Liv Condous

If you can't get to Munich to celebrate this year's Oktoberfest, don't fret. There are loads of Oktoberfest events happening right across Melbourne, so you can still have a taste of the froth-soaked action. Prepare to get knee-deep in the beer-centric festivities at parties and festivals, where you'll jig to the sounds of an oompah band, eat the most delicious pretzels and, of course, consume lots (and lots) of beer.  After more things to do? Check out the best things to do in October.

There's always something happening in this fair city of ours, so don't let the week pass you by without popping a few fun events into your social calendar. To help you plan, we've rounded up all the best activities happening this week, so all you have to do is scroll, pick and embark on your adventure. There is art in every form to discover in Melbourne this weekend, with blockbuster exhibitions like The Art of Banksy, Africa Fashion and Grace Crowley and Ralph Balson. For something a little different, head to ACMI for Honk! Untitled Goose Exhibition and learn all about the making of this global hit video game. It's also the final weekend of the Birrarung Riverfest and your last chance to indulge in High Cheese at the Westin Hotel. When in doubt, you can always rely on our catch-all lists of Melbourne's best bars, restaurants, museums, parks and galleries, or consult our bucket list of 101 things to do in Melbourne before you die.   Looking for more ways to fill up your calendar? Plan a trip around our beautiful state with our handy travel guides.

There's always something happening in this fair city of ours, so don't let the week pass you by without popping a few fun events into your social calendar. To help you plan, we've rounded up all the best activities happening this week, so all you have to do is scroll, pick and embark on your adventure. If you're a fan of filmaker Wes Anderson's quirky style, you can't miss Accidentally Wes Anderson: The Exhibition, which features more than 200 Wes-inspired photographs. The floral-focused Cherry Hill Blossom Festival and Tesselaar Tulip Festival remain in full bloom for a few more weeks, while the Australian Ballet's Oscar has just opened, and it's a world-premiere dedicated to the life and writings of Oscar Wilde. There's plenty more to see on the stage, including Iphigenia in Splott, Topdog/Underdog and Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street. When in doubt, you can always rely on our catch-all lists of Melbourne's best bars, restaurants, museums, parks and galleries, or consult our bucket list of 101 things to do in Melbourne before you die.   Looking for more ways to fill up your calendar? Plan a trip around our beautiful state with our handy travel guides.

It's that time of year again — one of the most anticipated events on Melbourne's calendar is on this weekend — the AFL grand final. It's always an exciting day in our city, and if you haven't made plans on how you're watching the big match, we've got you covered with all the details below. Tickets to spectate in person are in super high demand and sell out in a flash, but if you missed out, there's plenty of other ways to watch the big game.  When and where is the AFL Grand Final?  This year, AFL grand final will kick off at the MCG on Saturday, September 28. The game will begin at 2.30pm, with an expected finish time of just after 5PM.  How can I watch the Grand Final from home? Keen to tune in from the comfort of your own home? Channel Seven will be playing the game live on its free-to-air channel, and you can also catch it in 720p HD on 7plus. If you can't watch the game live, re-runs will be available on the streaming service Kayo.  Don't have a good TV at home, or prefer the atmosphere of a pub? We've rounded up our favourite bars and pubs for watching the Grand Final — they all have big screens, reasonably priced food and a variety of beers on tap. Bonus: many of them will also be hosting bumping after-parties.  Will there be an AFL Grand Final parade this year? There sure will be. In 2024, the parade will be held on Friday, September 27 – the AFL grand final public holiday. There's a new route this year, with the parade travelling through the northern end of Melbourne

The spookiest time of year is upon us, so get ready to prep your costume and start listening to some creepy tunes, because there's heaps happening in Melbourne for Halloween.  From horror-themed raves and costume parties to haunted tours and murder mystery events, there's bound to be something that tickles your fancy. And if you'd rather have a ghoulish party at home, we've put together some tips for throwing the scariest celebration. After the perfect costume? Check out Melbourne's best costume shops. 

Across the city, Melbourne's Christmas lights get bigger and better every year. After you've finished putting up your own tree and decorations, it's time to hit the town in search of our best displays. There are plenty of locations throughout the CBD that will make you stop and gawk with wide-eyed wonder at the giant Christmas trees and glittering lights. But it’s not just the city that get bedazzled at this time of year. We’ve scoped out the suburbs where the residents have clearly been planning their decorations months in advance and who could give Clark Griswold a run for his money. Here are just a few of the biggest and brightest Christmas lights to gawk at this December.  Here's where to find the perfect Christmas tree in Melbourne, and here are our city's best Christmas markets.

Wondering what to do in Melbourne in November? We can help. Check out our guide to all the fun things to do in Melbourne, including free attractions, art exhibitions and activities for kids to get amongst as well.  Planning for next month? Here are all of the best things to do in December.

If you're keen to ring in the New Year with an actual bang, catching Melbourne's NYE fireworks is a great way to do it. But rather than paying big bucks to get into one of our city's many rooftop bars, there are loads of spots you can view them for free. Get yourself a prime position on the St Kilda Foreshore or the banks of the Yarra River and prepare your oohs and ahhs. There will be a fireworks display at 9.30pm for children, as well as the big light show at midnight.   Heading out for dinner beforehand? Here's our list of the best New Year's Eve feasts. 

Whether you believe in them or not, there's something undeniably captivating about a ghost story. Haunted sites and ghostly sightings hold a strange fascination, and you can't help but dare yourself or dare your friends to visit and see what happens.   According to Visit Melbourne, these are our Melbourne's most haunted sites and the stories of the ghosts who allegedly haunt them. Head on a ghost tour, where experienced guides can tell you spooky tales and point out the location of common sightings. Being in a group of like-minded ghost hunters adds to the eerie atmosphere and can make people particularly receptive to seeing or feeling odd things. Just make sure nothing follows you home...  Love all things spooky? Here are the best things to do on Halloween in Melbourne. Want the bejeezus scared out of you? These are the 100 scariest horror films of all time.

School holidays are here, kicking off in Victoria on September 20 until October 6. If you don't want bored kids on your hands, it's time to start planning how you'll keep them entertained. But fear not, we've put together a list of the best family friendly things to do right now, so you won't have stir-crazy kids running around the house. Looking for more things to do? Here’s what’s happening across Melbourne this week. 

A bouquet of flowers can be symbolic of a variety of sentiments: congratulations, adoration or condolences. But for the women working at an unassuming floral delivery service in Brunswick East, the flowers they work with are a vessel for much more than thoughtful gifts. They represent community, hope and new beginnings. The Beautiful Bunch is a florist, but it’s also a nurturing space for young refugee women to flourish. The florals facilitate the business’ true mission: supporting and uplifting women from refugee backgrounds, and guiding them in fostering their independence. The not-for-profit came to be in 2020, when founder Jane Marx closed her previous social enterprise – an events company that employed migrant and refugee women – amid the pandemic lockdowns. But its forced closure opened the door to a new floral format, creating job opportunities and a better work environment for the women who needed help most. “The model was really well considered and intentional, and was the result of years and years of learning what works and what doesn't,” Marx says. “As part of the events social enterprise that I ran, the floristry component was by far [the women’s] most favourite thing to do.” But the events industry had limitations with helping some young refugee women gain employment. Single mothers struggle to manage working nights, some women can’t serve alcohol for religious reasons, and the work requires a high standard of the English language. “There are barriers to particip

With the arrival of warmer weather, our city is finally getting its groove back. There's so much to do and see during spring, including festivals, outdoor events, exhibitions, theatre productions and, of course, plenty of fun in the sun. So to make sure your spring is jam-packed with good times and good vibes, we've curated a list of ten of the best things to do this season – enjoy! For more ideas on what to do this spring, check out our complete list of things to do in September.  Plus, these are the city's best beer gardens and rooftop bars to soak up the sunshine. 

The beloved regional town of Bendigo – recently awarded a silver medal in the Top Tourism Town Awards – will bask in the glow of the changing seasons with a massive, colourful festival this spring. This year, Bendigo Bloom is celebrating its 21st anniversary, bathing the town in colour with more than 60 events and experiences throughout the season.  From idyllic gardens and cultural tours to food feasts and after-dark events, there's so much to explore during the festival. An annual favourite is the tulip display, with more than 43,000 tulips painting a rainbow across Bendigo’s historic Pall Mall and Conservatory Gardens. After the sun sets, the tulips are transformed into a kaleidoscopic light walk called Bloom After Dark. Other highlights include Vegecarian on October 5 – a free, family friendly event focussed on loving food, loving animals and loving life. Held at the Great Stupa of Universal Compassion, it will feature cooking demonstrations, wellness activities, performances and animal blessings. And don't miss the Malamiya Mang Creative Arts Festival (November 1-3), which will be a showcase of First Nations art in the form of exhibitions, a fashion show and market. Plus, there are loads of events for foodies, including the Heathcote Wine and Food Festival on the first weekend of October, where you can sample the region's top drops and produce. Or you can check out Bendigo Wine Week (October 11-19) for tastings galore. The Bendigo Bloom program is absolutely jam-packed w

As you step out of the elevator and walk into the lobby on the 80th floor of the Ritz-Carlton, you might do a double take. As you're greeted by friendly staff, there's a spectacular sight that also greets you. The views of Melbourne from the enormous floor-to-ceiling windows are simply stunning, and set the tone for an amazing hotel experience.  The Ritz-Carlton is an American-born chain that has become synonymous with luxury, operating more than 100 opulent hotels and five-star resorts worldwide – with the Melbourne edition opening its doors in March 2023. Boasting 80 storeys, 257 stylish rooms, an infinity pool, regionally inspired spa packages and signature fine dining experiences, this hotel's guests are sitting in the lap of luxury.  Throughout your stay, the novelty of the hotel's insane views doesn't really wear off. Walking into your room, you'll be swept away by the wow-factor again: a dramatic reveal as the automatic blinds rise to show another angle of the panorama, overlooking Port Phillip Bay and far beyond. But thankfully, the astonishment wears off just enough for you to relax while enjoying all the luxurious elements of your room. These include a super soft king-size bed, and an expansive bathroom from which you can even opt to take in the views while relaxing in the spacious bathtub (sprinkled with complementary bath salts) thanks to a sliding panel. The finishes throughout the modern interior are deep brown and cream colours with touches of gold, evoking cla

Venture out as night falls and immerse yourself in the many wonders of our world at Melbourne Museum, welcoming those of us with nocturnal tendencies after dark. The museum will open its doors after closing time for Nocturnal: Museum After Dark, a series of exclusive adults-only evenings, held on the second Thursday of each month. Explore the new Victoria the T.rex exhibition (with a massive, real dinosaur skeleton!) or one of the museum's many other exhibitions, and be enlightened by tours, curator talks and trivia. Once you've satisfied your curiosity, enjoy a bev, play drag bingo and have a boogie with some local DJ favourites soundtracking the night. Each monthly event has a different theme and activities, so there's always something new to discover.  Tickets are $35 for adults, $30 for concession or $25 for museum members. To find out more about the Nocturnal event series or to buy tickets, head to the Melbourne Museum website. Want to explore more exhibitions? Take a look at our list of the best ones in Melbourne this month. 

Scienceworks invites visitors to explore Earth and the cosmos with a series of after-hours and adults-only film screenings on the huge Planetarium dome, with a drink in hand. Every Friday night, those over 18 can explore the universe through immersive documentaries and wonder at the magic of the universe. You won’t go spacing out at these shows either, as they’re loaded with amazing visuals and stellar content. Each night features screenings of two different films, one at 7.30pm and the other at 9pm. The films change each month – expect combinations of epic documentaries on space and nature, trippy visuals, educational and enlightening topics, classic soundtracks and celebrity narrators. Often one of the screenings includes the Planetarium's most popular film by far, the psychadelic visual accompaniment of Pink Floyd's album Dark Side of the Moon, with mesmerising and hypnotic CGI.  The earlier slot each night also includes a guided tour from a live presenter on the astronomical happenings of the night sky on that specific day. You can buy tickets to both sessions, or to either the early or late session. It's a unique way to unwind on a Friday night, with a drink in hand and a trip into space. Find out which films are screening this month and book tickets via the website.  For more cosmic experiences, check out the best places to go stargazing in Melbourne, and the state's best planetariums and observatories.

Some visit the show for the thrilling rides, others come to marvel at award-winning cakes, the incredible woodchoppers, the pavilions filled with the cutest baby animals… or maybe we’re all just united in a mutual love of sugar-filled show bags.  This year’s Melbourne Royal Show is set to be bigger and better than ever, running for 11 days from September 26 until October 6, with all the fantastic attractions that we know and love, as well as exciting new additions, plus a killer live music line-up.  “There’s incredible new attractions and entertainment offering greater value including loads of freeactivities, with family fun and farm adventures by day, and delicious food and specular entertainment by night," says Melbourne Royal chief executive Brad Jenkins. The animals were the original stars of the show and will be this year too, with pony rides, dog shows and so many more family-fun farm experiences at the new Rural Pavillion. You can get up close and personal with cows, sheep, poultry, dogs and even alpacas, or just rock up to one of the shows to see if you can pick the winning animal. There are even opportunities to try your hand at milking a cow or shearing a sheep. Or for those just looking to cuddle a lamb or baby chicken, the animal nursery is the place to be for a dose of cuteness, which will celebrate its 60th anniversary this year with a surprise, new farm animal experience as part of a celebratory event.  Foodies at the show are certainly looked after. Sur

The Yarra River is a beloved centrepiece of Melbourne, so it makes perfect sense that there's a festival dedicated to celebrating it in all its glory. After the success of its inaugural event, Birrarung Riverfest is returning for a second year, with three weeks of events that highlight the importance of our main waterway and all the things Melburnians love about it. The festival will run from Sunday, September 1 to September 22 (which happens to be World Rivers Day), with events happening all across the 242 kilometre stretch of the river, from Westgate Park at its mouth to Warburton at its source. Birrarung Riverfest is run by the Yarra Riverkeepers Association in collaboration with more than 24 local organisations, aiming to celebrate, raise awareness and connect our community to Country, and to each other. Across the three weeks there'll be 30 community-led events, with most of them free to attend, including talks, exhibitions, guided nature walks, tours and more.  During the festival, you can go platypus spotting at dusk, learn how to identify bird calls, paddle a canoe while helping to clean up the river, and enjoy a sunset jazz session at Ponyfish island. Plus, you can see a floating art installation made up of 3,000 tennis balls made by a local artist who lives on a houseboat on the Yarra.  “The Birrarung catchment is responsible for 70 per cent of our drinking water and is absolutely vital to our social and economic wellbeing,” says Yarra Riverkeeper Association operat

In Sing Sing, the dehumanising nature of imprisonment is contrasted against the cathartic joy that comes with being immersed in the make-believe, theatrical realm. A group of inmates find relief from their grim realities through a rehabilitative drama program that allows them to not only express their emotions, but redefine their identities. The film tracks a deeply moving, real-life narrative that highlights failings of the justice system, as well as just how powerful theatre can be.  At the centre of the film, and the theatre troupe of inmates it follows, is Divine G, played by Colman Domingo. As a founding member of the group, he’s intensely passionate about the arts and emboldens the other men with encouragement, while still cutting a humble figure. He’s offset by Divine Eye, played by Clarence Maclin, who’s one of the program’s newest members. Divine Eye is resistant to adopting the vulnerability that’s an essential ingredient for truthful acting, struggling to drop the rough exterior that asserts his dominance in the rest of the prison’s environment. Despite the friction he causes within the troupe, he’s shown patience and care from the other men, many of whom have been on the same emotional journey before him. As the group’s leader, Divine G is tirelessly supportive of everyone around him, but the weight of his own battles begin to crumble his morale just before the troupe's big opening night of their new play.  The film is closely based on the true story of a group of

After a bit of a hectic run last year, Australia's biggest New Year's festival is back again and we're beyond keen for a boogie.   We've been waiting impatiently for a line-up, and finally the Beyond the Valley team have delivered the goods. This year's program is jam-packed with international and local artists who'll soundtrack a NYE to remember and we've got all the juicy deets so you can stop daydreaming and start planning. Here's everything you need to know about the festival.   When is Beyond the Valley? Beyond the Valley (BTV) will take place once again at Barunah Plains (a 30 min drive from Geelong, 90 minutes from Melbourne) and will run from December 28 this year until January 1, 2025. We've got our fingers crossed for better weather this year. Who is on the line-up for Beyond the Valley?  Finally, the line-up for Beyond the Valley has been released! There are too many hot local and international artists to include them all here, but these are some of our faves: Barkaa, Chase and Status, Confidence Man, Fisher, Horsegirl, Ice Spice, Joy (Anonymous), Marlon Hoffstadt, Natasha Bedingfield, Neil Frances, Odd Mob, Royal Otis, Sammy Virji, SG Lewis, Sugababes, Tinashe. We weren't expecting any noughties pop princesses on the line-up, but we're delightfully surprised! Jump on over to the BTV website to get a look at the full line-up. What can you expect at Beyond the Valley? In addition to the killer music line-up, the podcast stage will have hosts bringing their pods li

To celebrate the arrival of spring, a fun-filled festival will take over Federation Square in September, with free family-friendly events that celebrate our natural world and how to better look after it.  RESET festival is all about starting fresh, refreshing ideas and getting inspired to take on new ways of living. It's about reinventing little parts of our lives to make big changes in the world.  The program is full of activations, markets, activities, film screenings, talks and workshops, all focused on minimising negative impacts on the environment and increasing positive impact. There's fun to be had almost every weekend for the month, with plenty of fun for the little ones during school holidays.  Highlights include Plant Based Paradise, a vegan market with tons of delicious plant-based food and cruelty-free fashion on Saturday, September 7. Plus, at the Zero Waste Festival on September 14, you can learn valuable tips and tricks from experts on how to lead a waste-free lifestyle through panel discussions, talks and activites.  As school holidays kick off, bring your youngest environmentalists along to enjoy heaps kid-friendly activities and events, from September 23.  Learn all about how to reduce, reuse, recycle and repair at this festival to take care of our precious planet. For more information on the full program, check out the website here.  Looking for more things to do for the whole family? Check out our guide to all things kid-friendly in Melbourne. 

Update: the warmer weather arrived earlier than expected and so did the blossoms, so Cherry Hill Orchard is offering a sneak peek to visitors from September 9 to 13, before the official opening of the festival. Tickets during this period are cheaper, with adult tickets for $12 and free entry for kids.  This September, take in the magical sights of Japan right here in Victoria at the gorgeous CherryHill Orchards in Coldstream, Yarra Valley. You'll have the opportunity to wander through rows of millions of gorgeous cherry blossoms in bloom, sip on cherry-based drinks, enjoy delicious cherry ice cream, listen to live music and participate in fun activities for the whole family.  In addition to the cherry-themed goodness, the festival will offer an adorable high tea picnic, where you can nibble on scrumptious sandwiches, cheese and other sweet and savoury treats among the beautiful blossoms.  And there are plenty more fun-filled activities on offer, including candle making, cake decorating, perfume workshops, Japanese flower and jewellery making classes, and more. To top it all off, you can enjoy stunning sky-high views with a hot air balloon ride over the Yarra Valley at sunrise.  The festival is introducing brand-new elements for the 2024 edition, including a special kids hub with interactive workshops, face painting and fairy fun – while the adults can properly appreciate the beauty of the blossoms.  Plus, there'll be special evening sessions called Blossom by Light from Septe

If you're looking for a guilt-free dose of retail therapy, op shops are the answer. And from August 16-18, a mega pop-up thrift store is opening in the heart of Melbourne, with a huge haul of clothes on offer. The Red Cross Pop-Up Shop is returning for a third year, taking over the Melbourne Town Hall.  The theme of the event is 'Fashion for a Cause', with thousands of quality second-hand clothes and brand-new designer outfits up for sale. Walk in and be wowed by rack after rack of quality, stylish clothing to add to your wardrobe. The best part is, all proceeds go towards supporting disadvantaged Australians to give them a hand up.  For more information about the pop-up shop event visit the website.  Love thrifting second-hand clothes? Here's our list of the best op shops in Melbourne.

Preston Market has long been known as one of the most prolific market precincts in Melbourne's north, serving the ever-growing and diverse neighbourhood for more than 50 years.  And to celebrate its devoted Italian community, the market will host a free, one-day festival on Sunday, August 25, with a jam-packed line-up of tastings, entertainment and fun activities for bambinos and nonnas alike. The festa stage will feature performances from female string quartet Romanza, singers Carmelo Di Giglio, Tania Barbaro, Toni Marchi and Lorenzo + Co, and guitarist Raffaele Basso. Australia's only vintage Vespa DJ, Moto Bella, will also be on hand to spin bangin' tunes from a fully restored 1968 blue Vespa.   Of course, there will be a smorgasbord of authentic Italian dishes to feast upon. You can try zeppole doughnuts from Sorelle Catering or grilled arrosticini (meat skewers) from Abruzzo Lab. Thirsty? Gindu will be serving up bespoke gin cocktails. There's even something for the kids: from 11am until 2pm they can take part in a pasta necklace workshop. Preston Market’s Italian Day will run from 10am-3pm on Sunday, August 25. Entry is free and you can find out more at the website. Craving pizza and pasta? These are the best Italian restaurants in Melbourne right now. 

The weather is getting warmer, the days are getting longer – this means spring has sprung in Melbourne! And this change of season also means daylight savings will be upon us soon. But funnily enough, even though it comes around every year, we're always wondering when it starts and how exactly it works. So here's a guide that answers all your 2024 daylight savings questions... When does daylight savings start in Victoria for 2024? Daylight savings starts on the first Sunday in October. So for 2024, on Sunday, October 6, clocks will jump forward an hour – that means we skip an hour at 2am and go straight to 3am.  Do we gain an hour or lose an hour when daylight savings starts in Victoria? When daylight savings kicks in, our clocks will jump forward, meaning we will lose an hour. However, what we lose in time we will make up for in light at the end of the day – more hours to go out for a twilight walk, get a drink with friends, or try that new restaurant.  Do I turn the clock back or forward for daylight savings in Victoria? Look, if you have a smartphone or laptop connected to the internet, you can check it to work this one out. But, to help you get your head around it, you have to move your analogue clocks and watches forward by one hour when you wake up on Sunday, October 6. What date do I change my clock on for daylight savings Victoria? When you wake up on the morning of Sunday, October 6, it'll be an hour later than usual. You'll have lost an hour during the night, and clo

Victoria is home to so many absolutely adorable small towns, each with its own charm. In our eyes, they all deserve awards for their unique merits, but there are some that have made a name for themselves as being a cut above the rest. For this year's edition of the annual Top Tourism Town Awards, the beloved towns of Bendigo and Daylesford have received well-deserved recognition and taken out prizes for being the best in the whole country. We love to see it.  The awards grant prizes to Australia’s very best tourism towns, small towns and tiny towns. Earlier this year, finalists from Victoria were revealed, with Bendigo, Daylesford and Timboon taking out number one spots across the three categories in the statewide competition. This week, gold winners from around Australia went head-to-head in the national awards. The best of the best were revealed at a ceremony at Parliament House, after the awards were decided through a combined voting process that included both public votes and scores from an industry judging panel. Three towns from across Australia awarded prizes in each of the three categories, and Bendigo and Daylesford were both runner-up in their respective categories. We're swelling with pride!  Bendigo was awarded the silver medal for the Top Tourism Town award, for towns with more than 5,000 residents, Australia-wide. Considering this was narrowed down from dozens of finalists from each state, it's quite an achievement. The gold went to the charming Tasmanian town o

Here's some heartwarming news: a bouncing baby boy rhino has been born at Werribee Open Range Zoo and he's bloody adorable.  Born in the early hours of Sunday, August 18, and weighing a hefty 60 kilograms, the bub is the newest addition to the rhinoceros clan at the zoo. The calf is a southern white rhino, part of a near-threatened species, with only 10,080 estimated to be left in the wild.  His parents are 11-year-old mother Kipenzi, who carried him for a 16-month pregnancy, and 15-year-old father Kifaru. The birth is a monumental milestone for breeding efforts across the Australasian region, as previously the zoo has had troubles with rhinos developing parenting bonds with their calves. This unfortunately led to a newborn rhino's tragic death last year.  But thankfully, this mum and bub are doing swimmingly. According to zoo staff, the calf is suckling regularly, which is vital for his survival and a great sign of a healthy maternal bond.  “Kipenzi is taking extremely well to motherhood and has been very gentle, attentive and calm. She also calls him back if he strays too far,” says Werribee Open Range Zoo director Dr Mark Pilgrim.  Photograph: Zoos Victoria The mother and newborn son are currently living in an area of the zoo that's closed to the public, as they get some much-needed quiet time and are carefully monitored by zoo staff. In the coming weeks, the newborn will be introduced to the rest of the rhino crash (yes, that's the name for a group of rhinos), before b

Melbourne's trams have a world-famous reputation – our city is home to the largest light rail network in the world. But we'd be lying if we said we thought the system was flawless – heck, earlier this year a new report ranked the accessibility of our city's public transport system below Sydney's. And if you've lived in Melbourne for a while, you'll be well aware that not all trams are made equal, as the some of the older ones can feel very outdated and impractical.  But, thankfully there are improvements in the works to make getting around Melbourne even easier, and one small but impactful change has just been completed. Melbourne's CBD has gained 12 flash new tram stops, making it easier for all Melburnians and visitors to travel by tram.  If you've walked around the State Library or Melbourne Central area recently and thought something looked different, but perhaps you couldn't put your finger on what, this is probably it. The new stops have been installed along La Trobe Street, from Marvel Stadium to Exhibition Street. Before, it was simply a pole on the road and a fence to protect pedestrians waiting for the tram from traffic. Now, there are fresh raised platforms, widened pedestrian crossings, shelters, seating, lighting and information displays at six points across the Hoddle Grid.  Most importantly, these new level access tram stops allow people with disabilities (for example those who use wheelchairs) to board trams with ease. Plus, they'll provide better connections

There are plenty of pit-stop worthy seaside towns along the Great Ocean Road, but one of the most popular spots is the surfing haven of Torquay. It's just an hour away from Melbourne and is an ideal getaway spot, with chill vibes and ripper waves. Now, the coastal town is about to gain another asset: a swish new aquatic centre, complete with three indoor pools.  The future Surf Coast Aquatic and Health Centre is a huge win for Torquay residents and visitors alike, as a much-needed facility for the popular area. The centre will boast a 25-metre lap pool, two multi-purpose leisure pools and an indoor splash park. Plus, it'll have a gym, spa room, steam room and sauna, as well as a café. Better yet, it'll be powered by 100 per cent electric energy. It's a multi-million dollar project, with the first stage alone costing $46.3 million, and construction is set to kick off in October. It'll connect with the existing Wurdi Baierr sports stadium, about a five-minute drive from the beach. So, after a surfing sesh in the Surf Coast's freezing waters, swimmers can jump in the car and defrost in the sauna. How good.  Photograph: Surf Coast Shire The whole centre is scheduled to be completed in late 2026, but despite the finish date still being a while away, buzz for its arrival is building.  “The new aquatic centre will add a whole new dimension to this popular surfing destination," says Victorian government minister for community sport Ros Spence. "It's giving locals and tourists the

If you were on your feet cheering when Ariarne Titmus scored yet another medal, watching on with teary eyes as Saya Sakakibara won the BMX racing event after an emotional journey, and staring in amazement when Arisa Trew became our youngest-ever gold medallist – then chances are, you were an Olympics fanatic during the Paris 2024 Games. The Aussie team absolutely smashed it this year, with the highest gold medal tally of all time for our country. Now it's time to celebrate our athletes' incredible achievements, as Melbourne is throwing a huge homecoming party. And best of all, everyone's invited.  As the athletes return home, Melbourne sporting fans will get the chance to give them a warm welcome at the Olympic and Paralympic Welcome Home Celebration on Saturday, September 14. The free event will be held at Olympic Park, which was the site of the former stadium that was built for the 1956 Melbourne Olympic Games.  It'll kick off at 3:30pm, with live sport activations, entertainment, DJs and food trucks. But the coolest part will be getting the chance to meet and congratulate our Victorian Olympians and Paralympians in person. So don your green and gold, get ready to party and show your Aussie pride.  There'll be more details incoming about the event, which you'll be able to find out more about here. Stay in the loop: sign up for our free Time Out Melbourne newsletter for the best of the city, straight to your inbox. RECOMMENDED:  A massive urban garden is set to sprout in

While Melbourne has plenty of parks renowned for their beauty, the heart of our city is about to get even greener. A massive new urban garden will come to life in Southbank, spanning the same surface area as the MCG stadium.   Nestled in the centre of the arts precinct, Laak Boorndap will be an 18,000 square metre park filled with flora, a trickling waterway and contemporary art installations and sculptures. Its name means "heaven's beauty" in Wurundjeri Woi-wurrung language, and the space will also feature new artwork by First Nations artists.  Photograph: Melbourne Arts Precinct Corporation The final designs for the lush garden have just been revealed to the public, consisting of innovative plans from world-class designers. The park was designed in collaboration with renowned horticulturalists Nigel Dunnett and James Hitchmough, who've worked on greenifying public spaces like London's Olympic Parklands. Planted on an elevated deck, the garden is set to be one of the most complex designs of any public garden in the world. Photograph: Melbourne Arts Precinct Corporation Dubbed as the biggest cultural infrastructure project in Australia, the park will have six sections, featuring native and introduced plant species. The selection of flora has been curated to ensure the greenery flourishes all year long and is ever-changing with the seasons. The park will wrap around Arts Centre Melbourne's Hamer Hall and the spired Theatres Building and stretch along to NGV International a

Unless you live under an actual rock, you'd know that Victoria is currently in the midst of a severe weather event. But thankfully, the end of this blustery chaos is in sight, as those in the know in the weather world have assured the public that the extreme wind gusts will be ceasing shortly.  Over the last week, the entire state has been ravaged by damaging winds, as strong cold fronts have moved across the southern end of the country. In the early hours of Monday, September 2, there were destructive wind speeds that were equivalent to a category two or three cyclone. So yes, if you were lying in bed thinking that the gusts outside sounded particularly strong, you were right. Wind speeds were in excess of 100 km/h in most of the state, and it's been dubbed 'the worst weather of the year'.  And it wasn't just regional areas that were heavily impacted, some of the inner suburbs of Melbourne also copped a battering. In the middle of the night, there was a 113 km/h wind gust recorded in St Kilda harbour, and a 102 km/h gust in Essendon. But it was in regional and rural locations where the wind hit hardest, with a gust of 146 km/h recorded in Wilson's Promontory and a 133 km/h gust in Mount Gellibrand.  When Victorians awoke on Monday morning, it was a chaotic scene. There were more than 159,000 homes without power and more than 1000 calls were made to State Emergency Services for fallen trees. In Melbourne, suburbs like Dromana, Hastings, Flinders, Red Hill, Mt Martha, Mount El

Alert the group chat: falcon watch is back for 2024, with Melbourne's most famous birds of prey returning to their Collins Street skyscraper nest. Eggs have already been hatched, and hopefully there'll be more super adorable chicks on the way.  Peregrine falcons have been nesting at 367 Collins Street since 1991, with the building becoming the bird's favourite spot to lay their eggs. A livestream of their nest began in 2016, but went viral during the pandemic lockdowns (when we genuinely had nothing better to do than birdwatching).  The skyscraper is the only known peregrine falcon nesting site within Melbourne’s CBD, meaning the building plays an unexpected and important role in the ongoing breeding success of these rare birds. And fun fact: they're known as the fastest animals on Earth, with the ability to fly at speeds of more than 320 kilometres per hour.   There are two freshly laid eggs in the nest currently, and they usually take around a month to hatch. Last year, there were sadly no new chicks, after the mother bird was injured in a territorial brawl with another falcon. But in 2022, four cute and fluffy falcon chicks hatched on September 30, so fingers crossed there are more baby birds this year. You can watch every second of the journey via the Peregrine Falcons at 367 livestream. Or if you're an avid falcon fan, head over to the 367 Collins Falcon Watchers Facebook page (where members of the public submit some of the most exciting or cute scenes from the stream,

Regional Victoria holds so much beauty to see, but would you consider that one of the best ways to take it in is on two wheels? The final section of the Great Southern Rail Trail has just opened, with the whole attraction offering riders a memorable journey across the south of our state.  Stretching 131 kilometres across South Gippsland, the trail was a former railway line that closed in the 1990s after 100 years in operation. It begins in Nyora, a small town close to Phillip Island, and journeys east to Yarram, past Wilsons Promontory National Park. The latest and last addition was a 21-kilometre segment from Welshpool to Alberton, two tiny coastal towns in the state's southeastern corner.  The Great Southern Rail Trail has been a project almost ten years in the making, with the first part of the track opened in 2015 and more segments added in the following years. It's one of the longest rail trails in Australia and has become a major tourist attraction, with more than 40,000 people visiting annually.  Photograph: Visit VictoriaDestination Gippsland | RTB refresh 2020 The trail offers a taste of the wide diversity of Victoria's landscapes across the tranquil countryside, from scenic farmland to the bush, and from wetlands to the coastline. There are beautiful views to admire along the ride, and 15 quaint country towns to stop in along the way.  The start of the trail is just a 90-minute drive from Melbourne, and it's not just open to avid cyclists – people also hike and ri

For adventurous types or nature lovers, the Grampians region has so much to offer, like incredible hikes, amazing scenery and country charms. Now, one of the national park's most special experiences has finally reopened to travellers, with a unique circuit trail through a stunning gorge ready for trekkers after receiving a facelift.  The Grand Canyon Loop Walk (yes, we've got our own version of the Grand Canyon here in Victoria), allows visitors to explore the rocky surrounds in part of the Wonderland Range. The whole area is filled with amazing hikes, waterfalls and forests to discover, including the nearby Pinnacle hike, Splitters Falls and picturesque Venus Baths.  Photograph: Robert Blackburn   Thanks to a fancy makeover, the 900-metre loop trail now features a shiny new staircase that makes climbing in and out of the gorge much safer and sturdier than before. In an impressive feat, this huge staircase was constructed in Melbourne and airlifted by a helicopter into the canyon.  The upgrades were part of a $5 million Grampians Peaks Trail Trailheads project, which will also revitalise the beloved MacKenzie Falls, as well as other access points across the national park.  To find out more about all the natural attractions you can explore across the Grampians National Park, head to the Parks Victoria website. Stay in the loop: sign up for our free Time Out Melbourne newsletter for the best of the city, straight to your inbox. RECOMMENDED:  This museum in regional Victori

If you've got itchy feet and are craving an escape, here's the remedy to your woes. Jetstar has just dropped a mega flight sale, offering ridiculously cheap fares to dreamy destinations all around the world. Yep, you could soon be sunbaking on the shores of Byron Bay, with a flight for just $69, or slurping up creamy bowls of laksa in Singapore, with flights for less than $200.  Aptly named the ‘Just Plane Good Sale,’ this super cheap flight sale kicked off on Wednesday, August 21, and will run until 11.59pm AEST on Monday, August 26, unless sold out prior (i.e. you’ll want to get in quick). Budget-savvy travellers can choose from 375,000 extremely discounted flights to a whole heap of alluring domestic and international destinations, with one-way fares starting at a measly $34 between Melbourne and Launceston.  Other jaw-dropping domestic deals flying out of Melbourne include $59 one-way tickets to Sydney, $49 tickets to the Gold Coast, and $69 tickets to Brisbane, with fares to places like Hamilton Island, the Sunshine Coast and Cairns all also going for under $100.  If you’ve got your sights set across the seas, you can fly from Melbourne to Bali from $195, or to Ho Chi Minh City from $170, to Auckland from $185 or to Fihi from $209. Madness! All domestic flights are for travel from early October, 2024 to late March, 2025, with international dates extending to mid-June, 2025. Take our advice: book now and plan later! You can find out more about the sale here. Stay in the