Saffron Swire

Whether you're planning for a long weekend or any old Saturday, it's always a good time to venture outside of the city and explore all the art Victoria has to offer. After all, Melbourne likes to think of itself as the cultural capital of Australia, but in reality, the crown should go to the entire state because we truly are spoiled for choice with the abundance of must-see regional galleries. From Geelong to Bendigo, you can find a regional art gallery in every corner of the state showcasing art spanning Australia's colonial and Indigenous history, through to works from the country's most exciting contemporary artists – not to mention the frequent travelling exhibitions. No car? No problem. Several of these galleries are also accessible by V/Line trains.  Do you know where to find Melbourne's best street art? We do.    

Australia is pretty hard to beat when it comes to natural landmarks and epic experiences. However, it’s hard knowing which ones live up to the hype. Our Travel Editor, Melissa Woodley, has drawn on her adventures across every state and territory to curate this list of Australia’s top tourist attractions, spanning from the East Coast to the West.  While the Big Banana didn’t make the cut this time around, you’re sure to be amazed by these spectacular sights, including the world’s largest coral reef, the oldest continually surviving rainforest, and the best sunset-watching location on Earth. Start compiling your great Australian bucket list. 😱 The best places to visit in Australia right now🌈 All the most beautiful places to explore Down Under🌊 Australia's best beaches

2025 is set to be a momentous year when it comes to travel. Citywide celebrations and milestone anniversaries will be taking place in Amsterdam and Rome, sparkling new cultural centres are flinging open their doors in Rotterdam, New York and Abu Dhabi, and there are fresh chances to see some wonderful wildlife in Australia, Singapore and Greenland – but that’s just the beginning. Read on for our roundup of the 25 coolest, weirdest and most adventurous new things to do across the world in 2025, no matter your whereabouts or budget. RECOMMENDED:🇬🇧 The best things to do in the UK in 2025🛍️ The coolest neighbourhoods in the world🎪 The world’s best music festivals for 2025🌃 The best cities in the world right now  

We’re calling it: 2025 is shaping up to be a blockbuster year for travel in Australia. In a country that buzzes from sunrise to sunset, you’re guaranteed to find new and exciting things happening no matter where you wake up (or wind down). As the Travel and News Editor for Time Out Australia, it’s my duty to scope out all the newest happenings across every state and territory. From epic tours and highly-anticipated restaurants to the hottest new hotels and hidden gem exhibitions, here’s our ultimate list of the 25 best new things to do in Australia in 2025. How many will you tick off? 🦘 The 30 best places to visit in Australia👀 10 major Aussie moments to look out for in 2025🇦🇺 The 20 top tourist attractions in Australia

If there's one sure-fire way of injecting joy into your year – it's festivals. Gathering with like-minded people in rainbow-festooned palaces full of amazing music, glittering performances and zesty food sounds like utopia to us – which is why it's a blessing that Australia has an incredible array of festivals on offer, one for every season of the year. In this list, we round up the best festivals that we reckon you should check out Down Under this year. Starting with those that are on earliest in the year and ending with those at the end, each of these festivals has been selected for its scale, its astonishing visuals, and its commitment to seriously good times. From music to comedy to wild light displays in the Outback, rest assured that going to any of these incredible Aussie festivals will be a bloody good time indeed.  🎭 The best musical and theatre shows in Australia🎨 Australia's best art galleries🍔 The best food festivals in Australia

At long last, festival season is almost upon us. Melburnians live and breathe live music, so it's no surprise that when doof stick season rolls around, we flock to music festivals like moths to a flame. When the weather begins to heat up, so do our line-ups, and we're spoiled for choice with a festival for every eardrum. There are big ones, small ones, ones by the beach, ones on the street, ones by a lake, ones full of rock'n'roll, electronic, jazz, techno, gospel, pop, reggae – you name it, we've got it. So, to help you make the most of the summer, we've rounded up the best music festivals in Melbourne in the next few months. Peruse our list and get planning.  Left feeling empty-pocketed after a festival? Check out some of Melbourne's best free activities.

Melbourne is the self-professed music capital of Australia. And it’s not just bluster – on any given night you’ll find international DJs behind the decks in intimate rooms and multi-level superclubs, or everyone and their mother gathered on the dancefloor to hear one very specific genre of hard techno (we’re looking at you, donk). From Thursday to Sunday (and at some spots, every night in between), you can give yourself over to the rhythm at one of the best nightclubs in Melbourne on this list. Want more? Here's our list of the best bars with dancefloors in Melbourne. Need some food to fuel all that dancing? Here are the best late-night eats around Melbourne. 

Melbourne is blessed with a wealth of theatres, from the grand old dames like the Princess Theatre to the kooky hidden gems like the Motley Bauhaus; no city in Australia can lay claim to as many in as good a condition as ours. But inside those venues, not all seats are created equal. Sure, there are some shows so spectacular and unmissable you’d happily sit anywhere, but most experiences in the theatre can be augmented by the best seats in the house. And occasionally ruined by the worst. So, without further ado, we give them to you. RECOMMENDED: How to score cheap theatre tickets in Melbourne.

Melbourne may be chock-full of things to do and see, but sometimes you crave a break from the hubbub of city life. From national parks and world-class wineries to Gold Rush towns and sandy beaches, the state of Victoria teems with things to escape to – all within a short distance of the CBD.   While most will drive to these hotspots for a day-long sojourn, only some of us have the wheels (and license) to do so. No car? No problem. The city's backyard is no longer out of bounds thanks to the state's regional train, ferry and coach system.  So avoid traffic, reduce your carbon footprint and be more carfree with these five driverless trips from Melbourne.  Have access to a car? These are the best day trips from Melbourne and the most scenic drives in Victoria.

Getting up close to world-class art shouldn't cost an arm and a leg. We know that, and thankfully, so do many of Melbourne's best art galleries. From small commercial galleries to some of the biggest in the state, we've rounded up our favourite spots to peruse art for zilch. RECOMMENDED: Here's where to find the best street art in Melbourne

Maybe you're OK with bare walls and prefer to keep things minimalistic, or maybe that one Pulp Fiction poster you've had since university still has pride of place. Or maybe, it's time for you to channel your inner art connoisseur and buy some art for your home.  The trouble is, where to even begin? We can often feel intimidated when buying art, or worry that we can’t afford to invest in an original piece. But there’s a huge world of art out there, with something for every taste and budget. Here's where to buy art in Melbourne, no matter the state of your wallet.  Looking for more art? Here's our list of the best art galleries in Melbourne, and the best exhibitions on this month. These are the best places to buy art in Melbourne:

Australians have a love affair with art, and with incredible galleries dotted throughout the country, it’s also one of the top reasons we travel interstate. Every year, our nation welcomes blockbuster international exhibitions, along with major showings of our most colourful and creative local talents.  Whether it’s contemporary Aboriginal art in Alice Springs, delicate glassworks in Wagga Wagga, topical portraits in Canberra or 21st-century Chinese art in Sydney, these are the best public galleries worth visiting in Australia.  🌳 The 20 top tourist attractions in Australia👀 Australia's finest museums☀️ The best things to do in Australia

Head to Federation Square for a three-day celebration of the very best of African music, culture and cuisine. From November 15–17, the African Music and Cultural Festival (AMCF) will enliven the city with everything from an outdoor cinema and live non-stop music to a swag of stalls selling African street food. This year is the eleventh iteration of the festival and it's set to be bigger and better than ever, with more than 27 food vendors offering tasty African dishes and 37 market stalls to shop from.  On Friday, an outdoor cinema will broadcast African Australian short films, spoken word performances and live jazz music. Plus, there'll be plenty of food for a lunchbreak feed or post-work dinner. The primary festival day is Saturday, with 12 hours of non-stop live entertainment, including bands, dance, music, market stalls selling African wares, free drumming lessons and some irresistible street food. And on Sunday, there will be more entertainment and a forum on topical African Australian issues with panellists.  AMCF is sure to be fun for all the family, with kids able to participate in free African drumming classes, AFL activities, face painting, jumping castles, African board games and more. Discover more about the African Music and Cultural Festival and which exhibitors and artists are taking part, visit the website here. Looking for more fun? Here are the best things to do in Melbourne this weekend.

Traversing time and space, Wurrdha Marra is an ongoing exhibition celebrating the diversity of First Nations art and design. Since late 2023, the ground floor and foyer of the Ian Potter Centre: NGV Australia has become home to a dynamic and ever-changing exhibition space that displays masterpieces and never-before-shown works from the NGV’s First Nations collection. Translating to ‘many mobs’ in the Wurundjeri Woi Wurrung language, Wurrdha Marra showcases pieces from emerging and established artists from across Australia, including Tony Abert, Treahna Hamn, Kent Morris, Marlene Gilson, Rover Thomas, Christian Thompson, Gary Lee, Nicole Monks, Gali Yalkarriwuy, Dhambit Mungunggurr, Nonggirrnga Marawili and more.  Highlights of the free exhibition include a large-scale installation of fish traps produced by Burrara women from Maningrida – the objects have been crafted over weeks using vines from the bush. Also on display is a new collection of contemporary resin boomerangs by Keemon Williams, a First Nations queer artist hailing from Meanjin/Brisbane. Another unseen work is titled History Repeats by Girramay/Yidinji/Kuku Yalanji contemporary artist Tony Albert, who has used mass-produced objects – from tea towels to ashtrays – to reframe Indigenous histories.  More recently, the exhibition has been updated to include the largest-ever display of the NGV's expansive collection of bark paintings. Bark Salon subverts the traditional European salons of the 18th and 19th centuries,

Dearest gentle readers, it's our pleasure to reveal that the Bridgerton Candlelight Concert is almost upon us. The highlight of the ton's season, the concert will feature hits from the beloved Netflix series brought to life by a local string quartet. The live multi-sensory experience will light up Collingwood Town Hall with thousands of candles and bundles of blossoms, transporting guests back to England's Regency era. With three seasons now streaming on Netflix, Bridgerton is one of the most popular series worldwide, with a soundtrack that covers pop songs with classical covers. The setlist for the string quartet will include hits such as Billie Eilish's 'Bad Guy', Ariana Grande's 'Thank u, next', Pitbull's 'Give Me Everything, Sia's 'Cheap Thrills' to music by Afrojack, Ne-Yo and Nayer.  Melbourne is just one of the several cities hosting this exclusive event, with venues in Sydney, Perth, and Brisbane also set to be transformed into Bridgerton-inspired ballrooms this season.  Running for a limited season, tickets begin from $30 are now available on the Fever app and website, offering exclusive pre-sale access for a limited time. For tickets and more details, visit the Fever website here. Looking for a bite afterwards? Check out Melbourne's best late-night eats. How about another drink somewhere different? We've rounded up our favourite laneway bars in the city.

Inhale, exhale – Comma, a spa and bathhouse in Melbourne, is here to relieve the weary and worn. As the name implies, Comma stands for pausing and finding calm in and amongst the clamour of city life. This modern Australian bathhouse believes in a holistic spa experience and offers several signature massage treatments. While the flagship venue may be in Byron Bay, the local outpost is in a warehouse-like space down a side street in Cremorne.  Treatment highlights include 'the Vessel', an invigorating body brush and lymphatic massage to rejuvenate dehydrated skin; 'Last Resort', a reparative back treatment to soothe; 'Sticks and Stones', where thermodynamic basalt stones are used for deep relaxation; and the 'Calm Visage Facial', where the therapist uses the power of massage to relax the muscles and free tension, followed by an exfoliation.  Several add-on treatments are available, including foot massages and leave-in hair treatments. Comma also offers a private infrared sauna session to light up and awaken the cells, which includes a mineral hot tub and cold pail shower. Guests will also receive refreshments, a robe, towel, locker and bespoke salt scrub as part of their visit.  Bathhouse and massage packages are available, for either 60-, 75- or 90-minute treatments. Comma also sells vouchers to treat yourself or a loved one to some well-deserved relaxation.  Every element of the contemporary bathhouse and spa has been meticulously designed to ensure maximum relaxation. You

The dangers of stress are well known, from an increased risk of heart disease to a weakened immune system – but did you know that living a wholly stress-free life also carries risks? The answer to managing day-in and day-out stress lies in the sweet spot, and Inner Studio is about helping you find that balance. To do so, the stress resilience and recovery facility aims to change how we perceive and manage stress. The Collingwood-based centre teaches hormetic stress conditioning – a term that describes the point between too much and too little stress – through breathwork and heat and cold exposure therapy.  The founders of Inner Studio, brothers Ben Sinclair and Will Slade, came up with the idea after struggling with stress themselves. Former AFL players, they discovered the power of the mind to tackle stress and improve performance. Sinclair began using breathwork as a player struggling with injuries and concussions, while Will turned to meditation and hot and cold therapy to help him manage his high-stress work environment.  They realised that exposing the mind, body and nervous system to extreme environments and temperatures in a controlled setting can build up individuals' resilience to general stress. The lush, green and light-splattered training facility offers a state-of-the-art audio sound system, a traditional sauna, an acoustically engineered breathwork room, hot (38 degrees) and cold (five degrees) plunge rooms, and a relaxation area with a fireplace and tea statio

Creativity. Collaboration. Connection. That’s what this intimate music venue, bar, and creative space in Northcote vows to be a walnut-hued haven for.  High Note, a new brick-and-mortar venue from local music industry heavyweights Crown Ruler (responsible for events like Sun Cycle festival and collabs with Potato Head Bali and NTS radio). This welcoming spot is located in the beating heart of Northcote and will welcome everything from relaxed after-work drinks to live music.  “We wanted to create a diverse community-focused venue to suit High Street’s many moods,” says Crown Ruler founder Jamie Bennett. “This is a special spot for people to meet and connect, the type of which doesn’t currently exist here in Melbourne.” The highlight of High Note is its impressive sound system featuring original vintage Altec horns that once graced the Sydney Opera House. As for hospitality, there will be a drinks list featuring old-school classics and crisp beers from the taps along with Australian wines.  Beyond monthly music programming curated by Crown Ruler, High Note’s performance space will become a hub for music education and artistic collaboration. From hosting exhibitions to record fairs and artist Q&As, the venue is set to be an 'info-den' where fledgling artists can cut their teeth in workshops on music production, writing and more.  Looking for more spots to sip bevs and have a boogie? Check out this list of the best bars for dancing in Melbourne.

Ready to make a racket? AO Live (formerly Finals Festival) is taking over the Australian Open this summer with its biggest line-up yet.  The three-day musical and entertainment extravaganza will take place at John Cain Arena from January 23-25, and features a world-class roster of global artists and DJs for some off-court action.  Curated by Untitled Group, highlights include pop sensation Benson Boone, who will open the series following his show-stopping performance at the MTV Video Music Awards, and a performance by the Grammy Award-winning DJ and producer Kaytranda. The final day of AO Live will dovetail with the Women's Final on Saturday, January 25. It will feature a set by legendary DJ Armand Van Helden (known for floor-filling hits such as 'My My My' and 'You Don't Know Me'), before 'Tik Tok' and 'Timber' singer Kesha closes out the festival. It's the first time Kesha has visited Australia in seven years, and this will be her only Melbourne show. Tickets start at $89 and include an Australian Open ground pass, so you can enjoy the action on both the court and on the stage. For more info, visit the website.  Want more music? Check out the best gigs in Melbourne this month.  

Ah, healthy habits — they have a funny way of sticking, don't they? Every year, we trawl the internet for quick fixes and tell ourselves this is the week/month/year that we will finally eat clean, go to the gym and cut down on all things sweet and sinful. But quick fixes often don't provide long-term solutions. That's why EQ, a new breathing and meditation experience in South Melbourne, aims to be a sanctuary for those wanting to incorporate wellbeing practices into their daily lives so that they stick like glue.  Curated seasonally, EQ's evidence-based approach ensures that guests will experience practices backed by science and tailored to help them navigate the challenges of modern work life. You can embark on a three-hour signature journey for $150 with hot and cold therapy, an immersive light and sound therapy dome, meditative breathwork, informative sessions on wellbeing practices and a community social lounge to connect with other guests.  A 90-minute bathing journey for $80 is also available, which includes the use of the hot mineral spa, traditional Finnish sauna and aroma steam room along with the benefits of cold water therapy with cold pail showers and plunge pools. And every Wednesday at EQ is for women only, and it provides the chance to pause, reconnect and recharge while surrounded by like-minded women and led by all-female staff.  EQ is the brainchild of Mia Basic, who once thrived in the high-stakes world of litigation. It was her transition from the courtroo

Glowing skin is not just a matter of vanity — it is a mirror of your overall health and wellbeing. Whether battling the city's pollution or facing harsh UV rays (which grow ever stronger as summer approaches), investing in your skin is one of the best self-care moves you can make.  That is where Shine Skin and Body steps in. The Richmond-based salon offers facials that address several skin issues and aim to help you maintain healthy, hydrated skin throughout the year. Founded in 2012 by husband-and-wife team Sheridan and Jason Rollard, Shine Skin and Body specialises in extraction facials, acne treatments and blackhead removals. Treatments also address hydration, dullness, ageing and sensitivity.  The team at Shine Skin and Body will also assess what internal and external factors could be affecting you to maximise the results to heal your skin from the inside out. They often work with naturopaths to connect the dots between skin health and internal wellbeing to help clients tackle issues holistically.  With more than three decades of experience, Sheridan's skill and passion for skincare have contributed to the salon's growing reputation as a destination for those looking to transform their skin.  The leading salon has recently launched an exclusive 70-minute carbon backhead removal facial, which integrates its renowned extraction treatment with a carbon facial. After six months of trials, Sheridan recognised a correlation between carbon treatments and skin breakouts, and rea

The Heide Museum of Modern Art is a torchbearer for Australian modernism and contemporary Australian art. Set on 6.5 hectares of parkland with five gallery spaces, award-winning architecture and a collection of more than 3,6000 works of art, Heide has long served as a meeting point and creative hub. Once a significant Wurundjeri gathering place, the site later attracted the artists of the Australian Impressionist School before becoming the home of art patrons John and Sunday Reed. In 1934, the Reeds bought and settled on the site, naming it the Heide after the town of Heidelberg just across the river. Over the next decade, they turned Heide into a sanctuary for artists, writers and thinkers who shared their progressive social and cultural ideals. The Angry Penguins (including painters Sidney Nolan, Albert Tucker, Joy Hester, Arthur Boyd and John Perceval) alternately lived, worked and played here in the 1940s. The Museum comprises of three core buildings – Heide I, II and III – as well as extensive gardens and a sculpture park.  Heide I is the Reeds' original farmstead, while Heide II is a slice of modernist architecture designed by David McGlashan in 1964 when the family outgrew their original digs. After the Reeds passed away in 1981, the public art museum and sculpture park were established, and a larger building was built, with its zinc facade now the distinctive, recognisable face of Heide MOMA. In addition to the three museum spaces, there is a gift shop and restaurant

It’s been a cinema, a nightclub, a live theatre and even a Pentecostal church, but nowadays, this historic institution on 20 Bourke Street glistens as the glamorous Le Méridien hotel. Originally built as a hotel in the 1850s, the venue has long been a keystone of Melbourne’s arts and culture scene as the former site of the Palace Theatre and Metro Nightclub, where live music once reverberated wall-to-wall. Like the iterations that came before, Le Méridien Melbourne invites visitors to experience the richness of the city’s sprawling art, cuisine and culture. Riffing on its art deco facade, the 235-room hotel is where contemporary chic meets mid century elegance. Walking into the lobby of the hotel, you’ll clock a cinematic-style lobby café, where you can enjoy an Axil-brewed coffee, a cocktail or a cone of the signature Le Scoop gelato (the Espresso Martini flavour will leave you hankering for oodles more). All of the rooms are doused in the brand's signature scent, and come complete with Malin and Goetz toiletries, signature Le Méridien beds, Marshall speakers, 55-inch LCD TVs, a coffee machine with pods, a chic marble bathroom and a dedicated working desk. The 14 larger suites feature black stone kitchenettes, Smeg appliances, beautifully crafted oak board games and Yamaha MusicCast 500 turntables with a selection of vinyl from artists like Prince and James Brown, who once sang at this very site.  Local art is at the heart of Le Méridien Melbourne, and when you first enter y

Hop aboard! It's time for a new adventure with Australia's legendary steam train, Puffing Billy. The beloved railway has introduced Twilight Trains – an enchanting new way for all the family to experience the historic steam train under a canopy of stars.  Starting on October 10, Twilight Trains will run every Thursday evening until December 12, and offer passengers a three-and-a-half-hour return journey from Belgrave to Lakeside.  Board one of Puffing Billy's open-side carriages and dangle your legs over the edge as you take in the bewitching views of the Dandenong Ranges at dusk. With the setting sun illuminating the surrounding landscape to the chug of the steam engine, could there be a more perfect way to spend an evening? Find time to explore the Lakeside Visitor Centre, where you can grab a bite at the Railway Café. There's something for everyone, from local beers and wines to grazing boxes and classic scones with the team. The Lakeside Hall Museum hosts a fascinating collection of railway artefacts, including Puffing Billy's original locomotive 3A. There's also the charming Emerald Lake Park precinct for a stroll if you prefer to keep your feet firmly on the ground.  Ticket prices for the Twilight Train range from $31 for children (aged four to 15) to $62 per adult (16 years plus), with a combo ticket for families of two adults and two children priced at $155.  For further information or to book a Twilight Train experience, visit the website here. Recommended: check ou

Once considered the richest city in the world, Ballarat continues to offer a trove of attractions. The Victorian city is truly a thriving hub of activity, from its historic gold rush sites to bold restaurant scene and rolling botanical gardens. And now, Ballarat's beating heart – its historic train station – is set to undergo a significant facelift, making travelling to the city to experience all of the above easier than ever. A living symbol of Victoria's gold rush grandeur, the station upgrade is scheduled to be completed in 2026 – so what can we expect? The new changes will deliver improved safety, accessibility, and convenience for public transport users while preserving the city's unique heritage. A new accessible pedestrian overpass will be built, featuring passenger lifts and stairs on each platform, allowing commuters to move quickly between platforms. The northern station entrance will also be upgraded with a new ramp, stairs, and automatic sliding door, providing better access to key destinations such as the bus interchange and multi-deck parking. These enhancements will eliminate the need for people with disabilities, luggage, or prams to leave the station to cross the rail line via Lydiard Street, making travel simpler and safer for everyone.  Photograph: Victoria's Big Build The final designs for the pedestrian overpass and northern entrance upgrades have also been revealed. Following an architectural and technical review, the updated designs aim to complemen

Not only can learning to drive seem like a daunting prospect, but the price of lessons can be just as discouraging. But, thanks to a new statewide initiative, learning to master the wheel has just got a whole lot easier – and cheaper – for families.  Learner drivers and their supervising parents or guardians can now access a free 60-minute professional driving session, to make getting confident behind the wheel a smoother journey. The program aims to equip young drivers with essential road safety skills and give supervising drivers the confidence to support their learners in completing the 120-hour practice requirement.  Delivered by accredited driving instructors, the initiative is set to benefit around 15,000 families – but who is eligible? You meet the criteria if you are a Victorian learner permit holder aged 16 to 19 who has completed 10 to 30 hours of driving practice and has a fully licensed supervising driver available to join the lesson. The initiative aims to reduce the risks for young drivers, who are nearly four times more likely to experience a serious crash in their first year on P-plates. This free session follows Victoria's Graduated Licensing System, which has reduced serious crashes among young drivers by 40 per cent since 2007. Plus, driving instructors can access free training to become accredited for this program, making it a win-win for everyone involved.  With the average professional driving lesson costing up to $100, this initiative will be a financia

Williamstown's beloved Workshops Pier is finally getting a multi-million-dollar facelift. The pier has been closed due to its deteriorating condition since 2021, but the upcoming restoration – scheduled for early next year – will anchor the landmark as a symbol of Williamstown's maritime spirit once more. The recent announcement revealed that the upgrades will focus on fortifying the pier's foundations, paving the way for its reopening as a bustling spot for locals, tourists and commercial use.  This major restoration project is part of the state government's broader $46 million investment in rebuilding and revitalising Victoria's historic piers and jetties across the state, including St Kilda, Warneet, Dromana and St Leonards. Together, these projects are set to strengthen Victoria's local ports, which generate over $900 million annually for local and regional economies.  Once completed in 2026, Workshops Pier will once again host tall ships, emergency response vessels, and other maritime activities. Initially built in 1942 and reconstructed in 1976, the pier has long been a cornerstone of the town's historic waterfront and serves as a testament to its enduring nautical heritage. "Workshops Pier has been a proud part of Williamstown's maritime project for more than 80 years," says minister for ports and freight Melissa Horne. "This upgrade will ensure it will continue to be enjoyed for decades more to come." You can stay updated on the project by visiting the Parks Victoria

Ready to ride? The first stage of the highly anticipated Omeo Mountain Bike Trail has officially opened, offering world-class tracks in East Gippsland to anyone seeking an adventure on two wheels.  Situated in the alpine region of Victoria, Omeo is now set to be one of the largest mountain bike destinations in the country. The new trail will include more than 100 kilometres of tracks, with the first half now open. Funded with a $4 million investment from the state government, the attraction includes more than 20 runs, including cross-country, downhill and jump tracks that cater to both beginner and advanced riders.  Highlights include exhilarating downhill trails that descend into Livingstone Park, where riders can enjoy sweeping views of the Mount Sam State Forest and cross-country trails that wind through historic landmarks like the Oriental Claims and Dry Gully Creek. The park's facilities also feature pump tracks, a bike wash, and a new BBQ area, creating an ideal spot for some post-ride relaxation with a sarnie or two.  When completed, the new attraction will cement Omeo's status as a top-tier destination for biking enthusiasts, joining the ranks of Gippsland's premier mountain bike parks alongside Haunted Hills and Blores Hill. The project aims to boost local tourism and transform Omeo into a year-round adventure hub, drawing visitors around the country to this region's natural beauty. Find out more about the project here.  Stay in the loop: sign up for our free Time O

With summer in full swing, what better time to beat the infernal heat than by cooling off at one of our city's many outdoor pools with one of the city's best ice creams? And now there's even more reason to grab your goggles and swimmers. Throughout January 2025, the City of Melbourne will slash casual outdoor pool entry fees to just $2, which means a massive 75 per cent discount for anyone wanting a dip or a lounge in the sun.  The $2 Summer Splash initiative will run Monday to Friday at Carlton Baths and the North Melbourne Outdoor Pool. But that's not all that's on offer – Melbourne residents can also learn to swim for free. As part of the initiative, the City of Melbourne is offering up to 400 residents complimentary swimming lessons through an intensive learn-to-swim program. These free lessons, designed for participants of all ages and abilities, will be held at Melbourne City Baths throughout January.  Amid the cost of living crisis, accessibility is at the heart of this program, and all adults, students, concession card holders and children are encouraged to participate. Registrations for swimming lessons are now open online, so if you want to dive into this opportunity, find out more here. Stay in the loop: sign up for our free Time Out Melbourne newsletter for the best of the city, straight to your inbox. RECOMMENDED: A massive surf and water park has been officially confirmed for Melbourne The best places to swim in Melbourne The best swimming holes in Victoria

Calling all avid walkers, cyclists and paddlers: a brand new adventure trail is coming to the Murray River – and it seems like it will well and truly be worth a visit. Time Out's travel experts have scoured the globe to compile a list of the best things to do worldwide in 2025, and it has claimed the second spot on the list. Among a once-every-quarter-century celebration in Rome, a sparkling new cultural centre in New York and a vintage steam train trip in Vietnam, this new attraction in the humble river region has been listed as a must-do. The spotlight shines on the brand-new multisport adventure trail that is set to open along Australia’s longest river – The Murray – which National Geographic recently named as one of the best under-the-radar spots to visit in 2025.  The $10.3 million nature-based trail will stretch from Lake Hume in the east to Mildura in the west, unveiling the Murray River's natural beauty, abundant wildlife and rich Indigenous heritage. The Murray River is the jewel of the Echuca region. Crisscrossing the border of New South Wales and Victoria, the river has sustained the land, communities and Traditional Owners along its shores for more than 40,000 years. Now, you can experience this wondrous river in a whole new adrenaline-filled way. Led by Parks Victoria, once complete (it is currently in stage one), the multi-sport adventure trail will be a series of walking, cycling and paddling routes with upgraded facilities across locations from Barmah National

Melbourne's reputation as Australia's cultural capital is piquing interest from those in America to China. Are we at all surprised? Whether it's our lively theatre scene, historic laneways, or art exhibitions, Melbourne is regularly celebrated as one of the most desirable cities to live in globally (and in some ranks, even beats Venice and Florence). New data from PropTrack reveals that the city's glowing reputation is attracting property seekers worldwide, with a rise in interest in particular suburbs from buyers in places like New Jersey, Auckland, Hong Kong, California and Bali. While Melbourne's bustling CBD remains a popular choice as one of the most searched suburbs, affluent overseas buyers seem to be particularly drawn to luxury suburbs like Toorak, South Yarra, and Brighton, known for their large homes and proximity to top-tier schools such as Geelong Grammar. These areas are particularly desirable to prospective buyers from Hong Kong, Singapore and China.  Other neighbourhoods of interest include Point Cook, Glen Waverley, and Kew, suburbs known for their family-friendly amenities and close-knit communities. Glen Waverley stands out as a favourite across multiple regions.  For property seekers from China specifically, Melbourne reigns supreme as the go-to Australian city for buying a property. Buyers are heavily searching suburbs such as Balwyn, Camberwell, Canterbury, and Glen Waverley, which have significant Chinese communities. It's no wonder that our city is su

Despite the fact that Sydney’s housing market is the second-most unaffordable in the world, the stats say buying a home doesn't need to be a pipe dream – as long as you're willing to be open-minded about where that home is. Sydney's median house price might hover around a hefty $1.5 million these days ($1,478,925 – if we’re being precise), but believe it or not, there are still suburbs around that offer the sought-after combo of affordability and liveability.  PRD Real Estate's latest Affordable and Liveable Property Guide is out, based on data from the latter half of 2024, and chief economist Diaswati Mardiasmo has flagged Sydney's best areas for affordable homes for young and first-time buyers. Sydney is still the most expensive city to buy a home in Australia, but there is a glimmer of hope if you look in the right places. So, which suburbs in Sydney are worth checking out? MerrylandsMerrylands – the Western Sydney suburb with quite possibly the cutest name – ranked as the most affordable and liveable suburb in Sydney (for house-buyers) in 2024, with the median house price here sitting at $1,250,000. That’s still more than the median house price in the whole of Brisbane (where the median house price is a cool one million) and a lot more than in Hobart (with a median house price of $702,000), but still, it’s a whole lot cheaper than Sydney’s eastern and coastal suburbs. Plus, it’s within striking distance of Parramatta – just 20 minutes by bus.  BankstownThe south-west Syd

Buying a home doesn't need to be a pipe dream; there's still hope yet – if you know the right places to look. Melbourne's median house price might hover around a hefty $1.1 million these days, but believe it or not, there are still suburbs around that offer the sought-after combo of affordability and liveability.  PRD Real Estate's latest Affordable and Liveable Property Guide is out, using data from the latter half of 2024, and chief economist Diaswati Mardiasmo has flagged Melbourne's ten best areas for affordable homes for young and first-time buyers. What's more, for the first time since the report began in 2015, Melbourne has surpassed Brisbane in affordability.  So, which suburbs are worth a look in now that Melbourne is taking the lead? 1. Broadmeadows  Topping the Affordable and Liveable Property Guide this year, Broadmeadows offers a median house price of $568,000. This northside locale has great access to public transport and a series of planned infrastructure upgrades. With a location 17km from the city, it's a top pick for buyers looking for affordability with solid growth potential.  2. Albanvale This quiet western suburb has a median house price of $625,000. While it's a bit further out, Albanvale is perfect for those craving a life on the more peaceful side while staying connected to Melbourne's bustling west. It has all the essential amenities, several schools and an active community sports scene. The Kororoit Creek also runs along the western border of Albanv

Trees are the lungs of our cities. They help clean the air we breathe, shelter millions of species that protect us from disease, and are instrumental in the fight against climate change. So it's great to hear that Melbourne's western suburbs are getting a major green upgrade thanks to a new round of tree planting. The More Trees for a Cooler, Greener West program aims to create more shaded, livable spaces while reducing pollution and the urban heat island effect. Since its launch in 2021, the program has planted 410,000 trees, with a final round offering 90,000 trees for schools, parks, and reserves in the west. Target areas include Brimbank, Hobsons Bay, Maribyrnong, Melton, Moonee Valley, and Wyndham — currently some of the city's most tree-starved neighbourhoods. The final phase, backed by a $2 million investment, will focus on delivering mature trees and tube stock, prioritising streets and parks that need canopy coverage most. This means that the grand total for trees planted through the program will reach the final goal of a whopping half a million.  Local councils, public land managers, and Traditional Owner corporations can apply for trees until December 3. Schools will also be able to apply for native trees early next year. The last tround of planting will begin in autumn 2025, and you can get involved in the tree planting effort, with info on community sessions released on the website closer to the time.  Together, these trees will add to the 6,500 hectares of new o

Imagine being able to stroll all the way from the CBD to the beach on a sunny day, along a beautiful greenified boulevard. The state government is bringing this vision to life, with a plan to create an extensive corridor of greenery that leads from the hustle and bustle of the inner city to the ocean.  The Shrine to Sea Masterplan has been officially unveiled, marking the next step in a transformative $13 million project to connect the Shrine of Remembrance to Port Phillip Bay. Running along Albert and Kerferd Roads in Albert Park and South Melbourne, this ambitious project will enhance green spaces, improve pedestrian and cyclist safety, and celebrate the area's rich cultural history.  Photograph: City of Port Phillip Key features include new parks and revitalised gardens, 350 newly planted trees, 9,000 square metres of native woody meadows, and water-sensitive urban designs. There will also be energy-efficient lighting and native vegetation to bolster sustainability and biodiversity in the area. The project acknowledges the Traditional Custodians' connection to Country, with the boulevard named Yannawatpanhanna, meaning "go to water" in the Boon Wurrung language of the Bunurong people.  Shaped by extensive community consultation with input from thousands of Victorians, the Shrine to Sea Masterplan balances modern infrastructure with heritage preservation and local values. The project, part of the Labor Government's broader investment in community infrastructure, aims to c

The charming small surf town of Anglesea may be known as a pit-stop to explore the Great Ocean Road, but its abundant wildlife, sweeping coastal views and pristine beaches make it a destination worth visiting in its own right. Just one hour and forty minutes from Melbourne and forty minutes from Geelong, Anglesea isn't just about catching waves; it's an absolute haven for biking enthusiasts. The town currently offers plenty of options for those seeking adventure on two wheels, from their state-of-the-art bike park to the cross-country mountain tracks. But soon, Anglesea's reputation as a premier adventure hub could swell even larger with the proposed Anglesea Mountain Bike Network. The proposed network would include 36 trails and 107 kilometres of dedicated and shared-use trails, extending from Aireys Inlet to Torquay. The network promises a mix of beginner and intermediate routes, allowing everyone – from families to seasoned mountain bikers – to enjoy the region's breathtaking landscapes on two wheels or two feet. While the trail would be primarily for riders, it would also welcome runners, walkers, and hikers eager to experience Anglesea's flora and fauna. The Mountain Bike Trail Network would complement Anglesea's already impressive roster of outdoor attractions nearby, including the Great Ocean Road Coastal Trail, Surf Coast Walk and the Great Ocean Walk. The track's development could further position Anglesea as a top-tier adventure destination in Victoria and across A