Leah Glynn

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. Melbourne Fringe Festival will continue to be in full swing this weekend, and there are plenty of outrageous events to catch. You can read all about our top ten picks (that include everything from participatory theatre, comedy and sperm donation) here, or check out the just-reviewed Jks: a comedy(?) by Tom Ballard. Spend your Saturday night getting saucy and sensual at Strip Her: The Pop-Up – a women-only strip show where the audience become the performers. It's a supportive event that’s built on powering up your divine feminine energy. For a total change of pace, get around Melbourne International Games Week. It's Asia-Pacific's biggest gaming event and features an expanded program of esports, music, workshop and heaps more. 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 100 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.

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! Melbourne Fringe Festival has entered its second week, and remains as wild and wacky as ever. Our top picks from the festival are here, but you can also check out the Fringe Flavours Night Market or the recently reviewed Jks: a comedy(?) by Tom Ballard. Melbourne International Games Week has also begun, running until October 12. As Asia-Pacific's biggest gaming event, it features an expanded program of esports, music, workshops and heaps more. Make sure you don't miss Game Worlds at ACMI – a fully playable exhibition that celebrates the art of the video game.  For something a little bit saucy, Strip Her: The Pop-Up is back for its second year. This women-only strip show is dedicated to helping women let go of internalised shame and step into their full “divine feminine power” in safe spaces that entirely support them.  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 100 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.

Melburnians certainly know how to ride the wave of a good food trend, but one phase that has stuck around is our collective love and appreciation for the humble sandwich. And for that, we are thankful. Arguably the most versatile food, you can eat it for breakfast, lunch or dinner, and the possibilities for fillings and combinations are endless. Start your day with a brekky sanga filled with bacon and cheese, munch on a meatball sub for lunch, and get a lil' fancy with a croque monsieur for dinner. However you take yours, it seems the sandwich trend is not going anywhere for a while, so work your way through our round-up of the best sangas in town.  Looking to change up your usual sandwich routine? Check out the best bahn mi in Melbourne. Finish on a sweet note with the best ice cream and gelato around town. 

For the past eight years, we’ve made it our mission to scope out the coolest pockets of the world’s greatest cities in order to create our definitive annual ranking. The places where stuff like nightlife, art, culture, and affordable food and drink can be found on every corner and down every backstreet. Where diversity is championed and independent businesses thrive, from old-school boltholes to the newest avant-garde art space. Put simply, the world’s coolest neighbourhoods are places that represent the soul of our cities, while maintaining their own unique local character that draws people in to live, work and play. So, what are the neighbourhoods that fit the bill this year? To find out, we asked our network of writers and editors across a breadth of cities to nominate the vibiest district in their hometown right now. We then ranked every neighbourhood against criteria including culture, community, liveability, nightlife, food and drink, street life and that hard-to-define sense of ‘nowness’.  On our list this year, you’ll find everything from homely, village-like enclaves with tight-knit communities to revitalised city-centre hubs and formerly dormant, industrial areas transformed into creative districts. Many are underrated spots that sit in the shadow of their commercialised counterparts; others have become unexpected culinary hotspots or magnets for the city’s artists, writers and activists. What they all have in common is a DIY spirit – and an unshakeable proclivity f

October 2025 update: In case you hadn't realised, it's officially sit-out-in-the-sun-and-drink-delicious-bevvies season. Yep, the weather is (slightly) warmer and the days are (slightly) longer which means there's more time to squeeze in a cheeky drink or two. And lucky for you, we've got a list of some excellent spots where you can do just that. Cheers! Melbourne has some of the greatest bars in the world, whether you're looking for the laser-like focus of 16-seater Above Board or the rock‘n’roll ‘she’ll be right’ spirit of Lulie Tavern. You can find temples heroing whisky and palaces dedicated to gin, hole-in-the-wall nooks for sipping natural wines or classy spots for suited-and-booted cocktails. How about a prawn club sanga and a bottle of Champers from tiny charmer Apollo Inn? Or crocodile bites and ice-cold Martinis from Black Kite Commune?  If it's sky-high action you're after, then take a squiz at our guide to Melboune's best rooftop bars instead. For tipples a bit more out-of-the-box, we've got the scoop on some of Melbourne's weirdest drinking experiences.  We've rounded up the top 49 bars that we're really loving right now – and we're sure you will, too.  Editor's favourite bars in Melbourne: 🥂 Best for a special occasion: Apollo Inn 👠 Best for a vibey date night: Kirk's Wine Bar 🍸 Best for cocktails: Bar Bellamy 🫒 Best for bar snacks: Bar Olo 🍻 Best for a friends' catch-up: Young Hearts Stay in the loop: sign up for our free Time Out Melbourne newsletter

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 2025. 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.

October2025: If you've been hoping to see the NGV's French Impressionism or Kimono exhibitions, consider this your official notice that they both close on October 5 – which means you don't have much longer to visit! Luckily the gallery has announced two new blockbuster exhibitions – Westwood | Kawakubo and Cartier – which will open in December and June, respectively. Over at ACMI, you can dive into the world of gaming via the groundbreaking new playable exhibition, Game Worlds. Or at Melbourne Museum, discover a rare collection of artefacts from the Viking Age at 'Treasures of the Viking Age: The Galloway Hoard'.  There's always something to see in this all-embracing city of ours, so don't let the month pass you by without getting your fix of the best art, culture and exhibitions in Melbourne. When in doubt, you can also always rely on our catch-all lists of Melbourne's best bars, restaurants, museums, parks and galleries, or consult our bucket list of 100 things to do in Melbourne before you die.  Stay in the loop: sign up for our free Time Out Melbourne newsletter for the best of the city, straight to your inbox. Keen to add some art to your home? These are the best places to buy art in Melbourne.

October 2025: In case you hadn't heard the raucous applause echoing out of Her Majesty's Theatre, 'MJ the Musical' has officially begun its three-month run – and we can confirm it's a dazzling affair with some of the best dance choreography we've seen in a long time. Over at the Princess Theatre, 'Annie' continues to charm audiences. If you ask us, it's the perfect outing with kids while the school holidays are on. And fresh from its world premiere in Sydney, 'The Talented Mr. Ripley' opens at Arts Centre Melbourne – it's set to be a brand-new take on the so-bad-he’s-wicked-good anti-hero. 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 100 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.

Spring is officially in full swing, daylight saving kicks off on October 5 and Melbourne's events calendar is really starting to heat up – there's no better time to be out and about in the city than right now. And lucky for you, we've rounded up all the fun stuff to do in this one handy guide. The Melbourne Fringe Festival is back in all its weird, wild and wacky glory – and we've collated our top ten picks right here. Everyone's favourite city-wide celebration of strings, the Melbourne International Jazz Festival, is also returning with its most expansive and ambitious program to date. For the stylish folk among us, Melbourne Fashion Week is hosting runway shows, workshops and even an exhibition of costumes from Wicked, while video game enthusiasts will want to check out Game Worlds at ACMI (a groundbreaking new playable exhibition) and Melbourne International Games Week.  There's plenty to see on Melbourne's stages, with Annie, MJ the Musical and The Talented Mr. Riply all showing this month. And for something on the saucy side, why not check out Strip Her: The Pop-Up – this women-only strip show is all about celebrating sensuality in an inclusive and welcoming environment. So, what are you waiting for? We'll see you out there! Stay in the loop: sign up for our free Time Out Melbourne newsletter for the best of the city, straight to your inbox. Keen to make the most of the spring? Here are the best places in Victoria to see wildflowers.

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

A good burger is easily one of life’s greatest pleasures, and Australia is teeming with top-notch options, most of which fall comfortably into that hits-the-spot territory. A burger’s simplicity – take a pillowy bun, place a juicy patty inside it, maybe add cheese or salad, drizzle over a sauce or two, then apply to face – makes it hard to stuff up. The flip side, however, is that it also makes finding the ultimate burger a bit of a challenge. Time Out’s hungry team of local Aussie writers have bravely put their jaws and stomachs on the line (in the name of exceedingly difficult research, you understand) to compile this list of the best burgers in Australia. We've told you exactly which burger to order at each spot, from the award-winning Fillet-O-Shrimp at CBCo Brewing Port Melbourne to the world-famous Gidley Burger in Sydney. Now it’s up to you to crown the true buns of glory. Note: These are ranked in no particular order. Editor's favourite burgers in Australia: 🍔 Best icon: The Gidley, NSW ⭐️ Best gourmet: Le Rebelle, WA 😋 Best cheeseburger: Charrd, VIC For more about how we curate our reviews and guides, see our editorial guidelines. 🥧 Australia's best pies🌭 The best sausage rolls🍕 The best pizzas in Australia

The 2025 AFL Grand Final between the Brisbane Lions and Geelong Cats is set to take over at the MCG on September 27, and if you haven't snagged a ticket, the next best place to watch sporting history unfold is in a Melbourne pub packed with supporters. But what makes a great footy pub? A big screen (preferably more than one), good sight lines to the action on screen, a knowledgeable crowd, a variety of beers on tap and reasonably priced food. And if they drop the music and crank up the commentary, all the better. Check out our list of the best bars and pubs to watch the AFL finals below.  Meanwhile, all that sports-ing making you hungry? Head to one of Melbourne's best pubs for a meal. And if you're still thirsty, head to one of Melbourne's best bars. Stay in the loop: sign up for our free Time Out Melbourne newsletter for the best of the city, straight to your inbox.  RECOMMENDED: How to watch the AFL Grand Final in Melbourne

If you can quote The Last of Us line by line, have seen every episode of Critical Role and The Adventure Zone or you’re addicted to Twitch and can’t choose between Fortnite and Overwatch, then this is the festival for you. Melbourne International Games Week is the biggest gaming event in the Asia-Pacific region, and it returns in 2025 with an expanded line-up of more than 70 events. It's set to showcase the city as a leading global games hub from October 4-12, with both emerging local creators and global talent stepping into the spotlight.  Highlights from the program include ACMI's groundbreaking new playable exhibition, Game Worlds; Big Games Night Out (October 4) at Fed Square, which will feature cosplay parades, dance-offs, prizes and more; satellite events at Bunjil Place and Hobsons Bay Altona Library; crossover shows with Melbourne Fringe Festival; workshops on creating your own 3D game character or developing your rapid prototyping skills using Unreal Engine; and so much more. For those in the biz, the roll call of international big-name guests in attendance reads like a who's who of the gaming industry: Lis Moberly, creative lead at 20th Century Games and Walt Disney Company; Donald Barrett, senior designer on Marvel’s Spider-Man; Jenny Windom, organiser for Wholesome Games; and Josh Sawyer, studio design director at Obsidian. So break out your headsets, your handsets, your keyboards and your D20s, and come indulge your gaming needs. Visit the Melbourne International

Love it or hate it, Christmas is almost upon us. And just as you can be sure that Michael Bublé is slowly defrosting and getting ready to croon the festive season away, and Mariah Carey is counting the fat stacks that pile up on cue as ‘All I Want for Christmas’ goes back on high rotation – you know that the battered DVD of one particular British rom-com at your mum’s house will also be back on steady rotation, actually.  Love Actually is the festive flick that never gets old, but if you want to fall in love with it all over again, grab a ticket for this special live viewing experience. Following sell-out tours across the UK and in Australia the last few years, Love Actually in Concert is coming back to Melbourne just in time for Old Saint Nick’s next whip around.  Pack the tissues, as this experience features a full live orchestra performing the hit soundtrack as the film is projected onto a screen. Love (and Christmas) will be all around you, and so the feeling grows. Get ready to question how many lobsters were present at the birth of Jesus Christ, and fire up at Alan Rickman and his saucy secretary all over again (Emma Thompson’s cry to Joni Mitchell will really slap with an orchestral backup, to be fair). Melburnians can get in on the holly jolly action on December 21 and 22 at Melbourne Town Hall. For more information and to grab your tickets, head to the website. Want more? Check out the best of Melbourne theatre and musicals this month.

Want to hear some wheelie exciting news? The Great Vic Bike Ride is back – but this year, there's an emphasis on a more relaxed experience. Previously a nine-day event, it will now take place over five days along 300 kilometres of the Great Ocean Road and surrounding country roads. The ride will kick off – or should we say roll off – on November 24, winding through picturesque townships like Port Fairy, Koroit, Port Campbell and Timboon. Both seasoned riders and keen newbies are expected to tackle the new route, delivering a huge economic boost to the South West Victoria region.  The Great Vic Bike Ride has a proud reputation as one of Australia’s premier cycling events, and it’s also a wonderful opportunity to meet like-minded people, sample local produce and support small townships. And the fun doesn’t stop once you set up camp, with a line-up of nightly entertainment scheduled for the duration of the ride. Oh, and best of all, your belongings are transported between campsites by a fleet of luggage trucks, and there’s plenty of mechanical, medical and motivational support provided along the way. So, who’s ready to start pedalling? Find out more at the website. Fun fact: Melbourne has been ranked one of the best cities in the world to see by bike. Not sure where to ride? These are the best cycling trails in Melbourne.

It's the most wonderful time of the year for fashionistas: Melbourne Fashion Week is returning for seven days of sartorial heaven from October 20-26. This year's theme is Come As You Are, and it's an invitation to everyone to join in the city-wide celebrations of self-expression and creativity. More than 600 designers and retailers will be taking part across 100-plus events (both free and ticketed) – like six premium runways that will be held at iconic locations like 1 Hotel Melbourne, Mercato Centrale and the Melbourne Recital Centre. Other highlights from the 2025 program include an exclusive Australian-first showcase of the spellbinding costumes created for Elphaba and Glinda in Wicked and the upcoming Wicked: For Good at Fed Square; five Fashion Capsules that will feature curated works by some of the country's brightest designers, students and stylists; and various roundtable discussions on everything from working in fashion to exploring size, culture, ability and gender as avenues for creativity.  Some of the renowned local designers who will be championing their wares include J'Aton Couture, Aje Studio, Oroton, Husk, Karlaidlaw, Collective Closets, Et Al, Ngali and students from Melbourne’s leading fashion institutions. Tickets for Melbourne Fashion Week are on sale now. For the full program, head to the official website. But get in quick – the premium runways tend to sell out in a flash. Looking for more fashion? Check out our list of Melbourne's best sustainable store

Hands up if you were raised on The Sims? Us too. Or maybe you were a dedicated Neopets fan, or obsessed with World of Warcraft. Perhaps you're currently glued to your Switch playing Hollow Knight: Silksong. Whatever your connection to video games, it's safe to say most of us have picked up a controller at some point in our lives and been captivated by what appeared on the screen. Enter ACMI's incredible new exhibition, Game Worlds. Running until February 8, 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.  There will also be after-dark sessions, developer talks, themed fan events and and plenty more. And as much as Game Worlds is about exploring how video games are designed, built and experienced, it's also an opportunity to spotlight the community and the friendships that are forged within these immersive digital la

I’ve been a big fan of Alba Thermal Springs and Spa since it first opened back in October 2022. As a certified water baby who loves nothing more than a good soak, this was my idea of heaven – a truly spectacular, design-forward site dedicated entirely to all your wellness needs. It’s a special place – a colleague from Sydney once told me “there’s really nothing like this anywhere else in Australia” – and I’ve spent more than a few afternoons hopping from pool to pool, always dreading the inevitable drive back home to Melbourne. So you can imagine my delight when it was announced that Alba was adding accommodation to its line-up of experiences. Who could resist the opportunity for a sleepover (night swim included, of course) at this magical spot on the Mornington Peninsula? Not me, that’s for sure – here’s what my stay was like. Why stay at the Sanctuary at Alba? The worst part about any visit to Alba is leaving – with Thyme (the on-site restaurant) offering a dinner menu and the mineral pools open until 10pm, it’s practically begging you to stay right until closing time. And now, with the arrival of the Sanctuary – a collection of five luxury villas and two studio rooms – you officially don’t have to depart.  Marking an new exciting era for Alba, the Sanctuary provides a chance for visitors to really immerse themselves in the wellness elements of the property, and find a deeper level of rest and relaxation. By staying overnight you can maximise your time bathing (I highly rec

We can picture it now – the sun is shining, we’ve got a bev in hand, and we’re at the glorious Royal Botanic Gardens ready to enjoy some live music. It’s an idyllic daydream, and one that could soon become a reality. All you have to do is snap up tickets. Live at the Gardens is an outdoor gig series that launched in the summer of 2024, and it saw the lush, expansive lawns of the Royal Botanic Gardens host up to 5,000 people for an eclectic mix of musical acts. Headline performances included Groove Armada, Matt Corby, The Presets, Chet Faker and Tash Sultana. First up for 2025 is Franz Ferdinand. More than two decades since their debut single 'Take Me Out' catapulted them to worldwide fame, the Scottish rockers have just dropped their latest album to huge acclaim. The Human Fear is an 11-song exploration of deep-set human fears and how overcoming and accepting these fears drives and defines our lives.    The last time Franz Ferdinand toured was in 2018, and their performance on Friday, November 28, will be their only Victorian show. Supporting them will be Teenage Dads and Delivery. On Saturday, November 29, catch full sets from three of Australia’s most popular party-starters: Miami Horror, Sneaky Sound System and Bag Raiders. If you lived through the indie-dance era of the late noughties, this one is definitely for you.  For a folksy change of pace, on Sunday, November 30, Songs From The Canyon will make its much-anticipated debut. Featuring an all-star line-up of musicians

Every year, the Melbourne Fringe Festival makes jaws drop and eyes widen across the city with its unconventional line-up of independent theatre, comedy, drag, art, music and events. This year marks the 43rd iteration of the festival, which is known for championing big, radical ideas and being an all out celebration of Melbourne at its weirdest.  Melbourne Fringe returns to the city again from September 30 to October 19, with a program of events set to show punters exactly how to experience the best that the arts in our fair city has to offer. This year the theme is ‘Action Heroes Assemble’, and it's aiming to encourage everyday people to take part, take risks and take action to help shape the kind of world we all want to live in. Leading the stacked line-up is the festival's major public artwork: 'Power Move' by Quiet Riot. This free public dancefloor will be located at Fed Square, and using cutting-edge technology it will channel everyone's moves into green energy. The Opening Night Gala – this year hosted by Sammy J – is always a riotous night packed with comedy, cabaret, circus and plenty of surprises. And don't forget to come dressed as your childhood hero. You can witness queer family making in real time at First Trimester by Krishna Istha. This live performance invites audiences to join in Istha’s public search for a sperm donor. Or why not go for a stroll with a Gen Z as part of Nightwalks With Teenagers – part performance, part social experiment, it's been co-created

It’s time to enjoy some sax in the city this spring, with the return of the Melbourne International Jazz Festival (MIJF) for its 28th edition. This year, more than 500 artists representing 18 countries will participate in more than 150 events across 40 venues. Phew! It's the festival's most expansive and ambitious program to date, and we can see why. Better yet, 36 per cent of the events are free to attend.  Since 1998, MIJF has taken the underground above ground and celebrated the best of jazz culture by showcasing leading and emerging contemporary artists from home and abroad. During the festival, which runs from October 17-26, Melbourne will once again become the epicentre of Australia’s vibrant and buzzing jazz scene, with music taking over the streets, concert halls and clubs.  The party kicks off with Night Crawl – a one-night-only takeover of multiple CBD venues, featuring Natasha Diggs (US), multi-instrumentalist Tenderlonious (UK) and local legends Horatio Luna, Surprise Chef and Ella Thompson. Think of it as a choose-your-own-adventure of free live music across iconic sites such as Wax Music Lounge, Arbory Afloat, Whitehart and more.  Other headline acts include Grammy, Emmy and Tony Award-winning artist Harry Connick Jr leading the festival’s signature Jazz at the Bowl on the final weekend; baritone superstar Gregory Porter, who will be performing at Hamer Hall; powerhouse vocalist Samara Joy, Japanese pianist and composer Hiromi; plus jazz legends Gary Bartz, Bill

Who said you have to go to Japan to see cherry blossoms in full bloom? This spring, head to CherryHill Orchards in Wandin East for a magical floral experience. You'll have the opportunity to wander through rows of gorgeous cherry blossom trees in all their pastel-coloured glory, sip on cherry-based drinks, enjoy delicious cherry ice cream, listen to live music and participate in fun activities for the whole family – including a special kids hub with workshops, face painting and fairy fun. Picnic packs are available to pre-purchase for the event, or you can BYO and find a lovely little spot among the blossoms to enjoy your spread. The on-site food caravans (they are bright pink – you can't miss them) will also have plenty of treats to keep you fed and watered. And for the second year running, Blossom By Light will return. This after-dark event (from September 19-22) will see the orchard transformed into an enchanting display of light and colour. Think of it as your chance to see the cherry blossoms illuminated in a way you'd never expect. Conveniently located just an hour from the Melbourne CBD, the CherryHill Blossom Festival is on from September to October 5. Find out more and grab your tickets via the website. Looking for more things to do? Check out our round-up of the best things happening in Melbourne this week.

If you needed another excuse to visit the Mornington Peninsula (you know, aside from the incredible wineries, restaurants and beaches), here it is: Alba Thermal Springs, a sustainable, $90 million wellness sanctuary that boasts a collection geothermal pools within its perfectly manicured 15-hectare grounds, is now open. Located in Fingal, just an hour’s drive from Melbourne, this relaxation destination has been meticulously curated to evoke calm and tranquility from the moment you enter through its curved, concrete entranceway complete with a moat-like water feature. Fluffy robes and slippers greet you upon arrival (don’t worry, there are secure lockers to store all your belongings – this is a phone-free zone, after all), and then it’s time to leave your worries behind and enter the open-air bathing complex. There are 31 pools dotted among the undulating landscape – some intimate and private, others large and more social – and they range from geothermal pools and cold plunge pools to herbal-infused botanical pools and invigorating rain pools. There’s also a private rooftop salt pool that allows you to experience total weightlessness, plus steam rooms and saunas. Wandering along the snaking path to find each pool is almost (almost) as fun as immersing yourself in the restorative waters – and trust us when we say it’s way too easy to spend hours hopping from pool to pool. Alba uses 100 per cent geothermal water that is heated between 37-degrees Celsius and 43-degrees Celsius, a

The beloved regional town of Bendigo will bask in the glow of the changing seasons when this massive, colourful festival takes over the region throughout spring. This year, Bendigo Bloom is celebrating its 22nd anniversary, bathing the town in colour with more than 100 events, activations and experiences throughout the season.  From idyllic gardens and cultural tours to food feasts and after-dark events, there's so much to explore during the festival. An annual favourite is the breathtaking tulip display, with more than 43,000 tulips painting a rainbow across Bendigo’s historic Pall Mall and Conservatory Gardens. After the sun sets, the flowers are transformed into a kaleidoscopic light walk called Bloom After Dark (September 26 - October 5). For more floral fun, discover the Cornella Canola Walk – running until September 28, it provides a magical opportunity to frolic through a field of fluorescent canola crops. Other highlights include Vegecarian (November 1), a free event focused on loving food, animals and life. Held at the Great Stupa of Universal Compassion, it will feature cooking demonstrations, market stalls, live music and animal blessings. And don't miss the Loddon Valley Arts Festival (October 3-5), which will showcase regional creativity via a network of exhibitions. There are loads of events for foodies, including the Heathcote Wine and Food Festival (October 4-5), where you can sample the region's top drops and produce or Bendigo Wine Week (October 10-18) for t

This is not a drill! We repeat, this is not a drill! After years of city-wide disruptions, billions of dollars spent, five new underground train stations built, state-of-the-art tech installed and hours of intense driver training sessions, Melbourne's Metro Tunnel is ready to open to the public. And it's being delivered a year ahead of schedule, too. The official opening date has been a tight-lipped secret for a while now, but Victorian Premier Jacinta Allan has finally revealed the landmark new public transport network will open with hundreds of weekly services in early December. But don't expect to be cruising from Sunbury to Pakenham at all hours of the day. The Metro Tunnel will open with a special Summer Start period to iron out any bugs, avoid unexpected disruptions and ensure everything runs safely and smoothly. On weekdays, that means services every 20 minutes from 10am to 3pm between Westall and West Footscray; while on the weekends, you can travel every 20 minutes from 10am until 7pm between Westall and West Footscray, every 40 minutes from East Pakenham and every 60 minutes from Sunbury. The soft launch will include 240 new services along the Sunbury, Cranbourne and Pakenham lines, with trains stopping at all five new stations: Anzac, Arden, Parkville, Town Hall and State Library. The timetable will remain unchanged on every other line, with trains travelling through the City Loop as normal. Then, on Sunday, February 1, comes the Big Switch. The Metro Tunnel will b

Ok, so I know I’m biased, but how lucky are we Victorians to live in a state that offers so much in the way of natural splendour and biodiversity. There’s everything from the rugged, untamed beauty of regions like the Grampians and the High Country, to the coastal charm of destinations like the Mornington Peninsula, Great Ocean Road and Phillip Island. And while it’s definitely possible to experience a few of these spots in a short period of time, I had never considered the likelihood of seeing snow and surf in the one day. That is, until I was invited to join Wild Adventures Melbourne (WAM) on an epic four-day trip that would include a morning of snow play on Mount Hotham before hitting the road to spend an afternoon surfing along the Gippsland coast. Seeing snowflakes and shaka-worthy swells on the same day? Count me in. Leading our crew of eight is Nic Cooper, who founded WAM on the Mornington Peninsula in 2020. His mission via this eco adventure tour company is to offer incredible outdoor experiences (think bushwalking, snorkelling and stand-up paddle boarding) that connect people with nature while leaving as little impact on the environment as possible. As one of Australia’s only B-Corp Certified tour operators and winner of the 2025 National Banksia Sustainability Award, WAM is redefining how tourism can be utilised to drive positive and progressive change that will last for generations to come.  Photograph: Supplied/Visit Victoria We’re doing a slightly condensed ver

Diamonds are a girl's best friend, and it appears the NGV International is quite fond of them too, with the world-class gallery announcing its blockbuster 2026 Winter Masterpieces exhibition will chart the evolution and artistic legacy of revered jewellery house, Cartier.  That's right – a glittering collection of more than 300 gorgeous jewels, tiaras, necklaces, brooches, timepieces and even design drawings will be on display from June 12, 2026, direct from London’s Victoria and Albert Museum. Cartier is an exclusive Melbourne event, and the largest exhibition the brand has ever staged in the country – with many of the pieces having never even travelled to Australia before.   Photograph: Supplied/NGV | Collection Cartier © Cartier   The dazzling centrepiece of the exhibition will be the presentation of more than 20 showstopping tiaras. These are undoubtedly some of Cartier's most celebrated creations, and have been worn by the likes of everyone from Clementine Churchill at the coronation of Queen Elizabeth II to Rihanna on the cover W Magazine. Other notable items include a diamond and ruby-encrusted necklace that belonged to Elizabeth Taylor; a diamond rose-shaped brooch worn by Princess Margaret; and multiple necklaces owned by opera singer (and Melbourne local) Dame Nellie Melba. There will be sparkling examples of rubies, emeralds and blue sapphires, along with a selection of Cartier’s iconic tutti frutti jewels. A section of the exhibition will be dedicated to highlig

If you still haven't recovered from the magic of the Eras Tour (it's me, hi!), have already listened to *that* New Heights podcast episode way too many times, and spent most of the weekend searching for pics of Taylor at Selena Gomez's wedding, this is for you. Swifties around the world have officially been counting down to the release of Tay Tay’s 12th studio album, The Life of a Showgirl, which drops on October 3 in the US (so early on October 4 in Australia). And to mark the incredibly important occasion, more than 8,000 theatres around the world – including right here in Melbourne – are hosting exclusive screening parties across three epic days. Fans can look forward to the music video debut for ‘The Fate of Ophelia’, behind-the-scenes footage from the shoot, brand-new lyric videos and Swift's never-before-seen personal reflections on tracks from the upcoming album. Here’s everything you need to know about getting tickets to The Official Release Party of a Showgirl in Melbourne. What is Taylor Swift: The Official Release Party of a Showgirl? Taylor Swift: The Official Release Party of a Showgirl is an exclusive cinematic event celebrating the pop superstar’s 12th album, The Life of a Showgirl. The 89-minute show is being released simultaneously in select theatres across more than 50 countries. In a post on Instagram, Swift said, “Looks like it’s time to brush off that Eras Tour outfit or orange cardigan… Dancing is optional but very much encouraged.” Vi

It’s that time of the year again! Time Out’s annual list of the world’s coolest neighbourhoods has just dropped – and two Aussie suburbs made the top 25. An unexpected multicultural hub in Sydney debuted in 16th place, while a charming inner-city suburb in Melbourne landed 24th. Both outranked neighbourhoods in Mexico City, Toronto, Hong Kong and San Francisco – proving Australia is way cooler than some might give us credit for. How did Time Out decide the final rankings? Our global team of writers and editors nominated the most vibrant districts in their hometowns, which were then scored against criteria including culture, community, liveability, nightlife, food and drink, street life and that hard-to-define sense of ‘nowness’.  In 2025, Sydney’s diverse Inner West suburb, Burwood, emerged as Australia’s coolest neighbourhood, landing 16th worldwide. A little unexpected? Maybe – but it ticks all the boxes. Photograph: Destination NSW Sydney local and Time Out Editor in Chief Alice Ellis says, “One of the best things about Sydney is its diversity – and Burwood is the fifth-most diverse community in the entirety of Australia. With that comes some of Sydney’s best food: Chinese cuisines dominate (the neighbourhood is home to the colourful Burwood Chinatown, after all), but you’ll also find some of the city’s best Japanese and south-east Asian food, alongside Uyghur, Greek and Italian.” During the day, check out Pillar, a wabi-sabi café serving specialty coffee from local micr

In case you missed it, our beloved city has had a pretty good year so far. Melbourne's accolades kicked off back in January, when it was crowned the fourth best city in the world. In July, it was ranked the sixth best city for nightlife, and just last month the twenty-somethings named it the second best city for Gen Z to live in. Phew! And now, we've got more exciting news to share. Time Out's highly anticipated annual ranking of the world's coolest neighbourhoods is finally here, and – drum roll, please – the inner city 'burb of North Melbourne has landed at 24th on the list.  What defines a cool neighbourhood? And how is the list determined? Essentially, they are places that represent the soul of our cities, while maintaining their own unique local character that draws people in to live, work and play. Time Out's network of editors and writers nominated the hottest 'hoods in their hometown right now, and that shortlist was ranked against criteria including culture, community, liveability, nightlife, food and drink, street life and that hard-to-define sense of ‘nowness’.   Photograph: Emily Weaving Topping the list at number one is the historic uni enclave of Jimbōchō in Tokyo, followed by Borgerhout in Antwerp, Barra Funda in São Paulo, Camberwell in London and Avondale in Chicago. North Melbourne wasn't the only Aussie representative, with Burwood in Sydney coming in at 16th on the list. So yes, you could also say Melbourne is home to the second coolest suburb in all of

In news hot off the grill, the World's 25 Best Burgers list for 2025 just dropped – and an unassuming shopfront in Melbourne's inner north (that's only been open since July) has landed in 14th spot.  If you haven't already heard of Charrd, let us introduce you. Operating out of the Yakamoz kitchen in a Brunswick East side street, it has quickly become the talk of Melbourne's foodie scene. The menu is short 'n' sweet, with just two burger options: the classic (with onions and pickles) and the Charrd signature (with added truffle aioli, chilli jam and caramelised onions). Both are available with a single and double patty. There are fries, of course, and housemade iced tea and lemonade to wash it all down. To find out if it lived up to the hype, I headed down on a Sunday afternoon. Charrd opens at 12pm, and I arrived at 12.45pm to find a line running down St Phillip Street for at least 50 metres. It was pretty slow going, but the smoky smell (the burgers are cooked over open charcoal) wafting down was enough to keep me firmly in my spot. And after an hour and ten minutes, I finally had my hands on the prized item.  And boy, was it worth the wait. The beauty of this burger is in its simplicity – the quality patties are made from a special blend of cuts from Madina Halal Butchers on nearby Sydney Road, and there's a delicious smokiness to the flavour. The pickles and onion add just the right amount of sharp zest, while the sauce combo balances it all out. It's a ten-out-of-ten kno

It's official: the Pink Pony Club is riding into town, and we are so HOT TO GO! Laneway Festival has just dropped its 2026 line-up, with the Chappell Roan headlining the one-day fest on her first-ever national tour. For its milestone 21st birthday, the summer music party has pulled together its biggest line-up yet, featuring 35 per cent more artists (a third making their Aussie debut). Joining the femininomenon are big-name exclusives, Role Model, PinkPantheress and Wolf Alice, alongside homegrown heroes, Teen Jesus and the Jean Teasers, Blusher, Shady Nasty and more. Another sold-out summer is on the cards, so here’s everything you need to know about getting tickets to the Melbourne edition of Laneway Festival 2026. Good luck, babes! Is Chappell Roan coming to Melbourne? It’s the news we’ve been waiting for! Following Charli xcx’s brat summer earlier this year, Laneway is bringing another pop girlie to headline the festival in 2026. Yep, Chappell Roan is leading the line-up, returning to Melbourne for her first visit since her Midwest Princess Tour in 2023. When is Laneway Festival coming to Melbourne? The 2026 edition of Laneway is coming to Melbourne's Flemington Park on Friday, February 13.  Where else is Laneway Festival happening in Australia? In 2026, Laneway Festival is also heading to: Gold Coast – Saturday, February 7 Sydney – Sunday, February 8 Adelaide – Saturday, February 14 Perth – Sunday, February 15 Who’s on the line-up for Laneway Festival in Melbourne?

Back in July, we shared the news that three Victorian destinations – Warrnambool, Mount Beauty and Trentham – were vying for the prestigious title of Australia's Top Tourism Town. Well, the national event has taken place, and we're thrilled to reveal that the charming country township of Trentham has taken out a gold medal. Cue the applause!  The annual Top Tourism Town Awards are held in Canberra and celebrate winners across three categories: Best Tourism Town (population 5,000+), Best Small Tourism Town (population 1,500-5,000) and Best Tiny Tourism Town (population less than 1,500). Competition is fierce, and the champions are decided through a combination of public votes and scores from an expert industry judging panel.  Trentham, located on the edge of Wombat State Forest in central Victoria, was crowned the winner of the Best Tiny Tourism Town – cute! Boasting a Gold Rush-era streetscape, some excellent dining options (hello, Du Fermier – aka one of the state's finest regional restaurants) and easy access to some spectacular natural wonders (Trentham Falls is Victoria's highest single-drop waterfall), we're not even remotely surprised it took out the category. Photograph: Rob Blackburn/Visit Victoria Oh, and it's also home to the Great Trentham Spudfest – a beloved annual two-day event dedicated to the humble potato. If you want to get a taste of what this welcoming country community is like, this is a beautiful example that brings everyone together to enjoy fresh pro

Update Friday, September 5: After the rumour mill went into overdrive that Tomorrowland was coming to Melbourne, we finally have an official statement. And fans of the iconic EDM event are sure to be happy. It's now been confirmed that the CORE stage will make its Aussie debut right here in Melbourne with a standalone event taking place in November 2026. The Tomorrowland spin-off is best known for its two successful editions in Medellín, Colombia, and is set to bring immersive and unforgettable audiovisual experience to the city. CORE will take place in Melbourne on November 28, 2026. Exact location details, line-up info and ticket prices are yet to be revealed, but we'll keep you posted as we find out more. *** Australia's music festival scene could be in for a major shake-up with rumours swirling that Tomorrowland is coming to Melbourne. Yep, the legendary multi-day EDM event – held every year in Belgium – looks set to make its Australian debut in November 2026. At least, that's what a recent video shared to TikTok seems to hint at. Filmed by user @mofftits at this year's Tomorrowland in the Belgian town of Boom (you know, the one where the main stage burned down), it shows a world map with Melbourne clearly marked as a potential location for the iconic CORE stage. Cue the excitement! The CORE stage has become a standalone event in its own right in recent years, popping up in places like Tulum, Mexico and Medellín, Colombia. While it doesn't sound like the entire Tomorrowla

Is there anything better than stopping at a country bakery mid-road trip and treating yo' self to a thick, glossy slab of custard sandwiched between two crisp, flaky sheets of pastry? We sure don't think so, and now you've got a good excuse to hit the road this weekend because the best vanilla slice in all of Australia has just been crowned – and you can find it right here in Victoria.   Last week, bakeries from across the country headed to Merbein on the Murray River to face off in the Great Australian Vanilla Slice Triumph. This nationwide bakery battle has been running since 1998, when then-Victorian premier Jeff Kennett discovered what he claimed was the best vanilla slice. To settle the score, he launched a competition to crown Australia’s finest snot block – and the title has been hotly contested ever since. So, what makes a winning vanilla slice? According to the judges, “when tasted, the slice should reveal custard with a creamy, smooth texture and a balance of vanilla taste with a crisp, crunchy pastry topped with a smooth and shiny glaze/fondant”. Well, the vanilla slice at Sharp's Bakery in Birchip (a small rural town in north-west Victoria) certainly fit that criteria, because it has claimed the crown for 2025. Family-owned since 1977, the Birchip institution has previously won the title in 2009, 2012, 2014, 2016 and 2022, and was runner-up in 2024. "We made around 1,800 vanilla slices last week, and it looks like it will be around 1,500 this week," owner and ba

Move over, Melbourne millennials – Gen Z (you know, those born between 1997 and 2012) have well and truly stepped into the spotlight, and they've got thoughts on the best cities for young people right now.  Every year, Time Out releases its annual ranking of the world's greatest cities (ICYMI, Melbourne was named the world's fourth best). This comprehensive survey quizzes more than 18,500 locals on everything from their city's nightlife, food and culture, as well as important lifestyle factors like happiness, access to green space and walkability. These insights were then filtered to include only responses from those aged 30 and under, revealing which city is best for Gen Z in 2025.  And, drum roll please... Melbourne has landed in second place (slay!), beating out zoomer hot spots like Barcelona, Edinburgh and Mexico City. According to the data, 77 per cent of Gen Z described Melbourne as diverse and inclusive, with a whopping 96 per cent giving high ratings to the city’s art and culture scene. Our beloved city also scored highly for quality of life, with an impressive 91 per cent of twenty-somethings saying the quality of life in Melbourne is ‘good’ or ‘amazing’. To dive a bit deeper, we reached out to our Gen Z audience via Instagram to discover exactly what they love most about Melbourne – and yep, the responses well and truly confirmed the global findings. The most common answer was just how multicultural our city is, with Melbourne's café culture also getting plenty of