Things to do
A guide to Melbourne events, attractions, outdoor adventures and more
Everything we love about winter in Melbourne
When winter's chill sets in, it can be tempting to hibernate. Our advice: don't. As a city that takes pride in its top-notch food and drink culture, arts, festivals and fashion, Melbourne comes into its own in winter – and we're here to help you make the most of it. Never have a boring winter's day again with these 14 rainy day activities in Melbourne; and stay toasty with our list of 21 ways to beat the cold. If all else fails, grab a seat next to the fireplace at one of these cosy pubs.
Where to go truffle hunting near Melbourne
Truffle hunting is the best winter game. You get rugged up, you follow a cute dog around some oak trees, and the end result is delicious pungent truffles. Truffles are harvested in winter, and in Melbourne, the season runs from June until the end of August. Due to overwhelming demand, many truffle farms are beginning to offer tours for people who are keen to unearth their own truffles. There are six working truffle farms outside of Melbourne, mainly around the Daylesford, Gippsland, Otways and Mornington Peninsula regions. The truffle enthusiasts over at Truffle Melbourne partner with these truffle farms each year to host exclusive hunts throughout winter. Looking for more fun winter activities? See our guide to the best things to do this winter in Melbourne.
A comprehensive guide to Victoria’s snow season
Victoria’s alpine region is the place to be come winter. Snow has fallen on the mountain tops making it a prime escape from the hustle of the big city, whether you’re a skier, snowboarder, tobogganer or ardent hot chocolate fan. Victoria has five major alpine resorts you can choose from, including Mt Buller, Mt Hotham, Falls Creek, Mt Baw Baw and Lake Mountain. So how do you decide where to visit? We’ve put together this handy list that sets out everything you need to know about Victoria’s alpine resorts, from where to stay to entry prices and even off-season activities. RECOMMENDED: How to do the snow on the cheap in Victoria.
Hot springs you can soak in near Melbourne
What could be more luxe and relaxed than soaking in blissful hot water? Whether you’re looking for a chilled-out day trip or a weekend away with friends, these hot spring havens are easily accessible from Melbourne. As well as the hot spring resorts in Daylesford and the ultra-popular hot springs on the Mornington Peninsula, there are a smattering of hidden oases waiting to be explored across Victoria. Take a look at these great escapes and plan your next soak.
The best libraries in Melbourne
Been to a library lately? If you're not a student, a freelancer or just someone who loves reading in quiet spaces, then it might have been a while. These state-of-the-art and historic libraries are quite a bit different to the places you remember. While we're talking books, it pays to know about Melbourne's best bookshops and second-hand booksellers.
Things to do in Melbourne
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Much Ado About Nothing
Zindzi Okenyo will finally be front and centre where she belongs when she stars as the whip-smart Beatrice in Bell Shakespeare’s new production of Much Ado About Nothing. In case you missed reading it at school, Much Ado is pretty much the original romantic comedy, and features one of Shakespeare’s most-loved couples, Beatrice and Benedick, who banter and swap barbs until their friends decide to bring them together. Don’t expect it to be all hearts and flowers though – Bell Shakespeare associate director James Evans promises to bring out the play’s darker conflicts as well, in particular the female characters’ struggle for identity and self-knowledge in a male-dominated world. "The story flips from uproarious comedy to utter heartbreak in an instant, and then back again. That is the genius of Shakespeare, and why this play is one of my favourites,” he says. Sparring with Okenyo as Benedick will be Duncan Ragg (The Dance of Death), alongside Mandy Bishop, Will McDonald, Vivienne Awosoga, Danny Ball, Marissa Bennet, Suzanne Pereira, Paul Reichstein and David Whitney.
Win your dream American experience with Virgin Australia and Delta Air Lines
Has that winter wanderlust kicked in yet? Virgin Australia and Delta Air Lines know what it's like when you're hankering for a getaway, and to celebrate the USA's Independence Day on July 4th, they're inviting you to experience the best of America with a huge giveaway. Together with Time Out, Virgin Australia and Delta Air Lines are giving away return flights for two to North America flying from Melbourne or Sydney. You could take off to over 45 destinations in the U.S, like New York, Los Angeles, Seattle or San Francisco. Kick off your adventure with a walk through Hollywood, visit the Las Vegas strip to try your luck, before jetting off to the city that never sleeps - New York. Or, head south to visit the home of the blues and gems like New Orleans and Nashville. Canada calling you? Take off to Vancouver. Beach time? Hit up Mexico. We're not kidding when we say that there are a lot of destinations open to the lucky winner, check out our terms and conditions to see the full list of cities. All you need to do to enter is tell us which American city you'd most like to visit and why in 25 words or less. If you win this incredible prize, you'll have one year to claim your amazing trip, so you can have a stellar getaway to look forward to. You've got until July 31 to enter, so don't sleep on this! Enter now Experience the best of both worlds with Virgin Australia and Delta Air Lines Virgin Australia and Delta Air Lines can fly you to over 250+ destinations across the
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Melbourne has a new coworking space – and you can get free membership
It’s safe to say that Melbourne is a city obsessed with eating and drinking. After our morning coffee, we're already thinking about where to have lunch, and right after that lunch, our minds turn to where we might head to for dinner. The city’s hospo crews certainly have their work cut out for them, but a new, collaborative coworking hub is helping give Melbourne’s culinary pros the space to stretch their wings. Worksmith has opened a fresh coworking space located at Ella – the new entertainment and dining precinct on the corner of Elizabeth and La Trobe streets (Elizabeth plus La Trobe equals Ella). After successfully opening its first coworking space in Collingwood, the industry professionals behind Worksmith launched the CBD outpost in June, and the community there is thriving. Just like the original Collingwood hub, Worksmith Ella is a space where those working in the hospitality industry can build and grow their latest projects and collaborate with like-minded professionals. Plus, to celebrate Worksmith’s official launch party at Ella, Time Out has teamed up with them for an exclusive industry offer. Until September 30, Time Out readers who are in the food, beverage and hospitality industries can score a free month-long membership to Worksmith Ella or Collingwood (whichever suits you best). Your Worksmith industry membership gives you access to 16 hours at the hub per month; use of the Worksmith meeting room (once a month); invites to social events, launches and net
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Win your dream ‘week well spent’ with Ableforth’s Bathtub Gin
Imagine this, the chance to spend your dream week, in whatever shape or form that might take. Well Ableforth's Bathtub Gin is giving you the chance to win your perfect 'week well spent'. Whether a 'week well spent' means shopping sprees or lunch dates and nights out on the town with your mates, Ableforth's Bathtub Gin wants to know about it – and they want to help you bring your dream week to life. And if you win, Ableforth's will help the winner turn their dream 'week well spent' into reality (to the value of up to $1,000). Terms and conditions apply. So, why do the spirit makers at Ableforth's want to know what your ideal week is? That's because a week is exactly how long it takes to make each batch of their award-winning Bathtub Gin. To get the gin's distinct flavour and botanical hue, the team spends no fewer than seven days cold compounding (infusing in layman's terms) their ingredients, which when everything's distilled at high temperatures in copper pots, becomes the distinctively delicious Bathtub Gin. To be in with a chance of winning your dream ‘week well spent’, head to the link below and tell us what your 'week well spent' would look like by July 31. Good luck! Enter now
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