Saffron Swire

May 2025: Yeowch, it's getting chilly! Warm up with a brisk walk to one of these local gems: all beloved community faves for a reason. At these cosy spots, you can get a good cuppa or caffeine fix, a welcoming face that'll remember your name if you're a regular, plus tip-top brekky and lunch plates to fuel you for the day.  There's a lot to love about Melbourne's world-class café scene. Wickedly good coffee. Creative brunch dishes that taste as good as they look, fresh from the minds of some of the city's top talent. And of course, the vibes. Discovering hot new cafés is almost a competitive sport in a city with AM dining of this calibre, so we've scoured Melbourne to bring you a guide to the finest of the lot. Looking for dessert that masquerades as breakfast? Check out the best doughnuts in Melbourne. Prefer a healthier feed? Try our pick of the best healthy lunch eats in the CBD.

Australians have a love affair with art, and with incredible galleries dotted throughout the country, it’s also one of the top reasons we travel interstate. Every year, our nation welcomes blockbuster international exhibitions, along with major showings of our most colourful and creative local talents.  Whether it’s contemporary Aboriginal art in Alice Springs, delicate glassworks in Wagga Wagga, topical portraits in Canberra or 21st-century Chinese art in Sydney, these are the top public galleries worth visiting in Australia. The best part is that most offer free entry to the permanent galleries! As a bonus, our Arts & Culture Editor, Alannah Le Cross, along with Travel & News Editor, Melissa Woodley, have also put together a guide on the best art exhibitions to see in Australia right now. 🌳 The 20 top tourist attractions in Australia👀 Australia's finest museums☀️ The best things to do in Australia

Australia is packed with many incredible natural landmarks, gorgeous sightseeing spots and once-in-a-lifetime experiences. But with so much choice, it's hard knowing which ones live up to the hype. Our Travel and News Editor, Melissa Woodley, has drawn on her adventures across every state and territory to curate this list of Australia’s top tourist attractions, spanning from the east coast to the west.  While the Big Banana didn’t make the cut this time around, you’re sure to be amazed by these spectacular sights, including the world’s largest coral reef, the oldest continually surviving rainforest, and the best sunset-watching location on Earth. Start compiling your great Australian bucket list from these top attractions. 😱 The best places to visit in Australia right now🌈 All the most beautiful places to explore Down Under🌊 Australia's best beaches

We’re calling it: 2025 is shaping up to be a blockbuster year for travel in Australia. In a country that buzzes from sunrise to sunset, you’re guaranteed to find new and exciting things happening no matter where you wake up (or wind down). As the Travel and News Editor for Time Out Australia, it’s my duty to scope out all the newest happenings across every state and territory. From epic tours and highly-anticipated restaurants to the hottest new hotels and hidden gem exhibitions, here’s our ultimate list of the 25 best new things to do in Australia in 2025. How many will you tick off? 🦘 The 30 best places to visit in Australia👀 10 major Aussie moments to look out for in 2025🇦🇺 The 20 top tourist attractions in Australia

Among South Australia's many eclectic and exciting events, Adelaide Fringe stands proudly as the biggest festival of the calendar year, not to mention the largest arts festival in the Southern Hemisphere. In 2023, it made history as the first-ever Aussie festival to sell more than one million tickets, and has only gotten bigger since. Running from February 21 to March 23, the 2025 program features more than 6,000 global artists performing across 500 venues in an impressive 1,400-plus shows. Spanning from Whyalla across the state to Naracoorte and beyond, you can expect an incredible mix of cabaret, theatre, comedy, circus, music, visual arts, workshops and interactive experiences.  As always, The Garden of Unearthly Delights and Gluttony, have transformed Adelaide’s eastern parklands into buzzing hubs full of food, music and eclectic energy. Crowd favourites from 2024, including Sleeps Hill Tunnel and The Dome, will also return for an extended season, while 2025 brings hundreds of new shows to discover. Lucky for you, we’ve found all the best ones for you to book at Adelaide Fringe this year. Adelaide Fringe 2025: Everything you need to know before you go

Whether you're planning for a long weekend or any old Saturday, it's always a good time to venture outside of the city and explore all the art Victoria has to offer. After all, Melbourne likes to think of itself as the cultural capital of Australia, but in reality, the crown should go to the entire state because we truly are spoiled for choice with the abundance of must-see regional galleries. From Geelong to Bendigo, you can find a regional art gallery in every corner of the state showcasing art spanning Australia's colonial and Indigenous history, through to works from the country's most exciting contemporary artists – not to mention the frequent travelling exhibitions. No car? No problem. Several of these galleries are also accessible by V/Line trains.  Do you know where to find Melbourne's best street art? We do.    

2025 is set to be a momentous year when it comes to travel. Citywide celebrations and milestone anniversaries will be taking place in Amsterdam and Rome, sparkling new cultural centres are flinging open their doors in Rotterdam, New York and Abu Dhabi, and there are fresh chances to see some wonderful wildlife in Australia, Singapore and Greenland – but that’s just the beginning. Read on for our roundup of the 25 coolest, weirdest and most adventurous new things to do across the world in 2025, no matter your whereabouts or budget. RECOMMENDED:🇬🇧 The best things to do in the UK in 2025🛍️ The coolest neighbourhoods in the world🎪 The world’s best music festivals for 2025🌃 The best cities in the world right now  

If there's one sure-fire way of injecting joy into your year – it's festivals. Gathering with like-minded people in rainbow-festooned palaces full of amazing music, glittering performances and zesty food sounds like utopia to us – which is why it's a blessing that Australia has an incredible array of festivals on offer, one for every season of the year. In this list, we round up the best festivals that we reckon you should check out Down Under this year. Starting with those that are on earliest in the year and ending with those at the end, each of these festivals has been selected for its scale, its astonishing visuals, and its commitment to seriously good times. From music to comedy to wild light displays in the Outback, rest assured that going to any of these incredible Aussie festivals will be a bloody good time indeed.  🎭 The best musical and theatre shows in Australia🎨 Australia's best art galleries🍔 The best food festivals in Australia

At long last, festival season is almost upon us. Melburnians live and breathe live music, so it's no surprise that when doof stick season rolls around, we flock to music festivals like moths to a flame. When the weather begins to heat up, so do our line-ups, and we're spoiled for choice with a festival for every eardrum. There are big ones, small ones, ones by the beach, ones on the street, ones by a lake, ones full of rock'n'roll, electronic, jazz, techno, gospel, pop, reggae – you name it, we've got it. So, to help you make the most of the summer, we've rounded up the best music festivals in Melbourne in the next few months. Peruse our list and get planning.  Left feeling empty-pocketed after a festival? Check out some of Melbourne's best free activities.

Melbourne is the self-professed music capital of Australia. And it’s not just bluster – on any given night you’ll find international DJs behind the decks in intimate rooms and multi-level superclubs, or everyone and their mother gathered on the dancefloor to hear one very specific genre of hard techno (we’re looking at you, donk). From Thursday to Sunday (and at some spots, every night in between), you can give yourself over to the rhythm at one of the best nightclubs in Melbourne on this list. Want more? Here's our list of the best bars with dancefloors in Melbourne. Need some food to fuel all that dancing? Here are the best late-night eats around Melbourne. 

Melbourne is blessed with a wealth of theatres, from the grand old dames like the Princess Theatre to the kooky hidden gems like the Motley Bauhaus; no city in Australia can lay claim to as many in as good a condition as ours. But inside those venues, not all seats are created equal. Sure, there are some shows so spectacular and unmissable you’d happily sit anywhere, but most experiences in the theatre can be augmented by the best seats in the house. And occasionally ruined by the worst. So, without further ado, we give them to you. RECOMMENDED: How to score cheap theatre tickets in Melbourne.

Melbourne may be chock-full of things to do and see, but sometimes you crave a break from the hubbub of city life. From national parks and world-class wineries to Gold Rush towns and sandy beaches, the state of Victoria teems with things to escape to – all within a short distance of the CBD.   While most will drive to these hotspots for a day-long sojourn, only some of us have the wheels (and license) to do so. No car? No problem. The city's backyard is no longer out of bounds thanks to the state's regional train, ferry and coach system.  So avoid traffic, reduce your carbon footprint and be more carfree with these five driverless trips from Melbourne.  Have access to a car? These are the best day trips from Melbourne and the most scenic drives in Victoria.

We're waving, not drowning over the news the British hip-hop artist and rapper Loyle Carner is bringing his introspective rhymes and silkily smooth beats Down Under. Set to perform at the Sidney Myer Music Bowl as part of his Hopefully! tour, Carner will take to the stage on December 6.  After first gaining recognition with his debut album Yesterday's Gone in 2017, the South London MC has cemented himself as a leading voice in the UK rap scene with his confessional, poetic and languorous rapping style. Since then, Carner has performed on stages worldwide and collaborated with everyone from Tom Misch and Madlib to Jordan Rakei.  A mix of hip-hop and rap with influences from jazz, soul and grime, Carner’s albums often tap into family, friendship and grief, seen clearly in hit songs like 'Dear Jean' and 'Loose Ends' with Jorja Smith. His brand new album hopefully! will drop on June 20, featuring 'All I Need' and 'In My Mind'. This new release is set to be a life-affirming deep dive on fatherhood, childhood and alternative music – with Carner stepping out of his comfort zone to sing, produce and form the band of his dreams.    Tickets are on sale now, and you can get them here. Love hip-hop? These are the best hip-hop and R'n'B club nights in Melbourne. 

This beloved First Nations event is back for its fifth iteration, with the 2025 program – the festival's most ambitious to date – exploring the powerful anchors of legacy, joy, reclamation and akin. 'Yirramboi', which translates to 'tomorrow' in the local languages of the Boonwurrung and Woi-wurrung peoples of the Kulin Nations, will take over Melbourne (Naarm) from May 1-11.  This main hive of activity for this year’s festival will centre around the Uncle Jack Charles event space – named after the late Aboriginal actor, activist and great arts Elder. Located in the Malthouse Theatre and Chunky Move, the space will be transformed by installations and performances, including five world premieres and two international works. The festival platforms expressions of culture, identity, unity and truth – and encourages the breaking away from preconceived ideas of First Nations 'art' via experimental practices.  Some of the program highlights include Holding Space, a deeply moving exhibition that invites audiences to reflect on resilience and the enduring ties that bind people to place; The Black Woman of Gippsland, a thrilling theatrical exploration of Victoria's dark past; and banj ba walert: water and possum, a world premiere led by Wurundjeri Elder Aunty Vicki Nicholson-Brown and Wurundjeri, Dja Dja Wurrung and Ngurai Illum-Wurrung woman Stacie Piper that reawakens and renews the cultural practice of possum skin drumming.  And don't miss the bottomless drag brunch at Mabu Mabu or

Head to Federation Square for a three-day celebration of the very best of African music, culture and cuisine. From November 15–17, the African Music and Cultural Festival (AMCF) will enliven the city with everything from an outdoor cinema and live non-stop music to a swag of stalls selling African street food. This year is the eleventh iteration of the festival and it's set to be bigger and better than ever, with more than 27 food vendors offering tasty African dishes and 37 market stalls to shop from.  On Friday, an outdoor cinema will broadcast African Australian short films, spoken word performances and live jazz music. Plus, there'll be plenty of food for a lunchbreak feed or post-work dinner. The primary festival day is Saturday, with 12 hours of non-stop live entertainment, including bands, dance, music, market stalls selling African wares, free drumming lessons and some irresistible street food. And on Sunday, there will be more entertainment and a forum on topical African Australian issues with panellists.  AMCF is sure to be fun for all the family, with kids able to participate in free African drumming classes, AFL activities, face painting, jumping castles, African board games and more. Discover more about the African Music and Cultural Festival and which exhibitors and artists are taking part, visit the website here. Looking for more fun? Here are the best things to do in Melbourne this weekend.

Traversing time and space, Wurrdha Marra is an ongoing exhibition celebrating the diversity of First Nations art and design. Since late 2023, the ground floor and foyer of the Ian Potter Centre: NGV Australia has become home to a dynamic and ever-changing exhibition space that displays masterpieces and never-before-shown works from the NGV’s First Nations collection. Translating to ‘many mobs’ in the Wurundjeri Woi Wurrung language, Wurrdha Marra showcases pieces from emerging and established artists from across Australia, including Tony Abert, Treahna Hamn, Kent Morris, Marlene Gilson, Rover Thomas, Christian Thompson, Gary Lee, Nicole Monks, Gali Yalkarriwuy, Dhambit Mungunggurr, Nonggirrnga Marawili and more.  Highlights of the free exhibition include a large-scale installation of fish traps produced by Burrara women from Maningrida – the objects have been crafted over weeks using vines from the bush. Also on display is a new collection of contemporary resin boomerangs by Keemon Williams, a First Nations queer artist hailing from Meanjin/Brisbane. Another unseen work is titled History Repeats by Girramay/Yidinji/Kuku Yalanji contemporary artist Tony Albert, who has used mass-produced objects – from tea towels to ashtrays – to reframe Indigenous histories.  More recently, the exhibition has been updated to include the largest-ever display of the NGV's expansive collection of bark paintings. Bark Salon subverts the traditional European salons of the 18th and 19th centuries,

Dearest gentle readers, it's our pleasure to reveal that the Bridgerton Candlelight Concert is almost upon us. The highlight of the ton's season, the concert will feature hits from the beloved Netflix series brought to life by a local string quartet. The live multi-sensory experience will light up Collingwood Town Hall with thousands of candles and bundles of blossoms, transporting guests back to England's Regency era. With three seasons now streaming on Netflix, Bridgerton is one of the most popular series worldwide, with a soundtrack that covers pop songs with classical covers. The setlist for the string quartet will include hits such as Billie Eilish's 'Bad Guy', Ariana Grande's 'Thank u, next', Pitbull's 'Give Me Everything, Sia's 'Cheap Thrills' to music by Afrojack, Ne-Yo and Nayer.  Melbourne is just one of the several cities hosting this exclusive event, with venues in Sydney, Perth, and Brisbane also set to be transformed into Bridgerton-inspired ballrooms this season.  Running for a limited season, tickets begin from $30 are now available on the Fever app and website, offering exclusive pre-sale access for a limited time. For tickets and more details, visit the Fever website here. Looking for a bite afterwards? Check out Melbourne's best late-night eats. How about another drink somewhere different? We've rounded up our favourite laneway bars in the city.

Inhale, exhale – Comma, a spa and bathhouse in Melbourne, is here to relieve the weary and worn. As the name implies, Comma stands for pausing and finding calm in and amongst the clamour of city life. This modern Australian bathhouse believes in a holistic spa experience and offers several signature massage treatments. While the flagship venue may be in Byron Bay, the local outpost is in a warehouse-like space down a side street in Cremorne.  Treatment highlights include 'the Vessel', an invigorating body brush and lymphatic massage to rejuvenate dehydrated skin; 'Last Resort', a reparative back treatment to soothe; 'Sticks and Stones', where thermodynamic basalt stones are used for deep relaxation; and the 'Calm Visage Facial', where the therapist uses the power of massage to relax the muscles and free tension, followed by an exfoliation.  Several add-on treatments are available, including foot massages and leave-in hair treatments. Comma also offers a private infrared sauna session to light up and awaken the cells, which includes a mineral hot tub and cold pail shower. Guests will also receive refreshments, a robe, towel, locker and bespoke salt scrub as part of their visit.  Bathhouse and massage packages are available, for either 60-, 75- or 90-minute treatments. Comma also sells vouchers to treat yourself or a loved one to some well-deserved relaxation.  Every element of the contemporary bathhouse and spa has been meticulously designed to ensure maximum relaxation. You

The dangers of stress are well known, from an increased risk of heart disease to a weakened immune system – but did you know that living a wholly stress-free life also carries risks? The answer to managing day-in and day-out stress lies in the sweet spot, and Inner Studio is about helping you find that balance. To do so, the stress resilience and recovery facility aims to change how we perceive and manage stress. The Collingwood-based centre teaches hormetic stress conditioning – a term that describes the point between too much and too little stress – through breathwork and heat and cold exposure therapy.  The founders of Inner Studio, brothers Ben Sinclair and Will Slade, came up with the idea after struggling with stress themselves. Former AFL players, they discovered the power of the mind to tackle stress and improve performance. Sinclair began using breathwork as a player struggling with injuries and concussions, while Will turned to meditation and hot and cold therapy to help him manage his high-stress work environment.  They realised that exposing the mind, body and nervous system to extreme environments and temperatures in a controlled setting can build up individuals' resilience to general stress. The lush, green and light-splattered training facility offers a state-of-the-art audio sound system, a traditional sauna, an acoustically engineered breathwork room, hot (38 degrees) and cold (five degrees) plunge rooms, and a relaxation area with a fireplace and tea statio

Creativity. Collaboration. Connection. That’s what this intimate music venue, bar, and creative space in Northcote vows to be a walnut-hued haven for.  High Note, a new brick-and-mortar venue from local music industry heavyweights Crown Ruler (responsible for events like Sun Cycle festival and collabs with Potato Head Bali and NTS radio). This welcoming spot is located in the beating heart of Northcote and will welcome everything from relaxed after-work drinks to live music.  “We wanted to create a diverse community-focused venue to suit High Street’s many moods,” says Crown Ruler founder Jamie Bennett. “This is a special spot for people to meet and connect, the type of which doesn’t currently exist here in Melbourne.” The highlight of High Note is its impressive sound system featuring original vintage Altec horns that once graced the Sydney Opera House. As for hospitality, there will be a drinks list featuring old-school classics and crisp beers from the taps along with Australian wines.  Beyond monthly music programming curated by Crown Ruler, High Note’s performance space will become a hub for music education and artistic collaboration. From hosting exhibitions to record fairs and artist Q&As, the venue is set to be an 'info-den' where fledgling artists can cut their teeth in workshops on music production, writing and more.  Looking for more spots to sip bevs and have a boogie? Check out this list of the best bars for dancing in Melbourne.

Ah, healthy habits — they have a funny way of sticking, don't they? Every year, we trawl the internet for quick fixes and tell ourselves this is the week/month/year that we will finally eat clean, go to the gym and cut down on all things sweet and sinful. But quick fixes often don't provide long-term solutions. That's why EQ, a new breathing and meditation experience in South Melbourne, aims to be a sanctuary for those wanting to incorporate wellbeing practices into their daily lives so that they stick like glue.  Curated seasonally, EQ's evidence-based approach ensures that guests will experience practices backed by science and tailored to help them navigate the challenges of modern work life. You can embark on a three-hour signature journey for $150 with hot and cold therapy, an immersive light and sound therapy dome, meditative breathwork, informative sessions on wellbeing practices and a community social lounge to connect with other guests.  A 90-minute bathing journey for $80 is also available, which includes the use of the hot mineral spa, traditional Finnish sauna and aroma steam room along with the benefits of cold water therapy with cold pail showers and plunge pools. And every Wednesday at EQ is for women only, and it provides the chance to pause, reconnect and recharge while surrounded by like-minded women and led by all-female staff.  EQ is the brainchild of Mia Basic, who once thrived in the high-stakes world of litigation. It was her transition from the courtroo

Glowing skin is not just a matter of vanity — it is a mirror of your overall health and wellbeing. Whether battling the city's pollution or facing harsh UV rays (which grow ever stronger as summer approaches), investing in your skin is one of the best self-care moves you can make.  That is where Shine Skin and Body steps in. The Richmond-based salon offers facials that address several skin issues and aim to help you maintain healthy, hydrated skin throughout the year. Founded in 2012 by husband-and-wife team Sheridan and Jason Rollard, Shine Skin and Body specialises in extraction facials, acne treatments and blackhead removals. Treatments also address hydration, dullness, ageing and sensitivity.  The team at Shine Skin and Body will also assess what internal and external factors could be affecting you to maximise the results to heal your skin from the inside out. They often work with naturopaths to connect the dots between skin health and internal wellbeing to help clients tackle issues holistically.  With more than three decades of experience, Sheridan's skill and passion for skincare have contributed to the salon's growing reputation as a destination for those looking to transform their skin.  The leading salon has recently launched an exclusive 70-minute carbon backhead removal facial, which integrates its renowned extraction treatment with a carbon facial. After six months of trials, Sheridan recognised a correlation between carbon treatments and skin breakouts, and rea

Ready to make a racket? AO Live (formerly Finals Festival) is taking over the Australian Open this summer with its biggest line-up yet.  The three-day musical and entertainment extravaganza will take place at John Cain Arena from January 23-25, and features a world-class roster of global artists and DJs for some off-court action.  Curated by Untitled Group, highlights include pop sensation Benson Boone, who will open the series following his show-stopping performance at the MTV Video Music Awards, and a performance by the Grammy Award-winning DJ and producer Kaytranda. The final day of AO Live will dovetail with the Women's Final on Saturday, January 25. It will feature a set by legendary DJ Armand Van Helden (known for floor-filling hits such as 'My My My' and 'You Don't Know Me'), before 'Tik Tok' and 'Timber' singer Kesha closes out the festival. It's the first time Kesha has visited Australia in seven years, and this will be her only Melbourne show. Tickets start at $89 and include an Australian Open ground pass, so you can enjoy the action on both the court and on the stage. For more info, visit the website.  Want more music? Check out the best gigs in Melbourne this month.  

The Heide Museum of Modern Art is a torchbearer for Australian modernism and contemporary Australian art. Set on 6.5 hectares of parkland with five gallery spaces, award-winning architecture and a collection of more than 3,6000 works of art, Heide has long served as a meeting point and creative hub. Once a significant Wurundjeri gathering place, the site later attracted the artists of the Australian Impressionist School before becoming the home of art patrons John and Sunday Reed. In 1934, the Reeds bought and settled on the site, naming it the Heide after the town of Heidelberg just across the river. Over the next decade, they turned Heide into a sanctuary for artists, writers and thinkers who shared their progressive social and cultural ideals. The Angry Penguins (including painters Sidney Nolan, Albert Tucker, Joy Hester, Arthur Boyd and John Perceval) alternately lived, worked and played here in the 1940s. The Museum comprises of three core buildings – Heide I, II and III – as well as extensive gardens and a sculpture park.  Heide I is the Reeds' original farmstead, while Heide II is a slice of modernist architecture designed by David McGlashan in 1964 when the family outgrew their original digs. After the Reeds passed away in 1981, the public art museum and sculpture park were established, and a larger building was built, with its zinc facade now the distinctive, recognisable face of Heide MOMA. In addition to the three museum spaces, there is a gift shop and restaurant

The enigmatic ultra-luxe wellness club Saint Haven caused a stir when it first arrived in Melbourne. Less than two years later, there are three exclusive health havens across the city. And it's not just our city's one percenters who are getting amongst the hype – A List celebrities like Troye Sivan, Drake and Dua Lipa have even graced the club.  Now, the Gurner Wellness Group has just announced their biggest and most luxurious offering yet – Saint Black – a sophisticated private club fusing wellness and social glamour inspired by New York City's rooftop scene.  Opening in July in South Melbourne, Saint Black’s show-stopping centrepiece will be its rooftop pool, flanked by handcrafted barrel saunas. The members-only venue will feature an exclusive entrance, an adaptogenic and kava bar, an organic wholefoods restaurant, and luxurious co-working spaces. Photograph: Supplied Fitness enthusiasts can choose from over 200 classes each week, including reformer pilates, yoga, strength training, meditation, breathwork, and soothing sound bath sessions. Wellness lovers will find state-of-the-art recovery technology, such as cryotherapy, red-light therapy, and hyperbaric oxygen chambers, alongside a world-class gym equipped with premium gear. For members seeking even more luxury, an exclusive VIP membership tier provides privileged access to Level 7. Here, members can soak up the sun on a stylish rooftop terrace, enjoy yoga sessions, or indulge in the ancient bathhouse complete with

What do Nick Cave’s handwritten journal, Kylie Minogue’s iconic gold hot pants, and Peter Allen’s maracas have in common? They are all part of the extraordinary collection that has found a new home at Melbourne’s brand new Australian Museum of Performing Arts (AMPA). Located at Arts Centre Melbourne’s beloved Hamer Hall, overlooking the Yarra River, AMPA promises to immerse visitors in Australia’s glittering performing arts legacy. From circus spectacles and operatic grandeur to theatrical masterpieces and pop culture throwbacks, the museum will showcase over 850,000 treasured items from the nation’s largest performing arts collection. Visitors and Victorians alike will get the chance to marvel at extraordinary items, including Dame Edna Everage's ostentatious ‘Scream Dress', Dame Nellie Melba’s exquisite silk stage cloak, and Bon Scott’s leather jacket. Additionally, memorable props and sets from legendary Australian productions such as Priscilla, Queen of the Desert and Summer of the Seventeenth Doll will also be on display. Photograph: Supplied AMPA will launch in phases, initially unveiling almost 500 square metres of exhibition space in December 2025, with a future expansion planned to reach approximately 800 square metres. The museum will blend exclusive pieces from its permanent collection with internationally acclaimed touring exhibitions, enhancing Melbourne's standing as a cultural powerhouse. Mark your calendars for September, as that's when AMPA's inaugural

You don't need to venture to the French Alps; you can experience winter magic right here in Melbourne. Come mid-May, Fed Square is set to transform into a charming alpine village, complete with wooden chalets, fire pits, and, most importantly, bubbling cauldrons of cheese and chocolate – need we say more? For six weeks only, from May 15 to June 22, the Fondue Chalet pop-up invites you to gather up the gang, get rounds of mulled wine to keep warm and indulge in an après-ski experience without ever having to leave the city.  Brought to you by the team behind the wildly popular Raclette Igloo pop-up, this six-week foodie extravaganza is all about indulgence – there's no such thing as 'too much'. Step inside your own cosy chalet, designed for groups of six to eight, and dive into a traditional Savoie-style cheese fondue with imported French cheeses like Beaufort, Emmental, and Vacherin. Tear apart crusty bread, swirl it through the velvety, wine-infused pot, and enjoy the charcuterie boards and curated selection of French wines that come with it.  Photograph: Supplied And just when you think it couldn't get any better or that you can't eat another bite, dessert arrives – a decadent chocolate fondue, ready for dunking with seasonal fruits and sweet treats.  To keep the merriment going after dinner, there's the Après-Ski Bar. Exclusively for fondue diners, the spot serves up French winter cocktails, mulled wine, and warming digestifs. With fire pits, French music, and flowing dri

Melbourne, get ready to maxx out that credit card because the global fashion and lifestyle retailer TK Maxx is opening its first-ever flagship store in Australia right here in our city.  Landing in Bourke Street Mall this spring, the new CBD store will be TK Maxx's largest in the country. Set across two expansive levels, the new store promises an even bigger and better trove of affordable fashion, homewares, with bargains aplenty.  TK Maxx (owned by TJX Companies) first launched in the UK in 1994 and now operates 600 stores across seven countries: the UK, Ireland, Germany, Poland, Austria, the Netherlands and Australia Known for its "big brands at small prices" philosophy, TK Maxx has since built a loyal fanbase in Victoria, with 21 stores already open across the state – including the popular Spencer Outlet Centre location. The highly anticipated flagship, however, will be in another league altogether. Shoppers can expect a vast range of women's, men's and kids' clothing, plus accessories, footwear, beauty buys, gifts and an ever-changing selection of homeware finds. The brand's off-price model means stock is updated several times a week, so there will always be something new to discover.  "We're absolutely thrilled to be opening our first TK Maxx flagship store on Melbourne's iconic Bourke Street this spring," said TK Maxx Australia spokesperson Tony Dunseath. "We can't wait to bring new and existing fans even more of their favourite big brands at small prices in our larges

Two beloved jetties on the Mornington Peninsula are finally being revamped, after years of neglect meant they were closed to the public. Now, after years of outcry from the local community, the Warneet North and South jetties are being rebuilt as part of a major revitalisation project to boost fishing, boating, and waterfront escapades in the area. Nestled on the Rutherford Inlet along the Westernport foreshore, the jetties were built over half a century ago and have seen generations of fishing trips, sunset walks and waterfront gatherings. But years of poor maintenance did their damage, and like several other piers and jetties in Port Phillip and Western Port Bay, they fell into a state of disrepair and were closed for public use back in 2020 due to safety concerns.   But now, long-awaited construction is underway to rebuild both jetties, so they can be brought back to life and enjoyed once again. Both jetties will be fitted with modern lighting and handrails, designed with safety, accessibility and marine life protection front of mind.  Photograph: Parks Victoria The new Warneet South Jetty will stretch 200 metres out over the water with a wide timber deck and a floating pontoon, ideal for boats and keen anglers. Meanwhile, the more compact North Jetty will be rebuilt using durable materials and will feature a low landing with water access – perfect for a quick cast or a kayak.  The rebuild is set to boost local tourism, support small businesses, and restore a much-ch

The windswept headland of Point Grey in Lorne is getting a multi-million-dollar makeover, the latest addition to the slate of upgrades happening along the Great Ocean Road. Backed by over $12.5 million in funding, the much-anticipated redevelopment of the precinct has hit a significant milestone – and the plans promise a transformed Surf Coast experience for locals and visitors alike.  The redevelopment is part of a broader initiative under the $676 million Geelong City Deal, a partnership between the Australian and Victorian governments, Surf Coast Shire Council, and the Great Ocean Road Coast and Parks Authority. With secured funding from the above, the project is now full steam ahead.  The Point Grey upgrades will include a brand-new Lorne Aquatic and Angling Club, upgraded walking paths connecting the coast to public space, and areas set aside for relaxed, casual dining – think iced coffees, takeaway fish and chips, and al fresco nibbles. Photograph: Edward James The redevelopment is also prioritising cultural heritage, with plans to honour the site's maritime history and respect the culture of the Traditional Owners, the Gadubanud people. Planners have just wrapped up a key report that will guide the project's design, taking into account community feedback, environmental impact, and coastal conditions. The proposed plans aim to improve pedestrian access, address traffic and trailer flow, safeguard cultural sites, and prepare the area for future climate impacts.  While

The You Yangs Regional Park and Serendip Sanctuary – two of Victoria's beloved outdoor destinations – are about to have a serious glow-up. Both nature hotspots are set for fresh upgrades, backed by $11 million in funding, to boost accessibility, enhance visitor experiences, and deepen connections with the flora and fauna of the region.   What can we expect from the You Yangs upgrades? At You Yangs, you can expect better picnic areas, new all-abilities walking trails and more park signage to make exploring easier. The plans include extending the mountain bike trail, installing new lookouts and improving shelter facilities. There's also a focus on preserving the park's cultural and environmental significance, working in partnership with the Traditional Owners of the Land, the Wadawurrung People. What can we expect from the Serendip Sanctuary upgrades? Meanwhile, over at Serendip Sanctuary, a brand-new sensory garden will engage all five senses with five spaces, from 'seeing' the brightly coloured flora to 'tasting' the edible bush foods. Other proposed refurbishments include new wildlife viewing experiences and infrastructure to help visitors get closer to the native birds, kangaroos and wallabies the sanctuary is known for. The wetland boardwalk will also be upgraded, making it easier for visitors of all ages and abilities to explore this peaceful pocket of nature. Photograph: Parks Victoria When will the upgrades to the You Yangs and Serendip Sanctuary be completed?  Work o

Few things are more cherished by Victorians than nature trails and great wine —and now, you can enjoy both at once. Rutherglen, one of northeast Victoria's most picturesque wine regions, has unveiled its newest drawcard: an extensive network of loop trails that wind through arresting landscapes, historic sites, and renowned wineries. Across 48 kilometres, the Rutherglen Loops offer cyclists and walkers a number of special ways to explore the region. The network consists of four distinct loops, each offering its own adventure: the Town Loop (4km) takes you through Rutherglen's quaint streets and local cafes, while the Wine Loop (23km) winds its way through vineyards and cellar doors, offering plenty opportunities to taste your way through the region. For nature lovers, the Lake Loop (14km) circles the tranquil Lake Moodemere, and the River Loop (4km) follows the Murray River, where you can spot native flora and fauna.  With multiple water and toilet spots along the way, the trails have been designed for casual and seasoned cyclists. The relatively flat terrain is accessible for all fitness levels, making it easy to explore the region at any pace – whether for a leisurely morning ride or a full-day cycling adventure.  Photograph: Georgie James Situated three hours from Melbourne and with easy access to accommodation, cafes and cellar doors, the trails are ideal for those looking for a weekend escape. Visitors can hop off the trails to sample Rutherglen's famous fortified wine

Head for south-western Victoria and discover the Budj Bim Cultural Landscape, one of Australia's most fascinating and important heritage sites. Inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage list in 2019, it is the first site in Australia to be recognised solely for its Aboriginal cultural values. Spanning the traditional Country of the Gunditjmara people, Budj Bim is home to one of the world's oldest and most sophisticated aquaculture systems, dating back at least 6,600 years.  What is Budj Bim, and why is it significant? Budj Bim isn't just an ancient site, it serves as a living testament to the deep cultural knowledge and engineering skills of the Gunditjmara people. The aquaculture system reflects a remarkable mastery of hydrological engineering, with stone structures used to control water flow and create ideal conditions for eel farming. The landscape also contains evidence of permanent stone dwellings, defying the myth that Aboriginal people are solely nomadic.  Archaeological findings also reveal that the region has been continuously inhabited for over 32,000 years, making it one of the oldest known sites of human occupation in Australia. The ongoing use and care of the aquaculture systems by Gunditjmara Traditional Owners further highlight the site's enduring cultural importance. Photograph: Visit Victoria What can you see and do at Budj Bim?  Visitors to Budj Bim can explore three distinct areas, each offering a unique perspective on the landscape's cultural and natural he

If you're feeling like it's about time you carved out more time in your schedule to wind down and reconnect with yourself, look no further than the new About Time bathhouse on the Surf Coast, which is offering an immersive escape to do just that. Brought to life by the wellness experts behind Melbourne skincare studio Little Company and massage service Still Beauty, this modern bathhouse nestled in Torquay is the first of its kind on the Surf Coast and in the Greater Geelong region.  Photograph: About Time Spanning over 1,000 square metres, About Time features a slate of bathing and wellness experiences. Drawing on ancient bathing traditions worldwide, About Time combines water, heat and ice therapies with modern skincare and bodywork practices.  There are indoor and outdoor magnesium pools for soaking, as well as cold plunge pools, a fire-fuelled Finnish rock sauna, steam room and infrared saunas. The treatment menu also offers individually tailored facials and massages, for a holistic wellness experience. For those seeking a more private retreat, the secluded outdoor bathing areas are surrounded by native flora, to create a natural sanctuary.  Photograph: About Time The space also has eight private treatment rooms, as well as capacity to host events. It's certainly about time that the Surf Coast region gained a bathhouse, and it's bound to become a popular retreat for visitors and locals alike.  A number of memberships and packages are on offer from 'The Weekly', whic

The sun is very much shining on the suburb of Sunshine, with the news that its station is set for a whopping $2 billion makeover that will transform it into a game-changing superhub that connects Melbourne's west like never before. The major upgrade will finally set the stage for the long-awaited rail line to Melbourne Airport and create better transport options for Melton and Wyndham Vale commuters.  Construction on the project is set to commence soon, and over the next few years, works will stretch 6 kilometres from West Footscray to Albion. The upgrade will deliver two new regional platforms, an extended concourse at Sunshine Station, three new rail bridges, realigned passenger and freight lines, new and upgraded tracks, and advanced signalling technology.  Essentially, this overhaul will untangle the current congested rail network, making trains far more manageable to run and boosting capacity for Melbourne's growing western suburbs. The transport superhub will also mean a trip to Melbourne Airport from Sunshine would only take 11 minutes. That's the dream.  Albion Station is also getting a long-overdue makeover. It will be completely rebuilt into a modern, accessible hub with a sleek new concourse, lifts, and better facilities. The upgrade will also include an 18 metre tall flyover between Sunshine and Albion, that runs over Ballarat Road.  Construction will kick off in early 2026 and is set to wrap up by 2030, so while there will be some disruptions in the meantime, the

One of Victoria's most beloved escapes, the Grampians National Park teems with natural wonders. From its sweeping valley lookouts to its abundant flora and fauna, this dazzling park is a must-visit for Melburnians seeking to disconnect from city life and reconnect with nature. However, in December, devastating wildfires ripped through vast sections of the park, exacerbated by lightning strikes the following month. Large areas of native bushland were ravaged by flames, forcing the park to close to ensure public safety. But now, there's cause to celebrate! After weeks of restoration, much of the Grampians has reopened, welcoming visitors back to its legendary trails, lookouts, and picnic spots. Just three hours from Melbourne, the park is famed for its dramatic sandstone mountains, cascading waterfalls, and rich Indigenous heritage. Among the reopened sites are Boroka Lookout, Reeds Lookout, MacKenzie Falls, and Zumsteins Picnic Area. Adventurers can explore the Wonderland Range again, hiking to the Pinnacle, Venus Baths, and the Grand Canyon. Photograph: Robert Blackburn In the park’s southern region, outdoor enthusiasts can tackle scenic day hikes along Mount Abrupt (Mud-Dadjug), Mount Sturgeon (Wurgarri), and the Grampians Peaks Trail between Dunkeld and Cassidy Gap Road. Those chasing panoramic views can take on reopened sections of the Grampians Peaks Trail between Mount Zero and Halls Gap, trekking across rugged ridgelines with breathtaking vistas. Beyond the landscapes