Adena Maier

The unmistakable smokiness and charry, rendered skin are the best things about charcoal chicken, and these qualities are what sets charcoal chook apart from its roasted relatives. It has to be moist and tender with concentrated flavour. But it’s not all about the chicken – no one goes to the chicken shop without ordering a few sides, whether it’s chips, salads or a potato cake. And we are here to judge it all.  We've rounded up our top picks below to ensure you're getting the best crispy, smokey chook that Melbourne has to offer. Prefer your chicken with cheese and passata? These are Melbourne's best chicken parmas. Like your meals cheap? Here are our favourite meals on a budget. 

Halloween is coming up soon, so it's time to get planning for the perfect costume. Dress-up parties can be intimidating, as it's no small feat to decide on a cozzie that's just right — do you go the comedic route, or maybe something related to current affairs? What is the perfect combination of something that's clever but original? Don't fret, just head to one of Melbourne's finest costume shops and you'll be sure to find something that takes your fancy.    Looking for things to do this Halloween? Check out our round-up of the best spooky events happening in Melbourne.

If you've been feeling like you want to let off some steam, try a workout that's genuinely fun or just simply get in touch with your inner kid, then catch some air time at an indoor trampoline park. On top of being super fun, it's great exercise, and good for building strength, coordination and balance. Take a leaf out of House of Pain’s book and ‘Jump Around’ at these indoor trampoline parks across Melbourne. Looking for other fun ways to exercise indoors? Scale some walls at Melbourne's best rock climbing facilities, or sweat it out at one of the CBD's coolest gyms.  

Father's Day falls on Sunday, September 3 this year, and if you're struggling to find the right way to spoil dad, we've put together a list of delicious Father's Day lunches and dinners that he's sure to love. Don't forget to couple your tasty meal with one of these Father's Day gifts — the list is dad-approved, and we promise there's not a lame novelty mug in sight. And to round out the celebration, we've also made a list of activites to do on the day that the whole fam will love.  Need to make a booking for a large party? These are Melbourne's best restaurants for group bookings. 

It's that time of year again — one of the most anticipated events on Melbourne's calendar is on this weekend — the AFL grand final. It's set to be a heated game, with Collingwood and Brisbane going head to head. The stakes are high: the Pies haven't played for the premiership since 2018 and are hungry for a hometown win. But the Lions haven't won a grand final since they last made it to the final two teams in 2003. It's all very exciting, and if you haven't made plans on how you're watching the big match, we've got you covered with all the details below. Tickets to spectate in person are in super high demand and sell out in a flash, but if you missed out, there's plenty of other ways to watch the big game.  When and where is the AFL Grand Final?  This year, AFL grand final will kick off at the MCG on Saturday, September 30. The game will begin at 2.30pm, with an expected finish time of just after 5PM.  How can I watch the Grand Final from home? Keen to tune in from the comfort of your own home? Channel Seven will be playing the game live on its free-to-air channel, and you can also catch it in 720p HD on 7plus. If you can't watch the game live, re-runs will be available on the streaming service Kayo.  Don't have a good TV at home, or prefer the atmosphere of a pub? We've rounded up our favourite bars and pubs for watching the Grand Final — they all have big screens, reasonably priced food and a variety of beers on tap. Bonus: many of them will also be hosting bumping after-pa

We are truly living in the golden age of the escape room. It's hard to remember a time when there weren't super-fun puzzle rooms throughout Melbourne, but the first one only opened in 2014. Now there are virtual escape rooms and online escape rooms, along with the bricks-and-mortar kind. Each escape room revolves around a different theme – and they cater to all manner of phobias. Time Out took the challenge of visiting escape rooms all over Melbourne. Whether we got out in time is a different matter. Need a drink to calm the nerves? These are the best bars in Melbourne. If you're after something a little less stressful, check out the best places to play mini golf in Melbourne. 

Not quite ready to tackle the big holes yet? Rather not spend the better part of your day on the green? That's OK – putt your way through these miniature courses instead. Mini golf is like regular golf's goofy younger sibling, with punny and themed holes, quirky obstacles and pumping tunes. Many of these venues also feature arcades and well-stocked bars, so the fun doesn't stop once you've played through your round.  Want to work on your long game? Here are the best public golf courses in Melbourne.

It's always a beautiful time of year when Melbourne begins to defrost and you can smell spring in the air. It's warming up and flowers are blooming, bring pops of colour to our lives. Heck, we’re ready to clear out our black winter wardrobes and bust out some floral prints. Just kidding – Melburnians don’t wear colours. But that doesn’t mean we don’t like to see some flowers. If you're keen to stop and smell the roses, we've rounded up some of the best places near Melbourne to see spring flowers.  Planning a spring break? Here are the best spring getaways from Melbourne. Can't hit the road? Here are the best spots near Melbourne to have a picnic.

Wondering what to do in Melbourne in October? We can help. Check out our curated guide to all the fun things to do in Melbourne, including performances, pop-ups, exhibitions and more. Planning for next month? Here are all the best things to do in Melbourne in November.

Japanese food will never be a trend in Melbourne, thanks to how popular and respected it is. It’s desirable in winter when noodle soups and ramen are the order of the day, and in summer when cold, fresh bites like sushi and sashimi are all you want to eat. These are the city's finest places to enjoy omakase, tempura, yakitori, udon, sake and so much more. Whether you want to dip into a cosy inn-style café or hobnob with the glitterati at Melbourne's stable of very fine Japanese diners, you'll find what you're looking for here. Want more? We can also point you in the direction of Melbourne's best ramen shops, dumplings and whisky bars to cap off your night.

School holidays are here, and if you don't want bored kids on your hands, it's time to start planning how you'll keep them entertained. But fear not, we've put together a list of the best family friendly things to do right now, so you won't have stir-crazy kids running around the house. There are heaps of things on across Melbourne, including plenty of activities that will have you soaking up the spring sunshine. Need the kids to burn some energy? Here are the best playgrounds in Melbourne. Looking for more things to do? Here’s what’s happening across Melbourne this week. 

They don't call us "marvellous Melbourne" for nothing, you know. Our city has more than a dozen attractions and experiences you can't find anywhere else, not to mention our one-of-a-kind residents (we have Carrot Man, need we say more?).  Many know Melbourne for the laneways and art galleries. Our affinity for coffee and incredible food also knows no bounds. But to really experience the best of Melbourne, we’d suggest hitting up some of the more unusual sites on this list. RECOMMENDED: 101 things everyone in Melbourne needs to do at least once.

Update September 25, 2023: Obsessed with your pet? Miss them when you go travelling? The legends over at July have the answer: pet personalisation. Until Thursday, October 5, you can get your furry friend's face immortalised via illustration on your luggage free of charge for any order over $100. If that's not the cutest Christmas present ever, we don't know what is. Find out more at the website. Founders Athan Didaskalou and Richard Li both felt frustrated by how the luggage market was saturated with poorly designed products being sold at extreme premiums. They decided to take matters into their own hands and launched July in 2018 as an online luggage label that sold a single product: the Carry On. The high-quality signature case features a strong polycarbonate shell, anodised aluminium bumpers, Japanese zippers and a water-resistant and stain-proof nylon lining. It was also designed to hold the maximum capacity of luggage allowed inside the cabin with you, has an ejectable USB-C battery charger and features a secure TSA lock. Travellers fell in love with the product, and the brand quickly got to work designing additional products and opened its retail flagship store in 2019.  Designed by Melbourne architecture firm One Design Office, the space reflects the clean, minimalist and high-tech designs found in July's product range. Now, shoppers can get an in-person look at the full range, including backpacks, totes, accessories and check-in and carry-on luggage. And if you have

From October 13 to 15 at the Melbourne Exhibition Centre, take in three full days of fun and educational dog-related activities to celebrate our four-legged friends.  As one of the world's largest dog-dedicated festivals, you can look forward to seeing around 1,000 adorable dogs representing more than 100 breeds. With live performances from talented canines, engaging talks by dog experts, dedicated petting zones, pool diving pups and so much more. It's essentially heaven for dog lovers.  Whether you own a pup of your own or you're simply a lover of dogs, this event will be filled to the brim with joyful dogs and fun dog-related activities. The event will run from 9.30am until 5pm daily, and tickets are on sale now through the Dog Lovers Festival website. Looking for more fun? Here's our guide to what's on in Melbourne this weekend.

Remember the early noughties, when MySpace was still a thing and singers like Kylie Minogue, Natalie Imbruglia and Robbie Williams ruled the airwaves? Well, it seems like 2022 is the latter pop heartthrob's comeback year. You might say that, angels brought us here? And it's time to move your body. Back in April 2022, Williams played two exclusive, sell-out shows at Melbourne's Rod Laver Arena for his upcoming biopic – and now he's headed back Down Under in 2023 for his XXV tour.   A second batch of tickets have dropped for Williams' Sydney show in November, and we also now know who his support act will be. Fellow British singer-songwriter Gaz Coombes will join Robbie as a special guest on all Australian dates. Also known for his work as front man of legendary Britpop band Supergrass, the solo artist returns down under for the first time since 2018. As for ol' green eyes Robbie Williams, he really needs no introduction, having cemented himself as one of the finest male pop stars of his generation and racked up more than 80 million album sales. And with the release of his new album XXV earlier this month, Williams is officially celebrating 25 years as a solo artist.  Hear his classics and new tracks live when he takes over Allianz Stadium for an all ages show on Thursday, November 16, 2023. Tickets are on sale at the Frontier Touring website.  RECOMMENDED: The best shows to see in Sydney this month The best things to do in Sydney this week

Aussie hip hop wouldn't be where it is today without Sydney-based trio Bliss N Eso, a group comprised of members Jonathan Notley (MC Bliss), Max McKinnon (MC Eso) and Tarik Ejjamai (DJ Izm). After releasing their first album in 2004, the group has won three ARIA awards out of nine nominations and three out of four of its last albums have peaked at first place on the charts. After releasing the critically acclaimed album Off the Grid, Bliss N Eso spent four years working on their seventh studio album, The Sun.  To celebrate their legendary ARIA Award-winning album, Flying Colours, the hip hop trio are hitting stages across every state and territory, including Melbourne's 170 Russell on Wednesday, October 11 and Friday, October 13.  For more information and to purchase tickets, head to the Ticketek website.  RECOMMENDED:  A mango shortage is set to wreak havoc on our summer vibes, so get them while you can Yes! An Aussie airline has finally launched a luggage-tracking tool A new comet that could be the brightest in a generation is headed for our skies

Remember the early noughties, when MySpace was still a thing and singers like Kylie Minogue, Natalie Imbruglia, and Robbie Williams ruled the airwaves? Well, it seems like 2022 is the latter pop heartthrob's comeback year. Back in April, Williams played two exclusive, sell-out shows at Rod Laver Arena for his upcoming biopic – and in 2023, he's back to play two more massive Melbourne shows. It has also been announced that the British singer-songwriter and former frontman of the Britpop band Supergrass Gaz Coombes – famous for hits like 'Walk The Walk', 'Don't Say its Over' and 'The Girl Who Fell to the Earth' – will join Robbie as a special guest on all Australian dates. Robbie Williams really needs no introduction, having cemented himself as one of the finest male pop stars of his generation and racked up more than 80 million album sales. And with the release of his new album XXV earlier this month, Williams is officially celebrating 25 years as a solo artist.  Hear his classics and new tracks live when he takes over AAMI Park from November 22 to 23, or journey to Geelong to see him play a Day on the Green at Mt Duneed Estate on November 25. General public tickets are on sale at the Frontier Touring website.  Keen on more live music? Check out our round-up of the best gigs happening in Melbourne this month.

Australian K-Pop fans, you're in luck: internationally renowned girl group Twice just announced that their Ready to Be: Part Three world tour will stop off Down Under. The nine-piece group will perform a one-off exclusive show at Melbourne's Marvel Stadium on November 4.  With more than 12 million monthly listeners on Spotify, saying Twice is famous is an understatement. They're best known for tracks like 'Talk that Talk', 'The Feels', 'What is Love' and 'Fancy', and their latest release 'Moonlight Sunrise' is already climbing the charts.  Tickets begin at $162.92 and you can get them here. For complete tour, ticket and VIP information, visit: livenation.com.au After more live music? Here's our round-up of Melbourne's best gigs this month.

Fresh spring flowers are the perfect antidote to a long, chilly winter, and thanks to the return of the Tesselaar Tulip Festival, you'll be able to get them in spades. Now in its 68th year, the bloomin' good festival has become a must-visit destination for Victorians from far and wide, attracting around 100,000 visitors each season.  This year, the four-week festival will run daily from September 16 to October 15, with the added fun of themed events. Learn about Turkish, Irish and Dutch culture across three dedicated weekends, treat the tots to a day of floral fun during the school holidays with entertainment for kids, and eat, drink and be merry during the food, wine and jazz weekend. You can find the full schedule of events here.  The festival will run extra special attractions for kids between September 18 to 21 and 25 to 28, with a reptiles display, bubble show, drumming workshops, Dutch Findlay Fairground Organ performances, a fairy garden, treasure hunt, tractor rides and much more — making it the perfect family day out during school holidays. Plus, possibly the most exciting part of the festival, you can marvel at Australia's largest clog.  More than a million blooms will transform the fields into a vibrant kaleidoscope of colour, with everything from traditional buds to rare and exotic varieties on show. Fun fact: there will be more than 120 cultivars of tulips alone. Beyond the floral displays, the festival will feature an array of activities and entertainment

"So, you wanna go to a real party?" Well, now's your chance: a ship inspired by the 1997 blockbuster starring Leonardo DiCaprio and Kate Winslet is setting sail from Docklands this November.  Dress in your finest Victorian attire and hop aboard the Victoria Star Boat, where you'll enjoy an evening of theatre, dancing, music and a sumptuous roving buffet dinner. Let your imagination run free while you dance wildly in the third-class cabin or sip Champagne in the finery of first-class, and recline with a cocktail in hand as a friend draws you like one of their French girls.  Tickets to sail to the new world start at $99 per person and include access to the roving buffet menu, a drink and a performance that is sure to pull at your heartstrings. Oh, and don't worry – we've been informed that the infamous iceberg will not be making a cameo. For more information and to book, head to the Hidden website. After more things to do in our city? Check out our round-up of the best events happening in Melbourne this week.

Score vintage treasures, designer items, crafted goods and op shop finds at the Round She Goes vintage market at Coburg Town Hall. The market features more than 55 stallholders selling handpicked and vintage clothing (1950s onwards), jewellery and accessories for cheap.  Stallholders are carefully handpicked by the Round She Goes team so that quality is ensured, sizing is diverse and prices start from just $10. In the past, shoppers have been able to snap up preloved designer goods from the likes of Gorman, Gucci, Prada, Romance Was Born, Balenciaga, Mister Zimi, Jean Paul Gaultier and more.  The market is held several times annually, with the next market taking place on July 30 from 10am to 3pm. Entry is $4, payable by cash or card, and there's plenty of free parking. Go early to fetch a good bargain and don't worry, there's coffee and baked goods inside to keep you going. Keen to snag more clothing? Here are Melbourne's best fashion markets. Alternatively, get a greener wardrobe with these sustainable fashion brands.

Update July 3, 2023: Anyone who’s tried to snag tickets to this year’s FIFA Women’s World Cup games (starting this month) will know they’ve sold faster than Sam Kerr can run – so you’ll be pleased to hear that FIFA is releasing more single-match tickets to games being held in Melbourne as well as other parts of Australia and New Zealand. They'll go on sale on Tuesday, July 4, from midday.  Sarai Bareman, FIFA Chief Women’s Football Officer, says that they've experienced significant sales demand. “So we trust that this latest supply of tickets will enable some truly passionate fans to secure seats at matches that they may have missed out on so far.” Set your alarm for 12pm Tuesday and head over to FIFA.com/tickets to get your hands on some. ***** From July 20 to August 20, the FIFA Women's World Cup will be taking over stadiums across Australia as well as our neighbours across the pond in New Zealand. Auckland will host the opening match at Eden Park, Sydney will host the final at Sydney Football Stadium. The cities and stadiums hosting this year's World Cup are Hindmarsh Stadium in Adelaide, Eden Park in Auckland, Brisbane Stadium in Brisbane, Dunedin Stadium in Dunedin, Waikato Stadium in Hamilton, AAMI Park in Melbourne, Perth Rectangular Stadium in Perth, Sydney Football Stadium in Sydney and Wellington Stadium in Wellington. On the Matildas website, Football Australia president Chris Nikou is quoted as saying, "The FIFA Women's World Cup 2023 will be the biggest sporting

Pop your trainers on and get ready to run the winter blues away, because Run Melbourne is back. On July 16 challenge yourself with a half marathon, ten-kilometre or 5.2-kilometre run or walk, all in the name of charity. Live music, cheer squads and hoards of fellow runners are sure to distract you from the hustle of pushing forward with every step, that is unless you’re into the competitive stuff. If that's the case, it's time to put your training to the test and see if you can beat your personal best (and the best of those around you). Over the years, Run Melbourne has helped raise more than $19 million for over 250 charities. Registrations for all events are open and you can raise funds for your chosen charity through the event's fundraising partner Grassrootz.  With Grand Slam Oval as the hub (where there will be food trucks, DJs, merch stalls and post-run massage facilities), all races will take off from Batman Avenue. Register your spot and book online. Need to get back in shape beforehand? Here are Melbourne's best gyms and best running clubs.

Nothing chases away those winter blues quite like some retail therapy, especially when you’re supporting local artisans and mindful makers at the Finders Keepers. This year, the massive design and art market will feature more than 270 stalls selling everything from slow fashion and jewellery to homewares and stationery. The winter line-up will feature visual artists like Chloe Illustration, Emma Morgan and Oh Jessica Jessica; ceramicists like Alicia McVilly Ceramics and Pot Dispensary; jewellery makers like Peppy Chappette, Mecino and Little Keeper; and clothing brands like Dorte, Cardigang and Louna Loungewear. To ensure you're fed and watered, vendors like Billy Van Creamy, Mrs Browne Bakes, Minimum Wines and Molly Rose Brewing will be serving up some tasty concoctions. And to celebrate NAIDOC Week (which coincides with the market dates), Finders Keepers has expanded its Indigenous Program line-up to showcase makers like Ange Jeffery, Henry St Brewhouse and Amber Days. In addition to this stacked program, there will also be DJs pumping tunes all weekend, a creative journalling workshop and plenty of crafty fun for the kids. The market will take place at the Royal Exhibition Building in Carlton, and entry is just $6 (free for kids under 13). The event kicks off on Friday, July 7, 4pm-9pm. Over the weekend, opening hours are 10am-5pm. Want to keep shopping? Check out the best markets in Melbourne. Love a quirky find? Here are eight weird and wonderful stores in Melbourne.

Does talking about Monopoly simultaneously elicit feelings of rage while also bringing back fond childhood memories? If so, you're not alone. The bestselling board game critiquing the follies of capitalism has been the main character at countless family game nights over the years – and we'd wager at least half of those sessions have ended with a table being flipped over in a fit of rage.  With the current state of the real estate market, playing a round of Monopoly is probably also the only chance most of us have at owning any property. But instead of dwelling on that, focus on the good news: a $20-million dollar, 1650-square-metre Monopoly-themed indoor park is opening in Melbourne Central on October 21, 2023.  Photograph: Supplied It's only the second of its kind in the world, and it'll be twice the size of the original location that landed in Hong Kong back in 2019. After passing go at the entrance, visitors will get to explore two distinct areas: Monopoly City and Monopoly Mansion.  “The keys to Monopoly City and Mr. Monopoly’s Mansion are due for handover in September 2023," said Mark Connolly, general manager of Monopoly Dreams Melbourne. "We are excited to be able to officially give Aussies an opening day for the most anticipated attraction of 2023." Across the two zones, which are inspired by Melbourne and feature trams and street art, there will be a total of 15 attractions including a 4D theatre and a chance wheel. Punters can win Monopoly money that can then be s

With the current state of Sydney's real estate market, playing a round of Monopoly is probably also the only chance most of us have at owning any property. But instead of dwelling on that, pack your bags and book your trip to Melbourne this spring because a $20 million, 1650-square-metre Monopoly-themed indoor park is opening in Melbourne on October 21. After much anticipation, the $20-million dollar, 1650-square-metre indoor park will officially open at Melbourne Central, with tickets on sale now.  It's only the second of its kind in the world, and it'll be twice the size of the original location that landed in Hong Kong back in 2019. After passing go at the entrance, visitors will get to explore two distinct areas: Monopoly City and Monopoly Mansion.  “The keys to Monopoly City and Mr. Monopoly’s Mansion are due for handover in September 2023," said Mark Connolly, general manager of Monopoly Dreams Melbourne. "We are excited to be able to officially give Aussies an opening day for the most anticipated attraction of 2023." Across the two zones, which are inspired by Melbourne and feature trams and street art, there will be a total of 15 attractions including a 4D theatre and a chance wheel. Punters can win Monopoly money that can then be spent at the park's café or retail store.  General admission tickets start at $38.50.  RECOMMENDED: Sydney's getting an epic football festival in preparation for the Women's World Cup Here's the full program to the Sydney Film Festival Whil

「モノポリー」と聞くと、子どもの頃の懐かしい思い出がよみがえると同時に、怒りの感情が湧き上がってくることはないだろうか？　もしそうだったとしても大丈夫、あなただけではない。 資本主義の愚行を批評するこのボードゲームのベストセラーは、何年にもわたり数え切れないほどプレーされてきた。そのうちの少なくとも半分は、きっと怒りに任せてボードがひっくり返されて終わっているに違いない。 多くの大都市の不動産市場の現状を思うと、ほとんどの人にとって不動産を「所有」できる唯一の機会は、モノポリーで遊ぶ時となっているのが悲しいところではある。しかし、それであればむしろオーストラリアのメルボルンへ行き、思いっ切りモノポリーで遊んでみるのはどうだろうか。 2023年9月、メルボルン・セントラルにモノポリーをテーマにした広大な屋内パーク「Monopoly Dreams」がオープンするのだ。 同テーマパークは2019年に香港で初めてオープン。メルボルンのパークは世界2カ所目で、香港の2倍の広さになる。エントランスを通過した後、来場者は「Monopoly City」と「Mr. Monopoly’s Mansion」という2つの異なるゾーンの探検が楽しめる。 メルボルンをイメージした路面電車やストリートアートが描かれた各ゾーンでは、4Dシアターやチャンスホイールを含む合計15のアトラクションが設置される。獲得した「モノポリーマネー」は施設内のカフェや売店で使うことができるという。 「これらの2つのゾーンへの鍵は、9月に引き渡されます。2023年に最も待ち望まれていたアトラクションのオープンを、正式にオーストラリアの皆さまへお知らせできることに興奮しています」と、Monopoly Dreams Melbourneのジェネラルマネジャー、マーク・コノリーは述べている。Monopoly Dreamsのオープンは、9月1日（金）で、チケットは30AUドル（約2,875円）からとなっている。 関連記事 『A $20 million Monopoly theme park is coming to Australia（原文）』 『メルボルン、2031年までにシドニーを抜き豪で人口が最大に』 『世界で最も過小評価されている14の旅行先』 『ファッションのテーマパーク「木更津コンセプトストア」でしかできない5のこと』 『東京、ベストテーマパーク4選』 『2023年に行くべき新施設とイベント10選』 東京の最新情報をタイムアウト東京のメールマガジンでチェックしよう。登録はこちら  

The House of Mouses's famous family-friendly cruises have been setting sail across the globe for decades now, and they're finally slated for a run in Australia.  The first season of Disney Magic at Sea (which sets sail this October) was so popular that Disney Cruise Line has now announced a new season of cruises departing Australia and New Zealand in 2024 and through to 2025. You'll be able to embark on two to seven-day cruises filled with Disney magic, and hang out with characters like Captain Mickey Mouse, Captain Minnie Mouse, Goofy and Pluto, as well as characters from the Star Wars and Marvel universes. As you'd expect with Disney, there will be plenty of entertainment, including musical performances and original theatrical shows. Of course, there will be plenty for small Disney fans, with the Disney Oceaneer Club taking small sailors on a Frozen-themed adventure. Kids can also play in a multi-level replica of Andy's room from Toy Story or learn to save the world at the Marvel Super Hero Academy. And while the kids are busy, adults can relax in the adults-only Quiet Cove pool, get pampered at the Senses Spa and Salon or enjoy fine dining (and adult conversation) at Palo restaurant.  The first of these magical cruises will set sail from Sydney Harbour on October 28, 2023. Bookings are now open for the 2024-25 season, which will visit ports in Noumea, Hobart and Eden. We recommend getting in quick, considering how far in advance the first season sold.  For more info or t

Sydney. If getting starstruck by celestial happenings is your thing, prepare to have your mind blown by the annual Lyrid meteor shower that’s coming at us in April 2023. In April every year, a torrent of blazing meteors whiz across the sky and burn in the atmosphere, creating otherworldly flashes of light. This annual shower will be visible across the world from April 16 to 25, 2023, and will be at its peak for Australian (and Sydney-residing) stargazers from April 22 to 23.  The Lyrids are one of the oldest recorded meteor showers in human history, with some historical Chinese texts mentioning their existence more than 2,500 years ago. The fireballs you see in this shower are created by debris from the Comet Thatcher, and at their most active, you’ll see up to 20 shooting stars per hour. But, even if you’re looking up outside of peak time, it’s highly likely you’ll see the occasional flash of light illuminating the sky.  Sadly for all us Southern Hemisphere dwellers, the Lyrid shower will not be as radiant and intense as it is for our Northern Hemisphere brethren. This being said, we’ll still get a pretty good look at it all (weather conditions dependent) after midnight on April 22, or a few hours before sunrise on April 23. You’ll get the best vantage point if you turn your feet towards the northern part of our sky, and look 45 degrees above the horizon. If you’re lost, this interactive map can tell you exactly where to look.  The best part about the Lyrids? You don’t need

Last year, we reported on how Melbourne Airport was crowned Australia's worst airport for delays and cancellations. We don't want to point any fingers at which airlines may be behind that unsavoury title, but we will say this: research conducted by S Money has found that Jetstar Airways is Australia's most hated airline. Not surprised? Neither are we.  Although Jetstar does offer some ridiculously good deals, lost and damaged luggage is a common theme for Jetstar customers, which is a bummer because who doesn't want to travel with their stuff intact?  So how was the research conducted? S Money unpacked thousands of Tweets that had tagged airline handles and analysed the volume of posts with negative and positive sentiment for each airline. The airlines with the most negative Tweet scores were determined to be the ‘Most Hated’, and vice versa. Because, of course, when travel turmoil arises, people turn to social media to grumble. Tweets tagging Jetstar were 67.5 per cent negative. Qantas better hold onto their tray tables, too, because the study results will also shake them up – their detours and cancellations have left a lot of people with some serious travel headaches, and a lot of people regard Qantas as greedy. They ended up with a 60 per cent negativity rating.  Virgin Australia came out as the third most common airline to peeve Aussies off (with a 50.7 per cent negativity score). But, considering Jetstar, Qantas and Virgin are the three most commonly flown airlines Down

In February, a bright green, two-tailed comet blazed through our skies; if you missed it, we're sorry to say you probably won't ever see it again (unless scientists perfect cryogenics) as it only comes around every 50,000 years. But don't be too sad: we come bearing news of another fascinating astronomical occurrence. From February 20 to March 10, Jupiter and Venus will appear close together in the sky in a phenomenon known as planetary conjunction. What exactly is a planetary conjunction? Well, it's a term for when two planets appear to meet in the same part of the sky. Jupiter and Venus are known as the brightest planets in our sky, and they've been slowly inching towards each other. For Australians, they are expected to appear closest together on Thursday, March 2. Afterwards, they'll begin to go their separate ways again.  It's not the rarest conjunction to spot in our night sky; Venus and Jupiter align with each other every 13 months or so. In comparison, Jupiter and Neptune had a conjunction in 2022 for the first time since 1856. Regardless, it's still a marvellous nighttime spectacle, and it should be visible to the naked eye, so find a primo stargazing spot and look up.   

Plant-based eating has been on the rise, with the Food Revolution Network reporting that plant-based dairy and meat sales are projected to soar from $29 billion in 2020 to $162 billion by 2030. While that's great news for inclusivity and access in grocery stores, it's also important for vegans to have access to plant-based meals when eating out. And lucky for vegan Melburnians, gone are the days of ordering hot chips and a sad salad consisting of just greens, red onion and tomato; in 2023, vegan eateries are practically a dime a dozen, and Happy Cow has ranked Melbourne as the fourth most vegan-friendly city in the world.  The results were based on criteria including the number of fully vegan restaurants within a ten-kilometre radius of the city centre; the number of fully vegan businesses including shops and bakeries; the density of vegan businesses per capita; and qualitative factors like how active the city's vegan community is. Based on that criteria, Melbourne came in fourth just below London, Berlin and New York City, and ranked ahead of Singapore, Los Angeles, Bangkok, Amsterdam, Warsaw and Barcelona. The news should come as no surprise to vegan and non-vegan Melburnians alike; you'd have to live under a rock to not be familiar with entirely or predominantly plant-based eateries like Parcs (Time Out's Best Innovation winner in the 2022 Food and Drink Awards), Smith and Daughters, Red Sparrow Pizza and Patsy's. In fact, Happy Cow reports that based on 2022 data, Melbour

If you haven't watched season two of The White Lotus yet then, one, what are you waiting for?! And two, there are spoilers ahead.  While season one still holds a very special place in our hearts, we have to admit that the breezy Italian setting of season two has swept us off our feet – and the luxe villa Tanya and Portia visit plays a large part in that. If you watched and imagined yourself partying in its glorious halls, then you're in luck: you can book a stay at the villa through Airbnb. Located in Palermo, the estate dates back to the 1500s and features stately neoclassical architecture, trompe-l'oeil frescoes, Murano chandeliers and gilt-framed paintings. It's surrounded by eight hectares of lush gardens complete with citrus groves, a greenhouse and a pond that several swans call home. There's also a furnished terrace, billiards room, music room, bar, TV, ample Wi-Fi and, of course, the infamous swimming pool. A full staff will also be at your service, ensuring you have everything you need to enjoy your holiday. Photograph: Stefano Corso When staying at a place this nice, we doubt you'll want to leave – but when you do, you'll be just seven minutes from the golden mosaics of the Cappella Palatina and ten minutes from the Palazzo dei Normanni and Cappuccini Catacombs. When you tire of your life of luxury, you can spend an arvo walking along Monreale's scenic port, checking out the historic cathedrals, visiting a nearby family-friendly waterpark or exploring the colourfu

In February, a bright green, two-tailed comet blazed through our skies; if you missed it, we're sorry to say you probably won't ever see it again (unless scientists perfect cryogenics) as it only comes around every 50,000 years. But don't be too sad: we come bearing news of another fascinating astronomical occurrence. From February 20 to March 10, Jupiter and Venus will appear close together in the sky in a phenomenon known as planetary conjunction. What exactly is a planetary conjunction? Well, it's a term for when two planets appear to meet in the same part of the sky. Jupiter and Venus are known as the brightest planets in our sky, and they've been slowly inching towards each other. For Australians, they are expected to appear closest together on Thursday, March 2. Afterwards, they'll begin to go their separate ways again.  It's not the rarest conjunction to spot in our night sky; Venus and Jupiter align with each other every 13 months or so. In comparison, Jupiter and Neptune had a conjunction in 2022 for the first time since 1856. Regardless, it's still a marvellous nighttime spectacle, and it should be visible to the naked eye, so find a primo stargazing spot and look up. And if you're after more astronomical phenomena, here are Victoria's best observatories and planetariums.  Say what? These are the most random Guinness World Records held by Melburnians. Cha-ching! These are the ten most expensive suburbs in Melbourne. ICYMI: Melbourne was ranked as one of the best cit

Did you know that the City of Melbourne has more than 135 kilometres of on and off-road routes in its cycling network, and more than 2,700 parking hoops located across the municipality? It's clear that cycling is a favourite pastime and mode of transport for Melburnians, and if you're a pedestrian or drive a car, you're likely to be sharing the road and pathways with at least a handful of cyclists at any given time. In recognition of our city's love of two wheels, CNN ranked Melbourne in fifth place on its list of the top ten bicycle cities in the world. We share the list with famed bike-friendly cities like Copenhagen in Denmark, where around 70 per cent of residents own a bike and 45 per cent of commutes are by bike, and Antwerp in Belgium, which came in third place on the latest Global Bicycle Cities Index. Other cities on the list include Bern in Switzerland, Leipzig in Germany, Montreal in Canada, San Francisco in the USA, Strasbourg in France, Tel Aviv in Israel and Utrecht in the Netherlands.  If you're a two-wheel fanatic, you're probably already familiar with the cycling routes that make our city so special, but for those who aren't, here are some wheely great spots in our city to explore by bike. CNN highlights the Capital City Trail, a 29-kilometre path that circles the inner city and passes through some eastern and northern suburbs. If you want to bike by water, the Maribyrnong River Trail is good for beginners and will also take you past landmarks like the Flemin

You can book a stay at the Italian villa from The White Lotus and the quirky holiday house from The Castle, and now you can add the lavish Parisian opera house from The Phantom of the Opera to that list. To celebrate the global success of the film, which recently completed its residency at the Arts Centre here in Melbourne (a performance we gave four stars), Airbnb is opening up a booking lottery to stay at the majestic Palais Garnier. Photograph: Thibaut Chapotot The Box of Honour, an exclusive private viewing area within the opera house, is being transformed into a bedroom fit for two guests. It's a box that is usually reserved for visiting dignitaries, so it's pretty special to get to step inside, let alone have a snooze there.  Photograph: Thibaut Chapotot Your overnight stay will also comprise a tour of hidden areas in the Palais that are rarely seen by the public, including the Opera's private archives and the famous underground lake featured in the novel and play. Opera de Paris Ballet dancers will offer you a private ballet initiation, and the Paris Opera Academy will perform an exclusive recital complete with Champagne and hors d'oeuvres. When dinnertime comes round, you'll get to eat in the lavish Foyer de la Danse, a private rehearsal room behind the stage that's used for warming up before a show. Last but certainly not least, you'll get a rooftop tour of the building and enjoy picturesque views across Paris.  The stay is hosted by Véronique Leroux, the great-