldly flashes of light. This annual shower will be visible across the world from April 16 to 25, 2023, and will be at its peak for Australian (and Sydney-residing) stargazers from April 22 to 23.  The Lyrids are one of the oldest recorded meteor showers in human history, with some historical Chinese texts mentioning their existence more than 2,500 years ago. The fireballs you see in this shower are created by debris from the Comet Thatcher, and at their most active, you’ll see up to 20 shooting stars per hour. But, even if you’re looking up outside of peak time, it’s highly likely you’ll see the occasional flash of light illuminating the sky.  Sadly for all us Southern Hemisphere dwellers, the Lyrid shower will not be as radiant and intense as it is for our Northern Hemisphere brethren. This being said, we’ll still get a pretty good look at it all (weather conditions dependent) after midnight on April 22, or a few hours before sunrise on April 23. You’ll get the best vantage point if you turn your feet towards the northern part of our sky, and look 45 degrees above the horizon. If you’re lost, this interactive map can tell you exactly where to look.  The best part about the Lyrids? You don’t need

Last year, we reported on how Melbourne Airport was crowned Australia's worst airport for delays and cancellations. We don't want to point any fingers at which airlines may be behind that unsavoury title, but we will say this: research conducted by S Money has found that Jetstar Airways is Australia's most hated airline. Not surprised? Neither are we.  Although Jetstar does offer some ridiculously good deals, lost and damaged luggage is a common theme for Jetstar customers, which is a bummer because who doesn't want to travel with their stuff intact?  So how was the research conducted? S Money unpacked thousands of Tweets that had tagged airline handles and analysed the volume of posts with negative and positive sentiment for each airline. The airlines with the most negative Tweet scores were determined to be the ‘Most Hated’, and vice versa. Because, of course, when travel turmoil arises, people turn to social media to grumble. Tweets tagging Jetstar were 67.5 per cent negative. Qantas better hold onto their tray tables, too, because the study results will also shake them up – their detours and cancellations have left a lot of people with some serious travel headaches, and a lot of people regard Qantas as greedy. They ended up with a 60 per cent negativity rating.  Virgin Australia came out as the third most common airline to peeve Aussies off (with a 50.7 per cent negativity score). But, considering Jetstar, Qantas and Virgin are the three most commonly flown airlines Down