Alyssa Forato

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

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.

Did you have a good weekend? Already looking forward to the next one? Well the weather is looking promising for after work drinks, so we suggest hitting up one of Melbourne's best rooftop bars while you've got the chance. Happy Melbourne Fashion Week to those who celebrate! We've officially entered one of the most stylish weeks of the year, where Melbourne designers – big and small – showcase their upcoming collections and best work. And while the runways are the main event, one of our favourite pasttimes is people watching – everyone dresses incredibly. The Melbourne International Jazz Festival is underway. If you want to get your groove on and listen to some smooth tunes, Melbourne is alive with sultry saxophones, trumpets and the keys for the next week. Fancy a free feed? 300 Grams is giving away 300 free burgers to celebrate the launch of their new Keilor East store. From 3pm on Wednesday, October 21, you'll be able to choose from a free cheeseburger (beef or vegetarian option) or fried chicken burger if you're one of the first 300 inside the doors. Show the team you're following their Instagram page, and bam! Free burger secured. You'll find the new 300 Grams spot at Millerara Shopping Centre in Keilor East. 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

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.

Summer is almost here, which means we're enjoying the warmer weather, later nights and rooftop sunset tipples are on the horizon. There are plenty of festivals, shows and exhibitions, for those looking to get off the couch and make the most of their weekend, even though it isn't an extended one. Happy Melbourne Fashion Week to those who celebrate! We've officially entered one of the most stylish weeks of the year, where Melbourne designers – big and small – showcase their upcoming collections and best work. And while the runways are the main event, one of our favourite pasttimes is people watching – everyone dresses incredibly. 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. If you'd rather an indoor activity, a High Cheese (a high tea/cheese hybrid) is taking over the Westin Melbourne. Our literal dream! Otherwise, we suggest attending the best-selling ballet, Dracula: Ballet at its Darkest. Want to get a little weird? Melbourne's Fringe Festival brings a wave of quirky, audacious and boundary-pushing performances to Melbourne's arts and culture scene. 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

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 Bâtard, 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 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.

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.

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.

  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

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'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

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. Photograph: Parks VictoriaSealers Cove Boardwalk 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.

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 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

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

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

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

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

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

Chapel St has had a bit of a fall from grace as the ‘go-to nightlife spot’ in recent years. As the number of cool new spots grows on the northside, the question is whether this once-iconic strip can reclaim its crown as Melbourne’s nightlife destination of choice. And it sure is trying! One of the venues putting in the hard yards to bring Chapel St back to its former glory is Lucky Coq… or should we say Lucky's? Lucky Coq – a pizza bar and nightclub – had been a longstanding fixture on the corner of Chapel St and High St in Windsor for years before calling for last drinks and permanently closing its doors earlier this year in April.  For 20 years, partygoers would flock here for free entry, stick to the downstairs area for cheap eats and a singalong dancefloor, or head upstairs for techno beats. I don’t know about you, but some of my favourite memories of my early 20s were spent on the dance floor upstairs in the techno room and out in the smokers area – including convincing a stranger that another stranger's dog was in fact my own. In fact, what was a dog doing in there? Since it closed, the corner of Chapel St and High St has felt awfully quiet. Thankfully, Morris Hospitality is giving the institution a comeback with a new name, and new look, but the same spirit. Lucky’s is set to open this spring as an all-in-one restaurant, bar and music destination. The philosophy is simple: come for a feed, stay for a drink and don’t go home without having a boogie to one of the live DJ

Be honest: how many nights do you spend next to your partner in bed, but you're not actually spending time together? Instead, you're doomscrolling on your respective phones. Don't worry, we're not judging you. But we are here to let you know that if you can put down your phone for a night, you can score yourself a free stay at an off-grid tiny home in the Macedon Ranges (or another state, if you so please). So, it's time to pop your phone on 'DND'. And by 'DND', we don't just mean 'do not disturb', we also mean 'down 'n' dirty'. The deal comes as new research from sexual wellness brand Lovehoney reveals Aussies give their phones 12 times more attention than their partners. To fix our screen addiction, they’ve teamed up with Into The Wild Escapes on an exclusive DND package available across select off-grid tiny homes from November 4 to December 22. So what do I need to do? The rules are simple: the less you use your device, the less you pay for your stay. And if you manage to cut your screen time by 50 per cent, your night away is completely free. Sounds pretty achievable, right? Photograph: SuppliedThe perfect couples' retreat Couples will simply screenshot their average daily screen time upon arrival, then take another right before they check out. Lovehoney will then calculate the percentage reduction in phone usage, with bigger drops unlocking bigger discounts. Ditching your phone shouldn’t be too hard, as each tiny home comes with a Lovehoney Reconnect Kit, featuring a d

Gyozas, pierogi, xiao long bao and ravioli – every culture has its respective dumpling, and that’s something that should be celebrated. That’s why we were thrilled to learn after seven long, dumpling-less years, the Melbourne International Dumpling Festival is making a triumphant return to the Queen Victoria Market. The Melbourne International Dumpling Festival is a celebration of all cultures making sweet and savory fillings wrapped in pillow-soft dough. At the market, foodies can embark on a food-filled journey wherein they can try dumplings from all over the globe, from Tibetan and Nepalese momos to Polish pierogi. There will also be plenty of ravioli, xiao long bao, pelmeni, mandoo, manti and khinkali, to name a few. Photograph: Angela RomaDumpling heaven The festival has not been held since 2019 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. It was supposed to resume in March 2023, but was postponed indefinitely due to unforeseen circumstances. That “indefinitely” finally has a brand new date: Monday, November 2. The following day is the Melbourne Cup public holiday, so you can eat until you’re on the brink of a food coma with the knowledge that you’ll  have the next day off to recover. The festivities kick off at midday and run until 10pm, giving you plenty of time to eat, digest, peruse all of your food options… and do it all over again. No matter what type of dumpling is your go-to, you’re bound to have a ball at this event. The Melbourne International Dumpling Festival is free to e

After five years of planning and development, the brand new Twelve Apostles Precinct will officially open to the public on October 16, 2026. The new visitor centre, which cost $126 million to build, will give tourists a new way of experiencing the Twelve Apostles. The Keerray Woorroong Visitor Centre, which is situated on 3,300sqm, has been designed in consultation with Eastern Maar Aboriginal Corporation, whose lands the centre sits on. When tourists visit, they will be able to understand the Eastern Maar culture through exhibitions, digital experiences, artefacts and guided experiences that explore the history and geology of the changing coastline and Eastern Maar country.  The Welcome Garden will share First Nations culture through native gardens and trails, and there will be audiovisual and status displays showing the climate, geological and environmental story of the national park.   Photograph: Supplied | Twelve Apostles Visitor CentreInside the Twelve Apostles Visitor Centre   The new visitor centre also encourages people to linger around the Twelve Apostles for longer, turning it into a destination rather than a mere day trip stop. A 230-seat cafe and walk-up kiosk will overlook the Welcome Garden, offering food and drink from local businesses including Timboon Distillery and Timboon Fine Ice Cream. From the centre, it’s an approximate 1km stroll to the Twelve Apostles Viewing Deck. Along the way is when you’ll learn more about the site, rather than just viewing the