Liv Condous

Anyone who’s experienced cherry blossom season in Japan knows just how enchanting it is. The sakura trees bloom for only two short weeks in spring – generally between March and April – making the pretty-in-pink floral display all the more special.  Luckily, you don’t have to fly to Japan during their busiest season to witness the magic of cherry blossoms. Australia’s cool-climate regions put on their own stunning pink showcase in spring, which happens in reverse to Japan, typically from late August to early October. Sydney's Cherry Blossom Festival is one of the state's most Instagrammable events, with equally pretty festivals at orchards just a short drive from Melbourne and Perth. Whether you’re after a romantic getaway or a family-friendly day trip, here are the best places to see cherry blossoms in Australia. 🌸 The best places to see wildflowers in Australia😍 Australia's most beautiful places to explore🍌 A guide to Australia’s best big things

Ah, food. Glorious, glorious food. There’s nothing more we’d rather travel around the country for. Almost every state, city and even town in Australia has its own foodie festival, bringing together the best chefs, farmers, producers and suppliers. Our Sydney Food & Drink Editor, Avril Treasure, raves about Orange F.O.O.D Week, our Melbourne Editor, Lauren Dinse, loves Pinot Palooza, and our Travel & News Editor, Melissa Woodley, dreams of experiencing Darwin International Laksa Festival. So, whether you’re a wine wanker, a seafood seeker, a beer buff or a truffle hunter, here are the best food and drink festivals in Australia worth travelling for. 🍽️ The best restaurants in Australia🎸 Australia's grooviest music and arts festival🍷 The best bars in Australia

Just because it's winter and cold outside, doesn't mean you have to keep the kids cooped up inside for two weeks. We've gone and done the hard work for you, and rounded up all the coolest, most fun things to do from July 5-20 to ensure you won't have bored children on your hands. From glowing light festivals and beloved musicals to Lego exhibitions and dinosaur activations, check out the list below and we promise you won't here a whiny "we're boredddd" at all. Looking for more things to do? Here’s what’s happening across Melbourne this week. 

When it comes to discovering a new fragrance, chasing after alluringly-scented strangers to ask what they’re wearing is a tried-and-true method. But whether you’re too shy to ask or they’re too quick to escape, it’s not always feasible. Instead, you can peruse a selection of unique, rare and beguiling scents at one of Melbourne’s perfume stores. Visit one of Melbourne’s best fragrance boutiques to get advice from the olfactory experts on choosing an every day scent or adding to your personal collection. Melbourne is blessed with a plethora of perfume shops, to choose from, so we’ve assembled this list for fragrance hobbyists, scent wardrobe curators and casual spritzers alike. Or if you want to really shop around, we've included a list of the best local online fragrance stores too.  Feeling thrifty? Here are the best vintage stores in Melbourne.

Australia is packed with many incredible natural landmarks, gorgeous sightseeing spots and once-in-a-lifetime experiences. But with so much choice, it's hard knowing which Australian tourist sights live up to the hype. Our Travel and News Editor, Melissa Woodley, has drawn on her adventures across every state and territory to curate this list of the top tourist places in Australia, spanning from the east coast to the west.  While the Big Banana didn’t make the cut this time around, you’re sure to be amazed by these spectacular sights, including the world’s largest coral reef, the oldest continually surviving rainforest, and the best sunset-watching location on Earth. Start compiling your great Australian bucket list from these top tourist attractions. 😱 The best places to visit in Australia right now🌈 All the most beautiful places to explore Down Under🌊 Australia's best beaches

While the temperature is getting colder, the events line-up in Melbourne is red-hot this month. Our city has a knack for making the most of winter's moody vibes with plenty of after-dark events, including dazzling light shows. The beloved Lightscape returns this month, and stay tuned as more illuminated events will inevitably be announced in the coming days. If you're the type who doesn't mind embracing the chill for the sake of a good time, Melbourne is the place to be – our city doesn't hibernate in winter, with heaps of exciting winter festivals to keep you cosy. Rising will take over the CBD once again, with a stacked program of weird and wonderful events. If we could only pick one event to go to, we wouldn't miss playing quirky mini-golf in the Flinders Street Station ballroom.  Plus, Melbourne's stages are filled with world-class productions right now, with Beetlejuice the Musical and Hadestown our top picks of the theatre shows that are truly worth seeing.  If all else fails, we've got you sorted with this full list of free things, art exhibitions, theatre shows, festivals and more happening in June.  Miserable weather? Here's what to do in Melbourne when it rains. Keen to embrace the cold? Check out our comprehensive guide to Victoria's snow season.

If you’re seeking awe-inspiring natural surroundings and breathtaking hikes, the Grampians region is the place to be in Victoria. It’s known as one of the state’s best spots for a nature escape, with a majestic mountain range making for stunning sights. The spectacle of the beautiful natural attractions has plenty of substance, too – the Grampians is an area rich with history, as the home to one of the biggest collections of Indigenous rock art sites in southeastern Australia.  But did you know that the Grampians is also a thriving wine region? It hosts some of Victoria’s finest wineries, as well as some truly top-notch eateries. If you're planning a visit, the natural wonders are an obvious must-see – but you'd be remiss not to spend some time eating and drinking your way through the region's renowned local produce and cool-climate wines.  To help you plan your next weekend getaway, we've laid out the best things to see, do, eat and drink while you're here. And if you're looking for more Victorian escapes, check out our guide to the Mornington Peninsula, the High Country and the Great Ocean Road.  Can't get away for the weekend? No stress – here are the best things happening across Melbourne this week.

If your idea of a good time involves flying down mountains, powering through puddles and chasing that adrenaline rush, this guide’s for you. Australia is full of thrill-seeking adventures for mountain biking enthusiasts, ranging from the country’s longest off-road cycling trail in the west to one of the world’s top downhill runs in the south.  We’ve mapped out the best mountain biking trails in Australia, with options for every skill level – from biking beginners to seasoned pros. Just don’t forget to pump your tyres and strap on a helmet... safety first, legends! 🎾 The best sporting events in Australia🏃🏿‍♂️ All the best marathons in Australia🥾 Australia's best hikes and trails

When visiting a new city, it’s highly likely that, at some point, you’ll find yourself standing in front of a big and beautiful museum or gallery. Come rain, hail or shine, these brilliant buildings are the place to brush up on historical happenings and learn a thing or two about local heritage.  Inside Australia's best museums, you’ll find some of our country’s greatest treasures and a huge diversity of subject matters too, ranging from natural history and cultural artefacts to science marvels and sporting achievements. Don’t wait until the next rainy day to explore Australia’s best museums with this ultimate guide, curated by our very own local experts (including Travel & News Editor Melissa Woodley and Arts & Culture Editor Alannah Le Cross). 🖼️ The best art galleries to explore in Australia🎶 All the biggest musicals touring Australia right now👀 The coolest art exhibitions to see in Australia

Wondering what to do in Melbourne this May? We've got you sorted with this list of free things, art exhibitions, stage shows, festivals and more. Get up your calendar and start planning. It's a huge month on Melbourne's theatrical stages, with the opening of two much-anticipated productions in our city: thrilling musical Hadestown and Beetlejuice: the Musical. Plus, the exciting Les Misérables The Arena Spectacular will take over Rod Laver Arena for a 15-show run. And Jesus Christ Superstar continues its run at the Princess Theatre.  Yirramboi Festival returns with a stacked program of groundbreaking performances and events led by First Nations creatives. And if you've felt the force getting stronger, that could be because the mind-boggling Lego Star Wars: the Exhibition opens this month.  When in doubt, 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.   Looking for more ways to fill up your calendar? Plan a trip around our beautiful state with our handy travel guides.   RECOMMENDED: What to do in Melbourne when it rains. 

The beloved Melbourne International Comedy Festival is well and truly in full swing, with more than 680 shows lighting up venues across the city. Phew, our abs are hurting already! With so many comedians to see and not enough time, we have sent out a batch of reviewers to dig deep and suss out the best of the fest this year. Whether it's a weird and wonderful show, a national treasure or a rising star, check out our reviews and see what tickles your fancy.  Want to review the show over a drink? Check out the best late-night bars in Melbourne.  

Wondering what to do in Melbourne this April? We've got you covered with our list of events, festivals, exhibitions and more happening around town.  It's a laugh a minute in April, with the Melbourne International Comedy Festival keeping us entertained. It's your last chance to see the blockbuster exhibition Yayoi Kusama, and also NGV Friday Nights wraps up this month, so get your after-dark fix of art and tunes while you can. Or for a touch of retail therapy, the Makers and Shakers Market returns for one weekend featuring one-of-a-kind wares. Plus, an electrifying production of Jesus Christ Superstar is on at the Princess Theatre, and Beauty and the Beast will take its final bow this month. For a colourful day trip, frolic through fields of blooms at the Tesselaar KaBloom Festival. RECOMMENDED: The best places to see autumn leaves in Victoria.

Stand beneath a simulated thunderstorm, ponder eternal life, venture inside a massive lung-like inflatable installation and hear boundary-pushing sounds – Now or Never is back this winter.  Returning for a third year, the 2025 program has just dropped, cementing the festival as an exciting addition to Melbourne’s cultural calendar. From August 21 to 31, this multi-venue festival takes over some of Melbourne’s most iconic buildings to host artistic works at the forefront of creative innovation. With a whopping 140 events over 11 days, it features the recipe that the festival made waves with when it debuted – and some thrilling new elements.  The transformation of the Royal Exhibition Building into a cavernous rave cave has been a huge highlight from previous years, but this year the heritage space will morph into a completely different form. The space will house a massive installation by Spanish collective Penique Productions that will fill the building with a mammoth inflatable balloon to be experienced from the womb-like insides. ‘MATRIX’ will be on show for the first four days of the festival and it’ll be free to experience during the day, while also hosting immersive artistic evening events. Melbourne Town Hall will also come to life with a large-scale installation, a kinetic textile artwork that will dramatically drape 20 metres across the ceiling, titled ‘Einder’ by Dutch artist Boris Acket. Rippling with light and sound, this piece will also be free to see for just thre

Scienceworks is opening its doors after dark during the winter solstice, for an adults-only night where Melburnians can roam through exhibitions, catch docos on the planetarium dome, sip mulled wine and enjoy live music.  Embrace your inner child at the museum's fun-filled exhibitions and try once again to beat Cathy Freeman in a virtual race (you were so close when you were 12, surely you can do it now!)  The Planetarium dome will also be open, with guided tours of the night sky every hour. Lie back and take in the magic of the cosmos, with a drink in hand.  Plus, there'll be arts and craft activities, DJs and performances. You can make a proper night out of it and head to Grazeland just next door, where there are endless food options for dinner.  It all makes for an ideal, wintery weekend evening – have a great time and who knows, you might learn something too. Find out more and purchase tickets on the website.  Looking for more fun things to do? Here's our guide to what's on this week. 

Scienceworks invites visitors to explore Earth and the cosmos with a series of after-hours and adults-only film screenings on the huge Planetarium dome, with a drink in hand. Every Friday night, those over 18 can explore the universe through immersive documentaries and marvel at the magic of the universe. You won’t go spacing out at these shows either, as they’re loaded with amazing visuals and stellar content. The Friday night screenings feature two fims: one at 7.30pm and the other at 9pm. The films change each month; this June, you can look forward to Voyager – The Never Ending Journey in the earlier session. Ukrainian filmmaker Yuriy Gapon takes viewers on a wild ride to Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus and Neptune to see the launch of two space probes that would make history in the 1970s. If you book in for this slot, a presenter will also walk you through What’s in the Sky Tonight, where our real-time night sky will look more like a movie.  If you decide to come to the later session (or buy a double ticket and stick around), Pink Floyd Dark Side of the Moon will be lighting up the dome. Strap in for 42 minutes of non-stop tunes from the legendary rock band, as their greatest hits from the album Dark Side of the Moon is played in surround sound while set to trippy celestial visuals. Update Thursday, June 12: The June screenings of Dark Side of the Moon are all sold out, but you can catch the show back by popular demand in August (if you're eager, you can snag tickets from June 3

Whack on something dazzling and dust off your dancing shoes as the much-loved NGV Friday Nights returns to warm Melburnians up this winter. The popular event returns for 18 weeks during the NGV International's latest winter masterpieces exhibition, French Impressionism.  The new exhibition showcases more than 100 works by some of the greatest impressionist artists of all time, such as Claude Monet, Pierre-Auguste Renoir, Camille Pissarro, Édouard Manet, Edgar Degas and more. French Impressionism will take visitors on a journey through the evolution of Impressionism and Post-Impressionism in late nineteenth-century France, experiencing firsthand the radical vision of avant-garde artists who challenged tradition to forge a new artistic path. From June 6 until October 3, you can take an after-dark journey through late nineteenth-century France, and exploring the evolution of this art form that was once considered radical and avant-garde. But in addition to the art, spend your Friday evening enjoying a night out at one of Melbourne's most beloved attractions. Grab a tipple from one of the multiple bars (including the Moët and Chandon Champagne Bar and the Yering Station Wine Bar), or enjoy a set winter menu at the NGV Garden Restaurant. The trendy tunes are another key drawcard of NGV Friday nights, with musicians performing in the Great Hall every night. There'll be live music performances spanning genres including jazz, contemporary classical, R&B, neo-soul and electronic, fro

While Melbourne has plenty of illuminated events across the city this chilly season, regional Victoria is also lighting up with glowing sights and cosy winter festivals. Bendigo is one of the many regional cities with an illuminated offering this winter, with a huge, immersive sound and light event taking over the town centre during the school holidays. Located in Rosalind Park, Electric Wonderland will return this year due to popular demand, with a brand new program and glowing installations, as well as all of the best bits from last year's event.   It will feature thousands of fairy lights, flowers that seemingly fall from the sky, a dazzling mirrorball laser alley, a pixelated sound and light show, and much more, making for a magical winter evening. Plus, there'll be a 40-metre-tall replica of Bendigo’s Sacred Heart Cathedral, completely covered in lights. To find out more and buy tickets, head to the website.  Looking for more glowing experiences? Here is where you can find magical winter lights in regional Victoria

Forget about needing to fly thousands of kilometres to the other side of the world to see Les Miserablés – an epic production of the iconic musical has landed right here in our city, providing the chance to experience the magic of a performance from the crème de la crème of London’s famed West End. Les Miserablés is celebrating its 40th anniversary with a mega arena-sized version of the beloved show, filling Melbourne’s Rod Laver Arena with soaring songs for a limited time.  For the uninitiated, Les Miserablés is a musical adaptation of an 1800s novel by Victor Hugo, which was picked up by prolific West End producer Sir Cameron Mackintosh in the 1980s to become the production audiences know and love today. Set in 19th century France, it follows the life of Jean Valjean (played by Alfie Boe and alternate Killian Donnelly), a man striving to build a new life after he’s freed from imprisonment, but who breaks his parole to escape the trappings of a cruel justice system.  An act of pure kindness from a caring bishop (Earl Carpenter) spurs Valjean to transform his life and become a reputable figure, striving to give back to those in need. But the shadow of his past follows him, and he’s constantly evading the pursuit of tyrannous inspector Javert (Michael Ball). Set against the backdrop of the French Revolution, the story dips into the lives of a series of characters he encounters, each facing the trials of love and survival. While this summary sounds serious, the story is sung th

Before you enter full hibernation mode ahead of the cooler months, commit to one last outdoor hurrah with the return of the Great Ocean Road Running Festival on May 17-18. Take in sweeping coastal views while enjoying this rare opportunity to traverse the famous winding road on foot.  It's also the running festival's 20th anniversary, and with more than 11,000 runners expected to take part, this year’s milestone event is set to be the most unforgettable yet. For the running purists amongst us, there are a number of events on offer, including the ultra (60 kilometres), full (44 kilometres) and half marathons (23 kilometres), along with shorter options for those who just want to jog or walk.  And if you've got little ones, encourage them to get up and about for the 1.5-kilometre Kids’ Gallop. If that still sounds a little too athletic, consider getting involved in the Kite Festival, the Pub to Pub Waiter’s Race (which involves carrying a tray of beer from the Apollo Bay Hotel to the Great Ocean Road Brewhouse and back), or check out the live music all weekend long in Apollo Bay. There are plenty of other events and races on offer, so for more information be sure to check out the website.  Looking for more things to do? Check out our round-up of the best things happening in Melbourne this week.

Join thousands of veterans, their descendants, and current serving personnel to pay respect to the ANZACs at the Shrine of Remembrance on ANZAC Day. The Dawn Service is a tradition that came out of the military practice of 'standing to' at dawn, a time when troops are vulnerable to attacks. Each year, the event draws thousands to the Shrine of Remembrance while millions more around the world follow the ceremony on television and radio.  This year, the Dawn Service will commence at 5.30am, followed by the ANZAC Day March at 9am. After the march concludes, a commemorative service will be held. All are welcome to attend, and no tickets or bookings are required. If you're unable to make it in person, the service and march will also be streamed live here. You can also commemorate from home by donating to the ANZAC Appeal to support the veteran community.  Looking to take part in more traditions? Here's where you can play two-up, a gambling game that is only legal on ANZAC Day.

Nestled in the foothills of surrounding mountain ranges, the Grampians Grape Escape is taking over the beloved regional town of Halls Gap with a weekend-long program of world-class wines, gourmet food and live music.  It all kicks off with a 'feel-good Friday' session before the festival fully opens on Saturday, a night celebrating local music talent from with a line-up of all homegrown bands like The Settlement and No Mistake. The weekend program will feature more than 90 exhibitors, including wineries, food trucks, creators and makers. There will be cooking demonstrations and masterclasses by guest chefs like MasterChef Australia favourites Dani Venn and Justine Schofield, plus a wine auction (with funds raised to be put back into the local community) and tastings from more than 30 local wineries and entertainment. If you're bringing the kiddos along, there will be plenty of activities to keep them going including rock climbing, herb and flower planting, and more. And you'll be able to shop up a storm with stalls showcasing everything from candles and jewellery to art and condiments. After the region was devastated by severe bushfires over summer, this event is the perfect way to support the local community and its small businesses to recover with a much-needed economic boost.  There are a variety of ticketing options available now (including single and multi-day passes), and you can find out more at the Grampians Grape Escape website.  Exploring the Grampians? Check out

Get your wands at the ready, because Melbourne is set to play host to the Australian premiere of Harry Potter: The Exhibition. This behind-the-scenes extravaganza will leave Potterheads spellbound, and features interactive recreations of famous film scenes, props and costumes from the Broadway production of Harry Potter and the Cursed Child, a multimedia experience featuring the Whomping Willow, dementors, the Marauder's Map and the chance to conjure a Patronus charm. Budding witches and wizards will be sorted into Hogwarts houses and earn points as they explore the exhibition – it could be through a potions class, predicting the future à la Professor Trelawney in Divination or defeating a boggart in Defence Against the Dark Arts. There will also be opportunities to practice spell casting and Quidditch skills, plus win golden snitch medallions to become a model student. Each experience comes with plenty of photo ops and, of course, magical interactive moments. There's even a recreation of the Great Hall for visitors to enjoy in all its splendour, complete with floating candles.  This official Harry Potter exhibition is part of a global tour, previously selling out in cities like Boston and Madrid. It will be apparating into Melbourne on April 4, with tickets on sale now. You can find out more about this enchanting experience via the website.  Looking for more family-friendly things to do? Here's our guide to the best activities for kids in Melbourne. 

Lovers of gyros, halloumi and the zorba, listen up. A huge one-day celebration of Greek culture is returning to the Preston Market in Melbourne's north, with a fun-filled, free event.  On Sunday, April 6, Greek Day will transform the market into a Hellenic paradise, with loads of specialty food, live music, dance entertainment, kids' activities and more. It's a day for celebrating cultural diversity, with a chance for everyone to come together and experience Greek culture in all its glory. Running from 10am to 3pm, the northside market will become a vibrant Greek party, with renowned Greek band Anagennisi and beloved singer Valia Gianiska taking to the stage. Plus, Manasis School of Greek Dance and Culture will put on energetic performances of traditional moves with authentic folk costumes.  Of course, don't forget the delicious Greek food on offer. Event attendees can expect a raft of exciting food and market pop-up stalls, including St. Gerry’s Greek Donuts for tasty loukoumades. Plus, to keep the little ones entertained, a variety of kids activities will be running from 11am to 1pm.  It's set to be a delightful day out and best of all, it's totally free to attend. Find out more on the website.  Can't get enough of Hellenic cuisine? Here are the best Greek restaurants in Melbourne. 

Feast on borek, gozleme and Turkish delights this April when the Turkish Pazar festival returns to Queen Victoria Market. This year marks the 17th year the Pazar rolls into town to celebrate Turkey's rich culture.  The festival replicates the atmosphere of an authentic Turkish bazaar right in the middle of Melbourne, to celebrate the end of Ramadan. At the pazar you'll discover the vibrant tastes, colours and sounds of Turkey through food, music, arts and crafts and cultural displays. Numerous food stalls will entice taste buds - with delicious plates of gozleme and kebabs as well as sweet treats like Turkish Delight and like baklava, plus authentic Turkish coffee.  There'll be live acts and traditional entertainment, including The Australian Ottoman Marching Band performing on the second day. During the weekend you can also browse Turkish arts and handicrafts, plus learn more about Turkish culture from stallholders. There will even be ebru demonstrations – the art of paper marbling.  You can visit the Turkish Pazar at the Queen Victoria Markets on April 12 and 13 from 9am to 4pm. All ages are welcome and entry is free. Looking for more things to do in Melbourne? Here's our guide to what's on this week. 

July 4 update: In news just in – and a huge blow to Aussie fans of 2000s era R'n'B – Usher has just cancelled the local leg of his Past Present Future Tour. Yes, you read that right – the 'Love in this Club' and 'OMG' singer was scheduled to perform six huge shows at Rod Laver Arena in November, along with another six at Sydney's Qudos Bank Arena in early December. Tickets for these performances (which only went on sale in May) have now been removed from sale, but there's no word yet from either Usher or tour promotors Live Nation on the reasoning behind the sudden cancellation.  As per Ticketek's website, all ticketholders will receive automatic refunds within 30 business days via the original payment method used. Well, safe to say he ain't got us fallin' in love anymore! (Sorry, we had to.) *** If you never got over the R'n'B era of the early 2000s, now's your time to shine. The man who is arguably the king of the genre is coming to Melbourne for a run of arena shows – yes, the one and only Usher is gracing us with his presence. OMG!  As part of his Past Present Future world tour, Usher has announced 12 (!!!) Aussie shows in Melbourne and Sydney later this year. It's a long-awaited return Down Under for the 'Love in this Club' singer, who hasn't performed on our shores since his first solo headline tour, the OMG tour, in 2011. All we can say is, yeah! The tour is essentially a victory lap for the iconic artist, who is performing in celebration of his incredible 30-year ca

It's no secret that Melburnians love recreational bathing. Whether it be at one of our city's many bathhouses and spas or at world-class hot springs resorts across the state, we love feeling a little luxe and taking a relaxing dip. So as you can imagine, when we heard that Melbourne is gaining another swanky bathhouse, we were very excited.  The award-winning Soak Bathhouse has just opened its latest iteration in the heart of South Yarra. The lush oasis offers mineral bathing in huge pools, hot spas, a dry cedarwood sauna, a steam room and cold plunge pools, all nestled amongst leafy greenery. Plus, you can also treat yo' self to additional wellness treatments like infrared saunas, LED facials and full-body massages. We can feel the tension melting away from our shoulders already.  Soak has already opened two bathhouses in Brisbane and the Gold Coast (where it was awarded the Best of Queensland Experience Award by Tourism Queensland), along with another one in Alexandria in Sydney. The Melbourne location is one of the largest bathhouses yet, spanning 700 square metres.  Photograph: Supplied Soak Bathhouse owner Niki Dean said with the Melbourne venue located just behind Chapel Street, it will offer a relaxing oasis to escape the busy city.  “Our goal is to provide a space where people can come together, relax and build meaningful connections,” says Dean. “Whether it’s a solo visit to unwind after a long day or a social outing with friends, Soak Bathhouse offers a versatile

When you think of the most prestigious universities in the world, the first to come to mind will probably be names from the other side of the globe. But there's one university right here in our city that is just as esteemed as the likes of Yale or Princeton. In fact, in a new global list of the world's best university, our very own University of Melbourne outranked both of those well-known institutions. Feel that city pride!    The prestigious QS World University Rankings for 2026 have just dropped, revealing which institutions stand in the best stead for the year ahead. Two Australian universities cracked the top 20 for yet another year, out of more than 1,500 institutions from around the world assessed for the 2026 rankings, including 36 from Australia. The top five were pretty similar to last year, with MIT holding onto first place with a perfect score of 100, followed by Imperial College London, Stanford, Harvard and Cambridge. Australia’s highest-ranked institution was the University of Melbourne, which landed 19th on the global list. While it slipped six spots from placing 13th in 2025, its overall score actually rose 1.9 points to 90.8 – thanks to improved ratings in seven of the nine ranking indicators. The uni earned a near-perfect 99.7 for academic reputation (the highest in Australia) and also ranked first in the country for employer reputation and sustainability. This university is consistently praised as the best in the country, and was also named as one of the

If you've travelled through regional Victoria, you'll know there's just something about country hospitality that truly hits different. People don't just rush from A to B, they make time to say g'day and stop for a yarn. So it's no surprise that when travel website Booking.com released its list of Australia's most welcoming towns, all of them were quaint regional spots. Three of them are in Victoria, so if you're looking for a wholesome, heartwarming country getaway, these are the places to go.  For its 13th annual Traveller Review Awards, Booking.com used a whopping 360 million verified reviews to determine the world’s most welcoming regions and towns for 2025. The small Victorian towns that made the top ten list are Ocean Grove in the fifth spot, Halls Gap in eighth and Daylesford at ninth. These are all top-notch regional destinations, made even better by the friendly vibes.  Australia's fifth most welcoming town Ocean Grove is located on the Bellarine Peninsula – a chilled-out seaside spot with a ripper surf beach that's nestled between Barwon Heads and Point Lonsdale. The second friendliest in Victoria and eighth in the country, Halls Gap is a tiny town tucked away in the Grampians, making it the perfect base for exploring one of Victoria's most-loved national parks and the surrounding wine region. Located in Victoria's 'spa country', Daylesford is one of the most popular spots for Melburnians seeking a weekend escape and is the ninth nicest town Down Under. It's known a

After the legalisation of pill testing back in November last year, and a successful summer of trialling a mobile testing service at festivals across the state, the next step in the drug-checking trial has arrived in Melbourne.  The state government has revealed the location of Victoria's first-ever fixed site for pill testing will open this year in the centre of Melbourne's inner north. The service will be located at 95 Brunswick Street, Fitzroy – close to one of our city's busiest nightlife hubs.  The site will offer testing of most pills, capsules, powders, crystals, and liquids, all in an effort to reduce drug harm. It will be run by a consortium of Youth Support and Advocacy Service, the Loop Australia and Harm Reduction Victoria. It will also offer free, confidential, and non-judgmental harm reduction advice from health professionals, medical support and social services when needed. The pill testing service is set to open by August 2025 and will operate Thursday to Sunday.  The legalisation of pill testing doesn't mean that any drugs will be decriminalised outside of being tested at the service, but does mean that people won't be breaking the law by bringing in drugs to be tested. According to information released by the state government, consultations with police will establish an arrangement that doesn’t deter people from using the service. Victoria state was the third in the country legalise drug-checking, following the ACT and Queensland, and the first to create ded

Baby, it ain't over 'til it's over. Lenny Kravitz is certainly following the ethos of one of his biggest tracks, as the enigmatic American singer has just announced a huge tour Down Under, returning to our shores after 13 years.  As part of a string of show dates in November 2025, the seemingly ageless rocker will play one big gig in Melbourne – and, a show in... the regional town of Mildura? Kind of random, but we're here for it. He'll be supported by beloved Aussie band Jet, so expect a live and loud night with a helluva lot of guitars.  The tour comes off the back of Kravitz releasing his latest (and 12th) album Blue Electric Light last year, which has garnered critical acclaim. So if you're keen to hear it live, as well as head bang to classics like 'Are You Gonna Go My Way', we've got all the details you need to know below.   When is Lenny Kravitz performing in Melbourne for his 2025 Australia tour? Kravitz will perform in Melbourne for one night only at John Cain Arena on Tuesday, November 25, 2025. His special regional Victorian show at Mildura's Sporting Precinct will take place on Friday, November 28, 2025.  When do Lenny Kravitz Melbourne tickets go on sale? General sale kicks off on Friday, June 20 at 10am local time via Ticketek. With only one show in Melbourne, we recommend acting fast (although, the touring schedule does have some gaps to allow for potential additional shows).  Is there a Lenny Kravitz presale? If you're super keen, you can secure your Lenny Kra

Winter has well and truly arrived – temperatures have plummeted, sunny days are fewer and further between, and we've pulled out our scarves and beanies from the depths of our wardrobes. We're about to hit the depths of the cold season, with the arrival of the shortest day of the year, as well as the longest night. While the thought of short daylight hours is a bit grim, it's all up from here, as the days will grow longer again after this annual astronomical turning point.  When is the winter solstice in Melbourne 2025?  The winter solstice for Melbourne, and the whole of Australia, falls on June 21 every year – which means it's coming up this Saturday. What is Melbourne's winter solstice? Caused by the Earth’s annual orbit around the sun, the winter solstice is the shortest day and longest night of the year – occurring in Australia when the South Pole has its maximum tilt away from the sun. This astronomical event happens on the very same day every year – though on opposite times of year for the two different hemispheres. As Australians experience the shortest day of the year, our friends in the Northern Hemisphere celebrate their summer solstice with the longest day of the year, and vice versa. What causes Melbourne's winter solstice? The solstice is caused by the tilt of the Earth’s axis in relation to the sun. During the winter solstice in the Southern Hemisphere, the tilt is such that the sun follows its lowest and shortest path through the sky, resulting in the least amo

While it was once a source of city pride, the much-hyped most liveable cities global rankings has sent Melburnians on a rollercoaster in recent times. Not even ten years ago, our city dominated the top spot on the list for several back-to-back years. But life (aka the pandemic) threw a spanner in the works, plummeting our ranking, which we've been attempting to claw back ever since. The list for this year has just been revealed, and thankfully, it's relatively good news! Melbourne has maintained its fourth place ranking on the index – and these days, anything that isn't a step down we will take as a win. After all, fourth in the whole wide world is nothing to sneeze at!  It's the third year in a row that Melbourne has landed in the top five most liveable cities worldwide, after we ranked fourth in 2024 and third in 2023. If you're unsure why this is such a big deal, the prestigious Global Liveability Index has been running for more than two decades. The Economist Intelligence Unit (EIU) ranks 173 cities across five key metrics: stability, healthcare, culture and environment, education, and infrastructure. As for the top spots on the 2025 rankings, Copenhagen broke Vienna's three-year reign to take the title of the world’s most liveable city. Zürich claimed third position, and just behind it was Melbourne with an overall score of 97 out of 100. That’s well above this year’s global average liveability score of 76.1. Sydney was not far behind, landing in sixth place in 2025. Bot

While many Melburnians hibernate through the colder months, craving the arrival of sunny spring, there are others who see winter as the most exciting time of the year. Namely, the skiers and snowboarders among us. Australia’s ski season is short, so if you're keen to carve up the slopes in 2025, you’ll want to make it count. There are plenty of mountains across the country to choose from, with multiple ski resorts in our state, so how do you pick where to make the most of the snow? Handily, a new Snow Season Index has revealed which Aussie alpine resort is tipped to have the best snowfall, and luckily for us it's right here in Victoria.  To forecast the upcoming conditions, Snow Season Central analysed 16 years’ worth of snowfall data for Australia’s five most popular ski resorts. One of the highest altitude resorts in the country, Mount Hotham in regional Victoria, came out as the top spot to go skiing in Australia in 2025.  Known for its unique upside-down layout (with the village at the summit and the slopes at the base), Mount Hotham has some of the best ski-in/ski-out lodgings in the world. It recorded the highest number of snowy days, averaging 3.9 days in the third week of August, along with 23 centimetres of weekly snowfall. Victoria's most popular alpine resort, Mount Buller, ranks as the second-best skiing destination in Australia, with the highest historic average weekly snowfall of any resort at 25 centimetres. Conditions here are predicted to peak in the first we

You know it ain't over 'til it's over – but in Australia, it’s only just getting started. Lenny Kravitz is living by the lyrics of one of his biggest hits, announcing a massive return Down Under for the first time in 13 years.  In November 2025, the leather-clad American rocker will play gigs in Sydney, Newcastle, Brisbane, Melbourne, Mildura and Adelaide. The tour comes off the back of Kravitz releasing his latest (and 12th) album Blue Electric Light last year, which has garnered critical acclaim. So if you're keen to hear it live, as well as headbang to classics like 'Are You Gonna Go My Way', here's how to get tickets to Lenny Kravitz’s 2025 Australian tour. When is Lenny Kravitz’s 2025 Australian tour? Kravitz will perform in a mix of big cities and regional gems, including: Sydney’s Qudos Bank Arena – Tuesday, November 18 Newcastle's Entertainment Centre – Wednesday, November 19 Brisbane's Entertainment Centre – Friday, November 21 Melbourne’s John Cain Arena – Tuesday, November 25 Mildura’s Sporting Precinct – Friday, November 28 Adelaide’s bp Supercars Grand Final – Saturday, November 29 When do Lenny Kravitz Australia tickets go on sale? General sale kicks off on Friday, June 20 at 10am local time via Ticketek. With only a few shows in Australia, we recommend acting fast (although, the touring schedule does have some gaps to allow for potential additional shows).  Is there a Lenny Kravitz pre-sale? If you're super keen, you can secure your Lenny Kravitz tickets earl

Repeat after me: it ain't over 'til it's over. Beloved rock star Lenny Kravitz is certainly following the ethos of his biggest hit. After releasing his first studio album back in 1989, the enigmatic American singer has just announced a huge tour Down Under, returning to our shores for the first time in 13 years.  As part of a string of show dates in November 2025, the seemingly ageless rocker will play one big gig in Sydney – and another just up the coast in the coastal city of Newcastle. He'll be supported by beloved Aussie band Jet, so expect a live and loud night with a helluva lot of guitars. The tour comes off the back of Kravitz releasing his latest (and 12th) album Blue Electric Light last year, which has garnered critical acclaim. So if you're keen to hear it live, as well as head bang to classics like 'Are You Gonna Go My Way', we've got all the details you need to know below. When is Lenny Kravitz performing in Sydney for his 2025 Australia tour? Kravitz will perform in Sydney for one night only at Sydney’s Qudos Bank Arena on Tuesday, November 18 2025. His special regional NSW show at Newcastle Entertainment Centre will take place the following night, Wednesday 19 2025.  When do Lenny Kravitz Sydney tickets go on sale? General sale kicks off on Friday, June 20 at 10am local time via Ticketek. With only one show in Sydney, we recommend acting fast (although, the touring schedule does have some gaps to allow for potential additional shows).  Is there a Lenny Kravitz

Compared to other Australian states, we feel that Victoria's coastal regions don't get enough praise. Our shores have so much to offer, like world-class beaches, impeccable surfing spots and quaint towns. But there is one part of our coastline that has been getting plenty of attention lately – that is the epic multi-day hike, the Great Ocean Walk.  This coastal walk has just been dubbed as the best in Australia, according to hiking enthusiast and author of Great Coastal Walks, Brent McKean – who’s completed more than 20 of the country’s biggest coastal treks. He's not alone in his assessment, as this hike was recently also named as one of the top 20 best hikes worldwide. While everyone’s heard of the popular road trip that goes by the same name, this stunning 104-kilometre coastal walk is arguably more spectacular as you get to experience all the sights up close.  McKean says, “If you were in a car, you wouldn’t even know the walk was there. And from the track, you can’t see or hear the traffic above.” Just like the famous drive, the Great Ocean Walk hugs the coastline from Apollo Bay to the Twelve Apostles, and can be tackled as a series of day walks or as a multi-day hike that typically takes five to six days to complete.  Photograph: Visit Victoria McKean advises, “You can walk it independently using the public campsites along the way (they all include a dining shelter), or do it self-guided (using a map and an app), catching a shuttle bus to the start of each day’s walk