Liv Condous

Melbourne comes alive on the weekend, so be sure to leave some room in your schedule to get out and experience the best of it! To help you make the most of your Friday, Saturday and Sunday, we've gathered all the hottest events, shows, gigs, exhibitions, openings and pop-up activations in one easy spot – you're welcome! Turn up the heat at the Herb and Chilli Festival, with more than 80 stallholders slinging spicy delights all weekend. Live at the Gardens will light up Royal Botanic Gardens with performances from beloved international artists. Plus, the Formula One Australian Grand Prix zooms into town this week. Also, two new musicals will open on Melbourne's main stages, with the high-octane Jesus Christ Superstar and the return of Cruel Intentions: The '90s Musical Party. When in doubt, 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.   Looking for more ways to fill up your calendar? Plan a trip around our beautiful state with our handy travel guides.

There's always something happening in this fair city of ours, so don't let the week pass you by without popping a few fun events into your social calendar. To help you plan, we've rounded up all the best activities happening this week, so all you have to do is scroll, pick and embark on your adventure. Motorheads rejoice, because the Formula One Australian Grand Prix zooms into town this week. Or for something more calming, Candlelight Concerts will play the soothing sounds of classic songs. It's the final week to visit the Queen Victoria Summer Night Market for a lovely mid-week outing. Plus, two new musicals will open on Melbourne's main stages, with the high-octane Jesus Christ Superstar and the return of Cruel Intentions: The '90s Musical Party.  When in doubt, 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.   Looking for more ways to fill up your calendar? Plan a trip around our beautiful state with our handy travel guides.

It feels like 2025 just began, but somehow the Labour Day long weekend is around the corner. Whether you're looking to pack your weekend full of activities, hit up one of the many festivals or simply eager to find a quiet place to put your feet up for a bit, we've rounded up our top picks of the best things to do from March 8 to 10.  Looking to take your dog along for the ride? Here are some of our favourite dog-friendly getaways from Melbourne.

Anyone who’s experienced cherry blossom season in Japan knows just how enchanting it is. The sakura trees bloom for only two short weeks in spring – generally between March and April – making the pretty in pink floral display all the more special.  Luckily, you don’t have to fly to Japan during their busiest season to witness the magic of cherry blossoms. Australia’s cool-climate regions put on their own stunning pink showcase in spring, which happens in reverse to Japan, typically from late August to early October. Whether you’re after a romantic getaway or a family-friendly day trip, here are the best places to see cherry blossoms in Australia. 😍 Australia's most beautiful places to explore🌈 Follow the rainbow to Australia's most colourful landmarks🍌 A guide to Australia’s best big things

Among South Australia's many eclectic and exciting events, Adelaide Fringe stands proudly as the biggest festival of the calendar year, not to mention the largest arts festival in the Southern Hemisphere. In 2023, it made history as the first-ever Aussie festival to sell more than one million tickets, and has only gotten bigger since. Running from February 21 to March 23, the 2025 program features more than 6,000 global artists performing across 500 venues in an impressive 1,400-plus shows. Spanning from Whyalla across the state to Naracoorte and beyond, you can expect an incredible mix of cabaret, theatre, comedy, circus, music, visual arts, workshops and interactive experiences.  As always, The Garden of Unearthly Delights and Gluttony, have transformed Adelaide’s eastern parklands into buzzing hubs full of food, music and eclectic energy. Crowd favourites from 2024, including Sleeps Hill Tunnel and The Dome, will also return for an extended season, while 2025 brings hundreds of new shows to discover. Lucky for you, we’ve found all the best ones for you to book at Adelaide Fringe this year. Adelaide Fringe 2025: Everything you need to know before you go

Whether you're coupled up, single or looking to spend Valentine's Day with your friends, there's something for everyone in Melbourne this February 14. From romantic dinners to bougie hotel stays, this city will be leaning into love, no matter what form it comes in. Plus, heaps of our city's most beloved attractions will be hosting special V-Day events, so there'll be plenty of fun ways to feel the love. If you're tight on budget – that's okay! Here are some cheap and free date ideas. And if you're looking for ways to keep the spark alive beyond just one day of romance, here are the most romantic things to do in Melbourne.  Check out our complete guide to Valentine's Day in Melbourne, where you'll find everything from Melbourne's best date night restaurants to the best places for a cheeky pash. 

This year, Lunar New Year falls on Wednesday, January 29, and rings in the Year of the Snake. For many, this is a time to get together with friends and family to wish for good luck and a prosperous year ahead. We've rounded up some of the best Lunar New Year festivities on offer across Melbourne, so gather your loved ones and book ahead to ensure you don't miss out. Kung hei fat choy!  Lunar New Year is a great time to explore the best Chinese restaurants in Melbourne, and to eat your weight in dumplings at the best dumpling spots in town. 

If there's one thing that Australia does right, it's really beautiful beaches – and a lot of them, to be precise. With a whopping 12,000 fringing our island continent, it would take you a wild 32 years to see them all – if you tackled one beach per day. Assuming that your 32-year plan doesn't singularly involve beach hopping around Australia (although, we can of course, dream), we've put together a list of the best and prettiest beaches in Australia that you should visit this year – or at least once in your life. Each beach on this list has been selected for its remarkable beauty, safe swimming conditioning (read: you won't see anywhere with saltwater crocs on this list), and proximity to other incredible activities, so your adventure out doesn't end with just one dip. Some of these picks have been richly awarded in the past, while others are less mainstream – but rest easy knowing that every single one of them is well worth their salt, in more ways than one. Now, all that's left is for you to find out for yourself. 🌊 The best nudist beaches in Australia🏄 Australia's top surf beaches🌈 All the best places to visit in Australia

March is a huge month in Melbourne, with a stacked schedule of exciting events to enjoy. The Labour Day long weekend will bring with it a ripper line-up of gigs and festivals across the city, including Live at the Gardens featuring Groove Armada, the (free!) Fed Square Summer Gigs and live music galore at Brunswick Music Festival.  This time of year is also when the Formula One Australian Grand Prix zooms back into town for a speedy four days of thrills and fun. And one of the most monumental events on our city's annual calendar rolls around again, with the arrival of Melbourne International Comedy Festival towards the end of the month.  But wait, there's so much more! Check out our list of fun events, new openings, theatre shows, food festivals and more below.  When in doubt, 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 101 things to do in Melbourne before you die.   Planning ahead? Here's our guide to the best things happening in Melbourne in April.

With one month left of summer, it's time to pack your social calendar with all of the best warm-weather events our city has to offer. Snap up tickets to Sunset Safari at Werribee Zoo, gather your mates for a Moonlight Cinema session or hit up the Queen Victoria Summer Night Market, and enjoy some al fresco bevvies at Arbory Afloat. Other highlights of this month include massive cultural events like the beloved St Kilda Festival and the return of Asia TOPA. Plus, it's your last chance to catch smash-hit production of Tina – The Tina Turner Musical. There's so much to do this month, and our February guide has the deets on all the fun things to do in Melbourne, including mega NGV art exhibitions, music festivals and more. Plus, there are plenty of free attractions, art exhibitions, theatre shows, activities for kids to get amongst as well.  Too hot to trot? Here are the best ways to beat the heat in Melbourne. Plus, it's Melbourne, so there's a chance it will rain. If so, consult our guide to Melbourne's best indoor activities instead. Planning ahead? Here is our guide to the best things to do in Melbourne in March.

If you're trying to plan your next twelve months around when the kids are at school or on holidays, it's a good idea to mark the dates in your calendar ahead of time, so we've laid them out for you below.  When the school holidays hit, if you're searching for things to do to keep the kids entertained, check out the best school holidays activities in Melbourne. Or here is our guide for the best things to do for kids year-round.  Here are the key dates you need to know about the Victorian school holidays and school term dates for 2025.   What are the Victorian school holidays and term dates for 2025? Term 1: Tuesday, January 28 to Friday, April 4 (students start Wednesday January 29 in public schools) Easter school holidays: Saturday, April 5 to Monday, April 21   Term 2: Tuesday, April 22 to Friday, July 4 Winter school holidays: Saturday, July 5 to Sunday, July 20   Term 3: Monday, July 21 to Friday, September 19 Spring school holidays: Saturday, September 20 to Sunday, October 5   Term 4: Monday, October 6 to Friday, December 19 Summer school holidays: Saturday, December 20 to January, 26 2026   RECOMMENDED:  Mark your calendars: these are the Victorian public holidays for 2025 PSA: here's how to use your annual leave to maximise your holiday time in 2025

Summer is in full swing, which means the longest school holiday period of the year is upon us. In Victoria, kids get to have a break until late January. So if you don't want bored children on your hands, you'll need a few ideas up your sleeve for how to keep them entertained. But fear not, we've put together a list of the best family friendly things to do right now, so you won't have stir-crazy kids running around the house. Looking for more things to do? Here’s what’s happening across Melbourne this week. 

You don't have to wait until spring to enjoy the delights of frolicking through a field of flowers, because autumn will bring the arrival of the KaBloom Festival of Flowers. Head to Melbourne's Dandenong Ranges for a festival that combines fields of flowers with spectacular circus art, from the Tesselaar team who also bring us the beloved annual Dutch tulip festival.  Wander through fields filled with sunflowers, salvias, marigolds, dahlias and more, arranged in enchanting intricate patterns. It's an Instagrammer's dream, but don't forget to bring some allergy medication if you're prone to hay fever. This year is the first that the Kabloom Ferris Wheel will allow floral fanatics to see the flower arrangements from above, making for a beautiful view. The festival also features a host of kid-friendly events among the flower fields. Keep an eye out for the flower fairies and pixies who will entertain the masses among the colourful blooms every day. Talented performers from Circus Oz will showcase jaw-dropping circus acts and lead workshops for the little ones. There'll also be a bubble show, with jaw-droppingly huge floating bubbles, and scenic rides on a tractor train.    When is the Tesselaar KaBloom Festival on?  The festival runs every day between March 29 to April 27, even on the Easter weekend public holidays. Its opening times are 10am to 5pm.  How much are tickets to the Tesselaar KaBloom Festival? Kids under 16 get free entry into the festival when accompanied by an a

Wyndham Park is getting a literal glow-up this March with a dazzling after dark experience returning to the Werribee recreation area. Lit at Wyndham Park is a free, after-hours art experience that turns the space into a glowing wonderland through a number of immersive attractions.  This year, highlights include several large-scale installations, including more than 50 gigantic, iridescent bubbles, a 27-metre illuminated skink sculpture representing the culture of the First Nations Kaurna people and an interactive artwork that allows you to create a holographic projection of yourself. Plus, there's a light trail and a colourful installation celebrating Australian wildflowers.  To make a night of it, there's plenty of restaurants, bars, pubs and more within the city centre of Werribee.  Lit at Wyndham Park is free to enjoy and will run nightly Thursday to Sunday from March 27 to April 13, open between 7pm and 11pm. There will also be sensory friendly nights on April 2 and 9. Head to the website for more information about the event. Looking for more fun? Here's our guide to what's on in Melbourne this weekend.

Hommey is currently one of the hottest brands in the bedding space, becoming a beloved Australian retailer since it launched five years ago. It's made a name for itself with colourful, fun designs – those eye-catching striped robes were all over our social media feeds when they first launched – and having all our bedding needs covered.  The brand is making moves, and the latest step is the third bricks-and-mortar store opening in the heart of Fitzroy. Located on Smith Street, the sleek store offers a tactile retail experience to encourage shoppers to touch, see, mix and match the full range of homewares. Curate your bedroom with the selection of soft robes, colourful cushions and bedding, towels, faux fur throws – and even adorable pet accessories. Walking into the store feels like you've strolled into the bedroom of that one friend who has impeccable interior design taste, and you're trying to envisage just exactly how you can recreate it in your own home. Thanks to Hommey, you can.  The new Hommey store in Fitzroy officially opens on March 8, so you can check it out for yourself. Find it at 2/131 Smith St, Fitzroy. You can see the range online here.  On a shopping spree? Get a greener wardrobe with these sustainable Melbourne fashion stores.

It isn’t news to anyone that Byron Bay is an ideal destination for a picturesque getaway. Its reputation for being the holiday spot for locals and tourists alike precedes it, for good reason – it boasts stunning sights, beautiful beaches and so much more. But for those who want to really embrace the slow, coastal lifestyle, the prospect of finding accommodation amid throngs of tourists and other vacationers might be off-putting. Enter, 28 Degrees. A boutique hotel in the heart of Byron, that still has a secluded and tranquil aura.  This adults-only sanctuary is the ideal choice for a peaceful stay, with an ethos centred on slow living and sustainability. It began as a guesthouse ten years ago, but has recently opened a swish new wing of rooms, as well as a luxurious, three-storey private villa.  28 Degrees epitomises the true energy of Byron Bay, ‘barefoot luxury’ style. It invites guests to fully unwind – there are no televisions here, and while there is Wi-Fi, switching off totally is gently encouraged. The owners are longtime residents who are passionate about the town and what makes it special, and want visitors to share in the genuine experience of coastal living. Small touches – like a make-it-yourself breakfast parfait with homemade fruit compote that awaits guests in the morning, or the complimentary bikes, are pieces of the hotel’s vision to ensure guests have a memorable stay.  The space feels elegant but has homely touches – staying in the main house feels like a h

If you only do one thing for this year's Brunswick Music Festival, then make it the famous opening party. This mammoth one-day, free music festival takes over the Brunswick's main street, sprawling down Sydney Road, and will feature a bunch of musicians playing rock, hip-hop, reggae, soul, jazz, gospel and everything in between. Across the huge Sunday, there'll be a massive program of acts across 12 street stages and eight venues, stretching from Brunswick Road to Victoria Street. All your favourite local venues are getting in on the action, including Stay Gold, Brunswick Ballroom, the Bergy, and the Retreat Hotel. Sydney Road will be bursting with energy and every year, without fail, there are multiple spontaneous dance parties.  You can also expect plenty of delicious food, market stalls, roving street performers and more. It's all happening for one day only on Sunday, March 2, and it's well worth the visit. Find out more here.  Looking to check out more live music in Melbourne? Check out this guide. 

May the 4th is a special date for any Star Wars fan, but this year it'll be one to remember. A brand-new Lego Star Wars exhibition is making its world premiere, and it won't be in a galaxy far, far away but right here in Melbourne.  Lego Star Wars: the Exhibition at Melbourne Museum comes from revered Lego genius Ryan 'Brickman' McNaught, who's back with his latest mind-boggling project of massive Star Wars brick creations – some standing at a whopping four metres tall.  There'll be Lego replicas of many of the iconic characters, fan favourite scenes, spacecraft and more, from both the classic films and newer releases. Plus, the exhibition will include interactive brick-based activities inclusive of all ages.  While there's still some time to wait for the exhibition opening, building has already begun, and it's expected it'll take more than 25,000 hours to finish and use a wild 8 million Lego bricks. One of the most monumental creations is a three-metre-tall red X-wing spacecraft, made of an astonishing 64,759 bricks, taking 382 hours to build.  "Fans will be blown away by the scale of the experience," Brickman says. "Building these iconic scenes and characters in Lego Star Wars form is an extremely complex task – taking the humble Lego brick and using it by the millions to translate into Star Wars builds and models at an epic scale the world has never seen before.  "My team and I are super excited to launch this mind-blowing experience right here in Melbourne. My inner 7-ye

The younger sister festival to December's much-loved Meredith Music Festival, Golden Plains is also held at the Supernatural Amphitheatre in Meredith. You can expect no commercial sponsors, free range camping, BYO, and a 'No Dickhead' policy over two days and two nights.  The full line-up for 2025 is absolutely stacked with in-demand international artists as well as local favourites. The headliners for this year are revered singer-songwriter PJ Harvey and breakout post-punk Irish band Fontaines DC. Across the three day program, they'll be joined by 2ManyDJs (otherwise known as Soulwax), rising popstar Magdalena Bay, beloved Aussie Thelma Plum, Sofia Kourtesis, Hermanos Gutiérrez, dance music royalty Robin S and heaps more. You can see the full-line-up in all its glory here.  Golden Plains will run over the long weekend of March 8-10, 2025. To find out more about the festival, head to the website.  Want to know what other festivals are happening soon? Check out our guide to the best music festivals happening in or around Melbourne.

One of the city's most beloved street parties is back for its 37th year, with another weekend of vibrant festivities. On February 22 and 23, the Greek Antipodes Festival will take over Lonsdale Street – aka Melbourne CBD's unofficial 'Little Greece' – for two days of Greek street food, traditional dancing, live music and the event's first-ever silent disco. You can expect a delicious array of Greek food vendors – like the iconic Stalactites, one of Melbourne’s longest-running Greek restaurants – serving up everything from sizzling gyros and souvlaki to loukoumades and other sweet treats. And you know the ouzo will be flowing, too. Rena Morfi and Xylourides will headline the main stage on Saturday and Sunday night, respectively, along with various other dance, music and cultural performances. Some of the city's biggest Greek chefs will turn it on for live cooking demonstrations, and don't forget to bring your dancing shoes for the Zorba 'Til You Drop dance competition. For more details, check out the website.  Looking for more things to do in Melbourne? Check out our guide to what's on here. 

Are you the owner of something furry, fishy or scaly? Then you won't want to miss the Pet Show, which is returning to the Melbourne Showgrounds on March 1 and 2.  The event will bring together all the best bits of the pet industry, uniting the worlds of dogs, cats, fish, birds, reptiles and small animals, with a range of experts and exhibitors in attendance. You'll have the chance to learn about how to become an even better pawrent, or perhaps find your next fur baby.  There'll be plenty of entertainment, including educational discussions, grooming competitions, live demonstrations, a scales and tails touch zone, and a dazzling performance by Dr Katrina Warren and her WonderDogs. Plus, there'll be food trucks to fuel your fluffy adventures and special activities for kids.  And on Sunday, March 2, you can catch the Canine Disc Australia Competition. Be amazed as talented dogs soar through the air, showcasing their precision and agility whilecatching flying discs. To find out more about the event, head to the website.  Looking for more things to do? Here's our guide to what's on right now. 

Venture out as night falls and immerse yourself in the many wonders of our world at Melbourne Museum, welcoming those of us with nocturnal tendencies after dark. The museum will open its doors after closing time for Nocturnal: Museum After Dark, a series of exclusive adults-only evenings that returns in 2025, held on the second Thursday of each month. Explore the museum's major feature exhibitions as well as the permnanet ones, and be enlightened by tours, curator talks and trivia. Once you've satisfied your curiosity, enjoy a bev, play drag bingo and have a boogie with some local DJ favourites soundtracking the night. Each monthly event has a different theme and activities, so there's always something new to discover. Highlights include a special Valentine's Day event, a collab with Melbourne International Comedy Festival, a NAIDOC Week event, plus much more.  Tickets are $32 for adults, $30 for concession or $27 for museum members. To find out more about the Nocturnal event series or to buy tickets, head to the Melbourne Museum website. Want to explore more exhibitions? Take a look at our list of the best ones in Melbourne this month. 

Did you know that Ballarat is home to thousands of begonias, including more than 500 unique varieties? In fact, the impressive collection is the rarest in the Southern Hemisphere. They're all housed in the city's historic botanical gardens, and to celebrate this floral feat, the city has hosted the Ballarat Begonia Festival annually since 1953.  When is the Begonia Festival happening in Ballarat?  If you're keen to see the colourful (and highly 'grammable) flower fest in full bloom, make your way to the Ballarat Botanical Gardens on the Labour Day long weekend from March 8-10. How long is the Begonia Festival on for?  The floral festivities run across three jam-packed days, so you'll have ample opportunity to explore the vibrant floral displays that fill the historic botanic gardens.  What's on at the 2025 Ballarat Begonia Festival?  Alongside the colourful blooms, there will be a line-up of demonstrations, live entertainment, market stalls and food trucks. This year's headline act is 'The Last Numbat' – a large-scale, interactive performance installation that uses puppetry to explore connection, community and collaboration. Created by Spare Parts Puppet Theatre, it's the first time magical creation has been seen on Australia's East Coast. A roster of celebrity presenters and industry experts – including Costa Georgiadis, Liam Downes, Mindy Woods and Millie Ross – will host talks on the main stage, and there will be plenty of activities to keep the kids busy. Plus, there wil

Flowers can brighten up any day, but what can make it even brighter is the simple pleasure of getting to pick them yourself. Beloved community garden CERES is spreading this blooming joy throughout the warmer months, welcoming visitors every weekend to come and harvest a fresh bunch.  On Friday and Saturday mornings from 9.30am, head to the Coburg site for the Festival of Flowers, where you can pick your own blooms at Joe's Market Garden. There are blossoming sunflowers, zinnias and cosmos to choose from, and you'll be able to build a beautiful bouquet with up to ten individual stems. Sessions are $30 and while walk-ins are welcome, bookings are recommended. You can book a spot here.  Plus, there'll also be special floral events held on some Saturdays, including workshops on how to put together the perfect bouquet, flower vase arranging with floral experts and even eco-dyeing tote bag classes for kids. Book your place in an upcoming workshop here.  And because nothing says romance quite like a beautiful bouquet, CERES is also hosting some romantic floral-themed events. Weed Dating is back, with a session running on February 1. On Valentine's Day, there'll be a special evening flower picking session, as well as drinks, wood-fired pizzas and DJs creating a swoon-worthy vibe.  The Festival of Flowers will run until the end of April, with U-pick flower sessions happening every weekend. Find out more on the CERES website.  Are you a floral fanatic? Here's a guide on where to see b

Update Tuesday, March 11: The blood moon will become visible in Australian skies this Friday (March 14). It's the first blood moon since 2022, with the next one slated for early September, 2025.  If last year taught us anything, it’s that Aussies love the novelty of a celestial spectacle. From rare super comets to glowing supermoons, we’ll happily stay up into the wee hours of the morning just to catch the latest space show. This week, the universe is delivering once again, with a blood moon rising. Also known as a partial lunar eclipse, this striking event will see the Moon take on a dramatic red glow for a brief but mesmerising moment. If you're keen to catch a glimpse of this unusual event in Australia, read on for everything you need to know.  When is the next blood moon? The blood moon will appear in Australian skies on Friday, March 14, lasting for around 55 to 80 minutes. According to TimeAndDate.com, the moon will rise in the early evening and reach its peak just a couple of minutes later, lasting for another five minutes before fading. Expected moonrise times across Australia’s major cities include:  Brisbane – 6.04pm Darwin – 7.02pm  Sydney – 7.13pm Canberra – 7.22pm Hobart – 7.32pm Adelaide – 7.35pm  Melbourne – 7.40pm When the moonrise begins, you can expect to see a reddish shadow spreading across the moon as the Earth moves across the sun’s path. Afterwards, the moon’s red shade will begin to fade into its normal bright glow. This coincides with the full moon

The novelty of a spectacle from space never fades – whether that be a rare comet or a glowing supermoon, it's always exciting. This month, there's more celestial excitement in store, with a blood moon rising (also known as a partial eclipse). Melburnians will be treated to a special sight very soon, as the moon will partially eclipse and glow red for a dramatic moment.  So, if you're keen to catch a glimpse of this unusual event, read on for everything you need to know.  When is the blood moon visible in Melbourne? The blood moon will appear on Friday, March 14, lasting for around 80 minutes. It will rise at approximately 7.40pm and reach its peak just a couple of minutes later, lasting for another five minutes. You can expect to see a reddish shadow spreading across the moon, which occurs as the Earth moves across the sun’s path. Afterwards, the moon’s red shade will begin to fade into its normal bright glow. This coincides with the full moon for March (known as the 'worm moon'), so it should make for quite a sight. You can find exact details of when the blood moon will be visible on TimeAndDate.com. How to see the blood moon in Melbourne?  The best way to see the partial eclipse is to find a high point with a view of the horizon or an unobstructed area with free sight to the east. Ideally, this is also a dark place away from artificial light, so you can witness the full glow. If you're really keen to see it in all its glory, these are the best stargazing spots in Melbourne

A car park in the middle of Melbourne's CBD is set for a significant makeover, with a Sydney hospo giant revealing grand plans to transform it into a gigantic hospitality and entertainment complex.  In late February it was confirmed that the City of Melbourne sold the car park at 34-60 Little Collins Street to Merivale, the group behind a stack of popular Sydney restaurants like Totti's and MuMu. If you know the car park where Soi 38 used to be until recently, that's the spot.  The eight-storey building will be turned into a hospitality and entertainment hub, with plans for a boutique hotel, day spa, gallery, rooftop sky garden and more, as well as several local iterations of Merivale's existing venues. So yes, that means Melbourne could be getting a Totti's. Other venues slated for inclusion are MuMu, Jam Record Bar and a jazz bar.  Image: Merivale Set to be called 'Parkade', the huge development will take over the northwest corner of Meyers Place in the Paris end of the CBD. Merivale also recently bought the property across the road (the former Kantay House), which currently houses San Telmo. But the hospo group's first foray into an actual Melbourne opening is set to be a restaurant inside Tomasetti House in Flinders Lane, which is apparently opening by the end of this year.  This project is only in nascent stages, with the current lease to the car park operator still in effect for another 12 years, unless Merivale manages to negotiate it to end earlier. We'll be keeping

The Airport Rail Link saga has taken countless twists and turns, but it seems like the project could finally be on the right track. We don't want to get too excited yet – there are still five long years to wait before the slated completion date of 2030, and a lot can happen in five years. But thankfully, after debates and delays, Albo has swooped in and promised $7 billion in federal funding to get the project up and running. This means that the first stage of construction can now start, so we might allow ourselves to dream again of conveniently zipping between the airport and the city.  The first stop along the Airport Rail Link journey is a huge upgrade to Sunshine Station, which will connect the future train line to the airport. Construction to make this upgrade happen is kicking off soon, with $2 billion of the federal funding making it happen, leaving $5 billion to go towards the rest of the project. It will include major changes to the rail network around the area, which will also allow for an upgrade to train services to Melton and Wyndham Vale down the track.  Image: Victoria's Big Build Once Sunshine Station gets a makeover, new train stations will also be built at Albion as well as Keilor East – stops along the way to the airport. Then, after it's all completed, these additions will form part of the new Suburban Rail Loop and connect to the Metro Tunnel train line. So for those on the Cranbourne or Pakenham lines, you'll be able to catch a train from home to the a

Depending on what year you were born, your perception of Chapel Street's Jam Factory will be considerably varied. For those who're old enough to recall, around twenty years ago the shopping centre was once a thriving hub and popular gathering spot for locals. Since then, it's sadly become quite the ghost town, with only the longstanding cinema and a handful of chain stores left. It's disappointing to see a once beloved piece of Melbourne's history fall into neglect, but that's all about to change – The Jam Factory is officially getting a huge makeover to bring it back to life.  The $2.75 billion redevelopment will transform the space to hold high-end retailers, offices, a brand-new Village Cinema (which will be moved to the ground floor), a large wellness precinct, two hotels and ultra-luxe apartments (including very bougie $30 million penthouses). The centrepiece of the new site will be the Village Square, an expansive public piazza designed as a gathering place.  Supplied artist rendering The facelift is being helmed by the Gurner Group (the same developer behind exclusive luxury health club Saint Haven and Elysium Fields, the high-rise complex dubbed as a futuristic wellness utopia) in partnership with Qualitas. It's been in the works for around ten years with very slow progress, but the new developers swooped in back in July 2024 to fast track the redevelopment. Thankfully, the heritage brick facade of The Jam Factory will be preserved (including the original chimney) w

No streaming service or fancy TV will ever replace that special feeling of an outing to the cinema, buying deliciously salty popcorn, excitedly settling into a plush recliner and trying not to eat all of said popcorn in the first ten minutes of the film.  Melburnians certainly have an appreciation for a good cinema, reflected in the many theatres across the city. Our cinemas are undoubtedly world-class, and it's not just us who think so. Our Global Film Editor has revamped Time Out’s list of the 50 most beautiful cinemas in the world – and one Melbourne cinema has been given a starring role in the top ten.   The Astor is Melbourne’s oldest single-screen theatre and the last of its kind in operation, and ranked seventh on the carefully considered list. Dating way back to 1936, this grand Art Deco gem has a past as dramatic as its popular double-bills. The Astor has been under threat of development for decades, but won its most recent reprieve in 2015, when indie chain Palace Cinemas took over the site. The giant auditorium, which seats about 1,600 people across two levels, preserves its old Hollywood-feel with lush red velvet curtains, geometric carpets, a grand piano, ’30s movie posters and euphemistically named ‘cloak rooms’.   Photograph: Carmen Zammit Also making the top 50 list was Sydney's Hayden Orpheum Picture Palace, claiming the 22nd spot on Time Out’s list of the world’s most beautiful cinemas. Dating back to 1935, this Art Deco theatre is a stunning step back in

Update – March 4, 2025: According to Parks Victoria, the permit for this event remains under consideration – we will update you as more info arises.    Melburnians always get around illuminated attractions, from Lightscape to Puffing Billy's magical Train of Lights, our city is often glowing with enchanting sights. This year, a brand-new event will light up our city, with the arrival of the magic of the viral Water Lantern Festival this autumn. Inspired by traditional lantern festivals in China, Thailand and Vietnam, the Water Lantern Festival is a mesmerising celebration of love, hope and community. Since its debut in 2018, it has enchanted more than 1 million people in the USA, and this year it will embark on its first-ever Aussie tour, coming to Melbourne on May 30, 31 and June 1.  Photograph: Supplied | Water Lantern Festival Every ticket holder will receive a floating lantern, an LED light and a marker to personalise their lantern with messages of love, hope and dreams. As the sun sets, everyone will gently launch their lanterns onto the water, creating a sparkling sea of light. Sustainability is a top priority for the festival, with each lantern crafted from a rice paper cover and a wooden base. To further minimise its environmental footprint, the festival reuses and recycles LED candles wherever possible, while the event team ensures every lantern is collected after the event.  The lantern festival will also illuminate other major cities across Australia on its natio

As any local will tell you, regional Victorian towns are treasure troves of so much goodness. From world-class restaurants to innovative galleries and top-notch hotels to stunning natural surrounds, our state has it all. Not to mention, we're home to a beach that was just named as the second best in the whole wide world.  The entirety of Australia is laiden with fantastic travel destinations, there are so many hidden gems across the country. Wotif's Aussie Town of the Year Awards recognises the ten most trending destinations for the year ahead, as according to data, 78 per cent of Aussies plan to travel domestically this year – and Wotif has made it their mission to shine a light on the best towns in Australia to explore. The results are based on the increase in accommodation searches on Wotif.com from 2023 to 2024, also factoring in affordability, quality, quantity of accommodation options and average traveller reviews. In 2024, a Victorian locale Bendigo claimed the number one spot in an annual ranking of the best regional towns in the country, much to our delight. This year, two Victorian towns have made the top ten on the list, and we're just as proud. The town of Beechworth, of bakery and bushranger fame, was ranked fifth on the top Aussie towns list. Located in Victoria's far north, this tiny town was a bustling hub of gold rush activity back in the 1800s, and but now has a top-notch food and wine scene in the gorgeous surrounds of our state's High Country. Visitors ca

We know that Melburnians' love for all things Harry Potter goes deep – we did have a play devoted to the beloved series running in our city for a whopping five years, after all. So if you're still waiting for your Hogwarts acceptance letter to arrive in the mail, then you'll love this brand new magical exhibition that has just been announced.  Photograph: supplied Melbourne is set to play host to the Australian premiere of Harry Potter: The Exhibition. This behind-the-scenes extravaganza will leave Potterheads spellbound, and features interactive recreations of famous film scenes, props and costumes from the Broadway production of Harry Potter and the Cursed Child, a multimedia experience featuring the Whomping Willow, dementors, the Marauder's Map and the chance to conjure a Patronus charm. Photograph: supplied Budding witches and wizards will be sorted into Hogwarts houses and earn points as they explore the exhibition – it could be through a potions class, predicting the future à la Professor Trelawney in Divination or defeating a boggart in Defence Against the Dark Arts. There will also be opportunities to practice spell casting and Quidditch skills, plus win golden snitch medallions to become a model student. Each experience comes with plenty of photo ops and, of course, magical interactive moments. There's even a recreation of the Great Hall for visitors to enjoy in all its splendour, complete with floating candles.  Photograph: supplied This official Harry Potte

It may look like it's from the far-off lands of California, but this majestic natural attraction is located right here in Victoria. A massive forest of jaw-dropping Californian redwood trees can be found not far from Melbourne, with these gargantuan trees becoming popular for creating Insta-worthy sights. The Californian Redwood Forest in Victoria was planted almost 100 years ago, cementing itself as a wondrous attraction within our state.  These trees are renowned for their extreme heights – they can reach up to 115 metres tall – and forests of them can store up to three times as much carbon as any other type of forest. The oldest known tree in existence is believed to be aged around 2,200 years old, so they can grow to ancient status.  This forest is certainly worth seeing for yourself, so if you're planning to visit, here is everything you need to know.  Where is the Californian Redwood Forest in Victoria?  There are actually two areas of Victoria with Californian redwoods, but the most popular and well-known is the Cement Creek Redwood Forest. The forest is located within Warburton Valley, just a few kilometres outside Warburton, on Cement Creek Road and close to popular tourist spots like Healesville and Mount Donna Buang The other redwood forest in Victoria is in Beech Forest, within the Great Otway National Park, which is southwest of Melbourne.  How to get to the Californian Redwood Forest?  The best way to get to the Cement Creek Redwood Forest is by car. It's locate

It seems Victoria's public transport payment system is finally ready to join the 21st century, after years of frustrated residents demanding that we ditch those pesky Myki cards for good. It's just been revealed that from next year, we'll be able to tap on a train, bus or tram with a bank card – catching up to many other major cities around the world. It's about bloody time.  When the news of a trial kicking off for the new payment system came out late last year, we allowed ourselves to dream. But now, it seems our dreams really are coming true, as the Victorian government has announced that bank card tap ons will be rolled out across Victoria's public transport from the beginning of 2026.  The new contactless payment system will allow passengers to tap on with a credit or debit card, as well as with Apple Pay on phones and smart watches. First, 20,000 new card readers will be installed across our state's train network, including metro and V/Line trains. Then, it will be extended to trams and buses. Initially, it'll only be useable for full fare passengers.  It was first announced that the system would be getting an overhaul back in May 2023, as part of a plan to eventually phase out physical Myki cards. This was finally put into practice with a trial beginning in November 2024. While the trial was very small in scale (on four bus lines in the regional town of Wangaratta), it's reportedly been a great success! It will continue until May, but word is that the brand-new reader

It's common knowledge that Melbourne is renowned far and wide for its world-class coffee culture. Coffee is an integral part of the Melburnian identity, which is why we have seemingly endless options of cafés keeping us caffeinated with the finest brews. The global acclaim for our city's top-notch coffee spots continues, with a Melbourne café ranking in the top five in the whole world.  This week, the inaugural World’s 100 Best Coffee Shops Gala took place at CoffeeFest Madrid in Spain – with the rankings determined by a combination of public votes and ratings by an expert panel. Each café was judged on a variety of factors, including coffee quality, barista experience, customer service, innovation, ambience, sustainability practices, food offerings and consistency.  Melbourne’s very own Proud Mary came in at the fourth spot on the list. The super popular warehouse-style café in Collingwood are also wholesale coffee roasters, stocking some of Melbourne’s best venues and providing a training ground for award-winning baristas. Founded by a husband and wife duo 16 years ago, Proud Mary certainly takes a lot of pride in the mastery of the coffee craft. Not to mention, the café also offers a top-notch brekky menu, perfect for enjoying with a cup of delicious brew.  Photograph: Proud Mary But this beloved spot wasn't the only Melbourne cafe to make the top 100 list, in fact, there were four other coffee shops that also ranked among the best of the best. Richmond's Veneziano Coffe