Liv Condous

April 15, 2024: It's your last chance to catch the Melbourne International Comedy Festival, so head to a show and get those laughs while you can. For some seasonal frivolity, jump in the car and head to the Macedon Ranges for the huge annual autumn festival. The annual Record Store Day is back, supporting indie vinyl shops, with heaps of our fave spots doing special events for the day. If you love a cheeky fizz, check out The Bubbles Festival, where you can sip some of the finest sparkling and bubbly around. Plus, a sculptural Lego exhibition featuring 100 innovative artworks and an official NBA Exhibition are both currently running for a limited time, as well as a magical immersive experience that has transported the infamous Forbidden Forest from Harry Potter to Melbourne. 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. When in doubt, you can always rely on our catch-all lists of Melbourne's best bars, restaurants, museums, parks and galleries, or consult our bucket list of 101 things to do in Melbourne before you die.   Looking for more ways to fill up your calendar? Plan a trip around our beautiful state with our handy travel guides.

April 15, 2024: It's the final week of the Melbourne International Comedy Festival, so head out to see some comedy and get some laughs while you can. Leonardo da Vinci – 500 Years of Genius is The Lume's latest exhibition, celebrating one of history's most famous artists. Plus, a sculptural Lego exhibition featuring 100 innovative artworks and an official NBA Exhibition are both currently open for a limited time, as well as a magical immersive experience that has transported the infamous Forbidden Forest from Harry Potter to Melbourne. In the theatre world, beloved musical Wicked is wowing audiences with a truly magical production, Groundhog Day the Musical (which garnered a five star review from our arts and culture editor) is on stage for just a few more days, and the fiery Chicago is also in town.  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. When in doubt, you can always rely on our catch-all lists of Melbourne's best bars, restaurants, museums, parks and galleries, or consult our bucket list of 101 things to do in Melbourne before you die.   Looking for more ways to fill up your calendar? Plan a trip around our beautiful state with our handy travel guides.

While we may not be known for our beaches in Melbourne, they'll still fit the bill  if you need somewhere to enjoy a warm, sunny day. We won't deny that there's better beaches up north, but our city still boasts a number of gorgeous golden spots to soak up the sun.  Here is our pick of the best beaches in Melbourne. Keen to eat beachside? Here are Melbourne's finest waterfront restaurants. Want to hit the beach, sans clothing? These are Melbourne's best nudist beaches.

If there's one thing that Australia does right, it's really beautiful beaches – and a lot of them, to be precise. With a whopping 12,000 fringing our island continent, it would take you a wild 32 years to see them all – if you tackled one beach per day. Assuming that your 32-year plan doesn't singularly involve beach hopping around Australia (although, we can of course, dream), we've put together a list of the best and prettiest beaches in Australia that you should visit in 2024 – or at least once in your life. Each beach on this list has been selected for its remarkable beauty, safe swimming conditioning (read: you won't see anywhere with saltwater crocs on this list), and proximity to other incredible activities, so your adventure out doesn't end with just one dip. Some of these picks have been richly awarded in the past, while others are less mainstream – but rest easy knowing that every single one of them is well worth their salt, in more ways than one. Now, all that's left is for you to find out for yourself. RECOMMENDED: The best nudist beaches in Australia. Stay in the loop: sign up for our free Time Out Australia newsletter for more news, travel inspo and activity ideas, straight to your inbox. 

If you find the majesty of shooting stars amazing, prepare to have your mind blown by the annual Lyrid meteor shower. Every April, a torrent of meteors whizz across the sky and burns up in the atmosphere to create beautiful, sparkling flashes of light. The celestial event, which is visible across skies worldwide, is expected to take place this year from April 14 to 30, and will reach its peak on April 22 and 23.  The fireballs are created by debris from the comet Thatcher. The Lyrids are actually one of the oldest recorded meteor showers, with some historical Chinese texts mentioning the shower more than 2,500 years ago. At their most active, you can expect to see around 20 shooting stars per hour. But even outside those key hours, you're likely to see the occasional flash of light or cluster of shooting stars. This year, the meteors are expected to be peak around 1am AEST on April 23, so bundle up for a late night of stargazing. This interactive map can tell you exactly where to look. The best part? You don’t need any special equipment or astronomical skills to view this meteor shower – just make sure to give your eyes enough time to adjust to the darkness. Keep in mind that Lyrid meteors are relatively fast, but on the plus side they are surprisingly bright. If you need to scope out a good viewing point, head to one of these stargazing spots across Melbourne.   Happy meteor watching! Looking to explore more of our universe? Check out the best observatories and planetariums

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

It feels like 2024 just began, but somehow it's already March and the Labour Day long weekend is just around the corner. Whether you're looking to pack your weekend full of activities or are eager for quiet places to put your feet up for a bit, we've rounded up our top picks of the best things to do from March 7 to 11.  Looking to take your dog along for the ride? Here are some of our favourite dog-friendly getaways from Melbourne.

It’s a magical time to be in Adelaide, as revellers descend in their droves to the largest arts festival in the Southern Hemisphere: Adelaide Fringe. Take a walk down the buzzing city streets like Rundle and Hutt and see the clusters of cafés, bars and restaurants spring to life with people chortling with laughter. Or watch on as the fire-breathers, plate-spinners, and card-dealing magicians punctuate the pavements with their talent.  Get gorging at the Fringe hub Gluttony in Rhymill Park, home to a variety of worldwide flavours that you can tuck into by the emerald lake. And then there’s the electric Garden of Unearthly Delights, another Fringe hub that remains unrivalled as one of Australia’s best festival precincts with its merry-go-round of performance venues, bars, carnival rides, and market stalls.   In stringing together more than 6,000 artists in 500 venues, Adelaide Fringe collectively stages more than a whopping 1,400 shows. Stretching from Whyalla across the state to Naracoorte, the city is currently bursting at the seams with cabaret, theatre, comedy, circus, music, visual arts, workshops and more.  While it is curtains up for some of these shows, there are still plenty of things to catch before the Fringe is over on March 17 – you can find the full programme here. Can't make it to Adelaide this year? Bide your time with our guide to the festivals happening in Australia this year.

Forgotten everything you learned during those school excursions? These Melbourne museums will help you uncover stories about the people who made this city what it is today: a bustling hub of culture, coffee and sporting greats.  While you're here, why not take a look at 25 tourist attractions that definitely don't suck or our guide to finding Melbourne's best street art. 

When visiting a new city, it’s highly likely that, at some point, you’ll find yourself standing in front of a big and beautiful museum or gallery. Come rain, hail or shine, these brilliant buildings are the place to brush up on historical happenings and learn a thing or two about local heritage.  Inside you’ll find some of our country’s greatest treasures and a huge diversity of subject matters too, ranging from natural history and cultural artefacts to science marvels and sporting achievements. Don’t wait until the next rainy day to explore Australia’s best museums with this ultimate guide.  RECOMMENDED: The 18 best art galleries to explore in Australia.

February 14 is nearly here – your annual opportunity to show the one you love the depth of your feelings. It’s always a good idea to demonstrate some creativity to keep the spark alive in your relationship, and that’s where Time Out can help. Our gift guide spans cosy pyjamas and pampering products to premium beverages so you can toast your love at home, plus a few left-of-field ideas you probably never considered.  Looking for romantic experiences? Check out these Valentine's Day hotel packages in Melbourne. Plus, some free and cheap date ideas.

If you've been feeling like you want to let off some steam, try a workout that's genuinely fun or just simply get in touch with your inner kid, then catch some air time at an indoor trampoline park. On top of being super fun, it's great exercise, and good for building strength, coordination and balance. Take a leaf out of House of Pain’s book and ‘Jump Around’ at these indoor trampoline parks across Melbourne. Looking for other fun ways to exercise indoors? Scale some walls at Melbourne's best rock climbing facilities, or sweat it out at one of the CBD's coolest gyms.  

Lizzy Hoo has been busy, with the release of her first comedy special 12 months ago, plenty of TV appearances and getting the call to host the festival’s esteemed gala this year. Not to mention, she turned 40 and bought a house with her long-term partner who she then split from, all in the same year. So, she’s got plenty to unpack.  Her mid-week evening show is packed out, but she saunters around on stage (wearing a hilariously tacky ‘Melbourne’ tourist T-shirt) and fires off witty quips with casual ease. She has the same cheeky grin as always, but you can feel that she’s cemented as a seasoned comedy pro. Hoo doesn’t hold back in her show this year and delves into a can of worms that’s brand new for her: sex and dating. She’s recently single, keen to mingle and ready to dish salacious stories from her self-proclaimed cougar era (or Hoo-gar, as her friends have dubbed her). While romantic misadventures and dating apps certainly aren’t new fodder for comics, Hoo offers some fresh and funny perspectives, as a woman getting back on the market in the modern dating era of Hinge prompts and prolific ghosting. She unabashedly and refreshingly owns it, and it definitely makes for some great material.  But Hoo’s comedy isn’t confined to the saucy tales of her romantic (or not so romantic) pursuits, she covers off plenty of other life tidbits too, with a side of taboos. Within the space of one laughter-filled hour, there’s a fondly-recounted story of a flasher, a tale of when she had a

After a sold-out event last year, The Pet Show is returning to Melbourne this month, celebrating all the joys of being a pet owner.  The event will bring together all the best bits of the pet industry, uniting the worlds of dogs, cats, fish, birds, reptiles and small animals, with more than 250 experts and exhibitors in attendance. You'll have the chance to learn about how to become an even better pawrent, or perhaps find your next fur baby.  There'll be plenty of entertainment, including talks from pet celebrities and expert presenters, a special appearance from everyone's fave cartoon pooches Bluey and Bingo, a dazzling performance from the famous Wonderdogs, as well as live dog arena demonstrations, a scales and tails touch zone, and heaps more. Plus, there'll be food trucks to fuel your fluffy adventures and special activities for kids.  There's also a huge competitive component of the event, including a cat competition, a grooming competition and even Australia's first goldfish competition. To top it all off, you can feel good about celebrating four-legged companions because a portion of every ticket sale goes directly to RSPCA Victoria.  The Pet Show is being held over the weekend of April 13 and 14 at Melbourne Showgrounds. Find out more about the event on the website.  Looking for more things to do? Here's our guide to what's on right now. 

There's never been a better time to go vegan, with so much plant-based food available across Melbourne making the choice easier and more delicious than ever. And now, there's a free festival celebrating the vegan lifestyle, and you don't want to miss it. The Vegan Market will return to Melbourne on April 28 at The Edge in Federation Square, with stacks of local plant-based businesses selling their wares. There will be a ton of brands to explore at this healthy paradise, with everything from sweet treats and veggie delights to ethically made homewares and loads of health-related products. Also, it's taking place just before Mother's Day, so it's the perfect gift shopping opportunity.  Shop vegan baked goods, skincare, chocolate, grocery products and slow fashion. Bring the whole family with kids activities, product tastings and creative workshops. Plus, there'll be a vegan food truck hub with heaps of tasty plates to enjoy.  Shop at the market and support independent, ethical and sustainable Australian companies that are all 100 per cent vegan. And as a bonus, entry is completely free. Register to attend here. Want to shop more sustainably? Here's a list of eco-conscious clothing stores in Melbourne. 

The mention of crowd participation at the average comedy show would spark a trembling fear in most audience members, but at Gillian Cosgriff’s performance of her award-winning show Actually, Good, attendees are quick to eagerly call out when prompted. But this lack of hesitation in a typically intimidating scenario makes sense, as Cosgriff’s show feels more like catching up with a friend than watching a comedy show. That’s essentially the basis of her performance, a conversation between her and the audience. It’s a collaboration that leads to plenty of surprises, many hilarious, and many heartwarming.   The central question that Cosgriff asks audiences is simple: what do you like? Over the course of an hour, the audience collectively makes a ranked list of ten things they like, while Cosgriff shares her own alongside amusing anecdotes. She has an amiable charm that disarms the crowd from the outset – sitting on stage before a sold out audience, she appears authentic and truly sincere. But her show avoids becoming a wholesome cliché, it’s actually refreshingly earnest. Her act centres on admiring the beauty of the human condition, but make no mistake, this is a comedy show and there is plenty of room for laughter. Cosgriff rattles off hilariously niche yet very relatable references and observations about our everyday experiences. There are plenty of witty quips that only Melburnians will find truly funny, and judging by the laughs, they are all crowd pleasers.  Not only is Cos

Video games are a lot of fun, but melting into the couch for countless hours while you play them is arguably not the best way to spend a day. But now, a brand new attraction has sped into our city that combines all the fun of virtual games with getting out and about. BattleKart started in Belgium before taking over Europe, and it's essentially Mario Kart IRL. And as we're sure you'll agree, Mario Kart is always a fun time.  At BattleKart, you'll drive real electric karts around a real race track, but play with with augmented reality elements, like firing off virtual rockets at other racers, spraying virtual oil puddles to trip up your competitors and collecting mystery bonuses to help you cross the finish line first. There are six different games to play, and you can team up with your mates or go head-to-head. It's basically living out your childhood dream of going inside a video game.  BattleKart Melbourne is the first Australian outpost and it's the ideal, fun-filled group activity if you've got mates who love trying out something different. It's $69 for one session, $110 for two or $150 for three, with each person getting 15 minutes of playing time per session. So if you round up a big crew, it's pretty affordable. Find out more and book a session on the website.  Keen for more fun? Check out the best things happening in Melbourne this week.

The beloved Boho Luxe Market returns to Melbourne for a special Mother's Day edition, making buying a gift for mum super simple with a one-day shopping event.  Shop from a curated selection of more than 100 designers and makers that you won't find at your average market, with local jewellers, fashion designers, illustrators, artists and more. You'll find plenty of wares that mums will love, like slow fashion pieces, handcrafted ceramics, hand poured candles, art prints and illustrations. Plus, you can partake in creative workshops, psychic readings and more – with free aura photos on offer for the first hour on the day.  The Mother's Day edition of the Boho Luxe Market will be held at Federation Square on Sunday April 28 and entry is free. Head to the website for more information.  Looking for more ways to spoil your mum? Here are the best florists in Melbourne to buy her a special bunch. 

Sunflower season may be ending, but the delights of frolicking through a field of flowers are here to stay with the autumnal arrival of the KaBloom Festival of Flowers. Head to Melbourne's Dandenong Ranges for a festival that combines fields of flowers with spectacular circus art, from the Tesselaar team who also bring us the beloved annual Dutch tulip festival.  Wander through fields filled with marigolds, salvias, cleomes, petunias, geraniums and more and enjoy two newly planted wildflower meadows. It's an Instagrammer's dream, but don't forget to bring some allergy medication if you're prone to hay fever. The festival also features a host of kid-friendly events among the flower fields. Keep an eye out for the flower fairies and pixies who will entertain the masses among the colourful blooms every day. Talented performers from Circus Oz will showcase jaw-dropping circus acts and lead workshops for the little ones. Plus, there's plenty of Easter action, including an exciting bunny hunt.  When is the Tesselaar KaBloom Festival on?  The festival runs every day between March 23 to April 21, even on the Easter weekend public holidays. Its opening times are 10am to 5pm.  How much are tickets to the Tesselaar KaBloom Festival? Kids under 16 get free entry into the festival when accompanied by an adult, while adult tickets are $33.50 and concessions are $29.50. There is a $10 discount on tickets during the festival's 'autumn fever' weeks, from March 25 to 28 and April 15 to 19. V

If the names Michael Jordan, Shaquille O'Neal, Kobe Bryant and LeBron James get your attention, then listen up – because there's a new attraction coming to Melbourne that you're going to love.  The NBA Exhibition, the official fan experience endorsed by the famous basketball assocation, will bounce into our city on April 3. Showcasing the lifestyle, culture and rich history of the NBA over 20 themed sections, the exhibition includes heaps of interactive activities, virtual reality experiences, and even the chance to pose for a photo with a replica of the heralded Larry O'Brien Championship Trophy, the prize awarded to the winner of each NBA final.  Test your b-ball skills, go for a slam dunk or see how you measure up to some of the NBA's biggest stars. Plus, snap a pic in the augmented reality photo booth with your fave player and marvel at the collection of more than 50 rare and autographed NBA memorabilia, like jerseys and sneakers worn by some of the legends of the game. There's also a gallery of original NBA-themed artwork by Australian and First Nations artists and a section in the exhibition dedicated to Aussie NBA players. This exhibition is essentially heaven for an NBA fan.  If this exhibition sounds like it's just as good as scoring a three-pointer then grab your tickets here. To find out more, check out the website.  Looking for more things to do in Melbourne? Check out this guide to what's on this week.

Edit: A second Melbourne show has been added to Dolly Alderton's tour, after her first date completely sold out. She'll now be doing a show at the Palais Theatre on November 13 in addition to her booked out talk at the Arts Centre Melbourne on November 14. Tickets to her talk at the Palais Theatre are on sale now, you can buy them here – snap them up while you can! If you know a young woman who's an avid reader, chances are her eyes will light up at the mention of best-selling author Dolly Alderton. The British writer skyrocketed to popularity with her debut memoir-turned-TV show, Everything I Know About Love – a quasi-bible for those navigating life in the fraught 20s age demographic.  For the very first time, Alderton is headed Down Under for a tour of talks, off the back of her latest New York Times best-selling novel Good Material. She's heading to Arts Centre Melbourne for an appearance on November 14, and bringing along her latest stories for Melburnians to enjoy. Not only is she a beloved author, but Alderton originally gained recognition for her Sunday Times 'Dear Dolly' advice column – and she'll incorporate her favourite anecdotes from this within her live show, as well as her own insightful musings on various aspects of life. Audiences will have a chance to ask questions of their own, too, so get brainstorming.  Alderton will also make appearances in Sydney on November 5 and 6, Perth on November 10 and Brisbane on November 17 before heading to Wellington on Novembe

An exhilarating celebration of all things Latino is bursting into Melbourne this spring, featuring high-energy entertainment, mouth-watering authentic cuisine and explosions of colour in a jam-packed, adults-only one day festival.  Ritmo Latino is set to be a non-stop dance party with a pumping entertainment line-up of energetic acts like Brazil's Danny Maia, Quarter Street and Calle Luna filling the d-floor with energetic Brazilian Salsa, Reggaeton, Timba, and authentic Colombian beats to have your hips swinging long into the night. Plus, there'll even be Latin dance workshops to make sure you've got the salsa steps downpat.  Before you hit the dancefloor, there'll be loads more to explore at the fiesta – including showcases of Latin American culture with artworks and handcrafted works on show. Not to mention, a huge of array of delectable food will be available for feasting upon, from tacos and empanadas to tantalizing tequeños, arepas and burritos. Wash it down with Latin cocktails, with Mojitos, Caipirinhas, Piña Coladas and more being poured at the bar.  The festival is on November 4, with two separate sessions – one in the afternoon and one in the evening. Tickets to both are $35, available online here. Feeling like a Latin American feast? Here's our list of the best Mexican restaurants in Melbourne. 

Stickybeak is a physical comedy show set on a street all Melburnians are sure to find familiar. After earning four stars from Time Out at the 2023 Melbourne Fringe Festival, The Beaks are bringing the show back for another laugh-out-loud run for this year’s Melbourne International Comedy Festival from April 16-21 at Malthouse, with tickets available here. Keep reading for our 2023 review of Stickybeak. The spectacles you’ll witness as an audience member at Melbourne Fringe Festival are unlimited by the bounds of imagination. So while you probably wouldn't expect to observe four people performing uncannily realistic imitations of snails, it should also come as no surprise. Snail impressions are a small part of Stickybeak, a hilariously accurate snapshot of Aussie suburbia, complete with rotting fruit, dog poo and a rogue chicken. This raucous physical comedy show is set in the front yards of three houses and depicts the daily interactions between nosy neighbours that we all recognise – you know, bin night discussions, marvelling in jealousy at front yard roses and grimacing about unruly dogs. The cast of four masterfully shapeshift between dozens of classic archetype characters: the elderly European man who’s obsessed with his fruit trees; his wife who spies on the rest of the street; the young family whose kids won’t stop screaming; and the gaggle of perky women in their weekly jogging group. Performers Kimberley Twiner, Jessie Ngaio, Laura Trenerry and Patrick Dwyer nail eve

Lovers of gyros, halloumi and the zorba, listen up. A huge one-day celebration of Greek culture is returning to the Preston Market in Melbourne's north, with a fun-filled, free event.  On Sunday, April 7, Greek Day will transform the market into a Hellenic paradise, with loads of specialty food, live music, dance entertainment, kids' activities and more. It's a day for celebrating cultural diversity, with a chance for everyone to come together and experience Greek culture in all its glory. Running from 10am to 3pm, the northside market will become a vibrant Greek party, with Manasis School of Greek Dance and Culture providing entertainment with energetic performances of traditional moves with authentic folk costumes.  Of course, don't forget the delicious Greek food on offer. Event attendees can expect a raft of exciting food and market pop-up stalls, including St. Gerry’s Greek Donuts for tasty loukoumades. Plus, to keep the little ones entertained, a variety of kids activities will be running from 11am to 1pm.  It's set to be a delightful day out and best of all, it's totally free to attend. Find out more on the website.  Can't get enough of Hellenic cuisine? Here are the best Greek restaurants in Melbourne. 

For city-dwelling Melburnians, a night sky strewn with shining stars is a very special, and novel, sight. Imagine stretching out to sleep at night and gazing up at an endless starry sky, taking in the wonders of the cosmos. Unless you're an avid camper and are game to sleep out in the great outdoors, you wouldn't normally be able to have this experience – until now. Combining the luxury of glamping and the magic of embracing natural surrounds, at these new bubble-shaped retreats situated near the picturesque Wilsons Promontory you can gaze at a sky full of stars while staying warm in a comfy bed. Whether you're a keen stargazer or simply want to experience a unique overnight stay, it makes for a truly magical evening. Photograph: Supplied Despite being surrounded by nature, there are still luxe touches to each bubble. Despite being immersed in the outdoor surroundings, you can still expect plenty of indoor comforts. There's heating and cooling, lush linens, a kitchenette, a decked out bathroom and even a barbecue you can enjoy out on the wraparound deck, where you can sit outside and appreciate the views before retreating to your cosy bubble.  Photograph: C GRENWICK There are two bubbles you can book, but they're both in separate, private locations. It's an adults-only stay with a maximum of two people, costing $695 total per night, plus fees. Bookings are made through AirBnb and you can find out more about the accommodation on the website.  Stay in the loop: sign up for

Get excited for a future staycay, because Melbourne is about to gain a new, waterfront luxury hotel that's both swanky and sustainable – right on the banks of the Yarra River. After opening venues in some of the world's most desirable destinations like West Hollywood, London and Paris, 1 Hotel is building a brand-new hotel in our city, set to open in 2025.  Situated at 9 Maritime Place in Docklands, the hotel will be made up of 280 guest suites, a state-of-the-art wellness centre, a 1000 seat function centre, a sleek lobby cocktail bar and multiple dining venues. It's set to be a hot new addition to Melbourne's accommodation scene, making up part of a $600 million development on the banks of the Yarra called 'Seafarers', which will also include 114 residential apartments and a 3500sqm public park.    Photograph: 1 Hotel   Not only will the new hotel have very swish look, but the company behind it have a mission for good, too. 1 Hotel ensures each of their venues has a focus on sustainability and environmental responsibility, highlighting the beauty of nature and using resources from the local community. The Melbourne site will use recycled materials in the construction, feature native greenery throughout, have a farm to table food program and be powered by green systems like low-energy lighting and temperature controls. Plus, the rooms will include locally sourced, sustainable linen, non-toxic, organic mattresses and reclaimed wooden furniture. The venue will also share its

Sydney is a city blessed with varied topography, which makes for excellent views, spectacular hikes, and some occasionally hard-as-hell walking routes (we’re looking at you, Heartbreak Hill). That being said, if you choose your journeys wisely, getting around Sydney without a car is relatively easy. Now, a global study investigating which cities across the globe are the best for living a car-free life has affirmed this – naming Sydney as one of the top 15 most walkable locations (ie: easiest to get around without a car).  Our city came in at number 11 on the global list, facing stiff competition from other famous cities and just missing making it into the top ten. Topping the list as the best place to live without a car was Munich in Germany, followed by Milan in Italy, Warsaw in Poland, Helsinki in Finland and Paris in France. Rounding out the top ten was Tokyo, Japan in the sixth spot, then Madrid in Spain, Oslo in Norway, Copenhagen in Denmark and Amsterdam in the Netherlands. Clearly, Europe is onto something when it comes to reducing the need for cars.  Photograph: Supplied | Destination NSW | Ultimately Sydney To determine which cities were the best for car-free living and walkability, comparison site Compare the Market looked at factors like the amount of rainfall, the number of biking and walking trails, the location's safety, public transport quality and car-free places. One of the criteria that Sydney scored well for was walking tracks, as one of the top four citi

In Melbourne, we're blessed with a city that's easy to traverse. There's an extensive train and tram network, car-free day trips, bike paths and plenty of walking trails. This means it's possible to live here without owning a car, which not only helps ease congestion on the roads, but also reduces the harmful pollution that impacts our natural surrounds. And now, a global study investigating which cities across the globe are the best for living a car-free life has affirmed this, naming Melbourne as one of the top 20 most walkable locations (ie: easy to get around without a car).  Our city came in at number 17 on the global list, facing stiff competition from other famous cities. Topping the list as the best place to live without a car was Munich in Germany, followed by Milan in Italy, Warsaw in Poland, Helsinki in Finland and Paris in France. Rounding out the top ten was Tokyo, Japan in the sixth spot, then Madrid in Spain, Oslo in Norway; Copenhagen in Denmark and Amsterdam in the Netherlands. Clearly, Europe is onto something when it comes to reducing the need for cars.  To determine which cities were the best for car-free living and walkability, comparison site Compare the Market looked at factors like the amount of rainfall, the number of biking and walking trails, the location's safety, public transport quality and car-free places. One of the criteria that Melbourne scored well for was walking tracks, as one of the top four cities in the world with the most trails, along

Did you know that you can visit a massive forest of jaw-dropping Californian Redwood trees, not far from Melbourne? You probably do, as their existence is less of a fun fact and more of a major tourist attraction for Victoria these days, luring tourists with majestic and Insta-worthy sights. With masses of visitors making the drive to witness the breathtaking scenery, the Warburton East Redwood Forest is getting a duly required upgrade to the tune of $3 million, to better accommodate the large number of people who visit the spot. The improvements will mean everyone can still get their IG shots of the more than 90-year-old forest, but they'll be safer while they endeavour to do so.  Photograph: Visit Victoria When construction starts later this year, Parks Victoria and Melbourne Water will install boardwalks and viewing platforms, as well as more car spaces (which were previously very limited), public toilets, a weather shelter and better walking trails. Essentially, the attraction will be made more accessible and visitor-friendly, which sounds like a win to us.  Plus, the beautiful natural surrounds of the forest will benefit too, as the majority of these upgrades have been designed with the aim to protect the area from human impact. It'll mean that the forest's understorey that serves as an important habitat for wildlife and plants is better preserved. The local community will also reap the rewards of the works, as the increased number of carparks should minimise the traff

In case you missed it, a total solar eclipse just entranced millions of people in the Northern Hemisphere. On April 8, the moon glided past the sun and blocked out its rays in a spectacular display. But sadly for us Down Under, the moment of magic took place before the sun had risen in our skies – and wasn't visible from anywhere in Australia. If you're keen to witness this wildly sublime spectacle in our city, luckily, you won't have to wait that long. We've done the research for you, so here's everything you need to know about how to see the next solar eclipse visible from Sydney. When is the next solar eclipse happening in Sydney? The next solar eclipse visible from Sydney will occur four years from now, on July 22, 2028. The eclipse will begin at around 12.30pm and be at its peak just before 2pm, finishing just after 3pm. So mark your calendars and hope that our winter skies are cloudless on that day.  Where is the best place to view the next solar eclipse?  Luckily for Sydneysiders, the best place to view the total solar eclipse in 2028 is right here in NSW. The path of totality crosses right over the Emerald City and stretches over the Northern Territory, so it's not the time to be booking a trip interstate or overseas. How often are solar eclipses visible? Solar eclipses are only visible from the exact same location every 126 years. But, solar eclipses happen around the world every 18 months or so. The next solar eclipse we'll hopefully catch a glimpse of in Sydney wil

When you think of the most impressive transport systems in the world, you probably think of the ones in big cities like London, Paris and New York. But with the tech that's currently being installed in Melbourne's future Metro Tunnel, it could soon join the ranks as one of the best of the best metros across the globe. Ahead of its opening next year, the team behind the project have revealed some of the exciting features that mean Melburnians will get a major upgrade to how they get from A to B.  In case you're not yet fully across what the Metro Tunnel is exactly, here's a super quick explainer. It's a rapid transit network that will run beneath the CBD, with five new underground train stations. It'll run from Kensington to South Yarra, linking with the Sunbury, Cranbourne and Pakenham lines. The new tunnel will make getting through the city much quicker, and connect commuters to other major transport hubs. If you've been to the CBD and seen major construction near the Town Hall and Flinders Street Station, it's all for the Metro Tunnel. It's a big deal.  But aside from giving us some swish new train stations, what else makes it so special? Well, one of the most exciting features is that it will run on a 'turn-up-and-go' model, emulating rapid transit public transport systems in London, Singapore and Hong Kong. Trains running between the east and west could run as frequently as every two minutes, using a new high capacity signalling system. Testing so far has successfully sen

In case you missed it, a total solar eclipse just entranced millions of people in the Northern Hemisphere. On April 8, the moon glided past the sun and blocked out its rays in a spectacular display. But sadly for us Down Under, it was only visible in the skies over parts of North America. If you're keen to witness this magic in our city, luckily, you won't have to wait that long. We've done the research for you, so here's everything you need to know about how to see the next solar eclipse visible from Melbourne.  When is the next solar eclipse happening in Melbourne? The next solar eclipse visible from Melbourne will occur four years from now, on July 22, 2028. The eclipse will begin at around 12.30pm and be at its peak just before 2pm, finishing just after 3pm. So mark your calendars and hope that our winter skies are cloudless on that day.  Where is the best place to view the next solar eclipse?  Unluckily for Melburnians, the best place to view the total solar eclipse in 2028 is in NSW. The path of totality crosses right over Sydney and stretches over the Northern Territory. But don't fret, in Melbourne we'll still get an 80 per cent eclipse, which will also be a remarkable sight. However, if you're an avid celestial spectator, you'd be better off heading north to witness the full eclipse.  How often are solar eclipses visible? Solar eclipses are only visible from the exact same location every 126 years. But, solar eclipses happen around the world every 18 months or so. Th

We don't get the chance to see many celestial sights Down Under, so when there's an astronomical event taking place in Melbourne's skies, we get pretty excited. If rare space events also pique your curiosity, this is one you definitely won’t want to miss. On Monday, April 22, a super rare celestial event will grace Melbourne's skies. At triple the size of Mount Everest, the Devil’s Comet (officially known as C12/P Pons-Brooks) will be visible to the human eye for the first time in more than seven decades – and it won’t be soaring past the sun again until 2095. Here's everything you need to know about the Devil’s Comet; like what it is, when it's happening and how to see it in Melbourne, so you can make the most of this special celestial experience.  When will the Devil’s Comet be visible in Melbourne? The Devil’s Comet will be visible in Melbourne for a brief time after sunset of Monday, April 22. The celestial body is actually named C12P/Pons-Brooks, but is more commonly referred to as Devil Comet due to its resemblance to a horned tail. You should be able to see the comet without equipment, however, a pair of binoculars or a telescope is recommended for the best viewing experience. Experienced stargazers will be able to observe the comet over the following weeks using advanced telescopes, as the comet approaches the sun before moving back into the distant parts of the solar system. Where can I see the 2024 Devil’s Comet in Melbourne? The Devil’s Comet should be visible in M

If the cold snap in Melbourne has got you dreaming of an escape to a warmer oasis, then perhaps it’s time to pack your bags and book an impromptu trip. If you can act fast, you can nab an absolute steal of an airfare, as Qantas has just launched a surprise sale with discounts on more than one million seats across 100 domestic routes. How about a trip to Kangaroo Island or Byron Bay, anyone? This sale comes hot on the heels of Qantas’ new Classic Plus rewards seats expansion, which will see the airline release more than 20 million more Frequent Flyer seats each year on international flights. However, you only have 72 hours to snap up seats in the domestic sale, as it wraps up just before midnight on April 11.  While saving up your annual leave and dosh for next year’s Euro summer, you can book a (half-the-price) domestic getaway for as little as $105 one-way (for travel from May to December 2024). There are more than 60 locations to choose from, with 15 routes on sale for under $200. Melburnians can fly to destinations like the Gold Coast, Brisbane, the Sunshine Coast, Hobart, Launceston, Adelaide and many more for less than $200. If you’re keen to head further afield, you could even travel to Alice Springs, Cairns, Broome and more for between $300 and $500. On top of checked baggage, complimentary food and free Wi-Fi, passengers will also score complimentary alcoholic drinks on all domestic flights from midday onwards. You can jump on the sale here.  Stay in the loop: sign up

It looks like Victoria's licence system is finally ready to enter the 21st century, hallelujah! It's plagued us for yonks that our neighbours, South Australia and New South Wales, get the convenience of using digital licences. Residents of those states no longer have to worry about experiencing the panic of forgetting their licence on a night out or a trip to the bottle-o, and then getting asked for ID despite being well over the age of 18 (a frustrating but flattering experience). Unlike us, forgetting their wallet isn't a make-or-break issue. But now, we Victorians have something to smile about: we're finally going to share in the sweet satisfaction of whipping out a digital driver's licence, when they are rolled out across the state very soon.  When will Victorians be able to use digital driver's licences?  This new initiative has been in the works for a while, with trials of digital licences taking place in the regional Victoria township of Ballarat last year. Thankfully those trials went smoothly, so from May, all fully licensed Victorian drivers will be able to download digital licences onto their phones via the Vic Roads and Service Victoria apps in a state-wide launch. Finally!  Where can Victorians use digital driver's licences? All Victorians will be able to use a digital licence at businesses like bars, restaurants, retailers, post offices, car rental services and more. Basically, you can use it in every way that you currently use your physical driver's licence, bu

While it may be hard to believe considering the recent rain deluge that washed through Melbourne, our city has surprisingly broken a dry weather record. Typically, March marks the transition from summer to Melbourne's classic cool and rainy weather, but this year was an exception.  Last month was officially the driest March on record in Melbourne, with the city recording the smallest amount of rain in 170 years of weather data. Across the entire month, Melbourne only had a measly 2.8mm of rain. This is starkly low for a typical March, with the long-term monthly average in Melbourne being about 50mm. The last time our city had such low rainfall in March was 110 years ago, all the way back in 1934, when 3.7mm of rain fell. According to Weatherzone, the super low level of rain in Victoria last month was because of unusually high pressure towards the south of Australia, which blocked cold fronts that usually bring rainfall.  Across the state, the weather was still summer-like in March, with a scorching heatwave over the Labour Day long weekend. But Victoria's weather was in stark contrast to the rest of the country, as locations in the Northern Territory and Western Australia recorded the wettest March on record. In fact, Australia's national area-averaged rainfall in March 2024 was 86 per cent above the 1961-1990 average, which made it the third wettest March ever recorded for the whole country.  Down south, Melbourne seems to have gotten the rain memo, with the start of this mo