Cassidy Knowlton

Can we tempt you with a smoked salmon and cucumber sandwich? How about a mini cupcake while a tea sommelier helps you choose from a list of 20 different varieties of tea? One of the best things about taking high tea is the undeniable feeling of old-world luxury – not to mention justifying a meal comprised mainly of cakes. Melbourne loves an afternoon tea, so we road-tested the best to find out where you should get your fresh scone fix. For more special occasion dining ideas, try one of Melbourne's best restaurants. Or for something a little more low key, how about breakfast at one of these excellent cafés?  Recommended: The best bottomless brunches in Melbourne.

We've all forgotten about that special day – and we’re not proud of it. But, luckily, that's why same-day flower delivery services exist. Same-day flower deliveries have rescued many a last-minute panic and quite frankly, almost any special occasion. Order from these florists and plant nurseries by around midday and they'll be delivered later that evening, and no one has to know that it was last minute. For more gift ideas, see our guides to the best florists in Melbourne, the best chocolate shops in Melbourne, and the best plant nurseries. This article includes affiliate links. These links have no influence on our editorial content. For more information, click here.

Heighten the experience of a fun city like Melbourne and stay in a quirky Airbnb for a wholesome, charming trip away in Victoria. From gorgeous gypsy wagons to rustic retreats, there's something out there for everyone. Victoria has so much on offer that captures the essence of the state. Fun, quirky, charming, you name it. The hardest part? Trying to pick an Airbnb to stay in, it's going to be a hard choice. Our two cents? Kick it with nature and forget the world for a little while. It's bliss. These are the quirkiest Airbnbs in Victoria.  RECOMMENDED: Cosy cabins you can stay in near Melbourne. This article includes affiliate links. These links have no influence on our editorial content. For more information, click here.

If you have a tendency to go into hibernation mode when winter rolls around, you're not alone. Melbourne's winters are cold, wet and painfully windy, and leaving your house can be a bit ask. But for the brave among us who are eager to embrace the cold, there are several amazing winter getaways worth bundling up for. Hit the slopes and then soak in mineral-rich hot springs, or hunker down in a cosy cabin fitted out with a roaring fire while sipping whisky and warming yourself up from the inside. Whatever kind of winter getaway you're after, here are our favourite spots for a cool-climate caper.  Looking to embrace the cold closer to home? Here are the best things to do in Melbourne this winter. Keen to hit the slopes? Check out our comprehensive guide to Victoria's snow season. Please check with venues directly for opening hours.

What could be more luxe and relaxing than soaking in blissful hot water? Whether you’re looking for a chilled-out day trip or a weekend away with friends, these hot and mineral spring havens are easily accessible from Melbourne. As well as the mineral spring resorts in Daylesford and the ultra-popular hot springs on the Mornington Peninsula, there are a smattering of hidden oases waiting to be explored across Victoria. Take a look at these great escapes and plan your next soak. Can't make it to the Mornington Peninsula? Here are some of the best spas and bath houses in and around Melbourne. Want even more pampering? These are the best massages in Melbourne.

Fancy yourself a bit of a general knowledge whiz? Put your brains to the test at these pub trivia nights, where questions on anything from film to sport are supplemented by cool beers and food specials. Nearly all of them are free to join, and fun prizes like bar tabs or jugs are up for grabs. Pub trivia isn't the only fun you can have while drinking – check out our top bars for dancing, first dates and live music.

Whether you're a first-time visitor to Melbourne or have lived here all your life, there are some absolute must-do Melbourne bucket list items that just can't be missed. And yes, we may be slightly biased in saying that Melbourne might be the greatest city on Earth – but we have the stats to back us up, with Melbourne consistently ranked among the world's most livable cities. But we reckon if you give a few of these experiences a whirl, you'll agree with us.  Melbourne's food, drink, coffee, art, theatre and sport culture are among the best in the world, and we reckon you should try to experience every single one of them at least once before you die. So here is our ultimate bucket list: 101 amazing things to do in Melbourne right now, plus attractions, great restaurants, bars, fun festivals and everything in between. Enjoy, and thank us later. For a deeper look into two of our greatest pastimes – eating and drinking – browse our guides to Melbourne's best restaurants and best bars.

If the past few years of craziness have taught us anything, it's that Melbourne actually is pretty damn great. We've got world-class restaurants, theatres, art galleries, museums, music venues, bars, beaches and parks – and trust us, we could keep going. But be honest with yourself. How often do you stop to take stock of these things, let alone actually carve time out to visit them? When was the last time you took a trip to the Yarra Valley or the Mornington Peninsula? Did you visit that 40-year-old Melbourne institution restaurant, or did you just pass it and think, "Someday I will definitely go there." Are you grateful for our efficient and wide-ranging (and in some spots, free) public transport network? Or do you find yourself complaining about broken air-conditioning and crowded trains? Well, it's time to shift that mindset and fall in love with Melbourne all over again. Here are some pretty incredible things about our fair city that we promise we will never, ever take for granted again.  1. Really old restaurants that have been around forever Sometimes it can feel like a new restaurant opens every week in Melbourne. But there’s something to be said about the old favourites that we keep coming back to. Abla’s, A1 Bakery, Pho Tam, Bacash. These restaurants have been around for so long they’re part of the fabric of Melbourne as a whole, knitted in there next to Queen Vic Market and Flinders Street Station. A classic is a classic for a reason – and these restaurants continue

There's a reason the Yarra Valley is one of the most visited wine regions in the world. It's only an hour from Melbourne, making it the perfect day trip or weekend away. The region specialises in chardonnay and pinot noir grapes, which also happen to make perfect sparkling wine. But if you know where to look, you'll also find less common varietals, like nebbiolo, savagnin and chenin blanc. There are 160 wineries to try in the region, from tiny mum-and-pop operations to giant foreign-owned behemoths. Don't know where to start? These are our favourite wineries in the Yarra Valley right now. And if you can't find a deso, book yourself in for one of these guided tours.  For more mini-break ideas, visit our guide to Victoria's best getaways. Alternatively, stay close to the city and discover Melbourne's best wine bars.

Given that Melburnians pride themselves on being able to traverse the entire CBD via an intricate system of connecting laneways, it's no surprise the city has a few secrets up its sleeve. If you're looking to explore some of Melbourne's lesser-known highlights, here are some of our favourites.  Looking for more secret spots? Check out Melbourne's hidden laneway bars, subterranean art spaces or places to go for a little quiet contemplation without crowds of people. Just don't tell anyone, OK?  RECOMMENDED: 101 things to do in Melbourne at least once in your life. 

When you live in a city, you tend to avoid the popular tourist traps and attractions in favour of things that are off the beaten path like hidden bars or secret gardens. And while a lot of tourist attractions are simply money sinks, many of them are popular with visitors for a reason.  That's why we've rounded up 27 experiences that we think are actually worth your while and showcase the best that Melbourne has to offer.  For more inspiration in Melbourne, work out your bucket list with 101 things to do in Melbourne before you die, or munch your way through the city with the 50 best restaurants in Melbourne.

One great part about going on holiday is the temporary ability to pretend that your accommodation is actually your home and that your fun-filled vacay life is your everyday existence - we wish. That's never more true than when you stay somewhere truly luxe. Amazing pools, fancy furniture and giant rooms become your own private domain, and you can live out your lady-of-the-manor fantasies, at least for a few days. Or marry someone rich and hope it becomes a reality.  We've sought out the most luxe Airbnbs in Victoria, where you can relax in ultimate comfort and style. A bit out of your price range? Here are some of our favourite quirky Airbnbs instead (we promise, they're affordable!).  This article includes affiliate links. These links have no influence on our editorial content. For more information, click here.

Perhaps the most unusual thing about Section 8 is that it’s still here. It is Melbourne’s longest-ever pop-up bar, first surfacing in 2006 with low overheads in a Chinatown car park, and then just never leaving. There’s not a clean line in the place, with graffiti and stickers covering almost every surface. White waistcoated waiters are nowhere to be seen, replaced with tattooed funky types who are very happy to walk you through the ever-changing beer list, shake a cocktail or dole out generous pours of wine. Section 8 is an outdoor drinking space, but the smells of nearby Chinatown eateries and smoke (from cigarettes and, sometimes, other things) mean you won’t be mistaking it for a brasserie en plein air. It’s as Melbourne as it gets, and we’re happy to report that means pure rock’n’roll.  The bar is in a converted shipping container (as are the toilets, so enter at your own risk), and of course it’s down an alley. Anything goes here, with a basketball hoop out the front available if you’re inspired to give it a go (just ask George, the bar’s super-friendly bouncer, for the ball) and taps available for DIY water.  But this is a bar, and you are obviously not here for the water. There are a few beers on tap and a lot more in bottles and tinnies, with craft brews and sours rotating through the inventory. Most drinkers are here for the beer, though there is a decent selection of liquor behind the bar and a list of a dozen or so seasonal cocktails. Wine is available in sparklin

We hope you're hungry, because the Port Phillip Mussel and Jazz Festival is back after a two-year hiatus for a celebration of music and molluscs. On March 11 and 12, South Melbourne Market will come alive as market restaurants like Claypots Evening Star, Simply Spanish, Bambu, Claw and Tail, Mike's Mussels and Gem Pier Seafood shell out (see what we did there?) plenty of seafood dishes featuring mussels.  Cecil Street will be closed to traffic, and there will also be free cooking demonstrations, workshops, roving performers, giveaways and fun activities for the kids. And the festival is once again teaming up with the Nature Conservatory and supporting the 'Shuck Don't Chuck' campaign. Festival-goers are encouraged to dispose of their mussel shells in special bins so that they can be turned into habitats for baby mussels and oysters to grow on.  On the music front, catch the Sugarfoot Ramblers, Steve Sedergreen, the Shuffle Club, Margie Lou Dyer and Jolene Moran on Saturday (with a special guest appearance by Elvis!). Sunday's line-up includes the Bluetone Assembly, Hoodoo Mayhem, the Dan Felix Express, the Swinging Cat's Pyjamas and the Jackson Combo. Not a mussel fan? The market's normal restaurants and stalls will be open, so you can have French pastries, German street food, porchetta rolls, boreks, cannoli and more. Entry to the festival is free, for more information head to the website. Love seafood? These are the best fish and chips in Melbourne.

"It's only 20 minutes," I think to myself. "How scary could it get for 20 minutes?"  I'm sitting in a pitch-black shipping container with my hands on a table in front of me and noise-cancelling headphones over my ears. The headphones are the only sensory input I have – for now, at least. And what they're telling me is pretty damn scary. Séance is an immersive sound experience created by Brits Glen Neath and David Rosenberg, in collaboration with Melbourne team Realscape Productions. It relies on psychology and our inclination towards superstition to alter guests’ perception of reality, all while never leaving the shipping container.  But boy howdy, it sure feels like you are in a real séance. The host of the séance goes around to each guest in turn, asking if they are alone, asking if they are believers, and giving instructions. The soundscape is exquisitely precise – I could point with unerring accuracy to where in the room the host is at each moment, and I dread the time when he comes to ask me some hard questions.  And of course, as is usually the case with séances in art, things don't go strictly to plan, and spirits don't stay contained in the places you'd hope. That's when things get really scary – and 20 minutes will feel like a lot more.   Read about the three other Darkfield experiences you can try in Melbourne..

You know the drill: check your boarding pass, find your assigned seat, stow your baggage in the overhead bin and fasten your seatbelt. Make sure your tray table is in the upright position, and make sure your window blind is open for takeoff. On a monitor in front of you, a flight attendant in a blue uniform details the safety features of this aircraft. She explains that you should take a minute to find your nearest exit, bearing in mind it might be behind you. As she adjusts her pink scarf, she... wait a minute, wasn't her uniform blue? The screen flickers and she's back to blue, and you wonder if you imagined the pink. And then the lights go out.  This is Flight, the latest immersive sound experience from Melbourne company Realscape Productions, the team behind the brilliantly scary Séance, which has had two successful runs in Melbourne. That experience was legitimately terrifying, conjuring up nefarious spirits inside a shipping container using nothing but cutting-edge 3D sound design and a few vibrations.  Flight is also in a shipping container, but inside it's been fitted out to look exactly like a plane, including overhead bins, real plane seats and real plane window blinds. If you find real planes uncomfortable, physically or mentally, you'll find this one uncomfortable. And that's before the plane plunges into complete, pitch-black darkness. And then the screaming begins. Those with anxiety about flying will find Flight a nightmarish recreation of their worst fears. Th

When gloal hit musical Come From Away touched down in Sydney last year, this big hearted show was an unexpected salve in the wake of lingering hard times. Now the show is back for a national tour in 2022-2023, landing at Theatre Royal Sydney from November 5 to January 29. Tickets are on sale now. Read on for our review: There is something perfect about Come From Away finally landing in Sydney. The musical is set on 9/11 in the tiny town of Gander, Newfoundland, to which 38 planes were diverted when United States airspace was closed in the wake of the terrorist attack. The almost 7,000 passengers on board, terrified, claustrophobic and desperate for news about what was happening, were taken in by the people of Gander and surrounding towns, nearly doubling the population for five days. The townsfolk gave them food, shelter and most importantly, kindness and comfort during the most horrific time in recent American history – until 2020, of course.  The underlying message of kindness and compassion in the face of unspeakable horror is one that's sorely needed right now. When the planes begin to land, the women of Gander start up a collection for donations, with a song that could have been penned last year: "Can I help? Is there something I need to do, something to keep me from thinking of all the scenes on the tube? I need something to do 'cause I can't watch the news, no I can't watch the news anymore..." The feeling of helplessness, of being unable to tear yourself away from the

Update: TOUR CANCELLED - Frontier Touring regret to advise that Justin Bieber's Justice Tour of Australia and New Zealand has been cancelled. All tickets purchased through the official ticketing outlets will receive a refund directly from the show's ticketing agency.  -- One of the biggest names in music, Justin Bieber, is finally coming to Australia in November of 2022 – and new tickets have just been released for his previously sold-out Melbourne show. It's going to be a pretty big year for Bieber, as his Australian dates wrap up the end of a mammoth 52-date North American tour. It's his first world tour since 2016-17, when he played to more than 2.7 million fans.  The new tour is off the back of his successful latest album Justice, which was certified gold in Australia and platinum in the United States. The album has been streamed nearly 9 billion times, and features his smash-hit singles ‘Anyone’, ‘Lonely’, ‘Holy’, 'Stay' and 'Peaches'.  Bieber holds an astonishing 21 Billboard Music Awards, 2 Grammys, 2 BRIT Awards, 18 American Music Awards and 21 MTV Europe Music Awards. He will play Marvel Stadium on November 26, 2022. A new release of GA standing rear tickets for the Melbourne show go on sale Friday June 3 at midday.

Spooky things are happening on stage. The lighting is dim, and you peer through the gloom. There at the back, is that... alive? Did it used to be? Then the lights go out, and the theatre is plunged into darkness. But it's only a play, isn't it? Nothing can get you while you're safe in your seat, right? Right? This is Ghost Stories, a British horror-themed play written by Jeremy Dyson (The League of Gentlemen) and Andy Nyman (Derren Brown TV and live shows, Peaky Blinders) that has played in London for many years, including in the West End. The producers are keeping their spooky surprises a secret, but there will be scares aplenty during the five-week season of Ghost Stories at the Athenaeum. And, this is the first time the West End version has come to Australia. “You haven’t experienced horror until you’ve seen it live on stage,” says Nathan Alexander, producer at Realscape Productions, which is presenting the Australian version. “The show is thrilling, chilling and we couldn’t be more excited for Australia to experience the rollercoaster that is Ghost Stories.”  Will there be jump scares? Based on the trailer on the website, almost certainly. Will there be creeps, crawls and general bumps in the night? Most definitely. The show comes with a warning label that it's not for the faint of heart or those with nerve conditions. Fearless Melburnians can see Ghost Stories from now until November 5 at the Athenaeum, with tickets on sale now. The Aussie all-star cast was announced ear

Everyone loves tasting their way around the Yarra Valley, but with hundreds of producers and some very big names, sometimes some of the smaller players get overlooked. But once a year they band together for Shedfest, a weekend festival celebrating the Yarra Valley's smaller wineries.  This is the annual Shedfest, which has always focused on family-owned wineries. Venues open their sheds (where they store equipment and barrels) to the public for special tastings, as well as live music, food and entertainment. Some wineries even have games (think croquet, pétanque and lawn games), so you can make the most of spring weather and make a whole day of it.  This year, the festivities will take place on October 8 and 9. Tickets start from $35, which includes unlimited tastings. Mark your calendar.

Melbourne Uni favourite the Clyde Hotel has been going since at least 1866, and we can’t imagine much has changed since then. Early Carlton Football Club meetings were held at the Clyde, and Blues fans (and those in other jerseys) still flock to the pub during the footy season to watch the flat screens in the beer garden or main bar.  Food at the Clyde is what you’d expect – parmas, burgers, steak, fish and chips – but in a nod to its modern clientele it also offers gluten-free and vegan options. And although the kitchen serves during set lunch and dinner hours during the week, chips and wedges are always available to keep punters sated. Staff are friendly and always happy to explain the beers on rotating taps, or you can opt for the classics of Carlton Draught, Furphy, Guinness or Coopers. The wine list is mostly Australian, with a few New Zealand drops and the odd Italian Prosecco thrown in. Wines start at $8 a glass and go up to $40-$60 a bottle. Make sure you say hello to Darlene, the grey-haired lady who oversees the running of the Clyde. And while you’re at it, tickle her ears – Darlene is the Clyde’s resident cat, and she’s an absolute beaut. 

Note: Time Out reviewed the Melbourne production. Some cast members have changed. Is Hamilton, the smash-hit American history musical that won a whopping 11 Tony Awards and a Pulitzer Prize when it debuted on Broadway in 2015 and won the hearts of critics and audiences the world over, as good as everyone says? In a word, yes. If you want to stop reading here and just book your tickets, we’ll understand.  There is a reason it is the most hyped show on Earth, and its writer and first star, Lin-Manuel Miranda, is now a household name. Some 3 million people watched the musical when it appeared on Disney+ in July 2020, and almost 8 million more have seen it live, in cities across the US, in London’s West End and in Sydney and Melbourne. Now it’s Brisbane's turn, with the show taking over the Lyric Theatre, QPAC.  With the soundtrack available on Spotify and the original Broadway cast version available to anyone with a Disney+ account on demand, Hamilton is competing not so much with other musicals for your dollars and attention (there are no other shows of this type that can match the show’s tactical brilliance), but with itself. Most in the audience are at least familiar with the show by this point, and quite a few are able to mouth along to every word behind their masks. If you can see the original Broadway version any time you want and listen to the soundtrack 24 hours a day, what power does the staged version still hold?  In a word, magic. The entire cast is extraordinary, wi

Hamilton will end its successful run in Melbourne on Sunday 15 January, 2023. Session times have been released up until mid-December – see our full session list at the bottom of the page, and stay tuned for final dates and ticket release. Read on for our Melbourne review. Is Hamilton, the smash-hit American history musical that won a whopping 11 Tony Awards and a Pulitzer Prize when it debuted on Broadway in 2015 and won the hearts of critics and audiences the world over, as good as everyone says? In a word, yes. If you want to stop reading here and just book your tickets, we’ll understand.  There is a reason it is the most hyped show on Earth, and its writer and first star, Lin-Manuel Miranda, is now a household name. Some 3 million people watched the musical when it appeared on Disney+ in July 2020, and almost 8 million more have seen it live, in cities across the US, in London’s West End and in Sydney. Now it’s Melbourne's turn, with the show taking over Her Majesty's Theatre.  With the soundtrack available on Spotify and the original Broadway cast version available to anyone with a Disney+ account on demand, Hamilton is competing not so much with other musicals for your dollars and attention (there are no other shows of this type that can match the show’s tactical brilliance), but with itself. Most in the audience are at least familiar with the show by this point, and quite a few are able to mouth along to every word behind their masks. If you can see the original Broadw

If you're in Melbourne to see a game or show at the MCG, there is probably no better place to stay than Pullman on the Park. Not only can you see the hallowed stadium from one of the Pullman's south-facing rooms, but it's a four-minute walk from the front door of the hotel to Gate 2 of the stadium. But for the MCG's walls, you'd be able to see the action on the field from here; as it is, you'll have to buy a ticket.  The luxury hotel was thoroughly renovated in early 2022, and each of its 419 rooms now has thoughtful touches like huge windows and chaise lounges to drink in those views. Even the window in the bathroom can switch between opaque and clear glass at the touch of a button, allowing guests to appreciate those vistas even from the shower.  About those buttons: This is a seriously high-tech hotel, with guests able to switch between numerous lighting configurations, control the temperature and turn on Bluetooth digital radio with a touch. This goes well beyond turning lights on and off; you can choose 'Relax' mode, just light the bathroom for nocturnal visits, or turn on the light behind the bathroom mirror for precise grooming. There's also a doorbell on the outside of each room, and a panel that guests can control lets housekeeping know whether a room refresh is required.  If you really want to make the most of those views, book a room on the 18th, or 'executive' floor. These rooms not only come with walk-in rain showers and extremely comfortable king beds, they also

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. From 2023, guests will be able to embark on two to six-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. There will only be a few opportunities, as Disney only plans to run the cruises from Australia until February 2024.  Can't wait that long for a holiday? Plan one of these easy weekend getaways from Melbourne instead.

Calling all Disnerds: the House of the Mouse is bringing its famous cruises Down Under. Cruises range from between two and six days of Disney magic, and guests will get to hang out with characters such as 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. There will only be a few opportunities, as Disney only plans to run the cruises from Australia until February 2024.  Can't wait that long for a holiday? Maybe a weekend in Port Macquarie will scratch that itch for now.

What's better than a party? A free party, of course. So we at Time Out are shouting our readers free tickets to some of the hottest parties in town at nightlife precinct YCK Laneways. The bars of YCK Laneways are hosting a series of brilliant parties and workshops run by some of the coolest women in the hospitality and entertainment industries as part of the Front & Centre festival. And you, dear reader, are invited to go for free. Just use the code TOSHOUT to get two free tickets to any of the following: A Little Bit Shaken, a Little Bit Stirred: This cocktail masterclass is hosted by some of the awesome women in the distilling industry, who will reveal the tricks of their trade. You can learn how to make gin cocktails, vodka cocktails or whisky cocktails, and you'll do some tastings along the way. Learn to Pickle: This one is for those who love it a bit sour. Cornersmith's Alex Elliott-Howery will teach a class in how to turn absolutely any vegetable into a crunchy, perfectly seasoned pickle. The class includes vinegar choices, flavour combos and all the food safety lessons needed to pickle just about anything. Ganymede Truffle Masterclass: Truffle farmer Wendy Burdis from Ganymede Truffle Estate will talk through everything you need to know about this super-luxe fungus. And of course, there will be plenty of tastings, including truffle burrata, truffle chévere and truffle charcuterie.  Live at YCK on Friday, August 26: Want to ditch the learning and just dance? Sydney Frin

One of our favourite places to party in Sydney is the YCK Laneways precinct, which is stuffed with brilliant small bars like the Lobo, Stitch, PS40 and the Prince of York. But that's not the only place to go out in Sydney. There are pockets all over the city packed with bars, restaurants, music venues and cultural institutions that make the perfect precincts for bar crawls, progressive dinners and experiencing art and culture.  If you work in just such an area, the NSW government wants to hear from you. The government is calling on arts and cultural institutions, entertainment and hospitality businesses and organisations to take place in the Uptown Accelerator Program, which aims to build going-out precincts across the city.  Applications need to come from 'district teams', made up of at least three local businesses or organisations. These teams will take part in a four-week program that will help them become Sydney's must-visit entertainment precincts.  NSW 24-hour economy commissioner Mike Rodrigues says the Uptown program will offer valuable training for organisations to market themselves and encourage visitation. “Covid-19 has had a significant impact on the night-time economy, with hospitality and retail businesses, artists, live performance venues and cultural institutions suffering disproportionately. Uptown is about supporting these sectors as businesses recover from the pandemic and look for greater revenue opportunities,” he says. "From Brookvale to Balmain, Harris

We're pretty proud of our restaurant scene here in Melbourne, and we think it can stand up to just about anywhere. But the World's 50 Best Restaurants aren't so sure, with no Australian restaurant making it into the top 50. We can still hold our heads up high, though, because Gimlet at Cavendish House has been named in the top 100 restaurants in the world.  Gimlet came in at number 84, which is a pretty good result for a restaurant that opened in the middle of pandemic-stricken Melbourne. What makes Gimlet so great? Well, as our reviewer pointed out: "It’s glam, it’s fun, it’s delicious. And while it can certainly be expensive, it’ll make you feel like a million bucks. " The restaurant is full of old-school glamour, the kind of place where you can have a wood-grilled lobster or caviar, alongside the restaurant's titular cocktail. It's like a cross between a New York steakhouse and a Parisian bistro, with plenty of Australian touches.  Geranium restaurant in Copenhagen was named the best in the world, a fine dining institution that focuses on foraged ingredients. In true European style, the restaurant is currently closed for a summer holiday.  Love good food? Check out the best restaurants in Melbourne.

Ever wonder how Time Out Melbourne's former food editor Jess Ho knew so much about our city's food scene? It's because they've worked in all aspects of the industry, ultimately owning one of Melbourne's favourite wine bars, Smalls. But it's not always rosy behind the scenes, and Jess's new memoir pulls back the curtain on some of the less-than-savoury elements of hospo: greed, ego, sexual harassment, exploitation and cultural appropriation among them. Raised by Wolves is Jess's memoir of growing up Cantonese in Melbourne's outer suburbs and their journey to becoming one of the most influential names in Australia's food scene. Like all of Jess's writing, it's at times brutal, poignant, acerbic and hilarious, and we're pretty sure you'll laugh, rage and definitely learn something. Where can you buy Jess's book? Why, at one of Melbourne's best bookshops, of course.

There were certainly naysayers aplenty when it opened 20 years ago, but Federation Square has become one of Melbourne's most successful public spaces. Crowds gather to watch the tennis on the big screen during the Australian Open; arty types explore giant glowing installations when they pop up; and people often meet on the steps, using the space as a convenient jumping-off point from which to venture out into the wider city.  Fed Square is now after a new way to innovate in the space, and there's cash going for anyone who can come up with a cool project. The project is called the Experience Lab, and it's an incubator for individuals or groups to develop interesting, site-specific experiences to transform Fed Square. The Experience Lab is being run by some pretty brilliant people, the Experience Consortium. They are: Remix Summits co-founder Peter Tullin, Immersive Cinema co-founder and Secret Squirrel Productions founder (and Time Out Future Shaper!) Tamasein Holyman, and Grumpy Sailor founder James Boyce. They are experts in the field of immersive experience, and they are helping Federation Square to find three creative types who will reimagine the space. Each of the three individuals or groups will be given $10,000 to bring their vision to life, and they'll be given coaching and help from the Experience Lab to turn it into a reality.  If you're interested in transforming Federation Square and getting your idea off the ground, head to Fed Square's website. Want to see other

Looking for an intrastate holiday? You should put Bendigo, Port Fairy and Mount Macedon on your radar, as all three were chosen by a panel of nine judges and announced at the Victorian Tourism Industry Council Awards. Bendigo was Victoria's Top Tourism Town (for places with a population greater than 5,000), while Port Fairy was named Top Small Tourism Town (for those with populations between 1,500 and 5,000). If you want a really rural break, Mount Macedon won the inaugural Top Tiny Tourism Town (for towns with populations under 1,500).  All three will now go into the competition to be named Australia's Top Tourism Town, which will be named later this year.  Things to do in Bendigo We love visiting Bendigo, the traditional lands of the Dja Dja Wurrung and Taungurung people. The former gold rush town is rich in history and has some pretty fantastic restaurants, bars and cultural attractions. Bendigo Art Gallery often has world-class temporary exhibitions, in addition to a permanent collection that includes works by Bill Henson, Patricia Piccinini and Emily Kame Kngwarreye. Australia's oldest pottery kilns are also found in Bendigo, at Bendigo Pottery. You can watch artisans at work and even have a go yourself.  If you're hungry, Masons of Bendigo is the place for a special night out, with an ever-changing menu of seasonal produce.  Things to in Port Fairy The coastal town is home to the famous Port Fairy Folk Festival, so music lovers should definitely keep that date in mind.

A proposal to redevelop the site of Preston Market threatens the character and possibly very existence of the market, with stallholders and shoppers concerned that the fresh food sellers could be squeezed out altogether. Developer Salta Properties plans to redevelop the market site and build 2,200 apartments across towers of 12, 16 and 20 storeys. Under the plans the market would remain, but most of the 120 stallholders would have to move to a new site during construction, though they will be able to continue to trade where they are until the new stalls are ready. The overall footprint of the market would not be reduced, but many stallholders and fans of the market fear the redevelopment would destroy the market's character. The Victorian Planning Authority is considering its submission for planning minister Richard Wynne about the proposal, so the plans are some way from being finalised. But local lobby group Save the Preston Market fears the worst. Unlike Queen Victoria Market and South Melbourne Market, which are run by local government, Preston Market is in private hands. The group is calling on the state and local government to compulsorily acquire the site and prevent the development from going ahead. It has suggested an alternative redevelopment plan that would be much lower rise to preserve the character of the area. Prefer a market for your fresh fruits and vegies? These are the best markets in Melbourne.        

The number of daily cases of Covid-19 in Victoria continues to fall, with the state recording fewer than 10,000 cases and the number of those in hospital dropping below 550.  A total of 9,908 new cases were announced today, from 6,281 rapid tests and 3,627 PCRs. On January 17, Victorian chief health officer Brett Sutton speculated that the state's Omicron peak had passed, as daily case numbers were on the way down. “There’s a lot of uncertainty, but I do think we are reasonably close to a peak if we’re not at a peak already," he said at the time. However, Sutton also warned that the number of people in hospital would continue to rise for some time, as hospitalisations usually trail daily cases by more than a week. The number of people in hospital with the virus has also dropped, from a peak of 1,229 on January 19 to 542 on February 9. About 93 per cent of Victorians over the age of 12 have received two doses of a Covid-19 vaccine, and 46 per cent of those over 18 have received their booster. Anyone who received their second vaccine on or before November 9, 2021 can now receive a booster dose. You can now get your booster vaccine three months after your second dose. 

Fully vaccinated visitors will be allowed into Australia from February 21. That is almost two years after prime minister Scott Morrison closed borders to international visitors on March 19, 2020.  Since then, only Australian citizens and residents have been permitted to re-enter the country, and until November 2021 even they had to spend two weeks in hotel quarantine upon arrival.  From February 21, tourists can return - provided they are fully vaccinated. "That's the rule," Morrison said. "Everyone is expected to abide by it, and it's very important that people understand that requirement if they're seeking to come to Australia. "If you're double-vaccinated, we look forward to welcoming you back to Australia, and I know the tourism industry will be looking forward to that." Rules differ by state, but at the moment international arrivals have to do either a PCR or rapid antigen test upon arrival in Victoria and NSW and must quarantine until they receive a negative result. For those who opt for the rapid antigen tests, that effectively means no quarantine, as results are ready within half an hour.  Remember when borders were slammed shut? Here's what's happened in Australia during the two years of Covid-19. 

It might well be a long way to the top if you want to rock and roll, but if you just want to roll, St Kilda Beach might be the perfect spot. Rolla Bae has set up a pastel pink skate hire pop-up on the foreshore so you can channel Heather Graham and get some seaside exercise.  Skate hire is $25 for an hour, $60 for a half day and $95 for a full day. These are not just any skates, either – they are cute AF Impala artistic skates with outdoor wheels (yes, outdoor wheels are different and yes, it matters) in a bunch of colours – rose gold, peach, pink, black, classic white or holographic silver. To complete the look you can also hire bum bags and mini speakers. Safety is very important (believe me, I've seen enough "oh I didn't think I needed gear" horror shows to know), so you can also hire a helmet and knee and elbow pads. They'll even throw in wrist guards for free, and if you don't fancy the idea of typing with broken wrists, you should take advantage of that. I'm not your mum, but wear gear. Seriously. Wear. Gear.  Feel a bit unsteady on your feet? The crew at Roller Bae are also on hand to teach you a few tricks to get you rolling.  The pop-up is open from about noon until sunset Saturdays and Sundays through summer. Get your skates on! Looking for other fitness ideas? Here are some free, outdoor activities for you to get fit all summer.