Liv Condous

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. 

Melbourne comes alive on the weekend, so be sure to leave some room in your schedule to get out and experience the best of it! To help you make the most of your Friday, Saturday and Sunday, we've gathered all the hottest events, shows, gigs, exhibitions, openings and pop-up activations in one easy spot – you're welcome! Fill your flute with the finest sparkling drops at the Bubbles Festival this Saturday. And to experience a galaxy far, far away in a whole new way, check out Lego Star Wars: the Exhibition at Melbourne Museum. And for some theatrics, Bernie Dieter’s Club Kabarett is a scintillating performance and Jesus Christ Superstar is a high-octane musical that makes for a great night out. In regional Victoria, enjoy a wholesome getaway at the Grampians Grape Escape or the Macedon Ranges Autumn Festival.  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.

There's always something happening in this fair city of ours, so don't let the week pass you by without popping a few fun events into your social calendar. To help you plan, we've rounded up all the best activities happening this week, so all you have to do is scroll, pick and embark on your adventure. This week marks an extra special day for Melbourne's aspiring Jedis, as Lego Star Wars: the Exhibition finally opens. If you're after an easy hump day outing, head to the Hawker 88 Night Market for a tasty dinner at the Queen Vic Market. And for some theatrics, Bernie Dieter’s Club Kabarett is a scintillating perfomance, and Jesus Christ Superstar is a high-octane musical that makes for a great night out. In regional Victoria, enjoy a wholesome getaway at the Grampians Grape Escape or the Macedon Ranges Autumn Festival.  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.

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.  

The arrival of autumn means Easter is around the corner, and so are the term one school holidays. In Victoria, kids get to have a break until from April 5 to April 21. So if you don't want bored children on your hands, you'll need a few ideas up your sleeve for how to keep them entertained. But fear not, we've put together a list of the best family friendly things to do, so you won't have stir-crazy kids running around the house. Looking for more things to do? Here’s what’s happening across Melbourne this week. 

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 ones 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 Australia’s top tourist attractions, 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 attractions. 😱 The best places to visit in Australia right now🌈 All the most beautiful places to explore Down Under🌊 Australia's best beaches

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.

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

If there's one thing that Australia does right, it's really beautiful beaches – and a lot of them, to be precise. With a whopping 12,000 fringing our island continent, it would take you a wild 32 years to see them all – if you tackled one beach per day. Assuming that your 32-year plan doesn't singularly involve beach hopping around Australia (although, we can of course, dream), we've put together a list of the best and prettiest beaches in Australia that you should visit this year – or at least once in your life. Each beach on this list has been selected for its remarkable beauty, prime swimming conditions (read: you won't see anywhere with saltwater crocs on this list), and proximity to other incredible activities, so your adventure out doesn't end with just one dip. Take the breathtaking Bay of Fires, crowned Tourism Australia's best beach for 2025, or the picturesque Whitehaven Beach, recently named the world's best. Now, all that’s left is for you to see them for yourself. 🌊 The best nudist beaches in Australia🏄 Australia's top surf beaches🌈 All the best places to visit in Australia

We’re calling it: 2025 is shaping up to be a blockbuster year for travel in Australia. In a country that buzzes from sunrise to sunset, you’re guaranteed to find new and exciting things happening no matter where you wake up (or wind down). As the Travel and News Editor for Time Out Australia, it’s my duty to scope out all the newest happenings across every state and territory. From epic tours and highly-anticipated restaurants to the hottest new hotels and hidden gem exhibitions, here’s our ultimate list of the 25 best new things to do in Australia in 2025. How many will you tick off? 🦘 The 30 best places to visit in Australia👀 10 major Aussie moments to look out for in 2025🇦🇺 The 20 top tourist attractions in Australia

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. Whether you’re after a romantic getaway or a family-friendly day trip, here are the best places to see cherry blossoms in Australia. 😍 Australia's most beautiful places to explore🌈 Follow the rainbow to Australia's most colourful landmarks🍌 A guide to Australia’s best big things

It feels like 2025 just began, but somehow the Labour Day long weekend is around the corner. Whether you're looking to pack your weekend full of activities, hit up one of the many festivals or simply eager to find a quiet place to put your feet up for a bit, we've rounded up our top picks of the best things to do from March 8 to 10.  Looking to take your dog along for the ride? Here are some of our favourite dog-friendly getaways from Melbourne.

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. 

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. 

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. 

Melburnians know and love the Finders Keepers Market for creating the opportunity to shop from our city's most creative makers and designers – but this iteration of the biannual event is something fresh. As part of Melbourne Food and Wine Festival, the market is holding a special foodie edition, where you can shop everything from hot sauce and kombucha to cookies and locally brewed beer. More than 50 local, independent makers will come together at North Melbourne's Meat Market for the two-day pop-up event, in a celebration of the food community. The market is designed to promote thoughtful, intention buying as part of the slow food movement. The aim is that shoppers leave not only with some delicious new treats to take home, but with a feeling of connection to the people that carefully crafted them. You can find the full list of all the stallholders here.  But it's not just a shopping experience – there'll be a special market menu using ingredients from stallholders, tablescapes with pieces from vendors for hosting inspo, a food art gallery, a collaborative mindfulness mural and a gin masterclass from Molly Rose Brewing.  The Finders Keepers Food Market will run from 9am to 4pm on Saturday, March 22 and Sunday, March 23. Tickets are $7 and children under 13 can enter for free. Find out more about the event here.  Hungry for more foodie events? Melbourne Food and Wine Festival has stacks to satiate your appetite. 

CERES Community Environment Park is celebrating all things earthy at its Harvest Festival on Saturday, March 29. The Harvest Festival is jam-packed with events across the day, with plenty of activities for kids, including a scarecrow building competion. Plus, there'll be a range of entertainment such as live music from local musos and cultural performances. The festival will bring a taste of country living to the city and showcase some of the most loved local merchants and food stalls with a massive market, as well as the CERES Home Harvest Awards, which invites attendees to show off their cooking or gardening prowess. There'll also be farm tours and talks, so you can get to know this beloved community space on a deeper level.  Kids under 12 are free and there's tiered ticketing options, so you can pay for entry as you feel, ranging from $5-$30. Tickets are available online here.  Looking for more things to do in Melbourne? Check out what's on this week. 

You don't have to wait until spring to enjoy the delights of frolicking through a field of flowers, because autumn will bring the arrival of the KaBloom Festival of Flowers. Head to Melbourne's Dandenong Ranges for a festival that combines fields of flowers with spectacular circus art, from the Tesselaar team who also bring us the beloved annual Dutch tulip festival.  Wander through fields filled with sunflowers, salvias, marigolds, dahlias and more, arranged in enchanting intricate patterns. It's an Instagrammer's dream, but don't forget to bring some allergy medication if you're prone to hay fever. This year is the first that the Kabloom Ferris Wheel will allow floral fanatics to see the flower arrangements from above, making for a beautiful view. The festival also features a host of kid-friendly events among the flower fields. Keep an eye out for the flower fairies and pixies who will entertain the masses among the colourful blooms every day. Talented performers from Circus Oz will showcase jaw-dropping circus acts and lead workshops for the little ones. There'll also be a bubble show, with jaw-droppingly huge floating bubbles, and scenic rides on a tractor train.    When is the Tesselaar KaBloom Festival on?  The festival runs every day between March 29 to April 27, even on the Easter weekend public holidays. Its opening times are 10am to 5pm.  How much are tickets to the Tesselaar KaBloom Festival? Kids under 16 get free entry into the festival when accompanied by an a

Wyndham Park is getting a literal glow-up this March with a dazzling after dark experience returning to the Werribee recreation area. Lit at Wyndham Park is a free, after-hours art experience that turns the space into a glowing wonderland through a number of immersive attractions.  This year, highlights include several large-scale installations, including more than 50 gigantic, iridescent bubbles, a 27-metre illuminated skink sculpture representing the culture of the First Nations Kaurna people and an interactive artwork that allows you to create a holographic projection of yourself. Plus, there's a light trail and a colourful installation celebrating Australian wildflowers.  To make a night of it, there's plenty of restaurants, bars, pubs and more within the city centre of Werribee.  Lit at Wyndham Park is free to enjoy and will run nightly Thursday to Sunday from March 27 to April 13, open between 7pm and 11pm. There will also be sensory friendly nights on April 2 and 9. Head to the website for more information about the event. Looking for more fun? Here's our guide to what's on in Melbourne this weekend.

Hommey is currently one of the hottest brands in the bedding space, becoming a beloved Australian retailer since it launched five years ago. It's made a name for itself with colourful, fun designs – those eye-catching striped robes were all over our social media feeds when they first launched – and having all our bedding needs covered.  The brand is making moves, and the latest step is the third bricks-and-mortar store opening in the heart of Fitzroy. Located on Smith Street, the sleek store offers a tactile retail experience to encourage shoppers to touch, see, mix and match the full range of homewares. Curate your bedroom with the selection of soft robes, colourful cushions and bedding, towels, faux fur throws – and even adorable pet accessories. Walking into the store feels like you've strolled into the bedroom of that one friend who has impeccable interior design taste, and you're trying to envisage just exactly how you can recreate it in your own home. Thanks to Hommey, you can.  The new Hommey store in Fitzroy officially opens on March 8, so you can check it out for yourself. Find it at 2/131 Smith St, Fitzroy. You can see the range online here.  On a shopping spree? Get a greener wardrobe with these sustainable Melbourne fashion stores.

It isn’t news to anyone that Byron Bay is an ideal destination for a picturesque getaway. Its reputation for being the holiday spot for locals and tourists alike precedes it, for good reason – it boasts stunning sights, beautiful beaches and so much more. But for those who want to really embrace the slow, coastal lifestyle, the prospect of finding accommodation amid throngs of tourists and other vacationers might be off-putting. Enter, 28 Degrees. A boutique hotel in the heart of Byron, that still has a secluded and tranquil aura.  This adults-only sanctuary is the ideal choice for a peaceful stay, with an ethos centred on slow living and sustainability. It began as a guesthouse ten years ago, but has recently opened a swish new wing of rooms, as well as a luxurious, three-storey private villa.  28 Degrees epitomises the true energy of Byron Bay, ‘barefoot luxury’ style. It invites guests to fully unwind – there are no televisions here, and while there is Wi-Fi, switching off totally is gently encouraged. The owners are longtime residents who are passionate about the town and what makes it special, and want visitors to share in the genuine experience of coastal living. Small touches – like a make-it-yourself breakfast parfait with homemade fruit compote that awaits guests in the morning, or the complimentary bikes, are pieces of the hotel’s vision to ensure guests have a memorable stay.  The space feels elegant but has homely touches – staying in the main house feels like a h

May the 4th is a special date for any Star Wars fan, but this year it'll be one to remember. A brand-new Lego Star Wars exhibition is making its world premiere, and it won't be 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'll be 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 will include interactive brick-based activities inclusive of all ages.  While there's still some time to wait for the exhibition opening, building has already begun, and it's expected it'll take more than 25,000 hours to finish and use 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-ye

As the sunny days in Melbourne become fewer and farther between, you don't have to give up on getting your dose of sunshine. The people at Qantas are making sure we get our fix of Vitamin D with a massive sale on flights to some beloved tropical destinations. Honolulu? Tick! Fiji? Yep! Vanuatu? You bet – and some of the return flights are going for less than $499! Plus, if you're keen to get over to the Northern Hemisphere, you could snag return flights from Melbourne to London and back for $1,740. It's a sweet deal worth snapping up to make your aspirations of a 2025 getaway a reality.  You’ve got only one week to nab these super discounted fares, with the sale launching today (April 29) and ending on May 5 (unless sold out prior). There’s a huge range of travel dates from May 2025 to March 2026 – so if you’ve already burned through this year’s annual leave, here’s your chance to lock in an early 2026 escape.  So, where to? Island time is calling, with return flights from Melbourne to Nadi, Fiji starting at just $729, or chill out in Bali with return flights from $721. Sun, sand and savings go hand in hand – so why not take advantage of discounted return flights to Honolulu from Melbourne from just $999. Or, if you’ve had your fix of tropical bliss, you can snag cheap return flights from Melbourne to Beijing from $1,612, or flights to Los Angeles and back from $1,867.You can check out more discounted destinations on the Qantas website here. Stay in the loop: sign up for our

While the enticing pull of a democracy sausage is tempting, it's understandable that not everyone has ample time to line up and wait to cast their vote. If you're one of these people, then there are plenty of ways to vote early in the federal election, so you can save your precious time. And if you're still craving a snag, throw one on the BBQ at home.  So if you can't make it to the polling booths on the official Australian federal election day (Saturday, May 3, 2025), you can pre-poll, and early voting is open now. We've broken down everything you need to know about casting your vote for the 2025 federal election in Melbourne and wider Victoria. When is the Australian election 2025? The upcoming Australian federal election will be held on Saturday, May 3 2025. Anyone who is an Australian citizen, aged 18 and over, must vote in the federal election.  How to vote in the Australian election in Victoria? On election day, Australians can vote at polling booths in their state or territory, including churches, schools, community halls and public buildings. Locations are available via the Australian Electoral Commission's “Where can I vote” page, with polling stations open from 8am to 6pm. Once you arrive at your polling station, you’ll be provided with two ballot papers. The smaller piece is for the House of Representatives: you must number every box in order of your preferences. The larger ballot is for the Senate: you can either vote for party preferences (by numbering at least

Cities are wonderful places to live for a variety of reasons – a city like Melbourne has so many incredible restaurants and bars, as well as an amazing cultural scene. But, a downside of city living is that having such a high density of people crammed into one area, all using the same roads and relying on the same public transport, can feel overwhelming. That’s why living in a ‘walkable’ place is such a blessing. It’s not only more convenient, shaving valuable time off your journey between cultural spaces, restaurants, nightlife (or just from home to work), but it’s also good for us. Sure, there’s obviously the chance to get more steps in, but pedestrianised streets actually make us happier and foster stronger communities, as well as serving businesses. Research has found that pedestrianised town centres have higher sales than those with people arriving by car, so walkable areas are better for our local economies.  Then there are the environmental benefits – cities in Europe like Paris and London have been taking steps to reduce traffic in certain neighbourhoods to help lower emissions, with the French capital set to ban cars from another 500 streets. Clean air and little-to-no vehicles sounds like a pretty nice place to stroll around, right?  As you can tell, we love a walkable city – so Time Out set out to find out which cities across the planet are the most pedestrian-friendly. To do this, we asked 18,500 people in cities all over the world one simple question: how easy is

An exciting celestial spectacle will take place this month – flying at lightning speed, a torrent of meteors will whizz across the sky and burn up in the atmosphere to create beautiful, sparkling flashes of light. The annual astronomical event happens around the world from mid-to-late April each year, here's everything you need to know about the 2025 Lyrid meteor shower.  When can you see the Lyrid meteor shower in Melbourne? Every April, the Lyrid meteor shower is visible for about a two week period. This year, the Lyrid meteors will be at their most active between April 16 to 25, and are expected to peak just after midnight on Tuesday, April 22 or in the early hours of the morning on Wednesday, April 23.  On these days, you can expect to witness up to 20 shooting stars per hour shooting through the sky, with sporadic flashes of light visible at night throughout the two-week period. This helpful interactive map will tell you exactly when to look up based on your location.  What is the Lyrid meteor shower? This astronomical spectacle is created when the Earth makes its annual journey through the dust trail left by comet Thatcher (C/1861 G1). When the small chunks of debris collide with our atmosphere, they disintegrate, forming fiery streaks in the sky that look like shooting stars when viewed from Earth. Lyrids are one of the world’s oldest meteor showers, with their origins tracing back more than 2,500 years in Chinese texts. How can I see the Lyrid meteor shower in Melb

Just when we thought the line-up of musicals coming to Melbourne this year couldn't be more exciting, it's been revealed that the Broadway hit Anastasia will be making its Australian debut in our city this year. This rave-reviewed musical is inspired by the beloved 1997 animated feature from 20th Century Fox (which we’d argue is one of the best non-Disney princess movies ever) and, of course, the mysterious tale of Grand Duchess Anastasia Romanov’s rumoured escape in the dawning days of the Russian Revolution. A lavish musical for the whole family with opulent settings and dazzling costumes, Anastasia premiered on Broadway in 2017 and played to sold-out audiences for three years before several international productions were mounted around the world, as well as two North American tours.  Photograph: Supplied | The US touring production of 'Anastasia' Music and lyrics are by the renowned writing team of Stephen Flaherty and Lynn Ahrens, the same pair behind the movie’s score, who have been referred to as “one of the greatest songwriting teams in Broadway history”. Naturally, the musical includes all the beautiful songs from the animated film, including ‘Journey to the Past’ and ‘Once Upon a December’. The Australian premiere of Anastasia is presented by John Frost for Crossroads Live and Opera Australia. It will open once upon a December at Melbourne’s Regent Theatre in 2025, before touring to Perth’s Crown Theatre in March 2026, and will finally land at Sydney’s Lyric Theatr

Every year, Victorians eagerly look forward to the lavish four-day long weekend over the Easter break. With summer memories fading, it's the perfect opportunity to get some much-needed R'n'R and enjoy plenty of sweet treats. But increasingly, more Aussies are choosing to spend their time off getting out into nature and exploring one of the state's many hiking trails.  According to the outdoor experts at AllTrails, last year the Easter weekend was the most popular time in Australia for hiking – and it seems to be a growing trend. The platform saw a massive 57 per cent surge in Aussie users in 2024, so this year there'll surely be even more people out on the trails.  Photograph: Parks Victoria Whether you're a seasoned hiker or keen to see what all the fuss is about, there are so many amazing trails to choose from across the state. Be stunned by sweeping summit views, cascading waterfalls and maybe even spot some native wildlife while you walk. In the lead up to the long weekend, AllTrails have put together a list of the most popular hikes in Victoria over the 2024 Easter period. Among the routes most well-trodden over Easter last year are a mix of trails close to Melbourne, as well as some further afield. The most popular hike is just a 90-minute drive west of the CBD, at the picturesque Werribee Gorge. Second on the list is in the opposite direction, a series of short trails beginning with the aptly named Lyrebird Walk where you can spot the trail's namesake, nestled in the

Here's some news that's sure to spark your city pride: Melbourne Airport has officially ranked among the top 20 best airports in the whole wide world, for the third consecutive year. Not only that, but it's also been crowned as the best airport in the Australia Pacific region, taking out the title for a fifth time. Turns out ol' Tulla is truly world-class.  The results of the annual Skytrax World Airport Awards (essentially the Oscars of the aviation industry) have just been announced in Madrid, and our very own Melbourne Airport has held steady in the top 20 rankings, claiming 16th place. That's three spots up from both 2024 and 2023, when it ranked 19th.  Melbourne is home to the only Australian airport to crack the top 20, with Brisbane Airport the next closest in 35th (down three spots from 2024) and Sydney Airport trailing even further behind in 54th (up one position from 2024). Perth Airport landed in 63rd, Adelaide Airport in 68th and Gold Coast Airport in 74th. Basically, Melbourne easily takes the cake for Aussie airports.  Singapore's Changi Airport stole back the coveted crown from Doha's Hamad International Airport, with the two switching places in the rankings to come in first and second place, respectively. Bronze went to Tokyo's Haneda Airport, followed by Seoul's Incheon Airport and Tokyo's Narita Airport rounding out the top five.  The prestigious awards are based on data collected from global satisfaction surveys across 565 airports worldwide, and take into

Most Melburnians (except for the millionaires among us) are being super careful with their cash right now, as the surging cost of living doesn't seem to be slowing down. Finding a coffee for under $5 feels like winning the lotto, paying rent is pretty much a full-time hustle and booking flights for a holiday – well, that almost requires taking out a loan. But it turns out that compared to other major cities across the country, we haven't got it so bad here. A new study has ranked Australian cities by affordability, and to be honest, Melbourne didn't fare as badly as we thought it would.  Twice a year, Numero updates its Cost of Living Index by City, where it ranks 327 of the world’s biggest cities on average living expenses. The team looks at how much locals typically pay for groceries, dining out, utilities, transportation and more, using New York City as the baseline with an index value of 100. As per usual, the top ten cities with the highest cost of living globally are almost all in Switzerland and the United States, with the top five spots in 2025 going to Zurich, Lausanne, Geneva, New York and Basel.  Melbourne ranked 84th globally, with a cost of living index of 61.5. This also made the Victorian capital the fourth most expensive Australian city on the list. Last year, the same rankings placed Melbourne as the most affordable major city in the country out of the six on the list, so reportedly in the last year it has become more expensive to live here. That checks out. 

Westsiders, you better start making space in your pantries, because you'll want to have room for all the mind-boggling bargains you'll be nabbing at the huge new Costco store in your neighbourhood.  After years of anticipation, the bulk-buy retailer has finally opened a gigantic new warehouse in Ardeer, in Melbourne's west. The store replaced the now-closed Docklands location, and is Melbourne's fourth Costco, with other outlets in Epping, Ringwood and Moorabbin.  The 16,000 square metre store – spanning almost the same size as the MCG – opened on Wednesday, April 9, with thousands of shoppers flocking to nab the ripper deals the retailer is known for. You won't just get giant versions of your favourite pantry items here – although we're eyeing off that one-kilogram jar of Nutella. Costco Ardeer has various wild specials, selling everything from golf carts and human-sized dog beds to archery sets and palm trees. It's basically the ultimate danger zone for impulse buying.  There's also a food court serving up the classic pizza and hotdogs, plus a sushi bar. Costco Ardeer even has a members-only petrol station, with fuel as cheap as 30 cents less than other retailers across Melbourne.   It's a timely opening considering the ever-rising cost of living and economic downturn – with more and more Melburnians looking to find ways to save on their grocery bill. The catch is, you have to buy an annual membership to shop at Costco, which starts at $65 per year. But when you crunch the

Many Melburnians are pinching pennies at the moment, as the high cost of living continues to hit hard. Yet, in the midst of this wallet-wringing chaos, the world’s wealthiest cities have boldly released their rankings for 2025. And while we’re all trying to navigate an economic rollercoaster, it seems our millionaire population is still going strong. Must be nice!  Every year, wealth migration firm Henley and Partners releases its World’s Wealthiest Cities Report, which ranks the top 50 wealthiest cities based on the number of millionaires (and billionaires) who live there. The data is gathered by New World Wealth, a research firm that tracks wealthy individuals who have large investment portfolios or top leadership positions in high-value companies.  Melbourne came in at number 16 on the rich list, dropping one place since last year, with 94,000 millionaires, 108 centi-millionaires and 12 billionaires. According to the data, the number of millionaires in the last decade has increased by a staggering 36 per cent. This is all measured in USD too, so it would be even more in Aussie dollars. Three other Australian capital cities also made it into the top 50 wealthiest cities, with Sydney ranked in ninth place, as well as Perth in the 34th spot and Brisbane 43rd.  Topping the rich list for yet another year is New York City. The Big Apple has a whopping total wealth of $3 trillion USD and counting – more than $4.5 trillion in Aussie dollars – with a total of 384,500 millionaires,

While we love Melbourne, it's only natural that everyone craves a weekend getaway far from the big smoke every now and then. But if you want to take your city escape to the next level, this incredibly remote stay offers total, blissful isolation. Gabo Island is one of Victoria's most secluded locations, and it's just reopened its accommodation for those wanting an adventurous escape.  The island lies about 500 metres off the coast of Croajingolong National Park in far eastern Victoria, and is only accessible by boat or by air from Mallacoota. This rugged destination is almost totally wild, except for the presence of a historic lighthouse and lodgings for its keepers.  After being closed for an extended period to receive a much-needed renovation, the assistant lighthouse keeper's residence is ready to host guests again. Up to eight people can stay at the cottage, which has three bedrooms, two bathrooms, a fully equipped kitchen and laundry. Apart from the lighthouse keeper and visitors who come by boat just for the day, guests staying in the accommodation are the only people on the island.  Photograph: Parks Victoria The island is home to a colony of adorable little penguins, which you can see making their way to and from their nests at dusk and dawn. Fur seals also live close by, and you can even spot dolphins and whales during the right seasons.  Gabo Island Lighthouse is still in operation – it's the second tallest lighthouse in Australia at 47 metres tall, and (most unu

Lunar lovers, we're in for yet another treat appearing in our skies! Last month, the blood moon wowed Melburnians as it took on a dazzling red glow for a mesmerising moment. If you missed the celestial spectacle, don’t worry – another lunar display is on the way. On April 12 and 13, the pink moon (or paschal moon) is set to light up Australian skies. Keen to catch a glimpse? Here’s everything you need to know. What is a pink moon? The pink moon is named after native pink wildflowers (ground phlox) that bloom across North America in early spring, coinciding with the April full moon. Despite its name, the moon itself won’t actually turn rosy – it will shine with its usual silvery glow. That said, it can take on a subtle pinkish hue if there’s dust or pollution in the atmosphere. The April full moon also happens to be a micromoon, which occurs just before the moon reaches apogee – when the moon is at its farthest point from Earth. Unlike supermoons, which appear larger and brighter, micromoons look slightly smaller and dimmer when viewed from Earth. When is the pink moon visible in Melbourne? The best time to view the pink micromoon is on the nights of Saturday, April 12 and Sunday, April 13. While it will appear fuller and more luminous at night, the moon will officially reach peak fullness on Sunday morning at 10.22am Melbourne time. How to see the April full moon from Melbourne When it comes to fully appreciating the full moon, the darker the area you're in, the better. You c