Liv Condous

There’s not a lot that beats a classic steak dinner (unless you’re a vegetarian, of course). The classic dish features on menus across the city in all different variations. Whether you’re after some good old pub grub with the usual fixings of chips and salad, or a classy chargrilled affair, these steakhouses and restaurants will satisfy your hankering for red meat. Indulge in some of the finest steaks money can buy at The Kitchen, go for hearty pub fare at Oakbank Hotel, or try fresh flavours at La Boca Bar and Grill. No matter where you go, there's delicious, tender steak waiting for you. To help you choose which will satiate your carnivorous craving, Time Out has tasked one of our expert writers to update this list of Adelaide's best steak spots. Carve right in!  🍷 The best bars in Adelaide🍔 Adelaide's best burgers🍕 Adelaide's best pizza joints

If you’re looking for next-level dumplings, noodles with actual stretch or Peking duck so crisp it could shatter on impact, well, congratulations – you’ve come to the right city. Thanks to a vibrant Asian-Australian community and a collective obsession with wok-fried everything, Brisbane punches well above its weight when it comes to Chinese cuisine. And while Sydney and Melbourne may hog the culinary spotlight, Brisbane quietly plays its hand, offering up dishes that rival anything found south of the border.  From Cantonese institutions still spinning lazy Susans to new-gen spots that wouldn’t look out of place in Shanghai, the choices here are plentiful and, frankly, overwhelming. There are long-standing institutions like Enjoy Inn, spots where dinner turns into a night out like Central Restaurant, as well as special occasion venues like The Fifty Six. To make life easier, Time Out has teamed up with a local Brisbane writer and food expert, Alli Forde, to bring you this ultimate list of the best Chinese restaurants right now. Gather your people, order with abandon and prepare for a food coma of your own making. 🥘 The best Indian food in Brisbane🥩 The best steaks in Brisbane🍣 The best Japanese restaurants

Brisbane’s Italian food has been some of the best in Australia for quite some time now, and it’s only getting better with each new opening. Drawing inspiration from regions all over Italy and working with top local produce, these restaurants show why Australia has some of the best Italian food outside the motherland.  Time Out has tasked an expert foodie and Italian cuisine lover to bring you this list of the top spots for your next feast. There are trendy, stylish diners like Gemelli Italian, special occasion venues like Ristorante Tartufo and family-friendly joints like Marinara Restaurant. So, whether a hearty ragu in a cosy dining room is what you’re after or linguine with prawns enjoyed al fresco is more your speed, these are the best Italian restaurants in Brisbane. 🍽️ Brisbane's very best restaurants🍕 The best pizza spots in Brisbane🥩 Where to find Brisbane's best steak

Ramen, sushi, okonomiyaki, gyoza... Japan's food culture is a phenomenon, and luckily, Brisbane is blessed with plenty of great Japanese dining options. From bustling little yakitori and izakaya bars to splurge-worthy multi-course omakases, there are plenty of places to make your dreams of moving to Tokyo come true. Whether you're looking for a venue to splurge at on a special occasion like Komeyui, a quick affordable lunch at Sushi Kotobuki or an all-out omakase experience at a sleek eatery like Takashiya, this city has plenty of options. To narrow down the best places, Time Out has tasked an expert food writer with compiling a guide on the best Japanese restaurants Brisbane has on offer – and we suggest you start eating your way through it. 🥘 The best Indian eats in town🥩 Brisbane's best steaks🍽 The best restaurants in Brisbane

Perth's pizza game has levelled up over the past few years, and we now have everything from Neapolitan and Roman-style pizzas to New York slices and our very own Aussie creations. Whether they're woodfired in purpose-built ovens or crisped to perfection in specialist electric and stone ovens, Perth's best pizza features the freshest and finest ingredients from Australia and abroad. Family-owned Monsterella is a fan favourite for its naturally risen 48-hour dough, while Il Locale Pizzeria is so popular that it's expanded to six locations across Western Australia. Here, in no particular order, are some of the best pizzas in Perth, as chosen by our local dough experts. 🍝 The best Italian restaurants in Perth🍔 The best burgers in Perth🍷 The best bars in Perth

With its sunny climate and impeccable wine and produce offerings, Perth could lay claim to being Australia’s answer to Italy. It’s no surprise, then, that Perth’s Italian dining scene is rich and extensive. From wine bars offering aperitivo and pizza, to intimate restaurants where you can share pasta over candlelight, the city's Italian restaurant scene is bustling with exciting venues. There are fresh, innovative takes on beloved classics to try at every turn, so to narrow down where to go for your pasta fix, Time Out has asked a Perth-based foodie writer for her top Italo picks. Take the intimate cucina La Madonna Nera, inventive fusion eatery Tetsun and open-air restaurant Si Paradiso that harbours a basement nightclub, to name just a few. Whichever one you choose, you’re guaranteed to be saying saluti to a stellar meal at Perth's best Italian restaurants. 🍽 The best restaurants in Perth🥘 The best Indian in Perth🍷 The best Japanese in Perth

Brisbane is spoilt for choice when it comes to the flavours of India. Whether you crave the smoky flavours of the tandoor, the fiery heat of a North Indian curry, a South Indian delicacy or some lip-smackingly good street food, we’ve got the place for you.   There's a huge range of Indian restaurants in Brisbane offering dishes that cover the array of flavours and dishes the nation is known for, like beloved family-run eatery Taj Bengal, the vibrant Jaipur Palace and the spirited Curryville. With so much choice, Time Out has enlisted the help of a local expert foodie writer to pull together a guide on the top places for an Indian feast. Round up your curry-craving pals and start working your way through this list of the best Indian restaurants in Brisbane.  🥩 The best steaks in Brisbane🍣 The best Japanese in Brisbane 🍽 The best restaurants in Brisbane

If spicing up your life is high on your radar, then a heat-forward feast should probably be on your to-do list – via the medium of Indian cuisine, that is. There’s no better feeling than your sinuses getting their well-deserved cleanse, and we’re happy to report that there are many fantastic Indian spots in Perth where all is achievable.  There's a spot for every kind of curry craving, like homestyle comfort at Bollywood Spices Indian Cuisine in Craigie, modern vibrancy at Lions and Tigers, or inventive fusion at Jagga Daku. To help you find the restaurant that's right for you, Time Out has enlisted an expert foodie writer to come up with a list that covers the best of the best. Whether you’re after a new-wave dish that’s mild in bite or an authentic plate that’ll knock your socks off, our guide to the best Indian restaurants in Perth will have you on your merry way to flavourtown. 🍽 The best restaurants in Perth🍕 The best Italian in Perth🍷 The best Japanese in Perth

Standing in a McLaren Vale vineyard on a hot summer afternoon, gazing across the vines to the shimmering Gulf St Vincent, this place could be Tuscany... But that’s just the wine-tasting talking. McLaren Vale is definitively South Australian – and at just 45 minutes south of Adelaide, it’s also one of the most easily accessible wine regions in the country. Backed by the rippling topography of the Willunga Scarp, McLaren Vale’s agrarian landscape is a gorgeous patchwork of vineyards that was, at one stage, nominated for a World Heritage listing. Shiraz grows ridiculously well in the Vale’s deep terra rossa limestone soils – but with 80-plus cellar doors to visit, you’ll also find grenache, sangiovese, fiano, vermentino and other Med styles with which to blur your afternoon. With so many world-class wineries in the region, it can be a little baffling to choose where to visit. There's a wide array of estates here, from the heritage of Oliver’s Taranga Vineyards to modern, inventive makers like Mollydooker Wines and Alpha Box and Dice. No matter what your palate prefers, there's a drop to suit your tastes. To make the decision easier, Time Out has tasked a passionate wine lover to bring you the best wineries in McLaren Vale. So grab a map at the visitor centre, get someone else to drive and start tasting. 🍷 Best wineries in Australia🍇 Best wineries in Barossa Valley🌳 Best wineries in Clare Valley

Take Main North Road out of Adelaide and keep driving for 1.5 hours. As you roll into Ngadjuri Country, photogenic little Auburn marks the southern bookend of the Clare Valley. There’s a real shift in the landscape here: the silos and rolling wheatfields of the Mid North district give way to vineyards, historic stone villages and sheltered creek beds studded with huge old redgums. Clare itself, the valley’s northern bookend, is just 24 kilometres further on: in between are 50-plus wineries (around 35 cellar doors), bottling up mineral-rich reds, semillon and riesling to rival the world’s best. Snaking through it all is the 33-kilometre Riesling Trail, a disused rail line that’s been converted into a bike/hike path, taking you past some of the valley’s top cellar doors. In an area so rich with top-notch drops, how does one thirsty visitor choose which wineries to visit? To narrow it down, Time Out has enlisted an avid quaffer and wine enthusiast to bring you a list of the best Clare Valley wineries. This guide spans everything from some of the very first estates that defined the region, like Jim Barry Wines, tucked-away contemporary cellar doors like Jeanneret Wines, and biodynamic pioneers like Grosset Wines. So there's nothing left to do but get sipping. Here are our picks of the best Clare Valley wineries. 🍷 Best wineries in the Barossa Valley🍺 Best bars in Adelaide🌳 Best things to do in Adelaide

Mexican food hasn't always been a staple of the Australian restaurant scene, but we've embraced the cuisine with gusto over the past few years. And there's something about Perth's gorgeous weather that cries out for the fresh, zesty flavours of Mexico. It's a scientific fact (well, we made this up, but we're pretty sure it's true) that tequila and Mexican beer also taste better when the sun is shining – so Perth is the perfect place to enjoy a Mexican tipple, as well. Our city is home to a collection of loco Mexican joints well worth a visit, so Time Out has enlisted a Perth-based foodie fanatic to recommend you the best Mex restaurants and bars. There's a spot for every kind of taco-craving, like a mezcal-fueled late night at Jalisco, birra-style eats oozing with cheese at Don Birria and laid-back, family fun at Mexican Kitchen. Whether you’re searching for the perfect date location or embarking on a tequila cocktail operation with the girls, here are the best Mexican restaurants in Perth. Vamos de fiesta! 🍽 The best restaurants in Perth🍕 Where to find the best pizza in Perth🍷 Perth's greatest bars

You’ll be hard-pressed to find an Aussie who doesn’t love Japanese food. Whether it’s a piping hot bowl of miso soup with slippery noodles, a perfectly arranged platter of sashimi and sushi rolls, or a comforting chicken katsu curry to-go, the best nights are often those spent in the company of this cuisine.  In Perth, we’re no doubt spoilt for choice when it comes to Japanese dining. There's every kind of eatery for this kind of cuisine, whether it be venues for special occasions like Marumo, go-to wallet-friendly joints like Taka's Kitchen or spots that make for a fun night out like Goody Two's. This city has truly got it all, so Time Out has enlisted an expert Perth-based foodie writer to guide you on where to find Perth's best Japanese restaurants. Kanpai! 🍽 The best restaurants in Perth🍕 Where to find the best pizza in Perth🍷 Perth's greatest bars

The Yarra River is a beloved centrepiece of Melbourne, so it makes perfect sense that there's a festival dedicated to celebrating it in all its glory. After growing into one of the city's most beloved cultural and environmental events, Birrarung Riverfest is returning for a third year, with three weeks of events that inspire connection to Country and highlight the importance of our main waterway and all the things Melburnians love about it. The festival will run from September 6-28 (which also happens to be World Rivers Day), with more than 60 events happening all across the 242 kilometre stretch of the river, from Westgate Park at its mouth to Warburton at its source. This year, the aim is to raise awareness of stormwater pollution and the threat it poses to the health of the river. Highlights include everything from platypus spotting and sunset paddles, to gig nights and art-led sensory walks, plus talks, exhibitions, guided nature walks, tours and more. Many of these communty-led events are free to attend, too. It will conclude with the World Rivers Day Finale – a community celebration at Fed Square, with music, art, ceremony and a flotilla of boats along the river.  “After a cold Melbourne winter, Riverfest comes at the perfect time to spring us back to life,” says Janet Bolitho, president of the Yarra Riverkeepers Association. “From educational and cultural events to outdoor adventures, the Riverfest program has something for everyone.” Birrarung Riverfest is run by the

Preston Market has long been known as one of the most prolific market precincts in Melbourne's north, serving the ever-growing and diverse neighbourhood for more than 50 years.  And to celebrate its devoted Italian community, the market will host a free, one-day festival on Sunday, August 31, with a jam-packed line-up of tastings, entertainment and fun activities for bambinos and nonnas alike. The festa stage will feature performances from Lorenzo + Co, the lively Tarantella dancers and the soulful Veneto Choir. Radio Italiana 531 will also be broadcasting live from the market all day. Of course, there will be a smorgasbord of authentic Italian dishes to feast upon. You can try zeppole doughnuts from Sorelle Catering, panzerotti by Il Panzerotto, meatballs by Mama's Polpette and tasty scoops from Destination Gelato. Thirsty? Gindu will be serving up bespoke gin cocktails. There's even something for the kids: from 10am until 1pm they can take part in a pasta necklace workshop. Preston Market’s Italian Day will run from 8am-3pm on Sunday, August 31. Entry is free and you can find out more at the website. Craving pizza and pasta? These are the best Italian restaurants in Melbourne right now. 

To celebrate the arrival of spring, a fun-filled festival will take over Fed Square in September, with free family-friendly events that celebrate our natural world and how to better look after it.  RESET Festival is all about starting fresh, exploring sustainability in creative waysand feeling inspired to take on new ways of living. It's about reinventing little parts of our lives to make big changes in the world.  The program features activations, markets, activities, film screenings, talks and workshops, all focused on minimising negative impacts on the environment and increasing positive impact. There's fun to be had almost every weekend for the month, especially for the little ones during school holidays.  Highlights include the Planting Party on September 7, which involves community tree planting, live music, gardening talks and seed workshops; and the Big Toy Swap on October 2, which encourages kids to reuse and recycle in practical ways. At the Zero Waste Festival on October 6, you can learn valuable tips and tricks from experts on how to lead a waste-free lifestyle through panel discussions, activites and sustainable food trucks. Fed Square's outdoor cinema will also make a return, screening flicks that pair family favourites with environmental themes – think FernGully: The Last Rainforest, Flow and Shrek. Consider this your chance to learn all about how to reduce, reuse, recycle and repair in order to take care of our precious planet. For more information on the ful

Stepping into Mantra PortSea Resort felt a bit like wandering into a Mediterranean escape, with archways lining the crisp all-white exterior, light spilling into the airy lobby and a huge art installation swinging above. Unlike many of my friends, I’d decided to forgo a Euro summer, instead opting for a sunny Queensland getaway to break up Melbourne’s brutal winter. So it was lovely to feel like I wasn’t totally missing out, as this hotel still had the same holiday vibe, but without the incredibly expensive airfare to get there.  If, like me, you find yourself heading to Port Douglas in search of a relaxed seaside escape, Mantra PortSea Resort is a solid pick that has a true tropical holiday feeling. Why stay at Mantra PortSea Resort? Situated a short walk from the picturesque Four Mile Beach and Port Douglas’ main strip, Macrossan Street, with a plethora of cafés, bars, boutiques and galleries, Mantra PortSea Resort’s location is the sweet spot for proximity to both beach and town. While the hotel is simple, it still felt like a special stay, with the sprawling lagoon swimming pool in the centre of the hotel adding a real wow-factor. Plus, in an area that has plenty of fancy hotels, this one also has the affordability factor, which is a huge plus for saving your holiday budget for the many activities you can do from Port Douglas.  What are the rooms like at Mantra PortSea Resort? My friend and I stayed in a One Bedroom Superior Studio, which was airy with light‑wood furnishi

As a sun-starved Melburnian, Cairns was my ideal winter getaway destination for a strong dose of warmth and relaxation. I wanted to soak up some Vitamin D and explore the natural wonders of tropical north Queensland, and when it came to accommodation, all I was looking for was a base for my sun-drenched adventures. Hilton Cairns was the perfect place, with its central location and laid-back vibe.  I’m not a high-maintenance type of traveller – yes, it’s nice to be bougie once and a while, but generally I’d rather stay at a hotel that simply ticks all the essential boxes. Hilton Cairns ticks them in spades – it’s not trying to be trendy or flashy, but it’s got that reliable luxury vibe that makes you feel instantly taken care of. But that’s not to say it doesn’t have wow-factor – the Hilton's location brings a new meaning to waterfront views. When I first walked into my room, my jaw dropped as I marvelled at the genuinely panoramic vista before me. It was stunning – and felt like the essence of the beauty that is abound in tropical North Queensland, that I was eager to explore.  Why stay at Hilton Cairns? Like many hotels under the famous name, Hilton Cairns has been around for a while, gaining a strong reputation over the years. It’s one of Cairns’ most recognisable hotels – from afar, you can spot the striking curved white structure wrapping around the marina like a cruise ship permanently docked in the city. But while the exterior leans a little retro, the interiors have be

May the 4th is a special date for any Star Wars fan, but this year is one to remember. A brand-new Lego Star Wars exhibition made its world premiere, and not in a galaxy far, far away but right here in Melbourne.  Lego Star Wars: the Exhibition at Melbourne Museum comes from revered Lego genius Ryan 'Brickman' McNaught, who's back with his latest mind-boggling project of massive Star Wars brick creations – some standing at a whopping four metres tall.  There are Lego replicas of many of the iconic characters, fan favourite scenes, spacecraft and more, from both the classic films and newer releases. Plus, the exhibition includes interactive brick-based activities inclusive of all ages.  It took more than 25,000 hours to finish the exhibition and it features a wild 8 million Lego bricks. One of the most monumental creations is a three-metre-tall red X-wing spacecraft, made of an astonishing 64,759 bricks, taking 382 hours to build.  "Fans will be blown away by the scale of the experience," Brickman says. "Building these iconic scenes and characters in Lego Star Wars form is an extremely complex task – taking the humble Lego brick and using it by the millions to translate into Star Wars builds and models at an epic scale the world has never seen before.  "My team and I are super excited to launch this mind-blowing experience right here in Melbourne. My inner 7-year-old self still can’t quite believe this is happening. I can’t wait till May the Fourth to be able to share this in

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. 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. 

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

The CBD street that runs between Melbourne City Baths and Queen Victoria Market has been plagued by construction works for about as long as we can remember. Well, it’s actually only been seven years. So maybe our memory just isn’t that good. But in great news, it's finally reopened – hooray! Franklin Street was closed off due to building works relating to the Metro Tunnel project, which is edging closer to its grand opening – it recently had a full weekend-long trial.  The newly opened street is now home to one of the entrances to the State Library Station. It’s also been redesigned as a tree-lined pedestrian promenade, with a small, shady park that has an area for outdoor dining as well as gardens and public art.  Other new features of the revamped street include wider footpaths, new lighting and seating, landscaping and separated bike lanes in both directions with a raised kerb for safer cycling. There’s now one traffic lane in each direction between Elizabeth and Victoria Streets, with on-street kerbside parking. The site will be an access point for the new subterranean train station, as well as a concourse that connects to Melbourne Central. Once it’s all opened, you’ll be able to catch train services on the Sunbury, Cranbourne and Pakenham lines from there.  So while the exact Metro Tunnel opening date is still unclear, there’s signs that it could be sooner than we think. Watch this space for updates.  Stay in the loop: sign up for our free Time Out Melbourne newsletter

As a Melburnian, winter is undeniably a tough time. Not only do the temperatures harshly plummet and the sun sets cruelly early, but every year the annual mass exodus of your mates occurs as the cold settles in. During the cooler months, the pull of Europe’s Spritz-filled summer is incredibly strong, and many people just can’t resist escaping overseas to avoid the chill.  As the cold weather loomed this year, unlike many of my pals, I had no sunny Euro trip planned. But I was determined to come up with an alternative getaway destination to help avoid full-blown winter blues. Even just a short break from the cold could make a big difference. Like most Aussies, I love an overseas trip, but recently I’d been thinking I wanted to experience more of Australia and all the fantastic places that are essentially on my doorstep. All I wanted was somewhere that would be a sure-fire place for sunshine, with a laid-back vibe that would allow me to truly relax. I landed on visiting northern Queensland – a tropical holiday was just what I craved.  Many people may not consider Cairns as being high on the list of desirable Aussie destinations, but it’s actually got a lot going for it. For one, it’s so close to one of the seven natural wonders of the world, the Great Barrier Reef. Plus, it’s surrounded by stunning national parks and island oases. While Australia’s east coast has many amazing holiday spots, for a mid-winter getaway, Tropical North Queensland was definitely the best place to go

Melburnians, rejoice! We can once again enjoy the novelty of strolling through an underground tunnel right in the middle of our city. The historic Campbell Arcade has finally reopened, reviving the beloved shortcut that runs underneath Flinders Street Station.  The retro arcade, which first opened back in 1955, was closed off in 2022 as part of works on the Metro Tunnel. It’s been given a refresh, with a new ceiling, updated lighting and careful restoration of the original 1950s heritage features. And yes, those salmon pink tiles that cover the walls are still going strong.  The retailers that once filled the arcade aren’t back yet, but will hopefully return soon – although it’s unclear whether all of the same beloved businesses will return. Personally, we’d love to see Wax Museum Records back in the arcade. Crate digging for vinyl gems underground was a unique experience.  The heritage passageway was shut off as part of works on the Metro Tunnel, as it now forms a connection to the new Town Hall Station. Once the Metro Tunnel is in action, the new pedestrian link will run from this brand new station, under Flinders Street and alongside Campbell Arcade, before joining up to Flinders Street Station. It also connects to the Degraves Street Subway, so if you want to go directly from the train to eating a delicious baguette in mere minutes, you can live that dream.  At this stage, it’s unclear when this will actually become a reality, with no official opening date for the Metro T

The mystique of rare celestial events never fails to excite, from green comets to huge blue supermoons, we're always keen to know what the next cosmic phenomenon we can experience will be. If you share in this excitement, then hold onto your hats, because a pretty cool occurrence is set to happen in our skies. The stars have aligned for two dazzling meteor showers to peak just days apart. Stargazers, that's your cue to dig out your binoculars and telescopes!  The two events in question are the Delta Aquariids and the Alpha Capricornids showers, which occupy the southern sky and are both most visible in the Southern Hemisphere – so we're in luck! In an extremely rare alignment last year, the Delta Aquarids and the Alpha Capricornids meteor showers peaked on the very same night. This year, the double act will happen just days apart – with the Delta Aquarids lighting up the skies on July 28 and the Alpha Capricornids following on July 30.  When to see the Delta Aquariids and Alpha Capricornids in Melbourne and Victoria? The Delta Aquariids will peak first on Monday, July 28, with the Alpha Capricornids shower reaching their brightest on Wednesday, July 30.  According to associate professor Devika Kamath from Macquarie University’s School of Mathematical and Physical Sciences, the best viewing window is between midnight and 4am (AEST) from July 28 to 31, when both showers are active and the moon is mercifully out of the way. What can you expect to see on the night? At its abs

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