Cassidy Knowlton

When you live in a city, you tend to avoid the popular tourist traps and attractions in favour of things that are off the beaten path like hidden bars or secret gardens. And while a lot of tourist attractions are simply money sinks, many of them are popular with visitors for a reason.  That's why we've rounded up 26 experiences that we think are actually worth your while and showcase the best that Melbourne has to offer.  For more inspiration in Melbourne, work out your bucket list with 101 things to do in Melbourne before you die, or munch your way through the city with the 50 best restaurants in Melbourne. 

If you're looking for a break from the inner-city grid, there's no better cure than a day trip from Melbourne. The state of Victoria is full of friendly neighbourhood towns, whether you're in the mood for a winery tour, a road trip or a national park to explore. These one-day escapes are just what the doctor ordered, so get out there and explore Melbourne's beautiful backyard.   

There's a reason the Mornington Peninsula is one of Melbourne's favourite places to play. If ever a region were ideally suited to a weekend away, it’s the Mornington Peninsula. Whether you’re seeking a family break, an outdoors adventure or a weekend of indulgence, its diverse attractions are best discovered by car. You'll find luxe accommodation, award-winning hot springs, gourmet restaurants, world-class wineries and pristine beaches and walking trails. It's only an hour from Melbourne, but it definitely feels like a world away.  See how Mornington stacks up against Melbourne's other peninsula, the Bellarine.  Keep up to date with travel advice and what's currently allowed across Victoria.

Coming to Melbourne for the first time? Welcome to Australia's cultural capital (sorry, Sydney)! But where should you stay? What should you pack? How should you spend your time and money? There's a lot to see and do in our city — and there's a lot that you can probably give a miss. To help you sort the wheat from the chaff, here are 20 tips every first-time visitor to Melbourne needs to know for a successful trip. Looking for more tips on what to do? Consult our guide to 101 things everyone should do in Melbourne at least once and make sure at least one of our city's best restaurants makes its way onto your itinerary.

Whether you're a first-time visitor to Melbourne or have lived here all your life, there are some absolute must-do Melbourne bucket list items. Yes, we may be biased in saying that Melbourne might be the greatest city on Earth – although Melbourne has consistently ranked as among the world's most livable cities. But we reckon if you give a few of these experiences a whirl, you'll agree with us.  Melbourne's food, drink, coffee, art, theatre and sport culture are among the best in the world, and we reckon you should try to experience every single one of them at least once before you die. So here is our ultimate bucket list: 101 amazing things to do in Melbourne right now, plus Melbourne attractions, great restaurants, bars, fun festivals and everything in between. For a deeper look into two of our greatest pastimes – eating and drinking – browse our guides to Melbourne's best restaurants and best bars.

There are some bars that are good for serious drinking, some bars that are good for dancing, and some bars that make you want to hang out with your mates for hours, play games and have a few drinks. Try out various libations with different amusements (Connect Four with beers? Chess with Martinis?), and you might just find your winning combinations. For more drinking fun, make a race out of finding Melbourne's best hidden bars, or visit our favourite karaoke bars. 

There are so many things to love about Melbourne, but let's be real: there are a few things that we do not wholeheartedly love. Things that, were we to KonMari our beloved city, we might decide do not spark joy. Here are some of the things we'd like to get rid of in Melbourne.  Trams that aren't air-conditioned. Trams that aren't accessible (it's 2022! All trams should be accessible). In fact, all buildings that aren't accessible. Put in a ramp. Hook turns (seriously, does that spark joy for anyone? Didn't think so.) The Montague Street Bridge. The sign saying 'Low Clearance: 3m' does not seem to deter trucks from crashing into it on the reg. Seagulls. Pigeons can stay, but seagulls are terrifying and aggressive. Food queues, because time seems to pass even more slowly when you're hangry. Snooty hosts at restaurants. We want to spend money in your establishment, we're not trying to rob the joint. "Signature" salted caramel gelato/doughnuts/insert dessert here. The flavour happened, let it go. The northside-southside rivalry. Get over it, guys. The weird, persistent wet patch at the intersection of Elizabeth and Collins streets. The hill to get up to the "Paris End" of Collins Street. Calling it the "Paris End" of Collins Street. Come on. D-class trams. They are, by far, the least comfortable.  The traffic light to turn left from Elizabeth onto Flinders Street. There has to be a better way. Bikes on trains at peak hour – lock it up at the station, or leave earlier.  The weath

Covering the entire southeastern part of Victoria, Gippsland is a whopping 41,500 square kilometres, stretching from just outside Melbourne's eastern suburbs through to the Tasman Sea and the NSW border. In this vast region, you'll find everything from wineries to dairies, freshwater lakes to coastal beaches, hikes through temperate rainforests to boat trips down meandering rivers.  The region is the traditional land of people of the Gunai nation and the Bunurong nation. The English name was chosen by Paweł Edmund Strzelecki (yes, there are a fair few things named after him, too), who was sent by the governor of NSW, George Gipps, to "explore" the region. As the region is so vast, you have your pick of itineraries and untold destinations to explore. This itinerary focuses on the area around Sale, which is the gateway to Lakes Entrance. But the best way to discover Gippsland might just be to fuel up your car and hit the Princes Highway. You never know what you might find.  Driving to Gippsland? Local folk singer Harry Hook Is Real has put together a playlist of his favourite tunes, specifically tailored for a trip to Gippsland.  Show code Heading further east? Here's our guide to visiting the East Gippsland region. Want more getaway ideas? These are the best weekend getaways from Melbourne. 

There is so much more to do in the Victorian High Country than ski and snowboard (though of course the region is justly famous for its snowfields), and it's a perfect destination for a week or long weekend any time of year. Roughly three hours drive from Melbourne, the High Country region has award-winning craft beer, wine, spirits and produce, a rich history to explore and hundreds of kilometres of breathtaking scenery to walk, cycle or even paddle through.  Looking for other weekend trips? Check out Victoria's best national parks and some of the best quirky getaways in our state. Want something to listen to as you drive to the High Country? Indie rock duo This Way North have created a playlist of their favourite songs, specifically curated for a road trip to the High Country. Please check with individual venues directly for opening details as not all have reopened following the shutdowns.

We are truly living in the golden age of the escape room. It's hard to remember a time when there weren't super-fun puzzle rooms throughout Melbourne, but the first one only opened in 2014. Now there are virtual escape rooms and online escape rooms, along with the bricks-and-mortar kind. Each escape room revolves around a different theme – and they cater to all manner of phobias. Time Out took the challenge of visiting escape rooms all over Melbourne. Whether we got out in time is a different matter. If you're still up for a challenge once you've riddled your way out, you could always head to a bar with a board game or try your hand at mini golf at Holey Moley. 

Joyeux Quatorze Juillet! July 14 is Bastille Day, it marks the start of the French Revolution and the beginning of the end of the French monarchy. In France, it's a huge cause for celebration. For Australians, it's a bit like St Patrick's Day — it doesn't matter if you're not French, you can still participate in the festivities.  We've put together a list of the best events happening this Bastille Day, so whether you want to celebrate July 14 because it's part of your heritage or if you're just in it for the croissants, here's where you'll find the best festivities. Just want the best croissants in Melbourne? You need to go here. Or find out what else is going on in Melbourne in July.

We've all forgotten about an imminent birthday, anniversary or Valentine's Day present – and we’re not proud of it. But, luckily, that's why same-day flower delivery services exist. Order from these florists and plant nurseries by around midday and they'll be delivered later that evening, and no one has to know that it was last minute.  For more gift ideas, see our guides to the best florists in Melbourne, the best chocolate shops in Melbourne and the best plant nurseries. This article includes affiliate links. These links have no influence on our editorial content. For more information, click here. I'm looking for: FLOWER DELIVERY PLANT DELIVERY 

If you're in Melbourne to see a game or show at the MCG, there is probably no better place to stay than Pullman on the Park. Not only can you see the hallowed stadium from one of the Pullman's south-facing rooms, but it's a four-minute walk from the front door of the hotel to Gate 2 of the stadium. But for the MCG's walls, you'd be able to see the action on the field from here; as it is, you'll have to buy a ticket.  The luxury hotel was thoroughly renovated in early 2022, and each of its 419 rooms now has thoughtful touches like huge windows and chaise lounges to drink in those views. Even the window in the bathroom can switch between opaque and clear glass at the touch of a button, allowing guests to appreciate those vistas even from the shower.  About those buttons: This is a seriously high-tech hotel, with guests able to switch between numerous lighting configurations, control the temperature and turn on Bluetooth digital radio with a touch. This goes well beyond turning lights on and off; you can choose 'Relax' mode, just light the bathroom for nocturnal visits, or turn on the light behind the bathroom mirror for precise grooming. There's also a doorbell on the outside of each room, and a panel that guests can control lets housekeeping know whether a room refresh is required.  If you really want to make the most of those views, book a room on the 18th, or 'executive' floor. These rooms not only come with walk-in rain showers and extremely comfortable king beds, they also

Perhaps the most unusual thing about Section 8 is that it’s still here. It is Melbourne’s longest-ever pop-up bar, first surfacing in 2006 with low overheads in a Chinatown car park, and then just never leaving. There’s not a clean line in the place, with graffiti and stickers covering almost every surface. White waistcoated waiters are nowhere to be seen, replaced with tattooed funky types who are very happy to walk you through the ever-changing beer list, shake a cocktail or dole out generous pours of wine. Section 8 is an outdoor drinking space, but the smells of nearby Chinatown eateries and smoke (from cigarettes and, sometimes, other things) mean you won’t be mistaking it for a brasserie en plein air. It’s as Melbourne as it gets, and we’re happy to report that means pure rock’n’roll.  The bar is in a converted shipping container (as are the toilets, so enter at your own risk), and of course it’s down an alley. Anything goes here, with a basketball hoop out the front available if you’re inspired to give it a go (just ask George, the bar’s super-friendly bouncer, for the ball) and taps available for DIY water.  But this is a bar, and you are obviously not here for the water. There are a few beers on tap and a lot more in bottles and tinnies, with craft brews and sours rotating through the inventory. Most drinkers are here for the beer, though there is a decent selection of liquor behind the bar and a list of a dozen or so seasonal cocktails. Wine is available in sparklin

Spooky things are happening on stage. The lighting is dim, and you peer through the gloom. There at the back, is that... alive? Did it used to be? Then the lights go out, and the theatre is plunged into darkness. But it's only a play, isn't it? Nothing can get you while you're safe in your seat, right? Right? This is Ghost Stories, a British horror-themed play written by Jeremy Dyson (The League of Gentlemen) and Andy Nyman (Derren Brown TV and live shows, Peaky Blinders) that has played in London for many years, including in the West End.  The producers are keeping their spooky surprises a secret, but there will be scares aplenty during the five-week season of Ghost Stories at the Athenaeum. This is the first time the West End version has come to Australia, though other iterations of the show have visited our shores in the past. “You haven’t experienced horror until you’ve seen it live on stage,” says Nathan Alexander, producer at Realscape Productions, which is presenting the Australian version. “The show is thrilling, chilling and we couldn’t be more excited for Australia to experience the rollercoaster that is Ghost Stories.”  Will there be jump scares? Based on the trailer on the website, almost certainly. Will there be creeps, crawls and general bumps in the night? Most definitely. The show comes with a warning label that it's not for the faint of heart or those with nerve conditions. Fearless Melburnians can see Ghost Stories from September 16 to October 22 at the Athe

The Killers are coming out of their cage and they're doing just fine... but more importantly, they are touring Australia and New Zealand in late 2022, playing their first Melbourne show in four years at Mt Duneed Estate as part of A Day on the Green on December 10. That will be followed by a giant stadium show at Rod Laver on December 13 and 14.  The Imploding the Mirage Tour will include songs from introspective seventh studio album Pressure Machine, 2020's Imploding the Mirage and of course, bangers from the band's back catalogue.  If The Killers soundtracked the majority of your teen years 'When You Were Young' (sorry), make sure you get those tickets and get ready for some intense flashbacks of shouting-singing "he doesn't look a thing like JEE-SUS".  General public tickets are on sale now. Their Rod Laver show on December 13 is currently sold out, but tickets are still available for December 14.

Jude Perl has announced two new shows at Kew Court House this August. Read on for our review of this show from the Comedy Festival earlier this year. Just whose bright idea was it to lock children in a room for 12 years and treat them all exactly the same, no matter their individual talents, interests and needs? And what happens to kids who are not suited to that style of education, or particularly good at the narrow range of subjects taught in that way? Jude Perl has some answers to those questions (an advisor to the King of Prussia, in order to build compliant and efficient soldiers to fight Napoleon; and nothing good). The first answer might not be entirely accurate, but the second certainly is. Switching jackets to inhabit a pop star in a bullying PSA, herself in grade 3, a bully in her grade 3 class, a schoolteacher with boundary issues, and the aforementioned royal advisor, Perl has put together a show that’s smart, sharp, just a little bit sad and extremely, riotously funny. She interacts with a multitude of recorded voices to bring the audience back to the cringe-inducing days of sport carnivals, slap bracelets and Lisa Frank-palette shell jackets. Her younger self might not be particularly good at running (or basketball, or maths, or…), but she keeps turning up anyway, and sometimes there’s a reward for that. She’s an accomplished and funny actor, but Perl has an ultimate secret weapon: she’s an extremely talented singer-songwriter, heading to the onstage keyboard to

You know the drill: check your boarding pass, find your assigned seat, stow your baggage in the overhead bin and fasten your seatbelt. Make sure your tray table is in the upright position, and make sure your window blind is open for takeoff. On a monitor in front of you, a flight attendant in a blue uniform details the safety features of this aircraft. She explains that you should take a minute to find your nearest exit, bearing in mind it might be behind you. As she adjusts her pink scarf, she... wait a minute, wasn't her uniform blue? The screen flickers and she's back to blue, and you wonder if you imagined the pink. And then the lights go out.  This is Flight, the latest immersive sound experience from Melbourne company Realscape Productions, the team behind the brilliantly scary Séance, which has had two successful runs in Melbourne. That experience was legitimately terrifying, conjuring up nefarious spirits inside a shipping container using nothing but cutting-edge 3D sound design and a few vibrations.  Flight is also in a shipping container, but inside it's been fitted out to look exactly like a plane, including overhead bins, real plane seats and real plane window blinds. If you find real planes uncomfortable, physically or mentally, you'll find this one uncomfortable. And that's before the plane plunges into complete, pitch-black darkness. And then the screaming begins. Those with anxiety about flying will find Flight a nightmarish recreation of their worst fears. Th

"It's only 20 minutes," I think to myself. "How scary could it get for 20 minutes?"  I'm sitting in a pitch-black shipping container with my hands on a table in front of me and noise-cancelling headphones over my ears. The headphones are the only sensory input I have – for now, at least. And what they're telling me is pretty damn scary. Séance is an immersive sound experience created by Brits Glen Neath and David Rosenberg, in collaboration with Melbourne team Realscape Productions. It relies on psychology and our inclination towards superstition to alter guests’ perception of reality, all while never leaving the shipping container.  But boy howdy, it sure feels like you are in a real séance. The host of the séance goes around to each guest in turn, asking if they are alone, asking if they are believers, and giving instructions. The soundscape is exquisitely precise – I could point with unerring accuracy to where in the room the host is at each moment, and I dread the time when he comes to ask me some hard questions.  And of course, as is usually the case with séances in art, things don't go strictly to plan, and spirits don't stay contained in the places you'd hope. That's when things get really scary – and 20 minutes will feel like a lot more.   Read about three other Darkfield experiences in Melbourne this month.

The most influential painter of the 20th century, Pablo Picasso changed art forever. His works are among the most famous in existence, hanging on gallery walls and in private collections the world over, as well as being instantly recognisable to millions both in and outside of the fine arts. The NGV has assembled more than 80 of Picasso's works to Melbourne, organised into 12 thematic sections – and yes, Cubism is more than ably represented – along with an exciting Friday night music program. An artist doesn't exist in a vacuum, and Picasso learned from and influenced countless numbers of his contemporaries. The works of more than 60 of them are also included in the exhibition, carefully and thoughtfully curated by scholar of 20th-century painting Didier Ottinger, deputy director of the Musée National d’Art Moderne, Centre Pompidou, Paris. Artists included in the exhibition include underrated names such as Natalia Goncharova, Julio González, Wifredo Lam, Suzanne Valadon and Maria Helena Vieira da Silva, as well as more familiar names like Braque, Dalì and Giacometti.   "This exhibition offers visitors an extraordinary insight into the development of modern art and the preeminent figure at its centre, Pablo Picasso," says NGV director Tony Ellwood. "Through more than 170 works of art – including many that have never been seen in Australia – audiences will come to appreciate the many ways in which Picasso influenced – and was influenced by – the artistic community that surround

In the centuries since they were penned, the works of Shakespeare have been reimagined, dressed up, dulled down and transplanted into countless different eras, scenarios and cultural contexts. In fact, this process of relentless reinvention has produced such a spectrum of wild results, it can feel like someone must be rolling giant bingo-style balls to spit out random settings and takes. The Taming of the Shrew in a 1990s American high school with Julia Stiles. Macbeth in a 1940s film noir hotel, and the audience can wander across 10,000 square metres of set and interact with actors. Hamlet in Africa with cartoon lions. Romeo and Juliet in a sun-bleached California. The Tempest in a steampunk alternate world. Othello in a basketball team, also with Julia Stiles. In Bell Shakespeare’s latest production, those bingo balls have spat out a vision of The Comedy of Errors set in a 1970s seaside resort. Sometimes people wear cowboy hats. And most of the time, no one wears shoes.  Does the setting add a missing element to one of Shakespeare’s earliest farces? Not necessarily, but it does give costume and set designer Hugh O’Connor a lot to play with, from the pastel green leisure suits and low-cut leopard-print shirts worn by twins Antipholus and, well, Antipholus (more on that in a moment) to a truly epic Camilla-esque kaftan worn by Antipholus’s wife, Adriana.  The main conceit of the play, that of twins being mistaken for each other, makes it difficult to describe the plot without

Hotels are a fun escape from everyday life, and they are often a convenient jumping-off point to explore an interesting city or region. Lindenderry at Red Hill certainly is that, as the wineries, beaches, walks and attractions of the Mornington Peninsula are almost literally on the doorstep. But it's also a destination in itself, sitting on almost 14 hectares of vineyards and gardens to explore and enjoy. In inclement weather or once the sun goes down, there's no need to leave the building itself, which feels more like a grand manor house than a hotel. There are nooks and crannies aplenty, semi-secluded rooms with open fireplaces and comfy couches that are crying out to be enjoyed with a good book and a glass of red. If you forgot to bring your own, there are books in the rooms to borrow, as well as plenty in the library to peruse. It's the kind of place that encourages – nay, insists – on relaxation, where you can lose yourself in a book, wander the grounds or just watch the world go by out the floor-to-ceiling windows. If you'd rather enjoy a crackling fire in your own space rather than in a common area, you can make use of the wood, kindling and matches in your room. The wood is listed as a minibar item, so you'll pay to burn it – but can you really put a price on cosiness?  You don't even need to leave the hotel for fine dining, as there's a hatted restaurant in the building. There is no à la carte option, but it's really best to leave your fate in the chef's hands anyway

The history behind Tasmanian whisky powerhouse Lark has everything you want in an origin story: a villain, a hero and a moment of inspiration that would change everything.  The villain: Lady Jane Franklin, wife of the governor of Tasmania in 1838, who did not like whisky. So much did she not like it that she is said to have pronounced: “I would prefer barley be fed to pigs than it be used to turn men into swine.” She convinced her husband, governor John Franklin, of the ills of the demon drink, and he outlawed distilling in Tasmania that year. And thus it remained until 1989, when we meet... The hero: Bill Lark, founder of his eponymous distillery. Bill was and is a whisky lover, and it was on a fishing trip with his father-in-law that inspiration struck.  The inspiration: Bill Lark and his father-in-law sipped single-malt whisky on a fishing trip on the Clyde River. As he took in the cool, wet climate, so like Scotland, he wondered: why wasn't single-malt whisky made in Tasmania? With some digging, he discovered the antiquated distilling law and lobbied to get it overturned. A few years later, in 1992, the Lark family was the first in 154 years to produce single-malt whisky in Australia.  Bill's question ushered in a generation of whisky-making in Tasmania, and the state is now an international powerhouse in the world of whisky.  With such a grand origin story, it's only fitting that Lark has a distillery that's equally impressive. Lark bought the Pontville distillery in ear

The history behind Tasmanian whisky powerhouse Lark has everything you want in an origin story: a villain, a hero and a moment of inspiration that would change everything.  The villain: Lady Jane Franklin, wife of the governor of Tasmania in 1838, who did not like whisky. So much did she not like it that she is said to have pronounced: “I would prefer barley be fed to pigs than it be used to turn men into swine.” She convinced her husband, governor John Franklin, of the ills of the demon drink, and he outlawed distilling in Tasmania that year. And thus it remained until 1989, when we meet... The hero: Bill Lark, founder of his eponymous distillery. Bill was and is a whisky lover, and it was on a fishing trip with his father-in-law that inspiration struck.  The inspiration: Bill Lark and his father-in-law sipped single-malt whisky on a fishing trip on the Clyde River. As he took in the cool, wet climate, so like Scotland, he wondered: why wasn't single-malt whisky made in Tasmania? With some digging, he discovered the antiquated distilling law and lobbied to get it overturned. A few years later, in 1992, the Lark family was the first in 154 years to produce single-malt whisky in Australia.  Bill's question ushered in a generation of whisky-making in Tasmania, and the state is now an international powerhouse in the world of whisky.  With such a grand origin story, it's only fitting that Lark has a distillery that's equally impressive. Lark bought the Pontville distillery in ear

What's better than a party? A free party, of course. So we at Time Out are shouting our readers free tickets to some of the hottest parties in town at nightlife precinct YCK Laneways. The bars of YCK Laneways are hosting a series of brilliant parties and workshops run by some of the coolest women in the hospitality and entertainment industries as part of the Front & Centre festival. And you, dear reader, are invited to go for free. Just use the code TOSHOUT to get two free tickets to any of the following: A Little Bit Shaken, a Little Bit Stirred: This cocktail masterclass is hosted by some of the awesome women in the distilling industry, who will reveal the tricks of their trade. You can learn how to make gin cocktails, vodka cocktails or whisky cocktails, and you'll do some tastings along the way. Learn to Pickle: This one is for those who love it a bit sour. Cornersmith's Alex Elliott-Howery will teach a class in how to turn absolutely any vegetable into a crunchy, perfectly seasoned pickle. The class includes vinegar choices, flavour combos and all the food safety lessons needed to pickle just about anything. Ganymede Truffle Masterclass: Truffle farmer Wendy Burdis from Ganymede Truffle Estate will talk through everything you need to know about this super-luxe fungus. And of course, there will be plenty of tastings, including truffle burrata, truffle chévere and truffle charcuterie.  Live at YCK on Friday, August 26: Want to ditch the learning and just dance? Sydney Frin

One of our favourite places to party in Sydney is the YCK Laneways precinct, which is stuffed with brilliant small bars like the Lobo, Stitch, PS40 and the Prince of York. But that's not the only place to go out in Sydney. There are pockets all over the city packed with bars, restaurants, music venues and cultural institutions that make the perfect precincts for bar crawls, progressive dinners and experiencing art and culture.  If you work in just such an area, the NSW government wants to hear from you. The government is calling on arts and cultural institutions, entertainment and hospitality businesses and organisations to take place in the Uptown Accelerator Program, which aims to build going-out precincts across the city.  Applications need to come from 'district teams', made up of at least three local businesses or organisations. These teams will take part in a four-week program that will help them become Sydney's must-visit entertainment precincts.  NSW 24-hour economy commissioner Mike Rodrigues says the Uptown program will offer valuable training for organisations to market themselves and encourage visitation. “Covid-19 has had a significant impact on the night-time economy, with hospitality and retail businesses, artists, live performance venues and cultural institutions suffering disproportionately. Uptown is about supporting these sectors as businesses recover from the pandemic and look for greater revenue opportunities,” he says. "From Brookvale to Balmain, Harris

We're pretty proud of our restaurant scene here in Melbourne, and we think it can stand up to just about anywhere. But the World's 50 Best Restaurants aren't so sure, with no Australian restaurant making it into the top 50. We can still hold our heads up high, though, because Gimlet at Cavendish House has been named in the top 100 restaurants in the world.  Gimlet came in at number 84, which is a pretty good result for a restaurant that opened in the middle of pandemic-stricken Melbourne. What makes Gimlet so great? Well, as our reviewer pointed out: "It’s glam, it’s fun, it’s delicious. And while it can certainly be expensive, it’ll make you feel like a million bucks. " The restaurant is full of old-school glamour, the kind of place where you can have a wood-grilled lobster or caviar, alongside the restaurant's titular cocktail. It's like a cross between a New York steakhouse and a Parisian bistro, with plenty of Australian touches.  Geranium restaurant in Copenhagen was named the best in the world, a fine dining institution that focuses on foraged ingredients. In true European style, the restaurant is currently closed for a summer holiday.  Love good food? Check out the best restaurants in Melbourne.

Ever wonder how Time Out Melbourne's former food editor Jess Ho knew so much about our city's food scene? It's because they've worked in all aspects of the industry, ultimately owning one of Melbourne's favourite wine bars, Smalls. But it's not always rosy behind the scenes, and Jess's new memoir pulls back the curtain on some of the less-than-savoury elements of hospo: greed, ego, sexual harassment, exploitation and cultural appropriation among them. Raised by Wolves is Jess's memoir of growing up Cantonese in Melbourne's outer suburbs and their journey to becoming one of the most influential names in Australia's food scene. Like all of Jess's writing, it's at times brutal, poignant, acerbic and hilarious, and we're pretty sure you'll laugh, rage and definitely learn something. Where can you buy Jess's book? Why, at one of Melbourne's best bookshops, of course.

There were certainly naysayers aplenty when it opened 20 years ago, but Federation Square has become one of Melbourne's most successful public spaces. Crowds gather to watch the tennis on the big screen during the Australian Open; arty types explore giant glowing installations when they pop up; and people often meet on the steps, using the space as a convenient jumping-off point from which to venture out into the wider city.  Fed Square is now after a new way to innovate in the space, and there's cash going for anyone who can come up with a cool project. The project is called the Experience Lab, and it's an incubator for individuals or groups to develop interesting, site-specific experiences to transform Fed Square. The Experience Lab is being run by some pretty brilliant people, the Experience Consortium. They are: Remix Summits co-founder Peter Tullin, Immersive Cinema co-founder and Secret Squirrel Productions founder (and Time Out Future Shaper!) Tamasein Holyman, and Grumpy Sailor founder James Boyce. They are experts in the field of immersive experience, and they are helping Federation Square to find three creative types who will reimagine the space. Each of the three individuals or groups will be given $10,000 to bring their vision to life, and they'll be given coaching and help from the Experience Lab to turn it into a reality.  If you're interested in transforming Federation Square and getting your idea off the ground, head to Fed Square's website. Want to see other

Looking for an intrastate holiday? You should put Bendigo, Port Fairy and Mount Macedon on your radar, as all three were chosen by a panel of nine judges and announced at the Victorian Tourism Industry Council Awards. Bendigo was Victoria's Top Tourism Town (for places with a population greater than 5,000), while Port Fairy was named Top Small Tourism Town (for those with populations between 1,500 and 5,000). If you want a really rural break, Mount Macedon won the inaugural Top Tiny Tourism Town (for towns with populations under 1,500).  All three will now go into the competition to be named Australia's Top Tourism Town, which will be named later this year.  Things to do in Bendigo We love visiting Bendigo, the traditional lands of the Dja Dja Wurrung and Taungurung people. The former gold rush town is rich in history and has some pretty fantastic restaurants, bars and cultural attractions. Bendigo Art Gallery often has world-class temporary exhibitions, in addition to a permanent collection that includes works by Bill Henson, Patricia Piccinini and Emily Kame Kngwarreye. Australia's oldest pottery kilns are also found in Bendigo, at Bendigo Pottery. You can watch artisans at work and even have a go yourself.  If you're hungry, Masons of Bendigo is the place for a special night out, with an ever-changing menu of seasonal produce.  Things to in Port Fairy The coastal town is home to the famous Port Fairy Folk Festival, so music lovers should definitely keep that date in mind.

A proposal to redevelop the site of Preston Market threatens the character and possibly very existence of the market, with stallholders and shoppers concerned that the fresh food sellers could be squeezed out altogether. Developer Salta Properties plans to redevelop the market site and build 2,200 apartments across towers of 12, 16 and 20 storeys. Under the plans the market would remain, but most of the 120 stallholders would have to move to a new site during construction, though they will be able to continue to trade where they are until the new stalls are ready. The overall footprint of the market would not be reduced, but many stallholders and fans of the market fear the redevelopment would destroy the market's character. The Victorian Planning Authority is considering its submission for planning minister Richard Wynne about the proposal, so the plans are some way from being finalised. But local lobby group Save the Preston Market fears the worst. Unlike Queen Victoria Market and South Melbourne Market, which are run by local government, Preston Market is in private hands. The group is calling on the state and local government to compulsorily acquire the site and prevent the development from going ahead. It has suggested an alternative redevelopment plan that would be much lower rise to preserve the character of the area. Prefer a market for your fresh fruits and vegies? These are the best markets in Melbourne.        

The number of daily cases of Covid-19 in Victoria continues to fall, with the state recording fewer than 10,000 cases and the number of those in hospital dropping below 550.  A total of 9,908 new cases were announced today, from 6,281 rapid tests and 3,627 PCRs. On January 17, Victorian chief health officer Brett Sutton speculated that the state's Omicron peak had passed, as daily case numbers were on the way down. “There’s a lot of uncertainty, but I do think we are reasonably close to a peak if we’re not at a peak already," he said at the time. However, Sutton also warned that the number of people in hospital would continue to rise for some time, as hospitalisations usually trail daily cases by more than a week. The number of people in hospital with the virus has also dropped, from a peak of 1,229 on January 19 to 542 on February 9. About 93 per cent of Victorians over the age of 12 have received two doses of a Covid-19 vaccine, and 46 per cent of those over 18 have received their booster. Anyone who received their second vaccine on or before November 9, 2021 can now receive a booster dose. You can now get your booster vaccine three months after your second dose. 

Fully vaccinated visitors will be allowed into Australia from February 21. That is almost two years after prime minister Scott Morrison closed borders to international visitors on March 19, 2020.  Since then, only Australian citizens and residents have been permitted to re-enter the country, and until November 2021 even they had to spend two weeks in hotel quarantine upon arrival.  From February 21, tourists can return - provided they are fully vaccinated. "That's the rule," Morrison said. "Everyone is expected to abide by it, and it's very important that people understand that requirement if they're seeking to come to Australia. "If you're double-vaccinated, we look forward to welcoming you back to Australia, and I know the tourism industry will be looking forward to that." Rules differ by state, but at the moment international arrivals have to do either a PCR or rapid antigen test upon arrival in Victoria and NSW and must quarantine until they receive a negative result. For those who opt for the rapid antigen tests, that effectively means no quarantine, as results are ready within half an hour.  Remember when borders were slammed shut? Here's what's happened in Australia during the two years of Covid-19. 

It might well be a long way to the top if you want to rock and roll, but if you just want to roll, St Kilda Beach might be the perfect spot. Rolla Bae has set up a pastel pink skate hire pop-up on the foreshore so you can channel Heather Graham and get some seaside exercise.  Skate hire is $25 for an hour, $60 for a half day and $95 for a full day. These are not just any skates, either – they are cute AF Impala artistic skates with outdoor wheels (yes, outdoor wheels are different and yes, it matters) in a bunch of colours – rose gold, peach, pink, black, classic white or holographic silver. To complete the look you can also hire bum bags and mini speakers. Safety is very important (believe me, I've seen enough "oh I didn't think I needed gear" horror shows to know), so you can also hire a helmet and knee and elbow pads. They'll even throw in wrist guards for free, and if you don't fancy the idea of typing with broken wrists, you should take advantage of that. I'm not your mum, but wear gear. Seriously. Wear. Gear.  Feel a bit unsteady on your feet? The crew at Roller Bae are also on hand to teach you a few tricks to get you rolling.  The pop-up is open from about noon until sunset Saturdays and Sundays through summer. Get your skates on! Looking for other fitness ideas? Here are some free, outdoor activities for you to get fit all summer.

Australians might soon have to get a booster dose of a Covid-19 vaccine to be considered 'fully vaccinated', Victorian premier Dan Andrews has revealed.  At a January 19 media conference, Andrews confirmed national cabinet had been discussing making the booster dose mandatory for certain sectors, and that an announcement would be made 'very soon'.  "The health minister last Monday made a number of announcements for a number of different classes of worker... There’s every chance that we add to that list, for the best of reasons. We mandated a number of people, many people across many different sectors, a first and second dose, and I think you’ll see very soon, out of national processes, you’ll see the terminology and the recognition of the third dose be crystal clear." Andrews said a third dose was the best way to ensure protection against Covid-19 and that 'full vaccination' would soon mean a course of three shots. "This is not an option, not an add-on, not 'a good thing to have'," Andrews said. "I think we’re close to a change in policy that will simply reflect the fact that in order to be fully protected, you need three doses, not two plus an optional extra, to in fact be fully vaccinated. You need three. We can all be proud, as a Victorian community, that 93 per cent-plus of us have had two doses. We need to make sure the number of those with a third dose grows every day. It’s a common-sense thing. We need to make it easier for people to get that third dose, and I think Vi

Victorians can now get their booster dose of a Covid-19 vaccine just three months after their second dose, Premier Dan Andrews has announced. This brings the state into line with NSW, which also announced it was shortening the booster dose interval on January 19, as well as countries like the UK and Ireland.  "I’m pleased to announce that, effectively immediately, the dose interval will be reduced to three months across our state for your third dose. So if you’ve had your second dose within the last three months, then you will now be eligible," said Andrews. "That’s on the advice of our public health team, consistent with ATAGI’s broader statement. It’s safe. It’s effective. The total number of people eligible increases substantially by 2 million Victorians and it will help us get more people third-dose boosted quicker than would otherwise be the case." The changes mean that as of January 19, anyone who got their second dose of vaccine on or before October 19 can now get a booster dose, which will be either Pfizer or Moderna.  Coinciding with the reduced interval for boosters, the state has also announced a four-day 'booster blitz', with extended hours at vaccination centres and more walk-in clinics between Friday, January 21 and Monday, January 24. These changes mean the state will be able to offer a whopping 60,000 additional appointments over the weekend. The walk-in clinics include: Royal Exhibition Building (walk-up access available 8am to 8pm daily during the blitz) La