Leah Glynn

As much as we love the bright lights and late nights of the city, sometimes you just need to slam the laptop shut, toss a weekender bag in the boot and disappear somewhere that feels off-the-grid and untouched. Australia does 'the middle of nowhere' better than almost anywhere – except our version often comes with farm-to-table wineries, designer boutique stays and blissfully empty beaches.  Time Out's editors have crisscrossed the country (and then some), chasing sunsets in Broome, surf breaks in Yamba and long lunches in Margaret River. Between us, we’ve eaten, sipped and road-tripped our way through more small towns than we can count – so when we say these are the best regional towns in Australia, we really mean it. Each of Australia's most charming towns is proof that slowing down doesn’t have to mean missing out.  Editors' favourite regional towns in Australia:   ⭐️ Best for relaxation: Daylesford, VIC 🍷 Best for food and wine: Margaret River, WA 🌊 Best for coast and nature: Robe, SA 🌊 The beach towns to visit in Australia🚘 The best day trips in Australia😎 The best places to visit in Australia

It's already November, where has the year gone?! Before we start spiralling about how December (and Christmas, and the New Year) are just around the corner, let's enjoy all the fun things happening across Melbourne this month – and boy is there a lot to cover! Starting with Australia’s biggest annual garage sale. The Garage Sale Trail – happening over two weekends – is your chance to go on a treasure hunt for secondhand and vintage goodies. If you'd prefer a slightly more curated shopping experience, head to the Big Design Market, where more than 280 stallholders will be selling things like ethically made ceramics, jewellery, homewares, clothing and more.  Now that cherry blossom season is behind us, it can only mean one thing: cherry picking is back! Head to Cherry Hill Orchards where you can pick (and eat!) as many of these juicy fruits as your heart desires. Still hungry? Make your way to the East Malvern Food and Wine Festival to gorge on gourmet Victorian produce. And for your fix of theatre, music and movies check out The Talented Mr. Ripley at Arts Centre Melbourne, Live at the Gardens (Franz Ferdinand are playing!) and the Melbourne Queer Film Festival. Plus, there are also a bunch of cultural celebrations taking place this month – from Latin Day at Preston Market to the Polish Festival and African Music and Cultural Festival (both at Fed Square), you can travel around globe without even leaving Melbourne.  Phew! Better get out your diary and start planning! Stay in

The spookiest time of the year is upon us, so get ready to prep your costume and start listening to some creepy tunes, because there are heaps of freaky things happening in Melbourne for Halloween.  And with October 31 falling on a Friday this year, it's an extra creepy time for Melburnians who like a bit of dark fun. From horror-themed club nights and thrilling amusement parks to haunted tours and scary movie screenings, there's bound to be something that sends a shiver down your spine. So, pull out the witchy garb and fake blood and we'll see you out there...  Stay in the loop: sign up for our free Time Out Melbourne newsletter for the best of the city, straight to your inbox. After the perfect costume? Check out Melbourne's best costume shops. 

While public sentiment toward the Melbourne Cup has certainly shifted in past years, one thing remains true in 2025: we still get a public holiday for a horse race (and if you're savvy with your annual leave, you've also taken the Monday off to get an extra long weekend). So whether you're firmly nup to the Cup and want to take a stand, or you simply want to make the most of a precious day off, we've rounded up a bunch of fun things to keep you busy on the first Tuesday in November. Stay in the loop: sign up for our free Time Out Melbourne newsletter for the best of the city, straight to your inbox. Just want to chill out? Here are our favourite parks in Melbourne to enjoy the gorgeous weather.

When the sun comes out to play, Melbourne's glorious rooftop bars draw in flocks of thirsty revellers with their crisp, cool bevvies and sweeping city views. Maybe it's the higher altitude, but drinking is just more fun from above. So start climbing those stairs – or keep your fingers crossed for a lift – and check out Melbourne's best rooftop bars now.  Editor's favourite rooftop bars in Melbourne: 🥂 Best for a special occasion: Beverly 👠 Best for a hot date night: Her Rooftop 🍴 Best for snacks: Johnny's Green Room 🌇 Best for sunset views: Naked in the Sky or Harvie 👯 Best for a friends' catch-up: Morris House Stay in the loop: sign up for our free Time Out Melbourne newsletter for the best of the city, straight to your inbox. Still thirsty? We've rounded up the best wine bars in Melbourne. See full screen

For the past eight years, we’ve made it our mission to scope out the coolest pockets of the world’s greatest cities in order to create our definitive annual ranking. The places where stuff like nightlife, art, culture, and affordable food and drink can be found on every corner and down every backstreet. Where diversity is championed and independent businesses thrive, from old-school boltholes to the newest avant-garde art space. Put simply, the world’s coolest neighbourhoods are places that represent the soul of our cities, while maintaining their own unique local character that draws people in to live, work and play. So, what are the neighbourhoods that fit the bill this year? To find out, we asked our network of writers and editors across a breadth of cities to nominate the vibiest district in their hometown right now. We then ranked every neighbourhood against criteria including culture, community, liveability, nightlife, food and drink, street life and that hard-to-define sense of ‘nowness’.  On our list this year, you’ll find everything from homely, village-like enclaves with tight-knit communities to revitalised city-centre hubs and formerly dormant, industrial areas transformed into creative districts. Many are underrated spots that sit in the shadow of their commercialised counterparts; others have become unexpected culinary hotspots or magnets for the city’s artists, writers and activists. What they all have in common is a DIY spirit – and an unshakeable proclivity f

Melbourne is home to its fair share of super-luxe hotels, but there are also hidden gems in every corner of the city where you can rest your head for less than $200 a night. From super central sky-high towers like Oaks on Collins to charming stays on the fringe of the city like The Plough Hotel, Melbourne's budget hotels prove that you don't have to drop 500 bucks a night to enjoy a good night's sleep within striking distance of Melbourne’s best bits. To help you find your best affordable stay, our team of local editors (including Time Out Melbourne Editor Leah Glynn) have tried and tested Melbourne’s most well-located low-cost hotels, and Time Out Travel and Hotels Editor Winnie Stubbs has checked the list over to make sure it delivers.For an even more affordable night in the city, share a room with friends (and try to book at least a few weeks in advance). Another top tip from Time Out Melbourne’s team of local editors? Don't be afraid to trade space for location – you're only sleeping, after all. Read on for our guide to the best budget hotels in Melbourne.  Editor's quick picks: Best fully equipped home-away-from-home: Oaks on Collins Best for making new friends: YHA Melbourne Central Best boutique city stay: Brady Hotels Central Melbourne  Best quirky neighbourhood stay: The Plough Hotel Stay in the loop: sign up for our free Time Out Melbourne newsletter for the best of the city, straight to your inbox. RECOMMENDED:  These are the best places to go camping near Mel

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.  Boo! The spooky season is officially upon us, with Halloween falling on a Friday this year – and we've rounded up a spine-chilling list of events, parties and activities that you can check out. From after-dark thrills at Luna Park to haunted ghost tours at the Old Melbourne Gaol, there are plenty of freaky things happening around the city. Oasis fans, the time has finally come! The infamous Gallagher brothers have reunited, and are heading Down Under for the first time in 19 years. They are playing three shows at Marvel Stadium and we've got the details here. Got a sugar craving? Head to the Queen Vic Market for the two-day Donut Festival, which is back for a second edition – whether you're after jam, cinnamon, iced or something loaded with toppings and ice cream, you're guaranteed to find it here. Best of all, entry is free! It's also an (unofficial) long weekend with the Melbourne Cup taking place on Tuesday, November 4 – and let's be honest, are you even a true Melburnian if you haven't taken the Monday off too? If you're looking for things to do that don't involve horse racing, head here 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 100 things to do in Melbourne before you die.   Stay in the loop: sign up for

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 brand new live entertainment venue has popped up in Melbourne, and it's launching this week with a glittering show that fuses circus, cabaret, jazz and comedy. Spiegel Haus is playing host to Blanc de Blanc Encore and it's guaranteed to be a debaucherous night out. For theatre buffs, The Talented Mr Ripley is opening at Arts Centre Melbourne with a stacked cast. Our reviewer in Sydney gave it five stars, so this is definitely one you don't want to miss. Game Worlds continues at ACMI, and this celebration of video games boasts 44 fully playable experiences – how good! Plus, it's Halloween on Friday! The spooky season is officially upon us, and we've rounded up all the frightfully thrilling things to do here. From haunted tours to scary movie screenings, there's bound to be something that sends a shiver down your spine. 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 100 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. Counting down to Friday? Here's our guide to all the fun things happening in Melbourne this weekend.

Are you overdue for a bit of self-care? Give your muscles the gift of a deep tissue massage or refresh your complexion with a soothing facial at these retreats around Melbourne. From luxury day spas and bathhouses to cosmetic clinics and wellness centres, there's a range of treatment options for you to choose from that will leave you feeling soft, warm and radiant.  Editor's favourite day spas in Melbourne: 🛀 Best for a soak: Sense of Self 💆‍♀️ Best for a massage: Comma 🧖 Best for a facial: Shine Skin and Body or Hüd Northcote 🧘‍♀️ Best for a luxury experience: Crown Spa Melbourne 👯 Best for a social wellness sesh: Soak Bathhouse Leah Glynn is a self-confessed self-care specialist. If there's a massage to be enjoyed or a bath to soak in, chances are she's experienced it. Her hot pick for a pamper sesh? The 'equilibrium' at Comma is next-level good.  Need some more pampering? Hit the road and discover the best hot springs in Victoria.

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. 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.

Melburnians certainly know how to ride the wave of a good food trend, but one phase that has stuck around is our collective love and appreciation for the humble sandwich. And for that, we are thankful. Arguably the most versatile food, you can eat it for breakfast, lunch or dinner, and the possibilities for fillings and combinations are endless. Start your day with a brekky sanga filled with bacon and cheese, munch on a meatball sub for lunch, and get a lil' fancy with a croque monsieur for dinner. However you take yours, it seems the sandwich trend is not going anywhere for a while, so work your way through our round-up of the best sangas in town.  Looking to change up your usual sandwich routine? Check out the best bahn mi in Melbourne. Finish on a sweet note with the best ice cream and gelato around town. 

Travel to Poland this November without having to dust off your passport with the return of the Polish Festival to Fed Square on Sunday, November 16.  Kicking off at 10am, this annual celebrtion of Polish food, drinks, culture and traditions in now in its 21st year and will feature a fun line-up of dancing, live music, performance and art. But what we're most excited for is the food – think pierogi, cabbage rolls, sausages and potatoes in all their glorious forms (think potato pancakes, dumplings, soups and casseroles). Best of all, you can wash it all down with some pickle juice, which is apparently a go-to Polish remedy for hangovers, sore muscles and the occasional broken heart.  Find out more about the free, family-friendly event here.  Stay in the loop: sign up for our free Time Out Melbourne newsletter for the best of the city, straight to your inbox. After more fun things to do in our city? Check out the best events happening in Melbourne this week.

We're just as sad as you are that cherry blossom season is over, but the good news is that it heralds the start of the cherry-picking season. And if you can't get enough of those sweet and juicy red morsels, then make your way to CherryHill Orchards this summer to pick and eat as many cherries as your heart desires. This year's cherry-picking season will kick off on November 10 at CherryHill's 40-hectare orchard in Coldstream. On November 24, CherryHill's original orchard in Wandin East will follow suit and open its gates to eager pickers.  Sessions last for two hours, and cherries are charged per kilogram – trust us when we say these are some of the largest, sweetest cherries going around. But as you're picking, feel free to eat as many as you like! The fun doesn't stop at picking cherries; the orchard will host on-site food trucks and stalls hawking food and cherry-flavoured products. On top of the famed cherry ice cream, you can also shop pantry goods like cherry vinaigrette, cherry syrup, cherry barbecue sauce and cherry glaze. You can also bring your own picnic, or pre-order a box of goodies to enjoy on the orchard grounds. And if you visit on a weekend or public holiday, you'll be treated to the sweet sounds of live tunes performed by a rotating line-up of local musos. The cherry-picking festival will run until late December at the Coldstream orchard, and until early January at the Wandin East orchard. For more information and to book your spot head to the CherryHill we

The ultimate festive shopping spree awaits when the Big Design Market returns just in time for Christmas.  From November 28-30, 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 280 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, Cobb Lane and Billy Van Creamery. On the beverage front, Axil Coffee Roasters will be doing some delicious brews, while Pizzini Wines will be on hand to whip up something a tad stronger.  This market's guest artist is Emma Morgan, who is best know for her beautiful botanic designs and illustrations. She'll be creating a jaw-dropping large-scale installation for the event. Don't miss the fashion runway at 6pm on Friday, November 28 (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 are also back – these usually sell out within the first few hours and boast more than $150 worth of goodies (including stationery, socks, body care and gourmet produce) for just $25.

It's not everyday that a tiny hole-in-the-wall gives you one of the best burgers in the world, but this isn't your everyday kinda place.  Operating out of the Yakamoz kitchen in a Brunswick East side street, Charrd has quickly become the talk of Melbourne's foodie scene. The menu is short 'n' sweet, with just two burger options: the classic (with onions and pickles) and the Charrd signature (with added truffle aioli, chilli jam and caramelised onions). Both are available with a single and double patty. There are fries, of course, and housemade iced tea and lemonade to wash it all down. The beauty of this burger is in its simplicity – the quality patties are made from a special blend of cuts from Madina Halal Butchers on nearby Sydney Road, and there's a delicious smokiness to the flavour. The pickles and onion add just the right amount of sharp zest, while the sauce combo balances it all out. Charrd is open from Thursday to Sunday, and you can stay across their burger happenings via Instagram. Thank us later.  Want more burger stuff? Here's our round-up of Melbourne's best. 

It's the great Aussie dream, right? To get together with your mates, buy a country pub and turn it into a welcoming watering hole where locals and tourists alike can swing by for a pint and a parma. Well, that's exactly what four pals have done with the recently reopened Yack Hotel in Yackandandah, which is located an almost four-hour drive from Melbourne on the doorstep of the High Country. The new publicans are Dale Kemp (former executive chef at Yolk Group) and his partner Brittany Hart, and fellow hospo legends Jackson Cartwright and Sian Haycock – and together, they've restored it to its former glory while losing none of its old-world charm.  Originally built in 1868 to serve the town’s gold-mining community, the Yack Hotel's four-month transformation saw many of the structural elements remain – like the heritage ceiling plasterwork and brown brick bar – while new additions included a fresh lick of paint and plush tartan carpet. A beautiful horseshoe-shaped bar top was also made from local red gum sourced from a farm just 10 minutes up the road to really amp up the pub's rustic character. The menu delivers all the pub classics (parmas, burgers, fish and chips) and some rotating specials, and there's an emphasis on showcasing local ingredients – think steak from Yalandra Pastoral in the nearby Mitta Valley and a sticky toffee pudding spiked with Rutherglen muscat. On the drinks front, regional brewers dominate, with ice-cold froffs from Bright Brewery and Bridge Road Brew

Regional breweries don't come much cooler than Dunetown. The brainchild of Chris and Gab Moore of Sailors Grave Brewing, this farmhouse-meets-beer hall opened in December 2024 and has quickly become a must-visit destination for visitors to East Gippsland. Located between Marlo and Cape Conran (yep, it's an excellent spot for a post-surf froff), it takes its name from the sea shanty village that existed in the area until the 1980s. Far from a ramshackle setup though, Dunetown boasts a huge brewery operation – we're talking a pilot malting plant and a 16-tap bar complete with a four-tap Lukr side-pour system imported from the Czech Republic. But that's not all – there's a huge indoor-outdoor seating area, a fantasic sandy play area for the kids with two boats, gardens, two adorable mini goats and quirky illustrative-style art by Joe Lyward. And there's no chance of going hungry here, either. The Tumba Taco food truck dishes up tasty Mexican fare including corn chips with guac, tacos and burrito bowls – and best of all, the handmade tortillas are formed using 100 per cent locally grown maize.  And to wash it all down, you're going to want to try some of the beer. You'll always be able to get Sailors Grave's core range here, but there will also be an ever-rotating selection of more adventurous and interesting brews – think limited-edition and seasonal drops like a cacao husk and vanilla bean stout or a sea urchin and lemon myrtle gose. Many of the beers have even been inspired b

The Melbourne Queer Film Festival (MQFF) returns to shine the spotlight on LGBTQIA+ people throughout history with a line-up full of hysterical comedy, campy horror and deliciously juicy drama.  The largest queer film festival in the Southern Hemisphere is back for its 35th outing, and this year's theme is 'Searching for Queer Utopias'. Captured through film’s immortalising lens, MQFF's 2025 program is a celebration of queer joy, connection and liberation, while also showcasing spaces where the LGBTQIA+ community and allies can be themselves. Running from November 13-23, audiences can expect more than 130 feature films, documentaries and short films (including 35 Australian premieres) to be shown at iconic city venues like Collins Place, Melbourne Town Hall and the Capitol Theatre. “There’s an incredible line-up of award-winning and premiere cinema for the audience for our milestone 35th season,” says MQFF Chief Executive Officer, David Martin Harris. “We’re bringing back premium events for our opening and closing night in what is a purely contemporary program that looks at the current and future for LGBTQIA+ communities in Australia and globally.”  MQFF will kick off with an opening night screening of Queens of the Dead, a queer apocalyptic survival comedy with a stacked ensemble cast that's been directed by Tina Romero. The festival will close with Plainclothes, a 1990s romantic thriller directed by Carmen Emmi.  In between, you can catch everything from in-conversation eve

As the first major development in Bourk Street Mall in 50 years, the new Melbourne Walk precinct has been a much-hyped and hugely anticipated project. And now it's finally open – complete with the sparkly jewels in its crown: two new hotels that form IHG’s very first dual-branded hotel property in Australia.  Tucked away above the retail sector are the Holiday Inn Melbourne Bourke Street Mall and Hotel Indigo Melbourne Little Collins. I'm checking out the latter, which is the design-led trendy younger sibling of the two that is chock-full of character and charming nods to its heritage. Why stay at Hotel Indigo Melbourne Little Collins Street? It's instantly obvious there's a lot to love here: the spiral staircase is a stunning architectural centrepiece, every person I encounter is a delight, the signature cocktails are spot-on and the rooms are spacious and well-appointed. But what makes this hotel feel special, and quintessentially Melbourne, is the seamless blending of the site's storied history with the swish, modern features.  The property's signature shade of Mondrian blue is front and centre as soon as you enter, and it extends throughout the hotel – from the painted column in reception to the hallways and in-room cabinetry. And while it's a nice example of brand awareness, it doubles as a homage to Melbourne's blue street signs. There are also multiple tributes to E.W. Cole, who was the owner of Cole's Book Arcade – once regarded as the biggest bookstore in the world.

I'm a self-confessed self-care tragic – whether it's a simple sheet mask in the tub or a bougie facial followed by a soak in a mineral springs pool, if there's a chance to grab five minutes of zen time, I'm going to grab it.  So obviously I jumped at the opportunity to visit Tokyo Headspa's very first standalone flagship salon in Melbourne. The brainchild of founder Nozomi Oshima – whose love for scalp and hair rituals developed as a teenager living in Japan – Tokyo Headspa first launched in Sydney in 2022. There are now three locations in the Harbour City (my colleagues are big fans of the Bondi Junction clinic) and two in Brisbane.  The Melbourne salon is situated on High Street in Armadale, and it's a calming, quiet sanctuary that feels worlds away from the hustle and bustle of the busy shopping strip outside. Designed by Rebecca Vulic of X+O Design Studio, it boasts a timber fitout with warm lantern lighting and soft music playing. The team are immediately welcoming upon my arrival, and I'm invited to pick a traditional yukata (I opt for the pink floral one, duh) and comfy slippers to wear for the duration of my appointment. Tokyo Headspa specialises in offering an authentic Japanese head spa experience that incorporates hair washing, scalp therapy, facial reflexology and upper body massage. The treatment beds and products have been imported direct from Japan, and all therapists have undergone extensive training in the centuries-old art by Oshima herself. I'm here for the

If you can quote The Last of Us line by line, have seen every episode of Critical Role and The Adventure Zone or you’re addicted to Twitch and can’t choose between Fortnite and Overwatch, then this is the festival for you. Melbourne International Games Week is the biggest gaming event in the Asia-Pacific region, and it returns in 2025 with an expanded line-up of more than 70 events. It's set to showcase the city as a leading global games hub from October 4-12, with both emerging local creators and global talent stepping into the spotlight.  Highlights from the program include ACMI's groundbreaking new playable exhibition, Game Worlds; Big Games Night Out (October 4) at Fed Square, which will feature cosplay parades, dance-offs, prizes and more; satellite events at Bunjil Place and Hobsons Bay Altona Library; crossover shows with Melbourne Fringe Festival; workshops on creating your own 3D game character or developing your rapid prototyping skills using Unreal Engine; and so much more. For those in the biz, the roll call of international big-name guests in attendance reads like a who's who of the gaming industry: Lis Moberly, creative lead at 20th Century Games and Walt Disney Company; Donald Barrett, senior designer on Marvel’s Spider-Man; Jenny Windom, organiser for Wholesome Games; and Josh Sawyer, studio design director at Obsidian. So break out your headsets, your handsets, your keyboards and your D20s, and come indulge your gaming needs. Visit the Melbourne International

Want to hear some wheelie exciting news? The Great Vic Bike Ride is back – but this year, there's an emphasis on a more relaxed experience. Previously a nine-day event, it will now take place over five days along 300 kilometres of the Great Ocean Road and surrounding country roads. The ride will kick off – or should we say roll off – on November 24, winding through picturesque townships like Port Fairy, Koroit, Port Campbell and Timboon. Both seasoned riders and keen newbies are expected to tackle the new route, delivering a huge economic boost to the South West Victoria region.  The Great Vic Bike Ride has a proud reputation as one of Australia’s premier cycling events, and it’s also a wonderful opportunity to meet like-minded people, sample local produce and support small townships. And the fun doesn’t stop once you set up camp, with a line-up of nightly entertainment scheduled for the duration of the ride. Oh, and best of all, your belongings are transported between campsites by a fleet of luggage trucks, and there’s plenty of mechanical, medical and motivational support provided along the way. So, who’s ready to start pedalling? Find out more at the website. Fun fact: Melbourne has been ranked one of the best cities in the world to see by bike. Not sure where to ride? These are the best cycling trails in Melbourne.

Love it or hate it, Christmas is almost upon us. And just as you can be sure that Michael Bublé is slowly defrosting and getting ready to croon the festive season away, and Mariah Carey is counting the fat stacks that pile up on cue as ‘All I Want for Christmas’ goes back on high rotation – you know that the battered DVD of one particular British rom-com at your mum’s house will also be back on steady rotation, actually.  Love Actually is the festive flick that never gets old, but if you want to fall in love with it all over again, grab a ticket for this special live viewing experience. Following sell-out tours across the UK and in Australia the last few years, Love Actually in Concert is coming back to Melbourne just in time for Old Saint Nick’s next whip around.  Pack the tissues, as this experience features a full live orchestra performing the hit soundtrack as the film is projected onto a screen. Love (and Christmas) will be all around you, and so the feeling grows. Get ready to question how many lobsters were present at the birth of Jesus Christ, and fire up at Alan Rickman and his saucy secretary all over again (Emma Thompson’s cry to Joni Mitchell will really slap with an orchestral backup, to be fair). Melburnians can get in on the holly jolly action on December 21 and 22 at Melbourne Town Hall. For more information and to grab your tickets, head to the website. Want more? Check out the best of Melbourne theatre and musicals this month.

Update Saturday, November 1: More than 55,000 people streamed into Marvel Stadium last night to see Oasis perform in Melbourne for the first time in 20 years. And boy, did they deliver. Opening with 'Hello' from their huge 1995 album '(What's the Story) Morning Glory?', they hurtled through 23 of their most iconic songs before finishing with a passionate sing-a-long performance of 'Champagne Supernova'. The Gallagher brothers are officially back and better than ever. P.S. Bringing a flare to a concert is a dumb idea, so don't be that person tonight – even Liam thought it was a silly thing to do.  It's the moment Aussie Oasis fans have been waiting for – the Gallagher brothers have finally touched down in Melbourne, and so far there's not been a hint of conflict between the two. Phew! Which means everything is in place for them to conquer three epic shows at Marvel Stadium. So, pull out your bucket hats and Adidas trackies, and get ready to belt out 'Wonderwall', here's everything you need to know about the upcoming Oasis shows – starting with tonight's opening concert. When is the Oasis Live ‘25 World Tour in Melbourne? Oasis will take to the stage at Marvel Stadium for their first concert on Friday, October 31. They'll also perform on Saturday, November 1 and Tuesday, November 4. How to get to the Oasis 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 Oasis concert. Simply walk over

It's no secret that Melbourne is home to some world-class drinking and dining experiences – Caretaker's Cottage was just ranked the 19th best bar in the world, in 2024 Vue de Monde landed fifth on La Liste's exclusive guide, and Lonely Planet just declared the city's culinary scene a must-do experience in its Best in Travel guide for 2026. Hungry yet? And now, a revered, high-end Melbourne restaurant has been recognised by the Tatler Best Awards, which have expanded across the Asia-Pacific region for the very first time. The Tatler Best Awards (now in its second edition) celebrate the top destinations to dine, drink and stay while travelling – and none other than Flower Drum earned a spot on the inaugural Asia-Pacific top 100. Flower Drum may be almost five decades old (yes, really), but this classy Cantonese joint located in Chinatown remains a beacon of elegant fine dining. Named after the traditional 'Flower Drum' dance, this certified culinary institution is best know for its impeccable service (the restaurant’s banquets is itself a carefully choreographed dance, which some of its waiters have been perfecting for 20-plus years) and dishes that offer diners a rare taste of various prized Cantonese specialities. And is it the best Peking duck in Melbourne? It’s definitely the most meticulously presented.meli  Photograph: Graham Denholm The other Aussie restaurants to make the list include Tasmania's sustainable dining powerhouse, The Agrarian Kitchen; and two Sydney spot

Ask any local what they love about Victoria, and we bet they can easily list a number of things that makes this great state of ours so wonderful – whether it's the spectacular natural wonders, cool neighbourhoods or epic adventures like this snow to surf trip. But it's always nice to be recognised by others on a global scale, which is why we're pretty damn excited that Victoria has made not one but two appearances on Lonely Planet's 2026 Best in Travel guide. Now in its 16th edition, the Best in Travel guide is basically the holy grail of wanderlust – a collection of expertly curated picks for where to go in the year ahead. It's divided into two sections: the 25 best destinations and the 25 best experiences. Standing tall as the only Aussie state to be featured twice, Victoria's two inclusions fall under the best experiences banner. So, just what exactly are they? Drumroll, please... The first is the Great Bathing Trail – aka Australia's steamiest road trip. In case you didn't know, Victoria is lucky enough to be home to a number of excellent hot springs sites stretching from Gippsland in the east to Warrnambool in the west. This new 885-kilometre route links them all, in what has to be one of the most relaxing ways to criss-cross the state. Open all year round (though we recommend doing it between April and November when the weather is cooler), stops include Metung Hot Springs, Alba Thermal Springs and Spa, Peninsula Hot Springs, Hepburn Bathhouse and Deep Blue Hot Springs,

Need further proof that Melbourne is the coffee capital of the world? Well, here it is: local barista Jack Simpson – who is also Head of Innovation at Axil Coffee Roasters – has taken out the prestigious 2025 World Barista Championship, which was just held in Italy. Now that's news that's got us more jazzed than a triple shot espresso! Back in May, we reported that Simpson had taken out the Australian Barista Championship, making it the third year in a row he had take out the local title. His win saw him travel to Milan for the 25th anniversary of the World Barista Championship, which took place over five fierce days of judging. Competitors travelled from 50 countries across the globe – including Greece, Vietnam, Costa Rica and Kenya – in an effort to claim the crown. The championship is based around three categories: espresso, milk-based and specialty. Each barista had 15 minutes to create four of the same drink, which were then judged on key criteria like taste, technical skills, presentation and storytelling. Simpson's winning signature brew combined two coffees (from Panama and Colombia) and combined it with a housemade honey vinegar and passionfruit husk distillate to create a fizzy, refreshing drink with notes of raspberry kombucha and mango. Yum!    Photograph: Supplied/World Barista Championship   “It’s an incredible honour to bring the World Barista Championship title home to Australia,” says Simpson. “This win celebrates not only me, but the producers, roasters, a

Let's be honest – it was actually a pretty mild winter in Melbourne, and although we haven't had any super hot spring days yet, the weather conditions have been (mostly) calm and consistent. Which would bode well for a pleasantly warm summer, right?  Well, no. At least not if La Niña has her way. This month, the US Climate Prediction Center (CPC) declared that a La Niña event is officially underway, with the cool, rainy phase expected to stick around until early next year. While it’s probably not the news anyone was hoping for, it’s not all doom and gloom Down Under. Australia's Bureau of Meteorology (BoM) hasn't declared La Niña here – yet. But it's safe to say we're on high alert here in Melbourne. This is everything you need to know so far. What is La Niña? La Niña is one of three phases of the El Niño-Southern Oscillation (ENSO) climate cycle. It happens when stronger-than-usual trade winds push warm water westward across the Pacific Ocean, leaving cooler-than-average waters along the equator. The result? Wetter weather, more cloud cover and a greater chance of storms across Australia. Are we in La Niña or El Niño? Australia experienced three consecutive La Niña years – from late 2020 through to early 2023 – which is pretty rare (only the fourth “triple-dip” since records began). This led to record-breaking rainfall and cooler temperatures across much of the East Coast, with widespread flooding in parts of QLD and NSW. However, Australia has been in a neutral climate phas

Australia is famous for its melting pot of cuisines, and our bar scene is just as diverse. From New York-style speakeasies and Parisian wine bars to Japanese izakayas and Mexican cantinas, you can explore the world of cocktails without leaving our major cities. And it’s not just variety on offer – Australia’s bars are world-class, with two beloved drinking dens recently making the prestigious World’s 50 Best Bars list for 2025. Now in its 17th year, this annual event is regarded as one of the world’s most influential bar awards, celebrating the top bartenders and drink enthusiasts on an international scale. The winners are voted on by an esteemed global academy made up of drink experts, bartenders and other top dogs, and were recognised at a live ceremony in Hong Kong earlier this October. Bars from 29 cities across the globe were featured in this year’s top 50, including Bar Leone in Hong Kong – the 2025 winner and the first Asian bar to ever claim the top gong. But who are our local heroes? Photograph: Supplied | Caretaker's Cottage The title of Australia’s best bar goes to Caretaker's Cottage – a tiny, highly lauded CBD venue that landed 19th on the global charts. The news comes after we crowned it our Bar of the Year at the Time Out Melbourne Food & Drink Awards in March, proving once again we can spot a good bar when we see one. Caretaker's Cottage climbed two spots from 21st in 2024 to 19th this year, and honestly, we're not surprised. Our reviewer called it “quintess

Since the news first broke in March that Hugh Allen – Vue de Monde's critically acclaimed executive chef – would be launching his very first restaurant right here in Melbourne, we've been eagerly counting down to its opening date. And now, that day has finally come: Yiaga (an Indigenous word meaning ‘to seek and find’) is officially open to the public. Located in the heart of East Melbourne's lush Fitzroy Gardens, it has taken up residence in an old pavilion that was originally built in 1908 as a tearoom and expanded with a dining room in the ’20s. It had been vacant for nearly a decade before Allen, in collaboration with renowned Australian architect John Wardle and his team, took over the venue and began a stunning transformation.   Photograph: Jason Loucas   Now it's a space that beautifully complements the lush garden setting, with an open dining and kitchen area, a rich and earthy colour palette, and terracotta tiles that emulate the bark of nearby elm trees. There's also a beautiful Tasmanian blackwood timber cellar by Ross Thompson, a custom-built table that furniture designer Vivienne Wong made using a cypress branch from the nearby Royal Botanic Gardens and even the Yiaga branding has been created to symbolise local specimens of Australian flora. The restaurant itself – which seats 44 diners, including an eight-seat semi-private dining area – will showcase Australia's abundant diversity of native ingredients and top-quality produce. Think pasture-fed Blackmore Wagy

Since it burst onto the local hotel scene last year, Hyde Melbourne Place has quickly established itself as one of the hottest – and most stylish – places to stay for a city getaway. Well, turns out we're not the only ones who thought it was a pretty special spot, with National Geographic ranking it among the world's 30 best properties in its Hotel Awards for 2025. From Morocco to Madagascar, National Geographic’s annual awards celebrate the best new and renovated places to stay across the world. This year's winners were decided by an expert panel of eight travel writers and crowned across categories, including budget breaks, designer dens, wellness havens, eco retreats and one-of-a-kind stays. Hyde Melbourne Place was recognised in the 'Designer Den' category, with the judging panel calling it a “microcosm of local art and design” and highlighting the “circular motifs and warm native woods”.  Our former Food and Drink Writer, Lauren Dinse, stayed here when it first opened, and also praised its chic and modern style. “There’s much to love about Hyde Melbourne Place – its artfully warm design, local-made contemporary art works, world-class dining and a confident team of staff who’ll please every type of luxury-loving lodger,” she said.   Photograph: Sean Fennessy   Located smack-bang in the middle of the CBD, it boasts two excellent drinking and dining options on the ground floor: Marmelo and Mr Mills, by celebrated restaurateurs Ross and Sunny Lusted. And opening this Dec

Whether you're finishing up year 12 or considering a career change that requires you to hit the books (or maybe you're just curious to see how your alma mater is going), this grading of global universities is sure to pique your interest. Especially because two revered Melbourne institutions have made the list.  There are plenty of university rankings out there (including QS and CWUR), but the Times Higher Education (THE) World University Ranking is widely regarded as one of the most trusted. This year, it assessed almost 2,200 institutions across 115 countries and territories, evaluating performance across five key pillars: teaching, research environment, research quality, international outlook and industry engagement. Each institution was then scored and ranked – and for the 2026 list, ten Australian universities earned a spot.  Photograph: Eriksson Luo via Unsplash Once again, The University of Melbourne retained its crown as Australia’s top university, ranking 37th on the global leaderboard. Home to more than 77,000 students and 13,000 staff, the university improved two places on its 2025 ranking and earned near-perfect scores in five metrics, including research excellence and impact, while making notable progress in its teaching reputation. The University of Melbourne also finished 16 places ahead of its closest rival, The University of Sydney, which rose eight spots to 53rd in 2026. It's another tassel in the graduation cap for Melbourne Uni, which also landed in the

Maybe Sammy – a high-end cocktail bar which blends old Hollywood glamour with Palm Springs flair in The Rocks – has been named as one of the best bars in the world for 2025. The World’s 50 Best Bars list for 2025 just dropped, with the swish spot landing in 42nd place – a drop from last year’s 26th position. It’s the seventh year in a row Maybe Sammy has made the coveted list, and was the only Sydney bar to make the cut this year, with Melbourne’s Caretaker’s Cottage landing in 19th place. RELATED READ: Sydney’s award-winning Maybe Sammy has created a limited-edition cocktail, now available at MGallery hotels across Australia. Photograph: Daniele Massacci Founded in 2019 by Vince Lombardo and Stefano Catino, Maybe Sammy is known for its inventive and delicious cocktails, flamboyant pink-suited bubble-blowing bartenders and top-notch service. And while I can think of many Sydney bars that also deserve to be on the list (Old Mate’s Place, PS40, Bar Planet, to name just a few) – Maybe Sammy’s consistency of service and excellent offering deserves a toast. Co-founder Stefano Catino says of the award: “Are we one of the best bars in the world? Some nights, yes. Other nights, we know we can be better. What matters is that we’ve grown stronger each year – as a team, as a business, and as a bar. For seven years we’ve proudly put Sydney on the global cocktail map, and that consistency means everything to us. Australia is one of the best food and drink destinations in the world, and

Pop the Champagne! The accolades for Caretaker's Cottage just keep rolling in, with the teeny tiny, highly lauded CBD venue landing at 19th on the prestigious World's 50 Best Bars list for 2025. The news comes after we crowned it our Bar of the Year at the Time Out Melbourne Food & Drink Awards in March – so it's nice to know we can spot a good bar when we see one. This is the 17th edition of the World's 50 Best Bars, with the winners announced on October 8 at a live ceremony in Hong Kong. The annual event is regarded as one of the most influential bar awards in the world, celebrating the best and most talented bartenders and drink enthusiasts on an international scale. The winners are voted on by an esteemed global academy made up of drink experts, bartenders and other top dogs.  Taking the gold medal was Bar Leone in Hong Kong – the first time a bar in Asia has ever won. The top five were rounded out by Handshake Speakeasy in Mexico City; Sips and Paradiso, both in Barcelona; and Tayēr + Elementary in London. Bars from 29 cities across the globe were featured, including new entries from Oslo, Lima, Athens and Bratislava.   Photograph: Supplied / Caretaker's Cottage   But back to our local hero. Caretaker's Cottage actually improved on its 2024 ranking, moving up two spots from 21st to 19th. And look, we're not surprised – this is a bar that our reviewer described as “quintessentially Melbourne: cool without being pretentious, creative but not overwrought, and intimate wit

Hot on the heels of the news that the Metro Tunnel finally has an opening date (spoiler alert: it's early December – one year ahead of schedule!), comes another very exciting announcement. Premier Jacinta Allan has just revealed that travelling on public transport will be free across the state every weekend for two months over summer. Yes, you read that right. As a gesture of thanks to Victorians for their patience while the Metro Tunnel was being built, and to celebrate the opening of this much-hyped $15.5 billion project, the entire public transport network will be free on weekends from early December to February 1. We're talking the first service on each Saturday to the last service on each Sunday, and it includes all trams, buses, trains and regional services. During this period, you won't need a valid ticket or Myki to use any public transport. You also won't be required to tap on or off, and if you accidentally do, no charges will incur.    Photograph: Visit Victoria   The free travel will mark the Metro Tunnel's Summer Start, which is essentially a soft launch designed to iron out any bugs, avoid unexpected disruptions and ensure everything runs safely and smoothly. On February 1, the Big Switch will occur, which will see a brand new timetable introduced across the state's entire public transport network to accommodate more than 1,000 new weekly services.  So, if you've been wondering when you'll get the opportunity to check out the Metro Tunnel – and its five brand