Saffron Swire

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, you can 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

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.

Getting up close to world-class art shouldn't cost an arm and a leg. We know that, and thankfully, so do many of Melbourne's best art galleries. From small commercial galleries to some of the biggest in the state, we've rounded up our favourite spots to peruse art for zilch. RECOMMENDED: Here's where to find the best street art in Melbourne

Maybe you're OK with bare walls and prefer to keep things minimalistic, or maybe that one Pulp Fiction poster you've had since university still has pride of place. Or maybe, it's time for you to channel your inner art connoisseur and buy some art for your home.  The trouble is, where to even begin? We can often feel intimidated when buying art, or worry that we can’t afford to invest in an original piece. But there’s a huge world of art out there, with something for every taste and budget. Here's where to buy art in Melbourne, no matter the state of your wallet.  Looking for more art? Here's our list of the best art galleries in Melbourne, and the best exhibitions on this month. These are the best places to buy art in Melbourne:

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 best public galleries worth visiting in Australia.  🌳 The 20 top tourist attractions in Australia👀 Australia's finest museums☀️ The best things to do in Australia

If you think Australian cuisine is all barbecued kangaroo and Vegemite sangas, think again. From our world-class café culture to the incredible regional produce on our doorstep, we truly boast one of the richest gastronomic scenes around, and that's thanks to the people working away behind the scenes.  Whether you're a restaurant owner, chef, baker or food service professional in Australia, make sure to bookmark September 2-5, because Fine Food Australia is set to return to Melbourne for its 40th anniversary. The premier trade exhibition is Australia's largest industry event and the prime place to learn, discover, connect and innovate. More than 700 exhibitors will be present at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre, showcasing everything from catering equipment and hospitality to bakery and drinks. If you work in the food industry, consider Fine Food Australia your very own summit – a place to network with industry leaders and innovators, elevate your business and stay ahead of the latest trends and developments in the industry. The cherry on top? Registration is free! Sign up here.

Nothing beats going analog and hearing the warm crackle and pop of spinning vinyl. In the wake of the digital music revolution, bricks-and-mortar record stores took a brutal hit, but luckily vinyl has enjoyed a renaissance in recent years, with sales on the rise. Is it of any surprise? Considering the 'TikTokification' of music and the fact everything is now downloadable, heading to a store and sifting through black-wax gems feels somewhat ritualistic. Plus, chatting to record shop owners and picking their brains is like encountering a bastion of infinite musical knowledge. Looking for something that is a blend of David Bowie, Afro-punk and folktronica? They've got just the LP. So if you're a seasoned crate digger looking for an obscure bootleg or just want to pick up your favourite album now that it has been remastered, check out the best record stores in Melbourne.  While we're waxing lyrical about music, why not support your local scene by hitting one of the excellent live music pubs or our picks for the best upcoming gigs.

An unassuming suspect. An unsolvable mystery. Multiple murders. A twist no one saw coming. From Agatha Christie's classics to the newer Knives Out series, we can't get enough of murder mysteries. And after two sell-out seasons at Sydney's Hayes Theatre, Melburnians can get sleuthing as the smash-hit whodunnit Murder for Two comes to Arts Centre Melbourne. Between August 15 and 25, Murder for Two will run at the Fairfax Studio. It stars comedian and TikTok sensation Gabbi Bolt alongside award-winning performer Maverick Newman.  After shooting to fame by sharing musical parodies and skits on TikTok during the pandemic (remember that?), Bolt has gone on to win Best Newcomer at the 2022 Sydney Comedy Festival, contribute music to Ratatouille: the TikTok Musical and appear on The Chaser. Working alongside Newman, Murder for Two will be Bolt's first professional music theatre debut, and it's not one to miss. Bolt and Newman will shift between 13 roles, and for those seeking more clarity about this rollicking show, let us set the (crime) scene: Bolt will take on the role of Officer Marcus Moskowitz, a small-town policeman who is tasked with the chance to prove his detective antenna when the guest of honour at a birthday party is fatally shot. Performing as the remaining 12 characters, Newman will switch between the party's guests-turned-suspects, playing characters such as the prima ballerina Barrette Lewis, the victim's scene-stealing wife Dahlia Whitney, and the overly friendly ps

You swipe right and hit it off, but then what? Picking the right bar for a first date isn't easy, especially in a city like ours with so many options. To take the stress out of finding the perfect spot to get to know someone, we've put together a list of Melbourne's most romantic bars to ensure you have a memorable first date. And hopefully, if things go well, you can plan your next date at one of the best date night restaurants in Melbourne.  Take your next date night up a notch at one of the 50 best restaurants in Melbourne. 

They say an avid reader can live a thousand lives before they die, so why not expand your horizons – and lifespan – with a trip to the bookshop? Luckily in Melbourne, bibliophiles are spoiled for choice with shops of all shapes and sizes. From the dark and musty to the bright and airy, toss aside that Kindle and head to one of these bookstores to scan the shelves and discover your next page-turner. Expand your collection on the dime by checking out Melbourne's best second-hand bookshops. Want to know exactly what to read? These are the best books written about Melbourne.

What do the songs 'Total Eclipse of the Heart', 'Rehab', 'I Will Survive' and 'Man! I Feel Like A Woman!' have in common? Let's not beat around the bush here: they are some of the best karaoke songs of all time. And luckily in Melbourne, there are several places to put your singing skills to the test.  Whether you're partial to a big belter of a ballad or a cheesy pop classic, see if you have what it takes to make the big leagues with a trip to one of the city's many karaoke bars. While you're at your most confident, head over to our favourite bars for dancing. Singing not your thing? Check out the best places in Melbourne to play mini golf.

Whether you favour sculpture, painting, photography or textiles, there’s something for everyone spread across Australia’s biggest art exhibitions in 2024. Here are just a few of our favourites that have us booking flights in eager anticipation. RECOMMENDED: The best musical and theatre shows to see in Australia in 2024. 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. 

Hop aboard! It's time for a new adventure with Australia's legendary steam train, Puffing Billy. The beloved railway has introduced Twilight Trains – an enchanting new way for all the family to experience the historic steam train under a canopy of stars.  Starting on October 10, Twilight Trains will run every Thursday evening until December 12, and offer passengers a three-and-a-half-hour return journey from Belgrave to Lakeside.  Board one of Puffing Billy's open-side carriages and dangle your legs over the edge as you take in the bewitching views of the Dandenong Ranges at dusk. With the setting sun illuminating the surrounding landscape to the chug of the steam engine, could there be a more perfect way to spend an evening? Find time to explore the Lakeside Visitor Centre, where you can grab a bite at the Railway Café. There's something for everyone, from local beers and wines to grazing boxes and classic scones with the team. The Lakeside Hall Museum hosts a fascinating collection of railway artefacts, including Puffing Billy's original locomotive 3A. There's also the charming Emerald Lake Park precinct for a stroll if you prefer to keep your feet firmly on the ground.  Ticket prices for the Twilight Train range from $31 for children (aged four to 15) to $62 per adult (16 years plus), with a combo ticket for families of two adults and two children priced at $155.  For further information or to book a Twilight Train experience, visit the website here. Recommended: check ou

Brisbane, pack your suitcases because a real-life adventure has arrived on your doorstep. Funlab’s Holey Moley and Hijinx Hotel has just made its grand debut at Westfield Mt Gravatt, and it’s set to be the ultimate hot spot for connection, competition and a good laugh. After wooing crowds in Chermside and the Gold Coast, the Hijinx Hotel brings its immersive experiential magic to southern Brisbane. But this isn’t your typical hotel, it’s one designed purely to play in. You can expect an immersive interactive experience housed within the wonder and whimsy of a New York-style hotel where the rooms are reimagined into quick-play, challenge rooms.  Under the same roof is Holey Moley, a mini golf course that is pop-culture-themed where you can test your swing. Not only are bookings now open for 18 holes of themed golf, but also for the ten immersive quick-game challenge rooms. Whether you like solving puzzles or racing against the clock, each room will offer a different thrill. You can also expect three karaoke rooms where you and your friends can sing your heart out to hits from yesteryear. If all the non-stop fun has worked up an appetite, head to Holey Moley’s legendary Caddy Shack Bar where they will be slinging exclusive cocktails, wines, beers, and irresistible bites.  Pricing for golf starts at $18 per adult and $12 for kids for 9 holes, with party packages available from $55. Pricing for Hijinx Challenge rooms start at $25 per adult and $20 for children for a set of five r

Walk, talk and gawp like an Egyptian at this blockbuster exhibition all about ancient Egyptian art and culture. The NGV's 2024 Melbourne Winter Masterpieces exhibition, titled Pharaoh, constitutes the biggest loan of ancient Egyptian artefacts that the British Museum has ever presented to international audiences – most of which are on display in Australia for the very first time. Curated especially for the NGV by the British Museum, Pharaoh runs until October 6, 2024, and include a wide display of objects from monumental architecture to awe-inspiring statuary and exquisite pieces of jewellery. For the night owls, make sure to experience ancient Egypt afterdark when Pharaoh opens late every Friday night this winter for NGV Friday Nights: Pharaoh. Each week, there will be a changing line-up of live music, spanning classical, jazz, blues, funk and more – so grab your nearest and dearest for your next Friday outing. Spanning from the first dynasty (3000 BCE) to the Roman period (fourth century CE), Pharaoh will celebrate some of the works commissioned by Egypt’s most famous kings and queens, including the boy king Tutankhamun; Ramses II and Queen Nefetari; Khufu, builder of the Great Pyramid of Giza; and foreign leaders such as Alexander the Great. The works featured in Pharaoh provide a sense of the vast scale of this ancient civilisation, including a carved green siltstone 'Head of Tuthmose III'; a five-centimetre wide ivory label depicting King Den of the first dynasty; a larg

It’s been a cinema, a nightclub, a live theatre and even a Pentecostal church, but nowadays, this historic institution on 20 Bourke Street glistens as the glamorous new Le Méridien hotel. Originally built as a hotel in the 1850s, the venue has long been a keystone of Melbourne’s arts and culture scene as the former site of the Palace Theatre and Metro Nightclub, where live music once reverberated wall-to-wall. Like the iterations that came before, Le Méridien Melbourne invites visitors to experience the richness of the city’s sprawling art, cuisine and culture. Riffing on its art deco facade, the 235-room hotel is where contemporary chic meets mid century elegance. Walking into the lobby of the hotel, you’ll clock a cinematic-style lobby café, where you can enjoy an Axil-brewed coffee, a cocktail or a cone of the signature Le Scoop gelato (the Espresso Martini flavour will leave you hankering for oodles more). All of the rooms are doused in the brand's signature scent, and come complete with Malin and Goetz toiletries, signature Le Méridien beds, Marshall speakers, 55-inch LCD TVs, a coffee machine with pods, a chic marble bathroom and a dedicated working desk. A lovely touch is a complimentary bottled cocktail which The Everleigh Bottling Co. has created in collaboration with Le Méridien. The 14 larger suites feature black stone kitchenettes, Smeg appliances, beautifully crafted oak board games and Yamaha MusicCast 500 turntables with a selection of vinyl from artists like P

Update April 23 2024: After months of confusion following the announcement in November last year that the Weeknd’s After Hours Til Dawn tour was postponed due to “unforeseen circumstances”, it has just been revealed that the entire run of sold-out Aussie gigs have been cancelled. For more information (including how you can get a refund) check out our explainer here. Pack your sunglasses and prepare to be blinded by the lights as The Weeknd has just announced a number of Antipodean dates as part of the extended After Hours Til Dawn Tour. Hot on the heels of the record-breaking European tour, the three-time Grammy Award-winning starboy will perform four shows in Melbourne on December 1, 2, 4 and 5 at Marvel Stadium. The tour will celebrate the Weeknd’s 2020 album After Hours, which features the hit single ‘Blinding Lights’, which peaked at number one globally and was crowned the new No.1 Billboard Hot 100 song of all time.  Born Abel Makkonen Tesfaye – known now as The Weeknd – the singer first gained critical and commercial success with his debut studio album Kiss Land and subsequent albums Beauty Behind the Madness (2015), Starboy (2016), My Dear Melancholy (2018), After Hours (2020) and Dawn FM (2022). Concertgoers can expect to hear tracks from across the years, including chart-topping anthems like ‘Can’t Feel My Face’, ‘Starboy’, ‘Blinding Lights’, ‘Heartless’ and ‘Save Your Tears’.  As a United Nations World Programme ambassador, Tesafye has said he will contribute funds

It's been less than a year since global sensation J Balvin was last on Aussie soil (he performed a sold-out show at the Hordern Pavilion in July 2023), and now he's just announced a return as part of his massive Que Bueno Volver a Verte Tour (It’s Good To See You Tour). Hailing from Medellín, Colombia, the reggaeton superstar’s first chart-topper was ‘Mi Gente’ with Willy William in 2017, and he quickly rose to fame for his high-octane live concerts. In 2019, Balvin made history as the first Latin headliner in Lollapalooza’s 28-year history and ever since, the artist has worked with musical titans like Justin Beiber, Dua Lipa, Cardi B, Ed Sheeran, Skrillex and Pharrell.  When is J Balvin playing in Sydney? The barrier-busting musician will perform at Qudos Bank Arena on Friday, September 6. J Balvin will also head to Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth and Auckland as part of his five-leg touring route. How can I get tickets to the Sydney J Balvin show and how much do tickets cost? The Frontier Members pre-sale will run for 24 hours from 2pm (local time) on Monday, March 25, or until the allocation is exhausted. General tickets go on sale from 1pm (local time) on Wednesday, March 27. You can get them from the Frontier Touring website here. What will the Sydney J Balvin show be like? It’s time to dust off your dancing shoes and look – and feel – bonita, because J Balvin's shows are known to be epic, high-energy spectacles. You're guaranteed to hear all the bangers, including 'Mi Gente'

It's been less than a year since global sensation J Balvin was last on Aussie soil (he performed a sold-out show at Margaret Court Arena in July 2023), and now he's just announced a return as part of his massive Que Bueno Volver a Verte Tour (It’s Good To See You Tour). Hailing from Medellín, Colombia, the reggaeton superstar’s first chart-topper was ‘Mi Gente’ with Willy William in 2017, and he quickly rose to fame for his high-octane live concerts. In 2019, Balvin made history as the first Latin headliner in Lollapalooza’s 28-year history and ever since, the artist has worked with musical titans like Justin Beiber, Dua Lipa, Cardi B, Ed Sheeran, Skrillex and Pharrell.  When is J Balvin playing in Melbourne? The barrier-busting musician will perform at Rod Laver Arena on Wednesday, September 4. J Balvin will also head to Sydney, Brisbane, Perth and Auckland as part of his five-leg touring route. How can I get tickets to the Melbourne J Balvin shows and how much do they cost? The Frontier Members pre-sale will run for 24 hours from 2pm (local time) on Monday, March 25, or until the allocation is exhausted. General tickets go on sale from 1pm (local time) on Wednesday, March 27. You can get them from the Frontier Touring website here. What will the Melbourne J Balvin show be like? It’s time to dust off your dancing shoes and look – and feel – bonita, because J Balvin's shows are known to be epic, high-energy spectacles. You're guaranteed to hear all the bangers, including

It's been less than a year since global sensation J Balvin was last on Aussie soil (he performed a sold-out show at Margaret Court Arena in July 2023), and now he's just announced a return as part of his massive Que Bueno Volver a Verte Tour (It’s Good To See You Tour). Hailing from Medellín, Colombia, the reggaeton superstar’s first chart-topper was ‘Mi Gente’ with Willy William in 2017, and he quickly rose to fame for his high-octane live concerts. In 2019, Balvin made history as the first Latin headliner in Lollapalooza’s 28-year history and ever since, the artist has worked with musical titans like Justin Beiber, Dua Lipa, Cardi B, Ed Sheeran, Skrillex and Pharrell.  When is J Balvin playing in Melbourne? The barrier-busting musician will perform at Rod Laver Arena on Wednesday, September 4. J Balvin will also head to Sydney, Brisbane, Perth and Auckland as part of his five-leg touring route. How can I get tickets to the Melbourne J Balvin shows and how much do they cost? The Frontier Members pre-sale will run for 24 hours from 2pm (local time) on Monday, March 25, or until the allocation is exhausted. General tickets go on sale from 1pm (local time) on Wednesday, March 27. You can get them from the Frontier Touring website here. What will the Melbourne J Balvin show be like? It’s time to dust off your dancing shoes and look – and feel – bonita, because J Balvin's shows are known to be epic, high-energy spectacles. You're guaranteed to hear all the bangers, including

Just as Sydney (and the rest of the world) is in raptures about a doctored image released by Catherine the Princess of Wales, the Sydney dates for a very royal photograph exhibition have been announced. The exhibition documenting the life of Princess Diana will take to Sydney from Wednesday, April 10 until July 10 – and tickets go on sale soon.  Hot on the regal heels of sold-out tours in Los Angeles, Chicago, Toronto and Puerto Rico, and a successful Aussie debut Melbourne, it's now Sydney's turn to spotlight Princess Diana's life, showcasing her version of events as told through the lens of her official royal photographer, Anwar Hussein.  Princess Diana: Accredited Access Exhibition will delve into the intimate relationship between a princess and a photographer, uncovering all sides of Diana. Accredited by the royal family, Anwar Hussein is famed for capturing the shifting perceptions of the Windsors through work that focuses on capturing the humanity of these aloof figures. His sons, Samir and Zak, have followed in their father's footsteps and won awards for their photographs of Diana's sons, Prince William and Prince Harry. Themes for the exhibition include The Photography Dark Room, Growing, Glam, Hats and Tiaras, Art Installations and Humanitarian and Unguarded. You can expect the showcase to whisk you on a journey with first-hand narration and images that transport you to a time and place where the people's princess reigned supreme.  Princess Diana: Accredited Access E

If you need an excuse to raise your glass (if you are wrong in all the right ways), international pop legend Pink has made her highly-anticipated return to Australia. The three-time Grammy Award-winning singer and performer embarked on a massive ‘Summer Carnival’ Australian tour earlier this month, recently performing her first leg in Melbourne. Kicking off at Sydney’s Allianz Stadium on February 9, the ‘Who Knew’ singer literally soared and flipped her way around Australia. Recently, she performed at Melbourne’s Marvel Stadium on February 23 and 24, 2024, and will then return for two more huge shows of soaring around the stadium on March 12 and 13. Produced by Live Nation, Pink’s Summer Carnival tour of Australia coincides with the release of her highly-anticipated new album Trustfall, which dropped on February 17 2023 via RCA Records. The titular track, also dubbed ‘Trustfall’ is co-produced by in-demand DJ Fred Again. Born in Pennsylvania, Pink (otherwise known as Alecia Beth Moore) began performing in local clubs where she was eventually signed to the R&B band Basic Instinct and then the group Choice. Once these groups disbanded, Pink embarked on a solo career and announced her new stage name – inspired by the character of Mr Pink from Quentin Tarantino’s Reservoir Dogs. Her first album, Can’t Take Me Home, was released in 2000, with her next album Missundaztood launched her into the stratosphere with the smash-hit song ‘Get the Party Started.’ After working with Missy El

A seminal fixture on the Australasian cultural calendar, the Melbourne Art Fair (MAF) returns this year to orbit around the unifying theme of ‘ketherba’ – a Boonwurrung word used to express togetherness.The progressive fair – which will now run annually – will braid together 60 of the region’s leading galleries and Indigenous art centres, spanning 7,500sqm at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre.  Running from February 22 until 25, MAF will spotlight gallery presentations alongside a broader program of interdisciplinary practices, installations, video works, performances and conversations, alongside the 2024 Melbourne Art Foundation Commission, awarded to contemporary artist Julie Rrap. The expansive schedule features more than 50 events, including four large-scale installations and six performances. A snapshot of the participating galleries includes 1301SW/Starkwhite, Anna Schwartz Gallery, Blackartprojects, Charles Nodrum Gallery, Darren Knight Gallery, Fox Jensen, Jan Murphy Gallery, Martin Browne Contemporary, Olsen Gallery, Sullivan+Strumpf, Tolarno Galleries, Vivien Anderson Gallery, Wagner Contemporary and many, many more. MAF will also present 11 young galleries established after 2016 as well as four Indigenous art centres. Award-winning contemporary dance company Lucy Guerin Inc will perform a reimagined adaptation of the site-responsive work Newretro – which marks the first time dance has formed part of an MAF line-up.  The Conversations program will bring

How do you like your eggs in the morning? We like ours alongside a hefty serving of all the best Broadway hits. For those who also like a razzle-dazzle of a brunch, Broadway Brunch is making a showstopping appearance at Evie's Disco Diner on February 4 to present a theatrical extravaganza like no other.  Prefer to have your pancakes with a side of Les Misérables? Or are you more partial to an avocado toast with some Grease? At Broadway Brunch, you can expect ladles full of hits from musicals like Phantom of the Opera, Hamilton, Wicked, Rent, The Lion King, Chicago, Mamma Mia!, Cats, Dear Evan Hansen, The Book of Mormon, Hairspray and many more.  For 90 minutes, experience these hits alongside interactive and fun-filled activities, dance-offs and trivia. And, of course, a brunch and drink menu to warm those vocal cords with. There will also be a chance to win big in some competitions hosted on the day. Tickets for Broadway Brunch at Evie's Disco Diner start from $65, and you can get them on the website here. The brunch will cater to all dietary preferences and restrictions (including allergies), with options for vegetarians and vegans. Hate brunch but love musicals? Check out the new and upcoming musicals in Melbourne. 

Calling all avid walkers, cyclists and paddlers, a brand new adventure trail is coming to the Murray River. The nature-based trail will stretch from Lake Hume in the east to Mildura in the west, unveiling the Murray River's natural beauty, abundant wildlife and rich Indigenous heritage. The Murray River is the jewel of the Echuca region. Crisscrossing the border of New South Wales and Victoria, the river has sustained the land, communities and Traditional Owners along its shores for more than 40,000 years. Now, you can experience this wondrous river in a whole new adrenaline-filled way. Led by Parks Victoria, once complete (it is currently in stage one), the multi-sport adventure trail will be a series of walking, cycling and paddling routes with upgraded facilities across locations from Barmah National Park to Koondrook. It will also boast rollover river views, bookable campsites and picnic facilities. The trail will pass through Echuca, Murray River Reserve, Gunbower National Park and Lower Goulburn National Park, and new signage will guide visitors through while highlighting the Murray River's Indigenous history and environmental significance.  While planning for future trail connections is an ongoing conversation, other features proposed include a five stepped-style water launch to accommodate water level changes and a Barmah Lakes floating pontoon with an accessible canoe and kayak launch. In terms of when it will be ready, Parks Victoria has said that given the lengthy

Melburnians, get ready to soar to new heights. The federal government has given its golden seal approval to a much-anticipated third runway at Melbourne Airport. (Look, it's no rail link – but we'll still take it!) Th 3,000-metre runway, constructed parallel to the existing north-south runway, will help meet the growing demands of air traffic in Victoria and ensure the airport can support the state's increasing population and economy. It's been predicted that Melbourne will become Australia's largest city in 2031-32, with more than six million people (I mean, are we surprised? We are one of the best cities in the world, after all).  With freight and passenger numbers continuing to clamber, the new runway system will meet this rising demand. Scheduled to be completed in 2031, it will allow for simultaneous take-offs and landings, significantly reducing delays during peak periods – yep, that means no more twiddling thumbs on the runway. The addition of new taxiways and other supporting infrastructure is also expected to improve the airport's efficacy, boosting Melbourne as an international and domestic hub. According to Melbourne Airport, this upgrade brings us on par with Sydney and Brisbane, both of which already have parallel runway systems in place.   The project has undergone an extensive community consultation process and a rigorous assessment of environmental and social impacts. So for those concerned about noise, measures will be put in place for residents in the most a

After years and years of digging, drilling and dodging roadblocks, construction at Anzac Station is finally complete. Located below St Kilda Road, the railway station now provides a quick and easy rail connection to key landmarks including our award-winning Royal Botanical Gardens, the Shrine of Remembrance and Albert Park. The long-awaited project – which has been underway since 2016 – comes with some great new bells and whistles. The station has been designed as a 'pavilion in the park', with the canopy above the tram interchange serving as an architectural focal point, providing passengers with year-round protection from our ever-changing weather. There are also large skylights embedded in the canopy that flood the station with natural light.  The interior includes a bright and colourful permanent artwork. 'Future Wall Painting' by Raafat Ishak has been printed onto glass wall panels and features abstract representations of St Kilda Road landmarks and Indigenous flora and fauna. Photograph: Department of Transport The station also has four entrances with stairs, lifts and escalators that link to a new pedestrian underpass beneath congestion-prone St Kilda Road, offering commuters a faster, easier and more efficient route. The tram stop also has extra-long platforms that accommodate large crowds attending events such as the Formula One Australian Grand Prix. It is the third of five new state-of-the-art stations to be completed as part of the Metro Tunnel Project, alongsid

In big news for country music fans in the Harbour City, singer-songwriter Luke Combs is on his way – set to become the first country artist to headline a full stadium tour Down Under. Playing six huge shows across Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane, this will be the fourth headline Australian tour for the country music star.  Hailing from North Carolina, Combs began singing in vocal groups before hitting the local gig circuit. In 2014, he headed to Nashville to pursue a music career, where his single ‘Hurricane’ earned him a contract with River House/Columbia Nashville. Ever since, Combs’ country tunes have earned him Billboard Music Awards’ Top Country Artist, seven Grammy nominations, four Academy of Country Music Awards and two iHeart Radio Music Awards, with his latest album Father and Sons setting the stage for his next big tour. Here’s everything you need to know about getting tickets in Australia. When is Luke Combs in Sydney? It’s set to be a sizzling summer as Combs graces the stage at Sydney's Accor Stadium for two epic concerts on Friday, January 31 and Saturday, February 1. Who are the support acts for Luke Combs’ Sydney tour?  Headed back Down Under after making their Aussie debuts at CMC Rocks QLD last year, country singers Jordan Davis and Mitchell Tenpenny will join Combs for his Sydney shows. Tamworth’s 18-year-old singer-songwriter Lane Pittman will also join the tour. When do Luke Combs tickets go on sale in Sydney? Combs’ latest Aussie tour sold out in just mi

When it rains, it pours, and it's downright torrential with the news that country singer-songwriter Luke Combs is set to become the first country artist to headline a full stadium tour Down Under. Playing six huge shows across Brisbane, Sydney and Melbourne, this will be the fourth headline Australian tour for the country music star.  Hailing from North Carolina, Combs began singing in vocal groups before hitting the local gig circuit. In 2014, he headed to Nashville to pursue a music career, where his single ‘Hurricane’ earned him a contract with River House/Columbia Nashville. Ever since, Combs’ country tunes have earned him Billboard Music Awards’ Top Country Artist, seven Grammy nominations, four Academy of Country Music Awards and two iHeart Radio Music Awards, with his latest album Father and Sons setting the stage for his next big tour. Here’s everything you need to know about getting tickets in Australia. Where and when is Luke Combs touring Australia? It’s set to be a sizzling summer as Combs graces Australian stages in Brisbane, Sydney and Melbourne. He’ll kick things off with two shows at Suncorp Stadium in Brisbane on Friday, January 24 and Saturday, January 25. Next, he’ll head to Accor Stadium in Sydney for two epic concerts on Friday, January 31 and Saturday, February 1. Combs will wrap up his tour Down Under with two shows at Marvel Stadium in Melbourne on Friday, February 7 and Saturday, February 8.   Who are the support acts for Luke Combs’ Australian tour?

If things were beginning to sound quiet on the Melbourne-Sydney rivalry front, prepare for some noise. The Academic Ranking of World Universities for 2024 (ARWU) has been published, and in turn the best university in Australia has been revealed. Drumroll, please... The University of Melbourne has again been crowned Australia's best and brightest institute of higher education, coming in hot at number 37 worldwide. It's consistently named as the country's best, and this latest list concurs with Times Higher Education's rankings and the QS World University rankings (where Melbourne Uni came 13th). The second Australian university to land a spot on the ARWU is the University of Queensland at 63rd, with the University of Sydney coming in at a rather cooler third place with a global standing of 74th.  How does the ARWU decide who goes where? Well, it's down to several factors, including the number of alumni who have won Nobel Prizes, publications in top-tier journals and the per capita academic output of the institution in its ranking.  Established in 1853, the University of Melbourne began as a mere cluster of buildings in a large park on the city's fringe, with only four professors. Ever since, it has blossomed into not only Australia's best but also one of the leading universities in the world thanks to its quality of teaching, emphasis on research and wide-ranging academic programs. The university is also renowned for its commitment to groundbreaking research, including the de

While we love the buzzing metropolis that is our dear Melbourne, sometimes we all need a break from the hustle and bustle of city life, and where better to escape than the coast?  Less than a two-hour drive from Melbourne, the Bass Coast is a mesmerising combination of unspoiled coastline, scenic hinterland and sandy shore. There are more than 40 different trails and bushwalks to discover – including the famous George Bass Coastal Walk – but for those wanting a new way to traverse the coastline, you're in luck.  A brand new 14-kilometre shared pathway is officially underway, offering walkers and cyclists an exciting new way to explore the Bass Coast's rolling hills, meadows and local wildlife. Thanks to a $7.7 million joint investment from the Allan Labor Government and Bass Coast Shire Council as part of the Growing Suburbs Fund, the trail will connect Inverloch and Wonthaggi, making exploring the region's natural beauty on foot or by bike more accessible than ever. Once complete, the pathway will link Inverloch Surf Life Saving Club with the Bass Coast Rail Trail in Wonthaggi, allowing you to meander through the picturesque wetlands while soaking up the coastal views.  The initiative, expected to be completed by mid-2026, is part of the state's efforts to boost transport infrastructure. Since its inception in 2015, the Growing Suburbs Fund has poured a whopping $440 million into local projects, creating more than 11,300 jobs and improving the liveability of Victoria's commu

Melbourne rental prices have rocketed to record highs in recent years, but for those looking to scale the housing ladder, there's a reason to be (slightly more) cheerful. According to recent figures and analysis from Mortgage Choice, there are several areas in regional Victoria where the cost of a mortgage is less than that of renting. Take Rochester, for example. The regional Victorian town, located 180 kilometres north of Melbourne, was hit hard by the 2022 floods, but it is now making a noise in the housing market. Homes stripped of floors and walls are being sold at bargain prices, attracting fixer-uppers who want to renovate these flood-damaged properties with hopes that demand will skyrocket by Christmas.  Rochester is just one of the seven rural towns where buying is cheaper than renting. With median houses in nearby Echuca soaring past $600,000, Rochester offers Victorians a much cheaper alternative. A typical home here now costs around $350,000, and according to Mortgage Choice, owning one could save you around $350 compared to renting.  But Rochester is far from the only town where buying beats renting. Ouyen, Warracknabeal, Dimboola, Mooroopna, St Arnaud and Benalla have also made the list. In Ouyen, the median house price is $184,350, which means you could save a nifty $500 a month by buying instead of renting. Anthony Waldron, CEO of Mortgage Choice, weighed in on the illuminating findings and said prospective buyers should exit the tough rental market, especiall

We might be biased, but there's a reason why Melbourne is routinely crowned the best place to live in the world. Not only does the city rank high in liveability indexes, but it is also now considered one of the world's most picturesque summer destinations.  According to a new study from Travelbag that analysed Instagram hashtag data and Google search trends, Melbourne is the world's sixth most picture-perfect city to visit in the warmer months. And from the vibrant street art splattered on our laneways to our secret gardens and beautiful beaches, is it any surprise? Thanks to our eclectic mix of architecture, street art and cultural attractions, the city boasts some of Australia's most 'grammable backdrops. You can head to Hosier Lane to see an ever-evolving mural or make a beeline for the NGV where you can marvel at its stained-glass ceiling before exploring Indigenous and European art. The Royal Botanic Gardens is renowned for its natural beauty, diverse flora, fauna and tranquil lakes, while Brighton Beach with its multicoloured beach boxes is the place to be on a hot day. With all this in mind, it's no wonder Melbourne has ranked as the sixth prettiest global city in summer, with just under 30,000 images using the hashtag #summerinmelbourne. Sydney – we announce through gritted teeth – claimed the fourth spot, with more than 45,000 images using the hashtag #summerinsydney. Perth also made the top ten list, coming in at ninth. That means Australia can proudly claim three o

Update April 23 2024: After months of confusion following the announcement in November last year that the Weeknd’s After Hours Til Dawn tour was postponed due to “unforeseen circumstances”, it has just been revealed that the entire run of sold-out Aussie gigs have been cancelled. For more information (including how you can get a refund) check out our explainer here. Has the Weekend cancelled his Australian tour in 2024? Due to "unforeseen circumstances", all of his Australian shows – including his Melbourne dates – have been cancelled. Is the Weeknd touring Australia in 2024? Not anymore. Ticketek has announced the Weeknd will not be rescheduling any of his 2023 dates for his After Hours Til Dawn tour. When is the Weeknd coming to Melbourne? The Weeknd was originally set to perform in Melbourne on December 1, 2, 4 and 5, 2023. These shows have now been cancelled.  How much are the Weeknd tickets for Melbourne?  Ticket prices will range from $102.87-$306.75, but prices may be subject to change.  What stadium will the Weeknd play at in Melbourne?  The Weeknd was scheduled to play at Marvel Stadium in Docklands, near the CBD.  Where else is the Weeknd playing in Australia as part of the 2023 After Hours til Dawn tour? In addition to his Melbourne show, the Weeknd was scheduled to perform at Accor Stadium in Sydney on November 24, 25 and 27, and Suncorp Stadium in Brisbane on November 20 and 21. All of these dates have now been cancelled. When do the Weeknd tickets Melbourne go o

A reimagining of the Parthenon on the Acropolis in Athens has opened up in the NGV garden. 'Temple of Boom', by Australian architects Adam Newman and Kelvin Tsang, has replaced the incredibly popular 'Pink Pond', which has been the centrepiece of outdoor events at the gallery for the past year. The Greek-style temple features overlapping large-scale artworks (like floral motifs and optical illusions), which are evocative of the vibrant colours long since lost from the facade of the original building from over two thousand years ago. Taking its name from the vibrations of music, 'Temple of Boom' will act as a meeting place and colourful centrepiece for all of the upcoming NGV summer events, including a series of curated performances, programs and live music. The NGV has recently unveiled new vibrant works by Melbourne-based contemporary artists Aretha Brown, Creature Creature, Manda Lane, Chuck Mayfield, and Resio on the temple. In this second phase of painting, Temple of Boom – a contemporary reimagining of The Parthenon on the Acropolis - has been adorned with large-scale works inspired by Greek mythology and diverse connections to culture and nature.  Photograph: Sean Fennessy "One of the most famous examples of classical architecture, the Parthenon in Athens, is often viewed as a potent symbol of Western art and culture," says Tony Ellwood AM, director of the NGV. "This thought-provoking work by Adam Newman and Kelvin Tsang invites us to consider how we create and imb

Since 1937, the legendary Lorne Theatre has been enchanting generation after generation of cinephiles down on the Great Ocean Road. And now, thanks to the Barton brothers – the brains behind Sydney's Golden Age Cinema and Melbourne's Rooftop Cinema – the heritage-listed theatre has reopened for a pop-up season of screenings ahead of an extensive restoration and refurbishment. “As a family, some of our fondest summer memories were formed within the walls of the Lorne Theatre,” revealed Chris Barton. “It has always been a special place for us and we’re deeply aware of the space this building holds in the hearts of generations of local and visiting movie lovers.  “This shared personal history with the space is why we jumped at this opportunity. It’s a huge legacy to take on, but it’s one that we’re very excited to uphold and build upon.” Scheduled to be unveiled in late 2024, the refurbishment for the 550-seat cinema – done in tandem with Heritage Victoria – will include a new licensed bar with an interior design accentuating the theatre's Art Deco history through its seating, lighting, acoustics and menu offerings.  Commended for breathing new life into Australia’s modern movie-going experience, the Barton brothers fervently believe in the power of cinema to change lives and build communities. When it came to masterminding the Lorne Theatre, the brothers decided on a pop-up program to attract a new generation of film lovers, showcasing contemporary and classic films, special