Leah Glynn

As one of Australia's southernmost cities, Melbourne tends to get a little chilly during the winter months. Yes, we know that in a global context our weather really isn't that bad, but we would also argue that many homes and buildings in Melbourne (and Australia we might add) are famously not designed for anything other than cardigan weather. But you don't have to stay home and rack up a huge heating bill to stay toasty. Here's how to keep warm in Melbourne during winter and still have fun. 1. Hang out in the hot houses at the Royal Botanic Garden and Treasury Gardens and pretend you're somewhere tropical. 2. Beginning at Flinders Street Station, see how far you can make it underground and undercover through the CBD. Start with the Degraves Street Subway and get exploring. 3. Knit yourself a woolly scarf. Thread Den and Wool Baa can help you brush up on your skills, and many wool merchants host in-store stitch'n'bitch classes so you can buddy up with fellow knitting nerds in the process. Or if you're already confident with the basics, order a knitting kit from Cardigang. 4. Hot water, hot water, hot water. When you’re chilled to the bone nothing beats a hot soak or sauna. Try Sense of Self or Alba Thermal Springs if you fancy a day trip.  5. Rug up, whack on your waterproof gear and go on a hike to stay warm by moving. 6. Sweat the sads away at hot yoga. Try One Hot Yoga or for those in the east head to Bikram Yoga Richmond.  7. Make like a fancy lady or gent and have a spot

If you're looking for a break from the inner-city grid, there's no better cure than a day trip from Melbourne. The state of Victoria is full of friendly neighbourhood towns, whether you're in the mood for a winery tour, a road trip or a national park to explore. These one-day escapes are just what the doctor ordered, so get out there and explore Melbourne's beautiful backyard.  Keen to stretch your legs? These are the best day hikes from Melbourne. Looking for somewhere to stay? Here are five road trip-worthy motels.

June 2024: Winter is here, and as that bitter Melbourne chill kicks in, so too does the desire for something hot, tasty and thoroughly soul-nourishing. But to eat something that ticks those boxes, you don't need to break the bank in this town. Melbourne's a wonderland for cheap eats that hit the spot, and so here, we've rounded up the best of them. The late and great respected chef Anthony Bourdain once famously said: “I'd rather eat in Melbourne than Paris." It goes without saying that Melbourne has long been revered as one of Asia Pacific's most exciting food cities, but that status isn't just attributed to our fancy restaurants – special as many of those upper crust institutions may be. Our laneaways and hidden alcoves are brimming with cheap street eats, smashable pub deals and dinner options you can enjoy for $20, $15 or even under $10, so you can stop counting your hard-earned pennies and start eating instead. Looking for a drink to wash it all down? These are the 50 best bars in Melbourne. Want to kick on? These are the best late-night bars across the town. 

Every day is a special day at Lune, purveyor of the world’s best croissants (well at least many people believe this to be true – this writer included), and Lune's June specials are as tempting as ever. You'll find all the latest specials below, and because they vary between locations make sure to check out what's available at each store beforehand to avoid disappointment when you finally get to the front of that never-ending line.  Need more buttery goodness in your life? These are the best patisseries in Melbourne.

Wondering what to do in Melbourne in July? We can help. Check out our curated guide to all the fun things to do in Melbourne, including exhibitions, theatre productions, winter festivals, light shows and tasty food and drink events. Wet weather on the horizon? Here are the best things to do in Melbourne when it's raining. Feeling the chill? Here are 23 ways to stay warm in Melbourne this winter.

There's something about Melbourne in winter. The moody afternoon light filtering through laneways; the warm glow of cosy wine bars; and of course, the plethora of events and festivals that keep the city buzzing.  This year, there's heaps to do including catching thrilling shows on the ice, feasting on wintery food and drink and exploring regional festivals.  Hungry? Grab a bite at these Melbourne pubs with fireplaces. Thirsty? Here's where you can get mulled wine in Melbourne.

Do you love anything sparkling, glowing or illuminated? You've come to the right place – there are plenty of gorgeous light-up events to discover in Melbourne. From digital exhibitions and sparkling light shows to a Harry Potter-themed immersive experience (complete with a life-size hippogriff), it's time to get your glow on. Want to explore regional Victoria? Here's our list of winter light festivals outside of Melbourne.

Looking for something fun to do now the temperature is dropping? There's an illuminated collection of winter light festivals spread across regional Victoria. See glowing sculptures, arty light installations and more at some of your favourite regional destinations. Hop in the car, plan a weekend away, and check out the best our great state has to offer at night. Here is our list of gorgeous, glowing, winter light events in regional Victoria this cold season. Want to see the winter lights in Melbourne instead? Here's our list of everything illuminated and glowing in Melbourne this month.

Penny-pinching doesn’t have to mean missing out on new release flicks. We’ve done the hard yards and found cheap cinema tickets right across Melbourne, from discounted days to epic movie club perks. Now with all that cash you’ve saved, you might be able to splurge on a choc top – because what’s a movie without a little treat? Consider yourself a cinephile? Make sure you check out all of Melbourne’s best-looking cinemas. Or for a movie under the stars, these are Melbourne's best outdoor cinemas.

Streaming is convenient, but sometimes you just can't beat the experience of going to the cinema. The heavy velvet curtains, huge screens with surround sound, cushioned chairs and choc tops give an immersive experience that you simply can't have at home. Take that experience to the next level by catching a flick at one of these theatres that are works of art themselves. From art-deco wonders to new-age marvels, these architectural marvels are the best-looking cinemas in Melbourne.  Want some mid-century nostalgia? Head to one of Melbourne's drive-in cinemas. Keen to save a buck? Here's where you can get cheap movie tickets in Melbourne.

Getting the chance to dip into the steamy waters of a thermal spring is a joy that we reckon everyone deserves to experience at least once in their lifetime. The healing powers of naturally occurring hot springs have been celebrated, worshipped and enjoyed by humans across the world for millennia, and today, this is one human thing that we can say has absolutely not changed. Ancient Romans, we feel you.  In Australia, there are countless natural thermal hot springs available for the soaking. From the staggering turquoise waters of the Northern Territory, to oasis-like bathhouses, to the wild far reaches of the Kimberley, the land Down Under has some of the most epic hot springs on Earth. In this list, we have gathered the best of them – and tell you exactly where to find them.   Want more wild and wonderful Aussie adventures? These are the best hikes to do Down Under before you die.

Dreaming of your next island getaway? Check-in and fully check out by booking a stay at one of Australia’s most dreamy resorts and lodges. These postcard-worthy destinations offer more than just a place to stay; they’re where you can connect with the very best of Australian culture, take in our country’s most stunning landscapes and embark on some of the nation’s top bucket list experiences. You can soak up the scenes from an outdoor bathtub in the Kimberley wilderness, get up close to wildlife from a fancy suite at Canberra’s zoo, relax at a secluded hilltop escape on the Tasmanian coast, or swim in crystal clear waters at a private island resort on the Great Barrier Reef. Here are all the resorts and lodges to book for your next Australian getaway.  Who makes the cut? While we might not stay in every hotel or accommodation offering featured, we've based our list on top reviews, hosts and amenities to find you the best stays. This article includes affiliate links. These links have no influence on our editorial content. For more information, see our affiliate guidelines.

There’s something a bit magical about this historic regional town in the dark, cold months – and this is exactly what the Ballarat Winter Festival seeks to capture. From June 29 to July 21, the Gold Rush town will come alive with food and wine events, gigs and performances, an ice rink, a huge market and (our particular favourite) Winter Wonderlights at Sovereign Hill.  More highlights of the program include the pop-up ice skating rink, which will host child-friendly, sensory and disco-themed skating sessions, and the Design Exchange Market, which brings together a number of independent designers, artists and creators. For music and art lovers, a special late-night event called Art Late will takeover the Art Gallery of Ballarat with a California-inspired party featuring a curated music line-up from regional festival experts OK Motels. Plus, two candle-lit classical music concerts featuring the music of rock legends Queen and cinematic favourites from composers like Hans Zimmer will take place at the Ballarat Mining Exchange.  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. Want to get lit? Here's everything illuminated in Melbourne this month.

Looking for something to do this King's Birthday long weekend? Head up to the charming village of Woodend, located just an hour's drive from the CBD, for its annual Winter Arts Festival (WWAF) from June 7 to 10.  This year, the festivities will kick off with a night filled with vibrant fireworks synchronised to popular classical music, plus a performance by Spanish flamenco pair Paco Lara and Deya Giner. The rest of the diverse program features some of Australia’s leading classical musicians and greatest literary minds. Join in on discussions about big topics like the rise of AI, understanding the importance of scientific methods, city living versus bush life and an exploration of war versus peace For music fans, there's a wealth of sound to consume. Catch Jazz great Paul Grabowsky, London-based pianist Piers Lane, twice ARIA-nominated pianist and composer Nat Bartsch, and Woodend’s own Jacqueline Ogeil as she leads Accademia Arcadia’s performance of the 'Early Solo Concertos' on the Cristofori piano. Across the four-day feast of music, words and ideas there will also be book signings, workshops and exhibition openings to explore. The program features both free and ticketed events, and you can find out more via the WWAF website. Love exploring during the colder months? Check out our guide to the best winter getaways from Melbourne. 

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 them from providing Victorians with a good time – in fact, it's given them a little inspiration.  Adventure Park's Winter Glow festival is bringing lights, fire, ice and snow to the amusement park this winter. The festival (which runs from June 22 to July 21) features more than 100 glowing installations, fire twirling, ice sculptures and 3.3 million lights that will twinkle all around the park along a 2km trail. While real snow might be a rare sight in Geelong, there will be a big snow play zone where kids can make snowmen and snow angels (warm gloves, gumboots and jackets are recommended!).  Eight theme park rides are included in entry to Adventure Park's Winter Glow event, including the Tea Cups, Air Balloon, Crazy Coaster, Wave Swinger, Carousel, Red Baron, Little Buggy 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. Kids will also love Adventure Park's loaded hot chocolates. Picture: decadent loaded hot chocolate drinks with silky liquid milk chocolate topped with fairy floss, chocolate bars, Tim Tams, sprinkles, cream, marshmallows, musk sticks and other sweet goodies. Yum. Winter Glow festival is o

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 21 challenge yourself with a half marathon, ten-kilometre or 5.2-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 16-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, finish-line celebrations and post-race freebies. 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 Grand Slam 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.

Unlock a new dimension at the 2024 edition of Oz Comic-Con, which is taking place at the Melbourne International Conference and Exhibition Centre on June 8 and 9. Some huge international stars are set to appear and meet fans, including beloved actor John Barrowman  (Doctor Who, Torchwood, Arrow) and Jim Beaver (Supernatural, Deadwood) and Melanie Scrofano (Wynonna Earp, Star Trek), with more special guests to be announced.  There will be industry talks and panels, gaming opportunities, workshops, activations, live performances, parades and plenty of exclusive merch.  At the convention, eager cosplayers can enter one of the most prestigious contests in Australia, which highlights the jaw-dropping talent and craftsmanship. Attendees will betreated to a show floor and schedule that includes Artist Alley, Gaming Zones and more. No matter what fandom you're part of, everyone's welcome. For more information and to purchase tickets, head to the Oz Comic-Con website. Looking for more fun? Here are the best things to do in Melbourne this week. 

Winter seems like the time to hide under the doona and get reacquainted with your Netflix queue, but that is absolutely the wrong approach. Cold weather brings with it a kind of magic in the form of frosty air and clear, still views that seem to go on forever, and this is especially the case in regional Victoria.  If you're keen to head on a cool-climate caper but aren't sure where to begin, you're in luck: the East Gippsland Winter Festival is returning for its fourth iteration. Rug up and hit the road for a month-long celebration packed with lavish winter feasts, fantastical art installations, live music, lantern parades, creative workshops, wellness experiences and much more. This year, the festivities kick off on June 21 and coincide with the winter solstice and the Victorian school holidays. Highlights of the program include a sunrise soak at Metung Hot Springs to celebrate World Bathing Day; a medieval fire festival at Bruthen complete with swordfights, costumes and bonfires; and an off-grid lunch series at Moscow Villa Hut with local chef Stuart Derham. There will also be plenty of glowing, illuminated experiences to enjoy. On July 6 head to Lakes Entrance Foreshore for a display of light projections, food trucks and roaming performers. Then on July 13 enjoy a magical night by the water in Paynesville with a lantern parade and outdoor cinema sesh. These highlights only scratch the surface, with a total of more than 100 events to choose from. To browse the full program

It’s been a long time since Adele last performed in Australia (seven years, in fact), but a returning stage show featuring all of her greatest hits will make it feel as though no time has passed at all. Starring award-winning British singer Naomi Price, Rumour Has It is a dazzling production that explores how Adele went from a young singer in London to the highest-selling recording artist of the 21st century. Blending brash wit with heartfelt tunes, it’s set to be an unmissable evening of musical excellence. Supporting Price in this career-defining show will be vocalists Rachel Everett-Jones, Luke Kennedy and Lai Utovou, along with a 20-strong live orchestra. The set list spans her entire catalogue of legendary hits, including ‘Someone Like You’, ‘Hello’, ‘Rolling In The Deep’, ‘Rumour Has It’ and ‘Skyfall’.  “The British powerhouse is one of the best-selling artists of all time and her songs hit a high note with audiences of all ages and musical tastes,” said Price. “I’m looking forward to injecting a dose of her daring and playful personality throughout the show and delivering an unforgettable experience for audiences." ​​The exclusive one-off performance will take place on June 28 at Hamer Hall. For more information and to book tickets, head to the website. Want more live music? These are the best gigs in Melbourne this month.

Adele fans of the Harbour City, this one’s for you. It’s been a long time since Adele last performed in Australia (seven years, in fact), but a returning stage show featuring all of her greatest hits will make it feel as though no time has passed at all. Starring award-winning British singer Naomi Price, Rumour Has It is a dazzling production that explores how Adele went from a young singer in London to the highest-selling recording artist of the 21st century. Blending brash wit with heartfelt tunes, it’s set to be an unmissable evening of musical excellence. Supporting Price in this career-defining show will be vocalists Rachel Everett-Jones, Luke Kennedy and Lai Utovou, along with a 20-strong live orchestra. The set list spans her entire catalogue of legendary hits, including ‘Someone Like You’, ‘Hello’, ‘Rolling In The Deep’, ‘Rumour Has It’ and ‘Skyfall’.  “The British powerhouse is one of the best-selling artists of all time and her songs hit a high note with audiences of all ages and musical tastes,” said Price. “I’m looking forward to injecting a dose of her daring and playful personality throughout the show and delivering an unforgettable experience for audiences." Price will be touring the country, but ​​the exclusive one-off performance for Sydney fans will take place on May 24 at the State Theatre. For more information and to book tickets, head to the website.Stay in the loop: sign up for our free Time Out Sydney newsletter for more news, food & drink inspo and act

It’s time to fire up the kiln because the Three Day Clay Market is happening again from May 10-12. Three Day Clay – established in 2019 by a group of ceramicists with an aim to connect Melbourne’s local clay community – will be hosting the special pop-up event at Pauli Concept Space on Sydney Road in Brunswick. The line-up of 13 artists showcasing their wares includes Benna Co, Dawn Vachon, Arcadia Scott, Eun Ceramics, Yen Qin and Asobimasu Clay, plus plenty more. From tableware and vases to sculpture and wall art, there's a clay creation for everyone to appreciate. And considering the market happens to fall over the Mother's Day weekend, it would be rude not to treat your mum to a one-off or limited-edition ceramic piece. Plus, if you visit on the Friday evening, you'll even get to enjoy a complimentary glass of sparkling. For more information, head to the website. Love hitting up a good market? These are Melbourne’s best art, craft and design markets.

Looking for a regional getaway alternative to the Mornington Peninsula or Yarra Valley? Let us introduce the township of Milawa, an almost three-hour drive up the Hume Highway from Melbourne. Set among the mountains, valleys and rivers of the High Country, it’s home to a delicious smorgasbord of local businesses, including cellar doors, cafés, a top-notch bakery, a specialist mustard store and even a cheese factory. And the jewel in its crown? Lancemore Milawa – a two-storey, 40-room boutique accommodation that recently underwent a multi-million dollar transformation. Access is via a quiet country road flanked by rows of vines (that belong to none other than the famed Brown Brothers winery, which is just a short walk from the hotel), and upon entering the property you’ll discover a bright and sophisticated space with an abundance of natural light thanks to the many floor-to-ceiling windows. The Stellar Collective is the stylish mastermind behind the interior details, and the award-winning design studio has created a Mediterranean-inspired oasis complete with neutral tones, bespoke timber joinery, polished concrete flooring and custom artwork. There are also multiple common areas to discover, all of which feature cosy couches, fireplaces and an impressive selection of coffee table books. Venture through to the outdoor back plaza which overlooks even more vines, and you’d be forgiven for thinking you’ve somehow been transported to a Tuscan villa. There’s a pond, a fountain, ham

If you needed another excuse to visit the Mornington Peninsula (you know, aside from the incredible wineries, restaurants and beaches), here it is: Alba Thermal Springs, a sustainable, $90 million wellness sanctuary that boasts a collection geothermal pools within its perfectly manicured 15-hectare grounds, is now open. Located in Fingal, just an hour’s drive from Melbourne, this relaxation destination has been meticulously curated to evoke calm and tranquility from the moment you enter through its curved, concrete entranceway complete with a moat-like water feature. Fluffy robes and slippers greet you upon arrival (don’t worry, there are secure lockers to store all your belongings – this is a phone-free zone, after all), and then it’s time to leave your worries behind and enter the open-air bathing complex. There are 31 pools dotted among the undulating landscape – some intimate and private, others large and more social – and they range from geothermal pools and cold plunge pools to herbal-infused botanical pools and invigorating rain pools. There’s also a private rooftop salt pool that allows you to experience total weightlessness, plus steam rooms and saunas. Wandering along the snaking path to find each pool is almost (almost) as fun as immersing yourself in the restorative waters – and trust us when we say it’s way too easy to spend hours hopping from pool to pool. Alba uses 100 per cent geothermal water that is heated between 37-degrees Celsius and 43-degrees Celsius, a

It's the news we've all been waiting for: after being cut short last year due to flooding, the spectacular Moama Lights event is returning to the Echuca-Moama region bigger and brighter than ever. Running from July 5-28 (across Thursday to Sunday nights), Moama Lights is an immersive sound and light trail comprising state-of-the-art installations, projections and cutting-edge moving light technology.  This year's theme is Enchanted Nights: A Celebration of Light, and it will honor the captivating beauty of Horseshoe Lagoon and the surrounding bushland. Using Banjo Paterson's evocative poem 'The Daylight is Dying' as inspiration, the trail will shine a light (quite literally) on the elements of nature that come to life when the sun sets. Visitors can expect to see illuminated ripples on the lagoon's surface, projections of children's art, glowing red gums and incredible indigenous works by First Nations artists Warrick Keen and Alkina Edwards. Also returning is the ice skating rink and the American Hotel beer garden, where you can load up on hearty food and drink options. There will also be additional food trucks and kids' entertainment. Tickets are on sale now for this glowing wonderland, you can book them via the website. Keen to see some more winter lights? Check out our list of everything lit up, glowing and illuminated in Melbourne this month, or our list of winter light festivals in regional Victoria.

Did your morning commute feel extra icy yesterday? Did you spend the entire day huddling around the heater? Well, you weren’t alone – Melbourne just experienced its coldest day in five years, with a wintery blast hitting the city. A blanket of heavy cloud cover and a haze of drizzle kept the mercury low, with the city reaching a maximum temperature of just 10.1 degrees Celsius in the early afternoon – that’s four degrees below average for this time of the year. But the chill factor could’ve been much worse if the wind had picked up. Thankfully, calm wind conditions and some slight humidity (preventing the air from developing that icy, dry chill) kept us from feeling even colder. This current winter snap is the result of a cloud band crossing the country that’s blocking the sun and trapping cold air near the surface. And it wasn’t just Melbourne that needed a few extra layers – Ballarat only reached a top of nine degrees Celsius, while Geelong managed to hit 11 degrees Celsius.  Conditions are set to improve slightly over the weekend, with a few showers and maximum temperatures of 15 degrees Celsius on Saturday and 14 degrees Celsius on Sunday. Besides, weather forecasters have predicted this winter is on track to be the warmest on record – so fingers crossed we’ve seen the worst of the icy conditions. Now, how many more months of winter are left? Stay in the loop: sign up for our free Time Out Melbourne newsletter for the best of the city, straight to your inbox. RECOMMENDED

In 2024, Melbourne's arts scene has never felt more exciting. From world premieres of award-winning musicals and blockbuster exhibitions to indie productions and wildly talented performers, the city is alive with a diverse array of cultural offerings. And what better way to shine a spotlight on the industry than by launching the very first Time Out Arts & Culture Awards, which aims to celebrate the best of the arts over the past 12 months from May 2023 to May 2024. Time Out's dedicated critics have been busy catching countless musicals, plays and exhibitions across Melbourne and Sydney to give our readers what Time Out has long specialised in: independent critical reviews. And now, they're ready to share with you the findings – all the nominees for the critics' choice awards have just been announced! Presented in exclusive partnership with the Pinnacle Foundation, the 2024 Time Out Arts & Culture Awards will feature the following categories.  Critics' Choice Awards: Best Musical Best Performance in a Musical Best Play Best Performance in a Play Best Art Exhibition Best Museum Exhibition Impact Award People's Choice Awards: People’s Choice: Best Musical People’s Choice: Best Performance in a Musical People’s Choice: Best Play People’s Choice: Best Performance in a Play People’s Choice: Best Art Exhibition People's Choice: Best Museum Exhibition A winner will be awarded for each award category, in both Sydney and Melbourne. The People’s Choice Awards are where we need yo

There’s certainly no shortage of beautiful parks and green spaces in Melbourne, but that doesn’t mean we don’t get excited when another one springs up. (Re)introducing South Yarra Siding Reserve – a former sloping area of grass that has been transformed into a beautiful new inner-city park. It originally closed in 2018 as works commenced on the Metro Tunnel’s eastern entrance and a brand new underground railway substation (the first of its kind in Victoria).  The neighbourhood park now boasts more than 2,400 square metres of lawn, new pedestrian and bike paths, better lighting, improved accessibility and picnic areas. More than 160 trees have also been planted at the reserve and the nearby pocket parks on Arthur Street and William Street. Photograph: Victorian Government In another win for the local community, South Yarra Siding Reserve is now home to two First Nations artworks, by Barkindji man Kent Morris and Wurundjeri Elder Aunty Kim Wandin, with collaborating artist Christine Joy. They are part of the Legacy Artwork Program, which has already seen incredible public works by some of Australia’s leading creatives installed across the new Metro Tunnel stations. ‘Where We Walk’ by Kent Morris is a sculptural piece inspired by the flaked stone artefacts that were unearthed at the site, and is a cultural marker of knowledge, connection and respect. Aunty Kim Wandin’s ‘Murrup Biik’ (‘spirit country’), is a series of three brightly coloured sculptures that represent ‘Bilangs’,

Here’s some excellent news if you’re one of the many who commute daily into Melbourne’s CBD on two wheels: major works have officially begun on a brand new, entirely elevated cycling super-highway between Footscray and Docklands. The ‘veloway’ (aka a bike freeway) is part of the wider West Gate Tunnel Project, which is delivering a much-needed alternative route to the West Gate Bridge and (hopefully) cutting congestion on our already busy roads. Running from Shepherd Bridge in Footscray to the city side of the Moonee Ponds Creek, the new cycling passage will be four metres wide and contain two lanes.  Construction of this 2.5-kilometre super-highway will require 195 individual segments to be lifted into place, and once completed it will weigh 1,700 tonnes. It will be fully suspended between Footscray Road and the new elevated road above – making it the first of its kind in Australia. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Jacinta Allan (@jacintaallanmp) But most importantly, it’s going to provide a much safer express route for cyclists as it will eliminate the need to cross over six busy road intersections (including some vital port entry and exit points). Other key safety features include emergency exits with alarms, full CCTV coverage, bright lighting and a mesh cover with perforated side panels to allow for sunshine and fresh air to stream in. “The new elevated cycling super-highway above Footscray Road will be a game changer for cyclists in the Wes

Melbourne has a lot of things going for it: great restaurants, stunning architecture and a pretty spectacular city skyline. But apparently, being cultured and cute doesn't necessarily equate to being clever. At least not according to the 2024 Smart City Index. The annual study of smartest cities around the globe has just dropped, and Melbourne has actually slipped two spots in the rankings to 33rd. Outrageous, right?! According to the study, being a ‘smart’ city isn’t just about having brainy residents. It’s about the whole package: a city’s economic and technological state, combined with “humane dimensions”, like its quality of life, environmental savviness and inclusiveness. To determine these rankings, the brainiacs at IMD analysed existing data and combined it with more than 20,000 survey responses from people in 141 cities worldwide. They quizzed residents on 15 key topics related to their life in their hometowns, including what issues they reckon are the most pressing (eg: affordable housing, security, public transport, fulfilling employment), along with how effective they think tech solutions and infrastructure are at tackling local problems and boosting quality of life. Just like last year, Zurich snagged first place, followed by Oslo and then Canberra. To be fair, this checks out – our nation's capital is home to the highest number of government institutions and one of the most educated populations. According to the report, Canberra excelled in its health and safety

Ahhh, the humble parmigiana (and before we get any further, let’s be clear: it’s parma not parmi). Comprising chicken breast with a layer of tomato paste and cheese – and maybe even a slice of ham, if you’re feeling fancy – it’s the fail-safe pub meal that you know will never disappoint. But where exactly can you find the best parma in all of Victoria? Well, at the recent 2024 AHA State Awards for Excellence, the winner of the highly coveted Parma of the Year award was revealed – and the result may surprise you. The Middle Hotel in Korumburra, South Gippsland has taken the crown, beating out 15 other finalists with a perfect score. The key judging criteria included the quality of the produce, tenderness and appearance, topping-to-meat ratio, presentation (Was it constructed well? Was the cheese grilled?) and the quality of the side dishes, aka crispy chips and a fresh salad. You know, all the things we hungry punters look for when smashing a parma at our local.  According to the Middle Hotel’s head chef, Mark Smith, the secret to the perfect parma is in the top-notch ingredients. “It’s got to be the quality of the chicken, the quality of the crumb, the Napoli sauce has got to be a nice, flavoursome Napoli, good quality ham, and the cheese we use is a cheese blend,” said Smith. If you ask us, we’d be making a booking – stat. With news of Victoria’s best parma starting to spread, there’s no doubt going to be plenty of people keen to sample the winning chook. Order it with a pin

Could the end of the Metro Tunnel project finally be in sight? Well folks, it certainly feels like it. Back in February, we brought you the news that Arden Station, the first of the five new underground stations, was finished. And in March we got a sneak peak of the public artworks that will be on display across the network. Now we can reveal that all major construction on Parkville Station is also complete – and it’s on track to be open to passengers by next year. Woo hoo! Located directly below Grattan Street​​ between Royal Parade and Leicester Street, the new transport hub will provide direct rail access to the University of Melbourne, the Royal Melbourne Hospital and the Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre. It boasts four entrances and a 44-metre-long pedestrian underpass, allowing for thousands of medical staff, students, teachers, families and tourists to pass through every single day. The key design elements include a 50-metre-long steel and glass canopy that will transform Grattan Street into a ‘grand promenade’ complete with lush landscaping and trees. There will also be a number of deep light wells, ensuring that natural light reaches all the way down to the station below ground.  Photograph: Department of Transport Then there’s the station’s landmark custom artwork: ‘Vernal Gland’. Created by acclaimed Australian artist Patricia Piccinini, it comprises a colourful array of handmade ceramic tiles that will (hopefully) evoke a sense of calm, optimism and warmth amidst a

Sure, anyone living in Melbourne knows about our big-ticket attractions: world-class restaurants, top-notch bars and major cultural institutions. But what about the secret spots that are far from the tourist radar? Well, Australia's top ten hidden gems have just been revealed – and two local attractions made the list. Just promise to keep them on the down low, ok? Tour operator Bókun collated the list based on Tripadvisor reviews of more than 1,000 destinations across the country. Topping the leaderboard as Australia’s ultimate hidden gem is the ever-so-dreamy Stokes Bay on Kangaroo Island. This secluded stretch of coast in South Australia claimed Tourism Australia's title for best beach in Australia in 2023 – so much for being a secret – but we’re still big fans of the tiny cove. Second place went to Panorama Garden Estate in Boneo on the Mornington Peninsula, which is celebrated as one of Australia’s most enchanting secret gardens and wildlife reserves sprawling over 55 acres. Within the grand estate, 25 acres are dedicated to beautifully manicured gardens filled with more than 20,000 plants. There are also peaceful lakes, picturesque waterfalls and many adorable animals, including rare albino kangaroos, alpacas and peacocks. The other Victorian attraction to make the list is none other than the State Library Victoria, which landed in tenth place. Although calling it a hidden gem could be a stretch – it's recently been named one of the best libraries in the world and one o

Los australianos son conocidos por ser gente bastante tranquila. No cuesta mucho viviendo rodeados de playas, con una oferta de restauración que invita a pasar horas y actividades al aire libre. Australia no es solo conocida por su naturaleza, sino también por los retiros espirituales y otras actividades relajantes. Paying too much, un comparador de seguros de viaje, ha realizado un estudio para saber cuáles son las ciudades más tranquilas del mundo. Así pues, lugares donde realizar vacaciones (de verdad). La ciudad de Sídney se ha llevado la corona con una muy buena puntuación, gracias a su oferta de senderos tranquilos, parques y espacios verdes. Sin embargo, Sídney no ha sido la única metrópoli australiana en el podio: Melbourne se ha llevado la medalla de bronce. Esta tercera posición ha sorprendido incluso a los propios australianos, ya que la ciudad tiene la fama de ser bulliciosa, llena de tranvías y gente que abarrotan las calles. Foto: Shutterstock/Melbourne Entre las dos ciudades australianas, en segunda posición encontramos a Viena, en Austria, que ha conseguido la puntuación más baja respecto a su contaminación acústica y lumínica entre todas las ciudades analizadas. Para completar los cinco primeros, en cuarto lugar, se encuentran Honolulú, en Estados Unidos (el sol, el surf y los cócteles en la arena son sinónimos de relajación) y Ámsterdam, en los Países Bajos. Las diez ciudades más tranquilas del mundo: 1. Sídney, Australia 2. Viena, Austria 3. Melbourne, Au

Els australians són coneguts per ser gent força tranquil·la. No costa gaire vivint envoltats de platges, amb una oferta de restauració que convida a passar-s'hi hores i les activitats a l'aire lliure. Austràlia no és només coneguda per la seva natura, sinó també pels retirs espirituals i altres activitats relaxants. Paying too much, un comparador d'assegurances de viatge, ha elaborat un estudi per saber quines són les ciutats més tranquil·les del món. Així doncs, llocs on fer vacances (de veritat). La ciutat de Sydney s'ha endut la corona amb una puntuació molt bona, gràcies a la seva oferta de senders tranquils, parcs i espais verds. Sydney, però, no ha estat l'única metròpoli australiana al pòdium: Melbourne s'ha endut la medalla de bronze. Aquesta tercera posició ha sorprès fins i tot els mateixos australians, ja que la ciutat té la fama de ser bulliciosa, plena de tramvies i gent que atapeeixen els carrers. Foto: Shutterstock/Melbourne Entre les dues ciutats australianes, en segona posició hi trobem Viena, a Àustria, que ha aconseguit la puntuació més baixa respecte a la seva contaminació acústica i lumínica entre totes les ciutats analitzades. Per completar els cinc primers, en quart lloc, hi ha Honolulu, als Estats Units (el sol, el surf i els còctels a la sorra són sinònims de relaxació) i Amsterdam, als Països Baixos. Les deu ciutats més tranquil·les del món: 1. Sydney, Austràlia 2. Viena, Àustria 3. Melbourne, Austràlia 4. Honolulu, EUA 5. Amsterdam, Països Baixos

It’s been three somber years since the Melbourne Star officially closed in Docklands (RIP to a real one), but in good news for fans of high-flying fun, a brand new ferris wheel is taking up residence in Melbourne – and this one is located in a primo position by the Yarra River. Skyline Attractions (aka the company behind ferris wheels in both St Kilda and Glenelg in Adelaide) has just announced it is assembling a new 35-metre-tall structure in Polly Woodside Park, where it will remain for at least six months – with the opportunity to stay longer if it proves popular.  The $5 million structure will feature clear perspex glass, allowing for unrivalled views of South Wharf, the CBD skyline, the Yarra River and Southbank. And to cater to Melbourne’s four-seasons-in-one-day climate, the pods will be fully enclosed meaning patrons will be comfortable in rain, hail or shine. “It was something that we wanted to do for a long time,” said Skyline Attractions' business manager, Jane Jones. “Melbourne’s a great city and adding our wheel into that mix of everything to do here was all just positive for us.” Best of all, we won’t have to wait long to take a spin on the new wheel – it’s expected to open as soon as next week. The surrounding precinct will also be home to a nine-hole mini golf course and a dining space where you can order food and drink. Talk about the ultimate Melbourne day out.  Skyline Melbourne will be open daily from 10am-11pm. For more information and to book your spot o

From our sun-drenched beer gardens to our dreamy stretches of sand, you can't deny that Sydneysiders are afforded easy access to some pretty epic relaxation stations. But even we admit that we’re somewhat surprised to hear that Sydney has been named "the most chilled-out city" in the whole world. Sydney is Australia’s largest city, and (when you're not worrying about things like rental rises, parking fines, and the downward spiral of late-stage capitalism) there is whole lot to love about the Emerald City – like all the great things to do and our amazing options to get out to eat, drink, play and engage with culture. Which is why we’re pretty proud to take the crown, beating well-known chill-out zones including Honolulu, Amsterdam, and even our neighbours across the ditch.The news comes courtesy of a recent survey by insurance company PayingTooMuch, which analysed and ranked the most laid-back cities in the world based on a variety of metrics. These key factors included noise and pollution, the number of walking trails, happiness scores and the quality of green spaces. Sure, we'll take it. Photograph: Destination NSWBondi Beach, Sydney Thanks to our abundance of walking trails (an amazing 681), extensive outdoor spaces (the Harbour City is home to 917 parks), and high happiness rating (Sydney ranks as the third-happiest city in the world) Sydney came out as number one. If that doesn’t prompt you to take an hour out this weekend for a slow schooner in the sun, we don’t know