Saffron Swire

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. Looking for dancefloors? 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. 

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 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.

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, you can 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

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

If you think Australian cuisine is all barbecued kangaroo and Vegemite sangas, think again. From our world-class café culture to the incredible regional produce on our doorstep, we truly boast one of the richest gastronomic scenes around, and that's thanks to the people working away behind the scenes.  Whether you're a restaurant owner, chef, baker or food service professional in Australia, make sure to bookmark September 2-5, because Fine Food Australia is set to return to Melbourne for its 40th anniversary. The premier trade exhibition is Australia's largest industry event and the prime place to learn, discover, connect and innovate. More than 700 exhibitors will be present at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre, showcasing everything from catering equipment and hospitality to bakery and drinks. If you work in the food industry, consider Fine Food Australia your very own summit – a place to network with industry leaders and innovators, elevate your business and stay ahead of the latest trends and developments in the industry. The cherry on top? Registration is free! Sign up here.

Nothing beats going analog and hearing the warm crackle and pop of spinning vinyl. In the wake of the digital music revolution, bricks-and-mortar record stores took a brutal hit, but luckily vinyl has enjoyed a renaissance in recent years, with sales on the rise. Is it of any surprise? Considering the 'TikTokification' of music and the fact everything is now downloadable, heading to a store and sifting through black-wax gems feels somewhat ritualistic. Plus, chatting to record shop owners and picking their brains is like encountering a bastion of infinite musical knowledge. Looking for something that is a blend of David Bowie, Afro-punk and folktronica? They've got just the LP. So if you're a seasoned crate digger looking for an obscure bootleg or just want to pick up your favourite album now that it has been remastered, check out the best record stores in Melbourne.  While we're waxing lyrical about music, why not support your local scene by hitting one of the excellent live music pubs or our picks for the best upcoming gigs.

An unassuming suspect. An unsolvable mystery. Multiple murders. A twist no one saw coming. From Agatha Christie's classics to the newer Knives Out series, we can't get enough of murder mysteries. And after two sell-out seasons at Sydney's Hayes Theatre, Melburnians can get sleuthing as the smash-hit whodunnit Murder for Two comes to Arts Centre Melbourne. Between August 15 and 25, Murder for Two will run at the Fairfax Studio. It stars comedian and TikTok sensation Gabbi Bolt alongside award-winning performer Maverick Newman.  After shooting to fame by sharing musical parodies and skits on TikTok during the pandemic (remember that?), Bolt has gone on to win Best Newcomer at the 2022 Sydney Comedy Festival, contribute music to Ratatouille: the TikTok Musical and appear on The Chaser. Working alongside Newman, Murder for Two will be Bolt's first professional music theatre debut, and it's not one to miss. Bolt and Newman will shift between 13 roles, and for those seeking more clarity about this rollicking show, let us set the (crime) scene: Bolt will take on the role of Officer Marcus Moskowitz, a small-town policeman who is tasked with the chance to prove his detective antenna when the guest of honour at a birthday party is fatally shot. Performing as the remaining 12 characters, Newman will switch between the party's guests-turned-suspects, playing characters such as the prima ballerina Barrette Lewis, the victim's scene-stealing wife Dahlia Whitney, and the overly friendly ps

You swipe right and hit it off, but then what? Picking the right bar for a first date isn't easy, especially in a city like ours with so many options. To take the stress out of finding the perfect spot to get to know someone, we've put together a list of Melbourne's most romantic bars to ensure you have a memorable first date. And hopefully, if things go well, you can plan your next date at one of the best date night restaurants in Melbourne.  Take your next date night up a notch at one of the 50 best restaurants in Melbourne. 

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.

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

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.  

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

Sound the congratulatory bells! Preston's Bell Station has been officially recognised as one of the most stunning stations in the world. The station opened in 2022 and was built as part of the Victorian government's Level Crossing Removal Project. It's now earned a spot on the Prix Versailles' acclaimed list of the World's Most Beautiful Passenger Stations for 2024, which celebrates architectural and design excellence in passenger stations. Bell Station joins an elite roster of stations worldwide, including Schafbergbahn Station in St Wolfgang, Austria; Beijing Station, China; Toulouse Matabiau Station, France; Chiaia Metro Station in Naples, Italy; and Grand Central Madison in New York, USA. Photograph: Department of Transport The station's design pays homage to Preston's rich heritage, weaving in elements inspired by post-war rooftops along with references to local art and culture. These influences are reflected in the station's facade, which features local roofscapes transformed into a three-dimensional pattern with striking pink and purple glazing. Beyond aesthetics, Bell Station was designed with the needs of modern commuters firmly in mind. It features a spacious waiting room, elevated platforms with weather-protected seating, and accessible lifts and stairs. Ample bike storage is also provided, encouraging sustainable travel. Bell Station is now in the running for one of the three top titles at the Prix Versailles, including the coveted leading award and the Interior

Calling all avid walkers, cyclists and paddlers, a brand new adventure trail is coming to the Murray River. The 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 Park to Koondrook. It will also boast rollover river views, bookable campsites and picnic facilities. The trail will pass through Echuca, Murray River Reserve, Gunbower National Park and Lower Goulburn National Park, and new signage will guide visitors through while highlighting the Murray River's Indigenous history and environmental significance.  While planning for future trail connections is an ongoing conversation, other features proposed include a five stepped-style water launch to accommodate water level changes and a Barmah Lakes floating pontoon with an accessible canoe and kayak launch. In terms of when it will be ready, Parks Victoria has said that given the lengthy

Melburnians, get ready to soar to new heights. The federal government has given its golden seal approval to a much-anticipated third runway at Melbourne Airport. (Look, it's no rail link – but we'll still take it!) Th 3,000-metre runway, constructed parallel to the existing north-south runway, will help meet the growing demands of air traffic in Victoria and ensure the airport can support the state's increasing population and economy. It's been predicted that Melbourne will become Australia's largest city in 2031-32, with more than six million people (I mean, are we surprised? We are one of the best cities in the world, after all).  With freight and passenger numbers continuing to clamber, the new runway system will meet this rising demand. Scheduled to be completed in 2031, it will allow for simultaneous take-offs and landings, significantly reducing delays during peak periods – yep, that means no more twiddling thumbs on the runway. The addition of new taxiways and other supporting infrastructure is also expected to improve the airport's efficacy, boosting Melbourne as an international and domestic hub. According to Melbourne Airport, this upgrade brings us on par with Sydney and Brisbane, both of which already have parallel runway systems in place.   The project has undergone an extensive community consultation process and a rigorous assessment of environmental and social impacts. So for those concerned about noise, measures will be put in place for residents in the most a

After years and years of digging, drilling and dodging roadblocks, construction at Anzac Station is finally complete. Located below St Kilda Road, the railway station now provides a quick and easy rail connection to key landmarks including our award-winning Royal Botanical Gardens, the Shrine of Remembrance and Albert Park. The long-awaited project – which has been underway since 2016 – comes with some great new bells and whistles. The station has been designed as a 'pavilion in the park', with the canopy above the tram interchange serving as an architectural focal point, providing passengers with year-round protection from our ever-changing weather. There are also large skylights embedded in the canopy that flood the station with natural light.  The interior includes a bright and colourful permanent artwork. 'Future Wall Painting' by Raafat Ishak has been printed onto glass wall panels and features abstract representations of St Kilda Road landmarks and Indigenous flora and fauna. Photograph: Department of Transport The station also has four entrances with stairs, lifts and escalators that link to a new pedestrian underpass beneath congestion-prone St Kilda Road, offering commuters a faster, easier and more efficient route. The tram stop also has extra-long platforms that accommodate large crowds attending events such as the Formula One Australian Grand Prix. It is the third of five new state-of-the-art stations to be completed as part of the Metro Tunnel Project, alongsid

In big news for country music fans in the Harbour City, singer-songwriter Luke Combs is on his way – set to become the first country artist to headline a full stadium tour Down Under. Playing six huge shows across Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane, this will be the fourth headline Australian tour for the country music star.  Hailing from North Carolina, Combs began singing in vocal groups before hitting the local gig circuit. In 2014, he headed to Nashville to pursue a music career, where his single ‘Hurricane’ earned him a contract with River House/Columbia Nashville. Ever since, Combs’ country tunes have earned him Billboard Music Awards’ Top Country Artist, seven Grammy nominations, four Academy of Country Music Awards and two iHeart Radio Music Awards, with his latest album Father and Sons setting the stage for his next big tour. Here’s everything you need to know about getting tickets in Australia. When is Luke Combs in Sydney? It’s set to be a sizzling summer as Combs graces the stage at Sydney's Accor Stadium for two epic concerts on Friday, January 31 and Saturday, February 1. Who are the support acts for Luke Combs’ Sydney tour?  Headed back Down Under after making their Aussie debuts at CMC Rocks QLD last year, country singers Jordan Davis and Mitchell Tenpenny will join Combs for his Sydney shows. Tamworth’s 18-year-old singer-songwriter Lane Pittman will also join the tour. When do Luke Combs tickets go on sale in Sydney? Combs’ latest Aussie tour sold out in just mi

When it rains, it pours, and it's downright torrential with the news that country singer-songwriter Luke Combs is set to become the first country artist to headline a full stadium tour Down Under. Playing six huge shows across Brisbane, Sydney and Melbourne, this will be the fourth headline Australian tour for the country music star.  Hailing from North Carolina, Combs began singing in vocal groups before hitting the local gig circuit. In 2014, he headed to Nashville to pursue a music career, where his single ‘Hurricane’ earned him a contract with River House/Columbia Nashville. Ever since, Combs’ country tunes have earned him Billboard Music Awards’ Top Country Artist, seven Grammy nominations, four Academy of Country Music Awards and two iHeart Radio Music Awards, with his latest album Father and Sons setting the stage for his next big tour. Here’s everything you need to know about getting tickets in Australia. Where and when is Luke Combs touring Australia? It’s set to be a sizzling summer as Combs graces Australian stages in Brisbane, Sydney and Melbourne. He’ll kick things off with two shows at Suncorp Stadium in Brisbane on Friday, January 24 and Saturday, January 25. Next, he’ll head to Accor Stadium in Sydney for two epic concerts on Friday, January 31 and Saturday, February 1. Combs will wrap up his tour Down Under with two shows at Marvel Stadium in Melbourne on Friday, February 7 and Saturday, February 8.   Who are the support acts for Luke Combs’ Australian tour?

If things were beginning to sound quiet on the Melbourne-Sydney rivalry front, prepare for some noise. The Academic Ranking of World Universities for 2024 (ARWU) has been published, and in turn the best university in Australia has been revealed. Drumroll, please... The University of Melbourne has again been crowned Australia's best and brightest institute of higher education, coming in hot at number 37 worldwide. It's consistently named as the country's best, and this latest list concurs with Times Higher Education's rankings and the QS World University rankings (where Melbourne Uni came 13th). The second Australian university to land a spot on the ARWU is the University of Queensland at 63rd, with the University of Sydney coming in at a rather cooler third place with a global standing of 74th.  How does the ARWU decide who goes where? Well, it's down to several factors, including the number of alumni who have won Nobel Prizes, publications in top-tier journals and the per capita academic output of the institution in its ranking.  Established in 1853, the University of Melbourne began as a mere cluster of buildings in a large park on the city's fringe, with only four professors. Ever since, it has blossomed into not only Australia's best but also one of the leading universities in the world thanks to its quality of teaching, emphasis on research and wide-ranging academic programs. The university is also renowned for its commitment to groundbreaking research, including the de

While we love the buzzing metropolis that is our dear Melbourne, sometimes we all need a break from the hustle and bustle of city life, and where better to escape than the coast?  Less than a two-hour drive from Melbourne, the Bass Coast is a mesmerising combination of unspoiled coastline, scenic hinterland and sandy shore. There are more than 40 different trails and bushwalks to discover – including the famous George Bass Coastal Walk – but for those wanting a new way to traverse the coastline, you're in luck.  A brand new 14-kilometre shared pathway is officially underway, offering walkers and cyclists an exciting new way to explore the Bass Coast's rolling hills, meadows and local wildlife. Thanks to a $7.7 million joint investment from the Allan Labor Government and Bass Coast Shire Council as part of the Growing Suburbs Fund, the trail will connect Inverloch and Wonthaggi, making exploring the region's natural beauty on foot or by bike more accessible than ever. Once complete, the pathway will link Inverloch Surf Life Saving Club with the Bass Coast Rail Trail in Wonthaggi, allowing you to meander through the picturesque wetlands while soaking up the coastal views.  The initiative, expected to be completed by mid-2026, is part of the state's efforts to boost transport infrastructure. Since its inception in 2015, the Growing Suburbs Fund has poured a whopping $440 million into local projects, creating more than 11,300 jobs and improving the liveability of Victoria's commu

Melbourne rental prices have rocketed to record highs in recent years, but for those looking to scale the housing ladder, there's a reason to be (slightly more) cheerful. According to recent figures and analysis from Mortgage Choice, there are several areas in regional Victoria where the cost of a mortgage is less than that of renting. Take Rochester, for example. The regional Victorian town, located 180 kilometres north of Melbourne, was hit hard by the 2022 floods, but it is now making a noise in the housing market. Homes stripped of floors and walls are being sold at bargain prices, attracting fixer-uppers who want to renovate these flood-damaged properties with hopes that demand will skyrocket by Christmas.  Rochester is just one of the seven rural towns where buying is cheaper than renting. With median houses in nearby Echuca soaring past $600,000, Rochester offers Victorians a much cheaper alternative. A typical home here now costs around $350,000, and according to Mortgage Choice, owning one could save you around $350 compared to renting.  But Rochester is far from the only town where buying beats renting. Ouyen, Warracknabeal, Dimboola, Mooroopna, St Arnaud and Benalla have also made the list. In Ouyen, the median house price is $184,350, which means you could save a nifty $500 a month by buying instead of renting. Anthony Waldron, CEO of Mortgage Choice, weighed in on the illuminating findings and said prospective buyers should exit the tough rental market, especiall

We might be biased, but there's a reason why Melbourne is routinely crowned the best place to live in the world. Not only does the city rank high in liveability indexes, but it is also now considered one of the world's most picturesque summer destinations.  According to a new study from Travelbag that analysed Instagram hashtag data and Google search trends, Melbourne is the world's sixth most picture-perfect city to visit in the warmer months. And from the vibrant street art splattered on our laneways to our secret gardens and beautiful beaches, is it any surprise? Thanks to our eclectic mix of architecture, street art and cultural attractions, the city boasts some of Australia's most 'grammable backdrops. You can head to Hosier Lane to see an ever-evolving mural or make a beeline for the NGV where you can marvel at its stained-glass ceiling before exploring Indigenous and European art. The Royal Botanic Gardens is renowned for its natural beauty, diverse flora, fauna and tranquil lakes, while Brighton Beach with its multicoloured beach boxes is the place to be on a hot day. With all this in mind, it's no wonder Melbourne has ranked as the sixth prettiest global city in summer, with just under 30,000 images using the hashtag #summerinmelbourne. Sydney – we announce through gritted teeth – claimed the fourth spot, with more than 45,000 images using the hashtag #summerinsydney. Perth also made the top ten list, coming in at ninth. That means Australia can proudly claim three o

Update April 23 2024: After months of confusion following the announcement in November last year that the Weeknd’s After Hours Til Dawn tour was postponed due to “unforeseen circumstances”, it has just been revealed that the entire run of sold-out Aussie gigs have been cancelled. For more information (including how you can get a refund) check out our explainer here. Has the Weekend cancelled his Australian tour in 2024? Due to "unforeseen circumstances", all of his Australian shows – including his Melbourne dates – have been cancelled. Is the Weeknd touring Australia in 2024? Not anymore. Ticketek has announced the Weeknd will not be rescheduling any of his 2023 dates for his After Hours Til Dawn tour. When is the Weeknd coming to Melbourne? The Weeknd was originally set to perform in Melbourne on December 1, 2, 4 and 5, 2023. These shows have now been cancelled.  How much are the Weeknd tickets for Melbourne?  Ticket prices will range from $102.87-$306.75, but prices may be subject to change.  What stadium will the Weeknd play at in Melbourne?  The Weeknd was scheduled to play at Marvel Stadium in Docklands, near the CBD.  Where else is the Weeknd playing in Australia as part of the 2023 After Hours til Dawn tour? In addition to his Melbourne show, the Weeknd was scheduled to perform at Accor Stadium in Sydney on November 24, 25 and 27, and Suncorp Stadium in Brisbane on November 20 and 21. All of these dates have now been cancelled. When do the Weeknd tickets Melbourne go o

A reimagining of the Parthenon on the Acropolis in Athens has opened up in the NGV garden. 'Temple of Boom', by Australian architects Adam Newman and Kelvin Tsang, has replaced the incredibly popular 'Pink Pond', which has been the centrepiece of outdoor events at the gallery for the past year. The Greek-style temple features overlapping large-scale artworks (like floral motifs and optical illusions), which are evocative of the vibrant colours long since lost from the facade of the original building from over two thousand years ago. Taking its name from the vibrations of music, 'Temple of Boom' will act as a meeting place and colourful centrepiece for all of the upcoming NGV summer events, including a series of curated performances, programs and live music. The NGV has recently unveiled new vibrant works by Melbourne-based contemporary artists Aretha Brown, Creature Creature, Manda Lane, Chuck Mayfield, and Resio on the temple. In this second phase of painting, Temple of Boom – a contemporary reimagining of The Parthenon on the Acropolis - has been adorned with large-scale works inspired by Greek mythology and diverse connections to culture and nature.  Photograph: Sean Fennessy "One of the most famous examples of classical architecture, the Parthenon in Athens, is often viewed as a potent symbol of Western art and culture," says Tony Ellwood AM, director of the NGV. "This thought-provoking work by Adam Newman and Kelvin Tsang invites us to consider how we create and imb