Leah Glynn

We Aussies are a lucky bunch. You only need to drive an hour or so from any major Australian city to wind up in some of the most beautiful places on earth. However, with so many of the best day trips in Australia, picking which road to venture down can be quite a challenge. To make life easier, our Travel & News Editor, Melissa Woodley, has cherry-picked a selection of the best day trips from Australia's capital cities – many of which she's tried, tested and would happily do all over again (if only there were more days in the year). From heritage-listed towns and coastal hangouts to mountain escapes, Australia has something for every explorer. Now, all that’s left for you to do is to load the car and hit the open road. Editors' favourite day trips in Australia: 🌊 Best West Coast day trip: Perth to Rottnest Island 🌳 Best East Coast day trip: Sydney to Blue Mountains ☀️ Best Top End day trip: Darwin to Litchfield National Park JUMP TO: Sydney | Melbourne | Adelaide | Perth | Brisbane | Canberra | Hobart | Darwin  🚘 The best road trips in Australia🌳 The best regional towns you can tick off in a day

It's the weekend, baby! You made it! To celebrate, we've gathered all the hottest festivals, shows, exhibitions and openings in one place – you're welcome.   It's Anzac Day this Saturday, but unfortunately we Victorians don't get a public holiday this year. You can still commemorate the day by heading to a local pub or RSL for a game of two-up – we've rounded up where you can play here. The Australian Sand Sculpting Championships will wrap up on the weekend, so it's your last chance to enter a world where fairytale castles, dragons and other mythical creatures rise from the sand. If you're in the mood to snag a secondhand gem, the Revamp Market is popping up again at Prahran Market on Friday and Sunday. In addition to a bunch of stalls selling vintage and pre-loved treasures, there'll be DJs, food trucks and a bar. Feel like going for a drive down to the Mornington Peninsula? The Sorrento Writers Festival is on, and more than 200 authors, journalists, academics, playwrights and big thinkers are coming together to celebrate the magical powers of storytelling and critical thinking. And remember, 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 the best things to do in Melbourne before you die.   Stay in the loop: sign up for our free Time Out Melbourne newsletter for the best of the city, straight to your inbox. The fun doesn't stop on Monday! These are the best things to do in Melbour

Social calendar looking a bit empty? Don't worry, we've got you. There's always something happening in Melbourne, and this week is no different – so let's dive right in!   A magical light and sound show is taking over the Immigration Museum, with the opening of Eonarium Enlightenment. Set to Vivaldi’s Four Seasons’ violin concertos, it features sweeping 360-degree light projections in a kaleidoscope of colours. There is heaps to see at Melbourne's galleries, including The Offbeat Sari at Bunjil Place, which explores how the 5,000-year-old sari is being reimagined today via streetwear and couture; and Rebel Heart: Love Letters and Other Declarations at the State Library, a free exhibition that weaves a tapestry of passion, heartbreak and devotion.  And there's only one week left to catch Diva at the Australian Museum of Performing Arts. Showcasing some of pop culture’s most unforgettable looks – including outfits worn by Lady Gaga, Rihanna, Kylie Minogue and more – it goes behind the sequins to reveal the cultural power of some of the world’s most captivating performers. Plus, Heathers the Musical has opened, and our reviewer gave it four stars, calling it a "delightfully diabolical stage adaptation" that is "sparkly and silly in equal measure". It's on now at Arts Centre Melbourne. When in doubt though, 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 the best things to do in Melbour

There’s no denying that camping is a glorious way to get out into nature, but – let's face it – the traditional tent-pitching method isn't for everyone. If the idea of lugging a heap of camping gear into the wilderness sounds like the opposite of a fun time to you, then glamping is definitely the answer. Thankfully, Victoria is home to a wonderful line-up of glamping spots offering spacious, comfortable and (importantly) already set-up tents for outdoor-loving comfort seekers to hire out.  Amenities can vary from site to site, but glamping tents often feature everything from proper beds and gourmet hampers to air-con and fully functional plumbing systems. To help you on your glamping adventures, our team of local editors (including Melbourne Editor Leah Glynn) have journeyed into nature to try and test the best high-end alfresco getaways in the state. Whether your ideal outdoor getaway involves exploring gorgeous gardens, waking up to ocean views or even glamping at a zoo, there's something for everyone on this list of the best glamping sites in Victoria. Stay in the loop: sign up for our free Time Out Melbourne newsletter for the best of the city, straight to your inbox. Staying in the city? These are the best hotels in Melbourne

When you think ‘safari’, what springs to mind? Red-dusty plains, sweltering heat, exotic animals and perhaps a roofless Jeep. As it turns out, there’s a little more to the word than meets the eye. In Swahili, a language spoken widely across East Africa, safari means ‘expedition’ or ‘journey’ – and plenty of those are waiting for you Down Under. Australia's best safaris feature a range of adventures, from classic animal encounters to snorkelling, sandboarding and swimming with whales. For the adrenaline junkies, we’ve tracked down all the coolest ones that you have to add to your bucket list. Now, what to tick off first? Editor's favourite safaris in Australia: 🦒 Best wildlife safari: Werribee Open Range Zoo Sunset Safari 🐋 Best water safari: Ningaloo Discovery Whale Shark Swim ⭐️ Best overnight safari: Jamala Wildlife Lodge 🦘 The best zoos and wildlife reserves in Australia🤿 The best places to go scuba diving Down Under

Australia is a nation rich with incredible artists and mind-blowing exhibitions. Whether you favour sculpture, painting, photography or textiles, there’s something for every kind of artistic persuasion ready to pop off at Australia’s biggest art exhibitions in 2026. We've rounded up just a few Aussie wonders that have us pre-booking flights in eager anticipation.  A summer standout is Icelandic-Danish artist Olafur Eliasson's Presence at the Gallery of Modern Art in Brisbane, where huge, shimmering interactive installations reign supreme. We're also excited to peruse a never-seen-before-in-Australia glittering jewel collection from Cartier at the NGV in the winter months, and explore Rememory during the 25th Biennale of Sydney (which Time Out named the world's best exhibition to see this year). Scroll on for our pick of the best art exhibitions in Australia in 2026. Our editors will update this guide as new exhibitions are announced. 🖼️ The best art galleries in Australia👀 The best museums in Australia

Ever noticed how passionate Melburnians are about their burgers? All you need to do is mention the word to discover the zeal with which we regard this historically beloved two-hander. Debates run thick and fast about who does the best smash patty; whether potato, milk or brioche buns are better; if excess height is a sloppy deal-breaker; and finally, which grill masters around town are plating up the tastiest.  For an old-school Aussie burg, southsiders swear by Andrew's in Albert Park while northsiders are loyal to Danny's in Fitzroy North. You could argue that Huxtaburger sparked Melbourne's new-wave burger craze when it first opened in Collingwood, but there's been a lot to love since then. From the famously fancy cheeseburgers at Gimlet and Maison Batard, to cult fave suburban newcomers like Maidstone's Good Good Burgers and Brighton's Royale, Melbourne is a haven for mouth-watering stacks – whether you like 'em short and respectable, or monstrous and sauce-doused to the hilt.  So without further ado, here's our line-up of the best. We've sunk our teeth into multi-stacked beef and cheese situations, chicken and fish options, and equally indulgent vegan alternatives across town to deliver you this list. Read on and drool! Stay in the loop: sign up for our free Time Out Melbourne newsletter for the best of the city, straight to your inbox. Don't want to break the bank? These are Melbourne's best cheap eats.

New York has Broadway, London has the West End, and here in Melbourne, it's all about the East End. We're an all-singing, all-dancing city which means we're spoiled for choice when it comes to the musicals taking centre stage in the historic East End Theatre District in the CBD. From glitzy theatrical numbers and singalong musicals to smaller-scale productions, Melbourne is an absolute haven when it comes to all things razzle-dazzle. See for yourself by checking out the new and upcoming musicals making their way here in 2026. Stay in the loop: sign up for our free Time Out Melbourne newsletter for the best of the city, straight to your inbox. Book the best spot with our guide to scoring the best seats in every Melbourne theatre. Keen on all kinds of theatre? Here are the best shows happening this month.

Sometimes you just need to take a time out – and here at Time Out, we’re experts at doing just that. We’ve scoped out the very best health and wellness retreats in Australia, where you can soak away your worries and be pampered like absolute royalty. From an award-winning natural hot spring with 50 bathing experiences to the Southern Hemisphere’s largest spa with rare Somadome meditation pods, these places will cater to all your relaxing needs. Make a day trip of it or sneak off for a dedicated week-long detox – whatever you choose, you’ll leave feeling like a whole new person. These are the best health retreats in Australia right now. Editor's favourite wellness retreats in Australia: 🥰 Best wellness experiences: Gwinganna Lifestyle Retreat, QLD 🧘🏽‍♀️ Best yoga retreat: Billabong Retreat, NSW  ✨ Best luxury hot springs: Alba Thermal Springs & Spa, VIC JUMP TO:QLD | NSW | VIC | | WA | TAS ✨ The best luxury hotels in Australia🌳 The best resorts and lodges in Australia

April 2026: Remember when we collectively discovered just how obsessed men were with the Roman Empire? Well, prepare to be obsessed all over again now that 'Rome: Empire, Power, People' has opened at Melbourne Museum. It features more than 150 original objects, including sculptures, jewellery and everyday items. Over at Bunjil Place, 'The Offbeat Sari' has arrived, and it explores how the 5,000-year-old sari is being reimagined today – from streetwear to couture. For a hit of nostalgia, a new 'Play School' exhibition at ACMI is inviting kids (and those young at heart) to check out the Rocket Clock, meet Big Ted, Jemima and Humpty Dumpty, sing songs and learn about how the show is made. There's always something to see in this all-embracing city of ours, so don't let the month pass you by without getting your fix of the best art, culture and exhibitions in Melbourne. When in doubt, you can also always rely on our catch-all lists of Melbourne's best bars, restaurants, museums, parks and galleries, or consult our bucket list of the best things to do in Melbourne before you die.  Stay in the loop: sign up for our free Time Out Melbourne newsletter for the best of the city, straight to your inbox. Keen to add some art to your home? These are the best places to buy art in Melbourne.

April 2026: If you like your musicals on the more maniacal side, this killer production of 'Heathers the Musical' (based on the cult 1989 flick starring Winona Ryder) is guaranteed to work its dark magic on you. Our reviewer called it "sparkly and silly in equal measure" and gave it four stars. For something that will make you gasp and giggle, there's no way you can miss 'The Book of Mormon', which has returned to Her Majesty's Theatre. And fresh from a run in Sydney, 'Art' arrives at the Comedy Theatre, starring a trio of legendary Aussie actors: Richard Roxburgh, Damon Herriman and Toby Schmitz. From the toe-tapping to the cathartic, consider this your ultimate guide to all the best Melbourne theatre shows happening this month. When stuck for things to do between shows, you can also always rely on our catch-all lists of Melbourne's best bars, restaurants, museums, parks and galleries, or consult our bucket list of the best things to do in Melbourne before you die.  Stay in the loop: sign up for our free Time Out Melbourne newsletter for the best of the city, straight to your inbox. Want something else to do this month? Check out our guide to the city's best exhibitions.

Time Out Melbourne's Best Destination Venue Award recognises the exceptional venues in regional areas across Victoria. They’re the types of places that are worth taking a little getaway to dine or drink in. In the past 12 months, we've travelled the state and identified those special spots that are making a mark on their towns. The winner for this and other categories will be announced on May 5. To see nominees for all categories, click here. To stay in the loop, sign up for our free Time Out Melbourne newsletter.

It’s time to dig out your puffer jacket and make the drive to Ballarat, because Sovereign Hill is hosting an illuminated extravaganza this chilly season. That’s right, the annual Winter Wonderlights program is back for another year and this edition promises to bring a bumper schedule of nighttime activities. From June 26 to July 19, the beloved Gold Rush museum will once again transform into a whimsical winter wonderland, with dazzling new light installations, Christmas carols, warming fires, cosy food and drink options, family-friendly activities, live music and more. Highlights are set to include St Nicholas’ winter hut, where you can snap a keepsake photo with the man in red himself; live comedy shows and pantomimes at the Victoria Theatre; a pop-up arts and craft studio; dustings of faux snow along Main Street; and the chance to experience the Goldfields by firelight.  Tickets are $77 for a day pass (10am-7pm) or you can opt for a short timeslot on weekends with an evening ticket (5pm-7pm) available on Saturdays and a night ticket (8pm-10pm) available on Friday and Saturdays for both $45. Snag yours here. Stay in the loop: sign up for our free Time Out Melbourne newsletter for the best of the city, straight to your inbox. Want more fun? These are the best things happening in Melbourne this weekend.

Been wanting to try hugely popular Melbourne restaurant Zareh, but haven’t been able to get a reservation? Now you have an exclusive, one-night opportunity to get in. To mark Time Out’s Food Month (and our Food & Drink Awards), we’re hosting a Time Out Social Club dinner at this special Award nominee restaurant. Come find out why it’s one of our Food & Drink Award nominees for 2026 – and why it’s often booked out. For one night only, Zareh will be serving a set menu, designed as a greatest-hits tour of their offering.  When Tuesday, May 12Times 6:30pmWhere Zareh, 368 Smith St, CollingwoodCost $120Book hereMenu: - 'Salma Hayek' cocktail: Arak, Gaza Cola and Fresh Lime- Haigo’s Olives- Torshi Bandari- Kafta Nayyeh, Radishes, Fried pita- Batata Harra- Chicken Kebab, Toum, Pickled Green Chilli - Hummus, King Prawns, Spanner Crab- Aish Baladi - Khorovats  | lamb cutlets, harissa, jajik- Ghapama | wood-fired pumpkin, rice, sour fruits, walnuts- Wood Baked Atayef | filled with akawi cheese & apricots with cardamom & orange blossom water Secure a table by clicking here. Stay in the loop: sign up for our free Time Out Melbourne newsletter for more fun stuff to land in your inbox.

If you’re a foodie in Victoria (or, really, anywhere in Australia), chances are Wickens is on your must-dine bucket list. It was definitely on mine, and after a few prior fleeting visits to Dunkeld (a three-hour drive west of Melbourne) I was stoked to finally be locked in to experience the culinary magic of this regional restaurant for myself. As part of the acclaimed Royal Mail Hotel, Wickens was officially established in late 2017 by executive chef Robin Wickens, who had been working at the Royal Mail Dining Room since 2013. Since then, it has gone from strength to strength – building out one of the country’s most impressive wine collections; growing a bountiful kitchen garden that now supplies up to 80 per cent of the produce showcased in the menu; picking up two hats (along with multiple other awards); and driving up visitation to the small Southern Grampians community. The vibe  Name a more picturesque spot for a regional restaurant, we’ll wait. Located at the southern tip of the Grampians National Park, in the shadow of the majestic Mount Sturgeon, Wickens is an intimate dining room ensconced in nature – native plants line the boardwalk entrance, and towering trees dominate the panoramic vista that’s framed by floor-to-ceiling windows. It’s a beautiful sight to behold upon being seated; my only qualm with the 7.30pm booking is that once golden hour surrendered to darkness, so did our ability to continue admiring the views (book in for lunch if that’s important to you).

Calling all bookworms, literature lovers and BookTok obsessives: the Melbourne Writers Festival (MWF) line-up has just been unveiled. 2026's program reads like a list of the crème de la crème of the 2026 literary world, featuring New York Times best-selling authors, Booker Prize standouts, first-timers and MWF exclusives, with a stellar cast coming together to celebrate the iconic festival's 40th anniversary.  The festival will spread big bookish energy across the city and surrounds via four days of workshops, talks, events and panels, running from May 7-10. This time around, the central theme of the program is 'Visions and Revisions' – which will explore the ideas that matter, futures we imagine, the strange stories we all carry, and the particular revisions, both personal and collective, that work to define us. International highlights include former NZ prime minister and all-round fan favourite, Jacinda Ardern, international bestseller R.F Kuang (Yellowface and Babel), recent Booker prize winner David Szalay (Flesh) and acclaimed Booker winner Yann Martel, whose known worldwide for his beloved book, The Life of Pi.  On the local front, expect to see journalist and human rights advocate Antoniette Latouff present 'Women who Win', alongside activist and former Australian of the Year, Grace Tame. We'll also see Stephanie Alexander (aka, the queen of Australian homestyle cooking) in conversation with beloved author and philanthropist Alice Zaslavsky, in a Mother's Day convo ab

Wednesday nights in Melbourne are known for one thing and one thing only: Queen Victoria Market’s legendary Night Market. With the summer iteration officially finished for the season, Queen Vic has announced it will be bringing back its insanely popular Asian night market to tide you over until the winter version takes over during the chilly season. The Hawker 88 Night Market brings Asian tastes, sights and sounds to Queen Vic’s sheds. Running every Wednesday night from April 8 until May 6, a tasty variety of stalls and trucks will be set up to sell authentic street food direct from China, Vietnam, Korea, India, Malaysia, Japan and beyond.  There's a line-up of more than 25 vendors selling tasty street eats like chicken and beef satay, handmade gyoza, spicy laksa bowls, pad see ew, moreish popcorn fried chicken, crispy wonton tacos, matchamisu and even durian (if you dare!). Quench your thirst at The Lucky Horse Bar with an Iced Watermelon Shochu or a non-alcoholic Lychee Lemonade. Across the five-week stint there will also be lion dances, KPop Demon Hunters performances, martial arts demonstrations, taiko drumming, Squid Game-inspired challenges, Bollywood dance workshops and a closing-night cosplay parade. There's even a Korean-style photobooth, vintage Japanese kimonos and souvenirs like custom keychains, bags and 3D printed toys to browse and buy.  Each Wednesday brings a distinct cultural focus. April 8 is Pan-Asian Night with lion dances; April 15 showcases the flavour

Melbourne's favourite illuminated event is back again in 2026, with 15 new and returning dazzling light installations to meander through in wonderment. From June 12 to August 2, take a nighttime stroll through the Royal Botanic Gardens and experience luminous pathways, lit-up tree canopies, soothing soundscapes and more sparkly sights. This year, highlights of the 2.1-kilometre trail are set to be the Australian premier of Bifröst by French studio Pitaya, which boasts a 20-arch tunnel of flowing light that you can walk through; and Firefly Field by Dutch studio TOER, where 200 glowing points of light will dart like fairies above the grass. Returning faves include a reimagined 30-metre Winter Cathedral, plus the epic Fire Garden installation, which will include a circular spiral of 150 candles. Plus, there's plenty more to discover by more local and international artists alike.  Most importantly, you'll also be able to grab a bite to eat and warming drinks, like hot chocolate and mulled wine, at the Welcome Zone or dotted along the trail. If you ask us, Melbourne is at its best in winter and events like Lightscape (which now holds two consecutive Gold wins at the Victorian Tourism Awards), where you can rug up and join friends for a magical experience, are a big reason why. Adult tickets start at $36 and are available through Ticketek – be quick as they tend to go fast.  Stay in the loop: sign up for our free Time Out Melbourne newsletter for the best of the city, straight t

Time Out Melbourne never writes starred restaurant and bar reviews from hosted experiences – Time Out covers restaurant and bar bills, and anonymously reviews, so that readers can trust our critique. Find out more here. The fertile coastal landscape of the Mornington Peninsula has long been a breeding ground for excellent dining spots, both fancy and casual (hello, Tedesca Osteria, Many Little and Red Gum BBQ – to name a few). And now, we can add a newish name to that list: Barragunda Dining. Located on 400 hectares of farmland and sprawling native bush that forms Barragunda Estate, the property is owned by the Morris family, who, via their foundation, direct all profits made from the restaurant back into work that supports improvements and innovations in Australia’s food systems.  And really, that’s what the ethos is all about at Barragunda: focusing on sustainable agricultural practices that encourage regeneration, while creating a hyper-local culinary experience that feels rooted in place. When all these elements come together, it makes for one inspiring and unforgettable meal. The vibe Courtesy of David Dubois Architecture, Barragunda’s former farm shed has been transformed into a warm 40-seat restaurant that feels especially welcoming on an unseasonably grey and drizzly day in March. A large timber bar and shelves lined with jars of pickled veg and fermented fruit welcome guests, before the open kitchen and light-filled dining room unfurl as you walk further into the cat

The Makers and Shakers Market is back in 2026 to celebrate its 10th birthday. Showcasing a host of established and emerging designers at Carlton's Royal Exhibition Building, it's taking place April 18 and 19. So, bring your bags and nana trolleys, because this is a great opportunity to stock up on one-of-a-kind presents while also supporting local artists and creatives.  The curated event will feature more than 185 stalls run by independent Melbourne makers selling homewares, food and drink, art, accessories, ethical fashion, beauty products and more. It's also the only local makers market where the stallholders sell 100 per cent Australian-made products. There will also be a kids' zone with activities and a free Mother’s Day craft area, onsite bars and food stalls with interesting sips and dips, plus crafty workshops to get those creative juices flowing. Adult tickets are $6 and kids under 12 enter for free. You can pre-purchase tickets via the website.  Stay in the loop: sign up for our free Time Out Melbourne newsletter for the best of the city, straight to your inbox. Want more? These are the best things to do in Melbourne this week. 

Time Out Melbourne never writes starred restaurant and bar reviews from hosted experiences – Time Out covers restaurant and bar bills, and anonymously reviews, so that readers can trust our critique. Find out more here. If you follow the line of cool kids down the busy Brunswick East end of Lygon Street, chances are they’ll lead you straight to Times New Roman. The sister venue of Fitzroy North’s Good Times – aka the northside’s favourite purveyor of cheap pasta and late-night feasting – this newish joint has quickly built up a cult following of its own, thanks in no small part to bowls of the good stuff being available from just $6.66 (yes, really!). With owners Chelsea Davis and Jarrod Agatanovic (who met at Good Times) at the helm, Times New Roman is serving up affordable Italian that would make Nonna proud – with a side of Cheezels, of course. The vibe With a 5pm booking locked in (in my defence, I was heading to see Wuthering Heights at 7.30pm – but also, early dinners for the win!), I wasn’t sure the vibes would be pumping upon arrival. But within half an hour of sitting down in a two-seater booth, this charming spot has filled up entirely with a jovial mix of patrons spanning couples on date nights, friend groups and gals fuelling up before a night on the town. I notice that the decor is immediately more elevated than the casual, hodge-podge charm of Good Times. There’s dark wood panelling on the walls, a mix of warm sconce lights (some with cute little cherub figurin

Calling all fashionistas! On March 21 and 22, the National Trust's beloved annual vintage sale is returning to the Abbotsford Convent. This year, the sale will be taking place at the massive Magdalen Laundry. You'll be able to peruse a huge selection of vintage and pre-loved designer clothing and accessories – in the past, brands like Armani, Alexander McQueen, Diane von Fürstenberg and Marimekko have been up for grabs. A lot of household linen, furnishings, dress fabrics, shoes, bags, jewellery and even haberdashery will also be on offer. New stock will be released on the Sunday morning (perfect if you’re planning a second visit) and from 3-5pm that afternoon you will also be able to take 50 per cent off all remaining items. Plus, if you're a member, you can score early access from 9-10am each day – you can join up here when allocations open in early March. Bring a gold coin donation for entry and prepare to refresh your wardrobe with fun new designer finds for a fraction of the price. Best of all, proceeds from the sale support the work of the National Trust in conserving our state's cultural and built heritage. Donations are also accepted in the lead-up to the event, so if you have some quality items you'd like to offload in the name of a good cause, now's your chance. For more information on donating and the event, visit the website here. Stay in the loop: sign up for our free Time Out Melbourne newsletter for the best of the city, straight to your inbox. Want more shop

It's your last chance to power up, unlock that final level and beat the big boss, because ACMI's Game Worlds is about to be clocked (aka it's finishing up soon). So don't let it be game over before you get a chance to enter this immersive, fully playable exhibition. Perfect for fans of The Sims, Neopets or World of Warcraft, this blockbuster celebration of video games will transport you into the worlds of more than 30 iconic titles, including Final Fantasy XIV Online, Minecraft, Doom and Stardew Valley. Also featured are classics like Maze War and Zork, fan faves with cult followings like The Elder Scrolls Online, and new releases like Guardian Maia. Spanning games from the 1970s right through to this year, you'll be able to check out rare concept art, original design materials, early hands-on protoypes and so much more. There are 44 fully playable experiences (think Celeste speedruns on two huge screens), and four new microgames by emerging and established Aussie game developers have been specially commissioned for the exhibition.   “Our exhibition honours the real-life experiences that are made possible by and through videogames, highlighting the players and developers – and stories that bring videogame worlds to life,” said co-curators Bethan Johnson and Jini Maxwell. Want to take a part of the exhibition home with you? There's limited-edition merch and exclusive books available for purchase at the ACMI shop. Game Worlds is now on at ACMI until March 29. For more informa

When it comes to ice cream, are you a classic chocolate-and-vanilla type of person, or are you game for more experimental flavours? (Hello, caramelised fig blue cheese mascarpone – yes, really!) Whatever you fancy, the annual Ice Cream Festival has something tasty for you.  The famous Yarra Valley Chocolaterie and Ice Creamery, along with its sister venues on the Great Ocean Road and the Mornington Peninsula, are hosting the annual scoop-a-thon from February 11-22. And in news that is sure to have you salivating, 10 new flavours will be dropping every four days – so you're gonna want to go back for seconds (and maybe even thirds). The line-up of flavours is set to include coconut limoncello margarita, pistachio tiramisu and matcha blueberry. Yum! There will also be old-school choc tops, gluten-free, vegan and no added sugar serve options available, so no one misses out on the fun. And that's not all... true ice cream aficionados can partake in a 45-minute tasting session, during which you'll sample the one-off flavours and make very own ice cream chocolate sauce. Bookings for these workshops are essential, and cost $28. There will also be a DIY scoop lab and if you enter the Guess the Flavour competition, you'll be in the running to win 12 of your favourite flavours to enjoy in take home tubs – yes please! Entry to the festival is free, with mega scoops starting from $6.75. For more information, head to the website. Craving more icy treats? These are the best ice cream and ge

It's been almost 18 months since Melbourne welcomed a new Chris Lucas restaurant (hello, Maison Bâtard), but that countdown clock will reset in October with the arrival of Wishbone – an all-day Hong Kong-inspired eatery located in the city's Midtown precinct. Channelling the vibrant energy of Hong Kong's small restaurants and food stalls, the kitchen will be helmed by Dan Chan (Hong Kong's Yardbird), who has been leading the charge over at another Lucas Collective venue, Tombo Den. The menu – created in partnership between Lucas and Chan – will showcase the incredibly diverse and fun flavours of Hong Kong street food through a modern Aussie lens. Think a playful execution of classic dishes like dumplings and prawn toast, that draw on Chan's upbringing and his deep personal connection to the city. “The development of the menu is very close to my heart and draws on my time in Hong Kong, as well as broader travel.” says Chan. “The food scene in Hong Kong has always been a brilliant, chaotic mix of influences – a bit eccentric, and a lot of fun. That’s what I want people to feel when they eat at Wishbone.” The venue has been designed by Chris and Sarah Lucas in collaboration with DKO Architecture, and it's set to become one of the city's most eye-catching new additions. Red perspex stairs will be visible from the entrance on McKillop Street via gorgeous curved windows, with the lush red colour palette extending inside via retro furnishings and moody lights.  “Wishbone is going t

Update Sunday, April 19: With petrol prices remaining high and the cost of living continuing to put pressure on local households, the Victorian Government has made the decision to extend the free public transport initiative until the end of May. And from June 1, half-price fares will kick in for the rest of the year – with the full daily fare costing $5.70, not $11.40. Under half-price fares, reimbursements will be available for people with Mykis, while under 18s and those with special pass holders can continue to travel for free. It means that from June 1, the Myki tap-and-go trial can also resume. It's expected this will cost the average daily commuter more than $850 between June and the end of 2026. It will also ease demand at the petrol pump and take cars off the road.  *** Feeling the pinch at the bowser? You're certainly not alone. With petrol prices skyrocketing across the country (and in some areas, drying up entirely), taking public transport has never looked more appealing. In an effort to ease the pressure at the pump, the Victorian Government has just announced that all public transport will be free across Victoria for a month, starting on Tuesday, March 31. That's right – until Thursday, April 30, all commuters will be able to travel across Victoria's trains (both metro and V/Line), trams and buses every single day without having to tap on their Myki. Instead, all Myki gates will be open to allow for easy and streamlined access to stations and platforms.  Don't w

The Australian Open. The Formula One Grand Prix. The AFL Grand Final. The Boxing Day Test. Melbourne has long been known as Australia’s sporting capital, but in case you needed further proof, here it is: this year, the city will play host to Australia’s first-ever regular season NFL game, as part of a massive multi-year deal. It also makes Melbourne the first city in the world to host an international tennis Grand Slam, a Formula One Grand Prix and an NFL Regular Season game. Further proof this really is the best city in the world. The match will feature the Los Angeles Rams as the ‘home’ team, with the San Francisco 49ers confirmed as the opposition. The game will be played at the MCG – aka the sporting heartland of Melbourne – with kick-off at 10.35am on September 11, 2026.  “It’s a win for jobs, a win for businesses and a win for fans who will get to see American Football played in the best stadium in the world,” said premier Jacinta Allan.  Supplied: Office of the premier of Victoria NFL, also known as American Football, is the USA’s most popular sport. That means footage of Melbourne as the host city will be beamed live to the almost 20 million Americans who tune into each game (not to mention the millions more who watch from across the globe). The 49ers are one of the NFL’s most illustrious franchises, having won the Super Bowl five times. Best of all, they share an intense rivalry with the Rams, which is sure to make the Melbourne match-up a hugely important – and

Update Monday, March 23: The latest alert from the Australian Space Weather Forecasting Centre (ASWFC) today confirms a geomagnetic storm is still in progress. According to the alert, the "Aurora may be observed during local nighttime hours in good observing conditions at high altitudes." The best chance to spot the lights is 60 to 75 minutes after sunset, with likely spotting in Tasmania and Victoria, plus parts of South Australia, Western Australia, the ACT and NSW, if skies are clear. On the weekend, Lady Aurora put on a dazzling show, with the Southern Lights spotted everywhere from Horsham and Wodonga in Victoria to the Tasman Peninsula, Kangaroo Island and the NSW Southern Highlands.Here’s everything you need to know about seeing the Southern Lights from Victoria. Where in the world can you see the Aurora? Bright, beautiful and bedazzling, the Aurora Borealis is a big-ticket bucket list item for pretty much everyone on Earth. Only those who have witnessed the Northern Lights with their naked eyes can truly understand its ethereal magic. But you don’t need to fork out on a ticket to Scandinavia to see the dramatic natural light display IRL. Australia has its very own version, called the Aurora Australis or Southern Lights – and last year was one of the brightest display in 20 years. Here’s everything you need to know about seeing the Aurora Australis in Australia. Will the Aurora Australis be visible tonight from Victoria? Australia’s first big Aurora Australis of the se

Big news! Time Out's 2026 ranking of the best cities in the world has just dropped, and Melbourne – yes, our Melbourne – has jumped three places (from fourth in 2025) to take out the number one spot. Cue the applause, fireworks and confetti, stat!  It's the first time ever that an Australian city has topped the annual list, with Melbourne previously peaking in second spot a decade ago in 2016. And our humble little metropolis outshone some heavyweights on the way to the top this year, beating out global powerhouses Shanghai, Edinburgh, London and New York, which rounded out the top five.  Even better, it's a celebration all round for Australia, with Sydney ranking 21st and Adelaide coming in at number 29. And while we can't promise we won't gloat about this for the next year (sorry, Sydney!), it's still an poignant reminder that Australia really is an exceptional places to live, visit and explore. Photograph: Supplied | Visit Victoria So, how was this ranking compiled? Time Out surveyed more than 24,000 locals in 42 languages about where they live. These questions covered topics that included everything from food, nightlife and culture to affordability, happiness and the overall city vibe. A panel of more than 100 Time Out city experts from around the world were also asked to name the most exciting cities in the world right now. All data from 44 different criteria was combined to create the ranking. Melbourne scored a strong overall ‘city rating’ as well as high ‘happiness

There's nothing we love more than planning a holiday. But do you ever stop to think about the reasons why you travel? Of course, there's the usual: gain new life experiences, learn about different cultures, create lasting memories with loved ones. But there's also the big bucket list moments – like major sporting events – that drive a desire to see the world. Because let's be real, who hasn't dreamed of one day attending Wimbledon, the Super Bowl, or even the Olympics?  Yep, when you start to think about it, sports really do seem to be emerging as a major player in tourism world. And Melbourne – home to the Australian Open, AFL Grand Final, Boxing Day Test, the F1 Australian Grand Prix and an upcoming regular-season NFL game – is undoubtedly at the centre of it. A recent survey by Hilton conducted across China, India, Australia, Singapore and Japan confirms this, revealing that 40 per cent of respondents were likely to plan international trips around major sporting events. And more than half (60 per cent) have already travelled domestically or internationally for a sporting event.   People aren't attending these sporting spectacles alone, either. The rise in sports tourism stems from a drive to be social and connect – 47 per cent of of respondents travel with friends, while 55 per cent travel with partners. This aligns with one of the aforementioned fundamental reasons we travel: to create special shared memories.  And while having an interest in the sport itself (like Formu

It's been almost three years since Ed Sheeran serenaded crowds of 110,000 and 108,000 people over two epic nights at the MCG in March 2023, and now he's back in Melbourne and ready to rock Marvel Stadium.  As one of the best-selling music artists of all time (not to mention everyone's favourite wedding first dance artist), Sheeran has already performed in Perth, Brisbane and Sydney as part of his Loop Tour – and from what we've heard, he does not disappoint. Expect to hear hits such as ‘Castle on the Hill’, ‘Thinking Out Loud’ and ‘Perfect’, as well as songs off his brand new album Play. Excited? You bet we are. If you're heading to see Ed Sheeran in Melbourne, here’s everything you need to know... When is Ed Sheeran's Loop Tour in Melbourne? Sheeran is taking over Marvel Stadium for three massive shows on Thursday, February 26; Friday, February 27; and Saturday, February 28. How to get to Ed Sheeran's Melbourne concerts Marvel Stadium is right next door to Southern Cross Station, so public transport is by far the best option to get to the concert. Simply walk over the convenient footbridge to get from the platforms to the stadium entrance. For info on how to plan your public transport journey, head over here.  What time will Ed Sheeran come on stage? Gates open at 4pm, and Sheeran is expected to begin by around 8pm. The support acts will kick off around 5.15pm (more on that below). What can I bring to Ed Sheeran's Melbourne shows? There are specific rules for what you can an

Just when you thought a stay at Jackalope couldn’t get any more enticing, the stunning luxury hotel in the heart of the Mornington Peninsula’s wine region has announced the return of its pop-up outdoor cinema that will screen blockbuster flicks, cult classics and romcoms all through March. Created in collaboration with Lexus Australia, season two of Jackalope Cinema will open on Sunday, March 1, with a viewing of the Leonardo DiCaprio and Margot Robbie smash-hit, The Wolf of Wall Street. Other excellent movies on the month-long line-up include La La Land, Silver Linings Playbook, Black Swan, Lost in Translation and The French Dispatch.  Photograph: Griffin Simm This fully immersive experience a film buff’s dream, and will begin with the opportunity to enjoy a pre-movie bite at Doot Doot Doot (Jackalope’s renowned on-site restaurant) – think a menu loaded with delicious dishes showcasing the region’s local produce. Guests can then either head to their room to catch the flick from their vineyard-facing private terrace or get cosy on the infinity pool deck under the twinkling night sky. Bluetooth headphones will be provided to ensure top sound quality, and there will be plenty of snacks on offer, including unlimited popcorn (yes, really!), ice cream and other nostalgic treats. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Time Out Melbourne (@timeoutmelbourne)   “Having studied film before pivoting to designing spaces and experiences, the pillar of storytelling

Hey now, hey now! If you're a millennial of a certain age, these words are guaranteed to awaken something deep inside. They are, of course, the opening lyrics of Hilary Duff's (aka Lizzie McGuire) seminal 2003 track 'What Dreams Are Made Of' – which is widely considered one of the best songs of all time (according to me, that is). And now, we have news that is certainly what dreams are made of: Hilary Duff is officially coming to Melbourne. Duff has recently been on the comeback trail, having dropped hot new singles 'Mature' and 'Roommates' ahead of the release of her album luck… or something. After a string of intimate shows in London, Toronto, New York and Los Angeles as part of her Small Rooms, Big Nerves Tour – her first live performances in a decade – she's just announced a huge global tour. The Lucky Me Tour will hit Australia in October *squeals!* and it's for everyone who never thought they would get to see hits like 'Come Clean', 'So Yesterday' and 'Wake Up' live in person. Without further ado, here's everything we know about Hilary Duff's Melbourne shows. When is Hilary Duff in Melbourne?  Duff will perform at Rod Laver Arena on Monday, October 26 AND Tuesday, October 27, 2026. Lucky us! When do Hilary Duff Melbourne tickets go on sale? General ticket sales for Duff's Melbourne show will begin at 1pm on Friday, February 20. You can find out more via Live Nation. When is the Hilary Duff Melbourne presale? If you pre-order Duff's new album from the official Warner Mus

Lily Allen fans, you won't want to sleepwalk through this announcement! Earlier this week, British pop superstar Lily Allen hinted in a radio interview with Triple J that she might be visiting Down Under before the end of the year – and now we finally have confirmation. Allen is heading to Australia this spring for six mega shows across the country, including two in Melbourne. After seven long years without new music, the British icon returned to the airwaves in late October with West End Girl, a 44-minute-long chronicle of her marriage breakdown to David Harbour (aka Jim Hopper in Stranger Things). Appropriately, the tour is titled Lily Allen performs West End Girl – and she’ll be playing the entire album front-to-back, exactly as it appears on the record. Yes, we can already predict that seeing 'Pussy Palace' IRL is going to change our lives. We're also crossing our fingers she’ll perform some old-school bangers, like ‘The Fear’, ‘Smile’ and ‘Not Fair’. Keen to grab a ticket? Here’s everything you need to know about getting tickets to Lily Allen’s Melbourne shows. When is Lily Allen in Melbourne? Allen will perform at Rod Laver Arena on Wednesday, October 28 and Thursday, October 29, 2026. When do Lily Allen Melbourne tickets go on sale? Tickets for all of Allen’s Australian shows (including the Melbourne ones) go on sale at 1pm local time on Monday, February 9 via Frontier Touring. When is the Lily Allen Melbourne presale? Telstra Plus members get first dibs on ticket

When the Foo Fighters performed a one-off concert in the quiet Tassie city of Launceston last month, it's safe to say fans around the country felt pretty jealous. Well, now the Rock and Roll Hall of Famers – Dave Grohl, Nate Mendel, Chris Shiflett, Pat Smear, Rami Jaffee and Ilan Rubin – have announced they are returning, bringing their Take Cover tour to seven Aussie cities. And yes, Melbourne has made the cut! Here's everything you need to know about getting tickets to the Foo Fighters when they head to Australia this November. When are the Foo Fighters coming to Melbourne? The Foo Fighters will take to Marvel Stadium for one huge show on Saturday, November 14, 2026. When do Foo Fighters tickets go on sale in Melbourne? General public tickets go on sale on Wednesday, February 25 at 11am local time. Grab yours via the Frontier Touring website here. Is there a Foo Fighters presale? There always is! Telstra Plus Members score first dibs on tickets, with a presale kicking off on Friday, February 20 at 12pm local time via telstra.com.au/plus. A second presale for Frontier Members starts on Monday, February 23 at 12pm local time, and you can sign up for that one here. How much are tickets to the Foo Fighters in Melbourne? There are multiple ticket options, ranging from $99.90 for D reserve seating to $249 for A reserve seating and $249.90 for front general admission standing. Who is the support act for the Foo Fighters in Melbourne? The Foo Fighters will be joined by different sp

It's officially that time of year when the summer glow starts to fade, work begins to ramp up again and you start to question whether the 9-5 grind is really for you. Well, we've got the antidote to your February slump: book a holiday. And luckily, Qantas has just announced a surprise sale – and it's one of the Flying Kangaroo's biggest global sales of the year.  Qantas has released more than 500,000 discounted seats to 30-plus popular international destinations. Dreaming of a Euro summer? Keen to explore Asia? Ready to cross the ditch and visit New Zealand? If it’s on your travel wish list, chances are it’s on sale. This mega sale comes off the back of new Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) data revealing Aussies took more than 12.5 million overseas trips in the 12 months ending November 2025. That’s an almost nine per cent jump on the year before, proving our appetite for exploring the world beyond our shores isn’t slowing down anytime soon. The Qantas sale runs for just one week, ending at 11.59pm (AEDT) on Monday, February 9. You don’t even have to wait long to jet off, with travel dates ranging from this month to December 11, 2026. So, where can you go? The 500,000-seat global sale covers more than 60 routes, with reduced fares to more than 30 international destinations across Europe, North and South America, Asia, New Zealand, the United Kingdom and the Pacific. Economy return fares from Melbourne to Bali start from just $659, while Melbourne to Singapore is $769. Ot