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Leah Glynn is the editor for Time Out Melbourne. When she's not brunching with friends, going for long walks with her rescue greyhound or searching for Melbourne's best spaghetti bolognese, she loves reading and binge-watching TV shows. Leah has worked as a digital content creator, writer and editor for more than seven years, mostly across a range of travel publications.

Reach her at leah.glynn@timeout.com or connect with her on social media.

Instagram: @leahh_g

Leah Glynn

Leah Glynn

Melbourne Editor

Follow Leah Glynn:

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Articles (162)

A guide to Melbourne's best winter festivals and events

A guide to Melbourne's best winter festivals and events

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.
Where to see the winter lights in Melbourne and regional Victoria

Where to see the winter lights in Melbourne and regional Victoria

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.
Light shows and festivals in Melbourne, including Lightscape

Light shows and festivals in Melbourne, including Lightscape

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. It's time to get your glow on. Want to explore regional Victoria? Here's our list of winter light festivals outside of Melbourne.
The best waterfalls in Victoria

The best waterfalls in Victoria

Victoria is lucky enough to be peppered with magnificent waterfalls right across the state – and forget what TLC said, because they are definitely worth chasing.  These cascading curtains of water all have a certain X-Factor that means we reckon they're worth a visit. Whether it be fast-flowing rivers, plunge pools you can swim in or being part of an awe-inspiring bush walk.  And we should know – we're locals who love road trips, so we've been to our fair share of waterfalls in our time. Take a look at our favourites below, then hop in the car and hunt down these stunning, splashy wonders. BYO bathers and a picnic and you're in for a guaranteed good time. Stay in the loop: sign up for our free Time Out Melbourne newsletter for the best of the city, straight to your inbox. Looking for more day trip ideas? Here are the best ones to take from Melbourne. Want a longer break? Here are our favourite weekend getaways.
Things to do in Melbourne today

Things to do in Melbourne today

Have your plans for tonight fallen through, or are you simply the type to live on the edge and wait until the last possible moment to plan your day? Luckily, Melbourne is the type of city where you can always count on finding something fun to do on short notice.  From five-star musicals to cool gigs and nearby day trips, we've got you covered with our curated guide to everything fun happening right now. Have a scroll, lace up your shoes and prepare to hit the town.  Want more? Check out these great free things to do, or work your way through our 100 best things to do in Melbourne before you die bucket list.
The best of Melbourne theatre and musicals this month

The best of Melbourne theatre and musicals this month

May 2025: Could this be the biggest month of the year in Melbourne for blockbuster productions? We sure think so... Making its Australian debut is none other than 'Beetlejuice the Musical' – the musical adaptation of Tim Burton's kooky cult classic, starring local legend of stage and screen Eddie Perfect in the titular role. Also direct from Broadway (via a stint in Sydney) is 'Hadestown', which explores the ancient Greek myth of Orpheus and Eurydice in a dystopian steampunk-esque underworld. Plus, 'The Lord of the Rings – A Musical Tale' has opened at the Comedy Theatre, while 'Les Misérables The Arena Spectacular' is bringing an all-star cast to Rod Laver Arena. Phew! Better organise your tickets, stat.  From the toe-tapping to the cathartic, consider this your ultimate guide to all the best Melbourne theatre shows happening this month. When stuck for things to do between shows, you can also always rely on our catch-all lists of Melbourne's best bars, restaurants, museums, parks and galleries, or consult our bucket list of 100 things to do in Melbourne before you die.  Want something else to do this month? Check out our gig guide.
The 50 best cheap eats in Melbourne

The 50 best cheap eats in Melbourne

May 2025: If the looming winter ahead is having you hankering for that mid-year holiday (Euro summer, anyone?), you're probably keeping an eye on your bank account. Sun-chasers, savers and those simply on a tight budget right now, we know the spots around town where you can eat well without breaking the bank.  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 laneways 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. Lauren Dinse is Time Out Melbourne’s Food and Drink Writer, and has spent an impressive time scouting for the city's tastiest cheap eats – from her early student days spent wandering around Carlton and the CBD in search of a pocket change lunch, to the present day covering fun new openings for Time Out.  For more about how we curate, see our editorial guidelines. Don't want to spend a cent? We've got you covered with our guide to the best things to do for free in Melbourne.
The 50 best bars in Melbourne

The 50 best bars in Melbourne

May 2025: Some of our beloved bars and brewpubs are closing their doors fast in these trying times, while others seem to be enjoying a roaring trade every night of the week. What gives? It's a bittersweet period in Melbourne's bar scene right now, with some venues thriving and others just surviving. Our advice is to rally together, drink out when you can and support your fave locals more ardently than ever. While sharing space with strangers might seem like more of an effort in the colder months, it sure beats drinking cheap wine at home in your sweatpants. Melbourne has some of the greatest bars in the world, whether you're looking for the laser-like focus of 16-seater Above Board or the rock‘n’roll ‘she’ll be right’ spirit of Lulie Tavern. You can find temples heroing whisky and palaces dedicated to gin, hole-in-the-wall nooks for sipping natural wines or classy spots for suited-and-booted cocktails. How about a prawn club sanga and a bottle of Champers from tiny charmer Apollo Inn? Or crocodile bites and ice-cold Martinis from Black Kite Commune?  If it's sky-high action you're after, then take a squiz at our guide to Melboune's best rooftop bars instead. For tipples a bit more out-of-the-box, we've got the scoop on some of Melbourne's weirdest drinking experiences. Yep, your options in this town are truly endless – even if you don't drink booze, since most bars in Melbourne have seriously upped their mocktail game in recent years. We've rounded up the top 50 bars that we
The 16 best spas and day spas in Melbourne

The 16 best spas and day spas in Melbourne

Are you overdue for a bit of self-care? Give your muscles the gift of a deep tissue massage or refresh your complexion with a soothing facial at these retreats around Melbourne. From luxury day spas and bathhouses to cosmetic clinics and wellness centres, there's a range of treatment options for you to choose from that will leave you feeling soft, warm and radiant.  Leah Glynn is a self-confessed self-care specialist. If there's a massage to be enjoyed or a bath to soak in, chances are she's experienced it. Her hot pick for a pamper sesh? The 'equilibrium' at Comma is next-level good.  Need some more pampering? Check out our list of best massage spots in Melbourne. Or hit the road and discover the best hot springs in Victoria.
The 50 best things to do in Australia

The 50 best things to do in Australia

You know the landmarks and the laid-back culture, but there are plenty more things to do in Australia than kissing koalas and yelling ‘g’day mate’. Australia is a nature lover’s paradise, with highly sought-after food experiences and an impressive cultural heritage to boot. Our team (including Travel & News Editor Melissa Woodley) have sifted through every attraction, experience, event and landmark our nation has to offer and put together the only Aussie bucket list you'll ever need. Whether you want to get amongst art parties in small coastal cities, see fairy penguins scurry across sandy beaches or watch the sunrise over Sydney Harbour from a kayak, there’s so much to explore across this incredible country. Here's our guide to all the best things you need to do in Australia right now. 🇦🇺 The top tourist attractions in Australia🌈 Australia's most beautiful destinations🌊 The best beaches in Australia
New and upcoming musicals in Melbourne

New and upcoming musicals in Melbourne

New York has Broadway, London has the West End, and here in Melbourne, it's all about the East End. We're an all-singing, all-dancing city which means we're spoiled for choice when it comes to the musicals taking centre stage in the historic East End Theatre District in the CBD. From glitzy theatrical numbers and singalong musicals to smaller-scale productions, Melbourne is an absolute haven when it comes to all things razzle-dazzle. See for yourself by checking out the new and upcoming musicals making their way here in 2025. Book the best spot with our guide to scoring the best seats in every Melbourne theatre. Keen on all kinds of theatre? Here are the best shows happening this month.
The best gigs happening in Melbourne this month

The best gigs happening in Melbourne this month

May 2025: With Melbourne's theatre stages dominating the spotlight this month, it's a relatively quiet time on the music front. But any 'Star Wars' fans out there won't want to miss 'The Force Awakens in Concert' with the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra. While the iconic film plays on the big screen at Hamer Hall, the orchestra down below will play John Williams’ heroic score, conducted by Benjamin Northey. When stuck for things to do between live gigs, you can also always rely on our catch-all lists of Melbourne's best bars, restaurants, museums, parks and galleries, or consult our bucket list of 100 things to do in Melbourne before you die.  Craving a pint with your favourite local band? Here are the best live music pubs in Melbourne.
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Listings and reviews (140)

The Bower

The Bower

5 out of 5 stars
It’s been 13 years since I last visited Byron Bay, and as I jumped on a plane in Melbourne – preemptively dressed in shorts and a cap – I was more than ready to get my dose of sun, sand and surf. Unfortunately the weather gods had other plans, and from the moment I touched down at Ballina Byron Gateway Airport, it was pouring. Luckily though, when you’re staying at The Bower, it doesn’t matter what conditions are like outside – this sleek and sophisticated New York-inspired accommodation opened in 2017 and delivers a guaranteed good time all year round. So despite the soggy start, I was given the warmest of welcomes at reception (a towel was even offered to help me dry off), quickly cementing my hunch that this was going to be a very special stay. Why stay at The Bower? There’s certainly no shortage of hotels, hostels, Airbnbs or holiday homes in Byron Bay, but The Bower makes a very convincing case as to why it should be top of your must-stay list. First of all, it’s giving laid-back glamour – think fancy finishes and a polished design aesthetic combined with lush palm trees and calming vibes. It’s the type of place where you can bring the whole family (yep, kids are welcome!) or escape to for a private getaway (honeymoon, anyone?). The Bower is also committed to sustainability, and aside from doing all the usual things – proper sorting and recycling of waste, solar power – the team also uses filtered water, requests environmental credentials from all suppliers and has insta
Korea Festival

Korea Festival

Whether you’re a certified K-Pop stan (fun fact: Rosé from Blackpink went to high school in Melbourne!), know your bulgogi from your bibimbap, or are simply interested in learning more about Korea, this is the event for you. The Korea Festival is coming back to Fed Square from May 24-25 for an epic two-day celebration of Korean culture, cuisine, traditions and a special area dedicated to the Netflix smash-hit show, Squid Game. And best of all, it’s free! The fun program includes cultural performances by the Saengdonggam Crew (a b-boy dancing group) and the chance to make kimbap (a dish similar to sushi made from rice, raw fish and veggies), plus plenty of stalls and cultural booths selling everything from authentic Korean dishes to crafts and clothing.  And you won’t want to miss the high-energy K-Pop showdown featuring some of Melbourne’s hottest musical talents. Industry professionals will judge the top vocals and impressive choreography as performers battle it out for a spot in the prestigious KBS K-Pop World Festival. This year, in honour of one of Netflix’s hottest shows, there’s even going to be an epic Squid Game activation – and yes, you will be able to play the iconic Red Light Green Light game, complete with a fully operational, full-size Young-Hee doll. Good luck trying not to flinch. There will also be plenty of opportunities to take photos with sets inspired by the show. We’re talking the Labyrinth stairs, VIP room and pink-bowed coffins. Be sure to keep an eye o
Live at the Gardens

Live at the Gardens

We can picture it now – the sun is shining, we’ve got a bev in hand, and we’re at the glorious Royal Botanic Gardens ready to enjoy some live music. It’s an idyllic daydream, and one that could soon become a reality. All you have to do is snap up tickets. Live at the Gardens is an outdoor gig series that launched in the summer of 2024, and it saw the lush, expansive lawns of the Royal Botanic Gardens host up to 5,000 people for an eclectic mix of musical acts. Headline performances included Groove Armada, Matt Corby, The Presets, Chet Faker and Tash Sultana. And now we've had a taste of the 2025 line-up, with Franz Ferdinand the first band to be announced. More than two decades since their debut single 'Take Me Out' catapulted them to worldwide fame, the Scottish rockers have just dropped their latest album to huge acclaim. The Human Fear is an 11-song exploration of deep-set human fears and how overcoming and accepting these fears drives and defines our lives.    The last time Franz Ferdinand toured was in 2018, and their performance on Friday, November 28, will be their only Victorian show. Supporting them will be Teenage Dads and Delivery.   For more info and to grab your tickets before they sell out, mosey on over here. Craving more music? Get your fix with the best gigs happening in Melbourne this month.
Bastille Day French Festival

Bastille Day French Festival

When revolutionaries stormed and captured the Bastille fortress – which was used to imprison political and religious dissidents – on July 14, 1789, it was considered the start of the French Revolution and the beginning of the end for the French monarchy. That fateful day became known as Bastille Day, and celebrations are held annually all across France. If you're keen to join in on the fun, swap your beanie for a beret and head over to Queen Victoria Market on July 12-13 for the Bastille Day French Festival – now in its tenth year. Sheds C and D will transport you to a wintery French town square complete with vendors peddling cheeses, crêpes, Champagne and pastries (it wouldn't be a Gallic celebration without the scent of croissants in the air). While you feast, live entertainment like can-can dancers, mime artists, talented accordionists will take over the main stage.  Ticketed talks, walking tours and interactive masterclasses will also run over the two days – and if you can't make it in person, you can still tune into some Bastille Day-themed online events. Best of all, think of it as an opportunity to practice your French language skills amongst French expats, Francophones and Francophiles – oui, oui! For more information, visit the Bastille Day French Festival website. Craving French food now? Consult our guide to the best French restaurants in Melbourne.
Lightscape

Lightscape

Melbourne's favourite illuminated event is back again for a fourth year, with more than 20 dazzling new light installations to meander through in wonderment. From June 20 to August 10, take a nighttime stroll through the Royal Botanic Gardens and experience luminous pathways, lit-up tree canopies, soothing soundscapes and more spectacular sights. For the upcoming season, you can expect a reimagined 2.2km trail accompanied by stunning lakeside reflections, large-scale illuminated sculptures and other wonders, with more than 100,000 tiny lights on display. Expect 2025 highlights to be huge illuminated canopy of flowers and the mesmerising 'lawn of light'. Most importantly, you'll also be able to grab a bite to eat and warming drinks, like hot chocolate and mulled wine, at the Welcome Zone or along the trail. They say that Melbourne is at its best in winter and events like Lightscape, where you can rug up and join friends for a magical experience, are a big reason why. Adult tickets start at $36 and are available through the website – be quick as they tend to go fast.  Want more? Check out the best things happening in Melbourne this week.
Sleepless Footscray Festival

Sleepless Footscray Festival

Calling all insomniacs with a penchant for round-the-clock revelry: Sleepless Footscray Festival is returning for a fourth edition this May. This after-dark festival of public art, music and unexpected activations will bring dormant laneways and forgotten indoor spaces to life, transforming them into inviting nightscapes.  The heart of vibrant Footscray will play host to a series of adventurous events celebrating the world-class diversity and creativity coming out of Melbourne’s inner west. Running from May 2-18, the festival will consist of an eclectic line-up including music, film screenings, art installations, theatre and more.   For lovers of offbeat cinema, the Melbourne Nocturnal Film Festival will bring the weirdest and most wonderful local shorts to Footscray’s Bluestone Church Arts Space from May 6-7.  Other program highlights include The Door in Question, an immersive theatre experience that portrays a vivid portrait of living with mental illness; Untitled Baseball Game, an experimental narrative project centred around the culture of Melbourne’s western 'burbs; and Footscray Celebrates Africa, a day of free live music, dance and musical education featuring performances by Jarabi Band, Mandé Spirit, Seben Brothers and more. “Sleepless Footscray is a celebration of the bold, the unexpected, and the deeply creative spirit of Melbourne’s inner west,” said Alex Mansell, spokesperson for the event. “This year, we’re transforming overlooked spaces into stages, galleries an
The Big Design Market

The Big Design Market

Feeling the chill? The Big Design Market returns to Melbourne to warm you right up with a special 'Almost Winter' edition. From May 23-25, the Royal Exhibition Building is set to be transformed into a shopper's haven for three big days. You'll be able to peruse more than 250 stallholders from Australia and New Zealand, selling things like ethically made ceramics, jewellery, homewares, clothing, lifestyle products, stationery, limited-edition art prints, pet wares and so much more.  Shopping can be hungry work, so be sure to fuel up with treats from some of the country's best culinary connoisseurs, including the likes of Wonder Pies, Ca Com Bánh Mì Bar, Casa Nata, Ugo Burrata Bar, 400 Gradi and Billy Van Creamery. On the beverage front, Rumble Coffee will be joining for the first time with their tasty brews, while Pizzini Wines, Cheeky Rascal Cider, Subtle Tea, Ester Spirits and more will be on hand to whip up something a tad stronger.  This market's guest artist is Irina Nazarova, who will create a magical space with her whimsical botanical art that blends the complexity of Australian flora with the simplicity and tenderness of European flowers. Her work will hang in the great dome of the Royal Exhibition Building. Don't miss the fashion runway at 12pm on Saturday, May 24 (starring the latest collections from the fashion designers in attendance); and if you’ve got kids in tow, a designated entertainment zone with creative activities is sure to keep them busy. The show bags ar
Sleep at the 'G

Sleep at the 'G

The MCG is Melbourne's holy ground for cricket and AFL, but for one night a year, it is also the site of a huge sleepover, as everyone from students to CEOs pack pyjamas, board games, scarves and beanies and sleep on a cardboard box to raise funds to combat youth homelessness. For the last 11 years, Melbourne City Mission (MCM) has asked people to camp out at the legendary stadium to get a taste of what more than 7,600 young people aged 12-24 are experiencing every single night in Victoria. And on May 15, the massive community event is happening again. The money raised through this fundraiser and other donations help the MCM provide vital accommodation for young people who are couch surfing, sleeping rough or in other forms of unstable accommodation. On top of providing a safe place to sleep, the MCM also helps struggling youth build life skills that they might not have had the chance to learn. This year, presenter Brihony Dawson will host the night's fun program of events, which will include live music, games, DJs, mini golf, singalongs, prizes, a photobooth, Lego building station and lots more. Registration is now open, and adult tickets are $75. So go on, gather a group of family, friends or colleagues and start raising money to do your bit to end youth homelessness. For more information, head to the website. Looking for more worthy causes to support? Here's where you can volunteer in Melbourne.
Drift House

Drift House

5 out of 5 stars
Update Monday, May 5: Keen for a luxe winter getaway? Drift House is running an exclusive offer through the colder months with rates from just $325 per night – that's a saving of 34 per cent! The Winter Escape Package (which includes daily breakfast) has a minimum stay of three nights and is available from now until August 31 (exlcuding the King's Birthday long weekend). For more info, head to the website. The charming fishing village of Port Fairy – about three-and-a-half hours south-west from Melbourne – has always held a special place in my heart. Every year until I was 18 my family would descend upon the township over the Labour Day long weekend to attend the Port Fairy Folk Festival (affectionately known as ‘the Folkie’). These childhood memories are some of my fondest: boogie boarding at East Beach, eating fish and chips on the historic wharf, playing hide and seek behind the giant Norfolk pines and spending all my pocket money at the lolly shop. In the years since I stopped visiting, I would often Google the area and plan a return holiday. My dream itinerary always included a stay at Drift House – an exclusive boutique hotel that’s committed to sustainability and supporting the local community, and boasts just six luxuriously designed suites. So it’s with excitement and pangs of nostalgia that I finally confirm my booking and hit the road for a weekend getaway. Why stay at Drift House? Located just past Warrnambool, at the very end of the Great Ocean Road, Drift House
Round She Goes Market

Round She Goes Market

Score vintage treasures, designer items, crafted goods and op shop finds at the Round She Goes vintage market at Coburg Town Hall. The market features more than 60 stallholders selling handpicked and vintage clothing (1950s onwards), jewellery and accessories for cheap.  Stallholders are carefully handpicked by the Round She Goes team so that quality is ensured, sizing is diverse and prices start from just $10. In the past, shoppers have been able to snap up preloved designer goods from the likes of Zimmerman, Miu Miu, Versace, Scanlan Theodore, Marc Jacobs, Romance Was Born and so many more.   The market is held several times annually, with the next market taking place on May 4 from 10am to 3pm. Entry is $4, payable by cash or card, and there's plenty of free parking. Go early to fetch a good bargain and don't worry, there's coffee and baked goods inside to keep you going. Find out more here. Keen to snag more clothing? Here are Melbourne's best fashion markets. Alternatively, get a greener wardrobe with these sustainable fashion brands.
East Gippsland Winter Festival

East Gippsland Winter Festival

While winter seems like the time to hide under the doona and get reacquainted with your Netflix must-watch list, 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 fifth 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 20 and coincide with the Victorian school holidays. Returning highlights of the program include the Medieval Winter Fire Festival at Bruthen complete with swordfights, costumes and bonfires; a long lunch on the Nicholson River Trestle Bridge showcasing the region's best produce; live ice sculpting and a fire show at Meetung; and Lakes Lights – an incredible display of lantern sculptures, light projections and roaming performers on the foreshore of Lakes Entrance.   New events on the line-up include an après-ski party complete with mulled wine, hot toddies and DJs; the Op Shop Ball in Cann River, where attendees are encouraged to wear their finest oph shop garb; and the Great Alpine Scarecrow Competition. And don't miss the sunrise dip in the Gipps
Buddha's Day and Multicultural Festival

Buddha's Day and Multicultural Festival

From May 2 to 4, the Buddha's Day and Multicultural Festival, will be lighting up Melbourne's CBD. The annual three-day event celebrates the birth of Buddha and the multi-faith community. This year, the festival will take place at Golden Square – the Lonsdale Street car park that doubles as an exciting event space. Expect a huge line-up of traditional ceremonies, concerts, transformative digital activations, art, live music and immersive experiences. On the first night, visitors will be treated to the exciting Light It Up Opening Ceremony featuring performances from the Chinese Youth Society of Melbourne and traditional Buddhist ceremonies. The event will culminate in an epic animated light projection that brings the iconic five-storey Bodhi Tree mural on Lonsdale Street to life with dazzling visuals.  Throughout the rest of the event you can visit the Lumbini Garden (home to giant-sized sculptures), which replicates the garden where Buddha was born and provides a calming oasis for prayer and mindful relaxation. Nearby is the Mindfulness Forest filled with illuminated columns for visitors to colour their way to calmness.  On the main stage, there'll be multicultural performances from a variety of different groups, featuring everything from K-Pop to Sri Lankan traditional dances. And for the kids, there'll be a special area with plenty of fun activities like face painting, origami and learning Chinese calligraphy, as well as puppet show performances.  The festival is free for
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News (171)

This adults-only museum in Melbourne's inner north was just named one of the world's most underrated

This adults-only museum in Melbourne's inner north was just named one of the world's most underrated

Melbourne's cultural crown may have slipped recently, with the news it didn't rank among the global top 20 cities for art and culture (Sydney in fifth?! We were robbed!), but a recent round-up of the world's most underrated museums has put our beloved hometown right back in the spotlight. A poll of Time Out editors from across the globe revealed a list of 11 excellent but under-the-radar museums that warrant some well-deserved recognition. Some are small and incredibly niche, others simply sit in the shadow of bigger institutions – and they’re all worth adding to your must-visit list.  There's the CupNoodles Museum in Osaka, which – you guessed it! – is a shrine dedicated entirely to the joys of instant noodles. Also making the cut is the Lee Kong Chian Natural History Museum in Singapore, which not only boasts ginormous dinosaur skeletons, fossils and the bones of a 10.6-metre-long sperm whale, but also has a cool biophilic cliff-like design as part of it's exterior facade. And flying the (freak) flag for Melbourne is none other than the Museum of Desire. Located in Collingwood, this relatively newish spot (it opened in December 2024) is a celebration of all things love, pleasure and sex. Open to curious visitors aged 18-plus, it has 25 interactive spaces that have been specifically designed to switch up social norms around desire and sexuality. We're talking a kissing booth, a ball pit full of boobs and a vast collection of erotic art. If you're feeling particularly frisky,
Mariah Carey and Pitbull are coming to Sydney with a stacked Fridayz Live line-up

Mariah Carey and Pitbull are coming to Sydney with a stacked Fridayz Live line-up

It's time to live out your musical fantasy, folks – because Fridayz Live has just announced its huge 2025 line-up and it's loaded with so many R'n'B legends and massive hip-hop stars that you may want to sit down and fire up the group chat immediately. Leading the charge is none other than the queen of the whistle note, five-time Grammy Award winner and certified diva, Mariah Carey. It's been 11 years since Mimi last performed in Australia, and you bet we've had 'We Belong Together' on repeat since this news dropped. Joining her is Mr Worldwide himself, Pitbull. Known for his d-floor smash-hits (including 'Hotel Room Service', 'On The Floor' and 'Give Me Everything') and epic collabs, we recommend sourcing your bald cap and suit sooner, rather than later (IYKYK). But wait, there's more! Also scheduled to appear is Pittsburgh rapper Wiz Khalifa (hands up if 'See You Again' still makes you shed a tear); crunk and club superstar Lil Jon; powerhouse rap icon Eve; UK pop and hip-hop artist Tinie Tempah; and former American Idol winner turned chart-topping vocalist Jordin Sparks. Phew, talk about stars in our eyes. If this news didn't blow ya mind or make you feel young, wild and free, we're not sure what will. Check out everything you need to know about the Fridayz Live announcement below. When is Fridayz Live happening in Sydney? Fridayz Live is heading to Sydney Showground's main stadium, ENGIE Stadium. The one-night-only event will take place on Saturday, October 18, 2025. And
Fridayz Live just dropped a bangin' line-up that includes Mariah Carey, Pitbull and heaps more

Fridayz Live just dropped a bangin' line-up that includes Mariah Carey, Pitbull and heaps more

It's time to live out your musical fantasy, folks – because Fridayz Live has just announced its huge 2025 line-up and it's loaded with so many R'n'B legends and massive hip-hop stars that you may want to sit down and fire up the group chat immediately. Leading the charge is none other than the queen of the whistle note, five-time Grammy Award winner and certified diva, Mariah Carey. It's been 11 years since Mimi last played in Australia, and you bet we've had 'We Belong Together' on repeat since this news dropped. Joining her is Mr Worldwide himself, Pitbull. Known for his d-floor smash-hits (including 'Hotel Room Service', 'On The Floor' and 'Give Me Everything') and epic collabs, we recommend sourcing your bald cap sooner, rather than later (IYKYK). But wait, there's more! Also scheduled to appear is Pittsburgh rapper Wiz Khalifa (hands up if 'See You Again' still makes you shed a tear); crunk and club superstar Lil Jon; powerhouse rap icon Eve; UK pop and hip-hop artist Tinie Tempah; and former American Idol winner turned chart-topping vocalist Jordin Sparks. Phew, talk about stars in our eyes. If this news didn't blow ya mind or make you feel young, wild and free, we're not sure what will. Check out everything you need to know about the Fridayz Live announcement below. When is Fridayz Live happening in Melbourne? With a line-up this stacked, there's only one place big enough to hold all these musical legends: Marvel Stadium. The one-night-only event will take place on Sa
How to get tickets for Fridayz Live 2025: pre-sale, prices, dates and more

How to get tickets for Fridayz Live 2025: pre-sale, prices, dates and more

All we wanted for Christmas was Fridayz Live – and we don’t have to wait ‘til December because the beloved R‘n’B festival is making a comeback this October after a one-year hiatus in 2024. The mega Aussie music fest will be hitting up Brisbane, Sydney, Perth and Melbourne with a huge line-up of R‘n'B legends and massive hip-hop stars. Think Mariah Carey, Pitbull, Wiz Khalifa and Jordin Sparks – eek! Here’s everything you need to know about getting tickets to Fridayz Live in 2025.  When is Fridayz Live 2025? Fans right across the country will get a chance to see their favourite artists up close in four Australian cities, including: Brisbane Showgrounds, Brisbane – Friday, October 17 Engie Stadium, Sydney – Saturday, October 18 Langley Park, Perth – Friday, October 24 Marvel Stadium, Melbourne – Saturday, October 25 What’s the Fridayz Live line-up? Leading the charge is none other than the queen of the whistle note, five-time Grammy Award winner and certified diva, Mariah Carey. It's been 11 years since Mimi last played in Australia, and you bet we've had 'We Belong Together' on repeat since this news dropped.  Joining her is Mr Worldwide himself, Pitbull. Known for his d-floor smash-hits (including 'Hotel Room Service', 'On The Floor' and 'Give Me Everything') and epic collabs, we recommend sourcing your bald cap sooner, rather than later (IYKYK). But wait, there's more! Also scheduled to appear are Pittsburgh rapper Wiz Khalifa (hands up if 'See You Again' still makes you s
Three wildlife parks in Victoria are among the most Instagrammable in the world (outside of Africa)

Three wildlife parks in Victoria are among the most Instagrammable in the world (outside of Africa)

Africa may be considered the king of the savannah when it comes to animal experiences – lions! Elephants! Giraffes! Rhinos! You can see them all over there – but in comparison to the rest of the world, our humble state doesn't fare too bad.  The researchers at Titan Travel recently published a Wildlife Safari Index, which aims to spotlight the best destinations around the world for animal lovers outside of Africa. They compiled a list of locations offering the ideal balance of diverse wildlife, endangered species conservation and accessible travel, then ranked them across categories like most affordable, top-rated and most Instagrammable. And wouldn't you know it, three of the top five most Insta-worthy spots can be found in Victoria. Yep, if you were hoping to have a special wildlife encounter – whether that's hand-feeding a roo or joining a cheetah on its morning walk – you can do all that right here. Photograph: Werribee Open Range Zoo Coming in second place on the list is Werribee Open Range Zoo, with more than 126,000 location tags. Visitors have long flocked here to take an African-inspired journey on one of the zoo's famous open-air safari buses, where you can see giraffes, rhinos, zebras and hippopotamuses splashing in the river. In March, the zoo also opened the brand new Elephant Trail – an $88 million enclosure spanning a massive 21 hectares that's become home to a herd of nine Asian elephants. Healesville Sanctuary – a haven for native Australian animals – cla
Gracie Abrams at Melbourne's Rod Laver Arena: set list, start time, tickets and everything you need to know

Gracie Abrams at Melbourne's Rod Laver Arena: set list, start time, tickets and everything you need to know

Whether you've been a fan of Gracie Abrams since her debut single 'Mean It', discovered her via Taylor Swift's Eras Tour or became obsessed following the release of pop banger (and TikTok earworm) 'That's So True', there's no denying the American singer-songwriter has had one helluva rise to fame. And now, she's ready to get close to you – literally – when she brings her Secret Of Us Tour to Melbourne for three powerhouse shows. So, slip on a lace maxi dress and pop a white bow in your hair (IYKYK), it's finally time to belt out 'I Love You, I'm Sorry' with 14,000 of your new best friends. Find out everything you need to know about Abrams' upcoming Melbourne gigs below.  When is Gracie Abrams in Melbourne? Abrams kicked off the Australian leg of her Secret Of Us Tour with three performances in Sydney followed by two in Brisbane. She will play three sold-out shows at Rod Laver Arena in Melbourne on May 9, 10 and 11. After that, she's heading to Adelaide and Perth.  Who is Gracie Abrams’ support act in Melbourne? California-born singer-songwriter Ashe will support Abrams across all her shows in Australia and New Zealand. She is best known for her songs 'Moral Of The Story' (which featured in the Netflix film To All the Boys: P.S. I Still Love You), 'Till Forever Falls Apart' and 'Angry Woman'. How to get to the Gracie Abrams concerts in Melbourne? Public transport is considered the quickest and easiest option. You can walk from Flinders Street Station (it's a ten-minute stroll 
How to get tickets to Spilt Milk in Ballarat: dates, locations, pre-sale, prices and line-up

How to get tickets to Spilt Milk in Ballarat: dates, locations, pre-sale, prices and line-up

After a hiatus in 2024, and in the wake of so many Aussie music festivals being cancelled, many of us wondered whether Spilt Milk would ever return. Well, we're here with some very good news: Spilt Milk is back, baby – and boy oh boy has it delivered with a world-class line-up that had us gasping out loud.  Drumroll, please: hip-hop legend Kendrick Lamar (fresh off five Grammy wins and an epic Superbowl Halftime performance) is headlining the festival alongside US rap goddess Doechii (who will make her Aussie debut). If that's not enough to have you alerting the group chat, we don't know what is. As always, the fun goes beyond the stage, with immersive activations like rowdy country bars, jolly sing-alongs, empowering art exhibitions and a pumping party bus.  Given Spilt Milk has a track record of selling out in mere minutes, you’ll want to be ready to pounce when tickets drop. Here’s everything you need to know about scoring tickets in 2025. When and where is Spilt Milk 2025? Like in previous years, Spilt Milk is bringing the party to four Australian cities in 2025, including: Ballarat: Victoria Park – Saturday, December 6 Perth: Claremont Showground – Sunday, December 7 Canberra: Exhibition Park – Saturday, December 13 Gold Coast: Gold Coast Sports Precinct – Sunday, December 14 Photograph: Jordan Munns When do Spilt Milk tickets go on sale? Due to high demand, general admission tickets will be released at staggered times on Friday, May 9: 8am AEST – Canberra 9am AEST
How to get tickets for Lady Gaga's Australian tour: pre-sale, prices and more

How to get tickets for Lady Gaga's Australian tour: pre-sale, prices and more

It's time for the applause, applause, applause... After much speculation, Lady Gaga (our queen and saviour of pop music) has finally announced that she'll bring her highly-anticipated Mayhem Ball to Australia in 2025. This is the moment all Little Monsters have been waiting for – it's been 11 long years since Gaga was last in town, as part of 2014’s ArtRave: The ARTPOP Ball tour. The huge tour announcement comes off the back of the release of Gaga's newest album, Mayhem, which marks a return to her pop roots. It's Gaga's seventh consecutive number one album (slay) and features the hit singles 'Abracadabra', 'Disease' and 'Die With A Smile', her collab with Bruno Mars. Will she play all these bangers and more when the Mayhem Ball rolls into town? We'll just have to wait and see. In the meantime, here's everything you need to know about Lady Gaga's 2025 Mayhem Ball tour. When is Lady Gaga's Australia tour 2025? Lady Gaga is confirmed to play three Australian shows as part of her global tour. She'll kick off the Mayhem Ball tour in Melbourne's Marvel Stadium on Friday, December 5 and Saturday, December 6, before performing at Brisbane's Suncorp Stadium on Tuesday, December 9 and ending with two shows at Sydney's Accor Stadium on Friday, December 12 and Saturday, December 13.  When do Lady Gaga Australia tickets go on sale? General sale kicks off on Thursday, April 17 at 12pm local time via Live Nation. All we can say is get in quick!  Is there a Lady Gaga pre-sale? For a music i
How to get tickets for Lady Gaga's Mayhem Ball tour in Sydney: presale, dates and everything you need to know

How to get tickets for Lady Gaga's Mayhem Ball tour in Sydney: presale, dates and everything you need to know

Calling all Little Monsters! The paparazzi are at the ready, and our paws are well and truly up. After teasing her potential Aussie tour in interviews, avant-garde pop queen Lady Gaga has officially confirmed that she’s bringing her much-hyped Mayhem Ball to Australia, and has just announced a second Sydney show date. The huge tour announcement comes off the back of the release of Gaga's newest album, Mayhem, which marks a return to her pop roots. It's Gaga's seventh consecutive number one album (slay) and features the hit singles 'Abracadabra', 'Disease' and 'Die With A Smile', her collab with Bruno Mars. Will she play all these bangers and more when the Mayhem Ball rolls into Sydney? We'll just have to wait and see. In the meantime, here's everything you need to know about Lady Gaga's 2025 Mayhem Ball tour and her huge Sydney shows. When is Lady Gaga in Sydney? Lady Gaga was originally set to play one Sydney show as part of her Australian tour, due to bring the Mayhem Ball to the Accor Stadium for one night only on Friday, December 12. Due to unsurprisingly huge demand, she's just announced a second Sydney show for Saturday, December 13. When do Lady Gaga Sydney tickets go on sale? General sale for the first show kicked off on Thursday, April 17 at 12pm local time via Live Nation. General sale for the Saturday night tickets will go live at 1pm on Thursday, April 24.  Is there a Lady Gaga presale for her Sydney shows? For a music icon like Lady Gaga – you betcha! The Aussie
How to get tickets for Lady Gaga's Mayhem Ball tour in Melbourne: presale, prices and everything you need to know

How to get tickets for Lady Gaga's Mayhem Ball tour in Melbourne: presale, prices and everything you need to know

Update Wednesday, April 16: As predicted, Mother Monster has graced Melbourne with a second show. The news comes off the back of huge demand for tickets, with fans exhausting early presale allocations. Another round of presale begin today at 11am, with general tickets going on sale tomorrow (April 17) at 12pm. Alert the paparazzi! Cue the applause! Lady Gaga (aka our queen and saviour of pop music) is bringing her much-hyped Mayhem Ball to Australia, with Melbourne up first. This is the moment all Little Monsters have been waiting for – it's actually been 11 long years since Gaga was last in town, as part of 2014’s ArtRave: The ARTPOP Ball tour. The huge tour announcement comes off the back of the release of Gaga's newest album, Mayhem, which marks a return to her pop roots. It's Gaga's seventh consecutive number one album (slay) and features the hit singles 'Abracadabra', 'Disease' and 'Die With A Smile', her collab with Bruno Mars. Will she play all these bangers and more when the Mayhem Ball rolls into town? We'll just have to wait and see. In the meantime, here's everything you need to know about Lady Gaga's 2025 Mayhem Ball tour. When is Lady Gaga going on her Melbourne, Australia tour 2025? It's just been confirmed that Lady Gaga play two Melbourne shows as part of her Australian tour. She'll be bringing the Mayhem Ball to Marvel Stadium on Friday, December 5 and Saturday, December 6. Does she have time for a third performance? Watch this space for more show announceme
Melbourne Airport named the best airport in the Australia-Pacific region (and 16th globally!)

Melbourne Airport named the best airport in the Australia-Pacific region (and 16th globally!)

Here's some news that's sure to spark your city pride: Melbourne Airport has officially ranked among the top 20 best airports in the whole wide world, for the third consecutive year. Not only that, but it's also been crowned as the best airport in the Australia Pacific region, taking out the title for a fifth time. Turns out ol' Tulla is truly world-class.  The results of the annual Skytrax World Airport Awards (essentially the Oscars of the aviation industry) have just been announced in Madrid, and our very own Melbourne Airport has held steady in the top 20 rankings, claiming 16th place. That's three spots up from both 2024 and 2023, when it ranked 19th.  Melbourne is home to the only Australian airport to crack the top 20, with Brisbane Airport the next closest in 35th (down three spots from 2024) and Sydney Airport trailing even further behind in 54th (up one position from 2024). Perth Airport landed in 63rd, Adelaide Airport in 68th and Gold Coast Airport in 74th. Basically, Melbourne easily takes the cake for Aussie airports.  Singapore's Changi Airport stole back the coveted crown from Doha's Hamad International Airport, with the two switching places in the rankings to come in first and second place, respectively. Bronze went to Tokyo's Haneda Airport, followed by Seoul's Incheon Airport and Tokyo's Narita Airport rounding out the top five.  The prestigious awards are based on data collected from global satisfaction surveys across 565 airports worldwide, and take into
No more nine-to-five: Victoria is the best state for retirees in all of Australia

No more nine-to-five: Victoria is the best state for retirees in all of Australia

We're all guilty of zoning out at our desks every now and then, daydreaming about what it would be like to finally retire and never have to worry about the nine-to-five grind ever again (sigh). So while the golden years are probably still a long way off for most of us right now, here's something us Victorians can get excited about: our state is the best place to grow old in all of Australia. That's right – according to new research from care organisation software ShiftCare, Victoria has been ranked the retirement capital of the country. The data analysed 22 key factors, including the accessibility and quality of aged, residential and home care; health and safety; community engagement; social opportunities and walkability. Victoria boasted the highest number of residential aged care home providers (294), plus the second-most residential aged care homes (768) and home care providers (223). On top of that, Victoria benefits from a whopping $5 billion in government investment in aged care and has the joint highest number of GPs (116 per 100,000 people aged 65-plus), so retirees are well and truly taken care of. Add in Australia’s lowest crime rate, excellent walkability and a thriving network of social clubs – our state really has it all for the oldies.   The Australian Capital Territory ranks as the second-best state to grow old in Australia, boasting the shortest home care wait times (90 days) and the highest community satisfaction rating (4/5). Along with New South Wales, whic
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