Leah Glynn

PSA: there's only one month of winter left! We repeat, one month of winter left! To help you get through these final chilly weeks, we've rounded up a list of all the fun events, exhibitions, festivals and more happening across August. You're welcome! A definite highlight will be the return of Now or Never – back for its third year with a whopping 140 events including giant installations, club nights at the Melbourne Town Hall and panel discussions on everything from AI to immortality. Cinephiles won't want to miss the Melbourne International Film Festival, which opens on August 7 with the Rose Byrne film If I Had Legs I'd Kick You. And art lovers are in for a treat when the Affordable Art Fair rolls into town – pieces start at just $100, so there's something for everyone.   But if you want to fully lean into the cosy winter vibes, be sure to also try these hot chocolates and mulled wines, or jump in the car for a great winter getaway.  Heading to the slopes this winter? These are the best ski resorts to visit. Plus, how to do the snow on the cheap.

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. Mix up your mid-week routine with a visit to the Queen Victoria Night Market and enjoy live music, open fires and delicious warming treats (think bowls of piping-hot laksa and gooey raclette cheese). To celebrate the Boy Who Lived, Harry Potter: The Exhibition is offering witches, wizards and muggles $11 tickets on July 31 in honour of Harry's birthday. For a different kind of Potter, head to the newly reopened Potter Museum of Art to check out 65,000 Years: A Short History of Australian Art – a spectacular and diverese showcase of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander creativity. 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 100 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.

Melbourne comes alive on the weekend, so be sure to leave some room in your schedule to get out and experience the best of it! To help you make the most of your Friday, Saturday and Sunday, we've gathered all the hottest events, shows, gigs, exhibitions, openings and pop-up activations in one easy spot – you're welcome! If you haven't checked out Lightscape at the Botanic Gardens yet, we reckon this weekend is the perfect chance to do so (hot tip: grab a mulled wine for the stroll). For another fun weekend activity, head to Winter Glow Festival at Adventure Park in Geelong and enjoy ice sculptures, fun rides and even real snow. And fromage fanatics won't want to miss High Cheese at the Westin, where you can gorge on three tiers of dairy-loaded treats. 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 100 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.

In Australia, we've got boundless stars to share. When you combine vast stretches of national park, deeply dark skies and a dash of pure air, you've got yourself the ideal recipe for a quality stargazing session. Our Travel & News Editor Melissa Woodley reckons Exmouth's Cape Range National Park has the best night sky on the planet, and she'd love to go stargazing at South Australia's Arkaroola – the country's first internationally recognised dark sky sanctuary. Here's your ultimate guide to the best stargazing Australia has to offer. When is the best time to go stargazing in Australia?  Generally, the experts say winter, for the crispest air and sharpest visuals. This being said, anytime from February to October should deliver the goods in any one of the spots we've listed across the nation.  What should you take stargazing in Australia? Just like if you're going outdoors at night, anywhere, you need to be prepared. Even though the land Down Under has a rep for hotness, at night, temperatures do plummet – so bring plenty of warm clothes, insect protection, and ample food and water. Depending on your stargazing level (one being – "I like looking up occasionally and saying 'wow!' while eating marshmallows, and pro being – "I prefer seeing my constellations through the Hubble"), you should bring binoculars, night camera equipment or a portable telescope. Also, a good attitude and a healthy appreciation for celestial fun. Those two? Essential.  ☀️ Where to see Australia's best

July 2025: Listen up! It's your last chance to catch the smash-hit musical 'Hadestown', with the folk and jazz-infused production finishing up on July 13. Trust us, you'll have the soundtrack on repeat after you've seen it. 'Beetlejuice the Musical' is also continuing its mega successful run this month, leaving audiences in stitches night after night. For something completely unexpected, dont miss the Malthouse Theatre's 'ECHO: Every Cold-Hearted Oxygen'. Each night will see playwright Nassim Soleimanpour guide a new guest through the script for a (totally unrehearsed) performance that quite literally no one has seen before. 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.  Want something else to do this month? Check out our gig guide.

Have your plans for tonight fallen through or are you simply the type to live on the edge and wait until the last possible moment to plan your day? Luckily, Melbourne is the type of city where you can always count on finding something fun to do on short notice – even right now, in the depths of winter. From five-star musicals to world-class exhibitions, there is plenty to do if you're keen to explore the city's arts and culture scene. Love nothing more than a good ol' pamper sesh? Hit up a day spa or book yourself in for a facial. And if you're hungry – boy, are you in luck. Head to one of Melbourne's best restaurants or bars for a meal you won't forget. We even have some cheap eat options, if you're on a budget.  The fun doesn't stop at the city limits, either. Hit the road for an epic day trip, where you can discover the coolest waterfalls or go on a stunning hike. And because it's officially snow season, here's everything you need to know about hitting the slopes in Victoria. So, what are you waiting for? Have a scroll, lace up your shoes and prepare to hit the town – these are the best things to do in Melbourne today. Want more? Check out these great free things to do, or work your way through our 100 best things to do in Melbourne before you die bucket list.

Feeling like you need a little extra glow in your life? Or just need to take some time out from your jam-packed schedule? Tick both boxes with these luxurious skin treatments delivered by the city's best practitioners.  We've rounded up some of the most highly regarded facials in Melbourne that also appeal to a broad range of skin types, from dry skin and fine lines to acne and stressed skin. Whether you prefer a science-based approach, or something a little more holistic, there's a treatment for everyone here.  Get ready to hydrate, exfoliate and massage your way to complete rejuvenation.  After more self-care? Here are Melbourne's best spas and bath houses. Love a soak? Check out the best hot springs in Victoria.

July 2025 update: It's that time of the year when all you want to do is settle by a cosy fireplace or in a quiet booth and sip delicious bevvies with the people you love. Luckily, this list is chock-full of charming spots where you can do just that. Our tip for a winter bev? If there's mulled wine or hot cider, always order it. Melbourne has some of the greatest bars in the world, whether you're looking for the laser-like focus of 16-seater Above Board or the rock‘n’roll ‘she’ll be right’ spirit of Lulie Tavern. You can find temples heroing whisky and palaces dedicated to gin, hole-in-the-wall nooks for sipping natural wines or classy spots for suited-and-booted cocktails. How about a prawn club sanga and a bottle of Champers from tiny charmer Apollo Inn? Or crocodile bites and ice-cold Martinis from Black Kite Commune?  If it's sky-high action you're after, then take a squiz at our guide to Melboune's best rooftop bars instead. For tipples a bit more out-of-the-box, we've got the scoop on some of Melbourne's weirdest drinking experiences. Yep, your options in this town are truly endless – even if you don't drink booze, since most bars in Melbourne have seriously upped their mocktail game in recent years. We've rounded up the top 49 bars that we're really loving right now – and we're sure you will, too.  Stay in the loop: sign up for our free Time Out Melbourne newsletter for the best of the city, straight to your inbox. RECOMMENDED READ: Hungry? We've got you covered  with

July 2025: If you thought winter was a quiet time in Melbourne's art world, think again. The NGV Winter Masterpieces has just opened, and it provides a dazzling deep dive into the world of French Impressionism, with exclusive works by Monet, Degas, Van Gogh and Renoir direct from the Museum of Fine Arts Boston. Also at the NGV is Kimono, a beautiful exhibition that showcases the extraordinary range of the once-humble Japanese outfit. And the Potter Museum of Art has reopened after a major transformation with 65,000 Years: A Short History of Australian Art. It features more than 400 artworks from the likes of Destiny Deacon, Yhonnie Scarce, Albert Namatjira and Emily Kam Kngwarray, including rare cultural works. There's always something to see in this all-embracing city of ours, so don't let the month pass you by without getting your fix of the best art, culture and exhibitions in Melbourne this May. When in doubt, 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.  Keen to add some art to your home? These are the best places to buy art in Melbourne.

Brrr! The winter chill has well and truly settled in across Melbourne, but that doesn't mean you should remain curled up on the couch with the heater blasting. Chuck on a beanie, scarf and your North Face puffer jacket, and get ready to explore everything the city has to offer this month.   Any local knows that Melbourne in July is all about glowing and illuminated events. We're talking Lightscape in the Botanic Gardens (grab a mulled wine to really spice up the experience), Puffing Billy's magical Train of Lights and Firelight Festival in Docklands. You can also catch dazzling lights shows across regional Victoria, including at the East Gippsland Winter Festival and Electric Wonderland in Bendigo. Foodies won't want to miss the collab of the year when Mould teams up with Pinot Palooza for a weekend of wine, cheese and... more wine and cheese. Those with a sweet tooth may prefer the Australian Chocolate Festival, where up to 42 exhibitors will be offering free samples of the good stuff. And Grazeland will be turning into a wintery oasis with cosy bites, live music, neon lights and a snow machine. On the arts and culture front, there's a blockbuster line-up of shows and exhibitions to catch: Beetlejuice the Musical, Hadestown, Hedwig and the Angry Inch, Super, Kimono and French Impressionism: From the Museum of Fine Arts Boston. Phew! If that's not enough to stop you bingeing Netflix in your Oodie, we don't know what is. See you out there.  Stay in the loop: sign up for our f

Fitzroy is an eclectic suburb with a rich history etched into its pubs and gay bars, narrow streets and terrace houses, long-lasting retailers and modern wine bars that have kept the old decor. The suburb was once long associated with the working class and was known to have a bohemian vibe but became a casualty of gentrification in the ’80s and ’90s. Yet despite undergoing urban revitalisation, much of the heritage buildings and Victorian-era architecture have lasted through the decades and play a key role in the area’s ambience – right next to the street art.  You’ll find various characters within Fitzroy’s nooks, including students, young professionals and those of the older generation that have called the community home for decades. It’s economically diverse, too, having one of Melbourne’s largest public housing complexes while also putting up some of the most exxy rent in all of the city. It’s hard to pigeonhole the area but, why would you want to? The traditional custodians of the land are the Wurundjeri Woi Wurrung of the Kulin Nation and the Kulin name for the area is Ngár-go, meaning high ground. Jump to a section: EAT DRINK COFFEE SHOPPING THINGS TO DO What’s Fitzroy known for? Fitzroy is known to be a cultural hub with a vibrant heart and is celebrated for its unconventional, arty and eccentric nature. Head along Gertrude Street and you’ll be met with designer shops and independent retailers nestled beside bars known for their drag bingo and queer nights. Head dow

Perth might feel like it's in a world of its own, but anyone who's been there will tell you it's absolutely worth the trip (which is a little over four hours by plane from Sydney or Melbourne). Once solely known for its pristine beaches and perfect weather, Perth’s booming restaurant and culture scenes, and its trendy sister city Fremantle (located just half an hour from Perth), have put Western Australia’s capital city on the international radar. Our expert writers, including Time Out's Travel & News Editor, Melissa Woodley, have collated this mega guide on the best things to do in Perth. From a breezy stroll through Kings Park to a dip at the stunning Cottesloe Beach, the essentials are all here. We also reckon day trips to Fremantle and Rottnest Island are absolute musts. Happy exploring! 🍽️ The best restaurants in Perth right now🖼️ Perth's top museums and galleries⭐️ The best hotels in Perth

Score vintage treasures, designer items, crafted goods and op shop finds at the Round She Goes vintage market at Coburg Town Hall. The market features more than 60 stallholders selling handpicked and vintage clothing (1940s onwards), jewellery and accessories for cheap.  Stallholders are carefully handpicked by the Round She Goes team so that quality is ensured, sizing is diverse and the prices remain reasonable. In the past, shoppers have been able to snap up preloved designer goods from the likes of Zimmerman, Miu Miu, Versace, Scanlan Theodore, Marc Jacobs, Romance Was Born and so many more.   The market is held several times annually, with the next market taking place on July 27 from 10am to 3pm. Entry is $4, payable by cash or card, and there's plenty of free parking. Go early to fetch a good bargain and don't worry, there's coffee and baked goods inside to keep you going. Find out more here. Keen to snag more clothing? Here are Melbourne's best fashion markets. Alternatively, get a greener wardrobe with these sustainable fashion brands.

Fans of award-winning skin clinic Hüd have been singing the praises of the St Kilda outpost since founder and beauty expert Gry Tømte first opened it in 2017. Renowned for its welcoming vibe, evidence-based treatments and Scandi-style design, it earned a cult-like following and reputation for offering game-changing therapies that deliver results. Well, a second clinic has finally opened – and those living in Melbourne's inner north and its surrounds can rejoice, because it's located right on High Street in Northcote.  And boy, is it a beauty. Created in collaboration with design studio Golden, the reception is chic and minimal, with a curved concrete bench seat, simple shelving and warm lighting. Make sure to arrive early for your appointment so you can sit back with a herbal tea or chilled sparkling water and really start to unwind. The treatment rooms are just as gorgeous, with the walls painted a rich terracotta hue.  Hüd Northcote boasts the same ethos as its St Kilda counterpart: a focus on trusted connection, tailored treatments and skincare without the spin. It's a space where people can talk honestly and openly with dermal clinicians about their skin concerns, and receive qualified advice and personalised plans in return. There's certainly no 'one size fits all' approach here.  The treatments on offer here differ slightly to the St Kilda clinic, with Northcote specialising exclusively in Aerolase Neo Elite – an advanced laser technique that promises to rejuvenate you

Hüd is the brainchild of Norwegian beauty and skin expert Gry Tømte – an émigré who has devoted herself to effective skincare and treatments after suffering the torment of acne in her twenties. The result of Tømte's investigations led her to open Hüd's first centre on St Kilda Road in 2017 – the perfect union of efficacy, beautiful design, clinical knowledge and relaxation. The interior aesethic is the height of Scandi cool – think blonde wood, natural light, lush plants and treatment rooms that wouldn't look out of place in a lifestyle mag. Every element has been carefully curated to ensure you feel relaxed and ready to unwind from the moment you step inside. It may be a certified skin clinic, but there's nothing clinical about the decor. When it comes to the treatments available, the St Kilda clinic offers everything from Potenza RF Needling (which combines radiofrequency energy with microneedling to stimulate collagen and elastin production) to Enzyme Lymphatic Therapy (which works with the body’s own chemistry to rejuvenate the skin). You can also book in for skin needling, laser sessions and BBL Hero – aka BroadBand Light High Energy Rapid Output. It targets pigmentation, signs of ageing, acne and redness. While the treatments are results-driven, they are also super relaxing for the most part (don't be surprised if you doze off during some of them). The team of clinicians at Hüd are also highly qualified to provide informed recommendations and answer all your skin-relat

It’s lights, camera, action for the Melbourne International Film Festival (MIFF) this August, when a red carpet will be rolled out for a massive eighteen days of cinematic revelry. The festival celebrates Australian and international filmmaking with a program of more than 275 films. With so much to see, we've cut through the curtain to unveil everything you need to know.   What is the Melbourne International Film Festival? Now in its 73rd year, MIFF is one of the oldest film festivals in the world, alongside Cannes and Berlin. The annual festival is held over three weeks each year throughout Melbourne and surrounds. Founded in 1952, the festival presents a curated global program of screen experiences and the world's largest showcase of Australian filmmaking.  When is the Melbourne International Film Festival? Running between August 7 and 24, MIFF will include 18 days of bold in-cinema programming with star-studded events, world premiere screenings, headline features and filmmaker talks.  What sort of things can we expect from the program? Drumroll, please! The full MIFF line-up has just dropped, and let's just say it's getting a standing ovation (Cannes style, of course) from us. The 2025 program will feature more than 275 screen works – including both international and local picks – alongside a curated schedule of talks, panels and special events.  Kicking things off with a bang on August 7 is the Opening Night Gala Feature Film: If I Had Legs I'd Kick You, by writer-directo

There’s something a bit magical about the historic regional town of Ballarat in the dark, cold months – and that is exactly what the Ballarat Winter Festival seeks to amplify. Until July 27, the Gold Rush town will come alive with food and wine events, gigs and performances, a huge market and glowing Winter Wonderlights at Sovereign Hill.  Highlights of the program include the much-loved pop-up skating rink; the Hot Choc Showdown, aka your chance to sample decadent hot chocolates by more than 25 local venues; the Ukiyo Spiegeltent, where you can catch circus and comedy acts; and the Design Exchange Market, which brings together a number of independent designers, artists and creators. Phew, talk about jam-packed! You can check out the full program on the Ballarat Winter Festival's website.  For more frosty fun, check out our guide to Melbourne's winter festivals and events.

On your marks, get set, go! Pop your activewear on and get ready to run the winter blues away, because Run Melbourne is back. On July 13 challenge yourself with a half marathon, ten-kilometre or 5.5-kilometre run or walk, all in the name of charity. Live music, cheer squads and hoards of fellow runners are sure to distract you from the hustle of pushing forward with every step, that is unless you’re into the competitive stuff. If that's the case, it's time to put your training to the test and see if you can beat your personal best (and the best of those around you). In its 17-year history, Run Melbourne has helped raise more than $20 million for more than 300 charities. This year's event will feature DJs, food trucks, pre-race warm-ups and finish-line celebrations. The route will also take participants past iconic Melbourne landmarks like Federation Square, Marvel Stadium, Flinders Street Station, the Arts Centre, Shrine of Remembrance and the Royal Botanic Gardens before finishing at Melbourne Park Oval. Registrations for all events are now open and you can raise funds for your chosen charity through the event's fundraising partner Grassrootz. For more information, visit the website. Need to get back in shape beforehand? Here are Melbourne's best gyms and best running clubs.

You might think water parks and winter don't mix (especially down here in Victoria). But Geelong's Adventure Park isn't letting a little cold weather stop it from providing Victorians with a good time – in fact, it's provided a little inspiration.  Adventure Park's Winter Glow event is bringing lights, fire, ice and snow to the amusement park this winter. The festival (which is running until August 9) features fire twirling, ice sculptures and 3.3 million lights that will twinkle all around the park along a two-kilometre trail. While real snow might be a rare sight in Geelong, there will be a huge snow play zone (the largest outside of the ski resorts) where kids can make snowmen and snow angels  –warm gloves, gumboots and jackets are recommended!  Eight theme park rides are included in entry, including the Tea Cups, Air Balloons, Crazy Coaster, Wave Swinger, Grand Carousel, Red Baron, Little Buggy Speedway and Ferris Wheel (what a way to see the park all lit up). Face painting and marshmallow toasting will be on offer for the kids, while adults can enjoy a spiked hot chocolate, mulled wine or spiced cider. And lots of delicious novelty food items available to dine on, too. Winter Glow is on at Adventure Park until August 9. Find out more here. Keen for more winter fun? Here are the best things to do in July.

The first thing I notice as my Uber cruises down Amaroo’s long driveway is just how lush and green the estate is – coming from Melbourne, where it’s been so very dry recently, the dewy rolling hills look almost fake to me, and I blink my eyes a few times to drink it all in. Have I landed in paradise? It certainly appears so. Amaroo is nestled in the Bangalow hinterland, about a five-minute drive from the township. It’s the brainchild of owners Mike and Cathy Tomkins, who purchased the property with the intent to restore its ecological balance. What they’ve created is a luxurious, extremely private retreat that is focused on sustainability, regeneration (the pair have planted around 45,000 native trees) and connection to the land. It also doubles as a working farm – go for a wander around the grounds and you’ll spot a herd of black Angus cattle. Farm life has never looked so appealing. Why stay at Amaroo? To immerse yourself in the splendour of a property that is working in harmony with the natural environment around it. This isn’t a place to stay only to remain glued to your phone or laptop. You’re encouraged to relax by the pool, enjoy a creek-side picnic, spot wildlife, cosy up with a book next to the fireplace or sip Champagne on the swing. All in total peace and quiet, too – Amaroo’s secluded location makes it feel as though you’re miles away from civilisation. While I found it to be a gorgeous spot for some R&R during my solo stay, it’s also perfect for a cosy couple’s g

Back for another big year, this after-dark light festival in Melbourne’s north is coaxing you out of the house with live music, light projections, interactive art, roving performances, food trucks and family friendly activities On Saturday, June 21 from 6pm, the Town Hall Broadmeadows precinct will be bathed in colour while a festival of grand proportions takes place under the banner of the Hume Winter Lights Festival. The free, one-night-only festival will go big with a line-up that includes Bag Raiders (you bet we're excited to hear 'Shooting Stars' live) and Lastlings. You'll be able to dance the night away as these music legends get the crowd up and moving. Wander around a visual feast of interactive art, dazzling light projections and immersive experiences by local visual artists and community groups. Meanwhile, roving entertainers and acrobats will also keep you enthralled.  To keep you fuelled for a night of festivities, there will be more than 20 food trucks spanning a wide range of cuisines. Best of all, the night will be topped off with a shimmering fireworks display. To find out more and register your interest, head to the website.  Want more? Here are the best things to do in Melbourne this June.

Try as you might, it is awfully hard to see every single comedian at the Melbourne International Comedy Festival (MICF). The good news is you've been given a second swing at the best of the fest, with Comedy Republic's Replay Festival. For the entire month of July, Replay Festival is bringing some of the top MICF shows for a second round on stage. On the line-up are more than 40 comedians, including breakout acts, award nominees and critically acclaimed favourites who sold our their original runs. We're talking the likes of Scout Boxall, Brett Blake, Alex Ward, Gillian Cosgriff, Lloyd Langford, Nick White, Robyn Reynolds, Takashi Wagasuki and Greg Larsen, to name a few. Plus, US comedian Liza Treygor will also make an appearance, fresh off the debut of her Netflix special. Whether you couldn't get a ticket the first time around, or just want to keep the laughs going, Replay Festival is a guaranteed good time. Oh, and it also offers vital support to Melbourne's arts community in an otherwise quiet time of the year. What's not to love? Find out more and buy tickets here. Keen to keep laughing? Here's where you can see regular comedy in Melbourne.

Since 1993, the Reclink Community Cup has pitted two teams with questionable footy skills to raise money for Reclink Australia, an organisation that provides sports, recreation and arts programs to disadvantaged Australians. If you love footy, music and chilled-out fun times, then it's one of the highlights of winter. And this year, it's taking place on June 15 at Victoria Park in Abbotsford. So here's the deal. You've got two teams: the Megahertz (made up of radio folk from Triple R and PBS 106.7FM) and the Rockdogs (made up of Aussie musicians). Some are surprisingly skilled, and others not so much – but the main thing is that they put on a bloody great game to watch. On top of that, the day is packed with live performers. This year's line-up includes Spiderbait, Milo Eastwood, Frente, Charlie Needs Braces and more. Everyone is welcome at this event (which, combining rock and footy, is basically the most Melbourne event ever created) – so bring your family, your dog and get ready to cheer. There'll be plenty of children's activities and food stalls, too.  Tickets are on sale now via here.  Looking for more things to do? Check out our round-up of the best things happening in Melbourne this week.

The Yarra Valley Chocolaterie and its sister venues, Great Ocean Road Chocolaterie and Mornington Peninsula Chocolaterie, are hosting a delicious 18-day festival dedicated to possibly the best baked invention since sliced bread: the brownie. During the sweet extravaganza, the chocolateries will be releasing 16 limited-edition brownie varieties to sample, along with a range of brownie-inspired desserts and drinks.  Wondering what flavours are available this year? Here's a tasty teaser about what to expect: Dubai chocolate, Basque cheesecake, peanut butter chocolate whisky, black sesame and yuzu tarte. Yum! There are even gluten-free and vegan options to try so no one misses out. If you eat, sleep and breathe brownies, you might want to consider booking one of the tasting sessions. This is where you'll get to concoct your dream brownie from 50 different ingredients and while that’s baking, get to sample eight exclusive creations including bites, a hot chocolate and brownie ice cream You can even order the brownies to take home too – if they last the drive home, that is. The Brownie Festival is on from June 11-29. You can find out more here.  Keen for more fun? Here are the best things to do around Victoria in June.

Australia's music festival scene could be in for a major shake-up with rumours swirling that Tomorrowland is coming to Melbourne. Yep, the legendary multi-day EDM event – held every year in Belgium – looks set to make its Australian debut in November 2026. At least, that's what a recent video shared to TikTok seems to hint at. Filmed by user @mofftits at this year's Tomorrowland in the Belgian town of Boom (you know, the one where the main stage burned down), it shows a world map with Melbourne clearly marked as a potential location for the iconic CORE stage. Cue the excitement! The CORE stage has become a standalone event in its own right in recent years, popping up in places like Tulum, Mexico and Medellín, Columbia. While it doesn't sound like the entire Tomorrowland setup will be making its way Down Under, this is certainly the closest Aussie EDM fans can get to the real thing without booking a spenny flight. So, what can we expect if the CORE stage does make it to Melbourne? Previous line-ups for the spin-off festival have featured some of the world's hottest techno, house and dance acts, including Disclosure, Diplo, Paul Kalkbrenner and Bicep. And you know there will also be plenty of pyrotechnics, neon lights and props to accompany the jungle-themed stage. While there's been no news on a potential location, our money's on Flemington Racecourse – if you saw Dom Dolla or Anyma there last year, you'll know the venue can handle a massive EDM performance. At this point, all

Are you experiencing a bit of mid-year burnout? Do the winter blues have you cursing those enjoying a cheeky Euro summer trip? Don't worry, we have just the cure: Qantas has just dropped a huge international sale, with discounted flights on more than 30 routes across Asia, the Americas, the United Kingdom, Africa and the Pacific. Yep, we can feel ourselves coming back to life already. Qantas’ one-week-only International Red Tail Sale kicks off today and ends at 11.59pm on Monday, August 4 – so you’ll need to act fast. With 350,000 discounted seats up for grabs across almost the entire international network, the sale covers various travel dates between July 2025 and May 2026. We won’t judge you for leaving the kids at home, but you can also bring them for the ride with many of the deals falling during Aussie school holidays, including the summer break, Easter and the September to October break. So, where can you jet off to? Get ready to say kia ora to New Zealand, because the cheapest return economy fares start from just $499 between Melbourne and Christchurch, Auckland and Wellington. Keen to spend a little bit more? You can also snag return flights to holiday havens like Singapore, Honolulu, Hong Kong, Bangkok and Tokyo all for under $979. Ahh, we can taste the Mai Tai on Waikiki Beach already.  If you don't mind a long-haul flight, there are also discounted fares available to London and locations right across the United States (including Los Angeles, Dallas, San Francisco

There's nothing quite like being at the MCG on AFL Grand Final Day. There's a buzz in the air, spirits are high and everyone's in a good mood (at least until that first siren sounds, that is). With a pie in one hand and a beer in the other, it doesn't get any better – right? Wrong. Imagine if you could actually wake up at the hallowed ground of the MCG on Grand Final Day. Well, thanks to CUB, this year you might actually be able to do that. Yep, the legends at Carlton United Breweries are offering one very lucky footy fan and two friends to sleepover at the 'G on Grand Final Eve. How good!  Photograph: Wayne Taylor The unforgettable experience will see the winners chill out in a special Carlton Draught-themed hospitality suite that's been equipped with comfy beds, plenty of food, a well-stocked bar and huge TV. It means you'll get to kick back, relax and soak up the views of the MCG in peace and quiet, before waking up to watch the fans roll in and all the pre-game festivities start. Of course, the prize also includes three tickets to the 2025 AFL Grand Final (duh, they're not going to boot you out before the game starts), plus access to the exclusive Grand Final breakfast at Crown and other luxe hospo offerings. So, if this sounds like your idea of a dream come true, here's how you can make it a reality. Simply enter via QR codes on AFL match days at the MCG right up until the second week of finals (September 7). The winner will be announced on September 10 – it's safe to

We had just been thinking out loud that ginger pop star Ed Sheeran was due for a visit Down Under – after all, it's been more than two years since he played to crowds of 110,000 and 108,000 over two nights at the MCG in March 2023. Well, after teasing a return to "Oz" during performances in Europe, Sheeran has officially confirmed the details of his 2026 Aussie tour. And yep, he'll be coming to Melbourne. The beloved singer-songwriter will bring his Loop Tour to Marvel Stadium in February – and we're looking forward to hearing fresh tracks from his new album Play, like ‘Sapphire’ and ‘Old Phone’, along with all the classics (we’re manifesting ‘Shape of You’ and ‘Give Me Love’). So if you're keen to grab tickets, here's everything you need to know.  When is Ed Sheeran playing in Melbourne? Sheeran will take to the stage at Melbourne’s Marvel Stadium for three massive shows on Thursday, February 26; Friday, February 27; and Saturday, February 28. Will he go for a fourth show? The demand certainly is high, so who knows?! We’ll keep you posted if and when extra dates are announced. When do Ed Sheeran Melbourne tickets go on sale? General release tickets for his Melbourne shows go on sale at 3pm local time on Tuesday, July 29 via Ticketek. Is there an Ed Sheeran pre-sale? Absolutely. Telstra Plus Members can access presale tickets for Sheeran’s Melbourne shows from Friday, July 25 at 11am. Frontier Members can access presale tickets from 12pm on Monday, July 28. How much are Ed Sh

Drum roll, please! It's the moment you've all been waiting for – last month we shared the news that 25 townships across regional Victoria were vying for gold in the annual Top Tourism Town Awards, and now the three big winners have finally been revealed. Huge congratulations are in order for Warrnambool, winner of Victoria’s Top Tourism Town (population 5,000+); Mount Beauty, winner of the Top Small Tourism Town Award (population 1,500-5,000); and Trentham, winner of the Top Tiny Tourism Town Award (population less than 1,500). And we've gotta say, what a line-up of worthy locations! Warrnambool – aka the largest town along the Great Ocean Road – is a vibrant coastal hub boasting a rich maritime history, excellent beaches and some of the best whale watching in the state. Mount Beauty, tucked away in the Victorian Alps, is an outdoor enthusiast's dream offering mountain biking, fishing, hiking, horse riding and snow sports. And the charming hamlet of Trentham (just an hour from Melbourne) is beloved for its country pubs, boutique shops and art galleries, and lush natural splendour. Second and third place honours were also announced, with Ballarat, Port Fairy and Halls Gap taking out the silver medals in their respective categories, while bronze commendations went to Echuca, Portarlington and Whitfield. The Top Tourism Town Awards are run by the Victoria Tourism Industry Council (VTIC), and celebrate the regional destinations that go above and beyond to offer incredible experi

If this news doesn't call for one helluva party, we don't know what will. It's just been announced that Melbourne has ranked sixth on Time Out's list of the world's top 20 best cities for nightlife – and while it's no shock to any of us locals who love a late-night boogie and bev, we're still pretty damn stoked to be named among some of the hottest party spots around the globe. In case you hadn't realised, we've long been a champion of nightlife – and that's why we set out to collate the world’s greatest cities for going out in 2025. We quizzed thousands of people in hundreds of the world’s best cities, asking them to rate both the quality and affordability of their city’s nightlife scene, from clubbing and bars to pubs and nighttime entertainment.  After crunching all that data, we narrowed down the selection by excluding cities with lower overall scores and only including the highest-scoring city for each country. To create the final ranking, a panel of nightlife experts, including Time Out’s city editors and arts and culture writers, voted on their faves.  So which city claimed the top after-dark accolade? None other than the legendary party den of Las Vegas. Yep, the glittering, neon-lit strip is officially the hottest nightlife spot in 2025. And you know what, we get it – it's fun, it's full on and whether you're at a giant rave, epic EDM set or swanky cocktail bar, you know it's gonna be a guaranteed good time. Rounding out the rest of the top five is the Spanish capit

Does this grim winter weather have you dreaming of an overseas holiday? If that's a yes, stop what you're doing and get out your credit card: Jetstar has just dropped some sweet flight deals to Tokyo, Osaka and Seoul. Yep, you could be sipping sake in the Land of the Rising Sun or getting your kimchi and K-pop fix thanks to one-way fares from Melbourne starting at just $266. How good! Jetstar’s Japan and South Korea sale is on right now and ends at 11.59pm on Thursday, July 24 – unless sold out prior. We reckon these hot airfares will go fast, so if you’re keen for a holiday filled with jewel-toned sashimi, hearty ramen, 7-Eleven snacks and late-night neon-street strolling, jump on these bad boys now. Flights from Melbourne to Osaka and Tokyo are the cheapest (FYI these are via Cairns), starting at $266. And you can nab ticket from Melbourne to Seoul (this time via Sydney) for $270. There are also super-cheap flights available from Cairns, Brisbane, Sydney and Adelaide – some from as little as $130! If you're heading to Osaka, you’ll need to check out Time Out Market Osaka – the first one to ever open in Asia Pacific – featuring dishes from first-class local chefs, the city’s top restaurants, bars and cultural experiences, all under one roof and curated by Time Out's editors. Call us biased, but it rocks. Travel dates vary, with flights available between May and June next year, as well as ones for this coming spring and summer. Go on, you know what to do. Find out more about

Some days in this job, you just have to pinch yourself. At least that’s what I was thinking as I sipped Champagne at Sydney Airport’s international terminal on a Thursday morning, waiting to board Flight VA1 to Doha.  I was travelling to the Qatari capital in celebration of Virgin Australia’s return to long-haul international flying in partnership with Qatar Airways. This sky-high alliance is set to change the way Aussies travel overseas, offering access to more than 170 destinations across Europe, the Middle East and Africa.   But the coolest part about this launch was the opportunity to experience the Qsuite – aka the world’s best business class seat, according to the 2025 Skytrax Awards (which are known as the ‘Oscars of the aviation industry’). Qatar Airways was also crowned the world’s best airline for a record-breaking ninth year in a row, so I knew I was in for something pretty memorable. Photograph: Leah Glynn So it was with a scoop of free strawberry gelato in hand – a tasty perk of the special pre-flight festivities – that I boarded the Boeing 777, ready for 14 hours of flying. If you’re keen to do the same, here’s everything you need to know about travelling business class with Virgin Australia in partnership with Qatar Airways. What does the new partnership between Virgin Australia and Qatar Airways mean? Along with access to Qatar Airways’ vast travel network, the new Australia to Doha routes offer an elevated flying experience, outstanding amenities and loyal

It's shaping up to be a Lorde summer, with the alt-pop superstar dropping the tour announcement we've all been waiting for. Fresh off her incredible surprise set at Glastonbury, Lorde has confirmed the details for her Ultrasound World Tour, and you can bet it includes some shows in Melbourne. Lorde’s 2026 homecoming visit will be her first time performing on New Zealand and Aussie soil since her 2023 Solar Power Tour. With a whole new album (the already-approaching-cult-status Virgin) now out in the open, we can't wait to hear 'What Was That', 'Favourite Daughter' and 'Clearblue' live for the first time. (Not to mention all her other hits.) Keen? Here’s everything you need to know about Lorde’s Melbourne shows. When is the Lorde Melbourne show? Lorde has confirmed the details for two epic Melbourne shows – she’s set to take over Rod Laver Arena on Saturday, February 21 and Sunday, February 22. When do Lorde Melbourne tickets go on sale? General release tickets go on sale at 2pm local time on Friday, July 18 via the Frontier Touring website. Is there a Lorde pre-sale for her Melbourne show? Absolutely. Presale for American Express Card Members goes live at 1pm on Tuesday, July 15, and presale for Frontier Members will go live at 2pm on Thursday, July 17. How much are Lorde tickets? Tickets range from $189.90 for A reserve seating to $149.90 for B reserve seating and $109.90 for C reserve.  Who is the support act for Lorde’s Melbourne show? The support acts for Lorde’s Ultraso

It's the news Lewis Capaldi fans have been waiting a loooong time for: the chart-topping Scottish singer and master of tear-jerking ballads has just announced he's heading Down Under, with three massive shows scheduled for Melbourne. Incredibly, it’s been five years since Capaldi last graced Aussie stages at Falls Festival, and two years since he heartbreakingly had to cancel his 2023 Australian tour due to the impact of his Tourette’s. But after an emotional surprise return at Glastonbury Festival over the weekend, the superstar has announced his long-awaited Aussie comeback. Brace your heartstrings, as the setlist is bound to hit you right in the feels with favourites like ‘Before You Go’, ‘Hold Me While You Wait’, ‘Bruises’, ‘Forget Me’, his latest release ‘Survive’ and, of course, the global smash hit, ‘Someone You Loved’ – which is the world’s fourth most streamed song in history. Want to cry-sing to these hits live? Here’s everything you need to know about getting tickets to Lewis Capaldi’s Melbourne shows. When is Lewis Capaldi going on his Melbourne, Australian tour 2025? We called it! After initially announcing only one show in Melbourne at Rod Laver Arena on Friday, December 12, Capaldi has just dropped the details for two more shows on Wednesday, December 10 and Saturday, December 13. The huge demand for tickets also saw him add two extra shows in Sydney, and he'll also be performing in Brisbane, Adelaide and Perth When do Lewis Capaldi Melbourne tickets go on sal

As if the prospect of owning a property wasn't daunting enough, a global study has revealed the most unaffordable cities to buy a house – and we're saddened to reveal that Melbourne has landed at ninth on the list. But hey, that's better than seventh, which is where our city ranked last year. Gotta look at the (small) positives, right? For more than 20 years, the Demographia International Housing Affordability Report has analysed middle-income housing affordability across 95 major markets in eight countries, including Australia, Canada, China, Ireland, New Zealand, Singapore, the United Kingdom and the United States. To determine the rankings, the researchers at Chapman University compare median house prices to median household incomes, scoring each market on a scale from ‘affordable’ (3.0 or less) to ‘impossibly unaffordable’ (9.0 or more). For the first time ever, not a single one of the 95 housing markets assessed was classified as ‘affordable’. This news is even more grim for potential Aussie homebuyers, with Sydney, Adelaide, Brisbane and Perth joining Melbourne among the 15 least affordable places to buy a home worldwide in 2025. While Melbourne's ranking of ninth, with a median multiple score of 9.7, is a shock, spare a thought for anyone hoping to buy a home in Sydney. Australia’s largest capital city is the second least affordable major property market in the world, with a staggering median multiple score of 13.8. That means the median house prices across the city

One of our fave things to do is play tourist in our own city – and a cheeky staycation is a great way to do that. After all, Melbourne is home to a suite of fabulous hotels, ranging from swanky luxury lodgings to quirky boutique spots with plenty of personality. And now, two of the city's top hotels have been honoured in Travel and Leisure's Luxury Awards, which recognises Australia's best hotels, pools and spas. Both the Ritz-Carlton Melbourne and the W Melbourne have landed on the list of Australia's best city hotels for 2025, coming in at second and sixth, respectively. If you've stayed at either of these hotels, you'll know they have dreamy sky-high pools, world-class drinking and dining options (hello, Atria and Curious), excellent service and beautiful rooms you'll wish you could move into. But it was Sydney's Capella that took out the top spot, with Travel and Leisure saying "this regal hotel has upped the luxury factor in Sydney’s heart".  That's not the only category the Ritz-Carlton starred in though – the bougie hotel also got a mention on the best hotel spas list (coming in second, with Crown's spa landing at seventh), while general manager Rachel Harman was named among the country's best.  Other local hotels to score a shout out include the InterContinental Sorrento and Jackalope, both located on the Mornington Peninsula, which took out seventh and eighth spots on the list of Australia's best country hotels and lodges for 2025. You can read the full list of awar