Ruby Kraner-Tucci

Melburnians are spoilt for choice when it comes to finding an ideal drinking spot to catch up with mates, toast to the weekend or celebrate a special occasion. But while most bars and pubs offer up a cheap vino or half-price pint in the early hours of the evening, there are some venues where you can get the biggest bang for your buck. From a sky-high staple to a bayside behemoth and inner-city institution, we’ve rounded up the best happy hours on offer across the city to help you make the most out of your hard-earned cash. After more fun for less? Check out our guides to the best cheap eats and BYO restaurants in Melbourne.

Whether it’s the Orient Express, Hogwarts Express or even Thomas the Tank Engine, trains are the backdrop of some of our favourite fictional stories – but they make for an even more impressive travel setting IRL. If exploring Australia is on your bucket list (let’s face it, flights to Europe are exxy right now), you can’t miss the unique experience of an overnight sleeper train. Traversing every state and territory, this form of slow travel is suitable for both the young and young at heart. Plus, trains put less pressure on our environment and can allow you to hop off at your leisure (remember it’s the journey, not the destination).  From winding through the Whitsundays and exploring the rugged red outback to getting from Melbourne to Sydney in style, we’ve rounded up the best train journeys in Australia. RECOMMENDED: These four Aussie train trips were ranked among the best in the entire world.

Introducing Luxcoach: Melbourne’s newest and most glamorous method of travel.  The unique road experience is an Australian-first – filling the gap between party buses and limousines – and adds a special touch when celebrating weddings, corporate functions, hen's parties, bucks and birthdays. The 20-seat luxury coach channels the level of class you can expect from a private jet (or so we imagine), with an on-board cocktail bar, butler service, 50-inch LCD TV and powder room facilities. Hire the coach for a half or full day, an evening, or by the hour, which includes up to 250 kilometres of travel. Those wanting to add activities can opt for the premium Yarra Valley package, which includes wine tasting and a private dining experience at some of the region’s best venues. While Luxcoach is currently based in Melbourne, interstate travel can be arranged in special circumstances. It’s the brainchild of Australian NBL legend Darren Lucas and his daughter Tess (also of reality show My Mum Your Dad fame), who launched the business in 2020 with the aim to revolutionise road travel. The duo have since added LuxChauffeur to their offering – a private driver in a sleek Range Rover Sport that can complement the coach service or be used for a more intimate adventure. So, what are you waiting for? It's time to treat yo' self to a fancy road trip. Find out more information at the website. Want to make a day of it? Here are the best day trips to take from Melbourne.

It’s not always easy to find serenity in the middle of Melbourne’s hustle and bustle, but a visit to one of the city’s luxurious spa hotels will certainly do the trick. Each offers rejuvenating and restoring treatments, from facials and beauty services to body scrubs and massages, with options for pregnant women, men and couples as well. Make a day of it and take advantage of some hotels offering complimentary access to steam rooms and saunas before your treatment, or indulge in afternoon tea once you’ve been properly pampered. Whether you’re exploring the city, celebrating a special occasion or simply treating yourself to some self-care, unwinding at any of these spa hotels means you can put your feet up and enjoy some quality downtime.  RECOMMENDED: The best hotels in Melbourne Want more options? Spend a night at the best boutique stays and luxury hotels in Melbourne or try the city’s best spas and bath houses. Or even Melbourne's best Airbnbs.

Let’s be real – getting up early to pound the pavement before work or when you’ve just logged off for the day can be tiring, especially when you’re doing it on your own. Enter: running clubs. They’re social, inclusive and a great way to be held accountable when Melbourne unleashes its typical 'four seasons in one day' weather. To help you take the leap, we’ve rounded up the 12 best running clubs on offer around the city, with options perfect for those just starting out (we see you, half runners/half walkers) all the way through to those training for a marathon. There are even groups tailored for families, LGBTIQ+ communities and people with a disability. Have a scroll, and if you still can't find your tribe, check out Athletics Victoria’s recreational running groups and the Melbourne Marathon Festival’s partner run clubs to find others on offer around Melbourne. Looking for something to do post-run with your new friends? Head to one of Melbourne’s best spas and bath houses for the ultimate cool down, or treat yourself to one of the city’s best massages and a bite from the best patisseries.

As a city well accustomed to walking the five-kilometre radius of our neighbourhoods, it’s safe to say that many Melburnians are craving something new when it comes to exercise. To make it easy for you, we've rounded up the best classes currently on offer. From the burn of a high-intensity interval training (HIIT) session to testing your balance in a ballet barre class and even taking it anti-gravity in a fun yoga twist, there’s an option to suit all interests and abilities. Whether you’re looking to challenge yourself, spice up your boring routine or get started on your exercise journey, this list has you covered – just don’t forget to treat yourself when you’re done! Looking for more places to work up a sweat? Here are Melbourne's best gyms.

Newcomer Young Hearts is on a mission to bring together the food, drink, music and art synonymous with Melbourne’s culture. It’s the vision of restaurateur Nic Coulter (Neptune Food & Wine), who jumped at the chance to revive the recently closed Galah Boozery and create an offering he felt was missing from the Windsor neighbourhood. “The closure of Galah left a hole in High Street, which we all felt,” says Coulter. “I saw an opportunity to re-inject some new energy into the street… A destination for anybody, any time.” The spotlight on music and art comes to life through a vinyl DJ console, manoeuvrable circular stage-in-the-round and rotating exhibitions. Ever-evolving, Young Hearts welcomes you in for a drink, groove, chat and play, over plates of what it describes as "food designed for easy listening." 'Live Thursdays' will see some of Melbourne's most prolific jazz and soul artists play at Young Hearts. Occurring every second Thursday, you can expect a diverse cross-section of local talent on stage and on the turntables.  Bi-annual kitchen residencies hosted by household names and rising culinary stars keep the menu fresh and exciting, while natural and local wines are the focus of the drinks list. It's a treasure chest for those hunting for more interesting drops. A curated selection of cocktails, high-quality spirits and beers are also available. The space caters for walk-ins, group bookings and private events and functions, including entire venue takeovers. After more

Calling all wizards and witches (and muggles, we guess): the Wizardry Express is ready for boarding. Departing from Flinders Street Station on April 15 and 16, this steam train ride includes a stack of wizard-themed photo opportunities – so don’t forget to BYO cloaks, brooms, wands and hats. Once you take a seat you can grab a snack from the trolley (chocolate frogs, anyone?) as it rolls by, then sit back and relax as the locomotive winds through magical Melbourne. Plus, you can also take part in craft activities before and after the journey. This enchanted event is suitable for all ages and all levels of Potterheads – here's hoping no dementors try to jump aboard! To find out more and book your seat, head to the website. Looking for more rail adventures? Here are six epic overnight train journeys to take in Australia.

Channelling a Mediterranean summer, but can’t quite afford to travel across the globe? Enter: By The Glass, a European-inspired wine bar nestled in the heart of Armadale.  Influenced by local bars in Europe’s oldest cities, By The Glass is a moody 68-seater with a lot of charm. While its name may suggest otherwise, the expansive wine list can also be enjoyed by the bottle, with an impressive range of locally sourced and international drops designed to broaden your palate. “We are working with bespoke international suppliers offering Austrian and German rieslings, Californian chardonnay, mouth-watering white aromatics and chablis from France and Gamay, exotic reds sourced from Italy, Spain and Portugal with other Eastern varieties to come,” says venue manager and head chef Myles Davis-Schiele. In the kitchen, the curated menu has been designed with vino lovers in mind, and is refreshed every six weeks, providing ample excuse to become By The Glass regulars.  One visit may see you trying the burnt butter brioche with mackerel or the duck and lamb pâté, while your next trip could involve lamb carpaccio, marinated beef heart with chimichurri or kingfish aguachile.  A variety of sides, including dill roasted cabbage, charred leeks and butter beans in preserved lemon broth will round out your meal, while those celebrating may opt for the oysters with preserved lemon oil and bloody shiraz gin caviar to start their night. Whatever culinary route you decide to take, just know there's

Sunhands is keeping it local. The new kid on the block has transformed Carlton’s Ima Project Café into a sun-drenched corner shop that’s equal parts café, deli, wine bar and general store.  It’s the brainchild of Ishella Butler, Matt Roberts and Nathen Doyle – the veteran hospo team behind much-loved mainstay Heartattack and Vine, and who also count stints at Bar Romantica, Old Palm Liquor and Smith and Daughters (plus many more Melbourne institutions) to their resumes. Wanting to champion their relationships in the area, they created a venture dedicated to the inner-north community. The relaxed space is sure to quickly become a local hangout, with a diverse offering suitable for all Melbournians. Dine in on dippy eggs or baked ricotta with agrodolce, grab a seasonal salad to go, stock up on homemade pickles and sauerkraut, or pass the time with an outdoor afternoon vino. Local growers, makers and suppliers are the hero here: Long Paddock Cheese and Sporadical City Mushrooms are stocked in-store; produce from Day’s Walk Farm features across the seasonal menu; Two Hands provides sustainable seafood; and local drops come from Upside Wine, Blood Moon Wines and Beyond The Glass. The venue’s deliberately neutral and light-filled fitout is complemented by work from local artist Poppy Templeton, while custom plates, vases and wine buckets come from ceramicist Kelly Greenhalgh. Sunhands operates throughout the day, but plans are underway to add late-night drinking and dining once the

Ever wondered if you have what it takes to fly into the face of danger with Maverick and the rest of the Top Gun crew? Now’s your chance.  After a four-year hiatus, the Australian International Airshow is back with an action-packed three-day spectacular featuring jaw-dropping flying displays and static military aircraft to view up close. The weekend features a new program, kicking off with the Friday Night Alight Show, which includes aerobatics, fireworks, a laser show and the famous wall of fire. Chat to representatives from the Royal Australian Air Force, Navy and Army, cuddle military working dog puppies and help build a real-life Zenith CH750 STOL aircraft. There are also accessibility facilities, a quiet room and an interactive kids zone on offer. BYO food and picnic blanket and camp out under the planes for lunch, or opt for the refreshed food and beverage offering, which includes a variety of outlets to suit all cravings.  The biennial airshow has been a staple in Victoria’s event landscape since 1992 and has grown to become the biggest aviation, aerospace and defence exposition in the southern hemisphere. To celebrate its anticipated return, children aged 15 years and under can attend for free for the first time – however, it’s the grandstand tickets that will get you closest to the action. Car parking is also complimentary, while a bus to the airshow will be transporting attendees from Lara train station. Looking for more fun? Here's our guide to what's on in Melbour

In the spirit of play, Melbourne Museum is hosting fun, hands-on installations for the young – and young at heart – all summer long. The museum plaza is lit up with interactive activities designed to bring out your inner child, including the illuminated I Believe Swings and nostalgic Light Seesaws created by local Melbourne art and technology studio ENESS.  Try your luck at ping pong or handball (you’ll need to bring your own equipment after 5pm), add on a late-night screening of Avatar: The Way of Water at IMAX or celebrate the LGBTQIA+ community at the Nocturnal x Midsumma after-hours party on February 10 and get late-night access to the museum.  The kids in your life will love the Bite-Sized Science session on 25 February, which explores the important role of dragonflies and other water bugs in our ecosystem. Looking for more fun? Here's our guide to what's on in Melbourne this weekend.

If you’re looking for a little more serenity in your life, Awaken is sure to deliver your zen fix. Set in the tranquil Peninsula Hot Springs, the first-of-its-kind wellness festival combines yoga classes and wellness workshops with leading international and local teachers including Shiva Rea and Dr Bruce Lipton, and music performances from conscious artists Mama Kin Spender, Garrett Kato, Kyle Lionhart and Edo Kahn. Pack a picnic and refuel at the Food Bowl, or purchase snacks, salads and gourmet pizzas – including vegetarian and vegan options – from the Amphitheatre Cafe. Wine, beer, cider, spirits and non-alcoholic drinks will be on offer at the full-service bar.  All of the much-loved hot springs activities, including geothermal bathing, guided body clay workshops, private relaxation cabanas, spa treatments and overnight glamping are available at an additional cost. Looking for more fun? Here's our guide to what's on in Melbourne this weekend.

The Wheeler Centre is known as Melbourne’s home for thought-provoking, passionate and entertaining public talks – and its latest event series is no exception. Bringing together international and local writers, creators and thinkers, M/other is a weekend of courageous conversations exploring the way motherhood is experienced, portrayed and labelled. The series shines a light on topics often seen as taboo, from maternal figures and perinatal mental health to on-screen motherhood and gendered parenting roles. Take part in an exclusive post-birth body life drawing class; interrogate Australia’s healthcare system in an expert panel; and dive deep into ageism, abortion and queer parenting in M/other’s free Soapbox Series. Our pick: the M/other gala – a night of storytelling, song and reflection from much-loved personalities including feminist trailblazer Clementine Ford, Melbourne writer Tony Birch, journalist Patricia Karvelas, cabaret star Libby O’Donovan, and poet and author Maxine Beneba Clarke, among many others. Looking for more fun? Here's our guide to what's on in Melbourne this weekend.

Rod Laver Arena has long been the home of Australia’s most iconic events.  Located within the Melbourne and Olympic Park complex in the city’s sporting district, the venue is perhaps most loved for its role as centre court during the Australian Open championship – and for hosting the hundreds of thousands of tennis fans that come to watch their favourite players battle it out in January.  The venue also has other blockbuster sporting and gaming events to its name, including gymnastics, basketball, BMX and boxing – and even transformed into an Olympic swimming pool in 2007. For music fans across every genre, Rod Laver Arena is synonymous with memories of spectacular concerts from some of the biggest names in the bizz. Think P!NK, Dua Lipa, Beyonce, Bob Dylan, Elton John and The Rolling Stones, and that’s just to name a few. Rod Laver Arena seats more than 14,500 punters and features a retractable roof – a world-first innovation when it was first installed – as well as a range of different food and drink outlets. Accessibility features and parking are also available. Keen on some live music? Check out our guide to Melbourne's best gigs, many of which are held at Rod Laver Arena.

If obscure Japanese condiments and milk drinks in cans are your kind of thing, make a beeline to Hinoki Japanese Pantry, nestled in the heart of Fitzroy’s bustling Smith Street. The shelves of this sleek supermarket are stocked with a huge selection of authentic and unique Japanese ingredients, condiments, snacks and drinks. Think curry cubes, karaage chicken batter, buckwheat soba noodles and frozen pork gyoza. There are also premium pantry staples including mirin, dashi and white soy sauce.  Try the yuzu jam, made from the citrus fruit’s peel, zest and juice, perfect for a breakfast punch or opt for the chilli oil with crispy fried onion and garlic that’s best paired with ramen, vegetables and dumplings. Hinoki’s booze licence means it also offers beers, wines, sake and spirits including craft gin straight from Japan. Plus, it houses an epic sushi bar, dishing up freshly-made sashimi, rolls and lunch packs, which you can also order in platters for special occasions (or a Friday night in). Looking for more Japanese eats? Here are Melbourne's best Japanese restaurants.

The historic Burnham Beeches estate, located in Melbourne’s tranquil Dandenong Ranges, is set to be restored to its former art-deco glory by luxury hotel, resort and spa group Six Senses. The mansion will feature a welcome lounge and terrace, library bar and plant-covered rooftop retreat, with the design of each space nodding back to the 1930s charm of the original property. The Six Senses Spa on the lower ground will be framed by views of the lush gardens outside and house a boutique, tea lounge, treatment rooms, gym, hydro area and sauna. Take your choice from a variety of guest rooms, each with individual layouts and their own rustic-luxe character, spread over the mansion’s three main wings. The Hilltop Retreat – a  separate two-bedroom cottage with an interconnecting one-bedroom suite – offers a private getaway, while nearby eco-friendly glamping tents provide an alternative to staying in the main house.  The property is also accessible to non-guests. While the kids are entertained by the tactile nature playground, adults can roam the Village Square and indulge in a variety of rustic hospitality options aptly named the Hearth, the Barn, Steak House, the Baker, Brew House and Providore. An on-site farm garden will provide fruit and vegetables for the estate’s restaurants, while the herb garden will be used in workshops at the Alchemy Bar as well as in spa treatments. A series of walking trails will weave through the site, connecting the history of Burnham Beeches with nei

There’s only one thing on G’Day Kitty’s mind, and that’s cats. It’s easy to see why – the homeware and accessories store was created by a Leo and born in the year of the tiger. From terracotta cat planters, bright statues and sparkly earrings to colourful luggage covers, cute toys and treats, there’s an array of paw-some products available to suit all your favourite cat people – and their four-legged friends. If you’re ordering online, you can get free shipping when you spend over $75, otherwise, a quick trip north to Thornbury means you can pick up the purr-fect gift IRL.  Plus, if you’re feeling stressed meowt, G’Day Kitty’s gift cards make an easy present. Want to take your feline out on the town? Here are the best cat-friendly spots in Melbourne.