Liv Condous

October 23, 2023: Our city is currently sartorial heaven with the advent of Melbourne Fashion Week, with plenty of trendsetting events. Plus, music fans are spoilt for choice, with the Melbourne International Jazz Festival and the new Eighty-Six festival all rocking out this weekend. The awe-inspiring BBC Earth Experience opens this week, taking visitors inside a nature doco to get up-close to the wonders of the world. Plus, award-winning musical Miss Saigon takes the stage. If you're craving a decent feed, head to Global Foodie Fest to take your stomach on a trip around the world.  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.

October 23, 2023: Our city is currently sartorial heaven with the advent of Melbourne Fashion Week, with plenty of trendsetting events. Plus, music fans are spoilt for choice, with the Melbourne International Jazz Festival and the new Eighty-Six festival all rocking out this week. The awe-inspiring BBC Earth Experience opens this week, taking visitors inside a nature doco to get up-close to the wonders of the world. Plus, award-winning musical Miss Saigon takes the stage. If you're craving a decent feed, head to Global Foodie Fest or the final week of Europa Night Market.  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.

Whether you're a fitness fanatic or absolutely dreaded PE in school, playing a social sport is a fantastic way to get active, meet new people and try something new. It's the low-pressure, happy-medium option if you're keen to play without the intensity of a high-stakes competition that's usually associated with team sports. There are heaps of different sports you can try, like netball, basketball, soccer, futsal and the latest sports craze, pickleball. You don't even need to have a team of pals who are keen to join with you – lots of organisations accept individual registrations. If you're considering giving it a try, we've put together a list of the best places in Melbourne to try out a social sport. Go on, you'll have a ball.  Wanting a more intense workout? Here are the best exercise classes in Melbourne. Plus, check out the best gyms in Melbourne.

The spookiest time of year is upon us, so get ready to prep your costume and start listening to some creepy tunes, because there's heaps happening in Melbourne for Halloween.  From horror-themed raves and costume parties to haunted tours and murder mystery events, there's bound to be something that tickles your fancy. And if you'd rather have a ghoulish party at home, we've put together some tips for throwing the scariest celebration. After the perfect costume? Check out Melbourne's best costume shops. 

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.

Planning the perfect wedding is no walk in the park, and one of the first — and most important — things to check off your list is picking your venue. Are you thinking beachside or inner-city converted warehouse? Atop the rolling hills of a vineyard, or in a cactus-filled desert oasis? Or maybe somewhere a bit kooky, like in a retro ice cream shop or at the carnival.  Whatever you fancy, there's a venue out there to suit your needs, and we've rounded up 30 of our top picks across Melbourne and Victoria. Don't forget to also plan your hen's party, and to pick out a romantic hotel and date-night restaurant for a bit of well-deserved R&R after your special day.  For your pre-wedding pampering, book in at one of Melbourne's best spas. Don't forget to schedule some time for a mani-pedi and hair styling session. 

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.  

Wondering what to do in Melbourne in December? We can help. Check out our guide to all the fun things to do in Melbourne, including mega NGV art exhibitions, summer festivals, rooftop cinemas and more.  Too hot to trot? Here are the best ways to beat the heat in Melbourne. Plus for those celebrating Christmas, here's where to see Christmas lights across the city and where to buy a real Christmas tree.

Wondering what to do in Melbourne in November? We can help. Check out our guide to all the fun things to do in Melbourne, including free attractions, art exhibitions and activities for kids to get amongst as well.  Planning for next month? Here are all of the best things to do in December.

If you weren't in Munich to celebrate this year's Oktoberfest, don't fret. There are loads of Oktoberfest events happening right across Melbourne, so you can still have a taste of the froth-soaked action. Prepare to get knee-deep in the beer-centric festivities at parties and festivals, where you'll jig to the sounds of an oompah band, eat the most delicious pretzels and, of course, consume lots (and lots) of beer.  After more things to do? Check out the best things to do in October.

Halloween is coming up soon, so it's time to get planning for the perfect costume. Dress-up parties can be intimidating, as it's no small feat to decide on a cozzie that's just right — do you go the comedic route, or maybe something related to current affairs? What is the perfect combination of something that's clever but original? Don't fret, just head to one of Melbourne's finest costume shops and you'll be sure to find something that takes your fancy.    Looking for things to do this Halloween? Check out our round-up of the best spooky events happening in Melbourne.

Father's Day falls on Sunday, September 3 this year, and if you're struggling to find the right way to spoil dad, we've put together a list of delicious Father's Day lunches and dinners that he's sure to love. Don't forget to couple your tasty meal with one of these Father's Day gifts — the list is dad-approved, and we promise there's not a lame novelty mug in sight. And to round out the celebration, we've also made a list of activites to do on the day that the whole fam will love.  Need to make a booking for a large party? These are Melbourne's best restaurants for group bookings. 

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 one day festival.  Ritmo Latino is set to be a non-stop dance party with a pumping entertainment line-up of award-winning acts like Club Havana Band, La Tropa Vallenata and Sambrazuka filling the d-floor with energetic Brazilian Salsa, Reggaeton, Timba, and authentic Colombian beats to have your hips swaying long into the night. Plus, there'll even be 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 adults-only 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. 

Australia’s longest-running adults-only weekend, Sexpo, is back by popular demand as an all-new festival of inclusive sexuality and performance with the largest sex education stage in the Southern Hemisphere.     Sexpo is back to its old tricks, with scintillating performances, interactive displays, kink demonstrations, and guest appearances from world-famous adult stars, including Lisa Ann, who will take part in daily meet and greets and seminars. Not to mention, the exhibition offers the largest and most diverse retail offering of adult products in the country.  Live shows will include the Men of Dreams stage show, fire dancers, acrobats and pole dancers, live art by Pricasso and much more. Plus, there's a program of Sex Ed seminars with line-up of sexologists and celebrity guests covering a variety of saucy topics. Or delve deeper at the Tantra Temple and Kink Studio, where you can explore the art of sacred sexuality and exciting new sexual realms with workshops, talks and educational demonstrations.  Sexpo lands at Melbourne's Convention and Exhibition Centre for a big weekend of grown-up fun from November 10-12. Tickets start at $69 plus fees, or you can score an all-access ticket for $187. Grab your tickets here and find out more about Sexpo here. Can't make it? Peruse our list of Melbourne's best sex shops instead.

If you've ever dreamt of living out your Blue Water High fantasies (IYKYK), but have always been intimidated by learning to surf, there's a perfect opportunity to jump on a board and live your best cool-surfer-girly life.  Urbnsurf are holding a special edition of their beloved Surf and Sip events, designed to break up the surfing boys club and empower aspiring female and female-identifying surfers to learn how to ride waves in a fun and welcoming environment. Girls Go Urbnsurf will be the first event in the summer series, with a full girls-only takeover of the wave lagoon. In addition to catching some sweet waves, surfers will be treated to a mindfulness and yoga session to start the morning, before heading into the water for a one-hour surf session.  The event welcomes experienced and beginner surfers, offering two different sessions based on skill level, with coaches on hand to offer novices guidance (and wrangle rogue surfboards).  After shredding the waves, surfers can relax and chat at a pop-up outdoor bar on the lawn before enjoying talks from guest speakers. Psychotherapist and author Stacey June will talk women's wellness and critically acclaimed winemaker Nina Stocker will share her business wisdom. Not to mention, she'll bring tastings of some drops from her very own vineyard. Event sponsor Ripcurl is also bringing along a special guest for the event, who is yet to be revealed.  It's set to be a fun-filled day that focuses on girl power and good times, which are tw

Expect a magical night out at this cocktail bar popping up in Chinatown — not just metaphorically, but an actual magic-filled evening featuring a line-up of magician superstars direct from Japan.  Stepping into the neon-lit Maho Magic Bar will whisk you away to Tokyo, with up-close-and-personal experiences with expert magicians alongside delicious cocktails. There's no stage for the performers here as the intimate show will take place right at your table, where you'll be just inches away from the bamboozling sleight-of-hand magic.  Japan’s best magicians will suprise and delight visitors, incorporating debonair storytelling, illusions and even hyponotism. While you enjoy the show, you'll sip on bespoke cocktails mixed by a Japanese master mixologist. Or if you're after a more traditional libation, try authentic Japanese sake, whisky, shochu and rare spirits like umeshu. On the 'special menu' the magic of performance and mixology will combine, with those who are daring enough to order a special drink receiving a surprise magic trick in return.  “I wanted to showcase Japan’s electric energy here in Australia and give audiences an experience unlike anything they have had before," says Broad Encounters creative director Kirsten Siddle. "Seeing close-up magic really does inspire awe. The sheer skill, finesse and charisma of these master magicians is intoxicating. People can indulge in the ultimate hedonistic night out in Tokyo without even leaving Melbourne.” If you're prepa

If there's two things that Melburnians love, it's markets and op-shopping. So when they combine in the form of secondhand clothing markets, we get very excited. Now, the most beloved market in Melbourne is hopping on the thrifting trend, with a brand new event called Queen Vintage taking over Queen Victoria Market.  The market will bring together some of Melbourne’s favourite vintage and pre-loved retailers all under the one roof of the C-D shed. They'll be selling nostalgic threads that will transport you back in time, with some pieces dating back as far as the 1940s. Shoppers can pick up everything from vintage designer pieces and jewellery to old-school pro sportswear and sneakers. It's essentially a thrifting paradise.  Plus, if you need to take a break from browsing the racks, there'll be a pop-up cocktail bar and food vendors to fuel your shopping stamina. The market will run on October 21 from 9am-4pm and again on December 9 (perfect timing for Chrissy shopping). For more information, check out the website.  Keen to check out some more of Melbourne's clothing markets? Check out the best ones here. 

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 every single one, down to the minute details. The dialogue is sparse – it’s not needed to signpost which character is on stage (although some simple costume changes help with that) or even what’s transpiring between them, because the impressively nuanced physicality of each actor does most of the talking. A sequence between two pre-pubescent teenagers where the dialogue is little more than “‘sup?” has the

For one night only, an absolutely stacked line-up of beloved Aussie musicians are coming together to put on an epic concert to celebrate the legendary Mushroom Music Group.  More than 20 of our favourite local music stars will play a bumper set of smash-hit songs to celebrate the record company’s 50th anniversary, including Jimmy Barnes, the Temper Trap, Amy Shark, Hunters and Collectors and heaps more.  If you can imagine what a greatest hits compilation of all-Australian bangers would sound like – that’s essentially what the Mushroom 50 Live event will be. Expect a jam-packed concert featuring 50 songs to celebrate 50 years of Mushroom being a music industry titan, with classic hits like ‘Working Class Man’, ‘Holy Grail’, ‘Sweet Disposition’, ‘Riptide’, ‘Hoops’ and more.  With all the star power linked to Mushroom Records, there’s no doubt that there will be plenty of surprises on the night – with famous names like Kylie Minogue and Ed Sheeran having close ties to the company, who knows what could happen!  This is one to bring the whole family along to – with intergenerational artists taking the stage, there’ll be songs that will have your parents (and even grandparents!) singing along. The once-in-a-lifetime concert will be a historic event for the local music scene, and provides a chance to celebrate an industry-shaping music company that was founded right here in Melbourne in 1972 by Michael Gudinski. Mushroom 50 Live will light up the stage of Rod Laver Arena on Sunday,

One of the things Melbourne does very well is food – in particular, food from other countries. The multicultural diversity of our city means that we have so many top-notch eateries offering authentic cuisine, from Spanish and Vietnamese to Indian and Thai.  If you're a fan of eating your way around the world, then there's a festival in Melbourne's Southeast that will be right up your alley. Global Foodie Fest kicks off on October 14, showcasing the food of a different culture each Saturday night across a month-long celebration of global culinary delights.  The first week will showcase Oriental cuisine, followed by Latin food on October 21, African dishes on October 28 and finally the traditional foods of the Indian Diwali festival on November 4.  But the celebrations won't stop at the food, with a jam-packed line-up of entertainment each week. Throughout the four-week festival, you'll be able to watch everything from K-Pop routines and Latin bands to Afro-fusion music and Bollywood dance workshops. Plus, there'll be market stalls where you can grab a gift for a loved one (or yourself).  It's all about good food and good times, what more could you want? Grab your mates and make sure you come with an empty stomach. This event will be held at Morris Moor, 1 Cochranes Road, Moorabbin. For all the details, visit the website here.  Feeling hungry? Check out our list of the best cheap eats in Melbourne.

Music theatre fans, hold onto your hats. A new production of a beloved classic is coming our way and it's bringing a revered star soprano, who originated one of the most famous musical roles of all time, to Melbourne.  Sunset Boulevard will shine with the glitz of old Hollywood in a brand new lavish production on the Princess Theatre stage for a strictly limited season in May 2024, starring the one-and-only Sarah Brightman. If her name is familiar, it's because she was the original Christine Daae in The Phantom of the Opera on both the West End and Broadway. The international superstar has since gained global acclaim as a beloved soprano and recording artist, and is now returning to the stage to play her first role in a musical in more than three decades – right here in Melbourne.  The British songstress will play the lead role of Norma Desmond, a character made famous by Glenn Close, in the Tony award-winning musical. Based on the 1950s film noir by Billy Wilder, Sunset Boulevard features music by prolific composer Andrew Lloyd Webber (known for a vast array of treasured musicals like Jesus Christ Superstar, Cats, Evita and more) and a book and lyrics by Don Black and Christopher Hampton. The original 1994 Broadway production won six Tony Awards including Best Musical, Best Original Score and Best Book, and had the highest ever ticket pre-sales in Broadway history at the time. The new Australian production will be the first time the musical has graced our shores in almost 20

Music theatre fans, hold onto your hats. A new production of a beloved Andrew Lloyd Webber classic is coming our way – and it's bringing a revered star soprano. Sunset Boulevard will shine with the glitz of old Hollywood in a brand new lavish production at the Sydney Opera House for a strictly limited season in August 2024, starring the one-and-only Sarah Brightman. If her name is familiar, it's because she was the *original* Christine Daae in The Phantom of the Opera on both the West End and Broadway. The British international superstar has since gained global acclaim as a beloved soprano and recording artist, and is now returning to the stage to play her first role in a musical in more than three decades – right here in Australia. Brightman will play the lead role of Norma Desmond in this lavish production from Opera Australia and GWB Entertainment, a character made famous by Glenn Close in the Tony award-winning musical. (Does the phrase "Mr. DeMille, I’m Ready for My Close Up!" sound familiar to you?)  Based on the 1950s film noir by Billy Wilder, Sunset Boulevard features music by prolific composer Andrew Lloyd Webber (the mastermind behind treasured musicals like Jesus Christ Superstar, Cats, Evita and more) and a book and lyrics by Don Black and Christopher Hampton. The original 1994 Broadway production won six Tony Awards including Best Musical, Best Original Score and Best Book, and had the highest ever ticket pre-sales in Broadway history at the time. The new Austr

There's nothing quite like the joy that comes with some retail therapy, especially when you’re supporting local artisans and mindful makers at Finders Keepers. This year, the massive design and art market will feature more than 250 stalls selling everything from slow fashion and jewellery to homewares and stationery. The spring line-up will feature visual artists like Alejandro Lauren, Emma Morgan and Oh Jessica Jessica; ceramicists like Alessia E Art and Public Holiday; jewellery makers like Peppy Chappette, Mecino and Little Keeper; and clothing brands like Nala, Quirkie Su and Amble. To ensure you're fed and watered, vendors like Billy Van Creamy, Mrs Browne Bakes, Minimum Wines and Molly Rose Brewing will be serving up some tasty concoctions. In addition to the stacked line-up of stallholders, there will also be DJs pumping tunes, a variety of creative workshops hosted by ClassBento throughout the weekend and crafty classes for kids with See Make Play.  Plus, there's an exciting new addition to the market this spring with The Change Room which focuses on "fair" fashion. You can bring along your worn-out clothes and see how they can be recycled with Upparel, and shop from heaps of ethical fashion brands who are driving positive change.  The market will take place at the Royal Exhibition Building in Carlton, and entry is just $6 (free for kids under 13). The event kicks off on Friday, October 13, 4pm-9pm. Over the weekend, opening hours are 10am-5pm. Want to keep shopping? 

Is there anything worse than seeing a small, rickety old tram crammed with people hurtling towards your stop? Well, fear not; this poor PT experience will soon become a thing of the past because Melbourne is getting 100 new fancy, next-generation trams that promise the smoothest of journeys for all. The new locally-made G Class trams were revealed with the unveiling of a life-size model that gives us a sneak peek of what commuters on tram routes 57, 59 and 82 will be treated to on their future journeys. They're set to replace the older, high-floor trams that are inaccessible for passengers with mobility challenges – not to mention they're usually super cramped. The newest trams will have much more space and the latest accessibility features, meaning that the old Z and A classes that have been getting us from A to B for the last fifty or so years will finally be retired. Those trusty, OG trams will hold a special place in our hearts, but in reality, we don't think we'll miss them that much. A tram design that excludes some passengers from travelling is a no from us. The glimpse of the new models revealed sleek interiors and LED information screens that will make it much harder to miss the stop that you meant to get off at, but you weren't quite sure whether it was the next one or the one after that. The new design still has many familiar features that we know and love from other tram models but with a more streamlined look.  Photograph: Department of Transport The latest tra

We may not be well-known for our coastlines down here in Victoria, but we think they deserve more hype. From the stunning Great Ocean Road to the Mornington Peninsula and the beautiful Bass Coast, our shores have so much to offer both locals and visitors. Soon, there'll be a new attraction that highlights the winding coastline and sandy shores of our state's south eastern corner, with a new 32km coastal trail set to open on the Bass Coast.  It may be a little further to travel than your go-to beach spots (an hour and forty minutes from Melbourne by car, to be exact) but this epic new walking trail will be worth the journey. The path will wind through one of Victoria's newest major parks, the Yallock-Bulluk Marine and Coastal Park, forming an east-to-west connection between the beloved seaside towns of San Remo and Inverloch.  Construction of the trail will involve an $8.33 million upgrade to the existing George Bass Coastal Walk to form a trail along the rugged coastline, beaches and dunes of the Bass Coast, including three new lookouts capturing truly spectacular vistas at the popular visitor sites of Punchbowl, the Arch and Eagles Nest. With the creation of the new walking path, avid hikers will be able to venture all the way from the Punchbowl in San Remo to Cape Paterson through the stunning coastal park. Get your cameras ready, because there will be plenty of stunning sights to snap along the way.  There's still a little while to wait before the trail officially opens, w

There's no shortage of amazing places to stay across Australia – from remote cabins and tiny homes to farm houses and beachfront oases – it's never been easier to have a truly memorable holiday in idyllic surrounds. Airbnb has crowned the best of the best in its third annual host awards and two Victorian stays have been named among the six winners, as the best spots to stay in the country. A 1920s converted train carriage won the award for the most unique stay and an 1860s homestead picked up the prize for the best nature stay. Clear your calendars, because these stays truly have wow factor.  To decide the winning stays, Airbnb crunched the numbers (such as guest scores) and consulted with an expert panel to determine the six winners. The prize categories are Best Design Stay, Most Unique Stay, Best Nature Stay, Host of the Year, Best New Host and Best Room Host. And considering there are more than 100,000 properties on Airbnb Australia, just making it to the finalist round is an impressive feat.  If you seek out a vacay that's outside the norm, this authentic 1920s train carriage turned accommodation should be on your radar. Located in the tranquil surrounds of the Otway Ranges, it picked up the prize for the Most Unique Stay, and staying there is truly a first class journey. Steam is a three-bedroom accommodation with steampunk themed decor and luxe interiors, the product of a nine-month renovation to transform the carriage. Host Fleur Leslie intended the stay to be a rom

For many of us, retirement is an idea that isn’t even slightly on the long list of things that take up brain space. Heck, sorting out our lives for the next month is time-consuming enough, never mind what we’ll be doing with our lives when we finally bid farewell to the daily grind.   But in case you are a forward planner, we’ve got some news that you might want to take heed of – as a new report has revealed that Australia is one of the most expensive countries in the world to live out retirement in.  We’re sorry to deliver this grim news, but at least it’s better to be aware sooner rather than later. Life insurance company Shepherds Friendly put out a report called The Retirement Index, which included a list of the top ten cities that were the most expensive for retirees to live in, based on factors like average monthly living costs and life expectancy for each country. They used the World Happiness Report from 2020 and pulled out the top 46 cities on the list, which are reportedly some of the best places to live across the globe and therefore ideal for retirees. This is the same report that listed Australia as the twelfth happiest country in the world earlier this year, so we’ve at least got that to smile about.  According to the index, four Aussie cities are among the top ten most exxy places to retire. Yikes. Melbourne came tenth on the list, apparently costing a total of £189,381 (which equates to roughly $361,623 AUD). This is with the assumption that you'll live until

If you’re like us, you’re a sucker for a celestial sighting. From supermoons to rare green comets, we love a bit of amateur astronomy and being dazzled by the wonders of space. So you can imagine that we got very excited when we heard that the Orionids meteor shower, which experts consider to be the most beautiful of them all, is coming up in October.  What is the Orionids meteor shower?  The Orionids meteor shower is an annual celestial event renowned for being a spectacular feast for the eyes. These particular meteors are known for being extra bright and super speedy, travelling into the Earth's atmosphere at a rate of 66 km/s. This galactic phenomenon holds a special place in the hearts of space fanatics, as the meteors are actually made up of debris left behind by the famed Halley’s Comet. On the night of the showers’ peak, there could be 20 to 30 meteors appearing per hour, making for a truly spectacular sight. But don’t just take it from us: NASA says this meteor shower is considered the most beautiful of the year. This is because these meteors are particularly sparkly – and as they travel so quickly, they can produce bright fireballs with lasting 'trains' behind them that make for an incredible display in the night sky.  How can you see the Orionids meteor shower in Melbourne and Victoria?  If you’re keen to see this stunning space show, here’s how to do it. The best time to view the Orionids meteor shower is between October 21 and 22, in the early hours of the morning

If you've been staring at your calendar and feeling like it's decidedly lacking in holiday breaks, now is the time to fix that. Virgin Australia has come through with cheap-as-chips international and domestic flights thanks to a five-day flash sale that's happening right now, with low-cost airfares to a bunch of idyllic destinations.  During the airline's sale, aptly named 'the sale', you can snap up an ultra-affordable plane ticket to dreamy escapes like Bali, Fiji and Queenstown direct from Melbourne. Before you know it, you'll be lounging in paradise. Photograph: Supplied Flight deals for Melbourne departures include return flights to Nadi, Fiji for $579, to Denpasar, Bali for $599 or a one-way fare to beautiful Queenstown for $265. Any of those holiday spots sound more than ideal to us. For a holiday closer to home, there's 12 Aussie destinations included too, like a one-way flight to Darwin for $179, Sydney to $109 and Hamilton Island for $139. The flights are available for selected travel dates between January to August, 2024 — so you can book a summer vacay or a wintery escape.  If you're keen for a getaway, get in quick, as the sale ends at midnight on Monday, October 23 — or sooner if the flights sell out before then.  To jump on the offer, you can book your flights on the Virgin Australia website.  RECOMMENDED: Australia has the cleanest air in the world, as the country with the most cities with fresh air It’s official: this Melbourne suburb is the sixth coolest

If there's one thing that never fails to fascinate us all, it's celestial sightings. Whether it be a supermoon, a meteor shower or space junk — we've been captured by the mysteries of space for aeons. Now, it seems that all the people of 2024 may be in for another blazing, otherworldly sight. Astronomers have just discovered a comet they think could be the brightest that any of us have seen in more than a decade – and it should be soaring across Australian skies in about a year’s time from now. This is everything you need to know about Comet C/2023 A3 (Tsuchinshan-ATLAS). So, what exactly is Comet C/2023 A3?  If you can get past the mouthful of a name, you should know this comet has just been discovered independently by scientists last month at ATLAS observatory in South Africa and Tsuchinshan observatory in China (hence, the strange double-barrelled name – everyone wants the credit).  Touted as the possible next ‘great comet of the decade’, this celestial overlord looks like it could be very, very bright, and therefore very visible to the naked eye for all Earth-dwellers when it comes round in 2024.   However, according to astronomers, we need to be aware that comets are unpredictable and despite Comet C/2023 currently predicted to reach a peak brightness level of -6.6 – (this makes it 100 times brighter than 1997’s Hale-Bopp comet that was visible to the naked eye for a whopping 18 months), it could fizzle out by the time it makes it over to our corner of the solar system –

If you’re like us, you’re a sucker for a celestial sighting. From supermoons to rare green comets, we love a bit of amateur astronomy and pulling ourselves off the couch to be dazzled by the wonders of space. So you can imagine that we got very excited when we heard that the Orionids meteor shower, which experts consider to be the most beautiful of them all, is coming in October.  What is the Orionids meteor shower?  The Orionids meteor shower is an annual celestial event renowned for being a spectacular feast for the eyes. These particular meteors are known for being extra bright and super speedy, travelling into the Earth's atmosphere at a rate of 66 km/h. This galactic phenomenon holds a special place in the hearts of space fanatics, as the meteors are actually made up of debris left behind by the famed Halley’s Comet. On the night of the showers’ peak, there could be 20 to 30 meteors appearing per hour, making for a truly spectacular sight. But don’t just take it from us: NASA says this meteor shower is considered the most beautiful of the year. This is because these meteors are particularly sparkly – and as they travel so quickly, they can produce bright fireballs with lasting 'trains' behind them that make for an incredible display in the night sky.  How can you see the Orionids meteor shower in Sydney and NSW?  If you’re keen to see this stunning space show, here’s how to do it. The best time to view the Orionids meteor shower is between October 21 and 22, in the ea

If there's one thing Australia excels at, it's beaches. And when it comes to crystal-clear waters, we continue to take the lead, according to a new analysis, which has found that Australia has (by far) the most beaches with crystal-clear waters in Oceania. A NSW beach – Hyams Beach in the Shoalhaven's Jervis Bay, which was also recently declared one of the top ten best beaches in the world – came in the third top spot on the ladder. American travel site Florida Panhandle analysed more than 2.4 million traveller reviews of 3,117 beaches across the globe and sorted them based on the percentage of reviews that contain the phrase “clear water”. The findings revealed that Australia has the most beaches with pure, clear waters across Oceania, with eight of the top ten beaches located Down Under, and the third top right here in NSW. Considering the continent takes in 14 beachy countries and three of the world’s five oceans, that’s an impressive feat. In Australia, Parakeet Bay in Rottnest Island was named the beach with the clearest waters, followed by Hyams Beach in Jervis Bay, Eli Creek in K’gari and Emily Bay in Norfolk Island. The only other countries with beaches that made the top ten list were Vanuatu (in first place) and Samoa. Here's the top ten list for beaches with the clearest waters in Oceania:  Champagne Beach, Espiritu Santo, Vanuatu  Parakeet Bay, Rottnest Island, Australia  Hyams Beach, Jervis Bay, Australia  Eli Creek, K’gari (Fraser Island), Australia  Emily Ba

We have high standards for beaches in Australia. When you've grown up with picturesque shores on your doorstep, you understand what sets apart any old beach from the ones that are truly top-tier. Beaches with pristine waters, white sand, staggeringly beautiful cliff faces and colourful coral reefs are something that we're used to, but certainly don't take for granted. And as it turns out, we've got some stats to confirm our sparkly shores are pretty spesh, with a new study finding Australia has (by far) the most beaches with crystal-clear water in Oceania.  American travel site Florida Panhandle analysed more than 2.4 million traveller reviews of 3,117 beaches across the globe, taking the 50 beaches that were ranked amongst Tripadvisor’s Traveller Favourites in each country and sorting them based on the percentage of reviews that contain the phrase “clear water”.  The findings revealed that Australia has the most beaches with pure, clear waters across Oceania, with eight of the top ten beaches located Down Under. Considering the continent takes in 14 countries and three of the world’s five oceans, that’s an impressive feat. But unfortunately, we didn’t secure the number one spot on the list, with the top place going to Champagne Beach in Espiritu Santo, the largest island in Vanuatu.  In Australia, Parakeet Bay in Rottnest Island was named the beach with the clearest waters, followed by Hyams Beach in Jervis Bay, which was also recently declared one of the top ten best beach

There are few things better in life than taking in a big, deep breath of fresh air. Luckily for us Aussies, crystal clear air isn't hard to find, as proven in a new global analysis that found heaps of our cities have the cleanest and freshest air in the world. How good.  The report by HouseFresh found that six out of the nine cities experiencing 365 ‘good air days’ a year were in Australia, with Perth claiming the second-top spot worldwide. Among the other top Aussie cities with crisp fresh air were Wollongong in fourth place, Sydney in fifth, Newcastle in seventh, Adelaide in eighth and Canberra in tenth. Melbourne didn't fare as well, coming in at number 26 on the list with only 353 good air days. It's fair enough that we can't excel at everything though, after we've already recently been declared as the world's third most liveable city and the friendliest city in the world. But overall, Australia absolutely dominated the top ten cities for good air days, making us the country to be in for breathing sweet, fresh air.  HouseFresh compiled the global rankings by analysing pollution data from the World Air Quality Index. They defined a ‘good air day’ as one with low levels of particulate matter (PM) 2.5 in the atmosphere, while days with high levels of PM 2.5 were categorised as ‘bad air days’.  Joining the top ten cities with the most ‘good air days’ was gold-medallist Zürich, Switzerland, along with Reykjavík, Iceland in third place. Only one city in the US can claim to have

You don't need to tell us that Melbourne is one of the best cities in the world, as the accolades are perpetually rolling in to remind us. Our city has been declared as the world's third most liveable city and the friendliest city in the world. We don't mean to brag, but the list goes on: it's also been named as the third most popular travel destination, one of the top five drinking cities, the fourth most LGBTQIA+-friendly city and even the fifth best city for cycling. And they're just the titles we've been given in the last year.  Now, Melbourne has placed on a list of the top 100 best cities in the world. But we can't lie, we think it should have been higher.  An annual World's Best Cities study by Resonance Consultancy, placed Melbourne as the number 31 on the list for 2023. It's a spot that's nothing to sneeze at considering there are more than 10,000 cities across the world. But when you think about all the things our city does so well, we were surprised to see it didn't even crack the top 20.  To be fair, it was a stiff competition. London was awarded first place, extending its reign as the eight-time champion, closely followed by global heavyweights such as Paris, New York, Tokyo and Singapore. Resonance Consultancy’s top 100 rankings are based on an evaluation of more than 270 metropolitan cities with populations exceeding one million. They combined qualitative and quantitative data along with reviews by locals and visitors on platforms like TripAdvisor and Instagram