Leah Glynn

Brunch is a beloved institution across Melbourne. It doesn't require an early wake-up call and is simultaneously on the right side of the day, so you can still have your avo on toast if you need it. But how do you improve on perfection? By adding bottomless drinks, of course. Bottomless brunches have taken our city by storm, and if you've done one, you've no doubt discussed tactics with friends: what to drink, how to pace yourself, the best way to grab the waiter's attention and if it's possible to surreptitiously double park. After all, bottomless brunches are all about getting the best value and a healthy buzz. And not dissimilar to the chicken and egg debate, are drinks or food more crucial when selecting your venue? We believe you can have the best of both. We've compiled a list of Melbourne's best bottomless brunches so that you can enjoy your feast with a great selection of limitless bevs.  Only after a great coffee? Here are our fave spots in the CBD to get a fix. Planning a big day and night? Kick on at the best late-night bars in Melbourne.

Whoever said “nothing in life is free” clearly hasn’t been to Australia. Our Great Southern Land is full of bucket list experiences that won’t hurt or even touch your bank account. Hiking through some of the world’s most beautiful national parks? Free! Spotting fairy penguins on the beach? Free! Sampling your way through a world-class market? You guessed it – free! Our Travel and News Editor, Melissa Woodley, has backpacked all around the globe, so she knows a thing or two about savvy travel. With the help of her trusted team of Aussie travel writers, she’s curated this list of the best free things to do in Australia’s major cities. Whether you’re into soaking up the sun outdoors with swims, picnics and hikes, or cooling off inside with free exhibitions, chocolate tours and tram rides, there’s a budget-friendly activity to make you feel filthy rich with happiness. Here are the best free things to do in Australia. Editors’ favourite free things to do in Australia: 🍫 Best for families: Haigh's Chocolate Factory, SA 🌳 Best outdoor adventure: Cottesloe Beach, WA ☀️ Best for a hot day: NGV, VIC NSW | VIC | SA | QLD | WA | ACT | TAS | NT 🌊 The best things to do in Australia🎢 The coolest things to do with kids⭐️ The best tourist attractions in Australia

It's the weekend, baby! You made it! To celebrate, we've gathered all the hottest festivals, shows, exhibitions and openings in one place – you're welcome.  The Garage Sale Trail continues for its second weekend, which means there's still time for you to snap up a thrifted gem – who knows what you'll find?! And cinephiles won't want to miss the Melbourne Queer Film Festival, which is returning for its 35th edition. With a line-up of more than 130 movies being shown across a bunch of iconic city venues, it's shaping up to be another excellent event. Love pierogi and potatoes? Head to Fed Square on Saturday for the annual Polish Festival, where you can celebrate the food, traditions and culture of the beloved European nation. If you're still hungry, we've got some good news: cherry-picking season is back, so get ready to eat as many of these juicy fruits as your heart desires! Cherry Hill Orchard's cherry trees are overflowing with the good stuff, and on weekends they even have live music and on-site food trucks. And remember, 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 100 things to do in Melbourne before you die.   Stay in the loop: sign up for our free Time Out Melbourne newsletter for the best of the city, straight to your inbox. The fun doesn't stop on Monday! These are the best things to do in Melbourne this week.

Social calendar looking a bit empty? Don't worry, we've got you. There's always something happening in Melbourne, and this week is no different – so let's dive right in! It's officially the most wonderful time of the year: cherry-picking season! The juicy ripe fruits are fresh for the plucking at Cherry Hill Orchard, so head out to the Yarra Valley and join in the festivities – best of all, you can eat as many as you want while you're picking. The Talented Mr. Ripley continues its acclaimed run at Arts Centre Melbourne, with our reviewer call it "a brand-new take on the so-bad-he’s-wicked-good anti-hero". For a pop of colour (and let's be honest, after the rainy weekend we all need it!), hit the road for Ballarat where Sunnyside has just opened. It features a bold new art installation from London-based artist Morag Myerscough, who is renowned for her fantastical large-scale works. Closer to home again, the Melbourne Queer Film Festival is back for its 35th edition with the theme 'Searching for Queer Utopias' – and there's a line-up of more than 130 movies to check out. Plus, it's the last weekend of the Garage Sale Trail, so don't miss your chance to go hunting for a secondhand treasure. When in doubt though, 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 100 things to do in Melbourne before you die.   Stay in the loop: sign up for our free Time Out Melbourne newsletter for the bes

New York has Broadway, London has the West End, and here in Melbourne, it's all about the East End. We're an all-singing, all-dancing city which means we're spoiled for choice when it comes to the musicals taking centre stage in the historic East End Theatre District in the CBD. From glitzy theatrical numbers and singalong musicals to smaller-scale productions, Melbourne is an absolute haven when it comes to all things razzle-dazzle. See for yourself by checking out the new and upcoming musicals making their way here in 2025. Stay in the loop: sign up for our free Time Out Melbourne newsletter for the best of the city, straight to your inbox. Book the best spot with our guide to scoring the best seats in every Melbourne theatre. Keen on all kinds of theatre? Here are the best shows happening this month.

November 2025: Fresh from its world premiere in Sydney, 'The Talented Mr. Ripley' has opened to huge fanfare at Arts Centre Melbourne. Our reviewer gave it five stars, calling it "a spectacularly staged show that should appeal to anyone with a taste for the devious, diabolical and determined". And if you want to see some of the best dance choreography to grace Melbourne's stages this year, look no further than 'MJ the Musical' at Her Majesty's Theatre. We guarantee you won't be able to sit still in your seat once the lights dim. From the toe-tapping to the cathartic, consider this your ultimate guide to all the best Melbourne theatre shows happening this month. When stuck for things to do between shows, you can also always rely on our catch-all lists of Melbourne's best bars, restaurants, museums, parks and galleries, or consult our bucket list of 100 things to do in Melbourne before you die.  Stay in the loop: sign up for our free Time Out Melbourne newsletter for the best of the city, straight to your inbox. Want something else to do this month? Check out our guide to the city's best exhibitions.

Ready to hit the open road? Victoria’s countryside has some top-notch road trips with lush forests, winding coastal roads and charming rural towns that are waiting to be explored. Whether you’re chasing craggy cliffs that hug our rugged coastline, misty mountain valleys with fern gullies, or quirky silo art in remote country towns, adventure awaits. Our Time Out Melbourne team of Nicole Dowse and Leah Glynn have put together this list of their best scenic drives in Melbourne and Victoria. Grab your duffel bag, pack the boot and let these scenic drives reveal their hidden delights. You know what they say: it's the journey, not the destination.    Feel like a walk? Check out one of Victoria's best hiking trails. Or stay at home and enjoy a picnic at one of the city's nicest picnic spots. Want more? These are the best road trips from Melbourne. Plus, DO go chasing waterfalls: here's where to find the prettiest waterfalls in Victoria.

As much as we love the bright lights and late nights of the city, sometimes you just need to slam the laptop shut, toss a weekender bag in the boot and disappear somewhere that feels off-the-grid and untouched. Australia does 'the middle of nowhere' better than almost anywhere – except our version often comes with farm-to-table wineries, designer boutique stays and blissfully empty beaches.  Time Out's editors have crisscrossed the country (and then some), chasing sunsets in Broome, surf breaks in Yamba and long lunches in Margaret River. Between us, we’ve eaten, sipped and road-tripped our way through more small towns than we can count – so when we say these are the best regional towns in Australia, we really mean it. Each of Australia's most charming towns is proof that slowing down doesn’t have to mean missing out.  Editors' favourite regional towns in Australia:   ⭐️ Best for relaxation: Daylesford, VIC 🍷 Best for food and wine: Margaret River, WA 🌊 Best for coast and nature: Robe, SA 🌊 The beach towns to visit in Australia🚘 The best day trips in Australia😎 The best places to visit in Australia

It's already November, where has the year gone?! Before we start spiralling about how December (and Christmas, and the New Year) are just around the corner, let's enjoy all the fun things happening across Melbourne this month – and boy is there a lot to cover! Starting with Australia’s biggest annual garage sale. The Garage Sale Trail – happening over two weekends – is your chance to go on a treasure hunt for secondhand and vintage goodies. If you'd prefer a slightly more curated shopping experience, head to the Big Design Market, where more than 280 stallholders will be selling things like ethically made ceramics, jewellery, homewares, clothing and more.  Now that cherry blossom season is behind us, it can only mean one thing: cherry picking is back! Head to Cherry Hill Orchards where you can pick (and eat!) as many of these juicy fruits as your heart desires. Still hungry? Make your way to the East Malvern Food and Wine Festival to gorge on gourmet Victorian produce. And for your fix of theatre, music and movies check out The Talented Mr. Ripley at Arts Centre Melbourne, Live at the Gardens (Franz Ferdinand are playing!) and the Melbourne Queer Film Festival. Plus, there are also a bunch of cultural celebrations taking place this month – from Latin Day at Preston Market to the Polish Festival and African Music and Cultural Festival (both at Fed Square), you can travel around globe without even leaving Melbourne.  Phew! Better get out your diary and start planning! Stay in

The spookiest time of the year is upon us, so get ready to prep your costume and start listening to some creepy tunes, because there are heaps of freaky things happening in Melbourne for Halloween.  And with October 31 falling on a Friday this year, it's an extra creepy time for Melburnians who like a bit of dark fun. From horror-themed club nights and thrilling amusement parks to haunted tours and scary movie screenings, there's bound to be something that sends a shiver down your spine. So, pull out the witchy garb and fake blood and we'll see you out there...  Stay in the loop: sign up for our free Time Out Melbourne newsletter for the best of the city, straight to your inbox. After the perfect costume? Check out Melbourne's best costume shops. 

While public sentiment toward the Melbourne Cup has certainly shifted in past years, one thing remains true in 2025: we still get a public holiday for a horse race (and if you're savvy with your annual leave, you've also taken the Monday off to get an extra long weekend). So whether you're firmly nup to the Cup and want to take a stand, or you simply want to make the most of a precious day off, we've rounded up a bunch of fun things to keep you busy on the first Tuesday in November. Stay in the loop: sign up for our free Time Out Melbourne newsletter for the best of the city, straight to your inbox. Just want to chill out? Here are our favourite parks in Melbourne to enjoy the gorgeous weather.

When the sun comes out to play, Melbourne's glorious rooftop bars draw in flocks of thirsty revellers with their crisp, cool bevvies and sweeping city views. Maybe it's the higher altitude, but drinking is just more fun from above. So start climbing those stairs – or keep your fingers crossed for a lift – and check out Melbourne's best rooftop bars now.  Editor's favourite rooftop bars in Melbourne: 🥂 Best for a special occasion: Beverly 👠 Best for a hot date night: Her Rooftop 🍴 Best for snacks: Johnny's Green Room 🌇 Best for sunset views: Naked in the Sky or Harvie 👯 Best for a friends' catch-up: Morris House Stay in the loop: sign up for our free Time Out Melbourne newsletter for the best of the city, straight to your inbox. Still thirsty? We've rounded up the best wine bars in Melbourne. See full screen

When you think of famous hotels along the French Riviera, spots like the Grand-Hotel du Cap-Ferrat or the Hotel de Paris Monte-Carlo come to mind. But there’s a beautiful old dame in Nice who deserves her flowers, too: Anantara Plaza Nice, which boasts a storied history as rich as the vibrant city it resides in. And with a few new contemporary touches, its legacy looks set to continue long into the future. Why stay at Anantara Plaza Nice? A long-time stalwart of Nice’s hotel scene, Anantara Plaza first opened in 1848 as the Hotel de France – a beautiful, all-seasons resort where France’s rich and famous would come to holiday. It’s had many names and iterations since then, but in 2022 it reopened under the Anantara banner after extensive renovations by the award-winning David Collins Studio in collaboration with local architect Jean-Paul Gomis and TBC Interiorismo Studio. What hasn’t changed is that grand Belle Epoch-style facade, the opulent amenities and a commitment to delivering world-class service to every guest that walks through the doors. With 151 rooms to suit all types of luxury traveller, it’s clear no expense has been spared in giving this historic beauty the facelift she deserves. And now, Anantara Plaza is ready to charm a whole new generation of holidaymakers who have come to explore Nice. What are the rooms like at Anantara Plaza Nice? To say my room was a sight for sore eyes when I arrived after a long travel day would be an understatement – but it wasn’t unti

What do you get when you transform a 1960s car park with Brutalist-era architecture into a chic hotel with modern interiors by New York studio Roman and Williams? La Fondation, of course. Having only opened in April of this year, it’s a fairly new addition to Paris’s legendary hotel scene, but has quickly made its mark on the city – especially if the line of beautiful-looking people waiting for the elevator up to the rooftop bar is any indication.  Why stay at La Fondation? This is a hotel for travellers who want to shake off the tourist label and throw themselves into local Paris life. Conveniently located in the 17th arrondissement, it’s positioned close enough to reach all of the city’s important sites, but just far enough away from the hustle and bustle that you won’t be swiped by a hop-on, hop-off bus as soon as you step outside. What this gives La Fondation is just the right amount of allure – as if only the coolest people in Paris know of its existence. And who doesn’t want to be in on that secret?  Combine that with the aforementioned design cred – think loads of contemporary art, pops of rich colour in tones of mustard, emerald green and ruby red, and clashing materials – and some excellent drinking and dining digs, and you’ve got all the correct components for a swanky stay. What are the rooms like at La Fondation? There are 58 rooms, including three suites, spread across seven levels of the building. I’m staying in a Deluxe Room (24sqm), which features a heavenly k

Travel to Poland this November without having to dust off your passport with the return of the Polish Festival to Fed Square on Sunday, November 16.  Kicking off at 10am, this annual celebrtion of Polish food, drinks, culture and traditions in now in its 21st year and will feature a fun line-up of dancing, live music, performance and art. But what we're most excited for is the food – think pierogi, cabbage rolls, sausages and potatoes in all their glorious forms (think potato pancakes, dumplings, soups and casseroles). Best of all, you can wash it all down with some pickle juice, which is apparently a go-to Polish remedy for hangovers, sore muscles and the occasional broken heart.  Find out more about the free, family-friendly event here.  Stay in the loop: sign up for our free Time Out Melbourne newsletter for the best of the city, straight to your inbox. After more fun things to do in our city? Check out the best events happening in Melbourne this week.

If you're after a heart-warming example of a community coming together to create a drinking and dining destination that puts their small town on the map, look no further than Maffco Brewery and Distillery. After standing derelict for 100 years, the former milk factory was purchased by locals Nicky Reeves and Lashay Tricker, who dreamed of transforming the site into a thriving business that would put Maffra on the map and further cement East Gippsland's reputation as one of Victoria's premier foodie regions. With the whole of the township behind them – the people of Maffra turned out in droves to offer their services and pitch in at working bees – the vision came to life. Opening in 2023, Maffco Brewery and Distillery is now a hugely successful (and much loved) venue serving up top-notch froffs and excellent pub grub. The space itself is enormous, with a sweeping ground floor and mezzanine level. Many of the original elements remain, like the original beams and furniture made using the old exterior cladding and fences. The main bar is where you can work your way through the bevvies – the core range remains available year-round, and there's an ever-changing stream of seasonal brews (if there happens to be a can of Frost Bite – a mango and passionfruit ice cream sour – lying around, be sure to give it a try). On the food front, you can get everything from scallops and burgers to a hearty lasagne. For a more elevated dining experience, Tucka is the adjoining restaurant that celeb

We're just as sad as you are that cherry blossom season is over, but the good news is that it heralds the start of the cherry-picking season. And if you can't get enough of those sweet and juicy red morsels, then make your way to CherryHill Orchards this summer to pick and eat as many cherries as your heart desires. This year's cherry-picking season will kick off on November 10 at CherryHill's 40-hectare orchard in Coldstream. On November 24, CherryHill's original orchard in Wandin East will follow suit and open its gates to eager pickers.  Sessions last for two hours, and cherries are charged per kilogram – trust us when we say these are some of the largest, sweetest cherries going around. But as you're picking, feel free to eat as many as you like! The fun doesn't stop at picking cherries; the orchard will host on-site food trucks and stalls hawking food and cherry-flavoured products. On top of the famed cherry ice cream, you can also shop pantry goods like cherry vinaigrette, cherry syrup, cherry barbecue sauce and cherry glaze. You can also bring your own picnic, or pre-order a box of goodies to enjoy on the orchard grounds. And if you visit on a weekend or public holiday, you'll be treated to the sweet sounds of live tunes performed by a rotating line-up of local musos. The cherry-picking festival will run until late December at the Coldstream orchard, and until early January at the Wandin East orchard. For more information and to book your spot head to the CherryHill we

The ultimate festive shopping spree awaits when the Big Design Market returns just in time for Christmas.  From November 28-30, the Royal Exhibition Building is set to be transformed into a shopper's haven for three big days. You'll be able to peruse more than 280 stallholders from Australia and New Zealand, selling things like ethically made ceramics, jewellery, homewares, clothing, lifestyle products, stationery, limited-edition art prints, pet wares and so much more.  Shopping can be hungry work, so be sure to fuel up with treats from some of the country's best culinary connoisseurs, including the likes of Wonder Pies, Ca Com Bánh Mì Bar, Casa Nata, Ugo Burrata Bar, Cobb Lane and Billy Van Creamery. On the beverage front, Axil Coffee Roasters will be doing some delicious brews, while Pizzini Wines will be on hand to whip up something a tad stronger.  This market's guest artist is Emma Morgan, who is best know for her beautiful botanic designs and illustrations. She'll be creating a jaw-dropping large-scale installation for the event. Don't miss the fashion runway at 6pm on Friday, November 28 (starring the latest collections from the fashion designers in attendance); and if you’ve got kids in tow, a designated entertainment zone with creative activities is sure to keep them busy. The show bags are also back – these usually sell out within the first few hours and boast more than $150 worth of goodies (including stationery, socks, body care and gourmet produce) for just $25.

It's not everyday that a tiny hole-in-the-wall gives you one of the best burgers in the world, but this isn't your everyday kinda place.  Operating out of the Yakamoz kitchen in a Brunswick East side street, Charrd has quickly become the talk of Melbourne's foodie scene. The menu is short 'n' sweet, with just two burger options: the classic (with onions and pickles) and the Charrd signature (with added truffle aioli, chilli jam and caramelised onions). Both are available with a single and double patty. There are fries, of course, and housemade iced tea and lemonade to wash it all down. The beauty of this burger is in its simplicity – the quality patties are made from a special blend of cuts from Madina Halal Butchers on nearby Sydney Road, and there's a delicious smokiness to the flavour. The pickles and onion add just the right amount of sharp zest, while the sauce combo balances it all out. Charrd is open from Thursday to Sunday, and you can stay across their burger happenings via Instagram. Thank us later.  Want more burger stuff? Here's our round-up of Melbourne's best. 

The Melbourne Queer Film Festival (MQFF) returns to shine the spotlight on LGBTQIA+ people throughout history with a line-up full of hysterical comedy, campy horror and deliciously juicy drama.  The largest queer film festival in the Southern Hemisphere is back for its 35th outing, and this year's theme is 'Searching for Queer Utopias'. Captured through film’s immortalising lens, MQFF's 2025 program is a celebration of queer joy, connection and liberation, while also showcasing spaces where the LGBTQIA+ community and allies can be themselves. Running from November 13-23, audiences can expect more than 130 feature films, documentaries and short films (including 35 Australian premieres) to be shown at iconic city venues like Collins Place, Melbourne Town Hall and the Capitol Theatre. “There’s an incredible line-up of award-winning and premiere cinema for the audience for our milestone 35th season,” says MQFF Chief Executive Officer, David Martin Harris. “We’re bringing back premium events for our opening and closing night in what is a purely contemporary program that looks at the current and future for LGBTQIA+ communities in Australia and globally.”  MQFF will kick off with an opening night screening of Queens of the Dead, a queer apocalyptic survival comedy with a stacked ensemble cast that's been directed by Tina Romero. The festival will close with Plainclothes, a 1990s romantic thriller directed by Carmen Emmi.  In between, you can catch everything from in-conversation eve

It's the great Aussie dream, right? To get together with your mates, buy a country pub and turn it into a welcoming watering hole where locals and tourists alike can swing by for a pint and a parma. Well, that's exactly what four pals have done with the recently reopened Yack Hotel in Yackandandah, which is located an almost four-hour drive from Melbourne on the doorstep of the High Country. The new publicans are Dale Kemp (former executive chef at Yolk Group) and his partner Brittany Hart, and fellow hospo legends Jackson Cartwright and Sian Haycock – and together, they've restored it to its former glory while losing none of its old-world charm.  Originally built in 1868 to serve the town’s gold-mining community, the Yack Hotel's four-month transformation saw many of the structural elements remain – like the heritage ceiling plasterwork and brown brick bar – while new additions included a fresh lick of paint and plush tartan carpet. A beautiful horseshoe-shaped bar top was also made from local red gum sourced from a farm just 10 minutes up the road to really amp up the pub's rustic character. The menu delivers all the pub classics (parmas, burgers, fish and chips) and some rotating specials, and there's an emphasis on showcasing local ingredients – think steak from Yalandra Pastoral in the nearby Mitta Valley and a sticky toffee pudding spiked with Rutherglen muscat. On the drinks front, regional brewers dominate, with ice-cold froffs from Bright Brewery and Bridge Road Brew

Regional breweries don't come much cooler than Dunetown. The brainchild of Chris and Gab Moore of Sailors Grave Brewing, this farmhouse-meets-beer hall opened in December 2024 and has quickly become a must-visit destination for visitors to East Gippsland. Located between Marlo and Cape Conran (yep, it's an excellent spot for a post-surf froff), it takes its name from the sea shanty village that existed in the area until the 1980s. Far from a ramshackle setup though, Dunetown boasts a huge brewery operation – we're talking a pilot malting plant and a 16-tap bar complete with a four-tap Lukr side-pour system imported from the Czech Republic. But that's not all – there's a huge indoor-outdoor seating area, a fantasic sandy play area for the kids with two boats, gardens, two adorable mini goats and quirky illustrative-style art by Joe Lyward. And there's no chance of going hungry here, either. The Tumba Taco food truck dishes up tasty Mexican fare including corn chips with guac, tacos and burrito bowls – and best of all, the handmade tortillas are formed using 100 per cent locally grown maize.  And to wash it all down, you're going to want to try some of the beer. You'll always be able to get Sailors Grave's core range here, but there will also be an ever-rotating selection of more adventurous and interesting brews – think limited-edition and seasonal drops like a cacao husk and vanilla bean stout or a sea urchin and lemon myrtle gose. Many of the beers have even been inspired b

As the first major development in Bourk Street Mall in 50 years, the new Melbourne Walk precinct has been a much-hyped and hugely anticipated project. And now it's finally open – complete with the sparkly jewels in its crown: two new hotels that form IHG’s very first dual-branded hotel property in Australia.  Tucked away above the retail sector are the Holiday Inn Melbourne Bourke Street Mall and Hotel Indigo Melbourne Little Collins. I'm checking out the latter, which is the design-led trendy younger sibling of the two that is chock-full of character and charming nods to its heritage. Why stay at Hotel Indigo Melbourne Little Collins Street? It's instantly obvious there's a lot to love here: the spiral staircase is a stunning architectural centrepiece, every person I encounter is a delight, the signature cocktails are spot-on and the rooms are spacious and well-appointed. But what makes this hotel feel special, and quintessentially Melbourne, is the seamless blending of the site's storied history with the swish, modern features.  The property's signature shade of Mondrian blue is front and centre as soon as you enter, and it extends throughout the hotel – from the painted column in reception to the hallways and in-room cabinetry. And while it's a nice example of brand awareness, it doubles as a homage to Melbourne's blue street signs. There are also multiple tributes to E.W. Cole, who was the owner of Cole's Book Arcade – once regarded as the biggest bookstore in the world.

I'm a self-confessed self-care tragic – whether it's a simple sheet mask in the tub or a bougie facial followed by a soak in a mineral springs pool, if there's a chance to grab five minutes of zen time, I'm going to grab it.  So obviously I jumped at the opportunity to visit Tokyo Headspa's very first standalone flagship salon in Melbourne. The brainchild of founder Nozomi Oshima – whose love for scalp and hair rituals developed as a teenager living in Japan – Tokyo Headspa first launched in Sydney in 2022. There are now three locations in the Harbour City (my colleagues are big fans of the Bondi Junction clinic) and two in Brisbane.  The Melbourne salon is situated on High Street in Armadale, and it's a calming, quiet sanctuary that feels worlds away from the hustle and bustle of the busy shopping strip outside. Designed by Rebecca Vulic of X+O Design Studio, it boasts a timber fitout with warm lantern lighting and soft music playing. The team are immediately welcoming upon my arrival, and I'm invited to pick a traditional yukata (I opt for the pink floral one, duh) and comfy slippers to wear for the duration of my appointment. Tokyo Headspa specialises in offering an authentic Japanese head spa experience that incorporates hair washing, scalp therapy, facial reflexology and upper body massage. The treatment beds and products have been imported direct from Japan, and all therapists have undergone extensive training in the centuries-old art by Oshima herself. I'm here for the

Update Tuesday, November 11, 2025: Today, the Australian Space Weather Forecasting Centre issued an Aurora alert, warning of potential Aurora activity in the next two days. According to the alert, "Two coronal mass ejections are expected to impact the Earth within the next 48 hours, possibly resulting in significant geomagnetic activity and visible auroras during local nighttime hours." The Aurora was most recently spotted on November 8 and 9 in parts of southern Australia.   As if last week's brightest-of-the-year supermoon wasn’t enough of a celestial spectacle, today, the Australian Space Weather Forecasting Centre (ASWFC) issued another Aurora alert (the second this month). When the ASWFC recently issued a previous alert, sightings were reported around midnight in Tasmania, Victoria, South Australia and even NSW (the further south you are, the higher chance you'll see it). Here’s everything you need to know about seeing the Southern Lights from Victoria. Where in the world can you see the Aurora? Bright, beautiful and bedazzling, the Aurora Borealis is a big-ticket bucket list item for pretty much everyone on Earth. Only those who have witnessed the Northern Lights with their naked eyes can truly understand its ethereal magic. But you don’t need to fork out on a ticket to Scandinavia to see the dramatic natural light display IRL. Australia has its very own version, called the Aurora Australis or Southern Lights – and this year, we could be in for the brightest display in

Just a week after Oasis blew audiences away at Marvel Stadium, Melbourne will once again play host to a major music moment. Rock'n'roll legends AC/DC are kicking off the Aussie leg of their highly anticipated Power Up Tour with two massive shows at the MCG. With a catalogue of rock anthems that includes 'Back to Black', 'Highway to Hell', 'T.N.T.' and 'Thunderstruck', we're predicting one helluva performance from the band – which includes the iconic line-up of Angus Young on lead guitar, vocalist Brian Johnson, rhythm guitarist Stevie Young, drummer Matt Laug and bass player Chris Chaney.  Ready to be shook all night long? Here's everything you need to know about the upcoming AC/DC shows. When is the AC/DC Power Up Tour in Melbourne? AC/DC will take to the stage at the MCG for two concerts on Wednesday, November 12, and Saturday, November 16. How to get to the AC/DC Melbourne concerts There is no general public parking available for the shows, so your best bet it to catch public transport. There are three tram routes that service the MCG: the 48, 70 and 75. If you're catching the train to the concert, you've got a few different options for routes you can take. The closest train station is Jolimont, which is just a five-minute walk from the stadium through Yarra Park, and you can get there via the Mernda and Hurstbridge train lines.  Richmond Station is also quite close by, at just a ten-minute walk from the MCG, and is easier to get to with eight train lines stopping there.

Experiencing a sun-drenched Euro summer is a travel rite of passage for many people. From sipping Aperols in Rome to picnicking in the shadow of the Eiffel Tower, it’s what fuels every Aussie’s wanderlust during the winter months. But, why does it kinda feel like everyone has the availability (and a flexible working arrangement) to go away for months on end? And is it even possible to do a proper European vacay – you know, with all the swimming, eating, drinking and shopping – if you only have a couple of weeks or less up your sleeve? Based on my own experience, I say absolutely yes – and you can even include a cheeky stopover, just to make that long-haul flight a little more bearable.  Earlier this year, I had my very own mini Euro summer, travelling from Sydney to Nice and Paris via Doha. In total, I was only away for nine nights – and yes, I came back feeling like I’d just spent a month doing nothing but lying on the beach. The most important factor? A scheduled layover. I flew in the Qsuite with Qatar Airways (their new partnership with Virgin Australia has made this route possible), which made Doha a no-brainer when it came to a pitstop destination. So much more than its bougie international airport, the Qatari capital is a delightfully surprising city where tradition meets modernity, and the vast desert gives way to space-age skyscrapers. Stop 1: Qatar I stayed at the gorgeous InterContinental Doha Beach and Spa, which makes for a great base. Pro tip: the arvo flight fr

It’s the day many Sydney Oasis fans have been waiting for – the Gallagher brothers played their first (critically acclaimed) Sydney show last night (Friday, November 7) at Accor Stadium in Sydney Olympic Park – and they're doing it all again tonight, Saturday, November 8.  For those lucky people who are going – pull out your bucket hats and Adidas trackies, and get your vocal cords ready to belt out 'Wonderwall'. Here's everything you need to know about tonight's Oasis Sydney shows. RELATED READ: These are the 52 best things to do in Sydney in 2025. When are the Oasis Sydney shows? Oasis has already taken to the stage at Accor Stadium in Sydney Olympic Park for their first concert on Friday, November 7, 2025, and they will perform their second and final Sydney show tonight – Saturday, November 8.  How to get to the Oasis Sydney concerts The show is going down at Accor Stadium, inside Sydney Olympic Park, which is well-connected to public transport (which is free for concert-goers – just flash your concert ticket). The easiest way to get to the concert is to catch a train from Central to Olympic Park station (they will be departing Central and also Strathfield every few minutes), and from there it’s a short walk to Accor Stadium. What time will Oasis come on stage in Sydney tonight? Gates open at 5.45pm, with support act Ball Park Music taking the stage at 7.15pm. Oasis won't hit the stage until around 8.45pm (and will perform for about two hours). What can I bring to the Oasi

At Time Out Melbourne, it’s our job to help people discover the best of the city – and further out across Victoria – so we’re normally the ones giving recommendations. That said, we love getting hot tips from you, too. So we put it to you – what are your top recommendations for things-to-do venues, restaurants, bars, regional venues and arts & cultural spaces? Drum roll, please… these are your top Time Out Melbourne Recommended People’s Choice picks for 2025:  Things to Do - People’s Choice: Royal Botanic Gardens Victoria, CBD Restaurant - People’s Choice: The Lion and Wombat, St Kilda Bar - People’s Choice: Bar Bambi, CBDRegional venue - People's Choice: Brae, Birregurra Arts & Culture venue - People’s Choice: NGV International, Southbank Stay in the loop: sign up for our free Time Out Melbourne newsletter for the best of the city, straight to your inbox. Hungry? Here's our round-up of Melbourne's best eats Thirsty? This is our ultimate guide to Melbourne's excellent bars And here are all of our favourite things to do

When it comes to arts and culture, Melbourne has it all. You can get your fix in galleries, museums, theatres, concert halls, stadiums, cinemas, at festivals, or in one of the many live music pubs – you can even get it by wandering down pretty much any Melbourne laneway. It’s our job to help people discover the best of Melbourne, so we’ve narrowed it down to ten must-visit Melbourne arts and cultural venues that our Time Out editors truly love. Check out what’s going on at our top Time Out Melbourne Recommended Arts & Culture Venues for 2025:  Astor Theatre, St Kilda FOMO Cinemas, Brunswick East Fortyfivedownstairs, CBD Forum Melbourne, CBD Greville Records, Prahran Immigration Museum, CBD Museum of Desire, Collingwood Red Stitch Actors’ Theatre, St Kilda EastPotter Museum of Art, Parkville The Substation, Newport Stay in the loop: sign up for our free Time Out Melbourne newsletter for the best of the city, straight to your inbox. What's on now? Check out the best theatre and musicals on Melbourne stages And here's our guide to art to see in Melbourne right now

Melbourne has it all – botanic parks, surf parks, bathhouses, boathouses, science stuff, art stuff… And our editors have done it all! At Time Out it’s our job to help people discover the best of Melbourne, so we’ve narrowed it down to 25 must-do Melbourne experiences that our Time Out editors truly love right now – from free spots to epic paid experiences, some in the middle of the city and others further out. How many have you ticked off? Here are our top Time Out Melbourne Recommended Things to Do for 2025:  BattleKart, West Footscray Blue Lotus Water Garden, Yarra Junction CERES, Brunswick East Cherry Hill Orchard, Wandin East Collingwood Children’s Farm, Abbotsford Cranbourne Royal Botanic Gardens, Cranbourne GoBoat, CBD Grazeland, Spotswood Hüd, Northcote Kayak Melbourne, Docklands Koorie Heritage Trust, CBD The Keys, Preston NICA, Windsor Pond Bathhouse, Mornington Puffing Billy, Belgrave Scienceworks, Spotswood Sense of Self, Collingwood Soak Bathhouse, South Yarra Studley Park Boathouse, Kew That Paper Joint, Brunswick Therapy, Eltham Tokyo Headspa, Armadale Urbnsurf, Tullamarine Victorian Pride Centre, St Kilda Werribee Open Range Zoo, Werribee Stay in the loop: sign up for our free Time Out Melbourne newsletter for the best of the city, straight to your inbox. Looking for free things to do in Melbourne? Here's our guide to the best zero-dollar thrills Or take a hike – here are the best day walks to take from Melbourne

Victoria is a big, delicious state. We’re lucky to have a bit of everything – incredible wine regions like the Yarra Valley and Mornington Peninsula, beachy spots like the spectacular Great Ocean Road, and gourmet gastro areas like Gippsland and Daylesford. Our editors have travelled across the state and narrowed it down to ten regional Victorian eateries that they truly love at the moment – from a relaxed feed at the Yack Hotel to special occasion spots like Du Fermier, and everything in between.  Where will you travel to eat next? Start sussing out these top Time Out Recommended Victorian Venues for 2025:  Babae, Ballarat Brae, Birregurra Chauncy, Heathcote Du Fermier, Trentham Dunetown, Marlo Kin, WahgunyahMaffco Brewery and Distillery, Maffra Messmates Dining, Warragul Wickens, Dunkeld Yack Hotel, Yackandandah Stay in the loop: sign up for our free Time Out Melbourne newsletter for the best of the city, straight to your inbox. Looking for restaurants in town? Here's our guide to the best eats in Melbourne. Thirsty? These are Melbourne's best bars.

Melbourne is known for its incredible food and drinks scene – in fact, just this year, it ranked as the top foodie destination in the whole world to visit. And dining in Melbourne was also named as one of Lonely Planet's 25 best experiences for 2026.  We’re lucky to have world-class restaurants, across a huge diversity of cuisines, using amazing produce, as well as some of the world's best bars. And at Time Out it’s our job to help people discover the best of Melbourne, so for 2025, we’ve narrowed it down to 25 restaurants and bars that our Time Out editors truly love right now – from affordable eats and special occasion spots to long-standing joints and hot newcomers.  Where will you eat next? Start sussing out these top Time Out Melbourne Recommended Restaurants & Bars for 2025:  Aegli, South Melbourne Albert’s Wine Bar, Armadale Banh Mi Stand, CBD Bar Olo, Carlton Capers, Thornbury Caretaker’s Cottage, CBD Charrd, Brunswick EastComo Lane, South Yarra Deep End Pizza, Collingwood Eat Pierogi Make Love, Brunswick East Greasy Zoe’s, Hurstbridge Inuman, CBD Kolkata Cricket Club, Southbank Maison Bâtard, CBD Molli, Abbotsford Mr Lee’s Foods, Ringwood East Mr West, Footscray Northern Soul, St Kilda Otakoi, Windsor Pho Hung Vuong Saigon, Footscray Ponyfish Island, Southbank Punters Club, Fitzroy Reed House, CBD The Walrus, St Kilda Wazzup Falafels, Northcote Stay in the loop: sign up for our free Time Out Melbourne newsletter for the best of the city, straight to your inbox. Loo

Update Tuesday, November 4: More than 100,000 people have poured into Marvel Stadium over two nights to see Oasis deliver performances that Melbourne fans won't forget for a long time. And now, there's only one show left – which means it's your last chance to see the Gallagher brothers IRL before they leave for Sydney. And considering it's been 20 years between visits Down Under, who knows when (or if) they'll ever be back. With all their biggest hits on the setlist (clips of 'Champagne Supernova' have been all over our TikTok feed), we're pretty sure Oasis are going to go out with a bang tonight. P.S. Bringing a flare to a concert is a dumb idea, so don't be that person tonight – even Liam thought it was a silly thing to do.  It's the moment Aussie Oasis fans have been waiting for – the Gallagher brothers have finally touched down in Melbourne, and so far there's not been a hint of conflict between the two. Phew! Which means everything is in place for them to conquer three epic shows at Marvel Stadium. So, pull out your bucket hats and Adidas trackies, and get ready to belt out 'Wonderwall', here's everything you need to know about the upcoming Oasis shows – starting with tonight's opening concert. When is the Oasis Live ‘25 World Tour in Melbourne? Oasis will take to the stage at Marvel Stadium for their first concert on Friday, October 31. They'll also perform on Saturday, November 1 and Tuesday, November 4. How to get to the Oasis Melbourne concerts Marvel Stadium is ri

It's no secret that Melbourne is home to some world-class drinking and dining experiences – Caretaker's Cottage was just ranked the 19th best bar in the world, in 2024 Vue de Monde landed fifth on La Liste's exclusive guide, and Lonely Planet just declared the city's culinary scene a must-do experience in its Best in Travel guide for 2026. Hungry yet? And now, a revered, high-end Melbourne restaurant has been recognised by the Tatler Best Awards, which have expanded across the Asia-Pacific region for the very first time. The Tatler Best Awards (now in its second edition) celebrate the top destinations to dine, drink and stay while travelling – and none other than Flower Drum earned a spot on the inaugural Asia-Pacific top 100. Flower Drum may be almost five decades old (yes, really), but this classy Cantonese joint located in Chinatown remains a beacon of elegant fine dining. Named after the traditional 'Flower Drum' dance, this certified culinary institution is best know for its impeccable service (the restaurant’s banquets is itself a carefully choreographed dance, which some of its waiters have been perfecting for 20-plus years) and dishes that offer diners a rare taste of various prized Cantonese specialities. And is it the best Peking duck in Melbourne? It’s definitely the most meticulously presented.meli  Photograph: Graham Denholm The other Aussie restaurants to make the list include Tasmania's sustainable dining powerhouse, The Agrarian Kitchen; and two Sydney spot

Ask any local what they love about Victoria, and we bet they can easily list a number of things that makes this great state of ours so wonderful – whether it's the spectacular natural wonders, cool neighbourhoods or epic adventures like this snow to surf trip. But it's always nice to be recognised by others on a global scale, which is why we're pretty damn excited that Victoria has made not one but two appearances on Lonely Planet's 2026 Best in Travel guide. Now in its 16th edition, the Best in Travel guide is basically the holy grail of wanderlust – a collection of expertly curated picks for where to go in the year ahead. It's divided into two sections: the 25 best destinations and the 25 best experiences. Standing tall as the only Aussie state to be featured twice, Victoria's two inclusions fall under the best experiences banner. So, just what exactly are they? Drumroll, please... The first is the Great Bathing Trail – aka Australia's steamiest road trip. In case you didn't know, Victoria is lucky enough to be home to a number of excellent hot springs sites stretching from Gippsland in the east to Warrnambool in the west. This new 885-kilometre route links them all, in what has to be one of the most relaxing ways to criss-cross the state. Open all year round (though we recommend doing it between April and November when the weather is cooler), stops include Metung Hot Springs, Alba Thermal Springs and Spa, Peninsula Hot Springs, Hepburn Bathhouse and Deep Blue Hot Springs,