Leah Glynn

The blues creep into Naarm/Melbourne when the nights grow longer. Thank goodness for the annual smorgasbord that is Rising, a winter’s paradise of comedy, theatre, music, art and more that warms the soul. Artistic directors Hannah Fox and Gideon Obarzanek’s have assembled an incredible line-up, including a bunch of fab free events like Intangible Form, a stunning light show dancing on the Capitol Theatre’s architecturally impressive ceiling. There’s also Matha, Yorta Yorta artist Moorina Bonini's stunning projection art circling Hamer Hall; the First Peoples Art Trams; and the musical communion of Shouse Communitas at the Town Hall. Rising is taking place across Melbourne from June 4-15. Here are our top picks to check out in a program packed with magic.  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 culture? Check out the best art and exhibitions happening in Melbourne right now.

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 2025. 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.

June 2025: It's a huge month for fandoms, with exclusive activations for both Star Wars and Harry Potter to check out. Best of all, the Melbourne Museum is even playing host to a pop-up Star Wars-inspired café to accompany its exhibition. There are also some really fantastic Indigenous collections to explore, including Wurrdha Murra and Biik Milboo Dhumba – Country is Always Talking. 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 this May. 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 100 things to do in Melbourne before you die.  Keen to add some art to your home? These are the best places to buy art in Melbourne.

June 2025: Winter may have officially arrived, but Melbourne's theatres will warm you right up. 'Beetlejuice the Musical' is playing to sizzling reviews at the Regent Theatre, while 'Hadestown' remains one of the hottest tickets in town. 'The Lord of the Rings – A Musical Tale' continues its blistering run at the Comedy Theatre, and there's a red-hot adaptation of 'The Birds' showing at the Malthouse. And as part of Rising (Melbourne's annual wintery arts extravaganza), you can catch 'Hedwig and the Angry Inch' – hailed by Rolling Stone as “the best rock musical ever”. Rug up and we'll see you out there. 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 100 things to do in Melbourne before you die.  Want something else to do this month? Check out our gig guide.

Getting the chance to dip into the steamy waters of a thermal spring is a joy that we reckon everyone deserves to experience at least once in their lifetime. The healing powers of naturally occurring hot springs have been celebrated, worshipped and enjoyed by humans across the world for millennia, and today, this is one human thing that we can say has absolutely not changed. Ancient Romans, we feel you.  In Australia, there are countless natural thermal hot springs available for all your soaking pleasure. From the staggering turquoise waters of the Northern Territory, to oasis-like bathhouses, to the wild far reaches of the Kimberley, the land Down Under has some of the most epic hot springs on Earth. In this list, we have gathered the best of them – and tell you exactly where to find them.   🌊 The best beaches in Australia💙 Where to find Australia's coolest natural pools😱 The 25 best waterfalls in Australia Remember that there are always risks involved with swimming, especially at unpatrolled places. Always take care to check things such as depth and currents before swimming or jumping into water, and confirm that others you’re swimming with are confident in the water before entering any swimming spot. If you're not a confident, experienced swimmer, avoid unpatrolled swimming spots altogether.

There's something about Melbourne in winter. The moody afternoon light filtering through laneways; the warm glow of cosy wine bars; and of course, the plethora of events and festivals that keep the city buzzing.  This year, there's heaps to do including catching thrilling shows on the ice, feasting on wintery food and drink and exploring regional festivals.  Hungry? Grab a bite at these Melbourne pubs with fireplaces. Thirsty? Here's where you can get mulled wine in Melbourne.

Looking for something fun to do now the temperature is dropping? There's an illuminated collection of winter light festivals spread across regional Victoria. See glowing sculptures, arty light installations and more at some of your favourite regional destinations. Hop in the car, plan a weekend away, and check out the best our great state has to offer at night. Here is our list of gorgeous, glowing, winter light events in regional Victoria this cold season. Want to see the winter lights in Melbourne instead? Here's our list of everything illuminated and glowing in Melbourne this month.

Do you love anything sparkling, glowing or illuminated? You've come to the right place – there are plenty of gorgeous light-up events to discover in Melbourne. It's time to get your glow on. Want to explore regional Victoria? Here's our list of winter light festivals outside of Melbourne.

Victoria is lucky enough to be peppered with magnificent waterfalls right across the state – and forget what TLC said, because they are definitely worth chasing.  These cascading curtains of water all have a certain X-Factor that means we reckon they're worth a visit. Whether it be fast-flowing rivers, plunge pools you can swim in or being part of an awe-inspiring bush walk.  And we should know – we're locals who love road trips, so we've been to our fair share of waterfalls in our time. Take a look at our favourites below, then hop in the car and hunt down these stunning, splashy wonders. BYO bathers and a picnic and you're in for a guaranteed good time. Stay in the loop: sign up for our free Time Out Melbourne newsletter for the best of the city, straight to your inbox. Looking for more day trip ideas? Here are the best ones to take from Melbourne. Want a longer break? Here are our favourite weekend getaways.

Have your plans for tonight fallen through, or are you simply the type to live on the edge and wait until the last possible moment to plan your day? Luckily, Melbourne is the type of city where you can always count on finding something fun to do on short notice.  From five-star musicals to cool gigs and nearby day trips, we've got you covered with our curated guide to everything fun happening right now. Have a scroll, lace up your shoes and prepare to hit the town.  Want more? Check out these great free things to do, or work your way through our 100 best things to do in Melbourne before you die bucket list.

May 2025: If the looming winter ahead is having you hankering for that mid-year holiday (Euro summer, anyone?), you're probably keeping an eye on your bank account. Sun-chasers, savers and those simply on a tight budget right now, we know the spots around town where you can eat well without breaking the bank.  The late and great respected chef Anthony Bourdain once famously said: “I'd rather eat in Melbourne than Paris." It goes without saying that Melbourne has long been revered as one of Asia Pacific's most exciting food cities, but that status isn't just attributed to our fancy restaurants – special as many of those upper crust institutions may be. Our laneways and hidden alcoves are brimming with cheap street eats, smashable pub deals and dinner options you can enjoy for $20, $15 or even under $10, so you can stop counting your hard-earned pennies and start eating instead. Lauren Dinse is Time Out Melbourne’s Food and Drink Writer, and has spent an impressive time scouting for the city's tastiest cheap eats – from her early student days spent wandering around Carlton and the CBD in search of a pocket change lunch, to the present day covering fun new openings for Time Out.  For more about how we curate, see our editorial guidelines. Don't want to spend a cent? We've got you covered with our guide to the best things to do for free in Melbourne.

May 2025: Some of our beloved bars and brewpubs are closing their doors fast in these trying times, while others seem to be enjoying a roaring trade every night of the week. What gives? It's a bittersweet period in Melbourne's bar scene right now, with some venues thriving and others just surviving. Our advice is to rally together, drink out when you can and support your fave locals more ardently than ever. While sharing space with strangers might seem like more of an effort in the colder months, it sure beats drinking cheap wine at home in your sweatpants. Melbourne has some of the greatest bars in the world, whether you're looking for the laser-like focus of 16-seater Above Board or the rock‘n’roll ‘she’ll be right’ spirit of Lulie Tavern. You can find temples heroing whisky and palaces dedicated to gin, hole-in-the-wall nooks for sipping natural wines or classy spots for suited-and-booted cocktails. How about a prawn club sanga and a bottle of Champers from tiny charmer Apollo Inn? Or crocodile bites and ice-cold Martinis from Black Kite Commune?  If it's sky-high action you're after, then take a squiz at our guide to Melboune's best rooftop bars instead. For tipples a bit more out-of-the-box, we've got the scoop on some of Melbourne's weirdest drinking experiences. Yep, your options in this town are truly endless – even if you don't drink booze, since most bars in Melbourne have seriously upped their mocktail game in recent years. We've rounded up the top 50 bars that we

The Yarra Valley Chocolaterie and its sister venues, Great Ocean Road Chocolaterie and Mornington Peninsula Chocolaterie, are hosting a delicious 18-day festival dedicated to possibly the best baked invention since sliced bread: the brownie. During the sweet extravaganza, the chocolateries will be releasing 16 limited-edition brownie varieties to sample, along with a range of brownie-inspired desserts and drinks.  Wondering what flavours are available this year? Here's a tasty teaser about what to expect: Dubai chocolate, Basque cheesecake, peanut butter chocolate whisky, black sesame and yuzu tarte. Yum! There are even gluten-free and vegan options to try so no one misses out. If you eat, sleep and breathe brownies, you might want to consider booking one of the tasting sessions. This is where you'll get to concoct your dream brownie from 50 different ingredients and while that’s baking, get to sample eight exclusive creations including bites, a hot chocolate and brownie ice cream You can even order the brownies to take home too – if they last the drive home, that is. The Brownie Festival is on from June 11-29. You can find out more here.  Keen for more fun? Here are the best things to do around Victoria in June.

Unlock a new dimension at the 2025 edition of Oz Comic-Con, which is taking place at the Melbourne International Conference and Exhibition Centre on June 7 and 8. Some huge international stars are set to appear and meet fans, including beloved actress Catherine Tate (Doctor Who), Giancarlo Esposito (Breaking Bad, The Mandalorian), Brandon Rogers, Zach Aguilar and Renée O’Connor. There will be industry talks and panels, gaming opportunities, workshops, activations, live performances, parades and plenty of exclusive merch.  At the convention, eager cosplayers can enter one of the most prestigious contests in Australia, which highlights the jaw-dropping talent and craftsmanship. Attendees will betreated to a show floor and schedule that includes Artist Alley, Gaming Zones and more. No matter what fandom you're part of, everyone's welcome. For more information and to purchase tickets, head to the Oz Comic-Con website. Looking for more fun? Here are the best things to do in Melbourne this week. 

Looking for something to do this King's Birthday long weekend? Head up to the charming village of Woodend, located just an hour's drive from the CBD, for its annual Winter Arts Festival (WWAF) from June 6 to 9.  The diverse program features some of Australia’s leading classical musicians and greatest literary minds. Join in on discussions about a variety of big topics, as well as a talk from the great niece of legendary author Jane Austen.  For music fans, there's a wealth of sound to consume. The program features international artists exclusive to the festival, including violinist Anne Harvey-Nagl direct from Vienna, and Moroccan vocalist Lamiae Naki with her ensemble Seffarine, with a performance featuring flamenco dance.  Also on the line-up is a late-night show with jazz guitarist Chris Johnstone and two incredible performances from 8 Cellos, plus lots more.  Across the four-day feast of music, words and ideas there will also be book signings, workshops and exhibition openings to explore. The program features both free and ticketed events, and you can find out more via the WWAF website. Love exploring during the colder months? Check out our guide to the best winter getaways from Melbourne. 

It’s been 13 years since I last visited Byron Bay, and as I jumped on a plane in Melbourne – preemptively dressed in shorts and a cap – I was more than ready to get my dose of sun, sand and surf. Unfortunately the weather gods had other plans, and from the moment I touched down at Ballina Byron Gateway Airport, it was pouring. Luckily though, when you’re staying at The Bower, it doesn’t matter what conditions are like outside – this sleek and sophisticated New York-inspired accommodation opened in 2017 and delivers a guaranteed good time all year round. So despite the soggy start, I was given the warmest of welcomes at reception (a towel was even offered to help me dry off), quickly cementing my hunch that this was going to be a very special stay. Why stay at The Bower? There’s certainly no shortage of hotels, hostels, Airbnbs or holiday homes in Byron Bay, but The Bower makes a very convincing case as to why it should be top of your must-stay list. First of all, it’s giving laid-back glamour – think fancy finishes and a polished design aesthetic combined with lush palm trees and calming vibes. It’s the type of place where you can bring the whole family (yep, kids are welcome!) or escape to for a private getaway (honeymoon, anyone?). The Bower is also committed to sustainability, and aside from doing all the usual things – proper sorting and recycling of waste, solar power – the team also uses filtered water, requests environmental credentials from all suppliers and has insta

Whether you’re a certified K-Pop stan (fun fact: Rosé from Blackpink went to high school in Melbourne!), know your bulgogi from your bibimbap, or are simply interested in learning more about Korea, this is the event for you. The Korea Festival is coming back to Fed Square from May 24-25 for an epic two-day celebration of Korean culture, cuisine, traditions and a special area dedicated to the Netflix smash-hit show, Squid Game. And best of all, it’s free! The fun program includes cultural performances by the Saengdonggam Crew (a b-boy dancing group) and the chance to make kimbap (a dish similar to sushi made from rice, raw fish and veggies), plus plenty of stalls and cultural booths selling everything from authentic Korean dishes to crafts and clothing.  And you won’t want to miss the high-energy K-Pop showdown featuring some of Melbourne’s hottest musical talents. Industry professionals will judge the top vocals and impressive choreography as performers battle it out for a spot in the prestigious KBS K-Pop World Festival. This year, in honour of one of Netflix’s hottest shows, there’s even going to be an epic Squid Game activation – and yes, you will be able to play the iconic Red Light Green Light game, complete with a fully operational, full-size Young-Hee doll. Good luck trying not to flinch. There will also be plenty of opportunities to take photos with sets inspired by the show. We’re talking the Labyrinth stairs, VIP room and pink-bowed coffins. Be sure to keep an eye o

We can picture it now – the sun is shining, we’ve got a bev in hand, and we’re at the glorious Royal Botanic Gardens ready to enjoy some live music. It’s an idyllic daydream, and one that could soon become a reality. All you have to do is snap up tickets. Live at the Gardens is an outdoor gig series that launched in the summer of 2024, and it saw the lush, expansive lawns of the Royal Botanic Gardens host up to 5,000 people for an eclectic mix of musical acts. Headline performances included Groove Armada, Matt Corby, The Presets, Chet Faker and Tash Sultana. And now we've had a taste of the 2025 line-up, with Franz Ferdinand the first band to be announced. More than two decades since their debut single 'Take Me Out' catapulted them to worldwide fame, the Scottish rockers have just dropped their latest album to huge acclaim. The Human Fear is an 11-song exploration of deep-set human fears and how overcoming and accepting these fears drives and defines our lives.    The last time Franz Ferdinand toured was in 2018, and their performance on Friday, November 28, will be their only Victorian show. Supporting them will be Teenage Dads and Delivery.   For more info and to grab your tickets before they sell out, mosey on over here. Craving more music? Get your fix with the best gigs happening in Melbourne this month.

When revolutionaries stormed and captured the Bastille fortress – which was used to imprison political and religious dissidents – on July 14, 1789, it was considered the start of the French Revolution and the beginning of the end for the French monarchy. That fateful day became known as Bastille Day, and celebrations are held annually all across France. If you're keen to join in on the fun, swap your beanie for a beret and head over to Queen Victoria Market on July 12-13 for the Bastille Day French Festival – now in its tenth year. Sheds C and D will transport you to a wintery French town square complete with vendors peddling cheeses, crêpes, Champagne and pastries (it wouldn't be a Gallic celebration without the scent of croissants in the air). While you feast, live entertainment like can-can dancers, mime artists, talented accordionists will take over the main stage.  Ticketed talks, walking tours and interactive masterclasses will also run over the two days – and if you can't make it in person, you can still tune into some Bastille Day-themed online events. Best of all, think of it as an opportunity to practice your French language skills amongst French expats, Francophones and Francophiles – oui, oui! For more information, visit the Bastille Day French Festival website. Craving French food now? Consult our guide to the best French restaurants in Melbourne.

Melbourne's favourite illuminated event is back again for a fourth year, with more than 20 dazzling new light installations to meander through in wonderment. From June 20 to August 10, take a nighttime stroll through the Royal Botanic Gardens and experience luminous pathways, lit-up tree canopies, soothing soundscapes and more spectacular sights. For the upcoming season, you can expect a reimagined 2.2km trail accompanied by stunning lakeside reflections, large-scale illuminated sculptures and other wonders, with more than 100,000 tiny lights on display. Expect 2025 highlights to be huge illuminated canopy of flowers and the mesmerising 'lawn of light'. 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 along the trail. They say that Melbourne is at its best in winter and events like Lightscape, 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 the website – be quick as they tend to go fast.  Want more? Check out the best things happening in Melbourne this week.

Calling all insomniacs with a penchant for round-the-clock revelry: Sleepless Footscray Festival is returning for a fourth edition this May. This after-dark festival of public art, music and unexpected activations will bring dormant laneways and forgotten indoor spaces to life, transforming them into inviting nightscapes.  The heart of vibrant Footscray will play host to a series of adventurous events celebrating the world-class diversity and creativity coming out of Melbourne’s inner west. Running from May 2-18, the festival will consist of an eclectic line-up including music, film screenings, art installations, theatre and more.   For lovers of offbeat cinema, the Melbourne Nocturnal Film Festival will bring the weirdest and most wonderful local shorts to Footscray’s Bluestone Church Arts Space from May 6-7.  Other program highlights include The Door in Question, an immersive theatre experience that portrays a vivid portrait of living with mental illness; Untitled Baseball Game, an experimental narrative project centred around the culture of Melbourne’s western 'burbs; and Footscray Celebrates Africa, a day of free live music, dance and musical education featuring performances by Jarabi Band, Mandé Spirit, Seben Brothers and more. “Sleepless Footscray is a celebration of the bold, the unexpected, and the deeply creative spirit of Melbourne’s inner west,” said Alex Mansell, spokesperson for the event. “This year, we’re transforming overlooked spaces into stages, galleries an

The MCG is Melbourne's holy ground for cricket and AFL, but for one night a year, it is also the site of a huge sleepover, as everyone from students to CEOs pack pyjamas, board games, scarves and beanies and sleep on a cardboard box to raise funds to combat youth homelessness. For the last 11 years, Melbourne City Mission (MCM) has asked people to camp out at the legendary stadium to get a taste of what more than 7,600 young people aged 12-24 are experiencing every single night in Victoria. And on May 15, the massive community event is happening again. The money raised through this fundraiser and other donations help the MCM provide vital accommodation for young people who are couch surfing, sleeping rough or in other forms of unstable accommodation. On top of providing a safe place to sleep, the MCM also helps struggling youth build life skills that they might not have had the chance to learn. This year, presenter Brihony Dawson will host the night's fun program of events, which will include live music, games, DJs, mini golf, singalongs, prizes, a photobooth, Lego building station and lots more. Registration is now open, and adult tickets are $75. So go on, gather a group of family, friends or colleagues and start raising money to do your bit to end youth homelessness. For more information, head to the website. Looking for more worthy causes to support? Here's where you can volunteer in Melbourne.

Feeling the chill? The Big Design Market returns to Melbourne to warm you right up with a special 'Almost Winter' edition. From May 23-25, the Royal Exhibition Building is set to be transformed into a shopper's haven for three big days. You'll be able to peruse more than 250 stallholders from Australia and New Zealand, selling things like ethically made ceramics, jewellery, homewares, clothing, lifestyle products, stationery, limited-edition art prints, pet wares and so much more.  Shopping can be hungry work, so be sure to fuel up with treats from some of the country's best culinary connoisseurs, including the likes of Wonder Pies, Ca Com Bánh Mì Bar, Casa Nata, Ugo Burrata Bar, 400 Gradi and Billy Van Creamery. On the beverage front, Rumble Coffee will be joining for the first time with their tasty brews, while Pizzini Wines, Cheeky Rascal Cider, Subtle Tea, Ester Spirits and more will be on hand to whip up something a tad stronger.  This market's guest artist is Irina Nazarova, who will create a magical space with her whimsical botanical art that blends the complexity of Australian flora with the simplicity and tenderness of European flowers. Her work will hang in the great dome of the Royal Exhibition Building. Don't miss the fashion runway at 12pm on Saturday, May 24 (starring the latest collections from the fashion designers in attendance); and if you’ve got kids in tow, a designated entertainment zone with creative activities is sure to keep them busy. The show bags ar

Update Monday, May 5: Keen for a luxe winter getaway? Drift House is running an exclusive offer through the colder months with rates from just $325 per night – that's a saving of 34 per cent! The Winter Escape Package (which includes daily breakfast) has a minimum stay of three nights and is available from now until August 31 (exlcuding the King's Birthday long weekend). For more info, head to the website. The charming fishing village of Port Fairy – about three-and-a-half hours south-west from Melbourne – has always held a special place in my heart. Every year until I was 18 my family would descend upon the township over the Labour Day long weekend to attend the Port Fairy Folk Festival (affectionately known as ‘the Folkie’). These childhood memories are some of my fondest: boogie boarding at East Beach, eating fish and chips on the historic wharf, playing hide and seek behind the giant Norfolk pines and spending all my pocket money at the lolly shop. In the years since I stopped visiting, I would often Google the area and plan a return holiday. My dream itinerary always included a stay at Drift House – an exclusive boutique hotel that’s committed to sustainability and supporting the local community, and boasts just six luxuriously designed suites. So it’s with excitement and pangs of nostalgia that I finally confirm my booking and hit the road for a weekend getaway. Why stay at Drift House? Located just past Warrnambool, at the very end of the Great Ocean Road, Drift House

Hands up if the name La Liste rings a bell? You may recognise it as the Paris-based restaurant ranking guide that unveils an annual list of its top 1,000 restaurants – last year, it crowned Melbourne's very own fine diner Vue de Monde as the best restaurant in Australia (and fifth in the whole world). Now La Liste is back with a hotly anticipated 2025 guide to the most outstanding hotels around the globe. And you may be surprised to hear that a new boutique accommodation in Fitzroy has been awarded a very special accolade. The StandardX – an uber-cool, industrial-style venue that we reviewed in November 2024 – is among just five hotels to receive the prestigious Style and Design Award. These are hotels that have been either "launched or refurbished with outstanding design". La Liste called the StandardX "arty, bold and unfiltered", and it shared the honour with Maison Heler Metz in France, ÖÖD Hekla Horizon in Iceland, Reschio Hotel in Italy and Ulaman Eco Luxury Resort in Indonesia.  Photograph: Supplied The hotel only opened in August 2024, and is the first StandardX iteration from famed hotel chain the Standard. Described as "the rebellious younger sibling", it boasts 125 rooms over eight floors, as well as an all-day Thai street food-inspired restaurant called Bang, a rooftop bar with panoramic city views and a retail offering. Led by Melbourne-based interior design firm Hecker Guthrie, the styling elements blend the grittiness of Fitzroy with modern comforts – think ru

Whether you love her or not, there's no denying that Katy Perry has a huge Australian fanbase – after all, it's no easy feat to sell out four shows at Rod Laver Arena alone. And after wowing the crowd at the MCG as part of last year's AFL Grand Final half-time show (where she performed with local legend Tina Arena), Perry is back with her first major tour in seven years. The Lifetimes Tour is every Katy Cat's chance to see the award-winning pop star live in a show that includes everything from aerial acrobatics and AI intelligence to lightsaber battles and dance breaks. Get ready to roar Melbourne, here's everything you need to know if you're heading along to see Katy Perry. When is Katy Perry in Melbourne? Perry kicked off her Aussie tour in Sydney on Wednesday, June 4. She's set to perform at Melbourne's Rod Laver Arena on June 7, 12, 13 and 14, with more shows to come in Sydney, Brisbane, Adelaide and Perth. All up, Perry is performing 15 sold-out gigs across the country. Who is Katy Perry’s support act in Melbourne? Joining Perry as her support act for the Australian leg of the Lifetimes Tour is Kinder – a duo from Maitland comprising sisters Briony and Savannah Osei. The Ghanaian-Australian singers, songwriters and producers are known for blending dance, pop and Afrobeats, with their catchy tunes guaranteed to get the audience up and dancing. How to get to the Katy Perry concerts in Melbourne? Public transport is considered the quickest and easiest option. You can walk f

Hot on the heels of news that the Royal Botanic Gardens Cranbourne has been named among the world's top ten gardens, comes the big reveal that Melbourne has been ranked the fifth greenest city in a global list compiled by Time Out. Excuse us while we adjust our (flower) crown.  It shouldn't come as a surprise to anyone who's had the pleasure of strolling through our city's many lush parks and gardens. From the grand beauty of the Royal Botanic Gardens to the peaceful tranquility of Fitzroy Gardens – and let's not forget the city's biggest bushland reserve, Yarra Bend Park – we Melburnians really are spoiled when it comes to easy access to nature. And have you even done Melbourne right if you haven't had a picnic and cheeky bev with mates in Eddy Gardens? That's right – so much of our socialising takes place in the city's green spaces.   Photograph: Visit Victoria   To determine the rankings, Time Out quizzed 18,500 locals across the planet about their green spaces and the access they have to nature. The 20 that made the list had the highest share of ‘good’ or ‘amazing’ ratings. Melbourne really did knock it out of the park, receiving an 86 per cent positive rating that saw it share fifth spot with Austin and Edinburgh. Dubbed the ‘city of eternal spring’, Medellín in Colombia ranks as the top city for green thumbs and nature lovers, where a whopping 92 per cent of locals positively rated its green spaces and access to nature. Boston claims second place with 88 per cent ‘go

Have you always dreamed of seeing Uluru up close? Maybe you've been saving up to experience the magical Sounds of Silence dinner under the starry night sky. Perhaps you want to explore further at Kings Canyon and Kata Tjuta... Well, if visiting Australia's spectacular Red Centre has long been on your travel bucket list, this one's for you. Virgin Australia has just dropped $99 flights from Melbourne to Uluru as part of an exclusive 72-hour sale. And yes, you read that right: $99! It really doesn't get much cheaper than that. This incredibly rare deal is part of Virgin Australia’s Uluru Sale, running from Monday, June 2 to Wednesday, June 4 at 11.59pm (or until sold out). The best part? You won’t have to wait long to take off, with travel dates available between July 2025 and March 2026. Melbourne (and Brisbane) really have scored the best deal, with one-way economy fares to Uluru from just $99 – valid in both directions. Travellers from Sydney, Adelaide, Hobart and the Gold Coast can snap up one-way fares from $199, with a scenic stopover in Brissy or Melbourne. Located on the ancestral lands of the Anangu people, Uluru is one of the most powerful places to connect with Aboriginal culture. Highlights include the breathtaking Wintjiri Wiru drone show, the captivating Sunrise Journeys light and art experience, and Indigenous-led experiences covering astronomy, ancient rock art and bush tucker. It's definitely a place you want to visit at least once in your life. You can find

Ok, nobody panic – it's officially the first big Aurora Australis sighting of the season, which was sparked by a severe geomagnetic storm. And we could not be more excited! To help you prepare for this magical and rare phenomenon, we've pulled together the ultimate guide to seeing the famed southern lights before the disappear once more. Trust us, this is one ethereal light show you don't want to miss. Recommended: the best spots to see the Aurora Australis in Victoria  Will the Aurora Australis be visible in Melbourne and Victoria tonight? The storm first sparked on Sunday, June 1 – and while it's expected to weaken over the coming days, there's still a good chance of catching the Aurora Australis tonight (Monday, June 2) in parts of southern Australia, including Melbourne and Victoria.  To keep track of it, this website has a few maps of the atmosphere and gives an Aurora prediction a Kp number, a measuring system that goes from zero to nine (zero being very weak and nine meaning strong auroras are visible). Plus, according to the BOM, which also issues Aurora alerts, it's looking like we're in for a "minor storm" tonight. Sounds good to us! For more real-time updates, this Facebook group provides info on when you can see the southern lights right across Australia. Where can I see the Aurora Australis in Melbourne and Victoria? The general advice for any Melburnian is to get as far away from the city lights as possible. If you can't do that though, aim for an elevated vi

Don't get us wrong, we love living in Melbourne (duh, have you been to our restaurants, bars and coffee spots?). But it's really not cute having to sit in a plane for 14-plus hours whenever we want to visit our fave overseas destinations. Nevertheless, we do it – and frequently. Did you know a popular route that connects Melbourne to the USA is actually one of the longest in the whole world? Qantas' Dallas to Melbourne route clocks in at around 14,472 kilometres – that's 17 hours and 35 minutes in the air. But that's nothing compared to Qantas' ambitious plan to launch a direct 20-hour flight between Sydney and London.  So how do these local long-haul flights stack up against other routes? Let's find out. As of 2025, the world’s longest flight is the 18-hour 50-minute journey between New York City and Singapore. First launched by Singapore Airlines in 2020, this 15,349-kilometre route is operated on an Airbus A350, which features 67 business class seats and just 94 premium economy seats (there are no standard economy seats on board). In that time, you could binge-watch all eight Harry Potter movies and still have one minute to spare.  Singapore Airlines also runs the second-longest flight on Earth, an 18-hour and 45-minute journey spanning 15,344 kilometres from Newark in New Jersey to Singapore. If we’re measuring by distance, Qatar Airways’ Doha to Auckland route is the next longest, covering 14,535 kilometres in roughly 17 hours and 35 minutes. But if we’re going off est

Who says you have to stay inside during winter in Melbourne? (To be fair though, we do love nursing a vino in a cosy wine bar or enjoying a Sunday roast at a pub with a fireplace.) Well, definitely not the outdoor experts at AllTrails – according to them, winter is actually a hugely popular time to get out in nature, with the hike-mapping app reporting its highest number of navigations during the colder months.  So after analysing the data and crunching some numbers, they've rounded up the ten most popular winter hikes in Australia, and four trails around Victoria have made the cut. Guess it's time to lace up your boots, pop on some layers and face the frosty conditions. We reckon these scenic tracks are well worth it. Werribee Gorge Circuit Walk, Pentland Hills This 7.6-kilometre loop features a hiking trifecta: gorgeous views, rock scrambling and, for the brave, a post-hike swimming hole (if you can brave the chill in winter!). Our favourite photo spot is the Eastern Lookout at the gorge, which offers panoramic views of the park’s coolest natural wonders.  Yarra Bend Park Loop, Melbourne Just a short drive from Melbourne’s CBD, this relaxed 9.2-kilometre track on the traditional lands of the Wurundjeri people weaves through the city’s largest natural bushland park. Look out for rainbow lorikeets, red-rumped parrots, yellow-tailed black cockatoos and possums. Highlights include Dights Falls and Studley Park Boathouse – the oldest public boathouse on the Yarra River recen

Melbourne's cultural crown may have slipped recently, with the news it didn't rank among the global top 20 cities for art and culture (Sydney in fifth?! We were robbed!), but a recent round-up of the world's most underrated museums has put our beloved hometown right back in the spotlight. A poll of Time Out editors from across the globe revealed a list of 11 excellent but under-the-radar museums that warrant some well-deserved recognition. Some are small and incredibly niche, others simply sit in the shadow of bigger institutions – and they’re all worth adding to your must-visit list.  There's the CupNoodles Museum in Osaka, which – you guessed it! – is a shrine dedicated entirely to the joys of instant noodles. Also making the cut is the Lee Kong Chian Natural History Museum in Singapore, which not only boasts ginormous dinosaur skeletons, fossils and the bones of a 10.6-metre-long sperm whale, but also has a cool biophilic cliff-like design as part of it's exterior facade. And flying the (freak) flag for Melbourne is none other than the Museum of Desire. Located in Collingwood, this relatively newish spot (it opened in December 2024) is a celebration of all things love, pleasure and sex. Open to curious visitors aged 18-plus, it has 25 interactive spaces that have been specifically designed to switch up social norms around desire and sexuality. We're talking a kissing booth, a ball pit full of boobs and a vast collection of erotic art. If you're feeling particularly frisky,

It's time to live out your musical fantasy, folks – because Fridayz Live has just announced its huge 2025 line-up and it's loaded with so many R'n'B legends and massive hip-hop stars that you may want to sit down and fire up the group chat immediately. Leading the charge is none other than the queen of the whistle note, five-time Grammy Award winner and certified diva, Mariah Carey. It's been 11 years since Mimi last performed in Australia, and you bet we've had 'We Belong Together' on repeat since this news dropped. Joining her is Mr Worldwide himself, Pitbull. Known for his d-floor smash-hits (including 'Hotel Room Service', 'On The Floor' and 'Give Me Everything') and epic collabs, we recommend sourcing your bald cap and suit sooner, rather than later (IYKYK). But wait, there's more! Also scheduled to appear is Pittsburgh rapper Wiz Khalifa (hands up if 'See You Again' still makes you shed a tear); crunk and club superstar Lil Jon; powerhouse rap icon Eve; UK pop and hip-hop artist Tinie Tempah; and former American Idol winner turned chart-topping vocalist Jordin Sparks. Phew, talk about stars in our eyes. If this news didn't blow ya mind or make you feel young, wild and free, we're not sure what will. Check out everything you need to know about the Fridayz Live announcement below. When is Fridayz Live happening in Sydney? Fridayz Live is heading to Sydney Showground's main stadium, ENGIE Stadium. The one-night-only event will take place on Saturday, October 18, 2025. And

It's time to live out your musical fantasy, folks – because Fridayz Live has just announced its huge 2025 line-up and it's loaded with so many R'n'B legends and massive hip-hop stars that you may want to sit down and fire up the group chat immediately. Leading the charge is none other than the queen of the whistle note, five-time Grammy Award winner and certified diva, Mariah Carey. It's been 11 years since Mimi last played in Australia, and you bet we've had 'We Belong Together' on repeat since this news dropped. Joining her is Mr Worldwide himself, Pitbull. Known for his d-floor smash-hits (including 'Hotel Room Service', 'On The Floor' and 'Give Me Everything') and epic collabs, we recommend sourcing your bald cap sooner, rather than later (IYKYK). But wait, there's more! Also scheduled to appear is Pittsburgh rapper Wiz Khalifa (hands up if 'See You Again' still makes you shed a tear); crunk and club superstar Lil Jon; powerhouse rap icon Eve; UK pop and hip-hop artist Tinie Tempah; and former American Idol winner turned chart-topping vocalist Jordin Sparks. Phew, talk about stars in our eyes. If this news didn't blow ya mind or make you feel young, wild and free, we're not sure what will. Check out everything you need to know about the Fridayz Live announcement below. When is Fridayz Live happening in Melbourne? With a line-up this stacked, there's only one place big enough to hold all these musical legends: Marvel Stadium. The one-night-only event will take place on Sa

All we wanted for Christmas was Fridayz Live – and we don’t have to wait ‘til December because the beloved R‘n’B festival is making a comeback this October after a one-year hiatus in 2024. The mega Aussie music fest will be hitting up Brisbane, Sydney, Perth and Melbourne with a huge line-up of R‘n'B legends and massive hip-hop stars. Think Mariah Carey, Pitbull, Wiz Khalifa and Jordin Sparks – eek! Here’s everything you need to know about getting tickets to Fridayz Live in 2025.  When is Fridayz Live 2025? Fans right across the country will get a chance to see their favourite artists up close in four Australian cities, including: Brisbane Showgrounds, Brisbane – Friday, October 17 Engie Stadium, Sydney – Saturday, October 18 Langley Park, Perth – Friday, October 24 Marvel Stadium, Melbourne – Saturday, October 25 What’s the Fridayz Live line-up? Leading the charge is none other than the queen of the whistle note, five-time Grammy Award winner and certified diva, Mariah Carey. It's been 11 years since Mimi last played in Australia, and you bet we've had 'We Belong Together' on repeat since this news dropped.  Joining her is Mr Worldwide himself, Pitbull. Known for his d-floor smash-hits (including 'Hotel Room Service', 'On The Floor' and 'Give Me Everything') and epic collabs, we recommend sourcing your bald cap sooner, rather than later (IYKYK). But wait, there's more! Also scheduled to appear are Pittsburgh rapper Wiz Khalifa (hands up if 'See You Again' still makes you s

Africa may be considered the king of the savannah when it comes to animal experiences – lions! Elephants! Giraffes! Rhinos! You can see them all over there – but in comparison to the rest of the world, our humble state doesn't fare too bad.  The researchers at Titan Travel recently published a Wildlife Safari Index, which aims to spotlight the best destinations around the world for animal lovers outside of Africa. They compiled a list of locations offering the ideal balance of diverse wildlife, endangered species conservation and accessible travel, then ranked them across categories like most affordable, top-rated and most Instagrammable. And wouldn't you know it, three of the top five most Insta-worthy spots can be found in Victoria. Yep, if you were hoping to have a special wildlife encounter – whether that's hand-feeding a roo or joining a cheetah on its morning walk – you can do all that right here. Photograph: Werribee Open Range Zoo Coming in second place on the list is Werribee Open Range Zoo, with more than 126,000 location tags. Visitors have long flocked here to take an African-inspired journey on one of the zoo's famous open-air safari buses, where you can see giraffes, rhinos, zebras and hippopotamuses splashing in the river. In March, the zoo also opened the brand new Elephant Trail – an $88 million enclosure spanning a massive 21 hectares that's become home to a herd of nine Asian elephants. Healesville Sanctuary – a haven for native Australian animals – cla