Liv Condous

Whether you've got a spreadsheet full of present ideas finalised in October, or you're the type to wait for inspiration to strike on December 24, we've got a gift guide to suit all your gift-giving, stocking stuffing needs.  Want some more Christmastime sparkle? Here are the best boozy advent calendars. Plus, where you can buy a real Christmas tree in Melbourne.

Wondering what to do in Melbourne in December? We can help. Check out our guide to all the fun things to do in the city, including mega art exhibitions, summer festivals, outdoor cinemas, pop-up events and more.  Feeling festive? Here's where to see Christmas lights across the city and where to buy a real Christmas tree in Melbourne.

November 20, 2023: Melbourne's live music scene is heating up with the arrival of Always Live, a bumper gig series with performances from stars like Christina Aguilera, Eric Prydz and Caroline Polachek, as well as a huge concert featuring all Aussie greats at Mushroom 50 Live. For a taste of summer, indulge in some sweet cherries at this cherry-picking festival. And it's beginning to look a lot like Christmas, with fun festive events popping up across the city for the City of Melbourne's Christmas Festival. Or for the foodie who's feeling festive, Victoria by Farmer's Daughters are hosting Sunday sessions to bring on the Christmas spirit.  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.

November 20, 2023: The Queen Victoria Summer Night Market returns this week, with plenty of sangria for sipping. Plus, Melbourne's live music scene is heating up with the arrival of Always Live, a bumper gig series with performances from stars like Christina Aguilera, Eric Prydz and Caroline Polachek, as well as a huge concert featuring all Aussie greats at Mushroom 50 Live. For a taste of summer, indulge in some sweet cherries at this cherry-picking festival. And it's beginning to look a lot like Christmas, with festive events popping up across the city for the City of Melbourne's Christmas Festival.    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.

“If people aren’t in the arena getting their butt kicked with you, then their opinions aren’t valuable.”   This is one of Laura Henshaw’s favourite mantras, a famous quote from author, podcast host and all-round life guru Brené Brown. I’m sitting across from her and her best friend-cum-business co-founder, Steph Claire Smith, on a surprisingly gorgeous day in Melbourne’s Royal Botanic Gardens. The weather matches their sunny dispositions and warm energy perfectly, but our conversation has quickly turned deep and meaningful, with the wellness entrepreneurs openly offering insights that go far beyond fitness chat.  While many will know Smith and Henshaw as the two radiantly beautiful models-turned-influencers who are the face of health app Kic (formerly Keep it Cleaner), few may actually realise that these two women are also the brains behind the hugely successful business.  Photograph: Carmen Zammit/Time Out   “People have said to us, ‘They’re just the social media girls, they’re just influencers,’” explains Henshaw. “Or they’ll often say to us, maybe after a meeting, ‘I actually thought that you were just the talent but you really know how to run the business.’  “We just let it go, because we’ll show them. If they don’t want to take us seriously, if they don’t want to come on our journey, then we don’t want them on our journey.” It's a skill, you have to be able to connect with people and to be able to grow a community It’s true that these two Melbourne locals do have a st

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 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.

Florals for spring may not be groundbreaking, but when peony season rolls around every year, we still get excited. Northcote florist Hello Blooms absolutely gets the hype, so the team is throwing a peony-filled party to celebrate, with lots of their friends in tow to create a fun day out for flower enthusiasts.  At the Peony Block Party on Sunday, November 26, you can pick up a beautiful bunch of peonies for just $8 (this is certainly the cheapest you'll ever get for quality blooms). There will also be market stalls offering an array of the cutest wares, perfect for Christmas gifting. Shop bevs from Baby Pink Gin, flower-powered goods from Bon Lux, bespoke jewellery from Mahoka Designs, vases from Tiny Pots and loads more.  Plus, there'll be treats to eat, floral photo-ops, games and giveaways all set against the backdrop of a massive wall of colourful peonies. Last year, hundreds of flower fans lined up to get their hands on a beautiful posy, so best to get in early when the party kicks off at 10.30am. It'll run until the flowers are sold out. For all the info, check out the website here. If you're a fan of all things floral, check out our list of top-notch florists in Melbourne.  

If a summer getaway is a-calling, there’s a coastal oasis that will answer. Camillo House is a boutique accommodation nestled in the headland of the Mornington Peninsula that offers an idyllic retreat for those wanting a reprieve. You’ll find the modern, three-bedroom house in the seaside town of Blairgowrie, just a short walk from the sandy dunes of the back beach, where you can take in the beauty of the Bass Strait coastline. There are four living spaces, a fully-equipped cook’s kitchen, four decks with ocean vistas, an outdoor bath and a fire pit. With sleek architecture and touches of mid-century charm bathed in warm hues, it’s a cosy spot to unwind.  Plus, there’s gorgeous art in every room, and the house essentially doubles as a private gallery. The walls are adorned with 25 original artworks, some of them by up-and-coming creatives who have used the home as an artist’s retreat during the monthly residency program.  After perusing the art-laden walls, you can venture out to one of the fifty cellar doors within thirty minutes of the accommodation to sip award-winning drops, or head for a soothing soak at Peninsula Hot Springs or Alba Thermal Springs. It all makes for a holiday that’s the epitome of relaxation. You can find out more about Camillo House by visiting the website.  Looking for a getaway close to home? Here's our list of the best places to visit in Victoria for a holiday. 

The classic board game that we all have memories of (both the wholesome family fun and table-flipping fights) now has a theme park wonderland in Melbourne, where you can relive all the fun – minus the sibling rivalry.  Monopoly Dreams will celebrate the best-selling game with a one-of-a-kind immersive entertainment experience in the heart of the CBD. It's the world's largest Monopoly-themed attraction, and will take you on a nostalgic journey through the world of Mr. Monopoly, where reality and the game become one.  After much anticipation, the $20-million dollar, 1650-square-metre indoor park will officially open on November 15 at Melbourne Central, with tickets on sale now. The opening date was pushed back from the originally announced date of October 21 due to "unforseen circumstances". The park is only the second of its kind in the world, and it'll be twice the size of the original location that landed in Hong Kong back in 2019. The theme park experience will feature famous landmarks, iconic characters and exciting challenges that hopefully won't cause as much family tension as going bankrupt in the board game.  After passing go at the entrance, visitors will get to explore two distinct areas: Monopoly City and Monopoly Mansion. Across the two zones, which are inspired by Melbourne and feature trams and street art, there will be a total of 15 attractions, including a 4D theatre and a chance wheel. Punters can win Monopoly money that can then be spent at the park's café or

Picture this: a balmy summer night spent filling your belly and quenching your thirst from a selection of global street food stalls, carts, trucks and festival bars. If that sounds right up your alley, then mark November 22 in your calendar, because that's when the Queen Vic Market's much-loved Summer Night Market returns.  This year, more than 100 shops, stalls and bars will light up the open-air market sheds across a bumper 16-week season. Highlights include the famed chocolate covered strawberries from It's Off Tap, That’s Amore Cheese launching their indulgent new 'Mozzaburgers’, hearty dishes from Nepal Dining Room, Filipino feasts from Hoy Pinoy and delicious serves of Aussie dessert fave, pavlova – with topping choices!  When you get thirsty, head to the Happiness is Mojito bar for refreshing mojitos in loads of different fruity flavours or chill out in the Brick Lane Beer Garden and soak up the sun with an ice cold Lagerita or alcoholic Ginger Beer Slushie in hand. As always, you can expect roving performers and a rotating line-up of homegrown talent playing live music on the market's main stage. After sipping and snacking, be sure to explore the dozens of stalls selling locally-sourced and handmade products including jewellery, art, skincare, books and homewares.  The first four weeks of the market will be a festive wonderland to spread the holiday season cheer, with a Christmas tree forest, a roving Santa Claus, festive entertainment including carollers and of cours

Who would have thought a music festival born and bred in Canberra would become so popular? Spilt Milk has proven it has the raucous chops to throw a damn fine festival year in year out and so has expanded beyond the teensy-tiny borders of the ACT, with a bumper line-up laiden with international and local stars.  For it's Victorian leg, Spilt Milk is road-tripping down to the hip regional town of Ballarat once again. Festivalgoers will be treated to the likes of American rapper Post Malone; homegrown DJ Dom Dolla; grime rapper Aitch; techno titan Chris Lake; local electro-pop band Lastlings; Aussie indie-rockers Lime Cordiale; Irish singer-songwriter Dermot Kennedy and stacks more. Check out the full line-up here.  As well as a phenomenal line-up of musicians, Spilt Milk is inviting the art of Studio A, As We Are and Amanda Witucki to the festival. Plus, between sets attendees can chow down on bites from Chebbo's Burgers, Chicken Treat, 400 Gradi and more.  Spilt Milk will kick off in Ballarat on Saturday, December 2. You can still snap up some resale tickets here. 

Dylan Alcott may have stepped away from his career as a pro athlete, but that doesn’t mean he’s hanging up his racquet completely. The beloved tennis champ has set his sights on a new endeavour, that’s all about supporting and inspiring young people with disabilities to reach the top of their game.  The former Paralympian’s foundation is launching a new fundraiser called Giving Day, held on November 1, and he’s calling on fellow Aussies to dig deep to help young people with disabilities who have big dreams just like he did.  “When I was growing up… one thing I really struggled with was that I was into sport and so was my brother,” says Alcott. “He got a $100 pair of footy boots and that meant he could try playing footy. I needed a $7,000 wheelchair, to even try wheelchair tennis.”  The foundation is aiming to raise $100,000 in donations to go towards grants for young people with disabilities to help them achieve their full potential, with tailored support to meet their needs. Every donation will be matched by the foundation’s partners, raising double the amount for the very worthy cause.  “There are nearly a million young people with a disability in Australia alone, we don't get the same opportunities to access education, employment, sport… we're trying to eliminate some of those barriers,” says Alcott.  “Growing up, I didn't see anybody like me… we just want to empower and invest in young people with disabilities so they can be the best version of themselves, get out there i

A series of exclusive events are popping up around Melbourne this November, designed to celebrate emerging local talent and creative pioneers who are working in close connection with their local communities.  Always Originals will see athletic apparel giant Adidas Originals team up with some of the most beloved businesses in Melbourne to help host localised activations celebrating food, art and design. Across two weekends in November, you can visit these free events in the north and west 'burbs, including a street block party, community workshops, markets and more. Known for some of the best Lebanese bakery eats around, A1 Bakery will be serving up free wraps at their Sydney Road joint. You can get your mits on either a falafel or chicken wrap between 10am and 12pm on Sunday, November 5. They've been drawing lines of people for their delicious bites for the last thirty years and we can testify that the food is very tasty.  On November 11 there is a bumper line-up of events to check out, kicking off with a lifestyle portrait day with photographer Ben Clement, founder of Good Sport Magazine. This Collingwood-based publication has redefined the typical sports magazine, taking a fresh, curious and playful approach. Head down to On The Corner Gallery between 11am and 4pm to get your photo taken in a snappy ten-minute session. This is your moment to unleash your self-expression, with attendees encouraged to dress in their own unique style, with a stylist and hair and make-up artis

If you know exactly how many minutes are in a year (it's 525,600, in case you were wondering), then you'll be very excited to read these words: Rent is coming to Melbourne.  A new production of the legendary '90s rock musical will land here in 2024 as part of a national tour, the first since 1998. It'll be hitting the State Theatre stage at Arts Centre Melbourne from February 17 to March 7. While we've been treated to smaller productions of the classic show over the years, we're super keen to see a large-scale spectacle come to life.  The multi-Tony Award-winning show, written by Jonathan Larson, follows a close-knit community of artists living in New York City's East Village as they navigate the joyous highs and crushing lows in an unrelenting city.  Featuring catchy hits like 'Seasons of Love', 'Take Me or Leave Me' and 'La Vie Bohème', Rent is a rollercoaster of a musical that will have you gripping your sides with laughter and dancing in your seat, before wiping away tears during truly poignant theatrical moments.  The musical explores themes of poverty, addiction, relationships and queerness, set during the HIV/AIDS epidemic. As you may garner from the title, one of the focal topics is the struggle that young people face under the weight of trying to afford to live — something many of us can probably relate to at the moment. But ultimately, the musical is a celebration of life, love, and the human spirit. Rent first opened off-Broadway in 1996 and quickly became a globa

As far as shopping sprees go, there’s nothing quite like rummaging through pre-loved goodies at a garage sale. Part of the joy is never knowing what bargain you’ll find (and not realising how badly you wanted a pair of neon pink parachute pants until you rescue them from a cardboard box). These days, a good garage sale is as rare as an original 1960s troll doll – which is where the Garage Sale Trail comes in. What started on the front lawns of Bondi in 2010 is now a nationwide campaign during which thousands of garage sales run across the country for two massive weekends. Last year, more than 300,000 Australians shopped or sold at more than 15,000 garage sales across the nation. The aim is to reduce waste and encourage reusing among local communities, to stop tonnes of perfectly good stuff from ending up in landfill. To run your own garage sale, it's totally free to register. Garage Sale Trail will then send you promo materials to help put the word out, plus they’ll list your sale on the official website. Or if you're looking to score a pre-loved bargain, you can then use the website as a guide to all the sales in their area. So far, it looks like there's more than 400 garage sales registered in Melbourne alone, which is a whole lotta shopping. Plus, there are also group sales where multiple stallholders band together to make a one-stop-shop mega sale. Whether you're selling or buying, it's truly a win-win: finally declutter your wardrobe and make some extra moola, or get you

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

The Queen Victoria Market has always held a special place in our hearts. From hot jam donuts to Euro-themed night markets and the freshest of produce, it's undeniably a beloved Melbourne landmark. But sometimes, you can make a good thing even better, which is exactly what has happened with the opening of a brand new food hall at the market.   The new Queen's Food Hall has replaced the former food court (previously untouched since the 1990s) on the corner of Victoria and Queen Streets, with a completely redeveloped space and exciting new vendors showcasing the best of our city's foodie culture. The hall has been designed as a place to sit and relax – and of course, eat.    Supplied artist rendering. There's a diverse line-up of eateries to choose from, including favourites from the former food court like Spanish tapas bar El Rincon, Sri Lankan cafe Drums and Asian fusion eatery Canton Malay, plus some exciting newcomers joining the market like The Happy Mexican and Brunswick East's Bellyboy Coffee Bar, pouring everything from coffee to cocktails.  And if you've ever wandered through the fish hall and gazed longingly at all the mouth-watering oysters and fresh fish – you'll now be able to enjoy it on the spot at the market. Saltwater will be a new sushi and oyster bar that connects with vendors at the fish hall, fast-tracking seafood from ocean to plate. Expect a fresh, theatrical menu with Japanese flair, including live oyster shucking, flame-torched lobster rolls and aburi

There's no shortage of things to love about Christmas. From beautiful light displays to festive markets and delicious feasts to shopping for a real Christmas tree, it truly is the most wonderful time of the year. But one of the most crucial tasks in the lead up to the big day is getting your wish list to Santa. But this year, it's easier than ever.  If you’re keen to get in touch with the big, bearded man this festive season, calling from one of the 14,500 Telstra payphones that punctuate pavements across Australia is a super simple approach. From now until December 24, dialling # HO HO HO (#464646) from any Telstra payphone will connect you with Santa Claus – who is ready to answer any burning questions you might have related to Christmas.*  Part of the motivation behind Telstra's Santa Claus payphone hotline was to teach kids how to use a payphone – the street-side devices which, though a bit antiquated in 2023, can really come in handy when you’ve lost your mobile (or need to get in touch with Mr Claus). The service will be running until December 24 – plenty of time to submit your wish list to the man himself and triple check on Rudolph’s treat preference.  *The omniscience of Santa is yet to be verified – he may not be able to confirm or deny whether your cousin’s new girlfriend will be bringing her terrible pav to the table this year. RECOMMENDED: Surprising research reveals where Sydney and Melbourne differ on fave pub eats and drinks Dust off your binoculars, becaus

Us Aussies have a deep appreciation for the ocean and all its wonders, as many of us spend most of our summers getting sandy by the sea at our many beaches. While there's lots to love about our crystalline coasts, few things can top the majesty of a whale sighting. And there's never been a better time to experience this magic, as experts have said that there are currently record numbers of humpback whales off Australia's shores, making their annual migration down the east coast of Australia to southern waters.  After the total eastern Australian humpback population declined down to a measly 150 due to commercial whaling between the 1850s and 1960s, numbers have built back to a staggering 40,000 over the last 30 years – and they're currently all making their way down the east coast.  Whale tour operators have reported seeing record numbers of whales and calves this season, while Dr Wally Franklin from the Oceania Project has said to the ABC that the whale numbers are almost at ‘carrying capacity’, which means that “the number of whales born equals the number of whales that die of natural causes every year”.   Photograph: Supplied This amazing news is made all the more miraculous given that all whales we’re seeing in our eastern Aussie waters today are the direct descendants of the tiny group of whales who managed to survive mass killings up until the early 60s. Using careful conservation and collective action, Australians have managed to help bring back these incredible anim

A solo trip has pretty much become a rite of passage for many Aussies – we love travel and adventure, so we're not afraid to jet off alone to explore far off places. But it can be a daunting experience, particularly for women who may have worries around safety, but still yearn to live out their Eat, Pray, Love dreams. The good news is that research by Airbnb shows that the number of women travelling solo appears to be on the up, so there's never been a better time to have a hot girl summer overseas.  There's no denying that safety is a super important consideration for solo female travellers when choosing a destination. To help with the decision-making, Airbnb teamed up with female-founded personal safety app WalkSafe+ to determine which destinations were most popular for self-proclaimed solo women travellers. The research uncovered which places across the globe had the highest percentage of nights booked by solo females.  Turns out the French capital of Paris isn’t just an attractive city for love birds. Its abundance of museums, whimsical gardens and love for all things bread, cheese and wine saw Paris crowned as the top solo travel destination for women. Dubai made the podium in second place, followed by Barcelona in third, Lisbon in fourth and Cape Town in fifth spot. Two Australian cities made the global list, with Melbourne claiming ninth place. It’s no mystery why women worldwide want a slice of Melbourne’s charm, which is mostly thanks to our amazing restaurants, top-

Earlier this year, Sydney cracked the top five in a global ranking of the most liveable cities across the globe. A now, a new report has named three Sydney suburbs as the top ten most liveable in all of the country. Research company Place Score conducted its annual Australian Liveability Census and revealed the most liveable suburbs across the nation, with some interesting and unexpected results. This year, they surveyed residents across the country to rate their own suburb and share what they think makes a good neighbourhood to live in. More than 50,000 Aussies gave their two cents, with the data collated to give each area a "place experience score".  Topping the list of most liveable suburbs in Australia was the small, trendy suburb of Subiaco in Perth – closely followed by two surprising ‘burbs in Sydney (nowhere near the Eastern Suburbs or Inner West, might we add): Lane Cove and Hunters Hill. The municipality of Boroondara in Melbourne’s east (comprising Kew, Hawthorn and Camberwell) came in fourth, followed by the Surf Coast Shire (Lorne, Torquay) and Vincent in Western Australia, with North Sydney cracking seventh spot. According to the State of Place Report, the places that generally achieved a higher score were older, more established locales. These ‘hoods are known for having plenty of green, leafy areas and top-notch amenities. So to put it plainly, more affluent suburbs.  The survey results also found that the factors people value most when considering liveability

Update November 3, 2023: Live Nation has just announced that due to "unforeseen circumstances" the Weeknd has had to postpone the upcoming Australian and New Zealand legs of his After Hours Til Dawn tour. All tickets remain valid for the rescheduled shows, and patrons who are unable to attend the new dates will be offered a refund. New dates will be announced next year – watch this space for more info as it comes in. Has the Weekend cancelled his Australian tour in 2023? Due to "unforeseen circumstances", all of his Australian shows – including his Melbourne dates – have been postponed. New dates are set to be revealed in 2024. Is the Weeknd touring Australia in 2023? Not anymore. On November 3, Live Nation announced the Weeknd would be rescheduling all of the 2023 dates of his After Hours Til Dawn tour and moving them to 2024. When is the Weeknd coming to Melbourne? The Weeknd was originally set to perform in Melbourne on December 1, 2, 4 and 5, 2023. These shows have now been postponed.  How much are the Weeknd tickets for Melbourne?  Ticket prices will range from $102.87-$306.75, but prices may be subject to change.  What stadium will the Weeknd play at in Melbourne?  The Weeknd was scheduled to play at Marvel Stadium in Docklands, near the CBD.  Where else is the Weeknd playing in Australia as part of the 2023 After Hours til Dawn tour? In addition to his Melbourne show, the Weeknd was scheduled to perform at Accor Stadium in Sydney on November 24, 25 and 27, and Suncorp

Music festivals are a whole lotta fun, but there's just one downside that seriously hurts the hip pocket – they're not cheap. When you're heading to a one day festy, you're looking at spending hundreds of bucks on tickets, food, drinks and transport – and don't get us started on how much it costs to go to a multi-day festival these days. While the expenses are undeniably worth it for the euphoric experience of dancing the night away to your fave artists, it would be nice to be able to go on the cheap, wouldn't it? Or, in your wildest dreams, get paid for it?  Well, now there's a way to make this dream a reality. Aussie wine brand Tempus is offering one lucky festival fan an incredible gig: they're running a competition to find their official festival ambassador. If you're the winner, you'll get VIP tickets for both yourself and a friend to rock out at major musicals festivals Spilt Milk, Heaps Good and Rolling Loud. So that's free tickies to see Post Malone, Dom Dolla, Flume, Foals and sooo many more music megastars.  Not only that, but the winner will be paid big bucks to go have a boogie at these festivals – $5000 buckaroos, to be precise. The dream-worthy job offer is in celebration of the launch of Tempus One, a new wine spritzer from the winemaker, designed to be the perfect summer festival bevvy. The only thing the festival ambassador will have to do in return is make a handful of social media posts, which for most people in the avid festivalgoer demographic, is easy pe

Sydney sky-gazers, you’re in for a real treat in November – this month, we’ll be able to see not one, but two dazzling meteor showers this month. So scope out the best stargazing spots in and near Sydney, and read on to find out how to witness the magic of these sparkling celestial displays.  Soaring through our night sky in November will be both the Leonids and Taurids meteor showers. Keen astronomers will know that they’re both annual celestial events that shower the skies over a period of weeks, but their visibility peaks in November, meaning this month is the best time to try to spot them.  What is the Taurids meteor shower? The Taurids are first to light up our skies, with the meteor shower predicted to reach its peak around November 6. The tricky thing with the Taurids is that it doesn’t necessarily have a definite peak, so you may need extra patience to catch it. But the best time to go stargazing would be around midnight on the nights between November 6-13. This is because the meteor shower has two separate streams, a north and a south shower. The first is produced by dust grains left behind by Asteroid 2004 TG10 and the second stream is created by debris left behind by Comet 2P Encke. The shower is considered minor, with only about five to ten meteors per hour. It radiates from the constellation of Taurus, but can appear anywhere in the night sky. What is the Leonids meteor shower? If you’re only going to try to spot one of these two meteor displays, go for the Le

As any Melburnian will proudly tell you, our city is famed for being one of the most liveable cities across the globe. We even cracked the top three on the worldwide Global Liveability Index earlier this year. To back up our city pride, a new report has named two Melbourne municipalities as the most liveable in the whole entire country. Research company Place Score conducted its annual Australian Liveability Census and revealed the most liveable suburbs across the nation, with some interesting and unexpected results unveiled. The list of the most liveable Aussie suburbs was the product of a survey earlier this year that asked people across the country to rate their own neighbourhood and share what they think makes a good suburb to live in. More than 50,000 Aussies gave their two cents, with the data compiled to give each area a place experience score.  Topping the list of most liveable suburbs in Australia was the small, trendy suburb of Subiaco in Perth, followed by the Sydney riverside ‘burbs of Lane Cove and Hunters Hill. The municipality of Boroondara in Melbourne’s east came in fourth on the list, which takes in the suburbs of Kew, Hawthorn and Camberwell. They’re not usually the spots in Melbourne that get a shout out, but it’s great to see the love being shared around.  According to the State of Place report that analyses the survey data, the places that generally achieved a higher score were older, more established locales. These ‘hoods are known for having plenty of

Sky-gazers, you’re truly in for a treat in November. We’ll be able to see not one, but two dazzling meteor showers this month, so scope out your stargazing spots and read on to find out how to witness the magic of these sparkling celestial displays.  Soaring through our night sky in November will be the Leonids and Taurids meteor showers. Keen astronomers will know that they’re both annual celestial events that shower the skies over a period of weeks, but their visibility peaks in November, meaning this month is the best time to try to spot them up above.  What is the Taurids meteor shower? The Taurids are first to light up our skies, with the meteor shower predicted to reach its peak around November 6. The tricky thing with the Taurids is that it doesn’t necessarily have a definite peak, so you may need extra patience to catch it. But the best time to go stargazing would be around midnight on the nights between November 6-13. This is because the meteor shower has two separate streams, a north and a south shower. The first is produced by dust grains left behind by Asteroid 2004 TG10 and the second stream is created by debris left behind by Comet 2P Encke. The shower is considered minor, with only about five to ten meteors per hour. It radiates from the constellation of Taurus, but can appear anywhere in the night sky. What is the Leonids meteor shower? If you’re only going to try to spot one of these two meteor displays, go for the Leonids, which will appear later in November

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