Liv Condous

Standing in a McLaren Vale vineyard on a hot summer afternoon, gazing across the vines to the shimmering Gulf St Vincent, this place could be Tuscany... But that’s just the wine-tasting talking. McLaren Vale is definitively South Australian – and at just 45 minutes south of Adelaide, it’s also one of the most easily accessible wine regions in the country. Backed by the rippling topography of the Willunga Scarp, McLaren Vale’s agrarian landscape is a gorgeous patchwork of vineyards that was, at one stage, nominated for a World Heritage listing. Shiraz grows ridiculously well in the Vale’s deep terra rossa limestone soils – but with 80-plus cellar doors to visit, you’ll also find grenache, sangiovese, fiano, vermentino and other Med styles with which to blur your afternoon. With so many world-class wineries in the region, it can be a little baffling to choose where to visit. There's a wide array of estates here, from the heritage of Oliver’s Taranga Vineyards to modern, inventive makers like Mollydooker Wines and Alpha Box & Dice. No matter what your palate prefers, there's adrop to suit your tastes. To make the decision easier, Time Out has tasked a passionate wine lover to bring you the best wineries in McLaren Vale. So grab a map at the visitor centre, get someone else to drive, and start tasting. 🍷 Best wineries in Australia🍇 Best wineries in the Barossa Valley🌳 Best wineries in Clare Valley

Take Main North Road out of Adelaide and keep driving for an hour and a half. As you roll into Ngadjuri Country, photogenic little Auburn marks the southern bookend of the Clare Valley. There’s a real shift in the landscape here: the silos and rolling wheatfields of the Mid North district give way to vineyards, historic stone villages and sheltered creek beds studded with huge old redgums. Clare itself, the valley’s northern bookend, is just 24 kilometres further on: in between are 50-plus wineries (around 35 cellar doors), bottling up mineral-rich reds, semillon and riesling to rival the world’s best. Snaking through it all is the 33 kilometre Riesling Trail, a disused rail line that’s been converted into a bike/hike path, taking you past some of the valley’s top cellar doors. In an area so rich with top-notch drops, how does one thirsty visitor choose which wineries to visit? To narrow it down, Time Out has enlisted an avid quaff-er and wine enthusiast to bring you a list of the best Clare Valley wineries. This guide spans everything from some of the very-first estates that defined the region like Jim Barry Wines, tucked away contemporary cellar doors like Jeanneret Wines and biodynamic pioneers like Grosset Wines.  So there's nothing left to do but get sipping. Here are our picks of the best wineries in the Clare Valley. 🍷 Best wineries in the Barossa Valley🍺 Best bars in Adelaide🌳 Best things to do in Adelaide

Mexican food hasn't always been a staple of the Australian restaurant scene, but we've embraced the cuisine with gusto over the past few years. And there's something about Perth's gorgeous weather that cries out for the fresh, zesty flavours of Mexico. It's a scientific fact (well, we made this up, but we're pretty sure it's true) that tequila and Mexican beer also taste better when the sun is shining – so Perth is the perfect place to enjoy a Mexican tipple, as well. Our city is home to a collection of loco Mexican joints well worth a visit, so Time Out has enlisted a Perth-based foodie fanatic to recommend you the best Mex restaurants and bars. There's a spot for every kind of taco-craving, like a mezcal-fueled late night at Jalisco, birra-style eats oozing with cheese at Don Birria and laid-back, family fun at Mexican Kitchen. Whether you’re searching for the perfect date location or embarking on a tequila cocktail operation with the girls, here are the best Mexican restaurants in Perth. Vamos de fiesta! 🍽 The best restaurants in Perth🍕 Where to find the best pizza in Perth🍷 Perth's greatest bars

You’ll be hard-pressed to find an Aussie who doesn’t love Japanese food. Whether it’s a piping hot bowl of miso soup with slippery noodles, a perfectly arranged platter of sashimi and sushi rolls, or a comforting chicken katsu curry to-go, the best nights are often those spent in the company of this cuisine.  In Perth, we’re no doubt spoilt for choice when it comes to Japanese dining. There's every kind of eatery for this kind of cuisine, whether it be venues for special occasions like Marumo, go-to wallet-friendly joints like Taka's Kitchen or spots that make for a fun night out like Goody Two's. This city has truly got it all, so Time Out has enlisted an expert Perth-based foodie writer to guide you on where to find Perth's best Japanese restaurants. Kanpai! 🍽 The best restaurants in Perth🍕 Where to find the best pizza in Perth🍷 Perth's greatest bars

As far as Queensland’s playground goes, spending your time in Cairns really puts you in the front seat of all the action. The waterside town acts as the landing base not only for some of the world's best snorkelling, but some of the most gorgeous islands Queensland has to offer. That’s not to mention trekking it to the nearby rainforest for cableway rides, river tubing and croc-spotting.  After countless trips to Cairns, we’ve picked out the best hotels that will offer you stunning water views, tropical relaxation and access right to the town’s main strip of shops, and marina-side dining. Take your pick! ☀️ The best thing to do in Cairns right now😍 All the best hotels in Australia⛺️ Our pick of the best caravan parks  Time Out makes a small commission from the affiliate links included in this article. These links have no influence on our editorial content, but they do help us to bring you more recommendations every week. For more information, see our affiliate guidelines.

We hate to say it, but TLC were wrong. Their song may be catchy, but we reckon you definitely should go chasing waterfalls, especially the ones near Brisbane. Some are in national parks, others you can swim in and a few secret ones will take you a bit of a walk to find. But trust us, no matter which of the falls we've highlighted you fall for, you're in for a beautiful day out in nature. Be amazed by the dramatic 90 metre drop of Kondalilla Falls, wander through ancient rainforest to discover Elabana Falls or go for a refreshing dip at Cedar Creek. Load up the picnic basket and pile into the car – these are the best waterfalls near Brisbane. 🌊 Secret beaches near Brisbane🚗 Best day trips from Brisbane😱 The best waterfalls in Australia

From butter-soft Wagyu to flame-grilled sirloin, there are many ways to enjoy a great cut of beef. And here in Perth, carnivores are spoilt for choice with places to get their daily serving of protein.  To narrow down where to make a beeline for to satisfy your meaty cravings, Time Out has tasked an expert foodie with a passion for Western Australian produce to highlight the best steakhouses across the city. There are more traditional high-end steakhouses like 6Head, restaurants blending fire-grilled cuisine with foreign flavours like Venezuelan spot Angel Falls Grill, and even an eatery offering customised whisky and steak pairings, namely Samson's Paddock. There's truly a steak for every carnivore in town – here's our pick of the best steaks in Perth. Knives at the ready! 🍽 The best restaurants in Perth🍕 Where to find the best pizza in Perth🍷 Perth's greatest bars

Whether you're chasing that new book scent, looking for your next literary obsession or just love losing time among shelves, Perth’s independent bookshops are full of stories waiting to be discovered. Scattered across the 'burbs and tucked away in shopping strips, Perth's best bookshops are more than just places to buy books – they’re community hubs, creative spaces and safe havens for bookworms of all kinds. There's something for every kind of fiction or non-fiction fanatic here, like the leafy literary escape of Open Book in Mosman Park, the alternative titles found at Diabolik Books and Records, or the homely feel of Typeface in Applecross. Plus, you won't just find shelves lined with books, but also plenty of curious trinkets and gifts. So if you're feeling the urge to add to your TBR pile, here’s where to find the best bookshops in Perth. 🌳 The best things to do in Perth🖼️ Perth's top museums and galleries🥐 The cutest cafés in Perth

There’s no doubt about it, Perth's burger game is strong. With smashed patties galore, beefy numbers dripping juice all over town and even some wildly tasty vegan options on the cards, there's a bite for every appetite. The scene is vast, and knowing where to start can leave you feeling a little smashed yourself. Lucky for you, Time Out has an expert foodie on the case to stack together all the best of the best spots in one list. Below, you'll find your guide to where to satisfy that burger craving, like cult-favourite Hoodburger bringing retro American diner vibes, BurgerFreak with super creative combos, plus star-studded spot Compton Burgers. If your stomach is being indecisive, we’re here to guide you in the direction of the best burgers in Perth.  🍝 Perth's best Italian restaurants🍷 The best bars in Perth🍕 Perth's top pizzerias

Scuba diving is possibly the closest thing we humans have to a) flying, b) space and c) entering a new and magical reality where the mystical reigns supreme. If you're in Australia, and looking to escape a cold, hard reality standing on solid ground – you're in luck. Down Under is home to countless scuba diving locations that are guaranteed to blow anyone's socks (or flippers) off – including the incredible Great Barrier Reef, one of the seven natural wonders of the world. With so much choice for scuba spots, it can be a little overwhelming knowing where to start.  To help you out, our travel writers have pulled together a list of the best places to scuba dive in Australia. It covers most states across the country (other than the NT, where the saltwater crocs rule the seas), from Agincourt Reef in Tropical North Queensland to the temperate conditions of Bicheno in Tasmania. So no matter where you travel in the Great Southern Land, you're in for a deep-sea treat.  🏝️ The most beautiful islands in Australia🪂 The best places to go skydiving in Australia

Anyone who’s experienced cherry blossom season in Japan knows just how enchanting it is. The sakura trees bloom for only two short weeks in spring – generally between March and April – making the pretty-in-pink floral display all the more special.  Luckily, you don’t have to fly to Japan during their busiest season to witness the magic of cherry blossoms. Australia’s cool-climate regions put on their own stunning pink showcase in spring, which happens in reverse to Japan, typically from late August to early October. Sydney's Cherry Blossom Festival is one of the state's most Instagrammable events, with equally pretty festivals at orchards just a short drive from Melbourne and Perth. Whether you’re after a romantic getaway or a family-friendly day trip, here are the best places to see cherry blossoms in Australia. 🌸 The best places to see wildflowers in Australia😍 Australia's most beautiful places to explore🍌 A guide to Australia’s best big things

Ah, food. Glorious, glorious food. There’s nothing more we’d rather travel around the country for. Almost every state, city and even town in Australia has its own foodie festival, bringing together the best chefs, farmers, producers and suppliers. Our Sydney Food & Drink Editor, Avril Treasure, raves about Orange F.O.O.D Week, our Melbourne Editor, Lauren Dinse, loves Pinot Palooza, and our Travel & News Editor, Melissa Woodley, dreams of experiencing Darwin International Laksa Festival. So, whether you’re a wine wanker, a seafood seeker, a beer buff or a truffle hunter, here are the best food and drink festivals in Australia worth travelling for. 🍽️ The best restaurants in Australia🎸 Australia's grooviest music and arts festival🍷 The best bars in Australia

Stepping into Mantra PortSea Resort felt a bit like wandering into a Mediterranean escape, with archways lining the crisp all-white exterior, light spilling into the airy lobby and a huge art installation swinging above. Unlike many of my friends, I’d decided to forgo a Euro summer, instead opting for a sunny Queensland getaway to break up Melbourne’s brutal winter. So it was lovely to feel like I wasn’t totally missing out, as this hotel still had the same holiday vibe, but without the incredibly expensive airfare to get there.  If, like me, you find yourself heading to Port Douglas in search of a relaxed seaside escape, Mantra PortSea Resort is a solid pick that has a true tropical holiday feeling. Why stay at Mantra PortSea Resort? Situated a short walk from the picturesque Four Mile Beach and Port Douglas’ main strip, Macrossan Street, with a plethora of cafés, bars, boutiques and galleries, Mantra PortSea Resort’s location is the sweet spot for proximity to both beach and town. While the hotel is simple, it still felt like a special stay, with the sprawling lagoon swimming pool in the centre of the hotel adding a real wow-factor. Plus, in an area that has plenty of fancy hotels, this one also has the affordability factor, which is a huge plus for saving your holiday budget for the many activities you can do from Port Douglas.  What are the rooms like at Mantra PortSea Resort? My friend and I stayed in a One Bedroom Superior Studio, which was airy with light‑wood furnishi

As a sun-starved Melburnian, Cairns was my ideal winter getaway destination for a strong dose of warmth and relaxation. I wanted to soak up some Vitamin D and explore the natural wonders of tropical north Queensland, and when it came to accommodation, all I was looking for was a base for my sun-drenched adventures. Hilton Cairns was the perfect place, with its central location and laid-back vibe.  I’m not a high-maintenance type of traveller – yes, it’s nice to be bougie once and a while, but generally I’d rather stay at a hotel that simply ticks all the essential boxes. Hilton Cairns ticks them in spades – it’s not trying to be trendy or flashy, but it’s got that reliable luxury vibe that makes you feel instantly taken care of. But that’s not to say it doesn’t have wow-factor – the Hilton's location brings a new meaning to waterfront views. When I first walked into my room, my jaw dropped as I marvelled at the genuinely panoramic vista before me. It was stunning – and felt like the essence of the beauty that is abound in tropical North Queensland, that I was eager to explore.  Why stay at Hilton Cairns? Like many hotels under the famous name, Hilton Cairns has been around for a while, gaining a strong reputation over the years. It’s one of Cairns’ most recognisable hotels – from afar, you can spot the striking curved white structure wrapping around the marina like a cruise ship permanently docked in the city. But while the exterior leans a little retro, the interiors have be

May the 4th is a special date for any Star Wars fan, but this year is one to remember. A brand-new Lego Star Wars exhibition made its world premiere, and not in a galaxy far, far away but right here in Melbourne.  Lego Star Wars: the Exhibition at Melbourne Museum comes from revered Lego genius Ryan 'Brickman' McNaught, who's back with his latest mind-boggling project of massive Star Wars brick creations – some standing at a whopping four metres tall.  There are Lego replicas of many of the iconic characters, fan favourite scenes, spacecraft and more, from both the classic films and newer releases. Plus, the exhibition includes interactive brick-based activities inclusive of all ages.  It took more than 25,000 hours to finish the exhibition and it features a wild 8 million Lego bricks. One of the most monumental creations is a three-metre-tall red X-wing spacecraft, made of an astonishing 64,759 bricks, taking 382 hours to build.  "Fans will be blown away by the scale of the experience," Brickman says. "Building these iconic scenes and characters in Lego Star Wars form is an extremely complex task – taking the humble Lego brick and using it by the millions to translate into Star Wars builds and models at an epic scale the world has never seen before.  "My team and I are super excited to launch this mind-blowing experience right here in Melbourne. My inner 7-year-old self still can’t quite believe this is happening. I can’t wait till May the Fourth to be able to share this in

Get your wands at the ready, because Melbourne is set to play host to the Australian premiere of Harry Potter: The Exhibition. This behind-the-scenes extravaganza will leave Potterheads spellbound, and features interactive recreations of famous film scenes, props and costumes from the Broadway production of Harry Potter and the Cursed Child, a multimedia experience featuring the Whomping Willow, dementors, the Marauder's Map and the chance to conjure a Patronus charm. Budding witches and wizards will be sorted into Hogwarts houses and earn points as they explore the exhibition – it could be through a potions class, predicting the future à la Professor Trelawney in Divination or defeating a boggart in Defence Against the Dark Arts. There will also be opportunities to practice spell casting and Quidditch skills, plus win golden snitch medallions to become a model student. Each experience comes with plenty of photo ops and, of course, magical interactive moments. There's even a recreation of the Great Hall for visitors to enjoy in all its splendour, complete with floating candles.  This official Harry Potter exhibition is part of a global tour, previously selling out in cities like Boston and Madrid. You can find out more about this enchanting experience via the website.  Looking for more family-friendly things to do? Here's our guide to the best activities for kids in Melbourne. 

Stand beneath a simulated thunderstorm, ponder eternal life, venture inside a massive lung-like inflatable installation and hear boundary-pushing sounds – Now or Never is back this winter.  Returning for a third year, the 2025 program has just dropped, cementing the festival as an exciting addition to Melbourne’s cultural calendar. From August 21 to 31, this multi-venue festival takes over some of Melbourne’s most iconic buildings to host artistic works at the forefront of creative innovation. With a whopping 140 events over 11 days, it features the recipe that the festival made waves with when it debuted – and some thrilling new elements.  The transformation of the Royal Exhibition Building into a cavernous rave cave has been a huge highlight from previous years, but this year the heritage space will morph into a completely different form. The space will house a massive installation by Spanish collective Penique Productions that will fill the building with a mammoth inflatable balloon to be experienced from the womb-like insides. ‘MATRIX’ will be on show for the first four days of the festival and it’ll be free to experience during the day, while also hosting immersive artistic evening events. Melbourne Town Hall will also come to life with a large-scale installation, a kinetic textile artwork that will dramatically drape 20 metres across the ceiling, titled ‘Einder’ by Dutch artist Boris Acket. Rippling with light and sound, this piece will also be free to see for just thre

Scienceworks is opening its doors after dark during the winter solstice, for an adults-only night where Melburnians can roam through exhibitions, catch docos on the planetarium dome, sip mulled wine and enjoy live music.  Embrace your inner child at the museum's fun-filled exhibitions and try once again to beat Cathy Freeman in a virtual race (you were so close when you were 12, surely you can do it now!)  The Planetarium dome will also be open, with guided tours of the night sky every hour. Lie back and take in the magic of the cosmos, with a drink in hand.  Plus, there'll be arts and craft activities, DJs and performances. You can make a proper night out of it and head to Grazeland just next door, where there are endless food options for dinner.  It all makes for an ideal, wintery weekend evening – have a great time and who knows, you might learn something too. Find out more and purchase tickets on the website.  Looking for more fun things to do? Here's our guide to what's on this week. 

Scienceworks invites visitors to explore Earth and the cosmos with a series of after-hours and adults-only film screenings on the huge Planetarium dome, with a drink in hand. Every Friday night, those over 18 can explore the universe through immersive documentaries and marvel at the magic of the universe. You won’t go spacing out at these shows either, as they’re loaded with amazing visuals and stellar content. The Friday night screenings feature two fims: one at 7.30pm and the other at 9pm. The films change each month; this June, you can look forward to Voyager – The Never Ending Journey in the earlier session. Ukrainian filmmaker Yuriy Gapon takes viewers on a wild ride to Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus and Neptune to see the launch of two space probes that would make history in the 1970s. If you book in for this slot, a presenter will also walk you through What’s in the Sky Tonight, where our real-time night sky will look more like a movie.  If you decide to come to the later session (or buy a double ticket and stick around), Pink Floyd Dark Side of the Moon will be lighting up the dome. Strap in for 42 minutes of non-stop tunes from the legendary rock band, as their greatest hits from the album Dark Side of the Moon is played in surround sound while set to trippy celestial visuals. Update Thursday, June 12: The June screenings of Dark Side of the Moon are all sold out, but you can catch the show back by popular demand in August (if you're eager, you can snag tickets from June 3

Whack on something dazzling and dust off your dancing shoes as the much-loved NGV Friday Nights returns to warm Melburnians up this winter. The popular event returns for 18 weeks during the NGV International's latest winter masterpieces exhibition, French Impressionism.  The new exhibition showcases more than 100 works by some of the greatest impressionist artists of all time, such as Claude Monet, Pierre-Auguste Renoir, Camille Pissarro, Édouard Manet, Edgar Degas and more. French Impressionism will take visitors on a journey through the evolution of Impressionism and Post-Impressionism in late nineteenth-century France, experiencing firsthand the radical vision of avant-garde artists who challenged tradition to forge a new artistic path. From June 6 until October 3, you can take an after-dark journey through late nineteenth-century France, and exploring the evolution of this art form that was once considered radical and avant-garde. But in addition to the art, spend your Friday evening enjoying a night out at one of Melbourne's most beloved attractions. Grab a tipple from one of the multiple bars (including the Moët and Chandon Champagne Bar and the Yering Station Wine Bar), or enjoy a set winter menu at the NGV Garden Restaurant. The trendy tunes are another key drawcard of NGV Friday nights, with musicians performing in the Great Hall every night. There'll be live music performances spanning genres including jazz, contemporary classical, R&B, neo-soul and electronic, fro

While Melbourne has plenty of illuminated events across the city this chilly season, regional Victoria is also lighting up with glowing sights and cosy winter festivals. Bendigo is one of the many regional cities with an illuminated offering this winter, with a huge, immersive sound and light event taking over the town centre during the school holidays. Located in Rosalind Park, Electric Wonderland will return this year due to popular demand, with a brand new program and glowing installations, as well as all of the best bits from last year's event.   It will feature thousands of fairy lights, flowers that seemingly fall from the sky, a dazzling mirrorball laser alley, a pixelated sound and light show, and much more, making for a magical winter evening. Plus, there'll be a 40-metre-tall replica of Bendigo’s Sacred Heart Cathedral, completely covered in lights. To find out more and buy tickets, head to the website.  Looking for more glowing experiences? Here is where you can find magical winter lights in regional Victoria

Forget about needing to fly thousands of kilometres to the other side of the world to see Les Miserablés – an epic production of the iconic musical has landed right here in our city, providing the chance to experience the magic of a performance from the crème de la crème of London’s famed West End. Les Miserablés is celebrating its 40th anniversary with a mega arena-sized version of the beloved show, filling Melbourne’s Rod Laver Arena with soaring songs for a limited time.  For the uninitiated, Les Miserablés is a musical adaptation of an 1800s novel by Victor Hugo, which was picked up by prolific West End producer Sir Cameron Mackintosh in the 1980s to become the production audiences know and love today. Set in 19th century France, it follows the life of Jean Valjean (played by Alfie Boe and alternate Killian Donnelly), a man striving to build a new life after he’s freed from imprisonment, but who breaks his parole to escape the trappings of a cruel justice system.  An act of pure kindness from a caring bishop (Earl Carpenter) spurs Valjean to transform his life and become a reputable figure, striving to give back to those in need. But the shadow of his past follows him, and he’s constantly evading the pursuit of tyrannous inspector Javert (Michael Ball). Set against the backdrop of the French Revolution, the story dips into the lives of a series of characters he encounters, each facing the trials of love and survival. While this summary sounds serious, the story is sung th

Before you enter full hibernation mode ahead of the cooler months, commit to one last outdoor hurrah with the return of the Great Ocean Road Running Festival on May 17-18. Take in sweeping coastal views while enjoying this rare opportunity to traverse the famous winding road on foot.  It's also the running festival's 20th anniversary, and with more than 11,000 runners expected to take part, this year’s milestone event is set to be the most unforgettable yet. For the running purists amongst us, there are a number of events on offer, including the ultra (60 kilometres), full (44 kilometres) and half marathons (23 kilometres), along with shorter options for those who just want to jog or walk.  And if you've got little ones, encourage them to get up and about for the 1.5-kilometre Kids’ Gallop. If that still sounds a little too athletic, consider getting involved in the Kite Festival, the Pub to Pub Waiter’s Race (which involves carrying a tray of beer from the Apollo Bay Hotel to the Great Ocean Road Brewhouse and back), or check out the live music all weekend long in Apollo Bay. There are plenty of other events and races on offer, so for more information be sure to check out the website.  Looking for more things to do? Check out our round-up of the best things happening in Melbourne this week.

Join thousands of veterans, their descendants, and current serving personnel to pay respect to the ANZACs at the Shrine of Remembrance on ANZAC Day. The Dawn Service is a tradition that came out of the military practice of 'standing to' at dawn, a time when troops are vulnerable to attacks. Each year, the event draws thousands to the Shrine of Remembrance while millions more around the world follow the ceremony on television and radio.  This year, the Dawn Service will commence at 5.30am, followed by the ANZAC Day March at 9am. After the march concludes, a commemorative service will be held. All are welcome to attend, and no tickets or bookings are required. If you're unable to make it in person, the service and march will also be streamed live here. You can also commemorate from home by donating to the ANZAC Appeal to support the veteran community.  Looking to take part in more traditions? Here's where you can play two-up, a gambling game that is only legal on ANZAC Day.

Melburnians, rejoice! We can once again enjoy the novelty of strolling through an underground tunnel right in the middle of our city. The historic Campbell Arcade has finally reopened, reviving the beloved shortcut that runs underneath Flinders Street Station.  The retro arcade, which first opened back in 1955, was closed off in 2022 as part of works on the Metro Tunnel. It’s been given a refresh, with a new ceiling, updated lighting and careful restoration of the original 1950s heritage features. And yes, those salmon pink tiles that cover the walls are still going strong.  The retailers that once filled the arcade aren’t back yet, but will hopefully return soon – although it’s unclear whether all of the same beloved businesses will return. Personally, we’d love to see Wax Museum Records back in the arcade. Crate digging for vinyl gems underground was a unique experience.  The heritage passageway was shut off as part of works on the Metro Tunnel, as it now forms a connection to the new Town Hall Station. Once the Metro Tunnel is in action, the new pedestrian link will run from this brand new station, under Flinders Street and alongside Campbell Arcade, before joining up to Flinders Street Station. It also connects to the Degraves Street Subway, so if you want to go directly from the train to eating a delicious baguette in mere minutes, you can live that dream.  At this stage, it’s unclear when this will actually become a reality, with no official opening date for the Metro T

The mystique of rare celestial events never fails to excite, from green comets to huge blue supermoons, we're always keen to know what the next cosmic phenomenon we can experience will be. If you share in this excitement, then hold onto your hats, because a pretty cool occurrence is set to happen in our skies. The stars have aligned for two dazzling meteor showers to peak just days apart. Stargazers, that's your cue to dig out your binoculars and telescopes!  The two events in question are the Delta Aquariids and the Alpha Capricornids showers, which occupy the southern sky and are both most visible in the Southern Hemisphere – so we're in luck! In an extremely rare alignment last year, the Delta Aquarids and the Alpha Capricornids meteor showers peaked on the very same night. This year, the double act will happen just days apart – with the Delta Aquarids lighting up the skies on July 28 and the Alpha Capricornids following on July 30.  When to see the Delta Aquariids and Alpha Capricornids in Melbourne and Victoria? The Delta Aquariids will peak first on Monday, July 28, with the Alpha Capricornids shower reaching their brightest on Wednesday, July 30.  According to associate professor Devika Kamath from Macquarie University’s School of Mathematical and Physical Sciences, the best viewing window is between midnight and 4am (AEST) from July 28 to 31, when both showers are active and the moon is mercifully out of the way. What can you expect to see on the night? At its abs

July 4 update: In news just in – and a huge blow to Aussie fans of 2000s era R'n'B – Usher has just cancelled the local leg of his Past Present Future Tour. Yes, you read that right – the 'Love in this Club' and 'OMG' singer was scheduled to perform six huge shows at Rod Laver Arena in November, along with another six at Sydney's Qudos Bank Arena in early December. Tickets for these performances (which only went on sale in May) have now been removed from sale, but there's no word yet from either Usher or tour promotors Live Nation on the reasoning behind the sudden cancellation.  As per Ticketek's website, all ticketholders will receive automatic refunds within 30 business days via the original payment method used. Well, safe to say he ain't got us fallin' in love anymore! (Sorry, we had to.) *** If you never got over the R'n'B era of the early 2000s, now's your time to shine. The man who is arguably the king of the genre is coming to Melbourne for a run of arena shows – yes, the one and only Usher is gracing us with his presence. OMG!  As part of his Past Present Future world tour, Usher has announced 12 (!!!) Aussie shows in Melbourne and Sydney later this year. It's a long-awaited return Down Under for the 'Love in this Club' singer, who hasn't performed on our shores since his first solo headline tour, the OMG tour, in 2011. All we can say is, yeah! The tour is essentially a victory lap for the iconic artist, who is performing in celebration of his incredible 30-year ca

It's no secret that Melburnians love recreational bathing. Whether it be at one of our city's many bathhouses and spas or at world-class hot springs resorts across the state, we love feeling a little luxe and taking a relaxing dip. So as you can imagine, when we heard that Melbourne is gaining another swanky bathhouse, we were very excited.  The award-winning Soak Bathhouse has just opened its latest iteration in the heart of South Yarra. The lush oasis offers mineral bathing in huge pools, hot spas, a dry cedarwood sauna, a steam room and cold plunge pools, all nestled amongst leafy greenery. Plus, you can also treat yo' self to additional wellness treatments like infrared saunas, LED facials and full-body massages. We can feel the tension melting away from our shoulders already.  Soak has already opened two bathhouses in Brisbane and the Gold Coast (where it was awarded the Best of Queensland Experience Award by Tourism Queensland), along with another one in Alexandria in Sydney. The Melbourne location is one of the largest bathhouses yet, spanning 700 square metres.  Photograph: Supplied Soak Bathhouse owner Niki Dean said with the Melbourne venue located just behind Chapel Street, it will offer a relaxing oasis to escape the busy city.  “Our goal is to provide a space where people can come together, relax and build meaningful connections,” says Dean. “Whether it’s a solo visit to unwind after a long day or a social outing with friends, Soak Bathhouse offers a versatile

When you think of the most prestigious universities in the world, the first to come to mind will probably be names from the other side of the globe. But there's one university right here in our city that is just as esteemed as the likes of Yale or Princeton. In fact, in a new global list of the world's best university, our very own University of Melbourne outranked both of those well-known institutions. Feel that city pride!    The prestigious QS World University Rankings for 2026 have just dropped, revealing which institutions stand in the best stead for the year ahead. Two Australian universities cracked the top 20 for yet another year, out of more than 1,500 institutions from around the world assessed for the 2026 rankings, including 36 from Australia. The top five were pretty similar to last year, with MIT holding onto first place with a perfect score of 100, followed by Imperial College London, Stanford, Harvard and Cambridge. Australia’s highest-ranked institution was the University of Melbourne, which landed 19th on the global list. While it slipped six spots from placing 13th in 2025, its overall score actually rose 1.9 points to 90.8 – thanks to improved ratings in seven of the nine ranking indicators. The uni earned a near-perfect 99.7 for academic reputation (the highest in Australia) and also ranked first in the country for employer reputation and sustainability. This university is consistently praised as the best in the country, and was also named as one of the

If you've travelled through regional Victoria, you'll know there's just something about country hospitality that truly hits different. People don't just rush from A to B, they make time to say g'day and stop for a yarn. So it's no surprise that when travel website Booking.com released its list of Australia's most welcoming towns, all of them were quaint regional spots. Three of them are in Victoria, so if you're looking for a wholesome, heartwarming country getaway, these are the places to go.  For its 13th annual Traveller Review Awards, Booking.com used a whopping 360 million verified reviews to determine the world’s most welcoming regions and towns for 2025. The small Victorian towns that made the top ten list are Ocean Grove in the fifth spot, Halls Gap in eighth and Daylesford at ninth. These are all top-notch regional destinations, made even better by the friendly vibes.  Australia's fifth most welcoming town Ocean Grove is located on the Bellarine Peninsula – a chilled-out seaside spot with a ripper surf beach that's nestled between Barwon Heads and Point Lonsdale. The second friendliest in Victoria and eighth in the country, Halls Gap is a tiny town tucked away in the Grampians, making it the perfect base for exploring one of Victoria's most-loved national parks and the surrounding wine region. Located in Victoria's 'spa country', Daylesford is one of the most popular spots for Melburnians seeking a weekend escape and is the ninth nicest town Down Under. It's known a

After the legalisation of pill testing back in November last year, and a successful summer of trialling a mobile testing service at festivals across the state, the next step in the drug-checking trial has arrived in Melbourne.  The state government has revealed the location of Victoria's first-ever fixed site for pill testing will open this year in the centre of Melbourne's inner north. The service will be located at 95 Brunswick Street, Fitzroy – close to one of our city's busiest nightlife hubs.  The site will offer testing of most pills, capsules, powders, crystals, and liquids, all in an effort to reduce drug harm. It will be run by a consortium of Youth Support and Advocacy Service, the Loop Australia and Harm Reduction Victoria. It will also offer free, confidential, and non-judgmental harm reduction advice from health professionals, medical support and social services when needed. The pill testing service is set to open by August 2025 and will operate Thursday to Sunday.  The legalisation of pill testing doesn't mean that any drugs will be decriminalised outside of being tested at the service, but does mean that people won't be breaking the law by bringing in drugs to be tested. According to information released by the state government, consultations with police will establish an arrangement that doesn’t deter people from using the service. Victoria state was the third in the country legalise drug-checking, following the ACT and Queensland, and the first to create ded

Baby, it ain't over 'til it's over. Lenny Kravitz is certainly following the ethos of one of his biggest tracks, as the enigmatic American singer has just announced a huge tour Down Under, returning to our shores after 13 years.  As part of a string of show dates in November 2025, the seemingly ageless rocker will play one big gig in Melbourne – and, a show in... the regional town of Mildura? Kind of random, but we're here for it. He'll be supported by beloved Aussie band Jet, so expect a live and loud night with a helluva lot of guitars.  The tour comes off the back of Kravitz releasing his latest (and 12th) album Blue Electric Light last year, which has garnered critical acclaim. So if you're keen to hear it live, as well as head bang to classics like 'Are You Gonna Go My Way', we've got all the details you need to know below.   When is Lenny Kravitz performing in Melbourne for his 2025 Australia tour? Kravitz will perform in Melbourne for one night only at John Cain Arena on Tuesday, November 25, 2025. His special regional Victorian show at Mildura's Sporting Precinct will take place on Friday, November 28, 2025.  When do Lenny Kravitz Melbourne tickets go on sale? General sale kicks off on Friday, June 20 at 10am local time via Ticketek. With only one show in Melbourne, we recommend acting fast (although, the touring schedule does have some gaps to allow for potential additional shows).  Is there a Lenny Kravitz presale? If you're super keen, you can secure your Lenny Kra

Winter has well and truly arrived – temperatures have plummeted, sunny days are fewer and further between, and we've pulled out our scarves and beanies from the depths of our wardrobes. We're about to hit the depths of the cold season, with the arrival of the shortest day of the year, as well as the longest night. While the thought of short daylight hours is a bit grim, it's all up from here, as the days will grow longer again after this annual astronomical turning point.  When is the winter solstice in Melbourne 2025?  The winter solstice for Melbourne, and the whole of Australia, falls on June 21 every year – which means it's coming up this Saturday. What is Melbourne's winter solstice? Caused by the Earth’s annual orbit around the sun, the winter solstice is the shortest day and longest night of the year – occurring in Australia when the South Pole has its maximum tilt away from the sun. This astronomical event happens on the very same day every year – though on opposite times of year for the two different hemispheres. As Australians experience the shortest day of the year, our friends in the Northern Hemisphere celebrate their summer solstice with the longest day of the year, and vice versa. What causes Melbourne's winter solstice? The solstice is caused by the tilt of the Earth’s axis in relation to the sun. During the winter solstice in the Southern Hemisphere, the tilt is such that the sun follows its lowest and shortest path through the sky, resulting in the least amo

While it was once a source of city pride, the much-hyped most liveable cities global rankings has sent Melburnians on a rollercoaster in recent times. Not even ten years ago, our city dominated the top spot on the list for several back-to-back years. But life (aka the pandemic) threw a spanner in the works, plummeting our ranking, which we've been attempting to claw back ever since. The list for this year has just been revealed, and thankfully, it's relatively good news! Melbourne has maintained its fourth place ranking on the index – and these days, anything that isn't a step down we will take as a win. After all, fourth in the whole wide world is nothing to sneeze at!  It's the third year in a row that Melbourne has landed in the top five most liveable cities worldwide, after we ranked fourth in 2024 and third in 2023. If you're unsure why this is such a big deal, the prestigious Global Liveability Index has been running for more than two decades. The Economist Intelligence Unit (EIU) ranks 173 cities across five key metrics: stability, healthcare, culture and environment, education, and infrastructure. As for the top spots on the 2025 rankings, Copenhagen broke Vienna's three-year reign to take the title of the world’s most liveable city. Zürich claimed third position, and just behind it was Melbourne with an overall score of 97 out of 100. That’s well above this year’s global average liveability score of 76.1. Sydney was not far behind, landing in sixth place in 2025. Bot

While many Melburnians hibernate through the colder months, craving the arrival of sunny spring, there are others who see winter as the most exciting time of the year. Namely, the skiers and snowboarders among us. Australia’s ski season is short, so if you're keen to carve up the slopes in 2025, you’ll want to make it count. There are plenty of mountains across the country to choose from, with multiple ski resorts in our state, so how do you pick where to make the most of the snow? Handily, a new Snow Season Index has revealed which Aussie alpine resort is tipped to have the best snowfall, and luckily for us it's right here in Victoria.  To forecast the upcoming conditions, Snow Season Central analysed 16 years’ worth of snowfall data for Australia’s five most popular ski resorts. One of the highest altitude resorts in the country, Mount Hotham in regional Victoria, came out as the top spot to go skiing in Australia in 2025.  Known for its unique upside-down layout (with the village at the summit and the slopes at the base), Mount Hotham has some of the best ski-in/ski-out lodgings in the world. It recorded the highest number of snowy days, averaging 3.9 days in the third week of August, along with 23 centimetres of weekly snowfall. Victoria's most popular alpine resort, Mount Buller, ranks as the second-best skiing destination in Australia, with the highest historic average weekly snowfall of any resort at 25 centimetres. Conditions here are predicted to peak in the first we

You know it ain't over 'til it's over – but in Australia, it’s only just getting started. Lenny Kravitz is living by the lyrics of one of his biggest hits, announcing a massive return Down Under for the first time in 13 years.  In November 2025, the leather-clad American rocker will play gigs in Sydney, Newcastle, Brisbane, Melbourne, Mildura and Adelaide. The tour comes off the back of Kravitz releasing his latest (and 12th) album Blue Electric Light last year, which has garnered critical acclaim. So if you're keen to hear it live, as well as headbang to classics like 'Are You Gonna Go My Way', here's how to get tickets to Lenny Kravitz’s 2025 Australian tour. When is Lenny Kravitz’s 2025 Australian tour? Kravitz will perform in a mix of big cities and regional gems, including: Sydney’s Qudos Bank Arena – Tuesday, November 18 Newcastle's Entertainment Centre – Wednesday, November 19 Brisbane's Entertainment Centre – Friday, November 21 Melbourne’s John Cain Arena – Tuesday, November 25 Mildura’s Sporting Precinct – Friday, November 28 Adelaide’s bp Supercars Grand Final – Saturday, November 29 When do Lenny Kravitz Australia tickets go on sale? General sale kicks off on Friday, June 20 at 10am local time via Ticketek. With only a few shows in Australia, we recommend acting fast (although, the touring schedule does have some gaps to allow for potential additional shows).  Is there a Lenny Kravitz pre-sale? If you're super keen, you can secure your Lenny Kravitz tickets earl