Leah Glynn

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

December 2025: It's a fashion face-off this month, when Vivienne Westwood and Rei Kawakubo go head-to-head in NGV’s blockbuster summer exhibition of punk, tartan and avant-garde design. For more pop culture magic, 'Diva' is opening as the the debut exhibition at the Australian Museum of Performing Arts. It will go behind the sequins to reveal the cultural power and artistry of some of the world’s most captivating performers. Plus, 'Game Worlds' is still on at ACMI and you can see Viking treasures at Melbourne Museum. There's always something to see in this all-embracing city of ours, so don't let the month pass you by without getting your fix of the best art, culture and exhibitions in Melbourne. When in doubt, you can also always rely on our catch-all lists of Melbourne's best bars, restaurants, museums, parks and galleries, or consult our bucket list of 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. Keen to add some art to your home? These are the best places to buy art in Melbourne.

December 2025: 'Tis the season when Dickens' beloved 'A Christmas Carol' returns to spread Yuletide cheer to audiences at the Comedy Theatre. This year's production stars local legend Lachy Hulme in the iconic role of Ebenezer Scrooge. For cabaret, comedy and what our reviewer called "a true piece of theatrical magic", don't miss 'Meow Meow's The Red Shoes', now showing until December 6 at Malthouse Theatre. And finally, the wait is over: 'Anastasia'  will open at the Regent Theatre at the end of the month, and we're ready to be dazzled by the sweeping story of courage, love and self-discovery. 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.  Stay in the loop: sign up for our free Time Out Melbourne newsletter for the best of the city, straight to your inbox. Want something else to do this month? Check out our guide to the city's best exhibitions.

If you’re one of the many who doesn't hang your holly and participate in Christmas – or you're just looking for something to do after you open your presents – there are still plenty of activities to enjoy in Melbourne on December 25. And the fun doesn't end on Christmas Day, either – find out what to do on New Year's Eve and New Year's Day. Looking for a festive feast? Check out the restaurants and cafés open on Christmas Day.

Across the city, Melbourne's Christmas lights get bigger and brighter every year. After you've finished putting up your own tree and decorations, it's time to hit the town in search of our best displays. There are plenty of locations throughout the CBD that will make you stop and look with wide-eyed wonder at the giant Christmas trees and glittering lights. But it’s not just the city that gets sparkly at this time of year. We’ve scoped out the suburbs where the residents have clearly been planning their decorations months in advance – bet they could give Clark Griswold a run for his money. Here are just a few of the best places to see Christmas lights in Melbourne this December. Here's where to find the perfect Christmas tree in Melbourne, and here are our city's best Christmas markets.

A plastic Christmas tree can be quite convenient, but nothing beats the scent of natural pine when it comes to feeling festive. Why not embrace the season and opt for a real Christmas tree this year? String it up with fairy lights and baubles while your listen to Christmas carols before hitting the town in search of the city's sparkliest light displays. What's more, real trees are less flammable when fresh and are often a greener alternative than artificial trees. Christmas tree farms are scattered throughout Melbourne and Victoria, many of which give you the option to browse and buy or get it delivered to your doorstep. We've put together this list of where to buy a real Christmas tree – get one and let the magic of Christmas fill your home.    Once you've got your tree sorted why not check out the city's festive lights? Plus, get the ultimate guide to Christmas in Melbourne.

What Melbourne lacks in beaches, it makes up for in plenty of outdoor pools. When the weather heats up, Melburnians flock to these swimming spots in droves. Our tip? You'd best get there early if you want to avoid the queues. Whether you want to swim laps, paddle or simply sunbake, our Melbourne Editor, Leah Glynn, has rounded up the best outdoor pools in Melbourne. And yes, they're the perfect way to spend a warm summer day. Psst! Pack those goggles. Prefer sand in your toes? Head to one of the best beaches in Melbourne. Alternatively, check out the best places to swim in Melbourne.

We blinked and suddenly it's December – where has the year gone?! With summer officially here (althought it really doesn't feel like it) and the silly season in full swing, there's no better time to head out and about in Melbourne. And lucky for you, there is plenty of fun and frivolity to enjoy. The city's festive events are in full swing, with the Christmas Festival running until December 25 – expect carols, a nightly river show and twinkling lights. Over at the Caulfield Racecourse, the family-friendly Christmas Wonderland event is taking place with appearances from Rudolph, the Grinch, Mrs Claus and even the big man in red himself. The beloved Moonlight Cinema is also back this month, with a merry line-up of classic Chrissy flicks like Love Actually, Elf, Home Alone and The Holiday. It's a big month for Melbourne's arts and culture scene, with the highly anticpated Westwood | Kawakubo arriving as the NGV's major summer blockbuster exhibition. It's set to be a mind-blowing display of punk, tartan and avant-garde design. The brand new Australian Museum of Performing Arts is also opening with its debut exhibiton: Diva – a glittering celebration of the artists who’ve shaped pop culture, music and fashion through imagination, talent and by being a total diva. The Broadway smash-hit Anastasia will open on December 20; there's mayhem and mischief to discover at Maho Magic Bar; the superstars of the golfing world will feature in the Crown Australian Open; and there are plenty of

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.  Paws up, Melbourne monsters! Lady Gaga's Mayhem Ball Tour has finally landed in Australia, with two huge shows at Marvel Stadium this weekend – expect to hear hit singles like 'Abracadabra' and 'Disease', plus all her classic hits. The NGV's blockbuster summer exhibition opens this weekend, with Westwood | Kakakubo set to be a jaw-dropping display of punk, tartan and avant-garde design. For another dazzling spectacle, don't miss Meow Meow's The Red Shows – our reviewer gave it five stars, calling it: "true piece of theatrical magic." The superstars of the golfing world – think Rory McIlroy (the current Masters champion), Adam Scott, Marc Leishman and Min Woo Lee – have landed in Melbourne for four days of big swings and even bigger action, with the Crown Australian Open taking place from December 4-7.   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 our free Time Out Melbourne newsletter for the best of the city, straight to your inbox. The fun doesn't stop on Monday! These are the best things to do in Melbourne this week.

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! Summer is officially here, which means it's Moonlight Cinema season! The beloved event returns on Wednesday with a preview screening of Eternity starring Elizabeth Olsen, Miles Teller and Callum Turner, but there will also be plenty of Christmas flicks to catch this month.  Meow Meow's The Red Shoes is on at the Malthouse Theatre this week, and our reviewer gave it five stars, calling it: "a true piece of theatrical magic." For magic of a more literal kind – think card tricks, illusions and sleight-of-hand trickery – head to Maho Magic Bar at Melbourne’s new entertainment hub, Spiegel Haus. And now that it's December, the festive events are in full swing. The Christmas Festival has turned the city into a glittering hub of merry cheer, while Christmas Wonderland is a one-stop shop for family friendly fun. 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.

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 NSW | VIC | QLD | WA | SA | TAS | NT 🌊 The beach towns to visit in Australia🚘 The best day trips in Australia😎 The best places to visit in Australia

If you really want to experience local life at its most authentic when exploring a new city, the best thing you can do is take to the streets. And no, not that one major thoroughfare with the samey high street megastores and generic coffee shops. We’re talking about the neighbourhood backstreets and lively avenues that locals love; the places packed with independent shops and creative people, where a brand-new hi-fi listening bar will share the space with an old-school grocer or a centuries-old pub.  This year, to create our annual ranking of the world’s coolest streets, we asked our global network of local editors and experts to nominate the street that epitomises the very best of their city. Time Out’s global travel team then narrowed down the list and ranked each street against criteria including food, drink, culture, fun and community spirit.  From Saturday samba sessions in Rio de Janeiro to a shapeshifting shopping street in Osaka, every avenue, alleyway and side street on this year’s ranking is unique to its hometown. Walking their length is like taking a stroll through the city in miniature, getting a taste of what makes life there brilliant – from food and culture to shopping and nightlife.  Did your favourite street make the list? Read on to find out. RECOMMENDED: 🏘️ The world’s coolest neighbourhoods in 2025🌆 The world’s best cities in 2025 Stay in the loop: sign up to our free Time Out Travel newsletter for the latest travel news and the best stuff happening a

Every trip to Melbourne Zoo is different. Despite being Australia’s oldest zoo, this vibrant animal world is constantly evolving, with new exhibits, events and, of course, creatures great and small.  A trip to Melbourne Zoo done right takes a day. The largest exhibit is the majestic Wild Sea, where penguins and seals bask on land before slipping into clear waters and showcasing their elegant aquatic skills. Another highlight is the sprawling Orangutan Sanctuary, where a family of beautiful, intelligent orangutans swing from tree to tree, play with each other and feed high off the ground. Then there’s the Trail of the Elephant: an immersive Asian village and garden where five Asian elephants thrive.  We could go on and on about the lions, lemurs, meerkats, butterflies and native animals that you’ll encounter, but we’ll let you discover it all for yourself. Throughout your Melbourne Zoo experience, you’ll learn about all the conservation work that happens behind the scenes; saving wildlife, conserving habitats and raising awareness of initiatives like palm oil labelling. For children and adults alike, a trip to Melbourne Zoo is a way to reconnect with our animal friends and gain a closer understanding of the delicate ecosystems of the world. Can't see enough during the day? Melbourne Zoo also runs 'Roar 'n' Snore' overnight camp, where you can sleep at the zoo in the historical elephant exhibit. Drift off to sleep listening to the calls of the animals, and when you wake in the

Hands up if you were raised on The Sims? Us too. Or maybe you were a dedicated Neopets fan, or obsessed with World of Warcraft. Perhaps you're currently glued to your Switch playing Hollow Knight: Silksong. Whatever your connection to video games, it's safe to say most of us have picked up a controller at some point in our lives and been captivated by what appeared on the screen. Enter ACMI's incredible new exhibition, Game Worlds. Running until February 8, this blockbuster celebration of video games will transport you into the worlds of more than 30 iconic titles, including Final Fantasy XIV Online, Minecraft, Doom and Stardew Valley. Also featured are classics like Maze War and Zork, fan faves with cult followings like The Elder Scrolls Online, and new releases like Guardian Maia. Spanning games from the 1970s right through to this year, you'll be able to check out rare concept art, original design materials, early hands-on protoypes and so much more. There are 44 fully playable experiences (think Celeste speedruns on two huge screens), and four new microgames by emerging and established Aussie game developers have been specially commissioned for the exhibition.  There will also be after-dark sessions, developer talks, themed fan events and and plenty more. And as much as Game Worlds is about exploring how video games are designed, built and experienced, it's also an opportunity to spotlight the community and the friendships that are forged within these immersive digital la

Did you know that 3.8 million Aussies played golf in some form last year? Or that new adult golfers who started playing in the last two years are aged, on average, 36, which is a drop of ten years? How about that new players are now 49 per cent women? Yep, in case you hadn't realised, golf is having a moment.  These stats are why we anticipate this year's Crown Australian Open – aka the oldest and most prestigious golf tournament on the PGA Tour of Australasia – to be the most exciting one yet. The action takes place from December 4-7 at the renowned Royal Melbourne Golf Club. It's here that top-ranked players like Rory McIlroy (the current Masters champion), Adam Scott, Marc Leishman, Min Woo Lee, Lucas Herbert and Cam Davis, will take to the green in an attempt to be crowned the 2025 winner.  But away from the bunkers, fairway and the teeing area, there's action of a different kind taking place – and it's set to appeal to the die-hard golfing afficianados as well as any newbies to the scene. The 19th is the social heart of the tournament where live entertainment, gourmet food offerings and fun activations come to life.  A bunch of beloved local restaurants will be on-site cooking up a feast, including 400 Gradi, Fonda, Zeus Street Greek, La Manna and Mr Miyagi, while the drinks will be flowing courtesy of Asahi, Isla Vodka and the Liqourland Lounge. You'll also be able to have a crack at the Crown Spin and Win or take part in the putting challenge. There will be plenty of p

It's officially that time of year again when the Moonlight Cinema returns to Melbourne for the summer. There's just something special about snuggling into a bean bag and catching a film under the stars in the Royal Botanic Gardens – with an ice cream or a wine in hand, of course.  Australia's favourite outdoor cinema has dropped its summer screening schedule, with tons of  blockbusters, nostalgic favourites and comedies on the program. Catch Christmas highlights like Love Actually, Elf, Home Alone and The Holiday on the big screen from December 9-23, or enjoy a summer blockbuster like Wicked: For Good and special screenings of Eternity and Springsteen: Deliver Me From Nowhere. Kids will love Zootopia 2, Moana 2 and How to Train Your Dragon. To celebrate turning 30, Moonlight Cinema wants you to vote now for your favourite classics like Shrek, Dirty Dancing, The Castle and Jurassic Park – the top picks will star in The People’s Program from January to March. Those looking to splurge can opt for Singapore Airlines' Gold Grass that comes with prime viewing, express entry and food and drinks delivered to your seat. Anothere cool option is the Connoisseur Lounge ticket that includes a bean bed plus a yum Connoisseur ice cream. And did you know the Moonlight Cinema is pooch friendly? For the first time ever you'll also be able to order a doggie bag meal from the food menu thanks to Lyka. Doggy date night, anyone? Screenings kick off at sundown, so bring your picnic rug, your snac

What do you get when you transform a 1960s car park with Brutalist-era architecture into a chic hotel with modern interiors by New York studio Roman and Williams? La Fondation, of course. Having only opened in April of this year, it’s a fairly new addition to Paris’s legendary hotel scene, but has quickly made its mark on the city – especially if the line of beautiful-looking people waiting for the elevator up to the rooftop bar is any indication.  Why stay at La Fondation? This is a hotel for travellers who want to shake off the tourist label and throw themselves into local Paris life. Conveniently located in the 17th arrondissement, it’s positioned close enough to reach all of the city’s important sites, but just far enough away from the hustle and bustle that you won’t be swiped by a hop-on, hop-off bus as soon as you step outside. What this gives La Fondation is just the right amount of allure – as if only the coolest people in Paris know of its existence. And who doesn’t want to be in on that secret?  Combine that with the aforementioned design cred – think loads of contemporary art, pops of rich colour in tones of mustard, emerald green and ruby red, and clashing materials – and some excellent drinking and dining digs, and you’ve got all the correct components for a swanky stay. What are the rooms like at La Fondation? There are 58 rooms, including three suites, spread across seven levels of the building. I’m staying in a Deluxe Room (24sqm), which features a heavenly k

When you think of famous hotels along the French Riviera, spots like the Grand-Hotel du Cap-Ferrat or the Hotel de Paris Monte-Carlo come to mind. But there’s a beautiful old dame in Nice who deserves her flowers, too: Anantara Plaza Nice, which boasts a storied history as rich as the vibrant city it resides in. And with a few new contemporary touches, its legacy looks set to continue long into the future. Why stay at Anantara Plaza Nice? A long-time stalwart of Nice’s hotel scene, Anantara Plaza first opened in 1848 as the Hotel de France – a beautiful, all-seasons resort where France’s rich and famous would come to holiday. It’s had many names and iterations since then, but in 2022 it reopened under the Anantara banner after extensive renovations by the award-winning David Collins Studio in collaboration with local architect Jean-Paul Gomis and TBC Interiorismo Studio. What hasn’t changed is that grand Belle Epoch-style facade, the opulent amenities and a commitment to delivering world-class service to every guest that walks through the doors. With 151 rooms to suit all types of luxury traveller, it’s clear no expense has been spared in giving this historic beauty the facelift she deserves. And now, Anantara Plaza is ready to charm a whole new generation of holidaymakers who have come to explore Nice. What are the rooms like at Anantara Plaza Nice? To say my room was a sight for sore eyes when I arrived after a long travel day would be an understatement – but it wasn’t unti

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.

If you're after a heart-warming example of a community coming together to create a drinking and dining destination that puts their small town on the map, look no further than Maffco Brewery and Distillery. After standing derelict for 100 years, the former milk factory was purchased by locals Nicky Reeves and Lashay Tricker, who dreamed of transforming the site into a thriving business that would put Maffra on the map and further cement East Gippsland's reputation as one of Victoria's premier foodie regions. With the whole of the township behind them – the people of Maffra turned out in droves to offer their services and pitch in at working bees – the vision came to life. Opening in 2023, Maffco Brewery and Distillery is now a hugely successful (and much loved) venue serving up top-notch froffs and excellent pub grub. The space itself is enormous, with a sweeping ground floor and mezzanine level. Many of the original elements remain, like the original beams and furniture made using the old exterior cladding and fences. The main bar is where you can work your way through the bevvies – the core range remains available year-round, and there's an ever-changing stream of seasonal brews (if there happens to be a can of Frost Bite – a mango and passionfruit ice cream sour – lying around, be sure to give it a try). On the food front, you can get everything from scallops and burgers to a hearty lasagne. For a more elevated dining experience, Tucka is the adjoining restaurant that celeb

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

Ask any Melburnian what the best time of the year to visit is, and we reckon 99 per cent will say in January, when the Australian Open is on. The weather is (mostly) warm and sunny, the vibes are high and the whole city goes absolutely tennis crazy.  And now, we've got one more reason to add: from January 16 to February 1, a floating tennis club is coming to Afloat. Yes, really. To celebrate the summer of tennis, Lacoste (aka the famous French brand that pioneered sporty fashion) is bringing its Le Club Lacoste experience to Australia for the very first time.  This epic extension of Afloat's already vast drinking and dining space will see a more than 20-metre-long, custom-made Lacoste court and an exclusive pop-up apparel store added to the on-water venue, creating the ultimate summer destination where you can sip, swim and serve (both literally and figuratively).  A bespoke French-inspired menu will also be available, and all the action from the Australian Open will be shown live on big screens. It will kick off with a swish launch party on Friday, January 16, featuring DJs including Edd Fisher (Wax'o Paradiso) and JNETT. BYO cute tennis 'fits. Bookings are now open here if you're keen to rally it out against your mates against an iconic Melbourne backdrop. Advantage, Afloat. Stay in the loop: sign up for our free Time Out Melbourne newsletter for the best of the city, straight to your inbox. RECOMMENDED: Olá! The theme for Afloat's tenth season has been revealed – and we'

Commuters of Melbourne, the time is almost here. It’s been a lot of digging, training and a fair bit of disruption in the making, but the official launch date for Melbourne's brand new Metro Tunnel is fast approaching – with the super-speedy new link on track (pardon) to open this Sunday, November 30. Here's everything you need to know ahead of this game-changing addition to the city's public transport network.  What is the Metro Tunnel? Essentially, Melbourne's Metro Tunnel is the biggest overhaul of the city's public transport system in 40 years. Early planning began in 2015, and it now features twin nine-kilometre rail tunnels that run below the CBD and connect the Sunbury, Cranbourne and Pakenham lines. Five new underground stations (Anzac, Arden, Parkville, State Library and Town Hall) have been built as part of the project, along with underground pedestrian links to Flinders Street and Melbourne Central Stations for easy access to the City Loop. At Anzac Station, you'll also find Melbourne's very first train/tram interchange. Various tests and intensive training has been completed, and state-of-the-art technology like a high capacity signalling system and platform screen doors have been installed. Phew! And now, it's just about ready for the public to see it for themselves. When does Melbourne's Metro Tunnel open? The Metro Tunnel is finally opening to passengers on Sunday, November 30 – ushering in a speedy new era of getting from A to B in Melbourne. After teasing us

Aussie rock ’n’ roll legends AC/DC have already (thunder)struck lucky Sydneysiders in their first Accor Stadium 2025 show – and now they're about to come back in black to shake another Sydney audience all night long (well, until about 11pm). Tomorrow (Tuesday, November 25), they will once again hit the stage at Sydney Olympic Park, as part of their Power Up Tour. Here’s everything you need to know about Tuesday night's AC/DC show in Sydney... When are ACDC in Sydney? AC/DC has already played at Sydney’s Accor Stadium on Friday, November 21 – and they'll be performing again on Tuesday, November 25. How to get to the ACDC Sydney concerts The shows are happening at Accor Stadium, inside Sydney Olympic Park, which is well-connected to public transport (free for concert-goers – just flash your concert ticket). The easiest and best way to get there is to catch a train from Central to Olympic Park station (trains will be departing Central and Strathfield every few minutes), and from there it’s a short walk to the stadium. Yes, we know, the trip home from Olympic Park can feel like a highway to hell, but hundreds of additional trains and buses will be running, and honestly, it's all worth it to see Acca Dacca. Leave the car at home. Find out more and plan your trip here. Who will be support act for ACDC in Sydney? Rowdy pub-rock band Amyl and the Sniffers is supporting AC/DC for the entirety of their Aussie tour – and you know they'll be getting the crowd pumped up. For the Sydney s

Can you believe it's been more than a year since High Street in Melbourne's north was crowned the official coolest street in the world? Well, after a long and hugely successful reign, it's finally time to pass the baton to another worthy winner. The highly anticipated 2025 ranking of Time Out's coolest streets in the world has just dropped – and not one but two Aussie spots made the list. RELATED READ: North Melbourne is one of the world's coolest neighbourhoods for 2025 As always, to determine the annual ranking, Time Out's global network of editors and local experts were asked to nominate a street that epitomises the very best of their city. The list was then refined and rated based off key criteria including food and drink offerings, culture, fun things to do and community spirit. Coming in first (and taking the title off High Street) is Rua do Senado in the Brazilian city of Rio de Janeiro. Best known for its antique shops and bohemian vibes, it's undergoing a stylish revival thanks to exciting new venues bringing a fresh energy to the place. Rounding out the top five are trendy streets in Osaka, Japan; Porto, Portugal; Chengdu, China; and Montreal, Canada. Photograph: Visit Victoria Coming in sixth place – woo! – is none other than Montague Street in Brisbane. Melissa Woodley, Time Out Australia's News and Travel Editor, describes this edgy street as “a once-sleepy industrial strip that has reinvented itself as the creative backbone of Brisbane’s most eclectic, free-

Remember last year, when we all collectively lost our minds over Peking Duck playing at the first-ever Bunnings Warehouse Party in Preston? Well, the event was such a huge success that it's back – and this time, it's all part of broader celebrations around Beyond the Valley's (BTV) tenth birthday. For one night only on Saturday, November 22 – yes, that's this weekend! – Bunnings Port Melbourne will transform into a pop-up music venue, headlined by performances from Mallrat and DJ Cooper Smith (who are also both appearing at BTV). The doors will open at 7.30pm, and entry is free – although you'll need to register to score a coveted ticket.    Photograph: Casey Garnsey Bunnings Goes Beyond is an alcohol-free party, but you'll be able to buy a sausage in bread from the charity barbecue, with all funds raised going to Support Act – a not-for-profit organisation that provides crisis relief and mental health support to people in the music industry. With Saturday's forecast set to be a lovely 24 degrees, it's giving summer festival vibes, so BYO your broad-brimmed Bunnings straw hats. Best of all, as part of the Bunnings and BTV collab, there will also be an exclusive giveaway with ten lucky winners scoring the ultimate VIP camping experience at the festival.  Registrations open at 12pm on Wednesday, November 19 via the Bunnings website and the artists' social media accounts.  Stay in the loop: sign up for our free Time Out Melbourne newsletter for the best of the city, straight

Update Friday, November 14: Did you happen to feel the ground shake on Wednesday night? No, it wasn't an earthquake – it was just Acca Dacca on stage at the MCG. The Seismology Research Centre recorded low frequency activity in the 2-5 hertz range on its earthquake detection equipment during the concert, believed to be from the vibrations of the venue's speakers and crowd movement. We guess fans really were shook all night long. Aside from the seismic activity, AC/DC's first Melbourne show was a triumphant success for the band, who haven't played in Australia in ten years. All the hits are there (except for 'It’s a Long Way to the Top (If You Wanna Rock’n’Roll)', which was retired after Bon Scott passed away), and the show goes for more than two hours. If you're heading to the 'G on Sunday, prepare for your ears to ring. Just a week after Oasis blew audiences away at Marvel Stadium, Melbourne will once again play host to a major music moment. Rock'n'roll legends AC/DC are kicking off the Aussie leg of their highly anticipated Power Up Tour with two massive shows at the MCG. With a catalogue of rock anthems that includes 'Back to Black', 'Highway to Hell', 'T.N.T.' and 'Thunderstruck', we're predicting one helluva performance from the band – which includes the iconic line-up of Angus Young on lead guitar, vocalist Brian Johnson, rhythm guitarist Stevie Young, drummer Matt Laug and bass player Chris Chaney.  Here's everything you need to know about the upcoming AC/DC shows. Wh

Update Tuesday, November 11, 2025: Today, the Australian Space Weather Forecasting Centre issued an Aurora alert, warning of potential Aurora activity in the next two days. According to the alert, "Two coronal mass ejections are expected to impact the Earth within the next 48 hours, possibly resulting in significant geomagnetic activity and visible auroras during local nighttime hours." The Aurora was most recently spotted on November 8 and 9 in parts of southern Australia.   As if last week's brightest-of-the-year supermoon wasn’t enough of a celestial spectacle, today, the Australian Space Weather Forecasting Centre (ASWFC) issued another Aurora alert (the second this month). When the ASWFC recently issued a previous alert, sightings were reported around midnight in Tasmania, Victoria, South Australia and even NSW (the further south you are, the higher chance you'll see it). Here’s everything you need to know about seeing the Southern Lights from Victoria. Where in the world can you see the Aurora? Bright, beautiful and bedazzling, the Aurora Borealis is a big-ticket bucket list item for pretty much everyone on Earth. Only those who have witnessed the Northern Lights with their naked eyes can truly understand its ethereal magic. But you don’t need to fork out on a ticket to Scandinavia to see the dramatic natural light display IRL. Australia has its very own version, called the Aurora Australis or Southern Lights – and this year, we could be in for the brightest display in

Experiencing a sun-drenched Euro summer is a travel rite of passage for many people. From sipping Aperols in Rome to picnicking in the shadow of the Eiffel Tower, it’s what fuels every Aussie’s wanderlust during the winter months. But, why does it kinda feel like everyone has the availability (and a flexible working arrangement) to go away for months on end? And is it even possible to do a proper European vacay – you know, with all the swimming, eating, drinking and shopping – if you only have a couple of weeks or less up your sleeve? Based on my own experience, I say absolutely yes – and you can even include a cheeky stopover, just to make that long-haul flight a little more bearable.  Earlier this year, I had my very own mini Euro summer, travelling from Sydney to Nice and Paris via Doha. In total, I was only away for nine nights – and yes, I came back feeling like I’d just spent a month doing nothing but lying on the beach. The most important factor? A scheduled layover. I flew in the Qsuite with Qatar Airways (their new partnership with Virgin Australia has made this route possible), which made Doha a no-brainer when it came to a pitstop destination. So much more than its bougie international airport, the Qatari capital is a delightfully surprising city where tradition meets modernity, and the vast desert gives way to space-age skyscrapers. Stop 1: Qatar I stayed at the gorgeous InterContinental Doha Beach and Spa, which makes for a great base. Pro tip: the arvo flight fr

It’s the day many Sydney Oasis fans have been waiting for – the Gallagher brothers played their first (critically acclaimed) Sydney show last night (Friday, November 7) at Accor Stadium in Sydney Olympic Park – and they're doing it all again tonight, Saturday, November 8.  For those lucky people who are going – pull out your bucket hats and Adidas trackies, and get your vocal cords ready to belt out 'Wonderwall'. Here's everything you need to know about tonight's Oasis Sydney shows. RELATED READ: These are the 52 best things to do in Sydney in 2025. When are the Oasis Sydney shows? Oasis has already taken to the stage at Accor Stadium in Sydney Olympic Park for their first concert on Friday, November 7, 2025, and they will perform their second and final Sydney show tonight – Saturday, November 8.  How to get to the Oasis Sydney concerts The show is going down at Accor Stadium, inside Sydney Olympic Park, which is well-connected to public transport (which is free for concert-goers – just flash your concert ticket). The easiest way to get to the concert is to catch a train from Central to Olympic Park station (they will be departing Central and also Strathfield every few minutes), and from there it’s a short walk to Accor Stadium. What time will Oasis come on stage in Sydney tonight? Gates open at 5.45pm, with support act Ball Park Music taking the stage at 7.15pm. Oasis won't hit the stage until around 8.45pm (and will perform for about two hours). What can I bring to the Oasi

At Time Out Melbourne, it’s our job to help people discover the best of the city – and further out across Victoria – so we’re normally the ones giving recommendations. That said, we love getting hot tips from you, too. So we put it to you – what are your top recommendations for things-to-do venues, restaurants, bars, regional venues and arts & cultural spaces? Drum roll, please… these are your top Time Out Melbourne Recommended People’s Choice picks for 2025:  Things to Do - People’s Choice: Royal Botanic Gardens Victoria, CBD Restaurant - People’s Choice: The Lion and Wombat, St Kilda Bar - People’s Choice: Bar Bambi, CBDRegional venue - People's Choice: Brae, Birregurra Arts & Culture venue - People’s Choice: NGV International, Southbank Stay in the loop: sign up for our free Time Out Melbourne newsletter for the best of the city, straight to your inbox. Hungry? Here's our round-up of Melbourne's best eats Thirsty? This is our ultimate guide to Melbourne's excellent bars And here are all of our favourite things to do

When it comes to arts and culture, Melbourne has it all. You can get your fix in galleries, museums, theatres, concert halls, stadiums, cinemas, at festivals, or in one of the many live music pubs – you can even get it by wandering down pretty much any Melbourne laneway. It’s our job to help people discover the best of Melbourne, so we’ve narrowed it down to ten must-visit Melbourne arts and cultural venues that our Time Out editors truly love. Check out what’s going on at our top Time Out Melbourne Recommended Arts & Culture Venues for 2025:  Astor Theatre, St Kilda FOMO Cinemas, Brunswick East Fortyfivedownstairs, CBD Forum Melbourne, CBD Greville Records, Prahran Immigration Museum, CBD Museum of Desire, Collingwood Red Stitch Actors’ Theatre, St Kilda EastPotter Museum of Art, Parkville The Substation, Newport Stay in the loop: sign up for our free Time Out Melbourne newsletter for the best of the city, straight to your inbox. What's on now? Check out the best theatre and musicals on Melbourne stages And here's our guide to art to see in Melbourne right now

Melbourne has it all – botanic parks, surf parks, bathhouses, boathouses, science stuff, art stuff… And our editors have done it all! At Time Out it’s our job to help people discover the best of Melbourne, so we’ve narrowed it down to 25 must-do Melbourne experiences that our Time Out editors truly love right now – from free spots to epic paid experiences, some in the middle of the city and others further out. How many have you ticked off? Here are our top Time Out Melbourne Recommended Things to Do for 2025:  BattleKart, West Footscray Blue Lotus Water Garden, Yarra Junction CERES, Brunswick East Cherry Hill Orchard, Wandin East Collingwood Children’s Farm, Abbotsford Cranbourne Royal Botanic Gardens, Cranbourne GoBoat, CBD Grazeland, Spotswood Hüd, Northcote Kayak Melbourne, Docklands Koorie Heritage Trust, CBD The Keys, Preston NICA, Windsor Pond Bathhouse, Mornington Puffing Billy, Belgrave Scienceworks, Spotswood Sense of Self, Collingwood Soak Bathhouse, South Yarra Studley Park Boathouse, Kew That Paper Joint, Brunswick Therapy, Eltham Tokyo Headspa, Armadale Urbnsurf, Tullamarine Victorian Pride Centre, St Kilda Werribee Open Range Zoo, Werribee 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 free things to do in Melbourne? Here's our guide to the best zero-dollar thrills Or take a hike – here are the best day walks to take from Melbourne