Olivia Hart

After nine years in the making, writer and star Megan Wilding (Mystery Road, Gold Diggers) is set to premiere her sharp, genre-bending production Game. Set. Match. at Malthouse Theatre this May.  Beloved TV actor Rick Davies (Offspring) stars as Joshua who meets Wilding’s Ray following the funeral of his mother, a legendary figure in tennis. Over the course of one boozy night during the Australian Open, the pair go head to head in a verbal rally that would rival any Grand Slam final and a classic will-they-won't-they unfolds. As the night deepens, things take an unexpected turn as secrets come to light, motives are questioned and the audience is left to wonder: who is the player and who is being played?  Jessica Arthur (The Dictionary of Lost Words) directs the two powerhouse comics in this rom-com turned revenge thriller. The rest of the creative team includes set and costume designer Isla Shaw, lighting designer Amelia Lever-Davidson, composer and sound designer Rainbow Chain and dramaturg Keziah Warner.  Following the success of her Patrick White Playwright’s Award-shortlisted debut, A Little Piece of Ash, Megan Wilding ups the ante with Game. Set. Match. and cements her status as a vital original voice in Australian theatre.  “From the second Meg’s script arrived, we had to program it. The piece covers a profound subject lightly and flirtatiously then evolves it into something deeper and darker, leading the audience into a world they’ve never seen. You will leave shaken a

If being paid to catch flights around the world sounds like a dream job, then we’ve got the position for you. YouTrip is “hiring” 10 Travel Interns where the salary is a $10,000 travel fund to spend on international flights and your only job is to have fun.   Open to Aussies of all ages, you can enter to win by signing up for a YouTrip account. Five winners will be selected via a random prize draw, while the other five will be chosen through a social media giveaway — you can get creative via YouTrip's Instagram. Here's how it works: if selected, you can fly anywhere and anytime before April 30, 2027. Just book up to $10,000 in international flights with your YouTrip card, and YouTrip will reimburse your full flight cost. Then, be sure to share the fun by posting at least three travel stories or posts within seven days of your trip and tag @youtripau. For the savvy traveller who likes to stretch their budget, YouTrip makes a great travel companion, offering multi-currency cards, mates rates in more than 150 countries, no sign-up or annual fees and free* ATM withdrawals worldwide. Time Out readers can also use the promo code ‘TIMEOUT’ to receive a $10 sign-up bonus. Ready to get jet-setting? Sign up to win here.  *Enjoy free overseas ATM withdrawals for the first A$1,500 each month. A 2% fee applies thereafter. Some ATM providers may charge their own fees. T&Cs apply.

Melbourne International Comedy Festival is back for its 40th year (!), evoking laughs across the city until April 19. To mark the occasion, Time Out and the world-class affair are giving back to audiences with five double passes to see UK's anti-comic Luke McQueen in his new show Comedian’s Comedian. Known for playing with the truth, McQueen creates a compliant AI version of the podcast host Stuart Goldsmith (known for his long-running interview series The Comedian’s Comedian). Sick and tired of not being invited onto the show – which has now featured more than 500 comedians – McQueen uses his AI bot to record his own episode live on stage. As the questions begin to cut a little too deep, this delightful and tricksy show takes a hilarious turn from stand-up into psychological breakdown. Comedian’s Comedian is directed by Jordan Brookes and is playing this April at ACMI. Five lucky winners will score double passes valued at $66 for shows on either April 15, 16 or 19 at 7:45pm. Enter below before 9am on April 10 for your chance to win. To browse the full Comedy Festival program, head here. 

Just because summer’s over doesn’t mean you need to be stuck indoors. In fact, the colder months are an ideal time to take a day trip to the Blue Mountains when it's at its cosiest. Just a 90-minute drive from Sydney, the region is best known for its scenic mountains, forest paths and lookouts, all of which are in their full glory in autumn. If you ask us, it's an ideal way to spend the time off with the upcoming April public holidays.  Breathe in the crisp mountain air at Blue Mountains Botanic Garden Mount Tomah, where the grounds are awash in colour and crunchy autumnal leaves are underfoot. Divided into four distinct areas with connected pathways designed for wandering, each section features several themed gardens, lawns, pavilions and secluded benches so you can sit back and take it all in.  Not only does the garden make for the perfect spot to partake in some leaf viewing, with a riot of yellow, gold and red leaves worth peeping, but there’s also a collection of cool-climate plants on display. Featuring more than 36,000 plants including rare species, the garden plays an integral role in the conservation of plants from a range of ecosystems in Australia. Surrounded by UNESCO World Heritage Area wilderness, spend some time enjoying the many walking trails, with everything from garden loops to woodland strolls available, or immerse yourself in the rainforest tracks for some well-deserved forest bathing. For a rare glimpse at the garden after dark, join in on an Astronomy T

Why set your sights further afield when one of the world’s most beautiful countries is our next-door neighbour? Mother Nature really shines on New Zealand. The 103,500-square-mile islands are a mix of vast mountain ranges, gobsmacking glaciers and picturesque lakes in every shade imaginable, making it one of the most in-demand travel destinations. For five days only, you can snap up discounted flights to New Zealand, with Air New Zealand dropping one-way fares down. Mark your calendars: the sale kicks off on March 23 at 12.01am (AEDT) and ends on March 27 at 11.59pm (AEDT). That gives you just five days to lock in your holiday. So, where can you go? The sale covers 20 destinations across New Zealand, including the nation’s largest city, Auckland and the capital, Wellington, with departures from most major Australian cities. Economy one-way fares start from just $293 from Sydney and Melbourne to Auckland, $288 one-way from Brisbane to Auckland, Christchurch and Wellington, $318 one-way from Sydney to Queenstown and $308 one-way from Melbourne to Queenstown.  Fancy an upgrade? Book a flight to Auckland from Sydney, Brisbane, Melbourne or Perth and you can also score discounts on Premium Economy and Business Premier. The best part about flying with Air New Zealand – other than it being voted one of the safest airlines in 2026 – is what’s included. Every seat comes with a carry-on bag, plus complimentary snacks and entertainment. For a small fee, you can upgrade to 'the Works' f

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

Mark your calendars: the Sydney Symphony Orchestra is back with an ambitious 2026 season, showcasing iconic orchestral works performed by global virtuosos and homegrown talent. Hear the grandeur of Mahler’s Sixth Symphony, immerse yourself in the atmospheric work of Australian composer Melody Eötvös’ The Saqqara Bird or go behind-the-scenes to see how it all comes together at conductor-in-residence Benjamin Northey’s Open Rehearsal. Here are our six top picks for the upcoming season. 

Great cocktails don’t always call for fancy techniques or complex recipes. Case in point: the classic Paloma. This refreshing 1800 Blanco Tequila concoction mixes tequila, fresh lime juice and grapefruit soda right in the glass. The pay-off? A thirst-quencher that's crisp, citrusy, easy to drink and perfect for long afternoons al fresco. Tequila is having a moment across Australia, with specialty joints popping up all around Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane, and while the humble Margarita will always remain close to our hearts, the Paloma is lighter and made up before your food is even reheated. Sip on it as a pre-dinner aperitivo in the kitchen, or in a sunny beer garden – we love a versatile queen. The beauty of the Paloma is just how effortlessly it fits into almost any occasion. It’s a tequila tipple – but lighter, brighter and built for long afternoons or spontaneous nights out. The 1800 Paloma is easier than an espresso martini, and far more refreshing than whatever’s on tap. In short, it’s uncomplicated, in the very best possible way. Order a 1800 Tequila Paloma between March 16 and April 12 at a participating venue nationwide and you’ll go in the draw to win a $20 digital Visa gift card that you can redeem in-venue for round two. Simply collect a game card with your purchase, scan the QR code and complete the entry form for a one-in-three chance to win instantly. Participating venues in Victoria include The Emerson, Electric, Portsea Hotel, Albert Park Hotel and Half M

If you’re looking for an adventurous day out of the city, then Scenic World should be at the top of your list. Just a 90-minute drive from Sydney, this nature playground lets you explore the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Blue Mountains Area like never before.  The family-owned attraction has been operating since 1945 with plenty to pack into one day or spread across multiple visits, including the world’s steepest railway, rainforest boardwalks, Indigenous experiences and two epic cable cars. The totally fearless can even opt in for the Beyond Skyway experience and climb atop the cable car while it's suspended above the canopy. We’ve teamed up with Scenic World to offer Time Out readers the chance to score one of two double annual passes to experience the magic of the Blue Mountains year-round. The lucky winners will gain entry to Scenic World for a year alongside exclusive discounts on food and retail shops, among other deals. Each pass is valued at $105 and valid for 12 months from the date of issue. All that’s left to do is enter below before April 9.

There’s a reason that Bali is consistently one of the most popular destinations for Aussies, with its wild jungle escapades, white sandy beaches and picture-perfect stays. While Bali is bustling with Airbnbs and hotels, those looking for a next-level premium hideaway will want to book a stay at the idyllic Holiday Inn Resort Bali Canggu. Check into your room, where you’ll find cosy interiors blended with coastal charm. There are plenty of options including standard, suite, family-sized, premium balcony, ocean view and Canggu, and y. Each room is fitted out with timber floors, decorative artwork, a stunning verandah and a big plush bed you’ll basically live on. For those who bring work with them, there’s also comfortable and flexible seating to help you stay focused and clock off early. The rest of the hotel goes just as above and beyond with top-tier amenities, including daily housekeeping, on-site parking and a creative kids club. Work up a sweat at the 24-hour fitness centre, which is equipped with quality gym gear and offers a complimentary daily activity program, with everything from yoga, cycling, hydro yoga, aqua aerobics and canang-making classes to keep you moving and connected to your new surroundings.    Then, head upstairs to the Rooftop Pool Bar 5, where you can swim up to the bar and sip on cocktails while soaking up the sunset and 180-degree panoramic views of the Indian Ocean. If you’ve worked up an appetite from swimming or hitting the gym, head to the hotel’s

As the days grow shorter and the air turns crisp, there’s still plenty of reason to stay out and soak up the season. Autumn in Whitehorse is all about making the most of the remaining sunshine, with twilight markets, Easter egg hunts, lively festivals, comedy nights, exhibitions and a jam-packed program of theatre. Here are 6 fun things to do in Melbourne’s eastern suburbs this autumn.

As summer winds down and cardigan weather returns, there’s no better time to plan a visit to the Bendigo region. Just a two-hour drive from Melbourne, this vibrant regional spot turns up the charm in autumn with a calendar full of experiences well worth the visit. Lucky for you, we’ve rounded up the best of them so you can squeeze in a little more adventuring before hibernating season sets in.

Don't let the end of summer get you down – there's still time for one last hurrah as St Kilda bar Captain Baxter stretches out the season with a champagne-soaked send-off.  Across eight weeks, the beachfront bar will host Veuve Clicquot Sun Club – a sunset celebration of champagne and seafood set against uninterrupted golden-hour views from its rooftop, patio bar and floor-to-ceiling indoor dining room perched above the St Kilda Sea Baths. Head down from February 13 to April 5 where you can while away long afternoons at the Veuve Clicquot Sun Club, where cruisy DJ sets soundtrack the arvo and build in tempo as the sun dips. Snack on a Clicquot-inspired menu of shareable bites that pairs perfectly with a glass of champers. The ocean-centric offering includes a glass of Veuve Clicquot with three oysters for $35, or caviar to share for $50. Entry is free with the option to book a table for casual dining or a bungalow if you’re bringing your whole crew and want a cosy place to kick back. Bungalows are yours for three hours. Just a heads up: if you book a bungalow after 1 pm on a weekend, you'll need a package upgrade, which starts at $550. This covers up to 10 guests and includes glasses of Veuve Clicquot when you arrive, plus some beach-themed snacks to share. Veuve Clicquot Sun Club kicked off on February 13 with a sunset performance from Melbourne-based electronic duo SXNCELLO, who'll return to the deck to wrap up the affair with a final sunset set on Sunday, February 29. Sa

Whether you're a local or just love to stop by, Marrickville is a melting pot of things to see and do (and eat). With its Greek and Vietnamese influences, live music venues and breweries, there’s no denying the friendly inner west suburb is one of the coolest neighbourhoods in the world.  With an influx of families and foodies moving in, here’s your chance to meet the neighbours (or seriously consider joining them) as The Yard Party takes over Marrickville Timberyards on March 22 with a fun-filled community celebration.  From 10am to 2pm, you can head on down for delicious local food vendors, lively entertainment and fun for the whole fam – that includes your furry friends too. Entry is free but if you register you might just snag one of the 1,000 free food vouchers up for grabs. There’ll be plenty of other freebies on the day including scoops from Messina Gelato.  The Yard Party is also your chance to get a first look at the redevelopment of the Timberyards, which are currently undergoing construction to build a new housing and community hub with 115 affordable housing units in the heart of Marrickville.  Head down to The Yard Party from 10am to 2pm on March 22 and be sure to sign up for your chance to score a free food voucher here.  

The Sydney Harbour Concours d’Elegance is back for its eighth year, bringing rare, classic and ultra-luxury vehicles to the Southern Hemisphere’s most glamorous automotive showcase. To celebrate its return, organisers are adding a brand-new (and completely free) opening event to the program. On February 26, head to Bennelong Lawn for a sneak peek at 30 of the world’s finest cars, set against the sparkling backdrop of Sydney Harbour. Drop by between 10am and 12pm to admire the display, then catch the cars as they depart in convoy over the Harbour Bridge at 1pm en route to Cockatoo Island, where the main event runs from February 27 to March 1. Want more than just a preview? Time Out readers can score 20 per cent off tickets to the three-day event on Cockatoo Island by using the code 6XP6K6X2 at checkout. Across the weekend, expect everything from vintage classics to cutting-edge supercars and hypercars, plus the latest in energy-efficient vehicles. There’s also a curated wine and cheese experience each day, and on the final day an international panel of experts will crown the prestigious Best in Show. To secure your discounted tickets, head here. 

From the orchestral jump scares of Aliens to the lush classicism of Titanic and the trumpet flourishes of Avatar, composer James Horner is responsible for some of cinema’s most memorable scores. This March, the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra is bringing Hollywood to the laneway city, paying tribute to Horner's illustrious career with three live performances of Art of the Score: James Horner at Hamer Hall. The concert is led by conductor Nicholas Buc, and self-described “film score geeks” Art of the Score podcast co-hosts Andrew Pogson and Dr Dan Golding will be there on the night. They'll delve into the stories behind Horner’s most beloved works and long list of accolades, among which he claims 10 Oscar nominations, two wins, and holds the title for the highest-selling orchestral soundtrack in history — yes, we’re talking about Titanic. The MSO has previously collaborated with Art of the Score on sell-out concerts celebrating the great John Williams and Hans Zimmer. This year, audiences can expect an immersive journey through Horner’s musical universe and back catalogue. Expect songs from Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan, Apollo 13, Aliens, The Rocketeer, Braveheart, Titanic, Avatar and more. The Music of James Horner is coming to Hamer Hall on Friday, March 27 at 7:30pm, Saturday March 28 at 7:30pm and Sunday, March 29 at 2pm. Tickets range from $93 to $150. Get yours here.  Better yet? Time Out readers can score 20 per cent off tickets with code TIMEOUT. Cha-ching!

There's no denying that a stripy shirt is extraordinarily French – what you may not know is that this capsule wadrobe staple has its origins in the region of Brittany, the land of sweeping cliffs, rugged coastline and proud Celtic heritage. This February, you can find chic Breton navy sailor shirts aplenty in North Sydney, alongside traditional dance classes, live Celtic music, crêpes and plenty of cider for a an epic one-day-only celebration.  Taking over outdoor hub Sub Base Platypus, Brittany Down Under returns for its second iteration with live Celtic music by The Folksters, William Hutton and Louzco Fouzco, folk dancing and an unbeatable line-up of food – we’re talking fresh seafood, baguette sandwiches with paté hénaf, galettes and, of course, crêpes topped with house-made salted caramel sauce and their savoury counterpart, galettes, topped with ham, cheese, and egg (a true Brittany staple), courtesy of Four Frogs Crêperie.  Wash it all down with ice-cold drinks including beer, rosé and cider while you soak up the Sydney sunshine at the waterfront venue. Or, get amongst the festivities which include tournaments of Babyfoot (table football) and traditional Breton dance classes. Armor Lux will also be around slinging 'marinières' so that you can take home your very own stripy shirt.  Brittany Down Under runs from 10am to 5pm on Sunday, February 8 and is free to attend. Find out more here. 

It’s that time of year again when the days are longer and your calendar is chockers with fun things to do around the city. Well, we’ve got one more thing for you to squeeze in because QV Melbourne is hosting a summer series in its outdoor square – and you’ll want to be there.  From January 18 to February 1, it’s all about tennis. Head down from 11am until late and you can snag a comfy bean bag in the sun (or grab a shaded spot under an umbrella) and settle in for games and live coverage on the big screen. Grab a bite, drink or sweet treat from nearby diners in QV Melbourne or if you prefer to plan ahead, pack a picnic and blanket and you’ll be set for hours.  As the short but sweet tennis season winds down, the fun continues with a pop-up outdoor cinema in the square, offering free screenings every night from February 2-15. The line-up is full of Millennial throwbacks and some new classics, kicking off with 27 Dresses, followed by What a Girl Wants, Muriel’s Wedding, E.T., Crazy Rich Asians, Barbie, Ocean’s Eleven, Miss Congeniality, Mamma Mia, The Parent Trap and She’s the Man.  For Valentine’s Day (or Galentine’s), the program leans into romance with a screening of The Notebook on February 13 and Notting Hill on February 14. For the grand finale, Jim Carrey’s beloved and slightly manic alter ego in The Mask rounds out the series on February 15. Most of the films are family-friendly but be sure to check the ratings ahead of time if you plan to bring the little ones.  That’s

With summer in full swing and Valentine’s Day around the corner, nothing says romance like a sweet treat that’ll cool you down and land you serious brownie points on a first, third or thousandth date. If the silly season left your wallet a little light, never fear. CommBank’s customer recognition program CommBank Yello is dishing out free scoops of Anita Gelato for everyone on February 7-8 and 14-15, so you can spoil your sweetheart without spending a cent. How's that for a cheap date idea? The dessert shop, which began as a mum-and-son home kitchen operation before growing into a global empire, now counts 10 locations across Australia – seven of which are right here in NSW. Now, Anita Gelato has launched two exclusive offers with CommBank Yello in the CommBank app — and in celebration, CommBank Yello is giving away free gelato to everyone at Cronulla Beach and Manly North Steyne. Just pop down on Saturday or Sunday (7-8 February at Cronulla Beach, or 14-15 February at Manly North Steyne from 9am to 5pm) and head to the bright-yellow ice cream cart. You’ll also have the chance to try CommBank Yello’s limited-edition Mango Cheesecake gelato. Can’t make it? Don’t stress. You may still be in for a chance to score a freebie, with two sweet deals available to eligible CommBank Yello customers. Each Tuesday until the end of summer, CommBank Yello is dropping 5,000 codes in the CommBank app to claim a free scoop at any Anita Gelato store before summer ends. Just go to the CommBank Y

As far as Australia’s impact on gaming culture goes, Adelaide-based studio Team Cherry bears mentioning. The indie outfit behind Hollow Knight and its hotly anticipated follow-up Hollow Knight: Silksong, led by co-directors Ari Gibson and William Pellen, with coder Jack Vine completing the trio, has become one of the country’s biggest gaming success stories, and they’re only just getting started.  This February, ACMI (Australia's national museum of screen culture) is bringing the beloved game series to life with a cinematic twist: live speedrun gameplay projected on the big screen, backed by a newly arranged score performed by musicians from Orchestra Victoria. With a third night just added due to demand, audiences will journey through the worlds of Hallownest and Pharloom as one of Australia’s top speedrunners, Vichisuki, plays live in a high-energy spectacle that offers fans an entirely new way to experience the Hollow Knight universe. Whether you’re a casual or longtime gamer, chances are you’ve picked up a controller at some point and have been absorbed by a great game. Now, you can take in the artistry behind one of Australia’s most celebrated games, in the span of just one evening.  The event is part of ACMI’s blockbuster Game Worlds, the playable exhibition that transports you into the world of more than 30 legendary titles, including Final Fantasy XIV Online, Minecraft, The Sims and Stardew Valley. If you need something a little more approachable, a Relaxed Matinee

When it comes to Christmas lights, Hong Kong goes all out. Every shopping centre, skyscraper and outdoor venue gets into the festive spirit, decking the halls with showstopping displays that range from timeless classics to themed spectacles. If you’re escaping the Aussie heat this holiday season for a city break in Hong Kong, then you’ll want to add this new light display to your list.  Flower Bloom is a Takashi Murakami light installation popping up across Lee Garden One and Two, where the legendary Japanese artist’s signature smiling flowers are suspended in the air, transforming the night sky into a fantastical sight where light, shadow and art converge.  And that’s not all. Murakami has also teamed up with tech accessory brand Casetify for an unmissable collaboration: Murakami World. The immersive pop-up has taken over Hysan Place 4/F Urban Park, turning the space into a fun-filled playland packed with carnival games, photo booths and oversized displays of Murakami’s distinctive artwork. Step inside the colourful and carnivalesque activation and you’ll feel like a kid again, with four games to try your luck at. First up is Flower Swish!, where you’ll shoot hoops as fast as you can for the chance to score some epic prizes. Then there’s Flower Throw!, which challenges players to aim balls into flower-shaped holes to win. Flower Toss! ups the ante, giving you the chance to land a coin in designated flower zones while avoiding black borders and blank areas. Finally, try your

The Art Gallery of New South Wales is one of our fave places to hang out year-round – and this December it welcomes a banging new exhibition from Melbourne-born artist Ron Mueck. Ron Mueck: Encounter is the artist’s largest exhibition ever in Australia, bringing together a stunning selection of his hyperreal human sculptures from around the globe.  The life-like and scaled up sculptures aim to challenge perceptions by offering a profound and observational look at the human experience. Grounded in realism, the captivating figures tenderly embody themes such as birth, death, alienation and togetherness.  After making his start in children’s television, Mueck trained under Jim Henson (The Muppets) in puppeteering and model making where he made a name for himself on major projects including Sesame Street and the film Labyrinth. Soon after he relocated to London to run his own animatronic studio, before finding his way to figurative sculptures in the late ‘90s and revitalising the medium.  Ron Mueck: Encounter runs daily from December 6 to April 12, 10am–5pm, and until 10pm on Wednesday nights, as part of the Sydney International Art Series, a government initiative that teams up with Destination NSW to bring the world’s most prolific artists exclusively to Sydney. Tickets are $35 for adults on weekdays, $37 on weekends and public holidays, with two-for-one Art After Hours deals on Wednesday evenings, or $45 flexi tickets (which are un-dated single entry tickets). You can book your

Combining acrobatics, aerial artistry and truly spectacular visuals, Duck Pond pulls apart one of the world’s most famous ballets and rebuilds it into a one-of-a-kind production, sparkling with wit and wonder.  Presented by homegrown circus innovators Circa in collaboration with House of Oz, the show fuses Swan Lake withThe Ugly Duckling, borrowing the magic of both stories before turning them inside out. Audiences can expect a dazzling production of swans and hapless princes, with traditional ballet broken up by moments of body-contorting acrobatics, slapstick comedy and an original score by Jethro Woodward, remixed with a heavy trap beat. Libby McDonnell’s costumes infuse the production with flair and whimsy, transforming the beloved characters into sequinned ducks and a burlesque black swan. The show has lifted curtains in Brisbane, London, Vancouver and wowed audiences at the Sydney Opera House where it comes directly from. Now, it’s taking over Melbourne’s majestic Princess Theatre for a limited run this January, with Circa’s artistic director Yaron Lifschitz at the helm.  Experience the romantic ballet like never before as it plays from January 14-25 with 2pm and 7pm showings. Tickets range from $69.90 to $174.90. Get yours here. Duck Pond is presented by House of Oz and Circa.

Whether you’re a cheery Who from Whoville or a self-proclaimed Grinch, there’s no denying the festive season is upon us. And to kick things off in true Christmas spirit, Dr. Seuss’ most memorable villain is set to steal the stage at Hamer Hall, as the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra brings the holiday classic to life in concert from December 5-6. Across three special performances, revisit the iconic anti-hero on the big screen as Leonard Weiss conducts the sweeping score from James Horner, the Oscar-winning composer behind Titanic, Braveheart and Avatar. The music will be played live-to-picture, giving you the perfect excuse to swap your annual sofa watch for a night at one of Melbourne’s most magical venues.  Directed by Ron Howard, the 2000 live-action film of Dr. Seuss’ 1957 book stars Jim Carrey as the potbellied, green yeti with an attitude problem who ultimately learns the true meaning of Christmas in a wildly imaginative adaptation that honours the Seussian universe. Expect your heart to grow three sizes with a night at Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas in concert. Tickets range from $49 to $134. Get yours here. 

Since the world has been a little heavy with bad news recently, here’s something to feel good about: a precious little platypus has been successfully returned to the wild following ten months of expert care.The young platypus was found underweight, alone and in the middle of the road on a hot summer's day back in February. The good samaritans who found him (while out cycling near Mt Baw Baw) quickly delivered him into the care of vets at Healesville Sanctuary, where his recovery was overseen by platypus specialist Dr Jessica Thomas. He needed to be rehydrated with fluid and underwent a full physical exam and radiographs. The results determined he had ticks, anemia, a low burden of blood parasites and a leech attached to his eye.  “He was a freshly emerged juvenile who likely became lost on his way to find water,” said Dr Thomas. “My current research and prior experience suggest that fresh juveniles may still need their mother, so we took care of him until he reached the age of one when he would normally disperse on his own.” Photograph: Jo Howell During his stay, Dr Thomas and the sanctuary team were able to teach the youngster basic survival skills and essential behaviours he needed to meet before returning to the wild, including swimming in different currents, diving to various depths, resting in burrows, foraging in tricky spots and searching for food. Following his recovery, the team called on the expertise of Baw Baw frog researchers to help identify a suitable stream

It’s not new news that Australia’s friend, the koala, is listed as an endangered species, due to the effects of things such as land-clearing, cars, dogs, feral cats, prolonged droughts, bushfires and disease. In fact, a parliamentary inquiry found they may be extinct in NSW by 2050 – a tragedy that conservation groups are working madly to help reverse. The latest, though, is that a new koala conservation centre is opening in south-west Sydney, backed by $5 million in funding.The NSW Minister for Climate Change and the Environment, Penny Sharpe, announced the new koala care facility, which is set to open at the University of Sydney School of Veterinary Sciene’s Camden campus, to support koalas in the Macarthur region. The funding is set to be distributed across several key areas, with $500,000 dedicated to securing expert assistance and wildlife rehabilitators. The remaining funds will focus on three main areas: koala rescue, rehabilitation and conservation. Plus, the initiative aims to introduce on-call vet care and advice, access to facilities, upgraded clinical equipment and biosecurity seclusion areas. The new facility has been hailed as a “game changer” by Professor Jacqui Norris, Head of School and Dean, who says, “We want future generations to be able to step into bushland in south-western Sydney and see koalas in the wild.” Hear, hear. If you want to help support koala conservation efforts, you can buy merch or donate at Save the Koala. Stay in the loop: sign up for o

In case you haven’t noticed, Sydney’s speed limits have been gradually dropping in recent years. Nowadays, 75 per cent of local and regional streets in the City of Sydney have a 40 kilometre an hour speed limit or lower – up from just five per cent of roads in 2004. And now, even more roads are set to fall under this 40km/h mandate, as the NSW Government works with the City of Sydney to make the city safer.  The speed-limit changes are set to affect local and regional streets that currently have a 50km/h limit, in areas including Glebe, Forest Lodge, Beaconsfield and Waterloo. Some sections of roads in Annandale, Redfern, Alexandria, Zetland and Woolloomooloo are also set to drop, with larger roads such as motorways excluded.  The lower speed limits are all about reducing the number of crashes and increasing survival rates, as studies have shown survival rates for people hit by a vehicle drastically improve at lower speeds like 40km/h. “When people drive at safer speeds it reduces the number of crashes and their severity, improves safety for people walking and riding and helps to support better place-making,” says Lord Mayor of Sydney, Clover Moore AO. “Not only will our streets be safer as a result of these important changes, they’ll be quieter and have less exhaust emissions.” The Lord Mayor says the City of Sydney will continue to work with Transport for NSW to reduce speed limits even further – down to 30km/h – in the city centre and other high-activity areas where there