MESSAGE FROM THE MINISTER
Welcome to Victoria. Autumn has arrived and, with the leaves changing to gold and red, it’s a special time in Melbourne and beyond.
It’s a fantastic time of year to experience some of the great festivals and events taking place across the state. Check out the blooms at the Melbourne International Flower & Garden Show, see the bricks awaken
at LEGO Star Wars: The Exhibition, which opens at Melbourne Museum in May, or be part of a local institution at Moomba Festival.
There’s also the opening of Beetlejuice the Musical in May, plus we’re celebrating an Australian fashion designer in Paris – with a major exhibition showing the works of Martin Grant at The Ian Potter Centre: NGV Australia.
Further afield, take the family camping for free in our national parks, check out WAMA (Wildlife Art Museum of Australia) when it opens in April, or soak your cares away at a natural mineral spring.
This guide will take you through the events and attractions taking place across this great state. I hope there’s inspiration in these pages, and you find your time in Victoria every bit different.
Steve Dimopoulos MP Minister for Tourism, Sport and Major Events
LEGO Star Wars: The Exhibition at Melbourne Museum
WOMINJEKA
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF COUNTRY
We acknowledge the First Peoples throughout Melbourne and Victoria and recognise their continuing connection to the land, waters and culture. We pay our respects to Elders, past and present. We ask that, during your travels, you respect the cultures, peoples and land.
Aunty Joy Wandin Murphy Senior Wurundjeri Elder of the Kulin Nation
Cover image: Leaves of the Merri, Eco-Dyed Wool by Claire Mosley. Image Emily Godfrey. Read the story on page 10.
Aunty Joy image: Caitlin Mills
EMBRACE THE UNCONVENTIONAL
BY BRENDAN MCCLEMENTS, CEO VISIT VICTORIA
Melbourne International Comedy Festival
Jesse Hisco
IN AUTUMN, CREATIVITY THRIVES IN VICTORIA. IT’S THE PERFECT TIME TO EXPERIENCE THE DYNAMIC EVENTS AND ATTRACTIONS OF THIS EXTRAORDINARY STATE THAT ARE BOUND TO GET YOUR PULSE RACING.
Hear the roar of the engines at the Formula 1 Australian Grand Prix, try something new and exceptional at the Melbourne Food & Wine Festival, and experience comedy at its boldest and brightest at the Melbourne International Comedy Festival.
Wominjeka! That’s how we say welcome in the local Wurundjeri Woi Wurrung language here in Narrm (Melbourne).
High-octane highlights dominate Victoria’s autumn across sport, fashion, food, art, theatre and wine. Hear the roar of the engines at the Formula 1 Australian Grand Prix, try something new and exceptional at the Melbourne Food & Wine Festival, and experience comedy at its boldest and brightest at the Melbourne International Comedy Festival.
The AFL and Super Netball seasons are also underway, while Melbourne Design Week brings a host of exhibitions, workshops and talks, and the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra and Melbourne Theatre Company have performances everyone can enjoy.
Treat yourself to high tea or enjoy restaurants featuring global flavours. Discover the Indigenous culture and history of the region at museums and galleries.
Looking further afield will unveil plenty of sources of inspiration. Bendigo Art Gallery welcomes an Australian exclusive, Frida Kahlo: In her own image, while wine, food and fun is the focus at Grampians Grape Escape. The best surfers in the world come together for the Rip Curl Pro Bells Beach and the returning Phillip Island Junior Pro.
View the changing colours across the state, go mountain biking in the High Country, and enjoy the finest seasonal produce at eateries across the state. Plan an itinerary to explore regions like Gippsland, where you can sample local brews, visit a koala island and stay at accommodation on the lakes.
Wherever you travel in Victoria this autumn, you’re sure to discover the season’s finest.
BRENDAN MCCLEMENTS
CEO Visit Victoria
CLAIRE MOSLEY, OUR COVER ARTIST THIS EDITION, CELEBRATES MELBOURNE’S AUTUMN, A SEASON OF TRANSFORMATION THAT DEEPLY INFLUENCES HER CREATIVE WORK.
NATURE’S NATIVE PALETTE
Eco-dyeing on wool by Claire Mosley
Emily Godfrey
NATURAL CONNECTIONS
It took a year living in Gippsland and working for an outdoor education centre for Claire Mosley to truly feel connected to the natural world. “When I returned to Melbourne, this curiosity stayed alive,” Claire says, having now built an art practice around watercolour and natural dying. “For me, Melbourne’s beauty is especially in its many pockets of wild nature, like along the waterways of the Merri Creek, as well as in the bounty of parks and nature reserves. Being in these places helps me slow down and notice the magic that nature constantly has to offer. It is how these places change and connect that keeps me interested.”
COLOURS ON COUNTRY
Claire works with eucalyptus leaves, steaming them for hours on wool. The tannins from the leaves make autumnal dyes. “The colours created, largely with the species of eucalyptus, keep me constantly curious,” she says. “The leaves from the Merri Creek on Wurundjeri Country in Melbourne's north often make all sorts of browns, whereas leaves from Dja Dja Wurrung Country in central regional Victoria provide deep reds and oranges in the dye. It is fascinating how these colours can change so much.”
For an artist, the transformational quality of the season offers endless inspiration, “Autumn is a fascinating balance of decay and renewal, where things break down and prepare for what’s to come,” says Claire. In the early mornings and late afternoons, the air carries a subtle scent of leaves, and the golden light draws out the season’s richest hues.
ART IN PRACTICE
As well as creating vivid watercolours, Claire uses her art on a series of products, including tea towels, notebooks, cards and eco-dyed clothing. These she sells from her website, as well as at makers’ markets around Melbourne.
“For many years, I have been involved with CERES in Brunswick, first as an educator, and then by hosting my art stalls at their Saturday market,” Claire says.
“Through partnering and commission work, my art is in many other places too, like on tea towels for the delicious Mount Zero Olives, and in the Royal Botanic Gardens, in the form of Seek and Find cards, where I also work as an educator.”
+ clairemosley.com
Claire Mosley
Emily Godfrey
Emily
Godfrey
WHAT ’ S ON
ON NOW
Until 8 Mar
MELBOURNE FASHION FESTIVAL
Various locations + melbournefashionfestival.com.au
Until 16 Mar
CLAW MONEY WORLD
Warrnambool Art Gallery + thewag.com.au
Until 23 Mar
AGATHA CHRISTIE’S AND THEN THERE WERE NONE Comedy Theatre + andthentherewerenone.com.au
Until 20 Apr
BEAUTY AND THE BEAST THE MUSICAL
Her Majesty’s Theatre + beautyandthebeastmusical.com.au
Until 21 Apr
YAYOI KUSAMA
National Gallery of Victoria + ngv.melbourne
Until 27 Apr
NOTRE-DAME DE PARIS
Immigration Museum + museumsvictoria.com.au/ immigrationmuseum
Until 25 May
THE OUTSIDERS MELBOURNE
Flinders Lane
+ theoutsidersmelbourne.com
Until 1 Jun
VAN GOGH
THE LUME Melbourne + thelumemelbourne.com
MARCH
From 13 Mar
AFL PREMIERSHIP SEASON
Various locations + afl.com.au
6–10 Mar
MOOMBA FESTIVAL
Birrarung Marr and Alexandra Gardens + moomba.melbourne.vic.gov.au
7–18 Mar
THE AUSTRALIAN BALLET’S CARMEN
Regent Theatre + australianballet.com.au
7–15 Mar
LIVE AT THE GARDENS
Royal Botanic Gardens Melbourne + liveatthegardens.com.au
12–16 Mar
F1® MELBOURNE FAN FESTIVAL
Melbourne Park Oval + grandprix.com.au
13–16 Mar
FORMULA 1® AUSTRALIAN GRAND PRIX
Albert Park + grandprix.com.au
From 15 Mar
FRIDA KAHLO: IN HER OWN IMAGE
Bendigo Art Gallery + bendigoartgallery.com.au
From 16 Mar
JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR
Princess Theatre + jesuschristsuperstarmusical.com.au
21 Mar
WORLD’S LONGEST LUNCH
Kings Domain + melbournefoodandwine.com.au
21–23 Mar
MELBOURNE SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA:
DISNEY IN CONCERT
Hamer Hall + mso.com.au
21–30 Mar
MELBOURNE FOOD AND WINE FESTIVAL
Various locations + melbournefoodandwine.com.au
26–30 Mar
MELBOURNE
INTERNATIONAL FLOWER & GARDEN SHOW
Royal Exhibition Building and Carlton Gardens + melbflowershow.com.au
26 Mar – 20 Apr
MELBOURNE INTERNATIONAL COMEDY FESTIVAL
Various locations + comedyfestival.com.au
28–30 Mar
AVALON AUSTRALIAN INTERNATIONAL AIRSHOW
Avalon Airport, Geelong + airshow.com.au
WHAT’S ON CONTINUED
Rip Curl Pro Bells Beach
APRIL
4–5 Apr
GABS CRAFT BEER AND CIDER FESTIVAL
Melbourne Conference and Exhibition Centre + gabsfestival.com
From 5 Apr
SUPER NETBALL SEASON
Various locations + netball.com.au
5–27 Apr AUSTRALIAN SAND SCULPTING CHAMPIONSHIPS
Frankston Waterfront + sandstormevents.com
6–20 Apr LIGHTFALL
Royal Botanic Gardens Cranbourne + lightfallcranbourne.com.au
18–28 Apr
RIP CURL PRO
BELLS BEACH Torquay + worldsurfleague.com/events
9 Apr – 7 May
HAWKER 88 NIGHT MARKET
Queen Victoria Market (Wednesdays) + thenightmarket.com.au
25 Apr
ANZAC DAY
Shrine of Remembrance + shrine.org.au
25–27 Apr INTEL EXTREME MASTERS
Rod Laver Arena + intelextrememasters.com
MAY
2–4 May GRAMPIANS GRAPE ESCAPE
Grampians National Park (Gariwerd) + grampiansgrapeescape.com.au
From 4 May
LEGO STAR WARS: THE EXHIBITION
Melbourne Museum + legostarwarstheexhibition.com
From 7 May
BEETLEJUICE THE MUSICAL Regent Theatre + beetlejuicethemusical.com.au
1–11 May YIRRAMBOI
Various locations + yirramboi.com.au
8–11 May
MELBOURNE WRITERS FESTIVAL
Various locations + mwf.com.au
15–25 May MELBOURNE DESIGN WEEK
Various locations + designweek.melbourne
17–18 May
GREAT OCEAN ROAD RUNNING FESTIVAL Lorne
+ greatoceanroadrunfest.com.au
COMING
SOON
4–15 Jun RISING
Various locations + rising.melbourne
From 6 Jun
MELBOURNE WINTER MASTERPIECES® 2025: FRENCH IMPRESSIONISM
National Gallery of Victoria + ngv.melbourne
ONLY IN MELBOURNE
Formula 1 Louis Vuitton Australian Grand Prix
Mauger
GET SET FOR MONTHS OF EXCITEMENT AND FESTIVITIES AS SOME OF THE CITY’S FAVOURITE EVENTS MAKE THIS SEASON ONE TO REMEMBER.
THE PERFECT FORMULA
The Formula 1® Louis Vuitton Australian Grand Prix (13–16 March) is a full experience. The F1 cars blaze around the Albert Park track with the city skyline in the background, and there’s also incredible food to enjoy, a family zone at Pit Stop Park, and postrace entertainment at M-Lane. + grandprix.com.au
FLAVOUR FORWARD
Want to feed your culinary curiosity? Check out the program for Melbourne Food and Wine Festival (21–30 March), with hands-on fun, international chefs and free events. Indulge in cakes and pastries at Baker’s Dozen (29–30 March) in Fed Square or head out to Dandenong Market for BBQs of the World (30 March).
+ melbournefoodandwine.com.au
GREEN THUMB
Be surrounded by floral artistry, garden designs and the latest trends in outdoor living at the Melbourne International Flower & Garden Show (26–30 March). Immerse yourself in colour and fragrance in the Great Hall of Flowers or get some inspiration for creating a patch of nature in a small space.
+ melbflowershow.com.au
Melbourne International Flower & Garden Show
Melbourne Food and Wine Festival
Shelley Horan
ONLY IN MELBOURNE
LAUGH RIOT
It’s one of the biggest events on the city’s calendar. The Melbourne International Comedy Festival (26 March – 20 April) sees comedians from all around the world gather for four weeks of fun. Check out big names like Urzila Carlson and Ray O’Leary, and favourite Aussies including Lizzy Hoo and Joel Creasey. + comedyfestival.com.au
STYLE CENTRAL
Celebrate what makes the city’s residents some of the country’s most uniquely dressed at the PayPal Melbourne Fashion Festival (until 8 March). There’ll be runways featuring First Peoples designers, older women and upcycled designs, as well as the hottest looks from some of our bestknown designers plus other events and parties throughout the week. + melbournefashionfestival.com.au
SAY IT THREE TIMES
Tim Burton’s legendary 1988 movie is coming to the stage at the Regent Theatre. Beetlejuice the Musical (from 7 May) tells the story of teenager Lydia Deetz, whose life changes when she meets a dead couple and a demon dressed in stripes. Melbourne’s own Eddie Perfect, who wrote the lyrics and music, also stars in this production. + beetlejuicethemusical.com.au
Melbourne International Comedy Festival
Beetlejuice the Musical
Benny Capp
TOP SPORT
KICKING GOALS
Australian Rules football was born in Victoria in the 1850s. See what makes it so special when the 2025 Toyota AFL Premiership Season (from 13 March) launches. Games are played in Melbourne at the famous MCG and Marvel Stadium every weekend, with 18 teams battling it out through the season. Grab a ticket, wrap yourself in a team scarf and prepare to be entertained. + afl.com.au
MELBOURNE IS AUSTRALIA’S SPORTING CAPITAL. HERE’S WHERE TO CATCH ALL THE ACTION THIS SEASON.
NOTHING BUT NET(BALL)
Melbourne has two teams in the national competition, with the first local game in the Suncorp Super Netball season taking place on 5 April at John Cain Arena, when the Melbourne Mavericks take on the Sunshine Coast Lightning. There’s a Melbourne game nearly every weekend throughout the season featuring the Mavericks or the other local team, the Melbourne Vixens. + netball.com.au
SURF’S UP
Asia Pacific competitors in the World Surf League will head to the Phillip Island Pro Qualifying Series 3000 event (17–22 March) hoping to book a spot on the 2025 Challenger Series. The best in the world, though, will be heading down the Great Ocean Road for the Rip Curl Pro Bells Beach (18–28 April). This is one of sport’s longestrunning events, with spectators lining the beach to see competitors ride the famous point break.
+ worldsurfleague.com
Suncorp Super Netball
Toyota AFL Premiership Season
Daniel Pockett/Getty Images
Michael Willson/AFL Photos
FROM VINTAGE WARBIRDS TO CUTTINGEDGE JETS, EXPERIENCE THE FULL SPECTRUM OF AVIATION BRILLIANCE, WITH MORE THAN 370 AIRCRAFT ON DISPLAY AT AVALON AIRPORT.
AVIATION SPECTACLE
FLIGHT PATH
After a sell-out event in 2023, the finest aircraft in the country take to the skies and hangars for the Avalon Australian International Airshow 2025 (28–30 March). Marvel at a spectacular range of indoor and outdoor displays, with some incredible flying performances set to dazzle.
WINGS OF FIRE
A highlight of this year’s program is the Night Alight Show, with the incredible Wall of Fire that ends with a fireworks display. Throughout the overhead displays, you’ll see Royal Australian Air Force aircraft, including F35A Lightning II, the Roulettes, Hercules and No 100 Squadron heritage planes. On the ground, there’ll be static displays of ARH Tigers, the E-7A Wedgetail and the MQ-28 Ghost Bat, among many others.
MORE FOR ALL
While the kids will love the sight of all those planes and helicopters, there’s plenty more to excite them, with an expanded Kids Zone featuring roving entertainment, games, simulators and even more carnival rides. Also new for 2025 are two park and ride locations. From Melbourne, park at the designated Beach Road site near Point Wilson. From Geelong, use Sutcliffe Reserve in Corio, with shuttle buses running continuously to and from the event site. Tickets are available for purchase from Ticketek. + airshow.com.au
Roulettes
C5 Galaxy
THIS SEASON, ART GALLERIES ACROSS VICTORIA CELEBRATE BOUNDARY-PUSHING CREATIVITY, OFFERING A GLIMPSE INTO THE ARTISTIC MINDS AND MASTERY OF VISIONARY WOMEN FROM ACROSS THE GLOBE.
STROKES OF GENIUS STROKES OF GENIUS
Above: A visitor in the Yayoi Kusama exhibition at NGV International, Melbourne until 21 April 2025. © YAYOI KUSAMA
Emily Godfrey
REFLECTING ON INFINITY
Yayoi Kusama, celebrated as one of the most influential contemporary artists of the 20th and 21st centuries, has spent eight decades redefining the art world. Experience the expansive exhibition Yayoi Kusama at NGV International (until 21 April). The artist’s work, including painting, collage and fashion, is being displayed across the ground floor of the gallery and extends into the Great Hall and Federation Court. Kusama’s core artistic motivation has remained consistent: to capture the intricate beauty of the natural world and investigate her place (and humanity’s) within an infinitely expanding cosmos. This exhibition showcases close to 200 works across various media including a never-before-seen kaleidoscopic infinity mirror room that skilfully uses mirrors to create the visual illusion of unending space.
Another highlight is a new iteration of Narcissus Garden, which was first shown at the 1966 Venice Biennale. It is comprised of more than 1400 metallic spheres, all reflecting one another, creating an infinitely recurring landscape that envelops the spectator. Immerse yourself in THE HOPE OF THE POLKA DOTS BURIED IN INFINITY WILL ETERNALLY COVER THE UNIVERSE, which visually entangles viewers within six-metre-high tentacles covered in yellow-and-black polka dots. Equally impressive is Dancing Pumpkin, a five-metre-tall bronze sculpture recently acquired by the NGV.
BOUNDARY BREAKING
As a Japanese woman who emerged in the male-dominated avant-garde scene of the 1960s, Kusama has consistently broken boundaries with her bold, rebellious vision. She confronted societal norms and embraced themes of self-expression,
Left: A visitor in the Yayoi Kusama exhibition at NGV International, Melbourne until 21 April 2025. © YAYOI KUSAMA
Below: Frida Kahlo, Self-portrait with thorn necklace and hummingbird 1940. Nickolas Muray Collection of Mexican Art, 66.6 © 2020
Banco de México Diego Rivera Frida Kahlo Museums Trust, Mexico, D.F.
feminism and mental health, using art as a medium to challenge conventions. The artist’s signature use of polka dots, infinity mirrors and larger-than-life installations invites viewers to reflect on identity, space and interconnectedness, offering an unparalleled exploration of Kusama’s artistic rebellion and the transformative power of her vision. + ngv.melbourne
WOMEN IN ART
Explore two other compelling explorations of art and identity. At ACMI, South Korean artist Ayoung Kim’s Delivery Dancer’s Arc: 0º Receiver uses CGI and live-action to probe the gig economy and the nature of time. Meanwhile, Bendigo Art Gallery’s Frida Kahlo: In Her Own Image offers an intimate glimpse into Kahlo’s life through her personal belongings and artworks. + acmi.net.au
+ bendigoartgallery.com.au
Emily Godfrey
AUTUMN IN THE CITY
The Outsiders Melbourne, Flinders Lane
Shannyn Higgins
MELBOURNE’S VISITOR SERVICES
Melbourne Visitor Hub at Town Hall
Swanston Street (corner of Little Collins Street)
Melbourne Visitor Booth Bourke Street Mall
Fitzroy Gardens Visitor Centre and Cooks’ Cottage
Wellington Parade
City Ambassadors
Talk to our volunteers in red along Swanston Street and at Federation Square daily. Also find us at Queen Victoria Market on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays.
Melbourne Greeter Service
Guided orientations 10am daily from Melbourne Visitor Hub at Town Hall.
Melbourne Town Hall Tours 11am and 1pm every Monday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday.
Arts & Heritage Collection Tours 11am and 1pm Tuesday, 2.30pm Thursday and Friday.
Souvenirs and Gifts
Pop in to check out our range of Melbourne-made, sustainable products at the Melbourne Visitor Hub at Town Hall, Fitzroy Gardens Visitor Centre and Melbourne Visitor Booth.
Operating hours may vary. For more details, visit whatson.melbourne.vic.gov.au/visitors or click below
MELBOURNE OFFERS AN UNMISSABLE SEASON OF FEASTS AND FESTIVITIES THIS AUTUMN.
COMEDY, CULTURE AND MORE
Experience Melbourne at its most entertaining with autumn events showcasing the very best in comedy, fashion, flowers, Victorian produce and sport. A visit to Melbourne always rewards the adventurous, so make sure to seek out our renowned museums, galleries and much-loved bookshops.
CITY WALKS AND HIDDEN GEMS
Embrace the cool days with a walking tour of the city and enjoy the best laneway cafes. Take a break in a snug bar and treat yourself to Melbourne’s fine dining. Discover unique creations in Melbourne shopping precincts and laneways – highly regarded for bespoke designers and unexpected delights. In a city that’s always open to the new, it’s well worth exploring sustainable Melbourne products and initiatives.
CREATIVE GIFTS
Need help to discover the best of Melbourne? Look out for visitor services volunteers in their distinctive red uniforms. They’re always happy to offer assistance and share tips of things to do and see. Looking for a gift or Melbourne memento? Choose from a unique range of locally made and bespoke gifts and souvenirs at our welcoming visitor centres. Our expanded retail range showcases the creativity of more than 45 Melbournebased artisans and businesses.
The city is full to the brim with epic events and Melbourne moments. Visit whatson.melbourne.vic.gov.au to plan your autumn visit in Melbourne.
By Lord Mayor Nicholas Reece
Lord Mayor Nicholas Reece
MELBOURNE CITY
RESPONSIBLE WANDERERS
MELBOURNE IS DEDICATED TO SUSTAINABILITY THROUGH IMPACTFUL INITIATIVES, OFFERING PLENTY OF OPTIONS FOR ECO-CONSCIOUS TRAVELLERS.
Fed Square
Artra Sartracom
SHOP SMARTER
Head to Queen Vic Market’s Purpose Precinct, where you’ll find fashion, homewares and pantry items that are planet-friendly or support members of the community. For instance, you can buy Clothing the Gaps streetwear, a fresh, dynamic brand celebrating Aboriginal culture through meaningful merch that inspires you to wear your values. Find BeeKeeper Parade in Centre Place laneway for a selection of bags, backpacks and accessories made from upcycled textiles. They focus on environmentally friendly solutions and support communities in need, with profits from sales contributing to schools in Cambodia.
DOWN TO EARTH
Book a private 2.5-hour Sustainable Architecture Tour with Walking Tours of Melbourne to see both contemporary and historical locations (like the Atrium terrace megapanels at Fed Square) and examine biodiversity, green spaces (Birrarung Marr Park), recycling, alternative transport and more. Take a natural approach at Royal Botanic Garden Melbourne’s Forest Therapy. Borrowing a Japanese concept, this guided wellbeing experience has the potential to reduce stress levels, regulate the pulse and blood pressure, and elevate mood.
MOVE MINDFULLY
Public transport is one of the most sustainable ways to travel. In Melbourne, you can criss-cross the city and journey into the suburbs and beyond on trams, trains and buses with a myki card. In fact, if you’re staying within the CBD, the Free Tram Zone lets you get from A to B at no cost. Hop on a tram heading down Swanston or Elizabeth Streets and off at Flinders Lane to find Seedling Cafe, known for its focus on sustainability. The cafe uses locally sourced, organic ingredients and supports ethical suppliers, making it a great choice for environmentally conscious dining.
The City of Melbourne continues to work with community to transition to a more sustainable and environmentally friendly place through key cityshaping projects.
+ whatson.melbourne.vic.gov.au
Birrarung Marr Park
Clothing the Gaps
Roberto Seba
MELBOURNE
WALK THIS WAY
FOR AN INTRODUCTION TO MELBOURNE AND ALL IT HAS TO OFFER, TAKE A GUIDED WALK. IT’S THE PERFECT WAY TO ENJOY AUTUMN DAYS (AND NIGHTS).
FOR FIRST TIMERS
If you want to lean into the history, culture and creativity of Melbourne, join Hidden Secrets Tours’ original Melbourne Lanes and Arcades Tour. You’ll see how the city’s laneways have been transformed into vibrant hubs of art and connection, check out some beloved local businesses, and more. Join the Melbourne Sights Free Walking Tour with a local guide on I'm Free Tours. You’ll find out about Ned Kelly and John Batman, learn about some of Melbourne’s history and see the big-ticket attractions. Bookings are essential.
SHOW YOURSELF AROUND
Why not download the map (see link below) and be your own guide?
Discover Melbourne’s ring of lush green spaces, where 19th-century parks and gardens hide secret grottos, peaceful ponds and sites of Aboriginal significance. The Secret
Gardens and Majestic Parks Walk offers a tranquil escape into nature just a stone’s throw from the city. If music’s on your mind, discover the history of the city’s vibrant live music scene and tour its highlights by downloading the Melbourne Music Walk map.
PICK A THEME
Join Melbourne Street Tours for a CBD Street Art Tour where you’ll wander
the laneways, learn about the artists and their techniques, and finish at Blender Studios for an exclusive tour. Get the fright of the night on the Old Melbourne Ghost Tour with Lantern Ghost Tours. This is where you’ll discover what went on in the early days of colonisation, when Chinatown was home to opium dens and there was a notorious red-light district in the city. + whatson.melbourne.vic.gov.au/walks
Melbourne Street Tours
Experience Melbourne like never before.
The Experience Booking Desk is now open at the Melbourne Visitor Hub at Town Hall.
90-130 Swanston Street, Melbourne (corner Little Collins and Swanston Streets).
Visit us for great deals on the best tours and attractions in Melbourne.
Open daily, 9am – 5pm.
Local knowledge • Unique experiences • Personalised itineraries
LANDMARKS AND LANEWAYS
Punting on the Lake at Royal Botanic Gardens Melbourne
Rob Blackburn
USE THE BLUEBIRD DAYS OF AUTUMN TO ENJOY MELBOURNE’S GREAT OUTDOORS. HERE’S HOW TO SAVOUR THE CITY’S NATURAL LANDMARKS.
BOTANIC BRILLIANCE
Packing a picnic and strolling aimlessly around Royal Botanic Gardens Melbourne is a perfectly acceptable way to spend a few hours when the sun is shining. If you want to find out more about the 8,500 different species planted here or some of the special gardens, join the free guided walk (bookings essential) that takes place every day. Otherwise climb aboard a punt and check out the unique flora and fauna that surrounds Ornamental Lake.
+ rbg.vic.gov.au
+ puntingonthelake.com.au
THE RIVER ROCKS
You can walk along Southbank and watch the comings and goings on the Yarra River, the landmark that runs right through the city. But there are plenty of other ways to enjoy this important waterway. Join a scenic tour with Melbourne River Cruises – see the autumn colours on a one-hour Parks & Gardens itinerary. Want to steer your own course? Take one of GoBoat’s electric picnic boats for a spin.
+ melbcruises.com.au
+ goboat.com.au
GARDEN GOODNESS
Carlton Gardens, at the northern edge of the city, is part of a World Heritage site that includes the Royal Exhibition Building, one of Melbourne’s most distinguished landmarks. At this time of year, the leaves on the oak trees will be turning red and gold, but there’s still plenty of shade beneath the Moreton Bay figs if it’s a sunny day and you’ve brought a picnic. Early autumn also sees the Melbourne International Flower & Garden Show (26–30 March) take over part of Carlton Gardens.
+ melbourne.vic.gov.au/ carlton-gardens
+ melbflowershow.com.au
Royal Exhibition Building at Carlton Gardens
Two Palms / Harry Pope/TA
SIX HIDDEN CAFES
Within the laneways , find tuckedaway coffee spots that are bound to satisfy your caffeine cravings. There are always new styles and specialty beans to try if you’re up for something a little different.
1. Tori’s An unassuming and delightful bakery with a vintage interior offering artisan cakes and desserts tucked away down Niagara Lane.
2. Blue Doors Enjoy an iced latte outside in the autumn sunshine or cosy up indoors (there are handy power points for laptops and phones too).
3. Bakemono Bakers Find perfect shokupan, yuzu almond croissants and more at this minimalist, modern cafe with a Japanese-inspired aesthetic.
4. Chapter House Coffee Is known for high-quality espresso and expertly crafted brews. Find it under the gothic arches of St Paul’s cathedral.
5. Traveller Coffee An overhanging neon boot marks the location of this small laneway cafe offering coffee, sandwiches, cakes and pastries.
6. Tom Thumb This tiny, charming hole-in-the-wall serves flaky pastries and a cracking cup of coffee.
Take a tour of the laneways and other city spots with an expert guide to discover local favourites and hidden delights.
+ visitvictoria.com/melbourne-tours
HERITAGE TREASURES
LEARN MORE ABOUT MELBOURNE WHEN YOU VISIT SOME OF THE OLDEST AND MOST BEAUTIFUL BUILDINGS IN THE CITY. IT’S A MAGICAL HISTORY TOUR.
CIVIC CLASSICS
The Shrine of Remembrance, a landmark of both architectural and historical significance, hosts the ANZAC Day Dawn Service at 6am on 25 April. Take in the architectural grandeur illuminated in the early morning light. This poignant event honours the courage and sacrifice of Australian and New Zealand forces in the First World War Gallipoli landing. ♦ Go behind the scenes at Parliament House on an architecture tour held at
2pm on Fridays. It’s free, but email to book a spot. ♦ Find out more about the history and grand spaces of the State Library Victoria on a free History of the Library Tour. ♦ Head to Spring Street and discover Melbourne's magnificent Old Treasury Building, a stunning gold rush-era landmark that offers guided tours through grand Victorian rooms.
+ shrine.org.au
+ parliament.vic.gov.au
+ slv.vic.gov.au
+ oldtreasurybuilding.org.au
Shrine of Remembrance
Earl Carter
LEGACY AND LUXURY
Melbourne was once home to a maze of shopping arcades built in the late 1800s. Many of them have been lost but the lavish Block Arcade, with its glazed roof and floor mosaics, still stands. Another is the Royal Arcade, the longest-standing arcade in Australia. ♦ In Melbourne Central, the 50-metre-high Coop’s Shot Tower, built in 1889, has been encased in a cone of glass designed by Japanese architect Kisho Kurokawa.
+ theblock.com.au
+ royalarcade.com.au
+ melbournecentral.com.au
ECHOES AFTER HOURS
Start your evening at Cathedral Wine Bar, tucked inside the neo-gothic Nicholas Building arcade. Built in 1926, it features marble floors and a leadlight-panelled, stained-glass ceiling. Then make your way to a gig at Forum Melbourne, with its exquisite external Moorish Revival facade and, on the inside, a cerulean ceiling, painted to look like the sky. It hosts popular international and local bands like The Stranglers (22 March) and King Stingray (29 March). ♦ The ornate plasterwork in the Gothicstyle foyer of the Regent Theatre has been completely refurbished and the interiors are glorious once again. Enjoy it when you book tickets for Beetlejuice the Musical (from 7 May). + instagram.com/ccmelbourne + forummelbourne.com.au
+ marrinergroup.com.au/regenttheatre
Regent Theatre
Jesse Hisco
Josie Withers
Block Arcade
URBAN OASIS
A NEW POP-UP GARDEN AT FED SQUARE OFFERS VISITORS AN INSIGHT INTO ONE OF MELBOURNE’S CULTURAL ATTRACTIONS.
WILDING THE CITY
When the transformation of the Melbourne Arts Precinct was announced, an 18,000 square metre urban garden, to be called Laak Boorndap, was part of the plan. Wurundjeri Woi-wurrung Elder Aunty Gail Smith gave it the name. “To me it means a beautiful place for all peoples to visit and recognise our Country and our Wurundjeri ancestors,” she said. It won't be ready for a few years, so until then head to Fed Square for the Test Garden.
NATURAL SPACES
Designed by Hassell in partnership with Super Bloom, James Hitchmough and Nigel Dunnett and presented by MAPCo, the Test Garden is a densely planted space that will provide a testing ground for the design and plant selection of Laak Boorndap, as well as research and programming about climate change, biodiversity and ecology. The garden will grow and change with the seasons and play host to a range of public programs and workshops.
PERFECT PAIR
Like Laak Boorndap, the Test Garden features climate-resilient plants that can survive hot, dry conditions in shallow soil. They’ve also been chosen to help attract birds, bees and insects to create a more complex ecosystem. The Test Garden, located on Fed Square’s skyline car park overlooking Birrarung Marr, is open day and night. Wander through at any time for a touch of nature and watch the Fed Square website for talks, workshops and events. + fedsquare.com
The Test Garden at Fed Square
Sarah Pannell
STATE LIBRARY VICTORIA
The Library is the heart of culture, creativity and learning in the city, with heritage reading rooms, the stunning Dome, kids and family programming, free daily tours and exhibitions.
Visit the latest exhibition, Melbourne Out Loud: Life through the lens of Rennie Ellis, exploring one of Melbourne’s great photographers and chroniclers of life and culture during the 60s, 70s and 80s. See rare, unseen and famous photographs, including shots of Mick Jagger, Grace Jones and Olivia Newton-John.
Free public tours: Run daily, see website for details.
Tram: Route 1, 3, 5, 6, 16, 64, 67 or 72 to stop 8; and 30 or 35 (free City Circle) to stop 6
Train: Melbourne Central Station
Open: 10am to 6pm, seven days a week.
Closed Good Friday, 25-26 Dec & 1 Jan
328 Swanston Street, Melbourne
t: 03 8664 7000
w: slv.vic.gov.au
Find us on:
SHRINE OF REMEMBRANCE
Discover one of the world’s most visited war memorials. Located in the picturesque King’s Domain gardens, the Shrine stands as a powerful tribute to the service and sacrifice of Victorians and Australians in war, peacemaking and peacekeeping.
Explore its timeless architecture, wander through peaceful surrounds, and reflect on stories of courage and resilience. With breathtaking views of the city skyline, the Shrine combines history, beauty and a sense of profound connection, making it an unforgettable part of your Melbourne journey.
Free entry.
Ticketed tours depart hourly from the Visitor Centre (except midday).
Tram: Route 3, 5, 6, 16, 64, 67 or 72 to stop 19
Open: Daily, 10am to 5pm (last entry 4.30pm)
Birdwood Ave, Melbourne
t: 03 9661 8100
w: shrine.org.au
Find us on:
SOUND & SOUL: CHET FAKER’S MELBOURNE
NICK MURPHY, THE MUSICIAN KNOWN AS CHET FAKER, REFLECTS ON MELBOURNE SPACES AND PLACES FROM HIS PAST AND IN HIS PRESENT.
Built on Glass was the album that catapulted Chet Faker, aka Melbourne singer-songwriter Nick Murphy, into global stardom. He won five ARIAs on its release and now the album is being re-released for its tenth anniversary. We caught up with Nick at heritagelisted venue Meat Market where the album was recorded.
MUSIC MEMORIES
Nick’s deep integration and interest in Melbourne’s music scene and vibrant cultural landscape clearly influenced his artistic development. “I lived just around the corner from The Tote where I played with some of my early bands. We also played in the Front Room at The Espy in St Kilda.” It was
Chet Faker, aka Nick Murphy, at The Tote
in Hawthorn, at Alley Tunes Records, where his music interests really started to take shape, later shining through in his distinctive blend of electronic and soulful music. “This was an important place for me – it’s where I was first introduced to jazz and started buying records.”
24 HOURS OF FLAVOUR
“My Melbourne experience is different now,” says Nick. He’s been living in the US for 11 years. On a recent trip back, he recalls a Melbourne experience that stands out. “We started at the Builders Arms in Fitzroy – it does great food. Then we headed upstairs to At The Above gallery, where my friend Magnus Reid had an art exhibition on. Another Fitzroy spot that’s good for a drink is Marquis of Lorne. I end up there quite a bit to meet up with mates.” For a special dinner, Nick recommends Cam’s Kiosk and Julie Restaurant in Abbotsford Convent.
WALKING ON GOLD
One thing he does without fail when he’s in town is head for the hills and into nature. “Whenever I’m back, I like to go out to the Dandenongs to do the 1000 Steps Walk.” This walking track (the Kokoda Track Memorial Walk) starts at Ferntree Gully Picnic Area and winds up a steep hill along a creek through lush rainforest and has great views of Melbourne. Ten years on, Chet Faker’s sound remains woven into the fabric of Melbourne, offering a soundtrack to both the quiet moments and the highs. + chetfaker.com
1000 Steps / Kokoda Track Memorial Walk
The Builders Arms
Roberto Pettinau
Rob
Blackburn
A GRAND DAY OUT
Visit Portarlington: The Mussel Capital of Australia!
www.portphillipferries.com.au
Begin your adventure with a scenic cruise across Port Phillip Bay aboard a fast ferry to the historic Portarlington Grand Hotel, where heritage meets modern luxury. Available every day except Tuesdays, the Grand Day Out Package includes a return ferry journey, a delicious lunch, and your choice of drink. After lunch, explore Portarlington’s charming boutiques or enjoy a scenic stroll along the pristine Bellarine coastline.
IMMIGRATION MUSEUM
THERE'S A WORLD OF STORIES TO DISCOVER AT THE IMMIGRATION MUSEUM.
Immerse yourself in a 3D, 360-degree exploration of Notre-Dame at NotreDame de Paris: The Augmented Exhibition. Navigate the 850-year history of the cathedral from its origins in the 12th century, right through to the story of ongoing restorations following the devastating fire in 2019. Delve deeper using a portable augmented reality touchscreen device, accessible for all ages. Open until 27 April.
Experience the delight and share the spirit of JOY, an exhibition celebrating creativity, colour and storytelling. Seven Victorian creatives explore the essence of joy through specially commissioned installations. Open until 29 August.
Tram: Free City Circle Tram or route 48, 55, 70 or 75
Train: Flinders St or Spencer St Stations
Free entry for children under 16
Open: 10am – 5pm daily. Closed Good Friday and Christmas Day
400 Flinders St, Melbourne t: 13 11 02 w: museumsvictoria.com.au/ immigrationmuseum/ Find us on:
Notre-Dame de Paris: The Augmented Exhibition
Joy Generator by Nixi Killick
Eugene Hyland
Eugene Hyland
EAT AND DRINK
Gimlet at Cavendish House
Sharyn Cairns
YOU’LL HAVE NO PROBLEM INDULGING WHEN DINING OUT IN MELBOURNE, EXCEPT POSSIBLY FIGURING OUT AT WHICH TOP SPOT TO EAT. THESE IDEAS SHOULD HELP NARROW IT DOWN.
TIME FOR TEA
Collins Coffee House hosts a traditional high tea experience every day. Enjoy scones with jam and cream, savoury tarts and finger sandwiches, as well as a sweet selection, all served on a tiered platter. The cafe is set in the heritagelisted Bank of New Zealand building. Oxi Tea Room in Carlton delivers an elevated high tea experience with delicate pastries, savoury bites and a selection of teas from around the world. Alternatively, for an exotic high tea event that offers a fresh twist on the classic high tea, Theatre of Dining: Japanese High Tea on 29 March is part of the Melbourne Food & Wine Festival. Indulge in a Japanese-inspired high tea, featuring seasonal, innovative dishes like matcha-infused sweets and delicate savoury bites.
+ collinscoffeehouse.co
+ oxitea.com.au
+ melbournefoodandwine.com.au
SOMETHING NEW
Chic Portuguese restaurant Marmelo may have a charcoal grill and woodfired oven at its heart, but chef Ross Lusted’s savoury version of pastel de nata (Portuguese custard tart) is the dish on everyone’s lips. Bossa Nova Sushi pays homage to the Japanese diaspora in Brazil. At centre stage is our favourite way to choose from the menu: a sushi train. It’s not new but everyone’s favourite noodle-joint-ina-car-park, Soi 38, has moved to a more traditional venue with 300 seats and – hooray! – a proper kitchen. Don’t worry, you can still order the kuay teow reua (Thai boat noodles), but now there are stir-fries too.
+ marmelorestaurant.com.au
+ instagram.com/bossanovasushi_ train
+ soi38.com
SENSE OF OCCASION
Flower Drum, the city’s lauded Cantonese fine-dining restaurant, is turning 50 in 2025! Celebrate with the must-order Peking duck. Over at Gimlet at Cavendish House, sit up at the bar for oysters and champagne or slide into a curved booth for the full indulgence – lobster, caviar, steak or duck. This classy eatery is acclaimed chef and restaurateur Andrew McConnell’s flagship venue. Another option for a relaxed yet refined experience is Maison Bâtard, offering French-inspired cuisine with a Melbourne twist. Enjoy an extensive wine list and elegant settings, from a brasserie to a rooftop terrace.
+ flowerdrum.melbourne
+ gimlet.melbourne
+ maisonbatard.com.au
Collins Coffee House
TAKE YOUR TASTEBUDS ON A GLOBAL TOUR WHEN YOU DINE OUT AT ONE OF THE MANY EATERIES EMULATING THE FLAVOURS OF SOMEWHERE FAR, FAR AWAY.
AROUND THE WORLD
Christian Moso
SEOUL FOOD
Head to the city’s Koreatown in Healeys Lane, where there are 25 Korean restaurants. Whether you’re in a group ready to tuck into barbecue and soju or are craving KFC (Korean fried chicken), you’ll find it here. If you’ve been to South Korea and need a Seoul Toast Bong fix, you’ll be pleased to know there’s an outlet here serving up your favourite bulgogi cheese toasties. For street food favourites, including kimchi pancake and tteokbokki (rice cake in a spicy sauce), try Seven Star Pocha. Another classic dish is budae jjigae (army stew), a bubbling hot pot of sausage, Spam, kimchi and ramen noodles. Get it at Jang Gun.
+ instagram.com/seoultoast_bong
+ se7enstar.com.au
+ instagram.com/janggunmelbourne
THAT’S DELIZIOSO
Italians have played an enormous part in shaping Melbourne and its food scene, bringing both espresso and pasta to the city. Modern Italian pasta bar Tipo OO is well-loved by visitors and locals alike. It pays homage to the home country with clever dishes and an Italian-inspired wine list. At the other end of the spectrum is Florentino, the most elegant of the Grossi Group’s restaurants. Splash out here or enjoy a plate of classic pasta downstairs at the more casual Cellar Bar. You might expect someone’s nonna to pop out of the kitchen at Trattoria Emilia. Traditional dishes – vitello tonnato, tagliatelle alla Bolognese, tiramisu –are the house specialty.
+ tipo00.com.au
+ florentino.com.au
+ emiliamelbourne.com.au
PINOY PLEASE
Filipino flavours and dishes, especially lechon (roasted pork), have taken over Melbourne. It’s the specialty of no-frills GJ’s Grill. Order lechon sisig, made from leftover pork, with rice, a hot sauce and calamansi lime. At fine-diner Askal, traditional Filipino dishes and cocktails are elevated by contemporary techniques and personal stories. Upstairs from the restaurant, you’ll find Inuman, the city’s first Filipino cocktail bar. Set on the rooftop, it serves cocktails and delicious snacks.
+ facebook.com/gjsgrill
+ askalmelbourne.com
+ inumanmelbourne.com
Inuman
Tipo OO
Ain
Raadik
BRUNETTI CLASSICO
Indulge in la dolce vita at cafe and pasticerria, Brunetti Classico, known and loved by tourists and locals alike for a truly authentic Italian experience. Mouth-watering biscuits, pastries, cakes and tarts are expertly crafted. Fresh pasta is handmade each morning, and woodfired pizza is lovingly prepared. Check out the all-new gelateria extension! All delicious treats are made with the highest quality fresh ingredients using recipes handed down through the generations in this family-owned business. Visit Brunetti Classico when you’re in Melbourne!
Tram Carlton: Route 1 or 6 towards stop 112Lygon St/Elgin St
Tram Moonee Ponds: Route 59 or 82 towards stop 32Moonee Ponds Junction/Pascoe Vale Rd
Open: Mon–Thurs and Sun: 5am to 10pm, Fri–Sat: 5am to 11�30pm
380 Lygon Street, Carlton and Penny Lane, Moonee Ponds
t: 03 7034 7066
w: brunetticlassico.com.au
Find us on:
THE LUWOW TIKI BAR
The Luwow is a lost oasis of fun in the heart of Melbourne’s CBD, where the specialty is uniquely crafted tropical cocktails served up in an outrageously over-the-top jungle setting. Tuck into our menu of grilled bar snacks and tacos while drinking rum nectars from a giant skull or a volcano. The Luwow is Melbourne’s kooky little paradise. Book now for your cocktail adventure!
Open: Mon – Sat from 4pm
212 Little Collins, Melbourne
t: 03 7038 0937
w: theluwow.com
Find us on:
JOURNEY THROUGH THE SENSES
MARKETS ARE A SPACE WHERE CULTURES MEET AND SHOP, AND MELBOURNE HAS MANY. THEY ALSO CELEBRATE BELONGING AND DISCOVERY. A COLLECTIVE OF STUDENTS, LOCAL AND INTERNATIONAL, SHARE THEIR MARKET EXPERIENCES.
Melbourne Indepth: An ongoing RMIT series on Melbourne culture. Written by Professor Bernardo Figueiredo, reflecting on observations made by students studying Customer Experience Design at RMIT University who visited Queen Vic Market, with application to markets in Melbourne.
CONNECTION TO HOME
For many, food and craft markets are a place to navigate the unfamiliar while discovering the familiar. They are a cultural and sensorial bridge.
Walking through a Melbourne market’s produce aisles feels similar to bustling markets in many other parts of the world. Vibrant displays of fruit and vegetables evoke memories of routines
and traditions. Familiar sights like ripe tomatoes, golden mangoes and fresh herbs bundled neatly on wooden crates foster a sense of nostalgia.
Market aromas deepen this connection. The scent of coriander, ripe bananas and heady spices from a stall selling Indian curries creates a sensory map and is a reminder of home comforts and meals cooked and shared with family.
Queen Vic Market
Even small interactions at the market resonate. One student shared how they bought a favourite snack they recognised from home, sparking memories of childhood and creating a sense of belonging.
BRIDGING CULTURES
While a market can offer a connection to the past, it also introduces visitors to local traditions and tastes. A stall featuring cheeses and condiments might provide an opportunity for cultural exchange. Sampling a slice of cheddar paired with fig jam offers an explosive taste experience – a little bit sweet and a little bit salty that could be something completely new.
Market soundscapes reflect multiculturalism too, with vendors switching between languages and customers interacting in Tamil, Mandarin, Italian and English. This mix creates a lively and inclusive atmosphere where diverse backgrounds converge. It’s a symphony of cultures, where each note contributes to the market’s rhythm.
Cooking demonstrations also foster cross-cultural exploration. A chef showcasing pavlova adapts the dish with ingredients like mango or lychee, blending Australian and Asian culinary traditions. Moments like this serve as a reminder that home
isn’t necessarily a fixed place, but a mosaic of influences that can evolve with every experience.
CULTURAL AND SOCIAL HUB
More than places to buy produce and craft, markets are vibrant community hubs offering a wide variety of experiences for visitors.
At the renowned Queen Vic Market, live music fills the air during Wednesday’s Night Markets, a much-loved Melbourne activity. One student recalls they were drawn to the deep, resonant notes of a didgeridoo played by a busker, remarking that the sounds of the instrument blending
Agathé Pâtisserie, South Melbourne Market
Rebecca Newman
JOURNEY THROUGH THE SENSES
with the lively chatter around him felt both grounded and universal. These moments of shared appreciation contribute to the market’s cosmopolitan environment.
Visitors form connections through spontaneous conversations in different scenarios, when sampling spices or sharing plates of food. In an interaction like this, a student recounts meeting someone from
his hometown overseas, sparking a conversation and shared meal.
Even in its quiet corners, the market buzzes with life. Local artisans display handmade items, from beaded necklaces to hand-painted ceramics, and encourage visitors to touch the items and explore the craftsmanship. Interactions like this offer tactile reminders of artists’ care and expertise.
LASTING IMPACT
For many international visitors just like these students, the many markets across Melbourne leave a lasting impression. They offer a unique combination of familiarity and discovery, blending cultural memories with new experiences. ■
Prahran Market
Josie Withers
Melbourne starts with
World-Class Airport Express
There’s a reason why people prefer to ride with SkyBus. We’re famous for fast, frequent and affordable travel to and from the airport — and it’s easy!
Melbourne Tullamarine Airport
• Departures every 10-15 mins from 4am-1am, 7 days per week
• 30 minute express to airport
Melbourne City (Southern Cross Station)
• Unlimited luggage and free Wi-Fi
• Buy tickets online or via e-kiosks (card payment only)
We also meet all major flights scheduled to Avalon Airport.
Buy tickets now
MARKET FRESH
THIS SEASON, SHOP FINE LOCAL PRODUCE, CHECK OUT A FOOD HALL FIT FOR A QUEEN AND VISIT THE FAMOUS SEASONAL NIGHT MARKETS.
LIKE A QUEEN
It’s one of Melbourne’s premier food destinations and attracts millions of visitors every year. Now Queen Vic Market has a new precinct showcasing the best of the city’s famous food culture. Queen’s Food Hall is an experiential destination and vibrant hub where visitors can enjoy foods from Saltwater Sushi & Oyster Bar, Canton Malay, El Rincon Tapas Bar and other eateries. It complements the market’s established offering of the Dairy and Meat & Fish Halls, the sheds filled with fruit and veggies, and outlets of street food and coffee.
HOT AUTUMN NIGHTS
The nights might be cooler but the popular Hawker 88 Night Market, making a comeback this season, is heating up the after-dark action. It runs for five weeks and is the perfect opportunity to experience the best of Asian culture, street food, entertainment and shopping.
FOODIE FLING
The Ultimate Foodie Tour is a culinary journey through Queen Vic Market. Indulge in an abundance of local seasonal delights – the freshest seafood, char-grilled kangaroo,
artisan cheese and chocolate, meltin-the-mouth pastries, gelato and more – as an expert tour guide leads your small group on an exploration of the stalls. Tours are held every Thursday, Friday and Saturday at 10am. Bookings are essential. + qvm.com.au + thenightmarket.com.au
The Ultimate Foodie Tour at Queen Vic Market
Ben McNamara
& DRINK
ABORIGINAL VICTORIA
Bunjilaka Cultural Centre at Melbourne Museum
Emily Godfrey
GET CLOSER TO AN ANCIENT CULTURE BY JOINING A GUIDED WALK, EXAMINING IMPORTANT ART COLLECTIONS, AND LEARNING MORE ABOUT THE IMPORTANCE OF TREATY.
WALK IN SOLIDARITY
Join a guide from the Koorie Heritage Trust for an hour-long Birrarung Wilam (River Camp) Walk to hear about the Aboriginal history of Birrarung Marr (the river of mists) and the significance of this area to the people of the Kulin Nation. On the other side of the river, take the Royal Botanic Garden Melbourne’s Aboriginal Heritage Walk. Here, you’ll learn about Aboriginal plant uses, customs and the ongoing connection to the land. Just out of the city, Abbotsford Convent is where you can follow the Ngulu-nganjin (Our Voice) sound trail, which shares the history and heritage of the precinct’s Traditional Owners. Download the itinerary from the convent’s website.
+ kht.org.au
+ rbg.vic.gov.au
+ abbotsfordconvent.com.au
Treaty at State Library Victoria
CULTURAL COLLECTIONS
Check out the incredible Bark Salon, with 150 works spanning generations, on the ground floor of the Ian Potter Centre: NGV Australia. It’s also your last chance to see Blak lik her: Remembering Destiny Deacon (until 31 March), featuring this groundbreaking artist’s provocative work that reflected her own experiences. The First Peoples exhibition at Melbourne Museum’s Bunjilaka Cultural Centre tells the story of Aboriginal Victoria, from Creation until today.
+ ngv.melbourne
+ museumsvictoria.com.au/bunjilaka
TALKING TREATY
At State Library Victoria is the new exhibition Treaty, which examines the past, present and future of the relationship between First Peoples and those who’ve arrived since 1788. It features significant manuscripts, including the original 1835 treaty documents marked by John Batman and Victorian Aboriginal leaders, as well as colonial artefacts and interviews about what treaty, voice and truth telling means to the First Peoples of Victoria today.
+ slv.vic.gov.au
SHARING MEANING THROUGH MOVEMENT
DANCE, MOVEMENT AND STORY TELLING ARE SOME OF THE WAYS VICTORIA’ S FIRST PEOPLES CONTINUE TO CONNECT WITH COMMUNITY AND SHARE CULTURE.
Na Djinang
Tiffany Garvie
THEATRE SPACE
Contemporary drama has become an increasingly important space for First Peoples to share experience and stories. YIRRAMBOI is back in Narrm (Melbourne) from 1–11 May, premiering six exciting new works. Spanning theatre, film, drag, music and visual art, these bold projects celebrate creativity, diversity and 4,000 generations of cultural knowledge. Highlights include Three Blak Ravers, a horror cabaret with a rave-inspired twist, and The Black Woman of Gippsland (5–31 May). Developed in conjunction with YIRRAMBOI and Melbourne Theatre Company’s Next Stage Writers’ Program, this story from Victoria’s dark past is transformed into a gripping modern mystery. With its mix of innovation and storytelling, YIRRAMBOI continues to be a vital space for First Peoples’ voices and fresh perspectives.
+ yirramboi.com.au
LET’S DANCE
One of the ways to tell stories is through dance – central to the culture of First Peoples. Stories are passed down through the generations to preserve knowledge and maintain a deeper connection with ancestors. Sometimes dance is used in initiation and to provide strength and healing. Today, there are cultural and artistic institutions that integrate movement and storytelling into performances for contemporary audiences. Probably the best-known of these is Bangarra Dance Theatre, which aims to tell stories and share the knowledge and experience of First Peoples with the world.
+ bangarra.com.au
BALANCE, COUNTRY AND CULTURE
Based in Melbourne is Indigenousled contemporary circus company Na Djinang, which works with young artists to create showcase works that use the body to demonstrate human experiences like trust, connection, vulnerability and joy. Its work, Of the Land on Which We Meet (28–29 May), looks at what it means to be where we are. It follows the journey of three contemporary Australian circus artists – an Indigenous Australian, a descendant of migrants, and a descendant of colonial settlers – and examines their connection with the land. See it at Bendigo’s Ulumbarra Theatre.
+ nadjinang.com.au
Bangarra Dance Theatre
Cut The Sky at YIRRAMBOI
Daniel Boud
ARTS AND CULTURE
Mark Gambino
Melbourne Symphony Orchestra at Sidney Myer Music Bowl
FROM GALLERY WALLS TO COMEDY ROOMS, YOU CAN FIND CULTURE OF ALL TYPES RIGHT ACROSS THE CITY. GET SET TO ENJOY DAYS AND NIGHTS OF ARTISTIC GEMS.
LOVED BY ALL
Join the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra for Disney in Concert (21–23 March), which features projected snippets of favourite films and songs from Moana, The Lion King, Frozen and more. Later in the season, get tickets for Star Wars: The Force Awakens in Concert (22–24 May), with John Williams’ epic score played live. Jesus Christ Superstar (16 March – 11 May) has been drawing crowds since 1971 and is returning to the Princess Theatre. If you’re looking for a laugh, check out the Melbourne International Comedy Festival (26 March – 20 April) with more than 600 shows across 150 venues.
+ mso.com.au
+ jesuschristsuperstarmusical.com.au
+ comedyfestival.com.au
CULTURAL HIGH
David Williamson’s dark satire set in the inner suburbs of Melbourne and depicting the animal side of humanity is being presented by Melbourne Theatre Company. The Removalists (11 March – 17 April) is a classic, although still relevant today. The Australian Chamber Orchestra will be joined at Melbourne Recital Centre by South African cellist Abel Selaocoe (12 and 14 April). Selaocoe is known for his performances, using improvisation, singing and body percussion to entertain an audience.
+ mtc.com.au
+ aco.com.au
NO TICKET REQUIRED
The major exhibition at ACMI, The Story of the Moving Image, is always free, but if you’re interested in stop-motion Claymation, check out Making Memoir of a Snail, about the creation of Academy Award-winner Adam Elliot’s latest feature. Head to THE LUME Melbourne and celebrate the art of Vincent van Gogh in a full immersion exhibition, on now until 1 June. Add the Finding Vincent VR option to your booking because this world premiere virtual reality experience reveals personal moments and untold stories behind his work. + acmi.net.au
+ thelumemelbourne.com
Abel Selaocoe
Christina Ebenezer/Parlophone
LIVE IT LOUD
MELBOURNE HAS AN INCREDIBLE MUSIC SCENE, WITH GIGS THROUGHOUT THE WEEK. HERE’S WHERE TO DRINK, DANCE AND ENJOY LIVE MUSIC IN THE CITY.
Dunco Graphic
ROCK ALL NIGHT
It’s not a big space, but The Last Chance Rock & Roll Bar gives a stage to upcoming and established bands right through the week. The vibe is punk, the music is loud, and it stays open till late. ♦ The best-known dive bar in the city is Cherry Bar. It’s where pre- and post-drinks are held for big rock acts playing in town, while upstairs hosts local rockers and indie bands. ♦ It’s less rock, more singersongwriter/acoustic vibes, at The Drunken Poet. Every Friday at 6pm, there’s a traditional Irish music session. + instagram.com/ thelastchancerockandrollbar + cherrybar.com.au + thedrunkenpoet.com.au
HIT THE FLOOR
As the night wears on at Heartbreaker, the music from the DJ gets louder and, fuelled by beers, bottled cocktails and pizza slices, punters are known to form an informal dancefloor. ♦ It looks tiny from the outside, but with its basement level, Angel Music Bar can accommodate plenty of fun seekers. It’s not really a nightclub, but it has the most incredible sound system and DJs playing an eclectic selection of music.
♦ Entry’s free, it’s in an old car park and the bar is in a shipping container, yet Section 8 is as popular now as when it opened in 2006. Late-night dancing under the stars is so much fun.
+ heartbreakerbar.com.au
+ instagram.com/angelmusicbar + section8.com.au
VARIETY SHOW
Check out a hidden gem with speakeasy vibes and live music of a different kind. Plus, there’s twofor-one cocktails at Murmur Piano Bar on Wednesday and Thursday between 5pm and 7pm. ♦ The Paris Cat Jazz Club has two performance spaces where you might see a local singer perform Nat King Cole classics or an international act on tour. ♦ Get your cabaret, burlesque, drag and comedy fix at The Butterfly Club, which presents more than 1,200 shows a year.
+ murmur.com.au
+ pariscat.com.au
+ thebutterflyclub.com
Cherry Bar
The Butterfly Club
Stano
Murin
CARMEN
THE LATEST PRODUCTION BY THE AUSTRALIAN BALLET BREATHES NEW ENERGY INTO A CLASSIC TALE OF BETRAYAL AND OBSESSION.
AWARD-WINNING BALLET
Originally commissioned by the Compañía Nacional de Danza in Madrid, where it premiered in 2015, internationally acclaimed choreographer Johan Inger’s Carmen (7–18 March), by The Australian Ballet, arrives at Melbourne’s Regent Theatre after a lauded Sydney season. It might be Inger’s first fulllength ballet, but it was awarded the ballet world’s equivalent of an Oscar, the Prix Benois de la Danse, in 2016.
FATAL ATTRACTION
Inger bases the action here on Prosper Mérimée’s 1845 novella, rather than Georges Bizet’s 1875 opera, although fans will see the roots of the original production – guard Don José becoming obsessed with femme fatale Carmen after a fateful interaction – on the stage. Elements of Bizet’s breakthrough score, which broke conventions in the late 1800s, will be performed by Orchestra Victoria, bringing the passion and drama of Carmen to life through music.
PERFECT PAIRING
This new production of Carmen, which places the action in a contemporary setting, has The Australian Ballet’s principal artists Callum Linnane and Jill Ogai in the lead roles*. Both have won plaudits for their performances, in which they bring depth and a fresh vision to the fiery Spanish passion of the original narrative. This is a must-see production for lovers of dance and music.
* Casting is subject to change.
+ australianballet.com.au
Carmen
Pictured: Marcus Morelli and Jill Ogai
Photo by: Simon Eeles
CREATIVE CONNECTIONS
EVEN THOUGH IT’S KNOWN AS A CITY OF LITERATURE, MELBOURNE OFFERS MANY MORE CREATIVE CULTURE EXPERIENCES.
BOOKS AND BYLINES
In 2008, Melbourne became a UNESCO City of Literature. The Wheeler Centre was established soon after and continues to run a regular program of events that include storytelling, panel discussions and conversations between authors. It’s not the only place people can support authors and see them speak. The City of Literature Office also opened, and its website has a full program of literary events and workshops. + wheelercentre.com
+ cityofliterature.com.au
Collection Store Tours at Arts Centre Melbourne
Melbourne Design Week
Right: Installation view of Marta Figueiredo's cabinet Chronicles of Resilience, the winning design for the Australian Furniture Design Award 2024 presented by NGV and Stylecraft. Photo: Ben Moynihan
CREATIVITY GALORE
Melbourne isn’t only creative in the literary sphere. Each year, Melbourne Design Week (15–25 May) hosts exhibitions, talks, tours and workshops across the city. Design aficionados might also be interested in Martin Grant (from 28 March), a major exhibition at the Ian Potter Centre: NGV Australia, showcasing the work of the Australian-born, Parisbased fashion designer who’s created garments for Cate Blanchett, Lady Gaga and more.
+ designweek.melbourne
+ ngv.melbourne
BEHIND THE SCENES
Each weekend, the Arts Centre Melbourne hosts Collection Store Tours where guests can see precious objects from Australia’s largest performing arts collection. Conservators work closely with organisations (like Australian Ballet and Circus Oz) to unpack the stories of the performances behind each acquired object. Its 850,000 items span dance, opera, theatre, comedy and music, and viewing them is the perfect opportunity to learn more about Australian culture. Highlights include Kylie Minogue’s stage outfits and Dame Edna’s glasses.
+ artscentremelbourne.com.au
MELBOURNE THEATRE COMPANY
Melbourne Theatre Company is your first stop for Tony Award winners, international hits and productions made right here in Melbourne. Season 2025 has just launched and there’s something for everyone. Located in the heart of the Melbourne Arts Precinct, discover what’s on during your visit at mtc.com.au
Pictured: The Black Woman of Gippsland, on stage 5–31 May.
Tram: Route 1 to stop 17
Train: To Flinders Street Station Southbank Theatre 140 Southbank Boulevard, Southbank t: 03 8688 0800 w: mtc.com.au
Find us on:
Hilary Walker
Hwa
THE DAYS ARE GETTING COOLER, WHICH MEANS YOU CAN START THINKING ABOUT COATS, BOOTS AND SCARVES. HERE’S WHERE TO UPDATE YOUR CLOSET.
DESIGN SENSATIONS
Find sophisticated pieces with unexpected detailing – beautiful prints, raw seams, modest cut-outs, intricate pleating – at Alpha60’s glorious Chapter House store. They'll become your go-to favourites, and worn season after season. ♦ Discover high-quality, sustainably sourced wardrobe staples, as well as a full suite of accessories at Bassike. ♦ Responsible design and merino wool are at the heart of Viktoria & Woods’ timeless, pared-back pieces. There’s also a great denim collection, including smart separates you could wear just about anywhere.
+ alpha60.com.au
+ bassike.com
+ viktoriaandwoods.com.au
VINTAGE VALUES
Run by the National Trust, Vault sells a range of couture and designer clothing and accessories carefully chosen from donations. While you might find a Versace shirt or Yves Saint Laurent sandals, the real treasures are pieces from Melbourne designers from the 70s, 80s and 90s. ♦ In a gallery-like space, check out archival pieces by Yohji Yamamoto, Issey Miyake, Walter Van Bierendonck and other avantgarde designers at dot COMME.
+ vaultvintage.com.au
+ dotcomme.net
GUY GOODS
One of Melbourne’s most-successful menswear designers is Christian Kimber, whose clients come from overseas and interstate for his custom tailoring and off-the-rack creations that have a relaxed but stylish aesthetic. ♦ Be inspired by international and local designs at Henry Bucks, where stylish men can create a new look from top (hat) to toe. ♦ For a more casual approach, try Culture Kings. Its epic two-level streetwear outlet features instore DJs and a half-court basketball court.
+ christiankimber.com
+ henrybucks.com.au
+ culturekings.com.au
Christian Kimber
THINK LOCAL
IF YOU WANT TO SUPPORT MELBOURNE ARTISTS AND MAKERS WHEN YOU’RE OUT SHOPPING, HEAD TO THESE STORES TO GET THE REAL DEAL.
Pieces of Eight
Heather Lighton
THE FINISHING TOUCHES
Find a piece of contemporary jewellery at Pieces of Eight, showcasing exquisite one-of-a-kind pieces and limited collections. You can also commission a bespoke piece to your specifications. If vintage pieces are more your style, head to Kozminsky Studio. Unusual, rare and antique pieces are sourced from around the world, while the designers create contemporary collections that are sure to become family heirlooms.
+ piecesofeight.com.au
+ kozminsky.com
CREATIVE CREATIONS
If you’re in the market for something unique, make a beeline for Craft, a gallery and store featuring contemporary Victorian makers. There are one-off art pieces for sale, as well as textiles, jewellery and homewares. Another great place for gifts, including pieces by local artists and makers, is the NGV Design Store (located at both galleries). The Sunday Market at Southgate is a good option for handcrafted treasures – find jewellery, homewares, art and unique gifts, all made by talented local artisans. Its under cover and surrounded by great cafes and restaurants.
+ craft.org.au
+ ngv.melbourne
+ southgatemelbourne.com.au
ALL ABOUT HOME(WARES)
Head to these spots on the city fringe. Find clothes and homewares at Cottage Industry, where owner Penelope Durston ensures a lot of stock is made in her own studio. She complements her collection with fairtrade, ethical and artisanal products from other Australian and international designers. Try House of Handmade for a curated selection of handmade goods from mainly Melbourne designers. You’ll find everything from jewellery to souvenirs, as well as gifts, candles and artwork, in this colourful store.
+ cottageindustrystore.com.au
+ houseofhandmade.com.au
House of Handmade
NGV Design Store
Phoebe Powell
SHOP
WHETHER YOU’RE GETTING THEM A PRESENT OR THEY’VE GOT SOME OF THEIR OWN MONEY TO SPEND, THESE STORES BRING THE FUN.
KEEP COLLECTING
Head to the pop culture megastore in Little Collins Street. At Minotaur you could spend hours looking through all the collectible figures, comics and books. Try Zing Pop Culture for Pop! vinyls, trading cards, clothing, homewares and collectibles from Marvel, Disney and more. If they’re into Japanese characters, from Pokémon to Jujutsu Kaisen, head to Critical Hit. It imports rare collectibles, as well as accessories, you can’t get anywhere else.
+ minotaur.com.au
+ zingpopculture.com.au
+ criticalhit.com.au
TOY STORY
Sure, everything at Kidstuff is fun, but most of it is also educational and designed to inspire individuality. Melbourne Central is home to the largest LEGO® Certified Store in the southern hemisphere. There are plenty of instore activities, but you can also find new sets or choose pieces
CHILD’S PLAY
you need from the Pick & Build Wall. Kids will spend hours looking through the shelves at Toyworld. Whether they’ve got the budget for a Hot Wheels car or you’re buying them a bike, you’ll find it here.
+ kidstuff.com.au
+ lego.com
+ toyworld.com.au
GAMES AND MORE
They’ll never go out of fashion, and Mind Games has the biggest range
of board games in Melbourne. It’s also an excellent source of jigsaws and puzzles. Building models is a classic and rewarding way to learn basic skills and spark creativity. Pick up kits at Hearns Hobbies. There’s a similar offering at Metro Hobbies, but it also stocks LEGO, Warhammer and Gundam figures, slot cars and jigsaw puzzles.
+ mindgamesmelbourne.com
+ hearnshobbies.com
+ metrohobbies.com.au
LEGO Certified Store
ST KILDA ESPLANADE MARKET
In its idyllic beachside location, the St Kilda Esplanade Market is a favourite stop in St Kilda. A world-renowned art and craft makers’ haven, the market has been the destination of choice for high-quality and authentic Australian products since 1970. This family-friendly market features original artworks and handmade crafts, exquisite jewellery and delicious food.
Meet the makers and designers every Sunday. If you’re after handmade, unique, local… That’s your Esplanade Market.
Tram: Route 3a, 16 or 96 to stop 138
Open: Every Sunday from 10am to 5pm
Upper Esplanade, St Kilda
t: 03 9209 6777
w: stkildaesplanademarket.com.au
Find us on:
THE ROSE ST. ARTISTS’ MARKET
In the heart of eclectic Fitzroy, the Rose Street Artists’ Market is packed to the rafters with always-original art and design.
This season, we’re showcasing more than 200 new and exciting local makers, giving you the opportunity to peruse numerous stall displays, collect, source and commission unique handmade works. You can also meet, greet and speak with artists and designers in person.
If you’re a lover of all things handmade then look no further. Come along and experience it for yourself.
Tram: Route 11 to stop 17 or route 96 to stop 14
Open: Saturday and Sunday, 10am to 4pm
60 Rose Street, Fitzroy
t: 0414 803 228
w: rosestmarket.com.au
Find us on:
FAMILY FUN
Tinkertown at Scienceworks
Eugene Hyland
THERE’S NEVER A DULL MOMENT IN MELBOURNE. IF YOU NEED A FEW IDEAS FOR ENTERTAINING THE KIDS WHILE YOU’RE HERE, THESE ARE OUR TOP TIPS.
SEEING IS BELIEVING
When people visit Melbourne Zoo they usually head straight to the big animals, like the giraffes and gorillas. For a peaceful, mesmerising experience though, go to the Butterfly House. In this tropical setting, there are between 400 and 600 beautiful butterflies flapping about and visitors can walk among them. At Scienceworks, check out new exhibition Tinkertown (from 5 April), an everchanging village where visitors explore engineering and design by building cubby houses and other imaginative structures. + zoo.org.au
+ museumsvictoria.com.au
JUST DO IT
Get a different view of Melbourne when you travel to the observation deck on the 88th floor of Melbourne Skydeck. You can also take on the Edge, a glass cube that suspends visitors 300 metres above the street below. If you’re looking for thrills and spills, there’s nowhere else like Luna Park. There are rides and attractions for all ages, including the Great Scenic Railway, which is the world’s oldest continually operating roller coaster. + melbourneskydeck.com.au + lunapark.com.au
FOR THE FANS
Join the Formula 1® action at the F1® Melbourne Fan Festival, a free event packed with high-speed fun. From 12–16 March at Melbourne Park Oval, fans can enjoy F1® activations, live race screenings and special guest appearances. Refuel at food stalls serving up crowd favourites, from burgers to sweet treats, while live entertainment keeps the energy high. With hands-on experiences and plenty of space to play, it’s the perfect way to soak up the excitement of race week –no ticket required!
+ grandprix.com.au
Butterfly House at Melbourne Zoo
Jo
Howell/Zoos Victoria
CHEAP THRILLS
A DAY OUT WITH THE FAMILY NEED NOT COST A FORTUNE. THESE FREE (AND LOW-COST) OPTIONS OFFER HOURS OF ENTERTAINMENT AND EDUCATION.
INDOORS AND OUTSIDE
If the day’s a bit gloomy, the Pauline Gandel Children’s Quarter at State Library Victoria is a space where they can learn, play or read some of the 4,000 books on offer. The twolevel space even has a castle. When the weather’s fine, take the kids to Melbourne’s Moomba Festival (6–10 March). It offers family-friendly fun with a vibrant parade, river activities
and nightly fireworks. Make your way to Birrarung Marr for the free events, including skate competitions, worldclass water sports, face painting, dance workshops, live music, kids' yoga and karaoke. While some rides and attractions cost extra, the carnival atmosphere and entertainment make it unforgettable.
+ slv.vic.gov.au
+ moomba.melbourne.vic.gov.au
State Library Victoria
Trevor Mein
MAGNIFICENT MUSEUMS
It costs adults $15 to enter Melbourne Museum, but kids younger than 16 get in for free. Once you’re inside, there’s enough to keep them occupied for hours. Some of the highlights include Horridus, the Triceratops skeleton, the preserved Phar Lap, and the Bugs Alive! exhibit. It’s only open on weekdays, but the Victoria Police Museum has plenty of interesting exhibits, including Police Animals, which showcases the history and involvement of police and emergency services animals. Entry is free.
+ museumsvictoria.com.au
+ policemuseum.vic.gov.au
GLORIOUS GARDENS
Get out into the sunshine at Fitzroy Gardens, where you’ll find a playground, model Tudor village and the Fairies’ Tree. It’s also where Cooks’ Cottage, the former home of Captain James Cook and his parents, was rebuilt in 1934 after being brought, brick by brick, from Yorkshire. If they’re interested in the outside world, spend some time at the Ian Potter Foundation Children’s Garden at Royal Botanic Gardens Melbourne. They can explore the forest and gorges, learn about the growing cycle of vegetables in the kitchen garden, and stop to smell the flowers.
+ fitzroygardens.com
+ rbg.vic.gov.au
Fitzroy Gardens
The Pauline Gandel Children's Gallery at Melbourne Museum
Two Palms/Tourism Australia
Josie Withers
DISCOVER THE DISTRICT
ACTION ON ICE
Experience the thrill of Australian Ice Hockey League (AIHL) games at O’Brien Icehouse, home to the city’s two powerhouse teams: the Melbourne Ice and Melbourne Mustangs. Witness the action as teams battle for the coveted Goodall Cup, one of the world’s oldest national ice hockey trophies. While you're there, why not lace up and take to the ice yourself during a public skating session?
AT THE DISTRICT DOCKLANDS, MELBOURNE’S ULTIMATE ENTERTAINMENT PRECINCT, CHECK OUT THE AUSTRALIAN ICE HOCKEY LEAGUE, AS WELL AS TOP RETAIL AND GOURMET OPTIONS, ALL IN ONE PLACE.
GEAR GALORE
Whether you’re an ice hockey fanatic or gearing up for the AFL season, The District Docklands has you covered. Grab your favourite team’s supporter apparel at Sporting House Direct or Melbourne Ice Shop. With more than 30 dining options, 20 unique experiences and major retail brands, there’s something for everyone. Conveniently located just 20 minutes from Melbourne Airport, The District offers all-day parking at great rates and sits within the Free Tram Zone.
FOOD FOR FANS
Make a day of it at The District Docklands. Heading to an AFL match? Celebrate pre-game energy or postgame wins at Urban Alley Brewpub, the perfect spot to gather your crew. Enjoy craft beer brewed on-site, a menu of pub classics and food and drink specials throughout the week. On sunny days, take in the vibe from the deck or undercover terrace. The District Docklands is Melbourne’s home of entertainment. Plan your visit today. + thedistrictdocklands.com.au
Australian Ice Hockey League at O’Brien Icehouse
Urban Alley Brewpub
MARVEL STADIUM
Marvel Stadium, in the heart of Melbourne, has undergone a stunning upgrade.
The world’s busiest multi-purpose stadium is alive with extraordinary experiences for everyone. Enjoy a seamless blend of great food and entertainment, alongside worldclass sporting events and more.
This precinct, just a four-minute walk from Southern Cross Station, is a vibrant entertainment hub where the community can meet and enjoy events 365-days a year. Don’t miss the 2025 Toyota AFL Premiership Season, Oasis, Metallica, and Nitro Circus – all happening right on your doorstep.
Train: Southern Cross Station
Tram: Route 11, 48, 86 & 96 towards Southern Cross Station or route 30, 35 & 86 for La Trobe Street entrance. 740 Bourke Street, Docklands w: marvelstadium.com.au
Find us on:
Download the NEW Marvel Stadium App!
ROYAL BOTANIC GARDENS MELBOURNE
Entry is free to Australia’s number one tourist attraction and one of the world’s most beautiful gardens. Home to breathtaking landscapes and fascinating tours, it’s the perfect place to reconnect with nature in an inner-city oasis.
Venture through the gates to explore unusual plants from across the globe, as well as rare native species. Wander between succulents erupting from the earth at Guilfoyle’s Volcano, take a moment of peace by the creek in Fern Gully, or simply enjoy a catered picnic box on a rug by Ornamental Lake and spend your day relaxing or taking a peaceful boat ride.
Tram: Route 3, 5, 6, 16, 64, 67 or 72 to stop 19
Open: Daily, 7.30am until 5.30pm (1 April to 4 October) Daily, 7.30am until 7.30pm (5 October to 31 March)
Royal Botanic Gardens Melbourne, Birdwood Avenue, Melbourne t: 03 9252 2300
w: rbg.vic.gov.au
Find us on:
THE BRICK AWAKENS
MAY THE FOURTH
With Ryan ‘Brickman’ McNaught at the helm, Melbourne Museum’s LEGO® Star Wars™: The Exhibition will delight every member of the family. Opening on 4 May – or Star Wars Day, as it’s become known – this incredible display uses more than eight million LEGO® bricks and took 25,000 hours to create scenes of epic battles, enormous starships and breathtaking landscapes from galaxies far, far away.
FOR ALL AGES
If you grew up watching George Lucas’ original Star Wars trilogy in the 1970s and 80s, there’s plenty of nostalgia to be enjoyed. There’ll be beloved characters and behind-the-scenes glimpses of those classic films on display. Favourites from the newer releases will also be on show for more recent fans. Expect everything to be created on a huge scale, though, just as the films always have been.
“Fans will be blown away by the scale of the experience,” says Brickman, whose team built the exhibition at his studio. “Building these iconic scenes and characters in LEGO Star Wars form is an extremely complex task –taking the humble LEGO brick and using it by the millions to translate into Star Wars builds and models at an epic scale the world has never seen before.”
IN THIS WORLD-FIRST, TWO OF OUR FAVOURITE WORLDS – STAR WARS AND LEGO® – ARE COMING TOGETHER IN ONE OF THE YEAR’S MOST CREATIVE EXHIBITIONS.
BUILD YOUR OWN
As well as seeing the work of Brickman and his team, visitors can take part in interactive elements of the exhibition. Millions of LEGO pieces will be available for fans to work with and create massive Star Wars landscapes, fighters and starships, one brick at a time. The interactive aspects of the exhibition are designed for all ages to
inspire their imagination and explore the characters and stories that make up the Star Wars universe.
The exhibition marks 25 years of collaboration between LEGO and Lucasfilm and will be the largestknown collection of life-sized LEGO Star Wars models ever created. + museumsvictoria.com.au
LEGO Star Wars: The Exhibition at Melbourne Museum
Tram: Route 48 or 75 to stop 12 or 70 to stop 7C
Train: To Richmond or Jolimont Station
MCG Tours: Daily, every 30 minutes between 10am and 3pm
Australian Sports Museum: Daily from 10am to 5pm
Alternative trading hours apply on event days. Please visit our website for information.
Gate 3, MCG, Yarra Park, Jolimont t: 03 9657 8879
w: mcg.org.au
w: australiansportsmuseum.org.au
Find us on:
MCG AND AUSTRALIAN SPORTS MUSEUM
THE HALLOWED TURF OF THE MCG HAS BEEN THE FOUNDATION OF SO MANY MOMENTS THAT HAVE DEFINED GENERATIONS OF SPORT.
FOLLOW IN THE FOOTSTEPS OF GREATNESS ON AN MCG TOUR
This is a place where fans of all ages can embrace the history of the largest stadium in the southern hemisphere, affectionately known as the people’s ground.
Discover some of the most significant pieces of sporting history and go behind the scenes on an unforgettable MCG Tour. Led by an MCG tour guide, you’ll have the opportunity to soak up the atmosphere of the player change rooms, the Ron Casey Media Centre
and members-only areas of the Melbourne Cricket Club, such as the Long Room. You’ll then be guided to the sidelines of the hallowed turf.
DISCOVER MORE AT THE AUSTRALIAN SPORTS MUSEUM
The Australian Sports Museum is no ordinary museum. It’s an exciting, interactive experience where the latest technology has been used to create immersive exhibits and galleries. Take in historical and quirky facts and tales about sports, including cricket, Australian rules football and the Olympic Games. Visitors are invited
to immerse themselves in important sporting moments with the largest collection of grassroots to elite sporting memorabilia in Australia.
GET YOUR GAME ON!
Test your own skills in the Game On! interactive space and become part of the action. Collect your sweatband, unleash your competitive side and you’re ready to go!
MELBOURNE ZOO
Experience a world of wildlife in the heart of Melbourne. Explore the wonders of Wild Sea, share your path with lemurs in Lemur Island, and discover native Australian animals – there’s always something exciting happening at Melbourne Zoo.
Don’t miss the 15 daily animal talks led by our zookeepers, free with your zoo ticket. For a truly unforgettable adventure, check out our premium animal experiences.
Kids visit free on weekends, Victorian public holidays, and school holidays.
Tram: Route 58 to stop 26 Melbourne Zoo
Train: Upfield Line, Royal Park Station
Open: Daily, 9am to 5pm Elliott Avenue, Parkville
t: 1300 966 784
w: zoo.org.au/melbourne
Find us on:
LEGOLAND® DISCOVERY CENTRE MELBOURNE
LEGOLAND® Discovery Centre is the ultimate indoor LEGO® playground! Located in Chadstone, the unique family attraction features multiple ‘build & play zones’, a LEGO replica of Melbourne, two rides, a 4D Cinema and LEGO retail store.
Featuring more than two million LEGO bricks, the centre gives children a bricktastic hands-on experience, building whatever their imagination desires.
*Designed for families with children aged three to 12. Adults must be accompanied by a child (except when visiting the store or attending Adult Night).
Open: Mon–Fri 10am to 5pm (last entry 3.30pm), Sat–Sun, 9am to 6pm (last entry 4.30pm). See website for latest holiday hours.
Level 2, Chadstone – The Fashion Capital, 1341 Dandenong Road, Chadstone
w: legolanddiscoverycentre.com/melbourne
Find us on:
MELBOURNE’S NEIGHBOURHOODS
View across Hobsons Bay from Gem Pier, Williamstown
Robert Blackburn
BOLDLY GO BEYOND MELBOURNE. WHY NOT WANDER OUT OF THE CITY TO THE NEIGHBOURHOODS? THERE’S PLENTY MORE TO DISCOVER WHICHEVER DIRECTION YOU GO.
NORTH
On the weekend, explore the Rose Street Artists Market. While all around Fitzroy changes, this fun, colourful market has been gathering Melbourne’s best upcoming creatives and design talents for more than two decades. When you’re done, head to El Columpio for a lunch of authentic Mexican food and Melbourne’s best tacos.
+ rosestmarket.com.au
+ instagram.com/ elcolumpiomelbourne
SOUTH
If you’re feeling sporty, take a swing at the fastest-growing sport in the world. PicklePlay at Bentleigh East has eight indoor courts that anyone can hire. If you’ve never played before, there are intro to pickleball sessions. Afterwards, reward yourself at The Bentleigh Social. Enjoy a beer from one of the 16 taps, a signature cocktail and crowd-pleasing ‘pub grub’ favourites.
+ pickleplay.com.au
+ thebentleighsocial.com.au
EAST
Pack the kids up and head to Belgrave for an early lunch at Micawber Tavern. There are plenty of great options on the menu, as well as some choices for the kids. Then jump aboard Puffing Billy, a heritage steam train that journeys through the forest and over trestle bridges in the Dandenong Ranges. It’s like taking a step back in time.
+ micawbertavern.com.au
+ puffingbilly.com.au
WEST
Combine a cruise with a day out when you jump aboard the Melbourne River Cruises’ ferry to Williamstown at Southbank Promenade and let it whisk you past the waterfront, docks and shipyards as you head to Gem Pier in the historical seaport. It’s the perfect place to spend the day. On the foreshore from first light each day you can get a coffee at the vintage icecream truck that’s been refashioned as Grace’s Elegant Espresso.
+ melbcruises.com.au
+ Instagram.com/graceselegant
Puffing Billy
Upfield Line
Pascoe Vale
Fawkner
Ponds
Coburg
Brunswick
Parkville
Melbourne
Mernda Line
Reservoir
Hurstbridge Line
NEIGHBOURHOODS
Bundoora
Greensborough
Yallambie
Viewbank
Heidelberg
Thornbury
Fairfield
Northcote
Clifton Hill Ivanhoe
Carlton
Fitzroy
Richmond
Melbourne
South Melbourne
South Yarra
Albert Park
Williamstown
Toorak
Prahran
St Kilda
Kew
Bulleen
NORTH MELBOURNE 1
Eltham
Canterbury
Camberwell
Malvern
Doncaster
Elwood Hawthorn
Brighton
Preston Clayton
Templestowe
Hop on the route 57 tram at any of the stops along Elizabeth Street in the CBD, and head to North Melbourne for a fun night out. Grab an early dinner of fried chicken, barbecue or kimchi stew at Ondol Korean Cuisine. Next on the agenda is The Comic’s Lounge, where there’s often a show at 7pm or 8pm. You might see new talent, a comic’s new show, or even a big name trying out new material. Afterwards, head across the street to the Town Hall Hotel for a cold beer and, if you’re lucky, live music in the front bar.
WINDSOR 2
Belgrave and Lilydale Lines
Vermont
Burwood
Alamein Line
Caulfield
Elsternwick
Carnegie
Chadstone
Oakleigh
Glen Waverley Line
Glen Waverley
Notting Hill
Hampton
Sandringham Line
Sandringham
Black Rock
Beaumaris
Moorabbin
Heatherton
Cheltenham
Frankston Line
Springvale
Scoresby
Noble Park
This suburb in the inner south found itself in the spotlight late last year when it was named Time Out’s tenth coolest neighbourhood in the world. And we agree. It’s the perfect mix of hot restaurants, amazing bars, packed op shops and quirky boutiques. Take the train to Windsor Station and then stroll up Chapel Street. Rustle through the racks at Stupid Vintage, grab a cheeky cocktail at Bar Blanco, then head to Freddy’s Pizza for amazing wood-fired pies, pasta and Italian snacks. If it’s a glorious evening, snag an outdoor table.
All day travel on any train, tram or bus in Victoria for one fare. Plan your journey on the PTV app or online. + ptv.vic.gov.au
Cranbourne and Pakenham Lines
Warrandyte Dandenong
BROWSE BEYOND THE GRID
VENTURE OUT OF THE CITY AND SHOP, SIP AND STROLL ALONG THESE NEIGHBOURHOOD STREETS MELBURNIANS KNOW AND LOVE. IT’S AS EASY AS HOPPING ON A TRAM.
SYDNEY ROAD, BRUNSWICK
It’s the longest shopping strip in the southern hemisphere and home to an eclectic mix of businesses. If you love eating multicultural food, scouring vintage stores and discovering local artisans in independent gift shops, jump on route 19 tram to Sydney Road, Brunswick. Head to Dejour Jeans for good-quality, well-priced jeans that
you can have adjusted onsite for free. Hungry? A1 Lebanese Bakery is a favourite, especially with vegetarians, for haloumi cheese pies and za'atar pizza. If it’s a sunny day, finish up with a cocktail or beer in the outdoor area at Miss Moses + dejourjeans.com.au
+ a1bakery.com.au
+ missmoses.com.au
Acland Street, St Kilda
Josie Withers
HIGH STREET AND BAY STREET
High Street, Armadale, is one of Melbourne’s most prestigious shopping streets. Catch the route 6 tram and discover this vibrant hub. Start with brunch at High Society, then treat yourself to something gorgeous from luxury retail store The New Trend. Route 109 tram goes to Port Melbourne’s Bay Street. This relaxed enclave offers an impressive collection of appealing cafes, unique stores and a stretch of sand right at the end of the street. Once you’ve had a walk on the beach, head to hip pub, The Local for lunch.
+ instagram.com/highsocietycafe
+ thenewtrend.com.au
+ thelocalportmelbourne.com.au
ACLAND STREET, ST KILDA
There’s a village vibe to St Kilda’s Acland Street. Some businesses here have existed for many years
– Monarch Cakes, for example, has been baking classic European sweets since 1934 – plus there’s a great mix of stores, outdoor dining and bars. Grab something to peruse at bookstore Readings then snag a table at Abbey Road Café, with its vintage vibes and crowd-pleasing menu. The quickest way to get here is on the route 96 tram.
+ monarchcakes.com.au
+ readings.com.au
+ abbeyroadcafe.com.au
ptv.vic.gov.au
FOCUS ON FUN
IF YOU’RE IN MELBOURNE WITH THE KIDS AND WANT TO EXPLORE THE SIGHTS BEYOND THE INNER CITY, THERE ARE GREAT OPTIONS BOTH SIDES OF PORT PHILLIP BAY.
MAD SCIENCE
There are hidden delights in Melbourne's inner west suburbs. Take the kids by train to Spotswood and start at local hotspot Candied Bakery Here, you can all refuel on savoury pastries, sandwiches, coffee and an incredible range of sweet delights. Then stroll down to Scienceworks, where kids of all ages will find something to enjoy. Older kids will marvel at Beyond Perception: Seeing
the Unseen, which immerses guests in large-scale experiences that reveal the invisible fields and forces around us. But the whole family will love taking on champion athletes at Sportsworks The museum is also home to the planetarium and the Lightning Theatre, which is a spectacular and sometimes hair-raising demonstration of how electricity works.
+ candiedbakery.com.au
+ museumsvictoria.com.au
WERRIBEE WONDERS
Go further west to Werribee Park Mansion. The opulent residence and surrounding gardens have been preserved and are now open to the public. Pack a picnic to eat on the lawn then explore the ornamental lake and heritage orchard first planted in the late 1800s. Nearby is Werribee Open Range Zoo, where you can take a tour of the savannah in a safari bus. Be on the lookout for an adorable new addition to
Werribee Open Range Zoo
Lightfall at Royal Botanic Gardens Cranbourne the herd, Jabulani, the southern white rhino calf. After an afternoon at the zoo, take the family to The Park for dinner.
+ parks.vic.gov.au
+ zoo.org.au
+ theparkwerribee.com.au
ENCHANTING GARDENS
On the other side of Port Phillip Bay in Melbourne’s southeast, spend the afternoon at McClelland Sculpture Park, a tranquil outdoor
space showcasing contemporary art amid lush gardens. When dusk falls, head to Lightfall at Royal Botanic Gardens Cranbourne. Families with kids of all ages will love the stunning immersive light installation that transforms the natural landscape into a glowing spectacle. Both offer unique experiences that blend art, nature and a touch of magic.
+ mcclelland.org.au
+ lightfallcranbourne.com.au
WERRIBEE OPEN RANGE ZOO
Hop on the safari bus and journey across the savannah to spot giraffes, zebras and more. Keep your eyes peeled for the new rhino calf, Jabulani. Feel the breeze as you stroll along the African Trail at your own pace, and see the lion pride, gorilla bachelors, and the fastest mammal on earth, the cheetah! Don’t miss the 10 daily animal talks led by our zookeepers, free with your zoo ticket. For a truly unforgettable experience, check out our premium animal experiences.
Kids visit free on weekends, Victorian public holidays, and school holidays.
Train & Bus: Werribee Line to Werribee station then Bus 439 to Werribee South Open: Daily, 9am to 5pm K Road, Werribee t: 1300 966 784
w: zoo.org.au/werribee
Find us on:
SKY HIGH
BEGINNERS ONLY
During your Trial Introductory Flight, under the guidance of an experienced instructor, you’ll take the controls of a light aircraft and feel the exhilaration of soaring through Melbourne’s skies. First HAVE YOU EVER DREAMED OF PILOTING A PLANE? THIS IS YOUR CHANCE. STEP INTO THE COCKPIT AND GET READY TO FLY!
Experience the thrill of flying as you take the controls and discover what it’s like to guide an aircraft through the skies. The Trial Introductory Flight at Learn to Fly Melbourne offers the ultimate opportunity to fulfil the dream of jumping behind the controls and experiencing the thrill of flying firsthand. No experience necessary! Learn essential flying manoeuvres like straight and level flight, turns, climbs
and descents. Then take the controls and put your new skills into practice under expert guidance. Yes, you’ll actually fly the plane!
YOUR FIRST FLIGHT
Learn to Fly Melbourne
choose an aircraft – your options are the Sling 2, Cessna 172 and Diamond DA40 – then take flight for either a 30- or 60-minute session. In the half-hour session, for example, you’ll go through a briefing then get to practice the basics you’ve learned – straight and level flying, turning, climbing and descending – for about 20 minutes in the air under the instructor’s supervision.
IN THE AIR
As well as getting to fly, you’ll enjoy breathtaking views of Melbourne’s cityscape and stunning natural surroundings. It’s a perspective of the city few ever get to see. Make the experience even more memorable with a GoPro video add-on that lets you capture every moment of your adventure, relive the excitement and share it with family and friends. Whether you’re a local or a visitor
to Melbourne, this is a unique and thrilling way to explore the city. The Trial Introductory Flight is the perfect adventure for anyone seeking to feel the excitement of being a pilot. Book through the website or by phone. + learntofly.edu.au
Learn to Fly Melbourne
THEY MIGHT BE BEST KNOWN FOR THE BEACH AND NIGHTLIFE, BUT ST KILDA AND ITS SOUTHSIDE NEIGHBOURS HAVE ARTS AND CULTURE COVERED, TOO.
CREATIVE SPACES
Linden New Art
Simon Strong
CURTAIN CALL
Formed almost a quarter of a century ago by an ensemble of actors to support their peers, Red Stitch in St Kilda’s Chapel Street continues to commission and produce innovative Australian theatre. For those who like to get close to the action, its 80-seat theatre offers an intimate experience. This season, catch Joanna MurraySmith’s classic drama about infidelity and separation, Honour (until 16 March), and Branden Jacobs-Jenkins’ new work The Comeuppance (from 26 April). This play follows five friends reuniting for their 20-year high school reunion, where revelry soon gives way to revelation. There’s more performance to be found in Acland Street, at Theatre Works, Australia’s longest running independent theatre, where new, ambitious and diverse voices are platformed. Check the website for details of its 2025 program.
CENTRE STAGE
At Gasworks Art Park in Albert Park, you’ll find an entire precinct dedicated to theatre, music and visual arts. There's an eclectic line-up this season, including Obscuratorium, an exhibition that delves into beauty and memory through evocative sculpture and photography. In April, see Lyttelton Circus Theatre Company’s Berlin Burlesque: The Story of Hanussen, set in 1920s Germany. The Gasworks Farmers’ Market is held on the third Saturday of every month. Each week, you can also join workshops and classes, from life drawing to improv.
ARTISTIC VISION
In a former mansion built in 1871 that has been converted into several exhibition and studio spaces is St Kilda’s Linden New Art. It shows a rotating program of solo, collaborative and curatorial projects from early- to mid-career contemporary artists, giving them space to experiment and take risks with their work. At Victorian Pride Centre in St Kilda, Pride Gallery is a space dedicated to LGBTQI artists and/or issues. Exhibitions show new and archival work. Check out Space2B, a design and art social enterprise that supports refugees, newly arrived migrants and people seeking asylum by providing connection, community and a place to show their work.
+ whatsonstkilda.com
Victorian Pride Centre
Gasworks Art Park
Ray Reyes
EXPLORE EVEN MORE IN HUME CITY
JUST 15 KILOMETRES
NORTH OF MELBOURNE’S CBD AND ON THE DOORSTEP OF MELBOURNE AIRPORT, HUME CITY IS THE PERFECT PLACE FOR A WEEKEND ESCAPE.
RAISE A GLASS
Hume City is home to the closest vineyards to Melbourne’s CBD, so why not add a winery visit to your weekend getaway?
With its views of the Macedon Ranges, Marnong Estate in Mickleham is the perfect place to enjoy wine tasting at the cellar door. Stay a night or two in one of the luxurious cabins and enjoy the delicious Italian fare on offer. You’re spoiled for choice with three quality dining options with award-winning
wines and views: try the street food at Caffe Vista, fine dining at the recently hatted La Vetta restaurant, or dishes inspired by Italy’s neighbourhood kitchens at Cucina 3064.
Surrounded by Keilor Valley farmland is family-owned Arundel Farm Estate, complete with friendly farm animals the kids will love. Taste shiraz, viognier, marsanne and sauvignon blanc at the cellar door, and match your favourite drops to pizza from the wood-fired oven.
SURF AND SAVOUR
Head to URBNSURF Tullamarine to surf, body board or simply spectate. It’s Australia’s first surf park and has different wave settings and experiences to suit all abilities, including surfing lessons if you’re just starting out. Afterwards, enjoy the sunset and a bite to eat while taking in the views of the surfing lagoon at Three Blue Ducks, where dishes celebrate fresh, sustainable and ethically sourced ingredients.
ANIMAL LIFE
Living Legends in Greenvale offers a unique experience where you can meet retired champion racehorses like Twilight Payment (Twiggy), who won the 2020 Melbourne Cup. During your visit, you can enjoy a guided tour, take photos and even feed and pat the horses. Afterwards, treat yourself to a Devonshire tea at the Woodlands Homestead Cafe located in a historical homestead dating back to 1843. It houses an impressive collection of art and horse racing memorabilia.
Finish off with a tour around Woodlands Historic Park. Enjoy walking trails and spot a range of wildlife, including kangaroos, in their natural habitat. You can also take in the breathtaking views of the city and Melbourne Airport from Gellibrand Hill.
For younger members in the family, award-winning Animal Land Children’s Farm in Diggers Rest offers an authentic, hands-on farming experience. Visitors get to hold, pat, feed the animals and truly experience farm life first-hand.
STAY LONGER
Spend more time in Hume City and stay at one of the many unique accommodation options.
Settle in to one of the spacious, architecturally designed cabins at Marnong Estate, and marvel at nature’s backdrop, the Macedon Ranges. Alternatively, try one of the recently opened hotels at Melbourne Airport, Novotel or ibis Styles. The contemporary accommodation offers a range of options to maximise your stay, including an excellent Italian restaurant, cafe and tap room, health club, indoor pool and spa facilities. At PARKROYAL Melbourne Airport you can watch planes take off from your window, and Quest Melbourne Airport has apartments ranging from studios to three bedrooms.
For more inspiration on things to do, places to see and where to eat in Hume City, follow instagram.com/discoverhume
URBNSURF Tullamarine
Arundel Farm Estate
Novotel and ibis Styles
Ed Sloane
Chege
Mbuthi
THE WONDERS OF WILLIAMSTOWN
EXPLORE ONE OF MELBOURNE’S MOST IMPORTANT HISTORICAL NEIGHBOURHOODS WHEN YOU CROSS THE BAY TO WILLIAMSTOWN.
SEAPORT STORIES
It’s only 14 kilometres from the centre of Melbourne, but this urban village feels like it is located a world away. Established in 1837, Williamstown –named after King William IV, it was then known as William’s Town – served as the first Port of Melbourne. Its initial settlers were a rowdy crew, including sailors, soldiers and convict gangs who built piers, shipyards and industrial areas, the remnants of which can still be seen today.
STEP BACK IN TIME
Throughout autumn (4 March – 30 May), free walking tours take place on Tuesdays and Fridays at 11.45am. Starting at the Hobsons Bay Visitor Information Centre at Commonwealth Reserve, the tour covers the First Peoples’ history of the area as well as what happened when the English arrived. You’ll hear about the prison hulks that were moored in Hobsons Bay and held overflow prisoners from the goldfields, as well as stories from the gold rush. Check out historical local buildings and hear about the quarry
where prisoners, including Ned Kelly, were tasked with digging bluestone, which was used as ballast for cargo ships returning to London. Reserve your spot on a walking tour by calling the Hobsons Bay Visitor Information Centre in Williamstown.
A NAUTICAL NARRATIVE
If maritime history is something you want to learn more about, head to Seaworks Maritime Museum, open Wednesdays and Sundays. It houses an impressive collection of artefacts, models and bells. Also at Seaworks
is the Pirates Tavern, which hosts live music and raises money for the precinct – it opens on Fridays and Sundays. Another weekend-only opening is HMAS Castlemaine, a Bathurst Class Corvette that served as a minesweeper during World War II. See how the crew lived and worked during wartime when you jump onboard. If you want to take a self-guided heritage walk around Williamstown, there are maps available online and from the visitor information centre. + experiencehobsonsbay.com.au
Free walking tour
HMAS Castlemaine, Williamstown
John Palermo
Ruth Schwarzenholz
VICTORIA’S REGIONS
Anthony Evans
Grampians Grape Escape
IF YOU’RE THINKING ABOUT HEADING OUT OF THE CITY, TAKE A LOOK AT THESE EVENTS TO HELP FRAME YOUR PLANNING. THEY’RE HAPPENING ALL ACROSS VICTORIA.
GOURMET GATHERINGS
Head to Melbourne Food & Wine Festival regional events this March. With more than 40 to choose from, including banana-leaf dining in Warburton and moonlit feasts in Milawa, the festival showcases the best of Victoria’s country hospitality. ♦ In the Murray region, there’ll be music, markets, cruises on the river, and tastings and events featuring the best local produce at Swan Hill Food & Wine Festival (7–9 March). ♦ In the heart of Halls Gap, discover regional food, wine and music at Grampians Grape Escape (2–4 May).
+ melbournefoodandwine.com.au
+ swanhillfoodandwine.com.au
+ grampiansgrapeescape.com.au
CULTURE CARNIVALS
For almost a half-century, Port Fairy Folk Festival (7–10 March) on the Great Ocean Road has been entertaining fans. This year, check out Kristin Hersh, Kutcha Edwards, Ruthie Foster and many more. ♦ For the bookishly inclined, there’ll be writer talks, workshops and live entertainment at Clunes Book Town Festival (22–23 March), just north of Ballarat. + portfairyfolkfestival.com
+ clunesbooktown.org.au
SEASONAL FLAVOUR
There’s a diverse range of events, from markets to pie trails, held over an entire month for Macedon Ranges Autumn Festival (1–30 April). ♦ Set among changing scenery is Jamieson Autumn Festival (4–6 April) in Victoria’s High Country, with live music, arts and crafts, delicious food and plenty of fun.
+ visitmacedonranges.com/autumnfestival
+ mansfieldmtbuller.com.au
SOMETHING DIFFERENT
It’s got all the elements of a great festival, but Bendigo’s Lost Trades Fair (8–10 March) has something extra special: demonstrations with artisans who are keeping techniques like blacksmithing and textile making alive. ♦ Set in the nineteenth-century town of Dimboola, Wimmera Steam Punk Festival (12 April) blends music, circus, magic and Victoriana.
+ losttradesfair.com.au
+ wimmerasteampunkfestival.com.au
VICTORIA
For more information within Victoria, visit the local Visitor Information Centre.
+ visitvictoria.com/vic
Plan ahead of travel by checking Victoria’s weather and safety warnings.
+ bom.gov.au/vic
TRARALGON 1
Take the V/Line to Gippsland’s largest city, Traralgon, in the Latrobe Valley and enjoy a day of exploring. Have lunch at The Butter Factory then head to the Gippsland Performing Arts Centre for a show. Stay the night in Montfort Manor, a luxurious and tranquil retreat. For a wellness twist, visit the Traralgon Relaxation & Recovery Centre for a relaxing massage or float therapy.
MACEDON RANGES 2
Keen hikers can catch the V/Line train to Macedon or Woodend. You’ll need most of the day to take on the popular 19-kilometre Macedon Ranges Walk, a loop trail with plenty of steep mountain slopes and great views to go with them. Nearby Hanging Rock has three different walks: a steep climb to the summit, a two-kilometre stroll around the base, and a 2.3-kilometre trail that initially follows the creek.
BENALLA 3
Hop off the train and explore the town's street art murals, then head to Lake Benalla for a four-kilometre lakeside walk. Take in the Australian art at the Benalla Art Gallery and, a bit further out, visit Winton Wetlands for birdwatching and nature trails.
All-day travel on any train, tram or bus in Victoria for one fare. Plan your journey on the PTV app or online.
+ ptv.vic.gov.au
BEST OF THE REGIONS THIS AUTUMN
NEED A FEW IDEAS TO PLAN YOUR VISIT TO REGIONAL VICTORIA? WE’VE COME UP WITH AUTUMN’S FINEST OPTIONS ACROSS THE STATE, FROM SURF TO SUMMIT.
Mitta Mitta River
James Davidson
FALLING LEAVES
Experience the magic of regional Victoria in full autumn glory. Nature puts it all on show with explosions of colour, as red, orange and gold foliage recast the landscape. ♦ If you’re in Victoria’s High Country, see the best of autumn colours on the walking trail along the Mitta Mitta River. ♦ In Gippsland, visit the unique village of Walhalla. Follow the old tramline through the town and towards the old goldmine to see the leaves changing. ♦ Ballarat’s Avenue of Honour is a long stretch of memorial trees accompanied by plaques bearing the
names of the 3,801 locals who enlisted during World War I. Autumn is when the avenue is at its most beautiful.
+ mittavalley.com.au
+ visitgippsland.com.au
+ visitballarat.com.au
FARM-FRESH FLAVOURS
It’s a great time for exploring local produce trails and one of the best is the Murray Farm Gate Trail. Head to Echuca’s The Strawberry Pick, Manto Produce in Cobram for Pink Lady and Granny Smith apples, as well as other fruit and veg, and Byramine Homestead to try the cider it produces.
♦ Victoria’s High Country is another great spot for autumn farm gates. Check out the new Rich Glen Olive Estate store in Bright or drop by Little Cedar in Winton to try some of the farmhouse goats’ cheese.
+ visitthemurray.com.au
+ richglenoliveoil.com
+ littlecedar.com.au
HISTORY REVEALED
Step back thousands of years at Budj Bim Cultural Landscape in southwestVictoria in the heart of Gunditjmara Country. This aquaculture system is considered one of the world’s oldest and you can learn all about it from a Gunditjmara guide on one of the walks available.
♦ Not long after Australia was colonised, gold was discovered. Find out what Ballarat’s goldfields might have been like at Sovereign Hill, a living museum.
+ budjbim.com.au
+ sovereignhill.com.au
WHERE BLISS BEGINS
Get away from it all and submerge into a thermal spa at locations around Victoria. On the Mornington Peninsula, soak in natural hot springs at Peninsula Hot Springs. ♦ Metung Hot Springs on the Gippsland coast, offers stunning views from many of its pools. ♦ Daylesford is well known for its mineral springs. Hepburn Bathhouse & Spa has been in operation since 1895, although the property has had a significant overhaul with contemporary facilities added in more recent years.
+ peninsulahotsprings.com
+ metunghotsprings.com
+ hepburnbathhouse.com
Budj Bim Cultural Landscape
BEST OF THE REGIONS THIS AUTUMN
FAMILY ADVENTURES
Autumn is prime time to get outdoors and enjoy everything the state has to offer. At Halls Gap Zoo in the Grampians, book an encounter with meercats, giraffes, dingoes and more. ♦ If you want to see Australian animals, head in the direction of the Dandenong Ranges to find tranquil Healesville Sanctuary ♦ Head to the coast and the Great Ocean Road for an adrenaline-fuelled day out. Live Wire Park, with its zip coaster and high ropes challenges, is perfect for thrill seekers, young and old.
+ hallsgapzoo.com.au
+ zoo.org.au
+ livewirepark.com.au
WINE COUNTRY
Take a drive along the Prosecco Road in King Valley to visit the cellar doors of wineries making this Italian varietal. You’ll see autumnal colours at Chrismont, enjoy fresh pasta at Pizzini, and play bocce at Dal Zotto. ♦ Hop on the Skybus Peninsula Express direct to Frankston, then join a gourmet food and wine tour to journey through the stunning cool climate wine regions of the Mornington Peninsula, aka the Pinot Coast. ♦ Into something spicier? Visit the cellar doors around the Grampians, Heathcote and the Pyrenees, known as Shiraz Central. + vicwines.com.au + skybus.com.au
OFF TRACK, ON TAP
Now’s a great time to discover the charms of Victoria’s country pubs. If you’re heading to the Yarra Valley, stop at the The Alpine Hotel in Warburton, a lovingly restored heritage-listed gem with stunning river and mountain views. Choose a local bev then head out into beer garden. ♦ South Gippsland has two “new” locals: The Rusty Gurnard, a makeover of Port Welshpool’s Pier Port Hotel, and the completely refurbished Yarram Club Hotel
+ alpineretreat.com.au
+ instagram.com/therustygurnard + yarramclubhotel.com
Halls Gap Zoo
Dal Zotto Winery
LVDI/Tourism Australia
Rob Blackburn
BALLARAT WILDLIFE PARK
Welcome to Ballarat’s award-winning wildlife park.
With more than a hundred free-roaming kangaroos to hand-feed, the largest colony of koalas in Victoria, wombats, emus and Crunch, the super-croc, the family-owned Ballarat Wildlife Park is a must-visit destination for animal lovers
young and old. Attend daily presentations where you’ll learn more about meerkats, little penguins, Tasmanian devils, dingoes and reptiles. You can even see the SumatranSiberian tigers in their state-of-the-art sanctuary.
Be sure to book your up close and personal animal encounters upon arrival!
A park for conservation and recreation.
Open: Daily, 9am to 5pm
250 Fussell Street, Ballarat East t: 03 5333 5933
w: wildlifepark.com.au
Find us on:
PHILLIP ISLAND NATURE PARKS
Witness one of nature’s true spectacles as you watch little penguins waddle home every night at Phillip Island’s Penguin Parade. Spot koalas, wallabies and birdlife in their bushland habitat at the Koala Conservation Reserve, and experience the heritage working farm, historical grounds and beautiful gardens at Churchill Island.
Make the most of your day out on Phillip Island and help us protect nature for wildlife by purchasing our best value ticket, the 3 Parks Pass.
Just 90 minutes from Melbourne, Phillip Island Nature Parks is a self-funded organisation. Revenue raised through our attractions is invested in vital research, environment and education programs.
Open: Daily from 10am. Penguins arrive at sunset. 1019 Ventnor Road, Summerlands, Phillip Island t: 03 5951 2830
w: penguins.org.au
Find us on:
SURPRISING AND SPECTACULAR
IT’S A GREAT LOCATION FOR A DAY TRIP; EVEN BETTER FOR AN AUTUMN LONG WEEKEND. WITH HISTORY, FESTIVALS AND NEARBY WINERIES, BALLARAT IS BRILLIANTLY UNEXPECTED.
Ballarat Begonia Festival
Matt Dunne
GLORIOUS GARDENS
Head to the sprawling Ballarat Botanical Gardens beside Lake Wendouree to see the begonias. Check out the colourful displays while enjoying live music, local food and drinks, markets, celebrity workshops and family fun at Ballarat Begonia Festival (8–10 March). The floral displays continue in the Robert Clark Conservatory for several weeks after the festival. It’s still the season for bright yellow blooms at the beginning of autumn, so head 15 minutes out of Ballarat to pick your own sunflowers at the Britt family farm in Dunnstown. Check weekly schedules and book early to secure your visit.
RETRO REIMAGINED
Drawing on the city’s storied history, the annual Ballarat Heritage Festival (16–25 May) pairs retro vibes with innovative thinking, bringing 10 days of tours, rare trades workshops, steam train rides, vintage fashion, antiques and collectables, and street performances to the city. Plan your visit around a show at Ballarat’s grand Her Majesty’s Theatre, which first opened in 1875. This beautiful double-balconied theatre has recently reopened after extensive renovations, combining old-world charm with state-of-the-art theatre technology. Get yourself a ticket for the acclaimed musical journey Vandemonian Lags (24 May), based on true stories from the convict past and starring Mick Thomas, Tim Rogers, Brian Nankervis and more.
SIPS AND SUPERB SCENERY
With the weather cooling, there’s no better time to try the red wines of the Pyrenees Ranges. Make a weekend of it and stay at Mount Avoca, where the luxury eco cabins are surrounded by olive trees and rolling hills. The closest cellar door to Ballarat, just 25 minutes’ drive away, is Wayward Winery – try the woodfired cuisine paired with panoramic views. Summerfield Winery is known for its hearty, bold reds, while Dalwhinnie’s cellar door has a huge deck for sun-drenched tastings. While you’re there, visit Pyrenees Unearthed Food & Wine Festival (5 April), where local winemakers gather on the banks of Avoca River.
+ visitballarat.com.au
Pick Your Own Sunflowers Dunnstown
Matt Dunne
Summerfield Winery
Tony Evans
15 March – 13 July 2025
Bendigo exclusive from Museo Frida Kahlo
Bendigo International Collections
Image: Frida Kahlo in blue satin blouse, 1939, photograph by Nickolas Muray © Nickolas Muray Photo Archives.
© 2025 Banco de Mexico Diego Rivera & Frida Kahlo Museums Trust. Av. 5 de Mayo No. 20, col. Center, alc. Cuauhtemoc, cp 06000, Mexico City.
PORTRAIT OF AN ARTIST
A LIFE PRESERVED
When she died in 1954, Frida Kahlo’s husband Diego Rivera had her home preserved as a museum for the people of Mexico, but many of the rooms were sealed. Fifty years later, in 2004, they were opened to reveal a treasure trove of clothing, make-up, accessories, photographs and personal mementoes, now displayed in Mexico City’s Museo Frida Kahlo.
AUSTRALIAN FIRST
For the first time, a major new exhibition, Frida Kahlo: In her own image (from 15 March), is making its way to Australia for an exclusive season at Bendigo Art Gallery. The pieces on show illuminate the personal, political, philosophical and artistic influences that shaped Kahlo’s revolutionary creative style and her distinctive worldview. The exhibition considers the intricate connections between Kahlo’s clothing and styling, her home, her ground-breaking painting and drawing, and the photographic images that immortalised her in the global collective imagination.
PEEK INSIDE THE LIFE
OF FRIDA KAHLO, ONE OF THE TWENTIETH CENTURY’S MOST INFLUENTIAL ARTISTS.
CREATIVE COLLECTION
If you don’t plan on visiting Mexico City soon, this is your best chance to see the traditional Mexican garments worn by Kahlo, a collection of her favourite Revlon cosmetics, including an eyebrow pencil, the hand-embellished medical corsets she wore after spinal surgery, a self-portrait drawing and much more.
+ bendigoartgallery.com.au
Below: La Casa Azul. Photograph by Sebastián Monsalve. © Frida Kahlo & Diego Rivera Archives. Bank of Mexico, Fiduciary in the Diego Rivera and Frida Kahlo Museum Trust.
La Casa Azul
PITCH PERFECT GETAWAYS
STAY FOR FREE AT ANY OF THE HUNDREDS OF PARKS VICTORIA CAMPGROUNDS OR THOSE IN STATE FORESTS. THERE’S NEVER BEEN A BETTER TIME TO FOLLOW THE CALL OF THE WILD.
BY THE BEACH
You can stroll from Bear Gully Campground, near Walkerville, to a spectacular unpatrolled beach for rock pooling, fishing and coastal walks. ♦ Along the Great Ocean Road, Johanna Beach Campground is set between dunes, a grassy hinterland and a magnificent stretch of sand. Plus, you can hike some of the Great Ocean Walk from here.
OFF THE GRID
You might think camping is off-grid anyway, but if you really want to get away from it all, Wonga Camping Area in Wyperfeld National Park, has plenty to explore and limited phone reception. ♦ Spend a night under the stars at Stockmans Campground in the Big Desert State Park. This picturesque spot, with walks along the dunes, is accessible only by 4WD.
BRING YOUR DOG
You can bring your furry friend along to most state parks (not to national parks though). Richards Campground, near Beaufort in the Goldfields region, is a walk-in spot set in the middle of a native forest with lots of wildlife. ♦ Less than two hours from Melbourne, in the Dandenong Ranges, camp among towering mountain ash trees at Starlings Gap.
Johanna Beach Campground
Belinda VanZanen/Parks Victoria
SITE FOR ADVENTURE
The Grampians National Park is a hiker’s paradise. Book a spot at Stapylton Campground, with plenty of local walks, including one to Ngamadjidj Shelter, an important Aboriginal rock art site. ♦ Hike to magnificent waterfalls and through alpine landscapes when you pitch your tent at Lake Catani Campground in the Mount Buffalo National Park.
RIVERSIDE REST
A favourite spot for families is Buchan Caves Reserve Campground, set on cascading Spring Creek. There is a selection of walks, wildlife to be spotted and, of course, the caves system to visit, plus powered sites, hot showers, laundry and campers’ kitchen. ♦ For anyone set on canoeing or kayaking, the small McLennans Punt
Campground on the Glenelg River is the place to be in Lower Glenelg National Park.
+ parks.vic.gov.au
+ exploreoutdoors.vic.gov.au
Grampians National Park
DEEP BLUE HOT SPRINGS WARRNAMBOOL
Step into the Hot Springs Sanctuary, where natural geothermal waters and design, inspired by nature, harmonise to create a rejuvenating escape.
Immerse yourself in 18 unique rock pools, including ‘Reflection Bay’, mirroring the sky and ‘Rainforest Pool’, with a gentle shower. Wander ‘The Passage’, cocooned in tranquillity, or feel energised in the ‘Bubbling Springs’. Relax in the ‘Foot Spa’, embraced by cascading waterfalls or revitalise in the invigorating ‘Cold Plunge’. Explore ‘Sensory Caves’ with calming colour therapy, marvel at the shimmering ‘Water Fall Caves’ and discover ‘Hidden Falls’ at the base of a serene cascade.
Each element nurtures mind, body, and spirit, offering pure relaxation and renewal.
Open: Daily, 7.30am to 9pm Worm Bay Road, Warrnambool t: 03 5559 2050
w: thedeepblue.com.au
Find us on:
HEPBURN BATHHOUSE & SPA
Reconnect with nature this autumn at Hepburn Bathhouse & Spa. Soak in the soothing warmth of our mineral-rich pools, designed to relax the body and revive the mind. Enhance your wellness journey with indulgent spa treatments, savour nourishing seasonal dishes at the Pavilion Café, and retreat to our luxury accommodations. Located in the heart of Spa Country, Hepburn Bathhouse blends heritage, nature and relaxation, offering a yearround sanctuary for rejuvenation and self-care.
Open: Sun–Thurs 9am to 7pm, Fri–Sat, 9am to 9pm Mineral Springs Reserve Road, Hepburn Springs t: 03 8727 8901
w: hepburnbathhouse.com
Find us on:
CREATIVE FORCES
ARTISTIC VISION
MODERN TIMES
DISCOVER ANOTHER SIDE OF GEELONG WHEN YOU EXPLORE ITS CULTURAL PRECINCT, VISIT THE GALLERY AND BOOK TICKETS TO A SHOW.
Bursting with extraordinary stories, Geelong Arts Centre is Australia's largest dedicated regional arts centre. Accolades in 2024 include awards for architectural design, tourism and performing arts centre of the year. The smallest family members will love Peppa Pig’s Fun Day Out Live! (3 May), while older audiences will enjoy the stage version of The Dictionary of Lost Words (27–29 March), about a girl who collects the words ignored by male lexicographers. Sydney Dance Company’s momenta (14–15 May) takes audiences on a journey into the poetry and physicality of human bonds. Plus, there’s comedy from Ross Noble (9 May), music from the Choirboys (3 May) and more.
+ geelongartscentre.org.au
It’s one of Australia’s largest and oldest regional art institutions and Geelong Gallery has a significant collection of Australian paintings, including work by Clarice Beckett, Frederick McCubbin and Emily Kame Kngwarreye. This season, one Australian is in the spotlight for Roger Kemp–Sequence (until 18 May), an exhibition of the work of this avant-garde artist, considered one of the great modern painters of his generation. See the work of women who were central to the development of printmaking in this country at Modern Lives–Prints by Australian Women Artists 1900s–1960s (15 March–18 May). Entry to Geelong Gallery is free.
+ geelonggallery.org.au
The Dictionary of Lost Words at Geelong Arts Centre
Geelong Gallery
HEALESVILLE SANCTUARY
Healesville Sanctuary, a hidden gem in the Yarra Valley wine region, is the ultimate Australian wildlife experience just outside of Melbourne. Explore beautiful trails in a unique bushland setting and spot kangaroos, koalas, echidnas and more. Don’t miss the awe-inspiring Spirits of the Sky presentation where you can watch magnificent birds of prey in action, and the 10 daily animal talks led by our zookeepers, all free with your sanctuary ticket. For a truly unforgettable experience, check out our premium animal experiences.
Kids visit free on weekends, Victorian public holidays, and school holidays.
Open: Daily, 9am to 5pm
Glen Eadie Avenue, Healesville t: 1300 966 784
w: zoo.org.au/healesville
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KYABRAM FAUNA PARK
Located in Victoria’s historic Goulburn Valley, Kyabram Fauna Park is a mustvisit destination for those exploring the Echuca, Kyabram and Shepparton regions. Just a 35-minute drive from both Echuca and Shepparton, the park features expansive wetlands, free-roaming kangaroos, and the world’s most dangerous bird, the cassowary. For a truly unforgettable experience, check out our premium animal experiences.
Kids visit free on weekends, Victorian public holidays, and school holidays.
Open: Daily, 9am to 5pm (excluding Christmas Day)
75 Lake Rd, Kyabram
t: 1300 966 784
w: zoo.org.au/kyabram
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HALLS GAP ZOO
Victoria’s largest regional zoo exhibiting over 120 native and exotic mammals, reptiles and birds, from cheetah, giraffe, meerkats, monkeys, red pandas and bison to kangaroos, Tassie devils, wombats, crocodiles, snakes and dingoes.
Visitors can experience up-close encounters with a number of animals. Special food can also be purchased to hand feed some of the animals.
The 2.5km pathway around the zoo is suitable for wheelchairs and strollers. Enjoy a picnic or barbecue lunch while the children amuse themselves in the playground. Food, drinks and souvenirs also available onsite.
Open: Daily, 10am to 5pm (excluding Christmas Day)
4061 Ararat-Halls Gap Road, Halls Gap
t: 03 5356 4668
w: hallsgapzoo.com.au
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WHEN YOU WANT TO DISCOVER SOMETHING OUT OF THE ORDINARY, EXPLORE THE STATE EVEN FURTHER.
ALL ABOUT ADVENTURE
Take adventure beyond the edge to get the blood pumping. RockWire at Mount Buller is Australia’s first via ferrata, an exhilarating yet safe climbing experience 1,000 metres high with 360-degree alpine views. ♦ Mountain bikers should check out the new Ride High Country Gravel Network, 50 green to double-black trails covering more than 2,000 kilometres in the awe-inspiring landscapes of Victoria’s High Country. + rockwire.com.au
+ victoriashighcountry.com.au
IT’S DIFFERENT IN VICTORIA
THE FINER THINGS
In Gippsland at Lakes Entrance, get closer to the water when you stay at Idle Lake House, floating, retro Cali-style accommodation. ♦ For exceptional dishes inspired by the landscape and created from locally grown and foraged produce, visit Elm Dining at Bright. ♦ Fans of Sailors Grave Brewing should head to Dunetown, near Cape Conran, with its brewing facilities, malting plant, beer hall and Drunken Botanical Garden. + idlelakehouse.com + elmdining.com.au
+ sailorsgravebrewing.com
THE NATURAL WORLD
WAMA (Wildlife Art Museum of Australia) is set to open its doors in April. This art gallery, in the native bushland at Halls Gap, was created to enrich people’s appreciation of nature. ♦ Parks Victoria worked with the Eastern Maar Aboriginal Corporation to develop the new Twelve Apostles Lookout, a superior accessible experience. ♦ Get an even better view of the star attractions, with the upgraded grandstand-style seating at Phillip Island’s Penguin Parade. + wama.net.au
+ parks.vic.gov.au
+ penguins.org.au
RockWire
Dunetown
Karen Webb
VICTORIA
MAKE TRACKS TO A COASTAL RETREAT
YOU DON’T NEED A CAR TO ENJOY THE BEST OF GEELONG AND THE BELLARINE PENINSULA. HOP ON A TRAIN AND INDULGE IN A LONG WEEKEND OF ART AND CULTURE. WE’VE GOT YOUR ITINERARY SORTED.
Ferne Millen
DAY ONE
Jump on the V/Line train to Geelong from Southern Cross Station early in the afternoon. In just over an hour, you'll arrive in Victoria's second-largest city. Once you’re there, drop your bags at your hotel. There are plenty of options, but the Holiday Inn & Suites Geelong is a well-priced, central option, with fresh, modern rooms, Maestro restaurant and a pool. Once you’re settled, take a stroll around Geelong Gallery before settling in for dinner at Pakington Street favourite, Tulip Bar and Restaurant. It offers contemporary share plates created using local ingredients from sustainable farms and suppliers.
+ ihg.com
+ geelonggallery.org.au
+ tuliprestaurant.com.au
DAY TWO
From Geelong Station, catch the number 60 bus towards St Leonards. After about 40 minutes, you’ll arrive at the pretty town of Portarlington on the Bellarine Peninsula. Book a spot on the refurbished trawler with Portarlington Mussel Tours. For three hours, you’ll learn how they’re grown and enjoy them cooked fresh on the boat. Afterwards, explore the town’s boutiques and stores, and have an afternoon drink at Portarlington Grand Hotel. Otherwise head to one of the wineries, like Terindah Estate, just off the main road on the way back.
+ portarlingtonmusseltours.com.au + portarlingtongrandhotel.com.au
+ terindahestate.com
DAY THREE
Sleep in, check out and leave your bags at reception. Go down to the waterfront and explore the public art, like the bollards painted as characters from the city’s past and present. Wander down to Geelong Botanic Gardens, which features a variety of plants, including many that are significant to Victorian horticultural heritage. Don't miss the Glass House Conservatory. Your final lunch before heading back to Melbourne should be somewhere special. Book a table on the balcony at Sailors’ Rest, a Mediterranean-style restaurant in an art nouveau building overlooking Corio Bay. Then hop on the V/Line train and head back to Southern Cross Station in Melbourne.
+ geelongaustralia.com.au/gbg + sailorsrestgeelong.com.au
Find timetables and route information for trains, buses and trams right across Victoria at the public transport website. + ptv.vic.gov.au
Geelong Baywalk Bollards
TRAVELLER TIPS
HERE ARE SOME HANDY TIPS TO HELP YOUR VISIT RUN SMOOTHLY.
HELP ON REQUEST
ASK A VOLUNTEER
If you’re a bit lost or need some advice, look for one of the roving City Ambassadors in their distinctive red uniforms, often located along Swanston Street, Fed Square and main entry points to the Queen Vic Market.
VISITOR INFORMATION CENTRES
Hubs are available across Melbourne and Victoria, staffed by friendly and trained people with extensive local knowledge. Be sure to look out for the yellow and blue symbol. + visitvictoria.com/practicalinformation/visitor-informationcentres
ACCESSIBLE VICTORIA
Improving accessibility to Melbourne and Victoria’s public transport, visitor attractions, events, venues and amenities for people with special mobility needs is a major priority of the Victorian Government and councils. Head to Accessible Victoria on the Visit Victoria website. In addition, find Travellers Aid at Southern Cross and Flinders Street Stations for accessibility, inclusivity and other travel-related support and aid. Available seven days a week
for all people, including those with disabilities. Some services attract a small fee, charged by staff and volunteers.
+ visitvictoria.com/practicalinformation/accessible-victoria
+ travellersaid.org.au
MAPS AND GUIDES
Maps are available from City of Melbourne, with online interactive Mobility Maps covering different city precincts. Lonely Planet also offers a free Accessible Melbourne e-book packed with tips and recommendations for travellers. Other online resources for accessible travel and recreation throughout Victoria are provided by Australia for All and NICAN.
+ melbourne.vic.gov.au
+ shop.lonelyplanet.com
GETTING AROUND
Whether you’re travelling by train, tram, bus, bike, taxi or ride-share service, Melbourne’s grid layout makes it an easy city to navigate. After hours, the Night Network operates on weekends, offering transport to many locations.
FREE TRAM TRAVEL
The city’s Free Tram Zone includes the city centre and extends from Queen Vic Market to Docklands, Spring Street,
Flinders Street Station and Fed Square.
If you’re only travelling in the Free Tram Zone, you don’t need a myki. See all the sights in one loop around the city on the free City Circle Tram.
+ ptv.vic.gov.au
REGIONAL VICTORIA
Victoria’s trains and coaches can take you to many parts of regional Victoria. Simply make your way to one of V/Line’s booking offices at Southern Cross Station and the staff will help you plan your next adventure.
+ vline.com.au
SELF-DRIVE
Victoria welcomes safe drivers. We want you to have a fantastic holiday and this means staying safe on our roads. Be sure to acquaint yourself with the local know-how.
+ visitmelbourne.com/practicalinformation/getting-here-andaround/self-drive
KEEP SAFE IN AN EMERGENCY
Australia is one of the safest places in the world, but you should always take the same precautions with your personal safety and possessions as you would anywhere else.
VicEmergency is a helpful source of
emergency information for Victoria, from Emergency Management Victoria. Stay informed of conditions before you visit anywhere unfamiliar.
+ emergency.vic.gov.au
PHARMACIES (CHEMISTS)
Available across Melbourne and Victoria for general advice and medical supplies.
+ findapharmacy.com.au
BEACH AND SUN SAFETY
Beaches can be dangerous, with rips and undercurrents, so make sure you always swim between the yellow and red flags on lifeguard patrolled beaches. Australia has some of the highest UV levels in the world, with 15 minutes in the sun enough for your skin to burn. It’s important to regularly apply sunscreen and wear protective clothing (shirt, hat and sunglasses) when spending time outdoors, at any time of year.
+ beachsafe.org.au
+ sunsmart.com.au
CLICK HERE FOR MORE ON GETTING AROUND
WI-FI AND CONNECTIVITY
Wi-Fi is freely available at many spots across the inner city. In addition, Wi-Fi, as well as standard national and mobile calls, are free of charge from all public Telstra payphone locations around Australia.
+ telstra.com.au/consumer-advice/ payphones
+ vic.gov.au/find-vicfreewifihotspots-victoria
WHAT’S ON
Want to know what’s on, and where to go out exploring the weird, wonderful, quirky, quaint, artsy and occasionally outrageously OTT events happening right across Melbourne and Victoria?
+ visitvictoria.com/whats-on
SEE A SHOW AND SAVE
Halftix sells cheap tickets for live shows, events and tours on that day. Tickets are available for purchase at the office (208 Little Collins Street) and sometimes online.
+ halftixmelbourne.com
EMERGENCY CONTACTS
Emergency Services 000 (Police, Fire, Ambulance)
Poisons Information 13 11 26
Melbourne East Police Station 03 9637 1100 202 Bourke Street, Melbourne
Melbourne West Police Station 03 9624 3999
313 Spencer Street, Docklands
Nurse-On-Call 1300 60 60 24
(Free professional health advice)
Royal Melbourne Hospital 300 Grattan Street, Parkville 03 9342 7000
St Vincent’s Hospital 41 Victoria Parade, Fitzroy 03 9231 2211
Alfred Health
55 Commercial Road, Melbourne 03 9076 2000
The Royal Children’s Hospital 50 Flemington Road, Parkville 03 9345 5522
Wildlife Victoria 03 8400 7300
(To seek help for injured wildlife)
SCAN THE QR CODE TO ACCESS THE MELBOURNE OFFICIAL VISITOR MAP ONLINE.
LEAN INTO YOUR SPARE TIME THIS AUTUMN
SETTLE IN AND WIND DOWN
Australian Way, Printed Keep Cup $44. 99
There are few better ways to fall into a state of utter relaxation than with a warm cup of soothing tea. Snuggle up with your novel of choice and this striking Australian art-emblazoned Keep Cup for an afternoon of bliss.
LEGO®, LEGO® Roses $22.99
Peter Alexander, Sleep Mask Pink Check $19.95
Finally, it’s time for that much-needed holiday, where you can forget about everything except relaxing and having fun. Dive into a gripping novel or treat yourself to a bit of self-care. There’s always the chance to catch up on some much-needed sleep, too.
LET A STORY CAPTIVATE YOU
I WHSmith, 'Before We Say Goodbye' by Toshikazu Kawaguchi $19.9 9
The fourth instalment in the best-selling 'Before the Coffee Gets Cold' series invites readers back to the time-traveling café in Tokyo. Translated from Japanese by Geoffrey Trousselot, this novel explores the question: ‘What would you change if you could go back in time?’
It carries the same heartwarming essence as the rest of the series with its charming characters and endearing storytelling. This time, it delves into the poignant experience of reconnecting with someone – perhaps for the final time.
Icons Victoria, Ben’s Bees Beeswax Candle $77.95
Escape to your happy place by the gentle flicker of a high-quality natural beeswax candle. Its earthy fragrance will soothe the mind, while its long burn time lets you savor moments of tranquility again and again.
Amcal Pharmacy, Essie Nail Lacquer Green $16.95
Treat your nails to their own makeover with salon-quality lacquer, minus the salon price tag. While this gorgeous shade evokes the feelings of autumn, you can pamper yourself with whichever colour you like best.
Lotte Duty Free, L'Occitane Pink Flower Collection $70*
Amcal Pharmacy, Swisse Ultiboost Hair Skin
Nails+ Supplement Tablets 60 tab $26.95
Amcal Pharmacy, Natio Serenity
Toiletries Bag $24. 95
*Prices are excluding GST
J WHSmith, ‘A Bit on the Side’ by Virginia Trioli $36. 99*
Award-winning journalist Virginia Trioli serves up a delightful blend of wisdom and humour, with a generous side of insight to-go.
Her book celebrates the idea that life’s joys are often found in the smaller “side” moments –rather than the big events (or the ‘main dish’, to follow her food analogy).
Each page brims with wisdom, stories and memories, touched by the wicked sense of humour Trioli is renowned for.
WHSmith, ‘One Day’ by David Nicholls $29.9 9
WHSmith, ‘Long Island’ by Colm Toibin $34. 99*
WHSmith, ‘Triple Sec’ by TJ Alexander $24. 99
WHSmith, ‘Mr. Garcia’ by T L Swan $23.9 9
Shop your duty-free essentials online at Laneway Melbourne Airport. Enjoy shopping up to 24 hours before you board and have your gifts ready and waiting for you at the airport on departure or arrival.
SEASONAL OFFERS
SCAN THE QR CODE TO GET MORE SEASONAL DEALS STRAIGHT TO YOUR PHONE
15% OFF THE FUTURE & OTHER FICTIONS
ACMI
Enjoy 15% off The Future & Other Fictions: a once in a lifetime look at how our future is imagined on screen. A journey through time and imagination.
Fed Square, Melbourne. (03) 8663 2200 acmi.net.au
T&Cs apply: Scan the QR code for details.
20% OFF TICKETS
Australian Sports Museum & MCG Tours
Celebrate Australia’s unique sporting culture and explore one of the world’s most famous stadiums with 20% off tickets. (03) 9657 8879 australiansportsmuseum.org.au contactus@australiansportsmuseum.org.au Gate 3, Melbourne Cricket Ground
Present this coupon or use promo code: OVG20 T&Cs apply: Scan the QR code for details.
20% OFF ALL ITEMS
Brunetti Classico
Unlock deliciousness: 20% off all items at Brunetti Classico. Savour exquisite pastries, coffees and more. Treat yourself today!
Offer valid using physical coupon only, digital version not accepted.
380 Lygon Street, Carlton, Penny Lane, Moonee Ponds and 107 Newlands Rd, Coburg North brunetticlassico.com.au ciao@brunetticlassico.com
Use promo code: 1007428311
T&Cs apply: Scan the QR code for further redemption details.
20% OFF TICKETS
Australian Sand Sculpting Championships
This April the Frankston Waterfront will transform into a battleground of sand where iconic literary villains will be carved into towering sand sculptures by Australia’s best sand sculptors. Frankston Waterfront sandstormevents.com
Use promo code: VISITTHESAND20. Online or at the ticket booth.
T&Cs apply: Scan the QR code for details.
5% OFF GIFT SHOP SOUVENIRS
Ballarat Wildlife Park
Enjoy 5% off items in the gift shop.
250 Fussell Street, Ballarat (03) 5333 5933 wildlifepark.com.au info@wildlifepark.com.au
Use promo code: AUTUMN5
T&Cs apply: Scan the QR code for details.
FREE LUXURY COACH TRANSFERS
Chadstone – The Fashion Capital
Enjoy free luxury coach transfers to and from the CBD (Fed Square) and Chadstone – The Fashion Capital, Australia’s premier retail, fashion, dining and entertainment destination. 1341 Dandenong Road, Chadstone (03) 9567 1062 chadstone.com.au chadstone.tourism@vicinity.com.au
T&Cs apply: Scan QR code for details.
10% OFF BATHHOUSE BATHING
Hepburn Bathhouse & Spa
Experience 10% off bathhouse bathing at one of Australia’s oldest bathhouses. Enjoy rejuvenating mineral waters and discover the rich heritage of this renowned wellness destination.
Mineral Springs Reserve Road, Hepburn Springs (03) 8727 8901 hepburnbathhouse.com Reservations@hepburnbathhouse.com
Use promo code: AUTUMNOFFER
T&Cs apply: Scan the QR code for details.
20% OFF RIVER TOURS
Melbourne River Cruises
Save 20% on sightseeing and Williamstown cruises. Tea, coffee and commentary included. Departing from Southgate Berth 2.
Southgate Berth 2, Lower Promenade, Southbank (03) 8610 2600 melbcruises.com.au
Use promo code: MRC20
T&Cs apply: Scan the QR code for details.
20% OFF CAFE & RETAIL
MONOPOLY
DREAMS Melbourne
Save 20% off your retail purchase or cafe dining when you visit MONOPOLY DREAMS Melbourne, a fully immersive and interactive experience.
Lower Ground Floor, Melbourne Central, 290 Lonsdale St, Melbourne (03) 8617 0250 monopolydreams.com.au contact@monopolydreams.com.au
Use promo code: VISITVIC
T&Cs apply: Scan the QR code for details.
20% OFF 3 PARKS PASS
Phillip
Island Nature Parks
Includes entry to Penguin Parade (General Viewing), Churchill Island and Koala Conservation Reserve. 1019 Ventnor Road, Summerlands (03) 5951 2800 penguins.org.au
Use promo code: OVG25A
T&Cs apply: Scan the QR code for details.
10% DISCOUNT
SEA LIFE Melbourne
15% DISCOUNT
LEGOLAND Discovery Centre Melbourne
Enjoy a 15% discount on adult and child tickets purchased onsite or online at LEGOLAND Discovery Centre Melbourne.
Level 2/1341 Dandenong Rd, Chadstone legolanddiscoverycentre.com/melbourne
Use promo code: OVG15
T&Cs apply: Scan the QR code for details.
15% OFF ADMISSION TICKETS AND PREMIUM PACKAGES
Melbourne Skydeck
The southern hemisphere’s highest observation deck. The city comes to you as you take it all in from nearly 300 metres high.
7 Riverside Quay, Southbank (03) 9693 8888 melbourneskydeck.com.au
Use promo code: OVGAUT25
T&Cs apply: Scan the QR code for details.
10% OFF ICE SKATING
O’Brien
Icehouse
Save an additional 10% on public skating when you purchase your ticket online.
105 Pearl River Road, Docklands 1300 75 66 99 obrienicehouse.com.au info@obrienicehouse.com.au
Use promo code: AUTUMN10
T&Cs apply: Scan the QR code for details.
15% OFF ADULT FERRY TICKETS
Port Phillip Ferries
Operating daily services to Portarlington on the Bellarine Peninsula. From winery packages and mussel tours to cycling trails and coastal hikes, make getting there part of the adventure.
Enjoy a 10% discount on adult and child tickets purchased onsite or online at SEA LIFE Melbourne.
Corner King & Flinders Streets, Melbourne sealifemelbourne.com.au
Use promo code: OVG10
T&Cs apply: Scan the QR code for details.
131 Harbour Esplanade, Docklands (03) 9514 8959 portphillipferries.com.au
Use promo code: OVGSpecial15
T&Cs apply: Scan the QR code for details.
20% OFF ULTIMATE FOODIE TOUR
Queen Victoria Market
A delicious and fascinating guided walking tour of the Queen Victoria Market. The tour includes generous tastings and a Queen Vic Market shopping bag. Bookings essential. 0437 190 249 qvm.com.au/tours tours@qvm.com.au
Use promo code: AUTUMN2025
T&Cs apply: Scan the QR code for details.
Keep up to date with the latest events, attractions, activities, food and drink with the Melbourne and Victoria Official Visitor Guide online. visitvictoria.com/officialguide
Visit Victoria produces the Official Visitor Guide, publishing independently commissioned and sponsored content in collaboration with partners of the Victorian visitor economy. visitvictoria.com
This guide uses paper from internationally certified sustainably managed forests and is printed at a plant that holds the ISO14001 Environmental Management System certification.
PEFC/21-31-119
pefcaustralia.org.au
Get in touch with the team today: ovg@visitvictoria.com.au or find out more at corporate.visitvictoria.com/resources To order guides, contact ovgorders@visitvictoria.com.au
