Ruby Staley

It's an iconic Melbourne landmark and the oldest boathouse on the Yarra River, and now, after an incredible transformation, Studley Park Boathouse is welcoming back visitors. The new Studley Park Boathouse now boasts a transformed dining, drinking and entertainment space. With more than 150 years of experience charming Melbourne residents, this revival embraces the history of the location while also showcasing modern architecture and streamlined facilities. For elevated dining on the water’s edge, there's a new multi-level outdoor deck, a casual dining venue and a contemporary bar and restaurant showcasing local and seasonal produce. Visitors can also grab a woodfired pizza from the new pizzeria and scoops of gelato from a pop-up cart, then set up a blanket on the lush grass for a riverside picnic. The pizza line-up includes charred pumpkin, sage & ricotta; meatball with pickled onion & blue cheese and chorizo & n’duja with roasted peppers, while other dishes cover appetisers, mains and desserts.  The boathouse offers weekend breakfasts, a takeaway menu and "Row-sé" (see what they did there?) packages that include boat hire. Anticipation is high that the space will become both a private and public events hub, and the boathouse is also set to host an eclectic collection of pop-up events and live entertainment – making the most of the picturesque waterside location. There's also a brand new kids' play area, featuring interactive activities around nature, history, and sustainabi

While adventuring through the city during Rising, take a moment to look up above Federation Square for a sparkling sensory experience you won't soon forget. Designed by Dutch artist Daan Roosegaarde (best known for creating projects that fuse technology and art in urban spaces), Spark is a collection of glowing, biodegradable lights that have been created to simulate the appearance of fireflies, birds and even constellations. Be sure to tilt your attention upwards to admire these thousands of magnificent lights as they wave in the breeze and shine to complement the sky’s visible stars. Become immersed in the sensation of witnessing this shape-shifting light swarm that mimics atmospheric bioluminescence – it's a spectacle that will have you returning night after night. Spark takes place from June 7 to 10. For more info on session times, head to the website. Want more winter fun? This is your guide to Melbourne's best winter festivals and events. Plus, here's everything glowing and illuminated this month.

Melding sophisticated interiors with classic dining favourites, Hotel South Melbourne is sticking to its roots with elevated pub offerings. Slinging top-notch parmas and local pints from its iconic Clarendon Street location, this historic site (it was first established in 1854) is continuing its quality pub tradition with a brand new look. As one of South Melbourne’s most beloved watering hole sites (it was formerly the Market Hotel), new owners Tyson Chambers and Ashleigh Chambers of Melbourne Food and Brew and Golden Hills Brewery have happily taken on the task of restoring the prime location to its glory days. With a history of attracting high-profile musical guests, from AC/DC to Nick Cave and The Bad Seeds, the venue now offers relaxed dining with stylish and comfortable interiors. Perfect for after-work drinks or to catch the footy with mates, Hotel South Melbourne boasts classic brick interiors, a chilled-out open-rooftop beer garden and spaces to host larger groups and parties. The dual-level venue also features an exciting menu chock-full of upgraded pub classics, including everything from fresh oysters and steaks to pizzas and burgers. The impressive drinks menu ranges from signature cocktails to the local selection of beers from its sibling venue, Golden Hills Brewery. Relaxed done right, here’s to South Melbourne’s latest gem on the pub scene – perfect for a laidback pint or a rowdy hops-fuelled evening out. Keep the party going with a pub crawl around the city: h

As a celebration of his forthcoming memoir titled A Pocketful of Happiness, Richard E Grant is bringing his very personal performance An Evening With Richard E Grant to Melbourne – and it will be a rare opportunity to get to know acclaimed actor within the hallowed halls of Hamer Hall. This live show is packed full of insight into his life in the spotlight, and stories of love and heartbreak. Since cutting his acting teeth in the 1987 cult classic Withnail and I, Grant has been seen on screens in everything from Star Wars and Doctor Who, Downton Abbey and Game of Thrones. After losing his wife in 2021 after almost forty years together, she challenged him to find a 'pocketful of happiness' in every day, resulting in his memoir and accompanying insightful live show. Promising a night of raw truths, moving moments mixed in with elements of hilarity, An Evening with Richard E Grant is an ideal opportunity to admire one of the great actors of our time up close and personal. Performing live across Australia and New Zealand throughout November, the show is set to entertain audiences at Melbourne’s Hamer Hall on Friday, November 18. For tickets to the live Melbourne show, visit the official website.

After the success of last year’s festival, the annual Port Fairy Folk Festival is back in 2023 in a big way. Set across the March 10-13 weekend, Port Fairy invites lovers of folk and country to come and enjoy the festival once again at its full intensity and size. With the earlybird tickets sold out, and the second round on sale now, this sea breeze festival is on track to host a full house. Featuring some of the best of international and local talent, the line-up includes Billy Bragg, Eric Bibb, Gina Williams and Guy Ghouse, Inn Echo, John Smith, Steve Poltz, The Waifs and more. Festival favourites, blue grass rockers 19-Twenty and Irish singer, songwriter and actress Mary Coughlan, also return to the Port Fairy stage. “Next year will see the return to a full-strength program," says Port Fairy Folk Festival program director Justin Rudge, "brimming with a diverse range of styles and genres, and featuring the best musical talent from Australia and around the globe… we can’t wait to share our festival with new and returning Folkies!”  Stay tuned for more artist announcements over the next few months, because the line-up is set to grow. Pick up adult tickets at the official website, and, as always, children 12 and under are free. Love music? Check out some of the best gigs on now in Melbourne.