Leah Glynn

March 2026: If you love "did they really just say that?” humour, there's no way you can miss 'The Book of Mormon', which has returned to Her Majesty's Theatre. Over at Melbourne Theatre Company, 'West Gate' offers a haunting deep dive into Australia’s worst industrial disaster. Our reviewer called it "genuinely frightening". 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.

Right now, it feels like a great time to celebrate our cities. What cities do best is bring people together – everything we love about urban life, from the galleries and bars to the neighbourhood parks, exists thanks to the communities that make it all happen.  That’s why, every year, we raise a toast to the city with our definitive annual ranking, created on the back of a comprehensive survey of city-dwellers worldwide. Our survey asks not only what people love about their cities – the food scene and nightlife, the shops and museums, the parks and people – but also how it feels to live there. We asked you about happiness, affordability and quality of life, among a variety of other criteria. And, in order to dig deeper into the everyday lives of locals, this year we expanded our survey to cover aspects like love, romance and community feel. Time Out’s Best Cities with Intrepid Travel spotlights the destinations that offer the best of both worlds: an endlessly exciting catalogue of reasons to visit, as well as all the good stuff that makes a place feel like home. The 50 cities that made the list this year did so thanks to the insights of more than 24,000 people across 150 cities worldwide. To determine the final Best Cities ranking for 2026, we combined their thousands of responses with the votes of more than 100 Time Out city experts. Then we tapped up our network of local writers to tell us exactly what makes their city worth a visit right now. The result? A rundown of the m

Heading Down Under? You've come to the right place. For almost 60 years, Time Out has been inspiring people to get off the couch and experience the very best of cities worldwide – and now we're here to do the same for Australia. You know the landmarks and the laid-back culture, but there are plenty more incredible things to do in Australia than kissing koalas and yelling ‘g’day mate’. We're a nature lover’s paradise, with highly sought-after food experiences and an impressive cultural heritage to boot. Our team (including Travel & News Editor Melissa Woodley) have sifted through every attraction, experience, event and landmark our nation has to offer and put together the only Aussie bucket list you'll ever need. Whether you want to get amongst art parties in small coastal cities, see fairy penguins scurry across sandy beaches or watch the sunrise over Sydney Harbour from a kayak, there’s so much to explore across this incredible country. Here's our guide to all the best things to do in Australia right now. Editors must do activities in Australia: ⭐️ Best city landmark: BridgeClimb, NSW 🖼️ Best for culture: MONA, TAS 🍷 Best food and drink: Barossa Valley, SA 🌊 Best outdoor adventure: Whitehaven Beach, QLD 🐿️ Best wildlife encounter: Rottnest Island, WA Jump to list:  Landmarks | Culture | Food & Drink | Outdoors | Wildlife 🇦🇺 The top tourist attractions in Australia🌊 The best beaches in Australia

It's the weekend, baby! You made it! To celebrate, we've gathered all the hottest festivals, shows, exhibitions and openings in one place – you're welcome.  Keen to snag a bargain at the hottest fashion sale of the year? Then you won't want to miss the National Trust's annual vintage clothing sale. You'll be able to pick up pre-loved pieces from major brands for a fraction of the price over two massive days. It may not be spring, but Melbourne's autumn flowers are in full bloom. Hit the road for Dunnstown Sunflower Field to pick your own bunches of yellow florals (at just $2 per stem) or head to the Tesselaar KaBloom Festival where you can frolic through more than a million flowers in a kaleidoscope of colours. Melbourne Theatre Company's West Gate has just opened, and it's a powerful retelling of Australia's worst industrial disaster. Our reviewer called it “genuinely frightening”. 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.

Looking to live it up on your next Aussie getaway? We’ve got you covered. Australia is packed with standout accommodation, from new boutique stays with heated infinity pools to revamped classics boasting five-star rooftop bars and close proximity to our country's best attractions. But with so many options, finding the best hotels in Australia can feel a bit overwhelming. That's where we come in. Our expert team of travel writers, including Time Out Australia's Travel & News Editor Melissa Woodley, have stayed at hotels across every state and territory to bring you this ultimate guide to the best hotels in Australia. Whether you’re a local looking for a gram-worthy staycation or a tourist eager to be in the heart of the action, these are the top places to stay in Australia right now. Editors' favourite hotels in Australia: 😱 Best new hotel: Mondrian Gold Coast, QLD ⭐️ Best hidden gem: COMO The Treasury, WA 🌊 Best bucket-list hotel: InterContinental Hayman Great Barrier Reef, QLD Sydney | Byron Bay | Perth | Melbourne | Gold Coast | Brisbane | Adelaide | Hobart ☀️ Australia’s most incredible resorts🤩 The best things to do Down Under🌏 The best places to visit in Australia Time Out makes a small commission from the affiliate links included in this article. These links have no influence on our editorial content, but they do allow us to bring you more recommendations every week. For more information, see our affiliate guidelines.

Social calendar looking a bit empty? Don't worry, we've got you. There's always something happening in Melbourne, and this week is no different – so let's dive right in!   The Dunnstown Sunflower Field is back in bloom for 2026, and it is a sight to behold! There are pick-you-own bloom sessions available all week ($2 per stem) and it makes for a delightful autumn day trip. Keen for more floral fun? The Tesselaar Kabloom Festival kicks off on March 21, and it's your chance to see more than million flowers in all their colourful glory. Melbourne Theatre Company's latest production, West Gate, explores Australia's worst industrial disaster. Our review says it's for anyone who is “haunted by that history, or who know nothing and are keen to find out”. There's only a few more weeks left of the Moonlight Cinema, so make the most of it while the weather is still mild – this week's program includes Oscar nominees One Battle After Another and Marty Supreme, along with Wuthering Heights. 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.

This list is from 2024. Our latest ranking for 2025 is live here. In 2024, what exactly makes a neighbourhood cool? Craft breweries, natty wine bars and street art are well and good, but the world’s best, most exciting and downright fun neighbourhoods are much more than identikit ‘hipster hubs’. They’re places that reflect the very best of their cities – its culture, community spirit, nightlife, food and drink – all condensed in one vibey, walkable district. To create our annual ranking, we went straight to the experts – our global team of on-the-ground writers and editors – and asked them what the coolest neighbourhood in their city is right now, and why. Then we narrowed down the selection and ranked the list using the insight and expertise of Time Out’s global editors, who vetted each neighbourhood against criteria including food, drink, arts, culture, street life, community and one-of-a-kind local flavour. The result? A list that celebrates the most unique and exciting pockets of our cities – and all their quirks. Yes, you’ll find some of those international hallmarks of ‘cool’. But in every neighbourhood on this list there’s something you won’t find anywhere else. Ever been to a photography museum that moonlights as a jazz club? Or a brewery with a library of Russian literature? How about a festival dedicated to fluff? When communities fiercely support and rally around their local businesses, even the most eccentric ideas can become a reality. And that, in our eyes, is

This list is from 2025. Our latest ranking for 2026 is live here. People who don’t live in cities will tell you they’re busy, lonely and expensive places. But there’s a reason so many people choose to live in them: with world-class art and culture, unbeatable food and nightlife, buzzing neighbourhoods and a dizzying amount of stuff to do and see, there’s simply no better place to be.  Every year, we take the pulse of city living by quizzing thousands of locals across the planet about life in their hometowns. This year, more than 18,500 city-dwellers shared their insights on everything from food, nightlife and culture to affordability, happiness and the overall city vibe. When urban living can sometimes feel isolating and costly, this year we wanted to get a sense of what, exactly, makes a city feel like home. Sure, the nightlife is great, but is the city safe and walkable? Is good quality food and art available at a reasonable price? Is it easy to make friends, find love, and access nature?  Livability was a key factor in our ranking this year. But a great city to live in is, naturally, a great city to visit. So, along with the thousands of responses from locals around the world, we asked Time Out’s global network of city experts to vote on the places they think are particularly exciting right now. After crunching all that data, here we are: Time Out’s definitive ranking of the world’s best cities in 2025. Read on to see how your hometown fared… RECOMMENDED:🛍️ The coolest n

We all know Sydney and Melbourne – they’re the go-to cities for any traveller touching down in Australia. But once you’ve ticked off all the bucket list items – we’re looking at you, Sydney Harbour Bridge and Opera House – where to next? Sure, you could continue adventuring along the Great Ocean Road to Adelaide, or wind your way up the coast to Brisbane – but why not shake things up? Our Travel & News Editor, Melissa Woodley, has handpicked ten underrated Aussie destinations that are packed with hidden natural wonders, incredible eateries and fascinating events. So, ditch the crowds and head to these lesser-known, yet equally awesome cities in Australia. Labelling a city as ‘underrated’ might ruffle a few feathers with the locals. For us, ‘underrated cities’ are those that sit in the shadow of their state’s capital, yet pack just as much awe and adventure. So, here’s our list of Australia’s most underrated cities at the moment. But fair warning – they might not stay under the radar for long. 🌈 All the best places to visit in Australia🚗 The best day trips in Australia

There’s always time for a tipple when you’re travelling around Australia. Our thirsty country is swimming in stellar watering holes, from world-class cocktail bars and stylish rooftop lounges to cosy neighbourhood wine bars. We’ve even got a handful of contenders on the prestigious World’s 50 Best Bars list to back us up. Our local Time Out editors have rounded up the best bars in Australia right now for all your drinking pleasure. Of course, past Bar of the Year winners from Time Out's Food & Drink Awards feature on the list, alongside beloved institutions and hidden gems recommended by locals. So hit up one of Australia's best bars and see where the night takes you. Editor's favourite bars in Australia: 🏆 Best award-winning bar: Caretaker's Cottage, Melbourne 🤫 Best hidden gem bar: Cantina OK!, Sydney 🍽️ Best bars with snacks worth staying for: Bar Rochford, Canberra 🍽️ The best restaurants in Australia🍷 The best wineries in Australia

Choosing the right hotel in Melbourne can be an almighty task. With so many incredible stays to choose between – from super modern sky-high towers to charming historic gems – it can be an overwhelming ordeal to decide which one is right for you.Every traveller has their preference, but to make the job of deciding a little easier, our team of local experts have hotel hopped their way around the city to bring you our guide to the very best hotels in Melbourne. Many of the stays included in the list are favourites of Time Out Melbourne Editor Leah Glynn, with our Travel and Hotels Editor Winnie Stubbs chiming in and checking the guide to make sure it’s up to scratch.Whether you’re looking for a playful stay right in the CBD action (W Hotel, we’re looking at you) or somewhere more boutique in Melbourne’s buzzy Inner North (Standard X), we’ve got your back. Read on for our guide to the best hotels in Melbourne.   Stay in the loop: sign up for our free Time Out Melbourne newsletter for the best of the city, straight to your inbox. RECOMMENDED:  These are the best places to go camping near MelbourneAnd these are our favourite glamping sites in VictoriaTime Out makes a small commission from the affiliate links included in this article. These links have no influence on our editorial content, but they do help us to bring you more recommendations every week. For more information, see our affiliate guidelines.

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 Makers and Shakers Market is back in 2026 to celebrate its 10th birthday. Showcasing a host of established and emerging designers at Carlton's Royal Exhibition Building, it's taking place April 18 and 19. So, bring your bags and nana trolleys, because this is a great opportunity to stock up on one-of-a-kind presents while also supporting local artists and creatives.  The curated event will feature more than 185 stalls run by independent Melbourne makers selling homewares, food and drink, art, accessories, ethical fashion, beauty products and more. It's also the only local makers market where the stallholders sell 100 per cent Australian-made products. There will also be a kids' zone with activities and a free Mother’s Day craft area, onsite bars and food stalls with interesting sips and dips, plus crafty workshops to get those creative juices flowing. Adult tickets are $6 and kids under 12 enter for free. You can pre-purchase tickets via the website.  Stay in the loop: sign up for our free Time Out Melbourne newsletter for the best of the city, straight to your inbox. RECOMMENDED: Want more? These are the best things to do in Melbourne this week.   

Time Out Melbourne never writes starred restaurant and bar reviews from hosted experiences – Time Out covers restaurant and bar bills, and anonymously reviews, so that readers can trust our critique. Find out more here. If you follow the line of cool kids down the busy Brunswick East end of Lygon Street, chances are they’ll lead you straight to Times New Roman. The sister venue of Fitzroy North’s Good Times – aka the northside’s favourite purveyor of cheap pasta and late-night feasting – this newish joint has quickly built up a cult following of its own, thanks in no small part to bowls of the good stuff being available from just $6.66 (yes, really!). With owners Chelsea Davis and Jarrod Agatanovic (who met at Good Times) at the helm, Times New Roman is serving up affordable Italian that would make Nonna proud – with a side of Cheezels, of course. The vibe With a 5pm booking locked in (in my defence, I was heading to see Wuthering Heights at 7.30pm – but also, early dinners for the win!), I wasn’t sure the vibes would be pumping upon arrival. But within half an hour of sitting down in a two-seater booth, this charming spot has filled up entirely with a jovial mix of patrons spanning couples on date nights, friend groups and gals fuelling up before a night on the town. I notice that the decor is immediately more elevated than the casual, hodge-podge charm of Good Times. There’s dark wood panelling on the walls, a mix of warm sconce lights (some with cute little cherub figurin

Calling all fashionistas! On March 21 and 22, the National Trust's beloved annual vintage sale is returning to the Abbotsford Convent. This year, the sale will be taking place at the massive Magdalen Laundry. You'll be able to peruse a huge selection of vintage and pre-loved designer clothing and accessories – in the past, brands like Armani, Alexander McQueen, Diane von Fürstenberg and Marimekko have been up for grabs. A lot of household linen, furnishings, dress fabrics, shoes, bags, jewellery and even haberdashery will also be on offer. New stock will be released on the Sunday morning (perfect if you’re planning a second visit) and from 3-5pm that afternoon you will also be able to take 50 per cent off all remaining items. Plus, if you're a member, you can score early access from 9-10am each day – you can join up here when allocations open in early March. Bring a gold coin donation for entry and prepare to refresh your wardrobe with fun new designer finds for a fraction of the price. Best of all, proceeds from the sale support the work of the National Trust in conserving our state's cultural and built heritage. Donations are also accepted in the lead-up to the event, so if you have some quality items you'd like to offload in the name of a good cause, now's your chance. For more information on donating and the event, visit the website here. 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 shop

It's your last chance to power up, unlock that final level and beat the big boss, because ACMI's Game Worlds is about to be clocked (aka it's finishing up soon). So don't let it be game over before you get a chance to enter this immersive, fully playable exhibition. Perfect for fans of The Sims, Neopets or World of Warcraft, this blockbuster celebration of video games will transport you into the worlds of more than 30 iconic titles, including Final Fantasy XIV Online, Minecraft, Doom and Stardew Valley. Also featured are classics like Maze War and Zork, fan faves with cult followings like The Elder Scrolls Online, and new releases like Guardian Maia. Spanning games from the 1970s right through to this year, you'll be able to check out rare concept art, original design materials, early hands-on protoypes and so much more. There are 44 fully playable experiences (think Celeste speedruns on two huge screens), and four new microgames by emerging and established Aussie game developers have been specially commissioned for the exhibition.   “Our exhibition honours the real-life experiences that are made possible by and through videogames, highlighting the players and developers – and stories that bring videogame worlds to life,” said co-curators Bethan Johnson and Jini Maxwell. Want to take a part of the exhibition home with you? There's limited-edition merch and exclusive books available for purchase at the ACMI shop. Game Worlds is now on at ACMI until March 29. For more informa

When it comes to ice cream, are you a classic chocolate-and-vanilla type of person, or are you game for more experimental flavours? (Hello, caramelised fig blue cheese mascarpone – yes, really!) Whatever you fancy, the annual Ice Cream Festival has something tasty for you.  The famous Yarra Valley Chocolaterie and Ice Creamery, along with its sister venues on the Great Ocean Road and the Mornington Peninsula, are hosting the annual scoop-a-thon from February 11-22. And in news that is sure to have you salivating, 10 new flavours will be dropping every four days – so you're gonna want to go back for seconds (and maybe even thirds). The line-up of flavours is set to include coconut limoncello margarita, pistachio tiramisu and matcha blueberry. Yum! There will also be old-school choc tops, gluten-free, vegan and no added sugar serve options available, so no one misses out on the fun. And that's not all... true ice cream aficionados can partake in a 45-minute tasting session, during which you'll sample the one-off flavours and make very own ice cream chocolate sauce. Bookings for these workshops are essential, and cost $28. There will also be a DIY scoop lab and if you enter the Guess the Flavour competition, you'll be in the running to win 12 of your favourite flavours to enjoy in take home tubs – yes please! Entry to the festival is free, with mega scoops starting from $6.75. For more information, head to the website. Craving more icy treats? These are the best ice cream and ge

Prosecco: refreshing, versatile, bubbly. It's a winning combo. Melburnians will once again be able to indulge their love of sparkling wine when the Prosecco Festival takes over the Abbotsford Convent on Saturday, February 28. Returning for its ninth year, the event will feature more than 50 international and homegrown bubbles from coveted brands. These include Aussie superstars like Dal Zotto Wines, Brown Brothers, Tar and Roses, De Bortoli and Innocent Bystander, plus Italian heavyhitters like Babo, Bellusi and Cipriani Bellini – along with loads more.  If you're sober curious or the allocated deso driver, Edenvale is one of the official partners and will have you sorted with a range of alcohol-free vinos and cocktails. Plus, all the growers, makers and importers will be on-site to chat about their wine. And if you want to get particuarly festive, you're in luck. Hydrodol will be on the ground all day, providing recovery 'wallets' that will be stacked with their suite of pre-drink vitamin and rehydration products. But it's not all about the bubbles. To line your stomach there will be sweet and savoury treats from local vendors like Abruzzo Lab (one of our fave street food eats around Melbourne), Taste of Puglia and Arancini Art. Vegetarian and gluten-free options will also be available. You can even book in for a VIP masterclass with Melissa Brauer (aka the Prosecco Queen and founder of the event), which will teach you everything there is to know about the effervescent tippl

Werribee Open Range Zoo is bringing back its Sunset Safari for an eighth season in 2026, inviting visitors to embark on an immersive safari adventure at dusk when the animals tend to be at their most active.  Every Saturday until February 21, visitors can hop on a bus at the zoo and watch as the summer sun sets and illuminates the open range. You'll get to witness majestic animals like zebras, ostriches, giraffes, rhinos and lions as they roam the savannah, and learn from zoo guides about efforts to protect them from endangerment and extinction. And for the first time ever, you'll be able to explore the waterhole and incredible elephant trail (which only opened last year) after hours when everyone else goes home. In addition to the after-hours safari tour, you can also explore the walking trails (among meerkats, monkeys and wild dogs) at dusk and catch live performances of drums, song and dance. Food and beverage options include an African-inspired barbecue, à la carte dining and cocktails at the Elephant Terrace (these are all sold separately). The Sunset Safari experience runs from 5.30pm to 9pm on Saturday nights, and costs $62 for adults and $32 for children. Head to the Zoos Victoria website to purchase your tickets.  Looking for more fun in the city? Here's our round-up of what's on in Melbourne this weekend.

It's officially that time of year again when the Moonlight Cinema returns to Melbourne for the summer. There's just something special about snuggling into a bean bag and catching a film under the stars in the Royal Botanic Gardens – with an ice cream or a wine in hand, of course.  Australia's favourite outdoor cinema has dropped its summer screening schedule, with tons of  blockbusters, nostalgic favourites and comedies on the program. February and March highlights include new releases like Wuthering Heights, Hamnet, Marty Supreme and a special screening of Charli xcx’s mockumentary The Moment. Those looking to splurge can opt for Singapore Airlines' Gold Grass that comes with prime viewing, express entry and food and drinks delivered to your seat. Anothere cool option is the Connoisseur Lounge ticket that includes a bean bed plus a yum Connoisseur ice cream. And did you know the Moonlight Cinema is pooch friendly? For the first time ever you'll also be able to order a doggie bag meal from the food menu thanks to Lyka. Doggy date night, anyone? Screenings kick off at sundown, so bring your picnic rug, your snacks and your friends. Tickets are now available via the website. Want more fun in the sun? Here are the best things to do in Melbourne this December.

Once upon a December night in Melbourne, the polished production of Anastasia finally made its long-awaited Australian premiere at the Regent Theatre. As a fan of the 20th Century Fox Animation film of the same name, I was excited to see this seminal work from my childhood come to life on the grandest of stages. A sweeping tale of adventure, romance and finding your way back home, Anastasia feels destined to deliver theatrical magic. And in many ways it does – the costuming, particularly the opulent ball gowns and Russian court-style ‘fits, are gorgeous. The songs, catchy in the film, are given real oomph with the backing of a ten-strong orchestra. And the charming cast is undeniably talented. But – spoiler alert! – this is not a wholly faithful adaptation, with the most notable change being the erasure of the deliciously wicked Rasputin (justice for the criminally underrated banger ‘In the Dark of the Night’). Here, he’s been replaced by Gleb (Joshua Robson) a Bolshevik general who develops conflicted feelings for our titular heroine, but doesn’t quite incite the same fear as the original, supernaturally-gifted animated villain. What’s the premise of Anastasia? Offering a romanticised take on Russia’s last imperial dynasty, the Romanovs (heavy on the romanticised part – this is by no means a historically accurate take on the infamously unpopular family), Anastasia follows the story of Anya, a young street sweeper with a convenient case of amnesia. With rumours swirling that

Is there a more breathtaking oasis than the Blue Lotus Water Garden? At more than 50,000 square metres in size and covered by a multitude of water lilies and lotus flowers that are spread across dozens of picturesque ponds and two lakes, we don't think so. It's the ideal spot to take a stroll around the gardens and peek inside the four greenhouses that grow rare plants – including the Giant Amazon Lily, the world’s largest lily species.  Even though it's only a 90-minute drive from Melbourne, the gardens feel thoroughly tropical thanks to the palms, lagoons and waterfall (yep, there's even a waterfall). Aside from the huge water lily display, Blue Lotus Water Garden also features a colourful selection of perennial flowers, a highly 'grammable bridge walk over the largest lake, plenty of native plants and wildlife, a café and barbecue area. It's all a bit magical, an element amplified by the fairy garden and dragon sculptures that the kids are guaranteed to love. This top-notch garden is a seasonal display garden, meaning it’s only open for a very short time throughout the year. The next water lily season starts on December 26, 2025, and will run until April 19, 2026.  For more information and to plan your trip, visit the website. Psst... want more? These are the best secret gardens in Melbourne.

Every trip to Melbourne Zoo is different. Despite being Australia’s oldest zoo, this vibrant animal world is constantly evolving, with new exhibits, events and, of course, creatures great and small.  A trip to Melbourne Zoo done right takes a day. The largest exhibit is the majestic Wild Sea, where penguins and seals bask on land before slipping into clear waters and showcasing their elegant aquatic skills. Another highlight is the sprawling Orangutan Sanctuary, where a family of beautiful, intelligent orangutans swing from tree to tree, play with each other and feed high off the ground. Then there’s the Trail of the Elephant: an immersive Asian village and garden where five Asian elephants thrive.  We could go on and on about the lions, lemurs, meerkats, butterflies and native animals that you’ll encounter, but we’ll let you discover it all for yourself. Throughout your Melbourne Zoo experience, you’ll learn about all the conservation work that happens behind the scenes; saving wildlife, conserving habitats and raising awareness of initiatives like palm oil labelling. For children and adults alike, a trip to Melbourne Zoo is a way to reconnect with our animal friends and gain a closer understanding of the delicate ecosystems of the world. Can't see enough during the day? Melbourne Zoo also runs 'Roar 'n' Snore' overnight camp, where you can sleep at the zoo in the historical elephant exhibit. Drift off to sleep listening to the calls of the animals, and when you wake in the

Did you know that 3.8 million Aussies played golf in some form last year? Or that new adult golfers who started playing in the last two years are aged, on average, 36, which is a drop of ten years? How about that new players are now 49 per cent women? Yep, in case you hadn't realised, golf is having a moment.  These stats are why we anticipate this year's Crown Australian Open – aka the oldest and most prestigious golf tournament on the PGA Tour of Australasia – to be the most exciting one yet. The action takes place from December 4-7 at the renowned Royal Melbourne Golf Club. It's here that top-ranked players like Rory McIlroy (the current Masters champion), Adam Scott, Marc Leishman, Min Woo Lee, Lucas Herbert and Cam Davis, will take to the green in an attempt to be crowned the 2025 winner.  But away from the bunkers, fairway and the teeing area, there's action of a different kind taking place – and it's set to appeal to the die-hard golfing afficianados as well as any newbies to the scene. The 19th is the social heart of the tournament where live entertainment, gourmet food offerings and fun activations come to life.  A bunch of beloved local restaurants will be on-site cooking up a feast, including 400 Gradi, Fonda, Zeus Street Greek, La Manna and Mr Miyagi, while the drinks will be flowing courtesy of Asahi, Isla Vodka and the Liqourland Lounge. You'll also be able to have a crack at the Crown Spin and Win or take part in the putting challenge. There will be plenty of p

Update Wednesday, March 18: The NOAA Space Weather Prediction Centre has issued a G2 geomagnetic storm alert for Thursday, March 19, due to the possible impact from a coronal mass ejection. This could lead to aurora australis sightings across Australia during local nighttime hours, typically 75 minutes after sunset.The Australian Space Weather Forecasting Centre (ASWFC) is yet to issue an official aurora alert, but we'll keep you posted. It's important to note that forecasts can be off by +/- 12 hours.Here’s everything you need to know about seeing the Southern Lights from Victoria. Where in the world can you see the Aurora? Bright, beautiful and bedazzling, the Aurora Borealis is a big-ticket bucket list item for pretty much everyone on Earth. Only those who have witnessed the Northern Lights with their naked eyes can truly understand its ethereal magic. But you don’t need to fork out on a ticket to Scandinavia to see the dramatic natural light display IRL. Australia has its very own version, called the Aurora Australis or Southern Lights – and last year was one of the brightest display in 20 years. Here’s everything you need to know about seeing the Aurora Australis in Australia. Will the Aurora Australis be visible tonight from Victoria? Australia’s first big Aurora Australis of the season occurred on Sunday, June 1, sparked by a severe geomagnetic storm. Another recent storm was visible from Australia (including here in Victoria) on October 30, and then on November 6, als

Big news! Time Out's 2026 ranking of the best cities in the world has just dropped, and Melbourne – yes, our Melbourne – has jumped three places (from fourth in 2025) to take out the number one spot. Cue the applause, fireworks and confetti, stat!  It's the first time ever that an Australian city has topped the annual list, with Melbourne previously peaking in second spot a decade ago in 2016. And our humble little metropolis outshone some heavyweights on the way to the top this year, beating out global powerhouses Shanghai, Edinburgh, London and New York, which rounded out the top five.  Even better, it's a celebration all round for Australia, with Sydney ranking 21st and Adelaide coming in at number 29. And while we can't promise we won't gloat about this for the next year (sorry, Sydney!), it's still an poignant reminder that Australia really is an exceptional places to live, visit and explore. Photograph: Supplied | Visit Victoria So, how was this ranking compiled? Time Out surveyed more than 24,000 locals in 42 languages about where they live. These questions covered topics that included everything from food, nightlife and culture to affordability, happiness and the overall city vibe. A panel of more than 100 Time Out city experts from around the world were also asked to name the most exciting cities in the world right now. All data from 44 different criteria was combined to create the ranking. Melbourne scored a strong overall ‘city rating’ as well as high ‘happiness

There's nothing we love more than planning a holiday. But do you ever stop to think about the reasons why you travel? Of course, there's the usual: gain new life experiences, learn about different cultures, create lasting memories with loved ones. But there's also the big bucket list moments – like major sporting events – that drive a desire to see the world. Because let's be real, who hasn't dreamed of one day attending Wimbledon, the Super Bowl, or even the Olympics?  Yep, when you start to think about it, sports really do seem to be emerging as a major player in tourism world. And Melbourne – home to the Australian Open, AFL Grand Final, Boxing Day Test, the F1 Australian Grand Prix and an upcoming regular-season NFL game – is undoubtedly at the centre of it. A recent survey by Hilton conducted across China, India, Australia, Singapore and Japan confirms this, revealing that 40 per cent of respondents were likely to plan international trips around major sporting events. And more than half (60 per cent) have already travelled domestically or internationally for a sporting event.   People aren't attending these sporting spectacles alone, either. The rise in sports tourism stems from a drive to be social and connect – 47 per cent of of respondents travel with friends, while 55 per cent travel with partners. This aligns with one of the aforementioned fundamental reasons we travel: to create special shared memories.  And while having an interest in the sport itself (like Formu

It's been almost three years since Ed Sheeran serenaded crowds of 110,000 and 108,000 people over two epic nights at the MCG in March 2023, and now he's back in Melbourne and ready to rock Marvel Stadium.  As one of the best-selling music artists of all time (not to mention everyone's favourite wedding first dance artist), Sheeran has already performed in Perth, Brisbane and Sydney as part of his Loop Tour – and from what we've heard, he does not disappoint. Expect to hear hits such as ‘Castle on the Hill’, ‘Thinking Out Loud’ and ‘Perfect’, as well as songs off his brand new album Play. Excited? You bet we are. If you're heading to see Ed Sheeran in Melbourne, here’s everything you need to know... When is Ed Sheeran's Loop Tour in Melbourne? Sheeran is taking over Marvel Stadium for three massive shows on Thursday, February 26; Friday, February 27; and Saturday, February 28. How to get to Ed Sheeran's Melbourne concerts Marvel Stadium is right next door to Southern Cross Station, so public transport is by far the best option to get to the concert. Simply walk over the convenient footbridge to get from the platforms to the stadium entrance. For info on how to plan your public transport journey, head over here.  What time will Ed Sheeran come on stage? Gates open at 4pm, and Sheeran is expected to begin by around 8pm. The support acts will kick off around 5.15pm (more on that below). What can I bring to Ed Sheeran's Melbourne shows? There are specific rules for what you can an

Just when you thought a stay at Jackalope couldn’t get any more enticing, the stunning luxury hotel in the heart of the Mornington Peninsula’s wine region has announced the return of its pop-up outdoor cinema that will screen blockbuster flicks, cult classics and romcoms all through March. Created in collaboration with Lexus Australia, season two of Jackalope Cinema will open on Sunday, March 1, with a viewing of the Leonardo DiCaprio and Margot Robbie smash-hit, The Wolf of Wall Street. Other excellent movies on the month-long line-up include La La Land, Silver Linings Playbook, Black Swan, Lost in Translation and The French Dispatch.  Photograph: Griffin Simm This fully immersive experience a film buff’s dream, and will begin with the opportunity to enjoy a pre-movie bite at Doot Doot Doot (Jackalope’s renowned on-site restaurant) – think a menu loaded with delicious dishes showcasing the region’s local produce. Guests can then either head to their room to catch the flick from their vineyard-facing private terrace or get cosy on the infinity pool deck under the twinkling night sky. Bluetooth headphones will be provided to ensure top sound quality, and there will be plenty of snacks on offer, including unlimited popcorn (yes, really!), ice cream and other nostalgic treats. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Time Out Melbourne (@timeoutmelbourne)   “Having studied film before pivoting to designing spaces and experiences, the pillar of storytelling

Hey now, hey now! If you're a millennial of a certain age, these words are guaranteed to awaken something deep inside. They are, of course, the opening lyrics of Hilary Duff's (aka Lizzie McGuire) seminal 2003 track 'What Dreams Are Made Of' – which is widely considered one of the best songs of all time (according to me, that is). And now, we have news that is certainly what dreams are made of: Hilary Duff is officially coming to Melbourne. Duff has recently been on the comeback trail, having dropped hot new singles 'Mature' and 'Roommates' ahead of the release of her album luck… or something. After a string of intimate shows in London, Toronto, New York and Los Angeles as part of her Small Rooms, Big Nerves Tour – her first live performances in a decade – she's just announced a huge global tour. The Lucky Me Tour will hit Australia in October *squeals!* and it's for everyone who never thought they would get to see hits like 'Come Clean', 'So Yesterday' and 'Wake Up' live in person. Without further ado, here's everything we know about Hilary Duff's Melbourne shows. When is Hilary Duff in Melbourne?  Duff will perform at Rod Laver Arena on Monday, October 26 AND Tuesday, October 27, 2026. Lucky us! When do Hilary Duff Melbourne tickets go on sale? General ticket sales for Duff's Melbourne show will begin at 1pm on Friday, February 20. You can find out more via Live Nation. When is the Hilary Duff Melbourne presale? If you pre-order Duff's new album from the official Warner Mus

Lily Allen fans, you won't want to sleepwalk through this announcement! Earlier this week, British pop superstar Lily Allen hinted in a radio interview with Triple J that she might be visiting Down Under before the end of the year – and now we finally have confirmation. Allen is heading to Australia this spring for six mega shows across the country, including two in Melbourne. After seven long years without new music, the British icon returned to the airwaves in late October with West End Girl, a 44-minute-long chronicle of her marriage breakdown to David Harbour (aka Jim Hopper in Stranger Things). Appropriately, the tour is titled Lily Allen performs West End Girl – and she’ll be playing the entire album front-to-back, exactly as it appears on the record. Yes, we can already predict that seeing 'Pussy Palace' IRL is going to change our lives. We're also crossing our fingers she’ll perform some old-school bangers, like ‘The Fear’, ‘Smile’ and ‘Not Fair’. Keen to grab a ticket? Here’s everything you need to know about getting tickets to Lily Allen’s Melbourne shows. When is Lily Allen in Melbourne? Allen will perform at Rod Laver Arena on Wednesday, October 28 and Thursday, October 29, 2026. When do Lily Allen Melbourne tickets go on sale? Tickets for all of Allen’s Australian shows (including the Melbourne ones) go on sale at 1pm local time on Monday, February 9 via Frontier Touring. When is the Lily Allen Melbourne presale? Telstra Plus members get first dibs on ticket

When the Foo Fighters performed a one-off concert in the quiet Tassie city of Launceston last month, it's safe to say fans around the country felt pretty jealous. Well, now the Rock and Roll Hall of Famers – Dave Grohl, Nate Mendel, Chris Shiflett, Pat Smear, Rami Jaffee and Ilan Rubin – have announced they are returning, bringing their Take Cover tour to seven Aussie cities. And yes, Melbourne has made the cut! Here's everything you need to know about getting tickets to the Foo Fighters when they head to Australia this November. When are the Foo Fighters coming to Melbourne? The Foo Fighters will take to Marvel Stadium for one huge show on Saturday, November 14, 2026. When do Foo Fighters tickets go on sale in Melbourne? General public tickets go on sale on Wednesday, February 25 at 11am local time. Grab yours via the Frontier Touring website here. Is there a Foo Fighters presale? There always is! Telstra Plus Members score first dibs on tickets, with a presale kicking off on Friday, February 20 at 12pm local time via telstra.com.au/plus. A second presale for Frontier Members starts on Monday, February 23 at 12pm local time, and you can sign up for that one here. How much are tickets to the Foo Fighters in Melbourne? There are multiple ticket options, ranging from $99.90 for D reserve seating to $249 for A reserve seating and $249.90 for front general admission standing. Who is the support act for the Foo Fighters in Melbourne? The Foo Fighters will be joined by different sp

The Australian Open. The Formula One Grand Prix. The AFL Grand Final. The Boxing Day Test. Melbourne has long been known as Australia’s sporting capital, but in case you needed further proof, here it is: this year, the city will play host to Australia’s first-ever regular season NFL game, as part of a massive multi-year deal.  The match will feature the Los Angeles Rams as the ‘home’ team, with the San Francisco 49ers recently confirmed as the opposition. The game will be played at the MCG – aka the sporting heartland of Melbourne – in the second half of the year, although the exact date for kick-off is yet to be revealed.  “It’s a win for jobs, a win for businesses and a win for fans who will get to see American Football played in the best stadium in the world,” said premier Jacinta Allan.  Supplied: Office of the premier of Victoria NFL, also known as American Football, is the USA’s most popular sport. That means footage of Melbourne as the host city will be beamed live to the almost 20 million Americans who tune into each game (not to mention the millions more who watch from across the globe). The 49ers are one of the NFL’s most illustrious franchises, having won the Super Bowl five times. Best of all, they share an intense rivalry with the Rams, which is sure to make the Melbourne match-up a hugely important – and potentially fiery – game. The Super Bowl continues to grow in popularity among Aussies, with many of Melbourne’s pubs, sports bars and live sites throwing vi

It's officially that time of year when the summer glow starts to fade, work begins to ramp up again and you start to question whether the 9-5 grind is really for you. Well, we've got the antidote to your February slump: book a holiday. And luckily, Qantas has just announced a surprise sale – and it's one of the Flying Kangaroo's biggest global sales of the year.  Qantas has released more than 500,000 discounted seats to 30-plus popular international destinations. Dreaming of a Euro summer? Keen to explore Asia? Ready to cross the ditch and visit New Zealand? If it’s on your travel wish list, chances are it’s on sale. This mega sale comes off the back of new Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) data revealing Aussies took more than 12.5 million overseas trips in the 12 months ending November 2025. That’s an almost nine per cent jump on the year before, proving our appetite for exploring the world beyond our shores isn’t slowing down anytime soon. The Qantas sale runs for just one week, ending at 11.59pm (AEDT) on Monday, February 9. You don’t even have to wait long to jet off, with travel dates ranging from this month to December 11, 2026. So, where can you go? The 500,000-seat global sale covers more than 60 routes, with reduced fares to more than 30 international destinations across Europe, North and South America, Asia, New Zealand, the United Kingdom and the Pacific. Economy return fares from Melbourne to Bali start from just $659, while Melbourne to Singapore is $769. Ot

If there's one thing regional Victoria knows how to do well – you know, besides delivering gorgeous natural wonders and scenic road trips, of course – it's provide a warm welcome to weary travellers. From the far reaches of East Gippsland to the Grampians National Park, you're guaranteed a smile, a tip of the hat and a jovial g'day. But what are the townships that go above and beyond when it comes to friendliness?  Well, every year, Booking.com analyses more than 300 million verified customer reviews to determine the world’s most welcoming cities. From laid-back beach towns in Australia to historic hilltop towns in Italy and coastal gems in Taiwan, the 14th annual awards celebrate destinations known for hospitality that leaves a lasting impression with thoughtful touches, warm interactions, and hosts who go the extra mile. And in 2026, three Victorian destinations have made the official list of the most welcoming places in Australia. Landing in fourth is Port Campbell – located just past the 12 Apostles along the Great Ocean Road. With spectacular coastal scenery, some excellent dining spots and a close-knit, small-town energy it's no wonder this beach town was recognised.   Photograph: Supplied | Visit Victoria   Another seaside spot to be honoured was Ocean Grove, which nabbed eighth on the list. This Bellarine beauty came in fifth last year, so you know the good vibes are real. And making a repeat appearance in ninth spot is Daylesford. Also known as a haven of relaxatio

Nobody panic! It's been three years since Harry Styles last performed in Australia as part of his Love On Tour, and since that wrapped up all sightings of the international megastar have been few and far between – aside from popping up to run the odd marathon or being papped with Zoë Kravitz. But when Styles dropped the surprise announcement about his upcoming fourth album, Kiss All The Time. Disco, Occasionally, on January 16, we knew something bigger was brewing. And now, in the best Friday news any of us could ask for, Styles has revealed plans for a massive seven-city global residency titled Together, Together – with Melbourne *squeal* scoring three shows. Best of all, it's happening THIS YEAR. Oh, and as if that wasn't enough to send us into a spin, Styles also released his much-hyped new single 'Aperture' on Friday, January 23. So, alert the group chat and get your game plan in action – these tickets are gonna go quick. Here's everything we know about Harry Styles' Melbourne shows so far. When is Harry Styles in Melbourne?  The music gods have blessed Melbourne with not one, not two but three shows as part of Styles' Together, Together tour. He will kick off the Australian leg with performances on Friday, November 27 and Saturday, November 28 at Marvel Stadium. An extra third show has also just been announced for Wednesday, December 2, also at Marvel Stadium. When do Harry Styles Melbourne tickets go on sale? General ticket sales for Harry Styles' Melbourne shows will b