Rebecca Russo

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. From art shows to outdoor adventures, there are a bunch of things to do in this fine city that you can do for free. Yep, free. Zilch. Nada. Zero dollars.  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.

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. However, that doesn’t mean you need to be rolling in dough to hit the slopes; many alpine destinations offer sweet deals during the winter months. 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.  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.

Streaming is convenient, but sometimes you just can't beat the experience of going to the cinema. The heavy velvet curtains, huge screens with surround sound, cushioned chairs and high ceilings give an immersive experience that you simply can't have at home. Take that experience to the next level by catching a flick at one of these theatres that are works of art themselves. From art-deco wonders to new-age marvels, these architectural marvels are the best-looking cinemas in Melbourne.  Want some mid-century nostalgia? Head to one of Melbourne's drive-in cinemas. Or check out the best outdoor cinemas in Melbourne.

If you're not a fan of roughing it but love the outdoors, try staying in a cosy cabin near Melbourne. Perfect for getting off the beaten track without having to sacrifice access to indoor plumbing or needing to cook your food over an open flame, these cabins let you explore the bush while still enjoying creature comforts. On the road? Here are the best scenic drives to take in Victoria. Or make some bigger plans – here are ten Victorian national parks you should visit at least once in your life. RECOMMENDED: The best Airbnbs in Melbourne

We recommend getting out and exploring Melbourne on foot when the weather permits. But if you think the main streets are passé, we've got good news: you can traverse a good part of Melbourne CBD via laneway, without ever setting foot on a street in the Hoddle Grid.  But with over 40 laneways and arcades in Melbourne, how can you efficiently distinguish the good ones from the ones filled with garbage? Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered. When you're entertaining out-of-towners or keen to revisit some old favourites, consult this guide to the best laneways and arcades in Melbourne. Get out there and poke your head around corners to find graffiti-laden lanes filled with one-off shops, high-end restaurants and a few dozen hidden bars. RECOMMENDED: Where to find the best street art in Melbourne.

Forget what Sydneysiders tell you: Melbourne is the cultural capital of Australia. Visitors flock from all over to visit the city for the endless supply of cutting-edge galleries, restaurants and events. And when you’re in a city this cool and hip, it seems like a mighty shame to be staying in a cookie-cutter hotel. Experience the city like a local in a unique and homely Airbnb. You might enjoy it so much that you reconsider moving and making the city your new home. There are so many amazing Airbnbs in our city that are often more affordable than your standard hotel and provide a way cozier and more welcoming stay. Whether you're a local keen on a staycation or a visitor who wants to feel like a genuine Melburnian, these are the best Airbnbs you'll find in Melbourne.  Updated April 2024: With so many incredible Airbnbs in Melbourne, we couldn't help but add a few more to the hot list. Check out the two new players: a spaceship-esque penthouse in central and a jaw-dropping manor house on the Mornington Peninsula – if you're keen to keep the city life at arm's length.  RECOMMENDED: The best day hikes from Melbourne The most quirky Airbnbs in VictoriaThe best hotels in Melbourne Who makes the cut? While we might not stay in every Airbnb featured, we've based our list on top reviews, hosts, and amenities to find you the best stays. This article includes affiliate links. These links have no influence on our editorial content. For more information, see our affiliate guidelines.

Looking to live it up on your next Aussie getaway? We’ve got you covered. Our country is practically swimming in great hotels, from new boutique stays with heated infinity pools to revamped classics boasting five-star rooftop bars. 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 picks of Australia’s top hotels. RECOMMENDED: Australia’s most incredible resorts and lodges for your next getaway. Who makes the cut? While we might not stay in every hotel or accommodation offering featured, we've based our list on top reviews, hosts and amenities to find you the best stays. This article includes affiliate links. These links have no influence on our editorial content. For more information, see our affiliate guidelines.

You know the landmarks and the laid-back culture, but there are plenty more things to do in  Australia than kissing koalas and yelling ‘g’day mate’. Australia is a nature lover’s paradise, with highly sought-after food experiences and impressive cultural heritage to boot. 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. You’ll no doubt find something to inspire a holiday Down Under with our guide to all the best things you need to see right now in Australia. RECOMMENDED: The 20 top tourist attractions in Australia. Stay in the loop: sign up for our free Time Out Australia newsletter for more news, travel inspo and activity ideas, straight to your inbox. 

Camping isn't for everyone – but we reckon maybe glamping is.  While a dream of sleeping beneath unpolluted starry skies, swimming on secluded beaches and snuggling by a campfire sounds pretty good to all of us, the thought of battling spiders, dirt floors and zero showers can shatter it real quick. Enter: Glamping – your solution.  In Australia, the opportunities are truly endless for all those who like their wild nature escapes with a side of fluffy luxury. Whether it's reclining in a private bubble bath beneath a rainforest canopy, dipping into a rainwater plunge pool next to Uluru, or sleeping in clean sheets next to one of the world's most remote coral reefs, the dreamy glamping spots Down Under are both epic and aplenty. All you've gotta do is hit the road.  Want to keep it a little more basic? Here are the 8 best caravan parks to hit up in Australia.

Sure, Sydney’s hella exxy, but if you look hard enough, you’ll find some cheap as chips things to do that won’t leave a big hole in your bank balance. 1. Climb some boulders harness free (don't worry, the padded floors promise a soft landing) at 9 Degrees in Alexandria. For less than $25 you can nab a casual climb. $24  2. Connect to country with an Indigenous guided walking tour at Dharawal National Park in Campbelltown. The walk generally happens every month – confirm dates and details and make your booking here. $15 3. Go for a dip at the heritage-listed Wylie’s Baths that sit below the Coogee coastal walkway. $6  4. Nab purr-fect coffee and meow-nificent cookies with the Catstronauts at Surry Hills’ Catmosphere Cat Café. $24 for weekday entry to the Cat Lounge   Photograph: Robert PolmearCatmosphere 5. Slurp down some epic noodle soup. We've rounded up our favourite bowls from around Sydney, here. From $15   6. Get a hit of the good feels that come with volunteering, by pitching in at Pocket City Farms for their Thursday and Saturday morning volunteering. $0  7. LOL all night long at the Running Joke on Level One of the Potts Point Hotel every Tuesday night. From $19 8. See the beaches on two wheels with a Cruiser Bike from Manly Bike Tours. $22 for an hour 9. Tuck into a sweet and fluffy tower of soufflé-pancakes at the Australian outpost of the widely popular Japanese chain, Gram, in Chatswood. $19.80 Photograph: Leigh Griffiths/Supllied 10. Work up a sweat with in

Generally speaking, Melburnians are pretty laidback people who enjoy the big city life. We love a bevvy in the sun, a dip at the pool and an endless dumpling session with friends. But there are heaps of little things that can make Melburnians inexplicably anxious – here's just 33 of them. 1. When there are too many people at a rooftop bar.2. When the temperature dips below 10 degrees.3. “You are now leaving the free tram zone."4. When you want a croissant from Lune but it’s already 10am and there’s a huge line.5. “This train will no longer be going through the city loop."6. Replacement buses.7. When you’re at the lights at an intersection and someone starts cleaning your car window and you have absolutely no change.8. A cool change and you forgot a jumper.9. In fact, any kind of weather change.10. When you accidentally cut the tram off and you get the dreaded ‘DING DING DING’.11. Ticket inspectors.12. Christmas at Queen Vic Market.13. When someone sneezes or coughs in your immediate vicinity. 14. The creepy Myer windows.15. Realising the NGV’s big exhibition is closing and you still haven’t seen it.16. Catching a tram or train through Richmond after a footy match.17. Flash flooding in the CBD.18. The aggressive spruikers along Lygon Street, Hardware Lane and Chinatown.19. Walking down Swanston Street.20. The line at Chin Chin on a Friday night.21. Driving under the Montague Street Bridge.22. When you see cyclists riding really close to the tram lines.23. Going to Queen Vic Ma

The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of Time Out Melbourne, Time Out Australia, Time Out Group or any of its affiliated entities. I don’t need to tell you that Easter is fast approaching. It’s the time of year to stuff your face with chocolate eggs and hot cross buns because we’re told those things don’t exist outside of this ordained period of time (it’s all lies, you know. Woolies sells hot cross buns as “spicy fruit buns” throughout the year, and Easter eggs are just regular chocolate in the shape of eggs). But here is the thing about Easter that really gets my goat. You, like the majority of people, are almost certainly eating hot cross buns wrong. Don’t toast the crossies; microwave them. Yes, microwave. And no, I don’t just mean defrost the bun. I mean blast those suckers on high for at least a minute to really get those fruity buns going. They’re better than anything that comes out of a crummy toaster. You know why? It’s because a microwaved hot cross bun is how a hot cross bun is truly meant to be enjoyed. You’re bringing the bun back to how the bakers originally intended it to be eaten – straight from the oven, warm and gooey on the inside. It’s like a brownie. Would you like your brownie burned, crisp and hard to chew? No, you like it gooey so that the chocolate melts in your mouth. By microwaving a hot cross bun, you get softer fruits, a tangier (but not harsh) hint o

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

Located within a hulking 1938 building on the busy CBD hotspot that is Flinders Lane, the Adelphi Hotel is a nice 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, the hotel might not be as sophisticated as its neighbouring Westin Hotel, but that lack of stuffiness 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 a little 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 40-inch flat screens (with unlimited movies), spacious bathrooms with rainfall showerheads and minibars full of free snacks and non-alcoholic drinks.  Peckish? You're in luck. Staying at the Adelphi means you're seconds from Japanese diner Supernormal, the French-Vietnamese Coda and arguably the city's busiest restaurant, Chin Chin (if you don't mind the queues!). Downstairs at the Adelphi is also a sweet tooth's paradise thanks to Om Nom Dessert Restaurant. 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 bott

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.  Pro surfers will be pretty content with the quality of wave barrels at Urbnsurf. And while the backdrop of an airport isn't as atmospheric as the shores of Byron Bay, the most jarring difference here is the lack of sand. The pool isn't that deep (especially in the whitewash) so falling off or tumbling means you might scratch yourself on the concrete floor. But being able to play God like this with the frequency of waves means Urbnsurf has the capability to stop the waves comp

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. 

For a taste of inner-city luxury, you can’t go past W Melbourne. The hotel, which opened in February of 2021, packs 294 guest rooms, 29 suites, a secret bar, a premium restaurant and a sexy top-floor pool into its Flinders Lane digs – and still manages to feel boutique rather than behemoth.  Every detail at the W Melbourne has been carefully considered, meticulously placed and kept affectionately local. Its design takes inspiration from Melbourne’s laneway culture, with little nods to our city throughout the venue. From the wardrobes that look remarkably like Melbourne’s streetside kiosks to the street art-style artworks of a female affectionately called “Mel” that adorn many of the hotel’s walls, you can tell this is a hotel that likes to have a bit of fun.  And with the kind of rooms the W is offering, you'll probably have a bit of fun as well. Floor-to-ceiling windows feature in every room, as do colourful fixtures, Foxtel channels and king beds that lure you into a content slumber. But it’s the bathrooms that really impress: each room is fixed with a Japanese Toto toilet (yes, the ones with a bidet and heated seats!). The remainder of the bathroom is equally as fabulous, with luxe Davines bath amenities on hand to keep you smelling delightful.  There’s a fitness centre on level 14 alongside what might be the cherry on top of this entire hotel: a gorgeous, gold-roofed indoor pool with a poolside bar and a DJ booth. The pool is pleasantly warm and accessible 24/7 (just be w

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

Want the full boutique-winery experience just a stone's throw from Melbourne? Hop on over to Werribee's Shadowfax Wines.  Part of the Werribee Park precinct (it’s only a short walk away from Werribee Park Mansion), it's the closest vineyard to Melbourne's CBD, and it's got a fine selection of varietals to boot.  Shadowfax's chief winemaker, Alister Timms, has a hyper-local focus: he keeps things grounded in the essence of Werribee Park and its regional surrounds with vineyards in the Macedon Ranges and Werribee and sources from small growers in Geelong. The wines have distinct personalities, developed through the specific combination of a vineyard's soil, weather and the grapes cultivated there.  Against the lush vineyards, Shadowfax's rusted sheet-metal facade is striking – and once inside, visitors can poke their heads underground, descending down an orange spiral staircase to visit the barrel hall and uncover the cavern's winemaking secrets. Another secret that's not so well kept? The winery is named after Shadowfax, the majestic chief of horses in The Lord of the Rings.  Shadowfax's cellar door and restaurant is open daily from 11am-5pm. It’s here you can get a taste of those premium wines and hear from the team’s brightest wine minds about what drop is best for what occasion. If you’re feeling peckish, settle in for a meal at the restaurant, where the team is serving up a Mediterranean-inspired menu that includes seafood linguine, roasted spatchcock, Werribee barramundi

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.

For years the idyllic Mornington Peninsula has provided refuge for Melburnians looking for an accessible and relaxing weekend away. Of course, a trip out here without a stopover at the Peninsula Hot Springs would be sacrilege. Peninsula Hot Springs is Victoria’s first geothermal mineral springs and day spa. It’s here you’ll find more than 50 bathing experiences, including shared thermal mineral pools, wet and dry saunas, a hydrotherapy pool, Turkish and Moroccan hammams and the frequently Instagrammed hilltop pool, which boasts 360-degree views over the farmlands of Fingal. The tranquil Spa Dreaming Centre also offers communal bathing in a variety of thermal pools, including a barrel bath, grotto pool and an indoor pool that overlooks the lake. Pampering options at the in-house spa include massages, facials and body treatments. You can also book private bathing pavilions for a more secluded experience, and there’s also yoga classes, body clay workshops, mindful walks and warm water exercises to get amongst. A good two decades after opening, the Hot Springs continue to expand. In 2018, the spa underwent a $13 million expansion which included an ice cave and a deep freeze chamber, a food garden that services the onsite café, as well as nine new pools. The ice cave is the first of its kind in Australia, and hot/cold therapy is a well-regarded method to reduce inflammation, stress and soreness in the body (think footy players jumping into the sea or having crazy cold ice baths).

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.

Premier Dan Andrews has announced that the city of greater Ballarat will be entering into lockdown from midnight tonight, September 15, as cases in the region have increased over the past few days.  The people of Ballarat will be under the same restrictions as metropolitan Melbourne, with only five reasons to leave their homes: to ​​get the food and supplies you need; to exercise for up to two hours per day; to receive care or for caregiving purposes; for authorised work or education; and to get vaccinated. The premier also noted there would be additional vaccines sent to the Ballarat region to help support the region during this outbreak.  Victoria’s chief health officer, Brett Sutton, has flagged that Ballarat’s lockdown could be lifted in a week if the community manages to contain the spread of the current outbreak.   While the area of greater Ballarat enters lockdown, it’s been confirmed that the area of greater Shepparton will exit from lockdown and live under the restrictions that the rest of regional Victoria are under.  Today, Victoria recorded 423 new locally acquired cases with only 149 of these cases are linked to current outbreaks. Yesterday there were 41,856 doses of the vaccine administered, which led to Victoria smashing its 1 million jabs in five weeks target.  If you have any symptoms, please get tested immediately. Want to get vaccinated? Here’s where to book your shot. For more details on the rules, head to the government website. Here’s how to book a Pfize