Rebecca Russo

Love the city but can’t stand the tourist traps? We get it. If you’d rather skip the overpriced, overhyped attractions in favour of hidden bars, secret gardens and local gems, you’re in the right place. Melbourne’s brimming with things to see and do – but sometimes it’s hard to know where to start. So, we asked local writers to share their favourite Melbourne tourist attractions and places to visit that don't suck – and they came back with 26 experiences that capture the city at its best. These spots are truly worth your time (and your camera roll). Have a squiz, then make your own Melbourne must-do list.  For more inspo, work on your bucket list with 100 things to do in Melbourne before you die, or munch your way through the city with the 50 best restaurants in Melbourne.

Heading Down Under? You've come to the right place. For almost 60 years, Time Out has been inspiring people to get off the couch and experience the very best of cities worldwide – and now we're here to do the same for Australia. You know the landmarks and the laid-back culture, but there are plenty more incredible things to do in Australia than kissing koalas and yelling ‘g’day mate’. We're a nature lover’s paradise, with highly sought-after food experiences and an impressive cultural heritage to boot. Our team (including Travel & News Editor Melissa Woodley) have sifted through every attraction, experience, event and landmark our nation has to offer and put together the only Aussie bucket list you'll ever need. Whether you want to get amongst art parties in small coastal cities, see fairy penguins scurry across sandy beaches or watch the sunrise over Sydney Harbour from a kayak, there’s so much to explore across this incredible country. Here's our guide to all the best things to do in Australia right now. Editors must do activities in Australia: ⭐️ Best city landmark: BridgeClimb, NSW 🖼️ Best for culture: MONA, TAS 🍷 Best food and drink: Barossa Valley, SA 🌊 Best outdoor adventure: Whitehaven Beach, QLD 🐿️ Best wildlife encounter: Rottnest Island, WA Jump to list:  Landmarks | Culture | Food & Drink | Outdoors | Wildlife 🇦🇺 The top tourist attractions in Australia🌊 The best beaches in Australia

Looking to live it up on your next Aussie getaway? We’ve got you covered. Australia is practically swimming in great hotels, from new boutique stays with heated infinity pools to revamped classics boasting five-star rooftop bars and close proximity to our country's best attractions. But with so many options, choosing where to stay can be a bit of a challenge. That's where we come in – our expert travel writers have slept their way across every state and territory to bring you the ultimate list of Australia's best hotels. Whether you’re a local looking for a gram-worthy staycation or a tourist eager to be in the heart of the action, here are our top picks for a luxury stay in Australia right now. ☀️ Australia’s most incredible resorts🤩 The best things to do Down Under🌏 All the best places to visit in Australia Time Out makes a small commission from the affiliate links included in this article. These links have no influence on our editorial content, but they do allow us to bring you more recommendations every week. For more information, see our affiliate guidelines.

People bang on about the Northern Lights a lot, and who could blame them? The Aurora Borealis, a natural light display that happens in the Earth’s sky, is pretty spectacular. But you don’t have to head to Scandinavia to see this dramatic light display IRL. Australia has its own version, called the Aurora Australis or Southern Lights. OK then, what gives? Why aren’t the Southern Lights as popular as the Northern Lights? Well, it’s got a lot to do with land. In the north around the Arctic Circle, you’ll be able to see the Aurora Borealis from Greenland, Iceland, northern Canada, Norway and Russia. But due to the location of land down south, there are fewer places that reach down low enough to Antarctica to offer good Southern Lights viewing spots – it’s mostly just water. But if you’re not keen on stealing a ship and setting sail for the ocean past Tasmania, there are some less tricky viewing spots. Where can I see the Aurora Australis in Melbourne? Your best chance at witnessing the Aurora Australis is to be as far south as possible. Tasmania is the obvious choice, and you’ll want to aim for places away from city lights. Mount Wellington, Bruny Island, Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park, the Huon Valley, the Central Highlands and Tasmania’s South Arm all offer great horizon views down south. Photograph: seabirdnz/Flickr But it’s not all bad news for mainland dwellers: Victoria, southern New South Wales and the southernmost parts of South Australia and Western Austra

Question: what do you think is the average Australian’s biggest fear come spring? Is it the imminent onslaught of pollen about to hit our nostrils? The realisation that it’s already three-quarters of the way through the year and we haven’t made a dint on those New Year’s resolutions? Or maybe, just maybe, it’s the fact that aggressive, dive-bombing magpies have it out for the tops of our unsuspecting heads this time of year. Yep, welcome to magpie swooping season, my friends. When is magpie swooping season in Melbourne and Victoria? Swooping season kicks into gear from late August to early October, which coincidentally ties into magpie breeding season. Because of this they’re ferociously protective of their nests and will stop at nothing to ward off any unsuspecting passers-by. How to avoid magpie swooping attacks in Melbourne and Victoria Avoiding swooping has become quite the art form – pedestrians have turned to putting cut-out eyes on the back of their hats and cyclists have thrown a couple spikes in their helmets to deter belligerent birds. It’s madness. But is there another way to avoid magpie attacks? Well, it helps to have an ally by your side. Case in point: this website devoted to tracking magpies around town. Magpie Attack asks users to record magpie swoops on a map in an effort to pre-warn others about dangerous birds in their area. You can input your location, the date/time, what activity was taking place and whether an injury resulted. As well as the comprehensi

C'mon babe, why don't we paint the town? The roaring '20s are here again, and naturally, that means jazz is due for a comeback. Here in Melbourne, jazz never really went out of style, with a population of clubs dedicated to the city's hepcats. At Time Out, we're all about embracing our city's thriving culture scene, so our writers have thoroughly researched the best jazzy spots in town so you can do just that. There are historic venues like Jazzlab, spots that transform into jazz havens on occasion, as well as new venues carrying on old traditions like the Count's.  Whether you're after a full dinner show or just somewhere you can sit back and relax with a whisky and some Coltrane, these are the top places to listen to jazz music in Melbourne. Then take the music home with you at one of Melbourne's best record stores. Or drop into one of the city's slickest wine bars for a post-gig drink. Want more live music? Check out the best gigs happening in Melbourne this month.

They say the best things in life are free. We're not 100 per cent on board with that sentiment (have you had a perfectly prepared cocktail? That ain't cheap), but not everything in Melbourne has to cost a small fortune. We're also acutely aware that the current cost of living crisis is weighing heavily on us all at the moment – so finding an activity or experience that won't break the bank is becoming harder and harder. But that doesn't mean it's impossible. From art exhibitions to outdoor adventures, our team of editors and writers have scoured the city to find a bunch of things to do for free. Yep, free. Zilch. Nada. Zero dollars. Your wallet will thank us. Stay in the loop: sign up for our free Time Out Melbourne newsletter for the best of the city, straight to your inbox. Happy to spend a couple of bucks? Here are our favourite cheap eats, and here are our top picks for things to do in the city for $25 or less.

Looking for a travel adventure that goes beyond typical sightseeing? Combining wild, untouched landscapes with ancient history and fascinating culture, Australia’s Indigenous tourism experiences are hard to beat. They share the stories of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples who have lived on this land for more than 65,000 years – a diverse tapestry of hundreds of nations and language groups, each with their own Dreaming stories, ceremonies and deep cultural knowledge. Our Travel & News Editor Melissa Woodley and experienced travel writer Rosamund Brennan have pulled together a list of eye-opening First Nations tours that'll take you deep into Australia's most pristine landscapes, all while teaching you about the world’s oldest living culture. From trekking with Custodians through the lush Daintree Rainforest and swimming with dugongs in the Kimberley to seeing ancient stories light up the sky over Uluru, these experiences may change the way you view the land Down Under. 🏞 The best national parks in Australia☀️ The greatest things to do Down Under😍 The most beautiful places in Australia

The beach isn't for everyone, and that's understandable. You might not enjoy getting coated in sand that's as inescapable as glitter, fighting to stay upright against powerful surf, or the fear of getting stung by a jellyfish. Swimming holes, on the other hand, are always great. They’re nature’s swimming pools, carved naturally out of rock and featuring some very refreshing waters that are ripe for splashing around in. We've put together a list of spots across the state that we think are the best for a dip – some are close to Melbourne, others require a road trip. But all of them offer beautiful natural surrounds and a refreshing spot to cool off.  We'd know the best swimming spots because we go to them ourselves, the Time Out team all love a nature-focussed road trip, and if it involves a swim that's even better. Below are some of our favourite swimming holes in Victoria. Remember that there are always risks involved with swimming, especially at unpatrolled locations. Always take care to check things such as depth and currents before entering. If you're not an experienced swimmer, avoid unpatrolled spots altogether. Would you rather look at gushing water? Here are Victoria’s best waterfalls. Keep driving and you’ll find some of the state’s best national parks, too.

Let’s face it: while New South Wales has some spectacular ski resorts and snow fields, taking a trip to the snow isn’t the cheapest of holidays. Mostly, that’s because we have a much shorter snow season than our European cousins – and scarily, Australia’s snow seasons are getting shorter. All that being said, you need to be rolling in dough to hit the slopes; many alpine destinations offer sweet deals during the winter months, you just need to know where to look.We've rounded up everything from accommodation packages to majorly reduced day passes and student specials. Check out our ultimate snow-on-a-budget guide before you hit up the slopes this winter. Stay in the loop: sign up for our free Time Out Sydney newsletter for more news, food & drink inspo and activity ideas, straight to your inbox. Want more winter getaway action? Check out our list of the best trips you can take to warm up your life this chilly season.Craving something super cosy? These are the best tiny homes and cabins in NSW.

Getting the chance to dip into the steamy waters of a thermal spring is a joy that we reckon everyone deserves to experience at least once in their lifetime. The healing powers of naturally occurring hot springs have been celebrated, worshipped and enjoyed by humans across the world for millennia, and today, this is one human thing that we can say has absolutely not changed. Ancient Romans, we feel you.  In Australia, there are countless natural thermal hot springs available for all your soaking pleasure. From the staggering turquoise waters of the Northern Territory, to oasis-like bathhouses, to the wild far reaches of the Kimberley, the land Down Under has some of the most epic hot springs on Earth. In this list, we have gathered the best of them – and tell you exactly where to find them.   🌊 The best beaches in Australia💙 Where to find Australia's coolest natural pools😱 The 25 best waterfalls in Australia Remember that there are always risks involved with swimming, especially at unpatrolled places. Always take care to check things such as depth and currents before swimming or jumping into water, and confirm that others you’re swimming with are confident in the water before entering any swimming spot. If you're not a confident, experienced swimmer, avoid unpatrolled swimming spots altogether.

Victoria is lucky enough to be peppered with magnificent waterfalls right across the state – and forget what TLC said, because they are definitely worth chasing.  These cascading curtains of water all have a certain X-Factor that means we reckon they're worth a visit. Whether it be fast-flowing rivers, plunge pools you can swim in or being part of an awe-inspiring bush walk.  And we should know – we're locals who love road trips, so we've been to our fair share of waterfalls in our time. Take a look at our favourites below, then hop in the car and hunt down these stunning, splashy wonders. BYO bathers and a picnic and you're in for a guaranteed good time. Stay in the loop: sign up for our free Time Out Melbourne newsletter for the best of the city, straight to your inbox. Looking for more day trip ideas? Here are the best ones to take from Melbourne. Want a longer break? Here are our favourite weekend getaways.

Peninsula Hot Springs is one of Melbourne's most loved self-care spots, providing a way to escape the city and fully unwind. But did you know you can combine the joys of a movie night with a relaxing bathing sesh? The wellness haven has brought back its Bathe in Cinema event, where you can watch a film from the comfort of your own hot spring, spread out among the Bath House Amphitheatre.  The Peninsula Hot Springs Bathe in Cinema runs every Thursday night at 7pm, until the last week of June. Guests can kick back and watch a film under the stars, staying warm with the heat of the hot springs. The weekly movie program is filled with classics, like Mrs. Doubtfire, You've Got Mail and Never Been Kissed.  The film screening is complimentary with bathhouse bathing (which starts from $75), you just need to add on the free bathe-in cinema option when checking out. If you feel like treating yourself and turning your bathing sesh into a getaway, book a stay at one of the new, ultra-relaxing Eco Lodges. If you're curious as to what this swish accommodation is really like, we visited to find out, and you can read about it here.  To learn more about the Bathe in Cinema event, head to the website.  Craving some time to unwind? Here are the best day spas in Melbourne. 

A massive, one-day-only Christmas market returns to Port Melbourne, lining the seaside strip with more than 150 vendors selling festive wares. The popular event is designed to be a one-stop shop for Chrissie shopping, offering handmade and locally produced gifts, art pieces, clothing, jewellery and much more.  It's a free community event, supporting the local bayside community and run by the Port Melbourne Business Association. There will be delish food, live music and kids activities happening on the day as well – making for a fun family day out.  The market is on Saturday, December 7 from 11am to 5pm. Find out more on the website.  Haven't started your gift shopping? Here are some go-to stores for great presents. 

Take a stroll over the Evan Walker Bridge that runs from Flinders Street Station to Southbank and you’ll notice something happening underfoot. No, it’s not the tourist boats zooming down the Yarra River. It’s Ponyfish Island, a riverside bar that’s latched underneath the busy thoroughfare. Descend via the staircase on the footbridge and you’ll be acquainted with Ponyfish’s aquatically inspired pontoon bar. Watch the sun set over the city as you nibble on snacks from its all-day menu, which includes pizzas, cheese and charcuterie platters, oysters and more. On the cocktail list you'll find all the classics (hello Pimms jugs, Spritzes and Sangria!), and there's plenty to choose from among the solid beer and wine options. After a renovation in late 2020, the bar can now host up to 150 people in the space. We suggest getting a draught beer or a cocktail and parking yourself beside the water as it's a prime people-watching location. Just be careful you don't get caught in the after-work crowd, who notoriously flock there after five. Still thirsty? These are the 50 best bars in Melbourne.

If you've bemoaned the fact that inner-city Melbourne doesn't have proper surfing beaches, this is for you. Head along to Australia's first inland surf park, Urbnsurf, located within spitting distance of Melbourne Airport in Tullamarine.  This inland wave pool is the first full-sized surfing lagoon to use Wavegarden technology. If that all sounds like gibberish, let us explain: the pool uses technology to create long, man-made waves in a closed environment. According to Urbnsurf, it's able to pump out up to 1,000 perfect, two-metre-high ocean-like surfing waves every hour.   The two-hectare surfing lagoon has areas customisable for all ages and abilities – so if you're not Layne Beachley just yet, you'll do just fine. The modular wave generator means that there can be different kinds of waves in different sections of the pool. Beginners can attend surfing lessons in the whitewash with friendly and talented surfing coaches while the pros can stick to the back with consistent waves above two metres tall.  After your surf, you can lounge around on one of Urbnsurf's day beds, inside one of their beach-style cabanas or even on the landscaped areas. A café-restaurant by Three Blue Ducks has opened to accommodate your post-surf hunger, too.   Fancy a dip? Here are the best outdoor pools in Melbourne. 

Located within a hulking 1938 building on the busy CBD hotspot that is Flinders Lane, the Adelphi Hotel is the perfect landing spot for those who value edgy design, location and first-rate service. The Adelphi is a gorgeously styled boutique hotel, from its signature zig-zagged floor right down to the ubiquitous lolly jars in every room. Redesigned in 2013 by Hachem, there's a distinct lack of stuffiness that works to Adelphi's advantage, especially considering you’re sharing walls with some of the city’s hottest restaurants. With only 34 rooms, the Adelphi can afford to be playful in design. Kitschy lamps, furry rugs and not-very-functional-but-still-cute couches line the corners of rooms, with the centrepiece king-sized bed a comfy standout. The brightly hued rooms also come with 42-inch flat screens (with unlimited movies), spacious bathrooms with rainfall showerheads and mini bars full of free snacks and non-alcoholic drinks.  Peckish? You're in luck. Staying here means you're seconds from Japanese hot spot Supernormal, acclaimed fine diner Gimlet and secret bar Apollo Inn.  We’d be remiss if we didn’t talk about the rooftop. The Adelphi’s rooftop pool is probably one of the most photographed pools in Melbourne, thanks to its cantilevering glass bottom, which juts out over Flinders Lane. It's open from 7am most days if you're one for an early-morning swim, otherwise Friday evening is perfect for a splash and a cheeky cocktail.   Time Out tip: Do keep in mind that you a

It’s clear we’ve all been sleeping on Nagambie. This small town, located in the serene Goulburn Valley, is only 90-minutes drive north of Melbourne and has a lot to offer for Melburnians seeking a tree change. Maybe the biggest drawcard is the beautiful Mitchelton Winery estate which, natch, boasts a cellar door and primo wine varietals, but also a swish hotel, restaurant and Indigenous art gallery.  The winery has been around since the late '60s, having developed a reputation for its riesling and shiraz varietals and picking up a few dozen awards over the years. It was in 2017 that the Mitchelton estate was developed into what we see today: a sprawling property on the banks of the Goulburn River, surrounded by grapevines and distinguished by the 55-metre tall tower that features on Mitchelton’s wine bottles.  Mitchelton is known for its production of high-quality shiraz and riesling wines that show off the Heathcote grapes that wine lovers know well. Visit the cellar door and you’ll be able to try six wines of your choosing, making your way from a buttery smooth chardonnay towards a fun sparkling shiraz or even a more intense, oak-y shiraz. The property is also home to a daytime providore for great coffee and snacks, as well as a restaurant, the Muse. The Muse focuses heavily on sustainability, only using seasonal produce from around the region and cooks most of its food on the in-house wood-fired grill and roasting pit. Get amongst this great cooking style by ordering the r

Learning a new instrument as an adult is a hard task. For one, instruments are hella expensive, meaning you often have to shell out a small fortune for something you’re not even sure you’ll be that good at. Enter: the Music Gym. The Music Gym is an initiative created by music teacher Catherine Prifti, with the idea of letting adults learn new skills in a convenient location where you can squeeze in a class during your lunch break, before or after work. Keen participants can sign up for voice, piano and guitar lessons at the Music Gym. Here you'll be able to learn basic skills (or brush up on old skills) with state-of-the-art instruments and expert teachers at your side. Group classes can be purchased at a casual one-off rate, or choose a 10-pack, 20-pack, or even a private lesson. You’ll find the Music Gym at Melbourne’s Galleria, at the intersection of Bourke, Elizabeth and Little Collins streets.

It’s fair to say Zagame’s Downtowner, a plain, somewhat daggy city-fringe hotel that has been hanging around the corner of Lygon and Queensberry streets since 2003, has had quite the glow up. Opened in May 2019 after an $18 million renovation, Zagame’s House is a chic addition to Melbourne’s boutique hotel scene and features all the plusses that make a staycation worth it: plush king-sized beds, velour armchairs, a rainfall shower, a decked-out minibar and minimalist Scandi furnishings that seem straight out of a Pinterest collection. If you dig a little deeper, you’ll realise it’s the small touches that make this place A grade. Rooms feature organic bath products from UK brand Cowshed, Marshall speakers you can connect to via Bluetooth and custom-lit bathroom mirrors that have different illumination settings for the perfect selfie. The hotel is wheelchair-accessible, and the late-night room service menu is all fancy toasties (think truffle cheese, meatballs or harissa chicken).  Zagame’s has probably one of the best-stocked minibars in town, by the way. There’s Espresso Martini in a can, beers from locals like Moon Dog Brewery, sodas from Bickford and Sons and hand-selected Everleigh Bottling Co, cocktails. If you're hungry, you can buy a selection of house-made sweet and savoury treats like gummy bears, raspberry twists and chocolate pretzels. Bored? There’s a pack of Uno cards on the menu, too, as well as a “lover’s kit”, which has condoms, lube and even a battery-operated

Are you ready to play? Fortress Melbourne is the southern hemisphere's largest video gaming and esports entertainment venue. It's located on the lower ground floor of Emporium Melbourne, and it's massive. No, really. The venue encompasses 2,700 square metres of space over two levels.  Inside you'll be able to experience some of the coolest games and newest technology from around the world. There's a 200-seat esports arena, plus 160 Alienware PCs, VIP game booths, streamer pods and tabletop and board game areas. There are also function spaces, a restaurant and two bars so you won't go hungry or thirsty.  The space is designed for gamers of all ages – and it's not just for the Fortnite fans. There's a range of games on offer including Mario Kart, Dota 2, Rainbow 6 and heaps more. The venue runs special board game nights on Wednesdays (including food and drink specials and free play) and always-popular beginner-friendly Dungeons and Dragons games on Sundays.  Fortress Melbourne is open daily. Walk-ins are welcome, but it's recommended to book.

Want to enjoy all the thrills of skydiving without actually leaping out of a plane? An indoor skydiving experience called iFly might be for you. Imagine a specially designed wind tunnel that’s been turned upright so that the air travels upwards. Now picture yourself caught in that powerful updraft. This is indoor skydiving. It’s a concept used by the skydiving community to practice their free-fall technique. It really does feel like you’re suspended in mid-air, thanks to this giant propeller blasting air. It’s loud, as you can imagine, but also extremely safe, because you’re never more than a few metres from the ground. IFly has been around the world (including the US, UK, France, Dubai, Brazil, Canada, New Zealand and Singapore) for over 20 years now, and this is the brand’s second Australian outpost. Anyone aged three and up can try it and prices start at $79.95 per person. 

After years of climbing through closets and wandering down dark corridors to find new and exciting hidden bars, you’d think Melburnians would have seen it all. But rest assured, there are still secrets out in the suburbs.  In Melbourne’s west, Corked Wine Bar opened its secret sliding door in 2021, offering a casual atmosphere for the folks of Werribee to drink wine and chill out on Watton Street.  Finding the venue is half the fun. Enter the seemingly innocuous apartment building corridor near pizza joint Teddy Picker and turn right to find the wooden wine bottle wall. There’s a hidden button on the wall you’ll need to find – press it and slide the door open.  The low ceilings and dimmed lights make this spot ultra cosy, with the main bar located at the centre of the room. Settle in one of the many side tables, or on the red velvet couch near the fire. If the weather’s warm enough, head outside towards the backyard courtyard that overlooks the leafy Werribee River. The wine list is what you’ll be seeking out first – in it, you’ll find a robust collection of international fine wines, many from Italy and Germany, and drops from local vineyards in the King and Yarra Valleys. To complement the wine, there are share plates like smoked barramundi arancini, duck fat potatoes and fried calamari, as well as charcuterie and cheese boards. Two desserts, a dark chocolate mousse and a limoncello panna cotta, will tide over the dessert hounds.  Corked Wine Bar is open from 5pm on Wednesda

On one side of the grand Werribee Mansion, you’ll find the Refectory Parlour. This venue is managed by award-winning caterers Bursaria Fine Foods, who are known for putting on stunning weddings across the Werribee Park precinct since 2015.  The Refectory currently offers more intimate dining experiences, including catered picnics in the delightful Rose Garden. The Refectory also offers an all-day outdoor dining menu served on the Werribee Mansion Terrace. If you’re just passing through and in need of a bite, settle down for a coffee and a slice of cake, or order one of the Refectory’s packed hampers. There’s a high tea hamper that comes with chicken ribbon sandwiches, Cornish pasties, scones and more high tea hits, or the Ploughman’s hamper with a wider selection of charcuterie items. We suggest enjoying your hamper out on the gorgeous grass area that surrounds Werribee Park.  For wedding and special occasion bookings, head to the Refectory’s website for more information.

Question: what do you think is the average Sydneysider's biggest fear come springtime? Is it the imminent onslaught of pollen about to hit our nostrils? The realisation that it’s already three-quarters of the way through the year and we haven’t made a dint on those new year’s resolutions? Or maybe, just maybe, it’s the fact that aggressive, dive-bombing magpies have it out for the tops of our unsuspecting heads this time of year.  Yep, welcome to magpie swooping season, my friends.  Unfortunately, magpie season isn’t anything new – even Time Out’s Editor-in-Chief Alice Ellis has been subjected to unwanted attacks. “When we were kids, during swooping season we had to wear empty ice-cream tubs on our heads when we were playing in the backyard, to protect ourselves from the magpies,” she says. Read on for everything you need to know about magpies – and how to dodge a swoop.   Photograph: Estelle Dragan for Time Out Sydney       When is magpie swooping season in Sydney? Swooping season kicks into gear from late August to early October, which coincidentally ties into magpie breeding season. Because of this they’re ferociously protective of their nests and will stop at nothing to ward off any suspecting passers-by.   Why do magpies swoop? Cyclists and runners (aka anything moderately-sized and fast-moving) are prime targets for the six to eight weeks when the daring black-and-white birds build nests, incubate eggs and raise their young. They’ll stop at nothing to protect their

Some come to the Royal Melbourne Show for the rides, others come to marvel at the award-winning cakes, the woodchoppers, the pavilions filled with baby animals and champion dogs… or maybe we’re all just united in a mutual love of showbags. If you have a love for the latter, we’ve picked out the best showbags to choose from when you visit — there's more than 395 different ones this year, so it's quite a difficult decision!    Bertie Beetle 60th Birthday Bag Cost? $18What’s inside? 20 Bertie Beetles choccies, plus your choice of a Bertie Beetle Helicopter Cap or a set of two Bertie Beetle Ceramic Egg Cups. (Retail value: $34)  Why should you get it? It’s a special edition version of the beloved $5 OG showbag, and who doesn't love a helicopter hat?  Bluey showbag Cost? $32What’s inside? A Bluey headband, Bluey backpack, Bluey bucket hat, Bluey silly straws, Bluey sticker pad, Bluey bag, Bluey tumbler and Bluey colouring pad. (Retail value: $76.55)      Why should you get it? Bluey is Australia's pride and joy right now, so if you have a little one (or anyone) in your life who is a big fan, this is sure to win you some brownie points.  Matildas showbag  Cost? $30What’s inside? Matildas Soccer Ball, Matildas Wrist Band, Matildas Drink Bottle, Matildas Keyring, Matildas Scarf and Matildas Bag. (Retail value: $92.82)Why should you get it? While the Women's World Cup may be all done and dusted, that doesn't mean you can't show your 'Tillies pride!  Rural Aid showbag  Cost? $1

We know there are some great unspoken rules of using public transport in Melbourne, but it's time we address those on the pavement, too. We all have to get around this city somehow, so let's not make it harder for everyone else. These are the things all good Melbourne pedestrians should know: 1. Look up from your phone as you cross the road.2. If you’re walking during peak hour, walk with purpose (especially when you’re heading towards Flinders Street after 5pm).3. Swanston Street is always a busy thoroughfare – don't get annoyed if you can't move as fast as you'd like. Go down a side street if you're desperate. 4. If you’re exiting a shop on a busy street like Swanston or Elizabeth Street, look both ways before entering the footpath.5. If it’s raining and you have an umbrella, please take down your umbrella when going under covered walkways. 6. Be aware of where your umbrella falls in regards to other people’s faces – learn the umbrella lift.7. Trams have right of way, so do your best to avoid getting ding-ed.8. If you can see someone is running to get to a tram, get out of their way.9. If you’ve got big bags, maybe don’t walk down Melbourne’s skinniest laneways? 10. Don’t walk four people in a row on the sidewalk. Two max!11. Don’t walk two abreast down Little Bourke Street in Chinatown. There’s just not enough room.12. Don’t stop in the middle of the footpath, PLEASE. Move to the side. 13. If you realise you’re going the wrong way, don’t stop suddenly and cause a three-pe

If you’re the type of Melburnian who’s thought, “Gee, that seat pattern is not at all obnoxiously colourful and feels like an ancient velour carpet,” then boy have we got something for you. We’ve stumbled upon a series of clothing options for the Melburnian who likes to prove to everyone around them that they are, in fact, a public transport lover.  There are these green socks that resemble the seat pattern on a Yarra Trams vehicle. You can pick yours up when you purchase this card game about Melbourne public transport, Touched On.  There’s also the Yarra Trams T-shirt which, thankfully, is made of cotton and not that horrific soiled fabric we know and...er… love. Our personal favourite is this Connex T-shirt that looks like the pattern found on many Melbourne trams. Wear it onboard and you might even blend into the surroundings. Who says all Melburnians have to wear black?  But, actually, all Melburnians do wear black – we found out why.

Melbourne sure has come a long way. Back before settlers arrived in the 19th century, Indigenous Australians had already lived on Naarm for around 31,000 to 40,000 years. Where our city centre now lies was an important meeting place for the five groups of the Kulin nation, including the Woiwurrung, Boonwurrung and Wathaurong people. Thanks to the central Yarra River, or Birrarung, it was an important place for groups to meet and source food and water. These days, Melbourne is still a hub for food, drink and entertainment – albeit a little more built up. With the help of the team at the State Library of Victoria, we managed to track down some of the earliest recorded photographs of Melbourne. Photograph: State Library of VictoriaView of Swanston Street looking north from Collins Street. This first one shows Swanston Street looking north from Collins Street. It was taken in 1858, but not much else is known about the photograph or who took it. Photograph: State Library of VictoriaBourke Street looking west from Spring Street. This one shows a much less crowded Bourke Street with a view west from Spring Street. It was also taken in 1858. Photograph: State Library of VictoriaThe Yarra River below the Falls. The last one is of the Yarra River in 1858. Its title is “The Yarra below the Falls”, which refers to an area near where the Old Customs House was beside the Yarra. It once had a set of cascades where saltwater from the ocean met the freshwater of the river. It had rock

We’re all familiar with Fireball Whisky, the cinnamon-flavoured party starter. Well, you’re about to become even more intimately familiar with the classic whisky brand. This festive season Fireball has released a 3.5-litre firebox cask, which is essentially two 1.75-litre Fireball goon bags. If we break the numbers down, that’s over 100 30-millilitre shots (with two taps to dispense). Good lord.  These limited-edition boxes are available online through Booze Bud and in select alcohol retailers. It’ll set you back $224.99.  Looking for more booze? Here are the best boozy advent calendars to try.

If being in lockdown for months has taught us anything, it’s that people love a conspiracy. Now, Melburnians can put their sleuthing skills to the test. For a limited time, the Old Melbourne Gaol is hosting a real-life game of Cluedo which gets visitors to explore the venue and investigate a story using QR codes and physical evidence. You’ll study the alibis of criminals, scan weapons for DNA and hopefully catch the culprit. Photograph: James Thomas/Supplied Ready to immerse yourself in a good old-fashioned game of whodunnit? The Cluedo booklet is $5, in addition to the general admission cost $30 per adult or $17 per child. The game runs from 10am to 5m Wednesday to Sundays. Learn more at Old Melbourne Gaol's website. Galleries are reopening in Melbourne and here’s what they’re showing.

As of right now, only metropolitan Melbourne and Mildura are in lockdown, with the rest of regional Victoria under much less strict restrictions. Those in the regions can leave home for any reason and visit hospitality venues, while metropolitan Melbourne and Mildura remain locked down. Those in metro Melbourne will be permitted to travel to the regions once we hit 80 per cent vaccination, expected to be around November 1. But the term “metropolitan Melbourne” is a pretty broad term, what exactly does it cover?According to the government, metropolitan Melbourne “is the geographical area that defines Melbourne as a city and the capital of the state of Victoria”. There are 4.9 million people who live in the 9,990 square kilometres that metro Melbourne covers.  Metropolitan Melbourne is divided into 31 local government areas (LGAs). Those LGAs are: Banyule, Hume, Moreland, Bayside, Kingston, Mornington Peninsula, Boroondara, Knox, Nillumbik, Brimbank, Manningham, Port Phillip, Cardinia, Maribyrnong, Stonnington, Casey, Maroondah, Whitehorse, Darebin, Melbourne, Whittlesea, Frankston, Melton, Wyndham, Glen Eira, Monash, Yarra, Greater Dandenong, Moonee Valley, Yarra Ranges and Hobsons Bay.  All other LGAs in Victoria are classified as regional and are not under lockdown orders. The exception is the LGA of Mildura Shire, which continues under the same lockdown rules as Melbourne due to the outbreak there. If you’re confused as to what LGA you fall under, head to this website where

If you're looking for a location-based breakdown of coronavirus cases in Melbourne and Victoria, this handy app should help you. Covid19nearme is an unofficial website based on data available on the Victorian government website. While your first look should be at the government's website, which is updated according to health department information and contact tracers, covid19nearme does give users a visual aid for current exposure sites. Using the map's functions, you can search for suburbs, postcodes or alert locations near you. The results will indicate whether an exposure site is tier 1, 2 or 3 and let you know what government advice is if you've been to a site during the exposure period.  Click through here for access to the Victorian map, and read up about the latest information from the Victorian government here. Confused? Have a read of Melbourne's current rules and restrictions.

We have certainly become acquainted with the five-kilometre radius around our homes, as Melburnians have been stuck in their 5km bubbles since lockdown 6.0 began. But once 80 per cent of Victorians had received at least one dose of a Covid-19 vaccine on September 28, Melbourne is now restricted to 15km bubbles. Having a limited amount of space to travel within meant we were all hankering to know where our bubbles intersected with friends. And while Melbourne experiences ebbs and flows of restrictions, it's always handy to know where you can meet up with your mates. The Covid Lockdown Overlap Finder website helps you find where you can meet up with friends for exercise or outdoor recreation. It’s super easy to use – just input your suburb and the suburb of your pal and find where you can meet up within a 15km bubble. If you need a little reminder about the rules right now, read this handy explainer. Here's what you can and can't do in Melbourne right now.

It’s looking like Victoria will hit its 70 per cent first dose vaccine threshold within the next 24 hours. So, as promised back in early September, Victorian premier Dan Andrews has announced a few modest changes to the current restrictions to those in metropolitan Melbourne and greater Ballarat.   The five reasons to leave the home will remain. These are ​​to ​​get the food and supplies you need; to exercise; to receive care or for caregiving purposes; for authorised work or education; and to get vaccinated. However, from 11.59pm on Friday, September 17, there is now a sixth reason to leave your home: for outdoor social interaction. Here's what's changing: One person may meet another person from another household for a picnic, a walk or another outdoor activity, regardless of vaccination status; Up to five adults (plus their dependents) from two households will be able to gather outdoors if all adults present have received both doses of the Covid-19 vaccine; The time permitted to exercise (and for outdoor social interaction) will increase from two hours a day to four hours a day; The distance you can leave your home for shopping (for necessary good and services), exercise and outdoor social interaction will increase from five kilometres to ten kilometres; Two people can also train outdoors with a personal trainer; and Skate parks and outdoor communal exercise equipment will reopen. For the full list of rules, check with the government website.  For regional Victoria (everw

Victoria's daily Covid-19 caseload has been bouncing around between 400 and 500 for about a week, but chief health officer Brett Sutton has warned that those numbers are expected to increase.  "We haven't peaked, unfortunately," Sutton told a media conference today. "The Burnett modelling and everything we know in relation to our current vaccination coverage would suggest that cases will continue to increase. The fact that they're being held in the 400s again ... it's a very hard number to keep under wraps. Vaccination alone won't mean that there's a peak at the 400s." There is now evidence that our northern neighbours have flattened the curve, with daily new case numbers in NSW levelling off around the 1,200 mark. The CHO indicated Victoria could be headed for such scary numbers in the coming weeks, with our numbers increasing faster than NSW's.  "It's very hard to know," Sutton said. "We've had a higher growth trajectory in the previous week. It seems to have stabilised a little bit in the last few days, but we don't know where that true number is. The risk of it getting to 1,000 is real, so we have to press on with vaccinations at the fastest possible rate for that reason alone." Want to protect yourself and your community from Covid-19? Here's how to get a vaccination right now.