Top 10

Wondering what to get up to this season? Here are our must-do experiences.

It’s Tennis Time

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It will be love-all when the Australian Open returns to Melbourne Park (17 – 30 January). The best tennis players in the world are bringing their A game, but there will also be plenty happening off court to keep spectators entertained all day. +ausopen.com

Summer of Style

Become acquainted with the work of the designer who changed the way women dress forever when Gabrielle Chanel. Fashion Manifesto opens at NGV International (from 4 December). See more than a hundred garments, as well as accessories and beauty products, at this Melbourne exclusive. +ngv.melbourne/chanel

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You loved the Baz Luhrmann film, now see it on stage. Moulin Rouge! The Musical brings the romance, excess and glitz of Paris 1899 to the Regent Theatre. Celebrate truth, beauty, freedom and love in a show you’ll never forget. +moulinrougemusical.com/

australia

Culture Club

Sweet Addition

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Ready to up the staycation ante? The bold new Mövenpick Hotel Melbourne on Spencer offers art and luxury in a central location. Plus, chocolate hour happens every afternoon, offering guests complimentary creations like ice-cream sandwiches, petit fours, s’mores and churros. +movenpick.com See a showcase of Australia’s best contemporary galleries at Melbourne Art Fair (17–20 February). The theme, Djeembana/Place, will be carried across commissions, installations, performance, project spaces, conversations and an international video art program that all complement the gallery exhibitions. +melbourneartfair.com.au

Explore rivers, wildflowers and some of the highest points of Mount Bogong on a packhorse tour with Spring Spur. From multi-day experiences to day trips, hop on and take a ride on the wild side this summer. +springspur.com.au

Get Dancing

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Get ready for a summer of dancing under the stars with Live at the Bowl. The of open-air performances returns to Sidney Myer Music Bowl this January, featuring a stunning program of music, comedy, dance, family events and more. +liveatthebowl.com.au

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Sip and Chill

Mabu Mabu chef-owner Nornie Bero has opened her newest venture, an allday restaurant and bar in Federation Square. Big Esso, which means ‘the biggest thank you’ in the Torres Strait, will showcase native ingredients and dishes, bringing Indigenous culture to the plate. +mabumabu.com.au

Murray Magic

Indulge in the ultimate pampering experience at the SOL Wellness Centre at The Sebel Yarrawonga. At this day spa on Lake Mulwala, calm your mind and body with a range of holistic and therapeutic treatments. +thesebelyarrawonga.com.au

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Rug up and enter the cool temperatures at Ice Bar Melbourne where the bar is kept at a surprisingly chilly –10°C all year round. Inside, pull up a seat and try a favourite cocktail. The Northern Lights is a tasty ginbased cocktail that changes colour. +icebarmelbourne.com

Top Left: Gabrielle Chanel (designer), ‘2.55’ bag c. 1955–71, quilted lambskin, gilt metal, swivel, clasp Patrimoine de CHANEL, Paris. Photo © Julien T. Hamon