Leah Glynn

The beloved Melbourne International Comedy Festival is well and truly in full swing, with more than 680 shows lighting up venues across the city. Phew, our abs are hurting already! With so many comedians to see and not enough time, we have sent out a batch of reviewers to dig deep and suss out the best of the fest this year. Whether it's a weird and wonderful show, a national treasure or a rising star, check out our reviews and see what tickles your fancy.  Want to review the show over a drink? Check out the best late-night bars in Melbourne.  

We Aussies are a lucky bunch. You only need to drive an hour or so from any major Australian city to wind up in one of the most beautiful places on Earth. However, with so many options, picking which road to venture down first can be quite a challenge. To make life easier, our Travel & News Editor, Melissa Woodley, has cherry-picked a selection of the best day trips around Australia – many of which she's tried, tested and would happily do all over again (if only there were more days in the year). From heritage-listed towns and coastal hangouts to mountain escapes, Australia has something for every explorer. Now, all that’s left for you is to load the car and hit the open road. 😱 The most incredible places to visit in Australia🚘 Australia's most popular road trips🌳 Regional towns that you can tick off in a day

Sometimes you just need to take a time out – and here at Time Out Australia, we’re the experts at doing just that. We’ve scoped out the very best wellness retreats around Australia, where you can soak away your worries and be pampered like absolute royalty. From an award-winning natural hot spring with 50 bathing experiences to the Southern Hemisphere’s largest spa with one of only two Somadome meditation pods in Australia, these places will cater to all your relaxing desires. Make a day trip of it or sneak off for a dedicated week-long detox – whatever you choose, you’ll leave feeling like a whole new person. These are the best wellness retreats in Australia right now. ✨ The top luxury hotels in Australia🌳 Australia's most magical rainforests🥾 The most epic hikes to do in Australia

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

What’s not to love about a doughy, spicy, fruity, buttery ball of joy, warmed to perfection in the toaster or the microwave, and slathered liberally with salted butter? Melbourne has a wealth of brilliant bakers, all of whom have been elbow-deep in flour, sugar and spice, perfecting their recipes for Easter. We’ve rounded up our favourite floury heroes and where to get them below. Knead more dough? These are the best bakeries in Melbourne.

April 2025: We may still yet have a few warm days ahead of us, but there's no denying it: Melbourne's skies are taking on a grey-ish look and you may want to bring a jacket before heading out for a night on the town. Autumn is the perfect season for cosy cocktail lairs and wine bar catch-ups to turn that post-summer frown upside down.  Melbourne has some of the greatest bars in the world, whether you're looking for the laser-like focus of 16-seater Above Board or the rock‘n’roll ‘she’ll be right’ spirit of Lulie Tavern. You can find temples heroing whisky and palaces dedicated to gin, hole-in-the-wall nooks for sipping natural wines or classy spots for suited-and-booted cocktails. How about a prawn club sanga and a bottle of Champers from tiny charmer Apollo Inn? Or crocodile bites and ice-cold Martinis from Black Kite Commune?  If it's sky-high action you're after, then take a squiz at our guide to Melboune's best rooftop bars instead. For tipples a bit more out-of-the-box, we've got the scoop on some of Melbourne's weirdest drinking experiences. Yep, your options in this town are truly endless – even if you don't drink booze, since most bars in Melbourne have seriously upped their mocktail game in recent years. We've rounded up the top 50 bars that we're really loving right now – and we're sure you will, too.  Lauren Dinse is Time Out Melbourne’s Food and Drink Writer. Having visited some of the best bars around the globe (from Berlin to Bangkok), she still reckons the ba

New York has Broadway, London has the West End, and here in Melbourne, it's all about the East End. We're an all-singing, all-dancing city which means we're spoiled for choice when it comes to the musicals taking centre stage in the historic East End Theatre District in the CBD. From glitzy theatrical numbers and singalong musicals to smaller-scale productions, Melbourne is an absolute haven when it comes to all things razzle-dazzle. See for yourself by checking out the new and upcoming musicals making their way here in 2025. Book the best spot with our guide to scoring the best seats in every Melbourne theatre. Keen on all kinds of theatre? Here are the best shows happening this month.

April 2025: Pirates of the Caribbean, The Lion King, Inception, Gladiator – if this reads like a roll call of all your favourite movies, you won't want to miss seeing Hans Zimmer in concert. The award-winning composer, best know for providing the soundtracks to the aforementioned films (and so many more), will hit up Rod Laver Arena for two epic performances at the end of the month. When stuck for things to do between live gigs, 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.  Craving a pint with your favourite local band? Here are the best live music pubs in Melbourne.

April 2025: We know we say it all the time, but we *really* mean it this month: there's truly something for everyone to enjoy across Melbourne's theatres in April. Keen for some raunchy German cabaret with sword swallowers and high-flying aerialists? Bernie Dieter's Club Kabarett is for you. After a blockbuster Andrew Lloyd Webber musical with all the bells and whistles? Look no further than Jesus Christ Superstar. How about a drama set in the '70s with themes of police brutality, domestic violence and unchecked misogyny? The Removalists ticks all those boxes. See? Melbourne can do it all. From the toe-tapping to the cathartic, consider this your ultimate guide to all the best Melbourne theatre shows happening this month. When stuck for things to do between shows, you can also always rely on our catch-all lists of Melbourne's best bars, restaurants, museums, parks and galleries, or consult our bucket list of 100 things to do in Melbourne before you die.  Want something else to do this month? Check out our gig guide.

April 2025: It's officially your last chance to experience the surreal beauty of Yayoi Kusama, with the record-breaking exhibition coming to an end on April 21. To celebrate the final few weeks, the NGV has extended opening hours – so there's no excuse not to grab tickets. Time is also running out to visit the Lume before it closes for good on June 1. The Van Gogh exhibition will run until the final date, with the kaleidoscopic digital spectacle a true feast for the senses. There's always something to see in this all-embracing city of ours, so don't let the month pass you by without getting your fix of the best art, culture and exhibitions in Melbourne this February. When in doubt, you can also always rely on our catch-all lists of Melbourne's best bars, restaurants, museums, parks and galleries, or consult our bucket list of 100 things to do in Melbourne before you die.  Keen to add some art to your home? These are the best places to buy art in Melbourne.

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

You know the landmarks and the laid-back culture, but there are plenty more things to do in Australia than kissing koalas and yelling ‘g’day mate’. Australia is a nature lover’s paradise, with highly sought-after food experiences and an impressive cultural heritage to boot. Our team (including Travel & News Editor Melissa Woodley) have sifted through every attraction, experience, event and landmark our nation has to offer and put together the only Aussie bucket list you'll ever need. Whether you want to get amongst art parties in small coastal cities, see fairy penguins scurry across sandy beaches or watch the sunrise over Sydney Harbour from a kayak, there’s so much to explore across this incredible country. Here's our guide to all the best things you need to do in Australia right now. 🇦🇺 The top tourist attractions in Australia🌈 Australia's most beautiful destinations🌊 The best beaches in Australia

From April 1-30, the picturesque region of the Macedon Ranges will play host to a huge celebration of all things autumn. The Macedon Ranges Autumn Festival features a program of more than 60 events, workshops, markets, exhibitions, live music, foraging sessions and even paranormal investigations. Eat your way through 50 heavenly pastries as part of the Autumn Pie and Tart Trail – aka Australia's biggest known pie trail. Both savoury and sweet pies will be available, including offerings like a butter chicken pie, American cherry pie, banoffee pie and a beef bourguignon pie. Yum! Feeling thirsty? Take your pick from the new Tipple Trail, which will give you a taste of the best craft brewers, ciders, gin distillers, country pubs and winemakers. Or you could try the Edgy Veg Trail, which will see local pubs, cafés and restaurants create innovative plant-based dishes. And be sure to pick up your festival map and passport – solve the mystery pie recipe and you will go into the draw to win a massive prize. Many of these events are free, but to find out more and book tickets where appropriate, head to the website. After more autumnal fun? Here are the best places to see autumn leaves in Victoria.

If you thought the Museum of Contemporary Art Australia (MCA) is already as boundary-pushing as it gets, you thought wrong. An immersive after-dark experience is taking the gallery to new heights for one night only on Saturday, April 12 from 7-11pm. Artbar: Liner Notes is a visual, sonic and social melting pot of diverse art forms.  The 18-plus event is being curated by painter, photographer, tattooist and musician Shaun Daniel Allen (Shal), a proud Bundjalung man whose work is inspired by connection to community, Country and self. He gravitates towards art-making with an ethos of ‘no limitations’, which stems from his introduction to the punk/hardcore scene and its DIY approach. Shal has assembled an incredible line-up of talent for this special one-off event, including DJs and photographers. With a vibe that’s somewhere between your local pub and a busy tattoo parlour, you can expect to catch everything from improvised harp performances to hardcore punk lyrics delivered through the softness of spoken word. There will also be an appearance from former Riptides frontman Mark Callaghan, and you can even get a piece of permanent body art by Sydney tattooists Sophia Baughan (Hand in Hand) or Garth Neale (Eazy Tiger). First release tickets for this exploration of how subcultures connect, contrast and complement one another are on sale here. MCA members receive 15 per cent off. To find out more, visit the website.

Calling all bookworms, literature lovers and BookTok obsessives: the Melbourne Writers Festival (MWF) line-up has just been unveiled. This year’s program reads like a list of the crème de la crème of the 2025 literary world, featuring New York Times best-selling authors, Booker Prize standouts, first-timers and MWF exclusives. The festival will spread big bookish energy across the city and surrounds via four days of workshops, talks, events and panels, running from May 8-11. This time around, the central theme of the program is 'Magical Thinking' – which will explore the power of storytelling as a transformative force and celebrate the magic that lingers long after the final page.  International highlights include Irish authors Marian Keyes and Colm Tóibín; 2024 Booker Prize-winner Samantha Harvey, who will open the festival with a star-studded panel discussion; and UK philosopher AC Grayling, who will tackle the topic on everybody’s lips: the culture wars.  On the local front, catch writers, friends and co-authors Jamila Rizvi and Rosie Waterland sit down to discuss brain health with host Clare Bowditch; listen as Jimmy Barnes recounts the his larger-than-life adventures; or see five First Nations women showcase their artistic practices in writing, poetry, music, performance and art for Blak Magic Women. “Across four packed days this May, some of Australia and the world’s most brilliant and incisive writers and thinkers will gather in our City of Literature to celebrate the

Ever wondered if you have what it takes to fly into the face of danger with Maverick and the rest of the Top Gun crew? Now’s your chance.  The Avalon Australian International Airshow is back after a two-year break with an action-packed three-day spectacular featuring jaw-dropping flying displays, parachute drops, plane racing and static military aircraft to view up close. The weekend will kick off with Australia's only night airshow performance: Friday Night Alight. This dazzling display of pyrotechnics and flying artistry will include fireworks, a flare drop and a wall of fire. On the ground there will be aircraft from both local and international exhibitors to view – like the EA-18G Growler, E-7A Wedgetail and the MQ-28 Ghost Bat. You can also chat to representatives from the defence force, cuddle military working dog puppies and see high-speed drone racing. There are also accessibility facilities, a sensory room and an interactive kids zone with carnival rides and a ferris wheel. BYO food and picnic blanket, or opt for snacks from the tasty selection of food trucks – think smoothies, paella, burgers and tacos. The biennial airshow has been a staple in Victoria’s event landscape since 1992 and has grown to become the biggest aviation, aerospace and defence exposition in the Southern Hemisphere. To find out more and purchase your tickets, head to the website. Looking for more fun? Here's our guide to what's on in Melbourne this weekend.

Gather by the sea for a four-day long festival where a talented line-up of Australia’s best authors, playwrights, journalists, speakers and academics will descend upon the coastal town of Sorrento on the Mornington Peninsula.  Running from April 24-27 over the ANZAC Day long weekend, the Sorrento Writers Festival (now in its third year) is an opportunity for literary enthusiasts to come together and celebrate the power of storytelling.  The brainchild of award-winning journalist, podcaster, former bookshop owner and director Corrie Perkin, the festival is now the largest literary event in Victoria and includes author meet-and-greets, keynote speeches, panel discussions and even musical performances. The stacked program features the likes of Stan Grant, Julia Ostro, Sally Hepworth, Virginia Trioli, Thomas Mayo, Don Watson and Peter FitzSimons – to name just a few. And this year's Barry Jones Oration will be delivered by former prime minister Julia Gillard. Topics up for discussion vary from the upcoming Australian federal election to The Great Gatsby 100 years on. So yes, there's truly something for everyone! For more information and to view the full program, head to the website. Feeling inspired? Check out the best bookstores in Melbourne.

PSA: toastie heaven exists, and we've found it in Richmond. The crew behind Black Gold – a local neighbourhood café on Lennox Street – have been serving up slabs of carby goodness for years now, and we're totally obsessed with their sangas. All the classic combos are on the menu; think tuna melts, mushroom truffle, caprese and a mouthwatering Reuben. They're toasted to crispy perfection, with just the right amount of ooey-gooey cheese oozing out from within. Yep, we're hungry at the thought of them. But Black Gold isn't just a toastie joint. You can also get all your favourite brekky dishes here – including fritters, chilli scramble, pancakes and more. Plus, the coffee is by the legends at ONA, so you know you're in for a cracking cup of Joe. With plenty of outdoor seating (sunny Sunday brunch sesh, anyone?) and walk-ins welcome, there's no excuse not to pay this cute café a visit. Find out more via Black Gold's Instagram. Craving a brunch sesh? These are the 50 best cafés in Melbourne right now.

In London it's the Chelsea Flower Show and in Canberra it's Floriade. In Melbourne, the event that gets plant enthusiasts and floral fanatics excited is the Melbourne International Flower and Garden Show. This spectacular celebration of all things horticulture is once again taking over the Royal Exhibition Building and Carlton Gardens for five days of world-class landscape designs, breathtaking floral displays, educational talks and family friendly workshops. This year's event is set to be bigger and bolder than ever, and is running from March 26 to 30. There'll be seemingly endless garden displays with dazzling designs, main stage discussions with industry experts and plenty of backyard inspo. Plus, a massive immersive installation under the dome of the Royal Exhibition Building will delight and dazzle visitors, with bioluminescent blooms and Monet-inspired reflective displays.  The beloved Show Garden installations competition will feature some of the world's best landscape designers vying for the winner's title. Then follow the scent of fresh blooms into the Royal Exhibition Building as it transforms into the Great Hall of Flowers thanks to some of Victoria’s leading floral designers, including a new aerial flower display exhibition. Plus, there'll be an entertainment precinct in the forecourt, with food trucks and DJs, with new elevated food experiences.  Gardens by Twilight will return with an expanded program on on March 27 and 29, to give city dwellers the opportunity

The Makers and Shakers Market is back for 2025, showcasing a host of established and emerging designers at Carlton's Royal Exhibition Building on April 5 and 6. Bring your bags and nanna trolleys, because this is a great opportunity to stock up on one-of-a-kind presents while also supporting local artists and creatives.  The market is a curated event that will feature more than 175 stalls run by independent Melbourne makers selling homewares, food and drink, art, accessories, ethical fashion, beauty products and more. It's also the only local makers market where the stallholders sell 100 per cent Australian-made products!  You won't go hungry, either – this year's tasty line-up of snack vendors includes Rocco's Bologna Discoteca, Gigi's Gelato, Taco Truck, Cobb Lane Bakery, Sebby's Scrolls, Pasta Face, Subtle Tea and heaps more. There will also be all-vinyl DJ sets, plus kids activities, tastings and creative workshops. Adult tickets are $5 and kids under 12 enter for free. You can pre-purchase tickets via the website.  Want more? Discover the best markets in Melbourne.

Calling all fashionistas! On March 22 and 23, the National Trust's beloved annual vintage sale is returning to the Abbotsford Convent. This year, the sale will be taking place at the massive Magdalen Laundry from 10am to 4pm. You'll be able to peruse a huge selection of vintage and pre-loved designer clothing and accessories – in the past, brands like Armani, Alexander McQueen, Diane von Fürstenberg and Marimekko have been up for grabs. A lot of household linen, furnishings, dress fabrics, shoes, bags, children's wear and even haberdashery will also be on offer. Bring a gold coin donation for entry and prepare to refresh your wardrobe with fun new designer finds for a fraction of the price. Best of all, proceeds from the sale support the work of the National Trust in conserving our state's cultural and built heritage. Donations are also accepted in the lead-up to the event, so if you have some quality items you'd like to offload in the name of a good cause, now's your chance. For more information on donating and the event, visit the website here. Want more shopping options? Check out the best vintage stores and the best op shops in Melbourne.

Test your taste buds at the 13th annual Herb and Chilli Festival, a two-day event in the Yarra Valley celebrating all things hot and spicy.  A roster of more than 80 stallholders will be hawking plants, fresh herbs, rubs, jams, spice mixes and, of course, a whole lot of chillies. And if you want to prove that you can handle the heat, participate in one of the eating competitions taking place throughout the weekend. Taste sauces from spicy proprietors like Blonde Chilli, Danny Balboa's Sauce Co, Dexter's Hot Sauce, Grumpy Gary's Hot Sauce, Jungle Rain and Melbourne Hot Sauce or head to the food court for something more substantial. Vendors including Amazing Calamari, Flamin Skewers, Jambo Foods, Tornado Spuds and Lemonicious will be on deck to fill your belly.  Like to cool your burning mouth with some booze? Heaps of local producers will be exhibiting their goods, including Logan's Microdistillery, Hop Hen Brewery, Burnley Brewing, Ned Kelly Red and Stag Lane Distillery.  It wouldn't be a festival without live entertainment, and music acts will be performing across the weekend. Tap your toes to Andean flute folk music, South Cajun zydeco blues, swamp pop dance and contemporary tunes. There will also be cooking demos and a chilli cook-off.  If you're bringing children along, there will be a free kid's zone with activities including face painting, pony rides, jumping castles and even Mexican wrestling.  The event will take place at 125 Quayle Road in Wandin, and tickets are ava

Time Out Melbourne never writes starred restaurant and bar reviews from hosted experiences – Time Out covers restaurant and bar bills, and anonymously reviews, so that readers can trust our critique. Find out more here. It’s hard to imagine a Melbourne where Apollo Inn doesn’t exist, such is the impact this handsome and swanky spot has had on the city’s bar scene in its short lifespan so far. Andrew McConnell’s first standalone cocktail bar – which swung open its leatherbound doors in June 2023 – has seamlessly settled into its location at McDonald House on Flinders Lane, maintaining a strong and steady stream of visitors nightly, all hoping to squeeze into one of just 30 highly coveted seats.  I’m reminded of its magic when I pop in on a Thursday evening with a friend from Sydney in tow. I’ve walked through the enormous doors, into the cosy waiting corridor and through the plush velvet curtains to the main bar a few times now, but there is still something special about sauntering in for the very first time – as evidenced by my pal’s “oohs” and “ahhs” as she films our grand entrance. We snag the last two perches at the bar – in my opinion, there’s no better spot to sit at Apollo Inn than here – and let the cosy cocoon of warmth, chatter and the occasional clinking of glasses wash over us. The space is intimate and dimly lit, with gorgeous Art Deco details, teeny tabletop lamps and a splash of graffiti from Hosier Lane peeking in through the sheer curtains. “It’s just so Melbo

Time Out Melbourne never writes starred restaurant and bar reviews from hosted experiences – Time Out covers restaurant and bar bills, and anonymously reviews, so that readers can trust our critique. Find out more here. It normally takes a lot for me to cross the river (yep, typical northsider I can hear you all saying), but if there’s one thing I can’t resist it’s the siren song of a slick and sexy wine bar. So it’s on a near 40-degree day that my partner and I find ourselves on High Street in Armadale, in desperate need of a cold drink and something to eat. Auterra provides our sweet escape from the heat, and we slip into a table backed against the two-tone exposed brick wall. Located on a shopping strip chock-full of fancy designer boutiques, this unassuming (from the outside, at least) and unpretentious spot is the brainchild of chef-owner Clinton McIver, making it the little sibling of his highly regarded fine diner Amaru.  But while Amaru encourages you to go on an extravagant dining odyssey across multiple courses, Auterra is the chilled-out and charming companion – ideal for arvo wines, a cute date or long, lazy Sunday lunches.  Speaking of arvo wines, in the midst of umming and ahhing over a Tassie riesling or rosé from the Barossa, our waiter points to a note on the wine list about off-menu bottles on pour and suggests the day’s chosen tipple: Blind Corner’s ‘Orange *in Colour’ – a natty wine that can only be described as pure sunshine in a glass. Vibrant in colour,

We're all guilty of zoning out at our desks every now and then, daydreaming about what it would be like to finally retire and never have to worry about the nine-to-five grind ever again (sigh). So while the golden years are probably still a long way off for most of us right now, here's something us Victorians can get excited about: our state is the best place to grow old in all of Australia. That's right – according to new research from care organisation software ShiftCare, Victoria has been ranked the retirement capital of the country. The data analysed 22 key factors, including the accessibility and quality of aged, residential and home care; health and safety; community engagement; social opportunities and walkability. Victoria boasted the highest number of residential aged care home providers (294), plus the second-most residential aged care homes (768) and home care providers (223). On top of that, Victoria benefits from a whopping $5 billion in government investment in aged care and has the joint highest number of GPs (116 per 100,000 people aged 65-plus), so retirees are well and truly taken care of. Add in Australia’s lowest crime rate, excellent walkability and a thriving network of social clubs – our state really has it all for the oldies.   The Australian Capital Territory ranks as the second-best state to grow old in Australia, boasting the shortest home care wait times (90 days) and the highest community satisfaction rating (4/5). Along with New South Wales, whic

It's time for the applause, applause, applause... After much speculation, Lady Gaga (our queen and saviour of pop music) has finally announced that she'll bring her highly-anticipated Mayhem Ball to Australia in 2025. This is the moment all Little Monsters have been waiting for – it's been 11 long years since Gaga was last in town, as part of 2014’s ArtRave: The ARTPOP Ball tour. The huge tour announcement comes off the back of the release of Gaga's newest album, Mayhem, which marks a return to her pop roots. It's Gaga's seventh consecutive number one album (slay) and features the hit singles 'Abracadabra', 'Disease' and 'Die With A Smile', her collab with Bruno Mars. Will she play all these bangers and more when the Mayhem Ball rolls into town? We'll just have to wait and see. In the meantime, here's everything you need to know about Lady Gaga's 2025 Mayhem Ball tour. When is Lady Gaga's Australia tour 2025? Lady Gaga is confirmed to play three Australian shows as part of her global tour. She'll kick off the Mayhem Ball tour in Melbourne's Marvel Stadium on Friday, December 5, before performing at Brisbane's Suncorp Stadium on Tuesday, December 9 and ending with a show at Sydney's Accor Stadium on Friday, December 12.  When do Lady Gaga Australia tickets go on sale? General sale kicks off on Thursday, April 17 at 12pm local time via Live Nation. All we can say is get in quick!  Is there a Lady Gaga pre-sale? For a music icon like Lady Gaga – you betcha! The Aussie pre-sale w

The paparazzi are at the ready, and our paws are well and truly up. After teasing her potential Aussie tour in interviews, avant-garde pop queen Lady Gaga has officially confirmed that she’s bringing her much-hyped Mayhem Ball to Australia. This is the moment all Little Monsters have been waiting for – it's actually been 11 long years since Gaga was last in town, as part of 2014’s ArtRave: The ARTPOP Ball tour.The huge tour announcement comes off the back of the release of Gaga's newest album, Mayhem, which marks a return to her pop roots. It's Gaga's seventh consecutive number one album (slay) and features the hit singles 'Abracadabra', 'Disease' and 'Die With A Smile', her collab with Bruno Mars. Will she play all these bangers and more when the Mayhem Ball rolls into Sydney? We'll just have to wait and see. In the meantime, here's everything you need to know about Lady Gaga's 2025 Mayhem Ball tour and her huge Sydney show. When is Lady Gaga going on her Sydney, Australia tour 2025? At this stage Lady Gaga is confirmed to play one Sydney show as part of her Australian tour. She'll be bringing the Mayhem Ball to the Accor Stadium on Friday, December 12. However, there is plenty of time between that show and her other Aussie shows, so watch this space for more show announcements... When do Lady Gaga Sydney tickets go on sale? General sale kicks off on Thursday, April 17 at 12pm local time via Live Nation. All we can say is get in quick!  Is there a Lady Gaga presale for her S

Alert the paparazzi! Cue the applause! Lady Gaga (aka our queen and saviour of pop music) is bringing her much-hyped Mayhem Ball to Australia, with Melbourne up first. This is the moment all Little Monsters have been waiting for – it's actually been 11 long years since Gaga was last in town, as part of 2014’s ArtRave: The ARTPOP Ball tour. The huge tour announcement comes off the back of the release of Gaga's newest album, Mayhem, which marks a return to her pop roots. It's Gaga's seventh consecutive number one album (slay) and features the hit singles 'Abracadabra', 'Disease' and 'Die With A Smile', her collab with Bruno Mars. Will she play all these bangers and more when the Mayhem Ball rolls into town? We'll just have to wait and see. In the meantime, here's everything you need to know about Lady Gaga's 2025 Mayhem Ball tour. When is Lady Gaga going on her Melbourne, Australia tour 2025? At this stage Lady Gaga is confirmed to play one Melbourne show as part of her Australian tour. She'll be bringing the Mayhem Ball to Marvel Stadium on Friday, December 5. However, there is plenty of time between that show and her next one in Brisbane on December 9, so watch this space for more show announcements... When do Lady Gaga Melbourne tickets go on sale? General sale kicks off on Thursday, April 17 at 12pm local time via Live Nation. All we can say is get in quick!  Is there a Lady Gaga presale? For a music icon like Lady Gaga – you betcha! The Aussie presale will kick off at 10am

It's no secret that Melbourne has long been aiming to steal Sydney's crown as Australia's most populous city – we even reported on it back in 2023, when it was first revealed that Melbourne was on track to overtake the Harbour City by 2031. And now it seems even more achievable, with updated data from the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) revealing that our ever-expanding city grew by 142,600 people from 2023-2024. That's an increase of 2.7 per cent – the largest jump in the whole country. It means Melbourne's population stands at 5,350,705 (and counting), while Sydney is home to 5,557,233 people – essentially, four in ten Australians call the two major capitals home. The regions within Greater Melbourne where the largest growth was recorded include Fraser Rise - Plumpton (up by 4,300 people) and Rockbank - Mount Cottrell (up by 4,100 people). Both areas are located in Melbourne's outer west.  The growth is being driven by a few key factors: natural increase, internal migration and overseas migration. Overseas migration accounts for almost 90 per cent of the lift across the capital cities, with students in particular helping to swell the population in suburbs close to universities. For example, Carlton – located nearby the University of Melbourne – had the largest net overseas migration gain (up 2,900 people). Collectively, Australia’s capitals grew by 427,800 people in 2023-2024, with Perth experiencing the highest proportional growth rate (3.1 per cent). Regional Austr

It's the news we'd all been anticipating but weren't quite ready for: the Lume – the world’s largest digital art gallery and the first of its kind in the Southern Hemisphere – has announced its official closing date, and it's much sooner than we'd thought. After first announcing its plans for closure back in November 2024, the Melbourne cultural institution has remained tight-lipped on when the doors would shut – aside from hinting it would be likely be in 2026. Now, we have a date: June 1, 2025. Cue the tears! Created by local Grande Experiences and located in the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre (MCEC), the Lume has played host to a breathtaking array of groundbreaking exhibitions since it first opened in 2021, including Connection (which won the Impact Award at the 2024 Time Out Melbourne Arts & Culture Awards) and Leonardo da Vinci – 500 Years of Genius (which featured original pages of the Codex Atlanticus that are so priceless they can only be shown for three months at a time). More than 1.5 million visitors have experienced the digital art gallery's immersive magic, and it's injected an estimated $180 million into the Victorian economy.  "The Lume Melbourne has been a defining chapter in Australia’s cultural landscape – a place where art, innovation and imagination came to life for millions of visitors," said Bruce Peterson, founder and chair of Grande Experiences and CEO of the Lume. "As we look to the future, we see an opportunity to once again redefine imm

Drumroll, please – it's the moment you've all been waiting for! After a fabulous awards ceremony at the QT Rooftop on Monday, March 17, the winners of Time Out Melbourne's Food & Drink Awards 2025 (in partnership with Tyro) have been revealed. Time Out has been running awards that celebrate Melbourne's hospo industry for more than 15 years now. Our local editors and writers have been eating their way around the state to give readers the recommendations they’re searching for, while also working to spotlight amazing business owners, chefs, bartenders, sommeliers, front-of-house and back-of-house professionals that are working hard to deliver special dining experiences. Winners were awarded across 11 Critics’ Choice categories (based on independent, anonymous reviews of a diverse range of restaurants and bars), as well as four People’s Choice categories. Read on for the full list of winners. Critics' Choice Awards Restaurant of the Year: Greasy Zoe’s Bar of the Year: Caretaker's Cottage Legend Award: Brae Impact Award: Free to Feed Best Fine Dining: Navi Best Relaxed Dining: Eat Pierogi Make Love Best Cheap Eat: Wazzup Falafel Best Destination Venue: Chauncy, Heathcote Best Cocktail Bar: Bar Bellamy Best Wine Bar: Bar Olo Best Casual Drinking Venue: Young Hearts Time Out Melbourne never writes starred restaurant and bar reviews from hosted experiences – Time Out covers restaurant and bar bills, and anonymously reviews, so that readers can trust our critique. Find out more here.

Update Friday, March 7: With two Melbourne shows under her belt and a day off to recharge, Billie is gearing up for two more shows at Rod Laver Arena. For 90 minutes she'll take to her 360-degree stage that also features an LED video floor, floating platform, luminescent cube and massive overhead screens. We've been told highlights are 'Ocean Eyes', 'Birds Of A Feather' (duh) and a goosebump-inducing rendition of 'When The Party's Over' with vocal loops. It's been three years since Billie Eilish last toured Melbourne, and since then she's collected multiple Grammy and Academy Awards, dropped her third studio album (Hit Me Hard And Soft) and continued to charm fans across the globe. So, thank goodness, it's finally Melbourne’s turn to see the pop juggernaut as she brings her new world tour to town. After kicking off in North America last year, Hit Me Hard and Soft: The Tour is playing multiple shows in Brisbane, Sydney and Melbourne ahead of dates in Europe, the UK and Ireland. So, who’s hungry for some lunch? If going to see Billie Eilish perform in Melbourne is what you were made for, we’ve got you covered with all the information you need to know ahead of the shows this week. When is Billie Eilish in Melbourne? After shows in Brisbane and Sydney, Billie is playing a total of four Melbourne dates at Rod Laver Arena on March 4, 5, 7 and 8.  Who is Billie Eilish’s support act in Melbourne? Ashnikko is the support act for all of Billie’s Australian shows on this tour. With a d

Calling all the lovers – it's almost time for our favourite showgirl Kylie Minogue to hit Sydney for not one, not two, but three huge arena shows. This will be Kylie's biggest tour since 2011, so you know she's going to be delivering pop anthems, perfectly choreographed dance moves and cheeky banter galore.  It’s set to be a great, big huge sparkly weekend for the Harbour City, with Kylie’s shows overlapping with the 47th Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras Parade on Saturday, which our Kylie has long been a supporter of. (Hot tip: there’s a rumour that Kylie might kickon at the official Mardi Gras Party, along with Troye Sivan!) So, who's ready to come into her world? Here's everything you need to know about Kylie's shows this week. When are the Kylie Sydney shows? After lighting the fuse for the Tension Tour in Perth, Adelaide, Melbourne and Brisbane, Kylie will be rounding out the Aussie leg of her tour at the Qudos Bank Arena, with three gloriously glittery shows on Saturday, March 1 (the same day as the Sydney Mardi Gras Parade); Sunday, March 2; and Monday, March 3.  How to get to the Kylie concerts in Sydney? Public transport is usually the best option for getting to Qudos Bank Arena; and that’s not only because the cost of travel on trains, metro, and light rail is included in concert tickets. Olympic Park Station is less than a ten-minute walk from the stadium, and plenty of additional trains and buses will be running for concertgoers – you’ll find more info over here.

Just when you thought a stay at Jackalope couldn’t get any more enticing, the stunning luxury hotel in the heart of the Mornington Peninsula’s wine region has announced the arrival of a pop-up outdoor cinema that will screen blockbuster flicks, cult classics and romcoms all through March. Created in collaboration with Lexus Australia, Jackalope Cinema will open on Saturday, March 1, with a viewing of the Wes Anderson smash-hit, The Grand Budapest Hotel. Other excellent movies on the month-long line-up include A Star is Born, Pulp Fiction, Notting Hill, Past Lives and Mad Max: Fury Road.   Photograph: Griffin Simm This fully immersive experience is set to be a film buff’s dream, and will begin with the opportunity to enjoy a pre-movie bite at Doot Doot Doot (Jackalope’s renowned on-site restaurant) – think a menu loaded with delicious dishes showcasing the region’s local produce. Guests can then either head to their room to catch the flick from their private terrace or get cosy on the infinity pool deck under the twinkling night sky. Bluetooth headphones will be provided to ensure top sound quality, and there will be plenty of snacks on offer, including unlimited popcorn (yes, really!), ice cream and other nostalgic treats. “Having studied film before pivoting to designing spaces and experiences, the pillar of storytelling will be brought to life at Jackalope,” said founder Louis Li. “One of my favourite moments of staying at Jackalope is holding a box of popcorn and watchin

Calling all the lovers – it's almost time for our very own Kylie Minogue to hit Melbourne for not one, not two, but three huge arena shows. This will be Kylie's biggest tour since 2011, so you know she's going to be delivering pop anthems, perfectly choreographed dance moves and cheeky banter galore. So, who's ready to come into her world? Here's everything you need to know about Kylie's shows this week. When is Kylie Minogue's Tension Tour in Melbourne? Due to huge demand – this is Kylie's hometown, after all – the music icon will perform a total of three shows. Kylie will kick things off with a bang at Rod Laver Arena on Thursday, February 20, with two more shows on February 21 and 22. How to get to the Kylie Minogue concert in Melbourne Public transport is considered the quickest and easiest option. You can walk from Flinders Street Station (it's a ten-minute stroll via Birrarung Marr or the Tanderrum Bridge) or from Richmond Station or Jolimont Station. Tram 70, 48 and 75 also all have stops near Rod Laver Arena. Be sure to allow plenty of extra travel time in case of a disruption. There is parking available at the Eastern Plaza Car Park (Entrance D, Olympic Boulevard), and it's highly recommended that you pre-book your spot. Bookings close at midnight the night before the event. What time will Kylie Minogue come on stage in Melbourne? Gates will open at 5.30pm, and the Rod Laver Arena website has stated Mallrat will come on at 7.45pm followed by Kylie at 8.35pm. The roug

It’s time to step up to the tee and hope for a hole-in-one, because Rising – Melbourne’s beloved winter arts festival – has just revealed its very first creative commission as part of the 2025 program. And if you happen to be a fan of golf and experimental art, you’re going to love it. Swingers – The Art of Mini Golf is an immersive exhibition that also happens to double as a fully playable (and truly surreal) nine-hole mini golf course. It will feature works by some of the world’s most dynamic and boundary-pushing female-identifying artists, including Miranda July, Kaylene Whiskey, Saeborg, Nabilah Nordin and Delaine Le Bas.  While the exact details of each artist’s contribution is still under wraps, visitors can expect everything from latex creatures and politically charged sculptures to speculative storytelling through mythology and technology. Photograph: Eugene Hyland “The history of mini golf is surprisingly subversive and sits at the heart of this project,” said Rising’s senior curator, Grace Herbert. “It’s been incredible to see how each artist has taken this on. Alongside playing mini golf and experiencing the artworks, you might have your fortune told, travel to desert country, become a human-animal hybrid or even find yourself singing along to Dolly Parton.” In case you didn’t know, the OG mini golf game was created by Scottish women back in the 19th century, who were banned from playing on ‘real’ golf courses but refused to sit on the sidelines watching. Over th