Alyssa Forato is Editor of Time Out Melbourne. She loves being in the know of the latest restaurant openings, events, pop-ups and happenings around the city, especially if it involves a warehouse sale. Before joining Time Out, she wrote for a range of publications including PEDESTRIAN.TV, Sitchu, Broadsheet, Cheek Media, Mamamia and Harper’s BAZAAR.

When she’s not sharing her finds with Time Out readers, you’ll most likely find her deep in a Depop rabbit hole or stuck in her latest knitting project.

Alyssa Forato

Alyssa Forato

Melbourne Editor

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Articles (11)

Things to do in Melbourne this week

Things to do in Melbourne this week

As the weather warms up, we suggest hitting up one of Melbourne's best rooftop bars. Arbory Afloat has officially launched for 2026, and this year's theme is Mediterranean. While it started operating again in early spring, the poolside lounge is now complete. So if you've been itching to dip your toes in the water while sipping on a Spritz, now might be the time. Want to escape the hustle and bustle of the city for the day and really get into the seasonal spirit? These are the best places to see springtime blooms in Victoria. Prefer indoor fun? Step inside nostalgic romance at 'Rebel Heart: Love Letters and Other Declarations', a free exhibition at the State Library of Victoria that makes for the perfect date activity. When in doubt, though, you can always rely on our catch-all lists of Melbourne's best bars, restaurants, museums, parks and galleries, or consult our bucket list of the best things to do in Melbourne before you die.   Stay in the loop: sign up for our free Time Out Melbourne newsletter for the best of the city, straight to your inbox. Counting down to Friday? Here's our guide to all the fun things happening in Melbourne this weekend.
The best things to do in Melbourne this weekend

The best things to do in Melbourne this weekend

Summer is almost here, which means we're enjoying the warmer weather, daylight saving and rooftop sunset tipples (when the weather permits).  A new Banksy exhibition is now open in Melbourne, with more than 250 displays of sculptures, artworks, installations – and even a hologram. If you want to bust out of the city, here are the best places near Melbourne to see gorgeous spring blooms – think roses, tulips and wildflowers. And remember, you can always rely on our catch-all lists of Melbourne's best bars, restaurants, museums, parks and galleries, or consult our bucket list of the best things to do in Melbourne before you die.   Stay in the loop: sign up for our free Time Out Melbourne newsletter for the best of the city, straight to your inbox. The fun doesn't stop on Monday! These are the best things to do in Melbourne this week.
Things to do in Melbourne in November

Things to do in Melbourne in November

It's already November, how the heck did that happen? But, before we start spiralling about how December (and Christmas, and the New Year) are just around the corner, let's enjoy all the fun things happening across Melbourne this month. Starting with Australia’s biggest annual garage sale. The Garage Sale Trail – happening over two weekends – is your chance to go on a treasure hunt for secondhand and vintage goodies. Now that cherry blossom season is behind us, it can only mean one thing: cherry picking is back! Head to Cherry Hill Orchards where you can pick (and eat!) as many of these juicy fruits as your heart desires. A new Banksy exhibition is now open in Melbourne, with more than 250 displays of sculptures, artworks, installations – and even a hologram. If you want to bust out of the city, here are the best places near Melbourne to see gorgeous spring blooms – think roses, tulips and wildflowers. Want to escape the hustle and bustle of the city for the day and really get into the seasonal spirit? These are the best places to see springtime blooms in Victoria. Prefer indoor fun? Step inside nostalgic romance at 'Rebel Heart: Love Letters and Other Declarations', a free exhibition at the State Library of Victoria that makes for the perfect date activity. And remember, you can always rely on our catch-all lists of Melbourne's best bars, restaurants, museums, parks and galleries, or consult our bucket list of the best things to do in Melbourne before you die.   Open your c
The biggest musicals and shows to see in Australia this year

The biggest musicals and shows to see in Australia this year

There’s never been a quiet year for Australia's arts and culture scene. From the bright lights of Broadway and the West End to our very own stages, Australia is lucky to host some of the world’s most spectacular musicals and shows. We’re also a hotbed for homegrown gems, with fresh and experimental productions lighting up stages across the country every month.  From the grand return of the world’s #1 musical, The Lion King, to the Aussie premieres of A Beautiful Noise: The Neil Diamond Musical and Mrs Doubtfire, this year’s line-up is shaping up to be one of the most exciting yet. Here are all the biggest and best shows to see in Australia, listed in order of what's currently showing/hitting the stage next. 👀 The best art exhibitions in Australia🎉 The most exciting events of 2026
The 41 best pubs in Melbourne

The 41 best pubs in Melbourne

From historic boozers to gastropubs and rocking live music venues, we believe that Melbourne boasts some of the finest pub culture in the world outside the British Isles, and we’ll gladly pass out on that hill. Our pub traditions are diverse and many – the weeknight chicken parma special, boisterous trivia nights, open mic gigs, friendly (read: competitive) pool games and that ever-wholesome Sunday roast. But every local has its own unique set of drawcards and that's what makes this scene so fun and diverse. Looking for somewhere you can bring your doggo? We know the pubs that'll greet your pooch with a smile. Want a pub where you can drink outside and soak up the rays? Our beer gardens are some of Melbourne's loveliest drinking playgrounds. And if you're looking for a pint with a side of history, we've got the intel on this town's oldest pubs. So without further ado, you know what to do: bookmark this guide and make your way through our recs with the same level of enthusiasm you'd scull your way through the taps.  Stay in the loop: sign up for our free Time Out Melbourne newsletter for the best of the city, straight to your inbox. Looking for more inspo? Take your drinking to new heights at the best rooftop bars.
The best of Melbourne theatre and musicals this month

The best of Melbourne theatre and musicals this month

October 2026: The Broadway smash-hit 'A Beautiful Noise: The Neil Diamond Musical' has finally made its Aussie debut, with our reviewer saying it's "so good, so good". For a ballet experience that's sure to move involving vampires, tragedy and a whole lot of darkness (in the best way), 'Dracula: Ballet at its Darkest' is a must. A musical adaptation of Harron's iconic film, 'American Psycho', is also coming to Chapel Off Chapel at the end of this month for a three-week limited run. A dark horror comedy that bursts into song? That sounds right up our alley. From the toe-tapping to the cathartic, consider this your ultimate guide to all the best Melbourne theatre shows happening this month. When stuck for things to do between shows, you can also always rely on our catch-all lists of Melbourne's best bars, restaurants, museums, parks and galleries, or consult our bucket list of the best things to do in Melbourne before you die.  Stay in the loop: sign up for our free Time Out Melbourne newsletter for the best of the city, straight to your inbox. Want something else to do this month? Check out our guide to the city's best exhibitions.
Here's where celebrities dine and drink when they visit Melbourne

Here's where celebrities dine and drink when they visit Melbourne

Melbourne is utterly spoiled for choice when it comes to foodie spots. Our city is known for its diverse food scene, and a long list of viral hot spots that are must try dining destinations for tourists who come to visit – and that includes celebrities.  When superstars touch down at Tullamarine after a long flight, where are they opting to spend their dosh on food and drinks? From the classic haunts like Hope St Radio to institutions like Maison Bñtard, there have been a few sightings over the years, so we've rounded them all up here. Keen to check out a new place to eat? Here's our round-up of Melbourne's recent hot openings. For more music, here are the gigs happening in Melbourne this month.
New and upcoming musicals in Melbourne

New and upcoming musicals in Melbourne

New York has Broadway, London has the West End, and here in Melbourne, it's all about the East End. We're an all-singing, all-dancing city which means we're spoiled for choice when it comes to the musicals taking centre stage in the historic East End Theatre District in the CBD. From glitzy theatrical numbers and singalong musicals to smaller-scale productions, Melbourne is an absolute haven when it comes to all things razzle-dazzle. See for yourself by checking out the new and upcoming musicals making their way here in 2026. Stay in the loop: sign up for our free Time Out Melbourne newsletter for the best of the city, straight to your inbox. Book the best spot with our guide to scoring the best seats in every Melbourne theatre. Keen on all kinds of theatre? Here are the best shows happening this month.
The best art and exhibitions in Melbourne this month

The best art and exhibitions in Melbourne this month

October 2026: Keen to check out Kylie's gold hot pants and other iconic pieces from the performers and productions of Australia’s cultural history? Don't miss 'Encore!' – an exclusive new exhibition at the Australian Museum of Performing Arts. If you're a gamer, head to ACMI to see artist Feng Mengbo transform modern Chinese history into an interactive larger-than-life video game. And bookworms won't want to miss 'World of the Book' at State Library Victoria. It's Australia’s largest and longest-running rare book exhibition, and it features remarkable editions by the likes of Jane Austen, Agatha Christie, Virginia Woolf and more. While you're at the State Library, you might as well also check out 'Rebel Heart: Love Letters and Other Declarations', a beautiful free exhibition celebrating all kinds of love.  There's always something to see in this all-embracing city of ours, so don't let the month pass you by without getting your fix of the best art, culture and exhibitions in Melbourne. When in doubt, you can also always rely on our catch-all lists of Melbourne's best bars, restaurants, museums, parks and galleries, or consult our bucket list of the best things to do in Melbourne before you die.  Stay in the loop: sign up for our free Time Out Melbourne newsletter for the best of the city, straight to your inbox. Keen to add some art to your home? These are the best places to buy art in Melbourne.
The best steaks in Melbourne right now

The best steaks in Melbourne right now

It’s no secret that Australia has some of the best produce in the world. Cheers to our fertile soils, abundant sunshine, diverse climates and, of course, our farmers. One of the best ways to experience that produce, arguably, is through our incredible beef. Seriously, is there anything better than a well-cooked steak? And no, we don’t mean well-done – we mean done well. Australian beef isn’t just great because it’s high quality. It’s also widely accessible. Sure, you can splurge on a premium cut with all the bells and whistles, but just as often, you’ll find a seriously good steak at your local pub. If your cravings lean carnivorous, you’re in the right place. We’ve pulled together a list of some of the best spots in Melbourne to get your steak fix. It’s by no means exhaustive, but these are some of our favourites – covering a range of budgets, vibes, and occasions. Stay in the loop: sign up for our free Time Out Melbourne newsletter for the best of the city, straight to your inbox. Still hungry? These are the best restaurants in Melbourne right now.
Things to do in Melbourne in October

Things to do in Melbourne in October

  We've reached the pointy end of the year, which means daylight savings are here, our calendars are filling up real quick, and there are lots of exciting events in store! Halloween is less than four weeks away, which means it's basically Christmas. So, let's dive into some highlights, shall we? October is for the fashionistas. Melbourne Fashion Week is back for another year of creativity, inclusivity, and plenty of inspiration to add to our shopping wishlists. The premium runways are always a hit and offer a sneak peak into what the commercial brands like Aje, Bianca Spender, Elka Collective and Oroton will be rolling out in stores for the upcoming seasons. There's also going to be a runway at Revs?! Kind of iconic, if you ask me (and the only time you'll catch me there, tbh). But that's not all! Some beloved online-only Australian brands are hosting pop-ups in Melbourne this month. Tild's effortlessly cool aesthetic will be heading to Gertruse St from October 4 to November 1. If you like plaid and whimsy (who doesn't?!), Katharina Lou is taking over Fitzroy for just over a week with a pop-up shop, girl dinner, scavenger hunt and collaboration with Masses Bagels. And then we've got Itadaki, the Sydney-based brand crafting Japanese-inspired garments that are equal parts edgy and elegant – they'll also be coming to Fitzroy from October 16-25. One lucky suburb indeed. If you're looking for something fun and free to do in Melbourne, the Rebel Heart: Love Letters and Other Declar

Listings and reviews (2)

Katharina Lou Melbourne Takeover

Katharina Lou Melbourne Takeover

If you're a lover of plaid, you'll be pleased to hear that beloved Australian label Katharina Lou is taking over Brunswick Street in Fitzroy for a a week-long pop-up. It's here you'll be able to try on the brand's best-selling styles and shop pieces exclusive to the Melbourne event.  While the brand does a pop-up every year or so, it's going above-and-beyond with this year's Katharinaland. While the pop-up doesn't officially open until October 10, there will be a scavenger hunt on October 8 beginning at 5pm, and an exclusive bagel collab with cult-favourite Masses Bagels – although details for what they have in store for us have been kept tightly under wraps so far. Come opening day, the first two people in line will receive a $100 voucher to use at the pop-up, and the following 18 customers will be given $25 vouchers. The festivities don't stop at being able to shop the range in-person, however. You can get tickets to the Katharina Lou 'Girl Dinner' hosted at Hope St Radio, wherein you'll enjoy a four-course dinner, wine and non-alcoholic drinks, as well as be sent home with a $40 Katharina Lou voucher and a goodie bag. The pop-up will also be open for late night shopping on Thursday October 15 until 7pm. If you've been meaning to treat yourself, now's your chance! You'll find the Katharinaland pop-up at 318 Brunswick St, Fitzroy. Stay in the loop: sign up for our free Time Out Melbourne newsletter for the best of the city, straight to your inbox. Want more
Melbourne Fashion Week

Melbourne Fashion Week

Melbourne's most fashionable time of year is upon us once again. ICYMI, Melbourne Fashion Week (M/FW) will return from October 19-25, putting a spotlight on the city's diverse fashion scene. Expect incredible outfits (both on the runways and in the audience, our city's street style scene is unmatched), lots of events and plenty of shopping inspo. This year's theme is 'Wear the Moment', which is all about embodying self-expression and inclusivity – fitting for Australia's most stylish city (if we do say so ourselves). More than 300 local designers, big and small, will show off their latest designs over the course of the week. There's over 100 free and ticketed events including premium runways, independent runways, workshops, panel discussions and clothing swaps. In a M/FW first, the opening ganbu marra runway, which spotlights First Nations designers including Atyene Clothing, Ebony Noire, Kaninda, and Marnin Studiowill be held at the NGV. The iconic Student Collections Runway will return to the heritage wool trade site Younghusband, where fashion design students from Box Hill Institute, RMIT School of Fashion and Textiles, Whitehouse Institute of Design Australia and LCI Institute showcase the three-piece collections they have designed and brought to life over the year. The City Square Runway, featuring designers including Clothing The Gaps, ELK the Label and HoMie has a combination of ticketed seats and free standing room – a great free runway to go to if you can get in earl

News (16)

Australia's longest mat-racing water slide is coming to Melbourne

Australia's longest mat-racing water slide is coming to Melbourne

The weather is slowly heating up in Melbourne, which means one thing: water theme park days are almost upon us. And Funfields, one of Melbourne’s most thrilling aquatic theme parks, is launching a brand new slide – and it’s breaking records. Enter: Kraken Unleashed. It’s launching at the theme park this summer, and is officially Australia's longest mat-racing waterslide, stretching out 235m and standing at more than 22m tall. The new waterslide is the result of a major transformation of the park's popular Kraken Racer, adding another 75m of twists, turns and thrills. Photograph: Supplied | FunfieldsRender of Kraken Unleashed The fun new attraction also features special effects and an extended ride experience, before four racers then go head-to-head in a thrilling, high-speed race. However, don’t put on your togs and book your day trip just yet. While Funfields is opening its gates this weekend, Kraken Unleashed won’t be open for business until later in the year. An exact date is yet to be announced, but Funfields has said that it will be open for use this summer. Beyond the fun new ride, visitors can also enjoy water slides and rides including Gravity Wave and Cyber Drift Bumper Cars, Lava Lagoon Lazy River, Paradise Palms, and VIP Cabanas. Ticket options include: Day Passes: From $49 on selected dates. Silver Season Pass: $99 for unlimited visits, excluding December 26 to January 16, 2027. Gold Season Pass: From $129, with access every day the park is open. Stay in the
Three Victorian restaurants have been named among the 100 best in Asia-Pacific for 2026

Three Victorian restaurants have been named among the 100 best in Asia-Pacific for 2026

We don’t need an award system to tell us how great the Melbourne food scene is
 but it sure is nice when restaurants get the recognition they deserve. There’s no shortage of wonderful places to dine across our city, with a diverse array of restaurants offering their cultures on a beautifully-presented plate. And the Tatler Best Awards have named some new spots and cult-favourites the best in the Asia-Pacific region. Now in its third edition, the Tatler Best Awards have crowned the 100 best restaurants in the Asia-Pacific for 2026 – and five Aussie venues made the cut. The final list was selected through a rigorous process involving more than 900 discerning panellists across the region, bringing together seasoned critics, journalists and luxury travellers. Three Aussie restaurants from last year’s top 100 were recognised once again in 2026: seafood pioneer Josh Niland’s Saint Peter, long-time Sydney chefs’ favourite Ester, and Melbourne’s legendary Cantonese institution Flower Drum. Photograph: Christopher PearceSaint Peter Meanwhile, two Victorian venues made their Tatler Awards debut: Brae – Dan Hunter’s sustainable fine-dining destination set on an organic farm in Birregurra, and Embla – a beloved inner-city wine bar focused on woodfired food. Beyond the Top 100 rankings, the Tatler Best Awards unveiled 31 Best-in-Class winners – with Melbourne’s newly opened Yiaga was named Best Design Restaurant in the Asia-Pacific. This stunning garden eatery, helmed by Hugh Allen (prev
Here's where and how to spot a wild platypus in and around Melbourne

Here's where and how to spot a wild platypus in and around Melbourne

We may be slightly biased, but native Australian animals are some of the cutest out there. One of our favourites is the shy little platypus, but getting a glimpse of them out in the wild is a rarity. While difficult, it’s not impossible – especially if you’re willing to have an early start. We’re nearing the end of what’s considered to be the best time to see platypuses in the wild all year, so if you’re eager to get a visit to your favourite Aussie animal (hey, maybe it could be your spirit animal), consider this your guide to tracking them down. When is the best time to see a platypus in the wild Victoria? Platypus breeding season is when you’re considered most likely to spot a platypus in the wild as adults are much more active during this period – especially the males as they prepare for breeding. The adorable little creature also spends extra time foraging during this time. Platypuses are nocturnal, so if you want to increase your chances of spotting one, head to your lookout spot at dawn or dusk. When is platypus breeding season in Victoria? Photograph: Michael Jerrard via UnsplashPlatypus swimming in the wild Breeding season typically begins around late July to early August and goes until November. If you’re lucky enough, you may even catch a male and female platypus in a mating ritual, where they do an aquatic dance before
 getting to it. The male grasps the tip of the female’s tail with his bill and they swim in tight circles and dive together. You may also find fe
After 5 years, an iconic Wilsons Prom boardwalk has finally reopened

After 5 years, an iconic Wilsons Prom boardwalk has finally reopened

Campers, hikers and day-trippers, we come bearing good news! After five years of being closed off to the public, the Sealers Cove Boardwalk has finally reopened at Wilsons Promontory National Park. The popular Wilsons Prom walking trail was sealed off in 2021 after being badly damaged by multiple storms and flooding, becoming unsafe for walkers. The 1.8km boardwalk meant visitors could bypass an otherwise impassable swamp, connecting them directly to Sealers Cove beach – one of Victoria’s most famous remote wilderness beaches. Without the boardwalk, hikers faced a huge, far more difficult 26km one-way detour if they wanted to access the beach. Yikes. It doesn’t just serve as a shortcut to access Sealers Cove Beach. The boardwalk helps protect the park’s wetlands by keeping visitors above the fragile tea-tree and paperback swamp habitat, rather than trekking through it. The original timber boardwalk held up for over 40 years. Parks Victoria reported that replacing the boardwalk was no easy feat. It involved a crew being onsite seven days a week, rain, hail or shine – with no vehicle access. Now, the boardwalk has been rebuilt using fibre-reinforced plastic (FRP) and steel footings, making it weather and flood-resistant and far more suited to Wilsons Prom’s climate. The walk from Tidal River to Sealers Cove reopened in September, and demand for the Sealers Cove campground is anticipated to be high as a result of the reopening. So if you have summer plans to camp at Wilsons Prom
One of St Kilda's historic & most famous dive bars is returning this November after a rebrand

One of St Kilda's historic & most famous dive bars is returning this November after a rebrand

It seems St Kilda is in its comeback era. Over the past couple of months, we’ve heard of reopenings of old gems and new foodie spots, all in an effort to revive the beachy inner city suburb that’s been quietly slipping off the radar for the past few years as northside stole the spotlight. And one of the area’s glamorous dive bars from the 70s (to then become a gritty, alternative nightclub in the 90s and early 2000s) is having a renaissance: The Snakepit. Sitting under The George Hotel, The Snakepit will come to life as a vinyl-tracked bar and live music venue. There’ll be jazz, blues, soul and DJs. Brought back to life by Ganley Group (The Fifth Province, Angus & Bon, The Carlton Club), it’ll be equal parts opulent and eclectic. The drinks will lean into the Golden Age of cocktails, and a late-night supper club menu will have chefs slicing charcuterie to order. “We’re so excited to bring The Snakepit back to life and reimagine a space that holds so many stories of Melbourne’s past. This style of late-night cocktail bar and live-music venue isfew and far between in St Kilda, and we think it’s going to be a fantastic addition to the suburb,” chief publican and founder of Ganley Group, Liam Ganley, says. “St Kilda has always had an unconventional character, and we want to bring back the beautiful disorder and revelry that the original Snakepit was once known and loved for.” The Snakepit’s interiors are vintage-inspired and warm, with a heavy focus on texture – brought to life b
Olivier Award-nominated hit 'The Choir of Man' is coming to Melbourne in 2027

Olivier Award-nominated hit 'The Choir of Man' is coming to Melbourne in 2027

What do Queen, Adele, Sia, Paul Simon, Guns N’ Roses, Avicii, Katy Perry and John Farnham all have in common? Their hit songs are all part of The Choir of Man. And the award-nominated musical is coming back to Melbourne for an exciting three-week limited run next year. Musical spectacular The Choir of Man is bringing its feel-good vibes back to Melbourne, taking over Crown Live from February 3–21, 2027. Set inside a traditional English pub, this Olivier Award-nominated hit brings its talented performers together for almost two hours of foot-stomping anthems, energetic tap dancing, plenty of cheeky banter – and even a working beer tap.    Photograph: The Other RichardThe Choir of Man     Directed by Nic Doodson, characters feature archetypes like The Barman (Mark Loveday), Maestro (Ifan Gwilym-Jones), Beast (Cal T King), The Joker (Conor Mellor), and The Pub Bore. The high-energy soundtrack jumps between rock classics, pop favourites, folk tunes and Broadway hits, giving you plenty of reasons to sing along. Expect big voices, infectious energy and a hefty dose of humour in this celebration of mateship and the magic of music. Whether you’re a musical theatre fan or simply after a fun, wholesome night out, round up your mates and book your tickets to The Choir of Man. The Choir of Man runs from February 3–21, 2027 at Crown Live. Get your tickets here. Stay in the loop: sign up for our free Time Out Melbourne newsletter for the best of the city, straight to your inbox. RECOMME
Melbourne's Lygon St has just added a multi award-winning bakery to its line-up

Melbourne's Lygon St has just added a multi award-winning bakery to its line-up

Melbourne is known for its long list of cherished bakeries, viral hotspots and hidden gems – we have no shortage of areas to source impeccable baked goods. But that doesn’t mean we don’t get excited about new openings. After all, it’s the perfect excuse to check out a new spot and load up on carbs. And lucky Lygon St has just scored a new one: Backhaus on Lygon. If the name sounds familiar, it’s because this marks the bakery’s third location. Before opening in Brunswick East, ex-Napier chef Nic Williams, business partner Melissa Matthew and head baker Alan Trethewey started out with wholesale business Backhaus Bakery in Airport West, following with Backhaus Foodstore in Essendon.   Photograph: Supplied | BackhausLoaded toastie at Backhaus Backhaus is known for some seriously good bread. In fact, it’s so good that they recently won not one, but three awards at the Royal Fine Food Awards. Their Haus sourdough & 7 Fruit Sourdough won Best in Class, and the 7 Fruit Sourdough won Best Bread Overall. Aside from their mouthwatering sourdough, you’ll also find croissants, shortbread, amaretti and 48-hour fermented sourdough baguettes. Backhaus on Lygon will also be serving coffee by Allpress, along with toasted sandwiches and focaccias featuring local artisan producers and a new line of pastries. Want to drop by and taste the award-winning sourdough loaves for yourself? You can find Backhaus on Lygon at 463 Lygon St, Brunswick East. Stay in the loop: sign up for our free Time Out
The world's largest jumping castle is coming to Melbourne – and it has a 300m obstacle course

The world's largest jumping castle is coming to Melbourne – and it has a 300m obstacle course

After spending a busy year touring the country, Big Bounce Australia – the world's most ridiculous, amazingly oversized inflatable park – is about to bounce on out of here; but not without paying a visit to Melbourne first. Covering more than 1,500 square metres, this colourful, bouncy theme park is a fun day out for both the young and young at heart. At its centre is the world’s biggest jumping castle – a mega air-filled palace featuring slides, climbing towers, ball pits and basketball hoops. Things get wilder in the middle of this huge structure, with a DJ pumping tunes that reverberate through the inflated halls while confetti cannons blast and beach balls fly around. Photograph: SuppliedThe Big Bounce Australia But the fun doesn’t stop there. Big Bounce features four other supersized zones of bouncy goodness, including a massive 300-metre obstacle course made up of more than 50 challenges. There’s also a space-themed section complete with a five-lane slide, an intergalactic alien zone, and a massive sports arena. Photograph: SuppliedThe Big Bounce Australia Ready to jump? The Big Bounce Australia wraps up its tour with its final weekend in the Gold Coast on November 7 and 8, and finishing in Melbourne on November 21 -29. Tickets start at $40 for the toddler-friendly sessions and $55 for the adults-only events. You can find out more here. Stay in the loop: sign up for our free Time Out Melbourne newsletter for the best of the city, straight to your inbox. RECOMME
Victoria is the first state to sign up to a $350m housing bonus to improve liveability

Victoria is the first state to sign up to a $350m housing bonus to improve liveability

Infrastructure in growing suburbs and regional communities alike are about to receive a glow up. Victoria is on track to receive a $350m grant from the federal government to improve our city’s infrastructure and liveability. The funding comes after a warning was issued by former New York mayor, Bill de Blasio, saying that Melbourne’s new developments need to have 25 per cent mandated affordable housing in order to address our city’s housing crisis. “A city without enough affordable housing will simply fail,” de Blasio said in his keynote, as reported by The Age. Victoria already has a voluntary 10 per cent affordable housing scheme for fast-tracked projects, and developers can skip it by paying a 3 per cent fee to the government housing fund.  The former New York mayor spoke at the Melbourne Assembly Civic Forum yesterday, held at Federation Square from October 19-21. He spoke alongside Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, who shared the news that Victoria is the “first state to formally sign up to our New Homes Bonus”, a federal scheme that rewards states for building homes. “Already, Victoria is on track to receive an additional $350 million under the New Homes Bonus. Funding that can then be reinvested into local infrastructure that supports the state’s growing suburbs and regions,” the PM said. The National Housing Supply and Affordability Council is responsible for the new modelling the bonus is based on. It highlights that while Victoria is behind on its annual quota for ne
Disney in Concert is coming to Melbourne in 2027

Disney in Concert is coming to Melbourne in 2027

Whether you have a Disney kid or are a Disney kid at heart, we have news for you. Disney in Concert is coming to Melbourne next year, meaning you'll have the opportunity to hear your favourite tunes live. Across four days in March, the Arts Centre Melbourne will transform into a musical wonderland, bringing the magic of Disney to life through a live orchestra, stunning vocal performances and beloved songs from some of the studio's most iconic films. Expect plenty of nostalgia, a few sing-along moments and the chance to relive the soundtracks that defined your childhood – from timeless classics to modern favourites. Produced by MM Creative Productions, Disney in Concert is a celebration of the films and musicals we all grew up with. The theatrical production company is partnering with Melbourne Symphony Orchestra to bring some of Disney's most beloved soundtracks to life. Clips from films including Moana, Mulan, The Lion King, Hercules, Frozen and many more will be projected above the live orchestra while they play (as someone who has seen MSO play along to films before, I can confirm it's so good, you'll forget you're not simply watching the movies). There will also be an all-star cast of singers performing the songs, with the orchestra guided by acclaimed conductor Jessica Gethin.   Photograph: @mmcreativeaustralia via Instagram'Disney in Concert' Want to know how to get tickets? We've got all the details below. When is Disney in Concert Melbourne? Disney in Concert will b
JUST IN: Bon Jovi is coming to Melbourne in 2027 – here's how to get tickets

JUST IN: Bon Jovi is coming to Melbourne in 2027 – here's how to get tickets

It's now or never! And by now, we mean in six months time – Bon Jovi is coming to Melbourne! This will be the iconic rock band's first Australian tour since 2018, and we're gearing up and are ready to go. The Grammy-winning legends behind ‘Livin’ on a Prayer’, ‘You Give Love a Bad Name’, and ‘It’s My Life’ – have officially added an Australian leg to their global Forever Tour. Fresh off a landmark residency at New York’s Madison Square Garden and a string of sold-out shows across the UK, the band is finally bringing their bangers to Melbourne and Sydney in March 2027. Here’s how to get tickets to Bon Jovi in Australia. When is Bon Jovi coming to Australia? Bon Jovi will play two exclusive stadium shows in Australia, including: Melbourne: Marvel Stadium – Thursday, March 4, 2027 Sydney: Accor Stadium – Thursday, March 11, 2027 How to get tickets to Bon Jovi in Australia? General public tickets go on sale on Friday, October 23 via TEG Dainty, starting at 12pm in Sydney and 1pm in Melbourne. When is the Bon Jovi pre-sale in Australia? Mega fans have a few chances to score early access tickets before the general public release. The official Artist pre-sale kicks off on Tuesday, October 20 at 12pm in Sydney and 1pm in Melbourne. Following that, a PayPal First Access pre-sale launches on Wednesday, October 21 at 12pm in Sydney and 1pm in Melbourne. How much are Bon Jovi tickets in Australia? We’ll update this once pricing information becomes available. Who is the support act for
One of the world’s best pizzerias is in Melbourne – and it’s just won an award for inclusive dining

One of the world’s best pizzerias is in Melbourne – and it’s just won an award for inclusive dining

Italian restaurants aren’t the most inclusive of the bunch. If you’re gluten-intolerant or coeliac, you can’t enjoy the delicious carb-filled pizzas and pastas. If you’re lactose-intolerant or vegan, you can’t indulge in creamy pasta sauces or cheesy pizzas. Or if you don’t eat meat, well, you might as well pick a different cuisine. But Shop 225 – one of the world’s top 50 pizzerias – is trying to change that, and have just won an Excellence in Inclusive Dining Award at the 25th World Spicy Pizza Championships to show for their efforts. Held in Calabria – the Italian region known for its fiery cooking – from October 12-14, the World Spicy Pizza Championships invites professionals and amateurs alike to showcase their skills. Shop 225’s co-founder Lorenzo Tron was invited to sit on the judging panel alongside other impressive chefs and pizzaiolos like Maestro Luciano Sorbillo, Maestro Giorgio Riggio, and the president of the championship, Francesco Matellicani. "Being recognised for our inclusive menu is something we carry with pride, but judging the colleagues and pizzaiolos I look up to is a tough spot to be in,” Lorenzo said.  “It's an honour to sit on the panel, and I'm proud that SHOP 225 is flying the flag for Australian pizza here in Calabria.” This most recent title is the latest on a long list of accolades, including consistently being recognised as the best pizzeria in Melbourne, Australia, and one of the best in the world. Shop 225 was also the first pizzeria in Aust